Failures in the funeral sector - BV onilne Sunday, 2 November, 2025 Let me start with some exciting news. The esteemed editor of this august publication Laura Hitchcock and I are going into business together and setting up a new commercial venture. In the absence of any other idea, we have decided to become funeral directors. We will offer the full service as well as administer a pre-paid funeral plan for those who wish to pay for their funerals in instalments and... Articles
Digital ID Cards - BV online 2nd October 2025 As I write the issue of the potential introduction of Digital ID cards is breaking. The details (and the Devil is always within the detail) remain scant. So... Articles
The challenge of Government and Opposition - BV online 2nd September 2025 I cannot believe that we are in the ninth month of the year. Time appears to be turbocharged at the moment. So, as the nights (regrettably) draw in, I hope you... Articles
What is Conservatism? - BV online 2nd July 2025 We are marking the anniversary of the 2024 General Election – the worst defeat for my Party in our long history. A question which often arose was: ‘what does... Articles
Supporting small to medium house builders - BV online 2nd June 2025 With new deals signed with The United States and India and the timetabled review of our Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, trade deals have been much... Articles
Is change good or bad? - for the BV online 1st May 2025 As a society we are becoming increasingly impatient (my wife has literally just walked in and commented that I have always been impatient and she did not see... Articles
Labour MPs Lacked Backbone - for The New Blackmore Vale 28th March 2025 I appreciate that what I am about to write is easier to do so when in Opposition. However, there are times in a Parliamentary career when you have to ask: how... Articles
Playing a Dangerous Game - for the BV 7th March 2025 Many people will have had a hope that the second Trump administration might have been different from his first. That a greater sense of calmness and ‘grown up’... Articles
Rural Resilience and the Importance of Democracy - for the BV 7th February 2025 In this edition I want to try to cover three topics. The first one was going to concern the recent announcement by Lloyds Bank of the impending closure later... Local News
Reflecting at Christmas - for The Blackmore Vale 20th January 2025 I am writing this prior to Christmas but print timelines mean you will be reading this post the Big Day. I hope you had a very enjoyable, peaceful and safe... Media
