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
Looking ahead to 2025 - for The BV 7th January 2025 Let me begin by wishing you, your families and loved ones, a very happy New Year. I hope you had an enjoyable and peaceful Christmas. For those with family... Media
The importance of our local economy - for The BV 28th October 2024 After the General Election, when I said that, in the interests of North Dorset and the wider country I wished the incoming Government well, I meant it. I am... Local News
Adjournment Debate: The Operation of Postal Voting at the General Election 22nd October 2024 I was delighted to secure an Adjournment Debate yesterday on the Operation of Postal Voting at the General Election. I know that this is an hugely important... Speeches in Parliament
Rights and Responsibilities - for The BV 30th September 2024 During the recent General Election campaign, I suggested that an issue that would need serious consideration over a period of time is the role of the State and... Articles