Dorset Island Discs - Interview by Laura Hitchcock, Editor, The BV Friday, 5 April, 2024 ‘I was incredibly shy. I had quite bad speech defects as a child – I couldn’t say my R’s, my W’s, my th’s – that made me even shyer. It’s quite extraordinary that I now find myself doing a job which is mostly speaking, where an air of confidence is required!’ Simon Hoare MP proffers a sandwich before leaning back comfortably and sliding a sticky bun my way. ‘The cake is all yours, by the way. I’ve... Articles
Looking ahead to 2024 - for the New Blackmore Vale 31st December 2023 I hope you had a safe, enjoyable and peaceful Christmas. Let me begin by wishing everyone across the North Dorset constituency a happy New Year. I hope we all... Local News
Keeping State Papers safe from pirates! - for the New Blackmore Vale 3rd December 2023 May I begin this little ‘offering’ by expressing my heartfelt thanks to all of those who have contacted me to congratulate me and wish me well on my appointment... Local News
Seeking balance in Middle East relations - for the BV 7th November 2023 It’s usually sensible when writing articles for a local publication to remember the old advice that ‘all politics is local’, and therefore to write on local... Articles
The Four Rs - for the new Blackmore Vale 6th November 2023 I want to focus on four Rs in this article. As I type, we are preparing for that great act of Remembrance. We will gather at monuments and markers to pay our... Local News
Thoughts on HS2 and Net Zero by 2050 - for the New Blackmore Vale 9th October 2023 In 1924 when faced by a critic who accused him of changing him mind too often, the leading economist, John Maynard Keynes riposted: “ When events change, I... Opinions
Levelling up for North Dorset and thoughts on the XL Bully Ban - for the New Blackmore Vale 25th September 2023 I am really pleased to be able to start this edition’s article with some good news. As many will know the Government is setting great store by its Levelling Up... Articles
A Cleaner Greener Environment AND a Growing Economy - for the New Blackmore Vale 11th September 2023 “The problem with the UK is we don’t make anything anymore”. This is often said by people as a truth and it has somehow become something of a norm to say. Data... Articles
Reviving town centres - for the BV 18th August 2023 Many years ago I attended a lecture given at the Royal Town Planning Institute. While it was not a sell-out affair (I doubt attendance at such an event is on... Local News
Thoughts on climate change and vaping - for the BV 17th July 2023 I want to try to cover two issues this month: the first is around the environment and the second on a public health matter. We have gone through an incredibly... Local News