Rural Resilience and the Importance of Democracy - for the BV Friday, 7 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 this year of their branch in Blandford. This story is covered elsewhere in this edition. While it is true that we are going through a period of transition when it comes to how we do our banking, the creation on ‘banking deserts’ is in... Local News
Farming, responsibility and working together - for The BV 8th March 2024 For this column I thought I would have some varied topics rather than a thematic piece. Farming and food production remains one of the largest part of the UK’s... Articles
Supporting community sports, planning and storm disruption - for The New Blackmore Vale 29th February 2024 Like many people, PE was never my favourite or best subject at school. I never quite seemed to be built for whatever it was we were supposed to be playing or... Articles
Social mobility and the importance of housing - for The New Blackmore Vale 25th February 2024 I joined so many of the community in and around Blandford welcoming the decision by the Planning Inspectorate to refuse permission for the development at Deer... Articles
Values and Freedoms - for The New Blackmore Vale 9th February 2024 For the third year in a row, I was invited to be a judge in a schools’ debating competition organised by the Shaftesbury branch of Rotary and held in... Articles
Our security - for The BV 9th February 2024 While there are always many issues that generate heated debate among friends and family (and sometimes between Member of Parliament and constituent … [although... Articles
Lessons learned from the Post Office, Horizon IT scandal - for the New Blackmore Vale 14th January 2024 Since my first election as your Member of Parliament in 2015 I have been aware of the terrible situation regarding the Post Office, the Horizon IT programme and... Opinions
A new year signals the resurrection of hope - for The BV 12th January 2024 Can I begin this first article of 2024 by wishing you, your families and those you love a very Happy New Year. I hope it brings everything that you wish for it... 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
