Today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced his Comprehensive Spending Review. The review set out the Government departments’ resource budgets for the years 2021/22 to 2023/24. Here are some of the Chancellor’s main points: New funding that takes the budget for coronavirus vaccines over £6 billion, part of over £18 […]
Read MoreArticles by: Ex-staff
UK-Canada Trade Agreement
Following my timely question to the Trade Secretary on Thursday, I am delighted that the United Kingdom has secured a trade agreement with Canada, one of our oldest and closest friends. This was agreed on a video call on 21 November between Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Canadian Prime Minister Justin […]
Read MoreMy View on the BBC Licence Fee for Over-75s
After speaking with some of my constituents about TV licences for the over-75s, I promised to provide my view. The BBC’s decision to stop funding free TV licences for most over-75s is disappointing. The Government’s position on the licence fee is as follows: It is important to note that this […]
Read MoreMy article in The Telegraph: I cannot support this second lockdown
The PM is doing what he thinks is best for public health, yet the modelling is much too uncertain. Following my article yesterday on The Telegraph, I have re-published it here: Our Prime Minister faces a nightmare scenario. Official advice on NHS capacity is that “even surge capacity is burnt […]
Read MoreFinancial support for jobs and businesses
A national lockdown is not cost-free; like many, I am concerned that England’s new restrictions may potentially harm lives, livelihoods and mental health. Though I voted no in the motion which approved England’s second national lockdown, we must comply. To support these restrictions the Government have announced: An extension to […]
Read More02.11.2020 Briefing with MPs, Scientists and other Experts: Lord Sumption’s Speech
This morning, I chaired a Zoom meeting between MPs, scientists and other experts. We discussed a strategy for living with coronavirus, Recovery’s Five Reasonable Demands and the impact of the current restrictions. Below reads Lord Sumption’s speech: I am not a scientist. But I firmly believe that every citizen has […]
Read More02.11.2020 Briefing with MPs, Scientists & other Experts: Emma Kenny’s Speech
This morning, I chaired a Zoom meeting between MPs, scientists and other experts. We discussed a strategy for living with coronavirus, Recovery’s Five Reasonable Demands and the impact of the current restrictions. TV psychologist, presenter and writer, Emma Kenny, gave this powerful speech: Recovery is asking the Government for five […]
Read MoreUpdate on the Department for Education’s ‘Get Help With Technology’ Programme
At the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, IT equipment was rolled out rapidly by the Department for Education to deliver an ambitious programme, enabling children to access remote education. A group of leading IT service providers and equipment manufacturers rose to the challenge – working with the Government to achieve […]
Read MoreGovernment Engagement on Sri Lanka
Although known for its tremendous natural beauty, Sri Lanka has long borne a burden of violence. Following a civil war that lasted nearly three decades, sectarian divides have continued to grow to the point where 2018 saw officials declare a state of emergency in the central district of Kandy. I […]
Read MoreSupporting Families throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, knowing how challenging these times have been, I am pleased the Government has delivered unprecedented support to help those most in need. In addition to providing over £200 billion to protect jobs, livelihoods and businesses, they have : Increased Universal Credit by £1,000 a year Awarded […]
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