I am sorry that once again we are seeing so much concern and division during a time of pressure in our negotiations with the European Union. Much of what is being said, as so often, is alarmist. There is no question of the UK acting lawlessly. Of course, it is […]
Read MorePost Tagged with: "Rule of Law"
Book review: A Brief History of Liberty, Schmidtz and Brennan
A Brief History of Liberty by David Schmidtz and Jason Brennan “provides a comprehensive, philosophically–informed portrait of the elusive nature of one of our most cherished ideals”. Each chapter begins with a thesis, comprises a lively, engaging and well-referenced discussion and concludes with questions to consider and comprehensive notes. The […]
Read More
Modern Slavery Bill Introduced to Parliament
Last week, the Home Secretary introduced a Modern Slavery Bill into Parliament. The Bill sets out to ensure that the law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to stamp out this abhorrent practice. The Modern Slavery Bill contains significant new measures to ensure that victims are better supported and […]
Read More Changes to Stop and Search
One of my guiding principles is equality under the law. For us all to live peaceably with each other we must feel that everyone is treated fairly by the police and judicial system. This is why it was good to see the Home Secretary has announced reforms to stop and […]
Read More
My support for Zac Goldsmith’s Recall Bill
Today, I was a teller for Zac Goldsmith’s Private Member’s Bill making provision for a recall system so voters can oust underperforming MPs between general elections. Two much-neglected institutions that uphold our liberty and prosperity are Parliamentary democracy and the rule of law. With abuses of democracy like the Lisbon […]
Read MoreReform the Council of Europe and abolish the EU
Via Angela Merkel: Brussels should return powers – Telegraph: Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, has raised Conservative hopes for David Cameron’s European policy by saying that the European Union should discuss returning powers from Brussels to national governments. Good, though I am not surprised. Having had breakfast recently with the German […]
Read More
Constituency surgeries and the need for general rules
When I hold a constituency surgery, someone will usually ask me to set aside rules which are producing outcomes that cause them real problems. Thankfully, I can’t do it and I would not want to despite my desire to help. In travelling as a politician, particularly to Pakistan and Equatorial […]
Read More
Contributions to the Finance Bill Committee 2013
Budget 2013 has long been forgotten by the media but the Finance Bill implementing it returned to the House yesterday for report stage. From 23 April to 20 June, I served on the Bill committee. All Bill stages and documents may be found here. I made many contributions, including 25 […]
Read More
Finance Bill Committee coming to an end today
Today is the last day of the committee stage of this year’s Finance Bill. Details of all stages may be found here. I confess I look forward to it being over. I have been on the Committee since 23 April, making a sincere attempt to scrutinise every clause and promote […]
Read MoreA judgment on tax avoidance
One of my colleagues passed on this quote regarding tax avoidance from about 80 years ago: Lord Clyde, President of the Court of Session, ruled: “No man in the country is under the smallest obligation, moral or other, so to arrange his legal relations to his business or property as […]
Read More
