Fisheries Bill
A number of constituents contacted me about a note on the Fisheries Bill. The disagreements were over parliamentary process rather than disagreement about the importance of sustainable fishing. Officials advised that the opposition amendment on large vessels was unnecessary. The Bill is deliberately a framework Bill to enable the Government to take powers that would enable […]
Food Standards under future trade deals
I agree that we must make sure we do not allow trade deals to undermine our environmental and animal welfare standards. I know that the overwhelming majority of my colleagues support this, as does the Government as it was a commitment in the Conservative manifesto at the General Election last year. The amendment sounds entirely […]
MPs pay
I firmly agree with those who say that in the middle of a pandemic, when thousands are losing their jobs and seeing their income cut that it is entirely inappropriate for Members of Parliament to receive a pay rise. Neither the Government nor Members of Parliament set either the level of parliamentary salaries or the […]
Coronavirus response
The Government’s approach for preventing a comprehensive national lockdown is to work closely with local authorities to enact and enforce local restrictions if an increase in cases indicates that to be the best cause of action. While relaxations of restrictions over recent months have been most welcome, it is disappointing that despite the enormous sacrifices […]
Helping Children and Young People
I welcome that ministers are continuing with the urgent work of overhauling how police, social care and other agencies work together to protect vulnerable children. This includes from the kind of organised grooming and sexual exploitation that has come to light in Rotherham, Rochdale and other towns and cities across the UK. To reduce the […]
Fisheries Policy
It is vital that we make the most of the opportunity leaving the EU offers us to take back control of our waters. I am disappointed the EU would not accept the UK Government’s proposal that, during the implementation period, we would sit in annual quota negotiations alongside other coastal states as an equal partner. […]
Family Reunion
I strongly support the principle of family unity, but it is important to note that there are already legal routes for families to be reunited safely that are not dependent on our EU membership. The UK’s family reunion policy is generous, granting over 23,000 family reunion visas over the last five years, and I can […]
Overseas voters
A number of constituents have got in touch with me about British citizens voting overseas. British citizens who move abroad remain a vital part of our democracy, and it is important that they have the ability to participate. Indeed, expats retain strong links with the UK. They may have family here, or plan to return […]
Sentient animals
Some voices have suggested that the vote last week on New Clause 30 of the EU Withdrawal Bill somehow signalled a weakening in the protection of animals. That is plain wrong. Voting against the amendment was not a vote against the idea that animals are sentient and feel pain. That is a ridiculous misconception. Ministers […]
Protecting the Green Belt
As you may be aware, the Government recently completed a consultation on changes to planning policy. Following this, a new ‘housing delivery test’ will be put in place to hold local authorities to account. I understand that this will show whether the number of homes being built is below target, help to establish the reasons […]