Articles

Our dependence on digital technology brings with it new challenges in protecting the United Kingdom and our allies’ interests and security. Ensuring our digital networks are secure from espionage and attack is vital not just for our national security, but for our economy. Private companies’ intellectual property is often targeted by hackers, with the private sector being the largest economic victim of crime and economic espionage through cyberspace.  read more »

The seismic changes we are witnessing in the Middle East present both hope for the future but also profound strategic dangers. The threat of Iran continues to be the most pressing issue facing the international community. Should we be concerned about their nuclear intentions, and what sort of threat does Iran really represent to the region?  read more »

Gas and electricity prices continue to be amongst the most pressing issues for many people in Halesowen and Rowley Regis.

At the start of the winter, I spoke in the House of Commons about the need for action to help vulnerable families with energy costs.

The new Warm Home Discount Scheme will support over 2million families, including more than 600,000 vulnerable pensioners, by providing a discount on electricity bills. This is on top of a permanent increase in the cold weather payment from £8.50 a week to £25 a week.  read more »

This has been my first full year as Member of Parliament. It’s been a steep learning curve but it is the best job in the world and the best thing about is the number of people and organisations that I get to speak to in the area.

This year, I have held 23 surgeries and worked to help 1,032 people who have contacted me. I have taken up a number of campaigns on behalf of the community, including the campaign to protect the remains of Halesowen Abbey and campaigning against cuts to the local fire service.  read more »

For me, the best thing about being Member of Parliament for Halesowen and Rowley Regis is the opportunity that it gives me to meet so many extraordinary people and community organisations who are doing so much for our local area, often without recognition.  read more »

Voting against your own Party is not an easy thing to do.  read more »

Last Monday I voted in favour of having a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union.  read more »

Nothing is more important to us than our health and the health of our families.  read more »

Around this time last year, I wrote an article for NALC on localism, stating that this “could be one of those rare moments in political history where policy idea meets the sweet spot of political opportunity”.

| What is Big Society?  read more »

The debate about the modernisation of the Conservative Party is often characterised as a debate between the left and right of the party.  read more »