I welcome the new jobs figures released today-with employment at a record high record of 32.93 million and unemployment is at its lowest since 1974. 

The Government announced a review of changes to off-payroll (IR35) working rules on 7 January 2020 to determine if any further steps can be taken to ensure the smooth and successful implementation of the reform due to come into force in April 2020.

I welcome the announcement that Tewkesbury Council will see its budget increased by 8.9% this year, part of the government’s commitment to level up local services across the country.

Withdrawal Agreement- Refugee protection

Signing the Holocaust Remembrance Book, marking 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz. I visited that site a few years ago and realised that quite a few people who were murdered there could still be alive today.

Supporting the Open Doors campaign in Westminster yesterday to help and protect Christians who are persecuted in various parts of the world.

Today I asked Robert Buckland (Secretary of State for Justice) about increased sentences for burglary offences. 

Mr Laurence Robertson:

It’s important for councils to have a five year land supply in order to protect the area from speculative applications by developers. The problem is that there is no standard methodology for calculating that supply.

It was a great honour and privilege to take the oath on the King James Bible in the House of Commons at the start of this Parliament.

I am pleased to announce that the 2019 Christmas card competition winner is…

Jasmine aged 6 with her Colourful nativity scene design!

There were so many wonderful designs this year which made it difficult to choose a winner, but Jasmine’s colourful design really stood out.