It is very encouraging that the USA has said that they very much want to do trade deals with the UK when we leave the EU, probably sector by sector to start with.
I am very pleased that the aerospace manufacturer Dowty Propellers has announced that it is building a new propeller factory in the constituency. Having a global organisation opening a factory is a great opportunity for the area.
As early at 1997, when I was first elected, I supported a Ten Minute Rule Bill which proposed providing free television licences to those over 75. I am very disappointed to hear that the BBC have decided to no longer fund TV licences for over 75s from 2020.
It was great to meet with NHS staff from across the South West at the Royal College of Nurses event in Westminster. Thank you to those who shared their stories, including my constituent Ewout. We need to more ensure safe and effective care is provided for staff as well as patients.
I met with the Cancer research UK team in Westminster to discuss their new #ShoulderToShoulder campaign. Every two minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer.
I recently attended the Alzheimer’s Society’s photo exhibition, to show my support for the great work that they do. I was shocked to hear that there are over 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, a number predicted to rise to 2 million by 2051.
I’m happy to announce that the Cheese Rolling is being celebrated by the Royal Mail in their new 'Curious Customs' stamp collection. The Cheese Rolling is one of the many quirky traditions that make our countryside such a great place to live.
I am delighted that my local Rajshahi Restaurant has been highly commended in this year’s Tiffin Cup in Westminster. This is such a prestigious award and to be praised this way is a testament to the fantastic work of all the staff, especially chef Giasuddin and proprietor Naz.
Very sorry to hear of the sad passing of John McCririck. He was a great racing character, personally kind and totally dedicated to “the booby”, his wife Jenny. Deepest sympathies. We’ll all miss Big Mac.
It was a privilege to lead a debate in the House of Commons on the use of our overseas aid budget yesterday. Spending 0.7% of our GNI is a source of great pride for the UK, but we also need to ensure that aid spending is transparent and that the money goes to those most in need.
