The Autumn Budget 31st October 2018 This week was Budget Week. Stronger than expected economic forecasts from the independent Office of Budget Responsibility meant the Chancellor had a bit more... Opinions
Cheltenham's Future as a Centre of Cyber Security Excellence 24th October 2018 Silicon Spa is coming! This week the Digital Minister, Jeremy Wright, wrote to me to confirm that months of lobbying have paid off: the Government has... Opinions
John Lewis Opening 19th October 2018 John Lewis is opening. Ring out the bells! This is a really positive moment for Cheltenham. Visually, the shop front is an improvement on the tired old... Opinions
Enough is Enough: Boots Corner 10th October 2018 Enough is enough. The closure of Boots Corner has been a serious mistake, and it should be reversed before more damage is done. I should be clear: I have never... Opinions
What goes on at Party Conference 2nd October 2018 What do you think Party Conferences are all about? From watching the news you might well assume that all the action is in the main hall, as ministers (and... Opinions
Taking a Stand on Cheltenham General 26th September 2018 As I wrote last week, I strongly object to plans by local NHS managers to move all gastro-intestinal (general) surgery to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital... Opinions
Keeping the 'General' in Cheltenham General Hospital 21st September 2018 In basic mechanics there’s a moment of maximum leverage. It’s that short period before a beam tips on its pivot, when a small effort can make a big different... Opinions
70 Years of the NHS 18th September 2018 It’s been said of the UK and the US that we’re “two nations divided by a common language”. Maybe so, but perhaps the widest cultural gulf between our countries... Opinions
Guide Dogs and Equalities Legislation 7th September 2018 MPs have returned to the House of Commons this week. On Wednesday I led one of the first Parliamentary debates of the new session, on enforcement of equalities... Opinions