On Monday the Government announced a £40million boost for jobs in East Kent. The award from the Regional Growth Fund will benefit the four East Kent districts, including our own Shepway, and is designed to support businesses, encourage investment and create jobs. I am delighted that the lobbying for this from the local councils and […]
The Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has today published new evidence relating to our inquiry the phone hacking scandal. This new evidence takes us into the heart of the decision making process which led to News International deciding to settle with Gordon Taylor, and also whether senior executives mislead parliament. I have gone through […]
Parking should continue to be free for those who want to visit and shop in our town centres. Free time-limited on street parking in the centre of Folkestone, Sandgate, Hythe and New Romney - as it is now - encourages people to use and support local businesses at a time when they are recovering from […]
Europe has been the dominant issue in the House of Commons this week, both with growing concerns about the crisis in the eurozone and Monday’s debate on a motion calling for a referendum on our membership of the European Union. I know where I stand on Europe. I believe that we should be members of […]
On Monday 24th October the House of Commons will debate a motion calling for a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union. This is a multiple choice, ‘in, out or shake it all about’ referendum. I have copied the motion in full below. “The House calls upon the Government to introduce a Bill in […]
Last Friday I was delighted to accept the invitation of the Mayor of New Romney, Councillor Roger Joynes, to take part in a question and answer session with young people from the Romney Marsh area. The event was held in New Romney’s historic town hall and was part of local democracy week. During this week […]
The work of volunteers is the backbone of every strong society and we are fortunate locally to have so many individuals and organisations who give up their time to help others. All of this work deserves recognition, but it is matter for particular local pride when any organisation from our community receives a national award. […]
This week started at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester where I was able to introduce the competition we have organised to promote start up businesses from across the country. From talking to the businesses involved with the ‘Start-up Hub’ there is a strong importance attached to Government helping to ensure good quality business infrastructure, […]
CACIN is the 'Conservative Arts and Creative Industries Network', which I helped to launch in May 2009 and I am also its Chairman. The Network holds regular networking events for people who work right across the creative industries, along with MPs, Ministers and policy advisors who have a strong interest in this area. This evening […]
Today I am speaking at a fringe event at the Conservative Party conference on the importance of the creative industries to growth in our economy. This event has been organised by the think tank Reform and is being held at the Radisson Hotel, in the Stanley Livingstone Suite at 6pm. I have set out below […]