Seriously, is there any political commentary more tedious than the constant speculation regarding who is on the way up and who is on the way down in the looming reshuffle? It’s one of those Westminster village, navel-gazing issues which sends politicians and journalists into frenzies of anticipation and expectation. Whilst today, you enjoy the normal […]
Writing with a mother’s heart, I find it impossible to condemn the foolish frolics of Prince Harry, who serves in our armed forces – against the will of the establishment – and risks his life along with the rest of our brave troops each and every working day. I gave birth to my daughter around […]
Many female MPs, especially Conservative ones of late, find it necessary to articulate a particular commitment to the cause of feminism. It’s a tick box exercise, declaring feminist credentials – usually via a written article or a speech in the Commons – it is necessary when the Labour party has, unfairly, always claimed the territory […]
In October last year, MPs and peers were invited by the public health minister, Anne Milton, to form a cross party committee to establish the terms of reference for a government consultation document on the provision of an offer of independent counselling for women seeking an abortion.Surprisingly, there was a great deal of unity around […]
The drama which unfolded on Tuesday seems like an age ago. Before the events which took place are consigned to the annals of Hansard, however, it is worth noting the implications for the Liberal Democrat party and the long term future of the coalition. It has been reported that the only Bill Nick Clegg asked […]
By Tim MontgomerieFollow Tim on Twitter The Politics.co.uk website has named Nadine Dorries MP as the best MP on Twitter. The website's Ian Dunt recommends following the Tory MP for Mid-Bedfordshire for representing the Tory right and for her general outspoken-ness. He also commends her humanity: "There is a disarmingly charming side, where Dorries offers […]
I need to begin with a confession: I am not a fan of elected mayors, or the recent decision by my own Government to introduce elected police commissioners. To break that down further: I would be a fan of elected police commissioners if the role were substantive, and operated along an American sheriff-style model, whereby […]
By Matthew BarrettFollow Matthew on Twitter. Since the interview with a recently-departed senior Nick Clegg aide, Richard Reeves, in this morning's newspapers, which intimated there would be consequences for the Government's boundary review if backbench Tories vote against stopping debate on Lords reform, a number of Tory MPs have appeared in the media to express their […]
I was both happy and proud earlier this week to sign a letter originated by John Baron MP to the Prime Minister urging him to place on the Statute Book before the next Gelection a commitment to hold a referendum during the next Parliament on the nature of our relationship with the European Union. George […]
Call me old fashioned, but when a Treasury aide recently described a new raft of economic policy announcements as ‘Maxing Out Plan A’, I felt slightly embarrassed. I immediately thought of a small garden centre owner in my constituency – of a bright and hardworking young man who began his business from a seed of […]
I applaud Michael Gove’s commitment to the protection of free speech and, like him, I worry about the impact and ultimate consequence the Leveson enquiry will have on the media. Freedom of expression is the foundation upon which a true democratic society exists. Lives were lost in order that we and future generations can enjoy […]
A week ago I had the pleasure of chairing a Westminster Hall debate, on the issue of petrol and diesel pricing, which had been secured by the MP for Harlow, Robert Halfon. I wasn’t surprised to see the room fill with members from all sides of the House, even though it did present a challenge […]
Sayeeda Warsi doesn’t often catch a fair wind in the British media. That’s not really a surprise; very few female politicians do once they hold a position or take a view. I have always had a great deal of respect for Sayeeda. She will, if she gets the remotest chance, say it just as it […]
This is a clip from last week’s programme.
By Matthew BarrettFollow Matthew on Twitter. 4pm update: People's Pledge sources tells me that Anne Marie Morris, the MP for Newton Abbot has come out in support of a referendum. Mike Freer, the MP for Finchley and Golders Green, has also backed a referendum. This is significant because Freer was not one of the 81 rebels, […]