In this talk for TED the Tory MP Rory Stewart attacks all of the arguments for staying in Afghanistan. It’s time to end the war, he says.
By Jonathan IsabyFollow Jonathan on Twitter I have already covered Conor Burns' sideswipe at Lord Heseltine from the debate on Lords reform, but what else happened during the debate? Overall, one got the impression that (with a few exceptions) the Conservative benches were highly sceptical about an elected second chamber – including many who are […]
By Jonathan Isaby Yesterday saw MPs debating the merits of the Big Society on a backbench motion moved by Dover's Tory MP, Charlie Elphicke, which stated its support for the Big Society, "seeking stronger communities where power is decentralised and social action is encouraged." "The big society has been "much discussed in the media", yet […]
By Tim Montgomerie Highlights from yesterday's Commons debate on the Localism Bill. Rory Stewart summarised why localism works: "This is a strange time and place because all hon. Members believe in that decentralisation, whether we call it localism, hyper-localism or double hyper-localism, but we are obstructed by our anxieties about power, knowledge and legitimacy. Let […]
Tim Montgomerie Thirty-nine pubs are closing each and every week. The all-party save the pub group secured a Westminster Hall debate last week to highlight the problem and discuss solutions. Contributions from MPs are extracted below. Karen Bradley MP said pubs are socially useful: "The group shares a belief that the British pub is an […]
By Jonathan Isaby Stephen Metcalfe won the new South Basildon and East Thurrock seat at the general election and made his maiden speech last Thursday during the committee stage of the Academies Bill: “I will be eternally grateful to the good people of South Basildon and East Thurrock for sending me here. They have put […]
Rory Stewart was always going to be an unconventional MP. The former soldier, diplomat, academic and writer has already fitted much into his 37 years and was one of those who came forward to join the Conservative candidates' list last summer after the MPs' expenses scandal. He was elected at the general election as MP […]