UK Defence Spending to Reach 2.5% of GDP Wednesday, 24 April, 2024 I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement of a commitment to spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by 2030. This increase in defence spending starts immediately and will mean an extra £75 billion over the next six years. This increased spending is the biggest strengthening of our national defence for a generation and will confirm the UK’s place as the biggest defence power in Europe, second only to the... Media
Westminster Hall debate on domestic tourism 12th January 2021 Today, I was back in Westminster to respond to a debate on our domestic tourism industry. We're continuing to work across party and with stakeholders and... Westminster News
New lockdown grants 5th January 2021 Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are to receive a one-off grant worth up to £9,000, the Chancellor has announced. Chancellor announces... Westminster News
National Lockdown 4th January 2021 In response to fast rising Covid-19 infection rates, the Prime Minister has just announced new lockdown measures for England. You can only leave your homes for... Local News
Round 2 of Culture Recovery Fund 4th January 2021 A reminder to all arts, culture and heritage organisations to check eligibility and consider applying for Round 2 of the Culture Recovery Fund. Loans and Grants... Local News
Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine distribution 4th January 2021 The NHS is the first health service in the world to deploy the life-saving jab, which has been authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory... Westminster News
End of the transition period 1st January 2021 A pivotal moment in the history of the UK yesterday when the transition period ended and Britain fully left the EU after nearly 50 years of membership. I look... Westminster News
Worcestershire to enter Tier 3 30th December 2020 In response to a rise in infection rates, Worcestershire will be moving to Tier 3 (from Tier 2) from tomorrow. Most of the rest of the country will remain in or... Local News
Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine Approved 30th December 2020 Great news that the University of Oxford / #Astrazeneca #coronavirus vaccine has been authorised for use in the UK. The vaccine will be distributed from next... Local News
Brexit Deal Passed 30th December 2020 The #Brexit deal was passed in the House of Commons this afternoon by an overwhelming majority. Text of the Prime Minister's speech can be found in the link... European News