2022 February

The Public Service Pensions and Judicial Offices Bill seeks to reform pension arrangements for a range of public servants, including teachers, NHS staff, the emergency services, the armed forces and judges. On Tuesday 22 February 2022 I voted on the Bill at its Report Stage in the House of Commons. The provisions currently in the Bill mean

On Tuesday evening, 22 February 2022, I attended a Zoom briefing with journalists from the BBC World Service, who discussed the challenges of reporting in an increasingly insecure world. Speakers included: Rozita Lotfi, Editor at BBC Persian, who described the scale of harassment faced by journalists in Iran. The BBC World Service Director and Senior Controller of News International Services, Liliane Landor.

A Planning Application has been submitted by Anesco Ltd to construct twenty-eight large battery units on Green Belt land adjacent to the Duckery at Chapel Lane. This development breaches the fundamental planning principle of preserving our Green Belt, and would blight the open countryside.

It was with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of Sir Richard Shepherd on Monday 21 February 2022. Sir Richard was very kind and helpful to me when I first entered Parliament and during our five years as neighbouring MPs. He served a magnificent thirty-six years in Parliament. 

Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the UK and India were formally launched in January 2022. On Tuesday 22 February 2022 I attended a debate on the negotiations in Westminster Hall. I said: “I take issue with one or two of the points that the hon. Gentleman has made.