Articles

The Energy Bill returns to the House of Commons tomorrow. It’s a crucial Bill that will help deliver all of the above, but clearly one issue – the 2030 decarbonisation target for the power sector – has been the focus of much attention over the last few months.

There has been a lot of talk over the last few weeks about Britain’s place in Europe, but there’s one thing that I hope we can all agree. We need the EU to help prevent climate change.

As we finally emerge from what felt like a never ending winter, many consumers are rightly concerned about the energy bills landing on their doormats.

Kingston Hospital saw a triple win in May – winning Foundation Trust status, retaining its “Top 40” position in a comparison of all Britain’s NHS hospitals and, best of all, receiving confirmation that it’s A&E and Maternity will stay open, as promised.

April saw significant changes to tax and benefits. Some say these are unfair – claiming the rich are benefitting, whilst the poor are taking the hit. Others argue the changes don’t go far enough, saying our welfare system is “broken”.

Published on the Guardian website:

The green deal is helping the people of Britain stay warm for less, and today's first official numbers are a clear sign that it's hit the ground running. 

The green deal lets homes and businesses pay for energy efficiencyimprovements, such as insulation or a new heating system, through savings on their fuel bills. A typical three-bed semi could save around £270 a year with solid wall insulation alone.

The formal opening is just a few weeks away, but the fabulous news is that Surbiton’s new health centre is open for patients – after years of campaigning.

Last month, I was lucky enough to get a tour of the centre from the superb team that have managed this major NHS project – on time and on budget. What hits you is the high quality of the building and its facilities.

For many residents in Berrylands, and for me personally, 2012 ended on a rather sad note.  My friend and colleague Frances Moseley died after a lengthy battle with cancer.  I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Frances. 

As we enter the first cold snap of the year there will inevitably be a focus on the rising cost of energy – particularly after there have been inflation busting increases in gas and electricity tariffs of 6-10% over the past few months.

Despite all our economic difficulties, there’s been a few reasons for some Surbiton businesses to celebrate recently.  

At the end of October, Surbiton was awarded “Town Team” partner status – a new idea to support local high streets. Amongst other things, this will help promote Surbiton’s independent shops and cafes, with one idea being a ‘community card’ loyalty scheme in which local businesses group together to offer discounts and vouchers. So it should also be good news for you if you shop locally.

Published in Liberal Democrat Voice.

Watching Her Majesty reading the Queen Speech in this her Diamond Jubilee year, I could only admire the way she delivered yet another speech her Ministers had written for her. Perhaps they all appear the same after a while.

This article was published in Lib Dem Voice:

Liberal Democrats were at pains in the negotiations for the coalition to insist that if nuclear power stations were to be built in the UK that there should be no public subsidy. This position was reiterated by Chris Huhne in a statement to the House of Commons on October 18th 2010 as reported in his article on Lib Dem Voice. So I would like to allay Fiona Hall concerns expressed on Lib Dem Voice yesterday by clarifying that there has been absolutely no change in this position.

Did you miss the Chancellor’s budget in March?

Were you aware the March budget announced large tax cuts for every average working person in Britain?

That this year’s budget contained a £3.5 billion tax cut to help people on low and middle incomes?

My Easter recess from Parliament didn’t go as planned.

My constituency work continued as scheduled. But my ministerial work changed dramatically, and my planned family break was cut short.

The reason? The strike threat by the fuel tanker drivers.