Yesterday, I wrote an article for The Sun on Sunday, setting out what the government should do next on Brexit, and the optimistic vision we need for the post-Brexit UK economy. I appeared on BBC’s The Andrew Marr Show and Sky’s Sophie Ridge Show to discuss the issues.
You can read my article here, watch my interview on The Andrew Marr Show here (from 16m) and catch a clip of my interview with Sophy Ridge here.
Yesterday, I wrote a column for The Sunday Telegraph about why I will vote against the Prime Minister’s deal onTuesday, but how we can still make a success of Brexit.
This current deal would weaken our negotiating position with the EU and leave us bound indefinitely by EU-imposed rules. Rather, the UK should return to Brussels with a revised offer, which remedies the flaws in the backstop and ensures a transition to a ‘best in class’ Free Trade Agreement.
You can access my column here.
Also on Sunday, I was interviewed by Sophy Ridge on Sky News which you can watch here.
Earlier today, I chatted with the BBC’s Nick Robinson on his ‘Political Thinking’ podcast.
We discussed my career before politics, the World Cup, Brexit, and – of course – what I have for lunch.
You can listen to the episode here.
Today, you can read my interview with the i’s Nigel Morris, where I set out plans to end the grip of big business on the housing market to support Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), and introduce pro-consumer reforms to ensure that the housing sector works better for SMEs and low- and middle-income buyers and renters.
You can read the full interview here.
Today, I announced a Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consultation on the enforcement powers available to councils and the police to address unauthorised traveller encampments. The latest data shows 84% of caravans are located on sites authorised for travellers, so the vast majority of the traveller community are behaving lawfully, decently and properly.
But there are still 3,700 caravans on unauthorised sites – the highest level since 2014. Local communities are understandably frustrated and concerned by the illegal occupation of land, some of the anti-social behaviour which can accompany it, and the clear-up costs when the caravans move on. We’re consulting on powers to prevent and address such incursions, and to make sure that the rule of law applies rigorously across the board.
You can read more about the announcement here. You can listen to my discussion on the subject on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme here (from 1:33:15).
Today, I have written an article for The Daily Telegraph on the government’s announcement of £866 million investment in local infrastructure to unlock new projects, to build up to 200,000 new homes.
Last year, 217,000 new homes were delivered, and 2017 saw the highest number of first-time buyers in ten years. But, we need to be delivering 300,000 homes each year, if we’re going to provide more affordable homes for the next generation.
Today’s announcement is one element of our ambitious strategy to deliver the homes Britain needs. You can access my column here.
In November, I blogged about the Aviva Community Fund, which awards funding for community projects across the country. You can read the post here. So, I was pleased to learn that Maori Oxshott Cricket Club has been awarded £1,000 towards the installation of a new Astro wicket surface at their ground on Steel’s Lane, Oxshott. The club had already raised an impressive £7,000 themselves, and the extra boost from the Aviva Community Fund has enabled them to reach their target. The new Astro surface is more durable than the old grass one, which has suffered wear and tear over the years. The Astro wicket will save money in the long-term, and enable practice sessions and some matches to take place in bad weather conditions.
Maori Oxshott Cricket Club is open to cricketers of all ages and abilities, from age 4 to 80, and is located in the heart of the village. The new wicket is due to be installed ready for the beginning of the 2018 season. You can read more about the club here.
Today, I announced proposals for action to protect consumers from the minority of cowboy companies, who find their credit rating devestated when county court judgments are enforced against the wrong address without their knowledge.
You can read the Law Society Gazette reporting here.
This morning, I dropped in on Emma Barnett’s show on BBC 5Live to review the year in politics. I talked about Brexit progress, the Prime Minister proving the doubters wrong and then looked forward to 2018. You can listen here, from 12m20 in.