In today’s Daily Telegraph I’ve co-signed a letter with 20 fellow MPs in support of Conservatives for Reform in Europe, the new campaign which I chair. They include former ministers, senior MPs and a number who are known to be particularly sceptical about the EU, for instance rebelling against the Government in the last Parliament to demand a referendum.
Read MoreThe Liberal Democrat Peer Lord Taylor of Goss Moor has authored a pamphlet published today by Policy Exchange, 'Garden Villages: Empowering localism to solve the housing crisis'. What a pity that Lord Taylor fails to mention in his pamphlet that he is a director of Mayfield Market Towns Limited, a developer which has been trying to build a "new market town" of up to 10,000 houses in open countryside in my West Sussex constituency.
Read MoreTogether with a number of senior Conservative MPs I have tabled three amendments to the Infrastructure Bill, which has its Report Stage today (Monday 26 January).
Read MoreToday's Sunday Times splash that "David Cameron plans to slash EU migration by imposing an annual cap on the number of national insurance numbers given to low-skilled immigrants from Europe" is the latest in a series of briefings which suggest that the Prime Minister is set to announce a big new policy position on EU migration.
Read MoreWe weren't meant to go. I mean, no-one actually said 'please don't', but the vibe was unmistakeable. Please go to Clacton where there'll be a by-election. Have a great recess and maybe even see you at the Party Conference. But don't go to Scotland.
Read MoreBoris Johnson has today launched a really interesting initiative: a compulsory sobriety trial in South London which aims to reduce alcohol-related reoffending. People committing alcohol-related offences will be required to remain sober for a period of up to four months, enforced with electronically monitored tags that can detect if they have been drinking.
Read MoreThe BBC's Political Editor Nick Robinson had an interesting report this morning that the Conservatives are planning - should we form the next government - to pass a Bill to allow Parliament to override a decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), although Britain would aim to remain a member of the Council of Europe and a party to the European Convention on Human Rights.
Read MoreOvershadowed in the ephemeral excitement of the reshuffle, a change at least as significant. It's been announced today that Sir Bob Kerslake is to step down as Head of the Civil Service, to be replaced by a Chief Executive "at the centre of government". The new CEO will "lead the next phase of work on Civil Service transformation and the Government’s efficiency and reform agenda".
Read MoreThis week Theresa May became the longest serving Home Secretary since 'RAB' Butler held the post over half a century ago. The BBC's Home Affairs Correspondent Danny Shaw interviewed me and others about this remarkable achievement, and his piece was broadcast by Radio 4's Today programme yesterday morning. You can listen to it here.
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