Blog
Where does your out-of-hours doctor come from?
I cannot make any sense of it all. How can two GPs be expected to provide professional out-of-hours medical cover for an entire county? It’s been reported that this is sometimes the level of cover provided in Suffolk. When my mother-in-law was dying last year, we...
Celebrating 30 years of Newsnight
As I celebrate a friend’s special birthday tonight, I must confess that my thoughts will not be with Jeremy Paxman and his guests from the political and celebrity world who are marking 30 years of Newsnight. I’m recording this on Sky+ to watch later. It’s a...
Parents of torture boys should be held to account
It’s pot luck for a child whether it is born into a loving and supportive home or one where violence and fear prevails. Pity the child if it is the latter. Hearing about the cruel and sadistic violence inflicted by two brothers when aged only 10 and 11 against a 9...
A question about telephone election canvassing
Thousands of people, myself included, have opted not to receive cold calls from double glazing salesmen by registering with the Telephone Preference Service. However, I wonder how many householders realise that by doing this, it also means they cannot be called by...
No wonder supermarkets are so rich
I have a savoury tooth, rather than sweet, and often enjoy a slice of wholemeal bread (preferably organic) topped with crumbly cottage cheese (to keep the calories down). At least, it always used to be crumbly, but now it looks more like stodgy looking porridge. I've...
Conservative candidates’ policy priorities
I was fascinated to read the results of the ConservativeHome survey of Tory candidates regarding their policy priorities. Disappointingly, they placed reducing Britain’s footprint at the bottom of the list, an issue close to David Cameron’s heart, and I hope it...
Trustees – the unsung heroes of charities
Because this is a subject close to my heart as chair of trustees for Headway Cambridgeshire, I am republishing this article in full. We are currently recruiting new trustees and are extremely fortunate to have had applicants from very skilled, professionals who are...
Increasing disabled parliamentarians
The Speaker’s Conference is actively seeking to promote more disabled parliamentary candidates, as well as more women MPs. Immediately after its recommendations were published this week, Conservatives pledged a £1 million four year fund to help more disabled...
Theresa May and Conservative women candidates
I recorded this video yesterday of Theresa May, Shadow Minister for Women, outlining Conservative support for more parliamentary women candidates. Let’s hope they are selected in winnable seats.