Every time I get off the train at Poole after spending a week in Westminster; the smell of the sea is what reminds me of how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place. The world’s second largest harbour, some
I am in no way opposed to lobbying. As a former lobbyist, how could I be? Indeed, I find it particularly helpful in the Lords. MPs, in touch with their constituencies, hear directly from firms, the community, and other interested bodies about
**The City of London Corporation wields real influence over UK politics while standing outside much of the scrutiny and democratic controls that other public bodies are subject to. Green Party peer Natalie Bennett argues that the question of its future can no
On the 28th of April 2025 I lead my third ever debate on behalf of the Petitions Committee, on the use of dogs in scientific and regulatory procedures. Nearly exactly one year later, on the 27th of April 2026, I lead my
When the Government brought forward legislation last year to implement a deal struck with Mauritius over the future of the British Indian Ocean Territory, more commonly known as the Chagos Islands, it was met, perhaps unsurprisingly, by a torrent of criticism and
Almost 200 years ago, William Carr Fenton founded a school for deaf children in Doncaster. The Carr Fenton Foundation has educated thousands of deaf and hard of hearing people across the country. Yet in Doncaster, deaf and hard of hearing people have
The Cyprus parliament election is drawing intense attention as voters focus on corruption allegations and rising living costs. Political parties are facing pressure from frustrated citizens demanding economic relief and government accountability. The outcome could reshape Cyprus politics while influencing wider European
The red benches of the Upper House often serve as the conscience of Westminster, providing a space where long-term strategic threats are weighed against the immediate political pressures of the day. During the recent Lords proceedings following the King’s Speech, the chamber
This week I added to the many hours of Parliamentary debate on HS2 over the years, securing a debate on the impact of HS2 on communities. I was joined by a big turnout of MPs from the Conservatives and Labour, who share
The Irish State coach has returned to the Royal Mews, the velvet robes have been packed away, and the ceremonial mace sits once again in the House of Commons. Yet, as the dust settles on the 2026 State Opening of Parliament, the
On Monday a new Cross Party Coalition Against the Windsor Framework. The Officers include Chair: Lord Dodds; Vice-Chairs: Jim Allister MP, Baroness Hoey, Danny Kruger MP, Lord Lilley and Sammy Wilson MP. In this article Lord Dodds and Jim Allister reflect on
The streets of Westminster were lined with the usual choreographed grandeur on Wednesday morning, as the Household Cavalry escorted King Charles III to the Palace of Westminster. Yet, behind the velvet curtains of the State Coach and the diamond-encrusted weight of the