MPs’ Round-Up

Young people flourish when they feel safe, valued, respected, supported and inspired. Talbot Heath School, named as one of the most innovative and influential independent schools in the UK, fosters in its pupils, aged three to 18, a ‘can do’ attitude, encouraging them to think big while helping them to develop the self-belief and principles that will keep them grounded while they fly high. Rockets reach their dizzy heights because they are equipped and supported by a team of experts. The rigorous teaching, high standards and outstanding pastoral care ensure that all the foundations are in place to allow the young people to explore and discover their loves and passions. Pupils at Talbot Heath have dreams and aspirations but know that these will only be achieved through hard work, determination and tenacity. They do not expect the world to come to them on a plate, they appreciate that it is substance, time and effort that brings the most sparkling and ambitious of plans to fruition. Teamwork, kindness, and selflessness are the qualities that will enable them to overcome adversity and to build the strong relationships that will be so important in their lives. My own daughter has headed off to university this year from Talbot Heath, to take on a challenging undergraduate course. ‘Don’t worry,’ said a colleague, ‘She is from Talbot Heath, she won’t crumple, she will adapt to whatever challenges she will face. ‘She has learned to think for herself, hone and refine her ideas and articulate them. “TH pupils don’t go out into the world as shrinking violets – they are resourceful, resilient and determined.’ And at that moment, I realised that this is the product of an education that is supportive yet dynamic. Talbot Heath is both the anchor and the kite. We head into 2022 with vim and vigour, an educational ‘James Webb telescope’, excited to embrace the new, knowing that our strong foundations will enable us to go boldly where no school has gone before. Angharad Holloway, Head

MPs’ round-up Surprise at numbers rejecting PM’s apology

By the time this article is published, Sue Gray should have reported on the Government and Civil Service parties during lockdown. Understandably this issue has generated substantial anger not least among those, like me, who strongly opposed what we saw as disproportionate restrictions on individual liberty with the consequent damage caused to both lives and livelihoods. In describing the Prime Minister’s apology to the House of Commons as ‘the most abject’ that I have heard in more than 30 years as an MP, I did not expect so many to reject that apology. The previous day I pointed out that ‘surely the Civil Service must have known that there was a party on 20th May and should have referred that already to the inquiry’. n My campaign over many years and several Parliaments for an end to the television tax and the BBC’s privileged position in broadcasting finally seems to be bearing fruit. Nadine Dorries’ announcement about the BBC licence fee is most welcome. Celebrations, however, would be premature because the licence fee will remain for five years. The price of £159 will now be fixed for two years and will then be limited to rising in line with inflation until 2027.

n Earlier this month I put an oral question to the Secretary of State about the continuing criminalisation of those who do not pay the licence fee. Nadine Dorries told me that ‘No enforcement action has been taken against anyone over 75 years at this stage’. She went on to say that ‘The BBC must support those affected by the decision to end free TV licences for over-75s’ and that she expected ‘it to do so with the utmost sensitivity’. When I raised the issue of whether we can trust the BBC a colleague reminded the House that as part of the last renewal of the BBC’s Charter the BBC had agreed to fund free fees for all over-75s. Sadly, the Government continues to block my Private Members Bills to decriminalise the licence fee and to privatise the BBC.

n E-scooters continue to be of concern to constituents. It is, therefore, reassuring to learn that Dorset Police take this matter seriously. They are seizing and destroying escooters which are being used illegally. Last month someone from Bournemouth was fined £660 and had six penalty points imposed after being convicted of using an e-scooter on a road without third party insurance. Readers should, therefore, not hesitate to report unlawful use of e-scooters to the police. The only e-scooters which can be lawfully used on public roads and public land are those which are the subject of the Government’s trial into their safety and effectiveness.

Christchurch & East Dorset: Chris Chope