MPs urge Chancellor to increase education funding and make it fairer

More than 80 cross-party MPs have written to Chancellor Philip Hammond urging him to increase school and special needs funding before permanent damage is done to the education of children across England.

Last Friday I joined all those responsible for promoting the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as they launched the management plan at Battisborough House in the South Hams.

Do watch my short speech to find out more about why this is so important!

Earlier this week I secured a 30 minute debate on the issue of mental health in schools. The whole premise for the debate came as a result of meeting with sixth form students from Ivybridge Community College.

You can either watch the debate or read it here.

Gary's Easter newsletter is available here.

Figures released today show that in the South West, there are 2,812,472 people in work – meaning that, under the Conservatives, 318,156 more people have the security of a job.

Good news -  our public finances have reached a ‘turning point’ with the independent economic outlook showing a ‘solid foundation on which to build Britain’s economic future’.

Last week, the Chancellor said the outlook shows that:

On Saturday, I had the honour of presenting 95 year old, Nelly Hassell, with two medals from her service in World War Two. 

After the war ended she didn't receive her medals but her Grandson, Scott, did something about this and succeeded in securing her rightful recognition.

South Hams District Council have secured part of a £19.5 million fund to unlock private rented accommodation for the most vulnerable.

We have finally had the announcement we have all been waiting for.

£2 billion of Government money invested in transport infrastructure across the South West - from Gloucester to Penzance. Crucially, £80 million for the railway line at Dawlish. 

I welcome the announcement by the Secretary of State for Defence today of two new Littoral Strike Group ships joining our amphibious fleet.