The Prime Minister has announced that we are boosting schools with a record £14 billion, levelling up per pupil funding across the country so every child in South West Devon has a world class education.

This most challenging of issues rumbles on, dividing our nation and threatening to undermine our democratic foundations. The country and my constituents remain as divided as ever. I see no evidence of any local change of heart from the 55/45 vote to Leave in June 2016.

Parliament will return on 3rd September following the Summer recess as planned.  It was then scheduled to rise on the 11th or 12th September for the annual party conference season, as happens every year.  The House would then return after the party conference season on Tuesday 8thth October. 

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.