As we approach the end game on the titanic struggle to implement the decision of the British people to leave the EU, it is timely to remind ourselves of the reasons why we can find success in the world once we have finally left.
When I left the SDP and joined the Conservatives in 1988, a former member of the Liberal Party described me as Judas Iscariot and wrote to say that she hoped I would follow his example and hang myself! There is nothing new about abuse in politics.
Goodness, what times we are living through! The Supreme Court this week ruled that the recent prorogation was unlawful, Parliament recalled, the media in meltdown.
When I was first elected to Parliament the Speaker was Betty Boothroyd, who oversaw our proceedings with scrupulous impartiality and just a touch of glamour. Brilliant.
In times of turbulence it is vital to know your anchor points. The points of security that provide a framework and refuge.For people of faith, these would be spiritual truths, but for the majority that is not the case.
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.
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.
For me, last weekend was just about perfect. On Saturday afternoon, I watched the English Rugby team destroy the Irish at Twickenham as they continued an impressive run up to the Rugby World Cup.
