The day of reckoning draws nigh. Certainly in the week commencing 14th January 2019, and probably on Tuesday 15thJanuary, the House of Commons will vote on the Brexit deal negotiated with the EU, and the various amendments that relate to it.

The Government is currently creating a series of 'Hubs' across the country - bringing together civil servants and the projects and services they provide together in key locations across the country. 

Yesterday I was able to ask a question the Prime Minister about SEND funding. I think it is key that we ensure our most vulnerable children and young people have access to the education and support they need to thrive.

The political year has not ended well.

Cast your mind back to the London Olympics: six years ago: a country at peace with itself, putting on one heck of show, celebrating athletic prowess in a generous British way.

I will be strongly supporting Theresa May in the leadership ballot today. A change of leader at this critical stage of our nation's affairs would be a self-indulgent absurdity.

You will no doubt be aware that the vote due to take place on the Brexit deal in Parliament tomorrow been postponed.

I'm hoping to make the following speech in the House today:

In June 2016 I voted to Remain, but the people voted to leave. 

Sometimes the large corporations that operate in our society get a good public kicking – often they deserve it, as when they find all manner of clever and legal ways to avoid paying their fair share of tax in the country in which they operate.

I am receiving many representations from local businesses urging me to back the Brexit deal. I set out below one such letter that is indicative of how strongly local businesses feel about this matter.

Dear Gary,

Thank you to all 450+ of you who have e-mailed me about Brexit in the past 2 months. This means of course that roughly 99.3% have not contacted me, but I recognise that they expressed their view in the ballot box on June 2016. I intend to honour that decision.