The natural landscape in the Tamworth Constituency has shaped my main concerns with the environment. After seeing the devastating action of the River Tame to the communities in Fazeley and Elford I took an interest in the Environmental Agency's proposals for the river. I have met with them recently and am pleased at their developing strategy. I am pro-country sports but I do believe animal welfare is very important, and am proud of the United Kingdom's record on this issue.

The Conservatives on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

http://www.defra.gov.uk/

As a member, officer and chairman in various All-Party Parliamentary (APPG) associated with Eastern European and Central Asian countries I take a particular interest in these regions. As the Chairman of the APPG for Latvia I have organised events for Latvian and British delegates and I am in the process of organising a bi-lateral trip to Latvia to strengthen diplomatic ties with both legislatures. William Hague reemphasising the importance of the Commonwealth after Labour's neglect is particularly important in the 21st Century. The Secretary of State also performed admirably in the "Arab Spring", and more recently, in negotiating tougher sanctions against Iran. I was fortunate to speak in the debate on Libya. I am also a member of the British-American Parliamentary Group.

The Conservatives on Foreign Affairs

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/

My main dealings with the Home Office are to do with Police Pensions and immigration. Immigration is already covered here.

Many serving police officers and their families live in my constituency and have been in regular correspondence with me on the issue of their pensions. Police pensions – like other public sector pensions – need to be reformed, but the nature of a police officer's job means that certain safeguards are needed. I have written to Ministers – and raised the issue in the House of Commons Chamber – to make sure the police are not overlooked.

The Conservatives on crime

The Conservatives on national security

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/

I support the Government's proposals on Health. The measures to increase doctors, reduce managers and give greater flexibility to nurses are welcome initiatives. As are the commitments to stop waste and reduce red tape to enable health care professionals to give more resources, time and support to their patients. I work with local healthcare charities and am pleased to see the success of the town's "Sharon Fox Cancer Centre".

The Conservatives on health

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/index.htm

When I was first elected I had to fight a campaign to try to save Tamworth's courts. Unfortunately that failed but I was pleased that a smooth transition was implemented so not to waste local magistrate or police time.

Recently I have signed Nick de Bois' knife crime amendment as I believe that if you think you are old enough to use a knife in violence, you are old enough to get prosecuted accordingly. Generally I think sentences should be more robust and that the public should see justice being served – the law should act as a deterrent.

The Conservatives on justice

http://www.justice.gov.uk/

I believe that powers should be devolved from Westminster and handed back to town halls so local residents can have a say on issues that affect their communities – after all, they know most about their area and what is best for them.

The Conservatives on local government

http://www.communities.gov.uk/corporate/

The freedom of speech and its application to the British press has been integral in our society for many generations. I stongly support such freedoms; however, I believe that journalists should be responsible in their practices. The phone hacking scandal was atrocious and I am glad that ethics in media is being actively discussed. The Secretary of State's proposals on localising television and capping the Licence Fee are two proposals I keenly support.

The Conservatives on media

http://www.culture.gov.uk/

The Olympics is the biggest sporting event in the world and Britons will be welcoming the world to our capital. I campaigned for the Olympic Torch to pass through Tamworth and was delighted when I heard that the torch will pass through Tamworth and the local village of Hopwas. Earlier this year I was pleased to head to Liverpool to support 'the Lambs' against Everton in the FA cup. Sadly we lost but it was a very enjoyable – if tense – day. I believe competitive sport at school is important in a child's upbringing and I am glad this Government shares this view.

The Conservatives on sport

http://www.culture.gov.uk/

The Government's decision to follow with Labour's proposals for High Speed 2 has caused great concern to the residents of Tamworth and the surrounding rural villages. For more information about this campaign please click here to go to the campaign section of my website.

I believe the Government should adopt an integrated policy and am pleased with Minister's commitments to alleviate crowding on the West Coast Main Line by extending the number of carriages. Transport policy, in my opinion, should be about balancing sustainable growth and reduced carbon emissions while not hindering economic growth or impeding movement of people due to disproportionate costs.

The Conservatives on transport

http://www.dft.gov.uk/

Iain Duncan Smith's proposals to introduce 'Universal Credit' and the benefit cap are two huge steps in slimming Labour's bloated welfare state. After 13 years of Labour in Government we have seen the welfare state and its budget ballooned out of all proportion and it is right that it is finally being deflated. I regularly speak to constituents who are annoyed about the "something-for-nothing" culture and how it "pays not to work", fortunately I see the Coalition's proposals a way to end this.

The Conservatives on welfare

The Conservatives on older people

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/