In Westminster I was thrilled to welcome another tour from Ash and Tongham this morning where we had an excellent and lively Q & A. Locally, despite some fake news (yes we even have it in Surrey), the unitary elections are ON. Also be sure to watch the ITV documentary about the tragic murder of Charlie Cosser (at 9 pm tomorrow or on ITV player).
 

WESTMINSTER WHISPERS

CHINESE WHISPERS The government has got itself into a mess over the China Spy case. Tim Shipman writes very persuasively in the Spectator this week that if it had really wanted the trial to go ahead it could surely have found a way. The fact that it didn’t suggests it was worried it was an impediment to trade, which is frankly a very naïve view of how China sees the world. In the Commons, I was told by the Security Minister that the National Security Adviser had absolutely no influence on the way the government handled this case relating to national security - why on earth is he National Security Adviser then?
 

THOSE WERE THE DAYS Last week would have been Margaret Thatcher’s 100th birthday and even some of her critics are sorely missing her resolve and clarity of purpose. Matthew Parris writes brilliantly about why that is in this article for today’s Times. I was personally inspired by the Iron Lady not just to go into politics but also to start my business. Interestingly it looks like Japan is set to get its own version of Maggie, with conservative Sanae Takaichi expected to become Japan’s first female Prime Minister as someone who has openly said she models herself on Lady T. 
 

BUDGET KITES FLYING MERRILY With just over a month until the budget, there is currently no shortage of budget rumours. One is that the Chancellor is considering requiring UK ISAs have a minimum holding of UK equities. If this sounds familiar, that is because I proposed a similar plan for a British ISA before the election which was abandoned by Labour. I am not against the principle that pension funds should invest more at home as happens in nearly every other large economy (and as most pension fund holders actually want). The best way to do it that I have been able to find is in this report.
 

NON DOMS SAY NO Adding to Labour’s fiscal issues, a recent report suggested that 1,800 non-doms have left the country since the rule changes in April, far more than the government expected. I want non-doms to pay their fair share of tax (and introduced measures accordingly) but what has been catastrophic is saying they will have to pay inheritance tax on their world-wide assets. We risk losing massive inward investment as a result. I hope we see some flexibility from the Chancellor - alongside relief for family farms and family businesses. Doing so would surely raise money for the Exchequer, rather than cost it.
 

BABY LOSS TRAGEDY  One of the most heartrending things I had to deal with as Health Secretary were numerous scandals in NHS maternity units. Last week was Baby Loss Awareness week and you can see my contribution to the Commons debate here. We have made progress with around two fewer baby deaths every day. But progress has plateaued and there are plenty of warning signs as I will be saying in a patient safety conference in Birmingham on Wednesday.

TIKTOK - MURDER GONE VIRAL is the name of the documentary on ITV1 tomorrow night at 9pm about Godalming teenager Charlie Cosser’s senseless and tragic murder. Since Charlie’s death, the amazing Cosser family have campaigned ceaselessly to reduce knife crime through their charity Charlie’s Promise.  A must watch - and read their piece in last weeks Mirror too.
 

ASH LODGE PARK CARE HOME Read Councillor John Tonks’ write up of the public meeting held last week on the proposed new care home at Ash Lodge Park. Although GBC’s failure to keep this land for a community or health use is incredibly frustrating its good to see that developer Muller is engaging with locals. Locals learned that the care home would provide approximately 100 jobs. Next step is to give your views on the application once it is submitted.  
 

WELCOME ASH residents to Parliament this morning as part of my rolling series of tours. Thanks for some excellent questions too - planning and infrastructure (or lack of!), crime and the long term NHS workforce plan. And we are all asking …. when are we going to get that step free access for Ash Vale Station?