Will Mr Burnham’s business rates plan work? Thursday, 3 September, 2026 One of Andy Burnham’s first announcements was a 20 percent cut in business rates for pubs. The proposal is welcome. Although many pubs would still be paying more than they were in 2023 and 2024, because it follows substantial increases in recent years, any reduction will be welcomed by a sector under significant pressure. I used to work in the pub trade and know how significant the fixed cost... Articles for the Herald and Post
Pay-per-mile: another extra cost for the countryside? 16th July 2026 An email arrived in my inbox the other day announcing the introduction of 17,000 new electric vehicle (EV) charge points across Hampshire. These are set to be... Articles for the Herald and Post
The Defence Investment Plan is just stage one 9th July 2026 After months of waiting, and the resignation of two defence ministers, the Defence Investment Plan finally appeared this week. Defence is the first... Articles for the Herald and Post
Alton Post Office 8th July 2026 Damian released the following statement today: Following a court ruling earlier this month, TG Jones, which operates Alton Post Office from its store, is... Local News
Is the honeymoon over before its begun? 2nd July 2026 When Andy Burnham entered the Commons chamber to be re-sworn-in as an MP, he was greeted by a 1-2 heckle: someone shouted “Rome is Saved!” and then someone else... Articles for the Herald and Post
Helping the young into work is a priority that can’t wait 1st July 2026 Damian wrote the following for The Portsmouth News: There are around 100,000 more young people looking for work than there were a year ago, and youth... Local News
Damian's proposed law to support publishers and journalism 29th June 2026 Damian released the following statement today: MP Damian Hinds has presented a Bill in Parliament to increase transparency around automated web scraping. The... Local News
Landmark moment in campaign to restrict social media for under-16s 25th June 2026 This week the Prime Minister announced that the government will ban social media use for children under the age of 16. The restrictions will apply to platforms... Articles for the Herald and Post
Alpacas, sheepdogs and 6,000 sheep - a day on a Hampshire farm 18th June 2026 The streaming hit that is Clarkson’s Farm returned to screens last week for its fifth season. The opening episode followed novice farmer Jeremy Clarkson’s... Articles for the Herald and Post
We should not wait for the last bank to close 11th June 2026 Last week I launched a survey on access to banking in our area. During my time as an MP, I have seen bank branches disappear from our high streets as they have... Articles for the Herald and Post
