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
Local climate groups leading the way 6th February 2020 Action being taken by local climate groups and individuals was praised this week by Damian as he introduced a Westminster Hall debate on the Net Zero target and... Westminster News
Damian opens Westminster Hall debate 4th February 2020 Damian opened a Westminster Hall debate on decarbonising transport, coming as it did on the same day as the government’s announcement to ban the sale of new... Westminster News
Hospitality Apprenticeship event 4th February 2020 As part of National Apprenticeship Week, Damian attended a Hospitality Apprenticeship event in Parliament, meeting many young apprentices working in the sector... Westminster News
Debate on decarbonising transport 4th February 2020 Damian introduced a Westminster Hall debate this morning on how goverment, industry and others can work together to accelerate decarbonisation, to maintain UK... Westminster News
Police funding boost for Hampshire 31st January 2020 Police funding for Hampshire is set to rise by £26.1m as part of the Government’s proposed settlement for 2020/21, which will see an overall increase of £1.1b... Local News
75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz 24th January 2020 This week Damian signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment, pledging his support for Holocaust Memorial Day. This year also marks 75 years... Westminster News
Action to protect SWR rail users 24th January 2020 Damian welcomes action this week by Grant Shapps, the Secretary of State for Transport regarding South Western Railway. As a precautionary measure, amid... Westminster News
New tax for internet giants 23rd January 2020 From April 2020, the government will introduce a new 2% tax on the revenues of search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces which derive value... Westminster News
New pay proposals for teachers 21st January 2020 Damian welcomed the teacher Recruitment & Retention programme during Education OPQs yesterday, together with news on teacher workload. More information on the... Westminster News
