Afghanistan

Bob asked the Foreign Secretary what progress has been made to ensure that the poppy crop in Afghanistan is being diverted for legitimate medical use and away from the illicit black market.   Click Here to read the debate in full 

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The Budget

Bob spoke at length in the House of Commons following the Budget. He praised the positive effects that it would have in Harrow, noting the 40,000 people in his constituency that would benefit from a tax cut; the ever decreasing unemployment figures; and the 4,000 people that would be taken out of the tax system completely.   Click Here&nbs...

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Voluntary Organisation Grants

Bob asked the Government to condemn local authorities such as Harrow that are cutting grants to voluntary organisations that provide services to the weak and vulnerable.   Click Here to read the debate in full 

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Minimum Alcohol Pricing

On the subject of introducing a minimum alcohol price, Bob asked whether a ban on anti-competitive behaviour would be a better solution. This would prevent retailers from selling alcohol at a loss as is often done to entice customers into their stores.   Click Here to read the debate in full 

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The Welfare System

Bob called for a debate to highlight the need to ensure that the welfare system remains contribution based. He stressed the need to see the benefit system as one that is there for those not able to work, the weak and vulnerable and a helping hand to those looking to return to work.   Click Here to read the debate in full 

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NHS Care

Following the publication of the report into the incidents at the Mid Staffordshire Hospital, Bob took the opportunity to question the Prime Minister on standards of care in the NHS. Bob noted that thousands of people will be worried about what is going on in their own local hospital: could the same things be going on there? Bob pressed David Cameron to agree that it is important for staff to say that, “We will not put up with poor standards,” and that as part and parcel of that, ward manage...

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Harrow Council

Bob stated that Harrow council tops the league for the number of staff suspended and the length of time for which they have been suspended. He highlighted that one member of staff has been suspended for two and a half years on full pay. Bob continued by stating that Harrow Council has also refused £3.6 million in Government grant to freeze the council tax, preferring to raise it to the third highest in London. In light of these issues, Bob asked for a debate on inefficiency and ineffectiveness ...

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Curriculum and Exam Reform

Bob spoke of his view that it is clearly crucial foryoung people to gain key skills at the earliest possible stage, particularly in mathematics. With this in mind, he asked the Education Secretary to confirm that, under the new curriculum, children will learn their 12 times table at the age of nine, rather than learning the 10 times table by the age of 11?    Read More →