Campaign Responses

Graham receives many campaign emails from residents concerned about national issues. They are similar in content and so he publishes his responses on this website so you can see his position on each of them. You may also like to take a look at the relevant Government department’s website, where there is far more information on the many issues raised. You can find them here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations

Graham aims to have his response to a new campaign up on the website within a week of receiving the first one.

If you are a resident and cannot see Graham’s reply to a campaign email you sent over a week ago, please let him know by writing to [email protected].

Please click on the relevant link below to view Graham’s response.

Family Farm Tax

I am extremely concerned by the Government’s announcement in the Budget to make changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) which is being referred to as the Family Farm Tax.

Illegal Killing of Hen Harriers

The hen harrier is one of our most spectacular birds of prey and I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that I am wholly committed to the future of this beautiful species. 

North Sea Oil and Gas

We will continue to rely on oil and gas to meet our energy needs for decades to come, even if the Government reaches its target of achieving Net Zero by 2050. Therefore the real choice is not whether to use oil and gas, but whether we produce it here or buy it from abroad.

Stop the Holiday Tax

The Government have confirmed that they will legislate to give mayors (and, potentially, other local leaders) the power to introduce new overnight visitor levies.

End the Cage Age

I welcome the action taken by the last Government to improve animal welfare, such as banning the export of live animals, including  pigs, for fattening or slaughter, with the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024, and increasing the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty from six

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill

I appreciate that this is an issue about which many people hold strong and sincerely held views, and I respect that you have taken the time to share yours with me. I have received correspondence from constituents on both sides of this debate.

Pesticides and Synthetic Fertiliser

I recognise the importance of the strict regulation of pesticides based solely on scientific assessment of risks. It is vital that these regulations provide a high level of protection for people and the environment.

Bird Shooting Industry

Game shooting generally refers to the shooting of hares, pheasants, partridges and grouse. While I appreciate your concerns about game shooting, it brings vital income to rural communities and the land management for game shooting can bring significant benefits to the environment.

NARPO Widows 'Love or Money' Campaign

The last Government made changes in 2015 to improve survivor benefits for widows, widowers and civil partners of police officers who die as a result of an injury on duty, strengthening the financial support available to eligible survivors under the scheme’s rules.Separately, a court judgment in 2023

Donations Cap

While I recognise the importance of ensuring that our democracy is not subject to subversive influences, I do not support an arbitrary cap on donations.There is a long-standing principle that if you can vote for a political party, then you can donate to a political party.