Work in Westminster

Select Committees 

The committees, to which MPs are elected by their peers at the start of the new parliament, exists to ensure that Government policy and decision-making is based on expertise advice and evidence. .

All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs): 

All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) are cross-party groups formed by MPs and Members of the House of Lords who share a common interest in a particular policy area, region or country.

While they are not official parliamentary committees these groups can be influential because of their non-partisan, bicameral approach to an issue.

Membership: 

To view Derek's activity in Parliament, including speeches and voting in parliament, please click here.

News

Action on brain tumours

Tom Parker from The Wanted was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour last year.  Since then, he has been campaigning to improve care and treatment for brain tumour patients.  This week, he presented a Channel 4 documentary about his battle with cancer and his campaign to raise awareness. 

MP's column

Last week, as we returned to Parliament, there was both encouraging developments and concerning developments.

 

MP's column

The type of future in Afghanistan for citizens is uncertain but we have to recognise that a Taliban regime that imposes Shariah Law will be very difficult to adjust to for those who have enjoyed certain freedoms that we take for granted (please excuse the significant understatement).

Afghanistan

The situation across Afghanistan is of grave concern and the scene is set for more bloodshed, vengeance and unrest. The sense of disbelief and regret is understandable but are we really surprised by the Taliban insurgence once President Biden publicly committed to withdrawing US troops?

PM given mandate to take negotiations back to Brussels

MPs have given the PM a clear mandate to return to Brussels to address the issue of the backstop. I have consistently said that I believed a withdrawal agreement could secure the support of enough MPs if concerns over the backstop could be addressed.

Fact and fiction in the smart meter roll-out

West Cornwall MP Derek Thomas has sponsored an event in Westminster at which MPs and civil servants were able to find out what is fact and what is fiction with regard to smart meters.