Getting in touch
I'm always interested to hear what people in my constituency think, so please get in touch by using the contact details on the right.
If you'd like my help on a personal issue, then read the next section before making contact, as it will help you to know what I can and can't do.
"The staff at your office are polite and prompt. They always made me feel at ease each time I contacted the office."
- Rose, Lordshill
What I can help with
As your MP I can investigate problems you may be experiencing with either central or local government or with public agencies. Some of the more common problem areas are listed below together with links to relevant web sites. It's worth checking out the web site before contacting me as it may give you the information or help that you need.
I am only allowed to take up issues for people who either live or work in the Southampton Test constituency. If you're not sure if this is the case, you can check by postcode on websites like WriteToThem . You should also make sure that if this is a council issue, that you contact your local councillor first. If they can't help you, I may be able to, but they should be your first point of contact.
How to get my help
The first thing to do is to get in touch with my office, using the detail on the right of this page. My staff can help talk you through the next steps, and if appropriate, book an appointment at one of my surgeries. We deal with an average of 150 cases per month so please be patient with us if we are busy. My office will always get back to you if you have to leave a message.
Useful websites
- Inland Revenue - Tax
- Home Office - Immigration and Nationality
- Post Office Services
- Health
- Benefits
- Employment Services
- Child Support Agency
- Housing
- DVLA - Driver and Vehicle Licenses
- Planning
This doesn't cover all the circumstances I can help you with, so please get in contact with my office if you're not sure. The details are on the right-hand side of this page.
My position on Early Day Motions (EDMs)
I'm often contacted by constituents who ask me to sign Early Day Motions ('EDMs') in Parliament as part of a particular campaign. However, I have a policy that I have attempted as far as possible not to sign any EDMs unless I was directly involved in their creation.
My reason is that there appears to be an explosion of EDMs set down, none of which will ever be debated during the parliamentary session. Some members sign large numbers of EDMs, or indeed put EDMs down as a method of being seen to have dealt with an issue without taking further action. There were nearly 3000 EDMs set down in the last Parliamentary session and, astonishingly, 16 Members each signed over 1000 of them.
However, my approach to EDMs in general does not mean that I oppose the aims and objectives of any particular EDM.. If you write to me asking my support for a particular campaign, I will always write back to let you know my position on the issue you raise- whether there is an EDM about it or not!