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Bridgen, Wollaston and Stewart among the Tory MPs pushing for Parliament to have a say in any Syria action
By Peter Hoskin
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It's no surprise that Tory MPs are joining Douglas Alexander in seeking a recall of Parliament ahead of any military action in Syria. After all, 81 of them signed a letter to David Cameron in June, demanding a vote on any decision to dispatch British arms to the rebels.
And it's also no surprise that the author of that letter, Andrew Bridgen, is among the most insistent voices this time around, now that missiles appear poised to strike at Assad. "We need to recall Parliament immediately, if that's what's on the table," is how he put it on the radio yesterday. "I want to hear what the Prime Minister or the Foreign Secretary has to say at the despatch box."
Continue reading "Bridgen, Wollaston and Stewart among the Tory MPs pushing for Parliament to have a say in any Syria action" »
Monday, August 26, 2013 in Andrew Bridgen MP, Bob Stewart MP, David Cameron MP, Defence, Douglas Carswell MP, Sarah Wollaston MP, William Hague MP, Zac Goldsmith MP | Permalink | Comments
Andrew Bridgen MP|Bob Stewart MP|David Cameron MP|Defence|Douglas Carswell MP|Sarah Wollaston MP|William Hague MP|Zac Goldsmith MP|
Only one supportive Conservative question for Philip Hammond yesterday (and that from one of his recent Ministerial colleagues)
Even the most cursory glance at today's ConHome newslinks demonstrates that Philip Hammond had a torrid time in the Commons yesterday. I think it is worth listing a selection of the questions he was asked from his own backbenches, and I hope and believe that the one below is representative of those asked.
Readers will see that only one question was supportive, and it came from Peter Luff, who was recently dismissed from the MOD during the reshuffle. (The Defence Secretary will be grateful to Mr Luff for rallying round, especially since he was apparently expected to stay in the department: it was another curious dismissal.)
I have edited Mr Hammond's replies in order to keep this summary reasonably brief, and I think and hope, again, that the result is not unfair to him. The full Hansard record is here. Paul Waugh reports elsewhere that Rory Stewart, who knows more Afghanistan than any other MP, forced William Hague to admit yesterday that 75% of attacks on our troops are not by the Taliban.
Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay): "This announcement threatens to blow a hole in our stated exit strategy, which is heavily reliant on these joint operations continuing until Afghan forces are able to operate independently and provide their own security following ISAF's withdrawal...What is our mission in Afghanistan? Clarity is required. If we are remaining true to our original mission of eliminating al-Qaeda from Afghanistan, should we not now be doing more to encourage the Americans to conduct non-conditional talks with the Taliban in order to explore possible common ground?"
The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): "I am clear that the mission we are carrying out in Afghanistan is to protect Britain's national security by denying Afghan space to international terrorists. That is our mission, and that is the mission we will complete."
Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East): "The reason why, in opposition, the shadow Defence ministerial team opposed naming an advance date for withdrawal was the fear that the Taliban would redouble their efforts in the run-up to that date. Given that we are where we are with such a date, is it not obvious that a move towards a strategy of maintaining one or more long-term strategic bases in Afghanistan would show the Taliban the need to negotiate a solution and a settlement? Without that, it will not happen."
Hammond: "I can tell the House that the UK Government have no appetite for a long-term combat role in Afghanistan, and have made it very clear that we will be out of the combat role by the end of 2014."
Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): "The Secretary of State made the welcome comment that the international forces wished to lower their profile at a time of trouble, but then he seemed to imply that that applied only to American forces. What action has been taken to protect British forces? What is the approach to their having to co-operate with people who may intend their death, and would he not move more quickly to Afghans policing dangerous places in Afghanistan?"
Hammond: "There is much evidence that there is a much lower risk where long-term partnering arrangements are in place—in other words, where a group of troops are working with a group of Afghan troops on a daily basis—and much more risk where these partnering and mentoring activities are on an ad hoc basis, so that relationships are not built."
Dr Liam Fox (North Somerset) (Con): "Mentoring is one of the most important ways in which we have increased the capability of Afghan forces, and the Secretary of State has made it clear today that the instruction from ISAF in Kabul will not alter the British relationship to partnering. Does he not recognise, however, that the nuances between tactics and strategy can be lost on insurgents, and that the timing of this is unfortunate, so we must redouble our efforts to make it clear to the forces of terror that they cannot push our strategy off course?"
Hammond: "Of course my right hon. Friend is absolutely right: this is the crucial message that needs to be sent to the insurgents."
Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con): "My right hon. Friend said that the new measures announced by ISAF were prudent but temporary. In what respect are they temporary? In what respect can they be?"
Hammond: "General Allen has indicated that he intends to review the order in the light of the evolving security environment, and to return to normal operations, as he described it, as soon as possible."
Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): "Will my right hon. Friend comment on the fact that American soldiers who are mentoring seem to be slightly safer than our junior NCOs, young officers and soldiers, because they are not right on the front line? It worries me a great deal that we continue to allow our solders to go right to the front line, where they are seemingly in greater danger than their American colleagues."
Hammond: "I do not accept that our soldiers are in greater danger, but it is the case that our model differs from the American model, in that it includes routinely mentoring at company, or tolay, level. That is the model that we have deemed most effective."
Peter Luff (Mid Worcestershire) (Con): "The Secretary of State has made it commendably clear that it is in our vital national interest to stick to the strategy that has been set in Afghanistan. When it comes to the security of British troops, does he take comfort from the words of Brigadier Bob Bruce, who will be leading the 4th Mechanised Brigade in its forthcoming tour of Afghanistan, who has said that we are sending to Afghanistan"the best prepared and the best equipped…Task Force the United Kingdom has ever put into the field?"
Hammond: "I am most grateful to my hon. Friend, who has been a stalwart supporter of the policy and the strategy, which, as I have emphasised this morning, has not changed."
Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): "The Secretary of State mentioned earlier that a motive for the attacks was the despicable video that was published on the internet. Does he agree that another motive, which I have mentioned to both him and the Secretary of State for International Development, is the use of drone strikes, which have killed nearly 1,000 civilians in Pakistan and a higher number in Afghanistan? Does the Secretary of State not agree that we urgently need to look at reviewing the use of drone strikes, which is considered on the front page of The Times today?"
Hammond: "The use of unmanned aerial vehicles to carry out strikes is continuously reviewed, but I do not believe there is any need for a wholesale change to the current approach, which is that UAVs will be used where they are the most appropriate way to execute a particular operation."
A section of the Defence Secretary's statement that particularly caught my eye was another part of his answer to Dr Fox:
"As I said yesterday, the stepping up of these insider attacks is, in fact, a reflection of the success of partnering and mentoring operations."
Given the rising number of green-on-blue killings, I'm not sure that this is an argument I would have used. The chart below is from the Guardian.
My view has previously been outlined here: namely, that the arguments put in Mr Stewart's essay in the London Review of Books and Adam Holloway's booklet for the CPS are right.
Their view in a nutshell is that Afghanistan cannot be transformed into a western-style liberal democracy and that British military commitment to it should be minimal.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 in Adam Holloway MP, Bob Stewart MP, James Arburthnot MP, John Randall MP, Julian Lewis MP, Liam Fox MP, Peter Luff MP, Philip Hammond MP, Rehman Chisti MP | Permalink | Comments
Adam Holloway MP|Bob Stewart MP|James Arburthnot MP|John Randall MP|Julian Lewis MP|Liam Fox MP|Peter Luff MP|Philip Hammond MP|Rehman Chisti MP|
6 Jul 2012 13:17:19
41 Tory MPs join call by Robert Halfon MP for OFT to investigate high petrol prices
Robert Halfon, the Member of Parliament for Harlow, and one of the most successful campaigning MPs in Parliament, has organised a motion, backed by 60 MPs from all parties, and including 41 Tories, calling for the Office of Fair Trading to investigate allegations of price-fixing by British oil companies. The full motion is worded as follows:
"That this House urges the OFT to investigate oil firms active in the UK; calls on the Government to consider the emergency actions being taken in other G20 nations to cut fuel prices, for example President Obama strengthening Federal supervision of the U.S. oil market, and increasing penalties for "market manipulation", and Germany and Austria setting up a new oil regulator, with orders to help stabilise the price of petrol in the country; finally urges the Office of Fair Trading to note that the Federal Cartel Office in Germany is now investigating oil firms active in the UK, after allegations of price-fixing."
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Friday, July 06, 2012 in Adam Holloway MP, Andrew Bingham MP, Andrew Bridgen MP, Andrew Rosindell MP, Bernard Jenkin MP, Bob Stewart MP, Brandon Lewis MP, Caroline Nokes MP, Charlie Elphicke MP, Dan Byles MP, Daniel Kawczynski MP, David Davis MP, Dominic Raab MP, Gordon Henderson MP, Graham Stuart MP, Guy Opperman MP, Jack Lopresti MP, James Clappison MP, James Morris MP, Jeremy Lefroy MP, Karl McCartney MP, Kris Hopkins MP, Mark Pawsey MP, Martin Vickers MP, Mike Weatherley MP, Nigel Mills MP, Penny Mordaunt MP, Peter Bottomley MP, Richard Harrington MP, Robert Halfon MP, Sam Gyimah MP, Sarah Newton MP, Sheryll Murray MP, Simon Kirby MP, Stephen McPartland MP, Stephen Metcalfe MP, Stephen Mosley MP, Stuart Andrew MP, Tracey Crouch MP | Permalink | Comments
Adam Holloway MP|Andrew Bingham MP|Andrew Bridgen MP|Andrew Rosindell MP|Bernard Jenkin MP|Bob Stewart MP|Brandon Lewis MP|Caroline Nokes MP|Charlie Elphicke MP|Dan Byles MP|Daniel Kawczynski MP|David Davis MP|Dominic Raab MP|Gordon Henderson MP|Graham Stuart MP|Guy Opperman MP|Jack Lopresti MP|James Clappison MP|James Morris MP|Jeremy Lefroy MP|Karl McCartney MP|Kris Hopkins MP|Mark Pawsey MP|Martin Vickers MP|Mike Weatherley MP|Nigel Mills MP|Penny Mordaunt MP|Peter Bottomley MP|Richard Harrington MP|Robert Halfon MP|Sam Gyimah MP|Sarah Newton MP|Sheryll Murray MP|Simon Kirby MP|Stephen McPartland MP|Stephen Metcalfe MP|Stephen Mosley MP|Stuart Andrew MP|Tracey Crouch MP|
Philip Hammond gets rough reception from some Tories as he announces historic cuts to the Army
Philip Hammond's statement to the House this afternoon announcing cuts to the Army was bound to be a challenging time for the Secretary of State for Defence. The announcement signals the beginning of a long transformation for the Army, and jobs will undoubtedly be lost as a result of the changes. Mr Hammond told the House that the 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, 2nd Battalion the Royal Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire regiment, 3rd Battalion the Mercian Regiment and the 2nd Battalion the Royal Welsh would all be "withdrawn" or disbanded. The Secretary of State said:
"These withdrawals and mergers, unwelcome as I know they will be in the units affected, are fair and balanced, and have been carefully structure to minimise the impact of the regular manpower reduction and optimise the military effectiveness of the Army."
Continue reading "Philip Hammond gets rough reception from some Tories as he announces historic cuts to the Army" »
Thursday, July 05, 2012 in Ben Wallace MP, Bob Stewart MP, James Arburthnot MP, John Baron MP, John Glen MP, Julian Brazier MP, Julian Lewis MP, Nicholas Soames MP, Patrick Mercer MP, Philip Hammond MP, Richard Drax MP, Sir Peter Tapsell MP, Tobias Ellwood MP | Permalink | Comments
Ben Wallace MP|Bob Stewart MP|James Arburthnot MP|John Baron MP|John Glen MP|Julian Brazier MP|Julian Lewis MP|Nicholas Soames MP|Patrick Mercer MP|Philip Hammond MP|Richard Drax MP|Sir Peter Tapsell MP|Tobias Ellwood MP|
34 Conservative MPs write to Andrew Lansley to express "serious concerns" about plain tobacco packaging
On Friday, 50 MPs, including 34 Conservatives, wrote a letter to the Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley, expressing their "serious concerns" with the Department of Health's proposal to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products.
The letter stated that:
"There is no reliable evidence that plain packaging will have any public health benefit; no country in the world has yet to introduce it. However, such a measure could have extremely negative consequences elsewhere. The proposal will be a smuggler's charter. ... this policy threatens more than 5,500 jobs directly employed by the UK tobacco sector, and over 65,000 valued jobs in the associated supply chain. ... Given the continued difficult economic climate, businesses should not be subjected to further red tape and regulation"
The signatories of the letter also expressed concern about the freedom aspect of blocking any branding of tobacco products:
"...we believe products must be afforded certain basic commercial freedoms. The forcible removal of branding would infringe fundamental legal rights, severely damage principles around intellectual property and set a dangerous precedent for the future of commercial free speech. Indeed, if the Department of Health were to introduce standardised packaging for tobacco products, would it also do the same for alcohol, fast food, chocolate and all other products deemed unhealthy for us?"
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Monday, July 02, 2012 in Alun Cairns MP, Andrew Lansley MP, Anne Main MP, Bob Stewart MP, Brian Binley MP, Charlie Elphicke MP, Christopher Chope MP, David Nuttall MP, Douglas Carswell MP, Gordon Henderson MP, Graham Brady MP, Greg Knight MP, Guto Bebb MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger MP, Jackie Doyle-Price MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Karl McCartney MP, Laurence Robertson MP, Mark Pawsey MP, Mark Spencer MP, Michael Fallon MP, Mike Freer MP, Neil Parish MP, Nigel Mills MP, Paul Uppal MP, Peter Bone MP, Philip Davies MP, Philip Hollobone MP, Richard Drax MP, Robert Walter MP, Robin Walker MP, Simon Hart MP, Stephen Metcalfe MP, Steve Baker MP, Thérèse Coffey MP | Permalink | Comments
Alun Cairns MP|Andrew Lansley MP|Anne Main MP|Bob Stewart MP|Brian Binley MP|Charlie Elphicke MP|Christopher Chope MP|David Nuttall MP|Douglas Carswell MP|Gordon Henderson MP|Graham Brady MP|Greg Knight MP|Guto Bebb MP|Ian Liddell-Grainger MP|Jackie Doyle-Price MP|Jacob Rees-Mogg MP|Karl McCartney MP|Laurence Robertson MP|Mark Pawsey MP|Mark Spencer MP|Michael Fallon MP|Mike Freer MP|Neil Parish MP|Nigel Mills MP|Paul Uppal MP|Peter Bone MP|Philip Davies MP|Philip Hollobone MP|Richard Drax MP|Robert Walter MP|Robin Walker MP|Simon Hart MP|Stephen Metcalfe MP|Steve Baker MP|Thérèse Coffey MP|
Conservative backbenchers halt effort to move clocks forward
Yesterday, a Private Member's Bill by Rebecca Harris, the Member for Castle Point, which sought to move British clocks forward by an hour all year round, was brought before the House.
The Government was supportive of the Bill, and there was a strong turnout with wide cross-party support for the proposal. However, a small group of Members, mostly Conservative, managed to talk the Bill out of Parliament. As a result of the Bill not being passed yesterday, the Government has decided not to allow further Parliamentary time for its consideration, and the Bill is now dead.
The main objection to passing the bIll is summarised by Christopher Chope (Christchurch)'s contribution to the debate. He argued:
"[T]he Bill's Achilles heel is that it has been redrafted in such a way that it would enable the United Kingdom Government to change the time zone in Scotland without the consent of the Scottish Parliament. We know that the Scottish Parliament, and MPs representing Scottish constituencies, do not support a change that would make winter mornings in Scotland even colder and darker than they are already. ... my concern is that if this Parliament changes the time zone for the United Kingdom against the wishes of the people of Scotland, it will give extra ammunition to those people in Scotland who are campaigning for independence. We would be playing into their hands if we forced the Bill through."
Over the last few days, North East Somerset MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, has called for Somerset to have its own timezone. This was part of the run-up to yesterday's debate. Mr Rees-Mogg attempted to amend the proposed Bill to make considerations for Somerset, in order to delay its passage. Although his amendment was not selected for consideration, Mr Rees-Mogg did play an active role in opposing the Bill. Mr Rees-Mogg's contributions were very varied and lengthy, but I have chosen a few of his more remarkable comments:
"It is worth pointing out that the coming power of the next century, China, has only the one time zone, and as we know from Noel Coward, China's very big."
In reply to Tom Harris MP: "I have the greatest respect for the hon. Gentleman and, had I thought that he would welcome it, I would have supported his candidacy for the Labour leadership in Scotland. I kept very quiet about that, however, because I thought that I might do him more harm than good."
"At one point, I felt that much of the Bill was aimed at lie-abeds—those who do not get up very early in the morning, but snooze on, remaining fast asleep in a relaxed and happy way."
"On that occasion I meant the majority party in the Scottish Parliament, but I see the hon. Gentleman's point, so perhaps we should have two representatives from Scotland, which means we must also have two from Somerset, because Somerset would feel let down if the numbers were not maintained with the rest of the Union."
"The relevant Secretary of State and President of the Board of Trade, the right hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), is known to be one of the wisest men in Parliament. Lenin's brain after his untimely death was kept for scientific research to see how such a great brain could operate and why it was different from other brains, and I am sure that this will happen in the sad event of the death of the President of the Board of Trade—may that day long be put off."
"I wonder further whether my hon. Friend thinks that if we did have a big fight with Brussels over this, it would increase the happiness of the nation."
"I just wondered whether my hon. Friend had noticed the time on the clock, because had the Bill already come into force, the debate would by now have ended."
Continue reading "Conservative backbenchers halt effort to move clocks forward" »
Saturday, January 21, 2012 in Bob Stewart MP, Christopher Chope MP, David Nuttall MP, Henry Smith MP, Iain Stewart MP, Jackie Doyle-Price MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Matthew Offord MP, Peter Bone MP, Peter Bottomley MP, Philip Davies MP, Rebecca Harris MP, Steve Baker MP, Thérèse Coffey MP | Permalink | Comments
Bob Stewart MP|Christopher Chope MP|David Nuttall MP|Henry Smith MP|Iain Stewart MP|Jackie Doyle-Price MP|Jacob Rees-Mogg MP|Matthew Offord MP|Peter Bone MP|Peter Bottomley MP|Philip Davies MP|Rebecca Harris MP|Steve Baker MP|Thérèse Coffey MP|
9 Sep 2011 07:37:57
Liam Fox's Commons Baha Mousa statement in full
Here is the Defence Secretary's statement, and below are questions from Conservative MPs with his answers. It's worth noting that Fox went out of his way to disagree with former serviceman Kris Hopkins - who features in Gazette this morning - that the incident was a dark day for the army as a whole, rather than for the individuals responsible. Ministers usually strive to avoid disagreeing with colleagues on the floor of the Commons, and Fox is an extremely skilful performer in the Chamber. That he felt he had to make the distinction reflects its importance to him (and I think he was right).
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Friday, September 09, 2011 in Bob Stewart MP, Children, Schools and Families, Christopher Pincher MP, Dan Byles MP, David Morris MP, Julian Lewis, Kris Hopkins MP, Liam Fox MP, Oliver Colvile MP, Rehman Chisti MP | Permalink | Comments (1)
Bob Stewart MP|Children, Schools and Families|Christopher Pincher MP|Dan Byles MP|David Morris MP|Julian Lewis|Kris Hopkins MP|Liam Fox MP|Oliver Colvile MP|Rehman Chisti MP|
Tory MPs debate the News of the World phone-hacking scandal
Redoubtable Labour Member Chris Bryant managed to secure an emergency debate in the Commons yesterday, following Prime Minister's Questions and a statement by the Prime Minister on the situation in Afghanistan, to discuss the News of the World phone-hacking scandal.
Although the debate was abused by some Members (Labour's Clive Efford, for example: "Only if ordinary people make a stand will we stop these rich people—rich people who have invaded the lives of ordinary people in the street—making themselves even richer and even more powerful."), Conservative members took a range of considered and serious positions in reaction to news of the scandal.
Three Conservative Members called for a "pause" in the current News Corporation takeover of BSkyB (as, it appears, has now taken place):
Nicholas Soames pointed to "serious criminality" at News International: "Given that there is clear evidence of serious criminality on the part of some people at News International, would not due process also now include, in any event and without necessarily referring this to the Competition Commission, calling a pause pending further evidence?"
Anna Soubry called for the issue to be referred to Ofcom: "Such is my concern—I have been persuaded by much of what I have heard today—that I think there must now be a pause in the consideration of the matter that has been referred to and will be determined by Ofcom. I urge the Secretary of State to consider whethbryer we should pause things, given what has happened."
Zac Goldsmith said anything other than a pause would be "appalling" to the public: "That deal needs to be put on hold by the Government until the dust has settled and we know where we stand. Anything less than that will be viewed as appalling by the public and will be met with a nod of disapproval."
Continue reading "Tory MPs debate the News of the World phone-hacking scandal" »
Thursday, July 07, 2011 in Anna Soubry MP, Bob Stewart MP, Dominic Raab MP, John Whittingdale MP, Nicholas Soames MP, Thérèse Coffey MP, Zac Goldsmith MP | Permalink | Comments (10)
Anna Soubry MP|Bob Stewart MP|Dominic Raab MP|John Whittingdale MP|Nicholas Soames MP|Thérèse Coffey MP|Zac Goldsmith MP|
19 Mar 2011 07:43:37
Conservative MPs line up to support Cameron on Libya - but he's probed about the arms embargo
I list below every question asked by a Conservative MP yesterday in response to the Prime Minister's Commons statement about Libya. For better or worse, I haven't cited his replies in every case, but his answers on regime change, the arms embargo and the International Criminal Court are of special interest, and are therefore quoted in full.
"Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): As one of the doubting Thomases of the past few weeks, I congratulate the Prime Minister on his success and leadership and offer him my full support. I also join him in paying tribute to Sir Mark Lyall Grant and his team at the UN for what is a remarkable diplomatic success, which hopefully will mark a turning point in the development of these issues at the UN. I am sure the Prime Minister agrees that difficult questions remain. At this moment, however, it is incumbent on all of us to stand behind the armed forces, particularly our airmen, who have to implement the resolution.
Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con): Yet again, my right hon. Friend has shown a breathtaking degree of courage and leadership. I support what he has said and what he has done. Does he agree that, while regime change is not the aim of these resolutions, in practice there is little realistic chance of achieving their aims without regime change?"
Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): I join others in congratulating the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and all the others who have been involved in securing this very tough resolution, and indeed the building of a broad-based coalition to deal with Gaddafi. Does the Prime Minister agree, however, that in the weeks to come it will be important for the country to know that at the same time as trying to deal with Gaddafi, the Government are also intent on forging ahead, with our European partners, in keeping the middle east peace process revitalised and going, so that we can draw the poison from the well?
Continue reading "Conservative MPs line up to support Cameron on Libya - but he's probed about the arms embargo" »
Saturday, March 19, 2011 in Angie Bray AM, Bernard Jenkin MP, Bill Cash MP, Bob Stewart MP, David Burrowes MP, James Arburthnot MP, Nicholas Soames MP, Nick Boles MP, Richard Ottaway MP, Sam Gyimah MP, Stephen Phillips MP, Thérèse Coffey MP, Tony Baldry MP | Permalink | Comments (6)
Angie Bray AM|Bernard Jenkin MP|Bill Cash MP|Bob Stewart MP|David Burrowes MP|James Arburthnot MP|Nicholas Soames MP|Nick Boles MP|Richard Ottaway MP|Sam Gyimah MP|Stephen Phillips MP|Thérèse Coffey MP|Tony Baldry MP|
MPs vote overwhelmingly in favour of British troops remaining in Afghanistan (with only one Tory MP dissenting)
By Jonathan Isaby and Paul Goodman
8.45 pm update: It's also worth noting the amendment tabled by Julian Lewis, supported by three other Conservative MPs, which sought to add to the motion the following words -
"provided that a more realistic military strategy is adopted designed to fulfil the United Kingdom's long-term interests in the region at lesser cost in life, limb and financial resources".
Lewis argued that -
"...all the Governments are signed up to an unrealistic strategy which ought to be changed. The reality is that General Richards was not really wrong in what he said previously and he is not really wrong when he says that we ought to be talking to the enemy. It is a question of timing. The truth of the matter is that General Petraeus is absolutely right to pursue such a counter-insurgency strategy, provided that we have all the time in the world and that we are prepared to take the casualties that are being inflicted on us by irregular forces. If we are not prepared to take those casualties, we will have to adopt a more realistic strategy, because otherwise we will withdraw arbitrarily and, on our withdrawal, the likelihood of the Afghan Government's being able to sustain themselves is open to doubt."
His speech can be read here. He was supported in the lobbies by Philip Hollobone and Andrew Turner. Conservative MPs seem to have been whipped to vote against the amendment.
Yesterday saw a debate initiated by the Backbench Business Committee on the presence of British troops in Afghanistan.
The motion before the Commons was "That this House supports the continued deployment of UK armed forces in Afghanistan" and was passed by 310 votes to 14. Only one Conservative opposed the motion - John Baron - and two Lib Dems, Julian Huppert and John Hemming. The remaining opponents were a variety of Labour MPs along with the Green and a Plaid Cymru member.
Below are some of the highlights of the Conservative contributions.
Bob Stewart (Beckenham):
"We have made some fundamental mistakes. I am not blaming anyone, but we made mistakes in 2006 when we dissipated our forces so they were in platoon houses and were not within the envelope. That meant that they could not have protection from artillery, and we had to use air power instead. The air power protecting them knocked out houses around them and killed local people, turning the people against our forces. In 2007 and 2008 we had gone back to counter-insurgency tactics—taking, holding, building—and our gallant troops went in to take, but they could not hold. They had to withdraw. Perhaps Members remember those pictures of helicopters flying with men strapped aboard to try to bring troops back. We could not hold the ground. Also, of course, our enemy came in and put devices on the ground that caused real problems, and they continue to do so to this day.
"We now have a situation in which there is an increase in the number of soldiers on the ground, principally from the United States, and the principles of counter-insurgency are, in fact, beginning to work. They are protecting the people, and the key is whether the Afghan people feel protected and safe and can live a decent life."
Continue reading "MPs vote overwhelmingly in favour of British troops remaining in Afghanistan (with only one Tory MP dissenting)" »
Friday, September 10, 2010 in Bob Stewart MP, Jack Lopresti MP, John Baron MP, Julian Lewis MP, Liam Fox MP, Rebellions, Richard Drax MP, Rory Stewart MP | Permalink | Comments (26)
Bob Stewart MP|Jack Lopresti MP|John Baron MP|Julian Lewis MP|Liam Fox MP|Rebellions|Richard Drax MP|Rory Stewart MP|
7 Aug 2010 06:52:45
Bob Stewart MP answers ConHome's Twenty Questions for the Class of 2010
Now that most of the new intake of Conservatives MPs have settled into life at Westminster and made their maiden speeches, ConHome has invited them all to answer twenty questions to help us get to know them a little better.
The first MP to be featured is Bob Stewart, who was elected MP for Beckenham with a majority of 17,784.
1. What is your earliest political memory? Meeting the British High Commissioner to Aden in 1955.
2. Complete the sentence: "I'm a Conservative because… It is the party which I believes most cares for every single person in this country - rich or poor - and guards the traditions and character of Britain."
3. Who is your political hero and why? Winston Churchill because of his courage.
4. When did you decide you wanted to become an MP? May 2009.
5. What is your reading material of choice? I always look at ConHome, BBC News, and Iain Dale on the internet.
6. Who is your favourite political interviewer/presenter on TV or radio? Dan Damon of BBC World Service.
7. If you could run any government department, which would it be and why? Defence, because I have been a soldier for most of my adult life.
8. Which non-Conservative politician do you most admire? Hilary Benn.
9. Who would you least want to get stuck with in a House of Commons lift? I don't answer that sort of question.
11. What do you enjoy doing to unwind and relax? Being free to do anything I like.
12. What is your favourite book? What is History? by E.H. Carr.
13. What is your favourite film? The Dam Busters, which I first saw in 1954.
14. What is your favourite music? Who widna fecht for Charlie.
15. What would be your ideal meal and where would you eat it? Fried calamari and a cold beer on the terrace of The Rock Hotel, Gibraltar.
16. What is your favourite holiday destination? Cyprus - because I spent some of my childhood there
17. What do you most want to achieve during your first term in Parliament? Understanding how the place works and being an effective backbencher.
18. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about yourself. I guarded Rudolf Hess in Spandau Prison, Berlin.
19. Tell us one interesting, unusual or surprising fact about your constituency. William Wilberforce announced, in Mr Pitt's garden, that he intended to emancipate slaves by bringing a bill to that effect before Parliament.
20. Share with us your most amusing story or favourite anecdote from the campaign trail. Being invited in for champagne by some exceptionally kind people in Keston - I overstayed my welcome!
Saturday, August 07, 2010 in Bob Stewart MP, Class of 2010 | Permalink | Comments (15)
Bob Stewart MP|Class of 2010|
Bob Stewart, James Morris and Jeremy Lefroy make their maiden speeches
Yesterday was day two of the new Parliament and three more Conservative MPs delivered their maiden speeches.
Bob Stewart, the new MP for Beckenham who has spent most of his life in the military, described being elected to the Commons as "the best thing that has ever happened to me."
He spoke fondly of his constituency, highlighting its links with both Pitts, Wilberforce (not to mention Enid Blyton) and shared this anecdote about another former Prime Minister:
"There is a rumour that the greatest Englishman of them all, Sir Winston Churchill, used to stop off in my constituency for a tipple on the way to Chartwell. I have investigated all the public houses in Keston, Bromley Common, West Wickham and Hayes in my attempt to check whether that is correct. So far, I have failed, but I promise that I will keep up the endeavour."
He went on to speak about military casualties in conflicts and the treatment of veterans:
"Since this day last year, we have lost 125 soldiers in Afghanistan. If we use the ratio of one person killed to about three to five wounded, which the military often does, we have casualty losses of something like 625 people since this time last year. That is horrific. It is not all the 9,000-plus military people in Afghanistan whom I am talking about, but more particularly what the Army calls the Bayonets—some 2,000 to 3,000 people who do the business of closing with the enemy, going out of their camps each day to do what they have been trained to do. They know what the casualty rate is, and so do their families, but they nevertheless continue to go out for us each day. Their courage is tremendous, and we all know that courage is not the absence of fear but its mastery. Our soldiers do that for us every day.
"Looking into things further, we also need to consider how many more of these people are going to suffer mentally—something we do not yet see. Let us think back to last week, when Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC, perhaps the bravest of the brave, admitted that his own demons drove him to consider suicide, which he actually tried. How many more men and some women are going to get the same feeling? We currently have a fabulous casualty evacuation system in place between the point of wounding and all the way through to the time people leave the armed forces. I am very happy with that and I am particularly pleased that we sometimes have a consultant flown in by a helicopter for casualty evacuation. I am nevertheless concerned about veterans once they leave the Colours, as I have been involved with them... I am delighted that the coalition programme refers to better mental health facilities for veterans. We must get this as good as we can; we owe our veterans through-life care until the end of their time."
James Morris, who gained Halesowen and Rowley Regis from Labour at the election, told the Commons that there was an urgency about "reviving the House and reconnecting it with the people who sent us here":
"At this moment in history, political leaders and those of us, like me, who are humbled to have been elected to this place need to use our imaginations to revive this place and how it operates, and how people perceive politics; forge new alliances at home and abroad; create innovation in our politics and economy; and forge new partnerships in the House for the good of the nation. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve things for this country, decentralise power from central Government to local government and communities, strengthen democratic institutions and restore trust, and, by doing that, to build a stronger nation that is able to continue to play a positive role in world affairs."
Stafford's new MP, Jeremy Lefroy, gave the Commons a detailed tour of his constituency pointing out that it is, among other things, home to the annual V music festival ("a constituency event that I have not yet had the pleasure to attend; I am probably unlikely to do so, but I receive reports on it from my teenage daughter") as well as being the seat that David Cameron himself contested in 1997:
"He is well remembered in the constituency. Indeed, I have had the pleasure of visiting one constituent who pointed out a rock in front of her house that she called the Cameron rock, because he had transported it to that place himself. That shows that manual work is not unknown to those on the Front Bench."
He went to underline his belief in seeking greater links with the Commonwealth:
"The Gracious Speech referred to pursuing 'an enhanced partnership in India', which I welcome. India is, of course, the largest country in the Commonwealth. My experience of living and working in Tanzania, which is a stalwart member, for 11 years, shows that the bonds are strong—indeed, far stronger than many in this country believe. There are great opportunities for us to trade with the Commonwealth. At the moment, it accounts only for 8% of our exports and imports, so there is the potential for far more. If we do not do that, other nations such as China will—and they already are. Economic growth depends on exports, and I am sure that the Government will be looking at every possible avenue to improve this country's export growth. Political, educational and cultural ties are also important. As a previous speaker mentioned, soft power and strong relationships with Commonwealth countries need to be nurtured."
And he ended his well-crafted speech by quoting one of Stafford's most famous sons, Izaak Walton:
"The person that loses their conscience has nothing left worth keeping."
Thursday, May 27, 2010 in Bob Stewart MP, James Morris MP, Jeremy Lefroy MP, Maiden speeches | Permalink | Comments (4)
Bob Stewart MP|James Morris MP|Jeremy Lefroy MP|Maiden speeches|


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Home Latest Now That the National Assembly Is Back…
Now That the National Assembly Is Back…
Lawan...the unfinished business
Perhaps, the two chambers of the Ninth National Assembly are set for serious legislative work after a two-month annual vacation, report Deji Elumoye and Shola Oyeyipo
All is now set for both the Senate and the House of Representatives to face the myriad of legislative assignment before them since the inauguration of the National Assembly on June 11.
While the House of Representatives, last Tuesday, resumed plenary after its annual vacation with the Speaker, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, presiding, the Senate on its part is billed to end its vacation in the next two days specifically on Tuesday, September 24.
In essence, next Tuesday would be a special day at the Red Chambers with the Senators exchanging banter after being away for eight weeks.
One of the major tasks to be carried out by the leadership of the National Assembly is the composition and inauguration of all the standing committees, whose Chairmen and Vice Chairmen were hurriedly announced few hours before the Senate and House of Representatives proceeded on annual vacation in July.
This is necessary so as to allow the committees (69 in the Senate and 105 in the House) swing into action, more than four months after the inauguration of the Assembly.
It is expected that in the next two weeks or thereabouts, Senate President Ahmad Lawan and Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, would personally inaugurate the committees, stating clearly their terms of reference in line with the legislative agenda of the ninth assembly.
Two other issues will require immediate attention of the Senate upon resumption of plenary this week. These are submission and consideration of the reports of two ad-hoc committees set up to investigate Senator Elisha Abbo (Adamawa North), over an alleged assault on a nursing mother at an adult toy shop in Abuja earlier in the year.
Former governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu (Ebonyi North) had shortly before the Senate went on break last July requested for a week extension to enable the committee complete its report and present at plenary.
Unfortunately, this was not to be due to the consideration of the ministerial list sent to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari, which lasted for about two weeks.
The other issue is that of the Edo State House of Assembly, which the National Assembly in its wisdom said was not properly inaugurated and therefore directed Governor Godwin Obaseki of the state to issue another proclamation for a fresh inauguration of the Edo Assembly.
Rather than comply, the state government headed to court and got an injunction restraining the National Assembly from interfering in the affairs of the state Assembly.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, had in reaction to the judgment said, "All matters and decisions regarding the Edo Assembly crisis will wait until the Senate reconvenes on September 24, 2019".
As Nigerians anticipate what the Senate makes out of all the outstanding issues two days from now, the House resumed from vacation last Tuesday trying to prove that it might not really serve as an appendage of the Executive.
An indication to this effect was how the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, reacted to the flagrant disregard for the National Assembly by a member of the Executive, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to be specific.
Gbajabiamila showed more than a passing interest in applying legislative interventions in addressing the plights of Nigerians caught up in xenophobic attacks in faraway South Africa even when the House was still on vacation. At a point, he suggested that members of the lower chamber should call off their vacation to address the issue.
Although that did not eventually happen, Gbajabiamila and some other lawmakers addressed a press conference, where he stated that "the leadership of the House of Representatives will shortly invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, the Chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission and other stakeholders to jointly consider the causes of these latest incidents of organised mass violence and murder of our people.
"We intend not only to determine the causes of these latest events but also to assess and account for the losses in life and property that have occurred."
The Foreign Affairs Minister, when invited, however ignored the lawmakers. Onyeama's seeming disrespect for the parliament did not go down well with Gbajabiamila. Thus, at the resumption of plenary last Tuesday, the Speaker vowed to take up the issue of the refusal of the minister to honour their invitation with President Buhari.
The obviously miffed Gbajabiamila, who described the killing of Nigerians as a "nagging problem," which required urgent and collective efforts of the lawmakers and the executive, expressed his displeasure over Onyeama's decision to ignore the House invitation on the matter.
While referring ministers in President Buhari's cabinet to the provisions of Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, Gbajabiamila warned that in the task of nation building in a democratic setting, no Minister has the power to ignore legislative invitation.
"I am speaking directly to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I will be discussing further with Mr. President on the issue. I think if respect is reciprocal; if the House invites any member of the executive in our pursuit of happiness for all, then, I think that should be respected.
"The Minister has been asked on several occasions since this incident broke, by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and once, by the leadership of the House, for a full and proper briefing on what happened – what transpired in South Africa; because it is only when the committee or the leadership see the facts that we can actually address the issues properly.
"It is unfortunate that on all those occasions, the Minister has not responded to the chairman's invitation. And even when the Chairman wrote on behalf of the House that the leadership needed to meet with the Minister, he did not respond.
"I believe we are one government and I believe we are here to serve the interest on Nigerians. Let me use this platform to send a direct appeal to the Minister of Foreign Affair, and all the Ministers for that matter, that we need to respect the invitation that comes from this House, and particularly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, because of an issue that is so important.
"I would want to refer him to the provisions of the constitution, particularly Sections 88 and 89. And that is all I have to say on that matter; to refer him to the provisions of Section 88 and Section 89," he stated.
The House also debated a motion by Hon. Musa Bagos on the urgent need to address the killings of Nigerians by South Africans in their country.
Interestingly, while Onyeama got reprimanded by the House over issues relating to the handling of South African xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, another Onyema, this time around, the Chairman, Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema was unanimously nominated by the House for national honours in appreciation of his kind gesture of evacuating troubled Nigerians out of South Africa in the wake of the attacks.
The aviation business bigwig, who appeared before the House a day after warning signal was sent to his namesake, in recognition of the free services offered by his airline to get Nigerians out of South Africa, received standing ovation and commendations from the House.
Chairman of the House Committee on Army, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas, who moved the motion for national honour to be bestowed on the aviation mogul, said honouring Onyema would serve as a morale booster for other Nigerians to work in the interest of the country.
According to Namdas, "In view of what a good number had said here and the good works of Onyema, I want to suggest that the National Assembly, do recommend to Mr. President for a national for this great Nigerian. I want to recommend that because Nigerians have been given names.
"If you go out of the shores of this country, you will realise that a lot of people look at us differently. Today, his action has contributed to rewriting the history. I have not come up with a formal motion but with your kind permission that I want to move this motion here to recommend for the award of this great Nigerian so that it can also boost the morale of other Nigerians, including ourselves, so that we can do good for Nigeria."
When the motion was put to voice vote, the lawmakers unanimously approved the recommendation.
Describing the recognition given Onyema as "one of our epic moments in the chamber – for us to recognise Nigerians, who have risen to the call of patriotic duty," Gbajabiamila, said the honour was in recognition of his selfless service to Nigeria and Nigerians by the evacuation of citizens faced with the danger of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Noting that he had never experienced such an honour done him by the lawmakers, Onyema restated his commitment to continue to get Nigerians out of South Africa.
"I want to tell you that Air Peace is ready to repatriate Nigerians. We are ready to go into South Africa as long as there is one single Nigerian remaining in that country to be evacuated and we are doing it free of charge, because money is not everything."
He stated that, "The kind of support we have gotten from Nigerians through your commendations and everything gladden our heart to the extent that my pilot and my cabin crew stood out there for 24 hours, because they were (South African authority) trying to frustrate us. They didn't want us to evacuate. They pleaded with the Nigerian High Commission not to do it, but they told them that they can't stop these private citizens."
Another interesting development in the House last week was the setting up of an ad-hoc committee to investigate and unravel the mystery behind the recent judgment debt of $9.6bn against Nigeria in a United Kingdom court in a matter between Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) Limited. The decision was sequel to a motion on urgent need to investigate the negligence in the handling of the P&ID transaction by the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Petroleum Resources respectfully, moved by Hon. Julius Ihonvbere.
His motion was amended with the House resolving to mandate a 17-man ad-hoc committee, to as a matter of urgency, invite the Ministers of both Ministries as well as, other officials of the ministries, saddled with the responsibility to negotiate the agreement with P&ID and the prosecution of the matter before the tribunal to give situation report on the matter and explain the lapses in judgment of time and due diligence in the mishandling of the case with a view to finding lasting solutions to the avalanche of extant and future cases.
The lawmakers also agreed to recommend appropriate sanctions where necessary "without fear or favour or preference for status in line with Order 14 of the Standing Orders of the House" and also to initiate a process of reviewing all agreements and treaties signed by Nigeria through the appropriate committees to create opportunities to discover anomalies and avoid a repeat in the future.
Suspecting foul play in the transaction that is now threatening to deprive Nigeria and Nigerians a very significant portion of her foreign reserve, Ihonvbere stated in his motion that the recent judgment debt "leaves a very sour taste in the mouth.
"For a country with a foreign reserve of only $45 billion and a sovereign debt profile of over $80 billion, this judgment debt is not only punitive but would devastatingly affect the Nigerian economy."
Also worthy of note is the promise by Gbajabiamila that the Ninth Assembly would surmount obstacles against the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which many analysts have argued, was capable of repositioning the oil and gas sector to benefit Nigeria better.
Gbajabiamila assured Nigerians that the controversial Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would be reintroduced and passed by the Assembly in the new session.
In his speech at the resumption of plenary, the Speaker urged ad-hoc committees set up at the inception of the assembly to expedite action on matters before them and handover same to standing committees by September 30.
In all, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity, Hon. Benjamin Kalu said members of the National Assembly were familiar with the challenges confronting the citizenry and that the task of nation-building, as such, the agenda to move the country to the next level would top the priorities of the national lawmakers.
Kalu who spoke with THISDAY emphasised that, "The entire membership of the House is refreshed and motivated by the sound and all-inclusive leadership of the House of Representatives. We are all ready to push the nation-building agenda to the next level. We are resuming as a formidable-united house.
"You are aware of the current challenges in the country. They are the trending issues. These issues affect the people we represent and as their representatives, we identify with them, not merely as victims but as solution providers as allowed by the enabling laws establishing our offices.
"Like any other nation, our challenges are more than one, yet some will be prioritised by the House of Representatives on our list of preference in view of its urgency and importance to national unity, peace and progress."
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Governance in academies continues to be a focus of attention for those within the sector and others with an interest in their success. Corporate governance arrangements have significantly evolved since the 1990s, moving away from focusing on financial management to looking at the behaviours on display in the boardroom and the culture that can then lead to.
This report draws upon the insights and contributions of a roundtable held in September 2018 with participants from the academy and charity sectors and governance world. The findings do not reflect everything that was said, but provide useful suggestions for assessing an academy trust's culture and helping the trustees and senior leadership team to celebrate a positive and nurturing culture and decide when to take action.


I woke up this morning ready to find some great things for our store. And I didn't find a darn thing for the store. But I did find a nice, super cute, low profile… leather chair that is worn and lovely. With cute little queen anne feet and a nice little body. I was totally excited about that because I've envisioned something like it for our sunroom for some time now. I still can't decide if I like these feet or if I should order new chunky ones to make this chair feel a little more masculine. What's your take?
I figured I'd snap a few photos this evening because the lighting was gorgeous in the sunroom and show you a little more of our new couch and this new yard sale chair and also share with you some plans that I have for the space… I love the light in the photo below. Gorgeous evening.
It is very rustic… not brand new looking but not torn and rough. Just looks worn and sat in a lot which I like. Leather does look better with age, after all. I plan to find some cute pillows for my new couch as well as a small one for this chair. The antique table near this chair got painted matte black and I'm not sure if I am loving it but I am letting it sit to see if I like it or not. I just draped a throw across this chair for the time being and I really need to work on the table top decor of that table but for now, pictures of us and a boxwood will do. I love those lamps still though.
A few scratches and imperfections which all add rather than detract to the character and age of this chair. It is not an antique or probably even old at all but I still am loving it! See what I mean about the feet? I'm thinking something chunky but with a nod to an antique style.
Here's a better shot of that corner. Soon, I plan to add window molding to make above the windows chunkier and create a larger impact when walking into this room. For now, this chair adds just the right amount of contrast to this neutral and cozy room.
Here's a peek to the left of the room where the tv sits. Above the tv is an old rope bed that was already past gone so I cut off the headboard and plan to use it as a pediment for wall decor. I want to add either a bible scripture or a quote to it. I'm still unsure if I love that there as well. I added the chunky frames to either side of the tv and again, still not sure if I like those either. I moved our antique window frames into the master that I am currently trying to get done so I can reveal to y'all! Maybe I'll look for more window frames for either side but I don't want to pay an arm and a leg for them like usual.
Also in that corner, I purchased a large peace lily plant for some greenery color. I love the depth and color that plants add, including my favorite boxwoods.
Oh! And here's the peek at new couch. It's the Ektorp from Ikea that I have been eyeing for awhile forever! You can find it here. We opted to have the chaise in this sofa because my husband liked that option. We went with a new light beige cover called Tygelsjö beige that they just came out with. I really like the look of white but this soft beige seems more cozy to me. I am still on the hunt for throw pillows, a nice luxurious throw for the couch as well as an area rug. I am still leaning towards a nice jute rug but am hunting around for the best deal of course. And in case you were wondering, I am still loving the tv stand. I still would like to also get baskets for inside the doors of the tv stand.
And another peek to the right. The accessories and window moldings will really make this room pop! I am attending Fancy Flea in a few weeks with my partner in crime (Lucky Day Design Co.) so I am hoping to find a lot of great stuff for our house as well as for our shop!
I have a weakness for these pulls and lots of drawers. Oh, you too?
View from our near the leather chair. I am also on the hunt for a french door or older door to use for our sunroom out to our back patio. Oh, the searches… they never end!
Oh! And finally! If you follow on Facebook (here) you saw that I got new headshots for the blog and for my new real estate venture! Here's a few of my favorites below! I am always happy to hear from y'all so let me know what you think of everything and what you have found lately for your spaces!
Love it! I agree about the feet. It looks great, great progress!
I LOVE the new chair--you get a maybe from me on new feet. By the last photo of it I was undecided--they started to grow on me--what a good buy! Your headshots came out great!
I love the chair. I like the feet just the way they are.If you have Rooms To Go furniture store by you,they will give you free leather condtioner.It works great! Your headshots are beautiful!
Where did you get your gorgeous white TV stand? Love it!!!


A motorist has been banned from driving for a year after he was caught driving with both hands behind his head.
Two men have avoided jail after being caught driving at 144mph on the A19 in North Yorkshire.
The government is providing an extra £25.6 million to help maintain and repair roads in north Yorkshire.


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Home / Biography / Toby Jones
Acclaimed actor who has been around critically acclaimed motion pictures such as for example Infamous and and Frost/Nixon. His various other films consist of W, Captain America: The First Avenger, and THE LADY. He also portrayed Dobby in the Harry Potter film franchise. He resided in England along with his family members and provides acted within a movie along with his father. He examined performing in both Manchester and Paris. He provides two brothers called Rupert and Casper. He co-starred in The Mist with Thomas Jane.
Full Name Toby Jones
Date Of Birth September 7, 1966
Place Of Birth London, England
Profession Movie Actor
Education L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, University of Manchester, Abingdon School
Nationality British
Spouse Karen Jones
Children Madeleine Jones, Holly Jones
Parents Freddie Jones, Jennie Heslewood
Siblings Casper Jones, Rupert Jones
Awards British Independent Film Award for Best Actor, Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Nominations Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie, British Academy Television Award for Best Male Performance in a Comedy Programme, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, British Academy Television Award for Best Actor, Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, BFCA Critics' Choice Award for Best Digital Acting Performance, Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries
Movies Captain America: The First Avenger, The Hunger Games, Tale of Tales, Dad's Army, Infamous, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Atomic Blonde, The Girl, Berberian Sound Studio, Morgan, Anthropoid, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Frost/Nixon, Snow White and the Huntsman, The Mist, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, The Man Who Knew Infinity, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn, Serena, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, The Painted Veil, Your Highness, The Rite, Marvellous, City of Ember, Finding Neverland, Red Lights, My Week with Marilyn, Ever After, St. Trinian's, Ladies in Lavender, Amazing Grace, The Snowman, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, W., Happy End, Nightwatching, Mrs Henderson Presents, Leave to Remain, By the Gun, Christopher and His Kind, Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, By Our Selves, The Old Curiosity Shop, Simon Magus, Hotel Splendide, Orlando, The Nine Lives of Tomas Katz, A Harlot's Progress, Journey's End
TV Shows Detectorists, The Witness for the Prosecution, The Secret Agent, Wayward Pines, Capital, Titanic, Elizabeth I, Numbertime, Midsomer Murders, Out of Hours
Star Sign Virgo
1 Has two daughters - Madeleine and Holly.
2 Has twice played a famous public figure within a year of a more recognized actor playing the same part in another film. In 2006 he appeared in Infamous (2006) as Truman Capote, a role for which Philip Seymour Hoffman had recently won an Oscar. He later appeared in The Girl (2012) as Alfred Hitchcock, the same year that Anthony Hopkins played the part in Hitchcock (2012).
3 Played Truman Capote in Infamous, then went on to play Swifty Lazar, Truman Capote's agent, in Frost/Nixon.
4 Son of Freddie Jones and Jennie Heslewood.
5 Brother of Rupert Jones and Casper Jones.
6 In 2011, filmed two movies for release in 2012 in which he plays a character named "Claudius": The Hunger Games (2012) and Snow White and the Huntsman (2012).
7 Toby went to Abingdon School with fellow actor, Tom Hollander, and both were contemporaries of the band, Radiohead. They were both born in Oxford and only two weeks apart from each other. Not only that but both are 5 foot 5 inches in height.
8 His wife Karen is a criminal barrister.
9 He won the London Film Critics Circle "Best British Actor" for his portrayal of Truman Capote.
10 He was awarded the 2002 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role of 2001 for his performance in "The Play What I Wrote" at the Wyndham Theatre, London.
11 Starred on Broadway with Sean Foley & Hamish McColl in "The Play What I Wrote". [2003]
12 Performs with Hamish McColl as "The Right Size".
Untitled Jurassic World Sequel 2018 pre-production
The Canterville Ghost 2017 pre-production The Reverend Chasuble
Zoo 2017 post-production Security Guard Charlie
The Snowman 2017 post-production Gert Rafto
The Coldest City 2017 post-production Gray
Civil 2017 TV Movie pre-production Otis O'Dell
The Entertainer 2016 completed Paul Limp
Journey's End filming Mason
Sherlock 2017 TV Series Culverton Smith
The Witness for the Prosecution 2016 TV Movie Mayhew
Kaleidoscope 2016/II Carl
Morgan 2016 Dr. Simon Ziegler
The Secret Agent 2016 TV Series Verloc
Wayward Pines 2015-2016 TV Series Dr. Jenkins David Pilcher
Anthropoid 2016 Uncle Hajský
Alice Through the Looking Glass 2016 Wilkins (uncredited)
The Complete Walk: Henry IV Part 1 2016 Short Falstaff
Dad's Army 2016 George Mainwaring
Detectorists 2014-2015 TV Series Lance
Capital 2015 TV Mini-Series Roger
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 2015 Claudius Templesmith (uncredited)
The Man Who Knew Infinity 2015 Littlewood
By Our Selves 2015 John Clare
Tale of Tales 2015 King of Highhills
The Last Days Of ... 2015 TV Series documentary Narrator
Agent Carter 2015 TV Series Dr. Arnim Zola
Serena 2014/I Sheriff McDowell
By the Gun 2014 Jerry
Marvellous 2014 TV Movie Neil Baldwin
The Dark 2014 Short Dad
The Cask of Amontillado 2014/I Short Montresor
Captain America: The Winter Soldier 2014 Dr. Arnim Zola
Muppets Most Wanted 2014 Prado Museum Guard #2
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 2013 Claudius Templesmith
Leave to Remain 2013 Nigel
Words of Everest 2013 Documentary Jan Morris
Murder on the Victorian Railway 2013 TV Movie documentary Narrator
Hardwire 2013 Short Max
Sea Change 2012 Short
The Girl 2012 TV Movie Alfred Hitchcock
Berberian Sound Studio 2012 Gilderoy
Snow White and the Huntsman 2012 Coll
Titanic 2012 TV Mini-Series John Batley
The Hunger Games 2012 Claudius Templesmith
Red Lights 2012 Paul Shackleton
The Adventures of Tintin 2011 Silk (voice)
My Week with Marilyn 2011 Arthur Jacobs
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy 2011 Percy Alleline
Captain America: The First Avenger 2011 Dr. Arnim Zola
Your Highness 2011 Julie
Christopher and His Kind 2011 TV Movie Gerald Hamilton
The Rite 2011 Father Matthew
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I 2010 Video Game Dobby (voice)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 2010 Dobby (voice)
God in America 2010 TV Series George Whitefield
Virginia 2010 Max
Agatha Christie's Poirot 2010 TV Series Samuel Ratchett
Doctor Who 2010 TV Series Dream Lord
Mo 2010 TV Movie Dr Mark Glaser
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll 2010 Hargreaves
St Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold 2009 Bursar
Creation 2009/I Thomas Huxley
Masterpiece Classic 2009 TV Series Quilp
W. 2008/I Karl Rove
Frost/Nixon 2008 Swifty Lazar
City of Ember 2008 Barton Snode
The Old Curiosity Shop 2007 TV Movie Daniel Quilp
St. Trinian's 2007 Bursar
The Mist 2007 Ollie Weeks
Nightwatching 2007 Gerard Dou
The Last Detective 2007 TV Series Bennett
The Painted Veil 2006 Waddington
A Harlot's Progress 2006 TV Movie William Hogarth
The Sickie 2006 Short Douglas Knott
Amazing Grace 2006 Duke of Clarence
Infamous 2006 Truman Capote
Scoop 2006 Joe's Co-Passenger (uncredited)
Elizabeth I 2005 TV Mini-Series Robert Cecil
Mrs Henderson Presents 2005 Gordon
Coming Up 2005 TV Series Simon
Finding Neverland 2004 'Smee'
Ladies in Lavender 2004 Hedley
15 Storeys High 2002 TV Series Obsessive-compulsive man
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets 2002 Dobby the House Elf (voice)
Love or Money 2001 TV Movie Phil
The Way We Live Now 2001 TV Mini-Series Squercum
In Love and War 2001 TV Movie Bolo
Victoria & Albert 2001 TV Movie Edward Oxford
Hotel Splendide 2000 Kitchen boy
The Nine Lives of Tomas Katz 2000 Civil servant
Midsomer Murders 1999-2000 TV Series Dan Peterson
The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc 1999 English Judge
Underground 1999 TV Movie Beast
Aristocrats 1999 TV Mini-Series Ste Fox
Simon Magus 1999 Buchholz
Ever After: A Cinderella Story 1998 Royal Page
Cousin Bette 1998 Gentleman in Café des Artistes
Out of Hours 1998 TV Mini-Series Martin Styles
Les Misérables 1998 Doorkeeper
Death of a Salesman 1996 TV Movie Waiter (uncredited)
Performance 1995 TV Series Wart
Mystery!: Cadfael 1994 TV Series Griffin
Dropping the Baby 1993 Short Babyman
Lovejoy 1993 TV Series Sgt. Protheroe
Naked 1993 Men at Tea Bar
Orlando 1992 Second Valet
When Darkness Came: The Making of 'The Mist' 2008 Video documentary short special thanks
BAFTA Televsion Awards 2016 2016 TV Special Himself
Dad's Army: Women of Walmington 2016 Video documentary short Himself
Dad's Army: Legacy 2016 Video documentary short Himself
The Graham Norton Show 2016 TV Series Himself
Natural World 2014 TV Series documentary Himself - Narrator
The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards 2013 TV Special Himself - Nominee: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
70th Golden Globe Awards 2013 TV Special Himself - Nominee: Best Actor in a Mini-Series or TV-Movie
Daybreak 2012 TV Series Himself
Doctor Who Confidential 2010 TV Series documentary Himself
Discovering Secrets 2009 Video documentary short Himself
When Darkness Came: The Making of 'The Mist' 2008 Video documentary short Himself
Breakfast 2007-2008 TV Series Himself - Guest
The Man Inside Dame Edna 2008 TV Movie documentary Narrator (UK version, voice)
Up Close with Carrie Keagan 2007 TV Series Himself - Guest
Film '72 2006-2007 TV Series Himself
Charlie Rose 2006 TV Series Himself - Guest
Dangerous Dynasty: The Bush Legacy 2009 Video documentary short Himself - Karl Rove (uncredited)
Rembrandt's J'Accuse...! 2008 Documentary Gerard Dou (uncredited)
Mrs Henderson Presents: Making Of 2006 Video documentary short Gordon (uncredited)
My Week with Marilyn: The Untold Story of an American Icon 2011 Video documentary short Arthur Jacobs (uncredited)
Won awards
Award shared with
2015 Golden FIPA Biarritz International Festival of Audiovisual Programming Fiction: Actor Marvellous (2014)
2015 Broadcasting Press Guild Award Broadcasting Press Guild Awards Best Actor Marvellous (2014)
2015 Golden Nymph Monte-Carlo TV Festival Outstanding Actor in a Television Film Marvellous (2014)
2013 Evening Standard British Film Award Evening Standard British Film Awards Best Actor Berberian Sound Studio (2012)
2013 International Fantasy Film Award Fantasporto Best Actor Berberian Sound Studio (2012)
2013 ALFS Award London Critics Circle Film Awards British Actor of the Year Berberian Sound Studio (2012)
2012 British Independent Film Award British Independent Film Awards Best Actor Berberian Sound Studio (2012)
2012 COFCA Award Central Ohio Film Critics Association Best Ensemble Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) · Gary Oldman
· Mark Strong
· John Hurt
· David Dencik
· Ciarán Hinds
· Colin Firth
· Kathy Burke
· Benedict Cumberbatch
· Stephen Graham
· Simon McBurney
· Tom Hardy
· Svetlana Khodchenkova
· William Haddock
2007 ALFS Award London Critics Circle Film Awards British Actor of the Year Infamous (2006)
2006 Capri European Talent Award Capri, Hollywood Infamous (2006)
Nominated awards
2016 BAFTA TV Award BAFTA Awards Best Male Performance in a Comedy Programme Detectorists (2014)
2016 Saturn Award Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA Best Supporting Actor on Television Wayward Pines (2015)
2015 BAFTA TV Award BAFTA Awards Best Leading Actor Marvellous (2014)
2014 Chlotrudis Award Chlotrudis Awards Best Actor Berberian Sound Studio (2012)
2013 Golden Globe Golden Globes, USA Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television The Girl (2012)
2013 Primetime Emmy Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie The Girl (2012)
2013 BAFTA TV Award BAFTA Awards Best Leading Actor The Girl (2012)
2013 Critics' Choice TV Award Critics Choice Television Awards Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries The Girl (2012)
2013 Gold Derby TV Award Gold Derby Awards TV Movie/Mini Lead Actor The Girl (2012)
2013 OFTA Television Award Online Film & Television Association Best Actor in a Motion Picture or Miniseries The Girl (2012)
2009 ALFS Award London Critics Circle Film Awards British Supporting Actor of the Year Frost/Nixon (2008)
2009 Actor Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Frost/Nixon (2008) · Kevin Bacon
· Rebecca Hall
· Frank Langella
· Matthew Macfadyen
· Oliver Platt
· Sam Rockwell
· Michael Sheen
2008 ALFS Award London Critics Circle Film Awards British Supporting Actor of the Year The Painted Veil (2006)
2003 Critics Choice Award Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards Best Digital Acting Performance Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
3rd place awards
2014 Chainsaw Award Fangoria Chainsaw Awards Best Actor Berberian Sound Studio (2012)
1 The thing about Hitchcock which is quite extraordinary for a director of that time, he had a very strong sense of his own image and publicizing himself. Just a very strong sense of himself as the character of Hitchcock.
2 I've got to tell you, I've played real characters before and people always bring up this word 'impersonation,' and I'm never entirely sure what it means.
3 I went to meet Joe Johnston, the director, and he's charming. I've been very lucky. Most of the directors I've worked with are charming. But Joe's a particularly charming man, and he showed me lots of designs and, rather memorably, welcomed me to the Marvel Universe.
4 I was a fan of Hitchcock, but more importantly than that, he is such an inscrutable man, and a very carefully inscrutable man. He apparently was blank-faced with a calm and controlled presence. I was immediately anxious and thought, 'How am I going to get behind that?'
5 I don't know if it's harder but when you're playing a real person you want to honor their memory - even if they're a criminal or someone that the public loathed. That can be challenging.
6 When I told people I was going to be doing the movie and the voice of Dobby, they were kind of awestruck, the people who knew about Harry Potter. I felt rather guilty that I didn't really understand the scale of the job I was about to take on. Now, I am well aware of what I'm doing, and actually, it feels a very serious acting responsibility.
7 They seem much rarer now, those auteur films that come out of a director's imagination and are elliptical and hermetic. All those films that got me into independent cinema when I was watching it seem thin on the ground.
8 There is this miraculous thing I heard Hugh Grant talking about - the thing about screen acting is that you can read people's thoughts. You are trying to register something inside and usually the eyes in cinema are where you will register that.
9 The script for Infamous (2006) was so poised between tragedy and comedy. It's a dream part. One reads those scripts with a sense of melancholia. When you read a script that good... I remember thinking, 'Oh, this script is too good. They'll never give it to me.'
10 I heard about the project over a year before we began. My American agent said, 'Oh, you might want to read _'In Cold Blood'_ because they're talking about you for Capote, but the script's with Johnny Depp and Sean Penn at the moment.' So, these things take their time to dribble down the food chain.
11 It's always very strange to have your life dramatized because it never happens like that. Things will be different.
12 You're playing a character in a drama who happens to be based on someone who existed. It's never going to 'be' that person, but it's based on someone well-known, and you want to create enough of that person for it not to be a distraction.
13 I think it will be, as always, interesting to compare different portrayals of Hitchcock. I'm very honored that I'm playing the same part as Anthony Hopkins.
14 I still don't feel I know Hitchcock at all. I find that the more one looks, the more elusive he becomes. But my admiration for Hitchcock the filmmaker remains undiminished. He is a giant of the cinema and the darkness in him informs his cinematic language. You can't separate one from the other.
15 I often get sent scripts about little men in big situations. There's a comic element to it, which is forces stacked against this little guy, and how is he going to defeat them?
16 Hitchcock is a big ask. I am playing someone significantly older than me and someone significantly bigger than me. The stuff I find very interesting is why certain physical things have come about. How can he be light on his feet when he is so big? How can his weight vary so much? Where does this rather beautiful voice come from?
17 Every now and then, they ask me to come in and improvise with Stanley Tucci for an afternoon. They fly me off to America, I improvise for an afternoon - it's not the hardest, most taxing job.
18 Often jobs are un-turndownable even before you read the script. You go, 'Well, I have to do that.'
19 If you ever have the good fortune to meet Tippi Hedren, she's an amazing woman. You can't quite believe she is the age she is.
20 I would absolutely like to play more leading roles. There's no philosophy - well, the only philosophy, I suppose, is to try and do different things.
21 I get plenty of time to re-engage with the world I'm trying to depict, so I'm not always living in these parallel worlds.
22 There's not a huge pile of scripts at home. It's what happens to be on the table at that moment with your availability. And then you have no control over when these things come out.
23 It's hard for it to make a mark in this city because London has so much culture to offer.
24 I teach for the Book Trust, which promotes reading and writing with children.
25 I had to change the shape of my own voice. It was quite hard to pull off and so once I had it, I stayed in Hitchcock's voice all day on set.
26 All of these red carpet events may seem natural for you journalists, but it doesn't feel natural for actors.
27 You always get told how important the premiere and doing the press is, but I have suspicions.
28 They know you're not Alfred Hitchcock, but you need to be enough Alfred Hitchcock for them not to be bothered by it. That's a reassuring thing.
29 I work best when a little scared, when there's so much more than the lines to think about.
30 Hitchcock's got a very interesting voice; it's a very controlled, measured rhythm that's quite slow and, in that sense, also felt quite controlling in its pace. He retained something from his childhood, that London sound, as well as adopting some of the L.A. sounds... All of this helps you create the character.
31 When working abroad you work pretty hard, but with time off, this is the greatest job in the world. You drive. You explore Memphis, or wherever you've landed, or go and see Dr John, or the Californian landscape. And, yes, I've had a few good meals.
32 But I think the children of actors share a certain pragmatic approach. One is denied some of that 'running away with the circus' element of being an actor.
33 Certainly for my father, there were great times, good times, not-so-good times. He might be shooting a Fellini film for six months, then not working for two months. I'm used to that dynamic.
34 I do always feel very proud and flattered by being asked to be a part of American productions playing American characters.
35 Four hours of prosthetics every morning, the jowls and the nose, and it was very hot so they're having to attend to it all day, and you're still petrified of so many things, such as, can I speak properly? Hitchcock never quite lost those East End vowels, even though he had the softened California consonants.
36 It's one of those jobs where you go, 'Oh no, I've got to play 'Alfred Hitchcock'. I have to play him even though I know what this is going to involve.'
37 The prosthetics were interesting because the artist was so good that they could just put a Hitchcock mask on me, but you don't want to do that. You're an actor playing Hitchcock, so it's about how much of that you're going to do.
38 There's something in the rhythm and roll of it that is connected to the way Hitchcock thinks and moves. Then there is everything he ingested - the cigar smoking and drinking that's imprinted on his voice.
39 There are things that I would avoid, so I have the choice to say no, when I feel I'm repeating myself too much. But then there could be a reason to do that with a good director. So I think actors have to have a loose philosophy.
40 I studied Hitchcock a little bit at University and knew the famous story about the Birds (1968) - that he'd tortured Tippi for a day using real birds. I had no idea that it was a five-day onslaught and that it was the tip of an iceberg that carried on through to another film.
41 I didn't sound anything like Capote at the screen test. It was more like Bob Dylan. In his early years. With the flu.
42 It's hard to imagine anyone interested in film not being a fan of Alfred Hitchcock because he's such a key influence on the entire history of cinema - it's hard to escape his shadow.
43 It's Toby Jones playing Alfred Hitchcock, not Alfred Hitchcock. We all felt that his silhouette was crucial, so his nose and lips were crucial as well. We had to build it out a bit to get the silhouette. But, with my nose being so small within the proportion of my face, the first nose was too big. I felt like a nose on parade.
1 Short stature
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"I have to go to the bathroom. Will you help me to remove my Stormtrooper armor?"
Elvish: Horyan karita nén. Á aukola ambassenya Húrohosséva ránin.
Klingon: puch vIlo'nIS. may'luchwIj vIteq 'e' HIboQ.
Pirate: Arrrh, can ye help me shuck this scurvy husk so's I can unleash a deluge?
Notes: A longer web version will run on WIRED.com soon. Props to the KLI and the Tolkien linguists for being so down.


text:
Category Bachelor Programme Executive MBA Grande Ecole Programme Masters of Science News VAE
Incoming mobility of international students and researchers in the context of the health crisis
Our partner Campus France keeps you updated about the changes that can occur in the reglementations while traveling during the health crisis. "Decree No. 2020-1310 of October 29, 2020 modified the categories of countries of origin. Only European Union Member States are now included in the list of countries allowing exemption from testing. International students and researchers coming from outside the European Union must first be tested before their departure; otherwise, they can be tested upon arrival, where systematic testing will be offered. [...]
MBS Alumni 2016, François and Boris, co-found Rocambole, the Netflix of reading
The Entrepreneurship Center nurtures the link between entrepreneurs, students and alumni at MBS to combat self-censorship and promote new business start-ups. The Incubator has been able to share its experience with François Delporte and Boris Duda, 2016 alumni of the Grande Ecole Program, co-founders of Rocambole with literature experts, the Netflix of reading. From school benches to Station F: the adventure of liberation Incubated within the famous Station F in Paris, the start-up Rocambole offers a catalog of about fifty series to [...]
Pedagogical Innovations: How to Meet the Expectations of Generation Z Learners
Addressing an increasingly shortened attention span The digital revolution and the ever-changing professions and skills have profoundly transformed the needs and behaviours of new learners. "The first issue facing the teacher is the duration of attention, which is becoming shorter and shorter for the learner. The average attention span is now estimated to be 12 minutes. We therefore need to develop a greater variety of teaching approaches and activities to stimulate curiosity at a more sustained pace", explains Agnès Le Bellac, [...]
Sustainable development is back at MBS: the 4 actions to remember for a responsible ecological transition
Montpellier Business School's 2025 strategic plan reflects the school's ambition to actively participate in building an open, responsible and sustainable economy and society. With events, a sustainability lab, welcome packs and the mobilization of all employees, the start of the 2020 academic year at MBS is a concrete expression of this ambition and places sustainable development at the heart of its actions. MBS is co-organizing Les Rencontres du Développement Durable (Sustainable Development Meetings) on September 22nd to "transform capitalism" The Sustainable Development [...]
Financial Times 2020: the MBS Grande Ecole Program ranks 61st among the world's best Masters in Management
An increasingly selective ranking The Financial Times has just published its 2020 world rankings of the best Masters in Management, which is the international reference for Business Schools. This year again, the selection has been strengthened. Only the 90 best schools in the world managed to be ranked, compared to 100 in 2019. The French market is no exception to this increased selection. Only 21 French schools and universities appear in the ranking this year, compared to 25 last year. "The methodology [...]
MBS reveals its new brand identity
In line with the announcement of its new strategic plan, Montpellier Business School is renewing its visual identity in order to embody the broad outlines of the ambitions that will carry it through to 2025. Training to transform. We prepare future decision-makers committed to a responsible world, driven by an ethic of global performance, aware of the social, societal and environmental impacts of their decisions on the world. To embody the power of inclusion. Because we are convinced that inclusion is a [...]
COVID-19 - Conduct to be followed by students in case of proven or suspected COVID-19 contamination
MBS has set up an exceptional protocol for the care of students to deal with the health crisis: 1. You are symptomatic MBS student: Symptomatic means: fever and/or cough, difficulty breathing, talking or swallowing, loss of taste and/or smell - Report his/her status immediately to its Study Program (generic Email address) - Ask medical attention as soon as possible (teleconsultation recommended) - Get tested as soon as possible (PCR test) - Isolate immediately himself/herself at home while waiting for the results - Transmission [...]
Podcasts, collaborative tools & coaching: the incubator is ready to welcome new business creation projects from MBS students and graduates
With nearly 200 project leaders registered over the past academic year, the MBS incubator supports students and graduates at every stage of the creation process, starting with a simple idea and leading up to fundraising. For the new academic year 2020, the Entrepreneurship Center team of Dr. Annabelle Jaouen provides students and graduates with new tools to enhance the quality of this personalized support. This platform is open to the entire MBS community to help share experiences and spark new entrepreneurial [...]
Meet Stanley, the new laureate of the International Excellence Scholarship
Stanley joined the Grande Ecole Programme. Originally from Ghana, he is the new laureate of the International Excellence Scholarships of the MBS Foundation. Since 2012, 18 students from Syria, Haiti, Colombia, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Myanmar, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Mali, Venezuela, Bangladesh, Peru have been able to come and complete the last two years of the Grande Ecole Program at MBS. Through corporate donations, The MBS Foundation covers the tuition fees of the laureates and finances living expenses. Tell us more about [...]
Come and debate at the Sustainable Development Meetings from 22 to 29 September 2020.
The MBS 2025 Strategic Plan reflects the School's ambition to actively participate in building an open, responsible and sustainable economy and society. One of the objectives of the courses is to make students aware throughout their studies of the economic, social, societal and environmental impact of their individual and collective choices. It is in line with this mission that Montpellier Business School is proud to be a partner and host the Sustainable Development Meetings. Meetings will be broadcasted live Organised from 22 [...]
Montpellier Business School adapts the upcoming intake with a focus on health safety
Many students have asked about the modalities of the new 2020 academic year that the health situation forced MBS to consider differently than previous years. Many of them have expressed their wish to attend face-to-face classes in order to keep interactions with professors and other students. MBS understands their will and try to make every effort to give to them the best possible experience. However, the respect for safety gestures remains more essential than ever and MBS cannot welcome all of [...]
Montpellier Business School reveals its 2020-2025 strategic plan and builds on its values to meet the needs of a world in transition
The result of the mobilisation of all MBS stakeholders In a world in transition and in the face of increasingly complex and fluctuating economic, social and ecological environments, MBS has chosen to build on its convictions to implement a new strategic plan up to 2025. "This plan is organized around 4 main axes, each built with the collaboration of all the school's stakeholders: teacher-researchers, students, alumni, employees from all departments, governance and corporate partners", says André Deljarry, President of Montpellier Business [...]
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Virginia State Sen. McClellan Wins Democratic Nomination To Fill Late Rep. McEachin's Seat
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AP) — Virginia state Sen. Jennifer McClellan has overwhelmingly won the Democratic nomination to succeed the late A. Donald McEachin in Congress, party officials said.
McClellan won the nomination with 23,661 votes in Tuesday's firehouse primary over Sen. Joe Morrissey, who netted just 3,782, and two other candidates. She will be the overwhelming favorite in the heavily Democratic 4th Congressional District when a special election is held Feb. 21.
"Tuesday's party-run process saw historic turnout with 27, 900 votes cast, making it the largest party-run nomination process in the history of the Democratic Party of Virginia," according to the party's site.
Republicans on Saturday picked Leon Benjamin, a Richmond native, pastor and Navy veteran who has twice unsuccessfully challenged McEachin, as their nominee.
If McClellan wins in February, she will become the first Black woman to represent Virginia in Congress.
McClellan, 49, a corporate attorney, has represented parts of the Richmond area in the General Assembly since 2006. She ran for governor in 2021 but lost the Democratic primary to Terry McAuliffe.
If elected to Congress, she would represent the state's 4th District, a majority-minority district based in Richmond that stretches south to the North Carolina border.
Establishment Democrats coalesced around McClellan in her campaign against Morrissey, a populist and twice-disbarred former prosecutor-turned-defense attorney who's proved remarkably resilient over a three-decade career in electoral politics.
Morrissey had accused Democrats of working against him in planning Tuesday's primary. which was held on short notice after McEachin's death Nov. 28 after a battle with colon cancer.
McEachin's widow, Colette — herself an elected official in Richmond — was among a number of high-profile endorsers of McClellan. Del. Lamont Bagby dropped out of the race last week in a move widely seen as an effort to prevent Morrissey from emerging victorious on a fractured ballot.
The primary was run by the Democratic Party, with balloting at eight sites located throughout the district. Virginia voters do not register by political party, so voting was open to all registered voters willing to sign a pledge indicating they are a Democrat and intend to support the party's nominee.
Voting occurred Tuesday but the party did not count begin counting ballots until Wednesday.
Category: World News Tags: A Donald McEachin, Democratic, democrats, Fill, Jennifer McClellan, late, McClellan, McEachins, Nomination, REP, seat, Sen, state, Virginia, wins
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text:
Q: How do I make 2 images appear with a hover? Basically, I want to create a button on my web page that, when the mouse hovers over it, reveals two images, one above the other. The bottom image that appears is supposed to be an animated .gif, the second is a .gif with a word ('blog', 'music', etc.) in white and a transparent background (so that the .gif behind it can still be seen). I've tried to add the words over top of the animated .gif, but its color pallet doesn't allow white (only a light grey, which is unacceptable according to the design).
I'm pretty new to html/css, so there might be a better way to do this all together.

A: You will want to have a  with an  link inside of it. The css should be as follows:
div.background_image{
background: url('path/to_your/image.gif') no-repeat 0 0;
}
a.top_image:hover{
width: Xpx;
height: Xpx;
display: block;
background:transparent url('path/to_your/image.gif') no-repeat 0 0;
}

Make the link dimensions that same size as your background image div. Should be good to go. This assumes that you want your background image div always present. The :hover is what will make the image appear on rollover

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