Richard has been appointed secretary of the new All Party Group on Specialist Orthopaedic Hospitals .  Richards interest in this subject came through constituents who have received treatment at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford.  Specialist orthopaedic units such as the Nuffield are facing sever financial difficulties and Richard is working with other MP’s to ensure they survive.

Richard has offered support to a local health provider, Stryker by tabling EDM 2588  praising the Exeter hip implant which can last over 30 years

For more information on this campaign see:

Early Day Motion 2588
Press release

Richard has campaigned for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) to allow the local NHS to prescribe Elexon, Aricept and Reminyl for those suffering with Alzheimer’s and dementia. He has worked with West Berkshire branch of the Alzheimer’s Society on this.

Richard is opposed to the introduction of ID cards. He believes that the huge cost should be put towards more police, better security

As part of his interest in military matters, Richard has repeatedly raised issues surrounding equipment with Ministers.  One example of this was when he raised the continued use of thin skinned “snatch” Land Rovers by troops in the most dangerous parts of Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Click here to see text of question

Richard secured a debate in Parliament in his name to register his opposition to the closure of the Defence Exports Services Organisation, the body that assists British defence contractors secure contracts abroad. 

To read Richards speech click here

Richard has a large number or Park Home Owners in his constituency.  He is active in the All Party Parliamentary Group on Park Homes which seeks to improve the law to protect the rights of Park Home owners. 

More information on what Richard has said can be found by following the links below:

Westminster Hall Debate on Park Homes (26/03/2008)

Tribunal Courts and Enforcement Bill (27/06/2007)

Press Release (26/03/2006)