Plymouth’s housing shortage is an issue which I have been on top of since being elected in 2015. I am immensely proud of my record on housebuilding despite, on many occasions, Labour being obstructive and short-sighted in how they view these projects, MP Johnny Mercer writes.   I have intervened countless times to ensure that...

There has been a lot of talk recently from the Labour Party about what they would do for Plymouth and, frankly, they are once again selling Britain’s Ocean city short, write Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Plymouth Moor View MP Johnny Mercer, in a joint column.   Since we have had a Conservative MP for Plymouth...

Johnny Mercer MP is the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs   Back in 2015 when I was a political novice first running to become the MP for Plymouth Moor View, I pledged that I would expand Devonport Dockyard for the first time in a generation. Labour laughed at me, and labelled it impossible.   But I...

Parents should never be forced into an impossible situation where they are asked to weigh the financial burden of childcare against their salary, MP Johnny Mercer writes.   We must support parents who are returning to work, not punish them. As your MP, I will always stand up for working families in Plymouth. They are the...

Like many football fans across the country, I welcome the Government’s announcement that a new football regulator will be installed to protect one of our nation’s most cherished community assets, football clubs, MP Johnny Mercer writes.   Trips to Home Park are always a highlight of my family’s week and, as a season ticket holder, I...

An Ofsted report in December 2022 rated Plymouth City Council’s provision as “requires improvement”. I was greatly alarmed by the review which found “serious and widespread failings” which were “leaving children at significant risk of harm”. Five months later in May 2023 the Department for Education issued the council with an improvement notice, MP Johnny Mercer...

It is a well-known fact that Plymouth has been held back for decades by suboptimal rail links, MP Johnny Mercer writes. The South West was cut adrift by the Beeching cuts of 1963, a poorly delivered set of reforms which is only now beginning to be corrected. It is a reality which I experience travelling...

In my first regular column piece for the Herald, I promised to fight ‘tooth and nail’ for Tamar Bridge commuters, MP Johnny Mercer writes. That fight is ongoing, and this month Sheryll and I have launched a petition to stop the toll hike.   In 2019 cash tolls were increased from £1.50 to £2, last year to £2.60,...

Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth Moor View, stated: “I have been clear that Plymouth’s dental provision is in an unacceptable state. Last November, I facilitated free dental appointments for schoolkids at Peninsula Dental School. Progress until now has been frustratingly slow. However, with national and local dental plans launched in the past week, we have...

Youth groups are busy at work in the heart of communities across Plymouth. They break down barriers and unlock opportunities for young people across our city, MP Johnny Mercer writes.   I am thrilled that several groups in Plymouth Moor View have been supported by the third tranche of the Government’s Youth Investment Fund.  ...