I was first elected as MP in 1992 and have lived in Royston in the constituency since 1981. I was a barrister until I was elected as an MP.

I have been a Minister under three Prime Ministers tackling issues such as protecting pensions and overseeing the modernisation of the criminal justice system.

I have always campaigned on issues to do with climate change and protecting our environment. I welcome the Government’s commitment in law to net zero carbon emissions.

I support animal welfare measures and took Finn’s Law through to the statute book to protect police dogs and other service animals. I am now pressing for tougher sentences for animal welfare crimes and am pleased that leaving the EU would allow the UK at last to ban live exports of animals.

North East Hertfordshire's s 8 chalk streams are a unique environment valued worldwide. I successfully campaigned for reduced water abstraction by the local water company to reduce the strain on our chalk aquifers, but more is needed.

I believe it is time to get Brexit done and I support the PM's deal.

While I have spent 15 years as a front bench spokesman, my first priority has always been to be a strong advocate for my constituents.