This week I have written a letter of welcome to the BBC’s new Director-General, Tim Davie, cosigned by a number of fellow MPs. I have shared with him our view that the BBC, whose main focus appears to have switched to delivering online, on-demand content, is fundamentally failing under its Royal Charter obligation. With the BBC’s current output and outlook, I believe the question of a compulsory licence fee must now be addressed.

Regarding the proposed change to the Last Night of the Proms, not a single constituent has previously raised complaints with me about the lyrics or connotations of ‘Rule, Britannia!’ nor ‘Land of Hope and Glory’. I feel the BBC should have explored the full context of those lyrics within British history, rather than censored them. To read my letter in full visit www.chrisloder.co.uk/bbcletter

In Westminster, I returned to Parliament on Tuesday and straight into debating the Fisheries Bill. Moving on from the Common Fisheries Policy, which has limited the access of British fishermen to their own fishing waters for over 40 years, will enable our island nation to put more British-caught fish on our tables; which is good for our health and good for our economy, especially in Lyme Regis and West Bay. You can hear my speech at www.chrisloder.co.uk/fisheriesbill

In other news, applications open at the end of this month for the Government’s new Green Homes Grant. Now is the time to look at how you might benefit from improvements including insulation and low-carbon heating. For more information visit www.chrisloder.co.uk/greenhomes

Finally, August is scarecrow month in Beaminster and I thank everybody who has worked so hard to make this first Scarecrow Treasure Hunt such a success. I’m pleased to have been invited to judge at the prizegiving at 11am this Saturday 5th September, at Beaminster Memorial Playing Fields, and look forward to seeing you there.

CHRIS LODER

MP FOR WEST DORSET