On 24 March 2025, I proudly stood with the brave farmers of Hampshire atop Portsdown Hill, as they prepared to drive into Portsmouth in protest.  Their message was clear: "Starmer the Farmer Harmer" must be held accountable for Labour’s ruthless attack on British farming — an agenda designed to crush farmers, devalue agriculture, and force the sale of their land.

A powerful convoy of 21 tractors, backed by support vehicles, gathered in defiance.  I spoke with the farmers directly, listened to their anger and their fears, and pledged my full support to their cause.

At just before 11am, they set off for Portsmouth Guildhall — horns blaring, spirits unbroken — determined to defend their livelihoods and the future of British food security.

You can watch my videos and hear their stories by clicking "Read more."

But most importantly:  Support our farmers.  Protect our future.  #NoFarmersNoFood

Back in March and April 2025, I had the pleasure of visiting Stoke Fruit Farm with Cllr Collings and meeting the owner, Sam and partner Nette.

For years, Stoke Fruit Farm had shops in Mengham and West Town, and we were regulars there.  Sadly, with rising rents and costs, they had to close those outlets and now sell everything from their main farm shop on Havant Road.

Sam spoke honestly about how tough things have become for farmers, especially with the Labour government scrapping Agricultural Property Relief, making Inheritance Tax an even bigger burden. 

He called it the latest blow from the Labour Party against the farming community.

While we were there, we popped into the Farm Shop and picked up some of their amazing local products. I have to say, their cheeses are absolutely delicious and highly recommended!

If you live nearby, and especially if you’re on Hayling Island, please pop in and support them.  It really makes a difference.

Please remember #NoFarmersNoFood

One afternoon in April 2024, I was about to enter Lidl on Hayling Island to do a weekend shop when a man rushed out of the entrance with a huge carrier bag filled to the top with steaks.

I rushed after him as he was walking fast and ran in front of him, stopped and asked him to go back and pay for the meat; he said he had done so, but I didn't believe him as he had exited from the entrance door.

So I grabbed the carrier bag, which he immediately let go of it, and he ran off.

I assume he offered no resistance, as all he would now do is go to another store and repeat the attempted theft and expect to be successful next time.  Why get involved with a potential assault charge?

The man was about 6’3”, and mid-thirties.  I then returned the meat to Lidl, who checked the meat over and confirmed the value of the meat was about £200, and confirmed still saleable.  While in the store, quite a few shoppers thanked me for my action and called me a hero; that really made me smile.

This week the Post Office Horizon Enquiry Phase 4 continues with further evidence and examination of those involved in audit and Investigation.  It will be interesting to discover how the Post Office and Fujitsu conducted these key activities.

Having been an auditor in a multinational company, and having audited financial processes and systems of comparable complexity to the Post Office Fujitsu Horizon System, I thought I should give my opinion on what has happened. 

The dreadful mistreatment of Sub-Postmasters should never have happened and I believe this situation could so easily have been avoided by standard accounting controls and audit, leading to earlier investigation, with the consequent far earlier detection and correction of defects.  Why was this allowed to happen?