Mike Freer MP has welcomed the announcement from the Department of Health that the redevelopment of Stanmore hospital will go ahead.  The plans are for a new, purpose built specialist orthopaedic hospital which will replace the existing dilapidated buildings, many of which date from the 1940s.  The proposals had been agreed by the previous government but like all public spending had been put under review by the new coalition government.

Mike Freer has given his maiden speech in the Commons, speaking during the Identity Documents Bill which is seeking to abolish Labour's ID card system.  The Bill is the new coalition government's first bill to be debated in the House.