Welcome
Welcome to telltim.co.uk
I have set up this special website – which is not funded by taxpayers or Parliament – as the latest way of keeping in touch with my constituents and hearing your views and ideas.
I will be broadcasting a series of surveys and video podcasts on this website over coming months. I hope that it will be used by a wide cross section of schools, special interest groups, voluntary organisations and individual residents to communicate with me on a regular basis on topical local and national issues.
My latest survey is on the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill which is currently before the House of Commons. To take it, please click here.
The Bill contains three controversial components on which MPs will have a free vote.
The first is the use of hybrid embryos - made from human DNA and a small animal component - to allow greater study of genetic defects, such as Parkinson's. Opponents say this is unethical and tampers with human nature.
The second is the bill's proposal that IVF clinics should no longer have to consider the need for a "father" figure when deciding whether to offer treatment, instead insisting on "supportive parenting". Opponents say this denigrates the role of fathers.
The third area of controversy is the development of embryos to become "saviour siblings", where cells from a baby's bone marrow or umbilical cord are used to treat a genetic condition in an older brother or sister.
I would be very grateful for your response to all of these issues. The following sites provide detailed information about the substance and implications of the Bill:
BBC News: Embryology Bill, the key points
Please Click here to look at the current surveys.