NEW MPs Steve Brine and George Hollingbery have both been quick to make their mark in the House of Commons.

The members for Winchester and Chandler’s Ford and the Meon Valley have both made their maiden speeches.

Mr Brine spoke in praise of his constituency and said defence and health were among his priorities.

On the NHS, he said: “At present, my constituents are well served by a much-loved district general hospital in Winchester. I campaigned vigorously and clearly to maintain services, most especially A and E and maternity services in Winchester.

“I believe that I was elected with a clear mandate to see that that happens. The issues affecting the future of district general hospitals such as Winchester's will be at the heart of the health debate in this Parliament, and I promise the House that I will argue passionately for their place in a modern NHS. Already the people whom I represent have felt the new Government's.”

Mr Hollingber, speaking last week, gave his support to the Government's decision to ban back garden development and his desire to see more proper family homes with outdoor space built.

He also commented on the plight of older people that suffer due to low returns on their investments, despite many years of paying tax.

In his speech, he said the numbers of people on council housing list was “unsustainable”. The figure is 3,500 in Winchester and 3,000 in Havant.

“Furthermore, far too many developments crammed affordable housing into flats and small dwellings so that central targets on density could be met - the perverse effect of central Government targets at work.

“Yes, they could sell their homes, but most of them already live in small dwellings and cannot practically downsize without moving away from their friends and family. Yes, they could use equity release schemes and enjoy a modestly increased income from capital, but many of them now struggle to find such products or, in fact, are scared of using them.”

Mr Hollingbery said afterwards: “I had to wait eight hours to make the speech and I was quite nervous when I finally did rise off the bench.

“But I was in plenty of good company as many other MPs were also making their maiden speeches from both sides of the house and everyone was supportive - I even got a few hear, hears."