Lee Bridges did not think he would fit in when he started work at Westminster in 2012. Now the Director of Communications for the House of Commons is determined to change the way Parliament is perceived

After disbelief at the destruction of Windrush records, and concerns over a new taskforce, Floella Benjamin is resolute that British values will prevail

Andrew Murrison believes the success of Brexit hinges on the UK-Ireland border. But the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee chair is optimistic a solution will be found – and insists leaving the EU is compatible with upholding the Good Friday Agreement. He talks to Nicholas Mairs

With local elections just weeks away, Labour remain hopeful of a good night at the polls. But amid reports of abuse at CLP meetings and attempts to unseat council leaders, Andrew Gwynne fears the sense of party unity that followed last year’s election success is under strain. The Shadow Communities Secretary tells Kevin Schofield why the party must unite and take the fight to the Conservatives

We will not get a sensible strategy for Syria unless we come to terms with our instinctive rejection of the Assad regime, writes Lord Green

As the UK embarks on a new future, it must maintain its leadership in the Western alliance. The great democracies of the globe need a strong Britain to help guide and lead them. Don’t underestimate your role in helping to shape the world’s future, writes our guest editor Alexander Downer

The debate on young people’s mental health needs to focus on prevention as well as cure. Social media firms can do more to tackle this problem, writes Alex Chalk

Despite initial resistance, the pressure brought to bear by campaigners on surgical mesh has led to good results. But every achievement we have marked has brought to light other goals to fight for, writes Emma Hardy

MPs and peers have delivered a clear message that they expect House authorities to take action to secure the future of the Palace. As Leaders of our Houses, we will help to ensure that a world-class project delivers a Parliament fit for the 21st century, write Andrea Leadsom and Baroness Evans

Working together we can break down barriers to help all Commonwealth countries achieve their development ambitions, reduce dependence on aid – and create the trading partnerships of the future, writes Liam Fox