Wednesday 7th July 2010

02:06 The final winding up (in more senses than one!) speech finishes and there is a division which the Government easily won. It is noticeable that one or two members of the Opposition Front Bench are what could be charitable described as tired and emotional. I was just tired by the time I drove out of the Commons underground car park at 02:25. The roads are pretty clear, but still contain a surprising number of vehicles. Where are they all going?

03:35 Home just as the first glimmer of daylight can be seen in the sky above Leysdown. I am in bed and fast asleep by 03:45.

07:45 I am up later than usual, but it doesn’t feel like it!

08:30 I visit the constituency office to collect yesterday’s letters requiring signatures before catching the 09:00 train to Victoria.

10.20 Arrive at the House just in time to collar my seat for the day. PMQs today which means the Chamber will be packed.

11.30 Prayers followed by International Development Questions. It was good to hear confirmation that aid to China has been stopped and that to India is under review. This is something for which I have been calling for some time.

12:00 PMQs. David Cameron is becoming quite masterful and is a refreshing change from the tribalism and petty political point scoring so often practiced by Gordon Brown. The Speaker slapped David down on one occasion, but it didn’t seem to faze the PM, it just made the Speaker look petty and partisan.

12:30 Stayed in the Chamber for the start of the Opposition Day debate on Government support for jobs and the unemployed.

15:00 To Portcullis House where I attended a briefing on coastal/seaside towns. I came away with some interesting statistics but little idea about what the Government intends doing to re-invigorate coastal communities, such as the Isle of Sheppey.

15:30 Next up was an NHS briefing on cancer awareness. Apparently illogical shame about having the disease deters people from seeking help until it is sometimes too late. I have agreed to put out a press release encouraging people to come forward if they suspect that they might have the disease.

16:30 Back to the Palace of Westminster to drop in on the British Legion reception.

17:30 1922 Committee meeting at which we are briefed on the likely implications of the Government’s decision to reduce the number of MPs from 650 to 600. A few nervous questions were asked!

18:00 Back to my office for half an hour of paperwork before going back to the Chamber for the winding up speeches.

19:00 There is a division to vote on the Opposition Motion, which is easily defeated and they decide not to push for a vote on our amendment, however, it means that I missed the 19:22 train and didn’t arrive home until 21:45. Least it was still light when I got in!