House of Commons, Wednesday, 7th March
Posted by David on Wednesday, 07 March 2007 20:45:14
Busy day yesterday in Brussels at the launch of Movement for European Reform, followed by a fairly typical Wednesday in the Commons for PMQs.
The Brussels trip was great. We took sixth formers from London schools and listening to their reflections on what they'd seen and heard at the conference on the Eurostar on the way home was the highlight of the day. One group set a test for William Hague and me - and enjoyed humiliating us as we failed to answer some of their toughest questions (in which decade did the Dodo become extinct? Please....)
You can see the film for the detail of what was discussed and what the aim of the conference was. What was refreshing was that we had representatives from 15 different European countries and there was real enthusiasm for a message of flexibility and freedom rather than the current agenda of bringing back the constitution.
I focused on Afghanistan at PMQs: it is very tough what our troops are doing and I want them to know they have cross party support. At the same time, as opposition leader it is right to press the PM on the need for the necesaary equipment and more NATO assistance.
After PMQs I went to see the new HQ for the Conservative party in Milbank. Impressive, modern and for once almost all of the different departments in one place and working together. One of the odd things in this job is the presents you get from political parties in other countries. Someone in our International Department handed me a gold coloured box with a scroll with my name on it - in Mongolian.
Last duty today is to vote on the House of Lords. In my view a modern democracy needs a strong second chamber - and predominantly elected so that it has real authority. I'll go for 80 per cent elected. But this is the House of Commons, it's all free votes - and anything can happen.
pmqs, afghanistan, house of lords