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David's Diary |
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post(s) 1-12 of 12
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By-election campaigning in Ealing Southall
29/06/2007
I was in Ealing Southall on Thursday with Tony Lit, our newly selected candidate for the by-election there. He comes right from the heart of the area, knows the people and the issues well, and would be a great voice for Ealing Southall in Parliament.
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A coup for the Conservatives & my take on the reshuffle
28/06/2007
Tony Lit is standing for the Conservatives. It is quite a coup - his family set up Sunrise Radio, which is a vital part of the community, and he has worked there for the last decade. A 30-something year old British Sikh with Bollywood looks, he knows the area and people incredibly well. And as I discovered on our walkabout he is popular too. Suddenly we are interrupted by cries of "Tony, Tony" and I immediately think "oh help, Labour are here." Then I realise the Tony they are shouting for is our candidate.
News of the reshuffle filters through. Inevitably this is Labour's day. Two things I cannot understand at all. First, how can the PM make the Defence secretary carry out the responsibilities of Scottish Secretary as well? We have troops in action in Iraq and Afghanistan and a vital need to deal with welfare issues for forces families and tackle overstretch. If ever there was a need for a totally committed cabinet minister, this is it. After the Iran hostages shambles, it is not clear that Des Browne is up to one job, let alone two.
Less serious, the split of education in two looks odd. Presumably the Skills department will deal with all vocational education, including the new diplomas starting at aged 14. So the Department of Schools (Ed Balls) and the Department of Skills (John Denham) will be falling over each other. Was this done for good administration, or to get a particular person in the cabinet? Time will tell.
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Extraordinary scenes at Prime Minister's Questions
27/06/2007
On Monday I said to Tony Blair on the way out of the chamber following the Europe statement: “What on earth am I going to ask you about at PMQs on Wednesday?” – his reply was along the lines of “yes, and what on earth am I going to say?”. I might add this is not a conversation I usually have – normally I am spoilt for choice of subjects that I want to raise. But what do you ask a Prime Minister who is going to resign in half an hour’s time?
In the event I thought the House of Commons had the right atmosphere, part light hearted, part business-as-usual and a big part – and a deserved part – of giving someone who has spent 10 years as Prime Minister a fitting send off.
I hadn’t planned to get to my feet and clap – these things aren’t done in the House of Commons. But in the event it seemed right and proper - and I was glad that my colleagues followed suit.
Some will wonder how on earth we can tear strips of each other one week and say generous things the next. Some will think that either we don’t believe what we’re saying when being confrontational, or that we are just going through the motions when paying tribute. I think both interpretations would be wrong. The differences of opinion are deep and heartfelt - and so are the plaudits. There are many things Blair has done that I completely abhor and it’s right to let frustration and disappointment show. But you can still admire not just political skill in an opponent, but their contribution in terms of public service.
I am sure that Blair’s public service hasn’t come to an end - and we wait for details of the Middle East appointment that I asked him about. But on watching his skill at saying goodbye to the Commons with humour, charm, tact, and a serious message about what Parliament is really for I couldn’t help thinking: whatever public service you are planning, I hope - for my party’s sake - that it’s not a comeback.
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Gordon Brown cannot be the change that Britain needs
27/06/2007
I've just come back from the House of Commons, after what must be one of the most extraordinary Prime Minister's questions that's there's ever been, at the end of Tony Blair's 10 years.
Now we look to the future - and of course I congratulate Gordon Brown on becoming Prime Minister - but he cannot be the change that Britain needs. There are huge problems in our country: problems with the National Health Service, problems with crime in our communities, with social breakdown. Gordon Brown has been at the heart of Government for the last decade, so he's the author of many of these problems and cannot be their solution.
I think that people do want change, that people should be offered the opportunity of change, people should be able to vote for change. That's why we believe there should be a General Election straight away.
Watch PMQs on the BBC website
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The essential principles of the NHS
21/06/2007
Today I was at Whipps Cross Hospital for a fascinating visit. Earlier in the day I also gave a speech to the NHS Confederation.
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The big idea on which we'll build our whole government
20/06/2007
In a week's time, we'll have a new Prime Minister in Gordon Brown, and I think it's a vital moment for the Conservative Party to take stock of where we've got to, and to plan the next moves ahead. On Monday, I was making a speech in Tooting about the next steps we need to take.
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Chatting with Lord Heseltine
19/06/2007
On Friday I was with Lord Heseltine, chairman of the Cities Taskforce, at the launch of their report - "Cities Renaissance: Creating Local Leadership". Afterwards, I sat down with him to discuss the ideas contained in the document.
Click here to read "Cities Renaissance: Creating Local Leadership" (PDF)
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The benefits of flexible working
15/06/2007
On Thursday I joined the Equal Opportunities Commission to help launch their report on the benefits of flexible working.
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Getting young people interested in science
11/06/2007
I was in Cheltenham on Thursday for the Science Festival.
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Giving Parliament back its teeth
07/06/2007
On Wednesday, I was with Ken Clarke at the launch of the reform proposals published by the Democracy Taskforce.
Click here to read 'Power to the People: Rebuilding Parliament' (PDF).
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Islam and Muslims in the World Today
06/06/2007
I was at Lancaster House on Tuesday to speak at a conference organised by the Prime Minister. He asked me to take part to show a cross-party approach to this vital isue.
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Photos from mid Wales
01/06/2007
Here are some photos from my visit to mid Wales, where I was shadowing a police officer.
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