Maiden Speech

Just back home after a very long day in the House of Commons. I arrived at 07.10 in order to queue up outside the Chamber (which opens at 08.00) to put in my 'prayer card' in order to get a decent seat for the day's proceedings. I then went to my office to prepare for my Maiden Speech and also deal with correspondence.

I was glad to have the opportunity to make a short intervention during Foreign Secretary William Hague's Statement on the Israel -Gaza situation. Whilst I welcome an independent inquiry into what happened, I thought it important to acknowledge that one million tonnes of aid has gone to Gaza from Israel since January 2009. Moreover the blockade has existed because of Hamas acts of terrorism, their smuggling of arms from Iran and their attacks on aid convoys. Mr Hague noted the role of Hamas in its disruption of the peace process.

Later, during the Education Debate, I was called to give my Maiden Speech. As I said in the House, having taken ten years and three elections to get to the Commons, I felt a real sense of service and privilege. I spoke about the importance of the regeneration of Harlow and the need for an extra Bypass to the M11.

But, the main point of my speech was about Apprenticeships. Highlighting Apprenticeship schemes like that of Harlow College, I argued that we needed a cultural change in our country: to ensure that Apprenticeships are as highly regarded as Academic degrees.

I shall post my full speech tomorrow, once it appears in Hansard (the Parliamentary record).

Today was very fulfilling - I was pleased to be able to speak up for Harlow and the villages in the Commons in my Maiden Speech. It gave real meaning to my ten years campaigning as a candidate.



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