It is back to the Commons tomorrow as the Recess is over. I shall be driving from Harlow at 0545 to be in the Commons by 0730. In order to be guaranteed a seat, you have to put in a 'prayer card' at 0800. You then have to be in the Commons for prayers (at the beginning of each sitting), to get the seat you have reserved.
On Mondays we always have a morning meeting with my staff to review the week ahead, discuss casework and go through the diary. After, there are a range of meetings.
My first appointment is with EDGE - the organisation that promotes vocational training and apprenticeships. We are discussing plans to boost apprentices across the country.
In the afternoon it is Home Office Questions and then the debate on constitutional reform.
This is an incredibly important day in our political history, that could have profound constitutional implications for the future. MPs will be voting whether to have a referendum on electoral reform (to introduce the Alternative Vote ) on the day of next year's local elections. We will also be deciding on the re-drawing of constituency boundaries to ensure that every constituency has equal number of voters. At present there are huge variations.
Astonishingly, despite having had a manifesto commitment for AV, the Labour Party look like they will vote against the Bill. For some bizarre reason, they are also likely to vote against equal sized constituencies. Some might say it is opposition for opposition's sake.
I would vote against AV too, I want an MP chosen by the people of my town and one that is accountable. AV gives the parties too much power.
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