Lynne's Parliament and Haringey diary

Impressed to see in the news today that Steven Spielberg has pulled out from his role in the Beijing Olympics because of the Chinese Government's failure to do enough to influence the Sudanese Government, which is continuing to oversee horrific atrocities in Darfur.

His willingness to speak out stands in stark contrast with Gordon Brown - who, as on so many other issues, seems afraid of taking a clear stance and leading the way - and hence the failure to put serious extra pressure on China in his recent visit there. As it's dear old Gordon, perhaps the best we can hope for is for him to set up yet another of his reviews to go away, ponder for a long time and then come back to tell him what to do!

Labels: darfur, gordon brown, olympics

I went together with Mark Lancaster (Tory No 2 in International Development and a serving soldier) to the Chinese Embassy to have a meeting with Professor Zhao Yongren, Counsellor Political Section and Parliamentary Affairs Officer and Dr. Zhang Lirong, Chief Political Section.

We were presenting a letter signed by 100 MPs asking China to help further with ending the genocide in Darfur.

China has clearly been instrumental in promoting modest progress over Darfur but it must continue to use its considerable influence in Sudan to promote the cause of peace and development. It particular, it could send clearer messages to the Sudanese Government by using its diplomatic, military, humanitarian, and economic ties to greater effect.

So the good news so far: the Chinese Government joined in the unanimous UN Security Council (UNSC) vote to authorise, under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, deployment of 26,000 peacekeeping troops and civilian police to Darfur (the joint African Union-United Nations Peacekeeping force). China’s appointment of a Government Special Representative on the Darfur issue, Liu Guijin, played a key role in gaining the Government of Sudan’s acceptance to the peacekeeping force – breaking a long held deadlock. China has sent some 300 engineers to Darfur to back up the UNAMID peacekeeping mission as part of the heavy support package.

But not everything in the garden is rosy and there are still mixed messages coming out of China. Reports indicate that China worked behind the scenes to significantly weaken the terms of UNSC Resolution 1769 (e.g. removing the ‘ability to disarm militia’ mandate for the peacekeeping force). China hasn't been pressing properly for those indicted by the International Criminal Court to be handed over. Also, two recently released studies by well-respected organizations have fuelled concerns that weapons from China are being used against the people of Darfur, and that China is not doing enough to prevent such usage. Further, in the spring of 2007, China indicated its desire to further its military relationship with Sudan “in every sphere.”

China has extended some humanitarian aid to the people of Darfur in 2007 but such aid has been far less than the new support it has provided to the government of Sudan. A striking example was provided during President Hu’s February visit to Khartoum, during which he announced several new economic aid packages to Sudan, including an interest-free loan to construct a Presidential Palace. The sums involved were dramatically larger than the modest amount of new humanitarian aid provided.

Trade between the two countries more than doubled in the first half of 2007. China also continues to sign new accords, such as oil development agreements, that strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

The words of Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in March are rather worrying in fact: “Our assistance is free of any political pressure and helps resolve specific problems, a good demonstration of China’s peaceful development road and constructive role in the world”; in other words, 'we're not going to exert as much pressure as we could'. Not good!

The specific asks we put forward at the meeting today were that China should:

• Use its position as a leading member of both the Security Council and the G-77 to push for the swift recruitment and deployment of the peacekeeping mission authorized by UNSCR 1769.
• Contribute helicopters and heavy transport vehicles to the UNAMID mission to help fill the gaps in these areas (this applies to whole international community).
• Review the sale of arms and military cooperation with Sudan until atrocities have stopped, and a stable peace has been built; and encourage the Government of Sudan to disarm militias and hold the perpetrators of war crimes to account.
• Continue to work harmoniously with other countries to strengthen the political peace process led by the African Union and United Nations envoys, and to pressure all parties to participate fully and unconditionally in peace talks.
• Provide greater humanitarian assistance to Darfuri civilians.
• Make clear to Sudan that if it obstructs progress towards peace or peacekeeping, this will damage Chinese-Sudanese relations— possibly including trade and investment ties.

The meeting was a little frosty. The Chinese were unhappy that the media had got hold of the story that we were doing this today. But as I explained - in a democracy this is a positive thing. When one hundred MPs feel strongly enough to take this action and China is willing as at this meeting to enter a dialogue - that is news - and it is good news.

So - a start has been made of engagement. China is so hugely influential with Khartoum and such an important superpower it has to be right to try and form partnerships and engagement. In terms of the meeting - views were exchanged - and that in itself is progress. I am optimistic that at our next meeting - we will make progress. It is important to start the journey - but the destination is still zillions of miles away.

Last stop of the day - 18 Doughty Street TV a good robust debate around Saudi, Scotland and Immigration!

Labels: 18 doughty street, darfur

So - back from the wilds of Brighton and the Liberal Democrat conference. Just a few 'tidy ups' as I was basically blogging by video diary.

I didn't understand the reference at the time that the Chair, Jon Ball, made to me a one of the four Lib Dem Sun 'lovelies' when he introduced my keynote speech on Wednesday. Coming home - some kind person (!) has emailed me the link - and there I am with Jo Swinson (27), Julia Goldsworthy (29) and Kirsty Williams (36). Sadly - they do publish my age! Still - whereas I used to just rail against the innate sexism in such articles - now (at my advanced age) I am just grateful!

More seriously, on the last morning, the speaker who summated in the Liberal Democrat Youth and Students Emergency Motion on Darfur, a Darfuri Abdo Abdullah, gave a most powerful speech.

We had had the Global Day of Action on Darfur on the Monday (blogged about by one of the organisers here). But there is nothing more powerful to advocate both the need for speed of deployment of the AU/UN hybrid force and the need for our government to stop sending Darfuris back to torture and murder - then someone standing in front of you who has seen his own family murdered.

I spoke in this debate and of course, made Darfur one of the key issues in my keynote speech the day before - but will the Government act? Brown says he wants troops deployed earlier than next year. Given he is Prime Minister, he has the power to push it - but he seems satisfied with warm words alone. Cold comfort to dying Darfuris.

You can see more of my conference photos over on Flickr.

Labels: darfur, gordon brown, jo swinson

It's Thursday - and my final conference diary webcast. Darfur is one of the big issues for debate today - and there's also Ming Campbell's big conference speech:

Running time: 68 seconds

Labels: darfur, ming campbell

This afternoon was my big set-piece speech in the main conference hall - on international development of course!

We need to recognise that one of the big problems with effective foreign aid is that the most effective development projects are the small scale and local – like solar cookers.

But these small scale projects don’t scale up well to making a difference to a whole population, to a whole country or to a whole region.

So what is to be done?

Answers in the full speech on my website.

Labels: darfur, international development, vulture funds

Whist the by-elections play out on the political stage, long before they were called - I had arranged the inaugural meeting of my Haringey Local Darfur Action Group (HLDAG) today. (Read here for my earlier posting on why such a local group is needed).

I had been amazed by the response to my initial email - and to the number of people who wanted to join me in this pressure group. My idea is to set up an organising group to lobby and put pressure on the sensitive political spots that might prompt the Government of Sudan to stop the genocide and let the African Union / United Nations troops be deployed before 2008 - the current best estimate following President Bashir's promise to finally allow them in.

But there are many other things that need doing – including the extension of the UN arms embargo across the whole of Sudan as weapons are coming into Darfur from there. The difficulty of getting the UN resolution through is I guess because China and Russia have a veto and they both earned well over £20 million each on arms sales to Sudan in 2005. So - an example of what I hope the group will do (and the group will grow in size) is to all send emails to the Chinese Ambassador asking him not to use the veto, for example - as it would be a shame if the Olympics in Beijing were to become a political football, etc etc.

I invited a Darfuri refugee to come and speak to the Group, and Ishmail Jarbo, whose parents were murdered and he himself injured before fleeing to this country, told us his tale. This was very powerful and brought home the reality of the genocide. My Lib Dem councillor colleague, Errol Reid (Hornsey ward), then spoke. Errol has long been involved with Sudan and is also the secretary for the International African Lawyers, fighting on human rights and anti-slavery.

We all then contributed a great range of ideas and a number of those attending stepped forward to take this campaign forward.

I know, I know - how can what we do in Haringey affect Darfur? Well – I totally believe in people power. I also believe, that at this particular juncture, China will be sensitive to world opinion and as China is the most influential foreign power in terms of Sudan - pressure on China is one way forward. And there is divestment - as we pressure groups not to invest in companies who are supporting the genocide. And, this is my pilot, and I will be trying to extend this nationwide in due course.

Being impotent and doing nothing is why dreadful things continue for decades in this world. This is a complex situation and in the end, only a negotiated peace will bring real peace to the area - and both Arabs and Black Darfuris will have to come around the table with all the groups and militias and rebel bands. But that cannot happen until the killing is stopped. So first deployment and stopping arms.

The communication for this group will be primarily by email - and if you live in Haringey and you want to join in what will be a relatively simple exercise in targeted lobbying - then let me know. You can also join the Facebook group.

The group will hopefully have its first organisational meeting to decide the action program in the next two weeks and then we will email out the first proposed action; after all - this is an action group!

Labels: darfur, olympics

Start the day meeting all the lobby groups against the Planning White paper. The paper is a developers' charter - and not only gets it wrong on many counts - but omits huge areas that do need tackling. For me - I want ordinary people, objectors - to have the same right of appeal as developers or applicants. It's not fair that if you are refused permission you can appeal - but if it is granted and you are an objector - you cannot. Also - another bugbear - is that Her Majesty's Inspector who doesn't live in the local area and doesn't have the same interests as local people - can overturn a decision made by the local Planning Authority. That could do with an overhaul too! (On which point ... you can read more in my newspaper column on the topic from a little while back).

Then meeting with Foreign and Commonwealth officers to discuss all my many and various Parliamentary Questions on Darfur. I have raised Darfur in Parliament many times - and it was riveting to discuss the substantive issues with officers who really know the subject and working with those on the ground. Not going to discuss here as the material is something I want to think about how best to use.

Labels: darfur, planning issues

Just thinking about my up and coming inaugural meeting of the Haringey Darfur Action Group on July 19th. This is a group I am setting up to campaign locally - and I know Darfur and the genocide there seem far away - but you would be surprised how effective local pressure can be. And the scale of the horrors in Darfur means we must do something more.

I have lots of ideas of action we can take so we don't have to stand idly by and feel impotent in this catastrophe. Also - I have set up a Facebook Group for the Darfur group - so please join in.

Labels: darfur

Went to an All Party Group on Genocide meeting that is especially on the Darfur genocide. Chaired by John Bercow. His tack on Darfur is the need to set up an oil trust where the income would be able to be used for humanitarian purposes but which would also put pressure on the Government of Sudan not to renege on its recent agreement to allow the AU / UN troops to be deployed - albeit not until next year. It seems a good idea to me!

There was a good discussion about divestment (to put financial pressure on the Sudanese government) and how it won't fall foul of all the obstacles that people throw up in your path. Pension funds are often an apparent obstacle – because of duties on trustees to seek the highest return on the money. But – as was pointed out – when you want to target one particular country, it is often possible to pull the money out from one firm and reinvest it in similar firms and similar industries with similar returns, but who operate elsewhere. Certainly something to be pursued!

Labels: darfur

International Questions today before PMQs - and I go in on Darfur:

Lynne Featherstone (Hornsey and Wood Green) (LD): The Secretary of State has just said that pressure was important. Bashir’s agreement for the deployment of the force does not come into effect until 2008, so has the Secretary of State considered using the international spotlight on China, owing to the Olympics, as leverage to encourage China to use its influence with Khartoum to end the genocide and stop Darfuris being killed between now and when Bashir may or may not allow troops to be deployed in 2008?

Hilary Benn: We certainly have encouraged China and all members of the Security Council and other nations to play their part in encouraging the Government of Sudan to do the right thing. I welcome the fact that the Chinese have now appointed a special envoy, Liu Guijin. That, plus the effort made by China in November when we had the meeting in Addis Ababa, chaired by Kofi Annan, which came up with the proposals for the hybrid force that have now been agreed by the Government of Sudan, demonstrates that China has taken a greater interest in trying to play a part. But the truth is that every single country has a responsibility to do more and to use all the influence that it has, including, if required, the threat of sanctions, to ensure that fine words are turned into action, because action is what is needed.

So - he didn't really answer the key point - whether the Government has the guts to apply the screws to get China to help focus Bashir's mind on delivering on his promises - and earlier than he wants.

Labels: darfur, hilary benn, olympics, pmqs

Four million deaths - that's the shocking figure for how many people would have died in the UK if we'd suffered the same proportion of our population being killed as has been killed in Darfur.

It makes 'just' asking another question or speaking at another rally seem rather inadequate in the face of this monstrous brutality. Which is why - I'm setting up a local group to help take more action. It's the subject of my latest newspaper column (for the Ham & High this time):

Two and a half years ago, Tony Blair took a stand saying that 'international focus on Darfur will not go away while the situation remains outstanding'. But that stand was only temporary - for last year, Salah Gosh - the Sudanese security chief who orchestrates the violence in Darfur - was twice "welcomed" to this country.

You can read the rest of the Darfur article on my website.

UPDATE: If you are on Facebook, please come and join my Darfur group.

Labels: darfur

Water, water everywhere - but not where it's needed. Speaking for the Liberal Democrats in the Water and Sanitation in Developing Countries debate in Parliament yesterday, I went on two main themes: firstly that at some point in the future there will be a major war (or wars) over water. Water wars will dominate the next decades as scarce supply send millions into migratory patterns in the developing world.

There are 263 rivers that cross borders - and as the supply shortens the temptation for countries to divert a river their way and cut off the river from another country will become greater and greater.

Back in 1997 the UK sponsored a UN Convention on the Non-Navigational Waterways - which basically put rules around this tinderbox issue to prevent the looming disasters that would arise as countries fought for access to scarce supply. Ten years on - the UK has not ratified the Convention. I asked Hilary Benn when it would be done. He failed to answer - albeit he said that I raised a truly important point. One has to wonder if it was that important - why has Labour failed to see this through?

Second issue I pursued was on the funding we give to the PPIAF (a public private group that is supposed to deliver infrastructure projects in the developing world). I had previously question Benn in Parliament as to why we were funding this organisation as Norway had withdrawn because its projects kept failing. Benn had answered that some projects fail and some succeed - and he would take a look at it. Clearly - no progress had been made by the debate today as he once again simply re-iterated that some projects succeed some fail.

Personally, given the level of funding with tax from our hard-earned wages you would think he would be a little more careful and caring about the effectiveness of that spend. Italy too has now withdrawn.

Later same day - we had a debate on Darfur. For the most part all speakers wrung our hands and demanded instant deployment of the AU / UN troops, a no-fly zone, targeted sanctions, travel bans, asset freezes and some suggestions that China is being pretty damn brave - propping up and supporting the Sudanese Government (thereby perpetuating and paying for the killing fields) when the Beijing Olympics are coming down the track!

We will see what action is taken at the G8 as we are all fed up with fine words as genocide continues unabated.

Labels: darfur, hilary benn, olympics

I notice that Gordon in his hustings yesterday defended the principle of overseas military intervention in Darfur - saying that he wanted to see a joint UN / African Union force in the country almost immediately. Well - yes - don't we all? But we are being taken for fools by the Khartoum government who clearly think they can play with us with no consequences. So - this is a test for Gordon: is he an action man or is it just talk, talk?

Labels: darfur, gordon brown

Speaking at Darfur Rally today so get tube up to Westminster. Thank goodness the sun is shining - as the turnout is pretty impressive. Many, many refugees from Darfur. Key message from the attendees (according to the frequent chant) is to get the UN / African Union troops deployed on the ground to protect the people.

This is a terrible and deteriorating situation. Whilst there is a lot of dodging around the word 'genocide' for a variety of reasons - to me if it walks like genocide, talks like genocide - it's genocide. And the frustration is that so little is happening. The theme (exemplified by a giant hour-glass filled with blood) is that time is running out.

There are lots of speakers (including me) and generally a lot of passion and anger and desperation - as despite so many people saying after events like Rwanda 'it must never happen again', it is happening again.

As I said:

The Sudanese regime is one of the most brutal and destabilising in the world today. Some 400,000 black Darfuris have perished in the past three years due to the measures taken against them by the Government of Sudan and allied militias. If we are not against this genocidal regime, we are with them.

You can read the rest of the speech on my website. But please don't just read the speech - help do something about it too by contacting your MP to add to the pressure on the Government to act. (Even if you are a constituent of mine, please do still write - the more the messages I receive, the more I can impress on the Government the strength of feeling on the issue).

Labels: darfur

Ahead of joining the demonstration at Downing Street tomorrow on Darfur, this morning's Independent has a piece including my views on the issue:

It is clear that what we are witnessing in Darfur is genocide. The British Government and the international community cannot continue to watch as this catastrophe unfolds in front of them. A no-fly zone, a proper and extensive arms embargo, targeted travel bans and asset seizures as well as meaningful sanctions are all essential yet the Government has so far done nothing. What will it take before this country takes the effective action that is so desperately needed?

Labels: darfur

Hurrah! My glasses were found in the back of the car that brought me back from The Westminster Hour - thank goodness. Tuesday has been a busy, busy day and I hate it when there isn't even breathing space between events.

To highlight the best of the bunch: met with an interesting organisation called Waging Peace about the ever-deteriorating situation in Darfur. My take is that the world is standing by and letting genocide take place. The Sudanese Government is playing us for fools and toying with us suggesting that they are on our side against Al Qaeda when really they are not. The Arab militias continue to kill rebels and the suffering is spreading into Chad and Central Africa. We need action from the EU and the UN. Sanctions, travel bans and arms embargos would be a start and for goodness sake - China is applying more pressure than we are.

I also met constituents about the mess that the changes to the way junior doctors are employed have caused. It's a terrible tale of diving in without a clue where it will end up - and now peoples' lives and careers are being ruined. And are they stopping it? No. This is a nightmare for those caught up in the changes. This should have been thought about, piloted and rolled out in a measured way rather than being steamrollered through across the board.

More Maxitech good works as they start teaming up with Age Concern to deliver free computers and training to our older citizens. The event to mark this is held in the Lords and really it is quite clear that Maxitech has solved the problem of big corporations like HSBC, John Lewis and British Airways (all in attendance) who want to be good and give their old computers for good causes – but need to know that the computers will be properly wiped clean and they won’t be caught by legal liability issues.

Then onto Spurs to see the launch of the Bounds Green United football team - set up and initiated by the (police) Bounds Green Safer Neighbourhood Team. Spurs are doing their community bit - hurrah - and some of the wards in the borough are getting teams together to compete. The first match will be on Tuesday. It's a great project and I get to stand one inch from the pitch - the hallowed turf. It is a tremendous feeling. Thanks to the police Safer Neighbourhood Team - without whom this just would not have happened.

Then on to the CASCH AGM (a Crouch End residents' association). Nice to be able to get here tonight - as Monday and Tuesday nights are usually impossible but I try to get to all local events that I can. The new Met volunteer organiser is there - and talks to the members about perhaps joining the team. It is so great to see what feels like my 'baby' growing up. The re-opening of the front counter at Muswell Hill police station was fantastic and the volunteers who run it are fantastic - and now it's the second generation organiser is in place. Very rewarding. As they go on to the business of the Association, it is time for me to run as I have a radio car coming to my house at 10pm to interview me on vulture funds.

Vulture funds are these companies that feed off the debt of the third world. The High Court ruled today to cut Zambia’s debt repayments to them:

A "vulture" fund seeking more than $55m (£27.5bn) from Zambia had its wings clipped in the high court yesterday by the judge who limited its claim to $15.5m and cut its award of costs because of its "dishonesty".

(From The Guardian)

Debt relief was a good move - and it is horrifying to think that anyone would prey on these countries and exploit a legal loophole. We need a government that takes action - not just wrings its hands ineffectually as this one is doing.

Then get a message that there is no radio car available to come to where I live - so go home to bed!

Labels: casch, darfur, muswell hill police station, nhs, the westminster hour, vulture funds

I went to the Save Community Hospitals' lobby in Westminster Hall yesterday. In Haringey we are not so much trying to save a hospital and get a new one on the site of the old one - which wasn't saved!

I also had Question 4 on the order paper in Foreign Affairs Questions.

Lynne Featherstone (Hornsey & Wood Green, Liberal Democrat)
What recent assessment she has made of developments in the situation in Darfur; and if she will make a statement.

Margaret Beckett (Secretary of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office)
President Bashir has now accepted UN support for AMIS—the African Union Mission in Sudan—and has allowed the first UN military personnel into Darfur. That is important, but it is only the first step. We urge the Government of Sudan, the UN and the African Union to work for full implementation of the joint support package and an urgent resumption of the political process. All sides need to observe the ceasefire, too, particularly the Government of Sudan, who have been bombing the rebels, as that is vital for progress on the humanitarian front.

Lynne Featherstone (Hornsey & Wood Green, Liberal Democrat)
I thank the Secretary of State for her reply, but has a timeline been developed for the United Nations and the African Union to be on the ground? At what point will that protection start to be provided for people in Darfur?

Margaret Beckett (Secretary of State, Foreign & Commonwealth Office)
There are three stages to the deployment: first, light support, in which 180 personnel, 34 of whom have already arrived, are expected to be involved; secondly, heavy support; and, finally, the establishment of a full hybrid African Union and United Nations force. There is no specific timescale, but everyone who wishes the position in Darfur to improve is anxious that as many of those people as possible should be deployed as soon as possible, and that is something for which we are all working.

Ironically, had had to move my meeting with Secretary of State for International Development from 3pm because of the question. It's like a ballot - so until a couple of days before you have no idea that the question you have tabled has been selected. Anyway - Hilary Benn's office were very accommodating and moved the meeting which had been initiated by Hilary as a meet and greet me in my new role.

I went to DFID unarmed. Having heard tell that Hilary Benn doesn't have an enemy in the world, I judged it safe. Which meant I found myself not just with Hilary as I had expected - but with four of his key aides. Five to one! The first thing you notice is that it is nothing like the Home Office - they are nice and civilised. I think in the year and a half I was on the front bench for Home Affairs - Tony McNulty (Labour's equivalent) only said hello about twice!

Anyway - we had a chat about the Department and the work they carry out. I look forward to working with him - as we say.

Then it was straight on to Haringey Civic Centre for the presentation by the four bidders for the new school to be built in my constituency. This is one of those insane Government forced bids to bring in an Academy. Boroughs of all political persuasions have seen these privately sponsored new schools take over. I suppose the original idea was enabling the Government to intervene where schools were failing and the LEA was appalling (understandable).

However, this is about businesses really getting hold of Government funding. Listening to the four bids - from a variety of sponsors - it was clear that there was very little to guide one as to which one would deliver exactly what. The crying shame - and actually complete travesty - was the lack of real people at the meeting. There were the bidders, the councillors, some heads, the press - but only six (other) members of the community.

So one has to wonder about Haringey's efforts to publicise the event (not much). Gail Engert (Lib Dem Education Spokesperson) asked that they consider a better-advertised second meeting. The consultation period needs to be longer and there is a problem with the timing of the decision - which is going to be in the Easter holidays. That is not good - as people can come and present to the decision making meeting – but at that time lots of people are away.

And of course - home to watch Big Brother. This has turned political as a Labour member has tabled an EDM. I am not sure that is the way forward in this case. If there is anything that has broken our laws - then it is really a police matter. However, I am not sure whether it is that clear that it would result in a successful prosecution. It is more the bullying by a gang of girls on one who is different. I can only assume they were jealous of her and because she is posh and classy (as well as non-white) they focused their nastiness on her difference.

I wonder if their punishment won't be ending up pariahs when they come out. If only the world was that fair!!!

Labels: darfur, gail engert, hilary benn, margaret beckett

Off to the YMCA Annual Christmas Show at St Mary's in Hornsey earlier today. Children of all ages perform ballet, tap, modern and gymnastics - and it is so gorgeous. Watching the little ones beaming outwards into the darkness that is the audience - hoping to catch sight of their parents. And when they do - a little shy wave. All ranges of ability - all shapes and sizes - and every faith or culture imaginable. That is integration in action - far more effective than any legislation. When people have a common bond - differences fade into the background.

I get to go up at the end and make a speech. Given there were about 150+ children standing on the stage behind me having taken their bow - I thought brevity might be appreciated! Especially as at the end of my speech I was introducing and welcoming Father Christmas.

I just congratulated everyone and then basically - given our good fortune in Hornsey & Wood Green where we of different backgrounds can live together in peace - sent our thoughts to the people of the Middle East - of Palestine, of Lebanon, of Israel, Iraq and Afghanistan and of course, Darfur, to wish them peace on earth at this time of peace and goodwill.

Labels: darfur

International Development Questions - and I have Oral Question Number 4. I am asking the Minister about Darfur. The Chamber - at 11.55 when I get called to 'put' the question - is heaving as Prime Ministers' Questions follows.

I ask the Government if they do not now recognise the need for the United Nations Security Council to increase the presence of the African Union and strengthen their mandate so that the level of protection is increased in Darfur. The situation there is so insecure and unstable that refugees and internally displaced persons are still unlikely to return. The Minister is nice about it - but basically says no.

Then it is Prime Ministers' Questions - always a blast!

Then I am into the second session of the Committee Stage on the Incitement to Religious Hatred Bill. I know that the following day, for the two Thursday sessions, Alistair (my Lib Dem colleague on the committee) is going to have to leave me on my own as he has to return to Orkney for a prior commitment. However, by the time he leaves just before the end of today's session, all our amendments on which we have to lead will have been moved. So I will only have to interject on the Tory amendments and general arguments.

Best laid plans of mice and men ... Dominic Grieve (for the Conservatives) makes a brilliant argument on one of the amendments - but it takes an hour - so Alistair has to leave and I am left to introduce amendments myself.

And I do. And it is absolutely terrifying. And it goes fine. I make the points - albeit briefly in comparison to my learned other members - and get out alive. I have always been thrown in the deep end - seems to be my destiny. I remember becoming Leader of the Opposition on Haringey Council when I had only visited one meeting in my life. I became Chair of Transport on the London Assembly - when I had never chaired anything in my life!

It's always terrifying - but it is the best way on this earth to learn. So I guess I was grateful - but it was (even for me) a testing experience.

Labels: darfur, pmqs