Stephen's Week

MONDAY 15th MAY 2006

Back up to London by lunchtime. Afternoon meeting of Education Select Committee continued our look at citizenship in schools. Lively discussion with various youth charities on role of pupil power. Most schools now have a school council. But what is their remit? We also discussed

"British values", which some ministers want taught.

TUESDAY 16th May

A series of meetings in my role as Lib Dem Shadow Minister for Further and Higher Education. Morning meeting was with Universities UK. This is the umbrella group for all British universities. They represent British HE to politicians and the media. There are also at least three separate

groupings for different types of university. For instance, Bristol is in the "Russell Group" which regards itself as the UK premier league in HE.

Lunchtime to Great George St for the Association of Colleges awards. Pleased to report that City Of Bristol College has won an award for its IT skills work. The Principal tells me that the country's top Colleges have formed a new grouping, the "157 Group" after a paragraph in a recent FE report that urged leading colleges to speak up for the sector. Bristol is in it, so we have a university and a college in their respective premier leagues. I think the colleges could do with a better group name!

Mid afternoon meet with reps of the ATL - the third largest teaching union. We discuss issues arising from the FE white paper.

In the evening attend a Centre Forum think tank discussion on Yob Behaviour. Speakers are Frank Field MP, Mary Riddell from the Observer, a lawyer who campaigns against ASBOs and our own Nick Clegg MP who speaks for the Lib Dems on Home affairs. Field has published a book, "Neighbours from Hell" and I have a lot of sympathy for what he says about lack of

respect and crimes against the person. But some of his reasoning was way off beam.

10pm vote today was on 3rd Reading of Legislative & Regulatory Reform Bill. We voted against as it still gives ministers too much power.

WEDNESDAY 17th MAY

Live Radio Bristol interview on the breakfast show, talking about "IDAHO" which is International Day Against Homophobia. Every cause now has its day or week it seems.

This morning's Education Select Committee was a special session to question the two sides of the university pay dispute. The employers (ie the universities) have offered staff 12.6% over three years. The AUT and NATFHE say it's not enough as lecturers have fallen behind other

professions in the last two decades. The AUT has advised staff not to set or mark exams. A tricky session for me, balancing my objective committee role with my party shadow ministerial job....and a constituency that has more Phds than any other!

Arrived a little late for PMQs. Ming had a couple of short and snappy questions this week.

To Millbank TV centre for a live interview on ITV re IDAHO.

Late afternoon was weekly meeting of parliamentary party. Then afterwards the "555 Club" of new MPs (mostly elected on 5 5 2005) had our regular dinner with a guest, this time the new Leader. He got lots of constructive advice and support and told us more of what he is doing to

propel the party forward.

THURSDAY 18 May

Now you hear of MPs going on junkets to Washington, California, Australia and the like. Well today I went on my first select committee "fact-finding" trip. To Darlington. We took the 9am train from Kings Cross. We were looking at a really innovative new school, the Darlington

Education Village. This brings together on one site and in one linked building a mainstream primary and secondary school and also special needs children. We saw a school with all ages from 2 to 19 and children with profound and multiple learning difficulties as well as those with mild special needs.

It was a fascinating visit and will inform our report on special needs education later this year. As a final aside, I was stunned to find that my single rail fare from Darlington to Temple Meads was over £200. It would have been cheaper and quicker to have flown!

FRIDAY 19th May

Met with an architect who is promoting a short tram line along Wapping Wharf to Ashton. It's certainly a good idea, using existing lines. Bristol must certainly do more to utilise rail facilities. I've long held my own pet scheme in my head for a Bristol "Circle line" from Temple Meads

to Broadmead, the Centre, College Green and back via Bristol Bridge and Victoria Street.

Lunchtime met with Akee Tree - a group representing Bristolians of Jamaican descent. Then my usual Friday afternoon surgery.

Evening - a speech to Bristol University Senior Common Room, ie the staff social club! Also a good question and answer session.

WEEKEND

No engagements but made a second visit to the Brunel and art of invention exhibition in the museum. I could spend ages looking at the enormous painting of a Victorian crowd at Paddington station. A painting of Gladstone sat in a bus also caught my eye. Do go and visit!