Stephen's Week
June 26, 2006 10:23 AM
By Stephen Williams MP
By Stephen Williams MP
MONDAY 19th JUNE 2006
A smooth railway journey from Redland to Westminster! Education Select Committee was in closed session to consider our draft report on special educational needs, "SEN". Slow progress.
TUESDAY 20th JUNE
Someone from the Hansard Society came over to set up our office computer so we can take part in a "Heads up Forum" over the next couple of weeks with school children, about post 16 education and training.
Met with Jenny Willott MP (Youth spokesperson) and the Campaigns Dept to discuss this year's round of freshers' fares at universities.
In afternoon to a reception to launch a new report on university research. The report focuses on 35 newer universities who get little research council funding but achieve good results nonetheless. The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Bill Rammell, is to speak plus his two shadows. But Boris Johnson doesn't show up, so I was only opposition speaker!
In the evening to a dinner with vice chancellors from the universities. I was the only political guest - this was the evening when everyone else was obsessed by England v Sweden. But there was no escape from the match as a Swedish party was taking place in the same hotel!
WEDNESDAY 21st JUNE
Education Select Cttee sat from 9.15am to 1.15pm so we could finish discussions about the draft SEN report. The report will now be published in early July. This meant that I missed today's PMQs, but the event is no longer the novelty for me that it was so I didn't mind.
Lunch with the lobby correspondent who covers the Evening Post. I mentioned my very small diplomatic triumph with the German Ambassador. While on holiday in Berlin last year I visited the Gameldegalerie, the national art gallery. I saw a painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence. The caption with a biog of Lawrence said he was born in Brussels. I was pretty sure Lawrence was a Bristolian but I wasn't sure where he was born. I eventually checked and he was born in Bristol, in Old Market in 1769. So I wrote to the gallery and asked them to correct the caption. I did not get a reply so sent a copy to the Ambassador and this week received a note from His Excellency saying the slight on Bristol had been corrected! Anyway, it appeared in this Thursday's Evening Post. I think Bristol should make more of Lawrence, one of the country's greatest artists.
In the afternoon to a meeting of the All Party Skills Forum, to listen to three directors of skills academies.
THURSDAY 22 JUNE
Sarah Teather (Shadow Education Secretary) and I met with a company making a film for Channel Four on homophobic bullying. They have filmed interviews with boys who have been victims. When the evidence gathering and filming is complete they will present us (on camera) with the findings. This will complement our own findings from the on line campaign we are running.
Later to a House of Commons Library briefing on the Barnett Formula, the 1978 formula that sets increases in govt expenditure for Scotland and Wales. As devolution beds in I think there will be a growing debate on funding between the different parts of the UK. Incidentally, there are also large variations within England - public expenditure per head is very high in London.
At 6pm have my first broadcast on BBC World Service, taking part in a discussion on whether it is right to apologise for the slave trade. It is my firm view that the current generation of Bristolians cannot make a meaningful apology. It was odd to be debating on air with people from the USA and Canada, as well as the UK.
Just make the 7pm train back to Bristol.
FRIDAY 23rd JUNE
To the County Ground in Ashley Down to discuss issues of concern to Gloucestershire Cricket Club.
Then to Kingsweston Special School. The children are taking part in a sports event supported by Bristol University, the Airport and matched by govt funding. After the photo opps we form a large circle and play catch, which is quite therapeutic!
Down to City of Bristol College for lunch with the principal. Discuss a variety of local and national issues facing further education.
Over to the Council House for my normal surgery.
The coming two weeks are very busy and I am also in London next weekend. So if I don't a chance to send you a letter on Friday it will be two week's worth next time!
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- Liberal Democrats
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats