I’ve had a Parliamentary recess of contrasts. Most people will think it has been holiday time; quite the reverse. I’ve had a very busy programme. Before Christmas I visited Alumwell Junior School to attend a farewell ceremony for an immensely popular teacher John Oaker. It was a very moving ceremony, there were a number of speeches eulogising him. John has only ever taught in one school, Alumwell, and has done so for 40 years. It was his first and only job. He brought pupils down to Parliament, usually 90 in a week, for 35 years introducing young people to Westminster and London. When people criticise education they must always remember the enormous contribution being made by the likes of John.

On the theme of education during the recess I also visited Walsall College. I’ve been going to the College periodically for 35 years. The building is typical of the late 1950s, it’s clapped out and it’s about to be demolished. What will replace it will be a magnificent and well worthy of our town. Nearby there is being built an amazing complex for very high tech companies and the college should supply the computer specialists for this 21st century industry. Walsall is often associated with traditional industries, but the way for the future is to retain what we do well, but simultaneously move to a new dimension.

Elections have been very much on my mind. We are witnessing the chaos and bloodshed in Kenya, with possibly up to 1,000 killed. You may recall that I have headed a number of election observation missions. At the time of writing I am returning from Georgia, in the Caucasus having monitored the recent Presidential elections. They took place two days before the Georgian Orthodox Christmas. It was a very contentious election and two days after there is still some doubt over the winner. I’m glad our elections are not as controversial and very hotly fought, in every sense of the word.