The abolition of identity cards was confirmed last week, when the Identity Documents Bill was granted Royal Assent. Liberal Democrats have consistently campaigned against ID cards, a scheme introduced by the previous Labour Government.
The inability to update this website during and after the weekend of the 18th and 19th December meant I wasn't able to comment...
Colchester MP Bob Russell used the final Parliamentary day of the year to send Christmas and New Year greetings to soldiers from Colchester Garrison currently serving in Afghanistan. He told the House of Commons: "This Christmas, approximately 3,000 of my constituents will not enjoy the festivities with their family. I refer to soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade, based at the Colchester Garrison, who are deployed to Afghanistan and predominately Helmand Province.
A plea to Essex County Council not to cut the funding of the Women's Refuge in Colchester has been made in the House of Commons by the town's MP Bob Russell. Speaking in the final Parliamentary debate of the year, he said that any cut in the Supporting People funding from the County Council would impact on the Refuge - not only affecting the women and children who have fled from domestic violence, but forcing many of the children into foster care which is much more costly.
You may have noticed this website has been a bit quiet in the last 10 days or so. Apologies for that - following the update of the site during the weekend before last, it was not possible to update it for a while. It's all up, running and fully functional now, allowing me a belated chance to offer everyone a very merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
"It is a privilege to be asked to take on this role, and I will do so with urgency, enthusiasm and determination."