The month started with the capture of the 15 navy personnel by the Iranian navy and the concern for the welfare of the 15 was of paramount importance. The inevitable parading of them on television telling the world that they had strayed into Iranian waters was clear to all that it was indeed not the case, and the ensuing days that culminated in their release by the President was no doubt a public relations exercise. However the glee over their freedom was soon tempered by the news that some of them had sold their story to the press with the permission of their superiors. It was clearly not what the public wanted to hear and the outrage soon led to a statement by the minister that this would not be allowed to happen in future. There are two points I would like to raise here. Firstly, the fact that the serving personnel were reportedly being paid in excess of £100,000 for their stories on their 15 days of incarceration whilst the survivors and/or their spouses of the Far East Prisoners of War 50 years are being paid only £10,000, really puts into context the different values on life we have today compared to 50 years ago, and I believe, is nothing short of a disgrace.  

Secondly whilst it was right that Members of Parliament complained bitterly at the payments for these stories, I bet that some of them also get paid a second or multiple wages from other sources to supplement their salaries, some for writing for or appearing on the media and some for directorships. Perhaps it is about time the position of Member of Parliament came with a contract to say that you should not have outside paid interests. I for one know that it is a full time job and get extremely angry when you read of the extra income that some MP's have. It is now 10 years since I was elected to represent my home town at Westminster as Member of Parliament.

It has been a privilege for me to have been put in this position. I have no doubts that there have been huge improvements throughout the Borough during that time and I would be the first to say that there is still an awful lot more to do. Yet when I look around at the investment and regeneration of many of our areas, I would like to think that I have played my part but also that I was part of a team that put political differences to one side with the future of the Borough of paramount importance, and I hope this continues.   

Another anniversary was celebrated just last week with the celebration of 100 years of the Scout movement. The celebration started with a parade of scouts from all around the Great Yarmouth area and culminated in a celebration held at the circus. It was indeed a most enjoyable afternoon and the youngsters really got into the spirit of the day. Could I once again heap praise on the adults who give up their time freely to ensure that the scouting movement, as well as the many other youth organisations, continue.    

I was delighted to have been invited to attend the opening of the new buildings at The Cliff Park High School last week where Sir Trevor Brooking did the official opening. I know the time it took from planning to completion must have seemed a lifetime for the teachers as well as the students, and having spoken to both Bob Bond who was Head teacher at the beginning and Mark Bailie the Head teacher now, I know they are both delighted with the outcome. This huge investment is long overdue and from the brief discussion I had with the students during the tour they too are extremely proud of the school and the investment in the new facilities. 

We have heard in the news recently that Post Office Ltd is teaming up with WH Smith to relocate some 70 of its branches into their stores. As it currently stands, Post Office Ltd is losing around £70m a year, which is unsustainable. Changes obviously need to be made, but the key issue is to make sure that efficiency does not come at the cost of providing good services. In Great Yarmouth, the switch of the present main Post Office to WH Smith across the marketplace, will I am sure, not have too much an impact. However, I would be interested to hear your views on this and would welcome any correspondence.  

This month I am raising awareness of the Veterans Lapel Badge. The Badge is for wear on civilian clothing so that the public can identify veterans in their community and recognise the service they have given. The eligibility for the Badge has now been extended to include men and women who served in HM Forces anytime between the First World War and 31 December 1984, also including the Cyprus Regiment, Home Guard, and Polish Forces under UK Command during World War II. It can also be issued posthumously to War Widows or Widowers receiving a War Widows or Widowers pension from a spouse who served before 31 December 1984. The Badge has been very popular since its introduction and rightly so – it is vital that we recognise the commitments our veterans have made to our country. I’d really like to see the veterans in Great Yarmouth getting the recognition they deserve and would urge you to contact my office where I will be happy to handle the application process.