The decision to start the withdrawal of troops from Iraq, in accordance with the statement made by the Prime Minister some time ago, will I am sure be widely welcomed.  However, this has been tempered by the necessity to increase the troop numbers in Afghanistan, with the accompanying concern However much is needed there in a great dealover the apparent lack of commitment from other NATO countries. Nonetheless, I welcome the withdrawal from Iraq and cannot wait until the time all troops are able to be broughbrought home. 

The multi-billion pound project to replace the Trident missile submarine is very controversial and is an issue that appears in my mail bag frequently, and that is appearing in my mail bag and I am sure will continue right up to the vote in March. The information we are being given is that it will take up to 13 or 15 years to design and build the replacement submarines and whilst I am one that would not want to be seen to leave the country defenceless, I am worried that there has not been enough debate on this important topic. The Trident issueThis has been followed by allegations that the Prime Minister is, in talks with President Bush over the possibility of using the UK as a base for the next generation of Star Wars missiles. here.  If this is the case, then surely both issues need to be discussed together. Whilst I am minded to oppose the concept of the replacement submarines, I have to keep an open mind with regard to the discussions that no doubt will ensue, hopefully with regard to the total nuclear capabilities. 

Once again we are to vote on the question of Lords reform.  There is no doubt of the will to see a proportion of the second chamber elected, but dependant on the options we have, we could end up again with no one option receivinggetting a majority.  I have to say that whilst I have long considered reform of the House of Lords vital, it has notis not on that has captured the attention of many of the constituents of Great Yarmouth.  Perhaps after this, I may get some views? 

I have always been an admirer of people who give their time freely to volunteer to help others and in that category come in that categorysthe people we call carers.  They save the public purse possibly hundreds of millions of pounds by caring for others and I was therefore pleased to see Gordon Brown launching a new multi-million pound deal dealfor carers. which is a multi million pound package. I am sure many will welcome the initiative, though I know from my contact with carers in the constituency that we need to give even more support. 

The news this week that Margaret Beckett had been caught out by Rory Bremner with him pretending to be Gordon Brown on the day of the 2005 General Election on the face of it appears to be amusing. Whilst and his comment that Members of Parliament are fair game may hit a chord with many, my concern is that the apparent content of the discussion was to delve into Margaret’s personal opinions on members of the Cabinet.  Now tThis practice goes against Ofcom’s code of conduct, so I would ask why do it if it cannot be broadcast? 

On the local scene my wife Barbara and Imyself went to the 25^th anniversary of the Norfolk and Suffolk Youth Football League dinner at the Ocean Rooms. It was a great occasion made all the better because it there was a celebration of all that is good in sport – the involvement of children.celebrating all that is good about any sport, that of involvement of children, in sporting activities. I was amazed at the number of youth football teams in the area, and really once again I must take my hat off to the many volunteers and parentsadults who run the league, fundraise and turn out week in week out to support the youngsters who play football – well done to all involved.   

Still on the local scene, I am wondering what is going on at the local Conservative controlled Council. First a cabinet member suggests there are enough swimming facilities in the Borough, then another suggests we could look at the open space between the jetty and the Sea life centerscentre to build on. And then we hear of the proposition to charge people to park on Gorleaston Seafront!