Dear All, As many of you know I am back up in Westminster today - TopicsExpress

Dear All, As many of you know I am back up in Westminster today attending the Parliamentary debate over whether or not the RAF should take military action against ISIL in Iraq. I have been in the chamber listening to the various views but felt you might like to get my initial thoughts. First off, as someone who was vehemently against what I believed to be both an illegal war, and an intervention that would make things worse (and how right I and the many others were on that one!) I am absolutely determined to listen to every argument before I vote. Please rest assured that I’ll be taking this decision as seriously as anyone can when faced with the unenviable task of voting on an issue that will cost lives. See below the government motion. On a considerably more upbeat issue – many of you will have picked up from the local media that our wonderful Pier is re-opening tomorrow (Saturday at 12.00). I think this is absolutely stunning news to have got it re-opened after such a dreadful fire in such a short time! It’s testimony to the commitment of the Pier company and the hard work done by the repair workers. I visited and spoke to a few of them yesterday to pass on the towns thanks, and to listen to some gentle words of reflection on their old friend and fellow co-worker, Stephen Penrice, who so tragically died whilst repairing our Pier. They made a point of thanking me for all the kind words of support they’d received from local residents. The owner of the building company even went as far to say he’d never come across an area that so clearly loved its pier as much as Eastbourne did; and for the tremendous sense of community the whole town had shown over the fire and Mr Penrice’s sad death. I agree with him 100%. Eastbourne has been an inspiration over the way we have approached the Pier fire, and I am enormously proud of how so many people have responded to an event that could have knocked the whole town off course. Thank you all; I will post later at the end of the debate. Regards, SL publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201415/cmagenda/ob140926.htm