Family friendly newsagents

I am about to launch a local 'family friendly' newsagent policy, getting local newsagents to sign up and agree to display 'lads' and 'ladies' magazines out of sight of children and young people. There has been some debate in Parliament and in the media recently on this issue and it seemed like a good idea to see what local Enfield Southgate constituents thought, and to get their support for 'family friendly' newsagents in our area. Watch out for 'Family Friendly' posters in your local newsagents’ windows.

Another issue of contention recently inside and out of Parliament has been that of Scottish MPs voting on legislation which only affects England and Wales. This issue has been rumbling for many years and at times is more contentious than at others. However, I would be interested to hear your views on the fact that in recent political history, certain key votes have only been passed by the Government by relying on their Scottish MPs, for whose constituents the laws would have no impact.

Carrying on the 'England' theme, I am supporting calls to establish St George's Day as a national holiday, much as St Patrick's Day is in Ireland, and the 4th July is in America. What do you think about this?

Finally, I am currently writing an article on how to get more people volunteering, especially young people. In Enfield Southgate we have some brilliant examples of community action and volunteering, such as YAVE and Naree Shakti. How do you think we can do more to encourage young and old alike to see the value and importance of giving their time to volunteering?

Please feel free to send me your comments on these issues or any other aspects of my work as your MP; I would be pleased to hear what you have to say.