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Last week I made two speeches in the House of Commons. 

On Tuesday I spoke in a debate about extradition. It focussed, particularly, on our extradition arrangements with the United States. These are one-sided. In order to extradite people suspected of a criminal offence from the United States the UK authorities have to produce evidence to show that it is probable that the person concerned did indeed commit the offence. But if the Americans want to extradite anyone from the UK they merely have to produce information (not evidence) showing that prosecutors believe an offence was committed – a much weaker requirement. 

It was a good debate with some excellent speeches on both sides. Those of us who wanted the arrangements changed were defeated in the vote but I am sure this will not be the last we hear on this subject. 

On Wednesday I spoke in a debate on the future of Eurostar services to the continent from Ashford International Station. This debate had been initiated by Damian Green, the MP for Ashford, and provided us with an opportunity to register our concerns with a Minister from the Department of Transport. The Minister’s reply was not very informative so we must look to our next meeting with Eurostar to see if progress can be made. 

It was also a week of meetings involving MP’s for the whole of Kent. 

Also on Wednesday I attended a meeting by the new South East Coast Regional Health Authority. It was dominated by the concerns expressed by MP’s of all parties from Surrey and Sussex about the prospect of hospital closures in their areas. I asked whether this was what was in store for Kent and was told by the authority that indeed it was. 

This is obviously a real cause for concern. We have all seen television reports of marches, petitions and widespread concern about proposed hospital closures in Sussex. If the Health Authority gets its way we will be next. We have been warned. 

On Friday I went to Maidstone to attend a meeting between Kent MP’s and the Chief Constable and his senior team when we had a good exchange of views 

Saturday was “Make a Difference Day” when we are all encouraged to spend some time on voluntary work. Together with Damian Collins, the Prospective Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency, I spent some time at Dr Barnado’s in Folkestone. The charity shop needs more volunteers as do many others. If you want to help, phone Dr Barnado’s on 01303-244337 or the Shepway Volunteer Centre on 01303 253339. You really can make a difference.