News

Howard's Way.... a weekly column from the Rt. Hon. Michael Howard QC. MP. 

27 March 2008

It is a long time since we had such a cold and wet Easter weekend but the weather did nothing to squash the appetite of local people for all sorts of cultural and sporting activity indoors and out.

On Good Friday evening I went to the regular concert given by the Folkestone Choral Society. This year it was held at the Saga Pavilion due to the non-availability of the Leas Cliff Hall. It was, as usual, very well attended and superbly conducted by Berkeley Hill. I never cease to wonder at the skill and enthusiasm which so many singers pour into their performance. They have little opportunity for rehearsal and the pieces they perform are often very challenging – as was the case last Friday. But they always come through with flying colours.

There was a lot of sporting activity over the weekend as well.

Earlier on Friday I had been to the Buzzlines Stadium at Cheriton Road to watch Folkestone Invicta narrowly beat Harlow to ease their relegation worries.

On Monday I went to Hythe where the first ten minutes of the match were played in a snowstorm. Alas Hythe Town could only manage a draw against Herne Bay which was a setback in their promotion challenge. But whether they ultimately succeed or not they have had a magnificent season.

Meanwhile political controversy continues.

The big story last weekend was the Government’s refusal to give to Members of Parliament a free vote on some of the most controversial parts of the Embryology Bill.

The question of whether scientists should be able to place human DNA in animal cells in their efforts to find ways in which to treat some of our most painful diseases is surely a matter of conscience.

Conservative Members of Parliament will have a free vote and I am still weighing up the arguments.

One thing is clear. Many people have very strong views on each side of the question. Whatever I decide I shall not please everyone and am bound to upset many of you. That, I am afraid, is the nature of the job you elected me to do.