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

21 May 2009

You do not need me to tell you how damaging the torrent of revelations about the abuse of the allowances available to Members of Parliament has been for the institution of Parliament and the standing of our system of parliamentary democracy. David Cameron’s decisive reaction was welcome but not enough to stem the tide of public dismay. And the atmosphere in the House of Commons last week was appalling.

The public are right to be angry about the conduct of those MPs who have abused the system and, understandably, we have all been tarred with the same brush. It will take a long time for the reputation of Parliament to be restored.

For me, it was a relief to leave Westminster at the end of the week.

In the constituency my first port of call on Friday was to attend the South East heat of SkillBuild, Britain’s biggest skills competition which was taking place at South Kent College in Folkestone.

Apprentices from across the region were competing in with trades for a place in the national final. The competition highlighted the importance of apprentices and their contribution to the industry and the local economy, as well as helping to develop trainees’ skills.

It was a joy to see these young people apply themselves to their task. Many of them already have a job. Those that don’t were confident that the skills they were acquiring would help them get one.

And I even tried a bit of carpentry myself – for the first time. I am ashamed to say, since I left school. Somehow I don’t think I shall be taking up a career in carpentry when I retire from the House of Commons at the election!

On Saturday I went to the launch of Folkestone’s Multi Cultural Festival at Bouverie Place Square, presided over by the ever ebullient John Barber. We are both keen to publicise the fact that seven new shops and a pub are about to open in the Town Centre. When added to Saga’s recent announcement that they are to create many new jobs in the area it shows that we can defy and defeat the doom and gloom which are so prevalent.

Finally to Newchurch where Labour MP Frank Field was addressing the AGM of the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust. A peaceful oasis in a turbulent week.