Warwick Leadership Foundation

 

 

Attended the Parliamentary National Prayer Breakfast, in Westminster Hall. A most inspirational event. The Breakfast was opened by the Commons Speaker, John Bercow, MP and ended by the Lords Speaker, Baroness Hayman.

 

Then to my office and correspondence. Included were e-mails and letters from Fisk University, Nashville Tennessee, USA. I was invited to speak there recently. I am relieved to say that all the correspondence was positive.     

 

In the evening I went to the League Managers Association Dinner. This was a round table discussion looking at the future of UK soccer, which has grown into a multi-million pound industry. I have an interest, as one of the Patrons of Aston Villa FC.

 

 

I attend a board meeting of a finance company, of which I have been a Director for some years. This is always a fascinating experience, as it gives me a real insight into the world of business.

 

I listened to part of the Committee stage debate of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill. I am a great believer in the old fashion apprenticeships scheme, where young people were mentored in skills to equip them for the world of work. A couple of years ago I started the Warwick Leadership Foundation, which mentors young leaders from all over the world.

 

Early evening I enjoyed the Lords of the Blog re-launch reception in the River Room of the House of Lords. I am one of the privileged group of Peers, who have been asked to write blogs, which I have been doing so for 10 months. I am very impressed with the quality of responses I get from  members of the public.

 

I dashed from the Palace to the Catholic Cathedral in Mayfair to a session of the Rock Choir, of which I am a member. We are currently rehearsing the gospel classic “Oh Happy Day”. I sing Tenor. There are plans for us to sing at Wembley Stadium, later this year.

 

 

Most of the day is spent dealing with administration for the Warwick Leadership Foundation. Some of our Board members are based in America, so organising meetings is interesting and challenging.

 

In the evening I visited the BBC Television Centre to do an interview for BBC News 24. The topics were dominated by the death of Michael Jackson, but I was also able to comment on President Obama’s trip to Russia and his efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. When I met Barack Obama four years ago, little did I know that one day I would be discussing him as the President of the United States.

 

 

Saturday mornings are always a treat for my two younger children, who enjoy their trip to the cinema with me.

 

The evening is spent perfecting my stir fry chicken cooking. To date, and to my relief, I have not given anyone food poisoning.

 

On Sunday we go to my church, Holy Trinity Brompton, which started the world renowned Alpha Course. It is a church with a strong connection with Parliament.

 

In the morning I wrote my monthly column for the Church of England newspaper. My chosen subject is the Coroners and Justice Bill, concerning assisted suicide.

 

I also submitted some written Parliamentary questions about alcohol prohibition and public services.

 

I attended the debate on the Coroners and Justice Bill. Assisted suicide is a very emotive and complex issue, with sincere arguments on either side. I voted against Amendment 173, which would have relaxed the existing law.

 

Later I drafted more written Parliamentary questions, concerning current issues within the legal profession.

 

In the evening I attended the Christians in Parliament reception, in the Commons. The guest speaker was Nicky Gumble, from HTB, who spoke about William Wilberforce,MP.

 

 

 

I spent the morning reading the papers for the afternoon Lords Information Committee meeting. Being on this committee is fascinating, since we have been hearing evidence from the public and media about how the Lords can communicate its work more effectively. I was asked to appear on YouTube explaining this new initiative. As a result, my children suddenly think I am trendy and “cool”. Now that really made my day…and my week.

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