The restored House of Commons Chamber was reopened nearly 75 years ago in front of the Speakers and presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Legislatures. On Sunday, our Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP gathered their successors for a memorable dinner, the second to be held in Central Lobby. I was there as Father of the House, also representing readers.
It was a delight to meet again Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the Namibian National Assembly. He had been one of the democrats in the South West Africa People’s Organisation. We campaigned together for one person, one vote, more than once. The last time we met was during a Remembrance Week when with parliamentary colleagues, I laid a wreath of poppies at the war memorial in Windhoek.
There are now 56 Commonwealth nations. Monday’s flag-raising ceremony included a great performance in Swahili, in translation: Hello Mate; How are you? Fine, thank you. We welcome guests; there are no worries in Kenya. There was audience participation.
The rebuilt Chamber, with the damaged Churchill Arch, was in the words of the then Dean of Westminster the products of the powers of mind and skill of hand, and the generosity of many people in diverse lands whose gifts have beautified and enriched it.
Our nation, our county, our town and villages are also enriched by the heritage of many whose family came to our shared country quite recently.
I do all I can to keep the language of politics civil. Many say they appreciate I contribute to debate on public service in positive ways, without a running commentary on people in any party who say ludicrous things.
One of the models for my approach had her charming funeral service at Tribes in Broadwater. I attended with Councillor Mark Turner and Colin Oliver-Redgate. Margaret May had had a full life. For decades she was a pillar of the Ferring community. She could speak her mind without offence. I also commend her for leaving clear instructions for the Service.
On Thursday we had shared the happy and glorious official opening of the Tarring Manor Caring Home, two days before I went to the neighbouring Tarring Park to congratulate the groups who had come together to maintain and wash everything in sight and to create raised beds for plants.
In place of the former Priory Home, there is now the friendly active residential home at the centre of the community, offering care, employment and safe enjoyment of life.
Jane Padmore of the NHS Sussex Partnership Trust welcomed me to the new office at Portland House, close to where the new collection of NHS services will soon open on the ‘campus’ by Worthing Town Hall, near my Worthing home.
Do go online to hear Jane’s message of thanks to patient and staff at the 75th anniversary of the creation of the NHS. She says the encounters change her. Her part of the NHS involves 5,000 across our area. They matter as much as the acute hospitals and the family doctors.
During Women’s History Month, we can celebrate the pioneers and their successors. This week Katy Bourne has ked a presentation on crime reduction at Westminster. Her Surrey colleague Lisa Townsend worked with me. These impressive women show what can be done to help make services better, people behave better and how to adapt public services to be ever more effective.
The Gaza crisis has to be resolved. The necessary elements are known. Agreement should have been possible. Petitions understandably call for an end to violence, for sustainable peace and for all hostages to be free. Neighbours must recognise Israel.
Our strength here and across the Commonwealth as a force for good comes in the words of King Charles: diversity, ambition and togetherness, in what we think, in what we do and in what we are.
