So today I sit on the front bench of Westminster Hall for the debate on ‘Accreditation in the Security Industry’. It comes down basically to the licensing of the individuals and the companies within this trade and follows on the licensing of bouncers and clampers – i.e. a very good thing. But it becomes clear that there is a big ruck between two Labour members – the one who secured the debate and one who clearly has extensive and long knowledge and relationship with the security industry.

It would seem that the SIA (Security Industry Assessment quango) cannot get the licensing done quickly enough for an approaching deadline. To circumvent having unlicensed employees, the industry appears with the SIA to be rushing through a scheme that approves the company – and if you get that accreditation you can employ unlicensed operatives. Well to me that negates the whole purpose. And that is was the debate hinges on. I simply reiterate that the whole point of this legislation for what have been pretty shady industries is to protect us from dodginess. There should be no fast track that evades the licensing process.

Meanwhile back in the Chamber (the main House of Commons – the one you see on TV at Prime Minister’s Questions etc), my colleague on the front bench Lib Dem Home Affairs team, Alistair Carmichael, is holding forth on the Asylum and Immigration Bill – to which I have to go and vote periodically throughout the afternoon. At the final vote we find ourselves in the lobbies alone – thus once again demonstrating that we are the opposition!

I dash to Bowes Park Community Association for their AGM – and arrive late because of the vote. However, the subjects as ever, are traffic and how the money (sweetener) from the proposed North Circular works will be spent. Rubbish, parking and recycling are the other key issues. It is a well-attended meeting and a very good and active association.

I commit to contacting Haringey Council over what they are going to do about the junction outside the old Middlesex University. I did take traffic officer Tony Kennedy there to look at the very dangerous alignment of bollards where motorists – frustrated by having to wait – go on the wrong side of the road to avoid the jams. Tony K said they would tackle it as part of the development of the Middlesex site – and as that is nearly done and I can’t see any change to the road layout – I will pursue!

Last, but not least, I pop into our HQ to catch the very end of the local Lib Dem exec meeting. I like to try and get there and this is the first meeting after our AGM with lots of new members stepping forward to take some of the important officer positions.