Still not quite myself – but hurl up to Parliament to be at Home Affairs Team meeting followed by Prime Minister’s Questions. Very lack lustre today on all sides. Think House is depressed by death of the policewoman to whom all pay tribute. Is Tony just draining away?

At lunchtime I meet with some associates from Enfield about the proposed closure of Chase Farm Hospital’s A&E facility as it will have a knock on effect for us in Hornsey & Wood Green as some patients will then crowd into the North Middlesex and so on. Three hours then of reading and signing.

The debate today is on Northern Ireland and there are feelings running high with the Government’s proposals to let go those who are suspected of murders but were not convicted. Lembit Opik, who is our Shadow Secretary for Northern Ireland was to be leading for us in the debate, but shockingly his brother died the night before of a heart attack aged 37. We are all really upset for Lembit – who actually does turn up to speak during the debate very bravely. He says he feels it is so important that even with the tragic personal event he wanted to come and have his say, and return to his family.

In the evening – we the Lib Dem intake of 05.05.05 (called the 555 Group) are having dinner with Charles Kennedy. But – it was private!!