There had been so much speculation over the health of Michael Jackson that when I heard there were reports he had suffered a fatal heart attack, a part of me was not surprised.  Speculation had been rife for weeks that he would not actually appear for the planned 50 concerts at our own O2, and for a short while I am sure a few people would have imagined this was an elaborate way of forcing the cancellation.

Sadly, this was no stunt.  The self-decreed King of Pop was dead.  All day his music has been played everywhere I have gone.  Today everyone is saddened and there is respect in the media reporting.  However, it was not so long ago that the media was full of sordid allegations.  I am sure the irony is not lost on his family, friends and true fans, to whom I extend my deep condolences.

I tend not to approve of laws banning people from doing things that do no harm to others. Indeed, as a Conservative I tend to believe that left to their own devices, most people make the best decisions for themselves and their families.  It has been a hallmark of the current government to constantly look busy by bringing in ever more laws, regulations and rules - not least as a way to settle class wars or to raise cash for their pet projects.

Do I support a ban on smoking in cars where children are passengers?  All I would say is this: how will it be enforced?  Will it actually be a sufficient threat to those who don't see the obvious logic that it is harming their children?  And if the government really wants to ban smoking, why not just come out and say so?

I was pleased to be able to join members of Eltham Bowling Club for their coffee morning in support of Macmillan, the leading cancer charity.  As well as being an opportunity to see the magnificent green and the club which is over 100 years old, I met some wonderful people.  I'd like to extend my thanks to the hosts for their hospitality and also to offer my public support for this very important charity.  And to say that anyone interested in playing bowls should get in touch as they told me they are always on the look out for new members!

The scenes on Parliament Green today deeply disturbed me.  My hatred of the BNP and other extreme parties is well documented, but we must remember that tens of thousands of people elected these two men.  I believe those who voted for them did so largely out of despair, probably not realising the true motives of the party they were supporting.  I certainly hope that is the case.

Throwing eggs and hitting them with placards risks making martyrs of them. And that is my greatest fear.  People should be able to win arguments through democratic means and lawful protest.  Soon these two men will show their true motivation. And when they do I believe people will give them a wide berth.  But there is a risk that people will start feeling sympathy for them if they believe democratically elected representatives are being physically attacked.  It is a fine line to tread but we must retain the moral high ground. And use the shock of this election to ensure we all work harder to ensure in future, people see the benefits of voting for the mainstream political parties.