"The moment a burglar steps over your threshold, and invades your property, with all the threat that gives to you, your family and your livelihood, I think they leave their human rights outside." - David Cameron

I think this is the view of most sane and sensible people, yet under the current government, it seems victims come a very poor second to criminals.  Sentencing seems to always take account of the social background of the vile people who burgle and rob hard working people, many of whom actually can't afford the high premiums insurers charge.  A slap on the wrist seems to be the preferable penalty for those who are caught - while those that do go to prison are released early under Labour's early release scheme.  These days, the human rights of the law breaker seem to take priority over those ehose privacy is violated.

If elected, the Conservatives will take a tougher approach to crime.  Yes, we will seek to rehabilitate criminals and we will help cure those whose addictions cause them to take this route in the first place.  But the balance has to be re-set.  It's time to remember what is right and what is wrong.  And in my view, that means being on the side of the victim.

Sky News is reporting that 'celebrity mum' Myleene Klass was warned she could have committed a crime after she scared off intruders at her home when she waved a knife at them.  She said she saw the intruders when they peered through her window when she was in her kitchen, with her daughter upstairs.  She grabbed a knife and banged on the window before they ran away.  Apparently, police told her it is illegal to carry an offensive weapon, even in her own home.  What utter tosh.

Firstly, I believe she did absolutely the right thing.  No doubt she acted spontaneously and her immediate concern was to protect herself and her child.  Secondly, in my view, if anyone chooses to intrude into private property they risk the occupant taking appropriate action to defend it and the people on site.  I very much doubt that, even if there had been a full scale break-in, she would have used the knife.  Thirdly, I would have had little sympathy with the intruders if she had.

We have got to start getting a grip on law and order.  People need to take responsibility for their actions.  That means that if they choose to break the law by breaking into a person's home, whether the intention is to steal to fund a drug habit or to attack an occupant, they should not be surprised if they end up being harmed.  In my view, the criminal is the person who invades private property, not the person enjoying the place they call home.  Let's put a stop to this stupid nonsense.

It has been the busiest Conference I have ever attended.  Whilst there has been the usual catching up with old friends and sharing ideas with people from across the country, there have been a large number of meetings.  Many of those meetings have been important in my efforts to ensure Eltham is properly represented and its residents heard.

In policy terms, there have been some very significant announcements.  Among them are serious proposals to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, and an end to the policy of putting the rights of criminals ahead of their victims.  Families and children will receive more help and there will be serious efforts to get people back into work.  Our commitment to a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty has been restated and so has our intention to give troops the support - and the equipment - they need and deserve.  Our longer term commitment to cutting taxes have been repeated but only when the country can afford them.  The first priority is to get this country off its knees and back on the road to recovery.  That is a task we all have to work to achieve - and for the first time, a mainstream political party has set out how it plans to do it.  I expect there will be more concrete proposals in David Cameron's speech.  I am now going over to the conference centre to hear what they are.

Last night I launched the latest stage of my campaign to make Eltham a safer place to live and work.  The Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, James Brokenshire MP, addressed a packed room of residents in Shooters Hill and set out a series of changes which the Conservatives would adopt if elected to government.

Among the changes are an end to the early release of prisoners, a reduction in the paperwork required every time a police officer makes an arrest, an end to the "caution culture" that allows law breakers to keep being givena  slap on the wrist but never really being punished and greater support for the victims of crime.

Rightly, James also referred to the ways in which society as a whole needs to change.  Why do some young people behave the way they do on public transport, hurl verbal abuse at passers by, drop litter and think these are acceptable ways to behave?  The breakdown in family life, the easy divorce culture and the erosion of responsibility must all be addressed.  Sadly, the current government has done everything to duck these issues.  That is another reason we need an election - and quickly.

On Monday, the Shadow Home Secretary will be in Eltham.  Come and meet him, set out your concerns, share your experiences.  See us at St Mary's Community Centre, HigH Street, Eltham from Midday until 1pm.