It's certainly been a cold start to the new decade but what has struck me is that for all those who will find any excuse to get an extra day off work, plenty more deserve medals for their determination - and their kindness.  Many people have checked on neighbours, even helping them to clear the pavements outside their homes.  Many more have discovered the joy of sharing taxis from railway stations and car sharing to get to work.  But I think the thousands of people who work in essential services deserve most praise for keeping the country going.  Despite the disruption in most parts of the UK, here in London trains, buses and taxis are still running, mail and newspapers are being delivered, shops still have food, GP surgeries and hospitals remain open, and most businesses remain open. Yes, most services are disrupted or reduced, but the general mood is "Keep calm and carry on" - which is how it should be.

However, once this long cold spell is over, I hope the authorities from Greenwich Council upwards will review their procedures.  Too many residents have felt cut off, not only in higher areas such as Shooters Hill but even close to the High Street in Eltham where I live.  The lack of gritting on pavements in high use areas has been appalling and many roads remain dangerous.  Do we have sufficient stocks of grit and salt, should householders be better prepared to muck in?  It never hurts to admit things can be done better and to learn from experience.

The Opposition Foreign Affairs Whip and MP for Braintree, Brooks Newmark,

was in Eltham last night to address an audience of more than 70 people about the challenges facing a future Conservative government.  he spoke passionately about the failure of Gordon Brown to tackle personal debt as well as the way in which the current government has stoked up the collective debt of the country.

He answered questions on everything from Scottish devolution to the election of the new House of Commons Speaker.  He never sat on the fence!  

Brooks is a brilliant speaker, a class act and a big brain.  With intellect like his, a future Conservative administration should be in good hands.  The reception his speech received said it all.