Our lives our enhanced by many heroes but worsened by a thankfully small minority of villains.
To help heroes, I have backed calls for a new Humanitarian Service Medal for volunteers. Our society would be a harsher and less happy place without the contributions of so many people who give freely of their time to help others at home and abroad.
They don't do it for reward or recognition but that's no reason why society cannot give them due praise in the same way we give honours to those who serve with distinction in other walks of life.
To help tackle villains who make our lives a misery I am also backing moves those who fleece people. People buying double-glazing and conservatories should be on their guard against cowboys whose guarantees can be worthless according to a new report. It shows that many reassuring logos used by double-glazing companies are simply worthless labels rather than formal warranty schemes.
We spend about £3 billion a year in improving our homes so it's worth everyone making sure that they are not throwing their hard-earned money away. I suggest that people look at the new and free Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme (www.dgcos.org.uk) which offers homeowners peace of mind and protection if jobs go wrong and communications break down.
Finally, I look at the government which includes villains or heroes, according to your judgement. On this occasion, I welcome a government decision - to accept the recommendations of the independent climate change committee.
It is an important move to embracing the low carbon economy that we need and a triumph for the hard work of climate change campaigners. Despite deep disagreements in the cabinet, the government has now done the right thing and accepted independent scientific advice.
The pledges to carbon reductions arise from Labour's historic 2008 Climate Change Act which established the committee on climate change and set the world's first legally binding targets for cutting carbon emissions.
I will of course remain vigilant to prevent any back-sliding or dilution. I shall watch them like a hawk to make sure they don't use get-out clauses in meeting the new carbon limits.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |