Dining with friends

It used to be almost a tradition that as many people as possible ate together, in Members Dining Room, after the Wednesday evening parliamentary party meeting. Although it was before my time I am told that it was almost a three line whip when Paddy Ashdown led the party - it was useful to know what was going on and it was a useful opportunity to lobby Paddy.

The tradition has gone into something of a decline in recent years due to a combination of an earlier finish and the absence of the leader. So, last night it was good to see at least half the parliamentary party in the Dining Room and that we took up four tables. I don't expect that this will last but it was a useful way of getting to know some of the new intake.