Andy Slaughter stays away from Parliament

Our MP is in the firing line after deciding to stay on holiday instead of returning to the emergency Parliamentary debate which was called in the wake of the London riots. Rival and neighbouring MP Greg Hands, along with H&F Councillor Greg Smith were both furiously tweeting about their nemesis' absence, as parliamentarians took turns to debate the causes and responses to the week's violence.

I have since had it confirmed that Mr Slaughter did indeed decide to stay away and continue his holiday. So expect more criticism from the local Tories about that.

At first sight it does seem a bit of a strange decision, you have to admit, and Andy will need to speak for himself about why he chose not to come. But frankly for my own part I wondered what the point of a parliamentary debate was even when it was called. We as the public have just shelled out hundreds of thousands of pounds to fly holidaying Members of Parliament from their holiday destinations around the world to London - and then back again.

For what? The sad thing about yesterday's debate in the House was how painfully obvious it was that MPs really don't have any better idea than the rest of us about why these events took place, so quite what we gained from that is beyond me. It might have been money better spent if it had been given to the Police - now there's a thought..