"Since Parliament returned in the New Year it's been a very busy time on a variety of fronts. Clearly, the economic news is still rather gloomy and the unemployment figures continue to be of real concern. I've been talking to a number of businessmen about what ideas they have that they would like to see in the Budget to help small and medium-sized businesses, which are, after all, the backbone of the economy. Talks with the unions continue over public sector pension reform and the Government is determined to get a settlement which produces fair pensions at a cost taxpayers can afford without further strikes. I'm also talking to ministers about forthcoming measures, to be announced soon, about ways to crack down on dangerous dogs, which has always been one of my big concerns.

Locally, I'm working with Ealing Council to find ways of getting a lift installed at Ealing Broadway Station without waiting for the Crossrail upgrade to take place. I also continue to impress on Empire the need to get on with building Ealing's long-awaited new cinema. It is hugely disappointing that work has still not started. In my recent speech in the Chamber about town centres I drew attention to the important role the cinema can play in helping to regenerate Ealing Town centre. You can see what I had to say by clicking here.

2012 is going to be a memorable year for so many reasons. Thinking positively, we have the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and of course the Olympics. The torch is due to come throught the Borough of Ealing on 24th July - let's make sure it gets a huge welcome."

Best wishes,