Monday December 2: In Athens kindly being hosted in the Hellenic Parliament by the Deputy Speaker. I learned long ago in public office to always be ready to unexpectedly give a speech and have just had to employ this addressing their European Affair Committee on TV. My Greek is, um, rusty.
Tuesday December 3: Morning - Good discussion with the Greek Finance Minister but I reiterated my support for the UK Government position not to bail-out the euro.
Afternoon - Supposed to be meeting with the Greek Deputy Foreign Minister but the Athenians are protesting outside and I've had to divert to the safety of the British Embassy! (Secretly hoping for a helicopter evacuation from the roof.)
Wednesday December 4: Pleased to welcome potential US presidential candidate Senator Marco Rubio to Westminster - breakfast discussion about the Iran/nuclear deal.
Afternoon – House of Commons: Question to the Deputy Prime Minister calling on a reduction in Business Rates then welcomed the Treasury announcement of £50m investment upgrading Gatwick Airport station and connectivity. Good for the Crawley economy.
Thursday December 5: Morning – Welcomed the Autumn Statement which canceled fuel duty and lowered Business Rates.
Supporting Home Heat Helpline in Parliament tonight. A free advice service to help people save money on energy bills. 0800 336699
Friday December 6: At the Civic Hall with Sussex Police Commissioner Katy Bourne and Crawley Borough Cabinet Member Ken Trussell to address the 'Know Your Strength' alcohol awareness/street drinking reduction campaign launch, with licensees from across the town.
Saturday December 7: Crawley Library is 5 years old – When Leader of West Sussex County Council I was pleased to help deliver and open the project – pay them a visit, lots of events taking place.
Small Business Saturday: Shopping at March & Son on Pound Hill Parade in Crawley. Being a little bloke my son isn't keen on shopping but looks around the hardware store for a while in silence, soaking up the atmosphere, pauses and says: "I like this place dad!" - as I said, a bloke in the making.
Sunday December 8: My thanks to the Crawley Gurjar Hindu Union for the wonderful Indian Christmas lunch at the Apple Tree Farm Santatan Mandir, Ifield.