I OPPOSE votes for prisoners on two counts.

Firstly, if you offend, you need to take the consequences.

That means the suspension of the normal attributes of citizenship while you’re detained at Her Majesty’s pleasure.

Secondly, I believe the will of the British people through their MPs assembled in parliament should be sovereign when it comes to law making and there can be no doubt about the public’s views on this matter.

* I have had more letters on the Forestry Commission issue than on practically anything else in my decade as an MP.

The campaign has been very well orchestrated, which is not to say that it is right but sometimes in politics presentation is everything.

I do urge people to take a look at the consultation document, which is available online, as it debunks some of the myths surrounding the issue.

* The PM made a statement on al-Megrahi who, you will remember, was convicted of the Lockerbie plane bombing and was released by the Scottish government because he was, apparently, very close to death with cancer.

Eighteen months on, he still draws breath.

A Cabinet report published this week reveals that the then Labour government was doing all it could to facilitate al-Megrahi’s release on compassionate grounds.

This will be distressing news for relatives of the victims, makes the UK look foolish and makes you wonder about the motives of the Scottish executive.

* I have embarked on the next phase of the work on healthcare for military veterans David Cameron has asked me to do.

I’m pleased to say that the first bit on mental health has been accepted in full and is being implemented by the government.

I’m now turning my attention to the management of amputees and hope to be able to submit my report and recommendations after Easter.