John Cryer's week in politics

This week John Cryer, Labour MP for Hornchurch, reviews the week in politics for BBC News Online.

Unemployment figures. Employment went up by 65,000 on the previous quarter and unemployment went down to 963,500.

Announcement that, apparently, the government wants to hand over hospitals to private sector management. Where on earth do they get these ideas from?

Muhammad Ali. The finest athlete of all time turned 60, reminding us of his sublime gifts and his immense courage in standing up for his belief against a reactionary, vengeful US establishment.

The entire Tory Party which is, apparently, "racist, sexist, homophobic and anti-youth."

"We're in worse shape than ever before". John Bercow MP on the Tory Party.

Asked the prime minister why the government plans to hand over chunks of the NHS to the private sector.

Called on the government to change the law so that term-time workers such as classroom assistants can claim benefit whilst not employed during the school holidays. This situation has come about because of a ruling by the Law Lords.

Some constituents have contacted me about the difficulty in acquiring digital hearing aids - this is something I have been campaigning on for months on the back of the government's introduction of a scheme to make these aids available on the NHS for the first time.

Still getting a few letters about noisy fireworks. Starting to get people congratulating me on my question to the PM on Wednesday.

Possible extension of US bombing to Iraq and other countries - I would oppose it 100%. Hopefully the abolition of the House of Lords and the introduction of a democratic second chamber.