A small number of people in public life (yes I am one) have been pointing out that despite all the hysteria surrounding climate change, the earth has not warmed since 1997. For our sins we have been called “sceptics”, “flat earthers”, “deniers” and worse. Confronted with their own statistics, the scientists came up with a range of excuses for the lack of warming over 20 years including volcanoes, heat going into the ocean, and sulphur emissions. One IPCC scientist I questioned in Parliament a few years ago told me it was a pause which was “statistically insignificant”. This begged a follow-up as to why a tiny amount of warming between 1970 and 1997 was so frighteningly significant that the only possible response was to saddle consumers and businesses with a range of carbon taxes. Two weeks ago, a group of climate scientists admitted that the real reason why there has been no heating is because their calculations are wrong. A grovelling apology followed by a call for carbon tax cuts would be appreciated, but instead they have angrily demanded that we continue saddling everyone with taxes in order to tackle a problem which may not even exist.

In a previous Argus column, I wrote about the government’s plans to reform gender identity laws. I was surprised to find my concerns are shared by many, including those on the political left and by some who are active in the gay rights movement. Later this month, I will be holding an event in Parliament to discuss transgender issues and the possible consequences of allowing people to legally change sex by simply filling in a form.

Meat eaters will shortly be confronted with adverts urging us to sign up for the Great Vegan Challenge in November. Good for the vegans, but perhaps someone should organise a counter challenge to encourage vegans to put aside their nut cutlets for a few weeks and try some tasty locally produced Welsh meat. It wouldn’t hurt to replace a bowl of muesli with a full cooked breakfast once in a while, or to put down the veggie burger and enjoy some Welsh lamb or beef. And of course, now is the time to start thinking of ordering a turkey for Christmas. It’s lean and full of protein so come on you veggies, give meat a chance. After all, what’s sauce for the goose…