IT'S A frightening threat.

Last year a bundle of legal documents were served on me demanding I withdraw a claim that a firm were ‘loan sharks.’ Possibly ruinous legal action was threatened. The firm admitted to seeking high-risk customers and charging up to 80 per cent interest. That’s an accurate definition of a ‘loan shark’. Drawing attention to this in the Daily Mail is part of my job.

I refused to withdraw. Just defending such an action can cost a fortune. Losing could be a financial catastrophe. But giving in to them means a rich bully can silence an MP. With the help of some heavyweight legal support the threat was dropped. I have never previously mentioned this publicly. I intend to give full details in a future edition of my book ‘How to be an MP’.

Ed Miliband was absolutely right this week in standing his ground against Lord Fink. The duty of politicians to speak the whole truth must not be frustrated.

* It’s unfair to everyone. Last week I again raised with a Home Office Minister the lottery of asylum seekers distribution.

Newport has 400, Cardiff has 900, more that the total in all the South East of England outside of London. Yet the combined constituencies of David Cameron, George Osborne and Theresa May have a grand total of two.

The Home Office Minister apologised for the outrage caused in Newport by placing a migrant here with a criminal record. But there is no promise to even out the burdens on local services by distributing them fairly throughout the UK.

* Democracy is damaged if young people follow Russell Brand’s advice not to vote. No vote means no influence.

Newport is a home of democracy. Two exhibitions in the Palace of Westminster pay homage to the Newport sacrifices of 1939.

Recently I have had great discussions with senior pupils in three major local schools. Recent political apathy is fading. This year’s debates have been spirited, intense, well-informed and inspirational.

* For a hundred years sailors turned left at Newport docks gates for hospitality from the Mission to Seafarers. Turning right led to a different form of hospitality at the Waterloo.

Unsung heroes were serenaded this week by Pillgwenlly and St Michael’s school choirs for their selfless service. Fifty years plus Edward Watts and 30 years for Gareth Trow. Glyn Picton won the Mission’s Pigeon Challenge trophy.

Bravo. Newport is proud of you!