THIS does not happen very often.

I sent a letter warmly congratulating Tory Minister Andrew Murrison. Two years ago he called at my London Office to discuss Government plans for commemorating the First World War anniversary.

The plans to celebrate an immense tragedy as a glorious victory were wrong. Murrison is a former soldier who served in Iraq. He understood.

Parliament is in no mood for new wars. The public agree and hailed the rivers of poppies at the Tower as a powerful reminder of the true bloody cost of war.

Our Newport Commemorations attract more people every year. On Saturday a remembrance service that is almost unique to Newport recalled the city’s maritime past at the Merchant Navy Memorial. A continuing tribute to the late Bert Bale whose tireless campaigning ensured that the sacrifices of merchant seamen will never be forgotten.

Serious discussions are underway on the future of higher education in Newport.

Painful decisions ended the proud history of the Newport Art College. Other courses are threatened including the world-renowned Documentary Photography Course. Newport has a magnificent new city campus. But we must ensure that quality education attracts future students.

Thoughtless foghorn protests can do more harm than good and accelerate the decline. All elected representatives in the city are striving for intelligent remedies that will secure a sustainable future to prolong a fine Newport tradition.

The 175th anniversary of the Newport Martyrs is a good time to repair our tattered democracy with a new Charter. The Chartists of 1839 would be astonished that we still have a House of Lords, that elections are decided in only 100 marginal seats, and that bright young people are disenfranchised. The propaganda power of the tabloids is almighty.

Here are my new six points. Make all votes of equal value. Use national funding to liberate parties from dependence on outside interests. Extend to all media the broadcasters statutory duty of balance. Franchise for sixteen-year-olds. Make power the exclusive gift of the electorate, never to be inherited or bought. Broaden political horizons to encompass all of humanity, one environment, and one world.

What are your six?

The Newport Renaissance is on the way. After a hideous period of decline and self-laceration, there are now firm grounds for optimism. Prosperity and optimism are contagious. The re-born city centre will help to change attitudes. Less of the blame game: more Newport pride in our robust heritage. Then the future will be bright.