The main news today was the Government's immigration policy. A points-based system will be introduced in January next year. Top priority will be given to those with the highest skills, including scientists, engineers and academics. The Government is keen to move away from cheap labour from Europe. Those from the EU, except for those who are already living and working here, will also come under the new rules. Those wanting to come here will have to meet certain criteria, including speaking English and have an approved sponsor. Concern has been expressed by the care and agriculture sector who have relied on cheap labour from abroad, but, as I understand it, visas for say apple-pickers will be available. The aim of this policy is to first honour our manifesto commitment to reduce immigration and to level-up the skills base in our country. I believe it is crucial we recruit and train far more of our own nurses, for example. At 0930 I headed to our Association for two meetings. The first was to meet a constituent concerned about the proposed incinerator plant on Portland. She had done a lot of work before the meeting and presented her concerns clearly. I am very aware of this proposal, as you can imagine, and am working with Government, council and local people to ensure all the facts are known before local councillors vote on it. As I understand it, the company's planning submission is due in March. There will be a consultation phase and a chance for everyone to read up on the plant and then to object, or not. My second meeting was with a utility business that is looking to hook up with an American company. I really cannot say any more about this right now. In the afternoon, I went to visit a constituent who'd contacted me during the election following the Swanage hustings. A Labour supporter himself, he was so appalled at the way the hustings was run that he wrote to me expressing his disgust. I asked to meet him post election and have now done so. A more charming man you could not hope to meet, and his partner. We talked for some time and I much enjoyed my visit. Finally, I have had the most touching letter from a constituent who tragically lost her son. She could not praise the NHS enough for all that the many organisations and hospitals did for her son. It was a most heart-warming letter and I have written back asking to meet her. Meanwhile, the rain continues and more is forecast for tomorrow.