by Paul O'Brien
Friday 02 February 2007
It's the APSE annual Healthy Living seminar in York for two days and I rush over for the opening session where Parmjit Dhanda MP, Under Secretary of State for Children, Families and Young People is speaking along with Michael Nelson from the School Food Trust.
Some of the facts they real off are quite startling and Parmjit's key quote about "a generation of children who risk being outlived by their parents" really sums up the mess that we are in today.
Had a useful chat with Parmjit who really knows his brief and whilst advocating what the Government response is in 'Every Child Matters', was also challenging the local government audience about what more they can do to make a difference. Parmjit is also the first Government Minister I have came across who is taller than me and I stand almost 6ft 4in.
The rest of the conference goes really well with loads of good debate and the Abba Girls who are providing the evenings entertainment even get me up on stage for an early 40th birthday celebration. Stitched up by friends and colleagues once again!
