LAST week was the Labour Party Conference. An opportunity for government ministers to listen to the concerns and ideas of Labour Party members and voluntary organisations from across Britain.

There were a lot of interesting contributions made.

As a Government it is our duty to deliver security at home and at our borders and face up to the threats to our environment and our economy. That message came through strong and clear. We are not immune to those challenges in Redditch.

The conference heard that our economy is strong now in part thanks to the contribution of workers from overseas and it is right that we offer sanctuary to those fleeing harm.

But I want to see new measures like an Australian style points system to ensure that immigrant workers have the skills that our economy needs and recognise the value of our language and culture.

And we heard calls for tougher targets for cutting carbon emissions.

In Redditch that means supporting enviro' friendly housing like those being built by Co-Op Homes, it means supporting bus use - not voting to take free bus passes off pensioners and those with disabilities.

I gave my first speech as Home Secretary to the conference too!

With the chances of being a victim of crime being less than they were a quarter of a century ago, I am proud to be working alongside great police and new Police Community Support Officers.

But keeping us safe means never giving up on the fight against crime.

That's why I announced new policies to cut the sale and supply of guns and knives and the extension of neighbourhood policing.

Of course, the week was dominated by election speculation and all I can say about it is whatever happens I will fight as hard as I can to continue to serve Redditch and the surrounding area.

It is an honour to represent the town where my children were born and are growing up, where I started my teaching career 20 years ago and served on the council.