The final capture of Saddam Hussein has come as welcome news to all of us. I hope that this will lead to less terrorist activity in Iraq at least and bring closer the day when all the occupying troops can be withdrawn. What effect this news will have on fanatical terrorists elsewhere remains to be seen. At last it has been shown that the tyrant responsible for such an inhuman regime cannot escape justice and this is a real benefit from the war. If it now leads to earlier peace and real stability in Iraq it can be seen as a memorial to those servicemen and civilians who have so sadly lost their lives in the conflict and its aftermath. Is it too naïve to think that it might also have a moderating influence on other despotic dictators?

In London I was honoured and privileged to read one of the lessons at the Parliamentary Carol Service in St Margaret's, Westminster. The Chair of the District Council, Councillor Pauline Hayward's Service at St Mary's was lovely with lusty singing from the congregation and beautiful music from the choir and organist with their own soloist and also soloists from Wyre Forest Young Voices. Young children from Blakedown School were not phased by the occasion at all and sang two versions of traditional carols with enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment.

The delay with the Education Area Review is welcome and an acknowledgement of the number and content of the letters the Local Education Authority (LEA) has received. My plea has been to separate the schools mergers and closures issues from that of two versus three tiers so that both can be looked at on their own merits and with the best interests of all local children as the only desired outcome.

A review of special school provision in the whole county is proposed and has thrown our three special schools into prominence particularly the Alexander Patterson School that is threatened with closure. Some believe this decision has already been taken before consultation has even been decided upon. With Councillor John Gordon I visited this school on the morning of the dress rehearsal for their Christmas Play. It was inspiring to see the efforts made by staff and parents with elaborate costumes to include every child in the production. All the children knew exactly what was happening and their delight in their costumes made me realise yet again that this educational provision is absolutely essential to bring out the best and realise the full potential of all the pupils. If such an excellent facility that is unique in the area is to be closed it can only be done with absolute guarantees of replication locally to the same standard and without wasting any of the highly trained, experienced and dedicated staff.

I wish everyone a very Happy Christmas with families and friends and a New Year that will bring hope and fulfillment to us all.