Diary

The Western Morning News hosted a give-a-pasty-to-an-MP event in Parliament last week. It was standing room only after elected Members (or researchers sent in their stead) were lured to Westminster Hall's Jubilee Room by the prospect of a free Proper Cornish pasty and getting their ear bent over the impact of the "pasty tax". MPs from across Devon and Cornwall were in attendance, but who had the closest affinity to the pasty industry? Well, St Austell and Newquay MP Stephen Gilbert worked at Proper Cornish's factory during university, and North Cornwall MP Dan Rogerson is an ex-employee. So, good pasty crimpers? "No, I chopped onions," said Lib Dem Mr Rogerson.

Birthday friend

Torbay MP Adrian Sanders has long been a diabetes awareness campaigner. This week the Lib Dem attended a summit in Denmark with a well-known face. "Celebrated (birthday) with my new best friend Kofi Annan (former Secretary General of the UN)," said Mr Sanders on Twitter. "Have photo to prove."

Sarah's Ocean-bound

Truro and Falmouth MP Sarah Newton will be reporting for duty next week when she joins the crew of Plymouth-based warship HMS Ocean. It is part of an awareness scheme where MPs spend 22 days in a year with Armed Forces. Mrs Newton will live on the ship for five days as it serves at sea.