The 2012 London Olympics was supposed to have ushered in a golden era for grassroots sports in this country.
A legacy plan after the Games promised to “re-energise school sport” and to “create a sporting habit for life in young people”.
The Tories never acted upon that pledge.
Far from presiding over a rejuvenation, they have cut funding and reduced opportunities.
In the decade since the Olympics, nearly 1,000 council football pitches and sports fields have been lost, 248 school pitches have been sold off and 600 youth centres closed.
This act of sporting vandalism is denying young people, who could be our Olympic stars of the future, a chance to fulfil their potential.
It also makes no sense to axe facilities when Britain has an obesity crisis with one in three children classed as overweight.
Sport is in danger of becoming the preserve of the rich when it should be for everyone.
An opportunity to create a legacy has been squandered because of the meanness and shortsightedness of the Tory Government.
Bulger justice
Nearly 30 years after James Bulger was murdered, his parents are still having to fight for the truth.
Dad Ralph Bulger wants a public inquiry into the killing and why those responsible, Jon Venables and Robert Thompson, were released after eight years in jail.
He also wants to know why Venables remains subject to a life-long anonymity order despite his repeated reoffending.
Having lost a son in such horrific circumstances, it is intolerable the Bulgers must battle for answers. MPs are poised to raise the issue in the Commons. For the sake of compassion and justice, this debate must take place.
Touch of class
School pals Audrey Sishton and Margaret Moore have been reunited after 70 years.
They have a lot to catch up on. The good news is they can do so without being told off for talking at the back of the class.
