The Iran foreign policy deal will make the world safer this Easter, and potentially for years to come

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-32172301

Iran holds the key to so much in the Middle East, and the successful agreement reached after months of negotiations is genuinely a very good step forward.

Full credit to all the diplomats and politicians on both sides including our Foreign Secretary, who has worked hand in glove with America's John Kerry, for ages to secure this deal. The deal lifts punitive sanctions and allows the reintegration of Iran back in to the world whilst at the same time preventing an escalation of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

President Obama has hailed the deal restricting Iran's nuclear programme as a "historic understanding" which, if implemented, will make the world safer. I support the efforts made, and the compromises that have to be reached to secure a better today and a far safer future.

The hope is that the improvement in Iran relations will now improve the prospects for deescalation of violence in the wider Middle East. If this happens it will be a genuine tipping point.

If you want to read more on this issue my speech and the full debate on this country, and the wider Middle Eastern issues, in the Commons late last year, is found here: http://guyopperman.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/iran-debatemy-speech-powerful-speeches.html

Grand National Tips - Shutthefrontdoor a worthy favourite for AP but others are better odds

Somehow I have agreed to go campaigning during the big race this coming Saturday, but at race time I will be stopping and heading for a TV to watch. APs horse is a worthy favourite: an Irish National winner with a touch of class and a reasonable weight - and he has been set out for this race. Expect him to start a very hot favourite - both because he is the bet of the race - and because of the AP factor. The great man retires if he wins. For my money it is written in the stars, although you don't back a horse on the day at the odds this fellow will be. I have a bet at 10-1 each way from a while back, but I fear he will start at odds of around 3-1 on the day which is crazy odds for a race like the Grand National where anything can happen. There are 30 fences, some horses don't take to the place, and hot favourites have been knocked over or brought down in the past. My dad rode in the race in the 1960's and himself was brought down at Bechers second time round!
http://www.grand-national.me.uk/

Each Way prospects to appeal on the day:
- Balthazar King will go very close: he was second in the 2014 Grand National and based on that performance you’d expect him to go close again. Raised a few pounds by the handicapper for the 2015 renewal that shouldn’t be a major concern for this smart chaser, who again has been prepared with this race in mind. Very likely to make the frame.
- The Druids Nephew; I always prefer horses with less than 11 stone on their back, who are progressive, and I like The Druids Nephew who fits the bill, at good odds; the Neil Mulholland trained eight year old was superb in winning at the Cheltenham Festival. Will go close with a clear round and worth an each way punt.

If you want an outsider at long odds: Dolatulo has an outside chance

Easter events in Northumberland - hiking, food, gardens, the stars, a beer festival, top quiz and barrel racing

A good walk - you could go to Hadrians Wall http://www.visithadrianswall.co.uk/
But if you want 5 places to visit these would all make anyone's top spots:
- The Beach at Bamburgh - a great walk and a top castle
- Roman Vindolanda http://www.vindolanda.com/ = our best Roman and historical site
- Kielder Water and Forest Park: http://www.visitkielder.com/
They win awards all the time!!
http://www.visitkielder.com/news/2013/05/kielder-water-forest-park-officially-the-best-tourism-experience-in-engl-
- Alnwick Castle and its magnificent Gardens http://www.alnwickcastle.com/
For spring flowers then I would probably pick Cragside: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside/
-It is a stunning house with amazing engineering everywhere and beautiful gardens filled with 40 miles of walks, rare flowers and so much more. It is a special place.
Two gastropubs holding spcial events:
- The Battlesteads Inn has a new observatory. It is a brilliant pub and has gone to great efforts to make itself a destination in its own right. Here is the report by the Courant: http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk/home/sky-s-the-limit-for-new-observatory-1.1202156
- The award winning Feathers Inn is showcasing so much this Easter that their festival runs for many days. If you have not been I urge you to go - it's won awards for its food and has a great community atmosphere: http://thefeathers.net/news/2014/12/bed-and-breakfast-special-offer/
There is a beer festival, and on sunday night Toby sets a mean quiz and it is a good night, and Monday sees the barrel racing.

And if you want to go to church then where better to go than Hexham Abbey: http://hexham-abbey.org.uk/