Iain Duncan Smith's brilliant think tank, the Centre for Social Justice, has a program called the 'Inner City Challenge', enabling MPs - from across the political spectrum - to engage in poverty-fighting projects.

I jumped at the chance to spend three days volunteering at Anchor House, an award-winning charity that helps homeless people get back on their feet. Anchor House, led by Keith Fernett, has a unique ethos combining practical support and tough love, as its website explains further here.

My three days there threw up a range of insights about the plight of the homeless. I was de-briefed and interviewed by the staff there here.

If I took two things away from the experience, it was first that homelessness is invariably a symptom of a range of other problems - from debt and addiction to mental health issues and relationship breakdown. Second, hitting rock bottom can provide an opportunity for people to put their lives back together, as long as they get the right support and they are themselves committed to turning things around.

Inevitably, you hear some really sad stories in a homeless shelter. But, in reality, I found my stint there remarkably uplifting and inspiring, mainly because of the 'can-do' attitude and energy of both staff and residents.

Amidst all the intense debate about the European question, I have written a piece for the Daily Telegraph tomorrow, here, arguing that we must not let legitimate criticism of the EU distract us from home-grown problems we urgently need to tackle.

I have written an article for The Times tomorrow looking at the threat from UKIP, in the aftermath of the local elections.

I argue that Conservatives need to focus on economic growth, common sense policies that support the 'little guy', and not shy away from the debate on immigration.

You can access the column here.

Today, the Sunday Telegraph reports on the 2011 rioters we can't deport because of Article 8 (right to family life) reasons.

I wrote a column putting the cases in context, and arguing for deportation reform as one of the measures the government should bring forward in the Queen's Speech next week. You can read the article here.