Highgate Group Practice parking
Quick update on this story - we've now got the full details of the improvements that are set to be made - hurrah! Friday 29th February 2008
11:48 pm
Quick update on this story - we've now got the full details of the improvements that are set to be made - hurrah! 
11:44 pm
Vatican flexing its muscles
Reading Jo Anglezarkes post; 'Funded by the Vatican' I recalled reading a story in last weeks Guardian. Then, like now, there appeared to be compelling evidence suggesting that the Roman Catholic Church was attempting to adopt a much tighter ethical code on non-Catholic practices such as abortions, contraception and sex change operations. If true, what, if anything should we read into this 11:06 pm
Ealing Lib Dems say NO!
It has come to my attention that most of our campaigns here in Ealing have tended to be rather negative, i.e. we're seemingly "anti" something. I mean; we were against the Tram, we want to stop the Leaf being built, and we're against the third run way at Heathrow (quite rightly). It's all well and good, wanting to stop something from happening, but that is generally the wrong way to go about it. I mean, if you don't want something to happen, you need to focus positively on the alternative, rather than focusing on being "anti" something. I've come to ... 10:23 pm
Standing room only at Yate housing meeting
Steve Webb explains the impact of the new housing on South Gloucestershire Chris Willmore points out some of the problems that the proposed development will bring Around 300 people packed into this evening's meeting at Brimsham Green School to hear Steve Webb MP and Cllr Chris Willmore explain the impact of the proposed 5000 new houses for the Yate and Chipping Sodbury area. It is intended to set up an action group to fight the plans. We need to plan now - when the minister makes a decision we'll only have a few weeks to make our comments. Under the ... 9:53 pm
Building for life
Wednesday saw a gala launch of the “Building for Life” scheme in Nottingham, a voluntary code of practice from the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment that encourages house-builders to up their game, and deliver individual excellent schemes of housing rather than boiler-plate plans that could be anywhere. Building for Life is a set of 20 questions to ask about any new development in the hope of grading it objectively. The list of questions is here, and currently, my favourite is “Do buildings or spaces outperform statutory minima, such as Building Regulations” In planning committee, I have been asking ... 
9:24 pm
So much for National Express booking system
I am not impressed with the on line booking system for tickets on National Express trains. The website allows passengers to book types of seats on their trains. I always book airline window seats. Having just got on the 12 minutes late 9pm train from KX to Newcastle, I find I am on a table seat. This is not the first time the National Express system has screwed me up.---Sent via BlackBerry 9:13 pm
Funded by the Vatican
Think abortion is an issue of human rights Think again. According to Amnesty it's not. Abortion is neither 'right or wrong' according to a press release on their website. Apparently it should be supported when the woman's 'health or human rights' is at stake. Oh, and within 'reasonable gestation periods'. Although what this is they don't say. That would be too specific. Do they support David Cameron's calls for the period to be reduced from 24 to 20 weeks Oh, and it would potentially lose them their vatican funding, sorry, donations. When you discover the catholic church have them licking ... 8:50 pm
Changes to planning application process
Redcar and Cleveland Council is bringing in new Government guidelines ahead of schedule, which make the planning application process clearer and more efficient. The Department for Communities and Local Government is launching 1APP, a Standard National Planning Application Form to replace all existing types of planning application forms within England. With effect from April 6, 2008, this will be the only legal way of submitting a planning application within England, however there will be a transitional period until Tuesday, May 6. The Council has now introduced 1APP therefore, if you are submitting a planning application, ensure you use the correct ... 8:44 pm
Proof that the death penalty works
The argument goes that America is an example of how the death penalty works. We are constantly told by pro death penalty group that the Death penalty acts as a deterrent and that if we had the same level of punishment it would have the same effect over here too. Yet prison numbers are at an all time high and America, with more than 1% of all Americans now being in jail. If the death penalty works as a deterrent, why are so many in jail And why are the figures higher in states that have the death penalty With ... 8:43 pm
Falling tree injures two people at Saltburn
Redcar and Cleveland Council this afternoon closed two footpaths in Rift Wood in the Saltburn Valley after two people needed hospital treatment after a tree was blown down in the fierce winds. The incident happened early on Friday afternoon on one of the paths through Rift Wood in the Saltburn Valley. One person was taken to hospital by ambulance and a second needed to be freed by the fire and rescue service and paramedics before being flown to hospital by the air ambulance. 8:36 pm
Harry to return home
So, Harry is “to return home.” I wonder if that is similar to him “not serving” in the first place. 8:15 pm
A look back at the polls: February
We tend not to be too poll-obsessed here at LDV - of course we look at them, as do all other politico-geeks, but viewed in isolation no one poll will tell you very much beyond what you want to read into it. Looked at over a reasonable time-span and, if there are enough polls, you [...] 7:50 pm
Michael Palin eat your heart out
This man planned to walk from Bristol to India - click here to see just how far he got 7:33 pm
Why not write for Lib Dem Voice
Lib Dem Voice is exactly what it says it is: an independent, collaborative website run by Liberal Democrat activists, where any individual inside or outside the party can express their views. In particular, we welcome Opinion pieces from party members - whether you’re an activist, councillor, MP, peer or prefer to cheer from the sidelines - [...] 7:19 pm
House Points: Mr Speaker Martin
My House Points column from today's Liberal Democrat News. Mr Speaker Martin Its true. Much of the whispering campaign against the Speaker is based on nothing more than snobbery. Gorbals Mick is a silly and insulting nickname, not least because Michael Martin comes from a quite different part of Glasgow. But then you suspect that Britain north of Potters Bar is a foreign country to the sketchwriter of the Daily Mail. And if you had been forced to go through life called Quentin, you would have a deep bitterness about class too. More than that, no civilised person thinks less ... 
7:18 pm
Scottish Liberal Democrat Conference - Aviemore
I've not made it to Conference this weekend (I'm deputising for the City Council Leader at an event at Dundee FC tomorrow and haven't yet mastered the ability to be in two places at once!) but the BBC has good coverage on-line (including a Q&A with Nicol Stephen MSP - click on headline to view) and Conference highlights at : 7:15 pm
Backlash after Tory Peer's remarks
Following yesterday's extraordinary attack by Lord Mancroft NHS bosses have been quick to respond. 6:40 pm
Iain Dale has been banned
It is interesting sometimes to see which websites Norfolk County Council seek to block so that schools cannot access them. The obvious things are blocked (anything vaguely risque), but Norfolk County Council do have a habit of blocking some very odd things too, including Iain Dale's blog. A few years ago I went to a Norfolk County Council Education and IT conferences at the John Innes centre in Norwich, and to this conference, at great expense, they had brought someone to talk to us about using free software, unusual software and bring to life ideas that we my not have ... 6:35 pm
Europe - Lib Dems want a vote on 'In or Out'
The Liberal Democrats have tried to persuade Parliament to allow the British people a real vote on Britain's future in Europe, but have been frustrated by the out-of-date rules. 6:28 pm
Is the Archbishop of Canterbury a descendent of Gladstone
My bedtime reading at the moment (and I suspect for several months to come, due to my somewhat plodding reading speed) is Roy Jenkin's Gladstone. A note by Jenkins against a quote from Gladstone on page 32 caused me to chuckle: There then follow nine balancing subordinate clauses of a convolution which make the net effect almost impossible to follow. Remind you of anyone 6:23 pm
With Brian Paddick along Brick Lane
The London Mayoral campaign came to my backyard today, as Brian Paddick (accompanied by his predecessor and current party president, Simon Hughes, MP), the LibDem GLA candidate for City and London East, Rajonuddin Jalal, and I ‘did’ Brick Lane. After a walkabout with photo-opportunities, and a swift but delicious curry-house lunch, we were greeted at [...] 5:39 pm
Campaign update The Hollow Bath
A photo call will take place for residents concerned about developments on the Hollow with local Councillors Tim Ball & Gerry Curran on Saturday 1st March at 11.15am. On Monday 3rd March a press photo call with the Bath Chronicle will take place at 9.30am. The meeting place for both will be on the corner of Cotswold View. 5:28 pm
Ariel's delighted Polar Bear: Cause for applause or nausea
I must have been desperate for reading material while I ate my muesli (but not a beard or sandal in sight) earlier this week. My brother always used to amuse us at home by reading the text on the side of the cornflakes packet while he ate his breakfast. I reach for the Riverford Organic vegetables box list. On one side it tells you what's in your box ("Sweet mama squash" is this week's special 4:44 pm
Dmitri's choice
Read Victor Erofeyev in the IHT on sunday's forgotten election. For the article click this link. 4:33 pm
How are Southern doing
I may not be the train regulator, but… One of my eight wishes for 2008 was: That the majority of my commuter trains into London are on time (December’s score: 0%). Two months into 2008, how is Southern - my local train operating company - faring I’ve crunched the numbers and the answer is that they’re getting better, but are short of my target. Based on the wording of my wish, these stats are limited to journeys I’ve made into London for work, and only count the train I actually took: if I got to the station and a train ... 4:02 pm
Liberals: criminally insane
So says an American psychiatrist in his latest book The Liberal Mind: The Psychological Causes of Political Madness, sadly only available in the United States. “Based on strikingly irrational beliefs and emotions, modern liberals relentlessly undermine the most important principles on which our freedoms were founded,” says Dr. Lyle Rossiter. For a full, unbiased review, see [...] 3:50 pm
'Securing greater public confidence in policing
Well, its official. I'm a fully fledged Independent Custody Visitor for Avon & Somerset Police authority. Less than 4 months ago I didn't know they existed. Now I'm one fo them. Go figure! Just in case some of you don't know who or what I am on about let me explain. A custody visitor panel is made up of ordinary members of the local community who volunteer to visit police stations in their area, totally unannounced of course, to check on the welfare of people who may be in police custody. In my case, this would be any police station ... 3:40 pm
Shining a light on the secret armies
Hugely welcome news (gleaned from the recent blogger-chat with Ed Davey) that the party is looking at the problem of the private security companies the proliferation of private armed forces which are almost entirely outside anyones control. I have been muttering about this for some time so look forwards to the debates and campaigns It is not only what these unregulated armed forces get up to in other parts of the world what happens when some of the the veterans of these operations come back to the UK and live with their experiences in our political and social life Some ... 3:18 pm
Expressing an opinion
I never know what to think when opinion poll surveys are published. Most of the time I try not to take any notice, after all they are just a snapshot of opinion and quickly become obsolete, if they were ever relevant in the first place. In many instances they are open to question because of the size of the sample or the method used to collect them. Nevertheless, I cannot help but be intrigued by the details of the poll published on the front page of the Western Mail this morning. They tell us that more than six in 10 ... 2:55 pm
What a boost from Capital of Culture - and it's only February.
Look at this story from Todays Liverpool Echo. Capital of Culture is really making a difference! ******************** Culture crowd on course to beat 10m Feb 29 2008 by Catherine Jones, Liverpool Echo *MORE than one million people have taken part in cultural events in Liverpool since the start of 2008. The figure was revealed today as the city was celebrating after another big night for Capital of Culture. Culture officials say they believe numbers will easily break the 10 million barrier by the end of the year. Cultural director Phil Redmond said today: Its very exciting and I think it ... 2:49 pm
Why save our local Post Offices
Interesting discussion over on StroudGreen.org about the future of Ferme Park Road Post Office, where a couple of people asked why people should want to save their local Post Office. Well, here's my answer: Even on purely narrow financial terms, it's not as simple as saying "Post Office making a loss so it should close" - because many of those currently under threat of closure are actually making a profit.Losing a key local service such as a Post Office can have a serious knock-on effect on other local businesses - which in turn, even purely on a financial basis, means ... 2:17 pm
If you don't want to end up with a stinking cold....
... don't go out delivering leaflets on a windy rainy day. Feeling very sorry for myself this afternoon! 1:54 pm
Jam doughnuts
Looks like Anne McElvoy has very nearly paid off her morgtage now, with what must surely be the final contribution to the Jam Generation discussion, on today's Gurdian Comment is Free. 1:39 pm
Results: Thursday 28th February 2008
Bromsgrove DC, Slideslow Con 372 (33.9; -11.9), Ind 317 (28.9; +15.7), Lab 304 (27.7; +27.7), UKIP 104 (9.5; +9.5), [LD (0.0; -41.1)]. Majority 55. Turnout 28.8%. Con gain from LD. Last fought 2007. Ellesmere Port and Neston DC, Westminster Lab 227 (57.5; -11.0), Con 123 (31.1; -0.4), LD Hilary Chrusciezi 45 (11.4; +11.4). Majority 104. Turnout not known. Lab hold. Last fought 2007. #Hexham TC, 1:35 pm
Ok, call me a snob, but...
Perhaps the finest retail location in Darlington, once occupied by the iconic Dressers book shop, right in the middle of our historic High Row, is changing from a Waterstone's book store to a Poundland Discount store. Purleeze! This just gives completely the wrong message about how we, as independent retailers, want to see Darlington Town Centre develop. Obviously, having two 1:21 pm
Plans
The weather is so horrific outside that I really do want to do nothing but curl up into a ball and wake up in the summer. This would not only make the rain go away, but would also ensure I escaped the life-halting power of the forthcoming election campaign. Sadly, hibernation wasn’t front and centre of last year’s manifesto, so going underground for four months may not please everybody, and instead I have to plan for the weekend. I realised (i.e. was told) this lunchtime that it’s Mother’s Day on Sunday. I have not been entirely ignorant of its approach, ... 1:17 pm
A new home on the web
This blog has now been superceded by the updated personal site for my campaign for Chippenham. For information from Wiltshire Liberal Democrat please visit the party site. For information about Chippenham Consultants Limited please visit the company site. Thank you for your interest, and for updating any links you have to this page. 12:58 pm
Eco towns...or 'do as I say, not do as I do'...
The Labour proposal to build new eco-towns is laughable. What's the point if the rest of the country is full of energy guzzling housing, antiquated or external fuel sources (and I include nuclear in that description), inefficient public transport, overcrowded road networks, plastic bags and standby buttons Talk about shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted! In a market where house prices are inflated to the point the next generation in this country have little hope of owning a home, let alone worrying whether the rooftiles are sustainable is a bit like offering cake instead of bread. Not ... 12:58 pm
A fair punishment or a terrible miscarriage of justice
Whilst I certainly dont claim to know all the facts surrounding this case I do have serious doubts as to whether the sentence handed down to this woman driver was actually fair and just. The circumstances behind the case don't appear to point to the accident being the drivers fault. In all honesty it looks like a case of 6 of one, and half a dozen of another. Of course, I accept that the driver shouldn't have been texting whilst driving but then again, the cyclist shouldn't have run a red light. It's as though the jury has simply thought ... 12:20 pm
Realpolitik 16: It will never see the light of day
Unfortunately, due to recording /editing difficulties (i.e. audio files that are almost completely unusable!), this week’s Realpolitik podcast won’t coming out and as we’re both busy for the weekend there isn’t time to record a new one. All being well, there’ll be a new Realpolitik next week. 12:03 pm
Black Street and Blackness Avenue
I've recently approached the City Council calling for an improvement to the play area in Black Street. It lacks play equipment (as the photo - right - shows) and has in the past been subject to vandalism. Last year, bonfires were lit on the tarmac surface, causing damage (see below). I have been speaking with a number of residents in the Black Street, Cleghorn Street and Benvie Road area recently and they felt that it was a waste of what could be a decent facility for local children and youths. I have also had a chat with the community policeman ... 11:49 am
Another day, another set of tales about data being lost
Back in January I blogged about the Government's record at losing data (they lose lots of it, year after year). So this blog posting caught my eye - which lists a whole set of other instances of the Government losing our data in the last few weeks. There's one common conclusion from all the cases - the more data the Government has about us, the more that ends up getting lost with all the risks to privacy and identity theft that follow. Which is another good reason to be opposed to their plans for a mandatory national ID cards scheme ... 11:14 am
"Trebles all round" at Tory County Hall and Test Valley
If rising electricity, gas and oil prices to heat our homes, increased rail and petrol prices, higher interest rates Tory led Test Valley and Hampshire County Councils are going to inflict more pain on the residents of the Parish for the same level of shoddy service. Conservative Councillors have agreed a whopping Council Tax increase of nearly 4.5%. Thats more than twice the rate of inflation, adding nearly £50 to every Council Tax bill in our Parish, but what for more of the same poor service As if a £50 Council Tax increase was not enough County Councillors added insult ... 11:12 am
The real criminals
George Galloway on BBC Question Time last night, argued in defence of the Speaker, and in doing so exemplified one of the very worst qualities of the political classes defending their own on the basis that they remain within the letter of the law. Often, politicians themselves appear vague on the rules which govern issues such as funding and expenses - and whether they've broken them. The public, understandably, are clueless. But there is no excuse for failure to examine whether they've abused the spirit of the system. It's curious that after the battle of positivism has been won, and ... 10:21 am
Self diagnosis - NADD
I think I really have NADD (Nerd Attention Deficiency Disorder). Not as serious as some, but its still there. Currently I have more tabs open in Firefox than I can be bothered to count. I’m listening to music (occasionally flicking to the lyrics or Wikipedia article about the album). I have the work IRC channels open. I [...] 10:19 am
Laptop containing confidential data bought from eBay
Another missing disc case from the Government, this time from our friends at the Home Office. An IT repair firm in Lancashire was repairing a computer for a customer, who said they bought it on eBay, and discovered an optical disc marked “Home Office” and “Confidential” in the machine. It had been hidden under the keyboard. The good news, in this case, is that the data on the disc appears to have been encrypted and the disc has been returned. The Home Office has said that the laptop was encrypted too, which suggests it was an official machine but makes us wonder ... 9:43 am
The art of being noticed - a reflection spurred by the date
Having good policies and even doing something effective about them is all well and good. But there is an art in catching peoples attention so they remember you and make your work effective. Former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau had that art to an A. Right down to the date he chose to resign his premiership in a shock announcement. Everyone who realised what that date was remembers it if they ever think of Trudeau. It was February 29th, 1984. Not exactly gimmicks but clear pegs onto which you can hang the political frames you need. Thats a skill we ... 9:20 am
A Hughes in Clegg Clothing
Remember the target Simon Hughes, now President of the Liberal Democrats, set the party way back when (2004): increase the Parliamentary Party by 50% at the next election (2005). Well, that didn’t happen, as you can’t force people into the polling booth to vote for you. Nick Clegg hasn’t learnt from this particular humiliating target, [...] 7:49 am
Selling the family silver
West Somerset Council has announced that despite strong local opposition it has decided to close the Aquasplash at Minehead. At a packed meeting last Wednesday 400 protestors heard that the pool and gym would have to close because the council did not have the £15,000 needed to carry out the necessary repairs. West Somerset Council will now consider a proposal to sell off the land off to Tesco, who want to use the land to expand its nearby store. It seems obvious that what we have here is a council concerned only with balancing its books. The same council have ... 7:07 am
Is M&S Setting Brown's Green Policy
So that doyen of the High Street Mark and Spencers are setting the green agenda for the Brown Government, or so it seems. After yesterday's announcement that the store will start charging for plastic bags from 6 May it appears that the Prime Minister himself may be hopping unto the band wagon. Lib Dem MSP Mike Pringle had presented a bill for a plastic bag levy north of the border in the last 7:00 am
Not a Leap Working Day
It may be the 29th February and therefore an extra day to 2008 today, however, those of us who work Monday to Friday are actually working one less day this year than last. BBC Breakfast this morning showed some interesting figures based on weekends and Christmas and New Years Day, which I have since confirmed in excel (other spreadsheet packages are available). In 2007 there were 255 working 12:01 am
Day 2614 (again): Man of the Moment: the Full Interview Write-Up
Wednesday, continued You can't deny Mr Ed's passion for his job, that's for sure, and he is like a bubbling source of positive energy. He's certainly got the CHARISMA and he's already making waves, though he's never been afraid of being a BIG NOISE. He DID insist that the SHENANIGANS with the Deputy Speaker were entirely SPONTANEOUS. Certainly, other members of the Parliamentary Party had joined him in the chamber in order to lend their support, but it was not "planned" to the extent that he'd woken up that morning expecting to be kicked out of the House by teatime. ... 
