Highlight of the day was a visit to TFM radio for the presentations to children who had won the "zig zag" competition. This was a competition for children to design a plaque to get the message over to people who will park (illegally) on the zig zag lines outside school. Such parking annoys me intensely. It is dangerous to children walking, unnecessary and selfish. I thought it a brilliant...
I've been really upset several times in recent years to see profoundly illiberal measures such as 42 days' detention without charge, control orders and ID cards being passed by Westminster. So I was pleased today that the Scottish Parliament rejected the illiberal SNP plan to stop under 21s from purchasing alcohol at an off licence. I may have said this before, but the Lib Dems are the only party people can trust with their civil liberties. Labour is hardly a byword for fairness if you think that they defied all professional advice to push for 42 days, the Tories are ...
BBC1, 10.35pm Tonight's edition comes from Birmingham (because the Beeb block-booked their hotel for the whole week presumably), so if you're watching feel free to sound off in the comments thread. And if you're not watching, it's generally quite fun to try to work out from the utterly scattered observations on said comment thread what is [...]
In a bid to relieve the head-banging boredom that a sudden dramatically reduced workload has recently imposed upon me in the Planning Department I have revived a campaign on the intranet to entertain my colleagues. During the month of our first ever planning committee being cancelled due to, well, erm, no planning applications, I have decided to worry my co-workers even more by asking them to sign the Fawcett Society's campaign for equal pay for men and women. It's not so bad in the South-West, women are only paid 16% less than men. In Wales it's just 10% and in ...
It's quite remarkable that the French, so anxious to preserve French Culture and Language from the baleful influence of the 'Anglo-Saxons' (that's us and the cousins) have with the incredible hypocrisy you can only expect from them, persecuted their minorities and their languages for centuries. Conscious of the Celtic Tigers, they treat Breton with a little more respect nowadays, but Occitan the most attractive of the Latin languages, is treated with scant regard. Occitan, along with Kurdish and Catalan is an important indo-european language, that lacking a nation state, has been in long term decline. But is this inevitable? Welsh ...
So - the realities of the property market have finally caught up with the ruling Conservatives on Chelmsford council. Their plan to build 400 flats etc. on the car park of Riverside leisure centre is set to be dropped. The Lib Dem plan (ditched when the Conservatives took over the council) would have built a new leisure centre on a more appropriate site, with a range of leisure facilities in one
Contrary to what some are saying, I've not been eaten by David Cameron. I've just been unforgivably lazy for the past month, and not done any blogging. (I've also done a couple of weeks of legal placements, dashed off to conference for a few days, then started my law conversion course, but none of that's an excuse.) Normal service resumes as of now, anyway. If my textbook on tort law doesn't send me to sleep, I'll try to stay up for the US Veep debate tonight, and write something about it ...
The main slides from Steve Webb's public meeting can be seen here. View the slideshow to see just how big the impact would be on Yate and Chipping Sodbury. If you would like to object to the Government's proposals on housing, but don't know what to say, click here to download some suggestions: PDF version Word version Four steps to getting your voice heard Get the blank Government form online here - you can fill it in electronically or fill in a paper copy Use our 'specimen' as a guide - but put it in your own words, because people ...
I supposed he was going to get selected eventually for somewhere, and finally it has happened. Conor Burns, the Conservative candidate vanquished by Chris Huhne at the last General Election in Eastleigh, has finally found himself another constituency to stand in - Bournemouth West. What I find interesting though is the local candidate dimension. There has [...]
This is Peter Ainsworth, the Conservative environment spokesman, and a remarkably open Q&A in Guardian 2 today (yes I got that far - a symptom of a longish train journey to the other side of London and back). He owns a people carrier and has a carbon footprint of 16 tonnes a year. Well, at least he knows what his footprint is and acknowledges that the people carrier is a "guilty secret" while
I have just left Cowley St with news that the reshuffle is underway. At this point there is no news as to who is in or out. How extensive it will be is unknown though I doubt it will be major. After all, the last thing Brown wants is a bunch of alienated ex-ministers joining the other alienated ex-ministers outside the tent pissing in.Unfortunately BBC on my blackberry is giving me no clues
Its been in the news and certainly with bloggers such as the brilliant linguanaut. I do not know what the great Seb Coe said or did not say. All i can remember is him racing with the equally great Steve Ovett at the Moscow Olympics. The photo shows the New union flag. It includes Northern Ireland (orange-flanking the irish soltaire), Wales and Cornwall (black). I think a UK football team for the Olympics would be brilliant. Coming together once every four years. I do not see any threat to individual national teams that play in the Euro championships or World ...
Well, that's what I'm expecting. Based on her 20-times debate opponent Andrew Halcro's testimony, we can expect Palin to play brilliantly to the gallery tonight in her debate with Joe Biden. There will be bucket-loads of homespun Hockey Mom wisdom and American Apple Pie anecdotes from her. With the moderator effectively nobbled by the McCain campaign's salvoes about her Obama book (soon to be in
From last July - American Trade Union leader Richard Trumka makes the most memorable speech I've heard in a long time, as he attacks racism against Barack Obama. Hat-tip : Andrew Sullivan
Sir Ian Blair has resigned as commissioner of London's Metropolitan police force, and the race to be his successor is now on, with the appointment the responsibility of the Home Secretary. All of which begs the timely question: should police chiefs be directly elected? Lib Dem policy is against directly elected police chiefs, instead proposing that [...]
It turns out that Professor John Wells of the Spelling Society is phlegmatic about his oratorical mishandling at the well-oiled hands of David Cameron. "Gosh, I've been denounced by David Cameron!" he declares in a post entitled "Fame at last". John, Liberal Democrats and chocolate orange eaters everywhere* salute you. It was an odd decision, that segment [...]
Ceredigion's Welsh Lib Dem MP Mark Williams has been continuing his tour of Ceredigion schools this week. Having visited Aberaeron primary and secondary schools and Ysgol Uwchradd Aberteifi on Wednesday, Mark visited Llanbadarn's Ysgol Cwmpadarn on Thursday to meet with staff and to talk to pupils at the school. After his visits, Mark Williams MP said: "With the current Council consultation on the future of education provision in the county, its been an important time to go around schools to talk to staff and to see that provision being provided to our children across Ceredigion. "I've had a very warm ...
The Times reports: A handheld computer containing secret intelligence documents about terrorism has been stolen through the open window of an MI5 hideout, in a fresh data embarrassment.It is believed that a large pie left cooling on the window sill was also taken.
I saw this on a diary on Daily Kos and thought it a very powerful speech. It says a lot about US politics that such a speech has to be made. But he makes it exceptionally well.
The last posting made on Hug a Hoodie is dated 25 August 2008 and reads: Into the belly of the beast ... Today, I am in Witney!I am forced to the conclusion that he was eaten. Let us share a few moments of silence in memory of a fellow Lib Dem blogger.
Sir Ian Blair's resignation as Metropolitan Police Commissioner had an air of inevitability about it. I have long thought that Ian Blair was the wrong person to lead the Met Police. The aftermath of the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes indicated that either he was prepared to make statements to the press that he knew not to be true or his senior officers failed to keep him informed of the true situation. Neither inspired confidence in his leadership. What is slightly surprising about his departure is that what did for him in the end was not the shooting of ...
Why is it that winning blogging awards, or even being nominated for one, seems to induce writer's block in so many? I'm no psychologist, but this doesn't stop me from pronouncing on such matters. Nothing, really, stops me pronouncing on any matter - except becoming afraid of what people actually think of my blog. I think I'd take fearlessness over the ability to spell. If you're nominated for an award, or worse if you win an award, suddenly you're aware that people are... well they're looking at you. Expectantly. Waiting. Whereas when you're in a little world of your own, ...
Our first Liberal Drinks in our home town is in an hour or so. I am nervous, even though most of the people who have said they are coming are people I know personally. What if no-one turns up? What if too many people turn up? What if the beer runs off? Panic is not good. Mat is being very calm and lovely. He is helpful to have around. I am very amused by watching The Real Iain Dale's Vehicular Blog Meme and Gina's Book Meme. So far Iain's meme has been picked up by Tez Burke, David Matthewman, Casey, ...
One of the quite reasonable limitations on federal party staff is that we are not allowed to publicly endorse candidates in internal party elections. This can be frustrating. I had a firm preference in each of the leadership elections that took place during the ten years I worked for the Campaigns Department but had to be careful not to say anything publicly about it. But now I'm free, and just as the party's Presidential election has kicked off. I am firmly of the view that Ros Scott is the best person to be our new President. Here's why: 1 Ros ...
My colleagues Colin Hall, Richard Bailey & myself have received a number of complaints about delivery vehicles blocking the bus stop outside the new Tesco on Woodcote Road in Wallington High Street. This has meant bus passengers, including schoolchildren, having to venture into the road to board the bus. We have been working with officers to [...]
Dear grinning old perverts, I am a barmaid. I serve beer. I am NOT there for you to grope. My body is mine, not yours. Did nobody tell you that it's socially unacceptable to grope people without permission? Or do you think that because I'm a barmaid, it doesn't matter whether you have my permission or not? It doesn't matter how many drinks you offer to buy me. It doesn't matter how much you smile at me. It doesn't matter how regular a customer you are. I DO NOT WANT YOUR HANDS ON MY ARSE. The sooner Jo Crispy-Strips' Feminist ...
News has just come in that the Gnats have been defeated in the Scottish Parliament on their draconian plans to increase age at which alcohol can be bought in Scotland from 18 to 21 years. It would seem that a combination of the votes of Lib Dem, Labour, Tory & Green MSPs saw off the Gnats and their daft legislation. Legislation which would have meant that a serving member of the Royal Regiment of Scotland could be killed in battle but be unable to buy a can of beer in an off-license. Legislation which would have meant that a newly ...
Not going to add much to my earlier posts about Sir Ian Blair. But London should be a far better and safer place without him in charge of policing the capital.
Commenting on the Government's annual Taking Part survey, Liberal Democrat Shadow Culture, Media and Sport Secretary, Don Foster said: "Obesity levels in this country are at an all time high." Bath MP Don Foster continued, saying: "We should be seriously concerned that kids are spending so much time watching television when the evidence shows that when...
Commenting on Nationwide figures showing that house prices fell by 1.7% in September, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said: "Day after day we hear yet more bad news for the housing market, as people continue to feel the pinch from Britain's struggling economy." Vince Cable continued, saying: "Millions of families are struggling to make ends...
Sir Ian Blair resigned this afternoon as Metropolitan Police Commissioner, with effect from 1st December. Dee Doocey, Liberal Democrat London Assembly spokesperson on policing (and a member of the Metropolitan Police Authority) said: The Metropolitan Police Service is crying out for strong leadership, and whoever takes over has a mountain to climb. The lack of leadership at [...]
If you are interested in how the Care and support service should be formulated in the future then a meeting that is being held on Wednesday 15 October is the one for you. The Healthier Communities and Older People Overview and Scrutiny Panel on Bath & North East Somerset is seeking public views on the central Government consultation on the sort of care support system that should be...
Earlier this week, the High Court ruled in favour of Gurkhas wishing to reside in the UK. You can see some reactions to the judgement in this film from the campaign, which features, amongst others, party leader Nick Clegg. The petition is online at www.gurkhajustice.org.uk
I know Americans who find the alignment of British political parties odd, and ask why we are not divided into just two monolithic parties as in the US. I think it's because: a) America has no tradition of overt socialism, if you took that away from British politics there might well be two parties here too, and b) the [...]
Confirming that one of the key issues with me and a career in politics is that I'm all hinterland. Apparently, and only 'apparently' because I cannot access live journal blogs from this PC and the battery on my iPhone is running so low that I daren't use it to surf the interweb there is a new book meme going about. First you pick a genre and then 5 books from that genre and then you tell people why they should read them. My genre is Indian Literature. India is my second favourite country in the world (bearing in mind I ...
I have written before that J. W. "Paddy" Logan, who was Liberal MP for Harborough 1891-1904 and 1910-16, is one of my political heroes. I have now found a website that carries Hansard debates from the 19th century, so I can share some of his wit and wisdom with you. Note that in those days it was written in reported speech, which reads oddly to modern eyes. The power of the Church Here is Logan speaking on an education bill in 1896: He was not surprised that hon. Gentlemen opposite did not like the Board Schools. He should be surprised ...
Picture from the Sun. He Says "He can mend broken Society."Lofty:No I don't think so!
It seems that official statistics on fuel poverty are two years in arears, as the BBC reports that a million more people fell into fuel poverty in 2006. The number of households in fuel poverty in the UK rose to 3.5 million in 2006, government figures show. The figures from the Department for Environment and the Department [...]
Blair by name and Blair by nature. Image conscious, self-important and controversial. Did he jump, or was he pushed? After so long hanging onto the job, why go now, with just a year of his contract to go? Was this story really worse than the cash for honours debacle, the accusations of racism from senior officers or [...]
As Barak Obama is slowly pulling ahead in the electoral college votes for the presidency, we are possibly just a heartbeat away from the decider in the campaign. Given McCain's age, how his possible replacement President Sarah Palin performs in the VP debate tonight is crucial. One thing is for sure, Joe Biden needs to ensure that all the press are talking about after the debate is Governor
Living right on the Market Square in our county's largest market town can give some good if not quite unique insights into the state of the local economy. Things are not looking good, I'm afraid. The weekly market has been held every Thursday since the charter was granted in the 13th Century. It's the usual provincial mixture of fresh fruit, mobile butchers and fishmongers, combined with cheap clothes and end of line goods. Except this week there are five or six fewer stalls than there were three months ago. An estate agent has already gone, though I'm surprised it's just ...
Iain Dale's shadowy parliamentary sources have told him that the Met Police Commissioner Sir Iain Blair is about to jump or be pushed. (2.11pm) The BBC said as much, too. (1.58pm) Still, only 13 minutes for the news to rush from Aunty Beeb to Uncle Iain via the smoking hot blackberries of idle parliamentary hands ain't bad. Specially [...]
And he will do it this afternoon. Or so The Times says. Later. He's gone.
The Northampton Chronicle & Echo reports: A former campaigner against a controversial earth bund in Delapre park has been chosen as the Liberal Democrat's candidate for one of the most hotly contended seats in the next General Election.Northampton Borough Council member, Councillor Paul Varnsverry (Lib Dem, West Hunsbury) has been selected as the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Northampton South.Well done, Paul. "But what is a bund?" I hear you ask. It turns out to be an earth bank, and this posting on a BBC message board explains the local controversy: Northampton Borough Council holds Delapre Abbey and parklands ...
All the serious, talented writers for LDV are on holiday or in meetings today, so it falls me to mind the shop and react to news stories. My meetings don't start until 4.30 when I have a board meeting, residents' meeting and Lib Dem local party exec in quick succession. So, I'm browsing around the news [...]
Can tackling climate change be fun? Does peak oil represent a challenge that can also be entertaining? The Transition Town movement has done more than anybody to promote the idea that we might actually enjoy the challenge of life after oil and create societies that are actually better than what we have now. Can we create a Transition Town in Belsize? We're trying. Our first meeting, on Sat 27 Sep, attracted 60 people. The next one is in Belsize Library in Antrim Road on Thu 23 Oct at 7pm. Click here for more from Sunday Times writer John-Paul Flintoff on ...
According to the BBC, a statement is due this afternoon on the future of Sir Ian Blair, Met Police Commissioner and the most senior (and useless) copper in the UK. Apparently it is on the issue of paying a close friend from public funds to advise him. Apparently this might be serious enough to see him suspended (we will wait with bated breath). But your force refusing to investigate arson, burglary, theft, muggings, threats of rape and so on is not. Neither is officers running round the streets shooting unarmed and innocent by-standers. Beggars can't be choosers. So long as ...
As if the poor 'Liberal' voter isn't confused enough by the 'continuing' Liberal Party, a Party that defines itself on not being another Political Party (i.e. The Liberal Democrats), there is now a Social Liberalist Party - should we be afraid ? - probably not as it seems to be half a dozen schoolboys from Croydon.
According to the parliament.com website MEPs have been censored by the removal of a poster which urges MEPs to sign up to the one seat campaign which believes that the monthly trek by MEPs, staff and civil servants to Strasbourg is a waste of time and money. German ALDE MEP Alexander Alvaro has written to both the president of the parliament and it's secretary general demanding an explanation for the censorship. The full article can be found here.
...or actually, will not include that annoying habit that many men on public transport have, of sitting there with their legs wide open whilst they listen to their iPod or read a newspaper so that anybody (usually a woman) sitting next to them has only a corner of a seat to sit on. I see it happening everyday to some poor woman and this morning it happened to me for the 9 millionth time, as well as the woman sitting diagonally opposite me. You know, women don't get a fair share of hearing in business or in politics, we earn ...
A video taken outside the High Court on 30th September (when the High Court ruled saying the Government's position on refusing Gurkhas who retired before 1997 citizenship in the UK was "unlawful" and "unfair") featuring Peter Carroll, Nick Clegg MP and Dhan Gurung has been released at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm5NcEaEfsc
Don't forget the Local Area Partnership tonight, at Sedgley Park School, from 6pm. All the fun of the fair, without the risk of being dragged onto rickety roller-coasters that fold out of trucks and are just one loose bolt away from disintegrating in a ball of fire and screaming. I am looking forward to tonight particularly because of the presentation from some local young people about their plans for a skate park. Not everyone likes skateboarders, and there is quite a lot of worry that a skate park might attract noise and disturbance. To be honest I think it would ...
The party's extranet is a resource for party activists, elected representatives (including councillors) and staff and the home for artwork, campaign materials, policy briefings and also resources to accompany the party's major national campaigns, such as the environment campaign and the 1 million doors challenge. Access is open to all party councillors, staff, approved Parliamentary candidates, [...]
Barack Obama's lead in the polls and in the battleground states appears to be increasing, and it's looking ever more like he's on for a substantial victory next month. Real Clear Politics has Obama ahead in Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, Nevada, Virginia, Colorado, Iowa and New Mexico, all states won by Bush four years ago. McCain is also only just a whisker ahead in Missouri and Indiana - the latter a state which Bush won by more than 20 points in 2004. Electoral Vote has similar figures, although they have North Carolina listed as a tie. Their electoral college count ...
If your famous your more likely to win awards than if you ain't! If your famous your more likely to get criticism than if you ain't! Works both ways.... Heres Ammanfords's superstar M.P. Adam Price winning an award from the British Computer Society last year. Hes nominated again and will probably get the cup again. If he is running out of room on his mantelpiece with all the cups and shields, Rhetoric will display it for him free of charge! photo courtesy of Owen Hathaway
Back in the mid-1980s, young comics genius Frank Miller used a unique sort of mental alchemy to tell a story that would become legend. The story of an aging warrior, dragging himself from a restful retirement to fight once more: possibly senile, definitely psychotic, obsessed with reclaiming past glories with no thought to the consequences. Due to political pressure, Miller was forced to subvert his own dream, applying his astonishing sense of realpolitik to the debased literature of comic books. We are proud to at last bring his staggering vision to full and revolutionary life. McCain: The Mavericking Maverick Mavericks ...
The Auditor General's report on the Wales Millennium Centre reveals some very major weaknesses in the way that the Assembly Government has managed its huge investment in the facility. In particular, Ministers and officials failed to keep an eye on the business risks once it opened: Mr Colman said: "The Wales Millennium Centre was a high-risk, complex project, and although the public bodies funding it followed good practice in many areas, particularly through joint monitoring, there were some fundamental weaknesses. "The project would have been better served if the Welsh Assembly Government had paid equal attention to addressing the risks ...
How many Tories does it take to change a lightbulb? We can only guess at the extent of the lightbulb problem at this point and only when we are in a position to look at the lightbulb properly can we establish how to change it. The lightbulb may require more Tories but we will of course seek to minimise the number of Tories needed to change the lightbulb. As long as we are able to provide opportunities for lightbulbs for hardworking families we can make the change. Together we can change the lightbulb! [tumultuous applause]
Schools have a hard job. We expect them not only to educate our children whilst keeping them safe and secure but to comply with a host of government targets and policies. Sometimes a school genuinely does badly and action's needed to resolve the problem. What schools don't need is to used as punchbags by politicians and journalists fishing around for something to make themselves look good or get an easy story. When I heard the elected Labour mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Mark Meredith spitting feathers about the alleged evils of Edensor Technology College on the Today programme I was not a ...
I believe in low taxes for the rich. So let me say this to the call centre worker, the hairdresser and the electrician. I know it is your money, and I want to give some of it back to people richer than you. But the real test is whether we can get elected before too many people notice.Sound money, low taxes for the rich, simple beliefs for simple people. I admire entrepreneurs in bed every night.I will build a high speed rail network, linking 4 cities, by ending investment in the rest of the network.Labour think there is no such ...
Bath Rugby came up with a stunning 27 to 23 victory at Wasps last night to go top on the Guinness premiership. It is good to see Bath on such good form and it shows that they have quality players in depth even after the summer exodus of some top international players. Want to read the full story then follow this link Bath Rugby
Liberal Democrats in Bath and North East Somerset have welcomed with caution the Council's new website which will allow residents a chance to get involved in transport decisions. Bath MP, Don Foster commented, "The Cabinet Member has been on the radio talking about letting people have their say and welcoming their comments. These are the right noises. Let us hope they can apply...
Following Tuesday's public meeting organised by Don Foster on the Regional Spatial Strategy, the Bath MP has confirmed that all the points raised will be put forward to Regional Minister, Ben Bradshaw MP when he meets him next week. Don said, "It was clear that local residents share my view that the Government's target of 21,300 homes is barking mad. . Given the...
George Osborne's magnificent plan to force Councils to cut their Council Tax increases to an unachievable 2.5% to receive more government money over two years is a fantastic headline. 1. What happens in year three? 2. Are the Tories committed to Council Tax and central control of Council budgets? 3. Are boys in his form allowed to wear long trousers?
A couple of days ago, I was working on the Customer Service desk at Morrisons when I phone call was past down to me. Now this is where the confusion began. The line was very poor and it was difficult to hear the gentleman on the other end of the line. The first time he spoke I thought he was askin to speak to Darren Lane, the checkout manager. Eventually I got what he was asking after asking him to repeat what said a couple of times. He was asking Morrisons for a taxi to pick him up from Water ...
Charlotte Gore writes below; "Capitalism does not have to be progressive. It is a system for allocation of resources and nothing more. Can I ask: What is your alternative?" Firstly, Charlotte is wrong that capitalism is a "system for allocation of resources and nothing more". It is a system of the exchange of goods and services with it's raison d etere being the accumulation of more capital. Resources are therefore allocated to those ends. However, her question is a valid one that deserves an answer. Let's try and answer it in parts. Extension of democracy: People spend the majority of ...
Former Lib Dem Steve Jones, the Independent Councillor for North Road ward, has not attended any Council or Committee meetings for six months. He is therefore deemed to have ceased to be a Councillor. A motion before Full Council tonight will declare a "casual vacancy" in the ward. Steve is a former Lib Dem Councillor who resigned from the Party following the revelation in May 2007 that he had
Via moviegrrl, this vid is very American-centric (as one would expect), but I think it applies in any representative democracy. Do take five minutes and watch it: pmoodie thinks that life is like a squirrel trying to cross the road. I like Moodie. Not only is he a talented artist, but he's a very thoughtful and intelligent man, and a good friend. There is potential for the MTV music awards to become the world's biggest Rickroll. Rick is in the Best Act Ever category. Vote early, vote often, and together, we can Rickroll the whole of Europe!
A startling story appeared on the Beeb yesterday, in which the self-confessed sole Tory lesbian suggested gay men should vote blue. We contacted DELGA, the Lib Dem LGBTQ experts, for a response, and chair Jen Yockney replied: Margot James' comments are a mixture of incoherence and reasons to vote Lib Dem rather than Conservative. At the top of the Tory [...]
What interesting times we live in! One thing that many voters say they don't like about Gordon Brown is that he's been in office too long. Now the PM says that "experience" is a good reason to trust him and many people seem to agree. David Cameron has spent nearly three years trying to be everyone's little friend. But in yesterday's conference speech, he presented himself as a Thatcher-style conviction politician, ready to take tough, unpopular decisions. What's really going on here is a lot of myth-making and story-telling. Well, it's more than that. Both the Labour and Tory leaders ...
Gordon Brown is going to carry out a major, top-to-bottom, reshuffle of his cabinet this weekend. How do I know? The BBC's Nick Robinson told me so BBC News political editor Nick Robinson says the reshuffle will be very limited and not a "dramatic shifting of the chairs at the top table". From the man who said [...]
A meeting of the Westmoreland PACT ( partnerships and communities together ) will take place on Thursday 27th November at 6.30 in Oldfield Park Baptist Church. All residents are welcome to this first meeting that is sponsored by the Police the Local authority and other statutory agencies. The meeting will set out to identify what problems...
In reverse order, here is my now traditional listing of the ten postings which have proved the most popular over the last three months: 10. A nine-word summary of what is wrong with so much of our tabloid journalism - I don't always like what I read in the papers! 9. How lottery money is being spent in Muswell Hill - good news for the area. 8. How not to fight terrorism - more Big Brother control freakery from Labour. 7. Jerry Springer: The Opera DVD - a blast from the past, this post is from 2005 - just goes ...
There has been a significant lack of blogging since sunday. Which shows that blogging is very habitual, and that once out of the fray it's hard to jump back in again...much like politics itself really. Listening to the World Tonight on Radio 4 last night got my blood boiling satisfyingly. Lots of pondering and musing on why Gordon Brown's popularity has shot up. No mention of course of the recent tax rebate in however many millions of people's payslips in September. There was quite a lot of money for many low to middle income earners as a result of it ...
So Conservative candidate Margot James is proud of the number of marvelous number of gay men in the modern Tory party. She even goes on to say: "There is so much wrong with this government's policy, gay people should not just vote Conservative, they have a duty to vote Conservative." Well many of that part of the electorate have applauded the policy of civil partnerships given them rights denied them by previous administrations. As for any group having a duty to vote for any political party where are we the UK, Zimbabwe, Cuba? However, if Ms James is advocating that ...
Sebastian Coe has denied that he has disregarded fears by the Welsh and Scottish Football Associations that the formation of a British soccer team for the 2012 Olympics will undermine their status within FIFA and could lead to individual national teams being excluded from international competitions. Lord Coe is alleged to have waved aside objections with an expletive, an act that he denies. Damon Lord has the cached version of thelondonpaper's original story, which has now disappeared from its website. Whether or not Lord Coe used the anglo-saxon expletive he is accused of deploying, the impact of the decision to ...
But it's not Gordon Brown. It's Ramsay MacDonald...
Well the amended, adjusted Bail Out plan has now been approved 74-25 in the US Senate it is now heading off to congress to see if they will accept the latest amendments including tax breaks for families and businesses. Both Senators McCain and Obama returned to Washington again to cast their votes in favour. The vote had neglible effect on the Asian and Australian markets overnight that are probably now waiting to see if the sceptics in the House of Representatives can be won over with these further concessions.
Section 503 of the bail out bill voted on by the US Senate was this gem: EXEMPTION FROM EXCISE TAX FOR CERTAIN WOODEN ARROWS DESIGNED FOR USE BY CHILDREN. I know you want the details, so here they are: ''(B) EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN WOODEN 4 ARROW SHAFTS.—Subparagraph (A) shall not 5 apply to any shaft consisting of all natural 6 wood [...]
Meme time: -Choose a book genre -Choose five books from that genre -Tell me why I should read them.Nice'n simple. I pick history: An Utterly Impartial History of Britain (or 2000 years of Upper Class Idiots in charge)--John O'Farrell If you know absolutely nothing about English/British history, this would be a damn good place to start. It starts when Ceasar invaded, and stops when Attlee won 2000 years later. It takes the piss something chronic throughout, is very funny, and has a palpable anti-establishment bias. It is, by its nature, a summary of key events, but it does it well. ...
Well, today David Cameron made the speech that made clear what his opponents have been saying all along: That his first year or two as leader were a complete fiction designed to de-toxify the Tory brand. Now that he's ahead in the polls, he feels comfortable speaking with conviction about the things he actually believes. Lets take a quick look at some of the contrasts. In his speech accepting
Someone on Cix posted a passage from Garrison Keillor, who summed up the credit crises and the Republican responsibility in these words in the International Herald Tribune: Confident men took leave of common sense and bet on the idea of perpetual profit in the real estate market and crashed. But it wasn't their money. It was your money they were messing with. And that's why we need government regulators. Gimlet-eyed men with steel-rim glasses and crepe-soled shoes who check the numbers and have the power to say, "This is a scam and a hustle and either you cease and desist ...
Thu 2nd
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Day 2831: Is it too much to ask the "man with the plan" to tell us just what the Plan IS?
Wednesday: Mr Balloon says he's got the judgement and character. Specifically the CARTOON character. His message: vote Conservatory or I'll shoot a TELLYTUBBY. Now in fairness, I'm sure he's been feeling very deprived what with all the world's media inexplicably finding his pointless, policy-less preening somewhat less newsworthy than the impending financial apocalypse. The Conservatory spin was that last week the Labour were only talking about themselves to themselves; this week the Conservatories are talking to... well nobody. In fact, the only coverage they've had at all this week has been ten seconds (we counted them) on News at Ten ...
