On a cool crisp but bright morning in Whitstable, a Conference hall full of South Eastern Liberal Democrats voted that when it came to Local Politics and Focus News Letters - we were allowed to disagree with the Coalition and its policies. Not to do so would be deadly for local Liberal Democrats and Councillors doing good ward and Council work (as we saw last May) and we don't actually agree with all the Coalition does. After all the Government is not a Liberal Democrat one and the majority is formed of Conservative MPs. If we agreed whole heartedly with ...
As King William V prepares for his coronation, it seems an appropriate time to reflect on a couple of tumultuous decades in the history, not only of England, but also of the former United Kingdom. Following the difficulties the country has had, politically, socially, economically, and, of course, with our football, the coronation presents a rare opportunity for the English to let their hair down and forget their troubles for a few days. The happiest amongst us are, of course, the Conservative party and its supporters having won yet another general election. Removing the seats of Wales and Scotland from ...
Make Mine Mink from 1960 is a pretty dire film, despite some nice Terry-Thomas and an interesting cast including Billie Whitelaw, Hattie Jacques, Kenneth Williams, Jack Hedley (the senior British officer in the Colditz television series) and a young Peter Vaughan. But another bit player really grabs the Liberal viewer's attention. Because, yes, that is Clement Freud, later to be Liberal MP for the Isle of Ely from 1973 to 1987, behind the Bonkeresque moustache. So did any other Liberal MPs appear on screen? This blog has already recorded one other example from a far more distinguished film. Cecil Beresford ...
Writing for the New Economics Foundation, David Boyle fears the lamps are going out all over Europe: "What we must work towards is the urgent multiplication of new forms of exchange across the continent, as soon as possible, to meet people's economic needs. Not everyone can afford gold; fewer people will be able to afford the euro. So our mission has to be to provide them with exchange mechanisms they can use, and which are on the side of life against technocracy." Strategem XXXVIII also takes a forthright line on recent developments in the European Community. The death of Socrates ...
Liberal Democrat Voice recently asked a number of bloggers to give their recommendations for Christmas stocking fillers. Neither of the DVDs I chose will have come as a surprise to regular readers of this blog.
I turned on my desktop on Thursday and was met with a black screen covered in white letters, in which the word "fail" featured prominently. As an Linux Ubuntu user, if I have a problem, I don't spend 45 minutes on the phone waiting to speak to a technical advisor. Instead I ask for help ...
During the August riots I was on holiday in Shropshire. I didn't buy a newspaper and spent my evenings planning days out in places like Ironbridge and Bishop's Castle rather than watching the television news. What contact I did have with the world of telegrams and anger was via Twitter, and because I was on holiday in a quiet part of England it was hard to relate to the picture it painted. Evan Harris, for instance, didn't like it when I poked gentle fun at his call for the Army to be deployed. Four months on, and my reaction does ...
My Daughter is studying Photography and asked me for one of my favourite views, so today I drove her to one of my favourite spots.
Just in case you are actually interested in seeing how the EU summit appears to commentators who have not swallowed the Downing Street version of events as readily as most media, here are a fee links that caught my eye. (Apologies if you have already seen me post them on Facebook or Twitter.) The Economist's David Rennie brutally skewers any claims of British diplomatic success: In my version of the English language, when one member of a club uses his veto, he blocks something from happening. Mr Cameron did not stop France, Germany and the other 15 members of the ...
During the week we ran a post criticising the government's response regarding cancer patients to the Harrington review. Subsequently Malcolm Harrington, author of the eponymous review, has in a letter to The Guardian given a different view from that given in both the post and the paper's own coverage of the story: This issue is an incredibly important and sensitive one for many people. Contrary to your article, I believe the government's proposals would significantly improve on the current system and would be of considerable benefit to those who face the real personal challenge of a cancer diagnosis and subsequent ...
[IMG: The vast majority of Liberal Democrats support the coalition with the Conservatives, even if they have deep reservations about some of the government's policies. But I still hear suggestions that it may have been wiser to enter an agreement to support the Conservatives on votes of confidence and supply, presumably in return for some kind of shared policy agenda. Such a deal, the argument goes, would enable the Lib Dems to preserve more of their independence and identity, avoid being held accountable for decisions with which they disagree, and gain credit for particular policy gains. This is, of ...
... it's distinctly odd that over the last 48 hours I've had a sensible number of high quality messages asking me to go and help in either the Kingston double council by-election or the Feltham and Heston Parliamentary by-election, but the party's official communication channels online are just about completely silent as far as Europe is concerned (and today's Financial Times story quoting me makes the point all the more given that it turns out that Nick Clegg's TV statement was originally not going to happen either). Given the importance of events in Europe, their prominence in the news and ...
So what to think of the EU shenanighans this week? Is David Cameron "short on smarts"? Let's go back to the beginning, because I think a lot of people have become carried away. It seems that many people have forgotten what started all these festivities. There is a crisis in the Euro-zone, remember? Greece is sitting on almighty debts with a continuing deficit. Italy is facing 7%+ interest rates to sell its 10 year bonds. Spain and France. Yes, France. France. Spain and France....face spiralling interest rates on their debt. This a huge crisis which needs immediate solution. Somehow, to ...
An application's just come in from someone who wants to have a cafe or restaurant at 668 Aigburth Road. This is the old dry cleaners on the stretch of shops between Fletcher and Bennison. By the looks of things the Council hasn't sent any letters to neighbours about this yet. You can however find some very basic details, and a contact number, on the Planning Explorer website at this link
I didn't start this blog to gripe about Lib Dems doing dumb stuff, but those MEPs and Lords mouthing off to the media about Cameron's Brussels veto are making our party look like naiive Euro-Federalists with no regard for our national interest. Oakeshott, Davies et al are running against the grain of public opinion and ...
Today is International Human Rights Day. I joined members of the Bristol branch of Amnesty International at Broadmeand Baptist Church where they were running a 24 hour marathon letter writing session. This also marks the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International and about 60 branches around Britain and others around the world were gathering together to ...
As the scale of the disaster of the Brussels summit for Britain becomes clear, it is now an open question as to whether the Liberal Democrats should continue to be members of a government that has so spectacularly undermined the British interest. We have been openly derided, not just from the left, notably and effectively by John Kampfner, but also mocked by the Europhobic Conservatives in a more infantile and insulting way. We serve two purposes in coalition: firstly to put forward and enact as much of the Liberal agenda as possible and secondly to save the Conservative Party from ...
Executive Committee over, I'm on my way home, after a lively three hours which demonstrated both the strengths and weaknesses of your typical Regional Party. We discussed the forthcoming Police Commissioner elections and, amongst the general but sometimes only vaguely directed unhappiness about how we got to where we are, we did take some steps to enable the counties to progress with any candidate selection process they might wish to initiate, and to move on providing support to them should they need it. I personally believe that the decision as to whether or not to run a candidate is best ...
All, Many of you will have heard by now about the Norgren's rejection of a bid by a major company to take over its site in Shipston. The move would've led to the creation of at least a 100 much needed jobs in the town, some of which may have been taken by former Norgren employees who remain out of work. Some people say that major industry won't come to Shipston – this proves that they might. We don't need more houses, what we need are more local jobs, and jobs for semi skilled and skilled workers. Lets get together ...
Unlike some other Lib Dem Bloggers, I have only a few qualms about what's happened with Europe this week. But what does disturb me is the recent proposal regarding making all cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to have to undergo medical assessments in order to receive benefits. I think George Potter has explained the situation very well here:. Macmillan aren't happy about this and, aside
Caron's said this better than I can, so I'm crossposting what she said. Please, please act on it: One of the great things about this party is that ordinary members can get involved in policy making. Look at what Ewan Hoyle's achieved in getting through an evidence based drugs policy as an example. Our raising of the tax threshold policy was the brainchild of WLD member Lizzie Jewkes. Our Conference is the sovereign body of the party and means that we as ordinary members have big say in the direction of the party. There has never been a more important ...
I have just read all of yesterday's insightful, fascinating and thoughtful House of Lords debate on the situation of Christians in the Middle East Initiated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the debate comprised speeches by a wide range of peers of many faiths and of none. It also included practical suggestions of things that the British Government can actually do, as well as noting things that it is thankfully already doing. While I do not 'agree' with some of the points that were made in some of the speeches, I overwhelmingly agree with the consensus that emerged on three ...
There are two meetings at Blyth Town Council next week Tuesday 13 December 2011, 6.00pm at Ebor House - Assets Committee Meeting - This is the "Councillors Only" version, although the public may of course attend Thursday 15 December 2011, 6.00pm at Ebor House - Planning & Development Committee Meeting - I'm unable to attend, I'll be at another function , but please let me know if there's anything the meeting should be aware of and I'll pass it on.
Good to see Nick Clegg's push to sort out internships reaching another industry. After public relations, now it is the turn of the fashion industry to face the spotlight, as Vogue reports: HMRC has warned fashion labels against exploiting their interns and treating them as employees – but without pay. The organisation sent cautionary letters to 102 fashion houses that exhibited during London Fashion Week in September, who they have not named... Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg today showed his support for the HMRC's announcement. "I strongly urge fashion houses and designer labels to make sure they are treating interns ...
1. Introduction 2. The Three Refuges 3. The Four Noble Truths I love it when people comment on these posts. Please don't feel that you have too address exactly what I'm saying; I'd love to hear your ideas and insights or anything you feel like saying even if it's only tangentially related to the post. When you begin to see that your enemy is suffering, that is the beginning of insight. - Thich Naht Hanh Right Understanding - Right View - Right Orientation. Understanding the Dharma, being able to see it clearly, orienting oneself according to it. And so we ...
One of the great things about this party is that ordinary members can get involved in policy making. Look at what Ewan Hoyle's achieved in getting through an evidence based drugs policy as an example. Our raising of the tax threshold policy was the brainchild of WLD member Lizzie Jewkes. Our Conference is the sovereign body of the party and means that we as ordinary members have big say in the direction of the party. There has never been a more important time to be a member of the party. Now we have a chance to influence what the Government ...
This m orning saw the opening of the Launceston Foodbank and their premises on Newport Industrial Estate. The operation was formally opened by Mayor Rob Tremain and Sasha Gillard-Loft, Adam Paynter and myself were there to handover a cheque for £1300 which is a contribution to the Foodbank from our community chest. It's sad that Launceston needs a foodbank and that there are people in our community who are struggling so much financially that they need the foodbank to enable them and their families to put food on the table. But it is to the huge credit of the team ...
Friday: From Star Wars Lego Advent Calendar Day 9: OK, I've got to admit even I'M impressed with this one! Set S-foils in COOL position!
Me and campaigner Tom Appleby at the ticket machine at the Wylam car park: time for them to be scrapped Just a quick note to say I've launched a campaign with Wylam Parish Council and my fellow Lib Dem campaigner Tom Appleby to make the two country park car parks in Low Prudhoe and Wylam free to local residents. On both sites the charges are leading to people parking on neighbouring areas causing disruption and not raising as much money as envisaged when the previous Labour administration imposed the charges. I hope there will be an epetition site up soon. ...
Sophie and I A few of you will know about my daughter Sophie who was born on 12th May 2010 at the same time as the Coalition. With the birth of both there was a feeling of hope and an exciting new future. Now... Now a feeling of dread has set in as a wary parent I eye the future. Education and Social Mobility One of the Coalition (especially Lib Dem) aim is to try and level the playing field so that Children can progress to any level of society no matter what their background. This is as it should ...
From Jonathan Freedland in the Guardian: Whatever the letter of the rules, the reality is that big decisions affecting Britain's economy will now be taken in rooms in which Britain is not present and has no say. Soon, foreign-owned banks may wonder what sense it makes to be based in London, out on the margins. Cameron and his party are toasting what feels like a victory. In time, it may come to taste like defeat. EU flags photo credit: Some rights reserved by dawe2k5 [IMG: Post to Twitter] Tweet This Post
London Liberal Democrats scored a 'first' last night when about a hundred of us were entertained on a Thames river cruise aboard the M.V. Eltham. We were blessed with a clear night, which meant that the illuminated buildings on either shore looked truly magnificent. The new vista of Tower Bridge with the half-completed Shard of ...
Having written about income inequality in the UK earlier in the week, here is an international perspective: www.globalrichlist.com, which lets you put your own income into a global perspective. Ready your decimal places and tap away...
This press statement tells of how Lib Dem led Edinburgh City Council is to ensure that every student leaves school with a job, training or college/university place. Edinburgh Guarantee to aim for a positive destination for every school leaver Published Thursday 8 December 2011A call has gone out to city businesses and organisations across all sectors to provide jobs, paid work experience, training or continued education for every school leaver in Edinburgh. Government statistics revealed yesterday that there are currently 394 young people in Edinburgh who have not secured a positive destination since leaving school earlier this year. This is ...
It's December which means for those who have them, it's time to get out those chocolate advent calendars! But for those of you who, like me, don't do such things anymore (and indeed for those of you who still do!), I thought I'd give my own unique little twist on this festive time of year with my Musical Advent Calendar countdown of my Top 25 favourite Christmas songs! I'm blogging a song a day, culminating with my favourite on Christmas Eve. So let's continue on our seasonal countdown... Cole's Musical Christmas Advent Calendar - Day 10! Today, that perennial favourite ...
This week Scotland has been battered by storms.We have had very high winds even by our standards though the jibe "Call this a hurricane! You've never holidayed in Tiree!" was uttered within my hearing. There are some spectacular snaps but the one above will now probably be the most famous snap of a wind turbine for many years to come. BBC Scotland showed various clips but the one entitled Hibs players leave the training ground because they were getting wet (OK I paraphrase) caught my eye. They play footie outdoors - they should expect to get wet! In fairness the ...
Since the last Executive Committee meeting, I have been concentrating on my legacy as your Regional Constitutional Monitor, sorry, Secretary.To that end, I have revamped our website, enhancing its 'usability', making it more current and vibrant by linking it up to bloggers across the Region (and that includes you, if you blog). There is more that can be done with it, especially in terms of being a research resource, and I intend to spend more time on this over the coming months (Lloyd, I was going to mention the fact that, as you have been so kind in arranging a ...
It's never been easier to check your eligibility and apply for free school meals. School meals are tasty, nutritionally balanced and great fuel for healthy minds and bodies, and help is available for those who might struggle with the cost. They are also a fantastic way to encourage children to try new things - sitting with their friends and seeing what they eat is often all the encouragement they need. Parents and carers could be eligible for free school meals and they can quickly find out whether they qualify and apply online at www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals. This could save families over £300 ...
Welcome to the 8.34 train from Stowmarket to Cambridge, as I head for the last Regional Executive meeting of the year, and indeed of my tenure as Regional Secretary. Today, we're discussing the Police Commissioner elections, amongst other things. The initial shambles on this issue, further exacerbated by a failure of leadership on the part of the English Party, has now been replaced by a position which was exactly where I always thought we should have been, i.e. running a candidate, or not, should be a decision for local members. In Suffolk, I have been tasked with drafting a document ...
Is this really the quality of debate we should expect from Plaid Cymru, now that their leadership contest is starting to splutter intio debate? I know that Jonathan Edwards is not a candidate but his demand in today's Western Mail that the Welsh Government should be preparing for Scottish independence and putting forward a coherent vision for the nation's constitutional future is certainly setting the tone for that contest. It seems that the most successful candidate will be the one who can out-do the others in calling for separation from the rest of the UK, wrapping their ideology up in ...
The thunder of the Brussels Summit is only just fading, and it is still by no means clear what happens now. In many ways the summit has created more questions than it has answered. However, there is no doubt that the relationship of Britain with the rest of the European Union has reached a point of fracture that places the UK outside the core of the organisation. David Cameron has, as he threatened, wielded the British veto, but the consequences were not what he intended. Instead of forcing the other 26 states to address British concerns, they have instead created ...
Here's your starter for ten in our weekend slot where we throw up an idea or thought for debate... It has been a week of scandal surrounding the lobbying industry, with The Independent publishing a series of stories based around the claims of the lobbying firm Bell Pottinger to be able to influence government policy. The consultants at Bell Pottinger made claims to undercover reporters that they had already influenced government policy and could do so again for a fee. The government initially responded by saying these claims were rubbish but later conceded that lobbying from companies did have some ...
This post originally appeared on 5th December 2011 on Liberal Democrat Voice: Before conference there were lots of pieces here on Lib Dem Voice about the new security hurdles over which people wanting to attend conference would have to jump. There was the occasional piece defending the new arrangements, but most were pretty hostile. I am not usually one to pick at scabs, but I thought that once the dust had settled on conference season I would ask each of the police forces responsible for security at the three main conferences for some hard numbers. Thanks to the Freedom of ...
Cambridgeshire County Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Adult Social Care, Councillor Martin Curtis, is calling on people to help public agencies care for the vulnerable in the community by becoming good neighbours. His call is in support of a new countywide Help at Home service, provided by the Cambridgeshire Care Network Charity and funded by the County Council and NHS Cambridgeshire. The service can be used by GPs, community and hospital support teams and directly by the public. It offers help with tasks like shopping, calling in to check if someone is warm and well, collecting prescriptions and linking people ...
Today's surprise behind the window was actually recorded just last month. Having seen the fresh chestnuts in Sainsbury's while we were checking out their range of products at their new store here in Bangor and the singer is appropriate for one reader who got a rather startling present at Christmas last year, he knows who he is.
People seem to forget that even if the UK and Hungary had not vetoed the treaty change approach, the treaty change would still have to have got through 27 parliaments and/or national referendums. It would have been a very risky and lengthy process, creating serial spasms of great uncertainty in the markets. For the good of EU as a whole, it is probably better that the changes are processed outside of the normal EU structures, as Nick Clegg says. EU flags photo credit: Some rights reserved by Tristam Sparks. [IMG: Post to Twitter] Tweet This Post
Balgay Parish Church has a lovely online advent calendar again this year - and the 2011 calendar has pictures, verses and colouring sheets. You can see the advent calendar at www.balgaychurch.org.uk/advent.
A few of my musical favourites (some Christmassy, some not!) will follow over the next few days - you have been warned!
I must put this ghastly day to bed, so here's joke from a local free magazine.The Pope summons three world leaders for an urgent conference, Barak Obama, Nicolas Sarkozy and David Cameron. He informs them that he has received a message from God who asked him to pass it on to them: the world will end in three weeks. It is their job to take the news home.Obama announces to the White House Press
