Eight Liberal Democrat MPs have been barred from RussiaThe Putin regime has banned 15 British MPs from entering Russia, accusing them of making "hostile statements and unfounded accusations". And eight of those 15 are Liberal Democrats. Our congratulations go to: Alistair Carmichael, Chris Coghlan, Will Forster, James MacCleary, Helen Maguire, Mike Martin, Manuella Perteghella and Cameron Thomas. Helen Maguire, the party's defence spokesperson, told Politics Home: "I will wear this retaliatory sanction as a badge of honour - as will my Liberal Democrat colleagues also placed on Moscow's blacklist." Six peers have also been sanctioned by Moscow, among them the Lib Dems Jeremy Purvis and Julie Smith. (more) |
Taking a goat to the libraryOkay, so taking a goat to the local library may seem a bit odd but for us it is an annual event. Whickham Voluntary Library held their Easter fair on Saturday 12th April and we took Nettle and Dandelion to the fair to drum up support and encourage people though the doors. Thanks to everyone who made donations in the collecting tin next to the pen in which the goats were placed. I've no idea (more) |
The responsibility of Parliament to act on the Gaza WarFollowing World War II, in which tens of millions of non-combatants were deliberately targeted and killed, internationally agreed laws were drawn up to safeguard civilians in future conflicts. A heavy responsibility was laid on signatories, first to ensure that their own forces didn't commit the newly specified war crimes, and second to take action to prevent others from doing so. Sadly, the Israeli military action in Gaza since late 2023 has shown that the noble aspirations Great Britain solemnly signed up to have vanished into the ether. Israel's retaliation after the Hamas attack has turned into a one-sided slaughter which ... (more) |
For St George's Day: From The Book of Merlyn by T.H. WhiteIt was England that came out slowly as the late moon rose: his royal realm of Gramary. Stretched at his feet, she spread herself away into the remotest north, leaning towards the imagined Hebrides. She was his homely land. The moon made her trees more important for their shadows than for themselves, picked out the silent rivers in quicksilver, smoothed the toy pasture fields, laid a soft haze on everything. But he felt that he would have known the country, even without the light. He knew that there must be the Severn, there the Downs and there the Peak: all ... (more) |
William Wallace writes: How should liberals mark VE DayOnce the local elections are over, commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8th - the end of the second world war - will provide a focus for public attention and local celebrations. Many of us will be caught up in ceremonies, street parties or receptions. I will be singing in a commemorative concert in Westminster Hall (with Mike German, Joan Walmsley and 100 others in the Parliament Choir; do listen to it, broadcast on Classic FM). The government and the media will want to make this a patriotic occasion. What additional twist should Liberal Democrats add ... (more) |
The Who: The Kids are AlrightI love this, but have to admit it would have been better if they'd found somewhere to plug in their instruments. (more) |
Last chance: Opportunities in our disciplinary and appeals systemA reminder of some vacancies for have been advertised for two important volunteer roles in the Party. The deadline for the Disciplinary Sub Group post is this Friday, 25th April at noon so get your applications in now. Disciplinary Sub Group The Disciplinary Sub Group " is responsible for ensuring the independence, efficiency and effectiveness of the Complaints Procedure. As part of this it will monitor, review and amend the procedure and relevant guidance on an ongoing basis and support Party staff in their roles within the Complaints Procedure. The DSG is not involved in the handling of individual complaints." ... (more) |
A thief in the nightImagine if you will that you are sitting quietly in your house when you hear the door open. A man comes in and starts helping himself to your possessions. You remonstrate with him and he pays no attention. A quick phone call brings in the authorities but to your astonishment they arrive, ignore you, congratulate the thief and tell him that to incentivise him in his good work he will get a series of tax breaks. It couldn't happen here. It is. We are a publisher and recent months have seen a growing swell of complaints from our authors about ... (more) |
Dundee Art Society Open Weekend #dundeewestendDundee Art Society is holding an open weekend at its Roseangle Gallery this forthcoming weekend - 26th and 27th April - from 11am to 4pm each day. There's a free exhibition and sale of work by local artists. This is an opportunity for everyone interested in the arts to come and see the society does but also a chance for Dundee Art Society to showcase the work of local artists from amateur to professional. Dundee Art Society members will be on hand to answer any questions about the society, talks and demonstrations or exhibitions. All are welcome to come along, ... (more) |
Will Labour fail to act on key child poverty issue?The Guardian reports that Labour Ministers are privately ruling out scrapping the two-child benefit cap despite warnings from charities that a failure to do so could result in the highest levels of child poverty since records began. The paper quotes Government sources who say that charities and Labour MPs who were concerned that wider benefit cuts would push more families into poverty should "read the tea leaves" over Labour's plans: "If they still think we're going to scrap the cap then they're listening to the wrong people. We're simply not going to find a way to do that. The cap ... (more) |