Apparently, Lord Andrew Feldman of Elstree has called the Conservative party activists "swivel eyed loons." "Lord who?" Yes, you'd be forgiven for thinking that. Cameron's friend from Oxford; the Conservative Party Chairman, and former Chief Executive was yesterday accused of referring to the party's activists as a mad bunch. When asked for comment, Cameron denied that his friend from University had uttered such a phrase. But hold on... Let's think about this.; "Conservative party activists... Swivel eyed loons. Even the keenest of political anoraks has to admit that there are a huge number of activists from each of the three ...
Bootle Labour Councillor Dowd's legacy of extravagant waste 'the lack of prudence beggars belief'-Liverpool Post No apology, unrepentant and unreconstructed Mark Dowd sits on the Labour front bench at Sefton glowering his defiance. His colleagues protect him and rubbish every report issued that details his outrageous behavior describing them as 'tawdry and rubbish'. How much more is there to come out? When will the Labour party act . To date we know about what the Daily Post calls: ...............'the monstrous black elephant that is Merseytravel's monolithic HQ at Mann Island' which it describes as having 'entered the realms of the ...
So MPs are currently discussing Equal Marriage and as is custom for MPs they have differing views. Some more extreme than other. Some think that this is just a starting point for something more in a sinister way and some are just flat out barmy. Happily many others are more middle of the road and don't think that same sex marriage is the first strep to gay people taking over the world and enslaving and discriminating against straight folk. A lot of this debate is revolving around what teachers should and shouldn't be allowed to teach. If same-sex marriage goes ...
So, what with UKIP surging in the polls (despite having donors and elected representatives who are frequently misogynists and/or racists), the Tories imploding over an EU referendum (and comments which may or may not have been made by one of Cameron's chums) and the Lib Dems being asked about our manifesto "pledge" of an EU referendum, I've decided to cut through the spin and present an honest assessment of the Lib Dem position on an EU referendum: Our position in brief We're pro EU but we want an in-out referendum the next time there's a major transfer of powers from ...
As MPs debate equal marriage in the Commons today, anti equality campaigners have set up a hate camp outside Parliament. They are singing hymns, preaching and praying on a green outside parliament, as well as flyering passers by. While some members of the public showed support for their cause, many others shouted "shame" and ...
From the age of 17 to my mid 30's I worked on a part-time basis at what was then the Maghull Homes which was originally set up as an epileptic colony. My job was assisting the disabled residents to participate in social and sporting activities such as snooker (I was taught to play this by residents of the Maghull Homes), cricket and football on the charity's Liverpool Road South site. [IMG: rsz_photo0212] The second site, located off Deyes Lane, was where a school for children with epilepsy was based and which operated until the mid 1980's, if I recall correctly. ...
The Liberal Democrats are proud to announce the hosting of the ALDE (Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe) Congress in London at the end of November this year. The ALDE Party Congress is the biggest annual event gathering Liberals across Europe: over 650 members of liberal parties from around the continent; top politicians including Prime Ministers, European Commissioners, Ministers, Members of the European and national Parliaments, Members of the Committee of the Regions, and many other delegates an event with European visibility, acknowledging the role of the supporting party within both a European and the national political context topical ...
I'm going home. This is not what I wanted, and it's stressing me the fuck out. But it's okay in many ways. I miss Abby. And Charlie. I miss Izzy, and Sam and Lauren. And I hate uncertainty. New York was the very best thing I could have done for myself. The reasons didn't pan out, but I am a healthier, happier, more knowledgable person than I was three years ago. And New York, Bank Street, Gotham Girls, Ana and Becca made that happen. The job I'm leaving is the very best job I could ever have had – the ...
Only a short while ago Norman Lamb MP was one of our best. He stood up, and spoke out, on principle against needless government intrusion. A true poster boy for all those liberals amongst us who object to the nanny state telling adults how to live our lives. Back in 2008, when the the Labour government suggested hiding cigarettes behind shutters in shops, Norman was one of the first to speak out. As Shadow Health Minister he rightly stated : "This is the nanny state going too far." And he didn't stop there. He also said "This will hit small ...
Every so often, Assembly Members have the opportunity to form their own law. We put forward an idea, it is entered into the ballot and then one of the ideas is drawn at random. The AM then has the opportunity to take that forward and it could eventually become law in Wales. Last month I was not lucky enough to be selected but my idea is something I feel strongly about so I will continue to campaign for it. In the wake of the Mid Staffordshire scandal, I am calling for a change in the law to require minimum staffing ...
Mon 20th
15:51
Quote of the Day - Sean Thomas on how David Cameron will win the next general election
From The Telegraph "And thus it is revealed: this is the Tory election masterplan for 2015. It's based on getting out that vital 0.0000000000000001 per cent of the electorate that went to Eton, personally knows and likes David Cameron, lives in the nice bit of Notting Hill, is totally cool with gay marriage, and who isn't called "Jesse"."
[IMG: Wormwood Scrubs prison - Some rights reserved by TheGoogly] 3 years ago Liberal Democrats entered into the Coalition to put our nation's economy back on track; building a fairer society and a stronger economy. But it wasn't just about doing things in the national interest, we also went into Government to put Liberal Democrat policies into action. At conference last year I moved a motion on reoffending so I am pleased that today Nick Clegg has set out many of the ideas passed by conference to rebuild our criminal justice system. Our plans are revolutionising a system which was ...
A senior Tory has allegedly stated a belief commonly held amongst central party managers everywhere: that their activists are 'swivel-eyed loons'. 'Loon', of course, is ultimate derived from 'lunar'; the traditional belief that madness was more common during full moons. If we assume that voting Conservative is a form of madness, we can check whether [...]
Today's Liberal Monday celebrates the 207th birthday of Liberal philosopher and politician John Stuart Mill. With Harriet Taylor, he wrote arguably Liberalism's most influential text of all: On Liberty, the book that created the Harm Principle, from which I've picked two key quotations. For many Liberal Democrats, this crystallises the party's essential belief, and I've already touched on it in both previous Liberal Mondays in freedom from conformity and from other restraints... But, though you can see On Liberty's influence right through to today's Equal Marriage bill, it still challenges Lib Dems - has it really influenced our policies enough? ...
It seems to be a reoccurring theme that the Welsh Government doesn't have real solutions to the problems within our education system. The most recent of these action plans on education is fixed penalties for parents whose children continually truant. Welsh Education Minister Leighton Andrews held a consultation period from November 2012 to February 2013. [...]
A lot of the refuse and recycling collections will take place a day later than normal due to the Spring bank holiday on Monday 27th May. Speaking to Ealing Council they told me that the items of refuse and recyclables should be left at the front of the property, or in a place which does not block the pavement, by 7 am on the collection day. The Stirling Road refuse and recycling centre in Acton will be open, as usual, over the bank holiday. Collections will return to normal on Monday, 3 June Please see the details below: Usual collection ...
Here's today's hand-picked selection that caught my interest... Lord Ashcroft: Enough! Time to behave like the governing Party we all want to be .@LordAshcroft with a forlorn plea to his party: "Enough! Time to behave like the governing Party we all want to be" http://bit.ly/12onXQJ Austerity's foundations have crumbled - and advocates have blood on their hands – Comment – Voices – The Independent "Austerians such as Osborne + Cameron have blood on their hands." David Blanchflower jumps the academic shark http://ind.pn/161dz8f Q1 RAJARs: Global's audience continues to increase, Classic FM adding over 200,000 listeners | News, Radio | imediamonkey® ...
If there is one thing that is clear about the current controversy over Europe it is that the consequences of any decision to pull out are so serious that maybe there is a case for keeping politicians out of the debate altogether. That is just a whimsical remark of course. After all many of those expressing a view on this matter could not and should not be silenced. But it does underline a basic point, which is that so far the real issues are not being discussed. That is why an article in today's Independent is so important. They report ...
The culmination of more than three years of heartfelt campaigning by the LGBT+ Lib Dems finally comes to the final hurdle in the House of Commons battle for equal marriage this week, with votes today and tomorrow. It will sadly see the ultimate opportunity for those MPs who remain implacably behind the times in opposition to equality and fairness in the United Kingdom to block progress. It is also the opportunity for the sun to shine on those MPs who vote in favour of equality, fairness, human rights, respect and love. LGBT+ people want to celebrate and share their love ...
Meols Ward Lib Dem Councillors John Dodd, Nigel Ashton and David Rimmer, together with FOCUS Editor Jo Barton, are holding their next advice centre in Churchtown. We will be at Cafe Moo Moo on Cambridge Road (by the junction with Preston New Road, next to Boots) from 10:30 to 11:30 am on Thursday 23rd of May. Jo Barton, John Dodd and David Rimmer (Nigel Ashton took the photo) We will be there to meet you and discuss any Council problems you may have. No appointment necessary. Just pop in. We also hold a monthly advice centre in Crossens, at St ...
Mon 20th
12:52
My open letter to Liberal Democrat MPs on same sex marriage - it's not about you, it's about fairnes...
This is what I've spent the morning drafting and sending to Liberal Democrat MPs on the same sex marriage bill. I've sent it to everyone unless I know for sure that they are wholeheartedly and enthusiastically supporting the Bill and not voting for any of the Tory Wrecking Muppetry. I have had two replies so far - one from Malcolm Bruce, who can't be at Westminster today but who supports the Bill, and from David Heath's office, confirming his support. Dear I'm writing to ask you to enthusiastically support the same sex marriage bill today. I'm a huge fan of ...
24 Hours In Any City In The World – "The perfect, meticulously-searched guide to Any City In The World for people who, for some bizarre reason, have only allocated 24 hours to explore it." 4 Things We Should Remember When Arguing About Politics – Useful perspective from Cracked. As Millenials Shun Cars, Boston Rethinks Its Transportation System – "when I was learning to drive, the idea of driving out in the country and even driving around town and not spending a lot of time sitting in traffic was actually something of a reality. As Americans started driving more and more ...
In 2009 the Premier League returned and Mark Halsey refereed at Goodison Park on the opening Saturday of the season. Nothing interesting here despite the 6-1 scoreline to the visitors Arsenal but the referee that day had just been given some pretty horrendous news. Mark Halsey had been diagnosed with a Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and had a cancerous tumour in his throat. This was removed and the battle started not only to return to full health but to also to return to his previous career of a full-time professional football referee. He would do so and would referee for two more ...
[IMG: Marriage ring - License Some rights reserved by jcoterhals ] May has been a good month for equal marriage. Minnesota became the 12th American State, plus DC, to allow same-sex couples to marry and France became the 9th country in Europe (the 14th around the world) to introduce this landmark change. Millions of gay and lesbian people are now able to marry the person they love. This week, in Britain, the debate returns to the House of Commons. I have no doubt that a significant majority of MPs are in favour of equal marriage. But let's also be in ...
Turn Right or stay put? Chishti, Crouch and Reckless Yesterday I read Tristan Osborne's piece on Medway's MPs swinging right. Definitely worth reading and Medway could be a UKIP target.concur there may be a shift right by Conservative elements. I've already postulated that The Coalition was easily formed as both the Liberal Democrats and liberal centre ground Conservatives had similar aims and yearnings for change - albeit with different approaches and maybe different outcomes. Both parties have had their problems. We've lost good people because they are unhappy with us joining the Conservatives, others because we broke our ...
[IMG: Lib Dem councillors and residents campaigning for a 20mph zone] Haringey Council have u-turned and will be consulting on implementing a borough wide 20mph zone having twice previously rejected the idea. Neighbouring Camden and Islington have already agreed to implement borough wide 20mph zones in their areas. The consultation on the proposals is due to be approved on 18th June when the idea will be discussed at the council's Cabinet. The Liberal Democrats have campaigned locally for the change arguing that the costs involved are justified by the reduction in accidents and injuries, which have been experienced in other ...
The influential NHS blogger Roy Lilley asks precisely the right question this morning. Why is the Accident and Emergency service not like the Fire Service? If the incidence of fires has dropped by 40 per cent, and it has - as we know thanks the review by Sir Ken Knight - what can the NHS learn from that? The answer lies in the neglected word 'prevention'. The Fire Service has been devoting increasing energy and ingenuity into preventing fires. Partly the success is down to smoke alarms, which are now in 86 per cent of homes. Strictly speaking, this isn't ...
[IMG: jo swinson] Last week, I said that Liberal Democrats should use the word feminist much more than we do. Women Liberal Democrats has done so much to advance policy on women's equality over the years and its successor Liberal Democrat Women has a bright future ahead of it. However, women's hard won rights are under attack all over the world, whether it's the disgrace of female genital mutilation practised at home or abroad, domestic violence, employment rights, rape culture or abortion rights. Projects like Everyday Sexism expose a misogyny that is engrained in the country's psyche. It's time that ...
Last week, the Labour leader of Haringey Council, Claire Kober, took to the local newspapers to complain about the shortage of housing for Council tenants. She has a point. Here in Haringey there are well over 10,000 individuals and families on the waiting list for a council property - and most will have to wait for years before they are even considered. This poses a terrible problem for vulnerable individuals and overcrowded families, who are in desperate need of social housing. It is all well and good to sit and complain about this – what we really need from our ...
Scriptonite's informative take on PFI I don't think it's that the electorate don't care; I think it's that they don't see what we can do about it. labour were just as bad as the tories and my own party aren't really covering themselves in glory... so what the hell are we meant to do? (tags: ) amazon's tax arrangements are a work of art (tags: ) What Clara is thinking when she looks at River this is clearly the unaltered truth (tags: ) Terrorist safety signs translated (tags: ) baby Brigadier is so cute! (tags: ) posted The Blood ...
David Cameron was elected Leader of the Conservative Party with a manifesto to modernise, though it would appear from the grassroots rebellion in the shires that a worryingly high percentage of Tory Party members have changed their minds. On issues like equal marriage this clearly has something to do with the high average age profile [...]
[IMG: Meeting Stroud Green Road shopkeepers] The deadline for voting in Lynne Featherstone's competition to find the best local independent shop in Hornsey & Wood Green is the end of May. There are three categories - best shop front, best customer service and best all round shop. In March, Katherine and i went around many of the independent shops on Weston Park, Ferme Park Road and Stroud Green Road encouraging them to take part in the competition (see photo), which is all about supporting and celebrating our unique local high streets and small shopping parades. The winner will be announced ...
It used to be call Longley Lane Tip. Now it's Longley Lane Resource Recovery Centre – more of a mouthful, but quite right because it's all about re-using and recycling as much as possible. Here's their latest community newsletter.
I posted yesterday on having to beware of the amendment on opposite sex Civil Partnerships – because the proposers are no friends of Equal Marriage – which makes me uber suspicious. However, I have always wanted both same sex marriage and opposite sex civil partnerships. So my task this morning is to try and get some facts. The Conservatives are not champions of 'living together' – they believe in marriage – and that has been their rationale for their support on same sex marriage. I am concerned as to whether there is any truth in their assertion that this will ...
So, Yahoo! is to buy tumblr for $1.1 BEEEEEELLION. I don't understand money. Well, specifically, I don't understand how companies are funded, classify shares, or any of that finance stuff. But, there's something which has been bothering me about the recent sale of some social media properties. According to some estimates, tumblr has 170 million users. $1.1 billion / 170 million users is.... double checks workings $6.47 per user. Err... what? Even if those number are off by 50% - Yahoo have paid the equivalent of just $13 per user. Now, I realise that $6 - $13 is a lot ...
The Independent reports: [IMG: Prison fence] Sending a criminal to prison costs more than sending a child to Eton and "we need a better return on our investment" Nick Clegg will say tomorrow. Announcing an extra £7million of Government money to help the rehabilitation of offenders the Deputy Prime Minister will warn that successive Governments have been tough on punishing crime but weak on preventing it from happening again.
In association with the University of Dundee Institute of Sport and Exercise, the Botanic Garden is holding a 5K Fun Run on the evening of Wednesday 22nd May. More details are available here. It is good to see that proceeds are going to the Dundee Botanic Garden Endowment Trust.
Some thoughts on British politics three years into the current government. 1. The Conservative Party has never understood nor accepted coalition. 2. The Conservatives have never really accepted they didn't win the election in 2010. 3. The Conservatives historically have always eaten themselves every generation or so over tariff reform / Europe. 4. The Conservative Party are split between two generations and split over Europe. 5. The Conservatives head for the next election split from head to foot, somewhat directionless and their idealistic drive for public sector cuts and excessive austerity (too deep, too quick and no plan B) discredited. ...
On looking through past posts on this blog I find that I provided just such an explanation as long ago as 2007 when Ming Campbell was still leader of the Liberal Democrats: I have been asked - all polite and requesty - by Ming the Merciflold to explain to you our new polytito on the European Unibode. Though confdentimost, conference, if there's a mercifold one in that marriage, it's Elspeth. Indeedy-ho! Now historibold, which is of the oldest, we have the European wars. Schlesswig versy Holstein. Alsace versy Lorraine. And all huffalo dowder until the Congress of Viennit with the ...
[IMG: DumperDiggerWATOD] CANAL RESTORATION OPEN DAY SUNDAY 2ND JUNE 12.30-4.00 pm The Wendover Arm Trust, in association with St Mary the Virgin, Drayton Beauchamp, invites you to spend some time with them learning about the Wendover Arm Canal Restoration Project. Take a Guided Tour of the Canal Restoration Site Watch the Volunteers Hard at Work Admire the Beautiful Chilterns Scenery Bring a Picnic Enjoy the Teas and Cakes for Sale And Be Restored Yourself by a Day Out in the Fresh Air Free Admission, Donations Welcome. Car parking at St Mary's Church Full details available from www.wendoverarmtrust.co.uk or 07547 181857 ...
The Daily Telegraph wins my Headline of the Day Award - paywall or no paywall - and quite possibly my Headline of the Year Award too.
I was really disappointed to learn recently that the Kilburn Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is to close its doors in the summer. The CAB is in a prime position in the middle of the Kilburn High Road, at the junction with Kingsgate Place. It has provided face-to-advice advice services on debt, housing, welfare benefits, immigration [...]
Welcome to Broxtowe Enews, brought to you by the Liberal Democrats and edited by David Watts, the leader of the Lib-Dems on Broxtowe Borough Council. 1. Bramcote Hills Care Home An application to extend Bramcote Hills Care Home by extending it to include the two houses next to it was defeated at the Development Control Committee at Broxtowe Borough Council on Wednesday. Both myself and my colleague Stan Heptinstall spoke against the application, drawing attention to the parking problems that already exist and would be made worse by the extension and also he dominating impact on the street scene that ...
Hi there I have decided to take a short career break as the company I was working for was 'not for me' and I needed to make a hard decision as to whether or not the job came first, or home life and job satisfaction was paramount. I obviously decided that the later, rather than ...
Sun 19th
21:04
Andrew McFarland Campbell's Very Short Guide to Debunking The Six Traditional Clobber Passages
There are six passages traditionally used to say you can't be gay and Christian: Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and 1 Timothy 1:9-10. Genesis 19 is about gang rape. Anyone who says this has anything to say about consensual relationships has bigger problems than Biblical interpretation. Leviticus is part [...]
I wanted to focus my PhD upon UKIP, or the Liberal Democrats... I wasn't too sure at the time. When I suggested UKIP to my PhD supervisor he immediately told me not to bother, as they're going nowhere fast. Despite his suggestion, I tried to explain that they're growing in popularity, and asked him how he can possibly say that there cannot be a fourth party in our 2.5 party system (oh so naïve before the failed AV referendum; "bah" to first-past-the-post)? He explained his views, and quite sensibly, I focused my project upon my favourite party; the Liberal Democrats. ...
In October last year, a skydiver called Felix Baumgartner leapt out of a helium ballon and did a 4 minute 20 second freefall through space, before parachuting to Earth. In a genius marketing ploy, indoor skydiving company Airkix offered the equivalent amount of time in one of their windtunnels for £42. (I don't recall seeing a reference to the life, the universe and everything in the publicity - either I missed it, or they missed a trick. Anyway.) Yesterday, I finally got round to cashing in my voucher for some flight time, and it was truly amazing :D they broke ...
My article in the Huffington Post: Recently, work took me to Istanbul to meet with the Syrian resistance. We discussed options for the international community to help bring an end to the Syrian war, by destroying the financial networks that enable the Assad regime to purchase weapons and finance assaults against civilians.
Sun 19th
20:13
Break the NHS up into little pieces, but don't give it to your friends... They'd probably prefer sha...
According to the mock advert below, Mr Cameron loves the NHS so much that he wants to cut it up into little pieces and give it to his friends. I eagerly await this day, however, I do feel a bit sorry for his friends, as they're going to get a bit of a crappy gift. Personally, I'd prefer a Mulberry handbag, or even a tax break (hint, hint if you're reading Mr PM)... As I sit here typing away, my tongue wanders to the hole in my smile line where I once had a nice, white shiney tooth. It fell ...
From the Sunday Mirror: [IMG: UKIP logo] Ukip's Chris Pain, leader of the opposition at Lincs Council and the party's East Midlands regional chairman, wrote: "Have you noticed that if you rearrange the letters in 'illegal immigrants', and add just a few more letters, it spells, 'Go home you free-loading, benefit-grabbing, resource-sucking, baby-making, non-English-speaking ********* and take those other hairy-faced, sandal-wearing, bomb-making, camel-riding, goat-********, raghead ******** with you.'"... Peter Entwistle, party chairman in Bury, Greater Manchester, labelled President Barack Obama a Muslim, writing: "I bet he's a closet 'Imam' as well! "If I ever see him on a Greyhound bus ...
Welcome to the Golden Dozen, and our 326th weekly round-up from the Lib Dem blogosphere ... Featuring the seven most popular stories beyond Lib Dem Voice according to click-throughs from the Aggregator (12-18 May, 2013), together with a hand-picked quintet, normally courtesy of LibDig, you might otherwise have missed. Don't forget: you can sign up to receive the Golden Dozen direct to your email inbox — just click here — ensuring you never miss out on the best of Lib Dem blogging. As ever, let's start with the most popular post, and work our way down: 1. UKIP's new councillors: ...
Some time ago I asked a Recycling Officer at the Council what happened to plastic bottles that are left around a recycling skip as opposed to being in it. The question was posed because of overflowing skips that were too small. [IMG: rsz_photo0217] The answer was that plastic bottles not in the skip went to landfill and I recall this gained some publicity at the time as the Council was under pressure to increase the size/number of its skips. Now the skip I use in Maghull's Morrisons car park is of a decent size and I have yet to encounter ...
I love polls. And I love the study of psephology - try saying that just after you have had your wisdom teeth out! Most of all I love the detail revealed in the full tables of data behind the polls - the trends, the regional variations and the balance across age groups. It is with this interest that I read the latest Panelbase Poll on Scotland and Scottish Independence. It shows the following: 44% No, 36% Yes, 20% Don't know. (sample 1004, survey May 10-16) Interestingly IPSOS Mori showed: 59 % No, 31% Yes, 10% Don't know (sample 1001, survey ...
Another year - another OpenTech! See blog posts from 2010 and 2011. It feels like every year the event gets bigger and better. It's still the same crowd of politically aware techies, and it still costs a ridiculously cheap fiver to come along, and the talks were of an abnormally high quality. Here are my thoughts from the day. Farmification Of Factories Fascinating talk from Lisa Ma about living and working with workers in a Chinese joystick factory. Raises interesting questions about how we treat workers in terms of resources, and whether urbanisation is seen as a universally good thing ...
Many politicians hold genuine and deeply-held views in opposition to the coalition government's reform of housing benefit. There is no doubt changes that will reduce entitlement for those who have a spare bedroom are controversial and will initially cause problems for many people. That is why the government has put in place additional funds for Discretionary Housing Payments and have altered a number of the regulations to ease specific issues. It is my view that more needs to be done, but that is not the point of this post. The position of the Labour Party on this issue has been ...
More sordid details of UKIP councillors have come to light. Following the resignation of "race-ranter" Eric Kitson from Worcestershire County Council, today's Sunday Mirror has unearthed more racist rants on Facebook. The Mirror reports several nasty outbursts but pride of place must go to Chris Pain, UKIP leader of the opposition on Lincolnshire County Council and the party's East Midlands regional chairman. He wrote: "Have you noticed that if you rearrange the letters in 'illegal immigrants', and add just a few more letters, it spells, 'Go home you free-loading, benefit-grabbing, resource-sucking, baby-making, non-English-speaking ********* and take those other hairy-faced, sandal-wearing, ...
When Cabe, now part of the Design Council, first published their latest Design Review for Brentford Waterside, Hounslow on 14 February 2013 local residents were hopeful that this once respected body would urge Ballymore and their architects to radically reconsider the density and architectural aesthetic of their scheme. Instead residents, including many town planning and architecture professionals, were astounded by a majority of Cabe's conclusions. Our investigations since have not lessened our concerns. Instead they highlight the urgent need for close scrutiny of the way Cabe undertakes future Design Reviews if they are to ever live up to their own ...
TEMPORARY CLOSING OF Selby Avenue, St Albans during a 'Big Lunch Street Party' NOTICE is given that the Hertfordshire County Council intend to make an Order under Section 16(A) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, to prohibit all traffic from using that length of Selby Avenue, St Albans from its junction with Britton Avenue northwards to its junction with Upton Avenue, a distance of approximately 97 metres, except for access. The length of road will be closed between the hours of 11.00am and 5.00pm on Sunday 2 June 2013, when signs are in place. An alternative signed route will ...
Make a pot of tea because you are about to read a long essay. It is a very good essay by Paul Krugman, explaining why the orthodoxy of austerity, adopted throughout Europe and North America in 2010, is profoundly wrong: Three years after the turn to austerity, then, both the hopes and the fears of the austerians appear to have been misplaced. Austerity did not lead to a surge in confidence; deficits did not lead to crisis. But wasn't the austerity movement grounded in serious economic research? Actually, it turned out that it wasn't—the research the austerians cited was deeply ...
Often when I am giving a speech or attending an event, a young man or woman will sidle up to me and thank me shyly for having got equal marriage legislation put before Parliament, telling me just how much it means to him or her. The stories of how much it matters to them, their loved ones and their families often makes me cry. The symbolism of marriage for them is so important - and changing the rules to let people of the same gender who love each other get married is also an important way of showing that as ...
I see Tony Blair is intending to be one of my successors as an advisor to the next government of Albania. I was previously unaware of his interest in the land of the Eagle. So -it seems- was he, until somebody offered him money After I was approached to advise the Albanian government 10 years ago, I met with Prime Minister Berisha several times and also the then President Mosiu. I tried to give the government the benefit of my experience and my knowledge as an investment banker active in the region. With over twenty years being involved in the ...
Sun 19th
15:25
LibLink: Tim Bale - "The biggest effect of the Lib Dems holding their nerve has been to help the Con...
[IMG: tim bale] Tim Bale is professor of politics at Queen Mary, University of London, an an historian of the Conservative party. And this week, to mark the third anniversary of the formation of the Coalition, he's turned his attention to the Lib Dems. The article begins by dissecting that 'Jekyll and Hyde' verb — compromise — to highlight the problems posed by the Coalition for both its parties: 'Used actively, it's a good thing - you want something; I want something different; we talk it over; we come to an arrangement; we compromise. Used passively, it comes over all ...
More comedy genius from Australia's Clarke and Dawe: Also on YouTube.
Here's today's hand-picked selection that caught my interest... How the PCC resolved a complaint about a story The Sun couldn't prove | Media | guardian.co.uk The Chris Huhne story The Sun invented and the Mirror and Metro then copied http://bit.ly/19Ox6F9 Tim Harford — Article — The antisocial network? We feel happier when we update FB even if no-one responds, apparently » The antisocial network? http://bit.ly/16yzWBR Cameron says "renegotiation", Conservative MPs hear "exit" Cameron says "renegotiation", Conservative MPs hear "exit" – @rafaelbehr » http://bit.ly/12Ld7Vw < why Cam won't be Tory leader after 2015 It's not 'only banter', it is a threat ...
Sun 19th
13:15The Sun story about Chris Huhne that was a total invention (and which the other papers happily copie...
Remember that front page Sun story from 13 March? On the off-chance Voice readers missed this exclusive, let's refersh your memory of the splash: Disgraced MP Chris Huhne was ridiculed on his first day in Wandsworth jail yesterday — after a warder called him to breakfast by yelling "Order! Order!" Only one small problem with the story: it was a complete fabrication. [IMG: sun huhne lie] The Guardian's Roy Greenslade has the story: According to the article, "the mocking warden" mimicked the commons speaker by saying: "The right honourable member for Wandsworth North — down to the office." It also ...
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the longest running science fiction show in the world I am taking a weekly look at some of my favourite Dr Who episodes focusing on one Doctor a month. This month it's the fifth Doctors turn. The Doctor Tegan and Turlough are dragged through a time corridor to a deserted London Docklands where the police are mysteriously killing bedraggled humans. Meanwhile the army is also there looking for un-exploded bombs. why has the Doctor been dragged to London and what is the link between the time corridor and the vicious policemen outside? All will ...
Years ago, I interviewed the former economics adviser to the Jersey government for the New Statesman, and he explained to me how the island's tax haven status had been like a cuckoo in the nest. Financial services are so profitable (and I might add, so safe - you can get bailed out) that other forms of enterprise become economic. First the agriculture runs down, then the tourism, then - with over 500 banks on the island - nobody else can afford a home. It is the same process that is happening, much more slowly, in London. But there was a ...
Church of St Mary the Virgin, Burham A beautiful church that dates back to the 11th Century tucked in a horseshoe bend of the River Medway. www.visitchurches.org.uk Kent Wildlife Trust's Burham Marsh tidal reedbed nature Water meadow and heron. Industrial landscape, across the river. The footpath along the embankment. Stone on the river bank commemorating the Battle of Medway in AD 43. Canada geese fly past. For more information on the Medway Gap visit the links below: http://www.valleyofvisions.org.uk/index.php (For larger image click on photos)
It's Pentecost, so today's Sunday Sounds are on fire* First, Kasabian, with Fire: and now, Kings of Leon with Sex on Fire, which I have posted before - no apologies for reposting, though!: Andrew *Acts 2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [NIV]
I was away this weekend joining in the celebrations of friends birthday. We were staying in Chipping Camden. Around lunchtime wandering around the town we came upon the village parish church of St James and, as is my habit, I went inside to look around. It is one of the finest wool churches in the country. The church was the venue of the Chipping Camden Music Festival and was laid out ready for a concert with a Steinway Grand Piano alone on the stage in front of the chancel. I sat down for a moment and a young lady came ...
IBB,(Group Leader) Ronnie and Joyce Fearn I posted recently about Ronnie reaching 50 years service as a Liberal/LD councillor Last night we held a celebration at Auberge Brasserie in Southport The picture shows Ronnie and Joyce having received a cut glass rose bowl in recognition of his service. Ronnie joined the Southport County Borough Council at a time when there were 23 Liberals out of 45 members. He went on to serve as Leader of the Group, MP and is now in the House of Lords. By any measure he is the most successful Southport politician of his generation. ...
Liberal Democrats including Alistair Carmichael (ok, so he lives there), Willie Rennie, David Steel and Nick Clegg have headed to Orkney this weekend to celebrate 100 years since the birth of Jo Grimond, the man credited with building up the Liberal Party after is demise. David Steel gave a lecture in the Firth Church at Finnstown and Nick Clegg spoke at a dinner last night. Steel's lecture, outlining Grimond's crashes through our normal word limit, but I think it's worth reading the whole thing to get an insight into the history of the Liberal Party and into both Grimond's and ...
Lord Huron, says Wikipeida, are an American indie folk band based in Los Angeles. Their debut album, Lonesome Dreams, was released in 2012 and this is the opening track being performed at a Seattle radio station. I like the guitars entwining with the Eastern percussion.
Frankly I prefer them to the establishment freeloaders, who've complacently accepted the erosion of British sovereignty, by the EU. The reference to swivel eyed loons of course is purposely offensive and calculated to stigmatise, undermining reasonable argument. I can recall a time when I like most in Britain was sold on a common market, which was as far as I can recall was the term used to describe the early EU, which back in the day seemed an almost benign harmless organisation, with minimal corruption, the only glaring outrage at that time was the lunatic arrangement the French insisted on, ...
No prizes for guessing which subject Nick Clegg tackles in his latest weekly letter to supporters: Europe. He rattles through the three positions: 'calamitous outers', 'inconsequential renegotiators' and 'achievable reformers'. No prizes for guessing which he identifies with the Lib Dems. Over to Nick... [IMG: libdem letter from nick clegg] I'm writing this week's Letter to you from Kirkwall in Orkney. Alistair Carmichael and Jim Wallace have been trying to persuade me to make the trip for a while and I've finally made it in order to join the celebrations of the centenary of Jo Grimond's birth. The big debate ...
You can always count on Lord Mandelson for a quote, and so it was this morning. The noble Lord referred to Nigel Farage's rag-tag band as the "UK Isolation Party", and accused Eurosceptic Conservative MPs like Joh Redwood of being "fellow travellers", and the "provisional wing" of the Conservatives. It was a typically stirring Mandelson ...
Dear Chris, I'm writing this week's Letter to you from Kirkwall in Orkney. Alistair Carmichael and Jim Wallace [IMG: Nick_Clegg_signature.png] Nick
Membership of UK political parties - Commons Library Standard Note - UK Parliament Fascinating PDF with lots of tables. (tags: ) To encourage creativity, Mr Gove, you must first understand what it is | Ken Robinson | Comment is free | The Guardian This is something Govey needs to understand. He never will though. (tags: ) Vince Cable on dancing, romance and raw jelly <3 Lovely Vince (tags: ) Where are they now? Five female faces who disappeared from our screens | Society | guardian.co.uk (tags: ) BBC News - Contactless 'charging errors' at Marks and Spencer I am quite ...
Let's take a look at this weekend's YouGov poll which has a number of questions on same-sex marriage. I think it will make sad reading for those desperately trying to make same-sex marriage into a storm to bring down David Cameron. The first question was "Which of the following issues will be important to you in deciding how you vote at the next election? Please tick up to three or four" Out of 17 options same-sex marriage came 12th (beating out "Other", "None of these" and "Animal Rights") in terms of importance in influencing votes and got only 7% overall ...
[IMG: Wedding rings. Photo courtesy of http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1384052. Some rights reserved] From today's polling: Public supports same-sex marriage; The public thinks more positively of David Cameron because of his support for it; and Of those who say it will be an important issue in deciding how they vote at the next general election, those who say they will be more likely to support a party that backs same-sex marriage outnumber those who say it makes them less likely to vote for such a party. So: the public support it, the public thinks better of your leader because of it and people ...
Vince Cable has been talking to the Telegraph about his varied and interesting life. From meeting his first wife while both were working in a mental hospital in York, to their romance meeting parental disapproval and succeeding despite that, to his empathy with his constituents' problems, it charts the key moments of his first 70 years. Illustrated with photographs of items which mean a lot to him, including a recording of his son Paul performing at a concert in Prague. HE also confesses a liking for James Blunt. As former MP's caseworker, I completely understood what he said about how ...
One of the most annoying criticisms one receives as a gay liberal is that, in some bizarre way, I must thus be some Muslim fanboy who wouldn't dare criticism Islam because obviously everyone politically to the left of Nigel Farage must be in kahoots with fundamentalist Muslims! "Oh you criticise us Christians but you'd never dare criticise a Muslim!" is the commonest formulation of this argument (usually used by UKIPpers who, on this issue, are ironically allied with Muslims!). The main reason I spend less time moaning about Islam than I do Christianity is that we live in a Christian ...
From the Curator of Museum Services at the University of Dundee: The next special event at the D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum is one of the annual highlights of our programme, now in its fifth year. On Tuesday 21 May at 6pm we present Notes from the Museum, an evening of poetry and prose inspired by our amazing collections and the extraordinary life and work of D'Arcy Thompson. All of the work is written and performed by students on the Creative Writing MLitt and undergraduate courses in the School of Humanities, University of Dundee. The event will be chaired by tutor ...
Next Saturday - 25th May - will see a Dawn Chorus event at Riverside Nature Park, organised by the Dundee Countryside Rangers. Starting at 4am (yes - 4am!), more details are available from the Countryside Rangers on 431848.
The big debate this week in British politics, which featured strongly in PMQs – where I was standing in for the PM – has obviously been about our future role in Europe. An issue on which Jo Grimond was a pioneer and leader. What's emerging in this debate is that there are three basic positions. The first is UKIP's and an increasingly large number of Conservatives' – they want to leave now. I am clear that would be a calamitous mistake for the country – it would make us poorer, make us less safe and jeopardise millions of jobs and ...
When is a separate state not a separate state? Apparently, when it is proposed by the SNP. A leading luminary of the party, Andrew Wilson, is making the case that because British identity- a more or less positive thing in his view- comprises more than the political ties between the nations of the UK, that identity would survive the end of the common state. For me this is the central dichotomy in the argument for separatism: for many, if not most, Nationalists, the belief in self determination stops short of a situation where border posts are erected at Berwick. At ...