... whose latest entry prompted me to remember this picture comparison from our local pub paper: [IMG: Eric Pickles] [IMG: Peter Griffin] Personally, I think it's an insult to Peter Griffin, and I really hate Family Guy. But then we're still picking up the pieces from Pickles' reign of terror in dear old Braddy, so... [IMG: comment count unavailable] comments
Friday, a cliffhanger in the Lords, to see whether Davis Steel's House of Lords Reform Bil would get through report, in spite of the hundreds of amendments on the Order Paper. In the end he had to sacrifice the clause ending the perpetuation of the hereditaries by means of by-elections to replace any of the 91 who die, to placate the die-hards and save the pprovisions dealing with retirement and expulsion. There is now a chance that time will be found for Third Reading and a quick race through the Commons, to get the Bill through by the end of ...
This is in no way a serious post about current politics... With the destruction of the Second Deathstar over the Sanctuary moon of Endor the Empire began its steady decline into obscurity. However the "darkest period of Galactic History" is, in fact a half truth. Indeed if you ignore the acts of genocide and mass murder committed by Imperial Troops and the Fleet and looked at the administration of the Galaxy, the Empire was actually a force for good. The Clone Wars rocked the galaxy, not just on the Outer Rim but also on central core worlds, Kamino, Mygeeto, Felucia, ...
When approaching an MP or a political party, it always helps to understand what makes that party or party member tick. How can we frame our argument in a way that seems natural to the person we're speaking to? Many activists write off entire parties as 'evil' or 'opponents' when actually, the party wants the ...
We don't really 'do God' on Creeting St Peter Parish Council. After all, that's what the Parochial Church Council is for, when they're not organising the village's social life (and sorry for missing today's coffee morning, I had to go to London). I have to admit though, that if asked to take part in a prayer session as part of Full Council, I'd have to demur. I don't have an objection to religion - I am a guilty, non-practising Roman Catholic, not guilty because I'm non-practising, just existentially guilty - but I do see it as personal and a matter ...
Is it safe to return failed asylum-seekers to the DRC? The UK Borders Agency thinks so, but an NGO has studied the situation and has serious doubts. We will be able to judge the position better when the Country of Origin Information Service publishes the first update of their analysis since 2009, see http://bit.ly/zOjaFj
A free exhibition at Stanley Lamplight Theatre – March 8th 12.00 -2.00 Colour your Life
Now you can watch your local LIB DEM ward councillor, Darren Fower, from the comfort of your computer! Simply CLICK HERE!
Alright, I've had my refresher training, and am now able to be let loose on unsuspecting Local Parties once more. And, as there are so many more of you wanting to be Parliamentary candidates than there are wanting to be Returning Officers (and why is that?), I really ought to give you a flavour of what to expect.No more nanny stateYou will, henceforth, be under much less supervision as an applicant. You won't need the approval of the Returning Officer for your manifesto, your leaflets or your other campaigning material, online or otherwise. Instead, you will be responsible for ensuring ...
If you recognise what this is about you are in your mid to late 50's. My Pioneer record deck, purchased in the 1980s went to meet it's maker last week. Doubtless I could have found the spare part somewhere on the net, but it was never loved and I decided to trawl ebay to see what I can find. And there it was - my first record deck! 1971 or 1972 I guess, 15 or 16 at the time. With a small Phillips Amplifier, later exchanged for a Sansui Au101. It arrived and joy of joys, one channel wasn't working ...
"At a full Council meeting in Manchester the level of oppression I experience when the guest Chaplain is urging us to debate for the good of the City and exercise free speech is nothing compared with the baying mob trying to shout me down a few minutes later when attempting to exercise that liberty of speech." Oppressed by council prayers? Get real, says Jackie Pearcey. Strange Thoughts detects a whiff of conspiracy about the opposition to Professor Les Ebdon becoming the new director of the Office for Fair Access. Greg Farrell on Bloomberg Businessweek dissects what happened on the fateful ...
Apparently they didn't use any volunteers in the last Olympics. I learnt this from a Chinese student as we were queueing up to go into Wembley Arena for our Orientation session last weekend. She told me that although her home was in Beijing she had to wait for the London Games to get a chance to be part of it. That's the phrase - be part of it. We heard it over and over again. From Jonathan Edwards, from the ubiquitous Eddie Izzard, from Seb Coe. And I must say they have done an excellent job in motivating people to ...
I decided soon after moving to Belgium that the only reason to fly rather than take Eurostar to London would be to attend an event which was actually taking place at one of the airports. But as it happens, Olympus 2012, this year's British national science fiction Easter convention, is taking place at the Heathrow Radisson. So I will fly from Brussels, possibly the first time I have ever done that route by plane other than to make onward flight connections. Wiill you be there too?
Sat 11th
17:58
Danny Alexander: it's time to axe higher-rate tax relief on pensions to fund tax-cuts for lowest-pai...
A couple of weeks ago, Nick Clegg signalled his determination to cut the taxes of the lowest-paid — now Lib Dem chief secretary to the treasury Danny Alexander is pressing for the tax-rise that would enable the Coalition to get on with it. Here's how the Telegraph reports it: Danny Alexander, a Liberal Democrat Cabinet minister, says the better-off are receiving overly-generous tax relief when they invest money for their retirement. Mr Alexander's proposals would see tax relief halve from 40 per cent to 20 per cent. He also wants workers on the minimum wage, who earn up to £12,500 ...
Mike Tuffrey always did have a way of telling it like it is. In my day on the London Assembly it was Ken on the receiving end. Nice to see that he is still on it – and holding the current Mayor to account – pointing out to people in London just how measly and insignificant Boris Johnson's 'tax cut' is. Commenting on the Mayor's budget proposals for the year 2012 - 2013 Mike said: "A few weeks ago the Mayor was resisting our (Liberal Democrats') proposal for a cut in the council tax bill. Now as the election approaches ...
Crikey. A breathtaking list of arrests this afternoon. The fact that Rupert Murdoch has been compelled to say that he is committed to continuing to publish The Sun, gives us some measure of the extraordinary nature of these events. Metro reports: Deputy editor Geoff Webster, picture editor John Edwards, chief reporter John Kay, chief foreign correspondent Nick Parker and reporter John Sturgis are reported to have been arrested on suspicion of corruption, aiding and abetting misconduct in a public office, and conspiracy in relation to both offences. A 39-year-old Surrey Police officer, a Ministry of Defence employee, 39, and a ...
Most Liberal Democrats would agree that there's only one Roger Roberts. As I discovered this morning in Sutton, however, there is a second and a darn fine chap he is too. For the Sutton Roger Roberts is the Liberal Democrat candidate in the Worcester Park ward by-election, where he has lived for over thirty years. Unlike my previous weekend campaign trip, this time I did not come across any interesting signs of this sort nor was I following in the steps of royalty this time. I was instead doing the next best thing, out canvassing with Sutton's very own Ruth ...
It was in 'Towster', you see.. After good results last week the Liberal Democrats are pleased to see that this week has shown further modest improvement in support. The Independent wrote: "Liberal Democrats made two landslide gains from Tories in the latest council by-elections, suggesting their voting support has not been dented after the resignation from the Government of Chris Huhne. Their candidate Chris Lofts took Northamptonshire County Council's Towcester division on a massive swing of more than 30% since the 2009 shire polls. Party colleague Lisa Samiotis triumphed at Towcester Brook, South Northamptonshire District. This brings the total of ...
A novel following an assortment of characters through their lives in New York over a period in August 1974, when they are linked by a fatal car accident and the experience of watching a man walk a tightrope strung between the towers of the World Trade Center. A New Yorker friend spotted this in my bag while we were in the pub, and expressed scepticism that any writer could properly capture his native city; I can't judge that, but I did find it a satisfying and dramatic read, McCann capturing various voices to make an interesting story which is also ...
I noted recently that there were only two Sarah Jane audiobooks which I had not yet listened to, so went out and gt them; and then through some brainstorm actually loaded the MP3 player with one I had already heard rather than either of the new ones. February Books 5) The Time Capsule, by Peter Anghelides I noted in September 2009 that this is very enjoyable, marred by some uneven pacing, and I stand by that; I should also note that Anghelides is good at settings, be it a supermarket invaded by aliens or the Natural History Museum. February Books ...
It happened again. More trouble between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez. I guess it was inevitable. Luis Suarez refused to shake Evra's hand, and Evra grabbed his arm. It was an ugly ugly spectacle and British football deserved better. For those of you who haven't seen it and wish too: I've already argued here, that Liverpool created a febrile atmosphere that silently endorsed Suarez's racism. Now Alex Ferguson came out after the game and has said basically that Suarez is an absolute disgrace, and has disgraced Liverpool football club and indeed should never play for Liverpool again. On initial readings ...
Sat 11th
15:50LDV Caption Competition: Clegg, Cam & Lansley "You can hear the white coats flapping" Edition
There's no prize at stake - just the opportunity to prove you're wittier than any other LDV reader... Here's David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Andrew Lansley rolling up their sleeves over the NHS reforms — what do you think might be being said or thought by or about them? And the winner of our last caption comp is... Some fantastic entries for our most recent caption competition, Ed Davey "I've got Energy" Edition. The winner, according to The Voice's judging panel of one, was this one by Tabman, with a highly commended offering by Tony Dawson here. Got a photo ...
An alternate history novel where the War on Terror never happened, but instead the history of our world is experience in a series of pulp novels about Osama Bin Laden; the plot concerns the central character's quest for the author of these stories, which takes him on a long journey including a brief step into our timeline. So it's basically The Man In The High Castle recast for today, though with lots of added literary allusions to the noir genre in particular. I wasn't completely satisfied; like a lot of alternate history stories, this seems very pleased with its own ...
I watched two very different films this week that both happened to depend for their plots on the contrast between two women, and both to my mind ultimately fell down by an uncritical use of tropes or stereotypes. The first was The Monkey's Mask, which I watched on LoveFilm as part of a free 30-day trial. Susie Porter stars as a young working-class lesbian detective who is hired to investigate the disappearance of a college student and finds herself falling in love with the girl's middle-aged English professor (Kelly McGillis), while struggling to come to terms with the latter's bisexuality ...
I haven't made any comments on the Evra Vs Suarez saga to date but today's latest development as viewed in this clip below has forced me into a response. For those who don't know (where have you been if you don't?!), I'm an Aston Villa fan and therefore have no additional gripe with one of these teams over the other - my views are those of a football fan. It is to Luis Suarez's shame that he didn't shake Patrice Evra's hand after the latter reached out to do so at the start of today's big match. Suarez has paid ...
Does anyone have a photo including the clock that used to stand by Consett bus station? Say 2005?
Today's From the Guardian Archive feature reprints a story from 1977: Think of a likely venue for the British Monopoly championships on September 6 and 7. Yes, right first time. A nuclear power station. And not in the works canteen, either. Around 240 Monopoly enthusiasts will play the game of their lives on the nuclear pile cap of the Central Electricity Generating Board's power station at Oldbury-on-Severn, 19 miles north of Bristol. John Waddington of Leeds, which has held the UK licence for Monopoly for over 40 years, started negotiations with the CEGB last summer. In 1975 the championships had ...
Keith Holloway and the Lib Dem team are supporting residents' calls for a puffin crossing on Schools Hill and we're asking others who live locally to support our campaign. As regular readers will know, there have been two serious accidents on the crossing in the last few months, with a teenage girl and a man in his thirties being badly injured. The Lib Dems have had the lights cleaned and the power turned up to make them brighter. We've had the lines repainted on the road. We're getting the bus stop on the north side moved down to The Downs, ...
Dear Boris, I spent 7 St. Patrick's days in London. On the first while in the Student Union I helped to set up Kingston University's Irish Society, which is still going strong 23 years later. On every single once of them apart from that one I was doing something Irish, sometimes in one of the centres of Irish population, but not necessarily. But always in London. I was a member of London Irish and when I returned there after 1992 hoped to be able to represent them in Athletics though I never competed again. I also took part in Gaelic ...
The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black has called on the Health Minister to carry out an investigation into the circumstances behind the suspension of the vice-chair of the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Community Health Council, following claims that the code of conduct was used to stop her criticising health board decisions. Mr. Black was reacting to the resignation of two members of the CHC after they alleged that their views were being suppressed. Brendan Campbell and Jeff Jones say that decisions are being made by a select few, and that the code of conduct ...
Seeing this mornings Daily Mail (paper edition) front page you would almost believe that David Cameron, or at least the personage of Ken Clarke in his role as Lord Chancellor had declared war on Marx's opiate of the masses. The two stories that sparked the headline CHRISTIANITY UNDER ATTACK with the subheader Anger as TWO major court ruling go against British worshippers Refers of course the case in Bideford Council and the failed appeal of Cornish guest house owners [both links to non Daily Fail coverage]. First lets us look at the ruling on prayers before council meetings. The Mail ...
"I recommend you stay as far away from your younger self as possible, just to be on the safe side," said the Doctor. "Get out of the country if necessary. Belgium. I recommend Belgium. And I never thought I'd say that." Jonathan Morris, Touched By An Angel, Chapter 6
Just six months ago today London was emerging from its third night of rioting, with a semblance of order only just beginning to take hold as a massive police presence descended on the city. The fear in the streets was palpable. ... Continue reading →
I saw this article just now in the Guardian... I couldn't help but bag the headline! I'm willing to relinquish it to a newspaper for a hundred quid. Email using the contact form, Mr Dacre... "The Sun has been plunged into crisis following the arrest of five of its most senior journalists, including the ...
The news that a new pressure group has been formed within the Liberal Democrats has been 'welcomed' with a surprising level of hostility from a number of my colleagues. Obviously, there will be those who might expect me to be equally dismissive. After all, I'm generally loyal to the Party, and at least tolerant of its leadership. And yet, I find myself wondering what the fuss is all about. It is, when all is said and done, the right of any group of Liberal Democrats to organise as they please, within the confines of the Constitution and the Membership Rules. ...
The Voice's Mark Pack has a post over at Total Politics, discussing the issues likely to dominate the upcoming Lib Dem Spring Conference in Gateshead. The first thing to note, says Mark, is that some of the most contentious political issues of recent weeks such as the reforms to the NHS and to the welfare system don't appear on the conference agenda as it was drawn up some time ago: There is a slot for emergency and topical issues to cover this eventuality, but with only time for one motion, not all of the controversies can be aired. Unless a ...
From the LGA Liberal Democrat Group: Love telling people about your good work and making your troops feel just great but hate ticking boxes and filling out forms? If so, you'll really like this year's Council Group of the Year awards. We got lots of appreciative letters last year telling us how how welcomed the fact there were no forms to fill in, no word limits and no Stalinist formatting to be done. (Ok, there weren't letters as such but we sensed your appreciation :) . So it's the same this year - tell us what you've done that makes ...
I've been quiet about Liberal Left, so now the dust has settled a bit, I'll wade in. I support their right to exist. Lets make it clear. As the smallest of the three main parties, the Lib Dems have to ... Continue reading →
It's as if Bookmakers are multiplying on our high streets! Since our Labour MP Tessa Jowell brought about The Gambling Act 2005 changing the premise for granting gambling licences from an operator having to prove "un-stimulated demand" for betting in a location to NO proof of need. Effectively she created a free for all. She also liberalised slot machines making betting shops even more profitable. Southwark Council is a major land and shop owner in Southwark and the Labour led council hasn't decided to stop letting shops to bookmakers. So it is ironic that local Labour councillor Rowena Davis has ...
The recent court decision to outlaw prayers from the start of all local authorities has caused much wailing and gnashing of teeth. (corrected following comment; thanks.) As an ex-councillor, an atheist and someone who believed in the move towards a ... Continue reading →
Sat 11th
10:45
MetaBlog: Lib Dem MPs must vote against the health reforms - not for the NHS, but for democracy
This is a piece I wrote today for Lib Dem Voice, a blog run by and for LibDems, on the nature of the Parliament act. The original post can be found HERE Lately, we have heard much about Andrew Lansley's proposed reforms of the NHS, both from within the party and without. Grassroots site 'Conservative ...
Liberal Democrat pressure in the coalition government has already secured significant reductions in the tax breaks for the very richest. However, these tax breaks are still sufficiently generous that there is the scope for raising plenty more money without introducing punitive tax rates. For example, restricting the tax relief on pension contributions to 20% (the standard rate for most people) rather than the current 40% for those earning over £100,000 would raise over £3.5 billion more each year. Last year, in a clear sign of the way in which senior Liberal Democrats are thinking, David Laws asked a series of ...
This week has seen a new group enter the sphere of Liberal Democrat discussion, Liberal Left. As someone who has been a staunch critic of the coalition and some of its policies, I welcome an internal party group that seeks to challenge out place in the coalition. As Liberal Democrats, it has been said many times ...
I am hoping to watch the last two episodes of series one of Borgen tonight so please no spoilers in the comments. It has been a compelling experience though perhaps not reaching the heights of the first three series of West Wing. Nevertheless, as the BBC explains it has gripped the imagination of politicians, desperate for reassurance that the world they inhabit is not abnormal and can be replicated in a popular TV drama. They say that Borgen has become the "must watch" of the Westminster village because it tells some uncomfortable eternal truths about the world of politics: First, ...
Sat 11th
09:55Opinion: Lib Dem MPs must vote against the health reforms - not for health, but for democracy
Lately, we have heard much about Andrew Lansley's proposed reforms of the NHS, both from within the party and without. Grassroots site 'Conservative Home' writer Tim Montgomerie came out in opposition to the bill, calling it 'unnecessary and unpopular'. Lansley's supporters have been less professional in their counter-briefing. Lib Dems on all sides are throwing their all in to the debate about the biggest shake up to our health service in decades. I've found it difficult to have an opinion on either side – so as the debate [read: flaming row] has flamed around me, i've noticed a trend that ...
** WARNING — SPOILERS FOLLOW ** Borgen, the Danish West Wing ((C) All Media), has just finished its first series on BBC4, and it's been a joy (notwithstanding the caveats I voiced a few weeks ago). And as the series has developed so have I detected more and more similarities with Shekhar Kapur's 1998 film, Elizabeth. Really. Well, at least give me a hearing... And please forgive the indulgent use of the phrase 'narrative arc'. Comparison #1 During the course of Borgen's 10 episodes we witness the emergence of Moderate leader Birgitte Nyborg Christensen from idealistically and romantically naive ingenue ...
Arguing with The Elements of Style (tags: grammar ) How Your Cat Is Making You Crazy - Magazine - The Atlantic See. I told you cats are evil. (tags: cats ) BBC News - Bideford Town Council prayers ruled unlawful What's the betting the Christian Rights Lobby are already thinking of taking this to the Lords? (tags: ) [IMG: comment count unavailable] comments
Yesterday was the regular meeting of the AGMA/GMCA* Scrutiny Pool. (* Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, Greater Manchester Combined Authority). This brings together three councillors from each of the 10 districts in Greater Manchester. This year I'm one of two "Co-Chairs" of the pool, and yesterday was my turn to chair the meeting. There were two important issues on the agenda: Whole Place Community Budgets Greater Manchester has been selected by the Government as one of only four pilot areas for Whole Place Community Budgets. This is where an area is going to work to see whether thinking more smartly ...
According to a report in the Guardian (Labour peer:PM will rue Lords reform -9th February, 2012) Lady Royall, Labours Leader in the House of Lords, believes that the coalition has the wrong priorities if we insist on going ahead with second chamber reform when "we are in the biggest economic crisis since the 1920s' depression." Short-termism has been the curse of the British economy for decades, and is one of the reasons that our manufacturing sector, and therefore the economy as a whole, is at present in so weak a position. Alas, short-termism in politics is equally endemic. The promise ...
Library visitors will have the chance to find out about local services to help them stay independent, safe and well at a series of roadshows taking place throughout 2012. Focusing on providing preventative and self-help information to people who may need it, the roadshows will feature: a display of informationpresentations about assistive technology resources to help you remain independent details of Trading Standards approved trader scheme - Buy With Confidence. In addition demonstrations of Your Life, Your Choice Cambridgeshire's adult social care website will be taking place on the last day of each roadshow. Visitors will also have the opportunity ...
Library visitors will have the chance to find out about local services to help them stay independent, safe and well at a series of roadshows taking place throughout 2012. Focusing on providing preventative and self-help information to people who may need it, the roadshows will feature: a display of informationpresentations about assistive technology resources to help you remain independent details of Trading Standards approved trader scheme - Buy With Confidence. In addition demonstrations of Your Life, Your Choice Cambridgeshire's adult social care website will be taking place on the last day of each roadshow. Visitors will also have the opportunity ...
Lib Dem Voice has polled our members-only forum to discover what Lib Dem members think of various political issues, the Coalition, and the performance of key party figures. Some 570 party members responded, and we're publishing the full results. Party members split over the future of Europe LDV asked: Which of the following options would be your ideal future for the UK and the European Union? 46% – The UK should remain a full member of the EU and work towards ever closer union, economically and politically. 40% – The UK should remain a full member of the EU but ...
Last year the Friends of Garston Park and the Garston Grassendale Detatched Youth project kicked off the Great Garston Art Project. It's a scheme to improve the appearance of the walls around the sports pitches on Garston Park with a community based mural. The idea is to reflect the Garston sky line as well as aspects of health and wellbeing. At the launch meeting we talked about workshops to get the art started. We now have dates for the first three (each of which will have a community artist there) The dates and times are Mon 20th February at White ...
I have today launched my February 2012 update for next Tuesday's West End Community Council meeting. Subjects covered include pavement repairs in Windsor Street, the bank branch closure at the University of Dundee Student Union and safety barrier improvements at Hawkhill. You can download my update at http://tinyurl.com/weccfeb2012. The Community Council meeting takes place on Tuesday 14th February at 7pm at Logie St John's (Cross) Chruch Hall in Shaftesbury Terrace - all residents welcome.
This one's on The War Games Tagged: me elsewhere
(A short-short story I wrote recently. Too short to make an ebook in itself, but I'll include it in a short story collection at some poin). t was a fine romance. The finest in fact. Even though they never met each other. Jerry Taylor knew he loved Linda Soames from the moment he first saw ...
In my latest blog post for The Huffington Post, I argue that the Health and Social Care Bill, despite the best efforts of Lib Dem MP's and Peers over a sustained period of time, is a bad bill and that Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley, should be given the boot:
