So I've finally caught up on what I missed from having a week away (turns out it takes over two weeks to catch up - conference season probably hindered that even though I'm not there) and the main story I wanted to comment on is that of the Gove-Levels, where GCSE's are to be replaced by an 'English Baccalaureate Certificate'. Education is always, like healthcare, going to be a touchy subject. It's hard to change it without a backlash, even if your changes are good people will always be sceptical This is probably harder still when it seems that your ...
The cull is bad science and bad politics, says The Badger Protection League Bovine TB is a serious problem but it must be remembered that it is a cattle disease. The TB skin test is only 80 per cent sensitive (i.e. accurate in picking out animals that are genuine infected). It misses up to 20 per cent of infected animals and these remain within the herd to continue to spread TB. For this reason, elsewhere in Europe the test is used only as a herd test and the whole herd will be culled rather than just the individuals found to ...
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia I have followed Jo Swinson's career with interest. Until recently she was PPS to Nick Clegg and she was recently promoted to minister for employment and equality. She is always keen to talk with activists and others on Twitter. She is relentlessly polite and engaging on issues and having observed her speaking at a number of fringe events over the years is an excellent public speaker in that sort of forum. But where I have noticed her potential most of all is how she handles the much bigger stage in the main conference hall. She always ...
I have just got back from an event at Leicester Central Library with the crime writers Mark Billingham and Martyn Waites. It formed a sort of precursor to the city's Everybody's Reading Festival, which runs from 29 September to 8 October. If you follow the link above you will find there are already photographs from this evening on the festival's Facebook page, and you can also download the Festival brochure,
At Autumn Federal Conference the City of Nottingham Liberal Democrats were awarded the prize for Best Members Newsletters of the Year. Scott Walker, Campaign Co-ordinator, collected the trophy from Nick Clegg. Scott said "I'm really pleased because we made a ... Continue reading →
From our "ooh missus" correspondent There is a bizarre aspect of the Procedure adopted by the excellent and friendly security team in Brighton. Hopefully I am not giving away any state secrets... When you go through security they have to stroke your photo – three times. They take your badge and stroke the photo with their finger. Literally. At the risk of imploding the "ooh missus" connotations of this post, they do it to check whether someone has stuck a second photo over the top of the original photo. They can feel the bubbles and layered texture of the second ...
Nibley Lane, a popular local cut-through, will be closed to traffic for deep cleaning on Wednesday 26th September. The length from Badminton Road to Westerleigh Road is expected to be closed from 9.30 am until 2.30 pm.
After a crappy experience with an LG, I decided to go for a slightly more reputable manufacturer – Panasonic. I went for the cumbersomely named Panasonic TX-L37ET5B 37-inch Widescreen Full HD 1080p 3D LED TV with Freeview HD . Looking at the TX-L37ET5B's specs it's a close to perfect TV. Four HDMI portsEnough miscellaneous ports (PC, scart, component, composite) to be able to plug in just about anything.Freeview HDPassive 3DI'll start with the negative points – because that's usually what people look for in a review. Let's Get PhysicalThe screen has a rather thick bezel, so if you need to ...
I suspect Nick Clegg may well have had enough of spoof videos by now. But on the off-chance he hasn't, LBC's Iain Dale has re-worked that famous clip from Downfall... almost affectionately, I think. Judge for yourselves: Nick Clegg Entschuldigt Sich from Iain Dale on Vimeo. * Stephen Tall is Co-Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice, a Research Associate for the liberal think-tank CentreForum, and also writes at his own site, The Collected Stephen Tall.
Ed Randalls' amendment to our economic growth motion this morning, arguing for further stimulus to promote growth and asking for conference to give our ministers more flexibility fiscally, was roundly defeated – squashed one could even say. Little real debate on the key point about the reason for low bond yields – but then again ...
Cambridge MP Julian Huppert Cambridge MP Julian Huppert is leading a cross-party inquiry into cycling which will cover a range of issues including road design, safety and training. The inquiry will be conducted by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Cycling, which Julian co-chairs and will present its report to the government. The 10-strong panel of MPs will examine proposals in a bid to achieve the aim of The Times Cities Fit for Cycling campaign which Julian supported through a Westminster Hall debate earlier this year. MPs will hear testament from expert witnesses drawn from cycling charities, road safety groups, ...
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg MP Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg has praised Cambridge MP Julian Huppert for the "superb job" he is doing scrutinising the controversial Draft Data Communications Bill. When asked during the party conference in Brighton if he would veto the Bill if the Tories and Labour were in favour of it, Nick said he was no expert on it and would take advice from Julian. Julian was selected by Nick to sit on the parliamentary committee which is overseeing the Bill. He is worried that the legislation in its current format, gives ...
Having published the speech here I spent my evening commute reading and annotating Tim's speech. As I skimmed down the margins to my notes three themes stick out. There's "Backs Nick", "our role/future" and "citing differences with Conservatives" - there is also the word Epic written next to the end of paragraph ten. I joined the Liberals to change the world - and you don't change it from the luxury of opposition The speech itself is very good, unfortunately I've been trapped at work and unable to go to Conference so can't comment on delivery. I agree with what Tim ...
Mon 24th
19:04
The day the BBC approached me for a new TV show asking if I wanted to get 'more manly'
I could be a TV star. I'm terribly excited. When you get an e-mail entitled 'BBC America' it will grab my attention. When the e-mail is about being part of a new TV show then you think 'yeah I could do that' but then some details become clear and the TV show opportunity that has excitedly presented itself is a chance to be more manly. Yes folks I've been offered the chance to try-out for a new TV show called 'Man Camp' which is designed to make single guys like me who can't get a girlfriend well you know...be manly ...
Looking back at Eluned Parrott's article Lib Dems should say no to regional pay, what has surprised me is some of the comments that this reasoned article has generated. Perhaps the first thing to challenge is the myth that public sector pay is totally rigid, whereas private pay-setting is always flexible and highly localised. It simply isn't as simple as that. The reality is that extensive national patterns of pay exist in the private sector, from large companies down to even medium-sized firms. At the same time considerable flexibility does already exist in the public sector, for example whilst there ...
The Public Hall is a hidden gem in the heart of Wallington. Built between the First and Second World War the building has undergone an number of facelifts. The latest work is on the kitchens which are being replaced at present. The new kitchen will be divided into two parts with a drinks dispensing area at the Stafford Road (north) end and a new sink, hand wash basin, power points, oven with hob, hot cabinet on wheels, fridge and free standing worktops at the other end. The refit will be completed in time for the CAMRA Beer Festival which runs ...
It's Liberal Democrat conference, so it's time for the latest Iain Dale / Daily Telegraph list of the 50 most influential Liberal Democrats. Of course our interest in covering the story on Lib Dem Voice is in no way related to two of the team appearing in the list... In less than shocking news, Nick Clegg still tops the list at #1. Up to #2 is Vince Cable, followed by Tim Farron, Danny Alexander and then Nick Clegg's Chief of Staff (and former double winning general election agent) Jonathan Oates. Going further down the rankings finds the double blogger appearances: ...
If you have been with this blog since 2009 you may remember my visit to Geddington in Northamptonshire and its Eleanor Cross. These crosses were erected at the 12 places that the body of Eleanor of Castile, wife of Edward I, rested in 1290 on its progress from Harby in Nottinghamshire to Westminster Abbey. One of those places was at Delapre Abbey in Northampton and its cross is one of three that still exist. To find it you have to cross the golf course from the Abbey or go back to the London Road and climb the hill. It is ...
One of the reasons why I suspect Labour will win the next general election here in the UK is that they are showing impressive discipline. This was on show yesterday at a fringe meeting at which both John Cruddas and Andrew Adonis spoke, alongside Jo Swinson and Menzies Campbell. Amid warm words there was a disciplined message about the urgent need for "Plan B" to rescue the economy. Neither is close to the centre of power in Labour, but both were impressively on message. How are Lib Dems responding? The Labour narrative is this. The Coalition's economic plan, if it ...
My summary from Welease Woger (see blog below) was that I had to agree with the Police Federation Chairman that the Andrew Mitchell outburst has raised doubts about the Government's relationship with the police service. Since then David Cameron has told us that Mr Mitchell took the right action by apologising. Well that's right but what about the more important aspect, the reasons behind the outburst that caused the need for the apology. The chief whip told reporters he was sorry for not showing enough respect to the police, but also said that he "did not use the words attributed ...
Former Lib Dem leader Sir Ming Campbell has taken to the pages of the Independent to set out his views on British troop involvement in Afghanistan, and the need to be realistic about the speed at which British troops can be withdrawn from Helmand. Here's an excerpt: It is naive to suggest that, even if we began today, we could be out by Christmas. Withdrawal of nearly 10,000 troops and their equipment is not achieved by waving a wand. During any withdrawal, forces are at their most vulnerable. What additional protection measures would be required? What equipment would we be ...
I'm in a great mood at the moment. Yesterday afternoon my Equal Citizenship motion was passed by Lib Dem conference (and overwhelmingly passed I might add - only one person voted against it), along with an amendment effectively blocking tory plans for an extra £10 billion of cuts to the welfare budget. As a result, the motion is now party policy and I'm now determined to do some proper lobbying, along with the brilliant and amazing Kelly-Marie Blundell, to make sure that, unlike last time, our MPs and peers actually act on the motion. The full text of the unamended ...
My prize for winning Lib Dem Blog of the Year on Saturday was a 25 minute interview with Lib Dem party leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. Here is the first part of the interview where we discussed the coalition's legacy, pension funding for mortgages and a particular hobby-horse of mine, drugs policy. My questions are in bold. The rest are Nick's words: Thank you for agreeing to see me Nick Not at all! If we could start with a question kind of about the future but a little bit about the past too. With Lords reform now dead, ...
There has been a lot of concern recently among residents on the Ridgegrove Estate about their failed streetlighting. This was first reported on September 4th both to the council and to me. Yet the lights are still not working. When I was first told about the problem, I immediately called the council to ensure that it had been properly logged as a problem. I told them that lights were out in all three streets on the estate. A week later and I was still getting calls to report streetlights not working and so I called again... and again... and again. ...
This is a French TV programme about forced adoption in England.
The Liberal Democrat Friends of Turkey hosted an unusually sparky fringe meeting at the party's Brighton conference today at which Andrew Duff MEP outlined a proposal which he said the European Parliament was working on to offer Turkey a form of (admittedly second class) associate membership of the European Union. The urbane Turkish Ambassador, Unal ...
Wherever I go, I find Liberal Democrats who are infinitely more upbeat, positive and determined than anyone in the media thinks we should be. You have every right to be upbeat. You are the most important people I know. Never have Liberal Democrat voices and values been so important. Never have Liberal Democrat victories been so necessary. Because over the next two and a half years our economy and our society will either get rescued or wrecked; fairer or more divided; greener or darker. Like us the Conservatives also want economic recovery. But they don't care about a fairer and ...
The Environment Agency have warned of the risk of flooding in Cheadle and Gatley over the next 24 hours as the River Mersey and her tributaries (including Micker Brook) continue to rise with the heavy rainfall. The Flood Alert is the lowest level and says that there may be problems over the next day or two, not that there are now or definitely will be. Call Floodline on 0845 988 1188, select option 1 and enter Quickdial number 02232551 to get more information The Environment Agency page for this flood alert can be found here.
Vince Cable's speech to Conference was vintage Vince. We would expect nothing less. It was authoritative, measured and just a little mischievious. But at heart Vince is a team player and, with just one small lapse involving an ad lib and the word pleb, he stayed on message. The most significant part of the speech however was the much-trailed announcement that he has secured £1 billion of funding for a new business bank that will be set up using public money so as to support small and medium sized businesses. The Telegraph reports that it is hoped the new bank, ...
One of the highlights of Conference so far was a warm, emotional and bright interlude yesterday when Citizens UK (@citizensuk on Twitter) took to the stage to thank the Liberal Democrats for ending child detention for immigration purposes. A line of smiling children and young people,who had got up at 5 am, filled the stage holding gold balloons spelling out a message of thanks. Nick Clegg & Sarah Teather accepted flowers and thanks. Nick paid tribute to Sarah's work in ending child detention and Sarah acknowledged that there was still much work to be done on the immigration system. She ...
So readers, how do we feel about promotions generally. I ask for two reasons. 1. I have clicked the google ad sense box and so my blog now has some ads on it. I have mixed feelings on this. I don't think much of the look of the ads themselves, but think they may make the site look a bit more professional? Do they hinder from the message of the blog? And as I'm likely to make about a £1 from their presence, and I end up looking all commercial and grasping in exchange for no real financial gain( they ...
'Andrew Mitchell: what an idiot.' That seems to be the consensus from Lib Dems in Brighton. Partly it's borne of frustration that his self-admitted outburst against the police is distracting attention away from the party conference. Unfortunately, 'Tory cabinet minister calls police effing plebs' is a lot more interesting than policy news about schools funding or international aid. But the bigger reason for thinking Andrew Mitchell is a bit of an idiot is demonstrated by his inept apology this morning, an apology which managed to dodge the word 'sorry' and left entirely unresolved exactly what it was he said or ...
Smart speech start by Vince Cable; praises @nick_clegg, jokes about texts from Lab and points out how many Tories don't like him — Mark Pack (@markpack) September 24, 2012 A few key quotes from the speech: [IMG: Vince Cable speaking] One of our central aims as Liberal Democrats is to show that coalitions work. And Nick Clegg's major contribution as leader has been to do just that. I believe we need an industrial strategy - a positive and ambitious vision, built around long-term investment in innovation, skills and science. We must now implement the 'pioneering' coalition policy of splitting the ...
Due to family commmitments, it's a few years since I've had a full-on five day blast of conference. I did the odd day here or there during Menzies Campbell's leadership. But I think my last proper conference saturation was during the Charlie Kennedy days. Before that, my wife and I came regularly, often putting our daughter in the creche. But time moves on, so this year I had a window of opportunity to "pig out" on Liberal Democracy, acting, very proudly, as a conference steward – something I have done periodically in the past. My absence has allowed me to ...
Mon 24th
12:23
Conference news snippets: economy, mansion tax, Dilnot reforms, business bank and Green Deal
In the key economy debate this morning, conference has backed the party's approach to tackling the deficit: Overwhelming majority against F23 amendment 1, which sort to change party's policy on tackling deficit #ldconf — Mark Pack (@markpack) September 24, 2012 Earlier in the day, Clegg was repeating his calls for a mansion tax in some form: Our focus does remain on very high value property for the simple reason that I think most people in this country just don't understand why people who have very high value properties just don't pay their fair share, in the way that everybody does. ...
I left for Brighton at 8am yesterday morning travelling down with Simon Ashley and hitching a lift with Didsbury member Greg Stanton. After an uneventful journey down to the south coast, I met a disappointed staff member in the form ... Continue reading →
Woo, not to mention hoo, Ed Maxfield and I have made it into the media big time courtesy of a newspaper quiz question: 3. Vicky Pryce, the ex-wife of Chris Huhne, has a book out next week. What is it called? a) The Highway Code b) Greekonomics c) 101 Ways to Win an Election d) My Story [The Independent]
Last night, I attended a fringe event on Civil Liberties at the Liberal Democrat Conference. Many topics were covered and as a number of prolific tweeters were present (Myself, Sarah Brown and Caron Lindsay) it had a fair bit of coverage on Twitter. Many topics were discussed, but one in particular attracted the Twitter attentions of Tom Harris, Labour MP for Glasgow South. That was ASBOs, where concern was expressed that they can be used to punish behaviour that would normally not be imprisonable. For example, if you are homeless on the street you can be given an ASBO preventing ...
East Midlands Press Officer Mathew Hulbert called for Nick Clegg to be replaced as leader in a BBC interview today. His view will be no surprise to anyone who has ever read what he writes on Liberal Democrat Voice in the comments threads.] However, East Midlands Regional Chair Tony Rogers was not, shall we say, best pleased with his colleague. He told me: "I am very disappointed to hear that the East Midlands Press Officer has made a statment attacking Nick Clegg. I hope Mathew made it clear that this was his own personal opinion and is not the view ...
On Saturday evening at Brighton, I attended a meeting organised by the Social Liberal Forum (SLF) with the controversial title 'Disengaging with the Tories before 2015′. A number of equally controversial speakers were featured, including Neal Lawson (Chair of Compass), Stuart Weir (former Director of Democratic Audit) and Green MP, Caroline Lucas. Between them, they suggested essentially that we break up the coalition as soon as possible and form a progressive leftist coalition. (Lord Renard and Tim Farron were also there and clearly stated that, in their opinion, it was not the right time to end the coalition.) At this ...
A party conference is a remarkably artificial affair, even for Old Lags like me. The business of the hall is somewhat tangential to the real business of conference which is to refresh old friendships and get to as many fringe meetings as possible. For the more frivolous, the determination seems to include finding as many free meals and drinks as possible, but to be honest the attraction of acidic white wine- even free acidic white wine- pales. Chateau de Battrieacide creates heartburn and headache in equal measure, so I strictly ration myself. Brighton as a conference venue is quite attractive ...
Fabian Society » Politics: is the future plural (tags: ) Men see cars and women see birds, study says - CBS News So it looks like I'm a man (petrolhead) and my dad is a lady (biology teacher) AGAIN. (tags: ) The Boy Who Went To Jail For What Andrew Mitchell Did | the void (tags: ) Cool brands survey shows interesting mix of stupidly expensive and free (tags: ) Richard Taylor | Taxpayer Should Fund Science Based on Excellence of Proposals (tags: ) [IMG: comment count unavailable] comments
Former Police Officer and Bristol City Councillor Pete Levy has launched his campaign to become the first elected Police Commissioner for Bristol, Avon and Somerset. Pete is a leading member of the Police Authority and is a former Police and Military Police Officer. He will use this experience to deliver safer streets here in South Gloucestershire. His priorities include: Protecting frontline police servicesEffective community sentencing that cuts reoffending and delivers a benefit for local peopleBetter support for victims of crimeYou can find out more about Pete on his website. His main opponent is the former Conservative Leader of Somerset County ...
I used to lap up all the conference speeches with unalloyed joy and naive belief. But, returning to conference after a bit of a break, something has happened to me. I think I may have seen and heard a lot more these days. It takes a lot to please me. So far, here's some of my random observations. David Laws – Saturday He made a very sincere speech which hit all the right buttons. He doesn't half talk slowly, though. This imbues even the most technical statement about the pupil premium with all the gravitas of a Declaration of War. ...
There is a scene in the Life of Brian in which those at the back of the crowd can't hear what Jesus is saying. Somebody hears the words blessed are the cheesemakers but this doesn't make sense and another member of the crowd tells us that it's not meant to be taken literally but refers to any manufacturer of dairy products. In another scene Brian becomes Bwian and Roger becomes Woger and this causes misunderstanding. Andrew Mitchell, the Chief Whip has caused misunderstanding too. He denied that he swore at a police officer but has apologised for not showing the ...
Yesterday, Ed Davey, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change made a speech in which he said, he was playing safe with Britain's energy future. "When I was asked to look after the country's energy and climate change future, some people called me "a safe pair of hands". When it comes to gas ...
As is usual in this house, we had the Today programme on while getting Holly ready for school. The following conversation ensued: H: That sounds like Nick Clegg on the radio, but it can't be... Me: Why can't it be? H: He's being so rude! He keeps talking over the lady: that's very rude, isn't it? Me: It is, yes. Do you think I should email him to tell him we think he was being rude? H: Won't he kick you out of the party if you do that? Me: No sweetie, we're liberals. I'm sure it won't be long ...
That was the question House Magazine asked me for its Lib Dem Conference Special Edition, and here's what I told them: Forget Nick Clegg's leadership. There is one issue and one issue alone that the Lib Dems need to focus on in the year ahead: the economy. There are many reasons for the party's dip in the polls since the heady heights of 'Cleggmania' - allying with the Tories, U-turning over tuition fees - but the single biggest reason for the Coalition Government's fading fortunes is the continuing recession, coupled with the poor decisions George Osborne made in his March ...
Liberal Youth's awesome Exec and Conference officer and committee have produced a guide to having a great time at Conference in Brighton. You can get your copy for free here! Not only does it include the amazing MP Bingo, it has some highlights of the events which may be of interest to youth and student ...
Residents of Holmleigh Nursing Home (and their relatives) have been told that he home is to close. The reason given is that there are structural problems with the building. This all seems to be happening very quickly and is clearly going to be very disruptive for the elderly and in some cases very frail people living there. (It also seems to be odd given that I saw renovation work going on there myself not that long ago) Holmleigh is a private home but some of the residents' fees are paid by Liverpool City Council. We've contacted the Council to find ...
I blogged earlier about the news of plans to finally do something with the long empty building at number 24/26 Island Road. This is the big one near the edge of the park that has not only been looking like an eyesore but has also been attracting dumping. The good news was that South Liverpool Housing had both a plan, and the money, to turn the buildingn into four homes and bring it back into use. A planning application has now gone in to the Council and you can find the details at this link If you have points you ...
Parliament passed a crucial law in 2009 to prevent political parties from accepting money from non-domiciled donors. Yet in three years, the government has failed to take action and actually start enforcing it. With the major parties continuing to accept cash from non-doms, we need to take action. Will you ask your MP to put pressure on the minister in charge Nick Clegg to enforce the existing legislation and insist that parties hand back the money? Write to your MP now! In 2009, the Political Parties and Elections Act 2009 was passed which requires party donors to make a declaration ...
Having political opponents think you are honest, decent or hard-working are all accolades to be welcomed. But trusted to do the right thing? As one party's right thing is another party's wrong thing, hearing that the MPs of another party doubt you'll do the right thing is rather an accolade in itself. Which is why I think Vince Cable and Lynne Featherstone will be rather pleased with the results of this Populus polling of Conservative MPs: (Click on image to view larger size.) * Mark Pack has written 101 Ways To Win An Election and produces a monthly newsletter about ...
A new study on political defections has identified an 'archetype' for someone who is likely to break political ranks. Dr Alun Wyburn-Powell, from the School of Historical Studies at the University of Leicester, says: "Virtually every week there are defections among local councillors and also less frequently among MEPs, MPs and Lords. Defections grab headlines, worry party leaders and can change the dynamics of Parliament. Defections have never been comprehensively studied before and are not well understood by party leaders or commentators." "Over the last century the most likely individuals to defect were male, wealthy, divorced, Eton-educated, from a minority ...
How can she be? She arrived in Brighton yesterday. Boom! Boom! (as Basil Brush would say). * Paul Walter is Monday Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice, a LibDem activist in Newbury, Berkshire and blogs at Liberal Burblings
Last night the annual Liberal Democrat Blogging awards took place and the results as they say are in. I was short-listed once again for Best Lib Dem Blog this time probably less of a surprise than my short-listing last year. Seriously I had no idea anyone actually read the blog. Anyway your winner was Mark Thompson for his blog Mark Reckons and I must admit his style of blogging hits my spot as it were. Often very thought-provoking with a mix of factual and opinion based blogging. I love me some opinions. Also on the shortlist were Caron Lindsay with ...
As part of the Dundee Wave of Change project (coordinated by Go Dundee) a group of young people from The Shore made a short film about people's experiences of life in Dundeeand their views about the city's future. The young people were supported by professional film makers D Fie Foe. The film will receive its public premiere at DCA on Sunday 7th October 2012 at 1pm as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts & Film Festival (click here for details). The young people who made the film will be there to introduce the film and then answer questions afterwards ...
From Chris Jennings Property Manager at Residential Management Group Limited London, United Kingdom
Luke Hildyard writes in Liberal Democrat Voice: While Labour and the Tories debate how to reinvigorate their annual party conference programme, the Liberal Democrats democratic policymaking structure means that debates at their conference remain engaging and relevant. And with the party now in Government, the journey from the Conference floor to the statute book is rather more direct than has previously been the case. This means that over the next few weeks, the Lib Dem gathering in Brighton is the most likely place for progressive yet plausible policy ideas to get a hearing. The Social Liberal Forum's motion 106 on ...
