My Headline of the Day contest see a win for the Telegraph.
This grandiose gateway was added to the Montgomeryshire County Gaol after the Prison Act of 1865, but the establishment closed in 1878. The governor's residence still stands - that is the red brick building you can see behind the arch - as does part of one cell block wall.
In every corner of the land people are preparing to mark the outbreak of World War 1 (WWI) on the 28th July. Here in Southport we anticipated the assassination of the Arch Duke by holding a service at Holy Trinity Parish Church SUNDAY 1st JUNE FESTAL EVENSONG 6.00pm marking the beginning of our observation of the WWI Centenary AnniversaryVoluntary: Elegy - G. Thalben-BallIntroit: For the fallen - D. GuestResponses: ReadingPsalm: 47Office Hymn: I vow to thee my countryCanticles: Lang in BbAnthems: Greater love - J. Ireland We will remember them - E. Elgar arr.ITFinal Hymn: Abide with me arr.ITVoluntary: Crown ...
SNP seat. Resignation
This one on High Society and, er, disappointing elections...
The Liberal Democrats in government are taking action to help protect the environment, build homes, lower bills for homeowners and create a sustainable future for all. To find out more why not check out this link -http://bit.ly/1pzPKNi
A number of people have asked me what is happening at the 'Kirkhams' Petrol Station on Bury Old Road, just before the motorway bridge. As people will know the whole site has been demolished and is being excovated, presumably to replace the petrol tanks. Planning permission was given last year to rebuild the garage with a larger retail unit, broadly the shop will be double the size that it was before. I understand that the works are taking a longer period of time because of the need to address any contamination issues with the site being a garage. Tim [IMG: ...
Today I noticed in the FT that the German Savers lobby is complaining about rates being kept too low. They want tighter monetary policy, because they think it will suit them. Maybe. Tighter monetary policy would drive down inflation, perhaps even lead to outright deflation. In real terms, people who have cash savings will benefit from [...]
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-27701032 The BBC has thew story above. Maghull had its March of madness with guns in 2013, Bootle and Netherton has an ongoing gun crime problem and across Merseyside we hear of guns and gun crime far too often. Just imagine if that sawn-off shot gun that the kids found in a hedge had been loaded! It's all well and good our Police and Crime Commissioner spending scarce public money appointing a party political colleague as her Deputy but what is being done about gun crime on Merseyside? Surely the money spent on the wages of her Deputy would have ...
Sheila and I paid a visit to the Ribble Valley Town of Slaidburn recently and were struck by their rather well presented war memorial. As its 100 years since the start of WW1 this year I felt it appropriate to post about this. You never know I may well search for other appropriate war memorials to post about. [IMG: rsz_img_0749] [IMG: rsz_remembering_in_slaidburn] The second photo is amongst my Flickr shots at:- www.flickr.com/photos/86659476@N07/
You can sign the petition asking party leaders to change the voting system here: http://bit.ly/SPtoKd
[IMG: Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge] Conventional wisdom is that one area where the Lib Dem influence in Coalition has been weakest is political reform. The party's "four step" manifesto plan to "hardwire fairness into British society" included the pledge "to clean up politics". Nick Clegg as Deputy Prime Minister famously promised the "biggest shake-up of our democracy" since 1832. That claim has come to seem hollow since first electoral reform, then later an elected House of Lords and the constituency boundary review, all went down in flames. Yet one reform which was successfully introduced – fixed-term five-year parliaments ...
As I sit and write this, it's been 2 weeks since I was one of the many defeated Lib Dems in the 2014 local elections. Given that those councillors who did win in my Borough took their seats earlier this week, it seems a good time to share some thoughts on the campaign. In Barnet, we managed to keep just one councillor, the inimitable Jack Cohen. I was standing with him, in a ward where there had been Lib Dems for 28 years. We ran what was, by wide agreement, one of the best Lib Dem campaigns in that area, ...
Golden Hillock Academy is in my constituency. To me it is very important that there are no secrets in any UK schools. Schools also need to provide a broad British education. I am unhappy with Tristram Hunt pointing the finger of Muslim Extremism at the Head of Golden Hillock and the Chair of Governors at Golden Hillock. The Head happens to be a Sikh. Tristram Hunt may not understand this,
The latest register of members' interests reveals Business Secretary Vince Cable has received a hefty sum in exchange for a book on the economy. [IMG: Screen Shot 2014-06-05 at 15.22.17] Far from being a royalty payment, this £15-20k registered by Cable looks like an advance for a new book. Shouldn't he be trying to use his current role to help fix the economy, instead of writing books on it? Also, what happens if his ideas go against government policy? Jeremy Browne said he did not write his controversial book until he was no longer bound by Collective Ministerial Responsibility. Is ...
Yesterday's launch of Policy Exchange's Technology Manifesto at Google Campus touched on skills, digital inclusion and government investment. There wasn't much for politicians to disagree on: maybe it's time for an Anti-Bland Principle of technology policy. Just shy of 12 months out from the General Election, the right-leaning think tank Policy Exchange have made the first big statement about technology policy. Their Manifesto recommends a mixture of support for the tech sector (more training, more tax credits, more visas) and digital education for the rest of us (computer science GCSE). As Lib Dem MP for Cambridge, Julian Huppert, pointed out ...
It's a pity it didn't come back to Durham! The Independent carries a story today (read it here) in which it states University Hospital of North Durham managed to earn Balfour Beatty £51m this week in probably its most successful PFI "flip" to date. Flipping is the process of private companies "selling on" PFI (Private Finance Initiative) projects they were awarded by the previous Labour Government. Admittedly these deals – embedding vast future profits for the companies that were awarded them – enabled a lot of new building to take place, but they did so by saddling schools and hospitals ...
[IMG: Yorkshire Rose] In a valedictory article for the Yorkshire Post, outgoing Liberal Democrat MEP talked about his time in the Parliament, reviewed the election results and looked forward to the challenges this Parliament will face. Although people across Europe might have thought they had a free hit in the elections to punish their governments, their choices could affect their daily lives. He started by looking back at his 30 years of service: It has been a great privilege to serve this region for 30 years, to have played a role in encouraging democracy and human rights across the ex-Soviet ...
[IMG: Tim Farron] The next edition of Liberal Democrat Newswire will contain an exclusive Q+A with the declared candidates so far to succeed Tim Farron as Liberal Democrat President. What question would you like to see them answer? Let me know in the comments below and I'll include the best in the Q+A. If you're not yet one of the thousands who read Liberal Democrat Newswire, sign up now and make sure you don't miss out on the Q+A when it comes out. UPDATE: As Jennie Rigg has pointed out, Mark Valladares's posts on the contest are well worth a ...
This post first appeared on Liberal Democrat Voice Most participants in the post-election debate have concentrated on specific changes they want now: the Leader, his advisers, the communications team, the detail of policy issues etc. I firmly believe that the...Read more ›
Here is the list of Tree Removals for Acocks Green in the coming month, which I've just received from Amey (the Council's tree contractor). Amey promise to replace any tree removed with another as close as possible to the site where the tree has been removed (ideally the replacement tree goes in same location). Its a big list this month (I make it 51, including 10 in Gospel Lane) – I've sorted it by street to help you find any of particular concern to you. For each tree Amey give an address and the reason for removal. I'll be having ...
There is an interesting article by Michael Weiss in Foreign Affairs pointing out the ongoing contest between Russia and Estonia. What is interesting is not so much the Estonian response to Russian spying, but just how intense the competition has become. At the same time comes reports of possible confrontations in space and hostile interceptions by Russian air force planes in the Black Sea and the Sea of Japan. The Cold War is back with a vengeance. Russia, having crushed the free media at home has also orchestrated an information war where seemingly large numbers of cybertrolls are unleashed on ...
[IMG: temple of peace] Prevention is better than cure has been the guiding principle of modern medicine. This simple mantra has for some become a philosophy of how to live better - we deal with problems before they develop, avoid potential issues through careful management and plan cautiously for an uncertain future. Government policy has never been a big fan of prevention - there aren't always votes in solving a problem before it escalates. A bigger problem is how you measure prevention – if the problem happens anyway you will be blamed for wasting money. If you avert the problem ...
[IMG: Nutshell 2] One part of the Queen's Speech - or rather one absence from it - neatly encapsulates the Liberal Democrat experience in coalition government, both good and bad. It is the absence from it of an immigration (dislike thereof) bill. A solo Tory government would have introduced one and - thanks to Labour's attitudes towards immigration - even a minority Tory government might well have got an anti-immigration bill through Parliament. It's the Liberal Democrat presence in government which has stopped it. That's not only good for liberalism, it's also good for our economy (and is why, whispered ...
Because if you're a progressive, open minded kind of person then this graph suggests we might have rather a lot in common: Source: Hat tip: Vote Clegg, Get Clegg Filed under: Uncategorized
[IMG: An election count - ballot papers being counted] You've probably noticed I quite often write about how British elections are run, how election law is changing and controversies that have kicked off. However, not all the stories appear on this blog or in my main Facebook/Twitter accounts. For a fuller range of stories (or if you just are interested in them and want to skip the pieces about toilet signage in Pizza Express and what Nick Clegg has got up to), take a look at my UK Election Law news Facebook page or follow @UKElectionLaw on Twitter. If you ...
[IMG: Some of the things that the Liberal Democrats have done to build a stronger economy.] Some of the things that the Liberal Democrats have done to build a stronger economy. Latest reports show that Britain's economic prospects are the brightest that they have been in over a decade. According to two major business lobby groups, the CBI and the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), the UK economy has reached a record high this month. Optimism among consumers has risen to its best level in nine years. The CBI said that its survey of more than 700 firms showed the ...
Thu 5th
11:52
I see excellent joined up thinking from the Queen's Speech. 5p on a plastic bag, whilst relaxing 'tr...
June 05, 2014 at 11:52AM via Facebook
Lots of people have been in touch about the current closure of Heywood Road, between Glebelands Road and Heys Road. I know this is causing a significant nuisance not only to residents on this stretch of road, but also the many people who are affected by the diversionary routes. The work is being undertaken by United Utilities. What I have been told is that the work is expected to be completed by the 'middle of next week' (week beginning 9 June 2014), but could be as late as the end of that week. I've asked why this is taking so ...
I have previously reported on the Planning Application for six new houses on the site just off Bailey Street/Henry Street (previously the 'Blackley Box Factory'. If anyone does wish to comment then the deadline has been extended and comments are still being allowed. The application is for six homes, a semi and a row of four houses. [IMG: Screenshot 2014-06-05 11.24.47] I know a number of local residents have raised issues around nearby road surfaces, issues about Japanese Knotweed and issues about the 'back passage' behind Bailey Street. I've also raised some of these issues as your local councillor. If ...
The Council is currently consulting on increasing the parking restriction at the 'top' end of Kenilworth Avenue (the Bury Old Road end). I know this has been an issue for residents and drivers for a number of years, with parked cars (often for the Metrolink) causing what could be a dangerous junction with Bury Old Road. The proposal is to provide new 15 metres 'no parking no waiting at any time' restriction on the north side of Kenilworth Avenue, to attempt to address this situation. Local residents should have received a letter but please do not hesitate to get in ...
Good advice from Greater Manchester Police on avoiding becoming the victim of car crime – in just 60 seconds.
[IMG: "Demand the Beveridge Plan", 1944] The basic principles of the Beveridge Report were: The right of every citizen to a minimum level of subsistence; The need to preserve incentive, opportunity and responsibility. The post-war National Insurance system was based on the assumption that there would be full employment, and that wages for men would be sufficient to maintain a wife at home raising children. Now there are more diverse family structures, more women in paid employment, people are living longer, there is widespread unemployment and employment patterns have changed. Many new jobs are often low paid, temporary and insecure. ...
Lizzy's New Coach is pretty bloody awesome It's got bits of HMS Victory in it. How cool is THAT? (tags: ) Is widespread sexism making hurricanes more deadly than himmicanes? (tags: ) Doctor Who News: The Five(ish) Doctors Reboot to receive DVD outing I have the excite! :) (tags: ) Ryland's story - and why it's important (tags: ) Coming soon to a toystore near you: Lego @dhlinton (tags: ) Secret terror trial is 'assault' on British justice (tags: ) [IMG: comment count unavailable] comments
Further to my previous articles here on e-cigarettes today's Western Mail carries news of further claims by Professor Peter Hajek, the director of the Tobacco Dependence Research Unit at Queen Mary University of London, who says that "virtually nobody" who is a non-smoker experimenting with e-cigarettes would move on to daily smoking: Prof Hajek, who is speaking at Wales' first summit on electronic cigarettes in Swansea today, said: "If my children were to try a nicotine product, I would prefer this to be an e-cigarette rather than a conventional cigarette. "The concern that e-cigarettes would lure young people to smoking ...
[IMG: dj_hp_img5] Art is a hard thing to define. Technically, anything can be counted as art. Frank Zappa once said it was all about framing. If a guy is standing around drinking carrot juice, that's not art. But if he announces his act of carrot drinking as a piece of art, and others proceed to buy into the idea, then its art. This is one of the reasons why things like the Turner Prize are so reviled by a large number of people in Britain; a group of arty people decide to nominate a bin covered in rabbit faeces art, ...
Seventy years ago this morning, allied troops established the beachhead in occupied Europe and founded the modern world. What is interesting to me, and the story hasn't been told before, is the complexities of how the news around the landing was handled. Noel Newsome, the director of the BBC European Service, was one of those few civilians with knowledge about the date of the invasion. He had built his reputation there, and torn the service away from the bureaucratic grip of the BBC, with a commitment to truth as propaganda and an awareness that - in the war he was ...
Baroness Scott of Needham Market: My Lords, I beg to second my noble friend's Motion for an humble Address. It is an enormous privilege to have been asked to speak this afternoon. Historically, the honour of seconding the Motion for an humble Address is given to fairly new and up-and-coming Members of your Lordships' House, so having entered my 15th year here, it is really good to hit the ground running.This is always a great day in the House and it is an astonishing thought that no one under the age of 62 has lived in the reign of a ...
Two upcoming Skill Share Dundee cooking events at Dundee West Church:And the full June programme of activities:Call 07450 252039 to book your free place on workshops or to find out more information.
Just to celebrate the historic joys on our doorstep and the village which Sefton Borough was named after when it was set up in 1974. [IMG: St. Helen's Church, Sefton Village] St. Helen's Church, Sefton Village [IMG: The Punch Bowl Pub] The Punch Bowl Pub These photos are amongst my Flickr shots at:- www.flickr.com/photos/86659476@N07/
This week is going to be very busy on the areas public transport with both the Parklife event in Heaton Park, and Soccer Aid at Old Trafford. The following advice has been issued by Transport officials: This weekend looks set to be one of the busiest of the year in Greater Manchester with more than 100,000 people expected to attend high profile music and sports events in the city. Up to 70,000 music fans are due to descend on Heaton Park on both Saturday and Sunday to enjoy a varied line up of dance acts, DJs, rap, rock, and indie ...
I am grateful for Prayer for the Day (about 05h43 on BBC Radio 4) for pointing our that today is Keynes's birthday. For almost half a century Keynesianism has been "out of fashion" in British and American universities. I remember when the rot set in, in the early 70s when a lecturer in our Saturday morning three times a year voluntary in-service training sessions organised by our local Economics Association mentioned the new obsession with the Quantity Theory of Money coming from Chicago and dubbed its follwers the "Freedmaniacs" Unfortunately the Keynesian levers in public policy were becoming less effective, ...
A second round of kerbside electrical collection has been agreed for the 12th June 2014. If you have any old electrical items and would like them removed and recycled please put them out on this day. They will collect anything with the logo on the right from unused McDonalds kids toys to old TV's and computers. Just leave it on the kerbside clearly visible from the road and it will be picked up.
On all of the three key areas in the Welsh Government's Programme for Government Annual Report: education, health and the economy, the Welsh Labour Government continues to routinely let down the people of Wales. The low level of ambition this Welsh Labour Government has exhibited is staggering. Only today the First Minister decided to sidestep questions about Wales falling behind in the international education tables by showing off that at least Welsh pupils are not taught in 'sheds'. Our Welsh NHS is making the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Important health targets are consistently being missed. Staff morale is ...
I received an email today from someone relatively new to Twitter asking me about hashtags and how they are used. Below is an elaboration on the email I sent back. I thought there might be someone else out there who might find it useful. Hashtags have two quite different purposes on Twitter. As far as I can tell, one of them is the intended use and the other has grown up as a convention. The intended use: joining a conversation Hashtags are a way of sending your tweet to a common location on Twitter which allows you and other users ...
I got back from a short visit to London this afternoon. I was down in the capital to sort out a number of tasks and to take up an invite to go to a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace yesterday. The invite was in recognition of my 27 years as a councillor in Gateshead. I was allowed to bring one other person so David came with me, though he came down to London and returned home on the same
