David Parsons, who discovered deep issues of principle after he was deposed as leader of the Conservative group on Leicestershire County Council and joined Ukip, has stood down as his new party's candidate for North West Leicestershire. The Leicester Mercury has the news. I wonder if Mr Parsons' record proved too colourful even for Ukip?
Today the news broke that one of our most proactive and long-standing campaigners in Merthyr has defected to Plaid Cymru. Whilst not wholly unexpected - she publically stated that she was 'lending' her support to Plaid in the European elections to keep out UKIP (for which she wan't even reprimanded by the Welsh Party) - it still comes as a hammer blow to our local party. We cover four South Wales Valleys constituencies and now boast a humble 26 members. It was not that long ago that Merthyr boasted over 30 in its own right, and my patch of Caerphilly ...
It is that time of year again, when your correspondent travels abroad to carry out the solemn duty of advising European liberalism as to its moral and ethical responsibilities in terms of internal financial management. I enjoy my membership of ALDE's Financial Advisory Committee, in that it allows me to be helpful - at least to a certain extent - in a field I understand, and yet remain relatively non-political. Our role - the Committee has seven members - is to examine the financial aspects of ALDE Party activity, suggest ways to progress its objectives and act as, if you ...
#3272183 / gettyimages.com Open Democracy tells us that Barnardo's, the children's charity, is working with G4S to hold asylum seekers and their children at a secure facility in West Sussex. Which reminds me of a piece I once wrote as Professor Strange (as sort of academic cousin of Lord Bonkers) for Clinical Psychology Forum. After explaining: They don't let me out of College much these days, so I spend my time feeding the ravens and exploring the less-frequented shelves of the library.the professor went on to look at Barnardo's role in sending children out to Australia and other distant parts ...
In his recent blog post, Glasgow Conference cancelled?, Gareth Epps rightly defends the sovereignty of the Federal Conference in determining the content of the Federal General Election manifesto. I am, however, more relaxed about his concern that the Parliamentary Party is trailing policy proposals prior to their agreement by Conference. This close to a general election, and after four years of painful coalition, we have to start putting out a message now that sets out our stall and differentiates us from the Tories. Failing to get the Conference to back the proposals is a risk the Parliamentary Party takes. Of ...
#52022548 / gettyimages.com "Devolution will kill Nationalism stone dead."
I thought tonight I'd post the bibliography for the book I've been serialising here. It's not complete yet, but it serves as a reasonable guide I think: It's literally impossible to list all, or even most, of the books that have been useful in writing this book — the information in it comes from decades [...]
Never mind Scotland, what about the English Question? asks Thinking Liberal. George Dobell writes for Cricinfo on the booing of Moeen Ali by some India supporters at the summer's final one-day international: "What, it might be asked, would be the reaction if an all-white crowd booed a player of Asian origin? What would be the implications if a black player was booed each time he touched the ball? If such behaviours are deemed unacceptable - and, thankfully, in this day and age, they are - why should the booing of a man on the basis of his religion or origin ...
On September 10th 1864, two neighbouring Eglwyswrw families in north Pembrokeshire, the Lewis and Thomas families of Carnhuan and Pantygarn respectively, joined together in holy matrimony. 150 years later to the day, the same family live at the two farms in question, Carnhuan and Pantygarn and are now 3rd cousins. In 21st century rural community life, this is rare feat of endurance. The Year? 1849Stephen Lewis was my gg-grandfather and he moved to my maternal family farm at Carnhuan aged 27 with his father Thomas Lewis and grandparents Stephen and Eleanor Lewis in 1849. Anna Thomas meanwhile moved with her ...
Shropshire Council today announced that superfast broadband will reach more villages and rural hamlets in Shropshire. That's very good news, but it's a partial picture. This is the picture for Bromfield that's given by the council's Connecting Shropshire project: This map shows Bromfield parish as having superfast broadband available from spring 2015. That's not quite [...]
Since the YouGov poll showing a narrow Yes lead was published at the weekend the Westminster Village has flailed into hyper-active over-drive. Even today's Prime Minister's Questions was cancelled to allow the three party leaders to descend on Scotland and bolster the flagging No campaign. Personally I cannot begin to describe the extent of my ambivalence. As a federalist, I'm caught in a pincer of equal distaste for Alex Salmond's and his cybernats' nationalist aggression and the shrill Anglo-presumption of unionist politicians and commentators that the Scots need saving from themselves. The Better Together campaign's frayed nerves will be partially ...
Meeting this afternoon in the Kosta cafe at King's College Hospital with Tracey, Alwyn and Pam, friends from the Macmillan site who like me have incurable cancers. We had an amazingly upbeat conversation about our treatment, prognoses and our families, and we agreed that it was useful to exchange experiences in person as well as on macmillan.org.uk. We agreed to meet again in a couple of months, next time in the Macmillan room in the hospital
Today's scan of EVAR (Endovascular aneurysm repair) showing that the plastic aorta inserted in 2010 isn't leaking, It also shows the stent inserted in one of the renal arteries in June.
There is an application in to demolish the existing Methodist church in Beddington Gardens at the junction with Shotfield and build a new modern church. The Church members made a presentation of the proposals to councillors, the MP and local residents earlier this year and explained the rationale behind the plans. We heard that the [...]
I don't think I've written about any dates that I've had since around this time last year I still don't get why there was no second date but still... this isn't because I've been all coy with my dating blogging but more to do with not having any dates but as the title of this blog indicates, it is time to put that right. Around a month ago it was all go in my private life including a situation where I had two dates in two nights. Talk about excitement! So anyway on with the show and the tale of ...
Here you go:
Wed 10th
16:00
Lib Dem MEP Catherine Bearder on Lord Hill's EU appointment: "A victory for British influence in Eur...
[IMG: Catherine Bearder - Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0] When David Cameron appointed Lord (Jonathan) Hill, an influential but anonymous Tory peer more used to operating in the background, the fear was he'd be sidelined by new European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker – especially after David Cameron's attempt to veto Juncker's candidacy. The portfolio for paper-clips (or trombones as they'd be known in Brussels) or some such. But, as ITV News reports: In fact he's been given one of the big economic jobs, and perhaps the one best suited to a UK Commissioner: financial services. Given London's dominance ...
Wed 10th
15:40
Please complete a short survey to support the campaign to update the Kelston Close chaning rooms
Please help the project to update the changing rooms at our local playing fields! Dodington Parish Council manages the changing rooms at the QEII Playing Fields at Kelston Close. Over the years, and with heavy use during football seasons, the changing rooms have become run down and look very sad. The good news is that Dodington Parish Council is seeking to completely renovate the building and the area around it. The Council is preparing to apply for funding from the Lottery Funded Sport England Inspired Facilities Fund. Your comments and views are needed to help make our application successful - ...
The Scottish referendum has had all sorts of strange knock on effects in British politics. Perhaps the most ironic is that it has made Nick Clegg the safest of the three main party leaders, for the first time in many years. I've already said I don't see how Cameron survive as the Prime Minister, and [...]
Amidst the party's recent problems, a lot of people have been talking about the party's principles, and in particular, the preamble to the constitution. As a statement of principles, it's fine – I would imagine that most Liberal Democrats can sit through it, nodding in broad agreement. It speaks to my head – but not my heart. And we mustn't imagine that it's set in stone. I recently dug up this beauty: the Preamble to the Constitution of the old Liberal Party, from 1980. It's stirring stuff, and is really worth a read. The original preamble was written in 1936 ...
Paul Krugman has kicked off a meandering blogosphere discussion of why hard money policies are so stoutly defended, despite overwhelming evidence of the damage they are causing (see Martin Wolf on Europe today). As Wolf says, this is not just sad, it's dangerous. He is right: it is difficult to imagine an important agenda that [...]
[IMG: coastal_path_england] Nick Clegg has announced that the Government is going to more than double the speed of building the Coastal Path, bringing completion of the project forward by ten years from 2030 to 2020. Additional funding will be put in place to accelerate the delivery of the path, which will allow walkers and nature lovers to traverse the entire coastline of England. Speaking at the RSPB's State of Nature conference, Nick Clegg said: "At the current rate of progress, we will have built the UK's first space port before our coastal path is completed. You'll be able to fly ...
It was mean to be a moment that showed how much the Prime Minister wants Scotland to stay part of the UK, and how much he cares. It didn't quite work. Saltire flag falls down over Downing Street by ITN News It could be prove to be a rather prescient moment.
In August ALDC put together a timetable for the local elections in England on Thursday 7th May 2015. Since then the Electoral Commission has published a joint timetable for the General and Local elections combined. As promised we are publishing it here. There are three public holidays in the run-up to polling day. The Easter Bank [...]
A report by the IPPR think-tank has suggested that the Government carries out an urgent assessment of how a rise in global temperatures will affect Britain's transport infrastructure, homes and energy resources. In the wake of last year's flooding crisis, the IPPR said that parties should introduce concrete proposals for preventing a floods disaster in their 2015 general election manifestos. The Independent on Sunday cover this story. Sounds like common sense to me; there is to much burying heads in sand about climate change and Westminster only troubles itself about it when there is a disaster.
[IMG: Carwyn Jones and Alistair Darling] Yesterday, I saw Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones speak at a Better Together event in Edinburgh. To be honest, I wasn't expecting that much. Most of what I've heard about him comes from the Welsh Liberal Democrats who aren't, shall we say, completely enamoured at his record in office. Having said that, he did have some useful things to say. He was very clear that he as Wales' leader wanted Scotland to stay in the UK: We want you to stay to work with you to build socially just and fair society for all ...
Plain talk from cameron tho – 'it's not about the f–king tories, it's about the future' — Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) September 10, 2014 Update: Thanks to Alex Wickham at Guido, here's the video
I usually find the views of Guardian columnist Martin Kettle thoughtful and persuasive, but in claiming in an article on Monday that "no other issue [than he referendum on Scottish independence] now matters in British politics" he has joined the ranks of those who use excitement at "bread and circus" distractions to divert us from the really serious issues facing us, whether in the existing or a diminished United Kingdom. The overwhelming domestic issue, which won't go away whatever the result of the referendum, is that of unfairness. There is unfairness in incomes (top chief executives now earn 175 times ...
Last weekend in Birmingham we had the first of two Kickstart weekends, weekends that will give Liberal Democrat campaigners, Councillors and candidates the best chance of success in 2015. This earlier Kickstart in September gives people even more time to put their ideas in practice before next year's election. If you didn't make it don't [...]
Wed 10th
11:58LDVideo: "Hypocrites, idealists and liars - can politics be sincere?" - watch Shirley Williams debat...
Recently, Shirley Williams took part in a debate held by the Institute of Arts and Ideas, on the subject of sincerity in politics. Also participating were George Galloway, Peter Oborne and Philip Collins, speechwriter to Tony Blair. We must confess to not yet having had the time to watch the whole thing but we like what we have seen, like the bit when Shirley Williams takes Galloway to task for misquoting her and he, who had been in a massive rant about how politicians were a bunch of liars, was forced to admit he'd been exaggerating to make his point. ...
This morning, I participated in the latest Harris Academy Project Board meeting. The Project Board oversees the rebuilding project and it was good to hear of the excellent progress of the project thus far. I raised a few issues including : * Need for an additional School Crossing Patroller in Lawton Road at the decant site (and also for Blackness Primary School pupils at Blackness Road/Kelso Steps). * Parking issues near the Perth Road site during the construction phase. * Need to invite community representatives to see round the new build site.
I can't help but notice, these days, that many people do not have an understanding of what Liberalism is. Others often have their understanding altered by the USian usage of the word, which is more akin to what we in the UK would call socialism. So I asked on twitter this morning whether people would welcome a series of blog posts on the very basic tenets... And was met with a resounding yes. Because this is me, these pieces are going to be conversational rather than academic in tone, and posted sporadically rather than to a schedule; hopefully that won't ...
Wed 10th
10:28
If the Tories ditch Cameron over Scotland, Ed Miliband can start choosing furniture for Downing Stre...
[IMG: Javid Cameron] An article in the Telegraph reports that the Conservative Party may call for a vote of no confidence in David Cameron's leadership should Scotland vote Yes on the 18th. This is yet another chapter of a story, played out during this parliament, in which the Tories do everything they can to lose the next election, desperate to turn the chance to govern for the next decade at least into crushing defeat. The news that Cameron may be in trouble if Scotland votes for independence may be the only good thing to come out of such a poll ...
Wed 10th
10:25Opinion: Suicide is preventable: we need a coordinated approach to reduce needless deaths
The reporting of suicide in the national media usually only occurs when the deceased is rich, famous, or infamous. Yet it is approximated that one person dies from suicide every 40 seconds. A report from the World Health Organisation, Preventing Suicide - A Global Imperative, examines the need for urgent action to reduce suicide rates by 10% within 6 years. A tall task: made difficult as worldwide the stigma attached to mental health and suicide itself, pushes the subject into the background: an ever-growing elephant in the room. In my case an ever growing Black Dog. That according to WHO ...
https://www.fixmystreet.com/report/519481
There is a meeting of the Acocks Green Ward Committee tonight at 7pm at Acocks Green Library. The meeting has the following main issues on the agenda: 1) An update on the Warwick Road Improvements Project. This has already led to work in Acocks Green and the biggest part of the project – major changes to the Warwick Road between Station Road and Woodcock Lane in Acocks Green Village will soon begin. This will be a chance to question senior Transportation officers about the work. 2) Wheelie Bin Roll Out – Kevin Mitchell, Assistant Director from Fleet & Waste Management ...
David Clapson's awful death was the result of grotesque government policies none shall be enslaved by ignorance, poverty, or conformity, eh? Several of our MPs should be finding it difficult to sleep at night after cases like this. I KNOW they -we - all went into politics to make things better. But if we can't protect the most vulnerable what's the point? (tags: ) in which @DisgruntledRad points out what should be the obvious but sadly isn't (tags: ) Multinational takes charge of sick pay eligibility :/ (tags: ) Unions should accept min turnout strike ballots - at the same ...
The tragic death of a British man in Australia after being bitten by a shark means we will doubtless hear much in the next few days about the danger posed by these predators. Incidents like these do indeed demonstrate their deadly potential. However, we should bear in mind that the number of humans they do actually [...]
Whatever the result of the Scottish referendum, it seems to me that there is now a momentum towards independence, backed by a grassroots movement, an optimistic albeit somewhat vague vision and by the offensive technocracy of Whitehall and Westminster. It may not happen now or for a generation, but - unless there is a revolution in the administrative relationship between the two nations - I can't see the debate just withering away. It would be a pity to lose the union, but it may be the tide of history is driving forward-thinking nations to divide into their constituent parts. That ...
We have been informed that the closure of Croft Lane will now take place from 22 September, a week earlier than originally planned. This is an important route that could well affect many people's journeys. The following is information provided by United Utilities This is part of United Utilities ongoing maintenance and improvements works in the Hollins area: - laying new sections of sewer pipe along Croft Lane and in the small cul-de-sac section opposite the car garage - building new manholes - building a new surface water sewer outfall into the River Roch. Road Closures Phase 1: Croft Lane ...
The Creative Living Centre is organising singing sessions at its centre on Bury New Road (near Tescos) 4.10-5.30pm on Fridays. Creative Living Centre say: Come along and join us in the most friendly, supportive and nurturing group, where you'll learn real techniques that will help you develop effective and safe vocal skills, that will not only improve your singing ability, but increase your confidence and self-esteem. [IMG: Screenshot 2014-09-10 08.52.39] Ann Taft teaches her revolutionary 'RaleaSing' method of singing. Whether you sing in the shower, in a group or not at all, do join us ... it may add a ...
"I think we should train the dogs to make breakfast" "A fine idea in theory, but I fear it would not work in practise. Spike would go into the kitchen, get the butter dish to butter the toast, and hide under the dining table eating it. Roxy would spin round in small circles making Wookiee noises while the toast burnt." "But that means one of us has to get out of bed..." [IMG: comment count unavailable] comments
Last Friday I wrote to cancel my membership of the Liberal Democrats. My decision was not taken lightly, and I do not want to go into the reasons in any detail here. Let's just say it was an accumulation of major and minor issues, since the debacle of student loans, that have ultimately resulted in me being very uncomfortable remaining in the party. I have thought about this throughout August to make sure that I was comfortable with this decision. I have carried out my duties in this period with gritted teeth at times. There can be no half-way house ...
[IMG: keyboard] A Digital Bill of Rights to protect people's privacy and give them more control over their data online would be introduced as part of a Liberal Democrat manifesto for the next election. The plans also include outlawing 'revenge porn' and the posting of intimate or pornographic photographs of a person without their consent. What protections would you like to see in the Digital Bill of Rights? Click here to have your say now. The new policy will be voted on at the Liberal Democrats' Autumn Conference and would establish rights for British residents in the digital environment. The ...
Care service providers in Bury are working to reduce the number of accidental falls suffered by older people. Residents are invited to a Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Wednesday 24 September, held at Textile Hall, Manchester Road, Bury from 10am to 4pm. Every year, one in three over-65s will have a fall. This event will provide information and support around the most common causes of falls, such as dehydration, poor vision, hearing impairments, incorrect footwear or foot problems, and incorrect medicines. Residents are invited to "come along and find out more about how you can help yourself or someone you ...
I've changed my mind over Scottish independence and so on which way I would vote in the referendum on 18 September. Although a Liberal and Liberal Democrat, I welcomed the SNP's election progress from the 1967 Hamilton by-election to their first administration in the Scottish Government. As a school and college student, trying to be different, I would talk to girls about Scottish independence. As a chat up technique it was a total failure! Only a few years ago, I wrote in an email about wanting to be on the northern side of the border when Scotland became independent. I ...
There has been an increasing tendency recently for Labour politicians to argue that the 2008 recession was entirely down to the banks and had nothing to do with Gordon Brown's government. Today's Times nails that flimsy piece of spin as nonsense. The paper quotes an analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility that shows that Labour was reckless with the public finances in the years before the financial crisis. They say that a combination of over-optimistic forecasts for tax receipts and a decision to ignore the demographic timebomb of an ageing population meant that the national debt rose at the ...
Wed 10th
08:42
What land owners/developers have planned for Sefton's East Parishes – Green Belt building on a...
My first posting covered the 3 massive Green Belt sites to the north east of Lydiate – 2 being promoted by Labour run Sefton Council and 1 by a land owner. Now we move to the west of Maghull & Lydiate to look at another potential development of colossal proportions. Click on the map to enlarge it:- [IMG: This huge site wraps around the western side of Maghull and into Lydiate. The red dotted line is the Maghull/Lydiate boundary which goes through the site.] This huge site wraps around the western side of Maghull and into Lydiate. The red line ...
From Dundee City Council : THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 : SECTION 14(1) THE DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL AS TRAFFIC AUTHORITY being satisfied that traffic on the road should be prohibited by reason of crane lifting works being carried out HEREBY PROHIBIT the driving of any vehicle in West Marketgait (southbound from Westport roundabout to Nethergate), Dundee. This notice comes into effect on Saturday 20th September 2014 for one night (8pm to 8am) . Pedestrian thoroughfare will be maintained. Alternative routes for vehicles will be available via West Marketgait / North Marketgait / East Marketgait / South Marketgait. For further ...
If you're a women in Afghanistan being a teacher, doctor activist or lawyer can put you and your family at risk: [IMG: Afghan Women At Risk] Back Amnesty's campaign here.
Nick Clegg unveils the Liberal Democrats pre-manifesto, which sets out the vision for Britain in the next Parliament. At the heart of the pre-manifesto is spreading opportunity for the next generation.
In 1965 [FOOTNOTE Zappa always claimed much of what follows happened in 1964, but as shown at http://globalia.net/donlope/fz/misc/1965-69.html the most reasonable timeline for these events has it as 1965.], Frank Zappa was desperate for a gig. Studio Z had been closed down almost as soon as it had opened, thanks to his arrest on pornography [...]
Today, was my second appointment with my new GP here in Gibraltar. I woke up looking forward to it. I was due to get the results of the blood tests done by the Infection Control nurse about a month ago. My last results were back in March in Belfast and were quite good. I went...
