Wed 28th
22:53

You talk, we'll listen

 

Posted by LD Neath on Aberavon & Neath Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats have launched their first PPB of 2015, which outlines how we will cut less than the Conservatives and borrow less than Labour. In the broadcast, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg says: "Over the coming months, you might have campaigners coming to knock on your door. You may think you've heard it all before. You may not know where to turn or you might already have decided. "But, if you open your door to us we will listen to what you have to say and make a difference. Britain needs a Liberal voice in Government. One that will ...

Posted by Andy Pellew on Focus on Bar Hill

The Independent reports: Donald Grewar is being questioned by Ukip party officials over comments that appeared to endorse homophobic beliefs. The Welsh Ukip candidate posted on a British National Party website, commenting approvingly on a post that described gay people as "fascist perverts" and "paedophiles". Meanwhile, in other Ukip news: A former Ukip parliamentary candidate and election agent is to face a second trial over allegations of electoral fraud. Matthew Smith was cleared on Tuesday of seven counts relating to forged signatures on nomination forms submitted by the party in the 2013 Norfolk county council elections. Jurors at Norwich crown ...

Posted by Mark Pack on Mark Pack

Police patrolling Valley road tonight Last night I attended the Valley Road neighbourhood watch at the Sturdee Club on Sturdee Avenue. Though I don't live in Valley Road, it was suggested I went along by Lib Dem Cllr. Diana Smith as I knew about a couple of the issues from first hand experience. Forrester's Hall sits opposite the Cricketers pub and has been used in the past as a polling station and general hall for hire, indeed two of my daughter's birthday parties were held there. In June 2013 the caretaker told me that he hoped to sell it but ...

Posted by Chris Sams on The Ginger Liberal from Medway

In 1953 the great Hungarian team outclassed England in winning 6-3 at Wembley. Note Kenneth Wolstenholme's reaction to this piece of skill from Puskás: "My goodness, if he can turn on tricks like this we ought to have him on the music hall."Fast forward 62 years and here is Phil Neville reacting to a piece of skill from Tomas Rosicky: "If that was a training session and somebody did that I'd be first over there and I'd probably look to two-foot him or take him out of the game. "If somebody did that in training to me, winding me up, ...

Posted by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England

I am a cis man. For those who haven't come across the term that means, very basically, that when I was born someone said "It's a boy!", and I've never seen any particular reason to argue with that assessment. As a cis man, I am fairly clueless when it comes to issues of gender identity, [...]

Posted by Andrew Hickey on Sci-Ence! Justice Leak!

Exciting news from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home: Annette Brooke's cat Billy has been voted Purr Minister 2015. Annette told the Bournemouth Echo: "I'm really thrilled that Billy has won, as I'm sure he will be, and he will be getting lots of extra treats. "It has been a pleasure to be involved in this opportunity to promote rescue centres such as Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, who do such good work. "We acquired Billy from a rescue centre in Dorset last July, and were so impressed with them. "My family stay in touch, letting them know how Billy is ...

Posted by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England
Wed 28th
18:37

Thameslink update

From 21:00 this evening we are closing the Thameslink tunnel between London St Pancras and Farringdon. This is to allow Network Rail engineers access to try to repair damage caused by a reoccurring water leak. Throughout the evening peak we will be running a heavily reduced service, mainly as a result of the problems but [...]

Posted by chriswhite on Chris White » Chris White

This morning, I took part in the latest meeting of the Harris Academy Project Board, the board charged with overseeing the new Harris Academy construction project and associated matters. The board was chaired today by the City Council's new Chief Executive. We had a very productive and positive meeting, with reports of excellent progress with the construction of the new building, as I had already seen first-hand during a visit on-site before Christmas. There is good contact with and updates for the neighbouring community through regular newsletters and adjacent residents have been invited to see round the site to see ...

The Liberal Democrats' first crack at the General Election broadcasts is being shown as you read this. With the theme of Open Doors, it's about listening to voters and majors on how the Liberal Democrats would make a difference compared to Labour and the Conservatives.You may not be surprised to find that the phrases "stronger economy", "fairer society" and "opportunity for everyone" feature. Here is the English version. The Scottish and Welsh will follow below when they are available. And here's Willie Rennie's version: And Kirsty Williams:

Posted by The Voice on Liberal Democrat Voice
YouGov

A compulsory council tax discount which is received by wealthy working age people living alone in large homes could be making it harder for local authorities to protect discounts for struggling families on low incomes? Previous analysis shows that it is costing councils more than £200 million a year to give a compulsory discount to [...]

Posted by Cllr Darren Fower on Cllr Darren Fower

The Welsh Public Services Minister launched stage one of the reorganisation of local government in Wales yesterday with the introduction of a bill to facilitate voluntary mergers. He did so having first ruled out the only three proposals for voluntary merger he had received. This has caused consternation, not least because one of the proposals in front of the Minister fitted in with the proposals of the William's Commission. The Minister obviously has the right to turn down the voluntary merger proposals in front of him on the basis of the criteria that he set out but that poses an ...

Posted by Peter Black on Peter Black
Wed 28th
14:35

Members Highlights

The best of ALDC content from the last week, including: New national statistics for local campaigns Campaigning with Statistics blog article Upcoming Connect training opportunities Policy stats downloads in File Library Ask ALDC 'Campaign Tools' FAQs Facebook Update ALDC Blog Election Law Handbook: Online for ALDC Members ALDC's Election Law Handbook has been divided up into [...]

Posted by Craig Whittall on Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors

[IMG: Billy 1] This is the real Billy. The Purr Minister! Ah! What a cutie! Fantastic news straight from Battersea Dogs and Cats home!: The battle for the ballot is over and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home can now reveal that Billy, owned by Mid Dorset & North Poole MP Annette Brooke, has clawed his way to high office by securing a winning 23 percent of the vote in this year's Battersea Purr Minister competition. Will the news sink in for Billy, even though his owner is pulling the plug on politics? Billy's manifursto focusing on 'love and care' and ...

Posted by Newsmoggie on Liberal Democrat Voice

[IMG: state of nation] An interesting snippet from British Future's excellent State of the Nation 2015 report: In the State of the Nation poll, first time voters (14%), ethnic minority respondents (15%) and those born abroad (12%) were more likely to say they plan to vote Lib Dem in 2015. Why interesting? Well, most people would probably assume — I did — that the Lib Dems' U-turn on tuition fees and the party's inability to get BAME candidates elected as MPs would particularly hamper us with these groups. (I guess it's less surprising that we poll relatively well with those ...

Posted by Stephen Tall on Stephen Tall

[IMG: LD tax cut] 8.3m families will benefit twice from the Liberal Democrat tax cut, new analysis has revealed. Thanks to Liberal Democrats increasing the personal tax allowance to £10,600, these families will on average be £1,330 better off each year. New research using HM Treasury's tax and benefit model shows that our flagship policy of increasing the amount that people can earn before they pay income tax is vital in creating a fairer society. Income tax cuts for working people were a top priority for Liberal Democrats when we entered the coalition in 2010 and one which we are ...

Posted by Nick Hollinghurst on Tring Liberal Democrats

Chelsea played Liverpool yesterday and the Chelsea player Diego Costa may face retrospective punishment for two stamps on Emre Can and Martin Skrtel that were not seen by the referee. In the press conference Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho did not understand what reporters meant by the word 'stamp'. Let me help him. To stamp means to bring down one's foot heavily on the ground or on something (or someone) on the ground. I think Mourinho's point concerned the intention to stamp and this is important when an opponent is on the receiving end but I don't think intention is that ...

Posted by Michael Gradwell on Politics for Novices

From the Liberal Democrat website: Liberal Democrat MP Lynne Featherstone has said the conviction of an Egyptian doctor who performed an illegal female genital mutilation operation on a 13 year-old is a step forward in ending FGM across the world. The doctor was ... convicted of manslaughter after Suhair al-Bataa died following the operation in 2013. Commenting Lynne said: "This is a hugely important step forward in the international campaign to end FGM. I wholeheartedly congratulate those tireless campaigners working in Egypt, Britain and across the rest of the world. "Today's landmark ruling shows we are one step closer to ...

Posted by Mark Pack on Mark Pack

It's very rare for me to post about Labour literature that's delivered in my constituency - firstly because it so rarely happens, secondly because I am a Lib Dem! But here goes. Over the last few weeks, some Haringey residents have received a Labour leaflet on their doorstep. In it, Labour have outlined their 'tough new approach to immigration.' [IMG: Labour's disgraceful anti immigration leaflet - delivered in Hornsey and Wood Green] So apparently, under a Labour government - people who come to the UK will be treated as second class citizens. Labour will stop people who come here from ...

Posted by Lynne Featherstone on Lynne Featherstone » Blog

Securing an initial cross-party agreement is rarely enough to deliver constitutional reform. The dilemma for proponents of proportional voting is that such a fundamental change will always require a lengthy period of consultation. This time is a boon for the backroom operators in the big parties looking to backpedal, backstab, and poison the water. Ask Labour or the Tories for proper voting reform and what you will get is a long-term commitment that is lukewarm and effectively worthless. The obvious way around this problem is to try to secure a small, quick gain as part of the overall package, something ...

Posted by Adrian Pellas-Rice on Liberal Democrat Voice
eUKhost

Featuring endorsements of our candidates by local residents in our literature is a highly effective way of reinforcing our message. And in a period when our general credibility is a bit lower than previously, it can be a very good way of demonstrating that our support remains strong in the local area. Endorsements also give [...]

Stockport Council has received a green light from the Secretary of State for Transport to build the long-awaited A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road, and construction could start in earnest as early as March 2015. The new road has long been a key campaign for local MP Mark Hunter. [IMG: sliderimage2] Stockport Council yesterday received notification from the Secretary of State for Transport that the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and Side Roads Order (SRO) for the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road have been confirmed. The Secretary of State for the department for Communities and Local Government also confirmed the ...

[IMG: sal brinton] New Statesman carries an interview with Liberal Democrat President, Sal Brinton. It's wide-ranging discussion, with Sal in upbeat mood: The key message is, if I talk to a candidate or other senior people do, make sure that you pass the word on. It's like handing a torch on to say, 'actually we aren't dead, there's a lot happening, there's a lot good that we've got to talk about in government, and yes there have been things that have been very difficult for us'. But if people only hear about the bad side, and the side that the ...

Posted by Paul Walter on Liberal Democrat Voice

Tudor Jones's The Revival of British Liberalism: from Grimond to Clegg concentrates on the history of liberal thought rather than of Liberal organisation, but it contains an important nugget still very relevant to the Liberal Democrats. It's about former Liberal Party leader Jo Grimond and his realignment strategy: The major contradiction at the heart of Grimond's strategy ... [led] as Michael Steed has pointed out, to 'the most serious mismatch of the party's organisational and political strategies'. For the main thrust of the Liberals' organisational strategy was the need to build up constituency associations and resources in Conservative-held territory, whereas ...

Posted by Mark Pack on Mark Pack

February 5th will be BiteTheBallot's 2nd 'National voter registration day'. Last year this NGO, with a number of companies and schools in support, succeeded in sharply raising the number of young people registering. This year, in the run-up to the general election, they aim to add more than 250,000 to the register. You will find details of what they plan, and how they plan to manage it, here. The coalition government is carrying through the transition from household registration – in which the 'head of household' filled in a single form for all those living in each dwelling, whether a ...

Posted by Lord William Wallace on Liberal Democrat Voice

Conservative seat, death Liberal Democrat candidate- Steve Brown

Posted by Michael Powell on Association of Liberal Democrat Councillors

The story of the emergence of a political counterculture, initially in the late 1950s and given voice by the Liberals, and thereon spilling out into the voluntary sector and back again, has been a story of complete non-communication. The political mainstream has their issues - they are usually about public spending and private ownership and little else - and the counterculture has theirs. There's little or no debate between them. There are a few exceptions to this, I know. Roy Jenkins, as a reforming 1960s Home Secretary, managed to bring the two worlds together when he first legalised abortion and ...

Posted by David Boyle on The Real Blog

Post offices in towns and villages across South Gloucestershire were thrown a lifeline in December by local MP and pensions minister, Steve Webb. One of the major items of 'over-the-counter' business for small sub post offices is the payment of pensions and benefits, particularly to people using the special "Post Office card account". This account is accessed using a plastic card and PIN number and was set up some years ago particularly for those for whom a traditional bank account was not suitable. However, the contract to provide these accounts was due to expire in March 2015 and there were ...

Posted by Paul Hulbert on Focus on Sodbury, Yate and Dodington

Join Paddy Ashdown as he tours Lib Dem HQ, as it gears up for the General Election by starting a 24/7 operation that will run until May 7th.: Though I do prefer this version of Paddy Ashdown:

Posted by Mark Pack on Mark Pack

Given that watching the first Star Wars movie in the cinema when I was a wee lad had a defining influence on all of my future thought, it's probably not all that surprising that I have the ability to see almost anything through the lens of George Lucas' most prosperous creation. Take British politics: I see the Lib Dems as the Jedi. Let me explain. They are well intentioned, but something happened in the relatively recent past and now there's about two of them left in the whole galaxy. The Tories are like the Empire/dark side of the force. Every ...

Posted by Nick on nicktyrone.com

Just to let people know that the Council has agreed to install some yellow lines around the junction of Nursery Road and Lilac Grove – behind the nursery on Bury Old Road. I know that there have been concerns about access to the cul-de-sac, and also safety for people crossing the road when cars are parked around the junction, particularly at busy times for the nursery. Hopefully the yellow lines will alleviate the situation. Apparently there will be a short delay while the Council sorts out its contract for Yellow Lines.... (I suspect this might also be the cause of ...

Posted by prestwichfocus on Tim Pickstone

This post is reserved for new and infrequent commenters. "Infrequent" is defined as having post less than five comments in the last month. Following the start of the 100+ day election campaign, I cannot help wondering what it is the Lib Dems need to do to recover what appears to be a significant dip in popular support. The problem is that we do not appear to be benefitting in the opinion polls from our many achievements in government. This is a shame, because there are so many of them; despite some comments on Lib Dem Voice, which could easily have ...

Posted by Stephen Phillips on Liberal Democrat Voice

A new planning application has been received in Holyrood Ward as below: Application number: 58368 Type of application: Full Date Registered: 20/01/2015 Location: 261 Heywood Old Road, Rochdale, Manchester, M24 4QR Proposal: Two storey/single storey extensions to side and rear: Juliet balcony to rear; 2 no. velux rooflights to side elevation and conversions of loft and garage Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you require further information or help with this. The details will be on the Council's website here. Tim

Posted by prestwichfocus on Tim Pickstone

Happy hump day*! We have two cheery photos for this morning. Above is Sheffield's own Olympic gold medal-winning heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill CBE, who celebrates her 29th birthday today. Our second cheery photo (below) is of birthday boy Alan Alda, who is 79 years old. Alda is an American actor, director, screenwriter, and author best known for his roles of Hawkeye Pierce in M*A*S*H and Arnold Vinick in The West Wing. He wrote, directed and starred in one of the funniest films ever (IMHO), Betsy's Wedding. The next post on Liberal Democrat Voice will be reserved for infrequent and new commenters. ...

Posted by Paul Walter on Liberal Democrat Voice

At the last meeting of the Prestwich Township Forum residents were shown a demonstration of the new 'Bury Directory' website. This is a new website which has been set up to help local residents find information about services, groups, charities in their local area – and to help local groups promote their activities. [IMG: Screenshot 2015-01-28 08.56.24] The Directory includes: – search for local services – you can search by category or by the local area – search for events coming up – by category or by the local area – full integration of the NHS Choices services – to ...

Posted by prestwichfocus on Tim Pickstone

According to the East Anglian Daily Times, Ben Gummer, Ipswich's MP, and Mark Bee, leader of Suffolk County Council, think that cheaper parking in Ipswich is the answer to revitalising the town. Kathy Pollard, the former leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Suffolk County Council, has her own thoughts;So the Conservatives believe that cheaper parking is the way to revitalise Ipswich town centre! Why aren't they promoting public transport as a more environmentally friendly option to get into town? Why don't they re-open the Bury Road park and ride site, which has stood empty for the last four years?It ...

Posted by Mark Valladares on The view from Creeting St Peter

I'm not a racist butt... via @queenmollybones (tags: ) Syriza Is Right About Debt And Everyone Needs To Get Over It - Business Insider (tags: ) Internet of things needs global privacy push, says UK regulator (tags: ) The Lib Dems Have Launched A Tool To Mock David Cameron For Trying To Avoid The TV Debates (tags: ) This Is What One Man Learned From Wearing Makeup For A Week (tags: ) I still aten't dead says Lib Dem president @SalBrinton Nice to see a shout out to a suffragist rather than a suffragette, too (tags: ) 3 cheers for ...

Manchester City Council and event organisers are 'confirming' that the Parklife Weekender 2015 will take place in Heaton Park on June 6 and 7 (though we probably all knew that when the additional Friday concert of the Courteneers was announced in Heaton Park a few months ago!). Parklike have also announced the establishment of a dedicated 'Community Impact Taskforce' - apparently inspired by operations run at Glastonbury and other leading festivals - to prepare for this year's Parklife event and to support the effective management of people to and from the area over the weekend. According to an announcement from ...

Posted by prestwichfocus on Tim Pickstone

Metrolink services to and through Victoria station will stop for four days over next month's half-term – the stop will close from February 14 to February 17. For passengers travelling from Bury, Oldham and Rochdale, there will be replacement buses running from Crumpsall, Central Park, Shudehill and Piccadilly Gardens. The stop is expected to re-open to passengers by February 18. On this date, trams from Bury and Rochdale will terminate at the stop. On February 21, services through Victoria to Shudehill, Market Street and beyond, are expected to resume. That will mean the restoration of the six-minute service from Bury ...

Posted by prestwichfocus on Tim Pickstone

Over a considerable period in the past, I raised residents' concerns about the condition of the former garage at the top end of Benvie Road that had been the subject of fire raising. A building warrant to demolish the structure was granted in 2010 and the derelict garage was thankfully demolished. However, as you can see below, the site is still very much an eyesore :I have been in touch with the City Council's Head of Planning to see what can be done to encourage a future productive use of the site.

And yet another one... A UKIP parliamentary candidate has quit after falling out with the party's Portsmouth South chairman. Don Jerrard, a former business lawyer from Southampton, was due to run for Fareham MP in May but was suspended yesterday following outbursts relating to chairman Paul Lovegrove and his past. He then resigned his role. Mr Jerrard said that he had left the local group after becoming disillusioned with it supporting Mr Lovegrove... Mr Jerrard's departure follows Portsmouth city councillor Paul Godier who quit this month... Mr Jerrard's campaign manager Bob Ingram, who until recently was the vice chairman of ...

Posted by Mark Pack on Mark Pack

[IMG: alex carlile2 from bells yard] I fully support the decision of my friend and colleague Caron Lindsay, Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice, to initiate a debate on the actions of Lord Carlile in connection with the Counter Terrorism Bill and an amendment (which apparently is still hanging over parliament like the sword of Damocles) which would effectively bring in the Communications Data Bill (or "Snoopers' Charter") by a back door/shoe-horn. I strongly disapprove of those actions, taken by Lord Carlile and a few other peers. One of the proudest moments of my Liberal Democrat membership was when I sat ...

Posted by Paul on Liberal Burblings

[IMG: alex carlile2 from bells yard] I fully support the decision of my friend and colleague Caron Lindsay, Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice, to initiate a debate on the actions of Lord Carlile in connection with the Counter Terrorism Bill and an amendment (which apparently is still hanging over parliament like the sword of Damocles) which would effectively bring in the Communications Data Bill (or "Snoopers' Charter") by a back door/shoe-horn. I strongly disapprove of those actions, taken by Lord Carlile and a few other peers. One of the proudest moments of my Liberal Democrat membership was when I sat ...

Posted by Paul Walter on Liberal Democrat Voice
Wed 28th
08:03

After Mariupol

Russia is refusing to back down in Ukraine. All out military force is being used in order to support the declared Russian military objective that Ukraine be defeated and divided. Civilians are being deliberately targeted and the attacks on a major power station and other industrial operations is a clear attempt to destroy the Ukrainian economy. Put simply, the Russian Federation is engaged in a huge act of aggression against a peaceful neighbour. Despite sanctions, and despite increasing economic weakness Vladimir Putin stands defiant. In Britain, the evidence of state sponsored murder of a British citizen is now revealed and ...

Posted by Cicero on Cicero's Songs

Having had complaints from residents I took the photos below on 21st January. Frankly the whole area is a mess of litter and dog fouling. It is not a new problem but it is one that is getting worse. I have asked Sefton Council to try to clear the area up. The sad thing is that this area is the end or the beginning, depending on which way you look at it, of the section of the Cheshire Lines Path Maghull to Southport stretch. Goodness knows what visitors think never mind what the Sefton Drive residents have to put up ...

Posted by Cllr. Tony Robertson on Sefton Focus » Sefton Focus
Wed 28th
07:08

Leeds a refuge for Jews

Last night I watched a fascinating programme (Children of the Holocaust, 20h00, BBC 4) which interspersed cartoons illustrating how children had escaped the Holocaust with contemporary interviews with the survivors. I was touched and, perhaps illogically, proud that a number had landed up and remained in my own city of Leeds. I'm more justly proud of the fact that the church I attend in Leeds carries on this tradition of welcome by providing classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to current refugees and asylum seekers. We have one professionally qualified leader and some half dozen volunteer teachers ...

Posted by Peter Wrigley on Keynesian Liberal
Wed 28th
06:01

Recycling Failure

It pains me to say it but Southwark Council have failed to reached it target of recycling. When Lib Dems led the council we negotiated what we thought and government advisors told us was a tough target to reach 38% recycling rate by April 2014. Southwark Labour said they would double recycling from 22% in 2010 to 44% in 2014. They then back tracked to 40% when they were in power. But the final recorded rate was 34% for 2013/14. A long way short of the Veolia contract we negotiated. But significantly having introduced food waste 4 years earlier than ...

Posted by James Barber on James Barber » James Barber