I am pleased to announce that I have been chosen by local Liberal Democrats to be the party's candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria. Below is the news release the regional party has just issued. Gateshead's Dr Jonathan Wallace selected as Lib Dem Police and Crime Commissioner Candidate for Northumbria Liberal Democrats in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear are putting
In the autumn of 1982 I was unemployed and living in Market Harborough. To cheer myself up I went down to London to stay for a few days with an old friend from university. One of the things we did was go to see a play called Another Country at the Queen's Theatre. Which means that I saw the West End debut of Kenneth Branagh. It was a tribute to him that, though Rupert Everett was a more flamboyant actor playing a more flamboyant role, it was Branagh we talked about afterwards. You can see the two of them in ...
Mark Valladares asks if using your preferred definition of liberalism a means to suppress reasoned dissent. "According to a 2015 Prison Reform Trust review, children and young people who are, or have been, in care were more than five times more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system. The most recent inspection report of Medway in 2014, which houses 12 to 17-year-olds who have been remanded or sentenced to detention, found 45% of youngsters there had care histories." Jameel Hadi writes on institutional abuse. Patrick Barkham reports that more than 10% of children in England haven't been to ...
Embed from Getty Images Election campaigns throw up characters who are famous for a day and then forgotten. Remember Gillian Duffy or Jennifer and her ear? Only just. The US Presidential campaign of 2008 produced such a figure in the shape of Joe the Plumber. He was Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher, who questioned Obama's economic policies at a neighbourhood meeting in Ohio. The Republicans and the media painted him as the epitome of blue-collar America and he was often mentioned during the campaign. In November 2008 I blogged about the way that Barack Obama dealt with this: This is how you ...
Informal talks between the Liberal Democrats, Greens and Plaid Cymru for an assembly electoral pact have failed to reach an agreement. BBC Wales understands one proposal was for two parties to withdraw candidates in seats where the third party had a chance of victory in the poll on 5 May. The Greens said the "electoral math was there" but not the "political will". Plaid confirmed "exploratory talks" had ended. The Liberal Democrats said they "decided it wasn't the right approach". [BBC] ITV adds: The plan fell apart when the Welsh Liberal Democrats pulled out from the negotiations. One source says ...
Though the Liberal Democrats had a well-attended in-house launch for the LibDem European Referendum campaign at the party conference in Bournemouth last September, this afternoon a more public-facing event starring party leader Tim Farron, London mayoral candidate Caroline Pidgeon and Catherine Bearder MEP took place in central London at Bounce — a venue whose name [...]
I am about to start taking an immunosuppressant drug for my psoriatic arthritis. Next week I have to have multiple shots in order to protect me while my immune system is low, then the week after I start taking the ... Continue reading →
Here are the new films from the Liberal Democrats, both about the European referendum: You can sign up to back the Liberal Democrat In campaign here, and the official Remain (In) Campaign is here. If you'd like to know more about the wider topic, see my other European referendum posts, and in particular Nick Clegg's demolition of the anti-EU case.
I picked this up aaaages ago about a year after I started working for Independent Diplomat, and did not get around to reading it until about a year after I stopped working for Independent Diplomat. I don't think the lack of having read it impacted my work; it's a rather philosophical book, analysing diplomacy as communication from the point of view of aesthetics and political theory - it begins with a long analysis of Holbein's The Ambassadors, drawing attention to the controversy over its attribution and subjects, which is all very well but only marginally connected to diplomacy as it ...
More educative entertainment from Tom Scott: The famous Lillehammer Bobsleigh Track! Massive, fast, and working in summer.
Here is the first video of the Lib Dem In campaign. What do you think? Today we launch our campaign for Britain to remain in Europe. This is Britain's time to lead, not leave. Together we... Posted by Liberal Democrats on Wednesday, 10 February 2016 Great to see lots of people from new members like Joyce Onstad to Sal Brinton and Ming Campbell taking part in this.
There is a bit of a disagreement amongst Liberal Democrats about the date of a referendum. Of course, no date has been yet set, and if David Cameron can't get a cast-iron deal on his renegotiation, it can't be on the Government's first choice date of 23 June. Yesterday, DUP leader Nigel Dodds led an Opposition Day debate in the Commons arguing that: Some Members who support our motion hold different views on EU membership and, indeed, on whether we should have a referendum at all. However, whatever side of the argument we are ultimately on, we agree that, when ...
[IMG: cjfeature] The best thing about my new role as ASLDC Development Officer for Scotland is having the enthusiasm and energy of our councillors, campaigners and candidates in key seats rub off and inspire. The last two weeks have seen me deliver training in Laurencekirk on Integrated Campaigning with Councillors from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Angus plus Scottish [...]
[IMG: Saelsforce for website] As a membership secretary in my own local party, I know the importance of regular contact to ensure that people are kept informed and engaged with our campaigning efforts. We have seen a great increase in membership since the General Election but we must make sure that these members are kept on board with our [...]
As we told you on Monday, Tim Farron got representatives from charities, NGOs and political parties round the table today to work on a practical plan for the UK to accept 3000 unaccompanied child refugees who have reached Europe. Among those attending were Save the Children, UNICEF, Islington Law Council, Kent Refugee Action Network, Refugee Council, Homes for Good, Coram, Barnardo's, British Red Cross, ECPAT UK, Cambridge Refugee Resettlement Campaign, The Children's Society, ILPA and the Local government Association. Also, Leader of the Green Party Caroline Lucas MP, Margaret Greenwood (Labour) MP, Heidi Allen MP (Conservative) and Mark Durkan MP ...
[IMG: Janet_LocalPub_web] Marketers and advertisers know that social proof is one of the key techniques used to sell a product or service, what you need to know is that it's also key for winning elections. Put simply social proof is the idea that other people will conform to a behaviour they observe others doing under the assumption [...]
There has been some recent discussion on Lib Dem Voice and elsewhere on the idea of a Basic Income for all. The social benefits we already receive when we are unable to find work, or are incapable of working due to being too sick, or too old, are examples of a basic income guarantee, albeit an inadequate basic income, in operation. It has been a while since any progressive political party has seriously promoted the idea of a guaranteed income from working but the idea is nothing new and doesn't have to be workfare in disguise. Both types of schemes ...
It is well known that Jeremy Corbyn's determination to change his party's policy on Trident is meeting resistance from MPs and Unions. However, according to the Independent the head of one of Labour's largest supporting unions has stepped up the pressure and has rebuked Jeremy Corbyn for failing to listen to the "voice of working people" by pushing ahead with his plan to review the party's policy on this missile system. The paper says that Paul Kenny, the head of the GMB, has warned Mr Corbyn that his union does not intend to "stand idly by" and allow Labour to ...
[IMG: Screen Shot 2016-02-10 at 10.30.54] It is not surprising that media reports focus on the appalling conditions in the Calais and Dunkirk camps. On a recent trip Lord Roberts' team saw for themselves how men, women and children live in knee-high mud, and brave the winter weather with little more than flimsy tents to keep the wind and rain at bay. In response to accusations that the British government are neglecting their humanitarian responsibilities, the Prime Minister champions the fact that under the Dublin Regulations, the UK has to allow family members of British people to claim asylum in ...
The pro-staying in EU campaign has avoided some key mistakes from the AV and Scottish referendums but is still making some significant errors. What it is doing right. 1) It is not fronted by politicians.2) It is not only talking about economics.3) It is talking about issues that people care about.4) It is talking in language that people understand.5) It appears united, as much as it is so far getting any coverage or is visible. What the In Campaign is doing wrong. 1) It is not talking about ideas, positive ideals, principles or vision but almost entirely about economics.2) It ...
It's the economy, stupid Small exporters in Britain are suffering due to the risk of Brexit reports the Times. Companies are less confident about their prospects than at any time in the past three years, amid fears about the global economy and uncertainty about Britain's place in Europe. London First say that staying in will boost London by £13.9 billion and several thousand jobs reports City AM. Previous roundups have mentioned the risk Brexit poses to the pound. Goldman Sachs are now advising to expect a 20% crash in the pound's value if we leave (Guardian). Immigration Business Insider UK ...
A posted not so long ago about the compliments paid to Lydiate Parish Council by a local resident regarding the piece of land it looks after at the junction of Nedens Lane and Southport Road. [IMG: IMG_7290] The history of this spot is that it was once 'maintained' by Sefton Borough Council but hardly well. So it came to pass that the Parish Council decided to take it on and these days it looks lovely. [IMG: IMG_7293r] It is maintained by the small Lydiate Parish Council workforce of 3 and I thought their hard work justified some decent photos of ...
Wed 10th
11:58
Utility Smart Meters – Seems best not to volunteer for one before the planned national roll-ou...
I posted not long ago about the smart meters that are not very smart if you change your electricity/gas supplier. That original posting can be read again here:- John Pugh MP (Southport) gained a reply from Government via Lord Bourne and gist of it, at least my gist of it, is beware await the national roll-out of smart meters that will be compatible across all the gas and electricity suppliers and watch out for a utility company that wants to install one of their own that may not be compatible if your switch suppliers. With thanks to Roy Connell ...
A report from the National Audit Office published today states that "The Department [of Education]. . . has missed its recruitment targets for the last four years and there are signs that teacher shortages are growing." Equally disturbing particulars were published last week in an article by John Harris (G 2 2nd February) which claimed that the shortage of qualified teachers is going to get much worse as the number on school rolls rises from today's 7 million to 8 million by 2022. The problem is not just a lack of recruits, but of retaining them once they start. An ...
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have today secured, amongst other things, £14,783,250 extra investment in schools in the Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend areas.Last year the Welsh Liberal Democrats agreed to a two year deal, worth £223m, to allow the Welsh Government's budget to pass in exchange for the implementation of Welsh Liberal Democrat policies. Assembly Members today voted on that budget.Amongst other achievements, the Welsh Liberal Democrats secured an increase in the Pupil Premium (also known as 'Pupil Deprivation Grant') so every school receives £1,150 per pupil on free school meals, a Young Persons' Bus Pass so young people ...
Tim Farron heads to the unlikely environment of a table tennis bar in London to launch the Lib Dems' In campaign this afternoon. Also speaking will be London Mayoral candidate Caroline Pidgeon and MEP Catherine Bearder: Today @LibDems launch our campaign to keep Britain in Europe. Join us in this once in a generation fight #InTogetherpic.twitter.com/Lt6kHU7k5Q — Catherine Bearder (@catherinemep) February 10, 2016 We'll bring you the speeches later, but in the meantime, you might like to follow the campaign on Twitter. They will be live-tweeting the launch.
I've seen trade unions Euroscepticism up close and personal on more than one occasion. Most of it is the old left suspicion of the whole thing as some sort of capitalist conspiracy, designed to stop the socialist utopia from ever happening. In some senses, their instincts are correct – stealing people's land and nationalising it is pretty much impossible while a country is in the EU, as a for instance. But the question of what stance the trade unions are going to take during the EU referendum is a good one. So I wasn't surprised to read these words from ...
Here are my immediate reactions to both the Democratic and Republican side. I'm writing this on my phone so apologises for any problems with spelling and grammar. REGARDING THE DEMOCRATS: Sanders' position regarding the results of the New Hampshire primary was a lot like mine waiting for my A-level results.* I knew I wanted to [...]
At Liberal Democrat Conference in York, delegates will have the opportunity to vote on a set of proposals which will put in place and instigate a series of approaches to tackle the lack of diversity among candidates and elected Liberal Democrats. The announcement of the proposals has caused debate right across the party with, in my view, deeply worrying [...]
Last year's election was brutal. It was a disaster for the country and it made us all realise that politics needs to change. I'm not talking about the Lib Dems' electoral defeat. I'm not even talking about the Tory majority. Last year's election made a mockery of British democracy. 1 in 4 voters voted Lib Dem, Green or UKIP, but have just 10 MPs to represent them. That is appalling. Why then do the Westminster elite stand up for this broken system? Pure selfishness. I'm afraid that is the only answer I can think of. So many Labour and Tory ...
At the most recent meeting of Bury Council, the team of Lib Dem councillors were successful in getting the Council to agree to take more action to stand up for private renters. Across Bury around 14% of all housing is private rented housing, meaning private landlords are a major provider of housing in the Borough. Our view is that it is great that people wish to invest in housing in the Borough and provide options for housing in the area. The vast majority of private landlords are good and responsible landlords, but many people get in touch with us with ...
[IMG: Screen Shot 2016-02-10 at 09.39.40] It's annual budget time and the Welsh Liberal Democrats have secured some substantial investment in young people in the Welsh budget including 5000 new apprenticeships, increase in and extension of the Pupil Premium and a young person's bus pass. The full list of Liberal Democrat policies to be implemented is: an increase in the Pupil Premium (aka Pupil Deprivation Grant): in 2016/17 each school will receive £1,150 for every pupil eligible to receive free school meals; the extension of the Pupil Premium to include under 5s, worth £300 per pupil on free school meals; ...
Yesterday, 9 February 2016, was Britain's 'Safer Internet Day' – a day organised by charities and pressure groups to raise awareness about internet safety, particularly for children and young people. [IMG: Screenshot 2016-02-10 09.38.19] Many schools will have been involved in talking to children about internet safety. This story on the BBC reports on the report launched for Safer Internet Day which showed that three-quarters of 10-12 year olds have social media accounts online. Safer Internet Day have produced a wide range of resources for parents, young people and children all of which are available here.
Bury's public sector housing provider Six Town Housing are inviting nominations for their Community Stars event to be held in March. The Community Star Awards give you the opportunity to nominate the unsung heroes in your Six Town Housing community. If you apply, they could be shortlisted and recognised at our awards ceremony in March 2016. [IMG: community star 3] More information and a nomination form is here. The deadline to apply is 19/02/2016.
[IMG: The LGA Lib Dems support Liberal Democrat council groups across the country] A cross-party Parliamentary Committee has said that councils should not have to meet the costs of extending Right to Buy to Housing Association tenants. Responding to the Communities and Local Government Select Committee report, Cllr Keith House, Liberal Democrat Housing spokesman at the Local Government Association, said: "We agree with the Committee that the Right [...]
We were pleased to be able to support a number of funding applications for St Margaret's Bowling Club (junction of Polefield Road and St Margaret's Road, and delighted when they were successful. The club have asked us to circulate the following information to local residents about the improvements the grants have paid for and if people are interested in joining. St Margaret's Bowling Club is a non-profit making sporting organisation that is run by volunteers and has been in existence for over 120 years. [IMG: Untitled] The club have recently been very successful in a number of funding bids they ...
[IMG: Person typing on a computer keyboard] Originally posted in 2013. Updated 2016. If you want to make me wince and are neither into physical violence nor have an alligator to hand, ask me about cases I've come across of political campaigns or parties losing key data about voters. The sort of losses I've come across so painfully regularly aren't the ones that get media headlines with USB drives left on trains or personal data about voters emailed to a radio station rather than a mailing house by mistake (though the latter did once happen to an unfortunate Conservative). Rather ...
The European Referendum question asks "Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?" Voters are not being asked whether we accept David Cameron's renegotiation proposals or the (draft) European Council Agreement. Nor are we being asked our opinion on the crises in the Eurozone and Schengen areas. Just as Wilson's 1975 renegotiation was promptly forgotten during the 1975 referendum campaign, we need to put Cameron's renegotiation behind us. Both were risky exercises to paper over splits within their respective parties. Although Cameron's renegotiation is subject to greater public scrutiny than in 1975, ...
Last night, I attended the February meeting of West End Community Council. The well-attended meeting heard an interesting presentation on consultation on the Dundee Local Development Plan. You can read more about this here. There were discussions on a number of local issues including the on-going parking problems in parts of the West End. I updated the Community Council on recent correspondence I had from the City Council on the matter and my view that this is an issue that must be revisiting by Dundee City Council. The Community Council is intending to discuss the parking issue further and this ...
Kids' Creative Drawings Become Real Inventions We Can Use - some of the "kids" are older than others The Lib Dems are advertising for a Membership Development Manager at Lib Dem HQ, London To get someone competent, on that wage, in central London, it'll need to be someone with a LOT of love for the party... :/ My Entry for the Speccie's New National Anthem Competition How to keep your gym habit 6 engagement rings for your significant geek Wanted: home for giant rabbit that could grow to 1.2m long Nom Nom Nom - this year I get to nominate ...
