It's been a while, folks. I hope you're all well. Since we last spoke a lot has happened. I'm currently a parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats in the upcoming Scottish elections. As part of this I attended a hustings last night. This involved myself and representatives from other parties being on a panel and [...]
Tue 19th
22:37
EURef Roundup: Treasury's £4,300, likely turnout changing, leaflet's impact on support, TUC on...
James Kirkup in the Telegraph has analysis of the Treasury's study that says we would be £4,300 worse off if we leave than if we remain in Europe. The report is summarised: The Government analysis is that without full membership of the European Union and access to its single market, UK businesses would find it harder to sell goods and services to customers in the EU and, in some circumstances, elsewhere in the world. The UK would also become less attractive place for foreign businesses to invest. Some businesses would grow less quickly. Some would close down. Over time, the ...
Stewart Lee discusses the fantasy that stand-up comedy is spontaneous rather than written, and describes the evolution of stand-up over the last few decades. His talk, given at St Edmund Hall, Oxford, takes in a wide range of subjects from the first app he ever came across to a discussion of the value of culture in society.
Very impressive: Voters in next month's council election will be confronted by a host of new names - but none with a more fascinating story than the Liberal Democrat candidate for Efford. Rafiqul Haque grew up in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka, and came to the UK on a family holiday aged 14. While they were here their home country elected a new government and their citizenship was revoked, rendering them effectively stateless. Their application for asylum was rejected and they packed their bags to leave - but Rafiqul says the authorities lost their passports. "We were scheduled to travel ...
What was decided at this evening's Cheadle Area Committee A petition for residents parking from Greenbank Road, Gatley was handed in – the council will now investigate to see if it meets the criteria. All Hallows Church on Councillor Lane was awarded £1,000 towards upgrading their kitchen (total cost of the project is £13,082). Planning application 60950 – two storey rear extension for 100 Styal Road, Gatley. The application was recommended for approval and will be decided at the full Planning & Highways Committee. The proposals for yellow lines on Queens Road, Cheadle Hulme (the turning head south of the ...
John Thurso is back, again. The Liberal Democrats' very own Frank Sinatra has made another comeback – from hereditary peer to MP to now elected hereditary peer.* Viscount Thurso was a member of the Lords for four years between 1995 and 1999 before leaving after Labour's reforms axed most hereditary members. He then served as MP for Caithness and Sutherland for 14 years until last May. He has now returned to the Lords after a by-election triggered by the death of Lord Avebury. He beat six others in a highly exclusive ballot. Only the three current Lib Dem hereditary peers ...
The new parking charges came into force as promised on 19th April. These charges – agreed by traders and residents – are aimed at freeing up more short-stay parking in the village centre car parks. If they work as we hope, the council won't get any extra money from long-stay parking because the people who were parking all day for £2 will find other places to park. We'll be keeping an eye on it, but please let us know how you think it's going too. We've also had complaints about some of the new paving stones coming loose in the ...
The Horncastle News wins our Headline of the Day Award.
It's about time we had some more culture around here. Since it's the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death on Saturday, here is a 30-day meme about the Bard; feel free to chip in or copy as you like. Day #1: Your favourite play This is not very difficult: it's Hamlet. To repost most of what I said about it a few years ago, this is pretty much the pinnacle of Shakespeare's literary powers, and has been rightly regarded as such for centuries. A lot of this is because of the fascination of the central character, advised of his father's murder ...
More comedy genius from Australia's Clarke and Dawe:
The Yate and Chipping Sodbury Night Bus service changes from next week, 24 April. Previously the N47 bus ran three times a night from Bristol City Centre (0015, 0155 and 0335) in the early hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings. The new 47A service will only run twice on each of those evenings (0131 and 0331) from Bristol City Centre, Broad Quay, but it will now call at Bristol Bus Station. It will no longer do the "North Yate Loop" as First Bus think this is uneconomic. The town and parish councils have tried to persuade First Bus to run ...
[IMG: The LGA Lib Dems support Liberal Democrat council groups across England & Wales] If you are a councillor in an LGA member authority have you tried using LG Inform to get data on how your council is doing? A new LG Inform report shows snapshot data on unimplemented planning applications by local authority area since 2012. The data, provided by Glenigan, reveals the split between unimplemented planning permissions [...]
There is mystification among many diaspora citizens of the 10 member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) as to why some politicians in Britain feel that the UK would be better off outside the European Union. At least that was the sentiment of a useful round table discussion held at the [...]
I've never forgotten my childhood trip to the cinema in 1967 to see the Disney Jungle Book film for the first time. It was enormously fun, with even a cameo role for the Beatles - which they refused to take part in - as Liverpudlian vultures. But there was also something, I remember, which I couldn't put my finger on, which also unnerved me. I'm not sure what that was, but suspect it is the basic fear which the film and the book tap into, of being a child in a place you don't quite belong. There is a new ...
[IMG: John Thurso] ...Despite failing to submit a manifesto ...Despite one of his opponents submitting a manifesto with the word "cupidity" in it ...the new Lib Dem peer is the old Lib Dem Peer and former MP John Thurso. He won the strangest by-election ever, the election of another Liberal Democrat hereditary peer to replace Eric Avebury who sadly died in February. There was an electorate of 3 to choose between a field of 7. We don't need the full STV rundown because all 3 of the electors voted for Lord Thurso. The BBC has more information: Only the three ...
[IMG: EmailCampaigning] We are just a couple of weeks away from local elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, Welsh Assembly and Scottish Parliament elections. Many of you will be busy out on the doorsteps this week campaigning to win postal votes. If you do find yourself with a spare minute or two then it's well worth setting [...]
Congratulations to Matthew Kidner for standing in the recent Caerphilly Ynysddu by election. Our vote may not have been large but a group of electors had the opportunity to vote for us who otherwise wouldn't have. Our long term success will be boosted by standing candidates at every level and at every opportunity. If people don't [...]
Embed from Getty Images Kirsty Williams faces her ITV leaders' debate on ITV Cymru tomorrow at 8pm. Away from the formalities of the campaign, she has been cooking with ITV Cymru's political editor Adrian Masters. He's been doing this with all the party leaders. I do hope he asked the men what their families thought of them being party leaders as well. He helped Kirsty make Sloppy Joes. Kirsty had a great story about being brought back to earth after meeting President Obama. If it had been me, I'd have wanted to talk about nothing else for about a year. ...
The Conservatives running Herts County Council pushed through a cut of over 11% from the local highways budget of £90,000. This £90,000 was allocated to County Councillors to get local roads and pavements resurfaced that the County would not otherwise do. It's now been cut. The cut was voted through at a County Cabinet meeting on Monday, at which [...]
These are the results of the Welsh General Election for the South Wales West region in 2011, the last time the seats were fought: [Additional Member System] (4 Seats) Lead candidate and party Votes for party and %age Seats allocatedAlana Elizabeth Davies, Labour 71766 46.49% (0)* Suzy Davies, Conservative 27457 17.79% (2) Bethan Jenkins, Plaid Cymru 21258 13.77% (1) Peter Malcolm Black, Lib. Dem. 10683 6.92% (1) David Maybery Bevan, UKIP 6619 4.29% David Leonard Davies, Socialist Labour Party 5057 3.28% Clive Bennett, British National Party 4714 3.05% Keith Malcolm Ross, Green 3952 2.56% David Philip Griffiths, Welsh Christian Party ...
Stockport Lib Dems have stopped an attempt by council officers to prevent market traders handing out red roses on St George's Day. "When I was told about this on Friday, I thought the idea was completely daft and I asked it to be sorted out right away. Senior council officers agreed and, within an hour, the record had been put straight and the issue resolved." said Cllr Iain Roberts, who has responsibility for the market. The issue came about when junior council officers misinterpreted election law. The law says that councils can't campaign for political parties. Going by an old ...
Tue 19th
15:41
So what are the social & environmental impacts of expanding Seaforth Docks & why have they...
This is my follow up posting to my recent missive on this subject which is accessible via the link below:- Cliff Mainey is a mild mannered man who sat on Sefton Council for quite a number of years through the 1990's and up to 2012. He represented Maghull's Sudell Ward so his interest in the consequences of the expansion of the Port of Liverpool at Seaforth may be a surprise to some who do not know him well. But Cliff hails from Litherland so knows his onions you might say. Here's a bit of social history from Cliff to ...
In London, they have the taxi thing, but in Scotland, the BBC are doing a Leaders' Lift Challenge. As they travel up the lift in what I presume is their Glasgow HQ, people get on and ask random questions. Here's Willie Rennie's. The answer to "Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?" is very sweet. And we find out about the transgressions in his past. Stealing apples, indeed. Taking our #SP16 Leaders in the Lift challenge today. It's @willie_rennie for @scotlibdems https://t.co/zuXXUaZiHshttps://t.co/80IfBXsMZW — BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) April 19, 2016 This comes out as a ...
[IMG: Liberal Youth logo] Liberal Youth England are excited to announce the launch of the Branch Development Fund, a fund to encourage local groups of young members across England to bid for funding to help grow and engage their membership. This can be for a range of different types of events, a local campaign that you need extra funding [...]
The following information comes courtesy of Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary. We are happy to endorse it here at Lib Dem Hame and encourage activists and supporters to take part:- The Immigration Bill returns to the House of Commons on Monday, April 25th. Some very important amendments will be coming from significant wins in [...]
[IMG: Good morning, good evening both] When finalizing your last 48 hours of the campaign, one thing to make sure you have is resolved is whether you do a good morning, good evening or both.Good morning, eve of poll and our knock ups throughout polling day should simply explain -When it's polling day – That their vote is crucial and we [...]
Embed from Getty Images With the Brexit debate currently focusing on the question of trade, Brexiters are able to wrongly claim that the UK would enjoy better trade agreements outside the EU, sooner or later. This exercise in hand waving complacency is not available when it comes to our security. This is not just about the European Arrest Warrant, responsible for the extradition of 7000 criminals out of the UK and 1000 brought to justice here including failed London bomber Hussein Osman. There are over 100 measures in total, many of which the UK has chosen to withdraw from while ...
This morning, I participated in the latest V&A Museum of Design, Dundee Project Board meeting. After the meeting, board members had the opportunity of a site visit round the V&A construction site at the waterfront. You can see all the photos I took here. The external walling work and cladding is making real progress in what is a very complex design. At the site visit, I was left in no doubt that the V&A Museum of Design in Dundee will have its home in a truly iconic building.
Watch the latest video from the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign: 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.
Tuesday: "We have had our lovely leaflet from HM Government about reasons to stay in the EU... but could I please have both sides of the argument given as facts so I can make an informed choice?" People don't actually make up their minds based on facts. So, if you are inclined, even slightly, to vote "remain" then the government's little pamphlet provides some comforting homilies to warm you to the idea you're making the right choice. But, and this worries me, if you find yourself wanting "other facts" to justify your doubts maybe you're drifting into the "Leave" camp. ...
Tue 19th
11:54'I came from Bangladesh, the Government lost my passport and now I'm a Liberal Democrat'
Embed from Getty Images The Plymouth Herald reports: Voters in next month's council election will be confronted by a host of new names - but none with a more fascinating story than the Liberal Democrat candidate for Efford. Rafiqul Haque grew up in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka, and came to the UK on a family holiday aged 14. While they were here their home country elected a new government and their citizenship was revoked, rendering them effectively stateless. Their application for asylum was rejected and they packed their bags to leave - but Rafiqul says the authorities lost their ...
[IMG: hands off] LDHQ have just produces template material on academies or offshore tax. There are now new materials available on the Google Drive and on our own file library to help you campaign on both of these issues. A3 Tax Focus drop-ins – PagePlus and PDF Tax Tabloid drop-in – PagePlus and PDF A3 Academies Focus drop-ins [...]
Last year I wrote a letter affirming my support for the global work that Amnesty performs and I am happy to have the opportunity to reaffirm my position and support today. I actively campaigned against the United Kingdom's intervention in Syria and had I been an MP would have spoke and voted against David Cameron's token campaign which, in my view, has more to do with arms sales than any constructive move to bring peace. Since I have spent now twenty years travelling the world's continents, I know what a nation without human rights looks like. In Kazakhstan one could ...
Reality Check: Would Brexit cost your family £4,300? - BBC News RT @BBCRealityCheck: Would it really cost your family this much? No - but the country *might* be this much poorer This is a .pdf, but it's worth it, I promise Go get yourself a cup of tea, put your feet up, and scroll through these works of genius. If you can get to the one headed Crapita without having cracked out laughing at least twice, you're a stronger person than me. Nearly half of British public think all tax returns should be made public This Virgin America Employee Writes ...
The Immigration Bill returns to the House of Commons on Monday, April 25th. Some very important amendments will be coming from significant wins in the House of Lords, when it was debated there. ALL MPs need to be lobbied and told how important it is that these amendments are incorporated into what is a terrible Bill, to at least make a difference to many asylum seekers already in the UK, as well as the 3,000 unaccompanied children seeking refuge, already in Europe. Please do take the time to write, meet, or otherwise lobby your own MP on these issues. 1. Right ...
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has accused the First Minister of being in denial about the consequences of her government's police reforms. He made the accusation following Nicola Sturgeon's admission that the deaths of Lamara Bell and John Yuill on the M9 was the lowest point for her in the last parliament. Mr Rennie [...]
The Government has agreed a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Housing and Planning Bill, which protects vulnerable tenants from being wrongly evicted.Under the Housing & Planning Bill, landlords get faster access to a property if they believe the tenant has abandoned it. The successful amendment requires a landlord to get in touch with a third party such as a charity, local authority or individual who has helped to pay the tenant's deposit. If the landlord gets a response that the tenant has not abandoned the property they can't change the locks and reclaim it. [IMG: Screenshot 2016-04-19 09.24.30] Lib Dem ...
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has welcomed a poll showing strong support for his party's penny for education policy. Under the Liberal Democrats' penny for education, a penny would be added onto each income tax band to raise a transformational half a billion pounds for education. That money would be spent on expanding free [...]
St Margaret's Bowling Club (Polefield Road, Prestwich) are holding an open day on Sunday 15 May from 1.00pm – 5.00pm They are encouraging anyone who is interested to come along and try your hand at Crown Green Bowling at our friendly club. Everyone is welcome to this free event which will include: – Free Tuition – Free Refreshments – Free Raffle... More information email smbcfleet@yahoo.com If you have a community event coming up don't hesitate to let us know and we will be happy to circulate information. Please do give as much notice as possible to make sure is space ...
The 11th Prestwich Clough Day is on Sunday 22 May 2016, from 12pm - 5pm in St Mary's Flower Park and outside The Church Inn, Church Lane. The first event, in 2006, marked the centenary of a Mr Gardener purchasing the Clough, for the people of Prestwich. The event is free, and features activities, stalls, information on local and countryside groups and entertainment. The Clough day is 100% dependent on the work of volunteers, on donations and sponsorship. More information and to find out how you can get involved at their website.
Greater Manchester Waste have announced a change to the waste permitted at service Changes at the Recycling Centres (tips). From Sunday 1st May, all Recycling Centres in Greater Manchester will no longer accept cement-bonded asbestos and plasterboard/gypsum products. Alternative facilities will be provided at weighbridges. According to GM Waste, this change in service is required to ensure that these types of waste are collected and managed properly. By allowing householders to dispose of these materials at weighbridges only, we can target any potential misuse from commercial and trade activity. When the service change takes effect on 1st May, residents can ...
No action can have a single consequence. Can the stated purpose of an action distract us from considering its several unstated/understated consequences? Can unstated consequences be unstated purposes? Can/does the iceberg profundity of the governmental decision/action to academise all English schools have a single consequence/purpose? Academisation of our schools involves more than education. It also involves money, property, power, politics, cartel-control, democratic freedom, governance and accountability, to name but some of the areas of our lives it affects/controls, now in the future. Some questions: Where are the visible, accountable and promptly enforceable systems to prevent these private business-charities from charging ...
It'd have been rather better if this warning had turned out to be completely misplaced: [IMG: 2010 warning about Lib Dems losing identity] That did indeed turn out to be a significant part of what went wrong for the Liberal Democrats in 2010-15: lots of good detail, little clear overall messaging that cut through to ordinary voters. The lesson from this? The need for a clear overall narrative for the party, with every action and moment of prioritisation judged in part against whether it helps or hinders that narrative. Sometimes other factors most certainly justify over-riding or deviating. But if ...
There's been an interesting debate regarding the so-called "citizen's income" on both the Left and Right in Britain over the last couple of years. The idea has gained more traction on the Left, with the Greens making it official policy (sort of) in the run in to the last general election. But the reasons many on the Right like the concept made me think deeply about the problems the Left faces across Europe, and I came up with the following. Portions of the Right like the citizens income because it is a way to actually shrink the state in a ...
The 'STEP programme' is a new adult learning programme to be delivering throughout Dundee. The 'STEP programme' aims to tackle social isolation, build confidence and inform adults of the different services available to them throughout Dundee. The groups are informal and light-hearted and adaptable to meet the needs of the group. The programme meets for 2 hours a week over a 9 week period and tackle different topics each session. The sessions are as follows: • Welcome/Introduction• Effective Communication• Healthy Living• Coping With Change• Managing Stress and Anxiety• Sexual Health• Financial Planning• Managing Addictions• Graduation/Next Steps The programme is suitable ...
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has said the new powers coming to Holyrood will make the next Parliament one of opportunity as he outlined how his party would use them to make Scotland the best again. Liberal Democrats' plans to use the new powers in ambitious and positive ways are in direct opposition to [...]
William Gladstone was an internationalist and a classic nineteenth century liberal. The idea that he might have anything in common with the xenophobic regressive party of Nigel Farage, Mark Reckless and Neil Hamilton is ludicrous. That though has not stopped UKIP seeking to claim part of his legacy. The question is, which part? According to the BBC the Flintshire library dedicated to 19th Century Liberal Prime Minister William Gladstone has complained to UKIP after the party used a photo of it in its Welsh manifesto. The Hawarden institution said it was included without permission: Warden Peter Francis said it gave ...
UC Berkeley student removed from Southwest flight after speaking Arabic on plane Good grief. (tags: race waronterror ) What happens when you appear before a judge you called a c*** on Facebook? Judge's closing words: "Don't give a toss." New Zealand, eh? (tags: funny newzealand ) Blast off! Why has astronaut Helen Sharman been written out of history? Good question. (tags: sexandgenderandsexuality space ) Increasingly, neither the UUP nor the SDLP seem likely to opt for Opposition Good #ae16 overview from Alex. (tags: northernireland )
The Welsh Liberal Democrats have pledged to "deliver a Wales that works for you, regardless of your sexuality or gender" as we launch a range of policies for LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people in Wales. The policies include: Improving sex and relationships education, and embedding gender and sexuality awareness training in teacher training courses Establishing a Gender Identity Clinic in Wales Creating publically-funded LGBT+ safe housing Ensuring parity of esteem between mental and physical health in the NHS, as mental ill health disproportionately affects LGBT+ people Making PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) medication available to men who have sex with ...
