Another exploration of a closed London railway by the people at Londonist. This time there are not a lot of remains to be discovered.
In his first few hours as our EU Spokesperson, we've had more sense from Nick Clegg than we've had from the whole government in the four awful weeks since the referendum. Tonight he was on Radio 4's PM programme saying that it was really important that we started to see some detail from the Government on its plans for Britain's exit from the EU. We need, he said, a very detailed plan to extricate ourselves from the complex web of economic and legal ties between us and the EU. He said that if the Government wanted to retain the closest ...
I came across an article today by Warren Hatter that looks at the reasons the Remain campaign lost the referendum. I'm not sure quite which body of theory or knowledge it draws on, but it certainly sounds convincing: It's not hard to make a case that the main flaw of the Remain campaign was in allowing the debate to be framed by the Leave camp. Framing isn't a behavioural effect as such, but how something is framed provides the context for decision-making - and biases - to play. Taking just one example, the Leave side managed to get 'freedom of ...
Well, that was all a bit accidental. I arrived at the International Relations Committee a bit late - a level crossing problem at Claydon, track failure at Colchester, a rhinoceros on the line at Shenfield, you know, the usual Abellio Greater Anglia experience - having probably missed the Governance Review bit. And you know how much I love governance stuff... However, it hadn't happened, and the agenda indicated that we were to adopt the idea that all Federal Committees would appoint a Secretary from amongst its own ranks. Apparently, nobody wanted the job... And whilst I have very little experience ...
I'm not deeply invested in the fortunes of Britain's Labour Party. (I accidentally rejoined the Lib Dems last year, but haven't paid any subscription this year so possibly am no longer a member.) But I am very interested in questions of political leadership, and in the quality of democracy in a political system. In this context, I found very interesting three pieces published online in the last week by Labour Party activists (none of whom I had ever heard of before, which must show my disconnect from UK politics). Two of them are women MPs of about the same age ...
The lead story in the new Private Eye concerns hacks' attempts to turn up some dirt on our new prime minister. They hoped to find it in a privately published history of the Oxford University Conservative Association that appeared in 1994 and left no episode of backstabbing or vote-rigging undocumented. Trouble is, that history has suddenly become very scarce. Even college libraries known to have held copies now claim they do not. But the Eye has seen one and can reveal that no wrongdoing by either the young Theresa Brasier or the young Philip May appears in it. It does ...
Could this be the first sign that the Pokémon GO bubble is about to burst? Politicians have now caught up with it.
A batch of candidates have now been selected in seats formerly held by the party as part of the Liberal Democrat preparations for a possible 2016 general election. Former Lib Dem MPs reselected Stephen Williams has been selected again in Bristol West. Julian Huppert, as trailed earlier, has been selected again in Cambridge. Mark Hunter has been selected again in Cheadle. Martin Horwood has been selected again in Cheltenham. Dan Rogerson has been selected again in North Cornwall. Tessa Munt has been selected again in Wells. Of other former Lib Dem MPs, Steve Webb won't be standing against whilst Stephen ...
The Presidency of the European Council rotates between the member states who hold it for 6 months at a time. The UK was due to hold the Presidency in the second half of 2017. Some people expected David Cameron's pledge to hold an EU Referendum "by the end of 2017" indicated he planned to use the Presidency in a way that would then springboard him into a successful campaign. He called it early and lost. Now it appears there will be no UK Presidency in 2017. The Independent reports it has been cancelled and the slot will be taken by ...
As a budding old fogy I am having enough trouble coming to terms with the latest Pokemon Go craze. So kudos to one Tory Assembly Member who clearly has a young person in his office to brief him. Montgomeryshire AM, Russell George has tabled a question to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure asking what assessment has the Welsh Government made of the effects of Pokemon Go on the transport network in Wales? Cue Welsh Office civil servants running around looking for somebody to explain Pokemon Go to them. Have the pesky creatures been staging sit-ins on Arriva trains? ...
I was astonished and saddened to discover this week that the Government appears to have downgraded the importance it gives to Youth Policy. The ministerial role in which Youth Policy is included, the Civil Society brief, has been moved by no-mandate Prime Minister Theresa May from the Cabinet Office to the so-called ministry of fun, the Department of Culture of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS.) When based at the Cabinet Office, youth policy was at the heart of government. Now, of course, this didn't by any means guarantee good decision-making on youth-related issues and, indeed, I disagreed strongly (and continue ...
By any objective measure Osbornomics has failed. At best, the former Chancellor's economic policies merely stalled the post-recession economic recovery. At worst, they have stunted growth, further entrenched economic inequality and exacerbated social division throughout the country. The Liberal Democrats can take some encouragement from the fact that, when in coalition, they were able to moderate the more insidious and ideologically-driven elements of Osborne's economic doctrine. One must only look to the unmitigated disaster of the Chancellors post-election budget where, for example, he sought to slash disability benefits as one example of what unfettered Osbornomics may have looked like. For ...
Cray Valley West Ward (Bromley) UKIP councillor Terence Nathan had some interesting advice for those looking to speed up the triggering of article 50 following the Brexit verdict. Posting on his Facebook page Cllr. Nathan wrote: 'Time to start killing these people until article 50 is invoked, perhaps Remainers will get the message then' He then [...]
The frantic pace of by-election style selections so that we are prepared for a snap election. Four of our former MPs have been re-selected for the constituencies they used to represent. The most marginal seat in the country is Cambridge, which voted heavily to Remain. With Labour all over the place on the EU, Julian Huppert must now be in a very strong position, whenever the election comes: Delighted & honoured to be reselected unanimously by @CambridgeLDs to restand for Parliament. So much to do for our city & our country #fb — Julian Huppert (@julianhuppert) July 20, 2016 After ...
The raised brick planters at Treeview Court shops near Maghull Station look great all planted out and a part of Maghull in Bloom but a close inspection of the condition of the brick walls of the planters is a different matter. Just look at this:- [IMG: Treeview Court Planters 07 16 r] This is not a new issue but it is one that gradually gets worse year on year and clearly it is a health and safety matter waiting to become a hazard to pedestrians. My understanding is that the planters are jointly owned by the private owners of the ...
[IMG: torn_eu_flag] I'm thinking of those taken in by false "promises" — there isn't an extra £350 million a week for the NHS, or an end to free movement of people, Brexit doesn't mean an end to fishing quotas, and "taking back control" now sounds like a joke. They were already alienated and this is not helping. We're hearing stories of Brexit hitting places that voted for it: Lush moving from Poole, Forterra mothballing plants in Accrington and Claughton. Vacancies and job prospects are down. We need a more constructive response than a brutal "You voted for it". If Labour ...
Britain is leaving the European Union... or maybe not? Let's place some odds on what might or might not happen with Brexit.
On Tuesday, just two days before parliament starts its recess and less than a week after Theresa May first addressed the commons as Prime Minister, Sir Simon Stevens, CEO of NHS England, wrote about his priorities for the NHS. For most of us his comments and overall strategy will seem eminently sensible. The question I ask myself is this: Will Theresa May's government pay lip service to Simon Stevens' strategy or will they actually commit to the funds and action needed to carry it through? You might say I am being unduly cynical and that I am not giving this ...
I'm posting here a message I received on safety on the trains. The author wants to stay anonymous but he lives on the south coast and is in a position to know what he's talking about - so I think he deserves a wider hearing. Especially for those of us who are honestly trying to understand why a series of rail franchises are grinding to a halt. This is what he writes: "I have been most interested to read your blog and book regarding the problems currently affecting train services in Sussex and understand and agree with the points you ...
[IMG: parks] ALDC is producing more packs so that Liberal Democrats campaigners like you can easily campaign in their local community. This pack is designed to help you campaign with local friends of parks groups and build a community campaign. Friends of Parks groups, whether new or already established, often make a positive contribution to a site [...]
Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Rumbles today said that First Minister needs to get back to the day job and support Scotland's economy as new figures showed that the Scottish economy flat lined in the first quarter of 2016. Mike Rumbles, MSP said: "Scotland's economy is flat lining on the SNP's watch. The hard truth [...]
The United Kingdom was scheduled to take over the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union on 1 July 2017, giving the Brits a wonderful opportunity to help steer an EU reform agenda with the support of several of its continental partners. But Prime Minister Theresa May has told her EU counterparts that Britain will [...]
Jeremy Hunt has broken NHS funding pledges and is 'misleading' the public over reforms, report finds | Health News | Lifestyle | The Independent RT @SiobhanFenton: Report finds Jeremy Hunt has broken NHS funding pledges and is 'misleading' the public over reforms miss_s_b | The Blood is the Life for 19-07-2016 posted The Blood is the Life for 19-07-2016 on #dreamwidth Instagram Passable view up the Dart marina from the top of Agatha Christie's garden. Also they are VERY... Twitter RT @TheStalwart: OMG. The look on Kerry's face when a reporter asks Johnson about his history of exaggerations and "outright ...
Vince Cable will be appearing at the Edinburgh Festival of Politics on Saturday August 20th in Holyrood at 5pm. He will be discussing his career from his early days as a councillor in Glasgow through to the coalition days and to becoming a respected economic thinker. It promises to be a fascinating event that will [...]
Alistair Carmichael has written an article for today's Scotsman in which he matches up Theresa May's words on entering Downing Street to her actions in government. Certainly we can all remember Margaret Thatcher's warm words about bringing peace and harmony when she entered No 10, and we know how that turned out. For many people there were three main reasons for being pleased to see Theresa May enter No 10 Downing Street last week. Firstly she was not Boris Johnson; secondly she was not Michael Gove and thirdly she was not Andrea Leadsom. As a father, I felt it could ...
[IMG: Even the rain didn't stop our great team in Astley Ward!] The result in Astley Ward by-election on North Norfolk District Council last week, saw Lib Dem candidate Pierre Butikofer win with 41% of the vote, taking the seat from the Conservatives. No Lib Dem candidate stood the last time the seat was contested in 2015, so the team went from a standing start. Ed Maxfield, [...]
Embed from Getty Images Miriam González Durántez was interviewed by Nick Robinson on Radio 4's Today programme this morning. As an international lawyer who has worked as a trade negotiator she was asked about Brexit. She warned that we would need hundreds of trade lawyers/negotiators. She mentioned that hundreds of specialists in the EU "breathe" the regulations – indeed wrote the regulations. They will therefore make formidable negotiators. Miriam also warned that the differences between the Norway, Switzerland, Canada or Cayman Islands models are "huge". * News Meerkat - keeping a look-out for Liberal Democrat news. Meerkat photo by Adair ...
Wed 20th
08:38
One project a year? Shropshire Council sets risible target for its councillors' performance
To be an effective councillor you need to read the paperwork and there is a lot of it. I have been reading the small print for Thursday's full council meeting. That includes Shropshire Council's draft Corporate Plan. I have comments to make on the details of this plan but one detail of the report stands... Continue reading One project a year? Shropshire Council sets risible target for its councillors' performance →
Last year, following my request, at a site in Glenagnes Road (east side south of the West End Campus), the council erected a chespale fence to avoid any fly-tipping. However, the area has become overgrown and untidy over time, and I contacted the council again about this, following requests from residents. The Neighbourhood Services Department has responded as follows : "We carried out a litter pick last year when the fence was erected. I am happy to litter pick again and spread woodchip over the site ... at least this will make it more pleasant to look at."
I am a Social Liberal by conviction and a Liberal Democrat by choice. In the here and now, the Liberal Democrats best align with my principles and beliefs. With Labour in meltdown and an increasingly fractured non-Tory (I hesitate to use progressive) grouping in British politics, there is much discussion about the realignment of the left and the creation of new political parties. However, my enemy's enemy is not necessarily my friend. The cross party alliances forged during the 'Remain' campaign have generated traction for the idea of a so-called progressive alliance. Some fear that we are destined for perpetual ...
The Tamir Rice Story: How to Make a Police Shooting Disappear A grim read. (tags: guns race uspolitics ) Obama sent these people home from prison early. Now what? Very moving. (tags: uspolitics crime ) The Discontented And an economic remedy. Long but worthwhile read. #fb (tags: ukpolitics elections economics uspolitics ) A Split-Screen Tour of Los Angeles, Seventy Years Ago and Today Fascinating. I think I saw *one* building that had not changed. (tags: usa history films ) How Melania Trump's Speech Veered Off Course and Caused an Uproar Jaw-dropping. (tags: uspolitics )
With the departure of Angela Eagle from the Labour leadership contest, members are now faced with a choice between two straight white men. We are of course in Liberal Democrat territory there but it could have been very different. Labour members outside Wales will now be asking themselves who exactly Owen Smith is? In fact some members in Wales may need educating on that point if the conversation I had with a Labour Councillor on Monday is typical. Owen Smith is crachach, a lifetime member of the Welsh establishment. The crachach are usually said to be Welsh-speaking and are said ...
[IMG: Nick clegg on Last Leg] Nick Clegg has not had a major role in the parliamentary party over the last year. All that is about to change as he takes on a position that he is uniquely well suited to fulfil – that of European Union spokesperson. It will be Nick who is holding Liam Fox and David Davis to account. Given Nick's wide-ranging experience at the highest levels of the British Government and as a trade negotiator for the European Union, we can expect no bovine scatology from Fox and Davis to pass him by. Their feet will ...
When Tim Farron first put together his Shadow Cabinet team, Nick Clegg turned down the offer of a post, judging – rightly – that it was better to give a new party leader more space to build up their own profile first. Now, however, Clegg is returning as a front bench spokesperson as a party statement explains: Former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is returning to the Liberal Democrat front bench as the party's European Union spokesperson in order to hold the Government to account over its plans for Brexit. Nick Clegg is uniquely well placed to challenge the Conservatives ...
