Labour's European Election freepost leaflet arrived today through my door. It seems Labour have little to say as there are some significant unused spaces in the leaflet. Helpfully, most of the front page is taken up with a photo of Jeremy Corbyn. That should scare the voters away from Labour (that was certainly what was happening during the local election.) The bit about a confirmatory vote
Corbyn a friend to Tories, not to Remainers The Liberal Democrats today unveiled an election poster slamming Jeremy Corbyn for spending time helping the Tories deliver Brexit rather than doing anything to Stop Brexit. According to analysis of the parliamentary record by the Liberal Democrats, the Labour party whipped either to abstain or to vote with the Conservative Government on a total of 29 key Brexit votes. The poster, launched by Liberal Democrat MPs Jo Swinson and Ed Davey, comes as the Labour party descended into another row over its Brexit position. Liberal Democrat MP Ed Davey said: The single ...
Tue 14th
22:00
Alice the Dodo is going to the climate emergency protest at Shirehall on Thursday - are you?
The dodo was once a flightless bird. Now it is little more than a legend and the butt of jokes. That happened after western colonisation of Mauritius introduced predators, including humans who shot the helpless bird. Fast forward to 2019. A UN panel warns that we face a biodiversity crisis with a million species in threat of extinction. Last month, CO2 levels in the atmosphere reached a level not seen since humans existed. It is time to declare a climate emergency and Shropshire Council will do that on Thursday. My fear is that the council will adopt a motion that ...
In 1997 someone put forward a plan for a Christian them park, including a recreation of the Garden of Eden, just outside Market Harborough. Nothing came of the idea and eventually planning was given for 924 houses on the Airfield Farm site. On Saturday I crossed the new canal bridge to see that was happening there. There were show homes, cycle paths and little else. The effect was rather eerie, but then that was my reaction to the new Leicester suburb of Hamilton when I passed through it while searching for the Humber Stone. To listen to some, you would ...
Tue 14th
21:27
Just how happy should the Lib Dems be and how rude is 'bollocks'? Never Mind The Bar Charts #8
Welcome to the latest episode of Never Mind The Bar Charts, in which Stephen Tall and I pick over the 2019 local election results and look forward to the Euros.
Layla Moran issued a statement this morning. It's not entirely clear where or ow she issued it - the source seems to be the BBC Oxford political reporter Bethan Nimmo via a chain of tweets by Chris Mason - but the contents were clear. She said: I am very grateful to the large number of constituents, supporters, party members and elected representatives who have encouraged me to throw my hat into the ring in the forthcoming Liberal Democrat Leadership contest. As a relatively new MP, however, my first priority has to be to serve my constituents to the best of ...
I began to learn my Liberalism in the 1970s - the days when Liberals championed small businesses and employee ownership of larger ones. Nationalisation does not float my boat, though it may be inevitable when the franchising system for the privatised railways finally collapses. Already most franchises are operated by state-owned organisations - it's just that it's not the British state. I was always a bit sceptical of the self-proclaimed "economic liberals" who later appeared in the party. They did not talk about increasing competition as much as I would have like and rarely seemed to oppose the interests of ...
Current Feersum Endjinn, by Iain M Banks The Ginger Man, by J. P. Donleavy The Big Finish Companion, vol. 2, by Kenny Smith Last books finished The TARDIS Handbook, by Steve Tribe The Calculating Stars, by Mary Robinette Kowal Around the World in Eighty Days, by Jules Verne Infomocracy, by Malka Older Next books Bland Ambition, by Steve Tally Nebula Awards Showcase 2011, ed. Kevin J. Anderson
The Scottish Liberal Democrats are the only party in Scotland who want to keep Scotland in the UK and the EU. You would not expect a Willie Rennie manifesto launch to be boring. Sadly, there were no farm animals, but he and Alex Cole-Hamilton had a race up a climbing wall in Ratho, near Edinburgh. What a way to start the day! Beating @willie_rennie to the flag as we launch @scotlibdems manifesto! The only established #Remain party fighting full tilt to keep Scotland in both the UK [IMG: 🇬🇧] and the EU [IMG: 🇪🇺] . #EUelections2019 #VoteLibDem pic.twitter.com/dG6v5vwGmk — Alex ...
Former leader David Steel's membership of the Scottish Liberal Democrats has been reinstated following an investigation by the Scottish Party Executive. Willie Rennie issued a statement today outlining the conclusion, according to the BBC: The party's executive group has now determined that there are "no grounds for action" against the former MSP and Holyrood presiding officer. Mr Rennie said: "We take the issue of vigilance and safeguarding incredibly seriously, so it was important to investigate following the evidence that David Steel gave to the independent public inquiry. In part because of a hearing difficulty and a lack of precision in ...
British politics is in deadlock, with two extremes increasingly dominant. These extremes are a militant, conservative nationalism and an increasingly aggressive assertion of liberal values. The main battleground is Brexit, but it is by no means the only one. The centre ground, which seeks a compromise that the country as a whole can live with ... Continue reading The centre ground is collapsing
A statement this morning from Layla Moran: I am very grateful to the large number of constituents, supporters, party members and elected representatives who have encouraged me to throw my hat into the ring in the forthcoming Liberal Democrat Leadership contest. As a relatively new MP, however, my first priority has to be to serve my constituents to the best of my ability. I hope they consider that I am doing a good job so far, but I do not believe that I would be able to continue to do so to the standard they have the right to expect ...
[IMG: Gary Fuller at Enbrook Stream] Sandgate Parish Council (and Councillors) have had a number of reports over the past few months over concerns on the cleanliness at times of water in Enbrook Stream, which we've followed up with the Environment Agency who are responsible for the water quality. They have been investigating, and have now found (they think!) the cause. we had forwarded them various photos and videos we had been sent, which assisted their investigations. In an email to us yesterday, they say: "Thank you for the updates and the photos, they are vital to our ongoing investigations. ...
On the map of Lydiate's public rights of way/footpaths (above) No. 14 is towards the bottom right. It effectively follows the boundary of Sandy Lane Playing Field from Sandy Lane to Moss Lane. When the Parish Council agreed to set aside a part of Sandy Lane Park for a dog run the wedge shaped corner of it was agreed as the site. Subsequently, the appropriate fencing was erected recently. But it was only when using the path the other day that I realised that the route of the public right of way seemed to be through the dog run area. ...
Mon, 12:56: Not a bad proposition. Wake up in Brussels, in Dublin by dinner time, no driving, no faffing around with airport se... https://t.co/By8Ho1BhRo Mon, 14:30: RT @reece_dinsdale: Oh dear! If you'd done your homework, you'd see that I've been directing television drama, one of which last year won... Mon, 17:11: China's Latest Crackdown Target Is Liberal Economists https://t.co/tAgOit5Zm2 Not a good look, as @PeterMartin_PCM reports. Mon, 18:12: Alarums and Excursions: Improvising Politics on the European Stage, by Luuk van Middelaar https://t.co/P3Zw4PTSSr Mon, 19:17: I really appreciate it when a journalist sends me the draft text of an interview they ...
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran has ruled herself out of the contest to succeed Vince Cable when he steps down shortly as party leader. She cited the pressures of being a new MP in a marginal seat (and one facing significant boundary changes): "As a relatively new MP, however, my first priority has to be to serve my constituents to the best of my ability." — Chris Mason (@ChrisMasonBBC) May 14, 2019 Layla Moran said: I am very grateful to the large number of constituents, supporters, party members and elected representatives who have encouraged me to throw my hat into ...
It looks as though we are going to have to go onto election overdrive. It has been announced that Vera Baird, Labour Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, has been appointed as the new Victims Commissioner by the Conservative government. It means she will be vacating the PCC role. Oh joy, a by-election across the whole of Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. I was the Lib Dem candidate
Lib Dem campaign organisers are amazing. They work incredibly hard. Those who do get paid for it don't get paid nearly enough for what is effectively a project management job. They have to herd the Lib Dem cats to deliver objectives on the way to electoral success. They are so dedicated to their jobs, too. I will never forget the day one young organiser, who had been led astray by older and less wise party activists (for once, not me), turning up at the office about 3 hours after they went to bed a little green around the gills to ...
Just to let residents know about seven recent planning applications in our area . Please just let us know if you have any queries. Single storey extension at rear for use as storage room 424 Bury Old Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1PRRef. No: 64139 | Received: Fri 03 May 2019 | Validated: Fri 10 May 2019 | Status: RegisteredSingle storey extension at side 417 Middleton Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M24 4QZRef. No: 64054 | Received: Thu 11 Apr 2019 | Validated: Thu 25 Apr 2019 | Status: RegisteredSingle storey extension at side/rear 23 St Austells Drive, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1LURef. No: ...
Unveiling of Victoria Wood statue in Bury starts town's weekend of celebrations of performer and writer's life and work Life-size bronze statue of the Prestwich-born comedian, writer and actor to be unveiled in Bury's Library Gardens on Friday (May 17)Fans invited to come along and see the statue for the first time, and help celebrate Victoria's incredible life and workThe unveiling begins a weekend of events, including a special brass band performance of Victoria's music, a gala show at The Met, and a special Sunday opening of the Victoria Wood exhibition Family, friends and colleagues of the late comedian, actor ...
With the European Elections looming they could be regarded as a test of public opinion, almost a second referendum. However given that what UKIP and Boris Johnson et al promised in the run up to the 2016 referendum has been shown to be unattainable it is almost inconceivable that Nigel Farage's BREXIT Party should be riding so high in the ratings. One can only assume that this a matter of dictatorial principle "you will do as we tell you", an anti- establishment stance from people who feel totally undervalued, powerless and ignored – determined to win at any cost and ...
This week, 13-19 May 2019, is the Mental Health Foundation's Mental Health Awareness Week. They say: "Mental health problems can affect anyone, at any time. We believe that mental health is everyone's business. So for one week each May, we campaign around a specific theme for Mental Health Awareness Week. 13-19 May 2019: Body image - how we feel and think about our bodies Last year we found that 30% of all adults have felt so stressed by body image and appearance that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. That's almost 1 in every 3 people. Body image issues ...
Prestwich Clough Day takes place this Sunday, 19 May 2019. This is a FREE Annual Event held from 12pm - 5pm in St Mary's Flower Park and outside The Church Inn, Church Lane with activities, stalls and entertainment.
There is already a booming cacophany of op-eds, columns and think-pieces surrounding the coming EU elections. I hope I can offer a slightly different approach, drawing on our new Radix publication, A Guide to New Political Movements, written by Nick Silver and myself. In it, we pick out the key ingredients required for new political parties [...] The post Brexit Party versus Change UK – why is one winning (and has Farage read our book)? appeared first on Radix.
The Community Council meets this evening at Logie St John's (Cross) Church Hall at 7pm - all residents welcome! Here's the agenda : WEST END COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETINGTUESDAY 14th MAY 2019 AT 7.00PMLOGIE AND ST JOHN`S (CROSS) PARISH CHURCH HALL(ENTER FROM SHAFTESBURY TERRACE - OFF BLACKNESS AVENUE) 1. WELCOME, INTRODUCTIONS AND APOLOGIES2. MINUTE OF MEETING APRIL 9TH 2019 AND MATTERS ARISING3. CORRESPONDENCE4. APPOINTMENT OF COMMUNITY COUNCILLOR5. POLICE SCOTLAND UPDATE6. COMMUNITY FRIDGE UPDATE7. PERTH ROAD PLACEMAKING PROJECT UPDATE - Russell Pepper8. NISSAN (BARNETTS) GARAGE9. TECHNOLOGY PARK CONDITION OF UNITS10. PERTH ROAD UPDATE 11. PLANNING UPDATE 12. OTHER MEETINGS ATTENDED ON BEHALF ...
The current chaos that is the UK Government could deteriorate further if a Brexit deal is ever agreed, according to the former national security adviser and head of Britain's diplomatic service, Peter Ricketts. According to the Guardian, Mr Ricketts believes that next stage of the Brexit negotiations are going to make the current mess look like a simple affair and will tie up the civil service for years: A gathering of experts on Brexit and trade negotiations concluded that the bumpiest ride is yet to come, with Britain's negotiating hand already weakened and EU unity to be tested in trade ...
