In the latest London Review of Books podcast Susan Pedersen talks to Joanna Biggs about Shelagh Delaney and her 1958 play A Taste of Honey. Delaney was a female, working-class dramatist. She put Black, female and working-class characters into her plays not as personifications of social problems but as people in their own right. She is often lumped in with the Angry Young Men, but there was little that was feminist about that movement.
Lib Dems propose support package for employers to keep workers safe as lockdown eases (to be published here tomorrow) Davey: UK needs Green Recovery Plan to counter COVID-19 economic damage PM must take charge and ensure deprived children aren't left behind Davey: PM must abolish suspicion-less stop and search Davey statement after call with the PM Govt must commit to inquiry into handling of COVID-19 Davey: UK needs Green Recovery Plan to counter COVID-19 economic damage Responding to an Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report that predicts the UK economy will shrink by 11.5% and experience the worst ...
Second paragraph of third chapter:Months later, long after the forty days were over, when I had already begun to piece things together, I would still go to sleep hoping that he would find his way into my dreams and tell me something important. I was always disappointed, of course, be-cause even when I did dream of him, he would inevitably be sitting in an armchair we didn't own, in a room I didn't recognize, and he would say things like, Bring me the newspaper, I'm hungry, and I would know, even in my sleep, that it didn't mean a fucking ...
"The media would have us believe that Rishi Sunak is having a good crisis. But this is because it focuses far too much upon presentation and not enough upon policy. The standards for Tory politicians have fallen so low that being able to read a speech fluently suffices to make one a future PM." Chris Dillow considers the origins of the Conservatives' policy disaster on Covid-19 and the economy. Natalie Bennett on the privatisation of care homes for older people has been a disaster. "In Russia, it is a deceitful, neurotic, and bullying approach to history. In China, it is ...
Bristol's taxpayers have sunk about £40million into trying to make a success of Bristol Energy Limited. I say taxpayers because the money spent by Bristol City Council all comes from households or businesses, one way or another. But we taxpayers were never really asked whether we wanted to take such a large punt in the [...]
Not taxing carbon is a bit like trying to reduce smoking without taxing cigarettes. Raising the cost of carbon with a comprehensive carbon tax on all fossil fuels, collected at the point of production or import, uses market forces to reduce CO2 emissions in a very cost-effective and efficient way. Both energy efficiency and the use of low-CO2 energy are encouraged. It applies to all sectors, including heating, industry, electricity generation and transport. Fossil fuel subsidies, for example, tax breaks on the North Sea oil and gas, are a negative carbon tax and should be withdrawn. If the money raised ...
South Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats have condemned the decision of the Council's Cabinet yesterday not to adopt rules to allow the Council to fine people leaving their car engines running unnecessarily outside schools. A member of the Yate Sodbury Liberal Democrat Focus team who is Shadow Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Louise Harris said:"It is deeply disappointing that the administration is unwilling to take this necessary action to clean up the air quality around our schools. In many other areas these powers have been used to bring about significant changes in behaviour. "Whilst South Gloucestershire's Cabinet believes that a small ...
I have been shielding for months due to a medical condition listed as extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 but keeping in touch with work. Over the last few months, I've been updated with changing company policy and watching the Government updates closely. Workplace pay was revised in line with the Government's change of advice for those who no longer need to be shielded. If my condition had been less severe, I'd be back to work now instead of staying safe at home. Around the same time, TfL emailed me to say that from the 15th June face masks will be mandatory ...
The Black Lives Matter movement is one of the most important of our times. We have too often paid lip service to equality. Too many of us have ticked the boxes without addressing the underlying issues of discrimination and disadvantage. On Friday evening, a Black Lives Matter protest, it might be better called a gathering, will be held in Linney Park under strict social distancing rules. The organisers have worked hard to create a three metre social distanced event. We cannot ignore Black Lives Matter just because we live in a town that is not racially diverse. We cannot ignore ...
When we first moved to Chessington it was synonymous with the Zoo. Anyone who lived in the area was used to being asked the, supposedly original, question "Do you live in the monkey house?" when we gave our address. We liked to take the boys during the winter months when it was much less crowded – and free – and the animals looked quite pleased to see visitors. It wasn't much of a zoo, though, and we weren't too happy about the way the animals were housed, especially the large mammals – elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers and primates, even polar ...
Dear Sadiq, Re: Concerns for London's Charity Shops As we know, many businesses and organisations are facing unprecedented challenges in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. I wanted to write to you about some specific concerns I have for charity shops, a staple of our high streets in London. Charity shops provide essential revenue for charities in London and across the UK. They are important for all charities, but particularly important for those smaller charities who rely heavily on the income from their charity shops. Furthermore, charity chops provide an affordable place for many people to shop in London and ...
Is it fair that the rich have access to better healthcare, for example, simply because they can afford to pay for it? Continue reading →
I've been a bit quiet on here for a while now. I guess not so much having nothing to say in the context of what has been going on in the world, with Covid-19, Brexit, Trump, Johnson, Cummings, and so on, but not really knowing where to start, or what I can say that would add to any debate or be anything other than a pointless ramble of what others are saying. Most of what I would say on such subjects would probably be abundantly obvious to many anyway, so I've restricted myself to less wordy offerings through the usual ...
I feel compelled to write this article after reading an opposing op-ed around 'mob rule' regarding the toppling of the Edward Colston statue last weekend. I personally haven't commented on the actions of the Bristol protest thus far, today I want to say I applaud and stand with those who acted on Sunday. Let me be honest and frank; at first, I was in two minds about the actions of the protest. I wasn't sure if these were the 'correct' actions on the day, then I realised something, and it's something we all have to...It's not my place as a ...
Paddy Briggs looks back over a lifetime's political involvement and forwards to the next election. I was 13 and for the first time I started to take an interest in politics. It was JFK wot did it. That summer of 1960 a man born in the same century as me was campaigning to be President of the United States. He was beautiful as was his wife. He wasn't Harold Macmillan or Ike or de Gaulle. He had charisma (though I don't think I knew that word at the time). He won! In 1962 I got a bit excited again. Now ...
Yes, the "Virtual Lords" is up and running, and Ros has already been active. Here are her questions since the House returned, as well as the Ministerial answers... Passenger Train Services - 29 April Baroness Scott of Needham Market To what extent will demand for rail services be taken into account when deciding which sectors will be unlocked? How will this be managed given the significant regional variations in the use of rail for commuting? Baroness Vere of Norbiton That is an incredibly important question. I am sure the noble Baroness will understand that we are considering all these issues ...
Tue, 12:56: Good cops vs. bad apples: policing reform after Ferguson and George Floyd. https://t.co/D0Q6erW5W6 Jaw-dropping detail. Tue, 14:53: Hooray! Congrats @helene_legay! https://t.co/3ZPwNB5boh Tue, 15:31: RT @Helene_Legay: I am truly honoured to make this year's list. Thank you @prweekuknews for this recognition, and @apcoworldwide for giving... Tue, 16:05: RT @prweekuknews: #BlackLivesMatter and the diversity of British PR - A collective call to action: https://t.co/r5gqXHFNxg #comms @PRstarsT... Tue, 16:11: RT @davidallengreen: Now joining Mr Kurtz Tue, 18:46: The Nightmare Stacks, by Charles Stross https://t.co/2uqTF1Mx0f Tue, 19:46: RT @anthonyzach: I love the FT, all the more because it makes sure readers know ...
It can be very frustrating sitting at home in lockdown, as an observer of events rather than an initiator, but that is no excuse for taking to social media and letting off stream in an unacceptable and racist manner. The Guardian reports that two Conservative councillors have been accused of sharing racist comments on social media following the wave of Black Lives Matter protests sparked around the world by the death of George Floyd in the US. They add that another of the party's local representatives has described the former slave trader Edward Colston, whose statue was pulled down and ...
Sunday's event in Bristol was exceptional. I am not going to be mealy-mouthed about it. My heart leapt for joy when I saw that damned statue unceremoniously chucked into the harbour. There was just something that felt emblematic and historical about it. It was a one-off. It happened on a Sunday afternoon, just like when Mandela walked free. The Colston-dunking felt up there with that. It is very significant that the police let the event happen. Perhaps they were mindful of Bristol's long history of riots. Superintendent Andy Bennett, in charge that afternoon, told the Bristol Post: I know it ...
[IMG: Debit and Credit cards [Plastic money]] Further to the launch of the Folkestone & Hythe District Council Discretionary Small Business Grant Scheme, they have now widened the scheme to include those that have already received a grant from the Self Employment Income Support Scheme and more types of businesses are now eligible for funding. Those eligible to apply for a grant now include: Businesses in shared workspaces (such as in business centres and business incubators) that would have received a Small Business Grant or Retail Hospitality & Leisure Grant if they were individual business rate payers. Bed & Breakfasts ...
Want to know how to win election campaigns? Wondering how political campaigning works? You can learn from the very best of international experience with a free 10-week email course from myself and Ed Maxfield: Campaign Masterclass Email* Enter Email Confirm Email Name* First Last If you submit this form, your data will be used in line with the privacy policy here to update you on the topic(s) selected. This may including using this data to contact you via a variety of digital channels.PhoneThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Sign up and each week you'll receive ...
[IMG: Green Liberal Democrats] Green Liberal Democrats As the pandemic rolls on, the climate and nature crisis lurk in the background. The air is cleaner in cities. The birdsong appears clearer. We appreciate the outdoors more than ever. Moreover, commuters are discovering the joy of cycling for the first time. Meanwhile, the price of oil has plummeted, and, the UK is running without coal for the longest time since the industrial revolution – thanks in no small part to the Liberal Democrats' achievements in government. It's also increasingly apparent that air pollution contributed to higher death rates while the outbreak ...
Record levels of domestic abuse demands tougher law, warn Lib Dems New flexible employment rights for carers in new Bill proposed by Ed Davey Record levels of domestic abuse demands tougher law, warn Lib Dems Responding to reports from the NSPCC that children impacted by domestic abuse have soared to an average of one an hour during the coronavirus lockdown, Liberal Democrat Homes Affairs spokesperson Christine Jardine said: Domestic abuse leaves a devasting, lifelong impact on survivors. To know that cases have spiked to a record level during the coronavirus lockdown is terrifying. Ministers must act. Not only must the ...
A biomass train at Liverpool's Seaforth Dock headed for Drax Power Station when full of wood pellets. The BBC has the article on its website – see link below:- www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-52973089 As an environmental campaigner this story on the BBC website obviously interests me, not least because I was born and lived my early years (late 1950's/early 1960's) in a community dependent on the coal mines surrounding it. Of course it has to be good news that we have gone for 2 months without needing to use coal to generate power and at some point in the not too distant future ...
2 big stories There was a time when nuclear disarmament talks between the United States and the Soviet Union were a big thing. Admittedly, these days Russia might be more accurately described as a developing world county with nuclear weapons but any moves towards a reduction in nuclear capability is a good thing. Unfortunately, the American desire to include the Chinese in such talks is likely to be unsuccessful and, with China testing the strength of its neighbours on all sides, that offers a problem going forward. As a review of Humphrey Hawksley's book, Asian Waters, notes; If China does ...
Later today! The Botanic Garden Gardeners' Question and Answer forum at 2pm. Please send your questions and pictures to BotanicGardens@dundee.ac.uk The garden team is looking forward to hearing from you ! See more at www.facebook.com/UoDBotanicGarden/videos/1733869686766840
William Ewart Gladstone I have written an open letter to Liverpool University (where I was once a student) in relation to its decision to rename Gladstone Hall. I am not going to add further commentary, as I believe the letter speaks for itself. To whom it may concern, I write in relation to the University's decision, as reported in the Liverpool Echo and other media sources, to rename Gladstone Hall on the basis of William Ewart Gladstone's "views on slavery" and "family connections to slaveholding". I note the quote attributed to a spokesperson for the University, which reads "we share ...
Liberal Democrat Acting Leader, Ed Davey, will today introduce a Bill in the House of Commons to give carers more rights to flexible working, helping them balance employment with caring responsibilities.The Equality Act 2010 currently requires employers to make 'reasonable adjustments' for people with disabilities to help them work, which can include physical adjustments as well as adjustments like a more flexible approach to working. Ed Davey's Bill today would extend that requirement to include carers who are looking after disabled people. Under Ed Davey's Bill, carers would be in a stronger position to ask for flexible working, allowing them ...
