It's been a tough day for trans and non binary people and for those who love them. The Judgement handed down by the Supreme Court on the definition of a woman throughout the Equality Act 2010 has understandably caused significant anxiety about what this could mean for the rights of trans people. For me there seems to be an inherent contradiction between The unanimous decision of this court is that the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex. and he legislation gives transgender people "protection, not only against discrimination through ...
On Sunday I was in Low Fell to help with the ward's action day. I delivered 2 patches before returning to HQ (the home of Cllr Dawn Welsh).Lunch was a lovely way to put back on the calories that had just been burnt off through delivering Focus around the streets of Low Fell. Not visible in the photo, but I caught site of the delivery bundles being prepared for Chowdene.
Not one for your usual campaign visit, Mr Davey has become known for taking part in some unusual activities while visiting areas of the country, from hobby horse jumping to enjoying a ride on a roller coaster. So during his visit to Bude, it was only natural that he would take to the water in a giant swan. Meeting local candidates at the Wharf, Mr Davey - accompanied by other party members, including leader of Cornwall's Liberal Democrats, Leigh Frost - took a pedalo out for a spin, enjoying the Cornish sun and "reliving memories from his childhood visits" to ...
I am pleased to report that the most recent Whickham Focus has now been delivered. This edition has been delivered across the three Whickham wards of Gateshead, minus Sunniside, Swalwell and Dunston which get their own editions (I'm working on the Sunniside version now.) The lead story was about changes to boundaries and proposals to set up a banking hub in Whickham.
Quite a few people in Sunniside have asked me what's going on at the bottom of Metal Bank between Whickham and Sunniside. I checked what's happening and it turns out that Northumbrian Water are relaying the sewer, not houses being built, which is what some feared.
Gateshead West Lib Dem branch meeting met last week at Cllr Peter Maughan's house in Whickham. Campaigning for the local elections next year was the main item on the agenda. Social events were also discussed. After all, you have to have some fun after delivering thousands of Focus newsletters!
On Saturday morning I headed to Whickham Voluntary Library to visit the Easter fair being held there. As usual I was asked to bring an assortment of animals to help raise funds so I brought Nettle and Dandelion, two of my goats. Thank you to everyone who donated to the library via the collecting box next to the pen which contained the goats.Meanwhile, Cllr Marilynn Ord took a shine to
"He didn't get those in Berlin" just wouldn't be as funny. Partly it's the extra syllable in Heidelberg and partly it's the sound of "Heidel" to English ears. And Accrington? It's wonderfully specific while being wholly irrelevant. So "My brother lives in Lancashire" wouldn't be as funny either. Yes. I've been thinking about names and humour. In the last Lord Bonkers I had him and the Duke of Rutland falling out over "the ownership of certain Stilton mines outside Cropwell Bishop". Why Cropwell Bishop? Because it was the funniest name available. You see, there are six commercial Stilton creameries: Long ...
[IMG: Mike Ross candidate selection photo op] Mike Ross showing that it is a two horse, er... car, race. Earlier in the week I did this post for Lib Dem Voice about an important election this May: There are hundreds of important prizes at stake for us in the May local elections. Wards where we are standing our first candidate in years. Wards where winning would give us our first breakthrough in an area. Wards where winning would make us the main opposition on the council. Wards where winning could give us leadership of the council for the first time. ...
Our Headline of the Day Award goes to (who else?) the Melton Times. The judges are anxious to point out that there is no reason to think the pies played any part in the sinking of the vessel.
This week vacancies have been advertised for two important roles in the Party. Disciplinary Sub Group The Disciplinary Sub Group " is responsible for ensuring the independence, efficiency and effectiveness of the Complaints Procedure. As part of this it will monitor, review and amend the procedure and relevant guidance on an ongoing basis and support Party staff in their roles within the Complaints Procedure. The DSG is not involved in the handling of individual complaints." Applications are sought from party members who can: demonstrate their affinity with the values of the party, as well as an understanding of its structures ...
Now that the United States has abdicated from its position of leader and protector of the "free world" politicians of all parties are in agreement that "the world has changed" and we must change with it. I believe that, looking backwards for half a century or so rather than just from the accession President Trump, and forward for another fifty years rather than to the next election, we need a fundamental shift in the political debate in at least the following areas. Physical Standard of Living For a least a century and a half there has been an assumption that ...
The Ninewells Community Garden sunrise Pilates class has proven to be very popular. If you're planning to come along can you please book a free place using Eventbrite - https://buff.ly/oNZc6gK As a trainee Mat Pilates instructor, Deirbhile (Dervla) integrates Pilates into her wellness approach, drawing inspiration from the principles of Joseph Pilates to build strength, flexibility, and control. Deirbhile's classes are all about good vibes, fun, and a sweaty burn—helping you build strength and move with confidence. She strives to deliver classes that push your limits while leaving you feeling energised and full of positivity.
The Independent reports that sources close to US Vice-President, J.D. Vance are insisting that Keir Starmer must embrace Donald Trump's agenda by repealing hate speech laws in order to get a trade deal over the line. The paper says that the warning came after the vice president suggested a UK-US agreement may be close, with the White House "working very hard" on it, saying:"I think there's a good chance that, yes, we'll come to a great agreement that's in the best interest of both countries.": But allies of Mr Vance say he is "obsessed by the fall of western civilisation" ...
