BBC NEWS UK Cannabis found at John Reid home: "defense Secretary John Reid."
The government, facing one of their worst weeks yet in the run up to next weeks local elections were further blighted when a horde of Drugs were found at the home of defense secretary John Reid.
Coming after it was revealed that Charles Clarke had let immigrant murderers and rapists go free, Randy John "Two Shags" Prescott's revelations of romps with his secretary, Tony Blairs Cash for peerages claims and Patricia Hewitt's statement about the health service, what next!
Foresnsic Police experts confirmed that a stash of cannabis with a street value of upto 85 pence had been recovered from the home of the man responsible for our armed forces!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Just the one defection to the Lib-Dem's today - Polls are up though.
Robbie Rowantree, a former Conservative parliamentary candidate who is well known for his involvement in the Highland community has joined to the Scottish Liberal Democrats just days before polling in the Moray by-election.
"The Tories lack of any positive message confirmed they were so out-of-touch that the time had come when I could no longer remain a member of the Party. Contrast that with the Liberal Democrats who, under Nicol Stephen, have set out a radical, reforming, responsible agenda for the whole of Scotland". Commented Robbie.
From the Guardian we have the following...
Labour support has dropped to the lowest point since the party's heavy defeat in the 1987 general election, according to an ICM opinion poll for the Guardian. Its share of the vote has dropped by five points since March, putting it on 32%, two points behind the Conservatives.
The Lib Dems have risen by three points to 24%, a remarkable improvement for a party mired in scandal at the start of its own leadership election two months ago.
"The Tories lack of any positive message confirmed they were so out-of-touch that the time had come when I could no longer remain a member of the Party. Contrast that with the Liberal Democrats who, under Nicol Stephen, have set out a radical, reforming, responsible agenda for the whole of Scotland". Commented Robbie.
From the Guardian we have the following...
Labour support has dropped to the lowest point since the party's heavy defeat in the 1987 general election, according to an ICM opinion poll for the Guardian. Its share of the vote has dropped by five points since March, putting it on 32%, two points behind the Conservatives.
The Lib Dems have risen by three points to 24%, a remarkable improvement for a party mired in scandal at the start of its own leadership election two months ago.
Yet another Labour Councillor Joins the Lib-Dems.
http://warwick-leamington-libdems.org.uk/news/37.html?PHPSESSID=9f0daa6c2eb73b8f2d63210f7dcf50f6
Labour Councillor Ann Holtom has today left the Labour party to join the Liberal Democrats. Councillor Holtom becomes the third Labour councillor to join the Lib Dems in as many weeks following moves by councillors in Brent and Plymouth.
Councillor Holtom said "I have become very disillusioned with the Labour Party.. I see the Liberal Democrats as the only party who are meeting the aspirations of Birmingham people".
Councillor Holtom is the third Councillor to join the Liberal Democrats within the last month. Councillor Shaukat Ali Khan and Councillor Mohammed Saeed disbanded the Peoples Justice Party to join the Liberal Democrats.
The Liberal Democrats are expected to make many more gains in the Local Elections on May 4th. Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Paul Tilsley said "In the middle of the local election campaign this is catastrophic and damming news for Labour. Ann has sent a clear message to voters, leave Labour and back the Liberal Democrats".
Labour Councillor Ann Holtom has today left the Labour party to join the Liberal Democrats. Councillor Holtom becomes the third Labour councillor to join the Lib Dems in as many weeks following moves by councillors in Brent and Plymouth.
Councillor Holtom said "I have become very disillusioned with the Labour Party.. I see the Liberal Democrats as the only party who are meeting the aspirations of Birmingham people".
Councillor Holtom is the third Councillor to join the Liberal Democrats within the last month. Councillor Shaukat Ali Khan and Councillor Mohammed Saeed disbanded the Peoples Justice Party to join the Liberal Democrats.
The Liberal Democrats are expected to make many more gains in the Local Elections on May 4th. Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Paul Tilsley said "In the middle of the local election campaign this is catastrophic and damming news for Labour. Ann has sent a clear message to voters, leave Labour and back the Liberal Democrats".
Monday, April 24, 2006
SocietyGuardian.co.uk | Society | Disbelief as Hewitt claims 'best year ever' for NHS
SocietyGuardian.co.uk Society Disbelief as Hewitt claims 'best year ever' for NHS: "Disbelief as Hewitt claims 'best year ever' for NHS "
£600M in Debt and 7000 job cuts.
I really dont think anyone believes the spin any more.
£600M in Debt and 7000 job cuts.
I really dont think anyone believes the spin any more.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Cameron's Problem:- BBC NEWS | Politics | Cameron sets Tories on journey of change
Here is David cameron's biggest challenge. On the one hand we have a party conference where he is urging his followers against a backdrop with the word "CHANGE"
BBC NEWS Politics Cameron sets Tories on journey of change
And then we have the Oxford English Dictionary which defines the word Conservative as:-
conservative
• adjective 1 - averse to change and holding traditional values.
Cameron urging the Conservatives to change would be like standing up at the Lib Dem party conference and urging the membership to be Intolerent, Biggoted & Narrow Minded.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Great Western Charity Gig - Sat 5th August
To raise as much money for Myton Hospice as we can. Myton Hospice represents a cause close to many people's hearts and has long been a respected charity not only in Wartwickshire but now also nationwide.
I have volunteered to help out at the Great Western Charity Gig in Warwick on the 5th August. Two of the bands I work with shall be there, The Jonesy Band and The Shanade Band, check out the website for more info. Hopefully there shall be a CD available of the bands material for sale along with other means to raise cash for this excellent local charity.
BBC NEWS | Politics | Lib Dems launch election campaign
BBC NEWS | Politics | Lib Dems launch election campaign
It is well worth watching the Video clip from the BBC website. What I saw was a coherent and candid message that I found a refreshing change from the soundbites and rhetoric that we have become used to from the other parties.
It is well worth watching the Video clip from the BBC website. What I saw was a coherent and candid message that I found a refreshing change from the soundbites and rhetoric that we have become used to from the other parties.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Climate Change - Early Day Motions - Cameron's Green credential shows true colours. (Warwick & Leamington Liberal Democrats)
Climate Change - Early Day Motions - Cameron's Green credential shows true colours. (Warwick & Leamington Liberal Democrats): "Lib-Dem MP, Chris Huhne, has written to David Cameron, asking him to demonstrate that his party is as united in tackling climate change. All Lib Dems have signed two Early Day Motions in support of tackling climate change and in favour of the Climate Change Bill currently passing through Parliament. In contrast, fewer than half of the Conservative MPs have signed the motions to date. David Cameron himself has not signed either.
Warwick & Leamington Liberal Democrats supported these Early Day Motions recently following a talk by local expert, Matthew Rhodes. We sent letters to the Prime Minister & key Government ministers asking them to support these motions. It is disappointing that David Cameron and the Conservative party have failed to live up to their new so called Green credentials so early on by failing to support these bills."
Warwick & Leamington Liberal Democrats supported these Early Day Motions recently following a talk by local expert, Matthew Rhodes. We sent letters to the Prime Minister & key Government ministers asking them to support these motions. It is disappointing that David Cameron and the Conservative party have failed to live up to their new so called Green credentials so early on by failing to support these bills."
Friday, March 24, 2006
HM Revenue & Customs
Its getting to that time of year when we complete our tax returns. I called my tax office this morning to check a few details. Government departments get a lot of bad press for example the CSA or Benefits Agency. My experience with HMRC was very positive, they had instant records of last years conversations, my current tax status, knew what they were talking about and offered simple advice that I actually understood. They were able to make changes on the system as we spoke.
The Internet Tax Return is also excellent, easy to use and as they often end up owing me money, a check lands on my doormat within days of completing it.
Well done HMRC... Whatever it is they are doing, they are doing it right.
The Internet Tax Return is also excellent, easy to use and as they often end up owing me money, a check lands on my doormat within days of completing it.
Well done HMRC... Whatever it is they are doing, they are doing it right.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Blue Man Group
Blue Man Group
I went to see the Blue Man Group in London yesterday with some friends. This is a stunning show and I would recommend to anyone if they get the chance.
Using complex home made instruments, they create a rhythmic backdrop for their unique blend of performance art, mime and comedy. Each piece of performance exploring relevant themes of humanity in the 21st Century with the audience participating on a range of levels.
Well worth going to see, expect something really different.
I went to see the Blue Man Group in London yesterday with some friends. This is a stunning show and I would recommend to anyone if they get the chance.
Using complex home made instruments, they create a rhythmic backdrop for their unique blend of performance art, mime and comedy. Each piece of performance exploring relevant themes of humanity in the 21st Century with the audience participating on a range of levels.
Well worth going to see, expect something really different.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Guardian:-The scramble for schools
http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/story/0,,1730412,00.html
A rather damning article in the Guardian that shows just how bad the situation has got. One parent considering selling a kidney to pay for private education, another having been refused their 5th choice school, appeals consultants making a fortune helping parents (those that can afford it) get the places they want, house prices going through the roof near sought after schools.
Where does this leave the bright kid from the council estate, or the mother of the child with special needs that can only get a place in a failing school with little in the way of the support she needs.
I did not have the benefit of choice when I went up to the High School.
Along with my friends from the local area, I went to the local school which was a short walk away. Some from surrounding villages arrived by school bus. There was never a question as to whether I would get a place or should I apply for a different school. I had a choice of subjects to take at O Level and further choice of A levels. Many went onto University, some to Oxbridge (one came from the local council estate). Writing this now and looking back makes it sound as though I was somehow privilaged, perhaps I was, yet this was the local village comprehensive high school in which I got an excellent education.
A rather damning article in the Guardian that shows just how bad the situation has got. One parent considering selling a kidney to pay for private education, another having been refused their 5th choice school, appeals consultants making a fortune helping parents (those that can afford it) get the places they want, house prices going through the roof near sought after schools.
Where does this leave the bright kid from the council estate, or the mother of the child with special needs that can only get a place in a failing school with little in the way of the support she needs.
I did not have the benefit of choice when I went up to the High School.
Along with my friends from the local area, I went to the local school which was a short walk away. Some from surrounding villages arrived by school bus. There was never a question as to whether I would get a place or should I apply for a different school. I had a choice of subjects to take at O Level and further choice of A levels. Many went onto University, some to Oxbridge (one came from the local council estate). Writing this now and looking back makes it sound as though I was somehow privilaged, perhaps I was, yet this was the local village comprehensive high school in which I got an excellent education.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Snow in Harrogate.
Two days after coming home from the snow in the Alps we have some impressive snow falls in Harrogate where I am attending the spring party conference. We seem totally unable to cope with snow in this country. As I walked to the hotel last night the pavements were becoming treacherous as the temperature dropped.
I attended a consultative session on International Law, quite a complex issue. Our table was discussing the question of when is it right to intervene in the affairs of another state. We agreed that intervention could be anything from Diplomacy, International Aid, Sanctions, Peacekeeping or Military Action. The intervention needs to be appropriate to the situation. Military action should be a last resort in extreme cases. We all agreed that genocide is a situation where we have a responsibility to act.
Next up was a 'Meeting the Challenge' session hosted by some of our key women. I especially enjoyed Lynne Featherstone, I am a bit of a fan of Lynne, I love the way she communicates with people in a down to earth way, she is passionate about a style of politics that everyone can identify with.
This session was followed by the introduction of Ming Campbell as our new leader. Whilst Ming was my second choice I am confidant that Ming has the drive and ambition to lead us to greater success.
I attended a consultative session on International Law, quite a complex issue. Our table was discussing the question of when is it right to intervene in the affairs of another state. We agreed that intervention could be anything from Diplomacy, International Aid, Sanctions, Peacekeeping or Military Action. The intervention needs to be appropriate to the situation. Military action should be a last resort in extreme cases. We all agreed that genocide is a situation where we have a responsibility to act.
Next up was a 'Meeting the Challenge' session hosted by some of our key women. I especially enjoyed Lynne Featherstone, I am a bit of a fan of Lynne, I love the way she communicates with people in a down to earth way, she is passionate about a style of politics that everyone can identify with.
This session was followed by the introduction of Ming Campbell as our new leader. Whilst Ming was my second choice I am confidant that Ming has the drive and ambition to lead us to greater success.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Three Valleys
I got back from another successful skiing trip this afternoon. Marek and David had rented a small apartment near the Three Valleys for the week. Stuart and I joined them for a few days as I had to be back for the party conference and Stuart has been on short term passes since the birth of his daughter a few years ago.
Now the sensible approach would have been to have warmed up on a couple of nursery blue slopes to rid myself of all the bad habits I have developed since I last went skiing a couple of years ago. Not so the other guys who are more experienced skiers than I. So a half hour trip up two gondola's later and I step out into a cafe and lift station 2.5KM up. Stunning scenery and slight altitude sickness for a couple of moments until I acclimatise.
An American we met in the bar the night before expressed his view that the ski area, "It's HUUGGE, I mean its HUUGGE Man!" Americans typically see anything European as quaint yet Huge was a far better description, three valleys each side around 1KM up, serious amounts of skiing just to get back to the lifts. Marek and David seemed intent on doing the whole area in just one afternoon and so, discretion being the better part of valour I punctuated some runs with well earned breaks in the sun at the various bars and cafe's dotted around the mountain while they went off on kamikaze missions.
I don't know where Marek & David get their energy from. Their approach to the apres ski being very similar, we ended up playing pool with some young snow borders from Yorkshire. The lads regaled us with tales of how many times they had almost killed themselves off piste and felt we would be impressed with the volume of strange coloured drinks they were pouring down their throats.
By around 2:30 they inevitably started to loose the ability to stand up straight, muscle strain coupled with alcohol poisoning. Marek and David were Cossack dancing and doing hand stands round the pool table. The young lads were starting to see us as a threat. We were chatting to their women, two attractive 18 year olds, showing a genuine interest in them as people with respect, were holding our drink, winning at pool and managed to sprint back up the hill to the hotel. The following evening when we asked them how they had got on that day they informed us that they had such bad hangovers they had not gone out all day, we casually mentioned that we had been up on the first lift to catch the virgin snow. They avoided us after that.
Now the sensible approach would have been to have warmed up on a couple of nursery blue slopes to rid myself of all the bad habits I have developed since I last went skiing a couple of years ago. Not so the other guys who are more experienced skiers than I. So a half hour trip up two gondola's later and I step out into a cafe and lift station 2.5KM up. Stunning scenery and slight altitude sickness for a couple of moments until I acclimatise.
An American we met in the bar the night before expressed his view that the ski area, "It's HUUGGE, I mean its HUUGGE Man!" Americans typically see anything European as quaint yet Huge was a far better description, three valleys each side around 1KM up, serious amounts of skiing just to get back to the lifts. Marek and David seemed intent on doing the whole area in just one afternoon and so, discretion being the better part of valour I punctuated some runs with well earned breaks in the sun at the various bars and cafe's dotted around the mountain while they went off on kamikaze missions.
I don't know where Marek & David get their energy from. Their approach to the apres ski being very similar, we ended up playing pool with some young snow borders from Yorkshire. The lads regaled us with tales of how many times they had almost killed themselves off piste and felt we would be impressed with the volume of strange coloured drinks they were pouring down their throats.
By around 2:30 they inevitably started to loose the ability to stand up straight, muscle strain coupled with alcohol poisoning. Marek and David were Cossack dancing and doing hand stands round the pool table. The young lads were starting to see us as a threat. We were chatting to their women, two attractive 18 year olds, showing a genuine interest in them as people with respect, were holding our drink, winning at pool and managed to sprint back up the hill to the hotel. The following evening when we asked them how they had got on that day they informed us that they had such bad hangovers they had not gone out all day, we casually mentioned that we had been up on the first lift to catch the virgin snow. They avoided us after that.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Odds on Huhne ahead
Well my vote is cast for Chris Huhne. This was a difficult choice with three excellent candidates to choose from. I feel that Chris has the fresh ideas to take the party needs to move forwards.
The political betting website today shows Chris ahead so my early investment may well pay off.
The political betting website today shows Chris ahead so my early investment may well pay off.
And so to the Slopes.
Just finished delivering my last round in our latest Focus. As I walked round a few streets of Victorian terraces, I mulled over the possibility of presenting an emergency policy motion at the conference outlawing those brush type letter box draft excluders that are the bane of our lives and leave us with red raw knuckles.
I am off to the slopes tomorrow for a few days skiing before the conference at Harrogate. This comes as a nice little break as I finished my recent project in the South West of England yesterday. I shall miss the countryside and the interesting characters I have met. On my return I am looking forward to my next project working on the Livestock Register in York.
I am off to the slopes tomorrow for a few days skiing before the conference at Harrogate. This comes as a nice little break as I finished my recent project in the South West of England yesterday. I shall miss the countryside and the interesting characters I have met. On my return I am looking forward to my next project working on the Livestock Register in York.
Friday, February 17, 2006
BBC News | UK | Tests spark fears of genetic underclass
BBC News | UK | Tests spark fears of genetic underclass
This is an issue that sparked my interest this week. Advances in genetics can have many benefits in helping identify people with a propensity for various conditions which help in the application of preventive medicine or early detection of a condition. There is a grave concern however that the government may allow Insurance companies to use this information when setting premiums. This is the thin end of the wedge leading to people being penalized or even denied insurance, the opportunity of home ownership or pensions on the basis of their DNA.
There is a Privacy issue at stake here, in that people have the right to the privacy of their DNA along with issues surrounding Equality, Fairness and as our genetic code is directly related, Race. This is an issue that we as Liberal Democrats need to make a clear stand.
I wonder whether anyone else has any thoughts on this subject.
This is an issue that sparked my interest this week. Advances in genetics can have many benefits in helping identify people with a propensity for various conditions which help in the application of preventive medicine or early detection of a condition. There is a grave concern however that the government may allow Insurance companies to use this information when setting premiums. This is the thin end of the wedge leading to people being penalized or even denied insurance, the opportunity of home ownership or pensions on the basis of their DNA.
There is a Privacy issue at stake here, in that people have the right to the privacy of their DNA along with issues surrounding Equality, Fairness and as our genetic code is directly related, Race. This is an issue that we as Liberal Democrats need to make a clear stand.
I wonder whether anyone else has any thoughts on this subject.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Dumfirmline - Local Issues.
BBC NEWS | Politics | Lib Dems celebrate bombshell win: "The winner, Willie Rennie, said the result would 'rock the foundations' of Downing Street, but ministers said it was due to 'local issues'. "
Heaven forbid that the electorate should start voting for their locally elected representatives on 'local issues'.
Heaven forbid that the electorate should start voting for their locally elected representatives on 'local issues'.
And the winner Tonight
BBC NEWS | Scotland | Lib Dems deliver blow to Labour
Just finished watching the Question Time on the leadership contest. I ran a points system for the contestants, awarding points for 'style' based on good points made and delivery and awarded points for winning a particular argument or good policy.
My personal points are:-
Ming, 2 political points and 8 points for style.
Chris, 2 political points and 4 points for style.
Simon, 1 political point and 5 points for style.
This is going to be a difficult one. For me between Chris and Ming. As you may know I have £20 riding on Chris yet am prepared to vote for Ming. In my book Ming has pulled level with Chris after being slightly behind.
Overall the party won tonight. I am still convinced that I am in the right party and am more determined to fight for it, regardless of who is leader. With such talent we really deserve to triumph as it appears we have in Dumfirmline.
That is the result tonight. Anyone who believes that we are a party in 'meltdown' has been sent a clear message.
It is an exciting time to be a Liberal Democrat.
Just finished watching the Question Time on the leadership contest. I ran a points system for the contestants, awarding points for 'style' based on good points made and delivery and awarded points for winning a particular argument or good policy.
My personal points are:-
Ming, 2 political points and 8 points for style.
Chris, 2 political points and 4 points for style.
Simon, 1 political point and 5 points for style.
This is going to be a difficult one. For me between Chris and Ming. As you may know I have £20 riding on Chris yet am prepared to vote for Ming. In my book Ming has pulled level with Chris after being slightly behind.
Overall the party won tonight. I am still convinced that I am in the right party and am more determined to fight for it, regardless of who is leader. With such talent we really deserve to triumph as it appears we have in Dumfirmline.
That is the result tonight. Anyone who believes that we are a party in 'meltdown' has been sent a clear message.
It is an exciting time to be a Liberal Democrat.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Thanks Tony
PM Question Time
Listening to this as I crawled through the Bristol Ring Road tonight I couldnt help wondering how much Tony's rebuttal of the Tory Leaflet in the Dumfirmline By-election was better than anything we may be able to get out and at no cost. I was also pleased that Tony helped respond on our behalf to Cameron's claims to be a Liberal. Had I been a Lib-Dem back bencher in the commons today Tony would have got one of the loudest cheers from my part of the house.
Listening to this as I crawled through the Bristol Ring Road tonight I couldnt help wondering how much Tony's rebuttal of the Tory Leaflet in the Dumfirmline By-election was better than anything we may be able to get out and at no cost. I was also pleased that Tony helped respond on our behalf to Cameron's claims to be a Liberal. Had I been a Lib-Dem back bencher in the commons today Tony would have got one of the loudest cheers from my part of the house.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Possible new Shanade Band
Alan Beddow: Shanade
Some of my many severals of readers may remember this post from October, no? well since the legendary gig in the Roebuck I have come across Shanade again a few times in various musical venues around the area. I learned that she was looking to get a band together and that I know her Mom from about 10 years ago when Kelly's in Leamington was the place to be for music.
I arranged a Jam session yesterday as I felt that this was a project worth putting some effort into to get started. I invited my good friend Neil (The sacked drummer) and Shanade and any musicians she managed to get hold of at her end. Initially it looked as though we may not have a Bass player, though Shanade managed to get hold of one, not sure where as they seem to be in short supply around here.
A very positive afternoon and I am convinced that a band will form from this. We managed to record a rough demo of a song that developed and after doing a rough master this morning it sounds really good. Shanade has a fantastic voice which will place any band she plays with right out there, coupled with competent musicians I have a very good feeling about this.
Some of my many severals of readers may remember this post from October, no? well since the legendary gig in the Roebuck I have come across Shanade again a few times in various musical venues around the area. I learned that she was looking to get a band together and that I know her Mom from about 10 years ago when Kelly's in Leamington was the place to be for music.
I arranged a Jam session yesterday as I felt that this was a project worth putting some effort into to get started. I invited my good friend Neil (The sacked drummer) and Shanade and any musicians she managed to get hold of at her end. Initially it looked as though we may not have a Bass player, though Shanade managed to get hold of one, not sure where as they seem to be in short supply around here.
A very positive afternoon and I am convinced that a band will form from this. We managed to record a rough demo of a song that developed and after doing a rough master this morning it sounds really good. Shanade has a fantastic voice which will place any band she plays with right out there, coupled with competent musicians I have a very good feeling about this.
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