Labour held on to their seat in Lye Valley ward in Oxford last night. If the feedback I heard is correct then this was in large part down to the Labour candidate being very popular in his local patch and his track record in the community.
Congratulations Bob!
I managed to miss an article on Antonia's Blog about a leaflet we put out during the last by-election in Oxford which was in Hinksey Park Ward in July. (I was off on my hols by the time Antonia posted it.)
Now she is entitled to her view and clearly felt very strongly that it is wrong for a party to raise national or international issues during a local by-election campaign. (Not that it ever stopped Labour when it was winning them votes!)
What I do find surprising is that she thinks that this leaflet is worthy of such criticism while the substantive issues - Blair's mishandling or Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon and the Middle East in general - barely rates a mention.
I can remember a time when Labour activists attacked the Lib Dems because we only ever fought on local issues and didn't have anything clear to say on national issues.
I always used to take great delight when various Tory County Councillors waved my leaflets around in the Council chamber before going on to lose Oxford West & Abingdon in 1997. I am delighted to see Antonia joining in and hope it bodes equally well for our success in Oxford East next time.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Get thee to Oxford
Unlike a certain Mr Coats (*shock horror!) I was out delivering Good Mornings in Oxford this morning.
If you are in the vicinity at any point before 10pm this evening do drop in.
The Committee Room is here.
32 Marsh Lane, Cowley, Oxford OX4 2HH. Tel 01865 716756.
*PS - don't worry Jock - it happens to us all!
If you are in the vicinity at any point before 10pm this evening do drop in.
The Committee Room is here.
32 Marsh Lane, Cowley, Oxford OX4 2HH. Tel 01865 716756.
*PS - don't worry Jock - it happens to us all!
Unhelpful answer on car seats
Regular readers (of whom , according to my new fangled stat counter there seem to be about a dozen) will remember that I emailed the Department for Transport asking for some advice on how to fit myself, the missus and three children into a car once car seats have to be fitted.
Anyway - this reply arrived from a Terry Deere at the DfT while I was at conference:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your enquiry. Please see Q 11 of our FAQs at the link below whhich may help you.
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/childcarseats/childcarseats.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Were it not for the fact that it was reading those very same FAQs that prompted me to send the email in the first place it might have been helpful.
So I have now sent this:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Terry Deere,
I had already read through the FAQs on the website and no it doesn't help me.
We have a normal car.
If two child booster seats are put in the back seat there is not enough room for the third child to sit comfortably with or without a booster seat.
If I put the third child in the front seat then there is not enough room for my wife in the back seat.
Please advise what I should do in these circumstances.
Thank you,
Neil Fawcett.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile my children remain in imminent danger!
I will report back on any further developments.
Anyway - this reply arrived from a Terry Deere at the DfT while I was at conference:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your enquiry. Please see Q 11 of our FAQs at the link below whhich may help you.
http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk/campaigns/childcarseats/childcarseats.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Were it not for the fact that it was reading those very same FAQs that prompted me to send the email in the first place it might have been helpful.
So I have now sent this:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Terry Deere,
I had already read through the FAQs on the website and no it doesn't help me.
We have a normal car.
If two child booster seats are put in the back seat there is not enough room for the third child to sit comfortably with or without a booster seat.
If I put the third child in the front seat then there is not enough room for my wife in the back seat.
Please advise what I should do in these circumstances.
Thank you,
Neil Fawcett.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile my children remain in imminent danger!
I will report back on any further developments.
Fairer, greener and ... stronger
Media reports of the final day of party conference, and comment on Ming's speech in particular, suggest an element of surprise that:
a The mood at conference is bouyant
b There has been no popular 'bring back Charles' uprising
c The leadership are doing quite well actually
I guess this reflects the underestimation of the Lib Dems that meant they were taken aback at our ability to win in Dunfermline and come so close in Bromley.
Apart from reconfirming to me why I joined the Liberals nearly 20 years ago - a belief that our society needed to be fairer and greener - it has also confirmed my belief that the Lib Dems are a pretty robust bunch. It takes a bit more than a few months without a leader and the odd personal scandal or two to stop Focus leaflets going out, doors being knocked on and councils being improved.
It also confirms that Lib Dem conference goers, like much of the public, are a lot more interested in substance than spin. That's why there was such a positive reaction to the Green Tax Switch Rally and to the speeches by Nick Clegg and my former boss Chris Huhne.
But it doesn't stop at the end of conference. Lib Dem activists will now be going back to their constituencies to deliver Green Tax Switch Focuses, set up campaign stalls and events, and spread the message that in an era of Tory and Labour spin there is one party with real policies that deal with real issues.
a The mood at conference is bouyant
b There has been no popular 'bring back Charles' uprising
c The leadership are doing quite well actually
I guess this reflects the underestimation of the Lib Dems that meant they were taken aback at our ability to win in Dunfermline and come so close in Bromley.
Apart from reconfirming to me why I joined the Liberals nearly 20 years ago - a belief that our society needed to be fairer and greener - it has also confirmed my belief that the Lib Dems are a pretty robust bunch. It takes a bit more than a few months without a leader and the odd personal scandal or two to stop Focus leaflets going out, doors being knocked on and councils being improved.
It also confirms that Lib Dem conference goers, like much of the public, are a lot more interested in substance than spin. That's why there was such a positive reaction to the Green Tax Switch Rally and to the speeches by Nick Clegg and my former boss Chris Huhne.
But it doesn't stop at the end of conference. Lib Dem activists will now be going back to their constituencies to deliver Green Tax Switch Focuses, set up campaign stalls and events, and spread the message that in an era of Tory and Labour spin there is one party with real policies that deal with real issues.
Tall the Tart
There's no stopping Lib Dem Blogger of the Year and Oxford City Council Finance boss Stephen Tall.
After a week of media coverage I'm now listening to him on the World at One, giving us his response to Ming's speech.
Not only that but he was on first before Party President Simon Hughes!
After a week of media coverage I'm now listening to him on the World at One, giving us his response to Ming's speech.
Not only that but he was on first before Party President Simon Hughes!
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Behind the scenes at Brighton
Being one of the party's backroom folk I am spending most of my time at Brighton round the corner at the so-called 'Quality' Hotel.
Most of my week is spent running training sessions (I was the lucky one this year and have been lead training on the exciting topic of 'Basic Election Law'!) and having meetings with colleagues and teams from various constituencies.
I am always struck by how different the mood at our conferences is from the reports in the mainstream media.
Generally people are very positive. Our campaign teams in the ever growing number of key seats are bouyant, attending lots of training and getting the election planning underway.
There is a lot of enthusiasm fo the Green Tax Switch campaign with hundreds of Local Parties already planning their local campaigns. The rally on Sunday was well attended.
Nick Clegg's speech yesterday proposing a Great Repeal Act went down very well and I have just heard the very positive response to Chris Huhne this morning.
I am sure that Charles will get a very warm response to his speech and, no, it won't mean anything for Ming's leadership, just a party saying thank you to our most recent, well-liked leader.
The biggest debate is clearly going to be on the 50p income tax amendment which is being put forward by my long-standing colleague Evan Harris. It's not my place to state a view either way on the proposal but what I will say is that the important thing is the package overall which gives the Lib Dems a positive and distinctive platform to campaign from.
Most of my week is spent running training sessions (I was the lucky one this year and have been lead training on the exciting topic of 'Basic Election Law'!) and having meetings with colleagues and teams from various constituencies.
I am always struck by how different the mood at our conferences is from the reports in the mainstream media.
Generally people are very positive. Our campaign teams in the ever growing number of key seats are bouyant, attending lots of training and getting the election planning underway.
There is a lot of enthusiasm fo the Green Tax Switch campaign with hundreds of Local Parties already planning their local campaigns. The rally on Sunday was well attended.
Nick Clegg's speech yesterday proposing a Great Repeal Act went down very well and I have just heard the very positive response to Chris Huhne this morning.
I am sure that Charles will get a very warm response to his speech and, no, it won't mean anything for Ming's leadership, just a party saying thank you to our most recent, well-liked leader.
The biggest debate is clearly going to be on the 50p income tax amendment which is being put forward by my long-standing colleague Evan Harris. It's not my place to state a view either way on the proposal but what I will say is that the important thing is the package overall which gives the Lib Dems a positive and distinctive platform to campaign from.
Well done Stephen
I was delighted to attend the first ever Lib Dem Bloggers Reception on Sunday and to see Stephen Tall win the first Lib Dem Blog of the Year contest.
Stephen happens to be sitting next to me blogging away (or perhaps doing hard sums on behalf of the City Council) as I write this.
I am very glad I nominated him and his victory is well-deserved.
It was nice to meet so many other LD bloggers at the reception and to hear the very interesting contributions from Lynne, Mark, Alex and Rob.
Stephen happens to be sitting next to me blogging away (or perhaps doing hard sums on behalf of the City Council) as I write this.
I am very glad I nominated him and his victory is well-deserved.
It was nice to meet so many other LD bloggers at the reception and to hear the very interesting contributions from Lynne, Mark, Alex and Rob.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Freedom of Speech is ebbing away
For some reason my newsagent decided to deliver a copy of The Sunday Telegraph to me last Sunday instead of the usual Independent on Sunday. (I used to get The Observer but switched after they backed the invasion of Iraq - but that's another story.)
It took me a few seconds to decide that my newsagent probably had better things to do than listen to my complaints, so, happy in the knowledge that one of my Tory neighbours was having to stomach the IoS, I decided to read the thing anyway.
The story that grabbed my attention was this one.
Now this guy is an idiot. His views are loopy, he should get a life and stop pretending that if there was a God he would have any time at all for small minded losers like him.
But the important point is that the guy has a right to be an idiot and to put forward his idiotic views if he wants to. He has the right to hand his stupid leaflets to people like me who disagree with him and to listen to the tirade that would be directed in his direction if he did.
Yet he was arrested!
As far as I am aware there is no suggestion that he was behaving aggressively, forcing his silly leaflet on people, or being in any way abusive.
But on the grounds that one or two people were offended by his views he has been arrested, charged and dragged into a courtroom.
This is a frightening state of affairs.
Now I chose this particular case not because I agree in any way with this loony, but because I think those arguing for freedom of speech make their case stronger by defending the rights of those they strongly disagree with.
There are also a number of other recent incidents which also demonstrate the frightening state of affairs we are in where I have more sympathy with those affected:
Families of war dead not allowed to protest at the Labour Party Conference.
Man not allowed to take Craig Murray's memoir of his incident-strewn stint as British ambassador to Uzbekistan on a flight.
Woman prosecuted for reading the names of those killed in Iraq at the Cenotaph. (Kind of misses the point about what the Cenotaph is as well!)
And, of course, there's good old Walter - surely a serious threat if ever there was one.
One common thread running through all of these examples is that each of them points to a Government that believes so fully that it is absolutely right about absolutely everything that the rest of us need to be protected from viewpoints that point another way.
A second common thread is that this approach is ultimately self-destructive.
It simply helps to increase the intensity of feeling against this Government, pushes freedom up the agenda of both main opposition parties, and will contribute to this Government being remembered, and deservedly so, as a failure.
It took me a few seconds to decide that my newsagent probably had better things to do than listen to my complaints, so, happy in the knowledge that one of my Tory neighbours was having to stomach the IoS, I decided to read the thing anyway.
The story that grabbed my attention was this one.
Now this guy is an idiot. His views are loopy, he should get a life and stop pretending that if there was a God he would have any time at all for small minded losers like him.
But the important point is that the guy has a right to be an idiot and to put forward his idiotic views if he wants to. He has the right to hand his stupid leaflets to people like me who disagree with him and to listen to the tirade that would be directed in his direction if he did.
Yet he was arrested!
As far as I am aware there is no suggestion that he was behaving aggressively, forcing his silly leaflet on people, or being in any way abusive.
But on the grounds that one or two people were offended by his views he has been arrested, charged and dragged into a courtroom.
This is a frightening state of affairs.
Now I chose this particular case not because I agree in any way with this loony, but because I think those arguing for freedom of speech make their case stronger by defending the rights of those they strongly disagree with.
There are also a number of other recent incidents which also demonstrate the frightening state of affairs we are in where I have more sympathy with those affected:
Families of war dead not allowed to protest at the Labour Party Conference.
Man not allowed to take Craig Murray's memoir of his incident-strewn stint as British ambassador to Uzbekistan on a flight.
Woman prosecuted for reading the names of those killed in Iraq at the Cenotaph. (Kind of misses the point about what the Cenotaph is as well!)
And, of course, there's good old Walter - surely a serious threat if ever there was one.
One common thread running through all of these examples is that each of them points to a Government that believes so fully that it is absolutely right about absolutely everything that the rest of us need to be protected from viewpoints that point another way.
A second common thread is that this approach is ultimately self-destructive.
It simply helps to increase the intensity of feeling against this Government, pushes freedom up the agenda of both main opposition parties, and will contribute to this Government being remembered, and deservedly so, as a failure.
New entry at number one
Congratulations to Lib Dem Voice for topping Iain Dale's list of the 100 top ten Lib Dem blogs.
As the discussions that have already started show there is huge potential for the site to become a real gathering point for Lib Dem debate.
The opportunity to have an accessible online private forum is also long overdue.
Along with Lib Dem Blogs Aggregated we've got a pretty good web prescence to build from.
A Liberal Dose is 64 in the list, which, given my infrequent blogging, I'll take as a compliment!
As the discussions that have already started show there is huge potential for the site to become a real gathering point for Lib Dem debate.
The opportunity to have an accessible online private forum is also long overdue.
Along with Lib Dem Blogs Aggregated we've got a pretty good web prescence to build from.
A Liberal Dose is 64 in the list, which, given my infrequent blogging, I'll take as a compliment!
Thursday, September 14, 2006
How do you fit five elephants in a Mini?*
Have just read the new regulations about children in cars and they prompted me to send this email.
I will report back if/when I get a reply.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Department for Transport,
In my family there are two adults and three children, all over the age of three.
It is already a bit of a squash in our (fairly normal) family saloon.
If we install booster seats as per my reading of your new regulations we won’t all be able to fit.
Can you advise on the best cause of action please?
TVM,
Neil Fawcett.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* I'm not suggesting that members of my family are overweight BTW - it was just the first headline that came into my head
I will report back if/when I get a reply.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Department for Transport,
In my family there are two adults and three children, all over the age of three.
It is already a bit of a squash in our (fairly normal) family saloon.
If we install booster seats as per my reading of your new regulations we won’t all be able to fit.
Can you advise on the best cause of action please?
TVM,
Neil Fawcett.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* I'm not suggesting that members of my family are overweight BTW - it was just the first headline that came into my head
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Mercury still shines brightly
As far as I'm concerned Freddie Mercury (or Sir Frederick of Mercury as Smash Hits used to call him) is the greatest rock star of all time.
Not necessarily the best singer, or the best writer, but definitely the best combination of singing, showmanship and generally 'have a good time, all the time' (as Spinal Tap would say) ever to have graced the planet.
Had he lived it would have been his 60th birthday today.
If you would like to join the stars in celebrating Freddie's life you can do so by sponsoring a star in one of two virtual constellations here. All money raised goes to the Mercury Phoenix Trust which helps fund the fight against AIDS worldwide.
And if you're really keen you can also visit the house he grew up in in Zanzibar which, when I visited it a few years ago at least, is a rather nice Goan restaurant called 'Camlurs'.
Best avoid the local Muslim politicians though.
Not necessarily the best singer, or the best writer, but definitely the best combination of singing, showmanship and generally 'have a good time, all the time' (as Spinal Tap would say) ever to have graced the planet.
Had he lived it would have been his 60th birthday today.
If you would like to join the stars in celebrating Freddie's life you can do so by sponsoring a star in one of two virtual constellations here. All money raised goes to the Mercury Phoenix Trust which helps fund the fight against AIDS worldwide.
And if you're really keen you can also visit the house he grew up in in Zanzibar which, when I visited it a few years ago at least, is a rather nice Goan restaurant called 'Camlurs'.
Best avoid the local Muslim politicians though.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Best blogger
Gosh how exciting. Lib Dem bloggers are going to have their own equivalent of the the Oscars.
I struggle to find the time to post as often as I would like and usually find that someone else has said what I was going to say before I get round to it.
I admire those that do blog regularly and enjoy reading other people's thoughts. It's also nice to keep up with people I know like Iain Sharpe and Alex Wilcock and reassuring to know that I am not the only Doctor Who fanboy in the party;-)
I have nominated Stephen Tall's blog. Of all the blogs I enjoy reading, and there are a lot, it is the one that makes me think about why I believe what I believe and how to argue my case. Strikes me that that is exactly what a liberal blog should do. (He's also both witty and honest too).
I struggle to find the time to post as often as I would like and usually find that someone else has said what I was going to say before I get round to it.
I admire those that do blog regularly and enjoy reading other people's thoughts. It's also nice to keep up with people I know like Iain Sharpe and Alex Wilcock and reassuring to know that I am not the only Doctor Who fanboy in the party;-)
I have nominated Stephen Tall's blog. Of all the blogs I enjoy reading, and there are a lot, it is the one that makes me think about why I believe what I believe and how to argue my case. Strikes me that that is exactly what a liberal blog should do. (He's also both witty and honest too).
Saturday, July 29, 2006
The West Wing - RIP
(warning - spoilers follow)
There aren't many TV programmes that I treat as 'must see'. For starters my job makes it quite difficult to guarantee being in on the same night each week. the modern trend for new shows to be repeated a couple of times in the followign week are a godsend as far as I'm concerned.
The West Wing has been one programme that I have done my best to follow. It has combined brilliant writing and strong characterisation with inteligent story arcs, real drama and, of course, politics.
I'm sure that part of my reason for liking it so much is because it is about the triumph of liberal idealism over the republican right - but basically it is just solidly good drama.
Despite the sense of winding down in the last few episodes the storylines remained strong with the issue of whether or not Bartlet should pardon Toby Zeigler not being concluded until the final touching scenes.
There were some touching moments in the last few episodes. As James Graham points out Bartlet's gift of a copy of the Constitution to Charlie, that his father had given him, brought a tear to the eye. I though the final scene of Bartlet unwrapping the framed copy of the napkin he had once given to Leo MCGarry was also very sweet.
For me the real test of a good film or TV programme is how much it sucks me in. By the end of the West Wing I was left wondering what Bartlet would do next, how would Santos solve the crisis in asia, would CJ make a go of her relationship and how well would Josh and Sam run the new administration.
I was hooked by this show and will really miss it.
(The really surreal moment of the evening for me was turning on the West Wing challenge beforehand to see David Tennant's happy smiling face as he answered question after question with the zeal that is usually reserved for Dr Who fanboys - only to see the camera then pan over to our own Mark Oaten who didn't do too badly himself!)
There aren't many TV programmes that I treat as 'must see'. For starters my job makes it quite difficult to guarantee being in on the same night each week. the modern trend for new shows to be repeated a couple of times in the followign week are a godsend as far as I'm concerned.
The West Wing has been one programme that I have done my best to follow. It has combined brilliant writing and strong characterisation with inteligent story arcs, real drama and, of course, politics.
I'm sure that part of my reason for liking it so much is because it is about the triumph of liberal idealism over the republican right - but basically it is just solidly good drama.
Despite the sense of winding down in the last few episodes the storylines remained strong with the issue of whether or not Bartlet should pardon Toby Zeigler not being concluded until the final touching scenes.
There were some touching moments in the last few episodes. As James Graham points out Bartlet's gift of a copy of the Constitution to Charlie, that his father had given him, brought a tear to the eye. I though the final scene of Bartlet unwrapping the framed copy of the napkin he had once given to Leo MCGarry was also very sweet.
For me the real test of a good film or TV programme is how much it sucks me in. By the end of the West Wing I was left wondering what Bartlet would do next, how would Santos solve the crisis in asia, would CJ make a go of her relationship and how well would Josh and Sam run the new administration.
I was hooked by this show and will really miss it.
(The really surreal moment of the evening for me was turning on the West Wing challenge beforehand to see David Tennant's happy smiling face as he answered question after question with the zeal that is usually reserved for Dr Who fanboys - only to see the camera then pan over to our own Mark Oaten who didn't do too badly himself!)
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
He doesn't speak for me
There probably isn't much I can add to the debate about the Middle East situation and our Prime Minister's latest folly.
I would just like to state for the record that he does not speak for me.
(And I've added those nice Lib Dem buttons to the site. Thank you Dr Pack.)
I would just like to state for the record that he does not speak for me.
(And I've added those nice Lib Dem buttons to the site. Thank you Dr Pack.)
Monday, July 03, 2006
Bromley and beyond
It was very enjoyable to spend a few days in Bromley.
We had a very strong candidate in Ben Abbotts and an exceptional Agent in Shaun Roberts who led a fantastic by-election team.
There has been a lot of talk by the sore losers of the campaign - the Tories (Yes - I know that, technically, they won - but it is clear to everyone that they were the losers on the night) - about a 'nasty' and 'vicious' Lib Dem campaign.
What rot! The Lib Dem campaign simply pointed out two undisputed facts: that Bob Neill lived in Towers Hamlets and that he was already a member of the GLA and would not give up that seat if elected MP.
Nothing 'nasty' or 'vicious' about that.
'Nasty and vicious' was the Conservative campaign in Cheadle where, amongst other things, they tried to link Lib Dem candidate Mark Hunter to a rape case.
The electorate are not stupid. They rightly reacted against the tories in Cheadle as a result of their silly campaign. They went with Ben Abbotts in Bromley because his campaign got it right, and because he was clearly a strong candidate.
The deficiencies of the Tory candidate were ably demonstrated in his awful losing speech on the night.
What does this say about politics? Well let's not be starry eyed, it doesn't mean that the Lib Dems can expect to win hundreds of Tory seats next time on a similar swing against the Tories.
It does however demonstrate that the 'Cameron effect', if it exists at all, is only skin deep.
If there was any real support for Cameron, or any real sense out there that people want a Tory Government, the Lib Dems would not have been able to get this sort of swing in a seat where they started third.
The Lib Dems will emerge from this by-election (and Dunfermline) more confident than ever that they know how to win elections against both the other main parties, and that three (or four in the other nations) party politics is here to stay.
We had a very strong candidate in Ben Abbotts and an exceptional Agent in Shaun Roberts who led a fantastic by-election team.
There has been a lot of talk by the sore losers of the campaign - the Tories (Yes - I know that, technically, they won - but it is clear to everyone that they were the losers on the night) - about a 'nasty' and 'vicious' Lib Dem campaign.
What rot! The Lib Dem campaign simply pointed out two undisputed facts: that Bob Neill lived in Towers Hamlets and that he was already a member of the GLA and would not give up that seat if elected MP.
Nothing 'nasty' or 'vicious' about that.
'Nasty and vicious' was the Conservative campaign in Cheadle where, amongst other things, they tried to link Lib Dem candidate Mark Hunter to a rape case.
The electorate are not stupid. They rightly reacted against the tories in Cheadle as a result of their silly campaign. They went with Ben Abbotts in Bromley because his campaign got it right, and because he was clearly a strong candidate.
The deficiencies of the Tory candidate were ably demonstrated in his awful losing speech on the night.
What does this say about politics? Well let's not be starry eyed, it doesn't mean that the Lib Dems can expect to win hundreds of Tory seats next time on a similar swing against the Tories.
It does however demonstrate that the 'Cameron effect', if it exists at all, is only skin deep.
If there was any real support for Cameron, or any real sense out there that people want a Tory Government, the Lib Dems would not have been able to get this sort of swing in a seat where they started third.
The Lib Dems will emerge from this by-election (and Dunfermline) more confident than ever that they know how to win elections against both the other main parties, and that three (or four in the other nations) party politics is here to stay.
Bring The Boys Back Home
After popping down to Sutton for an election debrief I headed to Hyde Park on Saturday to watch Roger Waters perform a set which included The Dark Side of The Moon in its entirity.
(Note to younger viewers - this is a classic Pink Floyd album from the early 70s - Roger Waters was the main songwriter, joint vocalist and bass player)
At one point in the set he launched into the song 'Vera' from 'The Wall' - an unusual choice for a live set. All became clear though when the chorus kicked in: 'Bring the Boys Back Home' - and for anyone who didn't get the point these words were displayed across the back of the stage in VERY LARGE red letters.
Roger also spoke very movingly about his personal experience of the hospitality of arab families when he was travelling in the middle east as a teenager and performed one new song based on those experiences aimed firmly at 'George and Tony'.
I'm sure they won't listen to him, but he made the point very well.
(Note to younger viewers - this is a classic Pink Floyd album from the early 70s - Roger Waters was the main songwriter, joint vocalist and bass player)
At one point in the set he launched into the song 'Vera' from 'The Wall' - an unusual choice for a live set. All became clear though when the chorus kicked in: 'Bring the Boys Back Home' - and for anyone who didn't get the point these words were displayed across the back of the stage in VERY LARGE red letters.
Roger also spoke very movingly about his personal experience of the hospitality of arab families when he was travelling in the middle east as a teenager and performed one new song based on those experiences aimed firmly at 'George and Tony'.
I'm sure they won't listen to him, but he made the point very well.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Charles Clarke gets more ridiculous by the second
New Labour has produced some ludicrous figures in its time - Mandelson and Blunkett to name but two. But can anyone claim to be quite as ridiculous as Charles Clarke?
The Labour Party is going down the pan due to 'Honest' T Blair's decision to accept secret loans to fund a bankrupt election campaign and who does Clarke decide to attack? The one bloke who appears to hold the only remaining shred of decency in the party.
Liberal Democrats - get thee to Norwich!
The Labour Party is going down the pan due to 'Honest' T Blair's decision to accept secret loans to fund a bankrupt election campaign and who does Clarke decide to attack? The one bloke who appears to hold the only remaining shred of decency in the party.
Liberal Democrats - get thee to Norwich!
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Happy Harrogate
Lovely weekend here in Harrogate. Snow on Friday, bright sunshine today.
Harrogate is my favorite conference venue. It is a lovely town with a warm northern welcome.
I came to my first conference her in 1987 - the last Liberal Assembly -when I camped in atent and lived on fringe meeting food.
I did my first conference speech here - opposing a woolly arts motion and being savaged by Bob MacLennan as a result. (Well - okay - perhaps 'savaged' is a bit strong)
I also well remember coming up to stay with Phil Willis many years ago to help produce his first constituency newspaper. He was very impressive. Wonder what happened to him ;-)
This weekend has been very positive. Those that were involved in the leadership contests have been able to relax, there is a very positive sense that we are now moving forward. With Ming as Leader, Chris Huhne's profile high and a talented top team we are set to do very well against Cameron's phoney liberalism.
Everyone is now focussed on the local elections in May with campaigners reporting a positive response on the doorstep across the country.
And it was nice to see so many other Lib Dem bloggers here too!
Harrogate is my favorite conference venue. It is a lovely town with a warm northern welcome.
I came to my first conference her in 1987 - the last Liberal Assembly -when I camped in atent and lived on fringe meeting food.
I did my first conference speech here - opposing a woolly arts motion and being savaged by Bob MacLennan as a result. (Well - okay - perhaps 'savaged' is a bit strong)
I also well remember coming up to stay with Phil Willis many years ago to help produce his first constituency newspaper. He was very impressive. Wonder what happened to him ;-)
This weekend has been very positive. Those that were involved in the leadership contests have been able to relax, there is a very positive sense that we are now moving forward. With Ming as Leader, Chris Huhne's profile high and a talented top team we are set to do very well against Cameron's phoney liberalism.
Everyone is now focussed on the local elections in May with campaigners reporting a positive response on the doorstep across the country.
And it was nice to see so many other Lib Dem bloggers here too!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Going Underground
Add together two unhappy london doctors, Tim Ireland's hilarious use of Flash and a bit of Jam and you get this witty ditty about the joys of london transport.
Be warned - it does use rather uncouth language.
Be warned - it does use rather uncouth language.
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