Congratulations to Willie Rennie - newest Lib Dem MP and all round good bloke.
Cheers also to Peter Barrett and thanks for looking after me at the weekend.
And wel done to Chris, Paul, Mark, Ed and the whole by-election team and everyone who delivered leaflets, canvassed and put up stakes.
A personal thanks to the teams round the country that helped with the blue envelope writing!
Friday, February 10, 2006
Monday, February 06, 2006
Guantanamo prisoners still exist
This report by Amnesty reminds us that several hundred people are still in unlawful detention in Guantanamo Bay.
While the US Government continue to use human rights abuses as their justification for invading or threatening various middle eastern countries they continue to deprive these detainees of their human rights.
Surely by now they have either amassed evidence against each of these people or they have not.
If they have they should take them to court.
If not they should release them.
And our Prime Minister doesn't even appear interested in the 9 British residents that are there. He should hang his head in shame.
While the US Government continue to use human rights abuses as their justification for invading or threatening various middle eastern countries they continue to deprive these detainees of their human rights.
Surely by now they have either amassed evidence against each of these people or they have not.
If they have they should take them to court.
If not they should release them.
And our Prime Minister doesn't even appear interested in the 9 British residents that are there. He should hang his head in shame.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Go North
There is a very important by-election in Scotland next Thursday.
The Lib Dem candidate is the excellent Willie Rennie who I knew well when he was our Campaigns Officer in Devon & Cornwall. I also enjoyed a few days training with him in Lithuania two years ago.
Willie will make a great MP for the constituency.
I will be going up to help over the weekend and look forward to seeing Lib Dems from acroos the UK there.
The Lib Dem candidate is the excellent Willie Rennie who I knew well when he was our Campaigns Officer in Devon & Cornwall. I also enjoyed a few days training with him in Lithuania two years ago.
Willie will make a great MP for the constituency.
I will be going up to help over the weekend and look forward to seeing Lib Dems from acroos the UK there.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
7 things to do before I die
I knew someone would make me do this ...
7 things to do before I die:
1. Learn to play guitar properly
2. Record an album
3. Work on a US Presidential campaign
4. Visit Iceland
5. Organise a big party for all my friends
6. Do a rock gig as lead singer of a band with a set made up of the best of 70s & 80s rock classics
7. See my children grow up and lead fulfilling lives
7 things I cannot do:
1. Play guitar very well
2. Speak a foreign language
3. Run
4. Avoid being distracted
5. Suffer fools
6. Anything that involves blood or needles
7. Watch Desperate Housewives
7 things that attract me to Abingdon:
1. The Dil Raj
2. The River Thames
3. Bun Throwing
4. Abbey Meadows
5. Old Anchor Inn
6. Near a lot of beautiful countryside
7. London is far enough away to be distant but near enough to be accessible
7 things I often say:
1. “Maybe just a quick half then”
2. “In a minute!”
3. “With the greatest of respect...”
4. “I shouldn't be back too late”
5. “Well where did you last have it?”
6. “Maybe we'll get it for you for your birthday.”
7. “How ya doin'?”
7 books that I love:
1. Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
2. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
3. The Dark Tower series - Stephen King
4. Killigrew RN - Jonathan Lunn (my mate from Uni)
5. Husbands – Adele Parks (another mate from Uni)
6. Mort – Terry Pratchett
7. Executive Orders - Tom Clancy
7 movies I watch over and over again
1. This is Spinal Tap
2. The Blues Brothers
3. Lord of the Rings trilogy
4. The Usual Suspects
5. The Italian Job
6. Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence
7. Se7en
7 people I want to join in too:
Most of the people whose blogs I read have already done this, so I'll do this instead:
7 favorite albums:
1. A Night at the Opera - Queen
2. The Black Album - Metallica
3. Appetite for Destruction - Guns 'n' Roses
4. Afraid of Sunlight - Marillion
5. Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd
6. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
7. Earth vs. The Wildhearts - The Wildhearts
7 things to do before I die:
1. Learn to play guitar properly
2. Record an album
3. Work on a US Presidential campaign
4. Visit Iceland
5. Organise a big party for all my friends
6. Do a rock gig as lead singer of a band with a set made up of the best of 70s & 80s rock classics
7. See my children grow up and lead fulfilling lives
7 things I cannot do:
1. Play guitar very well
2. Speak a foreign language
3. Run
4. Avoid being distracted
5. Suffer fools
6. Anything that involves blood or needles
7. Watch Desperate Housewives
7 things that attract me to Abingdon:
1. The Dil Raj
2. The River Thames
3. Bun Throwing
4. Abbey Meadows
5. Old Anchor Inn
6. Near a lot of beautiful countryside
7. London is far enough away to be distant but near enough to be accessible
7 things I often say:
1. “Maybe just a quick half then”
2. “In a minute!”
3. “With the greatest of respect...”
4. “I shouldn't be back too late”
5. “Well where did you last have it?”
6. “Maybe we'll get it for you for your birthday.”
7. “How ya doin'?”
7 books that I love:
1. Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
2. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
3. The Dark Tower series - Stephen King
4. Killigrew RN - Jonathan Lunn (my mate from Uni)
5. Husbands – Adele Parks (another mate from Uni)
6. Mort – Terry Pratchett
7. Executive Orders - Tom Clancy
7 movies I watch over and over again
1. This is Spinal Tap
2. The Blues Brothers
3. Lord of the Rings trilogy
4. The Usual Suspects
5. The Italian Job
6. Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence
7. Se7en
7 people I want to join in too:
Most of the people whose blogs I read have already done this, so I'll do this instead:
7 favorite albums:
1. A Night at the Opera - Queen
2. The Black Album - Metallica
3. Appetite for Destruction - Guns 'n' Roses
4. Afraid of Sunlight - Marillion
5. Dark Side of the Moon - Pink Floyd
6. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
7. Earth vs. The Wildhearts - The Wildhearts
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Monday, January 16, 2006
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Cybermen
No, not a comment on the speeches yesterday, but news that my favorite Who monsters have been spotted in Cardiff.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Thank You Charles
Whatever the rights and wrongs of the latter part of his leadership I feel very sad that Charles Kennedy has ended up having to stand down as party leader.
I can't claim to know Charles hugely well, but I have met him on many occasions, mainly through work, and I have always been impressed by his personality and politics. He must be going through a difficult time at present and I wish both him and Sarah all the best at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for them.
At the present time it is easy to forget just how well the party has done while he has been leader. I well remember the period when Paddy finished, and all the questions about whether 1997 would prove to be the party's highpoint. Yet Charles went on to lead us into two further successful General Election campaigns, gaining seats and votes each time. Several of my friends are now MPs as a result.
In my view his impact on the party's ability to take on Labour in its former heartlands - not least by making the right call on Iraq, tuition fees and a host of other issues - is an equally important achievement. Again we should not forget that if, six years ago, you had told political journalists that we would hold parliamentary seats in Brent, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds six years hence, they would simply have laughed.
I also believe that Charles did a good job because he tried to keep the party together politically. His comments today about the direction of the party rang very true with me. He is right to say that there is a genuine debate going on within this party - somewhat crudely caricatured at times as being in rather redundant terms as between left and right; in rather simplistic terms as between social liberals and economic liberals; in rather misleading terms as between traditionalists and modernisers.
I can't claim to know Charles hugely well, but I have met him on many occasions, mainly through work, and I have always been impressed by his personality and politics. He must be going through a difficult time at present and I wish both him and Sarah all the best at what is undoubtedly a very difficult time for them.
At the present time it is easy to forget just how well the party has done while he has been leader. I well remember the period when Paddy finished, and all the questions about whether 1997 would prove to be the party's highpoint. Yet Charles went on to lead us into two further successful General Election campaigns, gaining seats and votes each time. Several of my friends are now MPs as a result.
In my view his impact on the party's ability to take on Labour in its former heartlands - not least by making the right call on Iraq, tuition fees and a host of other issues - is an equally important achievement. Again we should not forget that if, six years ago, you had told political journalists that we would hold parliamentary seats in Brent, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester and Leeds six years hence, they would simply have laughed.
I also believe that Charles did a good job because he tried to keep the party together politically. His comments today about the direction of the party rang very true with me. He is right to say that there is a genuine debate going on within this party - somewhat crudely caricatured at times as being in rather redundant terms as between left and right; in rather simplistic terms as between social liberals and economic liberals; in rather misleading terms as between traditionalists and modernisers.
I, and I think the majority of members, do not see myself as either a 'social' liberal or an 'economic' liberal - rather I see myself as a liberal, trying to balance the maximum freedom for the individual, socially and economically, with the need to ensure that the weak and disadvantaged are not left behind.
Also Charles is spot on to argue that It should be a debate driven by ourselves. It must not be allowed to become dictated by others who do not share our long-term hopes and goals. We must stand and argue - politically independent and intellectually self-confident.
We have always done best when we draw up policies based on our liberal principles as applied to today's circumstances and not driven by whatever position either of out main opponents have chosen to adopt this week.
As far as the leadership is concerned I have to be somewhat circumspect because I am a member of party staff. However I will make these general points:
1 We should not fear a leadership contest if there is genuines support within the party for more than one serious candidate. The recent leadership contests in our party, and the even more frequent ones in the Tory party, have not, in themselves, caused problems. They have often been beneficial.
2 Neither, if there is clear and solid support in the parliamentary party for one serious candidate, should we fear an unopposed contest.
3 One way or another we have to move the political debate forward, and preferably not as a battle between two 'wings'. A genuine debate about how to apply our principles to the Britain of today is essential, with or without a contested leadership election.
4 We have to get back to solid, integrated campaigning on the ground, and we have to continue to expand our organisation to enable us to sustain it.
Most importantly of all we have to work together as a united liberal party.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
John Peel book
In an uncharacteristic display of good taste my Dad bought me the John Peel auto/biography for Christmas.
It is one of those books that, once started, it was hard to put down.
The first half of the book was written by Peel himself before he died, the second half written by his wife Sheila with help and support for their children.
Peel's humour, humanity and wit shine throughout his chapters. There were several real laugh out loud moments and a lot of genuinly interesting stories as well. Sheila's half was equally compelling and brought a different perspective to Peel.
If anyone who listened to Peel either on late night Radio One (as I did as a teenager and student) or who enjoyed his dry wit on Home Truths hasn't got hold of a copy yet I would strongly recommend it.
When he died I listened to the tribute programme on the saturday on Radio 4 on my way to a Lib Dem training event and arrived, untypically for me, with tears running down my face. I guess after years of listeneing to him that I felt he was more friend than DJ. This book reinforced that feeling.
It is one of those books that, once started, it was hard to put down.
The first half of the book was written by Peel himself before he died, the second half written by his wife Sheila with help and support for their children.
Peel's humour, humanity and wit shine throughout his chapters. There were several real laugh out loud moments and a lot of genuinly interesting stories as well. Sheila's half was equally compelling and brought a different perspective to Peel.
If anyone who listened to Peel either on late night Radio One (as I did as a teenager and student) or who enjoyed his dry wit on Home Truths hasn't got hold of a copy yet I would strongly recommend it.
When he died I listened to the tribute programme on the saturday on Radio 4 on my way to a Lib Dem training event and arrived, untypically for me, with tears running down my face. I guess after years of listeneing to him that I felt he was more friend than DJ. This book reinforced that feeling.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Ben Rammisatosser
As Jonathan Calder and Stephen Tall have already pointed out the online petition organised by The Liberal calling for Charles Kennedy to resign appears to have no way of checking whether the people signing are actually Liberal Democrat members at all.
For example I was able to sign it with the entirely ficticious name of Ben Rammisatosser giving the email address as Ben.Ramm@libdems.org.uk.
Any news reort quoting the number of people signing it should be ignored as a result and any journalist reporting such figures as fact - without finding out first how The Liberal has verified the membership of each person signing - should be ashamed of themselves.
For example I was able to sign it with the entirely ficticious name of Ben Rammisatosser giving the email address as Ben.Ramm@libdems.org.uk.
Any news reort quoting the number of people signing it should be ignored as a result and any journalist reporting such figures as fact - without finding out first how The Liberal has verified the membership of each person signing - should be ashamed of themselves.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Doctor Who Digital Episode Disappointment
Apparantly there was an interactive digital episode of Doctor Who following the Christmas Special.
We pressed our red button when told to by David Tennant but the best that was on offer was Coldplay live.
It appears that the episdoe was not available to those of us on NTL, Telewest or quite a lot of Freeview boxes. The only reliable way to get it seems to have been Sky Satelite which I for one refuse to subscribe to.
The BBC trailed this episode widely and should have made it clear that access to it was so restricted. They should now make amends by showing the episdoe online.
We pressed our red button when told to by David Tennant but the best that was on offer was Coldplay live.
It appears that the episdoe was not available to those of us on NTL, Telewest or quite a lot of Freeview boxes. The only reliable way to get it seems to have been Sky Satelite which I for one refuse to subscribe to.
The BBC trailed this episode widely and should have made it clear that access to it was so restricted. They should now make amends by showing the episdoe online.
Tennant Triumphs
Well after sitting round waiting all day for it I thought David Tennant's debut as the Doctor was 'fantastic'. He appeared to pick up the role and run with it from the off. Billie Piper was as good as ever and I thought the storyline in this episode was good and fitted the one hour spcial well.
There were just enough Christmassy elements to make it festive without getting in the way of the plot. And there was plenty of humour too - pulling out Tennant's Casanova costume in the wardrobe, the 'very Arthur Dent' comment and the Star Wars references all raised a chuckle with me.
And the final twist in the story was brilliant too, and could lead to some very interesting developments along with the forthcoming Torchwood series. Seemed to me to be quite a big hit at Thatcher's attack on the Belgrano and Blair's weakening as PM in one short scene.
And then the trailer ... Sarah Jane Smith, Cyberman and K9! What more could a small boy want for Christmas?
There were just enough Christmassy elements to make it festive without getting in the way of the plot. And there was plenty of humour too - pulling out Tennant's Casanova costume in the wardrobe, the 'very Arthur Dent' comment and the Star Wars references all raised a chuckle with me.
And the final twist in the story was brilliant too, and could lead to some very interesting developments along with the forthcoming Torchwood series. Seemed to me to be quite a big hit at Thatcher's attack on the Belgrano and Blair's weakening as PM in one short scene.
And then the trailer ... Sarah Jane Smith, Cyberman and K9! What more could a small boy want for Christmas?
Monday, December 19, 2005
Cabinet Ministers to be asked to pay back profits from their diaries
Although this article doesn't specifically mention Cabinet Ministers ...
... I am sure they wouldn't be so hypocritical as to apply one rule to their servants but another to themselves ...
... would they?
... I am sure they wouldn't be so hypocritical as to apply one rule to their servants but another to themselves ...
... would they?
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Surely a christmas charity carol service isn't illegal?
I am more than happy to promote this christmas carol service which is being held to raise money for medical aid for Iraqi children. And after the bombing they've had by the british and american invasion forces, by golly they need the help.
There seem to be some concern that such a service might be illegal. Personally I think such such a suggestion is so utterly ludicrous that it can't possibly be true.
Not in a country that is so keen on defending our 'traditional freedoms' that we are willing to slaughter thousands of innocent people just to prove the point:
You are cordially invited to a public carol service in Parliament Square at 6pm on Wednesday the 21st of December 2005.
This inclusive service will contain both Christian and secular verse, and is expected to last no more than an hour.
Candles and song sheets will be made available, with donations going to Medical Aid for Iraqi Children.
Please note that if you attend this carol service, it will classify as a spontaneous demonstration (of faith, hope, joy and/or religious tolerance) and there is a possibility that you will be cautioned or arrested under Section 132 of the Serious and Organised Crimes and Police Act 2005.
Click here for more information.
And merry christmas Tim Ireland and well done for consistently challenging Blair and showing him up for what he is.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Gig frenzy
I am very pleased to have been able to go to a load of brilliant gigs recently.
I saw Fish in Cirencester a couple of weeks ago on his 'Return to Childhood' tour, it being 20 years (where did they go) since Marillion's Misplaced Childhood album was released. The first half of the show was a variety of his solo material and the second was a full run through of the album. This is one of my all time favourite albums and it was a delight to hear it played in full.
I then went to see Opeth in Oxford. Opeth are a sort of progressive death metal outfit and certainly the loudest band I have seen for a while. They are from Stockholm in Sweden and the frontman was very amusing, playing on his limited english vocabulary to great effect. Incredible musicians.
Next it was Marillion at the Kentish Town Forum on the finla date of their Not Quite Christmas Tour. I was in the balcony due to the downstairs tickets having sold out. This was one of the best gigs I have ever been to. Two and a half hours including thre encores, finishing with a hilarious Pogues style parody of their most rcent album title track. This album 'Marbles' was a real return to form for the band and they looked and sounded like a band at the top of their game.
On Thursday I went to see Magnum at the Astoria. They are also celebrating a 20th anniversary - of their most successful album On A Storytellers Night. Again the first half of the set was a mix of material from their ecellent back catalogue with the second half being the album in full. Magnum were one of the first bands i ever saw and they are still a terrific live act.
And on Friday I am off to see KINO - a prog rock 'supergroup' which includes Pete Trewavas from Marillion and John Mitchell from Arena. I am hoping to meet up for a pre-gig drink or two with other Marillion fans before heading for what will be a good and christmassy final gig of the year.
Rock on!
I saw Fish in Cirencester a couple of weeks ago on his 'Return to Childhood' tour, it being 20 years (where did they go) since Marillion's Misplaced Childhood album was released. The first half of the show was a variety of his solo material and the second was a full run through of the album. This is one of my all time favourite albums and it was a delight to hear it played in full.
I then went to see Opeth in Oxford. Opeth are a sort of progressive death metal outfit and certainly the loudest band I have seen for a while. They are from Stockholm in Sweden and the frontman was very amusing, playing on his limited english vocabulary to great effect. Incredible musicians.
Next it was Marillion at the Kentish Town Forum on the finla date of their Not Quite Christmas Tour. I was in the balcony due to the downstairs tickets having sold out. This was one of the best gigs I have ever been to. Two and a half hours including thre encores, finishing with a hilarious Pogues style parody of their most rcent album title track. This album 'Marbles' was a real return to form for the band and they looked and sounded like a band at the top of their game.
On Thursday I went to see Magnum at the Astoria. They are also celebrating a 20th anniversary - of their most successful album On A Storytellers Night. Again the first half of the set was a mix of material from their ecellent back catalogue with the second half being the album in full. Magnum were one of the first bands i ever saw and they are still a terrific live act.
And on Friday I am off to see KINO - a prog rock 'supergroup' which includes Pete Trewavas from Marillion and John Mitchell from Arena. I am hoping to meet up for a pre-gig drink or two with other Marillion fans before heading for what will be a good and christmassy final gig of the year.
Rock on!
Christmas is coming
I had fun playing a certain rotund white-bearded gentleman yesterday evening at Jimmy's school kids' club christmas party.
It probably sounds a bit trite but it really is amazing to see the children's reaction. It is also interesting how the older ones know that they are in on the secret and don't let slip to the little ones.
It probably sounds a bit trite but it really is amazing to see the children's reaction. It is also interesting how the older ones know that they are in on the secret and don't let slip to the little ones.
Get F**ked at Woolworths
Woolworths have withdrawn the Jerry Springer - The Opera DVD because some of their customers might be offended. This is despite the fact that there is nothing on the packaging that could offend anyone.
Yet at their website you can buy several far more offensive products (hint - enter the f-word in the search bar).
At least they could be honest about the fact that they are a bunch of spinelss, hypocritical halfwits who gave in to an extremist pressure group.
More comment here and here.
Yet at their website you can buy several far more offensive products (hint - enter the f-word in the search bar).
At least they could be honest about the fact that they are a bunch of spinelss, hypocritical halfwits who gave in to an extremist pressure group.
More comment here and here.
Restricting free speech is not a restriction on free speech
Lord Falconer says it is "ridiculously overdone" to claim free speech is being undermined after the arrest of a woman for listing the UK's Iraq war dead.
So it's not a restriction of free specch to arrest someone for, er, speaking, then?
So it's not a restriction of free specch to arrest someone for, er, speaking, then?
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