I'm currently listening to the first part of the new I, Davros mini series from Big Finish who produce Doctor Who audio adventures and much more besides.
This series tells the back story of Davros - the creator of the mighty Daleks - and is a sort of prequel to my favourite Who story of all time - Genesis of the Daleks. (That's the one where Tom Baker's Doctor has to decide whether it is morally right for him to kill off the Daleks at birth)
Terry Molloy makesa fantastic return as Davros and on the basis of this first part it is going to be an excellent series.
Big Finish's other Who releases this month are an interesting duo of stories about the Cybermen, picking up the storyline of the recent TV episodes, which were themselves based on a previous Big Finish story.
The Reaping features Colin Baker's doctor (consistenetly better in these audio adventures than he ever was on TV) with Peri. It fills in some of the backstory of how the Doctor met Peri and the impact this subsequently had on her family. This theme, along with the Cybermen storyline, continues in The Gathering. This time the fifth doctor, played by Peter Davison, meets up with long lost companion Tegan (remember her, the gobbie aussie air hostess?).
In true Doctor Who style this means the fifth doctor has to deal with the aftermath caused by the intervention of his later self. Confused - you will be.
As with the emphasis on Rose and Sarah Jane in the recent TV series, these stories are very much about the impact the Doctor has on his companions. Both stories are good, and nicely done. A good starting point for any Doctor Who fan who hasn't yet tried Big Finish.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Monday, October 02, 2006
Saturday, September 30, 2006
What did you do in the war Daddy?
The number of Lib Dem Local Parties taking part in the Green Tax Switch Action Week is growing fast.
If your Local Party hasn't joined in yet please get them to do so.
Then when your children ask you 'What did you do to try and stop Climate Change Daddy?' you'll have a convincing answer.
If your Local Party hasn't joined in yet please get them to do so.
Then when your children ask you 'What did you do to try and stop Climate Change Daddy?' you'll have a convincing answer.
Porcupine Tree
My ears are still ringing from attending an excellent gig by prog rockers Porcupine Tree at the Astoria last night.
The first half of the set was new material which they plan to record as part of their new album at the end of the year, the second half being better known material - mostly from the two most recent albums.
Porcupine Tree are one of a batch of bands producing a modern take on prog rock and remind me a lot of classic bands like Pink Floyd as well as being influenced by more recent bands such as Marillion and Dream Theater.
If you like Floyd or prog rock visit the site and listen to the clips from their most recent album Deadwing.
The biography of the band also makes interesting reading.
The keyboard player in the band is Richard Barbieri who was one of the founders of the art pop group Japan.
The first half of the set was new material which they plan to record as part of their new album at the end of the year, the second half being better known material - mostly from the two most recent albums.
Porcupine Tree are one of a batch of bands producing a modern take on prog rock and remind me a lot of classic bands like Pink Floyd as well as being influenced by more recent bands such as Marillion and Dream Theater.
If you like Floyd or prog rock visit the site and listen to the clips from their most recent album Deadwing.
The biography of the band also makes interesting reading.
The keyboard player in the band is Richard Barbieri who was one of the founders of the art pop group Japan.
Cameron fails the substance test
Britain's leading anti-Cameron daily gleefully reports that Labour have caught back up in the latest YouGov poll.
More worryingly for the Tory leader are some of the detailed findings of the poll which show that his lack of substance is starting to show. 60% agree with the statement 'David Cameron talks a good line but it is hard to know whether there is any substance behind the words'.
I'm not surprised by this, as, having met David a few times myself, I thought it would become obvious to people at some point that, while he is a genuinly nice bloke, there isn't much political depth there at all.
What I am surprised by is just how quickly the general public have twigged him.
And that is a real problem for the Tories.
Their stratgey is clearly to change the public perception of them, soften the image, make them appear united, modern, non-extreme.
However if they instead start to look shallow, all spin no substance etc. they will fail to re-estabish the trust they are seeking.
Whether or not this poll will be repeated, or their own conference gives them a bounce back, is yet to be seen. but to an extent it is irrelevant. What matters is the view that the general public have of Cameron. And that means he is now in trouble.
More worryingly for the Tory leader are some of the detailed findings of the poll which show that his lack of substance is starting to show. 60% agree with the statement 'David Cameron talks a good line but it is hard to know whether there is any substance behind the words'.
I'm not surprised by this, as, having met David a few times myself, I thought it would become obvious to people at some point that, while he is a genuinly nice bloke, there isn't much political depth there at all.
What I am surprised by is just how quickly the general public have twigged him.
And that is a real problem for the Tories.
Their stratgey is clearly to change the public perception of them, soften the image, make them appear united, modern, non-extreme.
However if they instead start to look shallow, all spin no substance etc. they will fail to re-estabish the trust they are seeking.
Whether or not this poll will be repeated, or their own conference gives them a bounce back, is yet to be seen. but to an extent it is irrelevant. What matters is the view that the general public have of Cameron. And that means he is now in trouble.
Daily Mail v Kerrang!
Britain's biggest selling music magazine - KERRANG! - has joined the noble fight against the force oif darkness that is The Daily Mail.
The cause of this battle was a ridiculous article in the Mail recently which warned parents of 'the cult of EMO'.
Emo - for those of you that don't already know - is a genre of heavy rock/metal music which emphasises 'emotional' content in its lyrics.
My main criticism of it is that, like many musical trends, there is often more style than substance.
But the Mail's take on it far more sinister. Sarah Sands, the author, suggests that EMO encourages self-harm reporting (without any evidence):
Emos exchange competitive messages on their teenage websites about the scars on their wrists and how best to display them. Girls' secondary schools have for some time been concerned about the increase in self harm.
Even more amusingly she quotes lyrices for the song EMO kid to justify her argument.
Isn't it obvious, even to a Mail journalist, that this is a spoof?
This whole thing reminds me of those ridiculous lawsuits that were brought against Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest in the US which claimed that listening to their records had cause kids to kill themselves. (OK - so Ozzy isn't the greatest singer in the worls - but he's not THAT bad!!)
Anyway KERRANG! dedicated a whole article to its readers' responses to the Mail this week and the letters and emails featured made a lot more sense than anything you'd read in the Mail. In particualr they focussed on the serious issue of self-harm and how the bands they like are a positive influence on their lives.
If anyone is still wondering what 'EMO' is take a look at the video for the excellent new single from My Chemical Romance The Black Parade.
You will either like it, or you'll hate it, but we can probably all agree that it's not part of a great gobla conspiracy to destroy teenage life!
The cause of this battle was a ridiculous article in the Mail recently which warned parents of 'the cult of EMO'.
Emo - for those of you that don't already know - is a genre of heavy rock/metal music which emphasises 'emotional' content in its lyrics.
My main criticism of it is that, like many musical trends, there is often more style than substance.
But the Mail's take on it far more sinister. Sarah Sands, the author, suggests that EMO encourages self-harm reporting (without any evidence):
Emos exchange competitive messages on their teenage websites about the scars on their wrists and how best to display them. Girls' secondary schools have for some time been concerned about the increase in self harm.
Even more amusingly she quotes lyrices for the song EMO kid to justify her argument.
Isn't it obvious, even to a Mail journalist, that this is a spoof?
This whole thing reminds me of those ridiculous lawsuits that were brought against Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest in the US which claimed that listening to their records had cause kids to kill themselves. (OK - so Ozzy isn't the greatest singer in the worls - but he's not THAT bad!!)
Anyway KERRANG! dedicated a whole article to its readers' responses to the Mail this week and the letters and emails featured made a lot more sense than anything you'd read in the Mail. In particualr they focussed on the serious issue of self-harm and how the bands they like are a positive influence on their lives.
If anyone is still wondering what 'EMO' is take a look at the video for the excellent new single from My Chemical Romance The Black Parade.
You will either like it, or you'll hate it, but we can probably all agree that it's not part of a great gobla conspiracy to destroy teenage life!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
extremist bullies
In an article in the Independent titled:
"We will go wherever we please, we will discuss what we like and we will never be brow beaten by bullies. That's what it means to be British."
And I bet he doesn't see the irony.
"We won't bow to extremist bullies, says Reid"
John Reid is quoted as saying:"We will go wherever we please, we will discuss what we like and we will never be brow beaten by bullies. That's what it means to be British."
And I bet he doesn't see the irony.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Last Lost
Tonight sees the final two episdoes of the second series of the excellent Lost.
I've followed this series from the beginning, and due being able to watch the following episdoe on E4 have only missed one or two episodes.
(The life of a Campaigns Officers generally makes it hard to follow a weekly series)
I love the general Prisoner like spookiness and the various plot twists and developments.
I think tonights episodes are going to be good, and we will probably find out a lot about the 'others'. But I bet there will be an almighty cliffhanger to lead into series 3!
I've followed this series from the beginning, and due being able to watch the following episdoe on E4 have only missed one or two episodes.
(The life of a Campaigns Officers generally makes it hard to follow a weekly series)
I love the general Prisoner like spookiness and the various plot twists and developments.
I think tonights episodes are going to be good, and we will probably find out a lot about the 'others'. But I bet there will be an almighty cliffhanger to lead into series 3!
Muppets bullied here
Little did I realise when I added the Top Five Links box - see below right - that it would have such amusement value!
Queen Top 50
As a tribute to Freddie Mercury, who would have been 60 this month, those nice people at Classic Rock Magazine have asked a batch of rock starts to nominate their favourite Queen tracks.
The 50 are not listed in order, but form an excellent cross section of the bands output - a total of 14 studio albums between 1973 and 1995.
The mid seventies - when the band were breaking through - provide the largest number of tracks. The classic Night At The Opera album contributes 8 of the 50, with Sheer Heart Attack providing 6 and News of the World 5. Jazz and The Game which followed 4 each. The Works, which was the foundation for the second flourish of their career in the eighties provided 4 tracks and Kind of Magic 3. There last proper album, the underrated Innuendo also provides 3.
The duffers (in terms of this list at least) are Made In Heaven, which was put together and realeased after the mercurial one's death. Hot Space, their much derided 'disco' period album, and The Miracle, which is one I rarely listen to myself.
What struck me about the comments is just how many major rock stars were into Queen. From aging rockers like Rob Halford of Judas Priest (whose iPod only contains his own work and Queen's entire catalogue), Maiden's Bruce Dicinson who crys when he hears Who Wants To Live Forever, and dave Hill of Slade, through prog rockers like Chris Squire of Yes, Geoff tate of Queensryche and Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, through to young metalheads like Matt Heafy of Trivium, Zacky Vengeance of Avenged Sevenfold and Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth, it seems everyone loves the band.
Most of my favourites are there. My top 50 would also include Spread Your Wings from News of the World and Sail Away Sweet Sister from The Game.
The 50 are not listed in order, but form an excellent cross section of the bands output - a total of 14 studio albums between 1973 and 1995.
The mid seventies - when the band were breaking through - provide the largest number of tracks. The classic Night At The Opera album contributes 8 of the 50, with Sheer Heart Attack providing 6 and News of the World 5. Jazz and The Game which followed 4 each. The Works, which was the foundation for the second flourish of their career in the eighties provided 4 tracks and Kind of Magic 3. There last proper album, the underrated Innuendo also provides 3.
The duffers (in terms of this list at least) are Made In Heaven, which was put together and realeased after the mercurial one's death. Hot Space, their much derided 'disco' period album, and The Miracle, which is one I rarely listen to myself.
What struck me about the comments is just how many major rock stars were into Queen. From aging rockers like Rob Halford of Judas Priest (whose iPod only contains his own work and Queen's entire catalogue), Maiden's Bruce Dicinson who crys when he hears Who Wants To Live Forever, and dave Hill of Slade, through prog rockers like Chris Squire of Yes, Geoff tate of Queensryche and Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, through to young metalheads like Matt Heafy of Trivium, Zacky Vengeance of Avenged Sevenfold and Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth, it seems everyone loves the band.
Most of my favourites are there. My top 50 would also include Spread Your Wings from News of the World and Sail Away Sweet Sister from The Game.
Disney overdose
I'm at home today because little Emma is unwell.
She woke us up in the middle of last night with a temperature and spent the rest of the night wriggling around in our bed.
With the help of a few doses of Nurofen for Children (Stawberry Flavour) she is enjoying a subdued day on the sofa.
I have now seen enough Disney videos to last me a month!
She woke us up in the middle of last night with a temperature and spent the rest of the night wriggling around in our bed.
With the help of a few doses of Nurofen for Children (Stawberry Flavour) she is enjoying a subdued day on the sofa.
I have now seen enough Disney videos to last me a month!
Monday, September 25, 2006
Chucking NHS cash down the drain
I gave a brief mention earlier to this morning's Times story about private treatment centres and their effect on our cash-strapped NHS.
For me this issue demonstrates just how dogmatic the Blair/Brown Government can be.
If you think back to the 1997 election campaign you will remember that Labour were elected because there was 'only 24 hours to save the NHS'. This was based on Labour's stark warning that the Tories intended to privatise the NHS.
Nine years later and that same Labour Party is forcing Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to sign up to contracts with private firms to deliver operations. If any PCT dares disagree the local members will be bullied into either agreeing or will be forced out.
There is, however, a small snag.
Within the NHS PCTs pay a fee for each operation that is done to the NHS hospital that does it. Therefore if the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford performs 100 cataract operations for South Oxfordshire PCT the PCT pays for 100 cataract operations.
However these Private Treatment Centre contracts work on a different basis. The PCT has to pay an agreed fee to the private company regardless of how many operations are actually done.
On average these private centres are running at 59% of their targets. That means that if a private company performs 59 cataract operations for South Oxon PCT the PCT still has to pay the cost of 100 operations.
The result is that money which could have been used to pay for 41 further operations is simply handed over to a private company.
This is what Labour politicians describe as 'modernisation' or 'reform' or whatever buzzwords are in this week.
It is what I call a barmy way to run a public service.
For me this issue demonstrates just how dogmatic the Blair/Brown Government can be.
If you think back to the 1997 election campaign you will remember that Labour were elected because there was 'only 24 hours to save the NHS'. This was based on Labour's stark warning that the Tories intended to privatise the NHS.
Nine years later and that same Labour Party is forcing Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) to sign up to contracts with private firms to deliver operations. If any PCT dares disagree the local members will be bullied into either agreeing or will be forced out.
There is, however, a small snag.
Within the NHS PCTs pay a fee for each operation that is done to the NHS hospital that does it. Therefore if the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford performs 100 cataract operations for South Oxfordshire PCT the PCT pays for 100 cataract operations.
However these Private Treatment Centre contracts work on a different basis. The PCT has to pay an agreed fee to the private company regardless of how many operations are actually done.
On average these private centres are running at 59% of their targets. That means that if a private company performs 59 cataract operations for South Oxon PCT the PCT still has to pay the cost of 100 operations.
The result is that money which could have been used to pay for 41 further operations is simply handed over to a private company.
This is what Labour politicians describe as 'modernisation' or 'reform' or whatever buzzwords are in this week.
It is what I call a barmy way to run a public service.
Gosh there are a lot of you
Last week, following a brief chat with Lib Dem Blogger of the Year, Oxford City Council Finance Champion and PoliticalBetting.com pin up Cllr Stephen Tall, I installed a clever widget from those nice people at StatCounter I am now finding out how many people visit this blog.
Having thought that my blog was only really read by a few Lib Dem mates, a couple of friends from Uni days and some slightly bemused members of my close family I have been very surprised at the number of visitors this blog gets.
The vast majority come through the excellent Lib Dem Blogs site and the rest through a variety of interesting searches (a number of whom must end up very disappointed when they get here!) A fair proportion seem to come back too.
Anyway, thank you for visiting. I hope you find my ramblings at least vaguely interesting. Do feel free to comment - I don't get enough of those - and most of the ones I do get seem to come from various furry animals.
Having thought that my blog was only really read by a few Lib Dem mates, a couple of friends from Uni days and some slightly bemused members of my close family I have been very surprised at the number of visitors this blog gets.
The vast majority come through the excellent Lib Dem Blogs site and the rest through a variety of interesting searches (a number of whom must end up very disappointed when they get here!) A fair proportion seem to come back too.
Anyway, thank you for visiting. I hope you find my ramblings at least vaguely interesting. Do feel free to comment - I don't get enough of those - and most of the ones I do get seem to come from various furry animals.
And they accuse us ...
And these muppets claim our sums don't add up!
Read the article and click on the link top right to see a news report.
And don't forget to hold your local Labour MP to account for it!
Read the article and click on the link top right to see a news report.
And don't forget to hold your local Labour MP to account for it!
OK, so now I KNOW they're not reading them carefully!
On the positive side, I can't complain that they're not swift ...
*From:* "Terry Deere" Terry.Deere@dft.gsi.gov.uk
*To:* <neilfawcett>
Neil Fawcett
The website does cover your case - there is an exemption allowing achild over 3 to use a rear seat adult belt where having two other childseats means there is not room for a third.
ABfor Terry Deere
Dept for Transport
Road User Safety Branch 2
zone 2/11
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR.
... and my response ...
Dear AB for Terry Deere,
This is getting frustrating.
As I have said, the problem is not that there is not enough room for a third booster seat, it is that if we put two booster seats in there is then not enough room for the third child, with or without a booster seat.
Please can you advise me what to do in these circumstances.
Thank you.
Neil Fawcett.
*From:* "Terry Deere" Terry.Deere@dft.gsi.gov.uk
*To:* <neilfawcett>
Neil Fawcett
The website does cover your case - there is an exemption allowing achild over 3 to use a rear seat adult belt where having two other childseats means there is not room for a third.
ABfor Terry Deere
Dept for Transport
Road User Safety Branch 2
zone 2/11
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR.
... and my response ...
Dear AB for Terry Deere,
This is getting frustrating.
As I have said, the problem is not that there is not enough room for a third booster seat, it is that if we put two booster seats in there is then not enough room for the third child, with or without a booster seat.
Please can you advise me what to do in these circumstances.
Thank you.
Neil Fawcett.
I suspect they're not reading it very carefully
A further development in the child car safety saga.
An email has arrived from the mysterious 'TJN for Terry Deere':
*From:* "Terry Deere" <Terry.Deere@dft.gsi.gov.uk>
*To:* <neilfawcett>
Neil Fawcett
Thanks for this.
Our FAQs explain that there is an exception thatapplies for a child aged 3 years above travelling in the back who mayuse an adult seat belt (ie no need to use a child seat/booster) when twooccupied child seats/boosters prevent the use of a third.
For when the car is not full, there is nothing to prevent a child up to135 cms in height travelling in the front seat (save one using arear-facing baby seat against an active air-bag) provided it uses thecorrect child seat/booster.
But please consult the car handbook (eachcar will differ) regarding children and air-bags (if fitted). We strongly recommend that you follow that advice - air-bags are powerfuland deserve respect.
TJN for Terry Deere
Dept for Transport
Road User Safety Branch 2
zone 2/11
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR.
Which, as those of you following the saga will know, fails to answer the original question.
I have replied thus:
Dear TJN for Terry Deere,
Yes. I read that.
The situation I am trying to get across is that if we put two booster seats into the back of the car then there isn't enough room for the third child, or my wife, to fit in the back seat.
I would like your advice about what to do in OUR situation, not the various situations on your website, none of which apply.
Neil Fawcett.
Meanwhile the children remain in imminent danger.
(Well, other than for the fact that I haven't taken them anywhere in the car yet.)
An email has arrived from the mysterious 'TJN for Terry Deere':
*From:* "Terry Deere" <Terry.Deere@dft.gsi.gov.uk>
*To:* <neilfawcett>
Neil Fawcett
Thanks for this.
Our FAQs explain that there is an exception thatapplies for a child aged 3 years above travelling in the back who mayuse an adult seat belt (ie no need to use a child seat/booster) when twooccupied child seats/boosters prevent the use of a third.
For when the car is not full, there is nothing to prevent a child up to135 cms in height travelling in the front seat (save one using arear-facing baby seat against an active air-bag) provided it uses thecorrect child seat/booster.
But please consult the car handbook (eachcar will differ) regarding children and air-bags (if fitted). We strongly recommend that you follow that advice - air-bags are powerfuland deserve respect.
TJN for Terry Deere
Dept for Transport
Road User Safety Branch 2
zone 2/11
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DR.
Which, as those of you following the saga will know, fails to answer the original question.
I have replied thus:
Dear TJN for Terry Deere,
Yes. I read that.
The situation I am trying to get across is that if we put two booster seats into the back of the car then there isn't enough room for the third child, or my wife, to fit in the back seat.
I would like your advice about what to do in OUR situation, not the various situations on your website, none of which apply.
Neil Fawcett.
Meanwhile the children remain in imminent danger.
(Well, other than for the fact that I haven't taken them anywhere in the car yet.)
When is a commercial loan not a commercial loan?
Page 4o of the Labour Party NEC's Annual Report includes this little gem in the Treasurer's Report:
A further commercial loan of £2.0 million was received from Richard Caring in March 2006 on terms similar to those already disclosed, bringing the entire amount of the supporter loans from £11.95 million to £13.95 million (excluding accrued interest). In two cases it has been indicated that the loans are to be repaid when the term comes to an end, and we have made budgetary provision for this repayment. Also, others have already agreed to reschedule their loans to future periods. At all times this position is kept under review to ensure we meet our financial and budgetary targets.
This seems to be a very interesting definition of a 'commercial' loan.
Page 45 sets out that the Labour Party had a deficit of £14,500,000 in 2005, basically funded by the above loans.
The figures also suggest that their ongoing income is barely enough to pay for their ongoing income, let alone have anything left to pay the loans off. If they really are 'commercial' loans then they presumably face an interest bill of around a million too.
It is quite difficult to see how a Party with this level of debts can survive without significantly reducing its running costs.
hat tip: Iain Dale
A further commercial loan of £2.0 million was received from Richard Caring in March 2006 on terms similar to those already disclosed, bringing the entire amount of the supporter loans from £11.95 million to £13.95 million (excluding accrued interest). In two cases it has been indicated that the loans are to be repaid when the term comes to an end, and we have made budgetary provision for this repayment. Also, others have already agreed to reschedule their loans to future periods. At all times this position is kept under review to ensure we meet our financial and budgetary targets.
This seems to be a very interesting definition of a 'commercial' loan.
Page 45 sets out that the Labour Party had a deficit of £14,500,000 in 2005, basically funded by the above loans.
The figures also suggest that their ongoing income is barely enough to pay for their ongoing income, let alone have anything left to pay the loans off. If they really are 'commercial' loans then they presumably face an interest bill of around a million too.
It is quite difficult to see how a Party with this level of debts can survive without significantly reducing its running costs.
hat tip: Iain Dale
Robbing the NHS to pay Paul
More evidence that the Blair/Brown government is throwing money down the drain while other parts of the NHS make massive cuts.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Whiter than white
Remember the 1997 General Election? One of the key planks of the Labour campaign was their attacks on Tory sleaze.
Well wads of cash in brown envelopes seems small beer now compared to Labour's loans scandal.
Setting aside the possible link to peerages, it is now clear that the Labour Party, or, to be fair, a small group of individuals in senior positions in the Labour Party, had a deliberate strategy of arranging soft loans in order to get round the transparancy imposed by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPEERA) that they themselves had introduced in response to Tory sleaze.
Reading the articles in todays Independent here and here - based on evidence from a senior Labour Party source - it is clear that Labour could not have afforded most of the campaign they ran in 2005.
That means that Labour MPs in marginal seats such as Andrew Smith MP in Oxford East, Emily Thornberry MP in Islington South & Finsbury, Claire Ward MP in Watford and even Charles Clarke MP in Norwich South may well have lost their seats, had it not been for the cash raised from secret loans.
They certainly would not have had the billboards, mailshots and newspaper ads that were used to squeeze the lib Dem vote in the last week of the campaign to back up their local efforts.
I hope that Lib Dem campaigners in these and other marginal seats will be pointing this out over the coming months.
Labour got in by attacking the Tories for being sleazy. But now we know that they are not only a bunch of sleazebags themselves, but a hypocritcal bunch of sleazebags at that.
Well wads of cash in brown envelopes seems small beer now compared to Labour's loans scandal.
Setting aside the possible link to peerages, it is now clear that the Labour Party, or, to be fair, a small group of individuals in senior positions in the Labour Party, had a deliberate strategy of arranging soft loans in order to get round the transparancy imposed by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPEERA) that they themselves had introduced in response to Tory sleaze.
Reading the articles in todays Independent here and here - based on evidence from a senior Labour Party source - it is clear that Labour could not have afforded most of the campaign they ran in 2005.
That means that Labour MPs in marginal seats such as Andrew Smith MP in Oxford East, Emily Thornberry MP in Islington South & Finsbury, Claire Ward MP in Watford and even Charles Clarke MP in Norwich South may well have lost their seats, had it not been for the cash raised from secret loans.
They certainly would not have had the billboards, mailshots and newspaper ads that were used to squeeze the lib Dem vote in the last week of the campaign to back up their local efforts.
I hope that Lib Dem campaigners in these and other marginal seats will be pointing this out over the coming months.
Labour got in by attacking the Tories for being sleazy. But now we know that they are not only a bunch of sleazebags themselves, but a hypocritcal bunch of sleazebags at that.
Tooth Fairy latest
Those of you who had a sleepless night worrying about whether the Tooth Fairy would turn up can rest easy tonight.
I was woken at some ungodly hour this morning by Jimmy proudly clutching a nice shiny one pound coin.
Thank You Tooth Fairy, wherever you are ;-)
I was woken at some ungodly hour this morning by Jimmy proudly clutching a nice shiny one pound coin.
Thank You Tooth Fairy, wherever you are ;-)
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Calling the tooth fairy
My son Jimmy, 8, found a long lost tooth two days ago and, being a fast-thinking young thing, put it straight under his pillow.
Sadly, in an uncharacteristic fit of shabbiness, the Tooth Fairy has not turned up.
Jimmy has therefore asked me to put a post on here so that if the Tooth Fairy reads my blog she will see this and come and replace his tooth with a shiny one pound coin.
So before he went to bed I promised him I would put up a post asking the Tooth fairy to pop round.
Now that he's told me about the tooth I feel sure she will turn up tonight ;-)
Sadly, in an uncharacteristic fit of shabbiness, the Tooth Fairy has not turned up.
Jimmy has therefore asked me to put a post on here so that if the Tooth Fairy reads my blog she will see this and come and replace his tooth with a shiny one pound coin.
So before he went to bed I promised him I would put up a post asking the Tooth fairy to pop round.
Now that he's told me about the tooth I feel sure she will turn up tonight ;-)
Now featuring videos
OK - so I'm not quite at the vidcasting stage just yet.
But I have managed to add a clever bit of code from Martin Tod's site which means that you can watch and listen to people far more interesting than me while reading my blog.
You can find the code here.
You can watch Lib Dem Blogger of the Year and Oxford City Finance Chief Cllr Stephen Tall's latest video here.
They even let him out into the community this time!
But I have managed to add a clever bit of code from Martin Tod's site which means that you can watch and listen to people far more interesting than me while reading my blog.
You can find the code here.
You can watch Lib Dem Blogger of the Year and Oxford City Finance Chief Cllr Stephen Tall's latest video here.
They even let him out into the community this time!
What a load of Balls
So Gordon Brown thinks the solution to to the problems in the NHS might be ... more reorganisation!
According to Brown fanboy Ed Balls this is because:
"The track record so far has been about devolution in important areas of policy - on monetary policy, on financial services policy, on local government and regional policy too," he told the BBC.
Well call me old fashioned but I prefer to judge people on the basis of what they have actually done, rather than what they say they might do in the future.
The Brown/Blair Government could have devolved power in the NHS at any point in the last 9 and a half years. They could have done this within the current structure, or any one of the many structures that have existed during that 9 and a half years.
They could have done this at national level, by letting the existing national bodies get on with the job, or they could have genuinly develoved power to the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) when they set them up.
Instead what we have seen is Government dictac at every stage and at every level.
In this area we have seen PCTs forced to sign contracts with private companies that have resulted in NHS money being poured down the drain. When some of the few genuinly independent minded local members of PCT boards try and take decisions that they believe are in the best interests of their communiities they are bullied into making the right decision or hounded out.
Does this strike you as being the work of someone with 'track record so far has been about devolution in important areas of policy'? Thought not.
In local government it means that local authorities are encouraged to draw up mission statements, Local Area Plans etc. But if they include things that the Government (or more usually the civil servant inhabiting their regional office) doesn't like they are told to change them.
The sad thing is that I think many Labour Ministers honestly believe that they have devolved power.
What a load of Balls.
According to Brown fanboy Ed Balls this is because:
"The track record so far has been about devolution in important areas of policy - on monetary policy, on financial services policy, on local government and regional policy too," he told the BBC.
Well call me old fashioned but I prefer to judge people on the basis of what they have actually done, rather than what they say they might do in the future.
The Brown/Blair Government could have devolved power in the NHS at any point in the last 9 and a half years. They could have done this within the current structure, or any one of the many structures that have existed during that 9 and a half years.
They could have done this at national level, by letting the existing national bodies get on with the job, or they could have genuinly develoved power to the Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) when they set them up.
Instead what we have seen is Government dictac at every stage and at every level.
In this area we have seen PCTs forced to sign contracts with private companies that have resulted in NHS money being poured down the drain. When some of the few genuinly independent minded local members of PCT boards try and take decisions that they believe are in the best interests of their communiities they are bullied into making the right decision or hounded out.
Does this strike you as being the work of someone with 'track record so far has been about devolution in important areas of policy'? Thought not.
In local government it means that local authorities are encouraged to draw up mission statements, Local Area Plans etc. But if they include things that the Government (or more usually the civil servant inhabiting their regional office) doesn't like they are told to change them.
The sad thing is that I think many Labour Ministers honestly believe that they have devolved power.
What a load of Balls.
V for Very Good Indeed
I didn't get to see V for Vendetta when it was in the cinemas but read a few reviews that made it sound like the kind of film i would like.
Seeing it while shopping for dinner yesterday I picked it up on DVD yesterday and we watched it last night.
It is absolutely excellent.
Based on a brilliant graphic novel by the mighty Alan Moore illustrated by David Lloyd and brought to the screen by the people that did The Matrix, the film combines action thriller with politics set in a 1984 like future UK. As the synopsis says:
Set against the futuristic landscape of totalitarian Britain, V For Vendetta tells the story of a mild-mannered young woman named Evey (NATALIE PORTMAN) who is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked man (HUGO WEAVING) known only as “V.” Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled in the art of combat and deception, V ignites a revolution when he urges his fellow citizens to rise up against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about V’s mysterious background, she also discovers the truth about herself – and emerges as his unlikely ally in the culmination of his plan to bring freedom and justice back to a society fraught with cruelty and corruption.
There are several parts of the film that could easily be taken as a warning against Blairism, if in an exagerated form.
The look of the whole thing is amazing. It reminded me of the darkness of the first Batman movie (also based on a graphic novel) with touches of Frank Miller's Sin City thrown in. There are also occasional Matrix like effects.
The plot steadily unravels as the film goes on, leading to a quite spectacular finale when the lead characters have to decide which side they are on.
If you haven't seen it, and you like a bit of politics mixed with a bit of action, watch it today!
Seeing it while shopping for dinner yesterday I picked it up on DVD yesterday and we watched it last night.
It is absolutely excellent.
Based on a brilliant graphic novel by the mighty Alan Moore illustrated by David Lloyd and brought to the screen by the people that did The Matrix, the film combines action thriller with politics set in a 1984 like future UK. As the synopsis says:
Set against the futuristic landscape of totalitarian Britain, V For Vendetta tells the story of a mild-mannered young woman named Evey (NATALIE PORTMAN) who is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked man (HUGO WEAVING) known only as “V.” Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled in the art of combat and deception, V ignites a revolution when he urges his fellow citizens to rise up against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about V’s mysterious background, she also discovers the truth about herself – and emerges as his unlikely ally in the culmination of his plan to bring freedom and justice back to a society fraught with cruelty and corruption.
There are several parts of the film that could easily be taken as a warning against Blairism, if in an exagerated form.
The look of the whole thing is amazing. It reminded me of the darkness of the first Batman movie (also based on a graphic novel) with touches of Frank Miller's Sin City thrown in. There are also occasional Matrix like effects.
The plot steadily unravels as the film goes on, leading to a quite spectacular finale when the lead characters have to decide which side they are on.
If you haven't seen it, and you like a bit of politics mixed with a bit of action, watch it today!
The Emporer Has No Clothes
Therer's little I like more than seeing people point out that The Emporer Has No Clothes.
Congratulations then to Harriet Yeo for doing nothing more than pointing out the truth to Mr Blair.
It is difficult to bring up children, particularly teenagers, and wise politicians will bear this in mind before pronouncing on the subject.
Labour Minister John Hutton was also mouthing off recently about single parents.
The gist of his comments were that, on average, children living with two parents are lijkely to do better than those brought up by one. In particular they are a lot less likely to live in relative poverty.
Well durr...
Does we really need a politician to tell us that households with two adults in them are likely to have a higher income, on average, than those with one?
Or that single parents might find it harder to hold down a full time job than two parent households?
Seems pretty obvious to me that that would be the case.
What Hutton then went on to say was that there is not actually that much the Government can do about it.
Which makes me question why there is any value in raising the issue in the first place.
Surely it wasn't because he was chasing headlines in the right wing press like this?
Congratulations then to Harriet Yeo for doing nothing more than pointing out the truth to Mr Blair.
It is difficult to bring up children, particularly teenagers, and wise politicians will bear this in mind before pronouncing on the subject.
Labour Minister John Hutton was also mouthing off recently about single parents.
The gist of his comments were that, on average, children living with two parents are lijkely to do better than those brought up by one. In particular they are a lot less likely to live in relative poverty.
Well durr...
Does we really need a politician to tell us that households with two adults in them are likely to have a higher income, on average, than those with one?
Or that single parents might find it harder to hold down a full time job than two parent households?
Seems pretty obvious to me that that would be the case.
What Hutton then went on to say was that there is not actually that much the Government can do about it.
Which makes me question why there is any value in raising the issue in the first place.
Surely it wasn't because he was chasing headlines in the right wing press like this?
Battles in Time
Son Jimmy, 8, has been suffering with a rather nasty insect bite which got infected.
As a result he has been on anti-biotics all week and I had to take him to the doctors yesterday to have it lanced. (Imagine his disapointment when this didn't involve a man on a horse charging at him!).
I was therefore obliged to buy him a copy of the first edition on the latest Doctor Who merchandise - Battle in Time - for being such a brave little soldier.
This is a series of trading cards which arrive each fortnight with a magazine. (Trading cards are a bit like Top Trumps but there are more of them and they run at a level of sophistication that only 8-12 years olds will ever understand.) The magazine also included an excellent poster with daleks on it and a list of all the cards so that you can tick them off when you get them.
The next two issues come with a Tardis shaped box to keep them in and if you opt for the 4-issues-at-a-time subscripiton offer you get a whole pile of freebies as well.
Doctor Who merchandising was never this exciting when I was 8!
As a result he has been on anti-biotics all week and I had to take him to the doctors yesterday to have it lanced. (Imagine his disapointment when this didn't involve a man on a horse charging at him!).
I was therefore obliged to buy him a copy of the first edition on the latest Doctor Who merchandise - Battle in Time - for being such a brave little soldier.
This is a series of trading cards which arrive each fortnight with a magazine. (Trading cards are a bit like Top Trumps but there are more of them and they run at a level of sophistication that only 8-12 years olds will ever understand.) The magazine also included an excellent poster with daleks on it and a list of all the cards so that you can tick them off when you get them.
The next two issues come with a Tardis shaped box to keep them in and if you opt for the 4-issues-at-a-time subscripiton offer you get a whole pile of freebies as well.
Doctor Who merchandising was never this exciting when I was 8!
Friday, September 22, 2006
Guildford Tories' Smear Campaign
Tim Ireland's other site is dedicated to holding the Tory MP for Guildford, Anne Milton, to account.
He has also been busy documenting a particularly nasty smear campaign orchestrated by two prominent Guildford Tories against a Lib Dem activist in the town.
I won't dignify the smears by going into the detail myself but suffice to say it is pretty horrible stuff.
In brief the two Tories concerned set up some bogus websites, put up some smears against the Lib Dem concerned, and then added comments pretending to be him.
You can read all about the detail - and Tim Ireland's efforts to hold the Tories concerned to account here.
Unfortunately I can't find any trace of either Anne Milton MP or Guildford Conservatives taking any action over this appalling activity. In fact Dennis Paul appears to still be a Conservative Candidate.
He has also been busy documenting a particularly nasty smear campaign orchestrated by two prominent Guildford Tories against a Lib Dem activist in the town.
I won't dignify the smears by going into the detail myself but suffice to say it is pretty horrible stuff.
In brief the two Tories concerned set up some bogus websites, put up some smears against the Lib Dem concerned, and then added comments pretending to be him.
You can read all about the detail - and Tim Ireland's efforts to hold the Tories concerned to account here.
Unfortunately I can't find any trace of either Anne Milton MP or Guildford Conservatives taking any action over this appalling activity. In fact Dennis Paul appears to still be a Conservative Candidate.
Very amusing vid
A link to the new vid from Tim Ireland has just appeared, just over there on the right, below the Lib Dem Blogs box.
Gets the point over nicely I think.
If you would like to see some even harder hitting vids go to Tim's Backing Blair site and click on the links down the right hand column. I find them very amusing but effective at the same time. (Not for the faint hearted.)
Gets the point over nicely I think.
If you would like to see some even harder hitting vids go to Tim's Backing Blair site and click on the links down the right hand column. I find them very amusing but effective at the same time. (Not for the faint hearted.)
Is the Green Tax Switch campaign taking off?
Looking at the Green Tax Switch campaign website there are clear signs that the campaign is starting to take off.
Two weeks ago only a handful of Local Parties had set up their action days.
Now, as word of mouth and conference have spread the word, there is almost a mapful. (Press the green action week button on the riught and it takes you to Martin Tod's very clever flocktogether website).
You can also download a rather nifty campaign pack produced by those nice people in the Campaigns Department and a PDF of good advice on how to run a successful street stall.
If your Local Party hasn't sorted out your local action day yet - then step to it!
Two weeks ago only a handful of Local Parties had set up their action days.
Now, as word of mouth and conference have spread the word, there is almost a mapful. (Press the green action week button on the riught and it takes you to Martin Tod's very clever flocktogether website).
You can also download a rather nifty campaign pack produced by those nice people in the Campaigns Department and a PDF of good advice on how to run a successful street stall.
If your Local Party hasn't sorted out your local action day yet - then step to it!
Labour hold on in Oxford
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.
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.
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.
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* 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.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Well done Willie
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!
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!
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?
Sunday, December 04, 2005
A true people's politician
A very touching article in the Observer by Mo Mowlam's stepdaughter http://politics.guardian.co.uk/politicspast/comment/0,9236,1657073,00.html
Mo Mowlam was my MP at home and I met her onec in redcar and once a few years later when I was running what used to be called 'Youth & Student Day' for the Lib Dem Youth & Students.
Apart from the fact that she impressed me by knowing who I was have met my parents a few times at local functions in Redcar, I was struck by he down to earth approach and what was clearly a very genuine humanity.
That she managed to achieve so much in politics, particularly in the peace process, whilst remaining a warm human being, perhaps shows how politics could be so much better if we would let it.
Mo Mowlam was my MP at home and I met her onec in redcar and once a few years later when I was running what used to be called 'Youth & Student Day' for the Lib Dem Youth & Students.
Apart from the fact that she impressed me by knowing who I was have met my parents a few times at local functions in Redcar, I was struck by he down to earth approach and what was clearly a very genuine humanity.
That she managed to achieve so much in politics, particularly in the peace process, whilst remaining a warm human being, perhaps shows how politics could be so much better if we would let it.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Defending western values
I listeneed to an alarming interview on radio 4 this morning with british defence lawyer Clive Stafford-Smith who is involved in helping to defend some of the Guantanamo Bay detainees.
Aparantly another batch of detainees have been charged, including a british refugee who has been charged with 'conspiracy to commit war crimes'.
The US Government:
Kidnapped a british resident, incarcerated them without charge, plans to put them on trail before a military tribunal of judges handpicked by the US government, is allowing evidence gained after torture, will not allow the accused or his lawyers even see all the evidence aginst him, and will then only allow appeal to another appointed tribunal.
If any country other than the US was doing this wouldn't our Government be going up the wall?
And this is apparantly all in the name of 'defending western freedoms and values'.
It is an utter disgrace. Blair, Straw and the lot of them should be hanging their heads in shame.
Aparantly another batch of detainees have been charged, including a british refugee who has been charged with 'conspiracy to commit war crimes'.
The US Government:
Kidnapped a british resident, incarcerated them without charge, plans to put them on trail before a military tribunal of judges handpicked by the US government, is allowing evidence gained after torture, will not allow the accused or his lawyers even see all the evidence aginst him, and will then only allow appeal to another appointed tribunal.
If any country other than the US was doing this wouldn't our Government be going up the wall?
And this is apparantly all in the name of 'defending western freedoms and values'.
It is an utter disgrace. Blair, Straw and the lot of them should be hanging their heads in shame.
90 days detention - but why?
I have been thinking about why my reaction against the Government's plans for 90 day detention without charge is so instinctive.
Apart from all the arguments about how devastatingly life-wrecking such detention would be to the individual concerned (usually an 'innocent victim' that Blair and co are supposed to be concerned about), I think it comes down to the fact that they are simply not putting forward a case.
Blair's argument simply seems to come down to 'there are nasty terrorists about and the security services assure me that they need these measures to fight them'.
But there is no real explanation of how these powers would actually help prevent terrorism, no examples have been given from recent times to illustrate the difference they would make, and no clear explanation of why the alternatives being proposed by politicians couldn't do the job as effectively.
Which means that basically they are back to the same justification that was used for invading Iraq: trust us and trust the security services.
The problem is that on Iraq they got it wrong. And on previous attempts to change the law they got it wrong too (eg. the Walter Wolfgang incident)
So I don't trust them, and I don't trust the advice of the security services, and I feel dreadfully sorry for those who end up being the innocent victims of this unecessary and draconian proposal.
Apart from all the arguments about how devastatingly life-wrecking such detention would be to the individual concerned (usually an 'innocent victim' that Blair and co are supposed to be concerned about), I think it comes down to the fact that they are simply not putting forward a case.
Blair's argument simply seems to come down to 'there are nasty terrorists about and the security services assure me that they need these measures to fight them'.
But there is no real explanation of how these powers would actually help prevent terrorism, no examples have been given from recent times to illustrate the difference they would make, and no clear explanation of why the alternatives being proposed by politicians couldn't do the job as effectively.
Which means that basically they are back to the same justification that was used for invading Iraq: trust us and trust the security services.
The problem is that on Iraq they got it wrong. And on previous attempts to change the law they got it wrong too (eg. the Walter Wolfgang incident)
So I don't trust them, and I don't trust the advice of the security services, and I feel dreadfully sorry for those who end up being the innocent victims of this unecessary and draconian proposal.
Monday, November 07, 2005
My advice to Charles Clarke
Charles Clarke apparantly wants to know our views on how we can fight terrorism http://www.labour.org.uk/yourviewsonfightingterrorism
In his rush to find out our views the answers to the questions he has come up with could be misinterpreted. I doubt it is likely, for example, that many people will say that the Police shouldn't have the time and opportunity to fully investigate suspected terrorists!
Unfortunatelt the survey form didn't provide an opportunity to add explanatory comments.
I have therefore, being the helpful chap that I am, sent an additional email adding some detail to the YES or NO options available:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Labour Party,
I have just filled in a rather simplistic survey about my views on
fighting terrorism.
The questions were extremely simplistic and the answers will be completely
open to interpretation.
Most online surveys of this type have a general comments box. I would
recommend this in the future.
As I am sure Charles Clarke is interested in arriving at properly thought
through solutions to the threat of terrorism, I therefore thought it would
be helpful if I sent more detailed comments:
Do you think that our laws should be updated to cope with the current
security threat?
I answered NO because there are already more than enough legal measures in
place for the security services to take on terrorism and because I believe
that if we keep changing our laws every time there is a heightened threat
from terrorism then we have already let them win. There are perhaps a few
things the Government could do such as changing the rules on evidence to
allow phone tap evidence etc.
Do you think police should have the time and opportunity to complete their
investigations into suspected terrorists?
I answered YES (and frankly who is going to say NO to such a question?)
and as far as I know no-one is stopping them do this. The security
services do not have a very good track record on this. During the past
four years they have arrested nearly 1,000 people under the Prevention of
Terrorism Act 2000 yet only 23 have been convicted. There are clearly
major problems with the standards of evidence gathering which they need to
improve. Perhaps if they spent more time gathering real evidence and less
time arresting and holding innocent people the results would be better?
Do you think the government should make sure there are new safeguards to
protect innocent people?
I answered YES.
There are three things in particular I would like the Government to do to
protect innocent people:
1 Drop the plans to increase the length of time suspects can be held
without being charged. This is an affront to justice and will do untold
harm to innocent people whose lives will be wrecked.
2 Urgently review the code of practice for police use of firearms.
3 Admit that the basis for invading Iraq was completely wrong and
commit to not making the same mistake again so that thousands of innocent
people don't die again.
I hope Mr Clarke finds these comments helpful.
Yours sincerely,
Neil Fawcett.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In his rush to find out our views the answers to the questions he has come up with could be misinterpreted. I doubt it is likely, for example, that many people will say that the Police shouldn't have the time and opportunity to fully investigate suspected terrorists!
Unfortunatelt the survey form didn't provide an opportunity to add explanatory comments.
I have therefore, being the helpful chap that I am, sent an additional email adding some detail to the YES or NO options available:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Labour Party,
I have just filled in a rather simplistic survey about my views on
fighting terrorism.
The questions were extremely simplistic and the answers will be completely
open to interpretation.
Most online surveys of this type have a general comments box. I would
recommend this in the future.
As I am sure Charles Clarke is interested in arriving at properly thought
through solutions to the threat of terrorism, I therefore thought it would
be helpful if I sent more detailed comments:
Do you think that our laws should be updated to cope with the current
security threat?
I answered NO because there are already more than enough legal measures in
place for the security services to take on terrorism and because I believe
that if we keep changing our laws every time there is a heightened threat
from terrorism then we have already let them win. There are perhaps a few
things the Government could do such as changing the rules on evidence to
allow phone tap evidence etc.
Do you think police should have the time and opportunity to complete their
investigations into suspected terrorists?
I answered YES (and frankly who is going to say NO to such a question?)
and as far as I know no-one is stopping them do this. The security
services do not have a very good track record on this. During the past
four years they have arrested nearly 1,000 people under the Prevention of
Terrorism Act 2000 yet only 23 have been convicted. There are clearly
major problems with the standards of evidence gathering which they need to
improve. Perhaps if they spent more time gathering real evidence and less
time arresting and holding innocent people the results would be better?
Do you think the government should make sure there are new safeguards to
protect innocent people?
I answered YES.
There are three things in particular I would like the Government to do to
protect innocent people:
1 Drop the plans to increase the length of time suspects can be held
without being charged. This is an affront to justice and will do untold
harm to innocent people whose lives will be wrecked.
2 Urgently review the code of practice for police use of firearms.
3 Admit that the basis for invading Iraq was completely wrong and
commit to not making the same mistake again so that thousands of innocent
people don't die again.
I hope Mr Clarke finds these comments helpful.
Yours sincerely,
Neil Fawcett.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
ID Cards website
My good friend and colleague Mark tells me that those pesky Lib Dems have launched a new campaign against Labour's Identity Cards plans - take a look at www.libdems.org.uk/noidcards
If I was very clever I would probably also be able to add a link button to my site. Sadly I am not.
If I was very clever I would probably also be able to add a link button to my site. Sadly I am not.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Trumpton on the web
I'm sure anyone of a similae age to mine will be as astounded as I was to discover that you can get Trumpton ringtones!
http://www.t-web.co.uk/trumpepg.htm
I can still vividly remember excitedly waiting to find out what was in Lord Belborough's mystery crate.
Guess which DVDs my little one will be getting for Christmas!
http://www.t-web.co.uk/trumpepg.htm
I can still vividly remember excitedly waiting to find out what was in Lord Belborough's mystery crate.
Guess which DVDs my little one will be getting for Christmas!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
The West Wing
Despite having missed the last series I thoroughly enjoyed the first two episodes of series 6 on More 4 on Friday.
Then I found this:
Ahh, the ever-cynical and sarcastic speechwriter. Gutsy and not afraid to speak up or clash with authority, his dry wit is amusing. But under it all he's just a big teddy bear... and the world's biggest Yankees fan.
:: Which West Wing character are you? ::
Then I found this:
Ahh, the ever-cynical and sarcastic speechwriter. Gutsy and not afraid to speak up or clash with authority, his dry wit is amusing. But under it all he's just a big teddy bear... and the world's biggest Yankees fan.
:: Which West Wing character are you? ::
Friday, October 07, 2005
Interference
So Tony Blair has warned Iran not to interfere in neighbouring Iraq then.
You couldn't make it up.
You couldn't make it up.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Monday, October 03, 2005
First they came for the hecklers ...
Lots of people have already commented on the heavy handed approach to Walter Wolfgang at the Labour Conference.
The two aspects of the incident that I find most worrying are:
1 That only one other delegate had the strength of character to intervene;
2 The use of the Terrorism Act to detain Mr Wolfgang when he tried to return to the hall.
I seem to remember lots of promises that these new police powers would only be used when absolutely necessary and that we liberals had no reason to get all hot and bothered about them.
Sadly, Labour trying to screen out dissent no longr surprises me at all.
The two aspects of the incident that I find most worrying are:
1 That only one other delegate had the strength of character to intervene;
2 The use of the Terrorism Act to detain Mr Wolfgang when he tried to return to the hall.
I seem to remember lots of promises that these new police powers would only be used when absolutely necessary and that we liberals had no reason to get all hot and bothered about them.
Sadly, Labour trying to screen out dissent no longr surprises me at all.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Blackpool beckons
Off to sunny Blackpool for Lib Dem Conference tomorrow. I like Blackpool. It brings back memories of a) childhood holidays and b) the 15 NUS conferences I attended in my student days.
In fact there will be several of our new MPs making speeches this week who I first saw making speeches at NUS conferences in the Winter Gardens.
Conference for me is not about debates in the main hall and fringe meetings, but training sessions and meetings with constuency teams. And of course the chance to catch up with the many friends I have made over the years in different parts of the country.
As usual the conference the media is reporting bears little resemblance to the one Lib Dems are heading off to.
Media comment seems to revolve around the leadership of the party and whether we will be moving to the right or the left.
To Lib Dem activists the leadership is not in question. I guess the journalists are just so busy reporting on the various other parties' leadership wrangles (I see that even the tiny Plaid Cymru are joining in) that they expect us to have them to.
And Lib Dem simply do not see our party in terms of being on the left or right - we just get on an apply our liberal principles to the problems acing the country and try and come up with solution that will work.
This seems very simple to us and it is difficult to understand why the journos don't get it.
I am looking forward to getting to my hotel as it has been built underneath the Pepsi Max rollercoaster at the Pleasure Beach. I know what I'll be doing when conference gets boring!
In fact there will be several of our new MPs making speeches this week who I first saw making speeches at NUS conferences in the Winter Gardens.
Conference for me is not about debates in the main hall and fringe meetings, but training sessions and meetings with constuency teams. And of course the chance to catch up with the many friends I have made over the years in different parts of the country.
As usual the conference the media is reporting bears little resemblance to the one Lib Dems are heading off to.
Media comment seems to revolve around the leadership of the party and whether we will be moving to the right or the left.
To Lib Dem activists the leadership is not in question. I guess the journalists are just so busy reporting on the various other parties' leadership wrangles (I see that even the tiny Plaid Cymru are joining in) that they expect us to have them to.
And Lib Dem simply do not see our party in terms of being on the left or right - we just get on an apply our liberal principles to the problems acing the country and try and come up with solution that will work.
This seems very simple to us and it is difficult to understand why the journos don't get it.
I am looking forward to getting to my hotel as it has been built underneath the Pepsi Max rollercoaster at the Pleasure Beach. I know what I'll be doing when conference gets boring!
Defending our basic freedoms
The main justification for the so-called 'war on terror' is that our Government is acting to defend our traditions, culture and values. Blair and Bush talk of 'defending democracy'.
On of the traditional freedoms that we have enjoyed for a few centuries in this country is freedom of expression. Freedom of expression - the right to put forward your views on an issue regardless - is one of the fundamental liberties that has set the UK, the US and most western democracies apart from communist, dictatorial and other tyrannical regimes.
Yet now, in the name of fighting terrorism, the Home Secretary is proposing that people should not be allowed to 'glorify' terrorism. This is a significantly broader restriction than not being allowed to 'incite' terrorism, which means actually encouraging people to go and commit terrorist acts. It would effectively prevent anyone from putting forward any argument that might be considered to justify terrorism.
On the face of it this might not seem to bad, surely, you might argue, it is wrong for anyone to argue in support of terrorism?
But there are two key reason why this approach is wrong.
Firstly, it is simply wrong for the state to restrict people's freedom to put forward an argument. However wrong you or I might think an argument to be, someone has the right to put it forward. To remove that right is to remove one of the very traditions that make democracy worth defending.
Secondly it is wrong on practical grounds. How do you define 'terrorism' and 'glorify' in a watertight way that only restricts the really nasty advocates of outright terror, rather than catching all sorts of completely harmless theorising? Who does the defining? How can we ensure that they are in some way objective rather than subjective?
To give one example: during the second world war was it wrong for people to publically support terrorist cells active in France? (Otherwise known as the French Resistance)
Under the legal definition of 'terrorism' such public comment would surely be against this proposed law.
Every time there is a major act of terrorism Blair and co. tell us that the terrorists will not be allowed to change our way of life. Yet by the look of these proposals they are allowing probably the most control crazy Government we have ever had to restrict our liberty more than has ever been the case in peacetime.
On of the traditional freedoms that we have enjoyed for a few centuries in this country is freedom of expression. Freedom of expression - the right to put forward your views on an issue regardless - is one of the fundamental liberties that has set the UK, the US and most western democracies apart from communist, dictatorial and other tyrannical regimes.
Yet now, in the name of fighting terrorism, the Home Secretary is proposing that people should not be allowed to 'glorify' terrorism. This is a significantly broader restriction than not being allowed to 'incite' terrorism, which means actually encouraging people to go and commit terrorist acts. It would effectively prevent anyone from putting forward any argument that might be considered to justify terrorism.
On the face of it this might not seem to bad, surely, you might argue, it is wrong for anyone to argue in support of terrorism?
But there are two key reason why this approach is wrong.
Firstly, it is simply wrong for the state to restrict people's freedom to put forward an argument. However wrong you or I might think an argument to be, someone has the right to put it forward. To remove that right is to remove one of the very traditions that make democracy worth defending.
Secondly it is wrong on practical grounds. How do you define 'terrorism' and 'glorify' in a watertight way that only restricts the really nasty advocates of outright terror, rather than catching all sorts of completely harmless theorising? Who does the defining? How can we ensure that they are in some way objective rather than subjective?
To give one example: during the second world war was it wrong for people to publically support terrorist cells active in France? (Otherwise known as the French Resistance)
Under the legal definition of 'terrorism' such public comment would surely be against this proposed law.
Every time there is a major act of terrorism Blair and co. tell us that the terrorists will not be allowed to change our way of life. Yet by the look of these proposals they are allowing probably the most control crazy Government we have ever had to restrict our liberty more than has ever been the case in peacetime.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Marillion - nice chaps
I enjoyed seeing a slimmed down Marillion at the Oxford Zodiac last night - just Steve Hogarth, Pete Trewavas and Steve Rothery. It was a warm up gig for a short tour they are about to do in the States. Mostly hardcore fans and there were plenty of mistakes, humour etc.
And after being a fan of the band for 22 years I actually got to meet them after the gig.
I never quite know what to say when I meet people I am a big fan of, but muttered something along the lines of 'thank you for the music'. Very friendly they were too.
And after being a fan of the band for 22 years I actually got to meet them after the gig.
I never quite know what to say when I meet people I am a big fan of, but muttered something along the lines of 'thank you for the music'. Very friendly they were too.
Who would have guessed?
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article309681.ece
Apparantly Blair has a tendency to rush out ill-thought through policy statements in order to win media coverage.
Who would have guessed?
Apparantly Blair has a tendency to rush out ill-thought through policy statements in order to win media coverage.
Who would have guessed?
Friday, August 05, 2005
ID Cards set to solve problem that doesn't currently exist
The pro ID card arguments get sillier by the day.
According to a Home Office spokesman:
Instead, the scheme would provide people with a more convenient way of showing their identity - something already needed to access public services, he said.
Strangely I've never had much of problem accessing public services so far. But it's always nice to know that yet another non-existent problem might be solved by ID cards.
According to a Home Office spokesman:
Instead, the scheme would provide people with a more convenient way of showing their identity - something already needed to access public services, he said.
Strangely I've never had much of problem accessing public services so far. But it's always nice to know that yet another non-existent problem might be solved by ID cards.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
More centralisation
According to this report in the Guardian
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/publicservices/story/0,11032,1539302,00.html
local libraries may be nationalised.
This is a compltely backward step and once again flies in the face of the Government's claim to believe in decentralisation.
Local authorities are perfectly capabalbe of running their local libraries, and local input should play a big role in a successful local library which should be a community asset.
What they do need is investment. For the past few years local authorities have received no money at all to improve library buildings. Imagine how much could have been achieved if all th money that was wasted on the Dome had been invested across the country in local libraries and museums instead.
Until recently I was responsible for libraries in Oxfordshire. We made a lot of improvemenst despite the lack of capital. A key part in that success was because we encourage local librarians to use their initiative and respond to local need.
If the Government goes down the route proposed in their consultant's report it will be a further diminishment of local democracy and our local liberaries will be poorer for it.
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/publicservices/story/0,11032,1539302,00.html
local libraries may be nationalised.
This is a compltely backward step and once again flies in the face of the Government's claim to believe in decentralisation.
Local authorities are perfectly capabalbe of running their local libraries, and local input should play a big role in a successful local library which should be a community asset.
What they do need is investment. For the past few years local authorities have received no money at all to improve library buildings. Imagine how much could have been achieved if all th money that was wasted on the Dome had been invested across the country in local libraries and museums instead.
Until recently I was responsible for libraries in Oxfordshire. We made a lot of improvemenst despite the lack of capital. A key part in that success was because we encourage local librarians to use their initiative and respond to local need.
If the Government goes down the route proposed in their consultant's report it will be a further diminishment of local democracy and our local liberaries will be poorer for it.
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Shoot to kill?
Before coming to the main point I want to make it clear that I have not read all the facts about yesterday's shooting and I am not making assumtpions about the rights and wrongs of this particular incident.
However I was struck by these comments reported in The Times:
Pc Norman Brennan, a campaigner for the victims of crime who has called for all officers to be routinely armed, said the shooting was an unfortunate consequence of being "at war". He said: "The long and the short of it is that this country is at war with terrorists and in war there are casualties. Normally in the majority of cases it is the enemy but innocent people will suffer. I am afraid it is tragic but that is part of any battle.
I am sure the family and friends of those wrongly shot by the Police and armed forces as a result of the 'war' will be delighted to know that they are an 'unfortunate consequence'.
It is utterly counter-productive for the security services to take anything other than the utmost caution in their use of force. Allowing the security services to drop their standards when it comes to use of force will simply exacerbate tensions with minority communities and provide those recruiting terrorists one more message to use.
It is just as wrong for an innocent person to be killed or injured by the security services as it is for them to be killed or injured by terrorists. The only justification for using potentially lethal force is if it is clear that there is an imminent threat to life, and one which cannot be stopped in any other way. Anything less and it is inevitable that the security services will join the terrorists in killing innocent people.
It does nothing for the families and friends of victims of terrorist attacks to know that more innocent people have been killed.
There is a real irony in the description of PC Norman Brennan as 'a campagner for the victims of crime'. He doesn't seem to be campaigning for the victim in this case.
However I was struck by these comments reported in The Times:
Pc Norman Brennan, a campaigner for the victims of crime who has called for all officers to be routinely armed, said the shooting was an unfortunate consequence of being "at war". He said: "The long and the short of it is that this country is at war with terrorists and in war there are casualties. Normally in the majority of cases it is the enemy but innocent people will suffer. I am afraid it is tragic but that is part of any battle.
I am sure the family and friends of those wrongly shot by the Police and armed forces as a result of the 'war' will be delighted to know that they are an 'unfortunate consequence'.
It is utterly counter-productive for the security services to take anything other than the utmost caution in their use of force. Allowing the security services to drop their standards when it comes to use of force will simply exacerbate tensions with minority communities and provide those recruiting terrorists one more message to use.
It is just as wrong for an innocent person to be killed or injured by the security services as it is for them to be killed or injured by terrorists. The only justification for using potentially lethal force is if it is clear that there is an imminent threat to life, and one which cannot be stopped in any other way. Anything less and it is inevitable that the security services will join the terrorists in killing innocent people.
It does nothing for the families and friends of victims of terrorist attacks to know that more innocent people have been killed.
There is a real irony in the description of PC Norman Brennan as 'a campagner for the victims of crime'. He doesn't seem to be campaigning for the victim in this case.
Friday, July 15, 2005
A moving moment today
I happened to be at Buckingham Palace today when the two minutes silence was held.
It was a very moving moment as everybody and everything stopped and many heads were bowed.
I thought about those who had died a week ago and their relatives who have lost them, I also thought about the many thousands who have lost thier lives and loved ones in Iraq, Afghanistan and so many other places because of mindless violence.
I thought about the people I have met and worked with in East Africa, the Balkans and the Baltic and the courage they have shown in coming through such conflict and working for peace, liberty and democracy.
It is a moment I will remember.
And then they changed the guard, which I have never watched before. It was very colourful and cheerful and demonstrated, I thought, that life in London goes on.
It was a very moving moment as everybody and everything stopped and many heads were bowed.
I thought about those who had died a week ago and their relatives who have lost them, I also thought about the many thousands who have lost thier lives and loved ones in Iraq, Afghanistan and so many other places because of mindless violence.
I thought about the people I have met and worked with in East Africa, the Balkans and the Baltic and the courage they have shown in coming through such conflict and working for peace, liberty and democracy.
It is a moment I will remember.
And then they changed the guard, which I have never watched before. It was very colourful and cheerful and demonstrated, I thought, that life in London goes on.
Well done Mark Hunter
Just heard the excellent result from Cheadle.
Well done to Mark Hunter and the brilliant Lib Dem by-election team.
The Tories ran a very nasty campaign, even by their usual standards, and it is a very good thing that the electors of Cheadle saw right through it.
Well done to Mark Hunter and the brilliant Lib Dem by-election team.
The Tories ran a very nasty campaign, even by their usual standards, and it is a very good thing that the electors of Cheadle saw right through it.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Very good article on the Times website by Simon Jenkins about the linkage between the decision to bomb Iraq with the bombings in London. I often disagree with Jenkins about issues but he has been spot on on this issue.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2088-1688040,00.html
I have found listening to a lot of the statements by Blair, Bush and co. quite staggering. It really doesn't seem to occur to them that the pain and suffereing caused to each British or US family killed by a bombing is exactly the same as the pain and suffering caused to so many more families in Iraq and Afghanistan.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2088-1688040,00.html
I have found listening to a lot of the statements by Blair, Bush and co. quite staggering. It really doesn't seem to occur to them that the pain and suffereing caused to each British or US family killed by a bombing is exactly the same as the pain and suffering caused to so many more families in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
First Arnie, now John Major ...
A very honest and convincing piece from John Major in today's Guardian:
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,9115,1522118,00.html
What is the world coming to?!
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,9115,1522118,00.html
What is the world coming to?!
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Even Arnie gets it
If you had told me five years ago that I would picking up my Independent on Sunday to read a choerent article on the importance of tackling climate change written by Arnold Schwarzeneger I wouldn't have believed you.
But it happened. And he is not alone, several US states and more than 400 town and city mayors have already started work to tackle pollution and emmissions.
Republicans in the Senate even voted against the Bush line.
Surely it is now only a matter of time before Bush has to see sense?
But it happened. And he is not alone, several US states and more than 400 town and city mayors have already started work to tackle pollution and emmissions.
Republicans in the Senate even voted against the Bush line.
Surely it is now only a matter of time before Bush has to see sense?
Live 8 - will it make a difference?
I sat and watched Live 8 pretty much all the way through yesterday (other than spending a bit of time ferrying boxes of envelopes around to local Lib Dem helpers).
20 years ago I sat and watched Live Aid with a group of my teenage mates. This time it was with the missus and small children - quitea contrast!
What didn't change for me was the effect. Live Aid was one of the events that motivated me to get involved in politics 20 years ago. I watched the coverage and read the papers and decided that I could not see any reason why so many people should live in abject poverty on a planet where so many others are so rich.
I remember the tears rolling when they played that memorable footage over 'Who's gonna drive you home' by The Cars and the tears were rolling again yesterday when Bob Geldof introduced Birhan Woldu, one of the starving children featured in that film.
There has been a lot of questioning about the effectiveness of Live 8. Isn't Bob Geldof on an ego trip? Why should we listen to rock stars anyway? Will it make a difference?
In my view it is not Live 8 we should be questioning. It is politics and politicians. We should be asking how it is that G8 leaders can possibly fail to take serious action. Why is it that western governments will spend more money this year subsidising their own farmers than the entire total of African debt.
As far as I am concerned Live 8 has already worked. It has got millions of people listening to the arguments and issues. It will energise tens of thousands of people into actively campaigning. And it certainly can't have reduced the chances of the G8 summit achieving something.
And if the issue is important enough to persuade Roger Waters to step on stage with Dave Gilmour after their 24 year grudge, surely a few billion isn't asking too much?
20 years ago I sat and watched Live Aid with a group of my teenage mates. This time it was with the missus and small children - quitea contrast!
What didn't change for me was the effect. Live Aid was one of the events that motivated me to get involved in politics 20 years ago. I watched the coverage and read the papers and decided that I could not see any reason why so many people should live in abject poverty on a planet where so many others are so rich.
I remember the tears rolling when they played that memorable footage over 'Who's gonna drive you home' by The Cars and the tears were rolling again yesterday when Bob Geldof introduced Birhan Woldu, one of the starving children featured in that film.
There has been a lot of questioning about the effectiveness of Live 8. Isn't Bob Geldof on an ego trip? Why should we listen to rock stars anyway? Will it make a difference?
In my view it is not Live 8 we should be questioning. It is politics and politicians. We should be asking how it is that G8 leaders can possibly fail to take serious action. Why is it that western governments will spend more money this year subsidising their own farmers than the entire total of African debt.
As far as I am concerned Live 8 has already worked. It has got millions of people listening to the arguments and issues. It will energise tens of thousands of people into actively campaigning. And it certainly can't have reduced the chances of the G8 summit achieving something.
And if the issue is important enough to persuade Roger Waters to step on stage with Dave Gilmour after their 24 year grudge, surely a few billion isn't asking too much?
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