Deceptikons: Liberal Opinion and Politics

Lib Dem Leadership Debate

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:28:52 GMT

Having just watched the Lib Dem Leadership Debate on BBC One's Question Time Programme, I must confess to feeling slightly disheartened. It wasn't a shining display of liberal vision and there were few memorable highlights.

Sir Menzies Campbell resigns as Lib Dem leader

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:28:52 GMT

Sir Menzies Campbell has resigned as Lib Dem leader, was he pushed or did he jump? Who wielded the knife? This is the story that everyone in the media is seeking, quietly forgetting that it is the media's constant references to Ming's age and lacklustre performances which were truly responsible for forcing him out of office.

New Labour Out of Ideas

Wed, 10 Oct 2007 00:28:52 GMT

Its official the government has run out of ideas! Least that's the verdict of all the politicos in Westminster after Chancellor Alastair Darling outlined his pre-budget report and managed incorporate into his announcements no fewer than 3 policies previously and recently tabled by opposition parties.

The election nobody wanted

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 00:28:52 GMT

Gordon Brown ended weeks of speculation yesterday by announcing he will not hold a snap General Election this autumn and also ruled out a May 2008 poll as well. The Prime Minister explained that he wanted a chance to show the country his "vision for change", opposition parties hit back accusing Mr Brown of loosing his nerve. But did anyone in politics really want a General Election?

Immigration Out of Control? Perhaps not!

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:28:52 GMT

Right-wing think tanks like Migration Watch UK and pseudo-racist political parties like UKIP and the BNP would have us believe that immigration is out of control and that there are too many migrant coming to the UK. Well interesting statistics released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) look set to blow that theory out of the water.

Blogging vs Robert Fisk

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:28:52 GMT

Robert Fisk is a journalist whose insights, particularly into Middle Eastern Affairs, I read with interest, however, his disdain for the Internet and Bloggers in particular, is well known. So a recent article in which he criticises the press for self-censorship and blames it for the reason people are increasingly turning to the Internet and Bloggers for their news and opinion fix was a bit of a surprise. But its Fisk's loathing of the Internet I want to focus on in this piece.

UK-Russia Diplomatic Row Deepens

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:28:52 GMT

Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused a British request for the extradition of Andrei Lugovoi, the man wanted in connection with the killing of ex-KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko in London last November. President Putin described the extradition request as the remnant of a "colonial mindset".

A Response to TJ Rowley

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:28:52 GMT

I've thought long and hard about whether or not to bother writing a response to TJ Rowley's letter published last week in The Paper. After all, his letter begins with ridicule and ends with abuse so there is a good case for saying that I shouldn't dignify it with a response. But I have decided to respond, because his letter allows me to highlight the face of British bigotry and the tactics they use to discredit more progressive thought.

Church of England Hijacks Harry Potter

Sun, 22 Jul 2007 00:28:52 GMT

A youth worker at St Margaret's church in Rainham, Kent has published a guide on how to promote Christian values through the Harry Potter books. Owen Smith, who authored the guide, said, "It's all about morals, dealing with issues of trust, issues of love and sacrifice."

Chastity Girl Must Lose Ring

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:28:52 GMT

A girl who's school threatened her with expulsion unless she removed a ring she wore to symbolise chastity has lost her case at the High Court. Lydia Playfoot wore the ring as part of the "silver ring thing", a Christian movement designed to promote sexual abstinence amongst teenagers. However Millais School in Horsham, West Sussex had insisted she remove it as it was against their dress-code policy to allow students to wear jewellery.

What kind of PM will Gordon Brown be?

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 00:28:52 GMT

Later today Gordon Brown will be confirmed as Labour Party leader and become Prime Minister of the UK in all but name. We ask what kind of PM Gordon Brown will be.

Salman Rushdie Knighted - Islam in Uproar!

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:28:52 GMT

The Islamic world has responded with anger to the news that author Salman Rushdie has been knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. The author sparked controversy with his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses. The novel pits Good against Evil in a whimsical and fantastical tale that caused outrage in the Muslim community because they viewed the book as blasphemous for its depiction of the prophet Muhammad.

Political Correctness and the anti-PC backlash

Sun, 22 Oct 2006 00:28:52 GMT

There is a growing trend, perhaps even a fashion amongst commentators, the press and even the public to snub political correctness and to make it the scapegoat for every decision which grinds against the popular will. In this article we look at political correctness and the anti-PC backlash which is sweeping through the country.

A General's Discourse

Sun, 15 Oct 2006 00:28:52 GMT

The head of the British army General Sir Richard Dannatt has called for British Troops to be withdrawn from Iraq "some time soon". In an interview with the Daily Mail he claimed that the presence of UK troops in Iraq exacerbates the security problems in certain parts of the country.

Straw urges muslim women to lose the veil

Sat, 07 Oct 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Former Home Secretary Jack Straw MP has caused controversy by suggesting that he would prefer Muslim women not to wear full veils because they hinder communication and are a barrier to community relations. Mr Straw who is Labour MP for Blackburn, a constituency with a 25% Muslim population said he'd discussed the issue with many of his constituents before making the remarks in a newspaper column.

Conference Season Closes

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 00:28:52 GMT

It seems like months ago when parliament closed for the summer break, this shouldn't really come as a surprise as it was literally months ago. The parliamentary summer recess lasts 76 days. That's almost 11 weeks! The signal for the end of the recess is conference season, which is just about the only party political piece I have to write about all summer. So here's a little review.

CCTV - We Have Been Warned

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 00:28:52 GMT

I have recently re-read '1984' and 'Brave New World', and last night watched the excellent 'V For Vendetta', all the while noticing the disturbing modern-day comparisons one can easily make, and then today sees another of those stories that can't help but reinforce the fear that we are slipping further towards the kind of Totalitarianism we have been warned about in book and film only too often.

Papal Quotation Angers Muslims

Sun, 17 Sep 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Pope Benedict XVI has angered Muslims with a quotation from Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Paleologu which criticised the spread of religion through war and conquest.

End of Days for Blair?

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:28:52 GMT

After 48 hours of heated arguments, meetings and resignations, Tony Blair's premiership is now under serious threat from elements within his own party.

Blair to profile unruly kids before birth

Sat, 02 Sep 2006 00:28:52 GMT

In an almost unbelievable interview Tony Blair has taken pre-emptive actions to a whole new level. He has suggested that "menace" children can be identified even before they are born. And that teenage mums and problem parents could be forced to take help to head off difficulties or face sanctions.

Are A-levels and GCSEs getting easier?

Sat, 02 Sep 2006 00:28:52 GMT

It's almost the clich� story of the summer. Every year we seem to see another increase in the pass rate for GCSE's and A-levels and the press have a field day claiming that exams must be getting easier and there is no way our kids can be getting that much smarter, especially as industry and universities consistently complain that school leavers are not adequately prepared for the wider world.

Thatcher: Not Dead Yet!

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Labour MP Rosie Cooper was nothing if not premature when she asked if there were Cabinet Office plans to former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher a state funeral. According to the Daily Telegraph Miss Cooper, MP for Lancashire West wrote to Downing Street to say that some of her constituents were "appalled" by the idea.

What Muslims Want

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Following a recent Channel 4 Dispatches program titled "What Muslims Want", the debate on Muslim integration into Britain has been reopened with vigour. The survey highlighted the growing feeling of separation between Muslims and Non-Muslims in Britain. Whilst other ethnic minorities are increasingly integrated into British Society, Muslims, particularly the young are growing ever more polarised.

ID Cards plans inconsistent and lacking clarity

Sat, 05 Aug 2006 00:28:52 GMT

The Labour Government's plans to introduce ID cards and a national identity database are "inconsistent and lack clarity", that's the verdict of the Commons science and technology committee.

Reid loses appeal against Afghan hijackers

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Home Secretary John Reid has lost his battle to limit the freedoms of 9 Afghanis who we granted Asylum after they hijacked an internal Afghan flight in a desperate attempt to escape the Taleban.

Hilarious piece on Stem Cell Veto

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:28:52 GMT

I don't normally post on US issues, but this snippet from the Daily Show - 2006.07.19 where Jon Steward comments on Bush's veto of the stem cell research bill is absolutely hilarious.

Victory against enforced worship in British schools

Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Children aged 16 years and over are to be given the legal right to abstain from collective worship in British Schools. Under current rules Schools "must provide daily collective worship for all registered pupils", this act must be "wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character." But now pupils aged sixteen and over can opt out.

Is it time to hug a hoodie?

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Conservative leader David Cameron is to make a speech later today in which he will call for greater understanding of teenage 'hoodies'. The Tory leader is expected to say that teenagers who wear hooded tops are not trying to look intimidating but instead are simply trying to blend in.

Is Blair to blame for Islamic Terrorism in Britain?

Sat, 08 Jul 2006 00:28:52 GMT

One year on from the 7/7 attacks and the blame game has well and truly begun. It started following a Populus poll for The Times revealed that 13% of British Muslims think the 7/7 bombers should be regarded as Martyrs. This prompted Prime Minister Tony Blair to call on Muslim community leaders to do more to root out the causes of extremism. But a year and 1 day after the attacks, we ask is Blair to blame for Islamic Terrorism in Britain?

England 0 - 0 Portugal AET 1 - 3 pens

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 00:28:52 GMT

England kicked off their World Cup quarter final match against Portugal needing a better performance. The game in Gelsenkirchen looked like an excellent opportunity for England to overcome the side who knocked them out of the European Championships. Portugal were without Deco and Costinha (both suspended), whilst Gary Neville returned at right-back with Owen Hargreaves moving back to midfield and Michael Carrick surprisingly making way.

Religious Groups change Doctors stance on Euthanasia

Sat, 01 Jul 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Doctors from the British Medical Association have voted to change their position on euthanasia. The BMA's previously neutral stance has been replaced with almost two thirds of the 500 doctors attending the BMA conference in Belfast voting against assisted dying.

Anti Terror Laws in Tatters

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

The Government's anti-terror laws are in tatters after a judge ruled that control orders on terrorist suspects who have not faced trial is incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

England 1 - 0 Ecuador

Sun, 25 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Against a backdrop of two consecutive nights of fan violence in Stuttgart, England lined up against Ecuador with a 4-5-1 formation which saw Owen Hargreaves moved to right back and Michael Carrick brought into the holding midfield role. Wayne Rooney began as the lone striker up front.

Why the rights of the suspect matter

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

This morning Tony Blair has made a speech outlining his intention to rebalance the criminal justice system in favour of the victim. Critics have accused him of doing too little too late, of pandering to newspaper headlines and even legislative hyperactivity.

A Happy Cynic

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

My brand of atheism does have a tendency to wind Christians up. I think this is because I have persistent, child-like style of questioning, in which one impertinent question quickly follows another. Trapping the beleaguered bible-basher in a prison of logic and reason. This of course occassionally provokes an angry reaction, but the latest was the most surprising I have ever witnessed.

England 2 - 2 Sweden

Tue, 20 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

England lost striker Michael Owen to a first minute injury, but recovered well during the first half. And whilst the English XI had to absorb a number of Swedish free-kicks and corners, they held off the Swedes and played the better football of the first half.

Forest Gate Terror Raid: More Excuses?

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

The latest in a series of excuses and half-witted explanations for the events which led to and those that occurred during the Forest Gate Anti-Terror Raid in East London has emerged in the Sunday Mirror this morning.

Sentencing Row: When does Life mean Life?

Fri, 16 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

The case of paedophile Craig Sweeney has sparked a major row in the Criminal Justice system over what a life sentence really means. Sweeny was given a discretionary life sentence for abducting and sexual assaulting a 3 year old girl, but was told he could be freed in as little as 5 years.

England 2 - 0 Trinidad & Tobago

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

England struggled to break down a well organised Trinidad and Tobago team, with a predictable & frustrating first half performance. Lacking width and failing to finish the few opportunities which were created, the England team found themselves lucky to be 0-0 with Trinidad and Tobago at the break, especially following a dramatic off-the-line clearance from John Terry minutes before half time.

England 1 - 0 Paraguay

Sat, 10 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

England have beaten Paraguay by a goal to nil in Frankfurt. The goal came after just 4 minutes with Paraguay Captain Carlos Gamarra heading an own goal from a David Beckham free kick.

Lib Dems to Cut Income Tax by 2p

Thu, 08 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to cut Income Tax by 2p in the �1 at the next General Election and are promising to take 2 million of Britains poorest people out of income tax altogether.

Britain complicit in Rendition

Thu, 08 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

"The United States has progressively woven a clandestine 'spider's web' of disappearances, secret detentions and unlawful inter-state transfers - spun with the collaboration or tolerance of Council of Europe member states, including Britain". - That's according to a report by the Council of Europe into Rendition, the US practice of secretly moving terror suspects to detention centres in foreign countries for the purpose of interrogation and allegedly torture.

Is Ming pandering to Popularism?

Sat, 03 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Menzies Campbell has outlined new criminal justice proposals in a bid to shed the perception that the Lib-Dems are soft on crime.

Parliament Square Protest

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Following an appeal from the home office, a judge recently ruled that section 132 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act (SOCPA) now applies to long term peace campaigner Brian Haw, who has been camped in Parliament Square virtually continuously for the past 5 years.

Time to Demand Renewable Energy

Sun, 21 May 2006 00:28:52 GMT

With Tony Blair envisaging a new age of Nuclear Power in Britain. The voices of the majority of us who want to a rise in clean and safe Renewable Energy are being ignored by politicians in Whitehall. Who seem to be hell bent on meeting CO2 targets, whatever the cost to the environment, and cuddling up to the Power Industry keen to cash in on the prospect of supplying us with nuclear power at artificially inflated prices.

Nuclear Back on the Agenda with a Vengeance

Sun, 21 May 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Last week Tony Blair told the CBI conference that Nuclear Power was "back on the Agenda with a Vengeance". Now whilst that might sound a little like another Die Hard movie sequel this does have repercussions, least of all because it appears the Prime Minister is pre-empting the conclusions of the energy review he himself commissioned.

Human Rights Act Under Threat!

Mon, 15 May 2006 00:28:52 GMT

The Human Rights Act is under threat following two high-profile cases, including one where 9 Afghan asylum seekers were granted temporary leave to remain after hi-jacking a plane and another where a rapist was released from a life sentence only to murder single mother Naomi Bryant 9 months after his release.

Afghan Hijackers Granted Asylum

Sun, 14 May 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Tony Blair has called the decision to grant nine Afghanis temporary Asylum after they hijacked a flight from Kabul an "Abuse of Common Sense". However, once you understand the context of the situation, you may feel more sympathetic to their plight.

Blair gets 3 month deadline

Sun, 07 May 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Tony Blair is facing calls from as many as 50 backbench MP's who have aparently signed a letter calling on the prime minister to set out a clear timetable for his departure and giving him 3 months to do so.

Cabinet Kerfuffle

Sat, 06 May 2006 00:28:52 GMT

By way of response to, or arguably to deflect attention from, Labour's disastrous defeat at the Local Elections, Tony Blair has performed his most radical cabinet reshuffle in his 9 year premiership.

Foreign Prisoner Deportation Scandal

Sat, 06 May 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Charles Clarke was sacked from his post of home secretary yesterday in a major cabinet reshuffle. This follows recent revelations that 1,023 Foreign Criminals who had served jail sentences in Britain weren't considered for deportation and instead were released back into the community upon completing their sentences.

Local Elections 2006

Fri, 05 May 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Yesterday, England went to the polls in the Local Council Elections, to select 4,360 councillors in 176 councils. Turnout was better than expected and estimates put it at almost 40%, that's 10% higher than in 2004.

Cameron's Green Creditals Take Another Hit

Sat, 29 Apr 2006 00:28:52 GMT

After a trip to the Artic for a photo shoot (and to see a retreating glacier). Revelations about David Cameron's green agenda get worse!!!!

Prezza Admits Affair

Wed, 26 Apr 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has admitted to having an affair with one of his secretaries. His affair with Tracey Temple ended two years ago, but details have been splashed accross the tabloids this morning.

Labour Cash for Peerages Row

Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Today Tony Blair faced the Labour Party National Executive to answer questions about �14 million in secret loans made to the Labour Party in the run-up the last General Election.

The Secular Logic Trap

Tue, 21 Mar 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Do you have a friend who is a religious fruitcake? Someone who believes religion should play a part in everyone's day to day lives? Maybe you know someone who still believes in a non-secular state and defends religious privilege in British society? Then why not introduce them to the secular logic trap?

Iraq - 3 years on... Civil War?

Mon, 20 Mar 2006 00:28:52 GMT

On the third anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraqi, former Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has said that his country is in a state of Civil War. Sectarian violence is increasing, there is still no agreement on the formation of an Iraqi Government following the last round of elections to the National Assembly and there is no end in sight for the occupying US and British troops stationed throughout the country. Is this the picture of Iraq George Bush had when he claimed: "Mission Accomplished?"

Goodnight to the Prince of Darkness

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Former Conservative Leader Michael Howard MP has announced his retirement as an MP at the next General Election. He's widely acknowledged as been the man who brought the conservatives back into a position where they could again challenge for government.

Menzies Campbell Elected Lib Dem Leader

Thu, 02 Mar 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Sir Menzies Campbell has been elected leader of the Liberal Democrats. He beat of a challenge from economic affairs spokesman Chris Huhne who came in second and party president Simon Hughes who was a distance third.

Road to Guantanamo Actors Detained

Tue, 21 Feb 2006 00:28:52 GMT

It has emerged the actors who star in movie The Road to Guantanamo were questioned by police at Luton airport under anti-terrorism legislation. The actors were returning from the Berlin Film Festival where the film won a Silver Bear award.

David Irving Jailed for Holocaust Denial

Mon, 20 Feb 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Disgraced British Historian David Irving was jailed for three years today after pleading guilty to the charge of "Holocaust denial" in an Austrian Court.

MP's Back Full Smoking Ban

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 00:28:52 GMT

MP's have backed a complete ban on smoking in pubs and private members clubs by a majority of 200 votes. In a free vote in the House of Commons, MP's rejected alternatives for a partial ban which would have exempted non-food serving pubs and private members' clubs and another alternative which would have exempted just private members' clubs.

ID Cards Sent back to the Lords

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 00:28:52 GMT

After a crucial vote the Government staved off a back bench revolt and sent the bill back to the House of Lords largely unchanged with a majority of just 31. Conservatives and Liberal Democrats together with 20 Labour rebels voted against the proposals.

Two-Jags in Education 3-point turn

Mon, 06 Feb 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott or "Two-jags" as he is known colloquially, has performed a dramatic U-turn on the Education White Paper. He'd previously expressed deep concerns about the proposals but at the end of last week came out in support of the Prime Minister.

Freedom to be Islamophobic?

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 00:28:52 GMT

With the religious hate laws greatly muted, Nick Griffin acquitted of race hate charges and Danish & French Newspapers publishing satirical anti-Islamic cartoons. Are we using our Freedom to be Islamophobic?

And now the BNP have a voice

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Yesterday Leeds Crown Court acquitted BNP leader Nick Griffin and party activist Mark Collett of two and four race hate charges respectively. Both will face a retrial over other charges where the jury could not reach a verdict.

Religious Hatred Laws defeated

Thu, 02 Feb 2006 00:28:52 GMT

The governments religious hatred bill was been defeated in the house of commons on Tuesday night, with MP's backing a Lords amendment to the bill, peers said only "threatening words" should be banned by the bill, not those which are only abusive or insulting.

Is God a Mass Murderer or Is the Bible Wrong?

Thu, 02 Feb 2006 00:28:52 GMT

This article is the reproduction of piece I wrote 3 years ago after finding myself engaged in a debate with a pretty fundamentalist Christian. I'm reproducing it now as it's an opinion which would have been muted if the Religous Hatred Laws Labour Government proposed had not been defeated by MPs.

We don't need no Ed-u-ca-tion (White Paper)

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

So what are the Labour back-benchers singing this week? To me its sounds like an exert from Pink Floyd's The Wall:

And the Lib Dems self-destruct...

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

This political party will self-destruct in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... After the best election result in 80 years, the Lib Dems completely fall apart. First the Kennedy assassination (Charles not JFK) and now one of the parties most promising talents, former leadership contender Mark Oaten steps down as home affairs spokesman amid allegations he had an affair with a rent-boy.

Thank the Lords

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

This week the government watched the House of Lords trash much of its proposed legislation for both compulsory ID cards and the Anti-Terrorism Bill.

Iran: Is this Iraq mark II?

Sun, 15 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said his country does not need Nuclear Weapons but has defended his countries right to research Nuclear Power for peaceful purposes.

Creating a Culture of Respect and curbing Anti-Social Behaviour

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Tony Blair has announced extended measures to curb anti-social behaviour including evicting troublemakers from their own home for up to 3 months.

Cameron plans to keep tuition fees

Mon, 09 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Tory Leader David Cameron has announced he plans to keep University Tuition Fees. Instead they plan to offer more student loans at commercial interest rates.

Charles Kennedy Resigns

Sat, 07 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

In a speech which only succeeded in making me feel like we were throwing out a mature statesman, Charles Kennedy has resigned as leader of Liberal Democrats.

Kennedy's position unsustainable

Fri, 06 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Wow, evaporating support has turned into an all out haemorrhage for Charles Kennedy with 25 of his MPs stating they are no longer prepared to work with him if he remains leader.

Kennedy Admits Drink Problem

Fri, 06 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Charles Kennedy has last night admitted he has sought medical help to cope with an alcohol problem. He says he believes he has beaten the problem and has been dry for two months. Kennedy has also called an immediate Leadership Election to gain the backing of Liberal Democrats before the May Local Elections.

A Pronoun for Politics

Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Have you ever wondered what a political party stood for? Would you like to push past the spin and get a simple, easy to digest summary on what each major political party is all about? Well now you can with A Pronoun for Politics. Here I've picked just one word, a pronoun as a matter of fact, to describe each of the major UK political parties.

Non-Paying parents face tagging

Tue, 03 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

Work and pensions secretary John Hutton has suggested that parents who fail to make child support payments may face electronic tagging and curfews.

Gagged by Blair

Sat, 31 Dec 2005 00:28:52 GMT

It's taken me a while to get around to writing this, which is surprising as this was one of the issues which prompted me to rebuild my web site into the form of a Blog so I could publish more easily in the first place. Nevertheless, I'm here now and I'm ready to write.

Are the days numbered for Charles Kennedy?

Sat, 31 Dec 2005 00:28:52 GMT

Talk about a kick in the balls, Charles Kennedy leads the Liberal Democrats to best general election result since 1929. And the past month has seen 2 major calls for his resignation.

No! You can't study here!

Thu, 29 Dec 2005 00:28:52 GMT

Pakistan. The President General Musharraf has ordered that all foreign Nationals attending the Religious Islamic Madrassas schools be expelled by December 31st after it was revealed that one of the London 7/7 Suicide bombers attended one of these schools.

Geldof to help shape Tory Policy

Sat, 31 Dec 2005 00:28:52 GMT

Bob Geldof has agreed to help shape the Conservatives' strategy to tackle Global Poverty. Geldof has promised to remain politically 'non-partisan' saying that he doesn't care who he has to work with to make this agenda work.

The Price of Paedophilia: $2,000

Wed, 28 Dec 2005 00:28:52 GMT

Gary Glitter has paid $2,000 to the families of each of the girls he has alleged to have abused for "co-operation" in the upcoming legal case.

US Federal Judge: God is not the creator of man

Fri, 23 Dec 2005 00:28:52 GMT

A US Federal Judge dealt a blow to evangelical Christians in Pennsylvania, by essentially ruling that God did not create man in his own image.

Is David Cameron a closet Liberal Democrat

Fri, 23 Dec 2005 00:28:52 GMT

David Cameron, newly elected conservative leader, has launched a campaign urging Liberal Democrat MP's, Councillors and voters to defect to the Tories.

Blasts hit London Tube and Bus Network

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 00:28:52 GMT

A series of explosions on the Bus and Tube Network have brought Central London to a stand still. Police were called to an Explosive at Liverpool Street Station at around 08:50 BST, Blasts were also reported at Aldgate East, Edgware Rd, Kings Cross, Moorgate, Russell Square tube stations. An explosion has also ripped the top of a Double Decker Bus in Taverstock Place.

Protestors Clash with Police at Gleneagles

Wed, 06 Jul 2005 00:28:52 GMT

A group of Protestors have broken off from an agreed march route near the Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland where the G8 Summit is been held. The Police had originally withdrawn permission for the march, but after last minute negociations with Organisers they agreed to let it take place on a route which took it through the nearby village of Auchterarder.

London Wins 2012 Olympic Bid

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:28:52 GMT

London will host the 2012 Olympic Games after seeing off bids from Paris, Madrid, New York and Moscow. The IOC (International Olympic Commitee) made the announcement in Singapore at 12:49 BST after several rounds of voting.

Bush: G8 Climate deal cannot be Kyoto

Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:28:52 GMT

George W Bush announced his intentions to reject any G8 Climate deal which imposes legally binding restrictions on carbon emissions. He said if measures were similar to the 1997 Kyoto Deal, then the answer is No.

Centre-Left Christians Makes Progress

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 00:28:52 GMT

At last a Christian Group, who not only are non-judgemental, but are also trying to reclaim Christianity from the bowels of the Conservative Right. The Christian Alliance for Progress is a national movement which started in Jacksonville Florida by ordinary Americans who want to reclaim Christianity from the conservative right who, (in the words of their members,) use Christianity to justify war and bigotry.

Why Britain Needs PR

Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:28:52 GMT

At the beginning of this week, leader of the House of Commons Geoff Hoon suggested that voting should be made compulsory, he was responding to poor voter turnout in the 2001 and 2005 General Elections, 59.5% and 61% respectively, the lowest on record. What Mr Hoon fails to appreciate is the disillusionment the public have with the electoral process.

The UK Voting System and PR

Wed, 06 Jul 2005 00:28:52 GMT

The UK suffers from an antiquated and archaic voting system in its General Elections which is known commonly as the First-Past-The-Post System. It invariably leads to governments obtaining a majority of the seats in Parliament, yet only drawing a minority proportion of the popular vote. Most people consider this unfair and would like to see the voting system reformed to better reflect public opinion on Election Day.

Hoon Proposes Compulsory Voting

Tue, 05 Jul 2005 00:28:52 GMT

Commons Leader Geoff Hoon, has outlined proposals whereby it will become compulsory to vote in UK General Elections, with people who fail to cast their ballot been issued with fines. An extra box on the ballot paper would be provided labelled "None of the Above" for voters not in favor of any of the candidates.

Academics Bullied Over ID Cards

Mon, 04 Jul 2005 00:28:52 GMT

The Director of the London School of Economics (LSE) has accussed Home Office Ministers of Bullying Academics who criticised the new ID cards Bill.

Fraud Cases to be tried without Jury

Mon, 04 Jul 2005 00:28:52 GMT

The UK government has announced their intensions to abolish jury trials in cases of Serious Fraud. Cases will instead be heard by a Judge sitting alone. Both the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrat Party oppose the measures which will be voted on by MPs and Peers in autumn 2005.

Live 8 Concert Success - G8 Awaits

Tue, 20 Dec 2005 00:28:52 GMT

The Live 8 Campaign reached its crescendo over this past weekend, in advance of the G8 Summit at Gleneagles, Scotland. Over 250,000 people turned out for the massive concert in Hyde Park which featured acts like Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Robbie Williams, Dido, Keane, Pink Floyd and Elton John.

NO2ID - Say no to ID Cards

Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:28:52 GMT

The UK Government seems determined to press ahead with their scheme for Compulsory National Identity Cards and the Bill has passed its first test in the Commons on Tuesday, 28 June 2005. The government used its 60 seat majority in the House of Commons and saw of a back-bend revolt by doing a deal with Ian Paisley's DUP (I think they were promised peerages,) in spite of diminishing public support.