Michael Edwards for South Derbyshire

The Tory dog whistles are back. 

A leading spokesperson highlighting concerns on multi-culturalism - as if Britain has never been anything but a country that mixes and adopts ideas from abroad as our own. 

A proposal to freeze Council tax - as if.  Turns out it would be optional for each local authority. 

The Bank of England to deal with Bradford & Bingley instead of nationalisation.  As if ultimately the public doesn't underwrite the Bank of England - the Bank of England is an agent of government. 

All stuff designed to bypass scrutiny by appealing to baser instincts.  It didn't work in 2005.  

P.S. We look forward to Tory Councillors standing up for the proper role of local government.  As if.

The Tory dog whistles are back. 

A leading spokesperson highlighting concerns on multi-culturalism - as if Britain has never been anything but a country that mixes and adopts ideas from abroad as our own. 

A proposal to freeze Council tax - as if.  Turns out it would be optional for each local authority. 

The Bank of England to deal with Bradford & Bingley instead of nationalisation.  As if ultimately the public doesn't underwrite the Bank of England - the Bank of England is an agent of government. 

All stuff designed to bypass scrutiny by appealing to baser instincts.  It didn't work in 2005.  

P.S. We look forward to Tory Councillors standing up for the proper role of local government.  As if.

The Tory dog whistles are back. 

A leading spokesperson highlighting concerns on multi-culturalism - as if Britain has never been anything but a country that mixes and adopts ideas from abroad as our own. 

A proposal to freeze Council tax - as if.  Turns out it would be optional for each local authority. 

The Bank of England to deal with Bradford & Bingley instead of nationalisation.  As if ultimately the public doesn't underwrite the Bank of England - the Bank of England is an agent of government. 

All stuff designed to bypass scrutiny by appealing to baser instincts.  It didn't work in 2005.  

P.S. We look forward to Tory Councillors standing up for the proper role of local government.  As if.

A journalist reviewing the national newspapers has suggested that there will be a fad against homework, and that this fad is starting at the Academy set to replace the school I chair.

This might be great news fror my nephew who's currently e-mailing me for help on energy policy. (It's his physics homework, and he's seeking help, given I've got a physics degree.)   

But as usual, that such notions could be a sweeping reform for all schools was just a bit of polemic. 

What the consultation launched last week actually says is "an extended school day to replace homework for secondary-aged students". 

So that's extra work, but not at home. 

There are very specific reasons why this proposal suits children in the catchments to be covered. 

And my nephew is going to have to keep hacking out his homework himself. 

P.S.  Congratulations to my nephew for his election to School Council.  Who knows where he might go next?  Yeah, yeah, 20 / 20 for his physics homework. 

Notes.

1. Turns out it ws the Sunday Times who highlighted a threat to homework.

2. The Daily Mirror on Monday backed the proposal - half the words, twice the understanding. 

A journalist reviewing the national newspapers has suggested that there will be a fad against homework, and that this fad is starting at the Academy set to replace the school I chair.

This might be great news fror my nephew who's currently e-mailing me for help on energy policy. (It's his physics homework, and he's seeking help, given I've got a physics degree.)   

But as usual, that such notions could be a sweeping reform for all schools was just a bit of polemic. 

What the consultation launched last week actually says is "an extended school day to replace homework for secondary-aged students". 

So that's extra work, but not at home. 

There are very specific reasons why this proposal suits children in the catchments to be covered. 

And my nephew is going to have to keep hacking out his homework himself. 

P.S.  Congratulations to my nephew for his election to School Council.  Who knows where he might go next?  Yeah, yeah, 20 / 20 for his physics homework. 

Notes.

1. Turns out it ws the Sunday Times who highlighted a threat to homework.

2. The Daily Mirror on Monday backed the proposal - half the words, twice the understanding. 

A journalist reviewing the national newspapers has suggested that there will be a fad against homework, and that this fad is starting at the Academy set to replace the school I chair.

This might be great news fror my nephew who's currently e-mailing me for help on energy policy. (It's his physics homework, and he's seeking help, given I've got a physics degree.)   

But as usual, that such notions could be a sweeping reform for all schools was just a bit of polemic. 

What the consultation launched last week actually says is "an extended school day to replace homework for secondary-aged students". 

So that's extra work, but not at home. 

There are very specific reasons why this proposal suits children in the catchments to be covered. 

And my nephew is going to have to keep hacking out his homework himself. 

P.S.  Congratulations to my nephew for his election to School Council.  Who knows where he might go next?  Yeah, yeah, 20 / 20 for his physics homework. 

Notes.

1. Turns out it ws the Sunday Times who highlighted a threat to homework.

2. The Daily Mirror on Monday backed the proposal - half the words, twice the understanding. 

The first presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain had been widely anticipated, only to have been quickly perceived to be a bit dull. 

Sky News reports awarded the debate to Obama, citing him carrying himself better, looking into the camera and properly acknowledging his opponent.  The neutral BBC however, clearly wanted to award it to John McCain. 

But with Obama in the lead, a draw is a lost opportunity for John McCain, and initial feedback seems to suggest that the public think Obama won.

John McCain had raised the stakes higher by threatening to miss the debate whilst a deal to support America's financial institution had not been struck.  But his arrival at negotiations appears to have made striking a deal even harder.  And that sense that he could reach across to all parties in seeking a deal was not matched by his attitude and demeanour to Obama during the debate. 

This was underlined by a comment from Obama who highlighted that McCain would even put pre-conditions on a meeting with the Prime Minister of Spain, a NATO ally. 

Meanwhile, it seems clear that George W. Bush has found Gordon Brown's visit during these negotiations useful.  This following a lot of nationalisation by the U.S. President in recent days - although I believe the Americans call it "conservatisation".  Imagine that applied to the old trotskyist line - "we demand the conservatisation of the top 100 monopolies". 

There's still work to be done in stabilising the world's finances, including Britain's.  Actions over Northern Rock avoided any saver losing their money, mitigated the risk to the whole financial system and set out a framework by which action on HBOS was very swift.  We now wait to hear what might need to be done on Bradford and Bingley. 

Contrast that with the values of the Conservative party -

Do you know what their Shadow Chancellor really said?  In the week that banks were collapsing the man who wants to run our economy not only said: this is not a problem caused by the financial markets but went on to say and, I quote, that it’s “a function of financial markets” that people make “loads of money out of the misery of others”.

-

For a current assessment of the race for the White House, see http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/maps/obama_vs_mccain/  

The first presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain had been widely anticipated, only to have been quickly perceived to be a bit dull. 

Sky News reports awarded the debate to Obama, citing him carrying himself better, looking into the camera and properly acknowledging his opponent.  The neutral BBC however, clearly wanted to award it to John McCain. 

But with Obama in the lead, a draw is a lost opportunity for John McCain, and initial feedback seems to suggest that the public think Obama won.

John McCain had raised the stakes higher by threatening to miss the debate whilst a deal to support America's financial institution had not been struck.  But his arrival at negotiations appears to have made striking a deal even harder.  And that sense that he could reach across to all parties in seeking a deal was not matched by his attitude and demeanour to Obama during the debate. 

This was underlined by a comment from Obama who highlighted that McCain would even put pre-conditions on a meeting with the Prime Minister of Spain, a NATO ally. 

Meanwhile, it seems clear that George W. Bush has found Gordon Brown's visit during these negotiations useful.  This following a lot of nationalisation by the U.S. President in recent days - although I believe the Americans call it "conservatisation".  Imagine that applied to the old trotskyist line - "we demand the conservatisation of the top 100 monopolies". 

There's still work to be done in stabilising the world's finances, including Britain's.  Actions over Northern Rock avoided any saver losing their money, mitigated the risk to the whole financial system and set out a framework by which action on HBOS was very swift.  We now wait to hear what might need to be done on Bradford and Bingley. 

Contrast that with the values of the Conservative party -

Do you know what their Shadow Chancellor really said?  In the week that banks were collapsing the man who wants to run our economy not only said: this is not a problem caused by the financial markets but went on to say and, I quote, that it’s “a function of financial markets” that people make “loads of money out of the misery of others”.

-

For a current assessment of the race for the White House, see http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/maps/obama_vs_mccain/  

The first presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain had been widely anticipated, only to have been quickly perceived to be a bit dull. 

Sky News reports awarded the debate to Obama, citing him carrying himself better, looking into the camera and properly acknowledging his opponent.  The neutral BBC however, clearly wanted to award it to John McCain. 

But with Obama in the lead, a draw is a lost opportunity for John McCain, and initial feedback seems to suggest that the public think Obama won.

John McCain had raised the stakes higher by threatening to miss the debate whilst a deal to support America's financial institution had not been struck.  But his arrival at negotiations appears to have made striking a deal even harder.  And that sense that he could reach across to all parties in seeking a deal was not matched by his attitude and demeanour to Obama during the debate. 

This was underlined by a comment from Obama who highlighted that McCain would even put pre-conditions on a meeting with the Prime Minister of Spain, a NATO ally. 

Meanwhile, it seems clear that George W. Bush has found Gordon Brown's visit during these negotiations useful.  This following a lot of nationalisation by the U.S. President in recent days - although I believe the Americans call it "conservatisation".  Imagine that applied to the old trotskyist line - "we demand the conservatisation of the top 100 monopolies". 

There's still work to be done in stabilising the world's finances, including Britain's.  Actions over Northern Rock avoided any saver losing their money, mitigated the risk to the whole financial system and set out a framework by which action on HBOS was very swift.  We now wait to hear what might need to be done on Bradford and Bingley. 

Contrast that with the values of the Conservative party -

Do you know what their Shadow Chancellor really said?  In the week that banks were collapsing the man who wants to run our economy not only said: this is not a problem caused by the financial markets but went on to say and, I quote, that it’s “a function of financial markets” that people make “loads of money out of the misery of others”.

-

For a current assessment of the race for the White House, see http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/maps/obama_vs_mccain/  

The Labour Party conference ended with a presentation on the NHS and its 60th birthday.  One of the speakers was Aneira Thomas, born one minute after midnight on the 5th of July, 1948.  The nurses had encouraged her mother to hang on until the change of hour, and then when the baby arrived, prevailed upon her to call the baby Aneira.  It was a sweet story and a pleasure to hear. 

Then we sang the Red Flag & Jerusalem. 

There is an awareness that the perception of the conference first hand differs remarkably from the way it is seen on TV and described elsewhere in the media. 

Whilst there is a temptation to complain about bias - and when I happened across a table of regional paper journalists on a neighbouring table in a restaurant, I did wind them up - all involved know that a media that has to sum up hours of discussion and events will always look for a shortcut, and that such shortcuts can distort the purpose and aspirations of the party members. 

So it is a pleasure to see that the response to the conference by the public (as shown in the first few polls) has been positive, and deservedly so. 

We demonstrated a clear focus on the immediate challenges; we demonstrated a proper long term vision, based on our values, which we know many people share; and we had a lot of progress to celebrate. 

The Labour Party conference ended with a presentation on the NHS and its 60th birthday.  One of the speakers was Aneura Bevan, born one minute after midnight on the 5th of July, 1948.  The nurses had encouraged her mother to hang on until the change of hour, and then when the baby arrived, prevailed upon her to call the baby Aneura.  It was a sweet story and a pleasure to hear. 

Then we sang the Red Flag & Jerusalem. 

There is an awareness that the perception of the conference first hand differs remarkably from the way it is seen on TV and described elsewhere in the media. 

Whilst there is a temptation to complain about bias - and when I happened across a table of regional paper journalists on a neighbouring table in a restaurant, I did wind them up - all involved know that a media that has to sum up hours of discussion and events will always look for a shortcut, and that such shortcuts can distort the purpose and aspirations of the party members. 

So it is a pleasure to see that the response to the conference by the public (as shown in the first few polls) has been positive, and deservedly so. 

We demonstrated a clear focus on the immediate challenges; we demonstrated a proper long term vision, based on our values, which we know many people share; and we had a lot of progress to celebrate. 

The Labour Party conference ended with a presentation on the NHS and its 60th birthday.  One of the speakers was Aneura Bevan, born one minute after midnight on the 5th of July, 1948.  The nurses had encouraged her mother to hang on until the change of hour, and then when the baby arrived, prevailed upon her to call the baby Aneura.  It was a sweet story and a pleasure to hear. 

Then we sang the Red Flag & Jerusalem. 

There is an awareness that the perception of the conference first hand differs remarkably from the way it is seen on TV and described elsewhere in the media. 

Whilst there is a temptation to complain about bias - and when I happened across a table of regional paper journalists on a neighbouring table in a restaurant, I did wind them up - all involved know that a media that has to sum up hours of discussion and events will always look for a shortcut, and that such shortcuts can distort the purpose and aspirations of the party members. 

So it is a pleasure to see that the response to the conference by the public (as shown in the first few polls) has been positive, and deservedly so. 

We demonstrated a clear focus on the immediate challenges; we demonstrated a proper long term vision, based on our values, which we know many people share; and we had a lot of progress to celebrate. 

Tried to speak during the transport debate on Wednesday morning but wasn't called. 

Some interesting proposals on the railways, which Gerry Doherty, the General Secretary of my trade union, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA), praised. 

The subsidy to rail firms has increased largely in attempts to relieve congestion, but still concerns remain about money being paid out in dividends; and the franchising and separation of all the businesses in the railways being so complex as to cause waste.  The report agreed at conference says on the management and planning of the railway industry “... We will continue to examine whether any future improvements can be made, including learning from the experiences of railway industries overseas, and critically examining all factors and models for the operation of train services including not for profit models which both benefit passengers and tax payers.” 

The policy reflects intelligent lobbying by the TSSA and the train driver’s union (ASLEF) working together. 

He spoke up for ideas to increase electrification and to introduce high speed train routes during the health debate cos he wasn't called during the transport debate either.   

(TO BE UPDATED)

Tried to speak during the transport debate on Wednesday morning but wasn't called. 

Some interesting proposals on the railways, which Gerry Doherty, the General Secretary of my trade union, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA), praised. 

The subsidy to rail firms has increased largely in attempts to relieve congestion, but still concerns remain about money being paid out in dividends; and the franchising and separation of all the businesses in the railways being so complex as to cause waste.  The report agreed at conference says on the management and planning of the railway industry “... We will continue to examine whether any future improvements can be made, including learning from the experiences of railway industries overseas, and critically examining all factors and models for the operation of train services including not for profit models which both benefit passengers and tax payers.” 

The policy reflects intelligent lobbying by the TSSA and the train driver’s union (ASLEF) working together. 

He spoke up for ideas to increase electrification and to introduce high speed train routes during the health debate cos he wasn't called during the transport debate either.   

(TO BE UPDATED)

Tried to speak during the transport debate on Wednesday morning but wasn't called. 

Some interesting proposals on the railways, which Gerry Doherty, the General Secretary of my trade union, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA), praised. 

The subsidy to rail firms has increased largely in attempts to relieve congestion, but still concerns remain about money being paid out in dividends; and the franchising and separation of all the businesses in the railways being so complex as to cause waste.  The report agreed at conference says on the management and planning of the railway industry “... We will continue to examine whether any future improvements can be made, including learning from the experiences of railway industries overseas, and critically examining all factors and models for the operation of train services including not for profit models which both benefit passengers and tax payers.” 

The policy reflects intelligent lobbying by the TSSA and the train driver’s union (ASLEF) working together. 

He spoke up for ideas to increase electrification and to introduce high speed train routes during the health debate cos he wasn't called during the transport debate either.   

(TO BE UPDATED)

Whilst waiting for stewards to maximise the numbers who could sit in the hall to hear the speech, a moving videos were shown on the progress made in the next 11 years and the next steps to come. 

Then I made a quick video which I hope to post to Labour:Vision.  The women members from Altrincham joined in by putting “Go 4^th” stickers on my jacket whilst I was making a shirt speech. 

Then Sarah Brown made an introduction and another video was shown (with the hall falling silent to hear every word that Barack Obama had to say). 

In the run up to the Gordon Brown’s speech, the emphasis was not just on his need to perform well, but to have a compelling story.  The media had their doubts. 

The pressure was on and Gordon responded with the best ever speech I’ve seen him give. 

It started with an acknowledgement that it must always be on the side of those with middle and modest incomes. 

And then the serious of our financial situation following from the credit crunch and subsequent failure of some American financial institutions.  The week that the financial world had turned on its axis. 

The turbulence needed a new settlement.  World finances must be – transparent, based on sound banking with better ways to price risk; there must be responsibility; Integrity with the removal of conflicts of interest; global standards and global supervision; and end to the dictatorship of oil; and action to mitigate climate change (including a new target for Britain of 80% reduction by 2050). 

Some surprise than that later on, the BBC Politics Show said the speech did not cover economics.  Even reporters from the regional newspapers (in a restaurant) were surprised to hear that contention when I told them. 

Then a wide-ranging lists of announcements, from which I was pleased to hear of the investment in clean coal.  The 3 members of Altrincham cheered at the commitment to free prescriptions for cancer sufferers, something they’d been asking for, for years; and something which was highly personal too. 

He was by now flying.  A great rhythm to the speech and plainly reaching every one of the 1600 or so in the hall.

But there were still important statements to make. 

About values, to go beyond the traditional perceptions of aiming to provide universal services and making them affordable to all; by being committed to being personal services to each.  That we should expect something back for something given.  

And then the passage that many Labour voters will have wanted to here.  The fight-back.  Time and again, Labour’s supporters on the doorstep have complained that Gordon has not been fighting back.  Some great lines –

On rebutting Tories complaints about public spending - “we did fix the roof while the sun was shining”. 

A bitter complaint of George Osborne’s assertion that “a function of the finance markets is that people make a fortune out of the misery of others”.  

That on running the economy, this was “no time for a novice”. 

That “Britain is not broken, it’s the best country in the world”. 

And to finish a reminder that many of the radical measures that Labour has pushed through in the last 11 years, as well as major changes such as the creation of the NHS, what had once seemed extraordinary had become the common sense of our age. 

It was a great speech and I was interviewed by German TV and ITN.  And it’s just possible that more Brits will see me on German TV than ITN. 

And for all the content, it seems that the media ended up being interested in the performance of Gordon and Sarah, than the narrative. 

(TO BE UPDATED)

Whilst waiting for stewards to maximise the numbers who could sit in the hall to hear the speech, a moving videos were shown on the progress made in the next 11 years and the next steps to come. 

Then I made a quick video which I hope to post to Labour:Vision.  The women members from Altrincham joined in by putting “Go 4^th” stickers on my jacket whilst I was making a shirt speech. 

Then Sarah Brown made an introduction and another video was shown (with the hall falling silent to hear every word that Barack Obama had to say). 

In the run up to the Gordon Brown’s speech, the emphasis was not just on his need to perform well, but to have a compelling story.  The media had their doubts. 

The pressure was on and Gordon responded with the best ever speech I’ve seen him give. 

It started with an acknowledgement that it must always be on the side of those with middle and modest incomes. 

And then the serious of our financial situation following from the credit crunch and subsequent failure of some American financial institutions.  The week that the financial world had turned on its axis. 

The turbulence needed a new settlement.  World finances must be – transparent, based on sound banking with better ways to price risk; there must be responsibility; Integrity with the removal of conflicts of interest; global standards and global supervision; and end to the dictatorship of oil; and action to mitigate climate change (including a new target for Britain of 80% reduction by 2050). 

Some surprise than that later on, the BBC Politics Show said the speech did not cover economics.  Even reporters from the regional newspapers (in a restaurant) were surprised to hear that contention when I told them. 

Then a wide-ranging lists of announcements, from which I was pleased to hear of the investment in clean coal.  The 3 members of Altrincham cheered at the commitment to free prescriptions for cancer sufferers, something they’d been asking for, for years; and something which was highly personal too. 

He was by now flying.  A great rhythm to the speech and plainly reaching every one of the 1600 or so in the hall.

But there were still important statements to make. 

About values, to go beyond the traditional perceptions of aiming to provide universal services and making them affordable to all; by being committed to being personal services to each.  That we should expect something back for something given.  

And then the passage that many Labour voters will have wanted to here.  The fight-back.  Time and again, Labour’s supporters on the doorstep have complained that Gordon has not been fighting back.  Some great lines –

On rebutting Tories complaints about public spending - “we did fix the roof while the sun was shining”. 

A bitter complaint of George Osborne’s assertion that “a function of the finance markets is that people make a fortune out of the misery of others”.  

That on running the economy, this was “no time for a novice”. 

That “Britain is not broken, it’s the best country in the world”. 

And to finish a reminder that many of the radical measures that Labour has pushed through in the last 11 years, as well as major changes such as the creation of the NHS, what had once seemed extraordinary had become the common sense of our age. 

It was a great speech and I was interviewed by German TV and ITN.  And it’s just possible that more Brits will see me on German TV than ITN. 

And for all the content, it seems that the media ended up being interested in the performance of Gordon and Sarah, than the narrative. 

(TO BE UPDATED)

Whilst waiting for stewards to maximise the numbers who could sit in the hall to hear the speech, a moving videos were shown on the progress made in the next 11 years and the next steps to come. 

Then I made a quick video which I hope to post to Labour:Vision.  The women members from Altrincham joined in by putting “Go 4^th” stickers on my jacket whilst I was making a shirt speech. 

Then Sarah Brown made an introduction and another video was shown (with the hall falling silent to hear every word that Barack Obama had to say). 

In the run up to the Gordon Brown’s speech, the emphasis was not just on his need to perform well, but to have a compelling story.  The media had their doubts. 

The pressure was on and Gordon responded with the best ever speech I’ve seen him give. 

It started with an acknowledgement that it must always be on the side of those with middle and modest incomes. 

And then the serious of our financial situation following from the credit crunch and subsequent failure of some American financial institutions.  The week that the financial world had turned on its axis. 

The turbulence needed a new settlement.  World finances must be – transparent, based on sound banking with better ways to price risk; there must be responsibility; Integrity with the removal of conflicts of interest; global standards and global supervision; and end to the dictatorship of oil; and action to mitigate climate change (including a new target for Britain of 80% reduction by 2050). 

Some surprise than that later on, the BBC Politics Show said the speech did not cover economics.  Even reporters from the regional newspapers (in a restaurant) were surprised to hear that contention when I told them. 

Then a wide-ranging lists of announcements, from which I was pleased to hear of the investment in clean coal.  The 3 members of Altrincham cheered at the commitment to free prescriptions for cancer sufferers, something they’d been asking for, for years; and something which was highly personal too. 

He was by now flying.  A great rhythm to the speech and plainly reaching every one of the 1600 or so in the hall.

But there were still important statements to make. 

About values, to go beyond the traditional perceptions of aiming to provide universal services and making them affordable to all; by being committed to being personal services to each.  That we should expect something back for something given.  

And then the passage that many Labour voters will have wanted to here.  The fight-back.  Time and again, Labour’s supporters on the doorstep have complained that Gordon has not been fighting back.  Some great lines –

On rebutting Tories complaints about public spending - “we did fix the roof while the sun was shining”. 

A bitter complaint of George Osborne’s assertion that “a function of the finance markets is that people make a fortune out of the misery of others”.  

That on running the economy, this was “no time for a novice”. 

That “Britain is not broken, it’s the best country in the world”. 

And to finish a reminder that many of the radical measures that Labour has pushed through in the last 11 years, as well as major changes such as the creation of the NHS, what had once seemed extraordinary had become the common sense of our age. 

It was a great speech and I was interviewed by German TV and ITN.  And it’s just possible that more Brits will see me on German TV than ITN. 

And for all the content, it seems that the media ended up being interested in the performance of Gordon and Sarah, than the narrative. 

(TO BE UPDATED)

Spoke at some length to hosts at the Coalfield Regeneration stall and will write up some notes on claims and benefits later.

(TO BE UPDATED)

Spoke at some length to hosts at the Coalfield Regeneration stall and will write up some notes on claims and benefits later.

(TO BE UPDATED)

Spoke at some length to hosts at the Coalfield Regeneration stall and will write up some notes on claims and benefits later.

(TO BE UPDATED)

I've often heard that the fringe meetings are more interesting, but although there's more chance to have a say, listening to journalists and opinion formers is often dull, especially compared to politicians.

So it was with an IPPR meeting.  I've found some of their briefings pertinent and useful in the past, but the meeting on innovation let the speakers drone on without sufficient focus or discipline; and then sought to reduce the audience to questions only.

All very ironic when the theme of the meeting was supposed to be innovation. 

And some of the innovative ideas?  From the right - introduce even more markets disciplines into school funding schemes – passé and wasteful.  And celebrate heroes - OK, but there's a lot more to success than that. 

The campaigning innovation for me this year has been the "You Tube" "Labour:Vision" exercise and I have now started to post video replies to interviews made 11 days ago at Swadlincote.

(TO BE UPDATED) 

I've often heard that the fringe meetings are more interesting, but although there's more chance to have a say, listening to journalists and opinion formers is often dull, especially compared to politicians.

So it was with an IPPR meeting.  I've found some of their briefings pertinent and useful in the past, but the meeting on innovation let the speakers drone on without sufficient focus or discipline; and then sought to reduce the audience to questions only.

All very ironic when the theme of the meeting was supposed to be innovation. 

And some of the innovative ideas?  From the right - introduce even more markets disciplines into school funding schemes – passé and wasteful.  And celebrate heroes - OK, but there's a lot more to success than that. 

The campaigning innovation for me this year has been the "You Tube" "Labour:Vision" exercise and I have now started to post video replies to interviews made 11 days ago at Swadlincote.

(TO BE UPDATED) 

I've often heard that the fringe meetings are more interesting, but although there's more chance to have a say, listening to journalists and opinion formers is often dull, especially compared to politicians.

So it was with an IPPR meeting.  I've found some of their briefings pertinent and useful in the past, but the meeting on innovation let the speakers drone on without sufficient focus or discipline; and then sought to reduce the audience to questions only.

All very ironic when the theme of the meeting was supposed to be innovation. 

And some of the innovative ideas?  From the right - introduce even more markets disciplines into school funding schemes – passé and wasteful.  And celebrate heroes - OK, but there's a lot more to success than that. 

The campaigning innovation for me this year has been the "You Tube" "Labour:Vision" exercise and I have now started to post video replies to interviews made 11 days ago at Swadlincote.

(TO BE UPDATED) 

Attended a briefing on flooding by Phil Woolas at one of the fringe meetings. 

I'm writing up my notes, but they're a bit rough. 

- 

The country faces 2 main problems - climate change and updating the high quality Victorian water and water infrastructure.  . 

Climate change is happening and bringing about a need to handle different types of floods.  Extreme examples of rain, like the 4 inches of rain in 2 hours that flooded Morpeth means we need new measures.

The second is that the Victorians were arguably too good.  The highest of quality for managing water and waste to improve public health. 

So problems with climate change comes just at the time when the infrastructure built by the Victorians is starting to fail.  So there was a build up in size of maintenance programme now needed, especially given a hard-up country of the forties and fifties couldn't afford to do anything.  The annual budget has increased from £350 million to £800 million.   

Collapses in sewage systems started to become more common around 15 years ago.

And we've got quite an expensive way of supplying water.  It's one system through which we pump filtered clean drinking water that can often be used for cleaning cars etc. 

So what are the principles by which the response is being developed -

1. get the science right;

2. map everything; (the location of all drains are not known; and further clarity is needed on ownership); 

3. plan for the change expected in the UK climate; 

4. be able to help people maintain their insurance cover;  (in many countries, people can't get insurance cover for flooding);

5. beware of simple cost-benefit analysis in deciding where to do protection next, since that can lead to unfairness for many people; 

6. that the Environment Agancy should ensure there is a plan for flooding to cover all areas;

7. that councils write the flooding plan for each area;

(TO BE REVIEWED AND UPDATED)

Attended a briefing on flooding by Phil Woolas at one of the fringe meetings. 

I'm writing up my notes, but they're a bit rough. 

- 

The country faces 2 main problems - climate change and updating the high quality Victorian water and water infrastructure.  . 

Climate change is happening and bringing about a need to handle different types of floods.  Extreme examples of rain, like the 4 inches of rain in 2 hours that flooded Morpeth means we need new measures.

The second is that the Victorians were arguably too good.  The highest of quality for managing water and waste to improve public health. 

So problems with climate change comes just at the time when the infrastructure built by the Victorians is starting to fail.  So there was a build up in size of maintenance programme now needed, especially given a hard-up country of the forties and fifties couldn't afford to do anything.  The annual budget has increased from £350 million to £800 million.   

Collapses in sewage systems started to become more common around 15 years ago.

And we've got quite an expensive way of supplying water.  It's one system through which we pump filtered clean drinking water that can often be used for cleaning cars etc. 

So what are the principles by which the response is being developed -

1. get the science right;

2. map everything; (the location of all drains are not known; and further clarity is needed on ownership); 

3. plan for the change expected in the UK climate; 

4. be able to help people maintain their insurance cover;  (in many countries, people can't get insurance cover for flooding);

5. beware of simple cost-benefit analysis in deciding where to do protection next, since that can lead to unfairness for many people; 

6. that the Environment Agancy should ensure there is a plan for flooding to cover all areas;

7. that councils write the flooding plan for each area;

(TO BE REVIEWED AND UPDATED)

Attended a briefing on flooding by Phil Woolas at one of the fringe meetings. 

I'm writing up my notes, but they're a bit rough. 

- 

The country faces 2 main problems - climate change and updating the high quality Victorian water and water infrastructure.  . 

Climate change is happening and bringing about a need to handle different types of floods.  Extreme examples of rain, like the 4 inches of rain in 2 hours that flooded Morpeth means we need new measures.

The second is that the Victorians were arguably too good.  The highest of quality for managing water and waste to improve public health. 

So problems with climate change comes just at the time when the infrastructure built by the Victorians is starting to fail.  So there was a build up in size of maintenance programme now needed, especially given a hard-up country of the forties and fifties couldn't afford to do anything.  The annual budget has increased from £350 million to £800 million.   

Collapses in sewage systems started to become more common around 15 years ago.

And we've got quite an expensive way of supplying water.  It's one system through which we pump filtered clean drinking water that can often be used for cleaning cars etc. 

So what are the principles by which the response is being developed -

1. get the science right;

2. map everything; (the location of all drains are not known; and further clarity is needed on ownership); 

3. plan for the change expected in the UK climate; 

4. be able to help people maintain their insurance cover;  (in many countries, people can't get insurance cover for flooding);

5. beware of simple cost-benefit analysis in deciding where to do protection next, since that can lead to unfairness for many people; 

6. that the Environment Agancy should ensure there is a plan for flooding to cover all areas;

7. that councils write the flooding plan for each area;

(TO BE REVIEWED AND UPDATED)

Attended a compelling meeting hosted by the National Farmers Union and addressed by Hilary Benn and Peter Kendall, the NFU President. 

Refreshing for the plain speaking, the meeting discussed the NFU contention that "productive farming matters". 

A shame that more farmers could not be there as usual, but the very wet summer, with many farmers only being able to fully collect their harvests in the last few days, has meant their pre-occupations were elsewhere. 

Earlier, I spent time with the Countryside Alliance at their stall in the exhibition.  The Alliance are trying to widen their appeal by highlighting concerns over things like fly-tipping.  Interesting that some of their proposals need more public expenditure when I suspect that most of their supporters will be looking for less.  

(TO BE PROPERLY WRITTEN UP)  

Attended a compelling meeting hosted by the National Farmers Union and addressed by Hilary Benn and Peter Kendall, the NFU President. 

Refreshing for the plain speaking, the meeting discussed the NFU contention that "productive farming matters". 

A shame that more farmers could not be there as usual, but the very wet summer, with many farmers only being able to fully collect their harvests in the last few days, has meant their pre-occupations were elsewhere. 

Earlier, I spent time with the Countryside Alliance at their stall in the exhibition.  The Alliance are trying to widen their appeal by highlighting concerns over things like fly-tipping.  Interesting that some of their proposals need more public expenditure when I suspect that most of their supporters will be looking for less.  

(TO BE PROPERLY WRITTEN UP)  

Attended a compelling meeting hosted by the National Farmers Union and addressed by Hilary Benn and Peter Kendall, the NFU President. 

Refreshing for the plain speaking, the meeting discussed the NFU contention that "productive farming matters". 

A shame that more farmers could not be there as usual, but the very wet summer, with many farmers only being able to fully collect their harvests in the last few days, has meant their pre-occupations were elsewhere. 

Earlier, I spent time with the Countryside Alliance at their stall in the exhibition.  The Alliance are trying to widen their appeal by highlighting concerns over things like fly-tipping.  Interesting that some of their proposals need more public expenditure when I suspect that most of their supporters will be looking for less.  

(TO BE PROPERLY WRITTEN UP)  

There's a tendency to say that the real interest at the conference is at the fringe meetings.  However, often starting late, sometimes with platforms of six or more speakers, it's not always the case. 

Still, there's usually useful and sometimes startling stuff to glean.

A meeting on personalised social care not showed that initial responses from people who've used self-direct care is that the approach is popular.

Startling was the projection that with our ageing population, the existing people working in care will grow from the current 1.4 million to 2.2 million by 2025.

(TO BE FULLY WRITTEN UP)

There's a tendency to say that the real interest at the conference is at the fringe meetings.  However, often starting late, sometimes with platforms of six or more speakers, it's not always the case. 

Still, there's usually useful and sometimes startling stuff to glean.

A meeting on personalised social care not showed that initial responses from people who've used self-direct care is that the approach is popular.

Startling was the projection that with our ageing population, the existing people working in care will grow from the current 1.4 million to 2.2 million by 2025.

(TO BE FULLY WRITTEN UP)

There's a tendency to say that the real interest at the conference is at the fringe meetings.  However, often starting late, sometimes with platforms of six or more speakers, it's not always the case. 

Still, there's usually useful and sometimes startling stuff to glean.

A meeting on personalised social care not showed that initial responses from people who've used self-direct care is that the approach is popular.

Startling was the projection that with our ageing population, the existing people working in care will grow from the current 1.4 million to 2.2 million by 2025.

(TO BE FULLY WRITTEN UP)

Knowing that many people might be watching them on telly, nearly all delegates have taken to reading out their speeches at conference.  I'd seen this at the Lib Dem conference and it had been very dull.  However, some of the interventions Monday morning were alive and sparkling.

Both from youth delegates, they called for voting at 16 and they made compelling points. 

It seems that whilst people can get married or join the forces at 16, we've not got around to allowing them the vote. 

One delegate proclaimed it had to change - "No taxation without representation".

(TO BE UPDATED)  

Knowing that many people might be watching them on telly, nearly all delegates have taken to reading out their speeches at conference.  I'd seen this at the Lib Dem conference and it had been very dull.  However, some of the interventions Monday morning were alive and sparkling.

Both from youth delegates, they called for voting at 16 and they made compelling points. 

It seems that whilst people can get married or join the forces at 16, we've not got around to allowing them the vote. 

One delegate proclaimed it had to change - "No taxation without representation".

(TO BE UPDATED)  

Knowing that many people might be watching them on telly, nearly all delegates have taken to reading out their speeches at conference.  I'd seen this at the Lib Dem conference and it had been very dull.  However, some of the interventions Monday morning were alive and sparkling.

Both from youth delegates, they called for voting at 16 and they made compelling points. 

It seems that whilst people can get married or join the forces at 16, we've not got around to allowing them the vote. 

One delegate proclaimed it had to change - "No taxation without representation".

(TO BE UPDATED)  

First two major fringe meetings I've attended have both been on energy efficiency and reducing fuel bills. 

There is an ambition to get more done, and the complexities involved in delivering a windfall tax on fuel companies are becoming understood.

The emphatic message of many speakers is that much more must be done to help those, who so as to manage their budgets, use pre-payment meters.

(TO BE written UP)

First two major fringe meetings I've attended have both been on energy efficiency and reducing fuel bills. 

There is an ambition to get more done, and the complexities involved in delivering a windfall tax on fuel companies are becoming understood.

The emphatic message of many speakers is that much more must be done to help those, who so as to manage their budgets, use pre-payment meters.

(TO BE written UP)

First two major fringe meetings I've attended have both been on energy efficiency and reducing fuel bills. 

There is an ambition to get more done, and the complexities involved in delivering a windfall tax on fuel companies are becoming understood.

The emphatic message of many speakers is that much more must be done to help those, who so as to manage their budgets, use pre-payment meters.

(TO BE written UP)

The financial markets, energy and fuel bills has quickly become the focus of the Labour Party conference.

Gordon Brown was assuring and relaxed when discussing the economy in a Q&A session and I can only guess at the time they've spent in meetings in the last week as major financial businesses were threatened by the credit crunch and the actions of the financial markets.

I asked Alistair Darling about how much time it had taken up, and he, in his very guarded manner, gave very little away.  But it seems he didn't go upstairs to take a bath, like John Major did on Black Wednesday.

Contrast the work and the benefits gained from the stances taken over Northern Rock, with the probable reactions of Tory boys, David Cameron and George Osborne. 

The Independent on Sunday have suggested that the public have welcomed the work of Gordon and Alistair in recent weeks. 

The financial markets, energy and fuel bills has quickly become the focus of the Labour Party conference.

Gordon Brown was assuring and relaxed when discussing the economy in a Q&A session and I can only guess at the time they've spent in meetings in the last week as major financial businesses were threatened by the credit crunch and the actions of the financial markets.

I asked Alistair Darling about how much time it had taken up, and he, in his very guarded manner, gave very little away.  But it seems he didn't go upstairs to take a bath, like John Major did on Black Wednesday.

Contrast the work and the benefits gained from the stances taken over Northern Rock, with the probable reactions of Tory boys, David Cameron and George Osborne. 

The Independent on Sunday have suggested that the public have welcomed the work of Gordon and Alistair in recent weeks. 

The financial markets, energy and fuel bills has quickly become the focus of the Labour Party conference.

Gordon Brown was assuring and relaxed when discussing the economy in a Q&A session and I can only guess at the time they've spent in meetings in the last week as major financial businesses were threatened by the credit crunch and the actions of the financial markets.

I asked Alistair Darling about how much time it had taken up, and he, in his very guarded manner, gave very little away.  But it seems he didn't go upstairs to take a bath, like John Major did on Black Wednesday.

Contrast the work and the benefits gained from the stances taken over Northern Rock, with the probable reactions of Tory boys, David Cameron and George Osborne. 

The Independent on Sunday have suggested that the public have welcomed the work of Gordon and Alistair in recent weeks. 

A special meeting outside a primary school's gates to witness the problems of inconsiderate parking by parents and carers whilst dropping their kids off. 

The situation was better than expected, and a good number of pupils arrived by bus or walked. 

Some cars were parked on the pavements near the school entrance; one parent ran back to his car parked on the pavement. perhaps cos he'd heard someone was taking pictures outside.

Another had parked on the "SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR" warning, with yellow zig-zags, and across the school entrance.  Queue 2 traffic enforcement officers arriving on motor scooters.  The booking was almost complete when the driver came back to the car and protested 1) there was nowhere else to park (not a justifiable reason & not true); 2) she didn't deserve a ticket cos she got one yesterday.

(TO BE UPDATED)

A special meeting outside a primary school's gates to witness the problems of inconsiderate parking by parents and carers whilst dropping their kids off. 

The situation was better than expected, and a good number of pupils arrived by bus or walked. 

Some cars were parked on the pavements near the school entrance; one parent ran back to his car parked on the pavement. perhaps cos he'd heard someone was taking pictures outside.

Another had parked on the "SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR" warning, with yellow zig-zags, and across the school entrance.  Queue 2 traffic enforcement officers arriving on motor scooters.  The booking was almost complete when the driver came back to the car and protested 1) there was nowhere else to park (not a justifiable reason & not true); 2) she didn't deserve a ticket cos she got one yesterday.

(TO BE UPDATED)

A special meeting outside a primary school's gates to witness the problems of inconsiderate parking by parents and carers whilst dropping their kids off. 

The situation was better than expected, and a good number of pupils arrived by bus or walked. 

Some cars were parked on the pavements near the school entrance; one parent ran back to his car parked on the pavement. perhaps cos he'd heard someone was taking pictures outside.

Another had parked on the "SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR" warning, with yellow zig-zags, and across the school entrance.  Queue 2 traffic enforcement officers arriving on motor scooters.  The booking was almost complete when the driver came back to the car and protested 1) there was nowhere else to park (not a justifiable reason & not true); 2) she didn't deserve a ticket cos she got one yesterday.

(TO BE UPDATED)

The Lib Dem leader must be disappointed by the low poll ratings for his party.

Whether he was concerned that significant passages of his 'going Orange' speech was listened to in silence, I know not. 

But his activists are bound to be harbouring deeper concerns as they considered how they will defend his attacks on public spending, at future council meetings across the country.  Part of the responsibilities of being in government is judging how and when we should spend to achieve more together than we might do apart. 

He gave a lecture on the need to make tough choices, but still wasn't ready to show how £20 billion could be saved. 

And extolling us not to patronise people whilst being bowled over by a proposal to delay winter fuel payments by 3 months didn't cut much ice either. 

(TO BE UPDATED.)

Notes.

1. Changing the date of the winter fuel allowance arrangement was apparently blindingly obvious cos the gentleman he'd met got his bill for winter fuel in March; but if we're not to patronise people, can't we expect him to manage the money; and what about people who pre-pay?

2. A classic example of sitting on both sides of the fence was the stated belief that people were born good was stated; and then that it was Liberal to be sceptical. 

The Lib Dem leader must be disappointed by the low poll ratings for his party.

Whether he was concerned that significant passages of his 'going Orange' speech was listened to in silence, I know not. 

But his activists are bound to be harbouring deeper concerns as they considered how they will defend his attacks on public spending, at future council meetings across the country.  Part of the responsibilities of being in government is judging how and when we should spend to achieve more together than we might do apart. 

He gave a lecture on the need to make tough choices, but still wasn't ready to show how £20 billion could be saved. 

And extolling us not to patronise people whilst being bowled over by a proposal to delay winter fuel payments by 3 months didn't cut much ice either. 

(TO BE UPDATED.)

Notes.

1. Changing the date of the winter fuel allowance arrangement was apparently blindingly obvious cos the gentleman he'd met got his bill for winter fuel in March; but if we're not to patronise people, can't we expect him to manage the money; and what about people who pre-pay?

2. A classic example of sitting on both sides of the fence was the stated belief that people were born good was stated; and then that it was Liberal to be sceptical. 

The Lib Dem leader must be disappointed by the low poll ratings for his party.

Whether he was concerned that significant passages of his 'going Orange' speech was listened to in silence, I know not. 

But his activists are bound to be harbouring deeper concerns as they considered how they will defend his attacks on public spending, at future council meetings across the country.  Part of the responsibilities of being in government is judging how and when we should spend to achieve more together than we might do apart. 

He gave a lecture on the need to make tough choices, but still wasn't ready to show how £20 billion could be saved. 

And extolling us not to patronise people whilst being bowled over by a proposal to delay winter fuel payments by 3 months didn't cut much ice either. 

(TO BE UPDATED.)

Notes.

1. Changing the date of the winter fuel allowance arrangement was apparently blindingly obvious cos the gentleman he'd met got his bill for winter fuel in March; but if we're not to patronise people, can't we expect him to manage the money; and what about people who pre-pay?

2. A classic example of sitting on both sides of the fence was the stated belief that people were born good was stated; and then that it was Liberal to be sceptical. 

Held a street stall in Swadlincote on Saturday, at the Delph.

Took part in the "The Labour Party on YouTube - Bringing your ideas to life"  

The question asked was  "What more can Labour do to improve your local area?"

The responses are now being posted to the labourVision web-site and I'm hoping to talk to Minsiters during the forthcoming Labour Party conference to get responses. 

TO BE UPDATED WITH MORE DETAILS. 

Held a street stall in Swadlincote on Saturday, at the Delph.

Took part in the "The Labour Party on YouTube - Bringing your ideas to life"  

The question asked was  "What more can Labour do to improve your local area?"

The responses are now being posted to the labourVision web-site and I'm hoping to talk to Minsiters during the forthcoming Labour Party conference to get responses. 

TO BE UPDATED WITH MORE DETAILS. 

Held a street stall in Swadlincote on Saturday, at the Delph.

Took part in the "The Labour Party on YouTube - Bringing your ideas to life"  

The question asked was  "What more can Labour do to improve your local area?"

The responses are now being posted to the labourVision web-site and I'm hoping to talk to Minsiters during the forthcoming Labour Party conference to get responses. 

TO BE UPDATED WITH MORE DETAILS. 

Today, physics made the headlines.  Live coverage of an experiment.  And might these masters of spin have conjured up the notion of creating black holes to attract the attention? 

Whatever, the story of the last such set of ground-breaking experiments being responsible for the creation of the world wide web has been rehearsed many times over the last few days and the sense of the potential value for money has been conveyed.  (Dr. Who of course would simply proclaim the human race for seeking to discover the universe for the sake of it.) 

As a physics graduate, I'm pleased that the hadron collison experiment has attracted such attention.  And I wondered whether at any stage, my final year "laser Doppler anemometry" project / experiment could have made good television.  (Yeah, I know.)

(I was fortunate enough to have an expert in the subject visit my university during the middle of my experiment.  One of the benefits of the technique cited then was of detecting problems early enough to save people's eyesight; but this was application number 7; the first 6 applications then all concerned improving the flight of ballistic missiles.)

Meanwhile, after campaigning, I found myself outside Derby Council House with 40 minutes to kill before the Red Arrow bus was due.  So I went in to watch the full Council meeting, just as they were debating a proposed charter for Derby public transport users.  I was just in time to hear a Conservative councillor (calling for integrated transport and) celebrating Nottingham's achievements.   Nice.  

The councillors' view of Arriva's services in Derby was not very positive and the charter proposed by Cllr. Bainwat could be an important step in bringing attention to the need for greater customer focus. 

Today, physics made the headlines.  Live coverage of an experiment.  And might these masters of spin have conjured up the notion of creating black holes to attract the attention? 

Whatever, the story of the last such set of ground-breaking experiments being responsible for the creation of the world wide web has been rehearsed many times over the last few days and the sense of the potential value for money has been conveyed.  (Dr. Who of course would simply proclaim the human race for seeking to discover the universe for the sake of it.) 

As a physics graduate, I'm pleased that the hadron collison experiment has attracted such attention.  And I wondered whether at any stage, my final year "laser Doppler anemometry" project / experiment could have made good television.  (Yeah, I know.)

(I was fortunate enough to have an expert in the subject visit my university during the middle of my experiment.  One of the benefits of the technique cited then was of detecting problems early enough to save people's eyesight; but this was application number 7; the first 6 applications then all concerned improving the flight of ballistic missiles.)

Meanwhile, after campaigning, I found myself outside Derby Council House with 40 minutes to kill before the Red Arrow bus was due.  So I went in to watch the full Council meeting, just as they were debating a proposed charter for Derby public transport users.  I was just in time to hear a Conservative councillor (calling for integrated transport and) celebrating Nottingham's achievements.   Nice.  

The councillors' view of Arriva's services in Derby was not very positive and the charter proposed by Cllr. Bainwat could be an important step in bringing attention to the need for greater customer focus. 

Today, physics made the headlines.  Live coverage of an experiment.  And might these masters of spin have conjured up the notion of creating black holes to attract the attention? 

Whatever, the story of the last such set of ground-breaking experiments being responsible for the creation of the world wide web has been rehearsed many times over the last few days and the sense of the potential value for money has been conveyed.  (Dr. Who of course would simply proclaim the human race for seeking to discover the universe for the sake of it.) 

As a physics graduate, I'm pleased that the hadron collison experiment has attracted such attention.  And I wondered whether at any stage, my final year "laser Doppler anemometry" project / experiment could have made good television.  (Yeah, I know.)

(I was fortunate enough to have an expert in the subject visit my university during the middle of my experiment.  One of the benefits of the technique cited then was of detecting problems early enough to save people's eyesight; but this was application number 7; the first 6 applications then all concerned improving the flight of ballistic missiles.)

Meanwhile, after campaigning, I found myself outside Derby Council House with 40 minutes to kill before the Red Arrow bus was due.  So I went in to watch the full Council meeting, just as they were debating a proposed charter for Derby public transport users.  I was just in time to hear a Conservative councillor (calling for integrated transport and) celebrating Nottingham's achievements.   Nice.  

The councillors' view of Arriva's services in Derby was not very positive and the charter proposed by Cllr. Bainwat could be an important step in bringing attention to the need for greater customer focus. 

Full council and time to celebrate the progress being made.  School results up and an opportunity to celebrate my own's school progress too. 

A chance too to highlight the barmy report from the Tory research group saying it's all over for Liverpool; and that we should treble the size of Oxford and Cambridge instead.  We were stuck with questions on Tory research reports cos there's been a shortage of policy announcements.  But last Tuesday, the latest Tory tax policy announcement was made - a £2 million inheritance Tory tax threshold for married couples.  That's £1,000 million of public money that the Tories would keep aside for 3,000 of the most wealthiest estates in the country.  Made public in the week that the Labour gov't announced an extra £1,000 million to help those affected by the credit crunch when seeking to buy a house and keep the house they're in. 

And then a report on crime and community safety.  Crime is down and some of the difficult targets set were being met (including one which a Lib. Dem. decided to acknowledge, knowing that a year ago he'd said that target could not be met).

But one Tory Cllr. decided to do a habitual rant against Labour and our record on crime, and complained that progress on tackling violent crime was not fast enough.  So I reminded the Tories that recorded crime had doubled under the last Tory gov't and that violent crime had increased by 168%.  Knowing one of their Cllr's taste for wearing a T-shirt celebrating Margaret Thatcher, I said their record was nothing to wear such a T-shirt about. 

In something of a masterstroke, a Tory Cllr. rose to make a point of order after the vote on the report was taken.  He hoped it was a valid point of order he said (it wasn't), but he wanted to make it clear that he had "never worn a Margaret Thatcher T-shirt".  (He'd been concerned that people thought that I'd meant him - I hadn't.)  Either great wit or ignorance of some of the passions of some Tory Cllrs, it was a great line and we gave him a round of applause.  

Full council and time to celebrate the progress being made.  School results up and an opportunity to celebrate my own's school progress too. 

A chance too to highlight the barmy report from the Tory research group saying it's all over for Liverpool; and that we should treble the size of Oxford and Cambridge instead.  We were stuck with questions on Tory research reports cos there's been a shortage of policy announcements.  But last Tuesday, the latest Tory tax policy announcement was made - a £2 million inheritance Tory tax threshold for married couples.  That's £1,000 million of public money that the Tories would keep aside for 3,000 of the most wealthiest estates in the country.  Made public in the week that the Labour gov't announced an extra £1,000 million to help those affected by the credit crunch when seeking to buy a house and keep the house they're in. 

And then a report on crime and community safety.  Crime is down and some of the difficult targets set were being met (including one which a Lib. Dem. decided to acknowledge, knowing that a year ago he'd said that target could not be met).

But one Tory Cllr. decided to do a habitual rant against Labour and our record on crime, and complained that progress on tackling violent crime was not fast enough.  So I reminded the Tories that recorded crime had doubled under the last Tory gov't and that violent crime had increased by 168%.  Knowing one of their Cllr's taste for wearing a T-shirt celebrating Margaret Thatcher, I said their record was nothing to wear such a T-shirt about. 

In something of a masterstroke, a Tory Cllr. rose to make a point of order after the vote on the report was taken.  He hoped it was a valid point of order he said (it wasn't), but he wanted to make it clear that he had "never worn a Margaret Thatcher T-shirt".  (He'd been concerned that people thought that I'd meant him - I hadn't.)  Either great wit or ignorance of some of the passions of some Tory Cllrs, it was a great line and we gave him a round of applause.  

Full council and time to celebrate the progress being made.  School results up and an opportunity to celebrate my own's school progress too. 

A chance too to highlight the barmy report from the Tory research group saying it's all over for Liverpool; and that we should treble the size of Oxford and Cambridge instead.  We were stuck with questions on Tory research reports cos there's been a shortage of policy announcements.  But last Tuesday, the latest Tory tax policy announcement was made - a £2 million inheritance Tory tax threshold for married couples.  That's £1,000 million of public money that the Tories would keep aside for 3,000 of the most wealthiest estates in the country.  Made public in the week that the Labour gov't announced an extra £1,000 million to help those affected by the credit crunch when seeking to buy a house and keep the house they're in. 

And then a report on crime and community safety.  Crime is down and some of the difficult targets set were being met (including one which a Lib. Dem. decided to acknowledge, knowing that a year ago he'd said that target could not be met).

But one Tory Cllr. decided to do a habitual rant against Labour and our record on crime, and complained that progress on tackling violent crime was not fast enough.  So I reminded the Tories that recorded crime had doubled under the last Tory gov't and that violent crime had increased by 168%.  Knowing one of their Cllr's taste for wearing a T-shirt celebrating Margaret Thatcher, I said their record was nothing to wear such a T-shirt about. 

In something of a masterstroke, a Tory Cllr. rose to make a point of order after the vote on the report was taken.  He hoped it was a valid point of order he said (it wasn't), but he wanted to make it clear that he had "never worn a Margaret Thatcher T-shirt".  (He'd been concerned that people thought that I'd meant him - I hadn't.)  Either great wit or ignorance of some of the passions of some Tory Cllrs, it was a great line and we gave him a round of applause.