Michael Edwards for South Derbyshire

With the questions about seeking a donation to the Tory party from a Russian mutli-millionaire, George Osborne, the Tory Shadow Chancellor, was concerned about Prime Minister's Question Time last Wednesday.  Simon Hoggart in the Guardian sketched the scene -

  "Prime minister's questions yesterday were ostensibly about the economy. In fact the session was about George Osborne. The shadow chancellor, shiny and glistening as always, arrived to a supportive cheer from his own side - plus some mockery from Labour.

  "He sat down on the bench and did what all politicians in his position are hard-wired to do - he smiled, chuckled and chatted to the chap next to him. The message is: "Anything you say about me is just a joke, and I can laugh it off! Ha, ha!""

But the damage was done over news, announced by Gordon Brown, that his fuel duty escalator balancing mechanism would have led to an increase this week on the duty on petrol by 3p. 

The look on George's face was one of shock and surprise.  He couldn't laugh it off. 

Too late for a Tory party survey which is currently being distributed in South Derbyshire.  The survey highlights increases in the cost of living.

And then celebrates the Tory policy which would have seen an increase on fuel of 3p per litre. 

A caption under a photo wrongly boasts that their “Fair Fuel stabiliser will help fight rising petrol prices”.  

With the questions about seeking a donation to the Tory party from a Russian mutli-millionaire, George Osborne, the Tory Shadow Chancellor, was concerned about Prime Minister's Question Time last Wednesday.  Simon Hoggart in the Guardian sketched the scene -

  "Prime minister's questions yesterday were ostensibly about the economy. In fact the session was about George Osborne. The shadow chancellor, shiny and glistening as always, arrived to a supportive cheer from his own side - plus some mockery from Labour.

  "He sat down on the bench and did what all politicians in his position are hard-wired to do - he smiled, chuckled and chatted to the chap next to him. The message is: "Anything you say about me is just a joke, and I can laugh it off! Ha, ha!""

But the damage was done over news, announced by Gordon Brown, that his fuel duty escalator balancing mechanism would have led to an increase this week on the duty on petrol by 3p. 

The look on George's face was one of shock and surprise.  He couldn't laugh it off. 

Too late for a Tory party survey which is currently being distributed in South Derbyshire.  The survey highlights increases in the cost of living.

And then celebrates the Tory policy which would have seen an increase on fuel of 3p per litre. 

A caption under a photo wrongly boasts that their “Fair Fuel stabiliser will help fight rising petrol prices”.  

With the questions about seeking a donation to the Tory party from a Russian mutli-millionaire, George Osborne, the Tory Shadow Chancellor, was concerned about Prime Minister's Question Time last Wednesday.  Simon Hoggart in the Guardian sketched the scene -

  "Prime minister's questions yesterday were ostensibly about the economy. In fact the session was about George Osborne. The shadow chancellor, shiny and glistening as always, arrived to a supportive cheer from his own side - plus some mockery from Labour.

  "He sat down on the bench and did what all politicians in his position are hard-wired to do - he smiled, chuckled and chatted to the chap next to him. The message is: "Anything you say about me is just a joke, and I can laugh it off! Ha, ha!""

But the damage was done over news, announced by Gordon Brown, that his fuel duty escalator balancing mechanism would have led to an increase this week on the duty on petrol by 3p. 

The look on George's face was one of shock and surprise.  He couldn't laugh it off. 

Too late for a Tory party survey which is currently being distributed in South Derbyshire.  The survey highlights increases in the cost of living.

And then celebrates the Tory policy which would have seen an increase on fuel of 3p per litre. 

A caption under a photo wrongly boasts that their “Fair Fuel stabiliser will help fight rising petrol prices”.  

Sky News produced a set of “trump cards” on politicians for the recent party conference season, which they themselves regarded as a success, even though I never saw anyone playing with them.

Nevertheless, I wondered how the scores might read for the latest two key individuals to develop in the American Presidential Elections – Colin Powell and Joe the Plumber. 

1.       Ability to get his first name right;  all set to be a decisive defeat for Powell – after all, he can’t even pronounce his first name correctly;  however, it was soon reported that "Joe” is actually called Samuel;  but it transpires it's "Samuel Joe"; so a draw; 

2.       Successful having come from a modest background;  Powell did serve through the ranks to achieve the level of General;  Joe does not have a plumbing licence;  1-0 to the General; 

3.       Honesty about political affiliations;  Powell is widely known to have been a registered Republican, who happens to be advocating a vote for the Democrat this time (perhaps a flicker of doubt there);  “Joe” had told people he was independent, and then it was reported that he wasn't registered to vote;  it's also been reported that he is a registered Republican, having according to one TV programme (I think “The Daily Show”) been previously registered with the “Natural Law Party” (love that yogic flying);  so what might have been a simple point for the General is now muddied in the confusion of media reporting;  nevertheless, 2-0 to the General;    

4.       Pay the higher taxes the better off are expected to pay under an Obama administration;  now I’m guessing, but I presume Powell is doing well enough to be able to pay the extra that is to be asked of him;  Joe of course made his name by querying the change that would punish people like himself, except “He does not earn enough money to be affected by Obama's tax policies.  He does not have the scratch to be setting himself up in business.”  (This having been the key reason why he couldn't back Obama).  So – 3-0 to the General. 

Now I’m vaguely aware these may not be the criteria used on trump cards; and that trump cards are actually scored in terms of units of currency or some other measure of standing.  (And I’m happy to let readers develop such a scheme.) 

But the impact of “Joe the Plumber” did seem at one stage to be the basis of a springboard for a John McCain recovery. 

An ordinary Joe who was to symbolise the reasons to vote Republican.  As such, an ordinary voter does not deserve to be scrutinised to such detail, or "exposed".  Trouble was, he was changed from an ordinary Joe into a political concept and then described as a lot of things including “as phony as a 3 dollar bill”. 

Compared with the authority demonstrated by Colin Powell in his statement for choosing Obama today, the General is set to trump the concept.  

Extract from - http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/10/what_plumber_joe_doesnt_know.html 

... platoons of journalists [have] uncovered a new spin to McCain's presumed icon of working-class heroism.

It turned out that the man whom McCain put at the center of his tax debate was delinquent on his taxes. He wasn't quite an independent swing voter, either, having voted Republican in this year's primary. Even his plumber status was questioned. He was not licensed, although the company for which he plumbed was licensed. Still, according to reports, the local plumbers union was mad at him.

Most important to the presidential debate, a host of experts said Joe's taxes probably would not be increased under the Obama tax plan. In fact, if Obama's health care proposal and tax breaks went into effect, Joe's new business might fare better than they would under McCain's tax plans.

All of which led to new questions as to whether anyone in McCain's campaign bothered to check Joe's background before McCain used him as a debate foil ... And once Joe unleashed his own ultra-libertarian views to reporters, he, too, may have damaged McCain. For example, he casually bashed such popular long-established programs as Social Security ... "Social Security is a joke," Wurzelbacher told CNN. "I have parents; I don't need another set of parents called the government. You know, let me take my money and invest it how I please." ...

Sky News produced a set of “trump cards” on politicians for the recent party conference season, which they themselves regarded as a success, even though I never saw anyone playing with them.

Nevertheless, I wondered how the scores might read for the latest two key individuals to develop in the American Presidential Elections – Colin Powell and Joe the Plumber. 

1.       Ability to get his first name right;  all set to be a decisive defeat for Powell – after all, he can’t even pronounce his first name correctly;  however, it was soon reported that "Joe” is actually called Samuel;  but it transpires it's "Samuel Joe"; so a draw; 

2.       Successful having come from a modest background;  Powell did serve through the ranks to achieve the level of General;  Joe does not have a plumbing licence;  1-0 to the General; 

3.       Honesty about political affiliations;  Powell is widely known to have been a registered Republican, who happens to be advocating a vote for the Democrat this time (perhaps a flicker of doubt there);  “Joe” had told people he was independent, and then it was reported that he wasn't registered to vote;  it's also been reported that he is a registered Republican, having according to one TV programme (I think “The Daily Show”) been previously registered with the “Natural Law Party” (love that yogic flying);  so what might have been a simple point for the General is now muddied in the confusion of media reporting;  nevertheless, 2-0 to the General;    

4.       Pay the higher taxes the better off are expected to pay under an Obama administration;  now I’m guessing, but I presume Powell is doing well enough to be able to pay the extra that is to be asked of him;  Joe of course made his name by querying the change that would punish people like himself, except “He does not earn enough money to be affected by Obama's tax policies.  He does not have the scratch to be setting himself up in business.”  (This having been the key reason why he couldn't back Obama).  So – 3-0 to the General. 

Now I’m vaguely aware these may not be the criteria used on trump cards; and that trump cards are actually scored in terms of units of currency or some other measure of standing.  (And I’m happy to let readers develop such a scheme.) 

But the impact of “Joe the Plumber” did seem at one stage to be the basis of a springboard for a John McCain recovery. 

An ordinary Joe who was to symbolise the reasons to vote Republican.  As such, an ordinary voter does not deserve to be scrutinised to such detail, or "exposed".  Trouble was, he was changed from an ordinary Joe into a political concept and then described as a lot of things including “as phony as a 3 dollar bill”. 

Compared with the authority demonstrated by Colin Powell in his statement for choosing Obama today, the General is set to trump the concept.  

Extract from - http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/10/what_plumber_joe_doesnt_know.html 

... platoons of journalists [have] uncovered a new spin to McCain's presumed icon of working-class heroism.

It turned out that the man whom McCain put at the center of his tax debate was delinquent on his taxes. He wasn't quite an independent swing voter, either, having voted Republican in this year's primary. Even his plumber status was questioned. He was not licensed, although the company for which he plumbed was licensed. Still, according to reports, the local plumbers union was mad at him.

Most important to the presidential debate, a host of experts said Joe's taxes probably would not be increased under the Obama tax plan. In fact, if Obama's health care proposal and tax breaks went into effect, Joe's new business might fare better than they would under McCain's tax plans.

All of which led to new questions as to whether anyone in McCain's campaign bothered to check Joe's background before McCain used him as a debate foil ... And once Joe unleashed his own ultra-libertarian views to reporters, he, too, may have damaged McCain. For example, he casually bashed such popular long-established programs as Social Security ... "Social Security is a joke," Wurzelbacher told CNN. "I have parents; I don't need another set of parents called the government. You know, let me take my money and invest it how I please." ...

Sky News produced a set of “trump cards” on politicians for the recent party conference season, which they themselves regarded as a success, even though I never saw anyone playing with them.

Nevertheless, I wondered how the scores might read for the latest two key individuals to develop in the American Presidential Elections – Colin Powell and Joe the Plumber. 

1.       Ability to get his first name right;  all set to be a decisive defeat for Powell – after all, he can’t even pronounce his first name correctly;  however, it was soon reported that "Joe” is actually called Samuel;  but it transpires it's "Samuel Joe"; so a draw; 

2.       Successful having come from a modest background;  Powell did serve through the ranks to achieve the level of General;  Joe does not have a plumbing licence;  1-0 to the General; 

3.       Honesty about political affiliations;  Powell is widely known to have been a registered Republican, who happens to be advocating a vote for the Democrat this time (perhaps a flicker of doubt there);  “Joe” had told people he was independent, and then it was reported that he wasn't registered to vote;  it's also been reported that he is a registered Republican, having according to one TV programme (I think “The Daily Show”) been previously registered with the “Natural Law Party” (love that yogic flying);  so what might have been a simple point for the General is now muddied in the confusion of media reporting;  nevertheless, 2-0 to the General;    

4.       Pay the higher taxes the better off are expected to pay under an Obama administration;  now I’m guessing, but I presume Powell is doing well enough to be able to pay the extra that is to be asked of him;  Joe of course made his name by querying the change that would punish people like himself, except “He does not earn enough money to be affected by Obama's tax policies.  He does not have the scratch to be setting himself up in business.”  (This having been the key reason why he couldn't back Obama).  So – 3-0 to the General. 

Now I’m vaguely aware these may not be the criteria used on trump cards; and that trump cards are actually scored in terms of units of currency or some other measure of standing.  (And I’m happy to let readers develop such a scheme.) 

But the impact of “Joe the Plumber” did seem at one stage to be the basis of a springboard for a John McCain recovery. 

An ordinary Joe who was to symbolise the reasons to vote Republican.  As such, an ordinary voter does not deserve to be scrutinised to such detail, or "exposed".  Trouble was, he was changed from an ordinary Joe into a political concept and then described as a lot of things including “as phony as a 3 dollar bill”. 

Compared with the authority demonstrated by Colin Powell in his statement for choosing Obama today, the General is set to trump the concept.  

Extract from - http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/10/what_plumber_joe_doesnt_know.html 

... platoons of journalists [have] uncovered a new spin to McCain's presumed icon of working-class heroism.

It turned out that the man whom McCain put at the center of his tax debate was delinquent on his taxes. He wasn't quite an independent swing voter, either, having voted Republican in this year's primary. Even his plumber status was questioned. He was not licensed, although the company for which he plumbed was licensed. Still, according to reports, the local plumbers union was mad at him.

Most important to the presidential debate, a host of experts said Joe's taxes probably would not be increased under the Obama tax plan. In fact, if Obama's health care proposal and tax breaks went into effect, Joe's new business might fare better than they would under McCain's tax plans.

All of which led to new questions as to whether anyone in McCain's campaign bothered to check Joe's background before McCain used him as a debate foil ... And once Joe unleashed his own ultra-libertarian views to reporters, he, too, may have damaged McCain. For example, he casually bashed such popular long-established programs as Social Security ... "Social Security is a joke," Wurzelbacher told CNN. "I have parents; I don't need another set of parents called the government. You know, let me take my money and invest it how I please." ...

A strong attendance for Glenis Willmott MEP's European Conference for the East Midlands. 

And a new confidence. 

A new demonstration that working in co-operation internationally is not a betrayal of the national interest, but in the national interest. 

Glenis reported that Gordon Brown's actions have been welcomed in Europe, celebrated at the European Parliament, and even reports that the UKIP leader has praised his actions. 

A strong attendance for Glenis Willmott MEP's European Conference for the East Midlands. 

And a new confidence. 

A new demonstration that working in co-operation internationally is not a betrayal of the national interest, but in the national interest. 

Glenis reported that Gordon Brown's actions have been welcomed in Europe, celebrated at the European Parliament, and even reports that the UKIP leader has praised his actions. 

A strong attendance for Glenis Willmott MEP's European Conference for the East Midlands. 

And a new confidence. 

A new demonstration that working in co-operation internationally is not a betrayal of the national interest, but in the national interest. 

Glenis reported that Gordon Brown's actions have been welcomed in Europe, celebrated at the European Parliament, and even reports that the UKIP leader has praised his actions. 

Gordon Brown visited my ward this Friday, for the second time in less than two years. 

He'd just spoken to business leaders on the current situation and on developing our drive on innovation through science. 

It was a pleasure to see him and hear him, in what must be the most challenging of times. 

And if we can get through this period without a crash, then we know there are new challenges to meet. 

Trying to generate jobs, cos there is work to do and people able to do it; but all set to be frustrated by the failings in the financial markets, triggered in the USA, leading in turn to people feeling that now is the time to save, rather than spend.

Good to hear the commitment to existing plans to expand education and health - because we know we have to equip our young people to take on the jobs in the global economy, and because more needs to be done to help people in an aging society. 

We have to invest for our future. 

Gordon Brown visited my ward this Friday, for the second time in less than two years. 

He'd just spoken to business leaders on the current situation and on developing our drive on innovation through science. 

It was a pleasure to see him and hear him, in what must be the most challenging of times. 

And if we can get through this period without a crash, then we know there are new challenges to meet. 

Trying to generate jobs, cos there is work to do and people able to do it; but all set to be frustrated by the failings in the financial markets, triggered in the USA, leading in turn to people feeling that now is the time to save, rather than spend.

Good to hear the commitment to existing plans to expand education and health - because we know we have to equip our young people to take on the jobs in the global economy, and because more needs to be done to help people in an aging society. 

We have to invest for our future. 

Gordon Brown visited my ward this Friday, for the second time in less than two years. 

He'd just spoken to business leaders on the current situation and on developing our drive on innovation through science. 

It was a pleasure to see him and hear him, in what must be the most challenging of times. 

And if we can get through this period without a crash, then we know there are new challenges to meet. 

Trying to generate jobs, cos there is work to do and people able to do it; but all set to be frustrated by the failings in the financial markets, triggered in the USA, leading in turn to people feeling that now is the time to save, rather than spend.

Good to hear the commitment to existing plans to expand education and health - because we know we have to equip our young people to take on the jobs in the global economy, and because more needs to be done to help people in an aging society. 

We have to invest for our future. 

What's in a word?  or a phrase? 

On Friday morning, David Cameron said - "In a single phrase, we need to change from irresponsible capitalism and irresponsible Government, to responsible free enterprise and responsible Government." 

In his single phrase, Cameron sticks with the concept of Government, but feels he has to drop capitalism in favour of free enterprise. 

Overall critics have been left confused by a Tory leader who talked about the need for a political truce in the current financial crisis, but dropped it pretty quick. 

The Labour Gov't has focussed on keeping the financial systems working, knowing that in the medium to long term, the system should recover.  

There's a value in avoiding chaos, such as happened in Iceland, where the banks are in receivership or administration, probably  because of their lack of liquidity rather than their assets not backing up the value of their guarantees. 

We get chaos when government action could have tidied the system over the problems, as so far, the British Government's action has demonstrated.

Cameron's Tories would have left us in chaos if in charge.  They would have let Northern Rock crash.  They would have let Bradford & Bingley go. 

They would not have come up with Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling's proposals for buying shares in banks, with the expectation that in the medium to long term, we will get the money back.  An investment against assets that we never hope or expect to have to sell. 

Proposals and actions which even George W Bush has decided to copy.

Real leadership and real partnership at the highest level.  Needed cos only global co-operation and oversight can deliver success in a global age.  

Postscript: comments from Harold Meyerson, Washington Post -

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/17/AR2008101702622.html 

"Amid all the mind-boggling developments of the past two weeks, however, perhaps the greatest is this: government is going global.  ... 

"... it took the collapse of finance to force governments to confront the limits of national power.  Last weekend, the nations of Europe realized that they all had to embrace the identical recapitalization and deposit-insurance plan (devised by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown) to restore confidence in the financial sector.  By so doing, they set a safety standard that the U.S., despite the ideological reluctance of the Bush Administration, was compelled to adopt as well.

" ... Brown, French President Nicholas Sarkozy and other European leaders are calling for the convening of a global conference to create some global rules of the road -- a Bretton Woods 2.0. ...

What's in a word?  or a phrase? 

On Friday morning, David Cameron said - "In a single phrase, we need to change from irresponsible capitalism and irresponsible Government, to responsible free enterprise and responsible Government." 

In his single phrase, Cameron sticks with the concept of Government, but feels he has to drop capitalism in favour of free enterprise. 

Overall critics have been left confused by a Tory leader who talked about the need for a political truce in the current financial crisis, but dropped it pretty quick. 

The Labour Gov't has focussed on keeping the financial systems working, knowing that in the medium to long term, the system should recover.  

There's a value in avoiding chaos, such as happened in Iceland, where the banks are in receivership or administration, probably  because of their lack of liquidity rather than their assets not backing up the value of their guarantees. 

We get chaos when government action could have tidied the system over the problems, as so far, the British Government's action has demonstrated.

Cameron's Tories would have left us in chaos if in charge.  They would have let Northern Rock crash.  They would have let Bradford & Bingley go. 

They would not have come up with Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling's proposals for buying shares in banks, with the expectation that in the medium to long term, we will get the money back.  An investment against assets that we never hope or expect to have to sell. 

Proposals and actions which even George W Bush has decided to copy.

Real leadership and real partnership at the highest level.  Needed cos only global co-operation and oversight can deliver success in a global age.  

Postscript: comments from Harold Meyerson, Washington Post -

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/17/AR2008101702622.html 

"Amid all the mind-boggling developments of the past two weeks, however, perhaps the greatest is this: government is going global.  ... 

"... it took the collapse of finance to force governments to confront the limits of national power.  Last weekend, the nations of Europe realized that they all had to embrace the identical recapitalization and deposit-insurance plan (devised by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown) to restore confidence in the financial sector.  By so doing, they set a safety standard that the U.S., despite the ideological reluctance of the Bush Administration, was compelled to adopt as well.

" ... Brown, French President Nicholas Sarkozy and other European leaders are calling for the convening of a global conference to create some global rules of the road -- a Bretton Woods 2.0. ...

What's in a word?  or a phrase? 

On Friday morning, David Cameron said - "In a single phrase, we need to change from irresponsible capitalism and irresponsible Government, to responsible free enterprise and responsible Government." 

In his single phrase, Cameron sticks with the concept of Government, but feels he has to drop capitalism in favour of free enterprise. 

Overall critics have been left confused by a Tory leader who talked about the need for a political truce in the current financial crisis, but dropped it pretty quick. 

The Labour Gov't has focussed on keeping the financial systems working, knowing that in the medium to long term, the system should recover.  

There's a value in avoiding chaos, such as happened in Iceland, where the banks are in receivership or administration, probably  because of their lack of liquidity rather than their assets not backing up the value of their guarantees. 

We get chaos when government action could have tidied the system over the problems, as so far, the British Government's action has demonstrated.

Cameron's Tories would have left us in chaos if in charge.  They would have let Northern Rock crash.  They would have let Bradford & Bingley go. 

They would not have come up with Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling's proposals for buying shares in banks, with the expectation that in the medium to long term, we will get the money back.  An investment against assets that we never hope or expect to have to sell. 

Proposals and actions which even George W Bush has decided to copy.

Real leadership and real partnership at the highest level.  Needed cos only global co-operation and oversight can deliver success in a global age.  

Postscript: comments from Harold Meyerson, Washington Post -

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/17/AR2008101702622.html 

"Amid all the mind-boggling developments of the past two weeks, however, perhaps the greatest is this: government is going global.  ... 

"... it took the collapse of finance to force governments to confront the limits of national power.  Last weekend, the nations of Europe realized that they all had to embrace the identical recapitalization and deposit-insurance plan (devised by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown) to restore confidence in the financial sector.  By so doing, they set a safety standard that the U.S., despite the ideological reluctance of the Bush Administration, was compelled to adopt as well.

" ... Brown, French President Nicholas Sarkozy and other European leaders are calling for the convening of a global conference to create some global rules of the road -- a Bretton Woods 2.0. ...

The second of two council meetings for the public in my ward this week.  And something tells me the attendance might have been higher if the meeting hadn’t been advertised as discussing “strategic regeneration frameworks”. 

Oh sure, the public who attended soon got into discussing the issues at stake and making suggestions as to improving neighbourhoods in the future, given we’re planning to do some big projects. 

But all the same, good job there was the nous to allow the public to raise any issue they wish in the first part of the meeting. 

Unlike a meeting held by South Derbyshire Council in Etwall recently where the public walked out when a Councillor chairing the meeting ruled that they weren’t allowed to hear news on an issue that concerned them.  (And even though it was on a matter that might have become the subject of a planning decsion, I'm slightly surprised that a way wasn't found to let information be presented without anyone's discretion being fettered.)

The second of two council meetings for the public in my ward this week.  And something tells me the attendance might have been higher if the meeting hadn’t been advertised as discussing “strategic regeneration frameworks”. 

Oh sure, the public who attended soon got into discussing the issues at stake and making suggestions as to improving neighbourhoods in the future, given we’re planning to do some big projects. 

But all the same, good job there was the nous to allow the public to raise any issue they wish in the first part of the meeting. 

Unlike a meeting held by South Derbyshire Council in Etwall recently where the public walked out when a Councillor chairing the meeting ruled that they weren’t allowed to hear news on an issue that concerned them.  (And even though it was on a matter that might have become the subject of a planning decsion, I'm slightly surprised that a way wasn't found to let information be presented without anyone's discretion being fettered.)

The second of two council meetings for the public in my ward this week.  And something tells me the attendance might have been higher if the meeting hadn’t been advertised as discussing “strategic regeneration frameworks”. 

Oh sure, the public who attended soon got into discussing the issues at stake and making suggestions as to improving neighbourhoods in the future, given we’re planning to do some big projects. 

But all the same, good job there was the nous to allow the public to raise any issue they wish in the first part of the meeting. 

Unlike a meeting held by South Derbyshire Council in Etwall recently where the public walked out when a Councillor chairing the meeting ruled that they weren’t allowed to hear news on an issue that concerned them.  (And even though it was on a matter that might have become the subject of a planning decsion, I'm slightly surprised that a way wasn't found to let information be presented without anyone's discretion being fettered.)

Having enjoyed the TV series “The West Wing”, there was a sense that the programme had been prophetic, culminating with a contest for President between a long-established and regarded Republican, against a non-white Democrat.

And given the series often benefitted from off-the-record tips from politicians, there was to be some expectancy of accuracy.  But the parallel between that contest and the race between McCain and Obama seemed spooky.  Even to the extent of a major crisis (in fiction, a nuclear power station accident; in reality, the credit crunch) changing the nature of the contest.  And a persistent turmoil within the Republicans as to whether to try to reach all, or to just shout out to their base. 

But for some while now, the parallel has been lost. 

McCain has not turned out to be such a shining light for an informed or modern conservatism.

Obama has been leading by a significant margin and many of the states have settled in Obama’s column.   See “Real Clear Politics” which has extensive coverage on the election and a map which is very useful. 

And the television debates – in the TV series, gripping and entertaining, acted out as live with short & pithy exchanges – in reality, have been dull and had little impact, except to affirm and extend Obama’s lead. 

With such a wealth of analysis available, some of the British journalism has been disappointing. 

The latest of these was an almost superstitious analysis in the Guardian that because Obama holds such a significant lead, he’s going to lose. 

And whilst it’s true that a front-runner’s strategy towards the end of the election might be to play safe in a way that courts the loss of momentum or enthusiasm, the superstition extends further to that of the public won’t vote for a non-white and won’t tell the pollsters about their real intentions. 

In fact, the truth about Americans is that they are much more experienced in voting for black representatives than they can be given credit for. 

This has been described by one analyst in an excellent article as “a theory in search of data”.  

Another article in the Guardian gave all kinds of warnings as to how the now notorious Sarah Palin should not attend the start of an ice hockey match.  She attended, but more than coped with the heckling.  Much more interesting to read an article on Sarah Palin’s political past published in the New Republic magazine.

OK, I enjoy the knockabout too, such as John Cleese’s video blog entry. 

And yes, I dearly want Obama to win. 

A couple of years ago, I helped DEFRA by speaking to American Councilmen from the South at a climate change event in Chicago.  The lack of progress or hope, because of the Bush administration, is my lasting memory. 

And yes, it’s not over. 

But for now, the map makes great reading. 

Having enjoyed the TV series “The West Wing”, there was a sense that the programme had been prophetic, culminating with a contest for President between a long-established and regarded Republican, against a non-white Democrat.

And given the series often benefitted from off-the-record tips from politicians, there was to be some expectancy of accuracy.  But the parallel between that contest and the race between McCain and Obama seemed spooky.  Even to the extent of a major crisis (in fiction, a nuclear power station accident; in reality, the credit crunch) changing the nature of the contest.  And a persistent turmoil within the Republicans as to whether to try to reach all, or to just shout out to their base. 

But for some while now, the parallel has been lost. 

McCain has not turned out to be such a shining light for an informed or modern conservatism.

Obama has been leading by a significant margin and many of the states have settled in Obama’s column.   See “Real Clear Politics” which has extensive coverage on the election and a map which is very useful. 

And the television debates – in the TV series, gripping and entertaining, acted out as live with short & pithy exchanges – in reality, have been dull and had little impact, except to affirm and extend Obama’s lead. 

With such a wealth of analysis available, some of the British journalism has been disappointing. 

The latest of these was an almost superstitious analysis in the Guardian that because Obama holds such a significant lead, he’s going to lose. 

And whilst it’s true that a front-runner’s strategy towards the end of the election might be to play safe in a way that courts the loss of momentum or enthusiasm, the superstition extends further to that of the public won’t vote for a non-white and won’t tell the pollsters about their real intentions. 

In fact, the truth about Americans is that they are much more experienced in voting for black representatives than they can be given credit for. 

This has been described by one analyst in an excellent article as “a theory in search of data”.  

Another article in the Guardian gave all kinds of warnings as to how the now notorious Sarah Palin should not attend the start of an ice hockey match.  She attended, but more than coped with the heckling.  Much more interesting to read an article on Sarah Palin’s political past published in the New Republic magazine.

OK, I enjoy the knockabout too, such as John Cleese’s video blog entry. 

And yes, I dearly want Obama to win. 

A couple of years ago, I helped DEFRA by speaking to American Councilmen from the South at a climate change event in Chicago.  The lack of progress or hope, because of the Bush administration, is my lasting memory. 

And yes, it’s not over. 

But for now, the map makes great reading. 

Having enjoyed the TV series “The West Wing”, there was a sense that the programme had been prophetic, culminating with a contest for President between a long-established and regarded Republican, against a non-white Democrat.

And given the series often benefitted from off-the-record tips from politicians, there was to be some expectancy of accuracy.  But the parallel between that contest and the race between McCain and Obama seemed spooky.  Even to the extent of a major crisis (in fiction, a nuclear power station accident; in reality, the credit crunch) changing the nature of the contest.  And a persistent turmoil within the Republicans as to whether to try to reach all, or to just shout out to their base. 

But for some while now, the parallel has been lost. 

McCain has not turned out to be such a shining light for an informed or modern conservatism.

Obama has been leading by a significant margin and many of the states have settled in Obama’s column.   See “Real Clear Politics” which has extensive coverage on the election and a map which is very useful. 

And the television debates – in the TV series, gripping and entertaining, acted out as live with short & pithy exchanges – in reality, have been dull and had little impact, except to affirm and extend Obama’s lead. 

With such a wealth of analysis available, some of the British journalism has been disappointing. 

The latest of these was an almost superstitious analysis in the Guardian that because Obama holds such a significant lead, he’s going to lose. 

And whilst it’s true that a front-runner’s strategy towards the end of the election might be to play safe in a way that courts the loss of momentum or enthusiasm, the superstition extends further to that of the public won’t vote for a non-white and won’t tell the pollsters about their real intentions. 

In fact, the truth about Americans is that they are much more experienced in voting for black representatives than they can be given credit for. 

This has been described by one analyst in an excellent article as “a theory in search of data”.  

Another article in the Guardian gave all kinds of warnings as to how the now notorious Sarah Palin should not attend the start of an ice hockey match.  She attended, but more than coped with the heckling.  Much more interesting to read an article on Sarah Palin’s political past published in the New Republic magazine.

OK, I enjoy the knockabout too, such as John Cleese’s video blog entry. 

And yes, I dearly want Obama to win. 

A couple of years ago, I helped DEFRA by speaking to American Councilmen from the South at a climate change event in Chicago.  The lack of progress or hope, because of the Bush administration, is my lasting memory. 

And yes, it’s not over. 

But for now, the map makes great reading. 

So on the day that the British Government takes a massive public stake in some of our banks, the stock market sees a massive increase in the value of shares.  And a spokesperson for British banks, a former Tory Derbyshire MP, is reduced to pleading for nothing too extreme.   (All on Margaret Thatcher's birthday.)

Mark Todd MP has written extensively and well on the reasons for the current problems and his blog is well worth a visit.  http://www.marktodd.org.uk/ 

There is actually a significant feeling amongst the public that bailing out failed bankers (who were no doubt part of the move for de-regulation in the eighties) is wrong and that they should be hoisted on the petard they raised. 

But the Government’s focus is on avoiding a crash, minimising the damage done now, in the expectation that the financial markets do in time recover what has been lost.  Indeed, it’s expected that the Government will in the long-term make a profit out of the shares it’s bought today.

Dramatic too to see Gordon Brown’s ideas leading the world on the way to avoid a crash.  There was a false start just over a week ago when European leaders agreed one way forward on Sunday, only for Germany to appear to break ranks the following day.  Now there’s greater coherence and an understanding that we both need stronger regulation and that such regulation will only work if a global approach can be agreed. 

Regarding the Icelandic banks, joint action has increased the chances of not losing money through a crash and offers a better way forward for individual savers and British councils & charities who’d placed money there.  Deposits by councils often have to be checked against ratings by credit rating agencies and there is some expectation that they will have to improve their assessments. 

I'd thought that the weirdest of the TV coverage on the Icelandic banks has been the shots of plastic bags full of shopping as people left Iceland.  My Mum lives in Oswestry, and she can tell you - Iceland started in Oswestry.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland_(supermarket) 

However, it transpires that over time, Icelandic business did take a controlling interest in the supermarket chain. 

So on the day that the British Government takes a massive public stake in some of our banks, the stock market sees a massive increase in the value of shares.  And a spokesperson for British banks, a former Tory Derbyshire MP, is reduced to pleading for nothing too extreme.   (All on Margaret Thatcher's birthday.)

Mark Todd MP has written extensively and well on the reasons for the current problems and his blog is well worth a visit.  http://www.marktodd.org.uk/ 

There is actually a significant feeling amongst the public that bailing out failed bankers (who were no doubt part of the move for de-regulation in the eighties) is wrong and that they should be hoisted on the petard they raised. 

But the Government’s focus is on avoiding a crash, minimising the damage done now, in the expectation that the financial markets do in time recover what has been lost.  Indeed, it’s expected that the Government will in the long-term make a profit out of the shares it’s bought today.

Dramatic too to see Gordon Brown’s ideas leading the world on the way to avoid a crash.  There was a false start just over a week ago when European leaders agreed one way forward on Sunday, only for Germany to appear to break ranks the following day.  Now there’s greater coherence and an understanding that we both need stronger regulation and that such regulation will only work if a global approach can be agreed. 

Regarding the Icelandic banks, joint action has increased the chances of not losing money through a crash and offers a better way forward for individual savers and British councils & charities who’d placed money there.  Deposits by councils often have to be checked against ratings by credit rating agencies and there is some expectation that they will have to improve their assessments. 

I'd thought that the weirdest of the TV coverage on the Icelandic banks has been the shots of plastic bags full of shopping as people left Iceland.  My Mum lives in Oswestry, and she can tell you - Iceland started in Oswestry.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland_(supermarket) 

However, it transpires that over time, Icelandic business did take a controlling interest in the supermarket chain. 

So on the day that the British Government takes a massive public stake in some of our banks, the stock market sees a massive increase in the value of shares.  And a spokesperson for British banks, a former Tory Derbyshire MP, is reduced to pleading for nothing too extreme.   (All on Margaret Thatcher's birthday.)

Mark Todd MP has written extensively and well on the reasons for the current problems and his blog is well worth a visit.  http://www.marktodd.org.uk/ 

There is actually a significant feeling amongst the public that bailing out failed bankers (who were no doubt part of the move for de-regulation in the eighties) is wrong and that they should be hoisted on the petard they raised. 

But the Government’s focus is on avoiding a crash, minimising the damage done now, in the expectation that the financial markets do in time recover what has been lost.  Indeed, it’s expected that the Government will in the long-term make a profit out of the shares it’s bought today.

Dramatic too to see Gordon Brown’s ideas leading the world on the way to avoid a crash.  There was a false start just over a week ago when European leaders agreed one way forward on Sunday, only for Germany to appear to break ranks the following day.  Now there’s greater coherence and an understanding that we both need stronger regulation and that such regulation will only work if a global approach can be agreed. 

Regarding the Icelandic banks, joint action has increased the chances of not losing money through a crash and offers a better way forward for individual savers and British councils & charities who’d placed money there.  Deposits by councils often have to be checked against ratings by credit rating agencies and there is some expectation that they will have to improve their assessments. 

I'd thought that the weirdest of the TV coverage on the Icelandic banks has been the shots of plastic bags full of shopping as people left Iceland.  My Mum lives in Oswestry, and she can tell you - Iceland started in Oswestry.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland_(supermarket) 

However, it transpires that over time, Icelandic business did take a controlling interest in the supermarket chain. 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/sep/26/worldcinema.drama 

Beautiful people, living in a beautiful house, leading a beautiful life with beautiful jobs, in a beautiful city.  (“And you may ask yourself – how did I get here?”  Answer - it’s the annual French movie.) 

However, they take on a sister / auntie / sister-in-law with a dark secret (played by Kristin Scott Thomas) and all kinds of tensions are triggered, and then addressed. 

It’s all highly watchable for a good 90 minutes or more, but you begin to wonder how such a rounded, advantaged character could have done something so dark?  And the answer is, it’s just a dramatic device.  (“Same as it ever was.”) 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/sep/26/worldcinema.drama 

Beautiful people, living in a beautiful house, leading a beautiful life with beautiful jobs, in a beautiful city.  (“And you may ask yourself – how did I get here?”  Answer - it’s the annual French movie.) 

However, they take on a sister / auntie / sister-in-law with a dark secret (played by Kristin Scott Thomas) and all kinds of tensions are triggered, and then addressed. 

It’s all highly watchable for a good 90 minutes or more, but you begin to wonder how such a rounded, advantaged character could have done something so dark?  And the answer is, it’s just a dramatic device.  (“Same as it ever was.”) 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/sep/26/worldcinema.drama 

Beautiful people, living in a beautiful house, leading a beautiful life with beautiful jobs, in a beautiful city.  (“And you may ask yourself – how did I get here?”  Answer - it’s the annual French movie.) 

However, they take on a sister / auntie / sister-in-law with a dark secret (played by Kristin Scott Thomas) and all kinds of tensions are triggered, and then addressed. 

It’s all highly watchable for a good 90 minutes or more, but you begin to wonder how such a rounded, advantaged character could have done something so dark?  And the answer is, it’s just a dramatic device.  (“Same as it ever was.”) 

Something strange is going on at Shrewsbury Town Football Club.  Twice, within five matches, they have won 7-0, matching a club record established in the fifties.   If only I had the time to watch them now. 

Something strange is going on at Shrewsbury Town Football Club.  Twice, within five matches, they have won 7-0, matching a club record established in the fifties.   If only I had the time to watch them now. 

Something strange is going on at Shrewsbury Town Football Club.  Twice, within five matches, they have won 7-0, matching a club record established in the fifties.   If only I had the time to watch them now. 

Had hoped to publish an optimistic entry today on progress presented in health services concerning a new provision of day services and procedures following heart attacks.  Something tangible; something real. 

Instead, our concerns remain dominated but what someone once suggested might be the greatest global financial crisis for 60 years.  Today, the markets attacked the value of bank shares and a former head of a bank deigned to say market behaviour is sufficient criticism of Alistair Darling.  It transpires huge values of the companies concerned were lost in part on the basis of rumours.  Something less tangible, less real. 

Now we look forward to the Gov't announcing a new package to help the financial markets.  Keeping the financial systems going is the overriding objective.  But once it's settled down, I hope we can have a new statement of partnership whereby the finance companies acknowledge the degree to which they are reliant on Gov't and that they are prepared to be accountable in a new way. 

Had hoped to publish an optimistic entry today on progress presented in health services concerning a new provision of day services and procedures following heart attacks.  Something tangible; something real. 

Instead, our concerns remain dominated but what someone once suggested might be the greatest global financial crisis for 60 years.  Today, the markets attacked the value of bank shares and a former head of a bank deigned to say market behaviour is sufficient criticism of Alistair Darling.  It transpires huge values of the companies concerned were lost in part on the basis of rumours.  Something less tangible, less real. 

Now we look forward to the Gov't announcing a new package to help the financial markets.  Keeping the financial systems going is the overriding objective.  But once it's settled down, I hope we can have a new statement of partnership whereby the finance companies acknowledge the degree to which they are reliant on Gov't and that they are prepared to be accountable in a new way. 

Had hoped to publish an optimistic entry today on progress presented in health services concerning a new provision of day services and procedures following heart attacks.  Something tangible; something real. 

Instead, our concerns remain dominated but what someone once suggested might be the greatest global financial crisis for 60 years.  Today, the markets attacked the value of bank shares and a former head of a bank deigned to say market behaviour is sufficient criticism of Alistair Darling.  It transpires huge values of the companies concerned were lost in part on the basis of rumours.  Something less tangible, less real. 

Now we look forward to the Gov't announcing a new package to help the financial markets.  Keeping the financial systems going is the overriding objective.  But once it's settled down, I hope we can have a new statement of partnership whereby the finance companies acknowledge the degree to which they are reliant on Gov't and that they are prepared to be accountable in a new way. 

The Committee on Climate Change are recommending 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

(see – http://www.theccc.org.uk/downloads/Interim%20report%20letter%20to%20DECC%20SofS.pdf )

The reasons for the change in the target are -

• greater knowledge of how rising temperatures will reduce the effectiveness of carbon sinks (e.g. methane trapped under the ocean floor);
• better knowledge of the warming effects of gases other than CO2;
• the reduction in the summer Arctic sea ice, and the summer melt of the Greenland ice, has been greater than previously predicted;
• atmospheric pollution has probably masked some of the greenhouse gas warming that would have occurred; and progress is being made to improve air quality; 
• greater understanding of the range of potential climate change impacts, their regional variation and the possibility of abrupt or irreversible changes, suggesting greater damages once temperature increases become significant;
• latest global emission trends are higher because of higher economic growth and a shift towards more carbon intensive sources of energy.

The Prime Minister said in his party conference speech –

"And I am asking the climate change committee to report ...  on the case for, by 2050 not a 60% reduction in our carbon emissions, but an 80% cut - and I want British companies and British workers to seize the opportunity and lead the world in the transformation to a low carbon economy and I believe that we can create in modern green manufacturing and service one million new jobs."

The Committee on Climate Change are recommending 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

(see – http://www.theccc.org.uk/downloads/Interim%20report%20letter%20to%20DECC%20SofS.pdf )

The reasons for the change in the target are -

• greater knowledge of how rising temperatures will reduce the effectiveness of carbon sinks (e.g. methane trapped under the ocean floor);
• better knowledge of the warming effects of gases other than CO2;
• the reduction in the summer Arctic sea ice, and the summer melt of the Greenland ice, has been greater than previously predicted;
• atmospheric pollution has probably masked some of the greenhouse gas warming that would have occurred; and progress is being made to improve air quality; 
• greater understanding of the range of potential climate change impacts, their regional variation and the possibility of abrupt or irreversible changes, suggesting greater damages once temperature increases become significant;
• latest global emission trends are higher because of higher economic growth and a shift towards more carbon intensive sources of energy.

The Prime Minister said in his party conference speech –

"And I am asking the climate change committee to report ...  on the case for, by 2050 not a 60% reduction in our carbon emissions, but an 80% cut - and I want British companies and British workers to seize the opportunity and lead the world in the transformation to a low carbon economy and I believe that we can create in modern green manufacturing and service one million new jobs."

The Committee on Climate Change are recommending 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 

(see – http://www.theccc.org.uk/downloads/Interim%20report%20letter%20to%20DECC%20SofS.pdf )

The reasons for the change in the target are -

• greater knowledge of how rising temperatures will reduce the effectiveness of carbon sinks (e.g. methane trapped under the ocean floor);
• better knowledge of the warming effects of gases other than CO2;
• the reduction in the summer Arctic sea ice, and the summer melt of the Greenland ice, has been greater than previously predicted;
• atmospheric pollution has probably masked some of the greenhouse gas warming that would have occurred; and progress is being made to improve air quality; 
• greater understanding of the range of potential climate change impacts, their regional variation and the possibility of abrupt or irreversible changes, suggesting greater damages once temperature increases become significant;
• latest global emission trends are higher because of higher economic growth and a shift towards more carbon intensive sources of energy.

The Prime Minister said in his party conference speech –

"And I am asking the climate change committee to report ...  on the case for, by 2050 not a 60% reduction in our carbon emissions, but an 80% cut - and I want British companies and British workers to seize the opportunity and lead the world in the transformation to a low carbon economy and I believe that we can create in modern green manufacturing and service one million new jobs."

David Cameron's speech was to set out as a marker for "judgement and responsibility".  It was policy light.  And it turned on the big hitters of the political world - like the President of the Spelling Society. 

I was slightly surprised by the passage on the NHS (see below).  It featured a man's complaint about the circumstances of the recent death of his wife.  The speech portrayed Alan Johnson as bureaucratic and unfeeling.  And reached a crescendo with - "Four ways to make a complaint but not one way for my constituent’s wife to die with dignity. We need to change all that."

Well, of course, the Daily Mirror - who else - has looked into it.  Today's article shows that the speech did not fully or fairly represent the cause of death or Alan Johnson's reply. 

Paul Routledge in Friday's Mirror was even more hard-hitting - “How dare David Cameron play politics with Elizabeth Woods' MRSA tragedy”.  David Cameron, the man with a Conservative clan, boasts about his judgment and character.  Some judgment. Some character. He deliberately gave the impression that one of his constituents died of infectious bug MRSA, when she did not.

Individual cases can legitimately give concerns a shape and form that shows that a remedy is needed.  But individual cases ought to be backed up by a wider analysis that demonstrates judgement.  And it wouldn't be too late for David Cameron to expand on what he meant and what he intends to do as a result.   

Otherwise, the manner in which he has raised Mr Woods' concerns seems undignified. 

-

From Cameron's speech  -

"In August, I got a letter from one of my constituents, John Woods. His wife was taken to hospital.  She caught MRSA and she died. Some of the incidents described are so dreadful, and so degrading, that I can’t read you most of the letter. He says the treatment his wife received “was like something out of a 17th century asylum not a 21st century £90 billion health service.” And then, as his wife’s life was coming to end, he remembers her “sitting on the edge of her bed in distress and saying ‘I never thought it would be like this’.” I sent the letter to Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary.  This was his reply.  “A complaints procedure has been established for the NHS to resolve concerns… “Each hospital and Primary Care Trust has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service to support people who wish to make a complaint…  “There is also an Independent Complaints Advocacy Service…  “If, when Mr Woods has received a response, he remains dissatisfied, it is open to him to approach the Healthcare Commission and seek an independent review of his complaint and local organisation’s response…  “Once the Health Care Commission has investigated the case he can approach the Health Service Ombudsman if he remains dissatisfied….”  A Healthcare Commission. A Health Service Ombudsman. A Patient Advice and Liaison Service. An Independent Complaints Advocacy Service. Four ways to make a complaint but not one way for my constituent’s wife to die with dignity. We need to change all that.  

David Cameron's speech was to set out as a marker for "judgement and responsibility".  It was policy light.  And it turned on the big hitters of the political world - like the President of the Spelling Society. 

I was slightly surprised by the passage on the NHS (see below).  It featured a man's complaint about the circumstances of the recent death of his wife.  The speech portrayed Alan Johnson as bureaucratic and unfeeling.  And reached a crescendo with - "Four ways to make a complaint but not one way for my constituent’s wife to die with dignity. We need to change all that."

Well, of course, the Daily Mirror - who else - has looked into it.  Today's article shows that the speech did not fully or fairly represent the cause of death or Alan Johnson's reply. 

Paul Routledge in Friday's Mirror was even more hard-hitting - “How dare David Cameron play politics with Elizabeth Woods' MRSA tragedy”.  David Cameron, the man with a Conservative clan, boasts about his judgment and character.  Some judgment. Some character. He deliberately gave the impression that one of his constituents died of infectious bug MRSA, when she did not.

Individual cases can legitimately give concerns a shape and form that shows that a remedy is needed.  But individual cases ought to be backed up by a wider analysis that demonstrates judgement.  And it wouldn't be too late for David Cameron to expand on what he meant and what he intends to do as a result.   

Otherwise, the manner in which he has raised Mr Woods' concerns seems undignified. 

-

From Cameron's speech  -

"In August, I got a letter from one of my constituents, John Woods. His wife was taken to hospital.  She caught MRSA and she died. Some of the incidents described are so dreadful, and so degrading, that I can’t read you most of the letter. He says the treatment his wife received “was like something out of a 17th century asylum not a 21st century £90 billion health service.” And then, as his wife’s life was coming to end, he remembers her “sitting on the edge of her bed in distress and saying ‘I never thought it would be like this’.” I sent the letter to Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary.  This was his reply.  “A complaints procedure has been established for the NHS to resolve concerns… “Each hospital and Primary Care Trust has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service to support people who wish to make a complaint…  “There is also an Independent Complaints Advocacy Service…  “If, when Mr Woods has received a response, he remains dissatisfied, it is open to him to approach the Healthcare Commission and seek an independent review of his complaint and local organisation’s response…  “Once the Health Care Commission has investigated the case he can approach the Health Service Ombudsman if he remains dissatisfied….”  A Healthcare Commission. A Health Service Ombudsman. A Patient Advice and Liaison Service. An Independent Complaints Advocacy Service. Four ways to make a complaint but not one way for my constituent’s wife to die with dignity. We need to change all that.  

David Cameron's speech was to set out as a marker for "judgement and responsibility".  It was policy light.  And it turned on the big hitters of the political world - like the President of the Spelling Society. 

I was slightly surprised by the passage on the NHS (see below).  It featured a man's complaint about the circumstances of the recent death of his wife.  The speech portrayed Alan Johnson as bureaucratic and unfeeling.  And reached a crescendo with - "Four ways to make a complaint but not one way for my constituent’s wife to die with dignity. We need to change all that."

Well, of course, the Daily Mirror - who else - has looked into it.  Today's article shows that the speech did not fully or fairly represent the cause of death or Alan Johnson's reply. 

Paul Routledge in Friday's Mirror was even more hard-hitting - “How dare David Cameron play politics with Elizabeth Woods' MRSA tragedy”.  David Cameron, the man with a Conservative clan, boasts about his judgment and character.  Some judgment. Some character. He deliberately gave the impression that one of his constituents died of infectious bug MRSA, when she did not.

Individual cases can legitimately give concerns a shape and form that shows that a remedy is needed.  But individual cases ought to be backed up by a wider analysis that demonstrates judgement.  And it wouldn't be too late for David Cameron to expand on what he meant and what he intends to do as a result.   

Otherwise, the manner in which he has raised Mr Woods' concerns seems undignified. 

-

From Cameron's speech  -

"In August, I got a letter from one of my constituents, John Woods. His wife was taken to hospital.  She caught MRSA and she died. Some of the incidents described are so dreadful, and so degrading, that I can’t read you most of the letter. He says the treatment his wife received “was like something out of a 17th century asylum not a 21st century £90 billion health service.” And then, as his wife’s life was coming to end, he remembers her “sitting on the edge of her bed in distress and saying ‘I never thought it would be like this’.” I sent the letter to Alan Johnson, the Health Secretary.  This was his reply.  “A complaints procedure has been established for the NHS to resolve concerns… “Each hospital and Primary Care Trust has a Patient Advice and Liaison Service to support people who wish to make a complaint…  “There is also an Independent Complaints Advocacy Service…  “If, when Mr Woods has received a response, he remains dissatisfied, it is open to him to approach the Healthcare Commission and seek an independent review of his complaint and local organisation’s response…  “Once the Health Care Commission has investigated the case he can approach the Health Service Ombudsman if he remains dissatisfied….”  A Healthcare Commission. A Health Service Ombudsman. A Patient Advice and Liaison Service. An Independent Complaints Advocacy Service. Four ways to make a complaint but not one way for my constituent’s wife to die with dignity. We need to change all that.  

Met colleagues from the British arm of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, formed after the famous Rio conference on sustainable development. 

The Government is now planning for one million green collar jobs. 

Interesting then to see how the new Department for Energy and tackling Climate Change (announced today as part of the cabinet re-shuffle) will add impetus to develop all the energy-saving and waste re-using technologies that are available. 

Peter Mandelson's return to the cabinet was a surprise, not least for me who'd confidently bet a fiver with a spin doctor about whether he'd ever return.  For years, 2 fivers have been stuck to olive-coloured hessian notice boards in an office, with drawing pins.

And now I'm a fiver light. 

Met colleagues from the British arm of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, formed after the famous Rio conference on sustainable development. 

The Government is now planning for one million green collar jobs. 

Interesting then to see how the new Department for Energy and tackling Climate Change (announced today as part of the cabinet re-shuffle) will add impetus to develop all the energy-saving and waste re-using technologies that are available. 

Peter Mandelson's return to the cabinet was a surprise, not least for me who'd confidently bet a fiver with a spin doctor about whether he'd ever return.  For years, 2 fivers have been stuck to olive-coloured hessian notice boards in an office, with drawing pins.

And now I'm a fiver light. 

Met colleagues from the British arm of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, formed after the famous Rio conference on sustainable development. 

The Government is now planning for one million green collar jobs. 

Interesting then to see how the new Department for Energy and tackling Climate Change (announced today as part of the cabinet re-shuffle) will add impetus to develop all the energy-saving and waste re-using technologies that are available. 

Peter Mandelson's return to the cabinet was a surprise, not least for me who'd confidently bet a fiver with a spin doctor about whether he'd ever return.  For years, 2 fivers have been stuck to olive-coloured hessian notice boards in an office, with drawing pins.

And now I'm a fiver light. 

A pleasure to witness the official opening of "Thistley Place Meadow" in Hatton today. 

Riverbanks are special places and the BBC article tells the full story. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/content/articles/2007/06/06/dove_valley_community_project_feature.shtml 

Pleasing too to see the warm welcome for Mark Todd MP. 

A pleasure to witness the official opening of "Thistley Place Meadow" in Hatton today. 

Riverbanks are special places and the BBC article tells the full story. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/content/articles/2007/06/06/dove_valley_community_project_feature.shtml 

Pleasing too to see the warm welcome for Mark Todd MP. 

A pleasure to witness the official opening of "Thistley Place Meadow" in Hatton today. 

Riverbanks are special places and the BBC article tells the full story. 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/derby/content/articles/2007/06/06/dove_valley_community_project_feature.shtml 

Pleasing too to see the warm welcome for Mark Todd MP. 

David Cameron's "Judgement and character" pitch for power today included a powerful attack on the President of the Spelling Society. 

Get in.  "Judgement and character" all summed up in a political attack on a non-combatant.  Pick on someone your own size! 

Apparently, there are only certain ways words should be spelt.  (Wrong is spelt with a "W".) 

Imagine too, the panic amongst his speech writers. 

  "Are you sure you switched the spell-checker on?" 

  "Is any part of the Word file' language settings set to 'English U.S.?'" 

Still, if we're going to pick on these small matters - I was very unhappy about the following sentence -

  "Do not appeal this ruling." 

Surely this is w-rong. 

Surely the British way of saying it is -

  "Do not appeal AGAINST this ruling." 

I know.  I know.  I should be sitting here making serious criticisms about serious policy announcements. 

But really, how many were there to go at? 

(Or as Ben Elton would have said - "He hasn't bothered, so why should I?") 

And to think, only a few weeks back he was calling for a General Election. 

- 

P.S. Any spelling mistakes are a result of me hacking text in on-line and not yet having time to put it through a spell-checker.

P.P.S.  "We’d have Gordon Brown as Prime Minister – for ever."  Surely, "forever".  

P.P.P.S.  "... the President of the Spelling Society ... said, and I quote, “people should be able to use whichever spelling they prefer.”  He’s the President of the Spelling Society. Well, he’s wrong.  And by the way, that’s spelt with a ‘W.’"  But now I find, my "Geddess & Grisset" dictionary shows judgement can be spelt two ways - judgment and judgement.  I'm gonna see if this President has an e-mail address. 

David Cameron's "Judgement and character" pitch for power today included a powerful attack on the President of the Spelling Society. 

Get in.  "Judgement and character" all summed up in a political attack on a non-combatant.  Pick on someone your own size! 

Apparently, there are only certain ways words should be spelt.  (Wrong is spelt with a "W".) 

Imagine too, the panic amongst his speech writers. 

  "Are you sure you switched the spell-checker on?" 

  "Is any part of the Word file' language settings set to 'English U.S.?'" 

Still, if we're going to pick on these small matters - I was very unhappy about the following sentence -

  "Do not appeal this ruling." 

Surely this is w-rong. 

Surely the British way of saying it is -

  "Do not appeal AGAINST this ruling." 

I know.  I know.  I should be sitting here making serious criticisms about serious policy announcements. 

But really, how many were there to go at? 

(Or as Ben Elton would have said - "He hasn't bothered, so why should I?") 

And to think, only a few weeks back he was calling for a General Election. 

- 

P.S. Any spelling mistakes are a result of me hacking text in on-line and not yet having time to put it through a spell-checker.

P.P.S.  "We’d have Gordon Brown as Prime Minister – for ever."  Surely, "forever".  

P.P.P.S.  "... the President of the Spelling Society ... said, and I quote, “people should be able to use whichever spelling they prefer.”  He’s the President of the Spelling Society. Well, he’s wrong.  And by the way, that’s spelt with a ‘W.’"  But now I find, my "Geddess & Grisset" dictionary shows judgement can be spelt two ways - judgment and judgement.  I'm gonna see if this President has an e-mail address. 

David Cameron's "Judgement and character" pitch for power today included a powerful attack on the President of the Spelling Society. 

Get in.  "Judgement and character" all summed up in a political attack on a non-combatant.  Pick on someone your own size! 

Apparently, there are only certain ways words should be spelt.  (Wrong is spelt with a "W".) 

Imagine too, the panic amongst his speech writers. 

  "Are you sure you switched the spell-checker on?" 

  "Is any part of the Word file' language settings set to 'English U.S.?'" 

Still, if we're going to pick on these small matters - I was very unhappy about the following sentence -

  "Do not appeal this ruling." 

Surely this is w-rong. 

Surely the British way of saying it is -

  "Do not appeal AGAINST this ruling." 

I know.  I know.  I should be sitting here making serious criticisms about serious policy announcements. 

But really, how many were there to go at? 

(Or as Ben Elton would have said - "He hasn't bothered, so why should I?") 

And to think, only a few weeks back he was calling for a General Election. 

- 

P.S. Any spelling mistakes are a result of me hacking text in on-line and not yet having time to put it through a spell-checker.

P.P.S.  "We’d have Gordon Brown as Prime Minister – for ever."  Surely, "forever".  

P.P.P.S.  "... the President of the Spelling Society ... said, and I quote, “people should be able to use whichever spelling they prefer.”  He’s the President of the Spelling Society. Well, he’s wrong.  And by the way, that’s spelt with a ‘W.’"  But now I find, my "Geddess & Grisset" dictionary shows judgement can be spelt two ways - judgment and judgement.  I'm gonna see if this President has an e-mail address. 

Attended the second day of the Freshers Fayre at Derby University to support the founding of a new Labour Society for the students there.  Plenty signed up, so a good day. 

And an important opportunity to remind people of the minimum wages rates and their entitlements, which was kind of understood, and to explain that we were making changes to ensure tips were not counted as part of the minimum wage.  This did trigger a reaction and I even met one young man who'd given up on a restaurant cos he didn't get to keep the tips. 

The rates go up again this month and I estimate around 1,000 people in South Derbyshire will benefit.  

Attended the second day of the Freshers Fayre at Derby University to support the founding of a new Labour Society for the students there.  Plenty signed up, so a good day. 

And an important opportunity to remind people of the minimum wages rates and their entitlements, which was kind of understood, and to explain that we were making changes to ensure tips were not counted as part of the minimum wage.  This did trigger a reaction and I even met one young man who'd given up on a restaurant cos he didn't get to keep the tips. 

The rates go up again this month and I estimate around 1,000 people in South Derbyshire will benefit.  

Attended the second day of the Freshers Fayre at Derby University to support the founding of a new Labour Society for the students there.  Plenty signed up, so a good day. 

And an important opportunity to remind people of the minimum wages rates and their entitlements, which was kind of understood, and to explain that we were making changes to ensure tips were not counted as part of the minimum wage.  This did trigger a reaction and I even met one young man who'd given up on a restaurant cos he didn't get to keep the tips. 

The rates go up again this month and I estimate around 1,000 people in South Derbyshire will benefit.  

Sad news last week.

Jimmy Sirrel, the former Notts County manager, died last week. 

And then Jimmy Ashworth, Managing Director of Nottingham's Theatre Royal and Royal Centre died on Friday, returning from holiday. 

Jimmy Sirrel had to use craft and graft to get County into the top flight in an era when Forest overshadowed everything County did.  I have 2 particular memories of him.   One after a famous opening game win at Aston Villa that gave me an insight to a step by step approach to motivation.  And the other of him playing football with apprentices in the Broadmarsh shopping centre to drum up support for Notts County.   Dedication. 

Jimmy Ashworth drove the Theatre Royal complex through difficult times to bring a new type of success to the centre.  He generated love and support from the staff who worked for him.  So strange that someone involved with so any performers hated speaking in public, and could only bring himself to whisper at events like the civic performance of the annual pantomime.   

Sad news last week.

Jimmy Sirrel, the former Notts County manager, died last week. 

And then Jimmy Ashworth, Managing Director of Nottingham's Theatre Royal and Royal Centre died on Friday, returning from holiday. 

Jimmy Sirrel had to use craft and graft to get County into the top flight in an era when Forest overshadowed everything County did.  I have 2 particular memories of him.   One after a famous opening game win at Aston Villa that gave me an insight to a step by step approach to motivation.  And the other of him playing football with apprentices in the Broadmarsh shopping centre to drum up support for Notts County.   Dedication. 

Jimmy Ashworth drove the Theatre Royal complex through difficult times to bring a new type of success to the centre.  He generated love and support from the staff who worked for him.  So strange that someone involved with so any performers hated speaking in public, and could only bring himself to whisper at events like the civic performance of the annual pantomime.   

Sad news last week.

Jimmy Sirrel, the former Notts County manager, died last week. 

And then Jimmy Ashworth, Managing Director of Nottingham's Theatre Royal and Royal Centre died on Friday, returning from holiday. 

Jimmy Sirrel had to use craft and graft to get County into the top flight in an era when Forest overshadowed everything County did.  I have 2 particular memories of him.   One after a famous opening game win at Aston Villa that gave me an insight to a step by step approach to motivation.  And the other of him playing football with apprentices in the Broadmarsh shopping centre to drum up support for Notts County.   Dedication. 

Jimmy Ashworth drove the Theatre Royal complex through difficult times to bring a new type of success to the centre.  He generated love and support from the staff who worked for him.  So strange that someone involved with so any performers hated speaking in public, and could only bring himself to whisper at events like the civic performance of the annual pantomime.