The Lib Dems have a rare opportunity to make the case for migrationThe Lib Dems have a rare opportunity to make the case for migration Rarely has there been so much space on the political spectrum for the Lib Dems and so little appetite on their behalf to fill it. Ok, that maybe a little harsh: Ed Davey's refusal to attend the banquet with Donald Trump is more than a stunt but by tying it to Gaza alone it has become a tactical weapon with which to outflank Keir Starmer, rather than a wider statement about the threat of authoritarianism and the corruption of democratic norms embodied by the US President. It ... (more) |
Keep calm and carry on urgently re-armingIs our Party facing up better than others to the high cost of the UK re-arming? l have recently seen senior Lib Dems whom I rate highly, saying (in their own words but probably echoing the similar thoughts of many senior Lib Dem colleagues) :- 'We support the aim, demanded by Donald Trump, of spending 3.5% of our GDP on defence, with an additional 1.5% on ancillary spending – but that is as long as we can have until 2035 to achieve this – and as long as we won't be required to reduce spending on the NHS or welfare ... (more) |
Capital punishment: how can we get national government to love London again?[IMG: Shard in the distance taken from the Embankment] In many ways, London represents a triumph of liberalism. London is a city where people from all backgrounds come to make their home. A city of dynamism and enterprise, closely intertwined with the global economy. A city of remarkable history and forward-thinking culture. A city thriving as a cosmopolitan melting pot, with strong communities and individuals free to be themselves. It is for precisely these reasons that certain politicians denigrate the capital, portraying it either as a suspicious, crime-ridden hellhole or an effete hub of snooty, overprivileged elitism. Or sometimes all ... (more) |
The first freedom: Autonomy of the BodyThe First Freedom: Autonomy of the Body If you cannot respect another person's right to do with their body as they please, liberalism has no place for you. Most people who consider themselves liberals will consider a (usually unspoken) list of rights they hold sacred. Freedom of speech is usually the first to come to mind. But what about the others? The right to a fair trial? The right to privacy? The right to own property? While often rarely cited, we passionately believe bodily autonomy is the right that is foundational to all others, thus we, as liberals, have a ... (more) |
Peter Gabriel: Here Comes the FloodPeter Gabriel wrote Here Comes the Flood soon after he left Genesis in 1975, and it appeared on his first solo album. This stripped-down version comes from a 1979 Kate Bush Christmas special. (more) |
Lord Bonkers' Diary: Those two will have to be Dealt WithIf I were Freddie and Fiona, I would be looking to spend less time in Rutland in future: this is starting to sound ominous. At least the old boy got Meadowcroft out of clink. Saturday What a way to start the day! I am summoned to Oakham nick to stand bail for Meadowcroft, who has spent the night in the cells. It transpires that he was arrested in the village yesterday afternoon for carrying a dangerous weapon; this turns out to be the Japanese pruning sickle that Freddie and Fiona gave him the other day. (To be fair to the ... (more) |
Corso Street complex craft group #dundeewestendThere's a craft group at the Corso Street complex which meets every Thursday at 10.30am - all welcome! (more) |
A gamble too farThe Independent reports that speculation about Andy Burnham lining himself to replace Keir Starmer may be premature and a gamble too far for the Labour Party. They say that the Greater Manchester mayor is a former cabinet minister, articulate and charismatic - and would certainly represent a fresh start for this Labour government, but getting him into a position whereby he would be able to challenge for the leadership may be just too difficult: Unfortunately, though, his route back to parliament to enable him to be prime minister represents a massive opportunity for Reform. The fact is that a Labour ... (more) |
Beating Reform and the political quotes that people never said (LDN#201)Liberal Democrat Newswire #201 came out earlier in the week and you can now also read it in full below. But if you'd like to get future editions emailed direct to you as soon as they are published, just sign up now: Welcome to Lib Dem Newswire #201, which includes a special treat for you: a chapter from a great new book on politics by Phil Cowley. Along with a special 25% off offer for you to get your own copy of the full book. Before we get to the main part of this newsletter, congratulations to our councillors newly ... (more) |
Fulham Broadway station and some Stamford Bridge triviaI liked John Rogers' video on Fulham so much that I've gone back there with Jago Hazzard. He sets out the history of Fulham Broadway station on the London Underground. And, in passing, he gives us our Trivial Fact of the Day: the terraces at Stamford Bridge were built using spoil from the excavation of the Piccadilly Line. You can support Jago's videos via his Patreon page. And why not follow his YouTube channel? I know I do. (more) |