Starmer makes the ultimate betrayalI was appalled yesterday when I heard that Keir Starmer was standing down from the House of Commons with immediate effect. His act of selfishness strikes a blow against the reputation of every person who stands for election and is successfully elected. When we seek election, we are effectively offering a contract to the people of those that we wish to serve. We agree to look after them for a term of office usually four or five years and in return we ask them to vote for us to help our community and deliver the right services. Of course, it ... (more) |
Tŷ Newydd National Writing Centre's Open Day - 27 September 2026A message from our friends at Canolfan Ysgrifennu Tŷ Newydd. Scroll down for English. Diwrnod Agored Canolfan Ysgrifennu Genedlaethol Tŷ Newydd - Ymunwch â ni! Bydd drysau Canolfan Ysgrifennu Genedlaethol Tŷ Newydd ar agor i'r cyhoedd ar brynhawn Sul 27 Medi rhwng 1.30pm - 5.00pm, fel rhan o raglen Drysau Agored CADW. Bydd y Diwrnod Agored yn rhoi cyfle i ymwelwyr grwydro yr eiddo rhestredig Gradd II* a'i erddi, gan ddysgu am hanes cyfoethog yr adeilad a'i rôl fel canolfan i ysgrifennwyr. Bydd yr awdur a'r cyflwynydd Anni Llŷn yn cynnal gweithdai ysgrifennu creadigol dwyieithog addas i bob oed, o ... (more) |
Going for four in a row in ScotlandAs parliament is back from recess and Scotland's adventure at the World Cup start to feel like a distant memory, what better time to start to look forward towards the election year ahead. Scotland has seen for the last three elections a growth of Liberal voices across all levels. From local councils to Westminster and Holyrood. While we are still celebrating our big wins in May, now the attention is turning towards next May and making it four in a row of gains for the Scottish Liberal Democrats under the leadership team of Alex and Wendy. The results at Holyrood ... (more) |
The Rolling Stones: Paint It BlackThis topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic and is one of those Sixties singles where the sitar, played here by Brian Jones, sounds at home. (more) |
Lib Dems call for action on smart spectacles - some constructive feedbackWhenever a new piece of technology comes out, I always think about how it might be used to assault and abuse women and girls. It's sad that I have to, but that's the world we live in. Air tags – brilliant idea for someone like me for those moments when my husband is not around to use his superpower of Knowing Where I Have Put Things. Not so brilliant if they are used by an abusive partner, or even a stranger – most often a man on a woman – for stalking purposes. At least if you have an app ... (more) |
Rising social care costs for families underlines the urgency of reform and investmentThe Times reports on an analysis by the King's Fund, which found that families are facing a social care "stealth tax" that has cost them up to £12,350 this year. The paper says that under the current system, support is means tested, meaning that only those with capital assets under £23,250 are eligible for the taxpayer-funded service, however, the threshold has been frozen since 2010, meaning that it has lagged significantly behind inflation: Andy Burnham has made social care reform one of his major priorities but previous prime ministers have struggled to fulfil promises to make the system fairer due ... (more) |
1 September 2026 - today's press releases (part 2)McArthur sets out opposition to SNP's food price consultation Rennie responds to CalMac ferry costs rising by £20 million Cole-Hamilton responds to Programme for Government "What happens when the second fire starts?" – Baxter challenges Scottish Government over wildfire readiness McArthur sets out opposition to SNP's food price consultation Responding to the Scottish Government launching a consultation on capping food prices, Scottish Liberal Democrat finance spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said: Farmers are warning that this will push them out of business, while retailers say it could lead to job losses. The SNP love populist policy ideas which sound plausible and ... (more) |
1 September 2026 - today's press releases (part 1)A big day in Scottish politics today, and the day's press releases reflect that... Cole-Hamilton: Programme for government must match Scotland's talent Chou Turvey responds to police officer illness and injury Chou Turvey responds to SNP ministers failing to fund sexual offences court Harley: Swinney must deliver for NHS in programme for government Cole-Hamilton: Programme for government must match Scotland's talent Speaking ahead of John Swinney's Programme for Government, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: The SNP's programmes for government often read like a wish list to Santa that never got posted, leaving us to think of all ... (more) |
Severn Valley Railway sees eight-week trial of commuter trainsFrom BBC News: The Bewdley Express is an eight-week trial taking travellers from Bewdley to Kidderminster on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, where they can change to a Birmingham service. The trial, run by the Severn Valley Railway and West Midlands Railway, is intended to test demand for a regular rail connection between Bewdley and the wider West Midlands network. (more) |
Former Reform UK councillor joins the Lib Dem group on West NorthamptonshireJonathan Harris (left) and Kathryn Shaw. Photo: West Northants Lib Dems NN Journal reports some unexpected news from Northamptonshire: A former Reform UK cabinet member on West Northamptonshire Council has now joined the Liberal Democrat group. Cllr Kathryn Shaw previously stepped down from her role as portfolio holder for children, families and education at the start of 2026. In March, she later quit the Reform UK group completely, becoming an independent. Cllr Shaw told NN Journal: "Over the past eight months, I've had a lot of time to reflect on what matters most to me, both as a councillor and ... (more) |