After the Crash: Re-inventing the Left in BritainJointly published by Soundings, Social Liberal Forum and Compass, After the Crash is a call to arms for a coalition of ideas and action on the centre left, working together to find common ground for change. It was jointly edited by Richard S. Grayson and Jonathan Rutherford After the Crash (Final) The challenges faced by the country in the next few years require those who share a commitment to equality, democracy and sustainability to form a coalition not of parties but of ideas. It has become clear however that a pre-condition for progressive change in Britain is the removal of ... (more) |
Message to Nick Clegg: spread the pain, don't just cut servicesThe Social Liberal Forum believes Nick Clegg's newly promulgated policy to rely on spending cuts raises serious questions. We believe that this policy has to take into account the following issues: It could require even deeper cuts in areas like affordable housing, schools and universities that are central for either the growth potential of our economy or to social harmony. Tax increases help the stronger in our society absorb more of the pain of deficit reduction. Taxation increases should not only come from individual taxpayers but can be obtained from sectors of the economy like the City of London that ... (more) |
Re-offending costs the UK £10bnThe National Audit Office found that re-offending by criminals cost the UK up to £10bn a year. Short term prison sentences were found not to work as there was little rehabilitation or effort to correct criminals behaviour. The report and views of a former inmate argued for more rehabilitation and robust community sentences. Both proposals ... (more) |
More pressure on TfL for action on Courthill RoadLast week's crash on Lewisham High Street by the Courthill Road junction is reported in this week's South London Press and the Mercury. Following the accident I had a good discussion about what's wrong with that place with the Lewisham reporter John Hugill, who then contacted TfL that told him: we are currently investigating whether we can ... (more) |
By-election results: 11 March 2010 - Tory holds weakeningTwo by-election results just in – both saw a reduction in the Conservative vote and increases in the Liberal Democrat vote: Dacorum BC, Adeyfield West ward: Con 486 (32.8%; -8.6%) Lab 429 (29%; -13.3%) LD Steve Wilson 362 (24.5%; +8.1%) BNP 203 (13.7% +13.7%) Turnout 35.8% Con HOLD Wellingborough BC, Redwell West ward: Con 570 (58.2%; -0.8%) Lab 169 (17.2%; +2.2%) BNP 84 (8.6%; -7.1%) LD Penny Wilkins 72 (7.3%; +3.8%) Eng Dem 62 (6.3%; +6.3%) Green 23 (2.3%; -0.9%) Turnout 37.7% (-5.6%) Con HOLD Last fought: 2008 by-election Thanks to Lloyd Harris and Chris Nelson for providing the results, ... (more) |
International Women's Day at Sussex Coast CollegeOn Sunday I went to check out the new College with the three women in my life and was astounded by the size of the space. So impressed with the diversity of performances – my two year old particularly liked the Indian dancing. It's in the blood after all. Back on Thursday evening for the Star Awards ... (more) |
"I have done nothing dishonest ever"There was one sentence on the news last night that struck me as particularly poignant. "I have done nothing dishonest ever", said Lord Hanningfield. He is one of the four politicians who are pleading not guilty to charges related to their claims for expenses. Now the Crown Prosecution Service has looked at the evidence and decided that there is a case to answer. Whether they are guilty is up to the court, and I am quite willing to wait for that decision. What I can't wait for is an answer to Lord Hanningfield's statement. Is he really saying that he ... (more) |
North ShoreA preview of an exciting development on the Stockton North Shore, by the Infinity Bridge. The first 50 homes have been planned and will go to planning committee soon. A lot of new and interesting concepts, and I particularly liked the roof terraces. Some worries about the management of the open spaces in particular, but points made by coucnillors were listened to. I was disappointed that it... (more) |
Sainsbury's is coming to Stroud Green RoadWoody's is going, Sainsbury's is coming: [IMG: Planning notice for Sainsbury's, Stroud Green Road] (more) |
Tories: Forget about cuts, now it's SPEND! SPEND! SPEND!There's been a very strange sight today. Theresa Villiers has been popping up all over the shop, saying Labour isn't being bold enough with the high speed rail plans. The Tories want it faster and more extensive than Labour. OK. But hang on a minute. The Tory plans would cost anything between £20 billion and £30 billion. So has our Theresa checked this with George Osborne? After all, he's going round promising the mother of all cuts. It's all a bit strange. On the one hand we've got Georgie running round with his axe. On the other, Madame Villers is ... (more) |