New 111 service replaces NHS DirectLiberal Democrat Health Minister Paul Burstow says the new NHS 111 service will benefit patients. The Coalition Government announced the intention to establish NHS 111 in the Health White Paper in July. The new service is being piloted in four areas before being rolled out in 2013. Commenting Liberal Democrat Health Minister, Paul Burstow said: "NHS 111 will build on NHS Direct but will go further providing a much more integrated service for the public. "Unlike NHS Direct NHS 111 will be free to call. Where NHS Direct can only signpost other services NHS 111 will be able to book ... (more) |
Contact Point a load of cobblers-Sefton Labour LeaderHere is tangible evidence that the debate has moved on. At this morning's cabinet meeting we were reviewing capital spending and there was a proposal for a data base for children. To me it sounded uncannily like Contact Point. Officers were quick to claim that wasn't the case. I have asked that there is clarification to a public meeting eg the cabinet member for Children Schools and families so that if necessary we can 'call in' the item and review it. What was interesting was the response of the Labour Leader (who was the cabinet member responsible at the time ... (more) |
Blair Gets His Retaliation in FirstAllies of Gordon Brown have criticized Tony Blair's memoirs as unfair and one sided. Get real guys! They are his memoirs and his slant on things! Their publication comes in the week that Chris Mullins latest set of diaries are serialized on Radio 4. Mullin's diaries are really interesting and very well written. He wrote "A very British Coup" in the 1980's so can turn a phrase and has an eye for a plot. Prime Minister,Churchill excepted, rarely make good diarists. Churchills "My Early Years" is a rip roaring read I would recommend to anyone and has an account of ... (more) |
Better Mid Sussex Advisory GroupI went to the the first meeting of this group took today. The group looks at where Mid Sussex is going after the collapse of the Thornfield project to regenerate the town centres. MSDC officers confirmed that all we have left after the Thornfield experience is the master plans / Special Planning Documentss. There is some interest from developers in picking up part of the plans, but it's early days. The best part of the meeting was a presentation from a director of Solum Regeneration. This is a partnership between Kier Construction and Network Rail. They focus on developments on ... (more) |
William Hague - why should anyone give a monkey's?The stream of speculation, inference and behind-the-hand sniggering about William Hague's personal life shows no sign of abating any time soon. His Special Adviser, Chris Myers, has bowed to the pressure and resigned, and certain sections of the press seem intent on keeping the 'news' cycle rumbling for as long as is humanly possible. To ... (more) |
The Independent View: the Alternative Vote - what about the House of Lords?The debate on whether to replace First Past the Post with AV for elections to the House of Commons certainly seems to be warming up. Both sides are seeking increasing media coverage, bloggers from both sides are debating on the internet, and public interest seems to be growing on the issue. Yet there seems to me one thing missing - an appreciation of the role of the House of Lords, and how it might be reformed. The reason for this is quite important - the House of Commons does not exist in a vacuum. The AS-level course I teach on ... (more) |
Is Blair a very naughty boy?The headline on today's Guardian letters page says, 'Tony Blair was't Labour's messiah'. Was he a very naughty boy, then? I was also surprised to see the self=description of the author. He signed himself as 'Frank Jackson, Political education officer, Harlow Labour Party'. A local party with someone dedicated to political education? It sounds like something out of ... (more) |
A Presidential visit to TorontoWhilst Ros and I were, strictly, on holiday, we were able to find time for a little Party business whilst in Canada. A meeting had been arranged with Liberal Party of Canada President, Alfred Apps, and Senator Al Eggleton, the former Mayor of Toronto, over lunch, and I was intrigued to see what would happen. The lunch (dim sum) was extremely good, and our hosts were keen to find out how things were going following the creation of the Coalition. The politics is a matter of public record, of course, so conversation focused on the nuts and bolts of party ... (more) |
Daniel Radcliffe on Nick Clegg: he still has the magic touchHarry Potter star, actor Daniel Radcliffe, was one of the Lib Dems' star supporters in the lead-up to the election — and it seems he's sticking by Nick Clegg and the party in government, according to the Voice's favourite online political read, ShowbizSpy.com: "I'm a very big fan... I don't agree with everything he says, but of all the party leaders, he was the one I voted for," Daniel said. "I thought he was a great speaker and very charismatic and very statesmanlike. "I'm glad that he is still in a prominent position in British politics because I think he ... (more) |
Lib Dems rise in Total Politics Scottish Blog AwardsTotal Politics has started releasing its lists of Top Blogs. Yesterday it was the turn of the Top 50 Scottish Blogs. I am very grateful to everyone who voted for me because I've risen 3 places to number 4. Tom Harris retains the top spot he's had ever since he started blogging. I like reading him because once you get past the partisan Lib Dem hating exterior, there's a funny Doctor Who fan in there and the blog is nothing if not entertaining. Anna, however, still bruised after her brush with him has set me the challenge of replacing him ... (more) |