Myth and mystery on the Stiperstones ridgeThis video from Britannia Unconsidered has a little Shropshire hillporn and rather more folklore. It's Wild Edric and his Hunt that Jenny fears she and Peter are seeing in Malcolm Saville's Seven White Gates - see my recent article on Saville for Lion & Unicorn. (more) |
Perhaps the most pointless question PMs are asked (LDN#215)Liberal Democrat Newswire #215came out last 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, sign up now: Welcome to Lib Dem Newswire #215, which takes a look at when the next general election might take place, the problem with fake number plates, what Lib Dems want to do to the House of Lords, and more. First, though, congratulations to the new Lib Dem councillors since last time – Mac Brown, Julie Calder, Lawrence Gillies and Mary Ryan – along ... (more) |
Wes Streeting is a twerpIt's now six years since we were starting to get over COVID the summer of 2020 brings back so many memories to me. Some of them were incredibly sad: Her Majesty the Queen sitting alone at the funeral of her husband, Prince Philip. People saying goodbye to their loved ones from the other side of a window with a lot without a last chance of a hug or cuddle. Funerals taking place with a maximum of six people permitted to be present. People being extremely lonely in small, confined apartments whilst trying to work from home and teach the kids ... (more) |
David Chadwick set to become next leader of Welsh Lib DemsDavid Chadwick, the MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, has announced his bid to become the next leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats. He has set out plans to rebuild the party around economic growth, enterprise and opportunities for young people, reports the Pembrokeshire Herald. Showing a nice appreciation of the Welsh Liberal Democrats' constitution, the paper says: The 35-year-old ... is the only candidate currently eligible to succeed Ms Dodds, meaning the leadership will not be contested provided he secures the required backing from party members. Under the Welsh Liberal Democrats' internal election rules, leadership candidates must gain ... (more) |
What can republican political thought teach the Liberal Democrats?A politics of power Recent Liberal Democrat proposals for faster GP appointments, better support for rural and coastal schools, and investment in walking and cycling show our commitment to improving public services. These are important ambitions. Yet improving services does not, by itself, challenge the relationships that leave people powerless: an insecure worker dependent on an employer's goodwill, a tenant afraid to challenge a landlord, or a citizen unable to contest decisions made about their care. Liberal Democrats must ask not only whether services are improving, but whether people have the rights, resources and voice to shape their own lives. ... (more) |
Conservative Councillor joins Lib Dems in West BerkshireWest Berkshire Conservative Councillor Paul Dick OBE JP DL has joined the Liberal Democrats. For almost 30 years, Mr Dick was headteacher of Kennet School in Thatcham. At one point he was a "Super Head" and his "top earner" salary was highlighted by the BBC in 2010. He appeared on the BBC's Panorama programme, as noted by the Financial Times. He has been a sitting Justice of the Peace since 1994 and is a Deputy Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire. He has represented Cold Ash and Chieveley ward on West Berkshire Council since 2023. Kennet Radio reports: "I ... (more) |
David Hemmings film of David Bowie concert tour to be seen at lastEmbed from Getty ImagesHere's some good news from the Guardian. David Hemmings' film of David Bowie's 1978 Isolar II tour will be seen next year, thanks to the present-day director Brett Morgen's painstaking remastering of the footage. As the paper explains: Bowie intended for the footage to be released as a concert film that could, according to his associates, play in nontraditional venues such as concert venues in lieu of him touring himself. After the Isolar II tour, Bowie would not tour again until the 1983 Serious Moonlight run. But the always fast-evolving musician soon became busy with other projects: ... (more) |
Lord Shipley's Valedictory speech in fullAs noted last Thursday, Lord Shipley gave his valedictory speech in the House of Lords Local Government debate. Here is his speech in full: My Lords, I thank colleagues from across the House for the privilege of working with them over the last 16 years in this Chamber on Bills, on Select Committees and on the general work of this House. Having reached the age of 80, I have decided that the time has come to have a retirement. I thank all the staff of the House for their advice, efficiency and constant good humour. I thank my own Whips' ... (more) |
How slowness at the Treasury cost taxpayers millionsThe latest edition of my email newsletter about work in Parliament, A Lord's Eye View, is out and you can 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, sign up now: Welcome to my latest update on work in the House of Lords, which this time takes a look at how HM Treasury have been costing us money by moving slowly to agree a simple increase in fees for vehicle manufacturers. Did someone share this with you? If so, sign up here to get ... (more) |
Bournemouth conference dates announced for 2027The dates for our Autumn conference at Bournemouth have been announced as follows: Provisional auditorium timings: Saturday 18 September: 09.00-18.00 (Rally 18.30-19.30) Sunday 19 September: 09.00-18.00 Monday 20 September: 09.00-18.00 Tuesday 21 September: 09.00-15.30 (Leader's speech: 14.20-15.30) The latest conference news is here. (more) |