A topical video: What constitutes "reasonable force"Another video from barrister-at-law Alan Robertshaw. One interesting point he makes is that the common courtroom assumption that a statement given immediately after an event provides the best evidence is mistaken. I also like his favourite line: "cross-examination does not mean examining someone crossly". And there's a useful tip on how to dress if you're planning a robbery. (more) |
For the JCPCP: Norma Varden, the Norman Yoke, Being Normal and Norman BowlerI've just sent another of my columns off to the The Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, so it's time to publish an earlier one here again. The theme for this issue was "Norma, Norman or Normal". Goodbye Norma Jean. This obviously had to begin with someone called Norma, but Marilyn Monroe didn't make the cut. Instead, I've gone for the English-born piano prodigy turned Hollywood actress Norma Varden, who appeared in both Casablanca and The Sound of Music. In Casablanca she's the wife of the Englishman who has his wallet stolen right at the start of the film. ... (more) |
Another missing Reform candidateIt looks as though Reform in Gateshead are suffering from another missing candidate. In Crawcrook and Greenside ward it was recently reported that Reform's Peter Gray has disappeared from the Reform campaign. Now, another Reform candidate appears to have disappeared.Take a look at the above screenshot of Reform's High Fell Facebook page in which they announce their 3 candidates for the ward (more) |
A tribute to Nina Roberts #LibDemDogI'm sure people in all parties have dogs – but one thing I have learnt is that dogs and animals matter for Liberal Democrats. Animal welfare runs at the very core of much of what we stand for as was illustrated by the campaigns of Adrian Sanders MP, for example. At parliamentary by-elections, so often the vital injection of electoral energy into our party lifeblood, there is often an animal hero at the heart of our campaign, the result and our story-telling. Last night, Nina, beloved dog of Cllr Pete Roberts, and by-election stalwart, crossed the rainbow bridge after 14 ... (more) |
Voted!I am signed up for a postal vote so although polling day is on Thursday 7th May, I've already completed my ballot paper. It will go into the post tomorrow.This is probably the longest ballot paper I've ever had. We have the unusual situation of all seats on Gateshead Council being up for grabs plus there are lots more parties contesting elections. Hence the reason for the ballot paper doing (more) |
Geography: She does well to find her way home - EStamford, Lincolnshire: Nowhere near Newcastle upon Tyne Watch a few TV quiz shows and you will realise there are that two subjects the British public knows nothing about. More than that, they think it's funny if they are expected to know anything about them. Those subjects are British politics and British geography. Kemi Badenoch is bound to know more than most of us about politics - she's heard of Kemi Badenoch, for a start - but she's no better than the rest on geography. Over to John Crace and his Guardian sketch on her series of short interviews today with ... (more) |
Owen Hart deserved better: The Liberal Democrat case for fairness, safety, and dignity in professional wrestlingFor as long as I can remember, I have loved professional wrestling: the pageantry, the storylines, the ability to suspend reality, even for an hour, and immerse myself in the world of powerhouses and body slams. But as I've gotten older, I've begun to appreciate the pressure that professional wrestlers are under to perform, night in and night out. For many people, wrestling is simply "fake", but it's more than that. The family of Owen Hart knows all too well about the human cost of the industry, as do thousands of other families. In 1999, during the WWF pay-per-view "Over ... (more) |
Police watchdog investigates Northamptonshire force over allegations of perverting the course of justiceBBC News has reported the extraordinary story of Nadine Buzzard-Quashie's arrest by Northamptonshire police:Body-worn video of a woman's "degrading" arrest, which police falsely told a court did not exist, has been shared exclusively with the BBC. It shows officers in Northamptonshire throw metal spikes in front of Nadine Buzzard-Quashie's car and force her to the ground after responding to a concern for her welfare, whereupon she says her face was pushed into stinging nettles. The Chief Constable of Northamptonshire, Ivan Balhatchet, was found guilty of contempt of court in November and fined £50,000 for failing to release the body-worn videos ... (more) |
Is it time to reinvent the Big Society?At the heart of British liberalism lies a steadfast commitment to the individual their dignity, their rights, and their potential. We believe that by empowering individuals, we can enable people to lead richer lives while building a stronger, more cohesive society. But liberalism is not simply about individual freedom. It is also about community – the relationships, institutions, and shared responsibilities that bind us together. Indeed, it is the politics of community that has underpinned Liberal Democrat success in places like Sutton, Three Rivers, and Watford, where local leadership has demonstrated the power of collective action electorally. Yet when we ... (more) |
6 ways to judge the Liberal Democrat election results (LDN#209)Liberal Democrat Newswire #209 came out yesterday and you can now also read it in full below. The version below includes a correction, with thanks to the reader who pointed out the error. 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 #209, which is a special edition ahead of the May elections, looking at six key yardsticks for judging the Liberal Democrat election results. Chances are you know others who will enjoy reading such news about the Lib Dems too, so please do ... (more) |