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I’m going to diverge a bit from politics today, partly because it’s Christmas, and partly because I want to rant about this waste of space.
It’s the news I really didn’t want to hear. Michael Schumacher, Formula One’s most successful driver is returning to the grid next year with Mercedes – three years after retiring. (more…)
Thu, December 24 2009 » Other, Sport » No Comments
I really like the old “desk-style” theme I had on this blog, but unfortunately it just doesn’t deal with my needs. I have found that I need a three column style, rather than two.
Over the next few weeks I will be trialling some out. Please let me know what you think.
Alternatively, if anyone can suggest a three column desk-style theme, then please do. I will be most grateful!
Sat, December 19 2009 » Neal Brown » No Comments
As the Copenhagen summit draws to a close, there has been no deal on reducing emissions. No deal on which to base mankind’s future on this planet. (more…)
Sat, December 19 2009 » Environment, UK Politics » No Comments
The New Statesman is reporting that despite the humiliating defeat when trying to prevent the Grauniad from publishing information regarding Trafigura raised in Parliament, lawyers Carter-Ruck are continuing to take legal action against BBC’s Newsnight over an investigation entitled: Dirty Tricks and Toxic Waste in the Ivory Coast. As a result of the libel action, the BBC have removed the video from their website. However, bloggers have been keeping the video in the public domain, and I am happy to help in this regard.
So, to ensure we continue to have a free media, here is the Trafigura investigation:
Tue, December 15 2009 » UK Politics » No Comments
As many people will be aware, I resigned as Liberal Youth’s Vice-Chair: Membership Development on Sunday. I have my reasons, that I need to spend more time with my family, and also my degree. After all, the next six months will shape the rest of my life. (more…)
Tue, December 8 2009 » Executive, Liberal Youth, Neal Brown, VC Membership Development » No Comments
Tonight the BBC showed a fantastic documentary on the Votes at 16 campaign, which I fully support! (If you haven’t seen it, it’s here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00m0sd0/16_Too_Young_to_Vote/) Fronted by Melissa Suffield (Lucy Beale in Eastenders), we saw a well-presented look at the issues regarding the lowering of the voting age.
The main argument is that 16 and 17 year olds accept many responsibilities of citizenship. They can: join the army; pay tax; join the workforce; get married; have a family – et cetera et cetera. Yet, this country refuses them the rewards of citizenship – the vote.
Yes, people will continue to spout the notion that 16 year olds not being mature enough to vote – or that they would not use it. But this is rubbish! Studies have shown that if 16 and 17 year olds had the vote, they would vote in the same proportions as the 18+. As for immaturity, I believe that a large portion of the problems here lie with the lack of respect society reserves for minors. If you give people respect, they will respect you back.
There’s a lot more information here: www.votesat16.org.uk
SPOILER: We see two people’s votes in the programme: both Lib Dem!
Wed, August 5 2009 » Liberal Youth, UK Politics » 1 Comment
Well that’s a week’s worth of stories in the Torygraph that condemn all politicians as conmen – regardless of what they claimed for!
But for every Hazel Blears there are politicians that will go out and genuinely work hard for their constituents, whilst also not exploiting poorly worded rules regarding expenses.
I worry that there are many good politicians out there who are not becoming MPs because they do not want to be seen as crooks.
To the public they are all crooks – they’ve all been tarnished with the same brush!
It’s time the system was cleaned up, so the best people for the job become politicians. People that are not there to make a fast buck!
Will this happen? Probably not. Why would Brown and Cameron change a system that benefits themselves and their friends so much? There will be changes, but they will not go far enough to clean up the stench that engulfs Westminster.
Mon, May 11 2009 » Conservatives, Labour, Lib Dems, MP Expenses, UK Politics » No Comments
Tuesday 31st March saw the end of a very long election campaign for the Liberal Youth executive for the period July 2009-June 2010. The results are listed below with the elected candidates in bold. (more…)
Sun, March 29 2009 » Elections, Executive, Liberal Youth, Neal Brown, Reading Liberal Youth, VC Communications, VC Membership Development » No Comments
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