Saturday, October 20, 2007
In Parliament this week..
As mentioned below, much of the attention (or at least the press gossip!) was on the LibDem leadership issue. However, I was pleased to be able to make speeches in two debates on themes in which I've had a particular interest: on Wednesday, a debate on road accidents and young drivers; and on Thursday, a debate about the role of the voluntary sector and charities (where I made reference to quite a few local organisations and issues). There was quite a lot of good stuff from a lot of MPs in both these debates, and hints of some welcome government action in both areas.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Ming Campbell quits - who'll be next?
The news tonight of course is the announcement that Menzies Campbell has resigned as LibDem leader. I've always had a lot of respect for him - not just because he is a constituent! - and I suspect there'll be a lot of LibDem supporters who'll be unhappy at the way he too has been effectively driven out by his party. Of course, unlike Charles Kennedy, he wasn't actually given the deadly letter by his colleagues, but the word round Westminster tonight is that Ming quit because he was just fed up with the lack of support from his colleagues. For the so-called 'nice' party, the way that the LibDems deal with their leaders seems best described as like ancient Rome without the blood and gore!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Cycles, solar panels and wind-turbines
A little less busy than I thought I'd be just over a week ago. Some campaigning this weekend, and an opportunity to catch up with casework and the correspondence that came in a big bunch after the postal strike this week (and I hope that the settlement does work out - both for the workers - there's no doubt that feelings were very strong amongst local postal workers - and for postal users). But above all, an opportunity, which I didn't think I'd have, to spend more time with the family; so it was out and about on the North Edinburgh cycle routes with one of my children, taking in a visit to see a film (Ratatouille!) at Ocean Terminal.
And on the way back today, we passed the house of some constituents who I know have been pioneering the use of microgeneration (wind turbine and solar panels), and seeing their wind-turbine turning in the (modest) wind I dropped in on the off-chance to have a look at what they've done. They're a good example of persistence in dealing with bureaucratic obstacles; and they've just had their first bills which show how solar panels seem to be saving 30% or so off their energy bills. The wind-turbine does work, although the pay-back period may be longer than originally envisaged (but it's only been up since May, so they haven't yet had the experience of the winter winds). I hope their example will encourage others! Here's a link to the Changeworks magazine - have a look at page 2.
And on the way back today, we passed the house of some constituents who I know have been pioneering the use of microgeneration (wind turbine and solar panels), and seeing their wind-turbine turning in the (modest) wind I dropped in on the off-chance to have a look at what they've done. They're a good example of persistence in dealing with bureaucratic obstacles; and they've just had their first bills which show how solar panels seem to be saving 30% or so off their energy bills. The wind-turbine does work, although the pay-back period may be longer than originally envisaged (but it's only been up since May, so they haven't yet had the experience of the winter winds). I hope their example will encourage others! Here's a link to the Changeworks magazine - have a look at page 2.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Al Gore Nobel winner
Just seen that Al Gore and the UN Climate Panel have been awarded this year's Nobel peace prize. Excellent news - I think I'll trust the judgment of the Nobel award judges against the critics who've been attacking Inconvenient Truth again this week!
Inconvenient Truth has probably done more than anything to highlight the danger from climate change, and I think the prize is richly merited.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
A week is a long time in politics.....
...is probably the best way of summing up what's been happening over the last week - so it's back to business as normal, or at least as normal as life at Westminster can ever be!
Should there be fixed term elections? The conventional argument in favour is that there ought to be, because it gives the government of the day too much power to choose an election date to suit it; and the conventional wisdom is that no government when in power will actually agree to give up the power to set an election date, precisely because of the advantage that it is supposed to give.
But given what has happened over the last week or so, I wonder if being able to fix an election date is really such an advantage to a sitting government? Looking back over recent decades, Prime Ministers in power don't really seem to have done too well in using this power to their advantage. Gordon Brown did announce before the summer that he was in favour of giving the effective right to dissolve Parliament to Parliament itself, rather than the Prime Minister. This was announced in the government's proposals on the Governance of Britain - so the issue of fixed term elections is bound to come up during the discussions and debates on these proposals over the next few months.
POSTCRIPT: I see Labour's Deputy Leader Harriet Harman has been raising the issue as well.
Should there be fixed term elections? The conventional argument in favour is that there ought to be, because it gives the government of the day too much power to choose an election date to suit it; and the conventional wisdom is that no government when in power will actually agree to give up the power to set an election date, precisely because of the advantage that it is supposed to give.
But given what has happened over the last week or so, I wonder if being able to fix an election date is really such an advantage to a sitting government? Looking back over recent decades, Prime Ministers in power don't really seem to have done too well in using this power to their advantage. Gordon Brown did announce before the summer that he was in favour of giving the effective right to dissolve Parliament to Parliament itself, rather than the Prime Minister. This was announced in the government's proposals on the Governance of Britain - so the issue of fixed term elections is bound to come up during the discussions and debates on these proposals over the next few months.
POSTCRIPT: I see Labour's Deputy Leader Harriet Harman has been raising the issue as well.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Leith docks deadline extended
I've welcomed the extra period of time which the City Council have now allowed for the public to comment or submit objections on the application from Forth Ports for outline planning permission for a massive redevelopment of Leith docks.
The original date for the submission of comments was Friday 12th October, but following a call from myself and others, the date has now been extended until Friday 2nd November.
I am glad that common sense has prevailed and this extension of the closing date agreed to by the Council. The proposed development is massive with significant implications for Leith and the wider area. Unfortunately, it’s not just the development that is massive – so too is the documentation for the planning application which runs to a dozen or so massive volumes, or dozens of electronic files.
As a local elected representative, I want to submit a proper response to these proposals which could have a major influence on the shape of Leith and its community for decades, if not centuries, to come. Along with many local organisations, the limited time originally given for the submission of comments would have made it almost impossible to properly consider, let alone consult other local people, on the plans. I hope that local people and organisations will now take the longer opportunity to comment which the Council has allowed. Mind you, it would have been better if someone in the Council had realised the significance and size of the development from the start of the official planning process, and made their own arrangements for a longer period for comments and objections, rather than waiting for me and others to demand that.
The application can be found online on the City Council’s planning website at http://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/publicaccess/dc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx
(look for application reference 07/03895/OUT)
Objections and comments can also be submitted to the Council online.
The original date for the submission of comments was Friday 12th October, but following a call from myself and others, the date has now been extended until Friday 2nd November.
I am glad that common sense has prevailed and this extension of the closing date agreed to by the Council. The proposed development is massive with significant implications for Leith and the wider area. Unfortunately, it’s not just the development that is massive – so too is the documentation for the planning application which runs to a dozen or so massive volumes, or dozens of electronic files.
As a local elected representative, I want to submit a proper response to these proposals which could have a major influence on the shape of Leith and its community for decades, if not centuries, to come. Along with many local organisations, the limited time originally given for the submission of comments would have made it almost impossible to properly consider, let alone consult other local people, on the plans. I hope that local people and organisations will now take the longer opportunity to comment which the Council has allowed. Mind you, it would have been better if someone in the Council had realised the significance and size of the development from the start of the official planning process, and made their own arrangements for a longer period for comments and objections, rather than waiting for me and others to demand that.
The application can be found online on the City Council’s planning website at http://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk/publicaccess/dc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx
(look for application reference 07/03895/OUT)
Objections and comments can also be submitted to the Council online.
Edinburgh action on Burma
Went to a very well attended meeting last night of individuals and groups who wanted to show solidarity with the people of Burma. I've copied below an email I've received today with details of actions taking place this weekend in Edinburgh to show our concerns.
Have a look also at this blogspot about the link between Forthview Primary School in Pilton and Burmese refugees and migrant workers in Thailand.
ACTION ON BURMA IN EDINBURGH THIS WEEKEND
Dear All
Saturday has been made a global day of action for Burma with protests in 67 cities around the world. Following a meeting at the Peace and Justice Centre tonight we have planned a Candle-lit vigil in solidarity at the Aung San Suu Kyi tree (beneath the floral clock). THIS SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER. 3pm. Please WEAR RED. There will also be a sponsored run on the Meadows in the morning see www.runforburma.org . Please circulate this to all of your contacts, tell the press (press release below) and come along.
Best
Tim
PRESS RELEASE AND PHOTO CALLFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edinburgh Citizens in Solidarity with Burma
PRESS PHOTO CALL
Saturday 6 October, 3pm, West Princes Street Gardens.
Edinburgh citizens are to take part in the Global Day of Action for a Free Burma this Saturday (6 October), alongside protests taking place in 67 cities around the world.
In the morning, a sponsored 5k run will take place on the Meadows, and in the afternoon there will be an eye-catching but solemn candlelit vigil in West Princes Street Gardens. It will take place underneath a tree planted there for democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi when she was awarded the Freedom of the City by Edinburgh Council in 2005.
Those attending the vigil will wear red in solidarity with the thousands of monks and others who remain under arrest and at risk of torture in Burma.
Ko Aung, a Burmese student leader from the 1988 demonstrations said, 'This day of action is to show that this crisis has not gone away. Our friends, families and spiritual leaders are in jail cells today at risk of torture. The UN Security Council must act now to end the crackdown and must keep focused on this crisis until we know the people of Burma are safe. The international community must not desert them now.'
Juliette Daigre, a Burma Campaigner based in Edinburgh, said, 'The public meeting organized on Thursday to plan Edinburgh's response to the situation was packed to the rafters. We want the people of Burma to know that Edinburgh stands with them, and to show the Burmese government that we are watching their every move. We also hope the protests will force the UK Government to do more to demand an end to the military crackdown and get the UN Security Council to act.'
ENDS
Notes
1: For more information, please email ethicalinvestmentedinburgh@googlemail.com or call 07788708673
2: Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the 'Freedom of the City of Edinburgh' in 2005 by the city council.
3: For more information on Burma and the Global Day of Action, please visit www.burmacampaign.org.uk
4: For more information on the sponsored run, please contact www.runforburma.org
5: A petition will be signed and taken to the Chinese Consulate with the following text:
'We call on the Chinese government to pressure the Burmese Government to cease the violent suppression of the pro-democracy protests, release those detained, and guarantee their basic Human Rights. We also ask that the Burmese Government bring to justice those responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians'.
-- www.ethicalinvestmentedinburgh.blogspot.com
Have a look also at this blogspot about the link between Forthview Primary School in Pilton and Burmese refugees and migrant workers in Thailand.
ACTION ON BURMA IN EDINBURGH THIS WEEKEND
Dear All
Saturday has been made a global day of action for Burma with protests in 67 cities around the world. Following a meeting at the Peace and Justice Centre tonight we have planned a Candle-lit vigil in solidarity at the Aung San Suu Kyi tree (beneath the floral clock). THIS SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER. 3pm. Please WEAR RED. There will also be a sponsored run on the Meadows in the morning see www.runforburma.org . Please circulate this to all of your contacts, tell the press (press release below) and come along.
Best
Tim
PRESS RELEASE AND PHOTO CALLFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edinburgh Citizens in Solidarity with Burma
PRESS PHOTO CALL
Saturday 6 October, 3pm, West Princes Street Gardens.
Edinburgh citizens are to take part in the Global Day of Action for a Free Burma this Saturday (6 October), alongside protests taking place in 67 cities around the world.
In the morning, a sponsored 5k run will take place on the Meadows, and in the afternoon there will be an eye-catching but solemn candlelit vigil in West Princes Street Gardens. It will take place underneath a tree planted there for democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi when she was awarded the Freedom of the City by Edinburgh Council in 2005.
Those attending the vigil will wear red in solidarity with the thousands of monks and others who remain under arrest and at risk of torture in Burma.
Ko Aung, a Burmese student leader from the 1988 demonstrations said, 'This day of action is to show that this crisis has not gone away. Our friends, families and spiritual leaders are in jail cells today at risk of torture. The UN Security Council must act now to end the crackdown and must keep focused on this crisis until we know the people of Burma are safe. The international community must not desert them now.'
Juliette Daigre, a Burma Campaigner based in Edinburgh, said, 'The public meeting organized on Thursday to plan Edinburgh's response to the situation was packed to the rafters. We want the people of Burma to know that Edinburgh stands with them, and to show the Burmese government that we are watching their every move. We also hope the protests will force the UK Government to do more to demand an end to the military crackdown and get the UN Security Council to act.'
ENDS
Notes
1: For more information, please email ethicalinvestmentedinburgh@googlemail.com or call 07788708673
2: Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the 'Freedom of the City of Edinburgh' in 2005 by the city council.
3: For more information on Burma and the Global Day of Action, please visit www.burmacampaign.org.uk
4: For more information on the sponsored run, please contact www.runforburma.org
5: A petition will be signed and taken to the Chinese Consulate with the following text:
'We call on the Chinese government to pressure the Burmese Government to cease the violent suppression of the pro-democracy protests, release those detained, and guarantee their basic Human Rights. We also ask that the Burmese Government bring to justice those responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians'.
-- www.ethicalinvestmentedinburgh.blogspot.com
An alternative to Edinburgh Council's cuts and closures
I've written elsewhere in this blog about the cuts and closures introduced by the new LibDem/SNP administration on Edinburgh City Council. As the line being taken by the new ruling groups is that they inherited the problem, I thought it would be useful to put up a couple of links here and here which give the City Council's Labour Group response, and what their alternatives to the present cuts and closures would be. Any views or comments, let me know!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
