Recycling. A (hopefully) regular activity that has a none too insignificant impact on the way we dispose of our waste, occasionally influences the products we purchase, and is a cornerstone of ‘greener living’. But what if recycling could also help some of the most vulnerable people in society simultaneously? In many of the most densely-populated mega-cities some of the world’s poorest urban inhabitants collect recyclable materials to aid their livelihoods.
During a meeting of the Associate Parliamentary Sustainable Resource Group this week, a presentation was made by the Manager of the locally-based Appliance Re-use Centre (ARC). ARC is an organisation which takes recycling and converts it into a process with multiple benefits. Having collected unwanted electrical goods and repairing them, ARC then re-sells these products to lower-income families in the local area, a clear second benefit to the process of recycling with important socio-economic connotations. The process of repair is, in part, undertaken by the long-term unemployed. Some are trained to NVQ2 level, while work experience and training is also available for the disabled.
A scheme such as the one ARC operates can be applauded for a variety of reasons. That some of the largest dealers in white goods have, in the past, attempted to charge ARC to take unwanted, used products of their hands is morally reprehensible. That ARC nonetheless continues with its work should be applauded.
Friday 14 December 2007
Thursday 6 December 2007
A legacy of Olympic proportions?
Since the decision was announced in 2005 that London would be the successful candidate to host the 2012 Olympic Games (that’s the Games of the XXX Olympiad to any purists out there), a casual observer will have noticed a steady stream of negative press surrounding the Games. Issues of budget miscalculations on a grand scale, of the legacy that the Games will leave, if British athletes will actually compete for medals, and even the issue of a ‘Mega Mosque’ on a nearby site have all done the rounds. This is to say nothing of the epilepsy-inducing 2012 logo…
Such coverage could even raise the question – were we right to get excited in the first place? Perhaps the money could’ve been spent on something more necessary such as effective training for Junior Officials at HM Revenue and Customs in the do’s and don’ts of posting sensitive data. Are any sporting events in this country merely a distraction while the English football team continue their never-ending rebuilding project?
Such doubts should never be allowed to dominate or over-rule the notion that the Olympic Games are themselves an inspirational institution. Anyone who has ever been to a sporting event can attest to the awe and excitement that can be stirred while a spectator. Similarly, a visit to the IOC Museum in Lausanne can stir a similarly passionate response. Such a motivational force and its potential must not be wasted by Seb Coe and company.
The effect that the 2012 Games could have on British children of all ages, and the sporting aspiration it could instil, would be enormously beneficial for British society as a whole. While increasing the hours the children spend exercising at school is one thing, increasing the hours they actually want to spend exercising is the key. Healthy kids, goes the logic, are happier kids. Consequently, the 2012 Games may indeed leave a legacy of Olympic proportions.
Such coverage could even raise the question – were we right to get excited in the first place? Perhaps the money could’ve been spent on something more necessary such as effective training for Junior Officials at HM Revenue and Customs in the do’s and don’ts of posting sensitive data. Are any sporting events in this country merely a distraction while the English football team continue their never-ending rebuilding project?
Such doubts should never be allowed to dominate or over-rule the notion that the Olympic Games are themselves an inspirational institution. Anyone who has ever been to a sporting event can attest to the awe and excitement that can be stirred while a spectator. Similarly, a visit to the IOC Museum in Lausanne can stir a similarly passionate response. Such a motivational force and its potential must not be wasted by Seb Coe and company.
The effect that the 2012 Games could have on British children of all ages, and the sporting aspiration it could instil, would be enormously beneficial for British society as a whole. While increasing the hours the children spend exercising at school is one thing, increasing the hours they actually want to spend exercising is the key. Healthy kids, goes the logic, are happier kids. Consequently, the 2012 Games may indeed leave a legacy of Olympic proportions.
Tuesday 4 December 2007
A long way North
At the end of last week we ran some focus groups for a client in Newcastle – and believe me, it’s a long way North. We got on the 12.30 from Kings Cross, and from the moment we boarded the train it was like stepping back into the 1970’s. The interior of the train was beige, the trolley cart bounced from seat to seat as the nice lady struggled to wheel it up the carriage. But aside from the 70’s décor and the risk of losing the odd finger as the cart juddered by, it was a really easy journey to the beautiful city of Newcastle.
In talking to some of locals their pride in the city really shone through. We were told tales of great shopping opportunities with the flagship Fennicks store being a ‘miss it, miss out’ destination. We were treated like alien beings when we confessed to being from London…but once we had passed the visual examination to confirm we were not, in fact, from Mars, conversation resumed as normal.
Imagine our surprise then, when we saw hundreds of people in a queue in the cold and dark of a November evening. After a few minutes one woman made her way up and down the long line of workers….it was obviously pay-day, and she was the wages clerk, giving cash to each and every worker. This is one of the main cities of the North.
It was then that the culture gap really began to sink in…and it’s felt both ways. One of the key outcomes from the focus group – England doesn’t end at Leeds! There’s much more of England to engage with. This was reinforced the next morning when listening to the Today Programme – where the party funding row seemed remote to the point of irrelevance. It neither touches nor interests many of the people we spoke to. The challenge for us, as politicos and communicators, is to make the issues and opportunities at Westminster relevant to the whole nation, not merely the London chattering classes.
In talking to some of locals their pride in the city really shone through. We were told tales of great shopping opportunities with the flagship Fennicks store being a ‘miss it, miss out’ destination. We were treated like alien beings when we confessed to being from London…but once we had passed the visual examination to confirm we were not, in fact, from Mars, conversation resumed as normal.
Imagine our surprise then, when we saw hundreds of people in a queue in the cold and dark of a November evening. After a few minutes one woman made her way up and down the long line of workers….it was obviously pay-day, and she was the wages clerk, giving cash to each and every worker. This is one of the main cities of the North.
It was then that the culture gap really began to sink in…and it’s felt both ways. One of the key outcomes from the focus group – England doesn’t end at Leeds! There’s much more of England to engage with. This was reinforced the next morning when listening to the Today Programme – where the party funding row seemed remote to the point of irrelevance. It neither touches nor interests many of the people we spoke to. The challenge for us, as politicos and communicators, is to make the issues and opportunities at Westminster relevant to the whole nation, not merely the London chattering classes.
Monday 3 December 2007
The Journal of Unlikely Science
For some bitesize chunks of science, you should check out Null Hypothesis, the Journal of Unlikely Science. But I am reserving judgement as to how 'scientific' it actually is. I don't think that all science needs to be made funny or faintly ridiculous to be engaging.
For example, one section is about little known and unusual science journals - the most recently featured is the Electronic Journal of Combinatorics. It describes the logo and the impressiveness of the formulae, but unfortunately give no clue as to what combinatorics actually are.
The site is also full of random useful facts - did you know that an average olive tree can live up to 1500 years, and make over 10,000 olives. So you can see the site is useful for trivia at dinner parties, but beware if anyone asks you about more of the detail. However, as a light hearted look at the quirky side of science, it is definitely worth a look.
The news section is probably the more useful part of the site. A recent story describes a solution to global carbon emissions which involves transforming carbon dioxide into bicarbonate of soda. An American firm claims it can capture 90 percent of the CO2 emitted from a coal-burning power station and turn it into the harmless baking ingredient. Bicarbonate can also be used for cleaning products, and if there is too much, it can simply be buried in mines. But I would like to hear more about this claim, before I decide that cake is the way of the future.
For example, one section is about little known and unusual science journals - the most recently featured is the Electronic Journal of Combinatorics. It describes the logo and the impressiveness of the formulae, but unfortunately give no clue as to what combinatorics actually are.
The site is also full of random useful facts - did you know that an average olive tree can live up to 1500 years, and make over 10,000 olives. So you can see the site is useful for trivia at dinner parties, but beware if anyone asks you about more of the detail. However, as a light hearted look at the quirky side of science, it is definitely worth a look.
The news section is probably the more useful part of the site. A recent story describes a solution to global carbon emissions which involves transforming carbon dioxide into bicarbonate of soda. An American firm claims it can capture 90 percent of the CO2 emitted from a coal-burning power station and turn it into the harmless baking ingredient. Bicarbonate can also be used for cleaning products, and if there is too much, it can simply be buried in mines. But I would like to hear more about this claim, before I decide that cake is the way of the future.
Monday 26 November 2007
The Green List
A green supplement in the Guardian recently, The Green List, gave an interesting round up of global environmental developments this year. I thought it would be good to talk about this now, as we near the end of the year, to see how much more needs to be done in 2008.
Here are some of the highlights. In March, the UK Government published its draft climate change bill. In June, the G8 summit was hosted by Germany. The US finally agreed to "seriously consider" a 50 % cut in carbon emissions by 2050, but with the caveat that their involvement relies on India and China also joining the party. In July, the House of Commons, environmental audit report for 2006-07 said that the UK 2050 target is incoherent, as a cut in UK carbon emissions by 60% by 2050 is unlikely to achieve the Governments other goal, of limiting global warming to a rise of 2C. In August, the Government awarded more than £1million to projects approved by the carbon trust. At the Labour Party Conference in September, Brown said that Britain will become the first country in the world to write binding limits on carbon emissions into law. In October, Al Gore and the IPCC shared a Nobel Peace Prize. And in December, the UN Climate Change Conference will be hosted by the Government of Indonesia in the island of Bali.
What is clear in all of the legislation and discussions this year, is that although progress is being made, it needs to be done more quickly and more radically - because unfortunately the risks poised by global climate change itself, will not wait for all the bureaucracy to be straightened out.
Here are some of the highlights. In March, the UK Government published its draft climate change bill. In June, the G8 summit was hosted by Germany. The US finally agreed to "seriously consider" a 50 % cut in carbon emissions by 2050, but with the caveat that their involvement relies on India and China also joining the party. In July, the House of Commons, environmental audit report for 2006-07 said that the UK 2050 target is incoherent, as a cut in UK carbon emissions by 60% by 2050 is unlikely to achieve the Governments other goal, of limiting global warming to a rise of 2C. In August, the Government awarded more than £1million to projects approved by the carbon trust. At the Labour Party Conference in September, Brown said that Britain will become the first country in the world to write binding limits on carbon emissions into law. In October, Al Gore and the IPCC shared a Nobel Peace Prize. And in December, the UN Climate Change Conference will be hosted by the Government of Indonesia in the island of Bali.
What is clear in all of the legislation and discussions this year, is that although progress is being made, it needs to be done more quickly and more radically - because unfortunately the risks poised by global climate change itself, will not wait for all the bureaucracy to be straightened out.
Monday 19 November 2007
Brown's First Environment Speech
Today Brown gave his first major environmental speech since he became Prime Minister See here for more info
A major announcement was that the independent climate change committee (established in the Climate Change Bill published earlier this month) will be asked to consider new evidence suggesting that developed countries need to aim for an 80% cut in carbon emissions by 2050. The ambitious targets seem to be pushing the nation to the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change. A very welcome part of the speech was that Brown would encourage allies such as the US to make similar pledges (although we wait with bated breath to see what actually happens). He said any successor pact to the Kyoto Protocol must pledge to hold the rise in global average temperatures to no more than 2 C.
Brown said tackling the problem would require a "fourth technological revolution" on the scale of the development of the steam engine, the combustion engine or the microprocessor. He said: "The climate change crisis is the product of many generations, but overcoming it must be the great project of this generation." He said up to one million British people could be employed in the environmental industries in the next two decades.
But the important question is what would the Government actually do to achieve this revolution? Here are a few points that he spoke about:
Brown said the government hoped to build in Britain one of the world's first carbon capture facilities — a process that involves collecting carbon dioxide and pumping it in liquid form into porous rock layers underground, where it cannot contribute to warming the atmosphere.
On a smaller scale, Brown was convinced that the UK could eliminate free carrier bags - or "single-use disposable bags".
A major announcement was that the independent climate change committee (established in the Climate Change Bill published earlier this month) will be asked to consider new evidence suggesting that developed countries need to aim for an 80% cut in carbon emissions by 2050. The ambitious targets seem to be pushing the nation to the forefront of global efforts to tackle climate change. A very welcome part of the speech was that Brown would encourage allies such as the US to make similar pledges (although we wait with bated breath to see what actually happens). He said any successor pact to the Kyoto Protocol must pledge to hold the rise in global average temperatures to no more than 2 C.
Brown said tackling the problem would require a "fourth technological revolution" on the scale of the development of the steam engine, the combustion engine or the microprocessor. He said: "The climate change crisis is the product of many generations, but overcoming it must be the great project of this generation." He said up to one million British people could be employed in the environmental industries in the next two decades.
But the important question is what would the Government actually do to achieve this revolution? Here are a few points that he spoke about:
Brown said the government hoped to build in Britain one of the world's first carbon capture facilities — a process that involves collecting carbon dioxide and pumping it in liquid form into porous rock layers underground, where it cannot contribute to warming the atmosphere.
On a smaller scale, Brown was convinced that the UK could eliminate free carrier bags - or "single-use disposable bags".
Friday 16 November 2007
Decade of Sport
It was interesting to hear James Purnell's ambitious vision for sport outlined in his speech to a Progress seminar this week. He was clear that the argument about the power of sport to deliver against Health, Education and Home Office objectives is well recognised.
I hope so - because from what we're hearing all is still to play for in the allocation of priorities for the current CSR round. There are testimonies after testimonies of how sport, and good role models - coaches, teachers, personal trainers etc have transformed the lives, and life chances of millions of people.
So, if the Secretary of State is right, perhaps the power of the Department of Health's budget could, in part, be re-focused towards sports participation, and the ensuing requirement for qualified coaches, and the DCSF's towards meeting the 5 hour promise for our kids. Who knows, maybe even the Home Office could prioritise team sports - especially in the high-risk, hard to reach population - because surely - every kid needs a chance and a role model.
It's not all about money - but if we are to get the participation agenda right - as we promised in the 2012 bid - getting the nation active will require significant central funding. It will probably need to be allocated locally, but it will require money from central Government. The Secretary of State is right - this could be the decade of sport - where the UK does achieve his vision of world class excellence in participation and performance. But this will not happen by accident - it will require deliberate investment and strategic oversight. And that's the real challenge for the SofS - will he provide the leadership, focus and energy that sport and the nation needs?
I hope so - because from what we're hearing all is still to play for in the allocation of priorities for the current CSR round. There are testimonies after testimonies of how sport, and good role models - coaches, teachers, personal trainers etc have transformed the lives, and life chances of millions of people.
So, if the Secretary of State is right, perhaps the power of the Department of Health's budget could, in part, be re-focused towards sports participation, and the ensuing requirement for qualified coaches, and the DCSF's towards meeting the 5 hour promise for our kids. Who knows, maybe even the Home Office could prioritise team sports - especially in the high-risk, hard to reach population - because surely - every kid needs a chance and a role model.
It's not all about money - but if we are to get the participation agenda right - as we promised in the 2012 bid - getting the nation active will require significant central funding. It will probably need to be allocated locally, but it will require money from central Government. The Secretary of State is right - this could be the decade of sport - where the UK does achieve his vision of world class excellence in participation and performance. But this will not happen by accident - it will require deliberate investment and strategic oversight. And that's the real challenge for the SofS - will he provide the leadership, focus and energy that sport and the nation needs?
Tuesday 6 November 2007
Minister for Fun
Rt Hon James Purnell MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, gave a Keynote address at the Progress Annual Conference this Saturday. He was introduced as the Minister for Fun, which I suppose makes sense, as he described his most recent duties had including attending the World Cup and visiting the theatre! Seriously though, Culture, Media and Sport is a really important for the health and well being of the nation, and so it was interesting to hear what he had to say.
He said that the way to win the next election would be by making progress, with the power tranferred, wherever possible, to the people. He said we need to personalise the public services, and that cannot be done centrally.
James was asked a number of questions following his speech. One of the questions was based on the media accusation that Brown is more socially conservative (small c!) than Blair with regards to issues such as booze, gambling and the internet. James took the middle ground in his response, saying that there is always a balance to be struck between freedom and responsibilty. Another question was from a representative from Labourhome.org. He asked how James proposes to really let people become engaged with politics through new media. James said that new media is changing the way politics works. James made a really pertinent point about how new media needs to be used for effective communications and not just to show (or pretend) that politicans are leading edge.
He said that the way to win the next election would be by making progress, with the power tranferred, wherever possible, to the people. He said we need to personalise the public services, and that cannot be done centrally.
James was asked a number of questions following his speech. One of the questions was based on the media accusation that Brown is more socially conservative (small c!) than Blair with regards to issues such as booze, gambling and the internet. James took the middle ground in his response, saying that there is always a balance to be struck between freedom and responsibilty. Another question was from a representative from Labourhome.org. He asked how James proposes to really let people become engaged with politics through new media. James said that new media is changing the way politics works. James made a really pertinent point about how new media needs to be used for effective communications and not just to show (or pretend) that politicans are leading edge.
Capturing that elusive successful green agenda
Every political party at the moment seems to be looking at environment as a way to consolidate their position for the next general election, and Labour is no exception. I attended an environment seminar at the Progress Annual Conference, and some very controversial issues were discussed.
The first point to note is that, of the 30 or so people at the seminar, almost all of them were men (as were the 3 panellists, and chair), interesting as I wouldn't have considered this as a particularly male dominated area. But I suppose that calls for a whole other blog entry!
The first panellist to speak was Paul Flatters, Managing Director of Opinion Leader, a polling organisation. He has been researching the public mood on green issues for over 20 years. Surprisingly, he said there is a strong argument that green issues will not have a big impact on the next election (as opposed to 56% of those polled who think that crime will shape their voting behaviour). He said that an impact on voting is more likely in a negative way - a lot of anti climate change proposals are vote losers. He thinks that the main way environment will be important is in its repositioning of the Conservatives, as it can be used as a way to make voting Conservative more credible again, and seen as more outward looking. It is interesting then, that even with the Conservative's big push on envionmental issues, Labour and Conservatives are pretty equal in the polls on this issue - it is the Liberal Democrats who are considered to have the best environmental policies.
Martyn Williams, from Friend of the Earth, said that it is not just down to Cameron that Labour has lost the lead on environmental issues, he thinks Labour are just not performing well enough. He thinks it is important to focus on the fact that we can cut greenhouse gas emissions by spending government money, not just taxing, for example by providing people with grants to insulate their homes. Where Cameron has been successful with environmental issues, it is important to note that many Conservative councils are opposing wind farms, which obviously slightly diffuses the message.
Phil Woolas MP, Minister for (or against!) Climate Change, said that we have to create more of an understanding about the economics of climate change. He spoke of how the UK is leading the global debate in the area, and will be one of the few countries in the world that meets their Kyoto target.
A conclusion from the debate was that there needs to be some upside about environmental changes, it can't just be about stopping people doing things, after all it would be very difficult to win an election that way.
The first point to note is that, of the 30 or so people at the seminar, almost all of them were men (as were the 3 panellists, and chair), interesting as I wouldn't have considered this as a particularly male dominated area. But I suppose that calls for a whole other blog entry!
The first panellist to speak was Paul Flatters, Managing Director of Opinion Leader, a polling organisation. He has been researching the public mood on green issues for over 20 years. Surprisingly, he said there is a strong argument that green issues will not have a big impact on the next election (as opposed to 56% of those polled who think that crime will shape their voting behaviour). He said that an impact on voting is more likely in a negative way - a lot of anti climate change proposals are vote losers. He thinks that the main way environment will be important is in its repositioning of the Conservatives, as it can be used as a way to make voting Conservative more credible again, and seen as more outward looking. It is interesting then, that even with the Conservative's big push on envionmental issues, Labour and Conservatives are pretty equal in the polls on this issue - it is the Liberal Democrats who are considered to have the best environmental policies.
Martyn Williams, from Friend of the Earth, said that it is not just down to Cameron that Labour has lost the lead on environmental issues, he thinks Labour are just not performing well enough. He thinks it is important to focus on the fact that we can cut greenhouse gas emissions by spending government money, not just taxing, for example by providing people with grants to insulate their homes. Where Cameron has been successful with environmental issues, it is important to note that many Conservative councils are opposing wind farms, which obviously slightly diffuses the message.
Phil Woolas MP, Minister for (or against!) Climate Change, said that we have to create more of an understanding about the economics of climate change. He spoke of how the UK is leading the global debate in the area, and will be one of the few countries in the world that meets their Kyoto target.
A conclusion from the debate was that there needs to be some upside about environmental changes, it can't just be about stopping people doing things, after all it would be very difficult to win an election that way.
Ed Balls MP - Keynote Speech at Progress Annual Conference
On Saturday, I attended the Progress Annual Conference. Progress 'seek to promote open debate and discussion of progressive ideas and policies.' The overall subject of the conference was 'Towards the General Election: How can Labour win?'
The first speech of the day was by Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families.
His speech covered the NHS, reiterating the idea of a clear remit not just to treat ill health, but to prevent it. He spoke of an NHS that is more personalised and more focussed on the needs of individuals.
Of education, he had both good news and bad news. There were the best ever results at KS2, GCSE, A-Level this year, but the UK is still one of the lowest developed countries for children staying on post 16. Part of his solutions was that for 14-19 year olds, we need to break out of vocational qualifications being seen as second to academic qualifications.
One of the questions he was asked was a concern about whether the break of up of the previous Department for Education and Skills, had led to a weakening of education policy. He responded that we now actually have 2 education secretaries - John Denham for Adult Skills and Universities, and Ed Balls for education up to 19.
The first speech of the day was by Rt Hon Ed Balls MP, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families.
His speech covered the NHS, reiterating the idea of a clear remit not just to treat ill health, but to prevent it. He spoke of an NHS that is more personalised and more focussed on the needs of individuals.
Of education, he had both good news and bad news. There were the best ever results at KS2, GCSE, A-Level this year, but the UK is still one of the lowest developed countries for children staying on post 16. Part of his solutions was that for 14-19 year olds, we need to break out of vocational qualifications being seen as second to academic qualifications.
One of the questions he was asked was a concern about whether the break of up of the previous Department for Education and Skills, had led to a weakening of education policy. He responded that we now actually have 2 education secretaries - John Denham for Adult Skills and Universities, and Ed Balls for education up to 19.
Thursday 1 November 2007
Motivation
Gordon's right, you can't educate those you can't motivate. Interesting then to see Gordon explicit in his support for the Independent Schools Sector. Not necessarily a natural area for Labour, it's good to see support from the Front Bench.
What then of the motivations of those who seek to dismantle the independent school sector?
Why would you want to eradicate world class education from the UK? Clearly, not everyone is independently educated - I wasn't - but I don't begrudge those (like my brother) who were.
Surely the key is to find to right school for every child - and that will differ from family to family. By ruling out options and choices on principle we risk sacrificing our children's education to an out-dated and in my view erroneous point of view.
What could be the motivation for that?
What then of the motivations of those who seek to dismantle the independent school sector?
Why would you want to eradicate world class education from the UK? Clearly, not everyone is independently educated - I wasn't - but I don't begrudge those (like my brother) who were.
Surely the key is to find to right school for every child - and that will differ from family to family. By ruling out options and choices on principle we risk sacrificing our children's education to an out-dated and in my view erroneous point of view.
What could be the motivation for that?
Wednesday 31 October 2007
Talking Politics
Buried as item 5 or 6 on yesterday’s news was the story about the collapse of talks on the future of party funding. Stemming from the cash for honours scandal and the ever increasing costs of electioneering, the talks were designed to increase transparency and accountability. Both great virtues, both lacking from the public perception of politics.
It is a real shame that the parties have (again) put short-term gain before the public interest, and the talks have collapsed. How refreshing would it have been to have had a good news political story where transparency and accountability triumphed over party political interest. All the parties are now spinning their way out of the problem, and the blame game has begun.
Whatever the truth about whose responsibility the break-down in communications was, the victim is democracy, and the costs - financial and democratic - will be borne by the electorate. Whether they know it, or indeed care, is a whole other issue.
It is a real shame that the parties have (again) put short-term gain before the public interest, and the talks have collapsed. How refreshing would it have been to have had a good news political story where transparency and accountability triumphed over party political interest. All the parties are now spinning their way out of the problem, and the blame game has begun.
Whatever the truth about whose responsibility the break-down in communications was, the victim is democracy, and the costs - financial and democratic - will be borne by the electorate. Whether they know it, or indeed care, is a whole other issue.
Education, Education, Education
Gordon Brown delivered a speech on education today, at Greenwich university. Brown said that 670 schools in England were failing to provide an acceptable level of education. One in five secondary schools will be closed or taken over unless examination results improve. This could involve transforming the schools into privately sponsored academies. Brown also urged parents to take a bigger role in their children's school lives.
It is interesting that this speech comes at a time when indpendent schools are also coming under the spotlight for their charity status.
It is interesting that this speech comes at a time when indpendent schools are also coming under the spotlight for their charity status.
Thursday 25 October 2007
Lib Dems Leadership Race
So it is time to say goodbye to Sir Menzies Campbell as leader of the Liberal Democrats. Menzies said questions about his leadership were "getting in the way of further progress by the party". This has raised questions as to how much pressure, if any, he was put under to resign. Since he became leader Sir Menzies, 66, has repeatedly had to defend himself against accusations that he was too old to lead the party.
Simon Hughes said the party owed Sir Menzies "a huge debt of gratitude". Gordon Brown paid tribute to Sir Menzies as a "man of great stature and integrity who has served his party and country with distinction". David Cameron said he was a "fine public servant".
The important thing for the Lib Dems now is to look the future, and the new leader they will elect. Mr Hughes, who has twice stood for the leadership, will not stand again. 2 confirmed candidates are environment spokesman Chris Huhne and bookies' favourite, home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg. Mr Huhne, who was runner up to Sir Menzies in last year's leadership election, said he had decided to run after consulting friends and family. Huhne said that he would be campaigning for a "fairer, greener society where we put people in charge''.
Nick Clegg has promised to bring "ambition, verve and self-confidence" to the party. He said third place in the next general election would be "not good enough". He has called for a national anti-terror police force and annual government targets on carbon emissions.
Birmingham Yardley MP John Hemming is also considering a run as a potential "dark horse'' candidate.
Nominations for Lib Dem leader close on 31 October, with ballot papers being sent to the party's 68,000 members on 21 November. The result will be announced during the week starting on 17 December.
Sir Menzies Campbell resigned after only 19 months in the job. It is clear that the party need to think very carefully about who they appoint as their next leader, we will let you know what we think as the race continues!
Simon Hughes said the party owed Sir Menzies "a huge debt of gratitude". Gordon Brown paid tribute to Sir Menzies as a "man of great stature and integrity who has served his party and country with distinction". David Cameron said he was a "fine public servant".
The important thing for the Lib Dems now is to look the future, and the new leader they will elect. Mr Hughes, who has twice stood for the leadership, will not stand again. 2 confirmed candidates are environment spokesman Chris Huhne and bookies' favourite, home affairs spokesman Nick Clegg. Mr Huhne, who was runner up to Sir Menzies in last year's leadership election, said he had decided to run after consulting friends and family. Huhne said that he would be campaigning for a "fairer, greener society where we put people in charge''.
Nick Clegg has promised to bring "ambition, verve and self-confidence" to the party. He said third place in the next general election would be "not good enough". He has called for a national anti-terror police force and annual government targets on carbon emissions.
Birmingham Yardley MP John Hemming is also considering a run as a potential "dark horse'' candidate.
Nominations for Lib Dem leader close on 31 October, with ballot papers being sent to the party's 68,000 members on 21 November. The result will be announced during the week starting on 17 December.
Sir Menzies Campbell resigned after only 19 months in the job. It is clear that the party need to think very carefully about who they appoint as their next leader, we will let you know what we think as the race continues!
Monday 22 October 2007
Ofcom Discussions
In the Ofcom Annual Lecture, delivered last week, Ofcom Chief Executive Ed Richards said: “In terms of the DDR [Digital Dividend Review], we have yet to reach a conclusion, although, to date, we have not been persuaded of the argument that the best way to maximise the social and economic benefit of the released spectrum is simply to gift some or all of the released spectrum to broadcasters.”
Richards stressed that Ofcom was continuing to work with broadcasters to ensure that the spectrum was used in the most efficient manner possible. He talked of the possibility of HD services on Freeview, using existing capacity, towards the end of 2009. (for more see here)
We will keep an eye out for more information on the DDR and let you know what we think!
Richards stressed that Ofcom was continuing to work with broadcasters to ensure that the spectrum was used in the most efficient manner possible. He talked of the possibility of HD services on Freeview, using existing capacity, towards the end of 2009. (for more see here)
We will keep an eye out for more information on the DDR and let you know what we think!
Thursday 11 October 2007
Big Fat Politics Blog
We have recently been reading Newsnight’s online offering, especially their Big Fat Politics Blog.
Some of the recent topics people have been discussing on this blog have included the Prime Minister and his rugby prowess, and comments on the election fever.
According to their ‘Guide to Posting Comments’, Talk about Newsnight is a blog which aims to bring the programme team closer to its audience by providing an insight into the production process and offering a platform for review, analysis and debate of the subjects Newsnight covers.
Some of the recent topics people have been discussing on this blog have included the Prime Minister and his rugby prowess, and comments on the election fever.
According to their ‘Guide to Posting Comments’, Talk about Newsnight is a blog which aims to bring the programme team closer to its audience by providing an insight into the production process and offering a platform for review, analysis and debate of the subjects Newsnight covers.
Friday 5 October 2007
Olympics and Inclusion
This year’s Labour Party Conference had many interesting fringe events and a couple I found particularly interesting.
I agree totally with Tessa Jowell who spoke at the fringe event on the 2012 Olympics. She said that she was tired of hearing people criticizing how it is being handled, instead, she felt that Britain should be proud and be praising this phenomenal event, the preparation for which we have never seen the like before. It is going to change the landscape of the East End forever, most likely for the better providing housing, jobs and facilities that will bring long-term benefits certainly to London, but hopefully to the whole of Britain. So come on let’s stop being ‘glass half- empty’ and let’s start ‘celebrating’ the fact that we’ve won the right to hold the next Olympics here and the phenomenal opportunities it will bring both immediately and for the long-term.
The future of digital inclusion
On another note, I attended another interesting fringe, hosted by EDS, on digital inclusion and the information gap. Working with MPs Sarah Hamilton-Fairley and Alun Michael, they have developed a product, StartHere, designed specifically for those who are not currently digitally included. How great it is to see technology being used to benefit people who are not IT literate but who have day-to-day life problems and needs that IT can help with. My understanding from the fringe is that it provides easy access to valuable resources in Britain that people otherwise wouldn’t know anything about. A simple solution that with one press of a button can provide information and access to the police, legal support, education, medical information, the list goes on. All of which will be accessed on a system supplied in the middle of our high streets, local libraries or cinemas.
Sue Grant
I agree totally with Tessa Jowell who spoke at the fringe event on the 2012 Olympics. She said that she was tired of hearing people criticizing how it is being handled, instead, she felt that Britain should be proud and be praising this phenomenal event, the preparation for which we have never seen the like before. It is going to change the landscape of the East End forever, most likely for the better providing housing, jobs and facilities that will bring long-term benefits certainly to London, but hopefully to the whole of Britain. So come on let’s stop being ‘glass half- empty’ and let’s start ‘celebrating’ the fact that we’ve won the right to hold the next Olympics here and the phenomenal opportunities it will bring both immediately and for the long-term.
The future of digital inclusion
On another note, I attended another interesting fringe, hosted by EDS, on digital inclusion and the information gap. Working with MPs Sarah Hamilton-Fairley and Alun Michael, they have developed a product, StartHere, designed specifically for those who are not currently digitally included. How great it is to see technology being used to benefit people who are not IT literate but who have day-to-day life problems and needs that IT can help with. My understanding from the fringe is that it provides easy access to valuable resources in Britain that people otherwise wouldn’t know anything about. A simple solution that with one press of a button can provide information and access to the police, legal support, education, medical information, the list goes on. All of which will be accessed on a system supplied in the middle of our high streets, local libraries or cinemas.
Sue Grant
Tuesday 2 October 2007
Conservatives Fight Back
At the Conservative Party Conference, Cameron has been trying to persuade Britain that his party represented "the real change" (see here for more), and environment, as usual, is a key issue. An article in the Financial Times (1st October) discusses the environmental plans in the draft manifesto. The article states that manifesto policies have been accelerated due to the prospect of a snap Autumn election. A key theme that the tories would use to fight the election is making Britain safer from the threat of climate change. New green taxes would include a new aviation tax which would help to fund the removal of stamp duty for first time house buyers, and provide extra help through the tax system for couples. So it seems that these green taxes are not being used for environmental purposes, such as investing in green technology, but rather to allow tax benefits elsewhere.
Also, the more radical proposals from the Quality of Life Document, such as a tax on out-of-town supermarket shopping have been ditched.
This all leaves us wondering how much environmental change can we really expect?
Also, the more radical proposals from the Quality of Life Document, such as a tax on out-of-town supermarket shopping have been ditched.
This all leaves us wondering how much environmental change can we really expect?
Friday 28 September 2007
Elephants and Hippos
These brilliant animals made out of drinks cans have recently caught our eye. We have 2 animals visiting the office at the moment, a hippo made out of coke cans and an elephant made out of beer cans. We love them as they demonstrate an ingenious way to reuse litter, producing something that is attractive and a talking point for further environmental discussions.
Recycling has been a big issue for DEFRA at the moment as well, as part of the Waste Strategy 2007. In August, they launched a consultation on “Recycle on the go.” DEFRA has invited comments on a voluntary code of practice on recycling bins in public places and a good practice guide on recycling in public places. DEFRA expects a number of organisations will deploy recycling bins for public use, both indoors and outdoors. They hope this will reduce litter, increase recycling rates and contribute towards lasting behaviour change.
Recycling has been a big issue for DEFRA at the moment as well, as part of the Waste Strategy 2007. In August, they launched a consultation on “Recycle on the go.” DEFRA has invited comments on a voluntary code of practice on recycling bins in public places and a good practice guide on recycling in public places. DEFRA expects a number of organisations will deploy recycling bins for public use, both indoors and outdoors. They hope this will reduce litter, increase recycling rates and contribute towards lasting behaviour change.
Out and About in Bournemouth...
Bournemouth, the end of September, rain, traffic, crowded restaurants, fully booked hotels and a lot of MPs – this all adds up to the Labour Party Conference 2007 . We were at the conference in full this year.
Fringe events were as varied as ever, from champagne tasting to a beer meeting, and from Oxfam Coffee Shops to the housing crisis to defending postal services.
All environment fringes were based in the ‘Climate Clinic’ this year, indicative of its increasing importance in the political sphere, indeed in the words of their own slogan; “Climate change isn’t on the fringe, it’s the main event.”
An environment fringe that I attended was the SERA (Labour's Environment Campaign) Question Time. Panellists were representing Wessex Water, the Energy Savings Trust, Natural England, Environment Agency and the Environmental Services Association. Discussion here centred on legislation and targets for carbon reduction, and how this will also be good for the economy.
Fringe events were held all through the day and continued into the late evening, although then they competed with various sponsored parties. The restaurants and hotels were also full with people, discussing Brown’s Leadership speech or a particular fringe or stand that they had visited.
The conference hall was always busy, and it was amazing to see the diverse range of charities and businesses that attended. At the time of Brown’s Leadership speech, the whole conference centre was quiet, crowded around watching the plasma screen dotted around the complex, which was an experience to say the least!
In fact, the atmosphere everywhere at Bournemouth was really friendly and dynamic. Someone compared it to a university Fresher’s fair and I can see the similarities - socialising until the early morning (although maybe these are not followed by early morning breakfast briefings at university); picking up freebies (from bags, to pens, to mints to a yoyo) and meeting an eclectic mix of people.
The question is, will it be the same without the seaside next year, as the Labour conference moves to Manchester again for 2008?
Fringe events were as varied as ever, from champagne tasting to a beer meeting, and from Oxfam Coffee Shops to the housing crisis to defending postal services.
All environment fringes were based in the ‘Climate Clinic’ this year, indicative of its increasing importance in the political sphere, indeed in the words of their own slogan; “Climate change isn’t on the fringe, it’s the main event.”
An environment fringe that I attended was the SERA (Labour's Environment Campaign) Question Time. Panellists were representing Wessex Water, the Energy Savings Trust, Natural England, Environment Agency and the Environmental Services Association. Discussion here centred on legislation and targets for carbon reduction, and how this will also be good for the economy.
Fringe events were held all through the day and continued into the late evening, although then they competed with various sponsored parties. The restaurants and hotels were also full with people, discussing Brown’s Leadership speech or a particular fringe or stand that they had visited.
The conference hall was always busy, and it was amazing to see the diverse range of charities and businesses that attended. At the time of Brown’s Leadership speech, the whole conference centre was quiet, crowded around watching the plasma screen dotted around the complex, which was an experience to say the least!
In fact, the atmosphere everywhere at Bournemouth was really friendly and dynamic. Someone compared it to a university Fresher’s fair and I can see the similarities - socialising until the early morning (although maybe these are not followed by early morning breakfast briefings at university); picking up freebies (from bags, to pens, to mints to a yoyo) and meeting an eclectic mix of people.
The question is, will it be the same without the seaside next year, as the Labour conference moves to Manchester again for 2008?
Wednesday 26 September 2007
Fantastic Fringes
What an odd decision it was to condense the fringe meetings into three main slots, lunchtime and evening timeslots. http://www.labour.org.uk/images/uploads/200050/f02fb126-5ea6-0e74-1111-e0d9e76ee796.pdf
Perhaps it was easier for the hotels, certainly more profitable, as they seemed to be offering food at all fringes in all places. It was certainly much more challenging to get to as many fringes as usual, for delegates, lobbyists and more importantly MPs and Ministers, some of whom seem to have spread themselves so thinly there was never a chance of making even most of the promised appearances.
That said, the quality of contributions to the events I attended, on environment and sport, and the future direction of the party were really impressive. Where else other than at conference can you breakfast with Will Hutton, lunch with Tony Juniper and have pre-dinner drinks with Gerry Sutcliffe? Love or hate it, Labour conference http://www.labour.org.uk/conference/ is the place to be!
Perhaps it was easier for the hotels, certainly more profitable, as they seemed to be offering food at all fringes in all places. It was certainly much more challenging to get to as many fringes as usual, for delegates, lobbyists and more importantly MPs and Ministers, some of whom seem to have spread themselves so thinly there was never a chance of making even most of the promised appearances.
That said, the quality of contributions to the events I attended, on environment and sport, and the future direction of the party were really impressive. Where else other than at conference can you breakfast with Will Hutton, lunch with Tony Juniper and have pre-dinner drinks with Gerry Sutcliffe? Love or hate it, Labour conference http://www.labour.org.uk/conference/ is the place to be!
I will always stand up for you...
So, day two at Bournemouth, 9am at the Highcliffe, and you can get a seat and a coffee, and even hear what the person you are meeting is saying…..the sun is sparkling on the sea, and we’re looking good…
By 11am, the sky has darkened…ominous signs perhaps as Alistair Darling wanders around the bar, trying to find a place to sit… out onto the veranda, and still no-one will give up their seat for the second most important man in the country. Perhaps we were all putting the Brown pledge to always stand up for us to the test…
Moments after he conceded seat defeat and decided to conduct his meeting leaning against the wall of the hotel gardens, the heavens opened and down came the rain…beware the new chancellor… vengeance may well be his!
By 11am, the sky has darkened…ominous signs perhaps as Alistair Darling wanders around the bar, trying to find a place to sit… out onto the veranda, and still no-one will give up their seat for the second most important man in the country. Perhaps we were all putting the Brown pledge to always stand up for us to the test…
Moments after he conceded seat defeat and decided to conduct his meeting leaning against the wall of the hotel gardens, the heavens opened and down came the rain…beware the new chancellor… vengeance may well be his!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)