Conservative Ads

Image via WikipediaThe Conservative Party in the UK have launched a new Advertising campaign on "Labour's Debt Crisis". According to the Conservatives Shadow Chancellor each child born in Britain will owe £17,000. I must say it is a fantastic campaign. It really hits the point on UK Debt. I agree with John over on Semper-Idem that FG need to be developing campaigns like this. The Budget campaign that they did before Christmas is something that could easily be further developed into this. Anyway check out the videos below.

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The World In One City

I read about this in the Observer (Guardian on a Sunday) and think it is an excellent idea. Basically Owen Powell and Alex Horne are trying to meet people from all 192 countries in the world in London!And they've nearly done it! Their blog is fantastic detailing all the meetings they have with people from different countries. Their deadline is the 24th of October, so it will be interesting to see if they make it!

Sould Brown have called an Election and the Future of the Lib Dems

Wow, two days of blog posts, I'm back as a serious blogger!!! :-D

But anyway back to the title. Gordon Brown, has said 'no' to an election. Was that a good decision?

Due to the comments of the 'young turks', Balls et al, saying Labour where on a election footing and that. This draw back from the brink could have long term damage for Brown and Labour in general as it did for O'Callaghan. The Tories will definitely gain from this as they said 'Bring it on'. David Cameron is on the up and up.

Now if an election had been called, it would not have benefited the Lib Dems, as they are being squeezed by the two major parties and to top it off, they have gotten rid of their leader after 18 months!!! Sir Ming was an excellent leader for the Lib Dems, and its internal bickering like this that turn people off the Lib Dems. I myself am thinking of switching to the Tories. Then again I'm not an dedicated Lib Dem supporter, but I thought they were fresh and interesting compared to Labour and the Tories. But DC has changed the Conservative Party, it is now fresh and interesting, and is certainly winning people over no matter what the polls say.

At the end of the Day the 'honeymoon' is over for Brown, he needs to set out a good set of proposals in the Queens Speech at the State Opening of Parliament on the 6th of November. Its a Tuesday so hopefully I will be watching it and will blog about it.

Brighton Pride

Well, im off to brighton pride later today! won the tickets last night! cant wait!!! be back on monday!!!! :D

Morning Briefing, 21st February

Dia Duit!

Well between the Govt. delaying the Civil Union Bill 2006 and the Polish President making homophobic remarks in Ireland (RTÉ) I'm really pissed off!

The UK are to make an announcement on withdrawal of troops from Iraq (RTÉ) It is thought likely that Mr Blair will make any announcement in an oral statement to the House of Commons following his regular weekly appearance at Prime Minister's Questions. I hope he does pull 'em out

At 5:00pm this evening the Seanad will debate the Mental Capacity and Guardianship Bill 2007, please if you know a senator ask them to vote for it.

The Civil Unions Bill 2006 also goes to a vote this evening after the continuation of the debate at 7:00p, tonight.

Trocaire has launched an online neworking site called 'Just World'

Thats all i can find for now!

Slán

Nuclear Era Underground City

Via BBC and Damien Mulley

Wiltshire's Secret Underground City
Burlington: The 35 acre, secret subterranean Cold War City that lies 100 feet beneath Corsham.



Welcome to Wiltshire’s Secret Underground City… the 35 acre subterranean Cold War City that lies 100 feet beneath Corsham.

Built in the late 50s this massive city complex was designed to safely house up to 4,000 central Government personnel in the event of a nuclear strike.

In a former Bath stone quarry the city, code named Burlington, was to be the site of the main Emergency Government War Headquarters - the hub of the Country’s alternative seat of power outside London.

Over 60 miles of Roads


The Telephone Exchange
Over a kilometre in length, and boasting over 60 miles of roads, the underground site was designed not only to accommodate the than Conservative Prime Minister, Harold MacMillan, but the entire Cabinet Office, civil servants and an army of domestic support staff.

The site was so top secret that many of the civil servants, who had been allocated a desk at Burlington, had no knowledge of it.

Blast proof and completely self-sufficient the secret underground site could accommodate up to 4,000 people, in complete isolation from the outside world, for up to three months.

Although never actually used, the New York grid-style city of roads and avenues was equipped with all the facilities needed to survive. From underground hospitals, canteens, kitchens and laundries to storerooms of supplies, accommodation areas and offices.

An Underground Lake

An underground lake and treatment plant could provide all the drinking water needed whilst 12 huge tanks could store the fuel required to keep the four massive generators, in the underground power station, running for up to three months. And unlike most urban cities, above ground, the air within the complex could also be kept at a constant humidity and heated to around 20 degrees.


A ward in the hospital
The city was also equipped with the second largest telephone exchange in Britain, a BBC studio from which the PM could address the nation and an internal Lamson Tube system that could relay messages, using compressed air, throughout the complex.

For 30 years Burlington was in operation but at the end of the Cold War, in 1991, the still un-used city complex was finally taken over by the MOD and kept on standby in case of future nuclear threats to the UK.

But last December, with the underground reservoir drained, emptied of fuel and supplies and with a skeleton staff of just four, the site was finally decommissioned

Morning Briefing, 11th January

Cisco Systems are sueing apple over the use of the word iPhone which Cisco claim they have trademeakeed it. (BBC)

Debris has been found belonging to the missing Indonesian airlibne, which has been missing since January 1st (BBC)

The Oil crisis between Belarus and Russia has been sorted! phew! (BBC)

Cocaine has been found on 100% of Irish banknotes! wooo! we're all drugusers!!!! :P (BBC)

Vietnam has become the 150th member of the World Trade Organisation, showing its commitment to world trade. (CNN)

Britain will send no more troops to Iraq (CNN), unlikeAmerica who plans to send even more as bush says there are 'not enough' troops (CNN)

Morning Briefing, December 18

Morning,

Its one week to Christmas, hope you all have your Christmas shopping done, unlike me.

RTÉ have a story on how Circuses are to get grants from the Arts Council.

BreakingNews.ie are reminding people of when to post their letters and parcels as today is the last day for post to the UK

BreakingNews.ie also report that detectives have arrested a man in connection with the murder of 5 prostitutes in the UK

France 24 main story is the resuption of 6 party talks on North Korea.

Al Jazeera is running a report on how Muslims in Europe are being discriminated against.

Finally CNN leads with a story that reformists are leading in the polls in recent elections in Iran.

I hope to post up a picture of my house tomorrow as my Dad (hes like a 5-year old at Christmas, and the rest of us arent much better) has done a fantastic job at decorating the house!

Have a good day!

EU Split on Turkey, Surpised? I'm not

Via BreakingNews.ie


Well, I thought the EU was always spilt on this. I think we should suspend all negioations with Turkey until it recognises all 25 member states of the Union and fully complies with its obligations under the pacts and treaties it has signed with the EU. No other couintry would be shown so much leinancy on negioations but turkey, so why is it recieving special treatment. Thats what the EU Governments need to be explaining to us the Citizens of Europe.

On the same I disagree with the idea of France holding a referendum on Turkish membership, I know their precedent with them holding a referendum on the UK, Ireland and Denmarks entry to the EU, but I dont think its fair population should be given a veto over it.

If Scotland, NI and Wales have their own Legislatures Why Dosen't England?

The front page of the English Democrats Party website proudly declares at the the top

" 68% OF ENGLISH WANT OWN PARLIAMENT"

Says Poll

The EDP are calling for

English Parliament with at least the same powers as the Scottish one.

They claim to "have long been the only National Political Party which is calling for an English Parliament."

The EDP are calling for action on the following measures

England to be recognised and treated as a unified country. Scotland and Wales have been recognised as countries and their people given the opportunity to vote in referenda for devolved government. Scotland now has a parliament, and Wales an assembly. In contrast, the people of England have been denied the opportunity to choose an English Parliament. Instead, England is being dismembered into nine regions. We find this discrimination unacceptable. England should be a political entity with its own parliament and executive.
The immediate abandonment of the Barnett formula. The formula institutionalises discrimination against the people of England by ensuring that public spending in Scotland and Wales is far higher per head of population than in England. The Barnett formula diverts about £8 billion of extra public expenditure to Scotland each year. This means that the entire population of Scotland enjoys a subsidy averaging £30 per person per week. This has meant, for example, smaller class sizes in Scotland, higher pay for teachers, shorter hospital waiting lists, and the availability of prescription drugs and surgical procedures which are unavailable in England on grounds of cost. This unjustified discrimination must end. A new fairer system is needed which enables England's share of the £8 billion to be used to improve public services in England.

They also favour "recognition for traditional counties, which would include the reunification of Yorkshire and greater autonomy for Cornwall."

I really dont know whats so great about Cornwall.

I think the EDP have a point. Westminister has so much to do with the Running ot the entire UK that sometimes maybe England does get overlooked and could do with a Parliament or Assembly of its own. This is my way of showing support for the idea any way!


The EDP are led by Robin Tillbrook

The cause of it all

Recently, I've posted two articles relating to Scottish Independence well, the Scottish National Party are the cause behind all the talk.

What do they want?
* An independent Scottish Parliament
* A Confederal Europe
* A Non-Nuclear Defence Policy
* International policy that reflects the principles of the UN Charter and our obligations under international law

among others listed here

According to the SNP, their are many benefits to an Independent Scotland

With more powers for the Scottish Parliament, we can grow our economy, tackle social injustice and ensure a brighter future for all. It’s time for a parliament with real powers.

they continue with

The SNP campaigned for the Scottish Parliament because we believed it was a move in the right direction for our country. But devolution is not the same as Independence - and it is not nearly enough to make a real difference to Scotland.

They also say

Independence is not only normal; it is also desirable. Small independent nations like Norway, Ireland and Finland are much more successful than Scotland in terms of both economic prosperity and living standards. Independence gives those nations the powers to shape their country for the better. Scotland could have this too.

Scotland is a wealthy country. We have abundant natural resources like oil and renewable energy potential, an educated and skilled workforce and a globally recognised identity and reputation for quality and integrity.

The SNP claim that the Scottish economy will benefit hugely from Independence from the UK

Our economy is under performing under devolution, because the Scottish Parliament lacks the powers we need to escape Scotland’s cycle of low economic growth and population decline.

Independence will give the Scottish Parliament the powers to harness our economic potential and transform Scotland into a high growth economy and a prosperous society.

How are they going to achieve Scottish Independence?

Scotland will only gain Independence when the people of Scotland vote for it in a democratic referendum. An SNP led Executive in the Scottish Parliament will hold a referendum on Independence in its first term of office. If a majority of those who vote in the referendum vote for Independence, representatives of the Scottish Executive will then begin negotiations with Westminster to agree an Independence settlement. While negotiations are under way, a written constitution for an independent Scotland will be drafted, which will guarantee rights for Scotland’s citizens and set out how Scotland will be governed.

The SNP list the following as prime examples for Independence for Scotland:
* Norway
* Ireland
* Iceland
* New Zealand
* Australia
* Finland
* Estonia
* Montenegro

Due to historical links and similarties, I think alot of Irish people would support Scotlands bid for Independence. I certainly do

Another reason for Scottish Independance

International Herald Tribune Article on Scottish Language

Really interesting article

Currently spoken by fewer than 2 percent in Scotland, Gaelic is enjoying a revival here that has blossomed since the country held elections in 1999 to create a Scottish Parliament for the first time in almost 300 years.

Thats really interesting that its since they got their own parliament that the language is been revived so it must be the start of a Scottish Political and Social Identity

In research carried out by the agency and the BBC in 2003, 66 percent of 1,020 people questioned saw Gaelic as an important part of Scottish life that needs to be promoted. Although 87 percent were not Gaelic speakers, nearly 90 percent were in favor of children learning Gaelic in schools.

if thats not demand then what is???

Archbishop is "spineless" say gay Humanists

The Archbishop of Canterbury's latest pronouncement in which he tells gays that they are not welcome in his Church unless they "change their ways", was condemned as "spineless" by the Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA).

GALHA's Secretary George Broadhead said: "Rowan Williams has now made it clear that he thrown in his lot with the religious right, and confirmed himself to be a kind of Vicar of Bray figure - changing his opinions to fit in with the mood of the times rather than sticking to his principles. If anyone in the Anglican Church was in any doubt about where Williams stood on gay rights, they now know."

Mr Broadhead said that if the suggestions that up to a third of Anglican clergy are gay is true, then there should be a mass exodusfrom the church.

"How anyone with a grain of self-respect would want to serve under a man who has betrayed them so badly is incomprehensible. Gay people should leave the church in their droves."

Mr Broadhead pointed out that the Church of England is established by law and has political power in this country with its bishops sitting in the House of Lords.

"This is not just a matter for gay Christians. The Anglican Church's swing to the right affects all of us. There havebeen increasing examples of the bishops in the House of Lords opposing gay rights.

"Indeed, they argued strongly that the Church should be exempted from the forthcoming legislation banning discrimination against gay people in the provision of goods and services.

"The latest move by this spineless Archbishop should serve as a warning signal to all gay people - religious or not. Religion has declared war on them."

'Gay Friendly' Football club

Tottenham Hotspur have become the English Premierships first "gay friendly" football club, by launching a campaign against homophobic fans.
Officals at White Heart Lane want to drive out sickening chants aimed at opposing players over their sexuality.
Club spokesman Peter Secchi said "We are fully aware of the spate of homophobic songs and chants that have been creeping into the game lately.
It is something that should be driven out of the sport.
"We will print a warning in our match programme to remind fans that kind of abuse will not be tolerated
Its something we have spoken to the Premier League about and we hope this lead is followed by other clubs".
Homosexuality is still a major taboo in football but Spurs hope to change that .
Tottenham will make it even easier for fans to stop homophobic hooligans .The club will publish a number to text ,with the seat and whereabouts of thugs who make anti gay taunts.

original here