Supporting the Breton Language

The Old Guard and the Progressives

There is a certain reluctance by the Liberal and Conservative Old Guard, notably Charles Kennedy, David Steele and to a lesser degree Vince Cable, as well as others, to accept the changes that the electorate voted for, in particular the liberal, compassionate progressive government which David Cameron and Nick Clegg are in the process of  creating.

The new leaders appear to have the vision of a new, radical and progressive approach to politics which senior politicians of both parties find difficulty in accepting, having spent their political lives in traditional combative left v. right combative politics. The alternative view was no doubt pioneered by Barack Obama, and a wind of change has blown around the world since his inauguration as president of the United States. The coalition which the electorate has foisted on Westminster has the makings of a new conciliatory type of politics, a politics of consensus, the vision of which the Old Guard fail to grasp.

They are the "yesterday's men", a phrase coined by Adam Price MP to describe the dinosaurs of the Welsh valleys, those MP's, mainly Labour, who remain stuck in the stultifying atmosphere of 20th century politics. They are supported by a vocal section of the public who feel that the principles on which the parties were founded are somehow being betrayed. Consequently the new progressive liberal conservatives are seen as a paradox and a contradiction (how can Conservatives be at the same time progressive or put forward radical innovative policies?).  They question how a Liberal Democrat party can associate itself with Conservatives when it is traditionally left of centre and holds dissimilar ideas.

Meanwhile the policies of New Labour are increasing seen as out of touch with the times, and with the electorate, who have moved on and away from old-style divisive politics. The Old Guard are failing to understand a fundamental change in at the heart of British politics which, if it suceeds, will transform the nature of politics and government in these islands forever.

Two Nations Politically Divided

David Cameron in Scotland to meet SNP's Alex Salmond

Mr Cameron says he will treat Mr Salmond's government with respect Lord Wallace in government return Prime Minister David Cameron is travelling to Scotland for talks with First Minister Alex Salmond. Mr Cameron, who is making good his pledge to head north within days of an election victory, has promised to treat the devolved government with "respect". Mr Salmond will press the prime minister to concede further cash and spending powers for Holyrood. Mr Cameron wants a "new spirit of co-operation" between the Scottish Parliament and Westminster as a whole. The head of the UK's new Tory-Lib Dem government is also meeting Scottish opposition leaders. Meanwhile, it has emerged that former Scottish deputy first minister and Lib Dem politician Lord Wallace is expected to return to government as advocate general for Scotland, the UK government's most senior Scottish law officer. Andrew Black Political reporter, BBC Scotland Today's visit is the first crucial test of David Cameron's 'respect agenda', which the Tory leader has been pushing for the last two years. It goes something like this: Mr Cameron says to the SNP: When it comes to Scotland I'll respect devolution as long as you recognise the areas where Westminster has responsibility. Alex Salmond says: Fair enough, but that won't stop me acting in the Scottish interest if I need to. That poses problems in areas such as new nuclear power stations - now back on the UK government's agenda, but unwanted by SNP ministers. In terms of going forward, Mr Salmond wants more power and more cash, while Mr Cameron, whose party has just one Scottish MP, wants to cut the UK deficit. Both sides have expressed the political will to get on, but historical bad blood between the two parties could cause problems down the road - the SNP has already referred to the new UK government as the 'Con-dem coalition'. Also involved with today's events will be Scottish secretary Danny Alexander, the Lib Dem politician who might just find himself having to keep the peace in future. It is also understood Alistair Carmichael, Lib Dem MP for Orkney and Shetland will serve as a senior government whip in the Commons. During today's meeting, Mr Salmond will call on Mr Cameron to bring forward £350m of capital spending to aid Scotland's economic recovery, and will also argue Scotland is owed £165m over five years in "consequential" funding, as a result of public spending in relation to the London Olympics. The SNP leader will also request the Treasury releases cash for Scotland held in the fossil fuel levy, worth £180m, and will press the case to give enhanced borrowing powers to Holyrood, as recommended by the Calman Commission review of devolution. Mr Salmond told BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "The people of Scotland expect Scotland's first minister to stick up for Scotland's interests and that is what I am going to do." The first minister said he had tried to identify measures which could be taken for Scotland which would not have an adverse affect elsewhere. He said: "In terms of the fossil fuel levy, that is almost £200m, paid for by Scottish generators, lying in a London bank account, that can only be spent on renewable energy in Scotland. "We don't have access to it at the moment because the previous government's position has been, if we access that funding it would be deducted from health and education funding in Scotland. "There is an example of something which could be released to generate thousands of jobs in Scotland in the major opportunity of marine renewables and it would be no dis-benefit to anyone else whatsoever." Mr Cameron will be accompanied by Danny Alexander, the Liberal Democrat MP who has been appointed Scottish secretary. The visit comes after Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie said the public had grown tired of past rows between the Scottish and UK governments, which have often focussed on funding, the proposed independence referendum and more powers for the Scottish Parliament. The prime minister has said Westminster would not seek to override Holyrood's role on devolved matters, but also stressed the Scottish government must respect areas reserved to the UK parliament. Mr Salmond said he would always support UK government policies which were in the "interest of the Scottish people", but added SNP ministers would, at all times, be making the argument to "advance the cause of Scotland". David Mundell, the new minister for Scotland and the only Conservative MP north of the border, said he was confident the new government would restore support for his party in Scotland. "The Conservatives do what they say - they deliver good government and I think that is the way in which we'll actually rebuild support for our party here in Scotland," he said. Oh Alex, Tweedledumb has departed - now we have Tweedledem and Tweedledee :

Unlock Democracy Welcomes Coalition

From Unlock Democracy

There is a lot in the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition government agreement that Unlock Democracy warmly welcomes:

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  fixed term parliaments;
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  a right to recall corrupt MPs;
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  a statutory register of lobbyists;
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  deepening devolution in Scotland and Wales;
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  a review into how parliament should resolve the 'West Lothian Question';
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  party funding reform;
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  measures to codify British sovereignty.

We have even got concessions on electoral reform: proportional representation in a newly elected House of Lords and a referendum on whether to adopt the Alternative Vote for the House of Commons.

What we haven't got, yet, is proportional representation for the House of Commons. Unlock Democracy will not rest until we do.

The Best Deal in Town

All things considered the coalition that was formed at Westminster to provide strong, stable and secure government was the best and only deal in town. After economic problems have been attended to it will be necessary to turn attention to the constitution.

The Need to Restore Civil Liberties

Stop and search photographer held again under terror laws

City of London police detain Grant Smith for taking pictures of Wren's Christ Church despite row over last incident in December

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• Paul Lewis
• guardian.co.uk, Monday 10 May 2010 19.06 BST
• Article history

Photographers stage a protest in Trafalgar Square in January against the use of police anti-terror stop and search powers which they believe the police are using to intimidate people with cameras. Photograph: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

A photographer who prompted a debate over police powers last year when he was apprehended for taking photographs of a London church was subjected today to an almost identical stop and search under anti-terrorist powers while trying to photograph the capital's skyline.

Grant Smith, a renowned architectural photographer, was taking photographs at One Aldermanbury Square, near London Wall, when he was stopped by officers from City of London police.

He said they prevented him from using his camera to film the stop and search, and held his arms behind his back as they searched through his possessions.

It is the second time in six months that Smith has been stopped by City police under section 44 of the Terrorism Act, which allows officers to stop and search anyone without need for suspicion in designated areas. In December, the police stopped him from photographing the spire of Sir Christopher Wren's Christ Church. His treatment prompted a public debate over anti-terrorist powers, and led to several senior officers appearing to rein in the inappropriate use of the laws.

Today, in a repetition of the earlier stop and search, Smith said he was first approached by a security guard asserting he could not photograph a building. When he asserted his lawful right to continue taking images, police were called.

He said two uniformed officers detained him, one by grabbing his arms behind his back, and refused requests to record the stop and search on his camera. He added that they even refused to let him use a pen and paper to note down their details.

He was told he was being held under section 44 because of his "obstructive and non-compliant attitude", and said police left him feeling "humiliated" after manhandling him in front of office workers.

When the search was over, he asked the officers if he could continue taking photographs. "There was an interesting display of petulance," he said. "They just turned their back on me and walked away."

Days after the first incident, John Yates, assistant commissioner at the Metropolitan police and Britain's senior counter-terrorism officer, wrote to all London borough commanders reminding them there were no laws to stop people photographing buildings and encouraging their officers to use "common sense".

The Association of Chief Police Officers had warned days before Grant was stopped in December that the "use of cameras by the public does not ordinarily permit use of stop and search powers".

Earlier this year, the European court of human rights ruled that the "arbitrary" stop and search of people under section 44 without suspicion was illegal.

In a statement about Smith's second stop and search, City of London police said: "A man was spoken to by officers earlier today after police were called by security personnel. He was later searched under terrorism powers."

The Greens Tell It

A telling comment from the leader of the Green Party, Caroline Lucas, was that the Labour Party was not such a progressive party as they claim to be. In fact the Greens are more radical and progressive and in some respects the modern Conservatives are, along with the Liberal Democrats. Increasingly "New" Labour is being left behind as representing the old staid politics and it is the smaller parties, more in tune with the age, who are paving the way of the future, notably the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Greens.

The Way Ahead for Britain

The best outcome of the talks being conducted between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, in the opinion of this blog, is that a deal of some sort should be finalised. This would be in the interests of all the nations of Britain, not only in the interests of the present British state. Any other solution would allow New Labour to once again dominate the government, along with its ambition to control and bureaucratize the mechanics of society. Furthermore it would prove unstable as continual negotiations would need to be conducted with the Lib Dems and the minor parties. It would also result in the re-emergence of flawed politicians who formerly made up the cabinet of Gordon Brown. As he would be unacceptable as the next Prime Minister he would be obliged to step down and make way for a new leader who had not been elected by the British public. Quite apart from that the Conservatives gained the most votes (2 million additional) and the most seats. It is inconceivable that a deal between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, whatever their differences, will not succeed. This is the change that will move British politics into the mainstream to meet the challenges of the present century and will provide a catalyst for the revision of the constitution to allow the nations of Britain to progress towards their destiny of self-government within the European Union..

Together We Can Make a Difference

From the SNP

Progressive parties 'should work together'

Home » News » Westminster

2010-05-08

The SNP and Plaid Cymru have confirmed that they willing to explore the potential of working with other parties to ensure the new UK Government serves the best interest of both Scotland and Wales.

Plaid’s Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones and the SNP Leader and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond have accepted the offer made by Prime Minister Gordon Brown of ‘civil service support’ which would be crucial in the event of discussions being held to examine options for a new government.

Both leaders have agreed that they will now seek to explore an outcome which will reflect the political choices made by the progressive majority of both the people of Wales and Scotland in the General Election.

This decision has been made by the SNP and Plaid in light of yesterday’s statement by Gordon Brown that he would be willing to speak with any of the party’s leaders. Plaid and the SNP believe that following the outcome of this election their parties have a responsibility to work towards the aim of creating political and economic stability and to secure a positive outcome for their nations.

Both parties have appointed teams who will spend the next few days discussing the mechanics of any future discussions with their dedicated UK liaison officials in London.

The SNP's team will be led by Westminster Leader Angus Robertson
MP and Depute Westminster Leader Stewart Hosie.

Commenting, SNP Leader and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said:

"A balanced parliament is redolent with opportunity for Scotland. At the start of the General Election campaign, the SNP and Plaid Cymru pledged to fight for the best deal for Scotland and for Wales.

"We now find ourselves in a position to make real gains. Working together, we will use our votes and experience of negotiating in a balanced parliament to maximum effect to take Scotland and Wales forward.

"The assumption by some that the only option now available for a new UK Government is a Tory Liberal pact is not correct. There are alternatives and far more progressive outcomes available should politicians have the will to seize the moment. Plaid and the SNP are indicating that we do."

Plaid’s leader Ieuan Wyn Jones said:

“Plaid has a track record in putting aside our own party political
interests in order to work with other parties to deliver the best outcome for the people of our nation.  That is what we did in Wales in 2007 when we formed a coalition with Labour which is widely acknowledged to have been a tremendous success.

"We will now do what is expected of us by the electorate and explore the potential of working with other parties in Westminster in order to achieve the best deal for Wales.  A more balanced Parliament is a real opportunity to bring about a new approach to politics in the UK which would be welcomed throughout the nations of these islands.”

A Predictable Vindication

Independence Cymru predicted:

The Election

The Conservative Party will win with a small working majority of seats, and will govern with the support of the Lib Dems*.

The Liberal Democrats will do better than everyone expects or polls suggest.

Smaller parties - the SNP, Plaid Cymru, the Greens, UKIP will do well.

Large numbers of the electorate, almost 50%,  will not cast their vote.

The fact is that the majority of people are disillusioned with all politicians and in particular those of the major parties, therefore they will abstain from voting or will cast a protest vote, benefiting independents and smaller parties.

There will be change but not major change. Whether Britain will have a fairer society remains to be seen.

Comment:

A boost late in the campaign meant that the number of people casting their vote increased to 65%.

The nationalists made no progress and remained with the same number.

The Lib Dems failed to capitalise on their popularity during the campaign.
The Greens elected their first MP.

Gordon Brown is down but not out. He should do the right thing and resign.


Having said that, the voters got what they wanted. They did not want Gordon Brown to remain in power for another 5 years. They understood that a large vote for the Lib Dems would allow Labour to stay in power as the largest party and they did not want that. What they wanted is what they got - a Conservative government in alliance, or with the support of, the Lib Dems. Thus the change which was so desperately needed was possible. The only downside is that the Labour front-benchers will be back in Parliament  with their smirks and grimaces and inane grins except that they will no longer try to treat the public as fools.

Today Will Make a Difference

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

A Matter of Trust - BBC2 Debate

Watch Adam Price tomorrow (Wednesday) in a Daily Politics debate on BBC2 at 2:15 pm.

Vote with your heart

The Election - The Way Things Are

As time shortens before the British public vote for a new government it is becoming increasingly clear that the Conservatives will win, with the largest number of votes and a small majority of seats, and the Liberal democrats will come second in the number of votes cast but third in the number of seats gained, and Labour will face the humiliation of receiving the lowest number of votes and the second number of seats held.

Don't Do What You Always Did

...Do Something Different

In Wales Vote Plaid
In Scotland Vote SNP
In Ireland Vote Sinn Fein
In England Vote Liberal or Green
Don't do what you always did; do something different!


Never ever vote for a man who wears a forced grimace which he wants to convince you is a smile.