Britblog Roundup #141

This week's host is Mr Eugenides. He also the host of the regular Scottish Blogs Roundup.

Next weeks round up #142 I'm the host so you will find it here on this blog. It's a first for me. Hearts in my mouth a bit - Hope I don't make a complete cock up.

Nominations as usual to britblogATgmail.com. I'd love to have my first commentary to be one with a bit of variety and not so political. Have pity on an eccentric granny - those out there in UK Blogospere please send in your nominations so we can have a bumper fun edition.

Just been reminded that it follows with a Radio 5 interview as well. That should be fun, not been on the radio for a couple of years so I'm curious as to how I sound nowadays. Well it will be different anyway that's for sure.

Patience is a virtue but mine's running out

Have to give our local Whittington hospital some credit for once. Doc keeps sending me there for repeat check ups. Doing as I'm told honest - will rattle if they give me anymore pills. Not a good patient, I dread the time wasted hanging around.

With their calling buzzer in my hand, so used to having to sit in the queue waiting to been seen by the imaging department staff. Usually take a drink and a book whilst at the back of my mind willing the buzzer thing to go off. This visit I was so surprised because I'd hardly sat down before it buzzed. Walked round to the imaging rooms cubicles and was straight in. Two x-rays later and I was out. Not sure if it is an improvement in the service or just a fluke - until next time.

After all the excitement, won't know the result for at least a week.

Walking back to the bus stop noticed the statue of Dick Whittington's cat - picture above. Such a famous landmark, must have passed it hundreds of times without really knowing what it was - shame on me really.

Woke up this morning with a stiff face and slight red eye. Got punched in the face yesterday by my volatile neighbour because she doesn't like my cleaning the front with the pressure washer. Claims water entered her room via the stairwell. I don't really take much notice anymore when she starts, I'm so used to her unpredictable behaviour and her screaming and shouting. What's the point. She decides in her head why something is happening and that to her is the truth regardless of what anybody wants to say. Can't do right for trying. She doesn't like my face so there's no point in my trying to be friendly anymore.

She also tells me what I must do or not do under one threat or another - her latest is that I shouldn't go down the stairwell because her bedroom window is there. She thinks she has now commandeered what is a communal space as her private area - rubbish. Always trying to provoke some vulgar response from me, it seems to make her more annoyed because I don't react to her weird behaviour. Have already been accused of being blase about the situation. Not strictly true, I've just developed a thick skin to all the shouting, insults and innuendos as it's not in my nature or part of my lifestyle to make a undignified public spectacle of myself. I'm a neighbourly person not spiteful and malicious - just doesn't enter my head to behave in such a way and sincerely I don't understand why some people are like that. Talk to me nicely and I'm the friendliest of souls willing to help anybody.

Patience is a virtue but I'm not a fool to keep taking it - enough is enough. It's harassment as simple as that and I don't have to put up with her intimidation anymore. A local matriarchal situation is thankfully being carefully monitored by the authorities. Sadly something has to give and it's now all going down the legal route. There seems to be no alternative or so I'm told.

Moorfield Eye hospital sent me check up appointment as well. That was quick. The same eye I got clobbered in I have Optic Atrophy. The result of some germ I contracted during one of my trips accompanying aid lorries across the desert through Chad/Sudan in Africa many years ago. Don't like to think about it and certainly don't talk about it much either. I'm used to it now and it isn't visually obvious when people meet me. Lets be realistic all these aches and pains are all sign of aging.

Giving myself a pat on the back, managed to get a new front of property gate fixed within two days. The old one fell apart and after quiet chat, like a shot a new one appeared. It pays to be nice to people, it really does.

The flat upstairs that's being renovated is thankfully is nearing completion. So much banging overhead the noise at times has been excruciating. With people running up and down the stairs and every kind of official inspection going on, glad I'm out most of the day. One good thing that the maintenance of the flats in this property make useful feedback for the PFI residents committee. Not too happy the way the workers have treated the communal areas - as if it doesn't matter. One thing they will have replace the missing lamp shade and repair the damage I'll make sure to that.

Other local noise that has finally ended. It been very interesting watching the progress but at long last the four flats in the adjacent house being refurbished after the fire, now has tenants in it. The last one moves in at the end of the week. All professional young people - have to be considering the rents they are charging. Least now the atmosphere around has lost the hollow ghostly echoing sound. The annoying thing is their recycling boxes and information hasn't arrived. I did book it for them at the builders request but that was over three weeks ago. They said delivery would take 10 days tops. All so frustrating, probably involve another round of telephone calls or emails to get it sorted.

Competition for a trip to number 10

Emily Thornberry Labour MP for Islington South and Finsbury in the local news again. Leaving all political sentiments aside, how exciting for youngsters. Chance to drop into Number 10 - budding young politicians are being invited to compete for the chance to attend a reception for young people at 10 Downing Street on November 14.

She has, launched a competition for young people. Open to students aged 16-24 in Emily's constituency, she is asking them to write in to tell her why they should get the chance to visit Number 10.

For information and details of how to enter click here . The deadline for the competition is 5 pm on November 8th. To download an entry form click here.

The competition has been prompted by a visit from City and Islington College to Parliament on October 15. The 60 sixth form students had a tour of Parliament and then a question and answer session with Emily, who was impressed by their understanding and enthusiasm for politics.

Can't imagine any of them were not excited. I can still remember my first tour of the place many years ago. Steeped in history, it's quite awe inspiring.

Interesting tit bit of history I didn't know - No 10 Downing Street is a historic building which began its association with the office of the Prime Minister in 1730. Nearly 300 years later, it is still the office of the Prime Minister and at the heart of the government.

Catching a flash Harry

Has to be the funniest post of the week. According to one of the best political opponent bashers on the circuit with his sarcy posts, the self proclaimed grandmaster has nicked the story as one of his own scoops.

Does it really matter cos I'm nicking it as well. Couldn't stop laughing when it dawned on me what they were all banging on about. A dangly bit is a dangly bit so why do men feel shy about mentioning it.

Have to agree it's a novel idea to advertise Safer Neighbourhood police on the rear of a bus. A quick double take - Whoops, naughty, naughty - his dangly bit's (exhause pipe) exposed and he looks in pain.

Lorely Burt elected House Chair

Seems LibDem MP's have broken with convention and elected Lorely Burt, MP for Solihull as the Parliamentary Party Chair in the House of Commons.

In the final ballot she beat John Thurso, MP for Sutherland and Easter Ross by a margin of 32 to 27.

Ms Burt said she was 'absolutely thrilled' to win the vote Liberal Democrat MPs have elected the first female House of Commons chairman in the party's history.

Typical LibDem can't find one of the wet willie bloggers at the moment who thought the news exciting enough to warrent a mention - well she is a women isn't she. Now if it was a man they would be clamouring to try and claim a first with breaking news.

London is filling up with people

According to an Daily Mail article last Friday, One third of 'Londoners' born abroad. New figures show that 10,000 foreigners settle in the capital every single month.

Hardly surprising, one can walk down the road in many areas and not meet anybody other than immigrants or second/third generation immigrants. Makes life culturally interesting - my own family has added to the mix.

The big problem is the drain on public resources and services. Those who are supposed to make projections about people and community cohesion always drastically under-estimate long term public needs.

There is a growing Polish community near where I live. Most of the building workers are Polish. They are known as hard grafters who benefit the economy. Local shops are now selling Polish beer and Polish food. In another part of Islington there is a large growing Nigerian population. Even the local famous Seven Sisters Road indoor market has changed so much over the past couple of years, it's almost like a market in Nigeria (one can buy almost anything made there)

Sometimes at the weekend I go to the different cash and carry outlets with my friend to buy stocks for his shop. Never really gave it much thought until last week but they are all Asian owned and their customers are all Asian. I'm a fish out of water. We went to a new one and everybody kept suspiciously asking what I was doing there. I just laugh off situations like that but some people really take offence.

It is not just London but all the towns and cities in Britain are seeing the effect of immigration. Today there are claims that Britain's Population 'to hit 65m by 2016'. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) estimates half the increase set to increase by 4.4 million is projected to come from immigration who are largely of a childbearing age.

Quite ironical that Britain is presently an aging population and it is claimed this year there are actually more pensioners than children.

Read - Impact of a bigger population. Where are we going to fit all these people. Heard somebody say on the news tonight Britain needs more immigration like a hole in the head - very apt indeed. Mind you, Britain is not as densely populated as some other countries I've been to. It's only in certain areas.

Added to the problem, there's also a report that the EU is suggesting an EU 'Blue Card' to target skilled workers, similar to the USA Green card which will be valid for entry into any member country of the EU. If Britain doesn't opt out of that one it will mean another explosion of people.

Scum of the earth

This weeks local news - Kids' charity scam, Gangs of schoolchildren as young as 12 have been conning well-meaning residents out of cash - by pretending they are collecting for charity. It's shameful that some young children can be so brazen - no fear of getting into trouble. Even when they do get caught some parents refuse to accept their child is involved. They continue to bluff it out trying to blame other kids. It's endemic in today's society. Don't think people who have been on the receiving end of kid-criminals would plead - Too young to be a criminal?

Another sad sign of the times - Just yesterday took ages arranging with a local charity shop, THE HORNSEY TRUST, to get some counter collection boxes for local shops. As they've only got two shops, thought it would be an easy procedure and so did the manager after all he's vouching for where the boxes are going.

There's a presumption that every penny counts. Seems not so for the lady on the end of the phone - trying to be super efficient she made it so complicated asking the most ridiculous questions. Apparently some Romanian gypsies walked into one of the shops and in broad daylight before anybody realised what was happening walked out with the box of money. The way the story is told it's sounds comical but the reality is serious. Many peoples naivety would think it's shocking that anybody would stoop so low as to steal from a charity shop. Seems it happens regularly these days.

Even next door where they are refurbishing the flats after the fire, burglars moved in. Earlier in the week, 1pm whilst the workers on the scaffolding were putting finishing touches to the back of the building some people climbed into the front room via the front scaffolding, stole valuable gear and calmly walked out of the front door. Just shows people have been watching what is going on with all the building works around - there's obviously a need to be a bit more vigilant.

Birds, eggs & drivel

Been a busy week no time for blogging. So many half posts left unfinished. Oh what the heck, life still goes on.

For months now, on entering the front gate keep getting zapped from the tree above with bird poo. It's really making a mess everywhere. The smell at times is not pleasant either. Couldn't make out where it was coming from. Now the Autumn leaves are falling the mystery is solved - there's a nest in the tree above.

From the first floor window one can see the birds fluttering around. Took the pic with the zoom lens. Don't know much about birds and hatching eggs but there is one sitting on the nest not moving with the other one flapping away sitting on a branch a little to one side.

My initial thought was to wait until the leaves fall and the birds migrate then shoot up with the pressure hose. Now the gushy side has taken over my brain, suppose it will have to wait for now until we can see what is happening.

Coming up to Halloween and Guy Fawkes night, eggs seem to be the topic of conversation with the community police this week as well. At times, never quite sure which force is which because the demographic of the area - depending on which side of the road or which side of the junction, could be one of three groups. The Islington, Junction ward boys maintaining a heavy-handed daily patrol out side MK convenience stores during the day has drastically improved the Ackland Burghley school-children loitering situation on the Islington side.

Now the Camden, Kentish Town mob have distributed letters and posters requesting shop keepers not to sell eggs or flour to those under 16 years. Not sure what effect it will really have but any initiative is worth a trial if it reduces the sticky egg mess of last year.

Not really sure of the real effectiveness of the community police. Will be interesting to see some local feedback (Camden & Islington). The local kids don't really regard them as much nicknaming them the 'Plastic police'.

Ming Campbell resigned

Wow, news just coming in - Ming has done the honourable thing and resigned as leader of the Liberal Democrats with immediate effect.

Simon Hughes the party president has just announced the decision outside Cowley Street. Vince Cable takes over as caretaker leader until a new leader is elected. The expected date is 17th Dec 2007.

One has to be pragmatic about the situation but can't help feeling a little choked. A man of great dignity, he's done the right thing for the sake of the party there is no doubt about that. A big relief all round.

MORE LATER...

6.45pm Comment from The Guardian:

Ming Campbell's resignation letter submitted earlier today :

When I was elected Leader of the Party in March 2006 I had three objectives.

First, to restore stability and purpose in the party following my predecessor’s resignation and the leadership campaign itself, second to make the internal operations of the party more professional, and third to prepare the party for a General Election.

With the help of others, I believe that I have fulfilled these objectives, although I am convinced that the internal structures of the party need radical revision if we are to compete effectively against Labour and the Conservatives.

But it has become clear that following the Prime Minister’s decision not to hold an election, questions about leadership are getting in the way of further progress by the party.

Accordingly I now submit my resignation as Leader with immediate effect.
I do not intend to hold a press conference or to make any further comment.

Yours sincerely,

Menzies Campbell
Leader, Liberal Democrats

Stop skirting around the issue

Go quietly, Lib Dems tell Sir Menzies Campbell - is anybody really surprised. The polls are a disaster. Simon Hughes, the party's president, never one to hide his light under a bushel has lit the torch of dissent. He is quoted as saying recently "The leader obviously has to do better, get better at getting the message across better, at getting the policy out better."

The big problem is everybody is being too nice. After the public hoo hah about the way Charles Kennedy was removed as the LibDem leader nobody wants a repeat performance or to publicly humiliate Ming. Honestly he is a nice person, there's a lot of goodwill from the rank and file towards him - he's a real gent but his style is old school. It's not so much his actual age that's the problem but unfortunately he looks older than his 66 years. His response to issues is like an elderly man. He's like everybody's favourite grandfather who nobody wants to upset.

It's an image issue but sadly he doesn't cut the mustard when it comes to peoples perception of a leader. Does he really believe in what he is saying. Surely Ming must realise that for the sake of the party a leadership change is inevitable sooner rather than later. It's preferable for him to go gracefully rather than face a vote of no confidence.

Politics is a ruthless game - when push comes to shove there can be no room for sentiment . The future of a major political party is at stake here.

To be continued....

Lembit Öpik standing down as Welsh leader

A clever strategic move - After six years as the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Lembit Öpik has unexpectedly announced he is standing down from the post.

It will free up time to enable him to concentrate on his new role in the party’s Shadow Cabinet and his campaign to become the next Party President when Simon Hughes steps down.

Speaking in Aberystwyth at the Welsh Lib Dems Autumn conference, he also appealed for critics to be more open. MP for Montgomeryshire, he went on to say: "To those who are prepared to criticise me and others behind our backs, I ask you what's the point of doing that?

The best Welsh blog to watch for up dates - Peter Black Welsh AM

Pride of Britain

Have a thumping head, stiff leg and a sore swollen arm after taking the annual flu injection. It's never happened before. Don't know if the formula has changed or my body is reacting to it this time. Feel so irritable, nevertheless wouldn't like to have to do without it. Not able to do much for the past coupled of days - thought a dose of Prime Minister's Question Time (often referred to as PMQs) would be a diversion.

Big mistake, a real political turn off - today’s heated clashes in the House of Commons between Gordon Brown and David Cameron. You can watch them on the BBC website here. Given the events of the past few weeks it was always going to be a bit tricky. Today was one of the worst spectacles I've seen in the past few years. David Cameron was rabbiting on and on and at time his words came out shrill so determined was he to pummel the PM. To give Brown his due, he looked distinctly bored obviously wishing he was somewhere else. Honestly it was disgusting like school boys in a playground taunting each other. Brown's overall performance will obviously be construed by some folks as sowing the seeds of his downfall.

In complete contrast, watching the Pride of Britain awards on the TV this evening was a humbling experience. Good thing we do have people in the society who care and get involved. Some of the stories were real tear-jerkers.

So difficult to pick out one particular story but my recognition has to go Sir Magdi Yacoub who received the lifetime achievement award. The eminent heart surgeon, 71, has performed more transplants than anybody else in the world – saving thousands of lives across the globe. He founded the Chain of Hope charity in 1995, which treats children in developing countries.
The touching part was seeing all those people coming on stage from all walks of life who have had transplants.

Shock horror LibDem total wipe out

Over the recent weeks there's been mention of a LibDem melt down but according to Electoral Calculus latest up date it's a complete wipe out. The prediction for the general election based on their analysis of the latest polls , Labour: 352; Tories: 257; Lab maj: 54. and unbelievably LD: 0. Yes, a bit fat 0.

Don't know what to say. The stats have to be wrong. Is that really possible no Lib Dem MP's in Parliament - Majority-sorted Seat List. One thing is for sure it has to be a wake up call for the party. The obvious solution - it needs a coup to remove Ming Campbell as the party leader. He's now become a political liability. Chris Rennard should stop his puffing. Hope they are not going down the sentimental road expecting to ride out the storm. Just can't accept that some of the party's heavy weight MP's will just sit on the sideline like a load of wallies and watch their political careers go down the toilet. With a two year gap before the next General Election now is the time for a ruthless hatchet job to get a new leader in place.

I have said it before and I'll say it again LibDems should wake up and smell the coffee.

Browned off by election charade

What a mess - Gordon Brown has really shot himself in the foot this time. After all the hype and media frenzy he's now declared there's not likely to be a General Election before 2009.

Opposition political activists are furious. The media also are not known to be a forgiving lot - they won't let him forget it. Blogosphere has gone ballistic. Everybody has been geared up to start campaigning and now it's back to square one - a big let down. There are accusations Brown bottled it after reviewing the polls this week following Cameron's speech during the Tory conference bubble.

Gordon Brown tells Andrew Marr his reasons for not calling a general election this year. The full interview will be shown tomorrow morning.

Quick off the mark is David Cameron, Tory leader with his video thingy - He's hopping mad. Also as expected the LibDem reaction from Ming Campbell - He calling for a fixed term parliament

Labour cannot pretend that they weren't planning a General Election, all they were waiting for was the go ahead from the PM. What was it all for? It's only two years ago that we had a GE and many people can't really see the need for it. I'm not convinced that the general public really care. Labour already has a healthy majority in the House. Politicians undoubtedly will disagree insisting that a peoples mandate is necessary. A November election - many must be relieved it's off. Who'd really want to campaign in the dark and cold - only the die-hard voters would have ventured out in the cold anyway. With the postal strikes going on the postal votes would have ended up a shambles.

Least with two years to go there will be a lot a soul searching and strategic planning. The LibDems have had it rough in the polls recently - an all time low. In some quarters it's even been suggested the party is going into meltdown. It's now time for them to try and raise the stakes if they can - they are all putting on a brave face.

Well tomorrow 9am it is. Bet the political world and his dog will be up watching the Andrew Marr show on BBC and the mid-day Politics show.

Sunday: Hardly a surprise - Labour's planning to squirrel the Tories idea on Inheritance tax.

Gordon Brown's mopping up job

With volatile polls and all the speculation about an election Gordon Brown seems to be doing a clever mopping up job by tying up some loose ends.

The best news this morning is that Crossrail is finally going ahead - about time too. The BBC refer to it as The 18-year wrangle behind Crossrail. Somebody hasn't done their homework properly, discussion about it has been going on for much longer than I can remember.

A brand new railway running through the heart of London.

Construction for the link - from Maidenhead, Berkshire, through to Essex - is expected to start in 2010. It will provide 24 trains an hour into the heart of London from the east and west, improving rail links to the West End, the City and Docklands.

High-speed link Planned operational date 2015
From Maidenhead and Heathrow in west
From Shenfield and Abbey Wood in east
Through central London tunnels
New stations at Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, Whitechapel and Canary Wharf

An engineering feat passing in part under the existing tube network. It may cost 16 Billion pounds (20 years ago when it should have been constructed it would have cost half the amount) but what a difference it will make to transportation from the South into London. Can't imagine there's anybody living in London who won't be delighted by the news. Ten years to wait but at least it's now received the official go ahead. Gordon Brown has scored a blinder by the announcement. Quite frankly don't really care who gets the credit for it as long as we finally see it off the drawing board.

Listening to London's Mayor Ken Livingstone and his grating voice talking about it on the TV - have to admit he has been the one pushing the plan on behalf of London. If anybody is claiming a victory, suppose it has to be him.

Where are the signs available.

Typical, they've enacted a law without making adequate provision for those expected to enforce it.

It's now illegal to sell tobacco and related products (loose rolling tobacco, rolling papers, cigarettes and cigars) to anybody under the age of 18. The law came into effect 1st Oct, yesterday - it was splashed on the news almost as an afterthought for public awareness.

The law states: Retailers that stock tobacco will have a legal obligation not to sell to under 18s and will risk prosecution and a fine of up to £2,500 if they do so. Failing to display the statutory notice at either the counter or on vending machines could result in a fine of up to £1000

For counter sales, you must have a sign of at least A3 in size and stating "It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18" in letters at least 36mm high. This should be in a position where it can be clearly seen by anybody wishing to buy tobacco products.

Most councils have produced a booklet which can be downloaded - In my opinion Lambeth have produced the best. Wonder though how many councils have bothered to send out the info to small retail outlets together with the required A3 sign. Camden certainly hasn't.

I have no beef with the new law. It's a welcoming move if it deters young people from smoking. Used to feel very sad that so many of the youngsters from Acland Burghley school smoke congregating outside the school gates and shops during their breaks. Since yesterday there hasn't been a sighting of them anywhere.

My moan is where are the signs to download and display. It's so damn frustrating I can't find any on the internet. Where are they available even to purchase? There is a presumption that everybody uses computers which many small shops just don't have. There's no local information where to obtain them anywhere. Had to produce some myself to help out the local shops. Not that I mind I'm always willing to help out if I can but I shouldn't have to. Trading Standards need to get their act together.

Has Ming destroyed the LibDems credibility

Will he or won't he call an election is like waiting for a baby to be born. Wish Gordon Brown would make up his mind and stop all the speculation. His dithering or one might say his keeping it close to his chest is actually making some political activists crazy - election fever is gaining momentum nationwide, speculation is rife. Still think he is going to wait until after David Cameron's conference speech on Wednesday and test the mood, but that's only my opinion. Might end up with egg on my face - lets lay a bet on 1st November .

Have been monitoring Electoral Calculus and their predictions for seats in the House if an election is called now. Majority-sorted Seat List - They are usually alarmingly accurate within a plus or minus factor. This time they are predicting some real shocking changes across the political spectrum with the LibDems losing many seats.

The weekend stats really freaked me out - only 6 seats for the LibDems. It suggests many key long term MP's will be kicked to the kerb - shock horror. It's difficult to envisage such a loss. The party wouldn't have to worry about the leadership issue if as predicted Ming did lose his seat.

Today the calculations give the LibDems 20 seats and Labour an 118 seat lead over the Tories. A slightly better rating for the LibDems. The likelihood that some will only be one term members of the house is becoming more obvious. Can't blame any MP for being on pins nervously waiting for news. Least Lynne has the bottle to admit it. It's rather soul destroying for party activists who have put in their all and have been campaigning for years.

Gordon Brown may say Labour are ready. Can guess the Conservatives are rushing around trying to fill slots from their lists - the LibDems certainly are. Bye, bye formal selection process. Know a couple of friends who have received a call.

It's so irritating when candidates try and use candidate selection to score political points. Bridget Fox candidate for Islington South and Finsbury wrote such a ridiculous post on Lib Dem Voice slagging off the Tories. She can be a silly mare at times. What a load of twaddle. It's meaningless and down right pointless. Ok they might not have any visible presence in Islington but what the heck. It's a case of the pot calling the kettle black. In my neck of the woods Islington North haven't selected a LibDem candidate as yet.

She keeps harping on about losing to Labour at the last election by 484 votes. That maybe true back then but being realistic the political climate in the here and now is changing by the day. Back in the days when Charles Kennedy was the leader the party had some credibility but since Ming Campbell took over the mantle, the party has been on a downward slide. Her seat is listed as a target seat - She is still expecting that volunteers will be directed to help in the campaign to help her win the seat. I'm wondering if that is really viable now.

Chris Rennard, the LibDem election guru, sent out a mass email confirming the the HQ conference room has been converted into as he puts it " our newly created "election war-room" in Cowley Street".

With so many MP's in now vulnerable seats, it would be more logical if some support was given to the MP's to try and retain their seats. The problem is that many of them are complacent and believe it won't happen to them. The usual practice is to more or less to leave them to their own devices to defend their own seats while the party aims at the target seats. Chris Rennard is a clever strategist with his ear to the ground. Not one to say much publicly but he knows the score and will be busy planning damage limitation not concentrating on new target seats.