Friday, June 30, 2006
CLOSE SHAVE FOR THE TORIES !
Bromley and Chislehurst by-election
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS COME A CLOSE SECOND !
The Conservatives just retained their seventeenth safest seat in the country with a tiny 633 majority, despite a huge swing to the Liberal Democrats.
The decrease in the Conservative vote is the worst by-election result for the Conservative party in a Tory held seat since Wirral South in February 1997 - the last days of the John Major premiership. Labour came fourth.
The BBC called it "a stunning result", "a very bad night for David Cameron" and a "very, very good night for the Liberal Democrats".
The Bromley and Chislehurst by-election result in full:
- Ben Abbotts (Liberal Democrat): 10,988 (37.7% - up 17%)
- English Democrats Party: 212
- National Front: 476
- UK Independence Party: 2,347 (8.1% - up 5%)
- Monster Raving Loony Party: 132
- Green Party: 811
- Nick Hadziannis: 65
- John Hemming-Clarke: 442
- Labour: 1,925 (6.6% - down 15%)
- Conservative: 11,629 (39.9% - down 11%)
- Money Reform Party: 33
- Turnout: 40.5%
- Swing: 14% Conservative to Lib Dem; 16% Labour to Lib Dem
There are more details at www.ben4bromley.org.uk
The decrease in the Conservative vote is the worst by-election result for the Conservative party in a Tory held seat since Wirral South in February 1997 - the last days of the John Major premiership. Labour came fourth.
The BBC called it "a stunning result", "a very bad night for David Cameron" and a "very, very good night for the Liberal Democrats".
The Bromley and Chislehurst by-election result in full:
- Ben Abbotts (Liberal Democrat): 10,988 (37.7% - up 17%)
- English Democrats Party: 212
- National Front: 476
- UK Independence Party: 2,347 (8.1% - up 5%)
- Monster Raving Loony Party: 132
- Green Party: 811
- Nick Hadziannis: 65
- John Hemming-Clarke: 442
- Labour: 1,925 (6.6% - down 15%)
- Conservative: 11,629 (39.9% - down 11%)
- Money Reform Party: 33
- Turnout: 40.5%
- Swing: 14% Conservative to Lib Dem; 16% Labour to Lib Dem
There are more details at www.ben4bromley.org.uk
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell MP said:
“This is a stupendous result for the Liberal Democrats in one of the safest Conservative seats in the country. It shows that there is no confidence in Cameron’s Tories in the Conservative heartlands.
“Together with the results in Wales there has been a complete rejection of the Labour government following upon the Liberal Democrat success in Dunfermline earlier this year.
“Liberal Democrats are now challenging both Labour and the Conservatives, even in their heartlands.”
“This is a stupendous result for the Liberal Democrats in one of the safest Conservative seats in the country. It shows that there is no confidence in Cameron’s Tories in the Conservative heartlands.
“Together with the results in Wales there has been a complete rejection of the Labour government following upon the Liberal Democrat success in Dunfermline earlier this year.
“Liberal Democrats are now challenging both Labour and the Conservatives, even in their heartlands.”
Monday, June 26, 2006
Water waste !
Cllr.John Beanse, Chairman of Chingford & Woodford Green Liberal Democrats and Councillor in Hale End & Highams Park ward, Waltham Forest has attacked the situation local people find themselves in with regard to water.
He said:
"At a time of hosepipe and sprinkler bans it is frankly unacceptable that
a) Thames Water sometimes takes so long to repair leaks
b) according to the national press recently (Guardian) in London every day enough water to fill 300 Olympic-size swimming pools is running into the gutter
c) according to the same report Thames Water's profits, boosted by a 22% price hike, are up by almost a third to more than £346m
This seems madness and local people deserve a better deal."
He said:
"At a time of hosepipe and sprinkler bans it is frankly unacceptable that
a) Thames Water sometimes takes so long to repair leaks
b) according to the national press recently (Guardian) in London every day enough water to fill 300 Olympic-size swimming pools is running into the gutter
c) according to the same report Thames Water's profits, boosted by a 22% price hike, are up by almost a third to more than £346m
This seems madness and local people deserve a better deal."
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Any Questions? --
- - well at least one !
On Friday, 23rd June, several local Liberal Democrats were in the audience for the live transmission of Radio 4's "Any Questions?" from Woodford Green.
Many of the audience had submitted questions and one of those selected for the programme came from a member of the Executive of Chingford & Woodford Green Liberal Democrats. She asked about the implications of Gordon Brown's declared support for replacing Trident.
On Friday, 23rd June, several local Liberal Democrats were in the audience for the live transmission of Radio 4's "Any Questions?" from Woodford Green.
Many of the audience had submitted questions and one of those selected for the programme came from a member of the Executive of Chingford & Woodford Green Liberal Democrats. She asked about the implications of Gordon Brown's declared support for replacing Trident.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
London's City Hall
On Tuesday, 20th June, Cllr. John Beanse attended a briefing and reception for London's newly elected councillors at the extraordinary City Hall on the south bank of the Thames.
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Warning from Ming Campbell
Campbell warns nuclear power is "the ultimate stealth tax"
A new generation of nuclear power stations will cost taxpayers and consumers tens of billions of pounds, Menzies Campbell has warned. The Lib Dems say that new nuclear power, in addition to posing safety and environmental risks, will only be possible with vast taxpayer subsidies or a rigged market. They have published a new analysis of recent international experiences of nuclear power. Sir Menzies argued instead that an alternative energy strategy based on renewables, microgeneration, energy efficiency and clean coal technology is more affordable.
Sir Menzies underscored the value of microgeneration by visiting a combined heat and power station and a fuel cell project that power a leisure centre in Liberal Democrat-run Woking Council, a Beacon Council for Climate Change.
Sir Menzies said:
“Every UK citizen is already paying over £1,500 to clean up the nuclear waste of the last 50 years – and that bill regularly gets revised upwards.
“If the Prime Minister gets his way and a new generation of nuclear power stations are built, both the taxpayer and consumer will get stung again. Nuclear power is the ultimate stealth tax.
“Evidence from abroad shows nuclear power is not competitive. Last year the US Government was forced to offer nuclear subsidies of $13.7 billion to persuade investors.
“The new nuclear power plant being built in Finland needed hidden subsidies through export guarantees from France, 30 year long contracts and government guarantees over future decommissioning and waste. The real question for the forthcoming energy review is, where will Blair hide his nuclear subsidy?
“There is a low carbon, non-nuclear alternative – and it was backed by the Prime Minister only three years ago. If we get serious about energy efficiency and renewables and if we invest in a decentralised energy system with local Combined Heat and Power and domestic microgeneration, there is simply no need to waste money on nuclear power.
“As the Prime Minister used to say, nuclear power will impose a tax on the country, costing consumers billions of pounds, distorting the market and squeezing out competition.”
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
LIB DEMS IN WALTHAM FOREST
Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, E17
With 19 councillors now, including 3 in Hale End & Highams Park, the Liberal Democrats are seeking to work hard for the interests of local residents.
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Sunday, June 18, 2006
London Conference
"ALG LONDON SUMMIT"
On Saturday, 17th June, Cllr. John Beanse attended the London Conference for new councillors of all parties organised by the ALG (Association of London Government).
This was held at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster. He writes:
"I attended interesting and informative sessions on Crime and the Community and on Finance, as well as listening to speeches and Question & Answer sessions in the main hall. I was called to speak in one of these and questioned the way we are governed, referring to:
- the unsatisfactory way decisions are taken in Cabinet, rather than by the full Council
- the role of the London Mayor and the inadequate powers of the London Assembly
- the demands and targets of Central Government in setting the local government agenda
- the unsatisfactory nature of the electoral system itself by which councillors are elected."
Friday, June 16, 2006
HEALTH SCRUTINY
CONCERNS ABOUT LOCAL COMMUNITY SERVICES
At the Health & Adults' and Older Persons' Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee (14th June), recently elected Lib.Dem. Councillors Sheila Smith-Pryor and John Beanse both spoke on the Savings Plan of the local Primary Care Trust.This "Financial Recovery Plan" is designed to deliver about £15 million savings; the annual budget is about £300 million.
A particular area of concern was the plan to "redesign Community Services". Sheila and John both raised their strong concerns about the cuts in front-line services this entailed - with planned reductions in the numbers of District Nurses and Health Visitors.
The Committee unanimously agreed that the plan amounted to a "substantial variation" in service and therefore required a 90-day consultation, not just 30 days as scheduled by the PCT. It is hoped the PCT will now agree to this - otherwise the Scrutiny Committee is prepared to use its powers to refer the issue to the Secretary of State.
WATCH THIS SPACE !
Friday, June 09, 2006
THE LIB DEM LEADER'S SPEECH
MING CAMPBELL HAS BEEN OUTLINING HIS VISION OF A BETTER BRITAIN AND THE VITAL ROLE THAT THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS MUST PLAY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS (see excerpts below)
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MING CAMPBELL'S VISION OF A BETTER BRITAIN
IMPORTANT SPEECH FROM THE LIBERAL DEMOCRAT LEADER -
SIR MENZIES CAMPBELL MP
Our party must be the party of ideas, with policies founded on values and fashioned with rigour. Our instincts are against authoritarianism and based on the freedom of the individual. We should be unashamed in our pursuit of liberty and freedom and opportunity.
Britain needs a radical shake-up of government; a democratic revolution to restore accountability, legitimacy and representation. To restore power to local government and to give more influence to the electorate.
Those of us who care about social justice must also care about criminal justice. It is not illiberal to be prepared to defend the rule of law. There is nothing liberal about people living in an atmosphere of fear. There is nothing liberal about tolerating violence.
I will never waver in my determination to uphold civil liberties and fundamental freedoms; nor will I waver in my view that breaking the law has consequences and in appropriate cases should carry punishment.
I will never waver in my view that deterrence and detection are much more likely with locally based, neighbourhood policing with strong ties to the local community.
There is a great opportunity for the Liberal Democrats. Because we are closest to the heartbeat of the British people. Because we understand that people want a government that values freedom and opportunity; challenges unfairness; attacks injustice and confronts prejudice.
I want what every Liberal Democrat wants: freedom, opportunity and compassion.
I want a liberal country,
I want a Britain to be proud of.
