I Ken Noo

Green arrest adds Tory edge

ANALYSIS By Iain Watson BBC Political Correspondent

Mr Green's arrest is putting pressure on Gordon Brown

The arrest of the shadow immigration spokesman Damian Green has allowed the Conservative leader David Cameron to get on the front foot, after struggling to make his voice heard during the credit crunch.

He used not the comment pages of a highbrow and voluminous Sunday broadsheet to discuss issues of ancient liberty and the right of the present-day opposition to hold government to account, but the tabloid pulpit of the News of the World.

He is trying to reach beyond the Westminster village and tell people who might otherwise not have heard of his assiduous, but not exactly high-profile, immigration spokesman why this arrest matters.

And he has put both the prime minister and the home secretary in a bit of a tight spot.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7757510.stm

I want these price cuts passed onto the consumer now !!

Brown demands petrol price cuts

Gordon Brown: 'We've had some success in getting the price of oil down'

Gordon Brown has called for the recent falls in the price of oil to be passed on to UK consumers.

The price of oil has plummeted - from a high of $147 a barrel for US light crude this summer to $82.24 at midday on Friday.

The prime minister said: "I want these price cuts passed onto the consumer, and passed on as quickly as possible."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7662918.stm

Welcome back Mandy darling , don't show anyone the pictures !!

PM pledges 'nation over politics'

Peter Mandelson says it is 'third time lucky'

The national interest must come before party politics, the prime minister has said of his controversial appointment of Peter Mandelson to the cabinet.

Mr Mandelson, considered divisive by many Labour MPs, was drafted back to the cabinet for an unprecedented third time in a major cabinet reshuffle.

Gordon Brown said he wanted the best talent to tackle the economic crisis.

But some MPs have not welcomed Mr Mandelson's return - one cabinet member is thought to have tried to prevent it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7652288.stm

I will do better!!

I will do better, Brown pledges

By Emma Griffiths BBC News, Labour conference, Manchester

Gordon Brown: 'These are testing times for people's wisdom'

Gordon Brown has told the BBC he will "do better" as prime minister but says he is the man with the experience to lead Britain through tough times.

He said he was "never complacent" and had made mistakes on the 10p tax rate but had made the right decisions on Northern Rock and short selling.

"I always want to do better and I will do better," he told the BBC.

An internet survey suggests Labour could be left with as few as 160 MPs at the next general election.

But Mr Brown said opinion polls were a referendum on the government of the day and the real choice, based on policies, would come at the next general election.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7627812.stm

We'll do whatever it takes !!

Brown pledges action on economy

Gordon Brown has voiced his concern for workers in the financial industry

Gordon Brown has opened Labour's annual conference in Manchester with a pledge to do "whatever it takes" to sort out Britain's financial system.

The PM hailed the action his government has taken to help stabilise the money markets in the past week.

But he said he would now push for reforms to the global finance system.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7626580.stm

Hoon your singing my Toon , promotion on the way !!

Hoon hits out over Cabinet leaks

Geoff Hoon said cabinet confidentiality should not be breached

Chief whip Geoff Hoon has slapped down Cabinet colleagues who anonymously brief journalists about Gordon Brown.

It was "quite wrong" if ministers were behind stories emerging from supposedly confidential Cabinet meetings, he said.

He also told the BBC's Straight Talk he did not believe there was a Blairite plot to depose Mr Brown.

And he said the PM's much vaunted "vision" was just "shorthand" for a "range of measures that the government believes are necessary".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7625768.stm

We can come through this difficult time , take the rough with the smooth , you b**tards

PM hits back over leadership talk

Mr Brown has urged unity ahead of the Labour conference in Manchester

Gordon Brown has struck a defiant note ahead of this weekend's Labour Party conference in Manchester.

He urged Labour MPs to focus on core values and said "we can come through this difficult time".

He told Sky News he would not be forced out by rebels saying leaders had to take "the rough with the smooth".

Mr Brown has arrived in Manchester for the party conference, as a survey of Labour members and supporters suggest the majority want him to stand down.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7624796.stm

Here I come Superbrown I'll clean up the City !! Mark my words !!

Brown pledge to 'clean up' City
Gordon Brown
Gordon Brown says he wants to end 'irresponsible' behaviour by financiers

Gordon Brown has pledged to "clean-up" the financial system following the rescue of Britain's biggest mortgage lender HBOS by Lloyds TSB.

The prime minister said he had taken "quick action" to "maintain the stability of the financial system".

But he said he also had proposals to end "irresponsible behaviour" in the money markets to prevent similar problems happening in the future.

The government by-passed competition laws to allow the takeover to happen.

The £12.2bn deal will create a mega bank that will dwarf its nearest rivals in the UK mortgage and savings market.

It follows the dramatic collapse in the share price of HBOS, Britain's biggest mortgage lender, amid fears it was exposed to bad debt. 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7623053.stm

Darling I Love you !!!!!

Darling urges MPs to back Brown
Gordon Brown
Seventy Labour MPs would need to back a challenger to Gordon Brown

Chancellor Alistair Darling has urged Labour colleagues to "get behind" Gordon Brown who, he said, was the "right person to lead this country".

People expected the government to be tackling the "unprecedented turbulence" in the financial markets, he said.

Labour's ruling National Executive Committee is due to discuss rebel MPs' call for leadership nomination forms to be sent out to all Labour MPs.

Twelve have requested forms but would need 70 MPs' support for a contest.

On Monday an unnamed, middle-ranking, government minister told the BBC he was considering resigning over Mr Brown's leadership, saying: "You can't go on saying 'I think Gordon Brown is the man to lead us to victory' when you don't believe it." 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7617984.stm

Challenge away , see if I care

Labour to rule on leadership bid
Gordon Brown
Seventy Labour MPs would need to back a challenger to Gordon Brown

Labour Party chiefs are expected to try to block attempts to force Gordon Brown to face a leadership contest.

The party's National Executive Committee is tipped to reject requests for leadership nomination forms from MPs unhappy with the PM's performance.

Mr Brown is coming under increasing pressure from within his own party to face a leadership contest.

The latest MP to speak out - an unnamed government minister - has said he may resign his post over the issue. 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7617984.stm

See what I do for you !!!!

Brown unveils £910m fuel measures

Gordon Brown announces energy-saving measures

Gordon Brown has agreed a £910m package of measures with the big energy companies aimed at helping people with soaring gas and electricity bills.

It includes half price insulation for all households and a freeze on this year's bills for the poorest families.

Pensioners and unemployed people with young children will get an extra £16.50 a week if there is a severe winter.

But the measures were attacked as "ridiculous" by the unions, who want a windfall tax on the energy giants.

The package includes:

• Free cavity wall and loft insulation for pensioners and poor households
• 50% off cost of insulation for all households
• Freeze on this year's bills for half a million poor consumers
• Partial reversal of cut to warm front programme giving free central heating to poorest pensioners
• Cold weather payments to go up from £8.50 a week to £25 a week for pensioners, disabled people and unemployed families with children under five - if temperatures drop below zero for seven consecutive days

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7609036.stm

Me cave in ? NEVER !!

Brown 'backs more Holyrood power'

Read Brian Taylor's blog

The Scottish National Party has claimed that Gordon Brown is "caving in to pressure" to concede more powers to the Scottish Parliament.

It follows the prime minister's speech at the CBI dinner in Glasgow in which he indicated that he favoured enhanced financial powers for Holyrood.

Mr Brown said the Union was key to the economy but indicated the prospect of greater financial accountability.

Mr Brown's aides denied this was a concession to Nationalist pressure.

Speaking to the dinner on Thursday night, Mr Brown said there was a risk of waking up and finding the benefits of the Union had been thrown away.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7599295.stm

Improve or quit, Clarke tells Brown , What does he know ? Idiot !!!

Improve or quit, Clarke tells Brown

Gordon Brown's leadership was called into further question when former Home Secretary Charles Clarke warned he had just months to prove himself or he would have to "stand down with honour".

Mr Clarke had already re-ignited the prospects of a leadership challenge when he warned the Labour Party would not allow the Premier to lead them to "utter destruction" at the next election.

In an article for the New Statesman magazine, Mr Clarke said there was a "deep and widely shared concern" within the party that the Government was currently heading for disaster.

But in an interview with the BBC, the former Cabinet minister warned the Premier he would have to improve or "stand down as Prime Minister with honour and have a proper leadership election".

Mr Brown had been a "brilliant Chancellor" but had not established his political authority.

It was "entirely possible" for him to "turn it around" but if he failed to do this and then did not then resign the Cabinet would have to decide on a course of action. But he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that at present there was no "clarity" about how to address the "deep concerns" within the party.

He said: "What I believe is there are two essential possibilities, both of which are perfectly honourable. The first is for the performance of the Government to improve significantly ... or the second is for Gordon Brown to stand down as Prime Minister with honour and have a proper leadership election to address the proper issues. Both of those are perfectly reputable courses of action."

Asked how long Mr Brown had left, he said: "I think it is a question of months really. It is a question of seeing how it works forward and whether he can deal with the situation.

http://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/latest-national-news/Improve-or-quit-Clarke-tells.4457815.jp

Fall out with my Darling ? NEVER !!!

Number 10 denies chancellor rift

The chancellor' s comments have been described as 'extraordinary'

Downing Street has denied reports of a rift with the chancellor following his grim warnings over the economy.

Number 10 said it was working closely with Mr Darling on ways to alleviate the impact of the economic downturn.

Mr Darling told a newspaper at the weekend that Britain was facing its worst economic crisis for 60 years.

Meanwhile, Conservative leader David Cameron has warned large-scale attempts to refloat the mortgage market could be "quite dangerous".

The Bank of England figures show the number of new mortgages approved for home buyers fell in July to just 33,000, a 71% drop since last year.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7591346.stm

Leaked letter ? , find out who leaked it !!!

Leaked letter predicts crime rise

Home Office minister says letter is statement of the "blindingly obvious"

Crime levels are set to rise because of the economic downturn, according to a leaked Home Office letter.

The draft letter to Downing Street said rising property crime and violent crime, and increased hostility to migrants, were likely.

It also forecast more smuggling of fuel, alcohol and tobacco.

Home Office minister Tony McNulty said the letter was a "statement of the blindingly obvious", as it was clear crime may go up in the slowdown.

The letter was draft advice which had not been cleared by home secretary Jacqui Smith and had not been sent to Number 10, the Home Office said.

Migrant workers

The letter based its suggestions about property crime, such as burglary, and violent crime on the experience of the recession in the early 1990s.

It said if the economic slowdown was on a similar scale over the next couple of years, property crime would be likely to rise by 7% in 2008 and a further 2% in 2009.

FROM THE TODAY PROGRAMME More from Today programme

The letter added that a downturn would affect the need for migrant workers, particularly in jobs such as construction where they make up a large proportion of the workforce.

"Increased public hostility to migrants" was predicted to result from heightened competition for employment.

The leaked letter stated: "There is a risk of a downturn increasing the appeal of far-right extremism and racism, which presents a threat as there is evidence that grievances based on experiencing racism are one of the factors that can lead to people becoming terrorists."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7591072.stm

Can Brown turn it round? Of course I can !!!

By Brian Wheeler
Politics reporter, BBC News

"The public do seem to have switched off. Not necessarily from the government as a whole but they don't seem to be engaging with Gordon."

Mr Brown has promised help for families hit by rising prices

He may not be one of nature's Brownites - in fact he recently added his voice to calls for the prime minister to quit - but former spin doctor Lance Price has a knack of putting into words what Downing Street must be fearing the most at the moment.

Mr Brown is getting ready to stake his political future on a package of economic measures aimed at helping families through the credit crunch.

All manner of goodies have been hinted at - from a stamp duty holiday to one-off windfall payments to help with winter fuel bills.

The idea is to show voters Labour is "on its side" - that it is looking out for "ordinary people" - and hopefully provide some relief from some of its worst poll ratings in history.

Mr Brown's future as prime minister may rest on the reaction it gets.

But the fear for the government is that the public will fail to give Mr Brown any credit for his largesse - or simply shrugs its shoulders and change the channel.

"Even when he does something that should be ostensibly popular, no one is listening," says the former Downing Street man.

"That is a very dangerous position for the government to be in."

'Dreadful area'

Some Conservatives see parallels between Mr Brown's problems and their own party's predicament in the mid-1990s.

"They're entering that dreadful kind of area where almost everything they say and do is automatically rejected," shadow local government secretary Eric Pickles told The Financial Times.

"I am not saying they're entirely there but they are beginning to sink without a sign of the bottom."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_7570000/newsid_7573000/7573011.stm

Meet the stars always a good ploy

Brown meets triple gold hero Hoy

Mr Brown congratulated fellow Scot and triple gold medallist Chris Hoy

Gordon Brown has met triple gold medallist Chris Hoy at a reception in China hosted by their old university.

Both the PM and Hoy, Scotland's most successful Olympian, were students at Edinburgh, which put on a reception at the British Embassy in Beijing.

They had tea with Principal Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea and ambassador William Ehrman.

Sir Timothy said Hoy, who graduated in Applied Sport Science in 1999, was a "great ambassador for the university".

Mr Brown, who went to Edinburgh University when he was just 16, graduated with a first class honours MA aged 19 and became rector of the university in 1972.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_7570000/newsid_7577300/7577328.stm

Darling I Love You !!!!!!!

Darling: Brown can win election

Alistair Darling is standing in for Gordon Brown while he is on holiday

Alistair Darling says he is optimistic Gordon Brown can overcome his current political difficulties to "turn things round" and win the next election.

The chancellor said Labour needed to set out a clear vision and "recapture that conviction and zeal" it once had.

Mr Darling, who is deputising for the PM while he is on holiday, said: "I think we can get through this."

He refused to be drawn on reports the government is considering temporarily scrapping stamp duty.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7542393.stm

Vacuum ??? Where???

Ex-ministers' challenge to Brown

Speculation about Gordon Brown's future has increased recently

A group of ex-Labour ministers are to set out their own policy agenda to fill what they see as a "vacuum" at the heart of government.

The unnamed former ministers told the BBC their list of four or five initiatives would distinguish Labour from David Cameron's Conservatives.

The move, expected within weeks, will increase the pressure on Gordon Brown.

Three cabinet ministers have attempted to damp down speculation about his leadership by rallying to his defence.

The BBC's Iain Watson reports that one of the group of former ministers stated: "Gordon Brown's back is against the wall."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7539858.stm

Quite right !!!!!

MPs urge Brown to sack Miliband

The media met Mr Miliband as he arrived at BBC Radio 2's studios Profile: David Miliband Nick Robinson's blog

Two Labour backbenchers have called for David Miliband to be sacked over an article which led to speculation he wanted to succeed Gordon Brown.

The foreign secretary had "overstepped the line", Geraldine Smith said, while fellow MP Bob Marshall-Andrews accused him of "duplicitous" behaviour.

The Guardian article discussed Labour's future without mentioning Mr Brown.

But Mr Miliband told BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show that he was "not running a leadership campaign".

He insisted Labour was "not down and out", despite last week's by-election defeat in Glasgow East and poor poll ratings.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7534729.stm

No one beleives you including ME!!!!

Labour not down or out - Miliband

The media were waiting for Mr Miliband as he arrived at BBC Radio 2's studios

Labour is "not down and out", despite its recent by-election defeat in Glasgow and poor poll ratings, Foreign Secretary David Miliband has said.

The party was "determined" to be clear about its values, and ensure a "real choice at the next election", he added.

Mr Miliband told BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine he was "not running a leadership campaign" against Gordon Brown.

But two Labour backbenchers want him to be sacked over an article which led to speculation he wanted to be leader.

Geraldine Smith said Mr Miliband was "trying to stir up trouble" with a piece in The Guardian talking about Labour's future which did not mention Mr Brown.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7534729.stm

I'm on holiday and not going !!!

Brown dismisses resignation calls

Gordon Brown outlines his priorities

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has dismissed calls for his resignation, saying he is determined to take the "right decisions" for the country.

He was speaking on a visit to a country park in Norfolk, at the start of his summer holiday.

Questions have been raised about Mr Brown's leadership after Labour's shock defeat at the Glasgow East by-election.

It comes as ministers, unions and activists meet to discuss a blueprint for the next election manifesto.

Mr Brown and his wife Sarah started their summer holidays with a visit to Whitlingham Country Park, near Norwich, ahead of a break at the seaside resort of Southwold, Suffolk.

Mr Brown said: "I'm getting on with the job and I think it's important that in difficult economic circumstances we take the right decisions for the future to get fuel prices down, to get food prices down, to make sure we get the housing market moving...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7527142.stm

Good ol' straw !!

Straw backs Brown to remain as PM

Jack Straw has made public his support for the prime minister

Jack Straw has said he is "absolutely convinced" that Gordon Brown remains the "right man" to lead Labour.

The by-election defeat in Glasgow East was disappointing, but it would be a "big mistake" for Labour to turn in on itself now, the justice secretary said.

It is the first time he has spoken out publicly in support of the prime minister since Thursday's defeat.

Mr Straw told the BBC he had no plans to mount a leadership bid, despite reports an ally is canvassing support.

Mr Straw, who has been touted as a potential caretaker leader, had previously made it known he wanted Labour to close ranks behind Mr Brown, without coming out publicly in support of him.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7527390.stm

Bstards !!

Harman denies planning leader bid

Ms Harman says Mr Brown is the "solution" not the "problem"

Harriet Harman has insisted she is "not preparing the ground for a leadership election" amid growing speculation over Prime Minister Gordon Brown's future.

The Commons Leader rejected a Times report she was overheard telling aides after Labour's Glasgow East by-election defeat: "This is my moment."

Mr Brown has been under pressure since Labour saw its majority overturned by the SNP in last Thursday's poll.

Two Labour MPs have openly called for him to consider resigning.

But Downing Street sources told the Press Association that reports Ms Harman and Foreign Secretary David Miliband were preparing leadership challenges were "garbage".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7531576.stm

Bstard !!

Miliband denies 'leadership' bid

David Miliband praises Gordon Brown as a leader

David Miliband has insisted he is not "campaigning" for the Labour leadership - despite writing about the party's future with no mention of Gordon Brown.

He said he was prompted to write his Guardian article because of the sense of "fatalism" in the party after its defeat in the Glasgow East by-election.

"Can Gordon lead us into the next election and win? Yes. I'm absolutely confident about that," he said.

He said his article was challenging David Cameron, rather than Mr Brown.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7532691.stm

74% answered "for the worse" What do they know ?????

Poll watch: June 2008

In the latest Poll Watch, the BBC's political research editor, David Cowling, reviews the political opinion polls published in the UK in June.

Mr Brown marked his first anniversary as PM in June

June marked the first anniversary of Gordon Brown's premiership - and the public's verdict in the polls proved far from complimentary.

ICM/Guardian (sampled 20-22 June) reminded respondents that Mr Brown had taken over from Tony Blair one year ago and asked whether the prime minister's "personal leadership style has proved to be a change for the better or a change for the worse?"

Some 74% answered "for the worse" and this group included 60% of Labour voters (overall 14% said "for the better", including 28% of Labour voters).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7494986.stm

Isolate Zimbabwe , it'll keep interest away from home

Brown urges Zimbabwe 'isolation'

Brown statement on the G8 Summit

Gordon Brown has urged the UN to use the "full weight of the international community" to isolate the "illegitimate" state of Zimbabwe.

In a statement to MPs on this week's G8 summit, he said there was a "growing international coalition for change".

He also outlined G8 action on oil and food prices and climate change, including a target to halve global carbon emissions by 2050.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7499551.stm

Stealth tax , MEEEE?????NEVER!!!!

Brown attacked over road tax plan

David Cameron and Gordon Brown clash over road tax

David Cameron has told Gordon Brown he will be ousted if he does not drop his "deeply unpopular" plans for higher road tax on more polluting cars.

In angry question time exchanges, he challenged Mr Brown: "Don't you understand that if you don't get rid of it, they will get rid of you?"

But the PM said the Tory leader sounded "more like a used car salesman".

Some green groups say the tax should apply to new cars only, rather than all cars bought since 2001.

Owners of some of the oldest cars could face a tax rise of as much as £200 - a move which the Conservatives and many Labour MPs say will hit poorer drivers the hardest.

It's not my backbenchers who are telling me to get on my bike David Cameron Conservative leader

Mr Brown insisted that 24 of the top 30 models of car would incur the same vehicle excise duty or lower.

But Mr Cameron hit back: "What you are doing is treating the Ford Focus as one model - in fact there are 40 models of the Ford Focus. You've got the saloon and the estate."

He said owners of only three of these 40 models would be better off. "When are you going to stop using such dodgy statistics to back up your figures?"

And as Labour MPs jeered, Mr Cameron quipped: "I don't know why you're all shouting at me - it's the prime minister who's given you the lowest poll rating since Michael Foot."

'Stealth tax'

Mr Brown, who taunted the Tory leader for riding his bike to work while a car followed with his bags, said: "When are the Conservative Party going to be honest when they say they support green taxes and then they run away from every one of them?

"You are sounding more and more like a used car salesman today."

Mr Cameron replied: "It's not my backbenchers who are telling me to get on my bike."

We haven't got a problem with green taxes but they have got to be fair and the retrospective bit of this tax is not fair Ronnie Campbell Labour MP

He said the road tax rise was "not a green tax, it's a stealth tax". "What on earth is green about taxing someone who bought a Ford Mondeo five years ago?"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7435575.stm

You know you can afford it all 9 million of you !!

Road tax increase 'will hit 9.4m'

Labour backbenchers have criticised the reforms to the road tax system New car tax rates

An estimated 9.4 million motorists will have to pay more road tax under reforms aimed at punishing "gas-guzzling" vehicles, the government has admitted.

Official estimates say vehicle excise duty will rise for 43% of vehicles made since 2001 - by up to £245 for the most polluting ones - but will fall for 18%.

The AA said the figures, for 2010-11, confirmed "our worst fears", while the Tories said the PM misled Parliament.

No 10 rejected that suggestion and said the aim was to cut carbon emissions.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7498884.stm

I'm Heathcliff

I'm an older Heathcliff, says PM

'Come down from dithering heights'

Gordon Brown has said it is "absolutely correct" to compare him to Heathcliff - the brooding, romantic anti-hero of Emily Bronte's novel Wuthering Heights.

In a New Statesman interview the prime minister was told: "Some women say you remind them of Heathcliff."

He replied: "Maybe an older Heathcliff, a wiser Heathcliff."

He said unlike Heathcliff, he did not "generally" lose his temper. But Bronte expert Ann Dinsdale said the character was actually "not an ideal role-model".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7497903.stm

Can This be true ?? will someone plaese tell me ??

Whistleblower warning on degrees

By Sean Coughlan BBC News education reporter

Degrees are being awarded to overseas students who speak almost no English, claims a whistleblowing academic.

The academic, at a world-famous UK university, says postgraduate degrees are awarded to students lacking in the most basic language skills.

There are concerns that financial pressures to recruit overseas students for cash rather than quality could threaten the credibility of degrees.

But Universities UK says there are "rigorous" checks on standards.

The number of overseas students taking higher degree courses, such as masters and doctorates, has soared - rising more than eightfold since the mid-1990s.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7358528.stm

What Rubbish !!!Conservatives and Liberal Democrats said Mr Brown could not claim to champion freedom when he was attempting to undermine it.

PM hits back over civil liberties

Gordon Brown on the 42-day terror detention limit

Gordon Brown has defended the use of CCTV, ID cards and the DNA database - saying they protect civil liberties.

In a speech to the IPPR think tank, the prime minister said they helped ensure people's right to live free from crime.

He also defended 42-day detention, saying the authorities could not afford a "head-in-the-sand" approach to it.

Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats said Mr Brown could not claim to champion freedom when he was attempting to undermine it.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7459053.stm

No Pay Rises !!!!!! Don't worry MPs we'll get it back from second home blag !!!

Ministers give up 2008 pay rises

Ministers will give up their 2008/9 pay rises

All government ministers will give up their 1.5% pay rise for this financial year, Downing Street has announced.

The prime minister's decision was approved at this morning's Cabinet meeting, his spokesman said.

Gordon Brown said ministers would not accept a pay rise "given the importance of public sector pay restraint at a time of economic uncertainty".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7458889.stm

My warning to Iran!!!!

Bush and Brown's warning to Iran

President Bush warns Iran that "all options" are on the table

Gordon Brown and President George Bush have warned Iran to accept their "offers of partnership" or face tough sanctions and international isolation.

The UK prime minister said he wanted to maintain a dialogue with Tehran, but if Iran ignores UN resolutions then sanctions would be intensified.

Europe would freeze overseas assets of Iran's biggest bank and impose new oil and gas sanctions, he said.

But the EU foreign policy chief said no new sanctions had so far been agreed.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7456081.stm

More!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More secret files found on train

The documents were found on a train heading to London's Waterloo station

More sensitive government files were found on a commuter train earlier this week, it has been revealed.

The Independent on Sunday says it was handed the documents, which cover fighting global terrorist funding, drugs trafficking and money laundering.

The files were found on the same day as the BBC was handed top secret papers on al-Qaeda. A Treasury spokesman said the government was "extremely concerned".

The Tories are calling for controls to protect secret official information.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7455084.stm

At McDonalds !! What next !!!!

MoD laptop stolen from McDonalds

MoD staff are banned from taking unencrypted laptops out of offices

The Ministry of Defence says a laptop has been stolen from a member of the military as he was eating in McDonalds.

The computer was taken from under the Army captain's chair, near the MoD's Whitehall headquarters on 1 April, according to the Sun newspaper.

The MoD said the data on the laptop was not sensitive, and was fully encrypted.

It comes after a laptop holding details of 600,000 people who applied to join the armed forces was stolen from a car in Edgbaston, Birmingham, in January.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7344043.stm

Oh my God !! Not again !!!Blears computer theft 'alarming'

Blears computer theft 'alarming'

The break-in took place at Hazel Blears Salford office on 14 June

A personal computer holding sensitive documents relating to defence and extremism has been stolen from Hazel Blears' constituency office in Salford.

The machine contained a combination of constituency and government information which should not have been held on it.

The theft may mean the communities secretary has broken rules on the handling of restricted information. The Tories called it "alarming".

The government is to review guidance on the storage of restricted information.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7459579.stm

Yessssss!!!!!!!! Brown wins crunch vote on 42 days

Brown wins crunch vote on 42 days

Uproar in the House of Commons as the result is announced

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has narrowly won a House of Commons vote on extending the maximum time police can hold terror suspects to 42 days.

Thirty-six Labour MPs joined forces with Conservatives and Lib Dems to vote against the proposals.

But that was not enough to defeat them - although the government still faces a battle in the House of Lords.

The 42-day proposal was passed by 315 MPs to 306 - with votes by the nine DUP MPs proving crucial.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7449268.stm

Oh God , not again !! Blair launches faith foundation

Blair launches faith foundation

Tony Blair called for more idealism and less religious extremism

Former prime minister Tony Blair has launched a faith foundation to tackle global poverty, challenge conflict and unite the world's religions.

Mr Blair, who is a Roman Catholic, unveiled the foundation in New York.

The Tony Blair Faith Foundation has three aims: to promote faith as a force for good, improve awareness between religions and tackle poverty and war.

Mr Blair said there was "nothing more important" than creating understanding between different faiths and cultures.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7427809.stm

I'm lonely !! Brown telephones voters at home

Brown telephones voters at home

Mr Brown has always telephoned voters, says No 10

Gordon Brown routinely telephones voters at home to talk about Labour policy, Downing Street has confirmed.

The prime minister is understood to ask the No 10 switchboard to put him through to people who have written to him with questions or concerns.

A BBC News website reader has told how Mr Brown called him two months ago to talk about the Iraq war.

Wajid Rafique said the PM apologised on behalf of the government "for what had happened to the people of Iraq".

'Not expecting reply'

Mr Rafique, 30, from Nelson, Lancashire, said Mr Brown called him on a Saturday afternoon when he was "still in bed after a late night on Friday".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7427297.stm

Eh !! Blair 'secretly advising Brown' First I've heard about it

Blair 'secretly advising Brown'

Mrs Blair says she has 'nothing personal' against Gordon Brown

Tony Blair is giving advice to Prime Minister Gordon Brown and has told him how to win the next election, Cherie Blair has said.

Her disclosure is made in an interview with the Times newspaper to coincide with its serialisation of her autobiography, Speaking for Myself.

In one extract from the book, she reveals how her husband suffered a crisis of confidence over the Iraq war.

But she writes he decided to stay on as PM to fight for his domestic legacy.

'Rattling the keys'

During 10 years in Downing Street, Mrs Blair, the former prime minister's wife, continued her high-flying legal career and became a high profile media figure in her own right.

Over the years she was in the headlines almost as much as her husband, and not always for the reasons she would have liked.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7393530.stm

Oh My God whatever next !!Blair 'to devote life to faith'

Blair 'to devote life to faith'

Mr Blair has recently announced his conversion to Catholicism

Former prime minister Tony Blair has promised to "spend the rest of my life" uniting the world's religions

He said faith could be a "civilising force in globalisation", bringing people together to solve problems such as malaria and extreme poverty.

Mr Blair, who is now a peace envoy to the Middle East, told Time magazine that religious belief had given him "strength" while in power.

He is launching a "faith foundation" in New York on Friday.

Mr Blair, who recently converted to Catholicism, said: "Faith is part of our future, and faith and the values it brings with it are an essential part of making globalisation work."

'Fantastic thing'

His foundation will attempt to bring religions together to tackle global issues such as the UN's eight Millennium Development Goals, which range from eradicating extreme poverty to ensuring environmental sustainability.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7426647.stm

In a Bunker ? I don't play golf , what's he on about ?

PM Brown 'in by-election bunker'

Mr Brown has not been to campaign in Crewe and Nantwich

David Cameron has accused Gordon Brown of hiding in "his bunker" - instead of going out to Crewe and Nantwich to explain axing the 10p tax band.

Mr Brown told MPs it was a prime ministerial convention not to campaign at by-elections and he had given £2.7bn to help those hit by tax changes.

Mr Cameron taunted him by saying his predecessor as PM, Tony Blair, "led from the front" at by-elections.

It came as all parties made a final push for votes in Thursday's poll.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7412261.stm

Oh God !! Yes they are my fingers and they're on the button !!

My global moral vision

Brown reveals global moral vision

The prime minister urged nations and religions to act together to solve problems

Gordon Brown has been setting out his vision for a global society governed by a shared "moral sense".

The prime minister was addressing the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.

It is 20 years since Margaret Thatcher gave her "Sermon on the Mound" at the Assembly, arguing a theological basis for her free market thinking.

Mr Brown, whose father was a Kirk minister, said he shared the church's "enduring vision of the good society".
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7405547.stm

Oh God , are they my fingers ???????????????????????