UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown

What's wrong with my signature Gorm Bun ?

2009-11-11T09:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.haloscan.com/comments/garvan/8251178827534666849/

I must write more neatly

2009-11-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly
I must write more neatly

Sky TV

2009-06-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

Of course I claim back SKY TV payments I only subscribe as I have to see what my subjects are watching , you can't possibly think I would watch it for any other reason ?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/opensecrets/

Oh Jacqui !! Jacqui PIG

2009-05-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

So Jacqui your sister's home is your main home so you can claim £116K on the house where your husband and children live as a second home , BOLLOCKS resign now and give yourself some dignity !!!!

"But the home secretary has insisted that she "fully abided" by the rules in designating her sister's house as her main residence, allowing her to claim payments on her Redditch constituency home which she shares with her husband and children."

So many piggies !!!! You know who you are !!!

2009-05-19T13:16:00.000-07:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8039273.stm#wright_ian

12 piggies done 600+ to go

2009-05-15T12:16:00.001-07:00

12 piggies done 600+ to go

Oh Iris !! Iris Pig and Peter pig

2009-05-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Anti-gay MP Iris Robinson and husband tried to claim twice for same expenses bill

By Staff Writer, PinkNews.co.uk • May 15, 2009 - 17:37

Iris Robinson and her husband both tried to claim for the same expense bill

2 Comments on Anti-gay MP Iris Robinson and husband tried to claim twice for same expenses bil

Northern Ireland MPs Iris Robinson and her husband Peter both tried to claim for the same £1,223 expenses bill on the same day.

Mrs Robinson, who once described homosexuality as an "abomination", was exposed in the latest round of expense receipts published by the Daily Telegraph.

The Democratic Unionist Party MPs have come under scrutiny for their financial affairs before, with a tabloid newspaper reporting last month that they claim almost £600,000 a year in salaries and expenses.

The double claim was rejected by officials, as was a claim for a total of £10,860 in mortgage interest payments made by the couple – covering five months – because they did not provide mortgage interest statements as proof. It was not clear whether the money was paid to them or if they eventually submitted evidence of the interest.

Between 2004 and 2008, the couple claimed a total of £159,208 on their east London flat, most of which went on mortgage interest repayments.They bought the flat in 2001 for £450,000.

They also claimed £30,525 for food between 2004 and 2008, reaching the £400 limit most months.

In response, Mr Robinson described the double claim for the £1,223 bill as “an innocent mistake”.

He said: “The two claim forms were prepared for the signature of my wife and myself by the same person. They are signed separately and then sent together in the one envelope. Anyone in the fees office would have been dealing with the claims together and inevitably would have noticed the innocent mistake. It is clear that this one duplicate entry over many years was an innocent error and happily was spotted.”

He added that the £100 per week claims for food were "not unreasonable", although he said none of the couple's children had spent "more than half a dozen nights in the apartment over the years”.

Mrs Robinson earns £63,291 for her position as an MP, £24,296 as an Assembly member and as chairwoman of its health and social services committee and £9,550 as a councillor for the Castlereagh borough in Northern Ireland.

Oh No!!! Piggy Speaker Martin

2009-05-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Speaker faces no confidence call

The Speaker's supporters say he has long been the victim of snobbery.

A no confidence motion in House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin is to be tabled by a Conservative backbencher.

MP Douglas Carswell is to make the move following a furore over Mr Martin's handling of leaks of MPs' expenses.

Some MPs felt he was more concerned with attacking those who criticised him than responding to public anger.

Labour MP Gordon Prentice argued that the speaker was now "too compromised" by recent events and so should stand down immediately.

Thank god another Tory !! Hogg Pig

2009-05-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

Tory MP Hogg to repay 'moat cost'

Mr Hogg was one of several Tories whose claims were questioned

Conservative MP Douglas Hogg has agreed to repay £2,200 - the cost of clearing his moat at his country estate - amid the continuing row over MPs' expenses.

Mr Hogg maintained he had not claimed the money but agreed it had not been "positively excluded" from paperwork submitted to the Commons fees office.

"I believe that my claims fell clearly within the scope of the rules."

He is the latest in a string of Labour, Tory and Lib Dem MPs to pay back money after claims came to light.

Mr Hogg was irritated by the Telegraph's coverage of his own claims - which was included in a series of articles about how wealthy Conservatives had claimed towards the cost of maintaining large constituency homes.

Malik £66K , whew , Mr Malik Pig

2009-05-15T01:53:00.000-07:00

The Telegraph also reports Justice Minister Mr Malik - who claimed the most expenses of all 646 MPs in 2007 - claimed a maximum of £66,827 allowances over three years for his second home in London.

It reports he claimed £2,500 for a cinema system, later reduced by half by the fees office.

He claimed £65 for a court summons for council tax non-payment but he repaid this on Thursday.

Mr Malik said the report's suggestion he paid only £100 a week in rent on his "main home" in his Dewsbury constituency was a "fabrication".

He said the house was where he spent most of his time so it was legitimate to claim for the second home in London.

Al last a Conservative Pig , but dammit MacKay pig resigned

2009-05-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

Tory MP quits post over expenses

Andrew MacKay: 'I feel that it is important to apologise'

Conservative MP Andrew MacKay has quit as parliamentary aide to David Cameron over what the party said was an "unacceptable" expenses claim.

He claimed full second home allowance on his London address, while his wife, Tory MP Julie Kirkbride, claimed the full allowance for another home.

Mr Cameron has said all Tory MPs must be able to defend their expenses.

Elliot Morley is, "heartbroken" a terrible mistake says Eric Pig

2009-05-14T01:09:00.000-07:00

MP admits mortgage expense error

Elliot Morley was said to be "heartbroken"

A former minister has admitted he claimed £16,000 on expenses for a mortgage that had been paid off.

Labour MP Elliot Morley told the BBC he had repaid some back and it had been a mistake which he felt terrible about.

The Daily Telegraph reported he claimed £800 a month for a Scunthorpe property for 18 months after the mortgage ended.

More than 20 MPs have said they will pay back claims totalling nearly £130,000, amid public anger after days of revelations from leaked receipts.

He had kept to the rules , so why pay it back ? Hope pig

2009-05-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

Health minister to repay £41,709

Phil Hope: "The public anger has been a massive blow to me"

Health minister Phil Hope is to repay £41,709 in second home allowances following media revelations.

The Labour MP said he had kept to the rules but stories about his expenses had caused a "massive blow" to his integrity and standing with voters.

It is the biggest amount an MP has paid back as all parties attempt to repair the damage to their reputation.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8047410.stm

2009-05-13T10:32:00.001-07:00

http://ukprimeministergordonbrown.co.uk

Hazel acted within the rules , so why pay it back ? Hazel pig

2009-05-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

Blears will pay tax on flat sale

Hazel Blears says public outrage and the need to rebuild trust prompted her decision

Hazel Blears has said she will pay £13,332 in capital gains tax on the sale of her "second home" after criticism about her expenses claims.

The communities secretary told Commons staff her London flat was her "second home" on which she claimed expenses.

But when she sold it she did not pay CGT, due on homes the Inland Revenue does not consider a "main residence".

She said she had acted within the rules but knew people were "really angry" and paying it was "the right thing to do".

Get the police to probe now !!!!!!!

2009-05-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

Ministers have defended their expenses claims saying all were made within the rules, as police are asked to probe how the details were leaked to a newspaper.
Lord Mandelson, who claimed £2,850 for his home, before quitting as an MP and selling it for a large profit, said the claims were for essential repairs. Justice Secretary Jack Straw said he had repaid £1,500 which he claimed to cover the full rate of council tax on his constituency home - when he was getting a 50% discount. He told the BBC he had acted "in complete good faith and within the rules" but regretted the "error" on council tax.
But asked how his colleague - Environment Secretary Hilary Benn - apparently managed to claim only £140 for the whole year under the allowance, Mr Straw added: "I will talk to Hilary about how he manages it."
Downing Street says there was "nothing wrong" with Gordon Brown's £6,500 claim to pay his brother for a cleaner.
His spokesman said any suggestion there was something wrong in the arrangement whereby Mr Brown paid his brother for a cleaner they both shared was "wholly unjustified".
The Telegraph revelations include Communities Secretary Hazel Blears claiming three different properties within a year were her "second home" - the first her Salford constituency, the second two in London. MPs can claim up to £24,000 a year towards the costs of their second home.
Ms Blears said the claims were "entirely in accordance with the rules" adding: "I have only ever had one small, one-bedroom flat at any time in London." But she did not answer questions about whether the claims were justified

No reward for failure , BUT they won't listen to me !! will they ?

2009-02-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

Brown warns banks on bosses pay

Gordon Brown: 'A new approach... is required'

The Prime Minister has insisted there should be "no reward for failure" at banks which have had to be bailed out by the taxpayer.

Gordon Brown was speaking after reports Royal Bank of Scotland is considering awarding large bonuses, despite expectations of huge annual losses.

However Mr Brown stopped short of saying the government would impose a salary cap on rescued banks.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7871828.stm

It's my duty , !! British jobs for British workers !!!!

2009-02-05T11:05:00.000-08:00

PM's jobs pledge 'a huge mistake'

Construction and maintenance workers around the UK have protested

Gordon Brown should apologise for his "British jobs for British workers" pledge in the wake of wildcat strikes across the UK, say the Tories.

Tory leader David Cameron said the PM's words, cited by protesters who walked out in a row over Italian workers at a refinery, had been a "huge mistake".

He said it was "pandering to people's fears" and an "error of judgement".

But Mr Brown said it was his "duty" to help Britons acquire skills needed to get jobs in a global market.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7870357.stm

Oh No that religeous nut's out and about again !!!

2009-02-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Obama greets 'good friend' Blair

Barack Obama meets former Prime Minister Tony Blair

Tony Blair has become the first leading British politician to meet Barack Obama since he was sworn in as US President.

The former prime minister was welcomed as a "very good friend" by Mr Obama, as he gave a speech at the traditional National Prayer Breakfast.

He advised the new president: "You don't need cheerleaders but partners, not spectators but supporters."

Mr Obama praised Mr Blair as "somebody who did it first and perhaps did it better than I will do".

In his speech, Mr Blair had some words of advice for the new president, telling him: "The truest friends are those still around when the going gets toughest."

Mr Blair, who converted to Catholicism after leaving office, warned that the "public eye is not always the most congenial".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7873000.stm

Mandelson , WHAT are you playing at !!!

2009-02-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

Flag mistake at UK-China ceremony

The flag was the centrepiece of an agreement-signing ceremony

The government has been criticised for displaying the Union flag upside down at the signing of a trade agreement.

A plastic flag was flown incorrectly for a ceremony involving Gordon Brown, Chinese premier Wen Jiabao and Trade Secretary Lord Mandelson.

The Flag Institute said it was "concerned" about the mistake and Tory MP Andrew Rosindell called it "an unbelievable flaw in protocol".

BBC News website readers got in touch to point out the error.

The Union flag - more commonly described as the Union Jack - has been in use since the Act of Union between Great Britain and Ireland came into force in 1801.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7866938.stm

I'm with you all the way !! British Jobs for British workers !!

2009-02-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Fresh talks in foreign worker row

Workers at the Lindsey refinery explain why they will stay out 'for as long as it takes'

Hundreds of workers are continuing unofficial strike action over the use of foreign contractors, as talks resumed to try to resolve the dispute.

Protesters gathered outside Lindsey Oil Refinery - where the wave of strikes originated last week - saying they were awaiting the outcome of the Acas talks.

Some 600 workers walked out of Langage power station near Plymouth on Tuesday.

Workers in Fife, Cheshire, North Yorkshire, Essex and Hampshire have continued their support protests.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7866614.stm

What do they know ?? I'm right !!

2009-01-28T10:58:00.000-08:00

PM attacked on economic forecast

Mr Brown said countries with large financial sectors would be hard hit

A prediction that the UK economy will suffer more than its rivals this year shows the "true cost of Gordon Brown's failures", the Conservatives have said.

The International Monetary Fund projects it will shrink by 2.8% next year, the worst among advanced nations.

The Tories said it was a "bad day" for the prime minister and an "even worse day for the country". The Lib Dems said it showed problems were "home-grown".

Number 10 said the PM was "confident" his economic package was correct.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7856872.stm

Don't be pessimistic , I'm not !! Oh God ! 15% behind

2009-01-26T06:21:00.000-08:00

Brown warns against 'pessimism'

Gordon Brown has given a wide-ranging speech on the economy

The economic crisis should be treated as "the difficult birth-pangs of a new global order", with new rules introduced on trade, Gordon Brown says.

The prime minister set out a series of actions designed to "replace fear with confidence" and warned against just "muddling through as pessimists".

During a speech defending his handling of the crisis he also warned against the "deglobalisation threat".

His speech came as a poll suggested the Tory lead had grown to 15% over Labour.

The UK is now officially in recession for the first time since 1991, with many businesses blaming difficulties in obtaining loans for the crisis.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7850649.stm

Don't bring that up again !!

2009-01-23T11:12:00.001-08:00

The would-be PM who cost us £100bn

By Liam Halligan, Economics Editor
Last Updated: 11:45pm BST 14/10/2006

The chances are that you have never heard of "advance corporation tax relief". And you probably didn't notice when Gordon Brown abolished it, without warning, in his first Budget back in July 1997.

You may, on the other hand, have heard of "Labour's £5bn pension stealth tax". That is because it has since become clear that the Chancellor's policy shift – removing tax relief on income from share dividends – was very harmful to British pension funds.

Gordon Brown and Tony Blair
Blair warned the Chancellor not to tax private pension funds so brutally, but Brown wanted to hit the ‘fat cats’

Announcing the move, Brown told the Commons that this was a "long-needed reform". But most actuaries now agree, if only sotto voce, that it has contributed mightily to the closure, since Labour took office, of thousands of final salary schemes.

The resulting loss of income and dignity – to say nothing of the stress – endured by members who have seen part or all of their "guaranteed" pensions disappear is among the biggest injustices of our time.

See This link

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2006/10/15/ccliam15.xml

Oh dear !! Final salary schemes 'face axe'

2009-01-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

OK I know it's all my fault taking £4 billion a year out of the pensioners pensions and effectively the stock market all those years ago was in retrospect stupid , but it seemed like a good idea at the time , ( like selling the Gold ) and probably the£200 billion defecit is exactly the same amount given compound interest that is their shortfall , but Hey you win some and lose some , that's life , so take it like men , so I trashed the UK pension industry , OK it was the best in the world , it's not now TOUGH !!!!

Final salary schemes 'face axe'

The past decade has seen a huge wave of pension closures

A quarter of major private sector firms expect to close their final salary pension schemes to existing members in the next few years, a survey suggests.

Many companies have already closed their schemes to new members, saying they are too expensive to finance.

But barring current contributors will become more common, says the National Association of Pension Funds, which is pressing for more government help.

It found 25 of the 100 firms which replied to its study expected to do so.

'Death knell'

Final salary schemes, which offer guaranteed benefits to members, are facing pressure from plunging stock markets, falling interest rates and growing life expectancy.

The latest estimate of total company pension deficits is nearly £200bn.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7846122.stm

OK we'llcontinue to consult on the matter

2009-01-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

Brown backs down in expenses row

Mr Brown said ministers would 'continue to consult on the matter'

Ministers have shelved plans to exempt MPs' expenses details from the Freedom of Information Act, after the Tories and Lib Dems said they would fight it.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the government had thought it had cross-party agreement but would now "continue to consult on the matter".

Campaigners said it was a victory for "people power" after a web protest.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7842402.stm

Oh Jack not you as well !! A clear breach of rules

2009-01-22T09:11:00.000-08:00

Straw in 'clear breach' of rules

Jack Straw: Committee "surprised" that he "of all people" had broken the rules

Jack Straw was guilty of a "clear, albeit inadvertent, breach" of the rules in not registering a donation for a dinner to mark 25 years as an MP.

But the Committee on Standards and Privileges said that because Mr Straw had apologised and registered the money no further action was recommended.

They decided on a public rebuke because Mr Straw did not register the donation until 2008 despite reminders.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7840709.stm

Oh Peter how could you serious and substantial failure !!!

2009-01-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hain guilty of 'serious' failures

Peter Hain was Welsh secretary and work and pensions secretary

Peter Hain was guilty of "serious and substantial" failures in not registering donations, the Commons standards watchdog has said.

The former cabinet minister was cleared last month by police over the late declaration of £103,000 of donations to his Labour deputy leadership bid.

But he has been rapped by the Commons Standards and Privileges Committee.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7844553.stm

I Ken Noo

2008-11-30T12:25:00.000-08:00

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 !!

2008-10-10T07:59:00.001-07:00

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 !!

2008-10-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-09-21T11:20:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2008-09-20T13:27:00.001-07:00

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 !!

2008-09-19T11:12:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2008-09-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

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 !!!!!

2008-09-16T01:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-15T23:28:00.000-07:00

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 !!!!

2008-09-11T06:25:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2008-09-05T09:20:00.001-07:00

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 !!!

2008-09-05T09:15:00.000-07:00

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 !!!

2008-09-01T06:02:00.001-07:00

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 !!!

2008-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

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

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

2008-08-27T09:36:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

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 !!!!!!!

2008-08-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

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???

2008-08-04T10:35:00.001-07:00

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 !!!!!

2008-07-31T12:03:00.001-07:00

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!!!!

2008-07-31T06:11:00.001-07:00

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 !!!

2008-07-30T11:07:00.001-07:00

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 !!

2008-07-30T11:05:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2008-07-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2008-07-30T11:01:00.001-07:00

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 ?????

2008-07-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2008-07-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2008-07-10T12:29:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-10T12:27:00.001-07:00

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 ??

2008-06-17T11:24:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-06-17T11:09:00.000-07:00

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 !!!

2008-06-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

2008-06-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-17T10:57:00.001-07:00

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 !!!!

2008-06-17T10:55:00.000-07:00

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'

2008-06-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-17T10:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-17T10:49:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

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'

2008-06-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

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 ?

2008-05-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

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 !!

2008-05-19T11:13:00.001-07:00

My global moral vision

2008-05-19T10:58:00.000-07:00

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 ???????????????????????

2008-05-15T11:04:00.000-07:00

Labour will recover !!!!

2008-05-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

Labour will recover, says Brown

Gordon Brown: 'It's not been the best weekend'

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said Labour "will recover" after its worst local election results in 40 years, and told the BBC he took the blame.

"I feel responsible. There are no excuses on my part at all," he told BBC One's Andrew Marr Show.

He admitted to some mistakes but said he had the "conviction and ideas" to take the country forward.

For the Tories, Liam Fox said Mr Brown was "caught in a mental rut" and should "stop patronising" voters.

Labour's poor local election results - in which their projected share of the national vote dropped to 24%, pushing them into third place behind the Lib Dems - were topped by Ken Livingstone's defeat by Conservative Boris Johnson in London's mayoral race.

In his first interview after the results were announced, Mr Brown said it had "not been the best weekend", adding that voters were worried about rising petrol and food prices and utility bills.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7382674.stm

It's bad and disappointing , I'll listen and lead!!!!

2008-05-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

Gordon Brown says it has been a "bad and disappointing" election for Labour, as the party suffers its worst council results in at least 40 years.

BBC research suggests Labour won 24% of votes cast in England and Wales, behind the Tories on 44% and Lib Dems on 25%.

So far Labour has lost 310 councillors and key councils like Reading. Tory gains include Bury and North Tyneside.

Mr Brown insists his party will learn lessons. David Cameron called it a "big moment" for the Conservative Party.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7372860.stm

May 2nd Boris who ????

2008-05-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

Saint Boris's Day?

Some religious calendars indicate this is the day to commemorate Boris

May 2, 2008 11:49 AM

My colleague Haroon Siddique mentions, in his live coverage of the election results that today is Saint Boris's Day. Well, yes and no.

Boris-Mihail I of Bulgaria. Photograph: WikiCommons
True, the Orthodox calendar of saints lists May 2 as the commemoration of Saint Boris (Boris-Mihail of Bulgaria) and of the translation of the relics of Boris and Gleb, princes of Russia, whose main feast day is on July 24. But the Russian Orthodox church uses the Julian calendar (though, confusingly, this does not apparently make it Old Calendarist). Consequently, celebrations at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in London today will be for Bright Friday, it being April 19 in the ecclesiastical calendar. Saint Boris (the Russian) will have to wait until May 15 in the secular Gregorian calendar. To make things a little clearer, the Bulgarian and Greek churches follow the Gregorian calendar, though not in all things, and thus for those churches it is indeed May 2. (Unless you're talking about the Old Calendar Orthodox Church). So, is it Saint Boris's Day? It very much depends on who you ask

http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/politics/2008/05/saint_boriss_day.html

I was wrong over the 10p , but I'm listening and learning as PM !!!

2008-04-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Brown admits 'mistakes' over tax

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has admitted making "mistakes" in abolishing the 10p rate of income tax.

He told the BBC the government "didn't cover as well as we should have" losses to low earners without children and pensioners aged 60 to 64.

Mr Brown said he was "listening" and "learning" as prime minister.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7374860.stm

We need time !!!!!!

2008-04-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

'Time needed' for 10p tax changes

Chancellor Alistair Darling has been accused of incompetency by the Conservatives

The chancellor has admitted "it will take time" to finalise compensation details for people who lost out when the 10p income tax rate was scrapped.

Alistair Darling told MPs he would wait until this autumn's pre-Budget report to outline the package, as changes to the tax system "can be quite complex".

Concessions were offered to some low earners and pensioners under 65 amid fears of a rebellion by Labour MPs.

Conservative leader David Cameron said the affair was "a complete shambles".

"Even when it comes to making a U-turn, this government is incompetent," he added.

"With this prime minister and with this chancellor you have always got to check the smallprint."

The abolition of the 10p rate was part of Gordon Brown's final Budget as chancellor, before he became prime minister last year, and came into effect earlier this month.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7364344.stm

I'm not weak , indecisive or a ditherer and I wasn't pushed !!!!

2008-04-24T07:21:00.000-07:00

Brown denies being 'pushed about'

Prime Minister Gordon Brown defends the changes

The prime minister has defended the decision to compensate people who have lost money from tax changes, saying he was not "pushed about" by Labour MPs.

Gordon Brown told the BBC it was important to "judge what is right at every point".

Earlier, facing a possible Labour rebellion over the abolition of the 10p income tax rate, the government promised more help to low earners.

The Conservatives accused Mr Brown of "weakness, dithering and indecision".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7362283.stm

I wish I could do this for the council elections !!!

2008-04-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Mugabe trying to 'steal election'

Secretly filmed footage of alleged attack victims in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe is trying "to steal the election", over three weeks after the disputed poll, Foreign Secretary David Miliband says.

In a strongly-worded House of Commons statement, he said: "No-one can have any faith in this recount."

He said the "ludicrously slow rate" of the count fuelled suspicion that Mugabe "is seeking to reverse the results".

The world is witnessing "a charade of democracy", he said. The outcome of a partial recount has been delayed.

Electoral officials began the recount in 23 out of 210 seats on Saturday and said it would take three days.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7359104.stm

I'll act to head off this tax revolt NOW!!!!!

2008-04-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

Brown acts to head off tax revolt

Mr Brown is trying to win over Labour backbenchers

Gordon Brown has met Labour MPs to outline the government's plans to look at helping those worst hit by the abolition of the 10p tax rate.

He was trying to head off a backbench rebellion by MPs angry that millions of low paid workers are worse off after changes in last year's Budget.

Earlier MPs were told an inquiry into child poverty would be widened to include those affected.

The Tories and Lib Dems are both calling for a compensation package.

BBC political editor Nick Robinson said the fact Mr Brown had chosen to address the Parliamentary Labour Party showed he had accepted he had a problem - but many MPs wanted to know what he would do to compensate people who were left worse off.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7359278.stm

Of course you can't rewrite the Budget my darling I won't let you !!!

2008-04-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

Darling: I can't rewrite Budget

Chancellor Alistair Darling on the 10p tax cut

The chancellor has ruled out a U-turn on axing the 10p tax rate, saying it would be "totally irresponsible" to "unravel...or rewrite" the Budget now.

But Alistair Darling told the BBC he "would return" in future Budgets to help those hit by the move.

Critics should look at it alongside tax credit and pension changes which had helped lower earners, he said.

But leading Labour rebel Frank Field said promises of "something undefined" in the future did not go far enough.

And Conservative leader David Cameron said Mr Darling should "get off his backside" and get into the Treasury to rewrite his Budget.

Mr Cameron told BBC Radio 4's The World This Weekend that the Conservatives would be "trying to get the government to stop and think again" on a "pre-meditated tax grab" on 5.3 million people.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7357085.stm

I'm back to sort them out !!!

2008-04-19T13:41:00.001-07:00

See this link

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7356183.stm

I think I'll have to return to the UK early !!!!

2008-04-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Downing St denies 10p tax rethink

Mr Brown believes the row has been exaggerated by the media

Downing Street has dismissed calls for a rethink over the abolition of the 10p income tax rate and denied it will offer concessions to critics.

Six ministerial aides have urged Prime Minister Gordon Brown to help 5.3m low-paid workers who have lost out.

The Commons Treasury committee has said childless single people earning under £18,500 will lose up to £232 a year.

However, government sources have indicated there may be help later for those worst affected by the tax change.

'Watch this space'

Mr Brown is said to be "furious" that protests against the decision overshadowed his visit to the US this week, BBC political correspondent Norman Smith said.

Earlier, the Treasury denied reports the chancellor was preparing a climbdown over the abolition of the 10p tax band.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7355901.stm

I'm Standing Firm!!

2008-04-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

I'm Standing Firm!! Even though I caused all this when I took away the pensioners pension tax rebates on their shares !! this is just a knock on effect from that .

Brown 'standing firm' on economy

Gordon Brown interview in full

Gordon Brown has said he will not be diverted from the "right long-term decisions" for the UK's economy even if they are "unpopular in the short term".

The prime minister told the BBC he wanted to show people worried about homes and jobs the economy was "safe for them over the next few months".

He spoke after a Downing Street meeting with bank chiefs to discuss ways to boost confidence in the housing market.

The Bank of England has also put £15bn more into the banking system.

The move is an effort to improve liquidity in the financial markets.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7347330.stm

It's not my fault , never ever ever

2008-04-14T00:10:00.000-07:00

Tories pin economic woes on Brown

George Osborne has attacked Gordon Brown over the economy

Shadow Chancellor George Osborne will pin the blame for the present economic crisis on Gordon Brown, in a speech to the Policy Exchange think tank.

"At the root of the problem is the failure of the government's economic policy," he will say.

A recent poll suggests 68% of voters are "not confident at all" in Labour's ability to handle the crisis.

Mr Brown has called on banks and building societies to pass on recent interest rate cuts to borrowers.

The Financial Times/Harris survey suggested the prime minister was less trusted on the issue of handling the country's economic problems than any other major Western European leader.

Mr Osborne will say that Mr Brown had "rested his claim to competence on three pillars - stability, prudence and competitiveness".

We have been supporting the system - through the Bank of England an extra £15bn has been put in to help them get through this difficult period

Alistair Darling

He will add: "Instead, after a decade of worldwide growth, we have ended up with housing boom followed by bust, spending followed by debt, and a country finding it more and more difficult to compete.

"The Labour Party are not simply attacking their prime minister's style, they are attacking his decisions - the 10p income tax rise on the low paid, the failure to control the debt bubble, the inability to lead the country in difficult times.

"And so Labour is fighting itself instead of fighting for the country."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7345730.stm

A little dot can finish a sentence!

2008-04-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

Brown 'a tiny dot on this world'

Robert Mugabe will not be attending the summit in Zambia

Mbeki and Mugabe

Zimbabwe leader Robert Mugabe has called Prime Minister Gordon Brown "a little tiny dot on this world".

He was responding to Mr Brown's warning to Mr Mugabe that he is "appalled" at the latest developments in the country.

"Brown is the world? Sure, the world is losing patience, but I know Brown is a little tiny dot on this world," Mr Mugabe said.

Zimbabwean police have banned political rallies amid growing tension over the disputed presidential election.

'Completely unacceptable'

The prime minister said the world was running out of patience with President Mugabe, with results still not released almost two weeks after the election.

In a fresh appeal Mr Brown said: "We cannot wait any longer for the announcement of these results.

The eyes of the world are on Zimbabwe now

Gordon Brown

Brown's comments

Miliband's letter on situation

"It is in the interests of Zimbabwe's future that President Mugabe and his Zimbabwean electoral commission publish these results."

"I think it is important that we are vigilant about what happens after that. If there is to be a future election, that there is proper international monitoring of what is going on."

He added: "It is appalling if there is intimidation and violence. It is completely unacceptable and the whole eyes of the world are on Zimbabwe now."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7344336.stm

I agree, I dissagree , I agree , I dissagree , dohhh

2008-04-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

Brown's arms probe dilemma

Analysis
By Ross Hawkins
Political reporter, BBC News

The defunct fraud investigation into the massive al-Yamamah arms deal had been all but forgotten by many at Westminster.

Gordon Brown has a little time to ponder his response

It looked like something for the history books, a handful of campaigners and a few interested journalists.

Not any more.

A court ruling that the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) acted unlawfully has made it Gordon Brown's problem.

The prime minister cannot tell the SFO to re-open its investigation. That is a matter for the investigators.

Manufacturing jobs

But he has the same dilemma as his predecessor, Tony Blair, faced when he was in power: What to do about Saudi Arabia's objections?

Mr Blair made his opinion perfectly clear when he was in Number 10.

He thought the SFO probe would have achieved nothing, wrecked Britain's relationship with key ally Saudi Arabia and cost thousands of precious manufacturing jobs.

He knew that view would not make him popular in some circles - and that it would have breached international law to halt the probe on economic grounds - but he was sure it was right.

Now Gordon Brown must decide whether he agrees.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7342540.stm

Of course this is OK !!! What are they whingeing about ?

2008-04-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

Family's shock at council spying

Tim Joyce and Jenny Paton were exonerated after surveillance

A couple have spoken of their shock after their local council spied on them to see if they had been cheating the school catchment system.

Tim Joyce and Jenny Paton and their children were put under surveillance by Poole Borough Council for more than two weeks without their knowledge.

Miss Paton said this kind of scrutiny was "hugely disproportionate".

The council has defended its actions, carried out under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

The council admitted using RIPA laws, which were designed to track criminals and terrorists, on six occasions in total.

Miss Paton, from Parkstone, said: "We all know there has to be scrutiny of applications but they could carry it out without resorting to anti-terror legislation and spying.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/7343445.stm

My hands are clean , I didn't touch it !!!

2008-04-07T00:48:00.001-07:00

Damn !! I'm way behind and not claiming enough !!

2008-04-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

MPs' expenses claims are revealed

The BBC requested details of six MPs' claims

Several MPs' expenses claims have been revealed, showing that John Prescott received £4,000 in a year for food and Tony Blair had his TV licence paid.

Mr Prescott, Mr Blair, Gordon Brown and ex-Tory leader Michael Howard also had council tax bills for their second home paid for in 2003/04, the figures show.

All six MPs whose details were given received mortgage interest payments.

The revelations follow a three-year battle by the BBC to have the expenses details published.

Cleaning costs

Former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy and former Tory MP Jonathan Sayeed were the other two MPs covered.

ADDITIONAL COSTS ALLOWANCES 2003/04

Michael Howard - £20,347

John Prescott - £20,057

Jonathan Sayeed - £18,618

Tony Blair - £15,490

Gordon Brown - £14,304

Charles Kennedy - £12,869

Figures supplied by Commons Commission

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7329749.stm

Entente Formidable !! AND I DIDN'T GET LOST !!

2008-03-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

Brown seeks 'Entente Formidable'

The Browns welcome the French president and wife to Number 10

Gordon Brown has announced a series of measures to deepen and strengthen Britain's ties with France saying he wanted an "Entente Formidable".

The two countries will hold regular bilateral summits - and will vote together for reform of international institutions.

They will also step up coopoeration on immigration, defence and the economy.

Mr Brown has held talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at Arsenal's football stadium in London.

The prime minister said the two leaders would be pressing for a "co-ordinated approach" in the international financial community to encourage transparency and stop "off balance sheet behaviour".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7315649.stm

I DID NOT GET LOST !!!!!

2008-03-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

Brown 'got lost' at state banquet

Queen's comments

Downing Street has insisted Gordon Brown was just "doing what he was told" after apparently getting lost at the state banquet for Nicolas Sarkozy.

The prime minister and French President were among 150 guests at the banquet in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle.

In television footage, the Queen can be heard saying to Princess Anne: "The prime minister got lost. He disappeared the wrong way...at the crucial moment."

No 10 said the PM "does what he's told on these state occasions".

President Sarkozy sat between the Queen and the Duchess of Cornwall, while his wife Carla sat on the other side of the table.

Mr Brown was due to sit opposite as well, but, judging by the Queen's comments picked up by television microphones, must have taken his seat late.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7316401.stm

Seems very parsimonious to me !!!

2008-03-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

In full: MPs' 'John Lewis list'

Here is Parliament's Additional Costs Claims Guide - known as the "John Lewis List" - in full. It is used by House of Commons officials to determine whether an expenditure claim submitted by an MP is reasonable. MPs can claim items up to £23,000 per year.

Air conditioning unit - £299.99

Bed - £1,000.00

Bedside cabinet - £100.00

Bookcase/shelf - £200.00

Bookcase/cabinet - £500.00

Carpet - £35.00 per square metre

Carpet fitting - £6.50 per square metre

Coffee maker/machine - £100.00

Coffee table - £250.00

Dining armchairs (each) - £150.00

Dining chairs (each) - £90.00

Dining table - £600.00

Dishwasher - £375.00

Drawer chest (five) - £500.00

Dressing table - £500.00

Dry cleaning - both personal and household [items] are allowable within reasonable limits

Food mixer - £200.00

Freestanding mirror - £300.00

Fridge/freezer combi - £550.00

Gas cooker - £650.00

Hi-fi/stereo - £750.00

Installation of new bathroom - £6,335.00

Installation of new kitchen - £10,000.00

Lamp table - £200.00

Nest of tables - £200.00

Recordable DVD - £270.00

Rugs (each) - £300.00

Shredder - £50.00

Sideboard - £795.00

Suite of furniture - £2,000.00

Television set - £750.00

Tumble dryer - £250.00

Underlay (basic) - £6.99 per square metre

Wardrobe - £700.00

Washer dryer - £500.00

Washing machine - £350.00

Wooden flooring/carpets - £35.00 per square metre

Workstation - £150.00

Personal items not allowed - for example: hairdryers or hairstylers, shavers, toothbrushes, toiletries and bathrobes.

Any form of payment protection or illness cover is not claimable from ACA in relation to mortgage payments.

In order for a member to claim the mortgage interest against his ACA home, his/her name must appear on the mortgage.

Garden furniture such as patio sets, loungers and barbecues are not allowed.

Basic garden maintenance is allowed, but plants, shrubs, flowers, hanging baskets or other decorations etc are not.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7295150.stm

And this man ruled our country , !!! Why ??

2008-03-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

Blair to teach in the US on faith

Tony Blair will take part in a number of events around the Yale campus

Tony Blair is to teach students at Yale University in the US when he leads a seminar on faith and globalisation.

The former prime minister has been appointed as a fellow at Yale and will begin teaching next year.

The prestigious Connecticut university said the work was related to Mr Blair's Faith Foundation which will be launched later this year.

Mr Blair's other appointments have included as a Middle East envoy and an adviser to investment bank JP Morgan.

'Religious values'

Mr Blair has also left the Anglican Church to become a Roman Catholic since leaving office.

A statement said: "Yale University is pleased to announce the appointment of [former] Prime Minister Tony Blair as the Howland Distinguished Fellow for the next academic year.

Mr Blair has demonstrated outstanding leadership in these areas and is especially qualified to bring his perspective to bear

Richard C Levin
Yale president

"Mr Blair will lead a seminar at Yale and participate in a number of events around the campus."

Details of the course are being discussed with Yale's School of Management and Divinity.

Yale president Richard C Levin said Mr Blair's appointment was a "tremendous opportunity" for the university.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7284494.stm

Cable ? Now where have I heard that name ?

2008-03-08T13:09:00.000-08:00

Pub chain fails to see Cable joke

Vince Cable turned his comedy fire on Gordon Brown

Vince Cable's one-liners may have gone down a storm with Lib Dem delegates but pub chain Wetherspoons is not laughing.

It is angry about a passage in the Lib Dem treasury spokesman's speech to the party's spring conference in Liverpool.

Mr Cable said High Street banks "had become the financial equivalent of a Wetherspoons pub - but with even less of a sense of social responsibility".

The pub firm said this was "ridiculous" adding: "Perhaps he has been barred from a Wetherspoons pub."

Mr Cable was using the pub chain to illustrate a point about the alleged reckless lending policy of some banks.

"Just as binge drinking has become one of Britain's main recreational activities, binge lending has now become a mainstay of the economy," Mr Cable told delegates.

Funny

But Wetherspoons, which is one of the UK's biggest pub chains, insisted it took its social responsibilities seriously.

"As far we are concerned his statement is absolutely ridiculous. Wetherspoons is a good example of responsible pub operator.

"It has won more plaudits from local councils and police authorities for the manner in which it runs its pubs than probably any other pub chain in the UK.

"I don't know why he picked on us. Perhaps he has been barred from a Wetherspoons pub."

Mr Cable has developed a reputation for funny speeches and put-downs in recent months.

He reduced MPs to hysterics when he said Gordon Brown had "gone from Stalin to Mr Bean", when he was standing in as Lib Dem leader following the resignation of Sir Menzies Campbell.

And his speech to the Lib Dem Spring Conference in Liverpool was filled with more one-liners.

'Bully to bumbler'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7285053.stm

Quite right Margaret , I always feel uncomfortable at the last night , we should have " Scotland the Brave "" instead

2008-03-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

Proms not inclusive, says Hodge

Flag waving is now the norm on the traditional Last Night

The Proms attract too narrow a section of society, culture minister Margaret Hodge has suggested in a speech.

She praised "icons of a common culture" from Coronation Street to the Angel of the North and said culture could "enhance a sense of shared identity".

But the Proms was one of several major cultural events many people did not feel comfortable attending, she said.

Tory leader David Cameron said she did not "get it" and said the Proms were a "great symbol of our Britishness".

He also stressed the numbers of other Proms during the concert season - such as Proms in the Park and the Electric Proms.

'Feel at ease'

In a speech to the IPPR think tank on Britishness, Heritage and the Arts, Mrs Hodge said a "shared sense of common cultural identity" was a key part of social integration and cohesion.

She said she wanted to "challenge our sectors square on".

"The audiences for some of many of our greatest cultural events - I'm thinking particularly of the Proms - is still a long way from demonstrating that people from different backgrounds feel at ease in being part of this," she added.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7276684.stm

What a good Speaker , you've done a very, very good job of deflecting the sleaze from us !! Well done !!!

2008-02-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Brown defends 'very good' Speaker

Mr Brown said the Speaker's future was up to the House of Commons

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has backed Commons Speaker Michael Martin, saying he had done a "very, very good" job.

Mr Martin, under pressure over use of taxi expenses and air miles, was also cheered by MPs at the start of business in the House of Commons on Monday.

Labour MP John Spellar paid tribute to him and warned against an attempted "coup" by political journalists.

Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg earlier also defended Mr Martin, saying he had faced "a bit of a witch-hunt".

A number of MPs are said to want the Speaker to step down as Parliament's standards watchdog investigates a complaint against him.

Home expenses

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7262190.stm

why did we employ this bloke , ? Inherent Risks ???

2008-02-18T07:49:00.000-08:00

Rock's rescue plans 'carry risk'

All plans to save Northern Rock carry risks and there is no guarantee they will succeed, the bank's new executive chairman Ron Sandler has said.

However, there was a good platform from which to stabilise the bank and repay billions of pounds of loans, he said.

His comments came after the government rejected two private sector proposals and said it would nationalise the bank.

Mr Sandler, who has been charged with finding a strategy for the lender, said it was too early to discuss job cuts.

Business moves

Mr Sandler is the former boss of the Lloyd's of London insurance market and is widely respected for restoring confidence in Lloyd's after its years in financial disarray.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7250023.stm