Posts Tagged “bob russell”
Lib Dem opposition to mandatory jail terms for second knife offences show our principles are intact
by Stephen Tall on June 17, 2014
The Lib Dems have sold our soul, abandoning all principle, since going into Coalition – so goes up the cry from the party’s detractors, both internal and the very many beyond. That trite claim doesn’t sit very comfortably with the party’s actions today, voting against Labour and Conservative MPs’ united support of mandatory jail terms […]
In other news… Hemming “resignation threat”, Rogerson on second home tax, Russell on Israel & more
by Stephen Tall on November 4, 2012
MP John Hemming’s fury over ‘cover-ups’ (Daily Express) A LIB Dem MP threatened to resign the party whip last night and sit as an independent unless child protection was treated “more seriously”. John Hemming said the Government was “dangerously complacent” about the level of cover-ups at children’s homes and in the wider family justice system. […]
LDV Caption Competition | Sir Bob Russell “snookered by Nick Clegg” Edition
by Stephen Tall on January 7, 2012
There’s no prize at stake – just the opportunity to prove you’re wittier than any other LDV reader… (Hat-tip to the Colchester Daily Gazette.) Here’s veteran Lib Dem MP for Colchester Sir Bob Russell, knighted for public service in this year’s honours, enjoying a frame of snooker with Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg. What do […]
The 7 Lib Dem MPs unaffected by the Boundary Commission proposals
by Stephen Tall on September 13, 2011
The last 24 hours’ political news has been dominated by the Boundary Commission for England’s proposals for new parliamentary constituencies — and in particular the reduction from 533 to 502 in accordance with the Coalition Agreement to reduce the size of the House of Commons. I’m a self-confessed politics geek, so I find this stuff […]
When is a rebellion not a rebellion?
by Stephen Tall on July 15, 2010
The Coalition decision to raise VAT was, by some measure, the most controversial aspect of the Government’s first budget. In our recent survey of party members, 42% opposed the move, though 48% endorsed it (however reluctantly) to deal with the deficit. The party’s MPs have also been wrestling with the issue. The VAT increase was […]
Tory council leader accuses Lib Dem MP of smear
by Stephen Tall on July 5, 2009
The BBC has the story: A Tory peer referred to the police over expenses says it is part of a campaign of “attacks and innuendo” by an MP. Lord Hanningfield claimed the unnamed MP was determined to “blacken my name” (…)
What can politicians achieve? A Review of the Foothills
by Stephen Tall on April 13, 2009
Generally speaking political diaries are not best read cover to cover, and certainly not if they weigh in at 590 pages. They are for dipping into, browsing the index, and allowing your eyes to wonder to names, places and events (…)
Bob's 'Campaign to Save the Great British Pub' backed by 200+ MPs
by Stephen Tall on April 7, 2009
As The Scotsman reports: MORE than 200 MPs yesterday called on the UK government to back a five-point plan to save “great British pubs”. In his early day motion, Lib Dem MP Bob Russell said five pubs were closing down (…)
MPs decide (eventually) to allow UK Youth Parliament to meet in Commons
by Stephen Tall on March 17, 2009
The UK Youth Parliament will be allowed to hold a meeting in the House of Commons following overwhelming approval from MPs – after a two-hour long debate. The BBC reports: The move, which was resisted by a handful of Conservative (…)
