Monthly Archives: September 2012

Conference: the good, the bad and the ugly

Posted on September 30, 2012 by

Now that I’ve had some sleep and recovered from the fun of Federal Conference in Brighton, I thought I’d share with you some of the highs and lows of a thoroughly enjoyable five days. The Good When Shami beat Paddy:  You … Continue reading →

Posted in Jo Swinson, Liberal Democrat Conference, Nick Clegg, Paddy Ashdown, peter andre, Shami Chakrabarti | Leave a comment

Jo Swinson’s speech to #LDConf in full

Posted on September 30, 2012 by

On Wednesday, Jo Swinson made her first platform speech to Conference as a Minister. She spoke about the need for work to be fulfilling and told how she would introduce the right for all to request flexible working and would … Continue reading →

Posted in Employment, Jo Swinson | Leave a comment

HERE BE SPOILERS: Review of The Angels take Manhattan

Posted on September 30, 2012 by

Well, that’s it, then. The Ponds have gone. There will be spoilers later on so don’t read any further if you don’t want to know what happens. You know how soft I am, so it will come as no surprise … Continue reading →

Posted in Amy Pond, doctorwho, River Song, rory williams | Leave a comment

Herald reveals SNP’s savage Police cuts

Posted on September 30, 2012 by

When I was on Brian Taylor’s Big Debate on Friday, one of the questions was on the 3000 civilian jobs expected to go after the creation of the single police force. My answer was that it was hardly responsible government … Continue reading →

Posted in Independence, Kenny MacAskill, single police force, Willie Rennie | Leave a comment

In which I was on Brian Taylor’s Big Debate

Posted on September 28, 2012 by

So, I’m lurking outside the conference hall on Wednesday morning just before Jo Swinson’s speech when my phone rings. The unfamiliar voice from the blocked number announces herself as a producer from Brian Taylor’s Big Debate. She asks me if … Continue reading →

Posted in Angela Constance, Brian Taylor, brian taylor's big debate, catherine stihler, centre for scottish public policy, colin borland, federation of small businesses, ross martin | 2 Comments

The SNP and the English Democrats

Posted on September 27, 2012 by

On Tuesday, in his speech to the Liberal Democrat Conference in Brighton, Willie Rennie called on conference representatives from south of the border to make the case for keeping the union together and not just give the stage to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Angus MacNeil, English Democrats, SNP | 25 Comments

Why do men think it’s ok to get their Nuts out in public?

Posted on September 27, 2012 by

I don’t know much about the man who sat two seats along from me on the flight home from Gatwick last night, but he made me deeply uneasy. I know that he’s a Rangers fan, and that he’s on Twitter, … Continue reading →

Posted in Equality, Feminism | 4 Comments

Nick Clegg’s speech in full #ldconf

Posted on September 26, 2012 by

Analysis later but for now, here’s Nick’s speech in full. This summer, as we cheered our athletes to gold after gold after gold, Britain remembered how it feels to win again. But more importantly, we remembered what it takes to … Continue reading →

Posted in Liberal Democrat Conference, Nick Clegg | Leave a comment

Willie Rennie tells Liberal Democrats: Liberal values need to be at forefront of independence debate

Posted on September 25, 2012 by

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie gave his keynote address to the Brighton Liberal Democrat Conference this morning. Seeing him speak after  MIke Moore, you can see how their vastly different styles complement each other.  Mike is statesmanlike and reasonable,Willie … Continue reading →

Posted in Liberal Democrat Conference, michael moore mp, Wilie Rennie | 4 Comments

Mike Moore tells Liberal Democrat Conference: UK family is stronger together

Posted on September 25, 2012 by

Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Scotland  gave a keynote address to the Liberal Democrat Conference today. It was every bit as measured and reasonable as you might expect from him. It’s good to see that there’s been progress to … Continue reading →

Posted in Liberal Democrat Conference, michael moore mp, Nicola Sturgeon | 1 Comment