Lib Dems table motion on benefit cap
Damian Green, the Work and Pensions minister, has claimed that this strategy was a "real success" - a rather callous comment...
MR
8 Nov 2016
National News
Urgent questions to our MPs regarding Article 50
There was rather worrying news from the regional conferences this weekend in which several parliamentarians, including Chief Whip Tom Brake, implied that the party would not vote against an Act of Parliament triggering Article 50 and/or repealing the European Communities Act 1972. I and many other members are increasingly concerned about this turn of events. Less than two months ago, we passed a policy at Conference that committed the party to remain inside the European Union. Our reputation for many years has been that of a Europhile party, and nearly all of our votes are aware of this fact. So too are the thousands of new members who joined after the referendum. To not vote against would not only be betraying party members, it would be betraying our voters too. After a bruising period in coalition in which we lost the trust of many of our members, I fear that retreating from our pro-European principles poses an existential threat to the party.
SN
8 Nov 2016
What do you want from Parliament’s Article 50 debate?
With the issue of whether Article 50 needs parliamentary approval currently before the courts, there is some discussion of what Parliament ought to do with the process if it gets the chance. While clearly there is no majority for simply blocking article 50, it is quite reasonable for MPs to put constructive amendments to the proposal, respectful of the mandate from June, and to vote against if those amendments are not accepted - as one would with any other bill before Parliament.
JO
8 Nov 2016
Labour votes down congratulations to our Olympians , exercise and sport for local people
At the meeting of Newcastle City Council last week, a whipped Labour group voted down this motion from the Liberal Democrats :
8 Nov 2016
The value of a child's life
Crossing wardens : update on two questions posed to Council officials by Liberal Democrat councillors about the costs of death or injury to children
8 Nov 2016
Are You Sitting Comfortably?
Then I'll begin a tale of those who are almost invisible, the homeless.
JH
8 Nov 2016