There is a lack of transparency and accountability in our education system. Appointed Regional School Commissioners wield the power to irreversibly remove schools from local authority oversight.
The government has published a 'resources and waste strategy', which it describes as ambitious. The document is a blueprint not for action, but for consultation. This means there will be plenty of opportunities for the semi-noble aspirations to be watered down. Here's a review of the document, with direct quotes in italics.
AS THE CLOCK CLICKS DOWN TO 29TH MARCH 2019...... Far from allowing Parliament a 'meaningful vote' on the deal with the EU in December, Prime Minister May ran from the inevitable defeat, wasted yet more valuable time for our already weakened economy hoping that, by postponing her next date with destiny until mid January the EU would throw her a last minute life line and the possibility of a No Deal Brexit would panic MPs into line. Stubbornly refusing to see any fault lines in her deal, she now hopes that with the divided Parliament, running the clock down will ensure that alternative options are swept off the table and MPs will be forced to support her Brexit deal in the meaningful vote in January or risk leaving the EU without a deal.
Dear All
If you have a real Christmas tree and are wondering how to dispose of it, you might be interested to know about the scheme run by St John's Hospice to raise funds. You can organise for your tree to be collected and raise money for charity at the same time.
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran's campaign to scrap the 1824 Vagrancy Act has received Labour party support.