Back at the 2004 European Parliament elections, I worked on a project called VoteMatch with some fellow students at the College of Europe (Bob Aal and Tamara Anthony). I met up with Bob recently in London and he reminded me of the site, so I thought it was worth having […]
The whole ID card debate [BBC Q&A] has not even been at the top of the political agenda for weeks or maybe even months, but today the final die has been cast that means I have to abandon my position on the issue of sitting on the fence for ideological […]
For the second time in just over a fortnight, I have been on the wrong end of some petty criminality. Today the front wheel of my bike was stolen from just outside the offices where I work close to Victoria railway station in London. Someone whipped off the old wheel […]
I feel quite pleased with myself today – I cycled over to the Tooting Bec Lido and swam there with some friends from the civil service. The pool is 90m long; make a bit of a change from normal swimming pools! Anyway, I swam 12 lengths, so just over 1km, […]
I’ve just tried to wake my mind up a bit this Sunday morning by reading this article in The Observer about Ségolène Royal (Wikipedia about her). The picture that emerges from the article is a strange one, an image of a politician who is sharp and competent, but has not […]
I’m lost for words. John Reid yesterday announced his new plans for the criminal justice system. 8000 more prison places. Less chances of early release. It makes dire, dire reading. The Guardian’s article about it is here. I uttely loathe the Government’s let’s pander to the interests of the Daily […]
Quick note about Cameron, as the decision on the future of the Conservative MEPs in the EPP-ED group in the European Parliament has now been taken. The aim will be to establish a new eurosceptic group after the EP elections in 2009. Looks like the decision has been kicked into […]
Sometimes you have just been out of power too long, and you simply must have it back. That seems to be what has happened in Slovakia where the left-ish SMER party of new Prime Minister Robert Fico has formed a coalition with the right-wing nationalist Slovak Nationalist Party (SNS), and […]
It has been a short 12 months blogging. Thinking back, I started all of this off on (as far as I can tell) 7th July 2005 with a casual shrug of the shoulders, with little keen-ness and determination. Helena had suggested I start the blog. I suppose I wanted to […]
Two strange experiences this morning – one good, one bad. I was waiting for the N35 night bus from Beford Road to Liverpool Street station. The bus stop was quiet at 03:45, but then a drunk man swayed his way towards me. Oh no, what now? But I need not […]
My attention was drawn to the story entitled Poll shows Muslims in Britain are the most anti-western in Europe in The Guardian a few days ago by my mother who sent the article to me, asking me what I thought. Essentially, the poll shows that while non-Muslims in the UK […]
I haven’t written much here over the last week for a number of reasons. Firstly, I spent 4 days in Sweden for Midsommar, sitting in the sunshine eating färsk potatis and jordgubbar. Secondly, I’ve been working away from London quite a bit and have not mustered up much energy (or, […]
