The BIG Question about BBC's "Question Time"

On the eve of hearing the economic GDP figures, what does the BBC do but host a BNP special "Question Time".

Whilst some may argue that hearing how BNP leader Nick Griffin conducted himself on the show may think that it was a good thing, no doubt MEP Nick Griffen will continue his line that he had faced a "lynch mob" on prime time TV.

What is clear to me is that NOT one single question was asked about the dire state of the UK economy and recession that the current Government has brought us virtually to our knees and how the opposition parties would attempt recovery when it is highly expected that the Conservatives under the leadership of David Cameron will have to face this problem in office next year.

There was no question either of why the UK continues today in the longest recession in history but yet France and Germany have successfully moved out of recession!

What particularly concerns me is that here in Camden alone 1300 people voted for the BNP in the European Elections 2009, that was about 2.76% of the vote. Yet again this important question of “why” does a seemingly non-raciest electorate decide to vote BNP on matters of Europe. It is clear that to most commentators these votes are mostly a protest vote against the Government and “MP Expenses”. But to think that is perhaps missing the point that nationally and here locally in Camden we do have a lot of people that now feel totally disconnected from main steam politics to verge off to a far right Neo-Nazi party.

The questions that the BBC flagship "Question Time" as presented by David Dimbleby put should have been more balanced in its range of questions rather than creating the much talked about, super high ratings, platform for a BNP "Nick Griffen" special.

However, it was only through the audience apparent unscripted participation that we actually got to see the real side of Nick Griffen and how the BNP publicity machine works. Sadly, the BBC hijacked itself to be part of that machine!

Author: Nigel Rumble

UK economy still in recession

Britain's economy shrunk by -0.4 per cent in the third quarter, making this the longest recession since records began.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics showed a provisional 0.4 per cent contraction in gross domestic product, defying analysts' hopes the UK economy could have returned to growth.

Shadow chancellor George Osborne said the figures were proof Gordon Brown's eoconomic policy had failed.

"This is deeply disappointing news," he said. "Britain is now in the deepest and longest recession in its modern history. Britain's economy is still shrinking a full six months after France and Germany started growing.

"We now know that Gordon Brown's recession plan has not worked, and this news has destroyed Labour's claim that Britain was better placed than other countries to weather the storms."

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman Vince Cable said: "For all the hopes of a quick recovery, these figures make it clear we are still in the longest and what could yet become the deepest recession on record.

"For all that has been thrown at the economy to try and stimulate a recovery it is clear that massive structural problems remain, particularly in the banking sector."

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "This is now the longest recession in modern economic history. Even the co-ordinated world-wide stimulus has not been able to halt the damage done by the financial crash."

The negative figure shows an improvement of negative growth of 0.6 per cent in the second quarter of 2009.

Britain entered recession in the second quarter of 2008.

By politics.co.uk 23, Oct 2009 11:30

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Consultation on Belsize, Hampstead and Swiss Cottage conservation areas

NEW Important information about Consultation on Belsize, Hampstead and Swiss Cottage conservation areas is now availible. I provide the key links below:

Introduction

What is an Article 4(1) Direction?

What is special about the Belsize Conservation Area?

The case of the missing “MeLoveSushi” scooters in Belsize!

Corporate responsibilities of Business and Belsize

Having chaired the recent Belsize SNT Police panel public meeting of 16 Sep’09. A rather surprising fact emerged that the small chain of “MeLoveSushi” restaurants has had rather a lot of delivery scooters stolen by joy riders and being dumped in and around the Belsize area, causing considerable concern for local public safety in the Belsize area.

What is particularly concerning is that the restaurant appears not to be taking either the problem or the security of these vehicles seriously.

It was of the opinion of all those who attended the "SNT Public" meeting that there is a "duty of care" by all business such as “MeLoveSushi” towards the local community to secure and make safe their delivery vehicles. Incidentally the driving and parking of these vehicles in what is a public "walk way" at Swiss Cottage Market is rather suspect too.

Therefore, I like to remind the chain that corporate responsibility means exactly that, having a "duty of care" towards the local community and minimising Health and Safety risks to the public caused by operational delivery vehicles.

Author: Nigel Rumble

Hampstead Police Station today is safe from threat of closure.

The Metropolitan Police Authority has withdrawn its closure plans for nearly all London boroughs.

Through the tireless efforts and support of local residents and leading campaigner and Parliamentary candidate Cllr Chris Philp for Hampstead and Kilburn. It is great to report that all the hard work that Chris and the local team of Conservatives have helped to bring about this victory.

It is now hoped that the Police station will be developed again to form a cornerstone part of the local community here in Hampstead and Belsize. This is a very welcome item of news in this month of August.

Author: Nigel Rumble

The women who clear Sudan's minefields

Jamba Besta had planned to be a secretary, hoping to find work in an office as her homeland of South Sudan emerged out of a 22-year long civil war.

Instead, the pregnant mother heads an all-female team of de-miners, removing dangerous explosives from former battlefields.

"I never thought I would be doing this," says Ms Besta, welcoming her six-woman team back from the danger zone they are clearing.

"But it shows those people who think that women can't do jobs like this that they are wrong."

The team's members say they work better as an all-women team - supporting each other against often critical comments that de-mining is work only for a man.

"We live and work away from home all as one team, so it is good we are all women together," she says.

Sudan's north-south war - fought over ideology, religion, ethnicity and oil - ended more than four years ago.

Some two million people died in the war, and its bitter legacy of landmines and unexploded ordnance continues to kill and wound.

Please read the full story here

By Peter Martell
BBC News, Bungu