This Thursday teenagers right across Bath and North East Somerset will have the chance to vote for the person they want to represent them in the UK Youth Parliament.
Now in its 8th year, the UK Youth Parliament is a growing body with represenatives from every Council authority in the United Kingdom.
Here in B&NES we have twenty young people that have put their names forward as candidates (you can view the manifestos here: www.dafby.co.uk) - of which all are extremely skilled and very capable of representing their peers.
For me, it's a great priviledge to have been asked to spend the day at my former school, Writhlington, manning the polling station and trying to encourage as many of the pupils to vote as possible.
More so, because it was with the UK Youth Parliament that I started my political life in 2001 - under the banner of the popular young people's campaign group - DAFBY (Democratic Action for B&NES Youth). Still going strong with almost 40 members, DAFBY is a place that allows young people to learn more about the political process, to take part in the decision-making-processes, and to learn new skills in self-confidence and team-building.
If you are aged 11-18, there is a very good chance you will see a polling station in your school on Thursday. If you do, please go and vote - it can make all the difference!
Saturday, 24 January 2009
Monday, 12 January 2009
Sick Tory Activist
I was sickened by the news last week that a youth activist in the Tory Party dressed up as the missing 4-year old Madeliene McCann at a fancy dress party.
What made it even worse is, as well as wearing pink pyjamas and holding a cuddly toy, he painted fake blood onto his face - implying to be the victim of some sort of abuse.
This could be the kind of behaviour we would expect from fascists - but not a member of a mainstream political party that obviously had ambitions to progress up the political ladder.
Anyone who didn't see story can find out more here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7820727.stm
What made it even worse is, as well as wearing pink pyjamas and holding a cuddly toy, he painted fake blood onto his face - implying to be the victim of some sort of abuse.
This could be the kind of behaviour we would expect from fascists - but not a member of a mainstream political party that obviously had ambitions to progress up the political ladder.
Anyone who didn't see story can find out more here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7820727.stm
Friday, 2 January 2009
People of the Year Awards
I am extremely pleased to have been a runner-up in the Politician of the Year category of the first every People of the Year Awards.
This new venture of the Bath Chronicle is a great way to recognise and pay tribute to various people who have, over the past 12 months, worked hard in their communities, work places and particular fields of study.
It brings a smile to my face to see people like Tim & Sharon Ball, Julie Peacock and Nicholas Coombes listed. They have all made their mark during 2008. I agree completely with the Editor's recognition of Nicholas Coombes - he is definately an MP in the making. Watch this space!
I would personally like to thank Editor Sam Holliday and his team for listing me in the Politician of the Year category. My work in Peasedown St John is for the good of my constituents and I get a genuine buzz out of serving others.
Happy New Year!
This new venture of the Bath Chronicle is a great way to recognise and pay tribute to various people who have, over the past 12 months, worked hard in their communities, work places and particular fields of study.
It brings a smile to my face to see people like Tim & Sharon Ball, Julie Peacock and Nicholas Coombes listed. They have all made their mark during 2008. I agree completely with the Editor's recognition of Nicholas Coombes - he is definately an MP in the making. Watch this space!
I would personally like to thank Editor Sam Holliday and his team for listing me in the Politician of the Year category. My work in Peasedown St John is for the good of my constituents and I get a genuine buzz out of serving others.
Happy New Year!
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Wellow Lane Development - yet more houses for Peasedown!
I am saddened by the news that, despite public opposition, B&NES Council’s Development Control Committee has given approval for 95 dwellings to be built in Wellow Lane, Peasedown St John.
At present, our village does not have the infrastructure or amenities to cater for such a development and the potential extra 350-400 people that would live there.
Already, Peasedown St John is the largest village in B&NES with over 1,000 houses being built in the last 20 years. It is great shame that despite this huge amount of growth planners and developers still want to ‘squeeze a few more in’.
The Labour Government’s ill-thought out proposals to build an extra 21,000 houses in the authority by 2026 will see many communities turned upside down with no consideration to existing infrastructure problems or residents’ concerns.
I would like to thank the residents of Wellow Lane and the surrounding streets for their hard fought campaign – which has certainly shown that community spirit is alive and well in Peasedown. I would also like to thank my party colleagues for not supporting this unpopular application at the committee meeting.
At present, our village does not have the infrastructure or amenities to cater for such a development and the potential extra 350-400 people that would live there.
Already, Peasedown St John is the largest village in B&NES with over 1,000 houses being built in the last 20 years. It is great shame that despite this huge amount of growth planners and developers still want to ‘squeeze a few more in’.
The Labour Government’s ill-thought out proposals to build an extra 21,000 houses in the authority by 2026 will see many communities turned upside down with no consideration to existing infrastructure problems or residents’ concerns.
I would like to thank the residents of Wellow Lane and the surrounding streets for their hard fought campaign – which has certainly shown that community spirit is alive and well in Peasedown. I would also like to thank my party colleagues for not supporting this unpopular application at the committee meeting.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
60th Anniversary
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Today (10th December) is the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
A lot can be said about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is the foundation of international human rights law, the first universal statement on the basic principles of human rights, and a common standard for all people and nations to follow.
It is because of this declaration, and the commitment of national governments to stick to it, that we enjoy many of our freedoms today.
When I think of human rights and our personal freedoms I think of the sacrifice that many of our war heros made in both the 1st and 2nd World Wars so that future generations could live in a society where everyone is born equal and everyone has the same basic rights to education, health care and welfare support.
Today Bath and North East Somerset Council will be planting three trees (one in Keynsham, one in Midsomer Norton and one in Bath) to commemorate this day and remember its importance.
Each of the events will be led by the Council's Human Rights Champion (and my co-Councillor) Sarah Bevan who has worked for many years raising awarness of human rights within the area.#
A lot can be said about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is the foundation of international human rights law, the first universal statement on the basic principles of human rights, and a common standard for all people and nations to follow.
It is because of this declaration, and the commitment of national governments to stick to it, that we enjoy many of our freedoms today.
When I think of human rights and our personal freedoms I think of the sacrifice that many of our war heros made in both the 1st and 2nd World Wars so that future generations could live in a society where everyone is born equal and everyone has the same basic rights to education, health care and welfare support.
Today Bath and North East Somerset Council will be planting three trees (one in Keynsham, one in Midsomer Norton and one in Bath) to commemorate this day and remember its importance.
Each of the events will be led by the Council's Human Rights Champion (and my co-Councillor) Sarah Bevan who has worked for many years raising awarness of human rights within the area.#
For a full list of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights visit: http://www.unhchr.ch/udhr/lang/eng.htm
Friday, 21 November 2008
Don't be fooled by the BNP!
I was having a conversation with someone the other day who shared with me that they might consider voting BNP at the next General Election. After picking myself off the ground and recovering from my shock I urged this person not to be fooled by a party that appear friendly and concerned for people when in fact they are quite the opposite.
The problem with the BNP (British National Party) is that they confuse people into thinking that if you are proud to be British, and believe in British ideas and values you should vote and support them.
By taking the British flag and using it as their party logo it lures people into a false sense of understanding of what they are about.
Do not be fooled by the BNP! In reality they are a fascist political party that promote racism and are no different from the Nazi's who ran Germany in the 20th century.
Remember the Nazis? They killed 6 million people during their reign in power. These were largely Jewish citizens but also included black people, homosexuals, the disabled and the less intelligent members of society.
Is that really what we want in Britain? A modern equivilant of the German Nazi's who would stop at nothing to ensure the only people living in this country are people with white skin and intellectually capable of doing well?
As a nation, as a group of proud people we need to take back the British flag. Our fathers and grandfathers fought two World Wars so we could be free to live in a country irrespective of our religious belief, background, sexuality and appearance.
The British National Party would throw away these freedoms, and create a country very similer to that of Nazi Germany.
Don't be fooled into voting for them! They really stand for many of the things that the rest of us dont.
The problem with the BNP (British National Party) is that they confuse people into thinking that if you are proud to be British, and believe in British ideas and values you should vote and support them.
By taking the British flag and using it as their party logo it lures people into a false sense of understanding of what they are about.
Do not be fooled by the BNP! In reality they are a fascist political party that promote racism and are no different from the Nazi's who ran Germany in the 20th century.
Remember the Nazis? They killed 6 million people during their reign in power. These were largely Jewish citizens but also included black people, homosexuals, the disabled and the less intelligent members of society.
Is that really what we want in Britain? A modern equivilant of the German Nazi's who would stop at nothing to ensure the only people living in this country are people with white skin and intellectually capable of doing well?
As a nation, as a group of proud people we need to take back the British flag. Our fathers and grandfathers fought two World Wars so we could be free to live in a country irrespective of our religious belief, background, sexuality and appearance.
The British National Party would throw away these freedoms, and create a country very similer to that of Nazi Germany.
Don't be fooled into voting for them! They really stand for many of the things that the rest of us dont.
Racism:
noun
- belief in or doctrine asserting racial differences in character, intelligence, etc. and the superiority of one race over another or others: racist doctrine also, typically, seeks to maintain the supposed purity of a race or the races
- any program or practice of racial discrimination, segregation, etc., specif., such a program or practice that upholds the political or economic domination of one race over another or others
- feelings or actions of hatred and bigotry toward a person or persons because of their race
Facism:
noun
- the doctrines, methods, or movement of the Fascisti
- a system of government characterized by rigid one-party dictatorship, forcible suppression of opposition, private economic enterprise under centralized governmental control, belligerent nationalism, racism, and militarism, etc.
- a political movement based on such policies
- fascist behavior
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Obama Wins!
I stayed up as late as I could last Tuesday night to watch one of the most highly anticipated U.S. Presidential Election nights ever.
Barak Obama's victory was not just the making of American history, but the making of world history - becoming the first African-American to become President.
Barak's story is an inspiration to many. He grew up in an working class area with his single Mum. He was an everyday guy who was no more special than anyone else, but his dreams and determination to succeed has got him where he is.
The idea of the American Dream, where anyone can achieve the best in life is not something that can just happen in United States, but something that can happen anywhere - you just have to believe in it.
Barak's victory was certainly an inspiration to me. Perhaps a Lib Dem Prime Minister really is possible?
Barak Obama's victory was not just the making of American history, but the making of world history - becoming the first African-American to become President.
Barak's story is an inspiration to many. He grew up in an working class area with his single Mum. He was an everyday guy who was no more special than anyone else, but his dreams and determination to succeed has got him where he is.
The idea of the American Dream, where anyone can achieve the best in life is not something that can just happen in United States, but something that can happen anywhere - you just have to believe in it.
Barak's victory was certainly an inspiration to me. Perhaps a Lib Dem Prime Minister really is possible?
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