tagged w/ UK Politics
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Due to the cost cutting by the government the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has announced the UK Film Council is going to be axed. the news started off as rumours spread through the media news outlets, but from the BBC article it sounds official now. (link supplies lists and information into UK Film council work)
Update: "@ netribution Now Hunt has said in the Commons the Film Council decision has not been made, https://twitter.com/#search?q=film%20council could influence"
From film & media education, I was taught one of the best ways to get funding for a short film and start a career in short films was though the Arts and Film council applications. So with this cut, will the UK film industry start to slow or boost funding through the BFI?
The Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt appeared on Andrew Marr this weekend and hinted towards other changes and was asked about his approach to UK Arts Council Funding.
"Since 2000 the UK Film Council has funded such films as Bend it like Beckham, Bright Star, The Constant Gardener, Fish Tank, Gosford Park, Happy-Go-Lucky, In the Loop, The Last King of Scotland, Man on Wire, Nowhere Boy, Red Road, St Trinian’s, This is England, Touching the Void, Vera Drake ,The Wind That Shakes the Barley and Streetdance 3D, the UK's first 3D film."Netribution
"Tim Bevan CBE, Chairman of the UK Film Council, said:
“Abolishing the most successful film support organisation the UK has ever had is a bad decision, imposed without any consultation or evaluation. People will rightly look back on today’s announcement and say it was a big mistake, driven by short-term thinking and political expediency. British film, which is one of the UK’s more successful growth industries, deserves better.”-http://www.moviescopemag.com/2010/07/uk-government-shuts-uk-film-council/
http://www.ukfilmcouncil.org.uk
http://38degrees.org.uk/campaigns
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-10761225Due to the cost cutting by the government the Department for Culture, Media and Sport... more
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On his visit to Washington Cameron promised a review into the papers surrounding the issue and a Senate foreign relation committee are requesting UK politicians to travel to Washington to answer questions on the release, including if a BP oil deal was involved.
So far, Scottish ministers have turned down their committee requests and it was reported earlier in the week Scotlands' First Minister Alex Salmond wrote a letter to the senators stating if they were concerned about BP involvement they should focus on "the previous UK administration". The reason for not attending is due to information supplied to the Senators from Salmond.
Bps' Tony Hayward is still considering his request, while reports state Jack Straw 'expressed unease' into going to the committee.
I'm sure I heard Mandelson was mentioned a while back, but looks like he hasn't been given a request. It was also reported Blair received a request, which was later denied "the committee has apologised that a draft letter to Mr Blair was published in error. A committee spokesman has since said Mr Blair will not be invited to appear."-BBC
There was shock when Al-Megrahi was released from medical reports on his deteriorating health from prostate cancer and anger grew when he lived over the doctors reports. The case caused a number of American senator to request an inquiry into the release and investigate if BP oil deals played a part in the release.On his visit to Washington Cameron promised a review into the papers surrounding the... more
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The Big Society was a major part of the Conservative campaign manifesto, which the party proposed to shift money and power to communities. Today David Cameron announced how the big society scheme will be funded and the areas to be the first to take part.
Though when announcing the plans Cameron denied the criticisms which argued the scheme was a way for the government to save money by using volunteers and making cuts.
Key quotes from the article on the Big Society :
"But some have criticised the project as a way of masking cuts by offloading state work to the voluntary sector. Mr Cameron rejected the claims today."
"The other three areas picked to receive initial help with projects are Eden Valley, Cumbria; Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire; and the London Borough of Sutton."
"The Big Society Bank is based on legislation passed by Labour allowing money untouched for 15 years to be diverted to good causes if account holders cannot be traced by banks. Ministers hope it will be operational quickly enough to see the first money distributed to groups by April next year."The Big Society was a major part of the Conservative campaign manifesto, which the... more
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A fascinating Friday read of the last days of Oldham MP Phil Woolas who was the immigration minister for Labour before the election. The diary entries start in January and go through the love hate for politics during election chaos, the kidnapping of Sahil Saeed in Pakistan, immigration debates and dealing with the expenses scandal.
"28 March
The feeling of not knowing is weird. On the one hand I want to be free of all the crap and nastiness. Other the other, I am addicted to politics.
[...]
29 April
[In the neighbouring seat, Rochdale, Gordon Brown has described Labour voter Gillian Duffy as a "bigoted woman"after she raised the immigration issue with him]. Why fucking me? Completely wiped out our event and I ended up on Newsnight defending the Great Leader. I can't see Labour recovering from this nationally: we may come third. Locally we will be very lucky to hang on.
2 May
It's moving our way here but nationally it's a car crash."-IndependentA fascinating Friday read of the last days of Oldham MP Phil Woolas who was the... more
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The Telegraph reports on the Government plans to set legislation on anonymity for rape defendants, with a free vote to MPs. However, ever since the proposal appeared in the coalition agreement (which the Guardian notes, wasn't in either parties manifestos) it has split opinion on both sides of the benches with some papers saying there is a gender split.
The paper quotes Louise Bagshawe Conservative MP (they note she has defended rape defendants) who says "it was “without a doubt” the case that when an accused’s name was made public other victims often came forward."-Telegraph. This is the main argument against the anonymity plans stated by other MPs and charity groups because it is reported victims face the fear of accusation and not being believed when reporting rape.
"the "vast majority" of rape crimes went unreported for fear of reprisal, not being believed, misplaced feelings of guilt, or wanting to forget. She added that many rapists were serial offenders known to the police and warned ministers against adding a "further barrier" to women coming forward and making allegations.
[...]
And Keith Vaz, Labour chair of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, said "whole lives can be destroyed" by false accusations. "-TelegraphThe Telegraph reports on the Government plans to set legislation on anonymity for rape... more
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You're a minister with a deficit to cut down and you fear the reaction that unpopular cuts might cause. So like all of us in times of trouble, we turn to the internet. Though when it comes to spending cuts the Government decided to team up with facebook to ask users for any ideas.
"The Facebook "Spending Challenge Channel" is an expansion of the social networking website's "Democracy UK" pages, set up during the run-up to the general election [...] Earlier this week Prime Minister David Cameron spoke to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg about a partnership deal. "-BBC (Spending Challenge? kinda game showy but not as terrible as naming it Total Wipeout)
"The government says the "most serious ideas will be taken forward by officials in the Treasury and other government departments". It says it wants to use new technology to "crowd source" and get people involved in making policy."-BBC
The new idea on engaging the public online will either make you feel happy about the use of new technology to gain access to the public, or you'll worry about what the internet hive mind will create. Yay? or Nay?
Not sure if this is the facebook tie in site, but it's the one linked on democracy UK: http://spendingchallenge.hm-treasury.gov.uk/You're a minister with a deficit to cut down and you fear the reaction that... more
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The Guardian reports on the criticism from health groups with the plans to move the healthy living advertising funding from government to food/drink companies and charities. Since the food and drink industry "in return, will not face new legislation outlawing excessively fatty, sugary and salty food, the health secretary, Andrew Lansley, announced today."-Guardian
Most of the criticism comes from the announcement of a 'non-regulatory approach' and how this will fit with EU law. Though Lansley did announce Alcohol misuse will be added to the Change4Life campaign because of how alcohol and obesity "costs the NHS £17bn a year"-Guardian.
When they were in opposition, the Conservatives criticised the public money spent on advertising campaigns and promised to cut back "The Conservatives are committed to reducing the advertising budget by more than 60%; from £400m pa to £150m pa."-ConservativeHome http://tinyurl.com/327e7rwThe Guardian reports on the criticism from health groups with the plans to move the... more
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Peers were given a deadline to decide if they wanted to give up, a peerage or the non-dom status. If they gave up the non-dom status they would start paying UK taxes for their income and as the Independent puts it keep the perks like:
"the honour of a title, the intellectual stimulus of debating with colleagues more knowledgeable and more polite than the MPs next door, the fun of dressing up, and the perks. With membership goes access to free parking bang in the centre of London, subsidised bars and dining rooms, and an immense library."-Independent
Yesterday, four (now updated to five) Lords gave up their peerage to remain non-doms, Lord Laidlaw, Baron McAlpine, Baroness Dunn and Lord Bagri.
However, today it is announced the controversial non-dom for the Conservatives Lord Ashcroft is giving up being a non-dom to remain in the House of Lords.
"A three-month period during which peers could instead permanently exclude themselves from the Lords expires on Wednesday. Labour donor Lord Paul has, like Lord Ashcroft, said he will give up his non-dom status to keep his seat."-BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/politics/10535852.stmPeers were given a deadline to decide if they wanted to give up, a peerage or the... more
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If you were looking for either a referendum or a change to the voting system in the UK, you might be looking for signs that the coalition will survive the winter because a referendum is set for voting reform in May. It also says campaigners for AV are moving away from Lib Dems to gain wider support for reform.
The article seems to suggest the critics against AV are upset over the prospect of more coalition governments in the future, so the current coalition will have to work well up to May if it wants a chance to win over a few critics. Though I'm assuming with the tough cuts it could weaken the current coalitions argument up to May.
What is interesting in the article, is the opinion of Labour members to voting reform, the paper points out Labour MP could be negative to reform because of the Lib Dems current coalition placement. However, with the leadership battle some members are suggestion they're warming to the idea, which could (imo) be a means to gain votes from disgruntled Lib dems voters.
"Burnham, a long-time sceptic about voting reform, said he was leaning towards reform, but the party could not officially take sides. Ed Miliband, one of those contesting the leadership with Burnham, has committed to Labour backing the AV referendum vote if he becomes leader."-GuardianIf you were looking for either a referendum or a change to the voting system in the... more
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With losing the court battle, eviction time is near for the peace protesters camping in Parliament Square. However, it is reported the peace protesters are planning to stay put or try some new ways to protest peacefully in the area.
"A post on the Democracy Village blog called it a "mass callout to activist groups to engage in imaginative non-violent action"."-BBC
It was said in court Brian Haw, who was arrested in the square during the Queens Speech, had been camping in the Square legally since 2001 and can continue "provided he has the permission of the mayor"-BBC
"A spokeswoman for Mr Johnson said: "The mayor respects the right to demonstrate - however, the scale and impact of the protest has prevented its peaceful use by other Londoners."-BBCWith losing the court battle, eviction time is near for the peace protesters camping... more
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Conservative MP Philip Hollobone, tried to put forward a bill titled the face Face Covering (Regulations) Bill as a means to get the Burka banned in the UK. However, the article states there's 'no realistic' chance it will become law or even get debated becuase it landed '17th among backbenchers who drew lots for the right to sponsor private members'-Independent
"The UK Independence Party chose not to field a candidate against Mr Hollobone at the election because his views on Europe are so close to those of Ukip. He was reported to police in February after he said wearing a burka was "the religious equivalent of going round with a paper bag over your head with two holes for eyes"."-Independent
The Burka ban is a controversial subject with some countries already fining women for wearing the face veil. It is reported that in Belgium, the ban only effects 30 women. "Only around 30 women wear this kind of veil in Belgium, out of a Muslim population of around half a million."-BBC http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8652861.stmConservative MP Philip Hollobone, tried to put forward a bill titled the face Face... more
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It's the end of Democracy Village at Parliament Square, after a court judge ruled for the peace protesters to be evicted. The article reports, Boris Johnson took the issue to court and said the camp "caused "considerable damage" and added that he was "pleased" with the ruling."-BBC. According to a spokesperson for the Mayor the camp caused damaged to square and prevented it's use for other Londoners.
The article says, protesters argue only the Queen can set ruling on areas like the London square and Green Party Assembly Member Jenny Jones is disappointed by the decision saying the mayor "was dogmatic in pursuing an expensive legal process."
"We all support peaceful protest, but it is completely unacceptable for parts of our city to be occupied and turned into no-go areas by vociferous minorities, however laudable each cause might be."-BBC quote from Westminster City Council.It's the end of Democracy Village at Parliament Square, after a court judge ruled... more
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Jeremy Hunt the culture secretary has apologised saying in a statement "I know that fan unrest played no part in the terrible events of April 1989 and I apologise to Liverpool fans and the families of those killed and injured in the Hillsborough disaster if my comments caused any offence." after his previous comments sounded like he was saying hooliganism caused the tragic Hillsborough disaster. "He was quoted as saying that he was "incredibly encouraged by the example set by the England fans. I mean, not a single arrest for a football-related offense, and the terrible problems that we had in Heysel and Hillsborough in the Eighties seem now to be behind us".-Evening Standard
"A total of 96 fans died as a result of the Hillsborough disaster. After a public inquiry, new safety measures were introduced at football grounds around Britain. Some fans have said bad ticket allocation contributed to the disaster."-BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/15/newsid_2491000/2491195.stmJeremy Hunt the culture secretary has apologised saying in a statement "I know... more
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Theresa May announced a cap to immigration outside the EU, which will reduce the numbers of highly skilled migrants workers "Numbers will go down to 24,100 between now and April 2011, 5% less than last year."-BBC. The cap was put in place to prevent a 'rush of applicants' before a permanent limit is placed in.
Business groups are worried by the cap because the cap will affect their recruitment of specialist skilled workers from overseas. "There is also anxiety at the imposition of another tier of regulation and claims it runs counter to the coalition's desire to promote Britain as "Open for Business"-BBC.Theresa May announced a cap to immigration outside the EU, which will reduce the... more
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According to the Mirror, 1 in 8 jobs at job centres are set to be cut, with staff today being sent letters about the staffing cuts. It's reported by March 2011 the staff numbers at job centres will be reduced from 86,000 to 76,000.
"Unions branded the plan as a "catastrophic" and "unprecedented" attack on frontline services as Britain was trying to get back to work."-MirrorAccording to the Mirror, 1 in 8 jobs at job centres are set to be cut, with staff... more
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The election feels like an age ago, however with the issues over crowd numbers the voting system faces criticism over how it helps the disabled vote. The charity group Scope found 'more than two thirds' of the polling stations used in the election failed to pass basis access tests for disabled voters.
"Wheelchair users forced to vote in the street and those with eyesight problems who were unable to rely on staff to show them how to use special equipment to help them vote, were among those who suffered."-Independent
Scope proposes online voting would be a good system to use after 35% of survey participants stated they'd prefer to use it as an alt from postal and booths.
"In a digital age where people can vote by text for the X-Factor and shop and bank online, our voting system really needs to catch up."-quote from IndependentThe election feels like an age ago, however with the issues over crowd numbers the... more
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Tomorrow George Osborne will be revealing his budget, which is said to contain the cuts the Government will make, leaving mixed views on if it'll help or hinder the recovery. Some fears result towards large scale job loses, with counter fears focusing on public finances collapsing like Greece or Spain.
It was reported last night, The National Union of Students will be demonstrating in different locations to call for protection from cuts or stop rises in tuition fees.
"If he fails, hundreds of thousands of young people he represents now – and millions in the future – will face an increasingly US-style market in higher education. That could mean starting their working lives with debts of £50,000 or more. "I've got a hell of a lot on my plate," he admits."-Guardian
The Guardian artcile focuses on the current NUS president Aaron Porter (25) why he's protesting and the politicians who started out ad NUS presidents.
"The Sutton Trust education charity has published research showing four out of five young people in England and Wales expect to apply to university, but it warns that two-thirds would change their mind if fees doubled."-NUS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/10355042.stm
http://www.nus.org.uk/en/News/News/Fee-hike-will-deter-students-from-going-to-university-says-research/Tomorrow George Osborne will be revealing his budget, which is said to contain the... more
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The Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group, which is made up of a number of different human rights groups are asking for an independent watchdog to monitor UK Border Agency. The group says officials aren't helping the victims of trafficking because they target them as the criminals instead of the traffickers.
"In one case, it says a West African woman was told that although it must have been "extremely unpleasant" to be forced to have sex with strangers, this did "not amount to trafficking" because she had failed to escape when she had the opportunity.
In another instance, it says a woman forced into domestic slavery was told that as this had happened in 2008 she should now have "overcome any trauma". "-BBC
In 2009 called for more anti-trafficking phonelines to help people who have been trafficked into the sex industry in the UK. "In Italy, a freephone trafficking hotline for clients to anonymously report concerns and for victims to expose their criminal bosses receives thousands of calls and has helped thousands of women to be rescued."-http://tinyurl.com/3xrfld5
Amnesty on Trafficking: http://www.amnesty.org.uk/content.asp?CategoryID=10314
Current doc on Trafficking Brides: http://current.com/groups/on-current-tv/92357386_bride-trafficking-unveiled.htmThe Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group, which is made up of a number of different human... more
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From reading the article, the limit to drink driving could be changed from 80mg to 50mg (like the rest of the EU) after a transport review is published. This is good news for groups looking to lower the limit because it's suggested the new limit could save "200 lives a year".
"The issue of random breath tests has long been surrounded in controversy with road safety campaigners urging more powers to be given to the police. But motorists’ groups will bitterly oppose any moves to further “persecute” drivers."-Telegraph
The article also points out the review was commissioned by Labour and now published in the coalition where the Conservatives opposed previous changes in the past.
"Among the other controversial measures that could be introduced are giving the police more power to randomly stop drivers, an even lower limit for learner drivers and lifetime bans for repeat offenders and those considered “high risk.”"-TelegraphFrom reading the article, the limit to drink driving could be changed from 80mg to... more
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This is so far, today's interestingly aah! tweet "@caitlinmoran Here's today's most unlikely perv-point: Alistair Darling in the 80's talking about budgets: http://bit.ly/duIk7Q PHWOARGH"
Clicked the link to see an early 80s Alistair Darling before the hair was cut and snowy, plus he's sporting a beard. "The Chancellor has said he believes spending on the NHS, schools and police forces can be protected despite forecast cuts which could outstrip those made by Margaret Thatcher's 1980s government."-BBCThis is so far, today's interestingly aah! tweet "@caitlinmoran Here's... more
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