tagged w/ Nick Clegg
-
No matter how much you plan before an important event, something always inevitably goes wrong, as the Obamas, the Camerons and even her madge The Queen found out this week.
Gaff during Obama's toast to the Queen
When the president toasted the Queen, the orchestra misunderstood a pause as their queue to start playing 'God Save The Queen'. But the president wasn't done speaking. As the Queen stared stonily ahead, he continued to talk over the orchestra. As he concluded by toasting the Queen, he managed to draw a small, uncomfortable smile out of her. Awkward.
David Cameron plays gooseberry
Nick Clegg goes from bridesmaid to bride, much to David Cameron's apparent dismay.
Obama's Beast limo gets caught on a kerb
It cost over £1m, its got its own oxygen supply, and it's built to survive missiles and bombs but can Obama's Beast limo cruise effortlessly over the simplest of Irish curbs? Apparently, and hilariously, not.
Paying respects to the war dead like it's 2008
On Tuesday, when he signed the guest book at Westminster Abbey, Obama reportedly asked someone nearby what the date was and they told him "May 24," assuming incorrectly that the president would know what year it is. Missing out by a measly three years, Obama opted for 2008, to the delight of the world's press.
No matter how much you plan before an important event, something always inevitably... more
-
-
richjm
-
added this
-
1 year ago
- |
-
Depending on who you are, where you stand, and where you were on Saturday your account of the "March for the Alternative" demonstration in London will differ significantly.
Here is a report from the conservative Daily Mail.
And here is an account made by someone who was actually at the demonstration.
Depending on who you are, where you stand, and where you were on Saturday your... more
-
-
On October 20th 2010 the coalition government announced the most extreme cuts in the public sector for sixty years. On November 22nd 2010 SOAS students occupied a University room in protest against the cuts. On November 24th the students were served with a court notice at 1200. The court case was at 14.30. After the case the students have a meeting where Jeremy Corbyn MP speaks.
On November 24th the students lost their case. Instead negotiations started with SOAS management. On December 30th SOAS students joined a national protest in London. The following day students, supported by staff voted to remain in occupation. Afterwards Tariq Ali spoke to them.
That night they were told the coalition government would vote on education cuts on December 9th 2010. Protests are planned across the country.
This version includes Nick Clegg talking about education and disadvantaged children, more about the court case and the occupation, Jeremy Corbyn MP, music, student protests, and Tariq Ali.
'We will come out rain, snow and shine, and whatever the police do to us, we will stand and be united'. SOAS student.On October 20th 2010 the coalition government announced the most extreme cuts in the... more
-
-
corine
-
added this
-
1 year ago
- |
-
Colin Firth, the actor and one of the celebrity backers of the Liberal Democrats at the election, has admitted he no longer supported the party.Speaking at a film festival in Dubai he said: "I think it is profoundly disillusioning if you are a student who registered to vote simply because of what the Liberal Democrat were promising, and many, many did and simply because of what the Liberal Democrats had to say about tuition fees and things. It is one of the reasons I went in that direction."He insisted he was not disputing the personal integrity of Clegg saying: "I do believe he did what he thought was the only choice at that time given the parliamentary situation and it being impossible to do a deal with Labour."He added the decision "made it difficult for us who thought progressive politics would be the way forward".
Colin Firth, the actor and one of the celebrity backers of the Liberal Democrats at... more
-
-
In his first party conference speech as Deputy PM, Nick Clegg asked Liberal Democrat MPs to "stick with him" and serve a full five years in government.
Against a backlash from some MPs, Clegg backed controversial government spending cuts and said they were the "only choice" for improving the economy.
The Lib Dem leader also again defended taking his party into a coalition with the Tories, and told MPs that the country would never have taken the Lib Dems seriously again if they'd opted out of governing in nation interest at a time of crisis.
In a 37 minute speech, he told delegates:
"We confounded those who said that coalition government was impossible. We created a government which will govern and govern well for the next five years.
"Of course there are those who will condemn us. We are challenging years of political convention and tradition and our opponents will yell and scream about it.
"But I am so, so proud of the quiet courage and determination which you have shown through this momentous period in British political history.
"Hold our nerve and we will have changed British politics for good. Hold our nerve and we will have changed Britain for good."
He said: "We will take risks in government. But we will never lose our soul. We haven't changed our liberal values. Our status is different but our ambition is the same."
Mr Clegg praised Prime Minister David Cameron for thinking "beyond his party", adding: "In life, two heads are usually better than one."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-11366009In his first party conference speech as Deputy PM, Nick Clegg asked Liberal Democrat... more
-
-
richjm
-
added this
-
1 year ago
- |
-
It's 100 days into the coalition government and today Nick Clegg said despite the cuts being made the government will improve lives in its social mobility plans. Clegg stated Labour spent huge sums on welfare with no impact on the gap between rich and poor in the UK.
"The pupil premium will target children from disadvantaged backgrounds so they have access more care and extra schooling. The scheme will "help pupils overcome the accident of their birth", Mr Clegg said.
The deputy prime minister gave no firm answer to reports suggesting that cuts to welfare benefits would affect the annual heating allowance for those aged over 60. "-Channel 4
However, with concerns of cuts and welfare reform it is said the details won't be known till later in the year (October probably)It's 100 days into the coalition government and today Nick Clegg said despite the... more
-
-
Guardian tracks down some tales and old friends of Clegg to find out what the deputy PM got up to in his years studying in the US.
The article starts off with his internships in the 90s and road trips with Louis Theroux, but then goes into when Clegg followed Prince around.
""religiously" following Prince from gig to gig in his royal purpleness's home town.
"I wasn't what you'd call a groupie," Clegg recalled, "but I did spend a whole year following him around . . . Once I spent all night drinking in a bar waiting for him, before eventually giving up and going home."-Guardian
Other than stalking Prince, the Guardian talks to an old friend of Clegg who mentions the views on Regan, transcendental meditation and interests in the American environmental activism.
"He said something like, 'Margaret Thatcher couldn't get away with what Reagan has done.'""-GuardianGuardian tracks down some tales and old friends of Clegg to find out what the deputy... more
-
-
Clegg took on the dispatch box role in yesterdays PMQs, since Cameron is visiting the US. Though a government spokesman stated some of his comments were as Liberal Democrat leader and not as a representative of the government.
The main issue was when Clegg stated at Jack Straw "We may have to wait for his memoirs, but perhaps one day he will account for his role in the most disastrous decision of all: the illegal invasion of Iraq."-Guardian.
One lawyer said comments by politicians in formal placements like the commons, could increase the chance for it to be taken to international courts.
"In an attempt to avoid speculation about splits with Cameron, who voted in favour of the war, Downing Street added that the government would await the findings of the Chilcot inquiry before reaching a view on the war."-Guardian
The Home Office gave out a detailed response about controversial Yarl's Woods detention centre, after Clegg said it was closing down. Only Yarl's wood family unit is closing.Clegg took on the dispatch box role in yesterdays PMQs, since Cameron is visiting the... more
-
-
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
-
-
It sounds like some assumed Andy Coulson was earning £275,000 Conservative director of communications before heading into Downing Street. Today, some newspapers are reporting he's earning £140,000 after parliament released the figures, though many journalists noticed this is still a higher wage than Nick Clegg.
"The ceiling for special advisers' pay is £142,500, ensuring they do not earn more than Cameron. They are paid for by taxpayers to provide political advice to ministers and No 10."-Guardian
The list of salaries showed the earning of special senior advisers for Government, though despite the transparency the questions about the role advisers play in government still remain.
What do you think about advisers to ministers? Is it important we know more information about their role in government?It sounds like some assumed Andy Coulson was earning £275,000 Conservative... more
-
-
-
Today Nick Clegg made his first big speech as Deputy PM, which focused on his responsibility to build big Political reform.
In the Speech, Clegg promised to boost civil liberties by ending ID cards, Biometirc passports and according to PA adding regulations to CCTV and the DNA database.
"@LauraK Clegg confirms coalition plans vote on AV, power of recall, next elex date, scrap ID cards, rules for CCTV, elected Lords"-Twitter
The proposals made in the speech are described as "pledging the biggest shake-up in British democracy since the Great Reform Act of 1832."-Channel 4 Where Earl Grey in an early liberal reform group called Whigs, went against the Tories to increase voting rights for people and end practises like rotten boroughs).
Channel 4 news compares the section of the speech about handing power back to the people to the Conservative big society pledge.
Which promises do you think Clegg can keep in a coalition government?
Or, are we eating a News Sandwich? (good news, bad news, goods news soon)Today Nick Clegg made his first big speech as Deputy PM, which focused on his... more
-
-
ITN video report of the return of MP to Parliament after the election. Though the seating arrangement is a little more interesting this time because of the coalition government. It looks like Nick Clegg will be seated next to Cameron (it looks weird), with other Lib Dems in the Government benches.
Heard on the radio, the SNP took the place of the third statement, which was previously Nick Cleggs.
"Acting Labour leader Harriet Harman congratulated Mr Cameron but said her party would hold him to account."-BBC
"With Lib Dem leader Mr Clegg beside him, he joked: "It really does look and feel different - indeed many of us are sitting next to people that we have never sat next to before."-BBC
"Instead SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson said it would be for the parties of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to take on more of the work of scrutinising the government."-BBCITN video report of the return of MP to Parliament after the election. Though the... more
-
-
The Guardian describes the Chevening country house as "one of the three country homes at the disposal of the government", since the houses were avalible to previous cabinet members from previous governments. Though the article points out, Clegg and Hague are set to share the 115 room building, despite the differences on EU policy.
"David Cameron will use Chequers, the country residence that has been used by prime ministers since Lloyd George. And George Osborne will get the keys to Dorneywood, the residence which is normally allocated to the chancellor but which was used by John Prescott when he was deputy prime minister because Gordon Brown did not want to go there himself."-The Guardian.
A quote from Downing Street, says the country houses are used for key meetings and hosting international leaders "The residences are not owned by the government but held in trust,".
I recall the one party (think it was the Liberal Democrats) did mention country houses used by the government should be available for community projects, though can't find the quote. However, it'll be interesting to see if any non government events will now be held at the country houses during the coalition government.The Guardian describes the Chevening country house as "one of the three country... more
-
-
Today there was a joint press conference with the new PM David Cameron and Deputy PM Nick Clegg. The two parties talked about the new coalition between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives and answered press questions. (video is part two)
There was a strange moment when a journalist reminded Cameron of a past comment when he said Nick Clegg after being asked what his favourite joke was. Clegg's reaction was to do a mock 'that's it I'm off' joke, very weird and gigglesome. (9:00 minutes in).
It's clear the question of how long the two parities can make a coalition work will remain, but hey it's the first day lets feel a little bit hopeful for a few hours.
"Mr Clegg admitted both party leaders were taking "big risks" but said it would be a "new politics": "It's a new kind of government, a radical, reforming government where it needs to be and a source of reassurance and stability at a time of great uncertainty in our country too.""-BBCToday there was a joint press conference with the new PM David Cameron and Deputy PM... more
-
-
Tuesday 11 May 2010: A video rush from the ground around Westminster capturing some of odd and unreported scenes on the day Conservative Leader David Cameron became UK Prime Minister. High speed exits from Parliament, Brian Haw megaphone attacks on Daily Mirror photographers, rooftop protests and The Sun newspaper declaring the death of democracy, not to mention boozed-up Tory supporters on Whitehall.Tuesday 11 May 2010: A video rush from the ground around Westminster capturing some of... more
-
-
What are your reactions to the Lib/Con coalition?
A video of Nick Clegg talking about the formation of the coalition government between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.
He starts off by complimenting Gordon Brown and moves onto addressing the fears some supporters might have over the coalition and the new form of government. He states they party wouldn't have gone into the agreement without it creating a unique opportunity for the change the party and voters believe in.
Of course, many Liberal Democrats will still keep an eye on the deals gained by the coalition and if the new coalition Government will strengthen Lib Dem policy or weaken it.
So far the Cabinet seats are being allocated between the two parties in a coalition, with I hear around 20 Liberal Democrat junior ministers. There is also word on set dates for the election and House of Lords Reform.
Check this post for details: http://current.com/news/92427596_cameron-moves-into-no-10-coalition-government-details-emerge.htm
"Theresa May also Minister for women and equality as well as Home Secretary
Kenneth Clarke has been appointed Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor"-BBC Tweets
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mur2DqbmVRkWhat are your reactions to the Lib/Con coalition?
A video of Nick Clegg talking... more
-
-
Nick Clegg has given himself 24 hours to come to a decision over whether he'll form a coalition government with the Tories, team up with a number of other parties to form a rainbow coaltition deal with Labour or let the Conservatives' Queen's speech go through but tackle individual legistation on a day-to-day basis.
Clegg has held personal meetings with both David Cameron and Gordon Brown while, behind closed doors, negotiating teams for each party are attempting to form agreements.
Over the weekend, protesters met outside the building where talks were talking place between the Lib Dems and Conservatives, to demand Nick Clegg doesn't back down on electoral reform as a condition of any coalition. Labour has offered a full reforendum on voting if the Lib Dems team up with them but David Cameron wouldn't have the backing of his MPs if he attempted to make a similiar offer. The Independent reports that Cameron's "dangled the prospect of several cabinet jovs to the Liberal Democrats, but both sides believe a looser government is more likely as they edge towards a deal."
The Guardian says Gordon Brown's been told it's time to go by a number of his MPs. Before the election, the Lib Dems made it clear that no long-term coaltion deal could be done with Labour with Gordon Brown at the helm. Pressure is on Brown to announce that he'd only be a transitional figure in any Lib-Lab pact.
Channel 4 News reports that Clegg and Brown may have met face to face this morning.
Some timings from The Times: The Conservatives and Lib Dems restarted talks at 10am today; the Liberal leadership meets at 1pm; the Tories gater at 6pm.
This venn diagram from The Telegraph shows where the three main parties overlap on policy.
Nick Clegg has given himself 24 hours to come to a decision over whether he'll... more
-
-
richjm
-
added this
-
2 years ago
- |
-
If you voted for the Liberal Democrats (better if they won the seat) where do you want the vote to go?
The phone calls between the Liberal Democrats and the other parties started today, so far (as typed) Nick Clegg talked to David Cameron over the phone. It's reported a second call is planned between Clegg and Cameron. BBC journalists are speculating what the second phone call means on coalition updates, while saying the Labour HQ remains optimistic (very likely to get phone call talks too). Face to Face talks also planned, early news says it's not going to feature the party leaders.
Earlier all three party leaders set where they stand on negotiations, full information in link.
However, many are expecting Nick Clegg will meet with the new Lib Dem MPs before announcing any kind of decision. The smaller parties are also being included in talks to back parties.
UK Twitter Trends:
-Long Legged Cleggy Weggy
-Tory/Lib Dem
-Monster Raving Loon
-Philippa Stroud
-#ukelection2010
-#letdimblebysleep
-Proportional Representation
-#ukvote
-Cleggmania
-Con-Lib
Was told on twitter that #dontdoitnick and #justsaynonick are being used also.If you voted for the Liberal Democrats (better if they won the seat) where do you want... more
-
-
It's Conservative 305 (+97) 36.1%, Labour 258 (-91) 29.1% and Liberal Democrats 57 (-5) 23.0%. The spin will start, newspapers will speculate and the party leaders will weigh up their choices, with talk of talks behind closed doors are already starting.
Overall, it looks like a struggled swing for the Conservatives, a deflating result for the Lib Dems and a fight for Labour to hold onto seats. By looking at Jeremy Vines magical Knightmare map and swingOmeter the results held no strong pattern that caused the Hung Parliament.
The next stories to expect, though the BBC said it might be 50 days till decisions are made.
Will Nick Clegg join with another party? (He's hinted at going for who gains the most seats/votes) Heard there's going to be a Clegg statement at 2.30 (tho it was from Boris on BBC)
Question to the politics geeks: If Clegg picks a party for coalition, and some of his party MPs are upset over the choice, could they stand down in protest?
Will Gordon Brown stay in power and form a coalition government or stand down to boost Labours negotiating chances?
Will David Cameron win over the Lib Dems or take chances of another election after a swing? Conservatives need 20 seats for the majority, according to the BBC.
Is another election headed for the UK? BBC pundit says this could be bad news for Cameron, if between that time they have to introduce tough decisions (assuming this means cuts)
On the up side, no BNP seats, yaaay.It's Conservative 305 (+97) 36.1%, Labour 258 (-91) 29.1% and Liberal Democrats... more
-
