The proponents of a third runway at Heathrow (ie those who stand to benefit commercially from it) argue that there are not enough Chinese visitors coming, due to the lack of direct flights between Chinese cities and Heathrow. Is it credible to think that Chinese visitors are put off by the thought of going to Gatwick…
The Lords tends to get little attention in coverage of reshuffles. Baroness Warsi attracted coverage, but the other changes have hardly touched the radar. The House is now in the position of having only one member as a Cabinet minister (Lord Strathclyde as Leader of the House), though Baroness Warsi is one of nine ministers…
The Treatment of Afghan Interpreters for the British Army I campaigned for Iraqi interpreters and other auxiliaries, when our forces were leaving Iraq. Eventually proper and honourable arrangements were made for them. I regret that no lessons seem to have been learnt from that experience. The Times has quoted the cases of two particular Afghans,…
Why does Richard Branson throw his toys out of the pram over losing the West Coast Main Line franchise? By all accounts, the franchising and bidding process is fair – after more than ten years’ experience, the DfT ought to have got it right, and have at least reduced the risk of ministerial influence on…
A previous quiz focused on peers who had been Olympic medallists. Given that the Paralympic Games are now under way – I am going tomorrow – I thought it appropriate that this quiz looks at peers who have either competed in Paralympic Games or have been involved in work for those with disabilities. As usual,…
When Professor Stephen Hawking who is confined to a wheelchair with motor neurone disease spoke through his voice syntheziser and urged that we, “look up at the stars, and not down at your feet,” he opened our minds. When David Toole who was born without legs danced with incredible movement, sensitivity and expression and then…
I read with some sense of shock that the building that houses the Commons and the Lords, the Palace of Westminster, is so riddled with asbestos and other faults that Parliament might have to relocate for 5 years while it is rebuilt – or even move to an entirely new building in London or elsewhere. …
‘THE FAMILIES WHO CANNOT AFFORD FOOD. Charities try to fill the gap as hungry turn to stealing’ was my local paper’s front page headline last week. The Nottingham Post story continued: ‘Food banks are opening across Nottingham because the number of people who cannot afford to feed their families is increasing. The next day I…
I’m setting out on holiday with my husband. We are taking two iPads, two Kindles, two phones and a laptop. That’s seven cables, chargers and assorted plugs, leaving no room for any other luggage. It keeps airport security busy. We need to stay in touch with our offices. Why can’t someone design a universal charger…
