Remembrance Service Birmingham 2009 This year I went to Stechford. We have recently restored the war memorial at the roundabout at the end of Albert Road. I normally have gone to the service in the City Centre, but instead went with the Stechford and Yardley North Councillors to Stechford in part to see the event with the restored memorial.

I did take some photographs, but Rob Jones was there. He takes photographs of many of the local events and you can see his photographs of Stechford (which were far better than mine) here  posted by john ¶ 10:10 AM 0 comments

  Jersey - the Crown Dependencies and conflicts of interest I have linked to a story on the Channel Islands TV station which in part says:
A Jersey accountant jailed in 2007 for six years for money laundering has had his conviction quashed.

His defence council took his case to the Jersey Court Of Appeal but it was rejected. They then took it to the Privy Council - the highest court islanders can appeal to - where it was finally quashed.

The judge, Commissioner Sir Geoffrey Nice was branded 'sarcastic, mocking and patronising.' He interrupted Mr Michel 273 times as he was giving evidence. It's now expected to cost the Jersey tax payer millions of pounds. Mr Michel's defence lawyer says in retrospect, he should have objected more at the time.
Click for the video.

What I find interesting is the unquestioning reliance of the TV station on judicial decisions. There have always been biased judges.

What is most important to hear is the solicitors explaining how he didn't want to challenge the judge in case he upset the judge.

This is one of the unusual conflicts of interest that people don't initially spot in the legal process. To appeal a decision upset the judge. Hence there is some resistance to doing this because lawyers want the goodwill of the judiciary to make a living.

It is interesting contrasting the subtle negotiation of lawyers with the somewhat more robust approach of the Justice for Families support for Litigants in Person where the system is confronted face on.

Admittedly this results in me getting a lot of critism from particularly LJs Wall and Thorpe, but it has resulted in something like 10 cases going through the system to the European Court.

The difficulties in secret courts have lead to a culture of complacency. This is more visible as a culture in Jersey in all the courts. ALong with Stuart (the refugee in my flat) and his various cases I have evidence of a number of other egregious failures of the judicial and prosecutory system in Jersey.

The story is also on CHannel Online of Stuarts case where the journalist puts forward some poujadist nonsense against the arguments for the rule of law.

At least in the UK we have some journalists with some backbone and willingness to challenge the establishment. In the Channel Islands it appears missing from the media - who after all don't want to bit the hand that feeds them.

Much like lawyers and the judiciary really.  posted by john ¶ 8:14 PM 2 comments

  Swine Flu fortnightly report This report from NHS West Midlands shows that the number of people with flu-like illness has slightly increased across the region.

Key Messages
Across the West Midlands there has been a mixed picture in patients presenting at primary care centres with influenza-like symptoms - some PCT areas show an increase, other areas show a decrease, in rates. Overall, the West Midlands rate has slightly increased but this is not impacting on normal service delivery. The number of people with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands has increased, as has the proportion of patients in critical care. There have been six further swine flu related deaths since our last report.

Activity /Rates – GPs
This shows the number of patients attending primary care with influenza-like illness, taken from the latest Health Protection Agency QSurveillance data. This data indicates an increase for the week ending 1 November 2009, across England, West Midlands and within Birmingham East and North.

The reported rate of GP consultations per 100,000 population within the West Midlands for the week was 50.9 (compared with 49.8 for the previous week).

West Midlands average 50.9 (per 100,000)
England and Wales rate 47.3 (per 100,000)
NHS Birmingham East and North 53.3 (per 100,000)

Number of Hospital Admissions
The total number of new admissions with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands for the period 29 October to 4 November 2009 is 203. As of 4 November, there were 95 people in hospital, 27% of which are in critical care.

Number of Swine Flu Related Deaths
There have been six swine flu-related deaths reported in the last two weeks since our previous report. This means that the number of total deaths where there has been a positive test of swine flu in the West Midlands is nineteen.

Update on Anti-Viral Collection Points (ACPs)
Total number of Antiviral Collection Points planned for the Local Health Economy: 14
Currently open: 1 (Stechford)

The PCT currently has 1 ACP open which is in line with the current level of need. Plans are in place to open more collection points to meet any increase in demand.

Total number of assessments via the National Flu Pandemic Service (West Midlands): 180,699
Total number of antivirals collected (West Midlands): 88,462

Vaccination Programme
GPs across the region started to receive supplies of the swine flu vaccine last week and will be contacting patients in the ‘at risk’ groups directly to call them in for vaccination.

The order of priority for vaccination will be:
People aged from six months to 65 years in current seasonal flu risk groups
All pregnant women
Those living with people with compromised immune systems, for example those receiving cancer treatment
People aged over 65 in the current seasonal flu risk groups.
NHS hospitals continue to vaccinate front line staff to help keep medical services running smoothly and to prevent them from passing the virus to patients. The vaccination programme has started well across the West Midlands.

Public Health Message
A National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched to ensure that people with flu or flu-like symptoms are able to get advice and help. The service is made up of a dedicated website and call centres which provide people with a quick way to check their symptoms and get access to antiviral drugs. For most people, swine flu is not a serious illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.  posted by john ¶ 5:54 PM 0 comments

  Election Result 5th November 2009 Epping Forest DC, Lower Sheering
Con 302 (76.5; +0.7)
LD Ingrid Black 93 (23.5; -0.7)
Majority 209
Turnout 21.35%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007  posted by john ¶ 10:25 AM 0 comments

  The government's control of the house of commons One thing that is not well known is that the government controls the rules of the house of commons.

This is a matter that hopefully the Wright committee will rectify. I have proposed a new clause to the Constitutional Renewal bill as follows (also see link)

Procedure Committee amendments to standing orders
NC46
To move the following Clause:—
‘Standing Orders of the House of Commons shall make provision for the
Procedure Committee to have the power to table amendments to Standing Orders
for the whole House to accept or reject following a short debate within one week
of the tabling of such amendments.

Although this cannot actually change standing orders it has the potential of getting a vote on the issue.  posted by john ¶ 9:54 AM 0 comments

  Graffiti, Groningen and Anti-Social Behaviour There was a debate in the house last night which can be read in hansard here. It demonstrates that the government are not really listening on the issue of graffiti and low level crime. The punishment of "clear it up" is the ideal punishment for graffiti, but the government want to fine people. Quite a few cannot pay the fines so it becomes meaningless.

Anyway here are some extracts:
John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): I thank the hon. Gentleman for giving way on the subject of early intervention and the need to support families at that stage. I had the opportunity to visit a Sure Start centre in my constituency and, separately, to go to see Home-Start, which does similar sorts of early intervention support work. Home-Start said that about half of its problems arise from bad housing, whereas Sure Start said that some 75 per cent. of family problems arise from bad housing. From a holistic perspective, does the hon. Gentleman that agree that if we are going to deal with that, we need to ensure that there is a stable housing environment? Without that, it is quite difficult to provide early intervention and support for the families and to keep things on an even keel.

James Brokenshire: The hon. Gentleman has made the point about housing in his own way. Clearly, when we consider housing and the resettlement of offenders when they leave prison or drug rehabilitation, we need to ensure that there is adequate housing that enables people to come back into a community. It is essential to have a housing mix as part of that.

John Hemming: Perhaps the right hon. Lady will agree that another aspect of the problem is that human behaviour is often habitual, rather than necessarily rational, that people need to develop good habits, and that one way to enable them to do so is for us to ensure there is better discipline in schools. In my constituency four or five years ago, a child was excluded from school for assaulting a classroom assistant, yet that child was forced back into school. Does the right hon. Lady agree that that is not helpful to good discipline?

Hazel Blears: I certainly agree that discipline is essential and that it is important at school, but I will be frank with the hon. Gentleman: many of these problems start at home. The primary responsibility lies with parents. About 90 per cent. of the public say in all our surveys that parents must take more responsibility. I agree that schools have a major role to play, but it is not simply down to them. If people learn the boundaries and standards of behaviour at home, they will take them with them through the rest of their lives.

John Hemming: I do not know whether my hon. Friend is aware of the research done by the university of Groningen, which identified that it is absolutely critical that rules should be enforced, and that unenforced rules undermine the whole concept.

In Birmingham, we have supported a limited number of antisocial behaviour orders as well as acceptable behaviour contracts. We are particularly keen that offenders who create graffiti should be forced to remove it from the walls. Does my hon. Friend not share my regret that the Government would not support proposals for community fixed penalty notices, which are a way of enforcing the rules so that those who create graffiti are forced to remove it?

Chris Huhne: I agree with my hon. Friend, fundamentally so on his initial point that if we are to have such law it must be properly enforced. The real problem with ASBOs is that the Government’s periodic attempts to use them have not been matched by the necessary back-up. If they were used as a last resort at the end of a whole series of measures that were able to bring gradual pressure to bear, we would be providing a much better back-up for ASBOs and there would be fewer breaches. In reality, in some areas where they have been overused they have unfortunately become a figure of fun because they have not been properly applied.

Caroline Flint (Don Valley) (Lab): The debate has indicated how complex dealing with antisocial behaviour is. One complexity that underpins it is that, unfortunately, there is not a blank sheet or the same starting point for all those involved in antisocial behaviour. We seem to agree about the need for early intervention, and I say to the hon. Member for Eastleigh (Chris Huhne) that everything he suggests we should be doing, we are doing very well. However, some people in our community—adults and young people—have been involved in antisocial behaviour for some time and sucked in the energy of many different agencies and services, and in those cases firmer action needs to take place.

John Hemming: The right hon. Lady says that the Government are doing everything that we suggest they should. We suggested both in Public Bill Committees and on the Floor of the House having fixed penalty notices for community service orders, but the Government did not accept that.  posted by john ¶ 10:04 AM 1 comments

  Independent Advisors and Swine Flu Vaccination I didn't get the chance to ask a question of Alan Johnson on the sacking of Professor Nutt yesterday.

In essence, however, he was sacked for being independent. It is clear now that government advisors, even unpaid ones, are not to be independent, but need to take the government whip.

This, of course, raises into question all the independent advice that the government relies upon and quotes. If advisors are to be sacked for talking out of turn and saying things that the government does not like then they have no independence.

I have been unhappy with the proposals to vaccinate children for Swine Flu. It is now clear that there are no independent advisors to government as they get sacked for being critical of the government. Hence this also applies to the question as to whether or not to vaccinate for Swine Flu.  posted by john ¶ 9:31 AM 0 comments

  Election Results 29th October 2009 Huntingdonshire DC, Huntingdon North
LD Patricia Ellen Shrapnel 243 (32.6; +2.7)
Con 213 (28.6; -18.6)
UKIP 167 (22.4; +14.1)
Lab 123 (16.5; +1.8)
Majority 30
Turnout 19%
LD hold
Percentage change is since May 2008

Hellesdon PC, South East
Con 287 (46.2)
LD Wendy Elizabeth Pearce 198 (31.9)
UKIP 136 (21.9)
Majority 89
Turnout 15%
Con hold  posted by john ¶ 12:28 PM 0 comments

  Freedom of Speech I think that it is now worth having a look at the wider issues relating to freedom of speech. Freedom of Speech often gets mixed up with the debates about "no platform" and there are lots of subtleties including the issue about the trafigura injunction.

The Lord Chief Justice recently took the view that it was entirely reasonable to have court injunctions that in themselves are secret. This is perhaps the most extreme constraint upon freedom of speech. The whole panoply of state power is used to stop someone saying something and also to stop them saying that they have been prevented from speaking. This has to be the super gag. I think this is in fact unlawful under Article 6. Judgments need to be public. As a minimum orders should be public.

Article IX of the 1688 Bill of Rights ensures that the courts can have no effect on parliament. Parliament may itself decide not to comment on matters which are subjudice, but discretion rests with parliament to discuss even sub judice matters. That is a decision for parliament.

Sadly there are still lawyers who are threatening people with imprisonment for talking to me.

The Information Commissioner recently talked about increasing the penalities for breaches of the data protection act. I am not too sure about this. I am worried that we will move too far towards gagging people. Police officers who abuse the PNC already face committal.

I am a strong believer in Freedom of Speech and would not ban the BNP, nor would I use the criminal law to control what they say ... up to a point.

The point, as usual, is that at which they are trying to stir up hatred. I would not even make Holocaust Denial an offence. It is clearly very offensive, but should not be illegal.

If, however, someone is using words to initiate violence then that is a different issue. It is there where the EDL in their attempts to stir up violence in Birmingham fall. I think the police should have acted before the last exercise although it made it entirely clear that the EDL were looking for violence in their lack of co-operation with the police.

There are rules that apply for freepost and party election broadcasts. Those rules are defined in law and do not take into account what is being promoted. Hence if the BNP satisfy the rules then they are entitled to have the freepost.

We then move into the issue of Question Time and the BNP. Question Time does not have a system of rules. The decisions as to who is allowed to go on are made by the editorial staff. The editorial staff decided to promote the BNP.

I think they were wrong, but would not change the criminal law to stop them doing so - although I have supported the protests.

If we go back to the 1930s and imagine an equivalent of Question Time in Germany. Would it have been reasonable to endorse the National Socialist German Workers Party with their policy of a "final solution" to the issue of Judaism.

I don't think so.

The BNP are quite clearly a national socialist party. They quite clearly have similar approaches to the NSDAP. On their countering the smears section of their website they say:

i. Why do you disapprove of mixed marriages?

We believe in human diversity and in preserving the individuality and identity of all different ethnic groups. It is sad when a unique human genotype becomes extinct – as has happened around the world in the past and is happening today in the Amazon and in New Guinea. While a small number of mixed marriages – or mixed race children – in Britain won’t, in themselves, make any difference, if this is encouraged however as it is at present by politicians and the media then inevitably the traditional British genotype will be endangered in the long-term.

Environmentalists are always keen to preserve unique animal species in the wild, so why shouldn’t the same principle apply to people? We believe that Britain’s proud history of glorious achievements demonstrates that the British genotype is a valuable one and deserves to be preserved.

It has also been shown that mixed race children often suffer from identity problems, as has been pointed out by people such as Trevor Phillips (chairman of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights).

In essence they are saying that there is a problem with having mixed race people. This is nothing different to saying While a small number of jews/homosexuals/etc etc won't ... make any difference

A political party that stands on a principle that certain types of people should not exist stands apart from normal political discourse. Any editor who wishes to give them air time has to in doing so believe that it is reasonable to allow the "oxygen of publicity" to a party who wishes to get rid of a certain type of people.

It does not matter if they are talking about a different issue. At the core of what the BNP stands for is one of the most odious political arguments that is possible. Any journalist who wishes to promote that is not taking a neutral position, but accepting that this is a reasonable argument to make.

It is not a reasonable argument to make which is why I take the view that the BNP should not be afforded a platform from which to peddle their hate.

I, for one, am not going to accept Nazi politics in England. Journalists need to think carefully about what they do. There should not be a law constraining freedom of speech here, but there should be some responsibility shown by the media.

That which the BNP stand for is unacceptable.  posted by john ¶ 6:47 PM 0 comments

  Election Results 21st October 2009 Birmingham City MBC, Sutton New Hall
Con 1633 (58.3; -8.8)
Lab 505 (18.0; +5.6)
UKIP 344 (12.3; +12.3)
LD Robert Hardware 319 (11.4; +2.7)
[Green (0.0; -3.5)]
[BNP (0.0; -8.3)]
Majority 1128
Turnout 15.93%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2008.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Death.

East Lindsey DC, Sibsey
Con elected unnopposed.
Con gain from East Lindsey Independent
Party defending seat: East Lindsey Independent. Cause: Death.

Forest Heath DC, Eriswell & the Rows
Con 400 (45.8; -24.4)
LD John Smith 346 (39.6; +39.6)
UKIP 128 (14.6; -15.2)
Majority 54
Turnout not known
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Resignation.

Hertfordshire CC, Borehamwood North
Con 982 (44.5; +5.5)
Lab 928 (42.1; +13.2)
LD Robert Gamble 170 (7.7; -4.6)
Ind 125 (5.7; -0.1)
[BNP (0.0; -14.1)]
Majority 54
Turnout 18.5%
Con hold
Percentage change is since June 2009.
Party defending Seat: Con. Cause: Death.

Hertsmere BC, Potters Bar Oakmere
Con 679 (76.6; +5.4)
Lab 207 (23.4; -5.4)
Majority 472
Turnout 17.08%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2008.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Death.

High Peak DC, Tintwistle
Con 339 (69.2; +14.3)
Lab 111 (22.7; -22.5)
LD Maureen Hargreaves 40 (8.2; +8.2)
Majority 228
Turnout 28.76%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Death.

Rushcliffe BC, Nevile
Con 381 (50.9; -19.3)
LD David Allen 368 (49.1; +19.3)
Majority 13
Turnout 47.26%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Death

Vale Of White Horse DC, Abingdon Dunmore
LD Julia Bricknell 796 (52.6; +0.1)
Con 602 (39.8; -1.4)
Green 71 (4.7; +4.7)
Lab 43 (2.8; -3.5)
Majority 194
Turnout not known
LD hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.
Party defending seat: LD. Cause: Resignation.

Wyre BC, Jubilee
Con 492 (38.3; +4.2)
UKIP 345 (26.9; -4.8)
Lab 331 (25.8; +0.7)
BNP 116 (9.0; +9.0)
[LD (0.0; -9.1)]
Majority 147
Turnout 37%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.
Party defending seat: Con, Cause: Death.  posted by john ¶ 11:42 AM 0 comments

  Swine Flu Report This report from NHS West Midlands shows that the number of people with flu-like illness is increasing across the region.

Key Messages
Across the West Midlands there has been an increase in patients presenting at primary care centres with influenza-like symptoms, this is not impacting on normal service delivery. The number of people with swine flu admitted to hospitals in West Midlands has increased this week.

Activity /Rates – GPs
This shows the number of patients attending primary care with influenza-like illness, taken from the latest Health Protection Agency QSurveillance data. This data indicates an increase for the week ending 18 October 2009, across England and the West Midlands, but no change within Birmingham East and North from the previous week.

The reported rate of GP consultations per 100,000 population within the West Midlands for the week was 39.6 (compared with 33.5 for the previous week).

West Midlands average 39.6 (per 100,000)
England and Wales rate 36.0 (per 100,000)
NHS Birmingham East and North 35.5 (per 100,000)

Number of Hospital Admissions
The total number of new admissions with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands for the period 15 October to 21 October 2009 is 113. As of 21 October, there were 51 people in hospital, 16% of which are in critical care.

Number of Swine Flu Related Deaths
There have been four swine flu-related deaths reported in the last two weeks since our previous report. This means that the number of total deaths where there has been a positive test of swine flu in the West Midlands is thirteen.

Update on Anti-Viral Collection Points (ACPs)
Total number of Antiviral Collection Points planned for the Local Health Economy: 10
Currently open: 1 (Stechford)

The PCT currently has 1 ACP open which is in line with the current level of need. Plans are in place to open more collection points to meet any increase in demand.

Total number of assessments via the National Flu Pandemic Service (West Midlands): 158,091
Total number of antivirals collected (West Midlands): 76,052

Vaccination Programme
This week NHS Hospitals have begun vaccinating frontline healthcare workers. Around two million frontline health and social care workers will be offered the vaccine. This group is at increased risk of infection and of transmitting that infection to susceptible patients.

The vaccination programme will be rolled out over the next few weeks with GP surgeries receiving deliveries from Monday (26 October). The following at risk groups will be prioritised in the following order:

People aged over six months and under 65 years in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at risk groups.
All pregnant women.
Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer.
People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at risk groups. This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.

Patients will be contacted by their GPs if they fall into one of the at risk categories.

Public Health Message
A National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched to ensure that people with flu or flu-like symptoms are able to get advice and help. The service is made up of a dedicated website and call centres which provide people with a quick way to check their symptoms and get access to antiviral drugs. For most people, swine flu is not a serious illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.  posted by john ¶ 10:43 AM 0 comments

  Election Results 15th October 2009 Barnsley MBC, St. Helen's
Lab 1520 (59.8; +2.2)
BNP 590 (23.2; +6.6)
Barnsley Independent Group 171 (6.7; -11.9)
UKIP 94 (3.7; +3.7)
Con 89 (3.5; -3.6)
LD Eddie Gouthwaite 78 (3.1; +3.1)
Majority 930
Turnout 31%
Lab hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.

Basingstoke and Deane BC, Chineham
Con 898 (63.0; +19.1)
LD Liam Anthony Elvish 249 (17.5; +7.7)
Ind 163 / 18 (12.7; -28.2)
Lab 98 (6.9; +1.4)
Majority 649
Turnout not known
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2008.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Resignation.

Bracknell Forest BC, Hanworth
Con 640 (42.4; -14.2)
Lab 377 (25.0; -1.9)
LD Larraine de Laune 206 (13.7; +13.7)
UKIP 139 (9.2; +9.2)
Green 77 (5.1; -11.3)
BNP 70 (4.6; +4.6)
Majority 263
Turnout 23.4%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Death.

Cannock Chase DC, Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury
LD Chris Collis 314 (30.0; +8.2)
Con 300 (28.6; -10.9)
Lab 267 (25.5; -0.1)
BNP 116 (11.1; +11.1)
UKIP 51 (4.9; +4.9)
[Others (0.0; -13.1)]
Majority 14
Turnout 21%
LD gain from Lab
Percentage change is since May 2008
Party defending seat: Lab. Cause: Resignation.

Crawley BC, Northgate
Lab 527 (43.3; +19.0)
Con 446 (36.7; +18.9)
LD Darren Wise 230 (18.9; -26.6)
(Others) Justice Party 13 (1.1; -8.4)
[Green (0.0; -3.0)]
Majority 81
Turnout 31.25%
Lab gain from LD
Percentage change is since May 2007.
Party defending seat: LD. Cause: Resignation.

Hammersmith and Fulham LBC, Town
Con 970 (63.4; +0.8)
LD Paul Kennedy 289 (18.9; +2.8)
Lab 271 (17.7; -3.6)
Majority 681
Turnout 20.3%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2006.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Death.

Lincolnshire CC, Boston North West
Con 597 (38.7; +13.2)
BNP 581 (37.7; +17.1)
Lab 204 (13.2; +1.9)
LD Mike Sheridan-Shinn 160 (10.4; +3.2)
[Others (0.0; -35.5)]
Majority 16
Turnout 21.3%
Con hold
Percentage change is since June 2009.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Disqualification.

North Norfolk DC, The Runtons
Con 524 (52.1; +1.9)
LD Lucinda Starling 454 (45.1; -4.7)
Green 14 (1.4; +1.4)
Lab 14 (1.4; +1.4)
Majority 70
Turnout 55.93%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Resignation.

Richmondshire DC, Hipswell
Con 144 (39.0; +1.2)
LD Ann Bagley 126 (34.1; +8.9)
Ind 99 (26.8; -10.1)
Majority 18
Turnout 12.52%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Resignation.

Richmondshire DC, Middleham
Con 253 (85.5; +10.0)
LD Gina Ramsbottom 43 (14.5; -10.0)
Majority 210
Turnout 27.9%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Resignation.

South Ribble BC, Leyland St Mary's
Con 709 (74.9; +6.3)
Lab 237 (25.1; +6.1)
[LD (0.0; -12.5)]
Majority 472
Turnout not known
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Resignation.

Taunton Deane BC, Lyngford
LD Nicci Court 523 (51.0; +6.6)
Con 274 (26.7; -1.2)
Lab 164 (16.0; -11.6)
UKIP 64 (6.2; +6.2)
Majority 249
Turnout 25.51%
LD hold
Percentage change is since May 2007
Party defending seat: LD. Cause: Resignation.

Tetbury TC,
Ind 455 (33.4)
LD Colin Horton 360 (26.4)
Con 321 / 317 (23.6)
Ind 226 (16.6)
Majorities 134 / 39
Turnout not known
Ind hold x 1. LD gain from Ind x 1.
Party defending seats: Ind. Cause: Resignation x 2.  posted by john ¶ 1:54 PM 2 comments

  John Wilkes, Trafigura and Injunctions The saga with the Trafigura injunction and the guardian is an interesting one.

There has been a tendency to have secret court orders recently.

Part 1 of Article 6 of the ECHR states:
In the determination of his civil rights and obligations or of any criminal charge against him, everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law. Judgment shall be pronounced publicly but the press and public may be excluded from all or part of the trial in the interest of morals, public order or national security in a democratic society, where the interests of juveniles or the protection of the private life of the parties so require, or to the extent strictly necessary in the opinion of the court in special circumstances where publicity would prejudice the interests of justice.

This, I think, makes it quite clear when it says "Judgment shall be pronounced publicly ...

In the UK and particularly for Family Court cases it has been concluded that this applies specifically to the order. Hence to me it is quite clear that the injunctions (court orders) should not themselves be able to include the requirement to keep the order itself secret.

I would argue that "judgment" means "judgment" and hence the reasoning should also be public. However, I have not tried to take any of these cases through.

This particular case, however, also goes a bit further. Paul Farrelly asked a question in the house. That was OK because the parliamentary website and hansard (and all order papers) are covered by Article IX of the 1688 Bill of Rights (our basic constitutional law).

Such material is exempt from court consideration (other than the S&P committee which is a constitutional court), but reports of parliament are only absolutely privileged, they are not exempt from court consideration. Hence the problem with reporting it.

This brings in John Wilkes editorial in the 45th Edition of North Briton in 1745. That obtained parliamentary privilege (and I am trying to get more details of this which is quite difficult in the 1700s).

I think there has to be an ability for the press to report parliamentary proceedings notwithstanding court injunctions or indeed the fact that something is contempt of court.

Parliament is there to stand up for the powerless. If parliament cannot be reported injustice can grow.

Although the trafigura injuction was probably brought down by twitter I think it was unlawful anyway (under Article 6 and the 1998 Human Rights Act). Still the further step of ensuring that parliament can be reported needs to be resolved.

I would be happy to work with anyone who wishes to challenge the system in this way.  posted by john ¶ 10:13 AM 2 comments

  Sir Thomas Legg's letter
I am pleased to have been told that "no action is required from you" in respect of my ACA claims from my election until March 2009. I ceased claiming in the next financial year (I think I made one claim), hence I can be pretty certain that my ACA is OK for 2009-10. My wife, Christine, is therefore, due thanks for her efforts on filling in these forms.

It remains to be seen how many mistakes have been identified in expenses. In the past I have made all sorts of mistakes in paperwork and then corrected them. I do think it is unfair to pillory anyone for making mistakes.

However, it has been part of this government's tendency to increase "strict liability" offences and what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander - as Patricia Scotland is now clearly aware.

My own view is that we need to move more towards a "mens rea" approach to the law where people are guilty only if they meant to do wrong.  posted by john ¶ 10:06 AM 0 comments

  Guido is in St Kitts The issue of the jurisdiction of courts to keep things secret in an internet age is under challenge today.

The guardian is prevented from talking about a question in parliament. That is nothing new although I think it is wrong. However, Guido is currently in St Kitts. Hence as long as his servers are not in the UK he can post what he wants about this.

I have an interesting chidlrens case involving two non-UK jurisdictions. My belief is that hence unless an injunction is obtained in the UK that the media in the UK can report it.

When you look at the benefits of transparency I think serious questions are raised about the disbenefit of secrecy. I am coming to a conclusion that we need a considerable review of the powers of the courts to keep things secret and to injunct people.

As an absolute minimum an injunction on reporting should be time limited in order to determine the truth of something so that a newspaper does not trash someone's reputation because of the pressures of deadlines. However, far too many injunctions are applied for and granted. This acts often to conceal bad behaviour.

BTW yes I have my letter from Tom Legg and intend to scan and post it later.  posted by john ¶ 8:25 AM 0 comments

  Lenny Harper on Jersey I have done a link to Lenny Harper's post about Jersey and Haut de la Garenne. I haven't managed to read it yet, but the question about justice systems on smaller islands is an important one.  posted by john ¶ 1:43 PM 0 comments

  Gordon Brown on Taking Risk 2004 The link is to the treasury release on his speech.

So same way that we made the Bank of England independent of government we made our competition authorities independent of government and created one of the most open competition regimes in the world. And although not quite as public a symbol as the Bank of England independence - but unique in terms of labour’s history none the less - we have cut capital gains tax substantially. Even with other priorities to finance – not least the NHS - we have cut capital gains tax from 40 pence down to 10 pence for long term business assets and in budget after budget I want us to do even more to encourage the risk takers, those with ambition, to turn their ideas into reality and make the most of their talents.

The question, of course, is how much risk and more importantly with whose money. It still is, however, a good quote to identify.  posted by john ¶ 6:06 PM 0 comments

  Retirement Ages Within the context of the discussion about Retirement Ages I had some people come to me today concerned about being forced to retire at 65. I wonder if there is a need for a more urgent look at the rules that allow companies to force people to retire at 65 without giving any reason. This does hit willing and competent workers quite hard and I am not sure how the company benefits.  posted by john ¶ 4:42 PM 0 comments

  Election Results 8th October 2009 Eden DC, Penrith West
LD Elissa Robinson 387 (51.7; +51.7)
Con 157 (21.0; -17.6)
BNP 102 (13.6; +13.6)
Ind 58 (7.8; -37.5)
Lab 26 (3.5; -12.7)
Green 18 (2.4; +2.4)
Majority 230
Turnout 31%
LD gain from Ind
Percentage change is since May 2007

Epping Forest DC, Grange Hill
Con 453 (52.4; -31.1)
LD Gavin Chambers 411 (47.6; +31.1)
Majority 42
Turnout 17.17%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2008.

Fenland DC, March West
Con 830 (53.9; -5.2)
Lab 460 (29.9; +29.9)
LD Ann Elliott 250 (16.2; -24.7)
Majority 370
Turnout not known
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007

Ryedale DC, Pickering East
Liberal 392 (42.8; +42.8)
LD Charles Downes 274 (29.9; -70.1)
Ind 213 (23.3; +23.3)
Ind 37 (4.0; +4.0)
Majority 118
Turnout 34.25%
Liberal gain from LD
Percentage change is since May 2007 when LD was elected unopposed.

City of Westminster LBC, West End
Con 526 (60.8; +10.3)
Lab 169 (19.5; +0.6)
LD Christopher Gonzalez 108 (12.5; -1.2)
Green 62 (7.2; -6.4)
[UKIP (0.0; -3.3)]
Majority 357
Turnout 46%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2006

March TC, West
Con 888 (60.0)
LD Stephen Court 591 (40.0)
Majority 297
Turnout not known  posted by john ¶ 1:52 PM 0 comments

  Swine Flu Report This report from NHS West Midlands shows that the number of people with flu-like illness is increasing across the region.

Key Messages
Across the West Midlands there has been an increase in patients presenting at primary care centres with influenza-like symptoms, this is not impacting on normal service delivery. The number of people with swine flu admitted to hospitals in West Midlands has increased this week, as have the number admitted to critical care, although as a proportion of hospital admissions this is still low and not impinging normal activity.

Activity /Rates – GPs
This shows the number of patients attending primary care with influenza-like illness, taken from the latest Health Protection Agency QSurveillance data. This data indicates an increase for the week ending 4th October 2009, across England, West Midlands, but a decrease within Birmingham East and North.

The reported rate of GP consultations per 100,000 population within the West Midlands for the week was 29.5 (compared with 23.3 for the previous week).

West Midlands average 29.5 (per 100,000)
England rate 28.5 (per 100,000)
NHS Birmingham East and North 22.4 (per 100,000)

Number of Hospital Admissions
The total number of new admissions with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands for the period 1st October to 7th October 2009 is 82. As of 7th October, there were 47 people in hospital.

Number of Swine Flu Related Deaths
There have been no swine flu-related deaths reported since our previous update. The total number of deaths for the region remains at nine.

Update on Anti-Viral Collection Points (ACPs)
Total number of Antiviral Collection Points planned for the Local Health Economy: 10
Currently open: 1 (Stechford)

The PCT currently has one ACP open which is in line with the current level of need. Plans are in place to open more collection points to meet any increase in demand.
Total number of assessments via the National Flu Pandemic Service (West Midlands): 134,862
Total number of antivirals collected (West Midlands): 63,913

Schools
There are a small number of schools across the West Midlands reporting absenteeism in children with flu like symptoms since the beginning of the Autumn term. In some of these schools, swine flu has been confirmed. This is not unexpected and our surveillance and early warning systems have been helpful in identifying these cases. Every school and early years setting in the West Midlands has now been provided with swine flu information and advice.

Public Health Message
A National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched to ensure that people with flu or flu-like symptoms are able to get advice and help. The service is made up of a dedicated website and call centres which provide people with a quick way to check their symptoms and get access to antiviral drugs. For most people, swine flu is not a serious illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.

National announcements this week
Don’t Underestimate Seasonal Flu – Remember to get your Annual Flu jab
The Department of Health has launched its annual seasonal flu vaccination campaign. Everyone aged over 65 is routinely offered the jab, as are younger people with long term conditions. The campaign urges people, with all the coverage of Swine Flu, not to forget about getting their normal annual flu jab.  posted by john ¶ 1:48 PM 0 comments

  UK Energy Research Council's Peak Oil Report The UK ERC have done a report on oil production.

Their press release says:
A new report, launched today by the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), argues that conventional oil production is likely to peak before 2030, with a significant risk of a peak before 2020. The report concludes that the UK Government is not alone in being unprepared for such an event - despite oil supplying a third of the world’s energy.

The report finds that we are entering an era of slow and expensive oil as resources get harder to find, extract and produce. Major new discoveries, such as those announced recently in the Gulf of Mexico, will only delay the peak by a matter of days or weeks.

The government should wake up to this issue as it is not one that can be spun away. I may ask them to present in the House of Commons to APPG OPO  posted by john ¶ 6:26 AM 0 comments

  Birmingham Childrens Social Services Report I have been quite busy working to highlight the systematic problems that cause the situation where Birmingham has the problems as identified in Monday's report. I will do a detailed post at some stage about this.

However, it is my view that Birmingham is far from being the worst Childrens Services Authority for Child Protection. It is, however, the most honest.  posted by john ¶ 1:34 PM 1 comments

  Birmingham Childrens Social Services Report Today the special scrutiny into childrens services in Birmingham was released. In essence it recognised that my assertions that the system was not working were true.

What needs to happen is a systemic review of how the child protection system fails to work. This has not really happened with all of the reports so far.

There are simple proposals that would help. For example allowing councils to employ people with experience but without the formal qualification would help. Parents in their 40s and 50s are well suited to looking at the issues from the perspective of someone who knows how difficult raising children can be. It is really unfair to chuck young graduates in at the deep end.

We need to move away from a tick box culture towards one which values good judgment. This means getting rid of the performance indicators and making sure that computer systems are established with the objective of helping people do their jobs rather than collate information for the performance indicators.

At the Bournemouth conference I spoke at two meetings about this issue.

We also need Ofsted to release the full list of serious case reviews commissioned.  posted by john ¶ 5:04 PM 5 comments

  Why did the government break the care system? It is becoming more obvious now that the public family law system in England particularly is broken. Within the system there are some good people doing a good job, but a lot of the system is almost going off at random. There is an overload of references for DV and the filtering system which should identify where action is needed fails.

What particularly broke the system was in fact a mathematical error. The government when calculating the denominator for the adoption target used the number of children in care rather than those going into care. The government's strategy was not to have a majority of children adopted from care, but the outcome was in fact this.

This became obvious to me earlier this year when I read Ofsted's Annual Performance Assessment which said that adoption was only ever suitable for a minority of children. However, a proper analysis of the statistics looking at the flows shows that the number of chilren under 10 adopted from care is of the order of 60% of those under 10 taken into care.  posted by john ¶ 11:41 AM 1 comments

  Election Results 1st October 2009 Bolton MBC, Crompton
Lab 1528 (47.4; -2.6)
Con 935 (29.0; +1.0)
Ind 377 (11.7; +11.7)
LD Anne Warren 284 (8.8; -13.2)
Green 99 (3.1; +3.1)
Majority 593
Turnout 31%
Lab hold
Percentage change is since May 2008.

Broadland DC, Wroxham
LD Ben McGilvray 960 (62.5; +57.9)
Con 346 (22.5; -9.5)
UKIP 134 (8.7; +8.7)
Green 50 (3.3; -2.8)
Lab 46 (3.0; 0.0)
[Others (0.0; -54.3)]
Majority 614
Turnout 38%
LD gain from Ind
Percentage change is since May 2007.

Derby City UA, Allestree
Con 1988 (52.3; -10.2)
LD Deena Smith 1037 (27.3; +15.1)
Lab 532 (14.0; -0.3)
BNP 242 (6.4; -4.5)
Majority 951
Turnout 35%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2008.

East Ayrshire UA, Doon Valley
Lab 1221 (50.5; +1.5)
SNP 891 (36.9; +10.9)
Con 176 (7.3; -1.1)
Ind 84 (3.5; -13.1)
Ind 44 (1.8; -14.8)
Turnout 26.78%
Lab gain from Ind
Percentage change is since May 2007

Kettering BC, Northfield
Lab 265 (37.9; -17.7)
Con 258 (36.9; -7.6)
LD Cindy McGrath 80 (11.4; +11.4)
BNP 58 (8.3; +8.3)
English Democrats 39 (5.6; +5.6)
Majority 7
Turnout 35.12%
Lab hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.

Maidstone BC, Fant
LD Fran Smith 702 (46.4; +18.8)
Con 393 (26.0; -7.4)
Green 317 (20.9; +4.9)
Lab 102 (6.7; -16.3)
Majority 309
Turnout 23.6%
LD hold
Percentage change is since May 2008.

North Norfolk DC, Walsingham
LD Hugh Lanham 389 (58.1; +32.5)
Con 237 (35.4; +35.4)
Lab 43 (6.4; +6.4)
[Others (0.0; -74.4)]
Majority 152
Turnout 36.56%
LD gain from Ind
Percentage change is since May 2007.

Preston City DC, Fishwick
Lab 656 (55.7; +7.6)
Con 283 (24.0; +24.0)
LD Luke Bosman 239 (20.3; -23.2)
[Others (0.0; -8.5)]
Majority 373
Turnout 30.97%
Lab hold
Percentage change is since May 2008.

Sandwell MBC, Wednesbury South
Lab 1006 (45.1; +6.7)
Con 946 (42.4; +1.6)
LD Dorothy Hilda Brayshaw 168 (7.5; +7.5)
Green 109 (4.9; -0.2)
[BNP (0.0; -15.7)]
Majority 60
Turnout 23.49%
Lab hold
Percentage change is since May 2008.

Spelthorne BC, Laleham and Shepperton Green
Con 814 (42.2; -16.2)
LD Richard Dunn 742 (38.5; +13.4)
UKIP 154 (8.0; +8.0)
Ind 142 (7.4; +7.4)
Lab 77 (4.0; -12.6)
Majority 72
Turnout not known
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.

Wychavon DC, Droitwich South West
LD Stephanie Vale 521 (47.4; +6.1)
Con 416 (37.8; -4.3)
Lab 163 (14.8; +14.8)
[Green (0.0; -16.6)]
Majority 105
Turnout 27.6%
LD gain from Con
Percentage change is since May 2007.  posted by john ¶ 1:57 PM 0 comments

  Swine Flu fortnightly report This report from NHS West Midlands shows that the rate of new cases of swine flu has begun to increase across the region. Information provided indicates current impact on the local services.

Key Messages
Across the West Midlands there has been an increase in patients presenting at primary care centres with influenza-like symptoms. This is not impacting on normal service delivery and there has not been an increase in cases admitted to hospital in the last week.

Activity /Rates – GPs
This shows the number of patients attending primary care with influenza-like illness, taken from the latest Health Protection Agency QSurveillance data. This data indicates an increase for the week ending 20 September 2009, across England, West Midlands and within Birmingham East and North.

The reported rate of GP consultations per 100,000 population within the West Midlands for the week was 15 (compared with 11.9 for the previous week).

West Midlands average 15.0 (per 100,000)
England and Wales rates 16.5 (per 100,000)
NHS Birmingham East and North 18.9 (per 100,000)

Number of Hospital Admissions
The total number of new admissions with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands for the period 17 September to 23 September 2009 is 37. As of 23 September, there were 11 people in hospital.

Number of Swine Flu Related Deaths
There have been no swine flu-related deaths reported since our previous report. The total number of deaths for the region remains at nine.

Update on Anti-Viral Collection Points (ACPs)
Total number of Antiviral Collection Points planned for the Local Health Economy: 10
Currently open: 1 (Stechford)

The PCT currently has one ACP open which is in line with the current level of need. Plans are in place to open more collection points to meet any increase in demand.
Total number of assessments via the National Flu Pandemic Service (West Midlands): 121,632
Total number of antivirals collected (West Midlands): 57,549

Schools
There are a small number of schools across the West Midlands reporting absenteeism in children with flu like symptoms since the beginning of the Autumn term. In some of these schools, swine flu has been confirmed. This is not unexpected and our surveillance and early warning systems have been helpful in identifying these cases. Every school and early years setting in the West Midlands has now been provided with swine flu information and advice.

Public Health Message
The National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched to ensure that people with flu or flu-like symptoms are able to get advice and help. The service is made up of a dedicated website and call centres which provide people with a quick way to check their symptoms and get access to antiviral drugs. For most people, swine flu is not a serious illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.  posted by john ¶ 3:23 PM 0 comments

  Election Results 24th September 2009 North Tyneside MBC, Preston
Con 1141 (55.8; -14.2)
Lab 503 (24.6; -5.3)
Public Services not Private Profit 174 (8.5; +8.5)
LD John Christopher Appleby 152 (7.4; +7.4)
Green 73 (3.6; +3.6)
Majority 638
Turnout not known
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2008
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Resignation.

Tendring DC, Burrsville
Con 455 (55.2; -10.5)
LD Joyce Edith O'Brien 227 (27.5; +15.7)
Lab 90 (10.9; +1.1)
Green 52 (6.3; +6.3)
[Others (0.0; -12.6)]
Majority 228
Turnout 46%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007.
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Death.

Hartlepool BC, Elwick
Ind 233 / 132 / 28 (60.4; -24.2)
Con 201 (30.9; +30.9)
Lab 40 (6.1; -9.3)
LD Keith Macfadyen 17 (2.6; +2.6)
Majority 32
Turnout 29.24%
Ind hold
Percentage change is since May 2006
Party defending seat: Ind. Cause: Death.

Broxtowe BC, Toton and Chilwell Meadows
Con 1081 (56.6; +8.3)
LD Robert Pembleton 474 (24.8; -0.3)
Lab 296 (15.5; +1.3)
BNP 58 (3.0; -4.1)
[UKIP (0.0; -5.2)]
Majority 607
Turnout not known
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Resignation.

Three Rivers DC, Hayling
Lab 487 (53.9; +21.7)
Con 190 (21.0; -4.6)
BNP 170 (18.8; -11.5)
LD Dennis John Rogers 56 (6.2; -1.4)
[UKIP (0.0; -4.1)]
Majority 297
Turnout 34.96%
Lab hold
Percentage change is since May 2008
Party defending seat: Lab. Cause: Resignation.  posted by john ¶ 12:32 PM 0 comments

  Conference 2009 I left Birmingham for the conference after my advice bureau (as usual). It is good that we continue to concentrate on the issue of the tax threshold for people in work, but on low incomes.

The government are in a financial mess. I have been trying to work out how they have been funding "quantative easing". Initially I thought it was funded directly, but it now looks like it is not funded. It is interesting to see to what extent this is sustainable.

It remains that a massive continuing deficit is not sustainable. My concern is to ensure that we protect services whilst going through a difficult period.

I have spoken at two fringe meetings about Social work and Child Protection. It is good that there is a dialogue between those critical of the system and those who work in it. In fact there is common ground as to what systematic problems there are. In particular the performance indicators and the integrated childrens system come in for some serious criticism.

What happens is that this results in wrong decisions being taken and then forced through the family courts.

I am also speaking at a fringe meeting about Social Inclusion. Although the tax changes help here we really need to deal with the issue of those people who are basically clients of the state.  posted by john ¶ 5:53 PM 0 comments

  Election Results: 17th September 2009 Buckinghamshire CC, Amersham
Conservative 1840 (46.6; -3.7)
Lib Dem Davida Allen 1768 (44.8; 0.0)
UKIP 140 (3.5; +3.5)
Labour 106 (2.7, -2.2)
Green 95 (2.4; +2.4)

Conservative HOLD
Majority 72
Turnout 30.6

Newark and Sherwood DC, Beacon
Conservative 413 (48.2; - 0.7)
Lib Dem Decland Logue 296 (34.7; +7.8)
Labour 147 (17.2; -7.1)

Consvative HOLD
Majority 117
Turnout 16.6

Nottinghamshire CC, Newark East
Conservative 517 (45.2; -6.4)
Lib Dem Chris Harrison 322 (28.1; - 2.3)
Labour 198 (17.3; -0.7)
UKIP 107 (9.4; +9.4)

Conservative HOLD
Majority 195
Turnout 15.6

Birmingham City MBC, Sparkbrook
Respect 2495 (39.6; -7.0)
Labour 2228 (35.4; -1.3)
Conservative 799 (12.7; +7.5)
Lib Dem Maeem Quarefhi 506 (8.0; +1.5)
Green 213 (3.4 +3.4)
Independent 55 (0.9 +0.9)
BNP 0 (0; -1.5)

Turnout 32.3
Majority 267
Respect HOLD

Redcar and Cleveland UA, South Bank
Labour 442 (43.6; -6.9)
Lib Dem Steven Abbot 354 (34.9; +25.1)
Ind 102 (10.1; -5.0)
UKIP 69 (6.8; +6.8)
Conservative 47 (4.6; -5.7)
BNP 0 (0; -14.4)

Labour HOLD
Majority 88
Turnout 21.2

Cotswold DC, Water Park
Liberal Democrat Esmond Jenkins 894 (71.7; +31.5)
Con 353 (28.3; -31.5)
Lib Dem HOLD
Majority 541
Turnout 28.3

Amber Valley BC, Ripley and Marehay
Labour 585 (52.4)
Conservative 531 (47.6)
Labour HOLD
Majority 54
Turnout 24.1

Rustington PC, West Rustington
Ind 661 (61.9)
Lib Dem Jamie Bennett 406 (38.1)

Independent GAIN from Conservative  posted by john ¶ 5:55 PM 0 comments

  Election Results 10th September 2009 York City UA, Heworth
Lab 876 (34.0; -2.6)
LD Jennifer Ayre 608 (23.6; +11.5)
Con 591 (23.0; +2.3)
Green 302 (11.7; -6.1)
BNP 172 (6.7; -6.0)
Official Monster Raving Loony Party 25 (1.0; +1.0)
Majority 268
Turnout 26.6%
Lab hold
Percentage change is since May 2007

Daventry DC, Drayton
Counting Friday morning, result expected at 2pm.

South Tyneside MBC, Westoe
Ind 694 / 194 (39.2; -26.4)
Lab 567 (25.0; +6.1)
Con 320 (14.1; +3.3)
BNP 266 (11.7; +11.7)
LD William John Troupe 225 (9.9; +9.9)
Majority 127
Turnout 34.5%
Ind hold
Percentage change is since May 2008

Leicester City UA, Castle
Lab 611 (31.7; +5.1)
Green 519 (26.9; -8.6)
Con 435 (22.6; +7.2)
LD Joan Garrity 292 (15.1; -3.1)
UKIP 41 (2.1; -0.5)
Liberal 31 (1.6; -0.1)
Majority 92
Turnout 12.65%
Lab gain from Green
Percentage change is since May 2007

Harborough DC, Market Harborough Welland
LD Colin Davies 600 (54.8; +7.1)
Con 373 (34.1; +5.3)
BNP 122 (11.1; +11.1)
[Lab (0.0; -23.5)]
Majority 227
Turnout 22.8%
LD hold
Percentage change is since May 2007

Stockport MBC, Cheadle and Gatley
LD Iain Roberts 2625 (52.9; +7.5)
Con 2005 (40.4; -5.4)
Lab 143 (2.9; -5.9)
UKIP 96 (1.9; +1.9)
Green 91 (1.8; +1.8)
Majority 620
Turnout 43.9%
LD hold
Percentage change is since May 2008

Daventry DC, Yelvertoft
Counting Friday morning, result expected Friday afternoon.

Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Resignation.

Wyre Forest BC, Lickhill
Community and Health Concern 643 (48.1; -1.5)
Con 512 (38.3; -1.6)
Lab 140 (10.5; 0.0)
LD Claire Cassidy 41 (3.1; +3.1)
Majority 131
Turnout 24.44%
Ind hold
Percentage change is since May 2008

Rayleigh TC, Whitehouse
Con 488 (69.0)
LD Corey Vost 166 (23.0)
BNP 57 (8.0)
Majority 322
Turnout 22%  posted by john ¶ 1:58 PM 0 comments

  Swine Flu weekly report Please note that until further notice, these briefings will be issued on a fortnightly basis.

Introduction
This week’s report from NHS West Midlands shows that the rate of new cases of swine flu continues to slow across the region. Information provided indicates current impact on the local services.
Key Messages
Patients presenting at primary care centres with influenza-like symptoms has decreased within the health economy over the last week. The number of people with swine flu admitted to hospitals in West Midlands has increased this week.
Activity /Rates – GPs
This shows the number of patients attending primary care with influenza-like illness, taken from the latest Health Protection Agency QSurveillance data. This data indicates a decrease for the week ending 6 September 2009, across England, West Midlands and within Birmingham East and North.

The reported rate of GP consultations per 100,000 population within the West Midlands for the week was 11.4 (compared with 14 for the previous week).

West Midlands average 11.4 (per 100,000)
England and Wales rates 10.6 (per 100,000)
NHS Birmingham East and North 10.3 (per 100,000)

Number of Hospital Admissions
The total number of new admissions with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands for the period 3 September to 9 September 2009 is 41. As of 9 September, there were 20 people in hospital.

Number of Swine Flu Related Deaths
There have been no swine flu-related deaths reported for the week 3 September to 9 September 2009 within the West Midlands. The total number of deaths for the region remains at nine.

Update on Anti-Viral Collection Points (ACPs)
Total number of Antiviral Collection Points planned for the Local Health Economy: 10
Currently open: 1 (Stechford)

The PCT currently has one ACP open which is in line with the current level of need. Plans are in place to open more collection points to meet any increase in demand.
Total number of assessments via the National Flu Pandemic Service (West Midlands): 109,431
Total number of antivirals collected (West Midlands): 51,678

Public Health Message
A new National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched to ensure that people with flu or flu-like symptoms are able to get advice and help. The new service is made up of a dedicated website and call centres which provide people with a quick way to check their symptoms and get access to antiviral drugs. For most people, swine flu is not a serious illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.

National announcements this week
Critical Care
Following a review of NHS critical care capacity, and plans to increase this capacity if necessary during a pandemic, a critical care strategy has been published today. The document sets out how the NHS will double ventilated critical care capacity during the peak of a potential second wave of the swine flu pandemic. It outlines a series of whole system measures that can be put in place, including measures to minimise demand for critical care.
To support the NHS with this work, a new Swine Flu Critical Care Clinical Group made up of a number of independent experts in delivering critical care has been formed. This group will provide a dedicated, expert resource for the NHS for the duration of the swine flu pandemic. Every NHS region, including NHS West Midlands, has confirmed that it can double available critical care capacity should it need to.

Mental Health Act Consultation
To further strengthen our resilience, the Department of Health has today published a consultation on possible temporary changes to the Mental Health Act, 1983. During the peak of a pandemic, when the workforce is likely to be under considerable pressure, these changes would enable Strategic Health Authorities to provide continuity of service. For more information, visit: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/News/Recentstories/DH_104971.

Comment by John Hemming
There has been a lot of hype about Swine Flu going up when the schools kick off, which they just have, but the PCT are going down to fortnightly. Something does not compute.  posted by john ¶ 12:50 PM 1 comments

  MG Rover Report The report has now been released. It confirms a number of things.

It confirms the substantial sums of money which in my view should not have been removed from the group whilst it was being managed by the directors although it makes it clear that one of the directors was uncomfortable about this.

It also confirms that the community were squeezed out of the bid which initially involved more than 4 key players.

It recognises that the governments revelation of financial problems resulted in pushing the company into administration in 2005 - although it was most likely heading into administration at that time.

It also recognises that the alternative to Phoenix in 2000 was liquidation (although it could have been possible to have a further review with Alchemy).

What is sad about all of this is that it could have been a lot different. What the report reveals is that there were a number of solutions after 2000 when it would have been possible for the business to continue over time.

The damage done by the directors in chucking out a gold plated lifeboat every year or so undermined the project as a whole. The alternative model was clearly a possibility had the government not acquiesced in the squeezing out of people such as Mike Whitby, Carl Chinn and myself.  posted by john ¶ 9:39 AM 0 comments

  Martin Narey is wrong. John Hemming MP, Chairman of Justice for Families, has struck out at Martin
Narey for his suggestion that more babies should be taken into care and that
more adoptions is the solution to prevent situations like that in Edlington.

"Martin Narey demonstrates a lack of knowledge of the stastical realities
as to what has happening in England. The number of babies taken into care
under 1 month has jumped from 430 in 1995 to 1,140 in 2006. Of the 1,140 in
2006 670 were taken into care in the first seven days of their life
essentially "at birth".

"He also makes the assumption that once a child is adopted all is good.
Sadly the government are turning a blind eye to the number of disrupted
adoptions. In 2006 6,000 children under 10 years old were taken into care
and 3,520 children under 10 left care through adoption. That means 59% of
children leaving care through adoption.

"The government themselves said this year that "This does not mean that adoption is appropriate for more than a minority of children"

"The government have refused to attempt to find out how many adoptions
result in children returning to care. It is quite clear that Reactive
Attachment Disorder affects a number of children taken into care at an early
age and then adopted at or around 2-3 years old. This often results in a
disrupted adoption and a child returning to care with additional
psychological trauma.

"There are statistics about the numbers of failed adoptions where the
adoption fails in the same local authority as it occurs, but this is only a
small part of the story. Channel 4 recently identified that the number of
failed adoptions is increasing. Martin Narey, however, repeats the mantra
"More adoptions, More adoptions".

"Our policy making really should be evidence based. For that we need the
research. That is where the government are failing.

"Martin Narey should not look at adoption as a solution for the chidlren in
Edlington. It is not in any way clear that the outcome for children aged 10
and 11 could be predicted reliably before they were born. The question
about Edlington is why there was no response at an earlier age of 5 or 6.
I think that arises from the concentration on babies and adoption that the
system now has. We need to change direction rather than go further in a direction
that is clearly failing."  posted by john ¶ 8:36 AM 3 comments

  Election Results 3rd September 2009 Medway UA, Luton & Wayfield
Con 1042 (36.9; +10.8)
Lab 1038 (36.7; -12.3)
LD Gary Allanach 223 (7.9; +7.9)
UKIP 200 (7.1; +7.1)
BNP 186 (6.6; +6.6)
Ind 87 (3.1; -21.9)
Green 51 (1.8; +1.8)
Majority 4
Turnout 29.78%
Con gain from Lab
Percentage change is since May 2007

Wiltshire UA, Southwick
Ind 385 (37.2; +37.2)
LD Gordon King 315 (30.5; -8.8)
Con 273 (26.4; -34.3)
UKIP 61 (5.9; +5.9)
Majority 70
Turnout 30.66%
Ind gain from Con
Percentage change is since June 2009

Plymouth City UA, Ham
Lab 1243 (44.0; +2.7)
Con 676 (23.9; -15.7)
UKIP 442 (15.6; +15.6)
BNP 82 (2.9; +2.9)
Ind 204 (7.2; +7.2)
LD Rebecca Trimnell 181 (6.4; -6.8)
[Green (0.0; -5.9)]
Majority 567
Turnout 29%
Lab hold
Percentage change is since May 2008

Stamford TC, St Georges
Ind 243 (42.4)
Con 135 (23.6)
LD Raymond Donald Lee 115 (20.1)
No Description 80 (14.0)
Majority 108
Turnout 17.7%
Ind hold

Party defending seat: Ind. Cause: Death.

Oswestry TC, Castle
Con 214 (61.3)
LD Brain L Willis 135 (38.7)
Majority 79
Turnout 15.46%
Con hold

Malvern Hills DC, Hallow
LD Dean Clarke 504 (61.6; +16.5)
Con 314 (38.4; -16.5)
Majority 190
Turnout not known
LD gain from Con
Percentage change is since May 2007

Melksham TC, Melksham Spa
LD Peter Dauncey 732 (58.8)
Con 432 (34.7)
BNP 81 (6.5)
Majority 300
Turnout 26%
LD gain from Con
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Resignation.

Chippenham TC, Chippenham Park
LD Lorraine Roberts-Rance 427 (66.4)
Con 216 (33.6)
Majority 211
Turnout 30.03%
LD hold
Party defending seat: LD. Cause: Resignation.

Wootton Bassett TC, North
LD Stephen Richard Walls 423 (56.0)
Con 333 (44.0)
Majority 90
Turnout 22%
LD gain from Con
Part defending seat: Con. Cause: Disqualification.

Calne TC, Quemerford
Con 299 (53.9)
LD Sally Ann Chandler 256 (46.1)
Majority 43
Turnout 29.8%
Con hold
Party defending seat: Con. Cause: Resignation.  posted by john ¶ 1:05 PM 0 comments

  Swine Flu weekly report Introduction
This week’s report from NHS West Midlands shows that the rate of new cases of swine flu continues to slow across the region. Information provided indicates current impact on the local services.
Key Messages
Patients presenting at primary care centres with influenza-like symptoms has decreased within the health economy over the last week. The number of people with swine flu admitted to hospitals in West Midlands has also fallen this week.
Activity /Rates – GPs
This shows the number of patients attending primary care with influenza-like illness, taken from the latest Health Protection Agency QSurveillance data. This data indicates a significant decrease for the week ending 30 August 2009, across England, West Midlands and within Birmingham East and North.

The reported rate of GP consultations per 100,000 population within the West Midlands for the week was 14.0 (compared with 20.3 for the previous week).

West Midlands average 14.0 (per 100,000)
England and Wales rates 14.0 (per 100,000)
NHS Birmingham East and North 17.5 (per 100,000)

Number of Hospital Admissions
The total number of new admissions with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands for the period 27 August to 2 September 2009 is 32. As of 2 September, there were 17 people in hospital.

Number of Swine Flu Related Deaths
There have been no swine flu-related deaths reported for the week 27 August to 2 September 2009 within the West Midlands. The total number of deaths for the region remains at nine.

Update on Anti-Viral Collection Points (ACPs)
Total number of Antiviral Collection Points planned for the Local Health Economy: 10
Currently open: 1 (Stechford)

The PCT currently has one ACP open which is in line with the current level of need. Plans are in place to open more collection points to meet any increase in demand.
Total number of assessments via the National Flu Pandemic Service (West Midlands): 105,104
Total number of antivirals collected (West Midlands): 49,582

Please see the briefing provided last week for a map showing locations of Anti-Viral Collection Points within the West Midlands.

Vaccination Programme

The swine flu vaccination programme commences in the autumn and will initially focus on vaccinating people from priority groups across England including:

1.People aged over six months and under 65 years in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 5 million people).
2.All pregnant women, subject to licensing conditions on trimesters (about 0.5 million people).
3.Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer (about 0.5 million people).
4.People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 3.5 million people). This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.

Vaccination of frontline health and social care workers (approximately 2 million people) will begin at the same time as the first at-risk group, and will continue for as long as necessary.

Public Health Message
A new National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched to ensure that people with flu or flu-like symptoms are able to get advice and help. The new service is made up of a dedicated website and call centres which provide people with a quick way to check their symptoms and get access to antiviral drugs. For most people, swine flu is not a serious illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.  posted by john ¶ 1:03 PM 2 comments

  Swine Flu weekly report Introduction
This week’s report from NHS West Midlands shows that the rate of new cases of swine flu continues to slow across the region. Information provided indicates current impact on the local services.
Key Messages
Patients presenting at primary care centres with influenza-like symptoms has decreased within the health economy over the last week. The number of people with swine flu admitted to hospitals in West Midlands has also fallen this week.
Activity /Rates – GPs
This shows the number of patients attending primary care with influenza-like illness, taken from the latest Health Protection Agency QSurveillance data. This data indicates a significant decrease for the week ending 23 August 2009, across England, West Midlands and within Birmingham East and North.

The reported rate of GP consultations per 100,000 population within the West Midlands for the week was 20.3 (compared with 31.2 for the previous week).

West Midlands average 20.3 (per 100,000)
England and Wales rates 19.0 (per 100,000)
NHS Birmingham East and North 26.9 (per 100,000)

Number of Hospital Admissions
The total number of new admissions with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands for the period 20 August to 26 August 2009 is 45. As of 26 August, there were 22 people in hospital.

Number of Swine Flu Related Deaths
There has been one further swine flu-related death reported in the West Midlands region. The total number of deaths is now nine.

Update on Anti-Viral Collection Points (ACPs)
Total number of Antiviral Collection Points planned for the Local Health Economy: 10
Currently open: 1 (Stechford)

The PCT currently has one ACP open which is in line with the current level of need. Plans are in place to open more collection points to meet any increase in demand.

Total number of assessments via the National Flu Pandemic Service (West Midlands): 101,067
Total number of antivirals collected (West Midlands): 47,712
Vaccination Programme

The swine flu vaccination programme commences in the autumn and will initially focus on vaccinating people from priority groups across England including:

1.People aged over six months and under 65 years in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 5 million people).
2.All pregnant women, subject to licensing conditions on trimesters (about 0.5 million people).
3.Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer (about 0.5 million people).
4.People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 3.5 million people). This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.

Vaccination of frontline health and social care workers (approximately 2 million people) will begin at the same time as the first at-risk group, and will continue for as long as necessary.

Public Health Message
A new National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched to ensure that people with flu or flu-like symptoms are able to get advice and help. The new service is made up of a dedicated website and call centres which provide people with a quick way to check their symptoms and get access to antiviral drugs. For most people, swine flu is not a serious illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.  posted by john ¶ 12:20 PM 1 comments

  Election Results 27th August 2009 Harrogate BC, Starbeck
LD Janet Law 886 (63.4; -8.8)
Con 252 (18.0; +5.0)
Ind 178 (12.7; +12.7)
Lab 82 (5.9; +0.8)
[BNP (0.0; -9.7)]
Majority 634
Turnout 31.81%
LD hold
Percentage change is since May 2007

Buckhurst Hill PC, Buckhurst Hill East
Gavin Chambers (LD) - 614 (62.5)
Marshall Vance (Con) - 312 (31.8%)
Tom Richardson (BNP) - 56 (5.7%)
Majority 302
Turnout 28.1%
Lib Dem hold.

Party defending seat: LD. Cause: Death.

Falmouth TC, Boslowick
Con 469 (47.8)
LD Roger Bonney 358 (36.5)
MK 84 (8.6)
Lab 71 (7.2)
Majority 111
Turnout 22.44%
Con gain from Ind

Party defending seat: Ind. Cause: Resignation  posted by john ¶ 12:18 PM 0 comments

  Jeremy Knight Adams and the re-development of The Swan

In our last newsletter, we referred to “a few small plots have been purchased by people with the intention of delaying the Tesco development” at the Swan Centre Yardley and that “we are appalled by these ‘spoiling’ tactics”. That may have been thought to refer to Mr Jeremy Knight-Adams who is a property developer and has had involvement in a number of major retail developments in the Midlands. He has owned two plots of land within the area for more than 20 years and which are the subject of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) that has been promoted by Birmingham City Council to facilitate a proposed development of the Swan Centre by Tesco Stores Limited. We wish to make it clear that we did not suggest in that leaflet that Mr Knight-Adams has engaged in or is engaging in “‘spoiling’ tactics”.

He has explained to us that he objects to the CPO and has employed a team of lawyers and consultants to pursue that objection at the recent Public Inquiry into the CPO and that his objections were motivated by his conviction that the Tesco proposal is entirely unsuitable for Yardley and that the correct solution would be a scheme of the kind explained on his behalf in evidence at the Public Inquiry. Anybody wishing to know the details of that scheme should visit www.srdarchitects.com and a link will be provided to the Swan Yardley project on the home page. We apologise unreservedly for any misunderstanding caused by our leaflet. --

  posted by john ¶ 12:27 PM 0 comments

  Election Results 20th August 2009 Forest of Dean DC, Mitcheldean and Drybrook
LD Sue Henchley 638 (55.1; +36.2)
Ind 239 (20.6; -18.2)
Con 195 (16.8; -5.8)
Lab 86 (7.4; -12.1)
Majority 399
Turnout 32.4%
LD gain from Ind
Percentage change is since May 2007

Blackpool UA, Stanley
Con 648 (32.8; -28.2)
Lab 602 (30.5; +4.6)
LD Michael Hodkinson 332 (16.8; +3.6)
UKIP 203 (10.3; +10.3)
BNP 192 (9.7; +9.7)
Majority 46
Turnout 36.4%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007

West Lindsey DC, Saxilby
Con 722 (60.6; +22.4)
LD Dean John Woolley 407 (34.2; -27.6)
UKIP 62 (5.2; +5.2)
Majority 315
Turnout 28.3%
Con gain from LD
Percentage change is since May 2008

Ashfield DC, Hucknall Central
LD Kevin Moore 463 (32.3; +18.8)
Lab 392 (27.3; +6.8)
Con 320 (22.3; -7.7)
UKIP 181 (12.6; +12.6)
Ind 79 (5.5; -30.5)
Majority 71
Turnout 26.16%
LD gain from Ind
Percentage change is since May 2007  posted by john ¶ 11:51 AM 0 comments

  Swine Flu weekly report This week’s report from NHS West Midlands shows that the rate of new cases of swine flu continues to slow across the region. Information provided indicates current impact on the local services.
Key Messages
Patients presenting at primary care centres with influenza-like symptoms has decreased within the health economy over the last week. The number of people with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands has fallen this week.
Activity /Rates – GPs
This shows the number of patients attending primary care with influenza-like illness, taken from the latest Health Protection Agency QSurveillance data. This data indicates a significant decrease for the week ending 16 August 2009, across England, West Midlands and within Birmingham East and North.

The reported rate of GP consultations per 100,000 population within the West Midlands for the week was 31.2 (compared with 45 for the previous week).

West Midlands average 31.2 (per 100,000)
England and Wales rates 30.4 (per 100,000)
NHS Birmingham East and North 43.2 (per 100,000)

Number of Hospital Admissions
The total number of new admissions with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands for the period 13 August to 19 August 2009 is 61. As of 19 August, there were 24 people in hospital.

Number of Swine Flu Related Deaths
There have been no swine flu-related deaths reported for the week 13 August to 19 August 2009 within the West Midlands. The total number of deaths for the region remains at eight.

Update on Anti-Viral Collection Points (ACPs)
Total number of Antiviral Collection Points planned for the Local Health Economy: 10
Currently open: 1 (Stechford)

The PCT currently has one ACP open which is in line with the current level of need. Plans are in place to open more collection points to meet any increase in demand.

Total number of assessments via the National Flu Pandemic Service (West Midlands): 95,375
Total number of antivirals collected (West Midlands): 44,815
Vaccination Programme

The swine flu vaccination programme commences in the autumn and will initially focus on vaccinating people from priority groups across England including:

1.People aged over six months and under 65 years in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 5 million people).
2.All pregnant women, subject to licensing conditions on trimesters (about 0.5 million people).
3.Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer (about 0.5 million people).
4.People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 3.5 million people). This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.

Vaccination of frontline health and social care workers (approximately 2 million people) will begin at the same time as the first at-risk group, and will continue for as long as necessary.

Public Health Message
A new National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched to ensure that people with flu or flu-like symptoms are able to get advice and help. The new service is made up of a dedicated website and call centres which provide people with a quick way to check their symptoms and get access to antiviral drugs. For most people, swine flu is not a serious illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.  posted by john ¶ 11:48 AM 0 comments

  John O Shea on Daniel Hannan Although John O Shea is often "inaccurate and badly informed", his post on Daniel Hannnan and the NHS is worth a link.

In particular he highlights a Guardian Article about the NHS.

The practise of people not having to worry when they are ill is something that has to be protected.

There are problems with the obssession with targets which result in a system where often management priorities result in patients not being treated that well. However, they do not have to worry that for example the medicare budget is getting depleted or they don't have insurance.

I met up with the Yardley Carers group this week and they did explain how difficult it is particularly caring for someone in the last days of life and that the system often creates additional trauma by pressurising them inappropriately. For example one person had her husband discharged to a hospice. After two weeks they said because he hadn't died he had to go somewhere else. This really should not be necessary and we should look more carefully at these issues.

However, underlying this the question as to whether funds were available for medical care was not an issue - although that of social care was.

I wonder sometimes whether our assessment/service model devised by the treasury is the best bet. It strikes me sometimes that the provision of a resource to a group whereby the allocation of the resource (eg respite care) is split between the group in some less formal manner would result in a better situation.

There does need to be some form of budgetary control. That is very difficult to handle sensitively in the treasury model. However, whichever approach is used we are better off having the universal health care model than the USA model.  posted by john ¶ 7:55 AM 0 comments

  Angela Wileman's interview on an English Speaking Spanish Radio Station (Talk Radio Europe Maurice Boland)
  posted by john ¶ 6:00 PM 0 comments

  Hemming beats Clegg in Election It probably surprised Nick Clegg more than me, but in "Total politics" Top 30 of MP Blogs. I have been pleasantly surprised to find myself at No 15.

Nick Clegg is at no 18. I thank those people who voted for my blog.

Willie Rennie (11) and Lynne Featherstone (8), however managed a higher position.

Congratulations to Willie and Lynne.  posted by john ¶ 4:38 PM 0 comments

  Angela Wileman in the Sunday Times in Ireland The link is to Angela's story in the Sunday Times.  posted by john ¶ 11:25 AM 0 comments

  The Economist sees the Light Exponential increases in the use of resources are impossible in the really long term. Even straight line increases come to a limit.

The link is to the Economist article of 6th August which spots the fact that the energy figures don't reconcile.  posted by john ¶ 12:27 PM 15 comments

  Angela Wileman and sons win Hague Convention Case in Ireland The link is to today's Daily Mail story about Angela Wileman.

The question for "the system" to answer is how has the state intervention benefited anyone either the children or the adults.

As far as I can see the state intervention in this case has been entirely damaging and the activities of the courts have been moreso to protect the interests of the system rather than protect the children.

Imaging removing a 7 year old from his mother in Ireland to put him in foster care in Devon to get him adopted.

On what basis is that justifiable?

Remember that the child is going to school and happy in his family who have been visited by the local health authority.  posted by john ¶ 12:22 PM 6 comments

  Daniel Hannan - his eyes have swiveled for some time. The link is to a story in The Spectator where he said.

Consider Iceland, a volcanic lump at the uttermost edge of Europe, straddling the tectonic line that separates our continental plate from America’s. Iceland has few natural advantages: it is cold, treeless and, for much of the year, sunless. It has a population of 285,000 — roughly that of Croydon. Yet this sparse, chilly speck of tundra has just overtaken Norway to become the wealthiest place in Europe. Faced with a small home market, Icelandic entrepreneurs have expanded into neighbouring countries. In Britain alone they have bought, among other things, Hamleys, Somerfield, Oasis and Karen Millen. Icelanders now enjoy the highest life expectancy in the world. And — here’s the thing — they have achieved all this while remaining outside the EU.   posted by john ¶ 3:47 PM 1 comments

  Election Results 13th August 2009 Torridge DC, Holsworthy date: 13/08/2009
Ind 537 (53.3; +18.7)
LD Vicky Shearman 471 (46.7; +2.8)
[Con (0.0; -21.5)]
Majority 66
Turnout 31.8%
Ind gain from LD
Percentage change is since May 2007

Kings Lynn and West Norfolk BC, Gaywood Chase date: 13/08/2009
Con 202 (28.7; -17.4)
Lab 194 (27.5; -10.2)
LD Ian Swinton 167 (23.7; +23.7)
BNP 90 (12.8; +12.8)
Green 52 (7.4; +7.4)
Majority 8
Turnout 18%
Con hold
Percentage change is since May 2007

Scarborough BC, Hertford date: 13/08/2009
Green 894 (66.5; +41.7)
Con 356 (26.5; -9.3)
Ind 94 (7.0; +7.0)
[BNP (0.0; -10.4)]
[LD (0.0; -28.9)]
Majority 538
Turnout 32.7%
Green gain from Con
Percentage change is since May 2007

Scarborough BC, Streonshalh date: 13/08/2009
Ind 246 / 48 (54.1; +20.9)
LD Graham Mark Peirson 95 (17.5; -29.6)
Con 80 (14.7; -4.9)
Lab 74 13.6; +13.6)
Majority 151
Turnout 14.8%
Ind gain from LD
Percentage change is since May 2007

Bridgend TC, Morfa date: 13/08/2009
Labour 187
Ann-Marie Vaughan Liberal Democrat 179
Tories 150
Independent 121
Majority 8
Turnout 19.1%

Labour gain from Liberal Democrat  posted by john ¶ 1:15 PM 0 comments

  Swine Flu weekly report This week’s report from NHS West Midlands shows that cases of swine flu continue to spread across the region. It provides information on the spread of swine flu and its impact on the local services.

Key Messages
Patients presenting at primary care centres with influenza-like symptoms has decreased within the health economy over the last week.

Activity /Rates – GPs
This shows the number of patients attending primary care with influenza-like illness, taken from the latest Health Protection Agency QSurveillance data. This data indicates a significant decrease for the week ending 9 August 2009, across England, West Midlands and within Birmingham East and North.

The reported rate of GP consultations per 100,000 population within the West Midlands for the week was 45 (compared with 73.3 for the previous week).

West Midlands average 45.0 (per 100,000)
England and Wales rates 48.0 (per 100,000)
NHS Birmingham East and North 49.0 (per 100,000)

Number of Hospital Admissions
The total number of new admissions with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands for the period 6 August to 12 August 2009 is 83. As at 12 August, there were 40 people in hospital.

Number of Swine Flu Related Deaths
There has been one swine flu-related death reported for the week 6 August to 12 August 2009 within the West Midlands. The total number of deaths for the region is eight.

Update on Anti-Viral Collection Points (ACPs)
Total number of Antiviral Collection Points planned for the Local Health Economy: 10
Currently open: 1 (Stechford)

The PCT currently has one ACP open which is in line with the current level of need. Plans are in place to open more collection points to meet any increase in demand.

Total number of assessments via the National Flu Pandemic Service (West Midlands): 86,612
Total number of antivirals collected (West Midlands): 40,414

Vaccination Programme

The swine flu vaccination programme commences in the autumn and will initially focus on vaccinating people from priority groups across England including:

1.People aged over six months and under 65 years in current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 5 million people).
2.All pregnant women, subject to licensing conditions on trimesters (about 0.5 million people).
3.Household contacts of people with compromised immune systems e.g. people in regular close contact with patients on treatment for cancer (about 0.5 million people).
4.People aged 65 and over in the current seasonal flu vaccine clinical at-risk groups (about 3.5 million people). This does not include otherwise healthy over 65s, since they appear to have some natural immunity to the virus.

Vaccination of frontline health and social care workers (approximately 2 million people) will begin at the same time as the first at-risk group, and will continue for as long as necessary.

Public Health Message
A new National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched to ensure that people with flu or flu-like symptoms are able to get advice and help. The new service is made up of a dedicated website and call centres which provide people with a quick way to check their symptoms and get access to antiviral drugs. For most people, swine flu is not a serious illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.  posted by john ¶ 12:24 PM 0 comments

  Jeremy Knight Adams When parliament returns I intend doing a speech about Jeremy Knight Adams and how he has acted in a way which has caused delays in the development at The Swan in Yardley. I would be interested in having any other information about his involvement in other developments as it will assist in looking at the law on Compulsory Purchase and what changes may be needed.

If anyone has any useful information could they either email it to me or send it to me at the House of Commons.  posted by john ¶ 5:49 PM 0 comments

  Tamiflu Swine Flu I have linked to another NHS Blog Doc report on Tamiflu and whether it is advisable to take it for Swine Flu.

Snopes confirms that Tamiflu is a major financial interest of Donald Rumsfled.  posted by john ¶ 3:16 PM 1 comments

  BEN Swine Flu Report Introduction
This week’s report from NHS West Midlands shows that cases of swine flu continue to spread across the region. It provides information on the spread of swine flu and its impact on the local services.

Key Messages
Patients presenting at primary care centres with influenza-like symptoms has decreased within the health economy over the last week.

Activity /Rates – GPs
This shows the number of patients attending primary care with influenza-like illness, taken from the latest Health Protection Agency QSurveillance data. QSurveillance data indicates a significant decrease for the week ending 2 August 2009, across England, West Midlands and within Birmingham East and North.

The reported rate of GP consultations per 100,000 population within the West Midlands for the week was 73.3 (compared with 200.1 for the previous week).

West Midlands average 73.3 (per 100,000)
England and Wales rates 71.3 (per 100,000)
NHS Birmingham East and North 70.0 (per 100,000)

Number of Hospital Admissions
The total number of new admissions with swine flu admitted to hospitals in the West Midlands for the period 30 July to 05 August 2009 is 85. As at 05 August, there were 46 people in hospital.

Number of Swine Flu Related Deaths
There has been one swine flu-related death reported for the week 30 July to 05 August 2009 within the West Midlands. The total number of deaths for the region is seven.

Update on Anti-Viral Collection Points (ACPs)
Total number of Antiviral Collection Points planned for the Local Health Economy: 10
Currently open: 1 (Stechford)

The PCT currently has one ACP open which is in line with the current level of need. Plans are in place to open more collection points to meet any increase in demand.

Total number of assessments via the National Flu Pandemic Service (West Midlands): 71,315
Total number of antivirals collected (West Midlands): 32,472

Public Health Message
A new National Pandemic Flu Service has been launched to ensure that people with flu or flu-like symptoms are able to get advice and help. The new service is made up of a dedicated website and call centres which provide people with a quick way to check their symptoms and get access to antiviral drugs. For most people, swine flu is not a serious illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to go to their GP or A&E.  posted by john ¶ 2:25 PM 0 comments

  Election Results 6th August 2009 Didcot TC, Northbourne date: 06/08/2009
David Rouane (Lib Dem) 152 (42.1%)
Labour 124 (34.3%)
Conservative 85 (23.5%)
Lib Dem majority 28
Turnout 12%
Lib Dem gain from Labour

Labour councillor resigned.

Top candidate for each party in this ward in 2007 got:

Con 451 (39.8%)
Lab 444 (39.2%)
Ind 237 (20.9%)

Giving changes of:

Lib Dem +42.1%
Con -16.3%
Lab -4.9%
(Ind -20.9%)

Little Gaddesden PC date: 06/08/2009
LD Rob Irving 102
Philip Melville 97

Turnout 23%
(postal votes turnout was in the 40%s)  posted by john ¶ 11:58 AM 0 comments

  Government nonsense on Energy The link is to the publication of the Wicks Report.

I need to spend some time looking at it to work out where it is wrong. On the information I am aware of, however, we face a number of energy crunches on supply over the next decade. It will be an interesting task to reconcile this report with reality.  posted by john ¶ 7:50 AM 0 comments