Out of the EU and into EFTA
A majority of voters would prefer the UK to be a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as opposed to the EU, according to a new survey published today by the Bruges Group.
EU plan for 22 billion euro boost for innovation and research
The European Commission has announced a plan to team up with the private sector and national governments to invest 22 billion euros in research over the next seven years.
Paradise Circus regeneration a scam?
Alan Clawley takes issue over the designation of an area labelled in need of ‘regeneration’.
G4S – When crime really does pay
Steve Beauchampé takes issue with government and corporate hypocrisy, tazered with a dose of racist malignancy within the private sector.
Walsall Labour oppose move to exclude public and press
Labour councillors are opposing a move by Walsall council to discuss a tax-funded, multi-million pound project in secret session away from the eyes of the public and press.
Russia to establish ‘non-permanent’ bases on Cyprus?
Cypriot Defence Minister Fotis Fotiu told journalists that he was ‘studying the possibility’ of permitting Russian military aircraft to use Paphos airbase and Russian warships to use the port of Limassol.
Croatia joining EU is victory for British vision of a wider Europe – Bennion
Local Lib Dem Euro MP Phil Bennion has welcomed Croatia becoming the EU’s 28th member state this week as a victory for the British vision of a wider Europe.
Birmingham City Council in action
Coverage of Birmingham City Council’s meeting this afternoon can be found here starting at 13:30 today, apparently.
Library building ‘obsolete’
Birmingham City Council officials have written a report to the Cabinet stating that the 40-year-old Central Library building is not only vacant but ‘obsolete’ as well, reveals Alan Clawley.
Another quiet day in Paradise
Alan Clawley is really struggling to garner a useful reaction from Birmingham City Council.
Should we really be pissing weedkiller?
The Government is being urged to take urgent action on pesticides after laboratory tests found traces of the weed killer glyphosate in the bodies of people across numerous European countries, including Britain.
Children and War – Past and Present Conference – July 2013
A conference to highlight how war impacts on children has been organized by the University of Wolverhampton in conjunction with the University of Salzburg.
Total shutdown of Greek ‘BBC’ is unacceptable for an EU democracy – Bennion
The sudden shutdown of all channels of Greece’s national broadcasting company by the Greek government is ‘unacceptable for an EU democracy’, says West Mids and Warks Lib Dem MEP Phil Bennion.
Surveillance Scandal: It Will Lead Back to Obama
The latest e-spying scandal has Obama’s fingerprints on it, says Richard Lutz
Anti-surveillance campaigners to mark publication of 1984
On 8th June anti-surveillance campaigners around the world will issue a mass “we do not consent” on 1984 Action Day.
UK foreign policy key to tackling extremism
Reyhana Patel dares to raise the possibility that UK foreign policy may be the real issue that’s ignored when tackling extremism in the UK
Obama: Droning On
The US will cut back on drone attacks. But innocent victims still are under fire, says Richard Lutz
Labour challenge to control Walsall Council
Opposition councillors on Walsall Council will attempt to unseat the ruling coalition next week following, what they call, ‘a year of incompetence, inaction and increasing indifference.’
It doesn’t have to be Heathrow
British exports best served by a network of airports, not a London hub, says aviation chief
Foreign investments into Birmingham up by over 50%
The number of foreign investments into Birmingham has risen by more than half in the last 12 months as a result of the city’s continued drive to attract more inward investment
Walsall Labour allege Tory panic over shopping centre
Walsall’s Labour group claim that after, what they describe as, three years of failed promises and unsuccessful negotiations, Walsall Council has committed £8 million to a flagship retail project with less than 24 hours notice.
News and Other Stories
Is news about something that has happened, asks Richard Lutz
No foreigners, no gays, no benefit claimants
Steve Beauchampé on Britain’s fractured political machinery….
Howard Elston’s Big Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Nigel Farage?
Sir Howard Elston is shouting at you about UKIP’s success in the UK’s latest round of voting
Another Howard Scoop: The Real Tory Manifesto
Senior Tory bosses have revealed that no news is breaking on the political front, our Westminster reporter Sir Howard Elston reveals
Palestinian ambassador to UK speaks at University
Students at Coventry University received a unique insight into the ongoing peace process in the Middle East on Tuesday evening
Labour claim residents paying for Business Rate collection failures
Companies in Walsall owe over £2 million in unpaid business rates while the council makes cuts in public services and care for vulnerable people, claim Walsall’s Labour Group.
Phone win for ‘bedroom tax’ campaigners
Walsall people needing to contact the council’s housing benefit helpline for advice on the so-called bedroom tax can now do so without worrying about excessive phone bills
The Baroness T’s Death? Don’t Make Me Laugh
Maggie jokes? There’re a weird joke in themselves, says writer Sheilagh Matheson
Seven Reasons Why Mrs Thatcher Saved Our Great Nation
Our house historian HOWARD ELSTON (OBE) explains why Baroness Thatcher will always really be remembered in Uk-land