As the media gives extensive coverage to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report containing its stark warnings of what lies ahead, it's difficult not to despair at the scale of the challenge we face. As a child at the end of the Cold War, I'd occasionally have vivid dreams about nuclear armageddon. Now, … Continue reading Are we up to the challenge of the climate emergency?
The push for PR gathers momentum
I am proud to have written the motion on a fairer voting system that was recently adopted by ASLEF at their Annual Assembly of Delegates. However, in a democratic union like ASLEF, success is only achieved with the support of branch delegates from across the railway network. I am particularly grateful to my colleague who … Continue reading The push for PR gathers momentum
Roads 1 Step-Free Access 0?
The government's Levelling Up Fund prospectus published in March 2021 sets out how the Department for Transport (DfT), the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Treasury will invest £4.8 billion in 'high value infrastructure'. The foreword by Rishi Sunak states how this funding will remove the silos between departments allowing local authorities … Continue reading Roads 1 Step-Free Access 0?
Is it all over for our UK democracy?
It may appear a little dramatic to say that our democracy is under threat. However, if we look at how the UK is run, who holds the power and how that power is checked, I believe there are reasonable grounds on which to be very concerned indeed. Like many others I am guilty of exceptionalism … Continue reading Is it all over for our UK democracy?
Safe cycle routes for Langford
One of the main barriers to encourage people out of their cars, and on to more climate friendly modes of transport such as cycling, is a perception that roads are too dangerous to travel on. Langford has two railway stations just a few miles away at Biggleswade and Arlesey, but there are no dedicated and … Continue reading Safe cycle routes for Langford
Winners and losers in bus timetable shake up
There are some significant changes to bus services serving Biggleswade and the surrounding villages from the 31st August. These will impact current users, as well as those who would use public transport, but are currently prevented from doing so by the significant cuts to services across the region over the last decade. Although bus travel … Continue reading Winners and losers in bus timetable shake up
Tories crack the Ministerial Code
The Ministerial Code, which has been in place since the Second World War, but only became public in 1992, sets out the rules and principles which outline the standards of conduct for government Ministers. It used to be the case that even a suggestion of impropriety would lead to a resignation, but under Johnson's premiership, … Continue reading Tories crack the Ministerial Code
CO2 traffic light labelling for domestic travel emissions
The impact of the looming climate disaster will potentially dwarf that of the current pandemic unless urgent steps are taken to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. While we may point the finger at countries like China and the USA, it doesn't absolve the UK from taking actions within its control. The current growth in air … Continue reading CO2 traffic light labelling for domestic travel emissions
Biggleswade Transport Hub – 11th May Update
Yesterday the Bedfordshire Rail Access Network team met with Network Rail, GTR, Richard Fuller MP, CBC and Town Councillors to discuss the latest progress re the Biggleswade Transport Hub. Today we carried out a site visit at the station with the the Officers from Central Bedfordshire Council. Although we have formally objected to the current … Continue reading Biggleswade Transport Hub – 11th May Update
Which way now for Labour?
In spite of some very good mayoral results and some welcome Labour gains dotted around in Southern England in places such as Kent, Worthing and Chipping Norton, overall it was a grim picture for Labour in last week's elections. Further, by the time the good news of mayoral results had come through the headlines had … Continue reading Which way now for Labour?
Why I am voting David Michael for Bedfordshire PCC
It is polling day today and an excellent chance to have a Labour voice representing Bedfordshire. I have got to know David over the last few months and, apart from being a good listener, a rare quality in a politician, he will bring the knowledge of 30 years of front line Police experience to the … Continue reading Why I am voting David Michael for Bedfordshire PCC
Is it last orders for the great British pub?
The British pub is arguably held in the fondest regard of all our great British institutions. However, there is no doubt that they are in serious decline, particularly in rural areas where their value to the community is greatest. There were 63,500 pubs in the UK in 1990. By 2018 this number had fallen to … Continue reading Is it last orders for the great British pub?
