I have written previously in 'Tories crack the Ministerial Code' about how the current government has significantly eroded the public's trust in politics. In light of the recent behaviour of Boris Johnson and this week's updating of the Ministerial Code, I have again written to my local MP, Richard Fuller about how these updates further … Continue reading An open letter to my Tory MP on changes to the Ministerial Code
Hillsborough – finally a catalyst for change?
The sheer scale of the tragedy of Hillsborough is difficult to comprehend, cutting across so many aspects of the relationship between the people and the state. It starkly set out how justice is not applied equally across our society and how agencies of the state persistently close rank and prioritise reputational protection over the safety … Continue reading Hillsborough – finally a catalyst for change?
Is it time to stop MPs from having second jobs?
The recent actions by the government in shamefully attempting to defend corruption have done considerable damage to the credibility of Parliament and people's trust in both politicians and our political system. The actions of the Prime Minister, and others in the Conservative Party, have shown such a blatant disregard for accountability, so vital to our … Continue reading Is it time to stop MPs from having second jobs?
Covid Report – the treatment of people with disabilities
Whilst the purpose of the Health & Social Care Committee report (published on 12th October) into the government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic was not to apportion blame, the relentless condemnation of the approach taken by the government, whose primary purpose is to protect us paints a grim picture of just how far the UK … Continue reading Covid Report – the treatment of people with disabilities
So why does the UK need PR?
For many people the walk to the polling station is a forlorn and pointless ritual, with no prospect of your vote making a shred of difference to the result. General Elections are decided by a sprinkling of marginal seats across the UK. In the 2019 General Election, a landslide victory for the Conservative Party, only … Continue reading So why does the UK need PR?
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?
A letter to my MP on the looming energy bills catastrophe
Dear Richard I am writing to you to raise my concerns about the inaction of your government in relation to the looming energy price cap rise and in particular the impact on energy customers using prepayment meters. As I am sure you are aware, the latest forecast for the energy price cap rise coming into … Continue reading A letter to my MP on the looming energy bills catastrophe
The looming cost of living emergency
A very bleak winter looms for many across the UK, as the Tories become ever more detached from the lives of ordinary people. A combination of inflation reaching levels not seen since 1990 and stagnant wage increases, particularly among public sector workers, means that many people are being thrust into a catastrophic cost of living … Continue reading The looming cost of living emergency
Biggleswade station update – 15th July
This afternoon, representatives from Bedfordshire Rail Access Network (BRAN), Network Rail, GTR, Richard Fuller MP and Central Bedfordshire and Biggleswade Town Council officials met to discuss progress on step-free access at the station, as well as the transport interchange and proposed new toilet facilities. The good Since the previous meeting, another hurdle has been overcome … Continue reading Biggleswade station update – 15th July
Tories set sights on trade union reps
The fallout from the pandemic has been seen by many in the corporate world as an ideal opportunity to change the terms and conditions of their workforce. Once again we have a Conservative government that is asking ordinary working people to become poorer, while MPs line their pockets with second jobs and the salaries of … Continue reading Tories set sights on trade union reps
Five years on from Grenfell
Five years on and still we are waiting for anyone to be held accountable. Why is it that the wheels of justice always turn so slowly, if at all, for the working class and people of colour? The Grenfell Inquiry has revealed how the pursuit of profit was prioritised over the safety of people, shamefully … Continue reading Five years on from Grenfell
An open letter to Richard Fuller MP
In light of the recent behaviour of Boris Johnson and this week's updating of the Ministerial Code, I have again written to our local MP, Richard Fuller about how these updates further reduce Boris Johnson's accountability and asking him to reconsider his current support for the Prime Minister. The letter is set out in full … Continue reading An open letter to Richard Fuller MP
Is a ‘Hillsborough Law’ being kicked into the long grass?
Given the horrific events, not just on the day of the Hillsborough disaster, but also during subsequent events over many years, and the failure of anyone to be held accountable for the disaster, you may have expected swift measures to be put in place to ensure that there could never again be a repeat of … Continue reading Is a ‘Hillsborough Law’ being kicked into the long grass?
Biggleswade Station Update – 9th May
This morning representatives from Network Rail, Govia Thameslink Railway, Central Bedfordshire Council, Biggleswade Town Council, Bedfordshire Rail Access Network and Richard Fuller MP met to discuss the latest progress on step-free access at Biggleswade station. We also discussed the progress of the Transport Hub, which when completed will provide a seamless link between bus and … Continue reading Biggleswade Station Update – 9th May
It’s time for Labour to be bold
The corrosive fallout from the EU referendum, the shock of the Covid-19 pandemic and the horror of the ongoing war in Ukraine have been deeply unsettling and have led many to adopt a somewhat fatalistic approach to the future. It seems that since the financial crash of 2008, UK politics has never reverted back to … Continue reading It’s time for Labour to be bold
Julian Vaughan 