tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323888702012-01-20T17:05:55.635ZObservations on news and events in and around Chelmsford, Essex by local community campaigner Stephen Robinson - not Stephen Robinson the astronaut or the journalist or the guitarist!Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1041100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-78065699334588175312009-12-31T15:32:00.004Z2010-01-27T12:24:58.466Z

For my very latest news, take a look at my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Robinson4Chelmsford - or the Twitter news feed on the right hand side.Chelmsford Needs REAL change in 2010 - an MP who will protect Chelmsford from over-development and deliver a fairer, greener community.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-60129535272711460802009-10-21T21:49:00.004+01:002009-10-21T22:28:14.262+01:00

Today the Liberal Democrats called on Parliament to back the 10:10 campaign on climate change. Sadly, the Labour Government whipped their troops to vote down any specific action (see Hansard report) - following the lead of Conservative Essex County Council, who showed the same lack of action last week.This campaign calls for 10% cuts in carbon dioxide emissions during 2010. The Liberal Democrat

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-45102285158985588422009-05-18T00:28:00.004+01:002009-05-18T01:10:47.728+01:00

I've joined 56 other Liberal Democrat candidates in writing an open letter calling on the House of Commons speaker Michael Martin to take radical action or resign. But I'm not expecting Chelmsford MP Simon Burns to take action, since he votes against a transparent Parliament, according to They Work For You.Dear Mr Speaker,As Parliament continues to be dragged down by the allowance system, and its

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-14636526969260925422009-04-16T23:53:00.003+01:002009-04-17T00:18:27.516+01:00

Just back from a campaign planning meeting. (Loads to do between now and election day on 4th June.) Lib Dem leader on Chelmsford council, Mike Mackrory, reported on a council meeting last night. The Conservatives who run the council have COMPLETELY ignored the hundreds of people who commented on their plans for 4000 houses on green fields. (Details here.) They press on with their plans for an

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-7868718698708858332009-02-25T00:11:00.002Z2009-02-25T00:42:10.792Z

Very funny talk this evening at Round Table, from Darren Couchman – an Essex man who survived testicular cancer and wants to use humour to stop others suffering. 1 in 3 people will be affected by cancer of some kind; 1,800 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer in the UK each year.Most men with testicular cancer can be cured. It's most likely to occur in young and middle-aged men. But most men

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-20105798661944859652009-02-13T13:10:00.004Z2009-02-13T13:54:37.926Z

The Liberal Democrats are reviewing their party policy on women's issues and it is now open for comment. You might ask whether it is still necessary to produce policy specifically aimed at women. Jo Swinson MP, the Chair of the Working Group says:"As Liberal Democrats, we are concerned at the injustices that women face in our society. The last major review of Liberal Democrat women’s policy was

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-87967039170268165852009-02-06T00:15:00.003Z2009-02-06T22:42:38.641Z

I blogged in the summer about how it was rubbish that immigrants were taking "our" jobs. There has been a big row again this last week involving foreign workers. This all suits the Labour government (and the Conservatives who invented most of the deregulation) - to divert attention from their central role in creating the problems we face.It is worth remembering that our collective national income

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-59647239590245274982009-02-03T15:48:00.002Z2009-02-03T17:19:25.193Z

Graham Watson MEP wants to make the European Parliament more accountable to the public that elects it. Graham is leader of the 100-strong Liberal and Democrat group and is the first MEP ever to publicly state that he wants to be President of the European Parliament.It's a job a little like Speaker of the House of Commons but more involved in managing the business of Parliament. The post is filled

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-90676982596507493702008-12-19T16:30:00.003Z2008-12-19T17:15:55.808Z

Essex County Council has been shown to be good at publicity and bad at looking after vulnerable children. In the space of a week, it stood out in two league tables. The first rated Tory-run Essex and seven other authorities as the worst councils in the country for child protection. See The Guardian. The second was for spending on council publicity - where it came ninth highest. See the BBC

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-15051555974349736972008-11-13T13:39:00.002Z2008-11-14T01:34:23.222Z

A friend asked me last night why the US President does not take up office for 2.5 months, when a British PM takes over within about 12 hours of the election result. The historical answer seems to be down to the size of the country - it used to take weeks if not months to be clear about the result, (and they use an electoral college not direct counting of votes).Even today some results can take a

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-89268414402210989342008-11-11T10:39:00.002Z2008-11-11T11:14:07.290Z

The Soldier - Rupert BrookeIf I should die, think only this of me:That there's some corner of a foreign fieldThat is forever England. There shall beIn that rich earth a richer dust concealed;A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam;A body of England's, breathing English air,Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home. And think, this heart,

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-60096904920755050722008-11-05T11:34:00.004Z2008-11-05T12:49:29.548Z

Students these days - they just don't care. Where are the massed crowds and the protests of outrage for today's student fees protest? That was my first reaction this morning; and I wondered if that proves I must be getting older! I was also shocked about the almost total lack of publicity around the Students' Union building. But as I left Chelmsford's Anglia Ruskin campus, I also realised that

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-5500845754321614212008-10-20T23:47:00.003+01:002008-10-20T23:53:41.143+01:00

Earlier, I watched ITV's Tonight programme about a so-called referendum in Luton on the EU. If the incorrect information on their own website was any guide, I should not have been surprised how rubbish the programme was. There was no serious questioning of the pro or anti speakers; it was not clear whether we were watching a discussion for/against the EU or for/against the treaty of Lisbon. (See

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-6091760426873832212008-10-17T17:04:00.004+01:002008-10-18T00:34:13.282+01:00

I know that Britain's best interests are served by close co-operation with our neighbours in the EU - particularly to deal with global issues like climate change. (I'm just back from leading a fact-finding trip to Brussels for a group of Lib Dems - pictures).But I also know that what happens in the USA election will impact on us this side of the pond. To see how the election is going I sometimes

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-615565917440095612008-10-07T22:19:00.002+01:002008-10-20T23:57:47.830+01:00

It's been hard work preparing for the visit of Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg to Chelmsford this Thursday. Preparations have been going on for some weeks, as ideas for places to visit have bounced back and forth. I'm taking him to Tanglewood nursery school, as a great example of the difference that quality pre-school education can make. I am deeply proud of the fantastic work they do there -

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-54851593878325046642008-10-02T21:36:00.003+01:002008-10-10T17:14:45.538+01:00

So - the realities of the property market have finally caught up with the ruling Conservatives on Chelmsford council. Their plan to build 400 flats etc. on the car park of Riverside leisure centre is set to be dropped. The Lib Dem plan (ditched when the Conservatives took over the council) would have built a new leisure centre on a more appropriate site, with a range of leisure facilities in one

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-54836885601422620132008-08-30T00:17:00.001+01:002008-08-30T00:19:27.637+01:00

Politicians should always keep in touch with the views of people in their area - but particularly with young people, whose views are often ignored. I've been running a young people's survey on Facebook for a while, following a talk to Moulsham High school students as part of Citizenship Week.Now the survey is on a new website accessible to everyone, whether on Facebook or not. This survey is

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-59438314396080899122008-08-28T01:08:00.000+01:002008-08-28T01:08:21.265+01:00

I recently heard a presentation about the progress with the plan to build a hospice/respite care centre in mid-Essex for young adults. There is only one other in the country (in Oxford) but a growing need. Children's wards or hospices for the elderly are rarely ideal for young adults in need of different surroundings.The Js (named after Jonathan Whiffin) will be the appropriate alternative: The

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-51951308563704633502008-08-24T14:53:00.000+01:002008-08-24T14:53:14.907+01:00

The next time someone complains about "all these foreigners coming in to take our jobs" I shall point them to this story in The Observer. Our fruit growers are desperately short of workers:- Immigration rules and the strong euro have led to a shortage of foreign fruit harvesters.I get seriously fed up with the media (not to mention UKIP and their ilk) who actively blame "foreigners" for various

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-6429601095436155902008-08-22T13:03:00.000+01:002008-08-22T13:03:46.070+01:00

Following a news report of a fire on the A1060 Roxwell Road, I've discovered that our Fire & Rescue service carries a report of all call-outs on their website.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-75814422399694886012008-07-31T12:17:00.002+01:002008-07-31T12:45:22.470+01:00

With gas and electricity prices rising, one would hope that it would make green electricity (i.e. from renewable sources) more attractive. There is no reason for the price of green electricity to rise, as it is not related to the cost of gas. (You can sign up for green electricity here.)When are either Labour or the Conservatives going to make a firm commitment to changing tax policy to make

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-4806418489081615302008-07-01T23:22:00.001+01:002008-07-02T18:52:40.026+01:00

Many of us are concerned about all the targets that central Government sets for local government. But while they are still all there, perhaps it's worth taking a look at which of the optional targets a council chooses to prioritise. Tim Davies asks Is your council prioritising positive activities?I was particularly interested to note that only 77 councils are prioritising positive activities for

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-43976035481721151412008-06-16T11:23:00.000+01:002008-06-16T11:23:45.341+01:00

"Rachel from north London" - a high-profile victim of the London bombings - does not back the Government's proposals to take away our hard-won freedoms. Neither do many others that she links to in her blog. And America's 9/11 commission does not sound keen either: "Our history has shown us that insecurity threatens liberty. Yet, if our liberties are curtailed, we lose the values that we are

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-58101667917327621192008-06-09T23:44:00.001+01:002008-06-09T23:45:09.451+01:00

Tower Bridge now has its own twitter page, recording when it opens and closes: Twitter / towerbridge. It reminded me of the doors that opened/closed on Zaphod B/b's spaceship in Hitch Hiker's Guide.... (Mine is http://twitter.com/sj_robinson !)

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-6139361804918661582008-06-04T13:08:00.000+01:002008-06-04T13:08:18.770+01:00

Llewtrah's Soapbox reports:Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is highly toxic and it has a taste that is attractive to some animals. As well as accidental poisonings, it has sometimes been used deliberately to poison animals including domestic pets. There is a Downing Street petition to make antifreeze safe. "We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Enforce that the manufactures of engine

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-29141969758571025462008-05-16T17:08:00.001+01:002008-05-16T17:11:28.957+01:00

Chelmsford Weekly News reports "Cctv Cameras Are Cutting Crime Say Council" but if you read the story carefully it is mainly reporting that CCTV helped catch some criminals, which is not the same thing. It did not stop the crimes being committed! Clearly, it is difficult to prove a negative - that CCTV stops crime being committed. But some reports have tried:More CCTV on London's streets does not

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-89271438920388684292008-05-12T16:47:00.001+01:002008-05-12T16:48:11.263+01:00

The campaign "Don't Choke Chelmsford" is gathering momentum, as more and more people learn about Conservative plans for over-development in Chelmsford town centre as well as green field building. Our roads are already too crowded; there aren't enough reliable bus services; the cycle network is still incomplete.The latest element of this is when people learn that the council wants to sell off half

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-48751521204289168572008-04-24T23:27:00.001+01:002008-04-24T23:28:36.572+01:00

The Chelmsford Community Plan to 2021 fails to put protecting the environment at the absolute heart of local strategy. It opens by saying:Our VisionOur long term vision is for Chelmsford to become the economic, cultural, leisure and retail heart of Essex and a leading regional centre in the East of England. It is a vision for the future of the Borough and its people – for Chelmsford Tomorrow.Yes,

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-49809979961864984332008-04-23T23:37:00.001+01:002008-04-28T21:38:02.642+01:00

Today we had confirmation that the Labour Govt. and Conservative Council do not really place a high priority on the environment. Today was day two of the public inquiry into the Borough Council's Town Centre Area Action Plan. The topic was a variety of transport issues.The Chelmsford Cycle Action Group (to which I belong) was there, calling for improvements to the cycle network. For instance,

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-63418614085084694132008-04-18T11:51:00.000+01:002008-04-18T11:51:34.943+01:00

Last Saturday I was in local shopping centres with fellow Lib Dems, asking for support for a "Fair Deal for Chelmsford" and for a "Greener Chelmsford". One person asked whether global warming really is as bad as some have said. "Aren't some scientists saying it's not true?" he asked. "A few" I replied "but the vast majority are agreed that there is a really serious problem." And today is an

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-56391713944316310952008-04-03T19:42:00.000+01:002008-04-03T19:42:01.591+01:00

Higher national taxes under Labour; higher local taxes under the Conservatives (up 5% in Chelmsford) and today we learn that the Poverty gap has not narrowed under Labour. A number of lower-paid people will be WORSE off next week, when the 10% starting rate of tax is abolished. Apparently some Labour MPs are surprised about this (according to the reports in The Guardian). If only they had

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-42355377315066034802008-03-13T15:14:00.000Z2008-03-13T15:14:30.257Z

There has been an awful lot of noise but very little light on the Euro referendum issue. A lot of the public support the Lib Dem idea of a referendum on whether or not to stay in the EU. But it all masks what the debate is actually supposed to be about: the Treaty of Lisbon. Which of course serves the interests of both Tories and Labour since they are, as always, split on the subject.Most people

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-81714082795270586082008-03-13T12:36:00.000Z2008-03-13T12:36:12.951Z

This article articulates my reaction to the BBC's "white season" - that it seemed, like the tabloid press, to hype fears by failing to address the real causes of a genuine problem. That is to say, immigration is not to blame for the pressure on public services etc. (He omits to be blunt about who is to blame. Since the gap between rich and poor has widened under Labour, it should be obvious!)As

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-7068947481166774552008-03-13T00:44:00.002Z2008-03-13T01:00:47.680Z

It should be easier to phone Essex police now when you have a non-urgent query. The new number is 0300 333 4444. This is one of the new numbers that begin 03: they are charged at the same rate as 'landline' 01245- / 020- numbers, so it is included in inclusive minutes packages from phone companies. (Further explanation on the police website.)Well done Essex Police for keeping costs down for

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1506318805323346852008-03-05T10:08:00.001Z2008-03-05T10:14:20.919Z

Another breakfast-spluttering moment today. The Government says it wants police, NHS and councils more locally accountable. Yes, they should be and the Lib Dems have been calling for this for years. So why ON EARTH have they spent the last 10 years (and the Tories did the same in the previous 18) taking powers AWAY from local councils? Talk about stating the bleedin' obvious........We need a

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-81746418236583786712008-02-27T11:32:00.000Z2008-02-27T11:32:02.422Z

Children are in more danger from adults in the home than from any one outside - according to figures cited in eSkeptic: 13/02/2008 The article examines 'when news isn't news but scaremongering is' and how journalists are stoking public fears, by making all those "one in a million" occurrences sound as if they could be happening "in your street any time soon". Admittedly, the American media tend

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-63388032542338278172008-02-26T14:02:00.001Z2008-02-26T14:04:09.522Z

I saw the film Black Gold last night, about the coffee trade, the exploitation of the third world farmers and how many of them turn to growing narcotics, because they make more money that way than growing coffee. The film was shown last night to launch Fairtrade Fortnight in Chelmsford and is on More4 tonight.The film was a fascinating and disturbing insight into the coffee trade. The fairtrade

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-78914690792347957272008-02-12T18:20:00.000Z2008-02-12T18:20:06.030Z

Tony Blair led Britain into an illegal war in Iraq, against the wishes of millions in Britain and most of the countries in the world. For this reason, not to mention many others, he is unsuitable to be President of the EU Council. There is a website petition No to Tony Blair as President of the European Union Council and there is also a Facebook group

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-53914249847623466572008-02-08T22:12:00.000Z2008-02-08T22:12:39.066Z

The website host and domain name seller 123-reg tells us today that they are "the biggest web host in the UK". But are they the most reliable? In my experience, they are certainly not good at actually answering questions to their support website, when you have queries about email delays. (That is to say, they reply but they don't answer the question!) Interestingly, they are part of Pipex, which

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-37486373234032216692008-01-29T11:35:00.000Z2008-01-29T11:42:57.453Z

I almost choked on my breakfast this morning when I read that Tony Blair is being a paid a six-figure-salary to advise Zurich Insurance, the Swiss financial firm, on climate change. I had to check that it wasn't 1st April.Presumably his advice will be mainly how to spend ten years pretending you are doing something about it while actually doing little or nothing. Perhaps Zurich are going to be

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-34266020140651948342008-01-22T20:53:00.000Z2008-01-22T20:53:10.813Z

Largely unnoticed, a few hundred people in Chelmsford and communities across the country keep the local voluntary organisations going - doing so much good for their area. I attended the AGM of Chelmsford CVS today and met some of those people. These crucial voluntary groups do so much good work but suffer for lack of (relatively modest) extra funding - and nearly all of them would welcome

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-46504864481715562652008-01-21T17:32:00.000Z2008-01-21T17:34:40.730Z

In 2007, Sydney (Australia) turned off lights for an hour right across the city, to highlight climate change. This year there are moves to make it a global event. You can sign up at the website Earth Hour 2008 and there is a Facebook group too (which already has 164,670 commitments to take part).

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-59814452438720335872008-01-19T11:33:00.000Z2008-01-19T11:33:34.074Z

Great short film that explains why the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 is stupid. The Act has actually made it illegal for MPs to do fairly normal things. For instance, Gordon Brown broke the law when he met Nelson Mandela in Trafalgar Square.As Lib Dem Voice explains: Blogger Tim Ireland has submitted his response to the Labour Government’s consultation document on Sections 132 to

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-22335541678600198732008-01-18T15:48:00.000Z2008-01-18T15:48:30.051Z

Chelmsford Lib Dems are inviting YOU to help them find the worst pothole in Chelmsford. Full story:Competition to find Chelmsford's worst pothole

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-80775430086785854912008-01-18T10:23:00.000Z2008-01-18T10:25:55.718Z

By way of an update to my previous post about Honour the Covenant, just heard about Help for Heroes - and the Lib Dem Friends of the Armed Forces founded by, amongst others, Linda Jack. Linda could be the second Lib Dem MEP for this area after next year's Euro elections. She writes about her time in the army on her blog:- "As a disaffected 17 year old, desperate to get away from home [more] (

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-38440906440838830292008-01-14T23:29:00.000Z2008-01-14T23:29:57.927Z

The thousands of Chelmsford residents who commute to London every day may be interested to know about the campaign to be Mayor from former top policeman, Lib Dem Brian Paddick. He stands a good chance of winning through.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-10521707337483603392008-01-07T16:34:00.000Z2008-01-07T16:34:25.402Z

A number of my friends including Will Howells and Peter Black have taken a quiz to see which US Presidential Candidate most closely matches their own views. Of course, viewing the issues from a British perspective, rather than American, undermines it a little. Nevertheless "just for a bit for a fun let's see what the figures would be" (as Peter Snow might say on Newsnight).This is who I should

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-38767283892855214042007-12-31T18:08:00.000Z2007-12-31T18:08:52.768Z

A fantastic 2007; all the best for a great 2008!

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-48213737497310787732007-12-19T16:28:00.000Z2007-12-19T16:30:12.962Z

Watch a short film on You Tube: Nick Clegg: New Leader of the Liberal Democrats

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-64340638035285339422007-12-16T18:15:00.000Z2007-12-16T18:15:20.559Z

An overcast and dull day on Friday plus proximity to Christmas did not stop over 1000 people from voting Lib Dem and contributing to another election win for Chelmsford Liberal Democrats. However, despite all the leaflets and letters, it was just as well that we kept reminding people to vote. There were still quite a few people who said "Oh, is it today?".Talking to many people in the ward in

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-43708367247781417572007-12-02T21:40:00.000Z2007-12-02T22:34:10.632Z

It has struck me at least three times this week that many people seem to expect things to happen without thinking that they could be one of the people that makes those things happen. Last night I attended the 70th Anniversary dinner of Chelmsford Round Table. In common with Round Tables across the country they do a great deal for the community with the backing of very few. Amongst other things,

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-11703336694926837852007-11-13T19:01:00.000Z2007-11-13T19:03:36.999Z

Just over two months after the process started, the Lib Dems have selected Brian Paddick as their candidate to take on Ken Livingstone in next May's London Mayor election. Today he gave his first speech as candidate. If he can get the Oyster card travel payment system extended out our way, I am sure many thousands of us who often travel into London will be pleased.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-8183489597134904042007-11-13T11:31:00.000Z2007-11-13T11:31:47.019Z

The Conservative commitment to the environment and giving local people more of say is barely skin deep. For instance, in Chelmsford their solution to traffic congestion is measures they think will make the traffic move faster but usually just hinders pedestrians - such as in Victoria Road, Market Road and Springfield Road. They also think it is fine to cram large numbers of houses and flats into

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-17490687213089368892007-10-31T18:52:00.000Z2007-11-13T13:02:55.260Z

So it's confirmed - nominations have closed and the Lib Dem leadership contest is between Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne. Whoever wins, at least the name is easy to get on to a poster!The blogosphere seems to have had more to say about Chris Huhne recently rather than Nick Clegg but no doubt there will be a catching up. Both are trying to attract headlines. For instance, Chris' call to abandon

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-60501979657222337002007-10-26T17:15:00.000+01:002007-10-26T17:16:28.978+01:00

You know your old when...... party leaders are younger than you. Cameron is a week younger than me; if elected Nick Clegg would be three months younger. But is that a reason to back Clegg or, indeed, a reason not to!? Does Huhne have the wider range of experience? Who do my Chelmsford readers think would be the best Lib Dem leader?Our two excellent candidates Nick Clegg and Chris Huhne who are

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-37081494667537500822007-10-19T18:22:00.000+01:002007-10-19T19:15:39.291+01:00

Breathless: two weeks ago we were all set for a General Election - leaflets drafted; canvassing ready to go. One week ago I was on the TV discussing why it was not happening and also the Pre-Budget Report (see Anglia Late Edition here) . I observed that it was odd that Labour and the Conservatives should talk about tax cuts for the seriously rich, while ignoring the hard-pressed majority of the

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-70349244832517018412007-10-08T17:15:00.000+01:002007-10-08T17:25:54.503+01:00

I understand, from the local Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, that there has been an increase in the number of "distraction burglaries" recently - when someone enters your house pretending to be someone in authority.Most of the incidents recently involved male callers frightening elderly people into believing that there was a problem with their water supply.Anyone who IS official will carry an

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-58647227041692376622007-09-21T22:24:00.000+01:002007-09-21T22:43:39.952+01:00

I was delighted that the Lib Dems this week backed calls for our armed service personnel to be looked after better when they are injured. Not a moment too soon. Earlier in the year, I blogged about how more former Falklands conflict soliders had killed themselves than were killed in actual fighting in 1982. I was also disgusted to read about the awful conditions for our soliders in hospital when

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-76117680222973354012007-09-13T13:37:00.000+01:002007-09-24T20:56:00.872+01:00

With nearly 20% of Chelmsford's population heading into London for work every day, what happens there (particularly with transport) matters to us too. So, though I cannot vote to choose the Lib Dem candidate for London Mayor, I will be taking a keen interest in who is finally selected.There is an excellent shortlist from which London members can choose - former 'top cop' Brian Paddick clearly

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-52438905539472653542007-09-13T01:03:00.000+01:002007-09-14T14:41:26.251+01:00

Today (Wednesday) at the local plan inquiry I and my fellow Lib Dem Cllr. Chris Rycroft explained WHY (not just how) we differ from Chelmsford council's views about where to place new houses. But, in general, the day's activity largely confirmed my view that this month-long exercise at taxpayer's expense is really just a rubber-stamping exercise of the council proposals. Key issues of today

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-27611645718120614932007-09-12T01:54:00.000+01:002007-09-12T23:49:12.814+01:00

Democracy in Chelmsford gained and lost yesterday. First of all, the public inquiry kicked off into the Chelmsford Borough Development Plan – and later the electorate delivered a major shock by electing a Lib Dem in a by-election. In the morning, the Inquiry Inspector made it quite clear that he was operating under the new Government rules designed to push things through as quickly as possible.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-27374241988517055372007-08-28T15:15:00.000+01:002007-10-08T17:27:56.880+01:00

Over a week after the V rock/pop festival in Hylands Park near Chelmsford and the park area is still recovering. The adjacent campsite was littered with abandoned tents - another symbol of the throwaway society, I guess. And other litter marked many of the routes to/from the park. Not to mention parked cars damaged by buses speeding past on their way to the park.Whereas 40,000 Scouts and leaders

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-4962680539645904482007-08-24T00:09:00.000+01:002007-08-24T00:09:38.568+01:00

I know UKIP (and most of the press) never let the facts get in the way of their anti-European prejudices. But here are some of those crucial facts. Including how very little the EU actually spends, as a share of our total, collective income - 1% in fact. Not to mention that the EU Commission actually employs FEWER people than Essex County Council. See it all at The budget of the EU : how is your

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-68858983105137196172007-08-13T17:16:00.000+01:002007-08-13T17:18:56.479+01:00

I am backing the campaign to stop the advertising of formula milk in the UK, because a mother's own milk is best: Help Little Jack Strike BackAlthough illegal since 1995, baby milk companies are still advertising formula products by taking advantage of loopholes in the law. NCT, Save the Children and UNICEF UK are calling on the government to tighten the laws and to adopt a complete ban on the

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-30275519804486174842007-07-20T17:15:00.000+01:002007-07-20T19:29:09.314+01:00

My friends have summarised rather well the results of yesterday's parliamentary by-elections. Nich Starling points to a week of ironic contrasts: on Monday pundits were speculating about Ming Campbell; now they are all speculating about the wheels falling off the Cameron bandwagon.Jeremy Hargreaves describes Cameron's failings - he does not go down well in places like Chelmsford.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-36827770478371676102007-07-18T00:13:00.000+01:002007-07-18T00:13:34.894+01:00

The European Commission has launched a dedicated channel on YouTube to make its audiovisual material more widely available to the public. For instance, this short film: 50 Years of EU in the World.The background to this is explained on the Europe in the UK website.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-40071664481762064622007-07-12T15:22:00.000+01:002007-10-08T17:29:05.909+01:00

Up the road in Hylands Park a tented city is under construction for 40,000 Scouts and leaders - for the jamboree that will mark 100 years of Scouting. Every country in the world that has Scouts will be represented. More about the building work on Latest newsOn 1st August every Scout in the world is encouraged to renew their Scout Promise at 8.00am their time. In Chelmsford, hundreds will do so in

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-87061932944559998642007-07-04T16:08:00.001+01:002007-07-04T16:23:55.166+01:00

This soundtrack caught my attention again when the BBC used it on a film about Tony Blair going. Went looking for the track and found this video to go with it - a bit different from your average pop video.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-19260765564279891612007-06-21T14:57:00.000+01:002007-06-21T15:12:01.289+01:00

We all know that Labour gave up addressing the causes of crime some years ago. Last night on BBC Newsnight we learned that they are now giving up on recording, let alone attempting to solve, some crimes.In April the Home Office issued guidance to police stations not to even record cheque and credit card fraud any more; people should report it direct to their bank. The bank may (or more likely may

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-68980882622405146852007-06-18T23:21:00.000+01:002007-06-19T00:04:54.416+01:00

Just come across the website What has Europe ever done for us? with a short film attempting to answer the question. And also this short BBC film A guide to the EU ParliamentWhile on the subject, it's worth noting that the EU is not responsible for all the new house building or for regional assemblies, or sharing personal data across Europe.In fact, these are all down to the Labour Government,

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-91017461722874130262007-06-11T16:38:00.000+01:002007-06-11T18:06:37.839+01:00

20 years ago today Mrs Thatcher cruised to her third election victory (see BBC). It was an election very similar to 2001: an almost certain outcome with the main opposition party trying to recover from a thrashing the previous time and largely failing. But the turnout was rather higher! It was the first General Election in which I campaigned (1983 having drawn me into politics as a

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-85304026595160775602007-06-10T21:53:00.000+01:002007-06-10T21:53:56.748+01:00

It comes to something when you can find out more about your own government from another country. But that seems to be the bizarre situation over the controversial al Yamamah arms deal. If the US Congress ends up investigating the issue, we could find out more about the issue from the other side of the Atlantic than over here.There is a website (and petition) calling for allegations of serious

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-40287524856235713592007-06-08T21:38:00.000+01:002007-06-11T22:55:51.159+01:00

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-60003212576121017922007-06-07T19:15:00.000+01:002007-06-07T19:53:11.730+01:00

Over at Lib Dem Voice, debate has been forthright about whether Scotland's Catholic leader was right to threaten to exclude politicians who disagree with that church's position on abortion. Setting aside that issue itself, I don't see a problem with a church leader being outspoken (as I have explained at Lib Dem Voice). We need more public debate not less, provided all views get a hearing.One

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-83534724927000863252007-06-04T11:32:00.000+01:002007-06-04T11:36:13.287+01:00

Two years ago the main world leaders at the G8 summit made a number of promises on overseas aid. Oxfam is continuing its campaign to ensure they stick to their promises, as we come up to the next G8 summit. I was out in the town centre on Saturday collecting signatures (with the Chelmsford Make Trade Fair campaign). There is an online email/petition you can sign, on their website: G8 Summit 2007

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-26424669466044200182007-05-31T16:51:00.000+01:002007-05-31T16:51:40.532+01:00

Our local MP was one of the gang of Tory and Labour MPs who voted for more secrecy, exempting MPs from the Freedom of Information Act. The Liberal Democrats have launched a petition against this example of double standards.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-68822997052886102102007-05-13T21:59:00.000+01:002007-05-13T22:06:28.811+01:00

A "Chelmsford No 2 ID" group has been launched, at the site of one of the new interrogation centres - at the same time, as the Government announced another massive jump in database scheme costs. I was pleased to be at the launch, with 12 people from other political parties and none. But you won't know since my face was behind one of the masks in the picture! Full Story

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-91198773802017560882007-05-09T22:21:00.000+01:002007-10-08T17:29:40.230+01:00

Just back from Hylands House, where local residents heard about the plans for the World Scout Jamboree in the park. The park will be closed from 22 July to 9 August to accommodate the event. It will be a fantastic event for 32,000 14-18 year olds and 10,000 adult helpers from just about every country in the world. And the public will be able to attend on some days.This is one event to celebrate

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-48962373097836975232007-05-05T13:02:00.000+01:002007-06-11T18:05:10.968+01:00

In the Chelmsford Borough elections, Liberal Democrats gained two from Labour (their last seats) on a 22% swing and a net two seats from Conservatives. See the Chelmsford Lib Dem website

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-75079517682019769022007-03-26T13:12:00.000+01:002007-03-26T13:13:54.745+01:00

Stephen Tall has a good thesis about the differences between Blair and Brown. I particularly liked"Mr Blair’s speeches have a compelling narrative: they take you on a journey, even if you want to wind the window down half-way there because you feel sick. Mr Brown’s speeches take you hostage: gagged and bound in the boot of the car, he lets you out, disorientated and resentful, only once you’ve

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-586673495632204372007-02-09T17:40:00.000Z2007-02-09T17:48:48.929Z

Answer: when it's launched from the parcel shelf in your car due to coming to a crash stop. That was just one of the scary things I heard at a road / car safety talk at my son's school today. The Road Safety Officer told us that a woman driver was killed when she was hit on the back of the head by a flying tissue box.Another driver bled to death after the artery in her neck was cut by a flying CD

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-49615358202615437112007-02-09T13:28:00.000Z2007-02-09T13:28:03.450Z

Yet more ways to dispose of old recyclables. Looks like I have found of a way to dispose of that 16 year old monitor that has been gathering dust. And Dell, apparently, will take them away for you. Disposing of an old monitor... from Ask Jack

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1170423764398738142007-02-02T13:17:00.000Z2007-02-02T13:42:44.410Z

I have just read the shocking statistic that more Falklands conflict veterans have committed suicide in the 25 years since it happened than were killed in the actual fighting. If we are going to ask people to fight for us, the least we can do is look after them properly afterwards. The story was in The Observer on 14 Jan. (must keep up with the newspapers!)

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1164973288886481912006-12-01T11:41:00.000Z2006-12-01T11:43:55.463Z

I posted earlier in the month about expecting to hear a presentation on the subject of Peak Oil i.e. what happens when oil production passes its peak. One expert thinks it could be as soon as 2008, and forecasts major, negative econmic impact. His presentation has been uploaded on to a page on the Chelmsford Lib Dem website.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1163514355873612182006-11-14T14:25:00.000Z2006-11-14T14:29:07.576Z

I don't know about you, but one of the main reasons I don't go to pubs more often is I do not like coming home and having to put every item of clothing in the washing immediately. So I was delighted to find a database of smoke-free pubs. This is the link to places in Essex Fresh Air Online Essex or you could just start at the home pageAs far as the Chelmsford area is concerned, I have also seen

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1163176508994863272006-11-10T16:35:00.001Z2008-11-18T22:22:19.508Z

Attended the Chelmsford Green Drinks last night. Good to meet up with others from Chelmsford concerned about the environment. One of the group was Frank Davis, a bit of an expert on peak oil theory. He is speaking at the Chelmsford Liberal Democrat meeting in two weeks time.Update Nov.2008: Chelmsford Green Drinks info now here

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1163024817489324112006-11-08T22:26:00.000Z2006-11-10T17:38:05.346Z

Found out that I will not be able to donate blood this Sunday (12 November) as hoped, but hope to soon. You can search the National Blood Service website for your nearest donation session (just type 'Chelmsford' into the search box).There are afternoon and early evening sessions at St Cedds Hall near Chelmsford Cathedral [map] every two weeks but I usually go to the Sunday sessions at Mildmay

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1162918937725604422006-11-07T17:02:00.000Z2006-11-10T17:39:21.523Z

I have put together the Greener Chelmsford website with Chelmsford Lib Dem colleagues as a single place to list ideas to make our town more sustainable, including how we can all make a difference individually.Please put any comments here or make suggestions via the website.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1162918689418078232006-11-07T16:54:00.000Z2007-02-02T14:06:58.216Z

Springfield Road crossing fiasco - inquiry call.Essex Conservatives don't sign up to "go green".Robinson back in the classroom.Get weeding those pavements!Supporting Chelmsford Fairtrade AGM.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1162917904929771842006-11-07T16:45:00.000Z2006-11-07T17:43:44.656Z

The next Chelmsford Green Drinks is this Thursday, 9th November. It is an occasional get-together for the environmentally minded.Email from Daniel:-We meet from about 7.30pm. There's no agenda, just a chance to meet & network and have a (very fine real) beer and catch up on what is happening and what we're doing here for sustainability - perhaps it would be interesting for those of you with

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1161967485244329862006-10-27T17:44:00.000+01:002006-10-30T16:59:39.406Z

Most disappointed to learn that we will not be able to hop on Eurostar trains at Stratford until 2009.Quote:"Unfortunately, although Stratford International will be completed along with the rest of the CTRL infrastructure in 2007, it will not open until 2009 when the high-speed commuter train fleet is ready to begin operating, even though Eurostar trains will be passing through it from late 2007;

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1161702418151559072006-10-24T16:06:00.000+01:002006-10-24T16:06:58.253+01:00

For those who wonder if there is anything going on in Chelmsford, see the recently-launched mag Panic Magazine

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1160499836827570022006-10-10T18:03:00.000+01:002006-10-10T18:03:56.896+01:00

Seing Bill Bryson at the Chelmsford Civic Theatre on Sunday reminded me how funny he can be and how much I miss travelling around the world. So just now I was intrigued to find The Man in Seat Sixty-One... who will help you buy train tickets for almost any journey, much more helpfully than most of the other travel websites.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1159808624470941622006-10-02T18:03:00.000+01:002006-10-02T18:05:46.606+01:00

A wide range of blogs for your entertainment: http://www.libdemblogs.co.uk, and not forgetting Liberal Review - The Best of Liberal Opinion, Commentary and Ideas

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1159807703724808052006-10-02T17:48:00.000+01:002006-10-02T17:50:29.196+01:00

Alex Wilcock and Millennium Elephant preview Mr Balloon's conference Mr Balloon: A Political Heavyweight

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1159807426595106382006-10-02T17:43:00.000+01:002006-10-02T17:45:14.180+01:00

Using a bicycle can be quicker than bus or car into Chelmsford - Car loses out in race into town centre

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1158319398248955292006-09-15T12:23:00.000+01:002006-09-15T12:23:18.720+01:00

Just discovered how easy it is to listen to one of my favourite radio stations - Magic 105.4, more music less talk

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1157741621265247212006-09-08T19:40:00.000+01:002006-09-08T19:57:09.483+01:00

The meeting notes below are posted as background to the Taking Power website conference launched this week. I attended the meeting and contributed some of the comments below.INTRODUCTION:Following a decision made at the June 2005 meeting of Chelmsford TUC, invitations were sent to a number of political parties in the town to debate the issues raised by The Power Inquiry. The following

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1156436413844559142006-08-24T17:15:00.000+01:002006-10-10T18:18:23.680+01:00

I have at last got round to affiliating to Fairtrade Chelmsford. I joined the demo in the High Street in July calling on Tony Blair to take action (see here).We can all do our bit by buying fairly traded products. There is a list of shops in Chelmsford where we can do so on the Chelmsford Fairtrade site.

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32388870.post-1156436070953386682006-08-24T17:12:00.000+01:002006-08-24T17:14:30.963+01:00

So what is happening with the pedestrian crossing in Springfield Road outside Tesco? I have just written an item for the local papers with Keith Francis and posted it on this website

Stephen Robinsonnoreply@blogger.com1