"The challenge is ambitious but achievable. We're already on track to cut the UK's emissions by 34% by 2020, and will do more if we can win the case for greater ambition across the whole EU. But our line of sight needs to extend much further, through to the middle of the century," says Chris Huhne
South East Lib Dem MEP Sharon Bowles, who chairs the European Parliament's influential Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, has hailed the new EU law to rein in bankers´ bonuses as a landmark success. The tough new rules voted through the European Parliament will be implemented in time for this year's bonus payout. This will stop bank directors such as Fred Goodwin walking away with excessive bonus style pension pots if their bank fails.
Barnet Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Jack Cohen is accusing Barnet Tory Cabinet Members of "cowardice" following their notable absence from Monday night's Finchley and Golders Green Residents Forum. Residents from around the Borough had turned up in strength to voice their anger at the increase in Cabinet Members' allowances. Cllr Cohen who also was at the meeting pointed out "everyman and his dog knew in advance that residents were going to turn up in force to ask questions and demand answers. But where were the Cabinet members? Here was an opportunity for them to face their electorate and to justify why they voted themselves huge increases. Instead they allowed Council Officers to take the flak."
The third 'Pints in the Parishes' event is taking place tonight, at the Crown in Little Staughton. These sessions are intended to provide an opportunity for me to hear directly from anyone who wants to discuss the issues important to them in an informal, local environment. They are also a chance for for me to show my support for local, community pubs. The first two sessions, in Elstow and Risely, were extremely valuable in allowing me to get out and speak to residents who may not have made an appointment to come and see me at my Borough Hall surgery sessions, or seen me at one of my regular 'walk up' surgeries at sites around the Borough. I will be in the Crown from around 7.30pm.
Should we vote for having an elected mayor or a council leader - would there be any real difference? That's the question people are asking us in Stockton Borough.
The Coalition Government has announced a Pupil Premium to target extra money at schools taking disadvantaged pupils. The proposed Pupil Premium would provide additional per pupil funding on top of the existing funding provided to schools. Schools will be free to spend the additional funding as they choose to raise the achievement of disadvantage pupils. This was a key manifesto commitment and one that Nick Clegg made clear was one of his absolute priorities.
