November 2010
Six months from the AV referendum, how are the campaigns shaping up?
The Yes to fairer votes site launches this week. In contrast to the dull oppressive shades of the No campaign’s site, it is clear, bright and colourful, and focuses on the grassroots nature of the campaign with ways in which people can get involved. There is now a network of determined activists across the country that has grown steadily since the extraordinary outpouring of energy during the purple “fair votes” protests back in May.
Lib Dem foreign minister’s French slur
Foreign office minister Jeremy Browne was accused of racism by a heckler on Question Time last night after remarks about the French. Talking about the Anglo-French defence treaty signed by the prime minister and President Sarkozy this week, he said: "We're not merging our Army with France. Our soldiers won't be required to speak French or wear onions round their necks or stripey t-shirts, or ride bicycles."
Cameron’s ‘tech city’ vision is laudable, but more needs to be done
David Cameron's speech to East London entrepreneurs about the government's long-term commitment to transform London’s East End into "a world-leading technology city to rival Silicon Valley" is laudable in its intent. The prime minister said a number of companies including Vodafone, Google, Facebook, Intel and McKinsey & Co were interested in investing in the region over the longer term.
What is Channel 4’s problem with reporting the Green movement?
Of course critical documentaries have an important place in a democracy, but all the indications are that tonight’s broadcast will be just the latest example of C4 peddling a distorted view of the environment movement and the issues it cares about - nothing more than a cheap hatchet job aimed at generating controversy for controversy’s sake.
Fighting the cuts and working for women in the days ahead
The Women’s Income Network (WIN) is a network of charities, MPs and individuals who have come together in order to construct an informed and unified response to each and every cut which will disproportionately affect women in the coming months and years. From the Fawcett Society to The Child Poverty Action Group, each participating organisation is working independently to protect those who will be disadvantaged by the coalition’s cuts.
38 Degrees show the way with grassroots fundraising
The chief executive of a fledgling progressive grass-roots movement sent an email out to its membership thanking them for their engagement and highlighting its success - proving that President Obama's crowdsourcing funding model can work in the UK.