February 25, 2007
by Nosemonkey
5 Comments
As you may have noticed, I’ve spent a fair amount of this week highlighting the lack of British involvement in the ever-increasing moves towards reviving / revising the EU constitution. Now, via Iain Dale, it seems that the (anti-EU Rupert … Continue reading
February 21, 2007
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Britain and the EU constitution
Something from me over at The Sharpener…
February 13, 2007
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
OK, so what have I missed while I’ve been busy? The Centre For European Reform blog has been discussing the failure of the EU constitution and the need for a new kind of “pro-Europeanism”, in relation to that “Europe’s Story” … Continue reading
February 2, 2007
by Nosemonkey
4 Comments
Standard language of a soon to be departing politico, you might think. No surprise Blair used is in his interview this morning. But surely the standard, talking about the public, is “it has been an honour and a privilege to … Continue reading
January 28, 2007
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
Check out this interview. Watch the video. The transcript doesn’t do it justice – you miss the long silences, the ums, the ers, the panicked look in his eyes whenever he’s asked a question, be it about Iraq, the honours … Continue reading
January 20, 2007
by Nosemonkey
3 Comments
About bloody time, considering how unweildy the department has evidently become. The big question (other than what the hell are the precisely plans?) is, why let the news slip out at 9pm on a Saturday night? Wouldn’t this count as … Continue reading
January 20, 2007
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Quality blogging
With this week’s ongoing introspective spat in the UK political blogosphere Fifth Estate (of which I have got so bored I’m afraid I’m no longer paying any attention whatsoever – sorry, chaps), it’s been easy to forget the quality that’s … Continue reading
January 14, 2007
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
A very, very small note in the Independent on Sunday: “[tag]Tony Blair[/tag] will propose this week to change the law to allow government departments to share personal data, including people’s medical records and tax details… The Prime Minister is likely … Continue reading
December 19, 2006
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Blair’s foreign policy: the aftermath
I done gone done a post over at The Sharpener based on the latest Chatham House report on Blair’s foreign policy legacy. Word of warning – get yourself a thermos of tea ready before you start… It’s a long ‘un…
December 14, 2006
by Nosemonkey
1 Comment
Yesterday lunchtime: “Tony Blair has said the NHS is the “pride of the country” amid criticism of mismanagement and a huge deficit.” Yesterday evening: “Health minister Lord Warner has resigned and will leave his job at the end of the … Continue reading
December 6, 2006
by Nosemonkey
Comments Off on Blair’s foreign policy: the aftermath
(Originally published on The Sharpener) Professor Victor Bulmer-Thomas, in his last briefing paper as Director of non-profit foreign policy analysts Chatham House, is suitably damning of our dear foreign policy obsessed PM – with a few nice little digs to … Continue reading
November 24, 2006
by Nosemonkey
11 Comments
He really just doesn’t get it, does he? “A new contract between the state and the citizen setting out what individuals must do in return for quality services from hospitals, schools and the police is one of the key proposals … Continue reading
November 21, 2006
by Nosemonkey
3 Comments
Yes kids, that’s right! It’s the most exciting day of the year – EU budget day! Weeeeeeeeeee! If you really, really must, EU Politix have a nice (mercifully short) summary of the usual potential issues – notably the spat between … Continue reading
November 18, 2006
by Nosemonkey
3 Comments
I know I promised a return to quality on this place, but this is going to be more like Popbitch. Sorry… Politico spot: John Reid coming out of the Cavendish Square exit of the Oxford Street branch of John Lewis … Continue reading