Category Archives: Political

Northern Powerhouse v Midlands Engine

Posted on April 22, 2017 by admin

Traditionally Birmingham has been known as the ‘second city’ after London.  For the last 20 years Manchester’s star has been rising and it now makes a valid claim to be second city.  The Northern Powerhouse seemed to support this call … Continue reading →

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Announcement of General Election 8th June 2017

Posted on April 19, 2017 by admin

A shock announcement on Tuesday 18th April that the government intends to call a General Election for the 8th June.   This needs a 2/3 majority in the House of Commons to over-ride the law that elections will be held … Continue reading →

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Parliamentary Boundary Review 2018

Posted on September 9, 2016 by admin

The Electoral Commission is to publish initial findings on the 13th September for its review of boundaries.  There will then be a 12 week public consultation period and two other public reviews before the September 2018 presentation to Parliament.   … Continue reading →

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EU Referendum – the North West votes

Posted on June 29, 2016 by admin

June 23rd was the day the UK voted to leave the EU by 52%/48%.   In England the country and towns voted to leave while the big cities voted to remain.  Wales voted out.  Scotland, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar voted … Continue reading →

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EU referendum impressions at the end of May

Posted on May 31, 2016 by admin

Seems like everyone I speak to or read on Facebook wants out of the EU.  On this basis the result will be 90/10 for leaving. Yet the pundits say it’s a very close thing and Remain is likely to win. … Continue reading →

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North West Plastic Bag Factory Closure

Posted on May 31, 2016 by admin

A packaging company in Nelson, East Lancashire, has closed due to cheap imports of plastic packaging and the 5p charge on plastic bags.  Some 50 manufacturing jobs lost in an area that needs jobs.  Bad news.

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Trident Nuclear deterrent?

Posted on February 28, 2016 by admin

A decision is due on replacing the existing submarines for the Trident nuclear weapon system.  These submarines are built in the North West of England. Those who support it believe it is a deterrent and weapon of last resort that … Continue reading →

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Transport in a whirl or is it the modern norm

Posted on August 29, 2012 by admin

Overall there seems to be a lot of untidiness and uncertainty in the government’s transport policy. Perhaps they could smarten up their act. Last week we it was announced First Group have been selected for West Coast Main Line contract, … Continue reading →

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High Speed Rail looks like being approved

Posted on January 8, 2012 by admin

HS2 the high speed rail link between London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds looks like it will be approved next week. As usual the rest of the UK will be waiting for investment in London rail to peak before work begins. … Continue reading →

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Referendum 2011: Alternative Voting System

Posted on July 4, 2010 by admin

The government is expected to announce, on Tuesday, a referendum on using the Alternative Voting System.  This is a key part of the Coalition agreement although not as far as the Proportional Representation System the LibDems want. At the moment there are … Continue reading →

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Chloride and Tate & Lyle going foreign

Posted on July 2, 2010 by admin

More British names transferring overseas. Chloride look certain to be taken over by rival Emerson, a US company.  While Tate & Lyle are selling their sugar and syrup business to rival Domino, a US company. Names are never lost, they can … Continue reading →

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New Manufacturing Jobs Announced

Posted on March 18, 2010 by admin

After bad news in chocolate and steel manufacturing some good news in cars and nuclear engineering. Most of it with the help of government loans. Nissan announced that their new electrically powered car, the Nissan Leaf, will be produced in Sunderland from 2013. … Continue reading →

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BBC cuts

Posted on March 3, 2010 by admin

The BBC announced some changes yesterday with a view to focussing more on quality programming and keeping the license fee stable.  Three headline changes are the closure of Radio 6, Asian Network and a reduction in the website. The BBC is … Continue reading →

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