19/08/2013 - 25/08/2013 - 100 People I Would Love To Meet: TV Personalities

41) Jeremy Clarkson

The one and only as I put it. Totally mad as a hatter but knows so much about cars and Conservative in political ideology, a winner in my eyes. As much as people dislike him, how much would we miss him, an unnoticed national treasure I think.

42) Richard Hammond

Hamster! Just a good all round presenter and just a great addition to the Top Gear team. I think he’s a thoughtful person and does things towards the ordinary person, seems that way. If I do meet him, I want to see if he does have Oliver.

43) James May

We have had the entertainment, the looks and now welcome the brains. I admit, I think that out of the three of them, I would want James to teach me to drive. I think that he comes out of his shell after every series, good on him.

44) Nicholas Parsons

I am a great fan of the radio game show ‘Just a Minute’ and what a legend the host is. His quick sense of humour that you do not expect from a man of his age nor status. He has adapted to the modern comic really well.

45) Paul O’Grady

Who does not love him! Seriously, this legendary Liverpudlian animal lover who won the nations hearts, stage time and air time as Lily Savage and later in Battersea dogs and cats home and also the working class documentary, that showed me where the Labour party came from.

46) Alex Jones

Our little Alex from the ‘One Show’, I will include the other presenters but in their respected categories. A little sweetheart that replaced the now rather disappointing Christine Blakely, I am just hoping that Alex stays as sweet as she is and doesn’t get lured to ITV.

47) Eddie Jordan

Okay, so we have had many Formula one people, but please can you not handle two more? Eddie Jordan, former constructionist of team Jordan. And of course now presenter of the BBC coverage. The little man who always gets the answers that the people really want. Blouse!

48) Jake Humpheys

So he’s not anything to do with F1, stopped the Globetrotting for a more stable life in the UK. Now the face of Sky Sports. Anyway, I miss him and the ‘Don’t be sad because it’s over, be glad because it happened’ is something I live by.

49) Richard Osman

Everyone’s pointless friend! His partner in Pointless will be mentioned at a later time, so many names. I’d like to see whether he really is that smart, and tall. Me and the best friend always called him Dominic, but still he’s come out of his shell more.

50) Gabby Logan

Half way there! Gabby, the sportswoman turned presenter, the first lady to break through the male orientated barrier, now the first pick for any sports event and also game shows, ‘I Love My Country’ is a brilliant addition to Saturday night television, with her in charge, great!

12/08/2013-18/08/2013 - 100 people I would like to meet: News Reporters

31) Nick Robinson

‘Robinson, I’m going to get you Robinson!’ I was obviously a fan of him before the Impression Show got involved. He is a cool chap that is always on the cutting edge of politics as it happens. BBC Politics Correspondent please can I meet him? He’s awesome.

32) Robert Peston

The business man! People take the mickey but I think he’s a dude. Like everyone, I wanna give him a hug! That’s just me being weird. How did he get a job at the BBC and did he start from the bottom and work his way up?

33) Hugh Pym

Thought I would finish it off with the economics correspondent, who looks scarily like my government and politics teacher of A Level. These three are usually arguing around the BBC budget table which makes me laugh, it’s like teachers in a school who all teach different subjects.

34) Fiona Bruce

One for the dads. My dad has met her as well, he gets places. I swear she gets prettier as she gets older but anyway, I think as a newsreader she paved the way for the modern woman, I’d like to know the hardest story she’s reported.

35) Jenny Bond

She used to be the Royal Correspondent and follow the Royal family about. As far as I know, she was reporting during the death of Princess Diana and the Queen Mother. Must’ve been very difficult indeed, was she given advice on it? What is she doing now?

36) George Alagiagh

 Apologises for the spelling mistake if there is one. Another old school news reader and one that I’ve grown up watching. How did he get to be a newsreader in such a closed off Britain in those days, was he aware he’s featured on GCSE English Exams?

37) Susie Fowler Watt

Those who do not live in the east of England counties may want to walk away now because these are the local news presenters. I love Susie, so elegant, lovely and I’ve never seen pregnancy suit someone so well! Can I just give her a hug?

38) Amelia Reynolds

Another beautiful and lovely lady, they should be Stuarts Angels. I would be a bit worried if I was interviewed by her, be scared I would put a foot wrong. I love seeing her on look east, you are getting a real treat when she is on.

39) Stuart White

The sad thing I do every time he is presenting is ‘STUART!’ What a fabulous guy, there from the beginning of Look East and now an award winning journalist. If I had done something wrong I would hide under the table from the receiving end of him!

40) David Whitely

I thought he just did the Inside out programme, but he presents look east as well, AND he’s married to Ameila, it doesn’t get any better than that! That news channel is a serious dating arena, everyone marries each other. He’s a great presenter, up for anything. 

05/08/2013-11/08/2013 - 100 People I would like to meet: Sports People

21) Jessica Ennis Hill

The golden girl of the Olympic Games, as dad says, you truly are not a great runner until you have a double barrel name. The pressure for her to perform at London 2010 must have been intense. I think her event is one of the hardest.

22) Mo Farah

Another one of the Super Saturday lot, a legend in all respects, everyone has watched him grow for many years and he’s doing us proud. He is now so popular he even has the Mobot! Let’s just hope he doesn’t work himself too hard in the future.

23) Greg Rutherford

Might as well compete the list, he is the closest one to me, area wise, always on the local news. A unexpected gold medal if I say so myself, never heard of him before that year. He did well, shame he could not do the world championships.

24) Louis Smith

Another of my local athletes, and of course winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2012, the epic gymnast who so narrowly missed out on the gold medal. He still did us proud as always and a great talent and role model to have for younger gymnasts. Good lad.

25) David Coulthard

One of our few British Formula one drivers that actually got somewhere, I’m a massive F1 fan so any of the drivers or past drivers would be amazing to meet. I’m a fan of the BBC coverage other than the Sky sports, must be the jaw bone.

26) Paul Di Resta

One thing about me, I love an underdog, I think that in the future, he’s going to do so well. I’ve supported him since I started watching the sport which is about 3 years ago. I hope he will get promoted this year by another team.

27) Max Chilton

You probably have noticed that I have not mentioned the big boys meaning Hamilton and Button, I much prefer the up and coming. Anyways, he’s young and I’m sure has a good future ahead. Okay, I’ll stop blabbering now and just say I do have a crush.

28) Sebastian Vettel

Probably one of the biggest talents in Formula One, I could not mention anyone in this motor sport without talking about him, the fastest man. I’d like to see how he even got into go carting I imagine and how he has got to become so fast.

29) Colin Jackson

My dad has met him before, and my aunt, but not me, he’s quite a legend, well before my time but I could not do hurdles! I like the commentary and his fair judgement. There’s no ‘Britain should have done better’ nonsense that you get from others.

30) Usain Bolt

Another link to my dad, they attended the same High School in Trelawney, Jamaica. Which is rather cool I think but anyway, I was saying about Sebastian Vettel being the fastest driver, move aside! The fastest man, what is it like and is his surname totally real?

29/07/2013 - 04/08/2013 - 100 People I would love to meet: Musicians

11) Psy

‘Oppen Gangman Style!’ The South Korean that took over the world with his hit and the dance routine. What even made him come up with that? And what does he have in store for himself in the next few years? What does he think about the youtube imitations?

12) Adele

A pure English Rose who has the voice that would win a thousand hearts. One of the best people that appeared on the scene by far and the most talented at that. I do not know anyone who does not like her songs, the album charts proved it.

13) Jessie J

I do not know why she appeals to be to be utterly honest. But I suppose for real life, she does remind me of myself. Fun, giggly, but with the ability to turn and throw a massive tantrum, that’s me alright. Her music is pretty cool too.

14) Ellie Goulding

I seriously want to adopt her, she’s like a puppy, even when she tries to be big and scary, she can’t be. I love the ballads that she does and I really am not a love song person, I even sadly quote them on facebook, they’re beautiful.

15) Tinie Tempah

I really do not seem the type to like his music. A Conservative, politics student, but never mind. He seems a decent chap for the stuff that he wraps about and his collaboration with the artist mentioned above kinda swung it, I like the older stuff better.

16) Brian May

The badger song aside, he’s a pretty cool bloke, the understatement of Queen I think and his hair still looks awesome. What was it like working with Freddie Mercury and what is Bohemian Rhapsody about? He’s a generous bloke that still has musical talent that usually escapes.

17) Carla Emerald

To be honest, I do not really know her myself but I like her style of music and the songs she has released. It is a bit old timey but I think that is what I like most, trying to bring the old styles back works well.

18) Joe McElderry

One of the many winners of X Factor, and my most noticeable. Was dropped by Simon Cowell after not selling as well and then went on the musical theatre spectrum, after appearing on Pop Star to Opera Star, a whole new career unleashed! And I love it!

19) Olly Murs

*Has to be said in the X Factor man voice* Had to put this cheeky chappy down, mostly because he’s one of the few concerts I have been to, twice! He’s done so well for himself, despite not winning. I think he is as popular as ever!

20) Gareth Malone

Okay, maybe not counted as a musician but he’s an epic Choir Master! It is the enthusiasm that gets me and the bowtie, no idea what is going on with the facial hair at the moment, he should scrap that, an amazing guy and I love him.

22/07/2013-28/07/2013: 100 People I would love to meet: Politicians

11)    John Bercow

‘Ode to Bercow, Mister Speaker, of the House of Cooommmmmooonnnnssss!!’ (To be sung to the tune of the Ninth Symphony). If you have not guessed already, he is my absolute idol, I have no idea why I love him so much, but he is totally amazing! ORDER!

22)    David Cameron

The leader of the party and current Prime Minister of the UK (not that I’m not confident that he will be elected again) I think it would be good to meet the person elected to represent the UK and what it is like working in a coalition.

33)    Theresa May

The highest lady of the party and Minister for Women and Equality as well as being Home Secretary. How’d she get so high up so quickly in the Cabinet and what was her first reaction to being asked for the prestigious role? Someone to look up to?

44)    Justine Greening

Little Miss Transport Secretary and another lady in the Cabinet. She is also on the young side if you do not mind me saying. Another female to be looked up to, even though she is not high profile she is hard working and good against the opposition.

55)    Boris Johnson

The obvious question is... Why not? I think everyone secretly wants to meet the world renowned, blond bombshell that is the Mayor of London. Is it purely charisma or something more. And is he seriously considering aiming for Number 10? I don’t think many would stop him.

66)    Jo Johnson

I know what you are thinking, the little brother. He certainly has the looks and stance of his brother but I feel sorry due to under shadowing and not being taken seriously enough. He has a lot going for him and works hard for his constituency seat.

77)    Ed Milliband

Yes, I am a Conservative but that does not mean that I cannot admire other politicians from other parties. Like most other politicians, he has had a battle. How does he intend to grow the party back again from the bad reputation of the previous 13 years?

88)    Nick Clegg

The man whose name is easily forgotten, but is actually surprisingly accomplished. What does a Deputy Prime Minister actually do? Is he proud of what the coalition has achieved and does he think that the coalition has done a good job in promoting the Liberal Democrat Party?

99)    Danny Alexander

This man, I have no idea why, intrigues me. I have literally rubbed shoulders with him at Parliament and I must say that he does not look like a certain Muppets character in real life. I think he could do well for the Liberal Democrats in future.

110)  Larry the Cat

Chief Mouser of the Cabinet Office. This cat has several twitter feeds and columns. Why did he take a liking to Obama other than anyone else? Has he managed to stay under the table for an entire Cabinet Meeting? Does he fancy his honourable friend Freya?

15/07/2013-21/07/2013 - Preparation for University

Hello there,

I do admit that my posting is still intermittent and I do apologise, I will catch up hopefully before I start university. May I just also wish at this point a big good luck to those of you who will be getting your exam results during August, I for one am not looking forward to the 15^th, and switching off the email maybe the day before, either that or I will be checking it extensively to see whether I am in or not.

So I am still a busy, busy person, but I just did a week’s work placement and my local Member of Parliaments Office, it was a brilliant and quite a eye opening experience, if you are a politico then I really suggest that you do one, it is great to see behind the scenes and bond with the MP. But I do admit I have missed my voluntary work so much this week.

Anyways I thought I could do a post this week about preparations for university. It is of course an exciting time but nerve wracking all the same. Some people might say that I am indeed cheating the fact of university. Instead of living in, I am commuting for an hour and a half three days a week so I do not have to sacrifice my home comforts. So much for independency I understand but I prefer it this way. I have known people to go away for university and hate every second of it. So I would rather commute for the first year and consider moving in the second.

Even though I save quite a bit on not having to buy the bedding, electronics and everything else that you have to take with you, the books and that are still pretty pricey. Shopping around really helps, especially sites like Amazon and Ebay on the second hand section. You have just got to watch it as some books will come with highlighting or be quite damaged. But normal wearing would still be alright as you do not have to worry about damaging the brand new book in the first place.

One way I drum up investment is the use of paid surveys. Again you have got to watch who you give your details over to. I use one and the points are reasonable for time given. These sites also work better on Google Chrome, they tend to freeze on Internet Explorer. I can say that I have gained many vouchers through these surveys including Amazon (handy for text books), Debenhams and many other stores. And if you are a voucher nut like me, every penny that is saved counts.

Deals are pretty good in shops, so start searching and stuff can also be cheaper online. Phone Apps also can come really good such as New Look who give offers daily. If you have a smart phone, even better, that way you can scan at the till.

Good Luck for buying stuff for uni! 

08/07/2013-14/07/2013 - Voluntary Work

So some people think that voluntary work is annoying, time wasting and just another loop a person has to go though before they can get anywhere near their dream job. But before you start thinking that, why not try it for yourself first?

I thought to myself, that this summer, was going to be the best one as I had the extra time off due to leaving my school. I can say that so far it has been the busiest as I signed myself up at the local association of voluntary services, the Council, and the member of parliament and therefore somehow ended up with eight voluntary jobs, and this is despite my university telling me that it’s now extremely difficult to get voluntary jobs, either they were exaggerating or I am a total ninja and pass these interviews very easily. (Unlike paid jobs)

So I went to the Association, a bit shocked as it seemed that it was a bit like being interviewed by Margret from the Apprentice with no business plan. She said that the majority of jobs for the summer are reception and admin work. A little hesitant, I accepted.

To me, voluntary work is not just helping others but myself as well. I was hesitant because to be honest, answering phones and dealing with people is my worst nightmare. My last paid job included on reception and I was panic ridden and useless at it. Voluntary work, I find eases one into a nightmare and then makes it better. It is far less stressful than in a proper working environment and makes it not too bad. Volunteering also helped me as I always had a fear of being alone in public. Anything out the house scared me, even feeding my rabbit or bringing in the washing in the garden. The only acceptation was if I had a direct purpose for being outside such as going to school. Being so busy meant that I did not have a choice on whether to out or not as I cannot let anyone down. I now use going out as a reward system so I win both ways. Also being so busy makes me appreciate my time off more.

Being a volunteer has given me a chance of doing something different from handing out medals at bike rides to escorting abseiler’s to the roof of buildings. Give it a try!  

01/07/2013-07/07/2013- CF

So as I said before, I have joined the Conservative Party, not really surprising since the only politicians I have met so far are all Tories from the Council candidates, up to the members of Parliament, and I am very pleased to have met them all and looking forward to meeting all the people I shall meet in the future.

Okay, so you might be wondering why I joined the party despite the reasons above. I joined because I agree with the with the ideologies that were set out originally and their way of dealing with problems as the Labour and Liberal Democrats, and any other political party. (Unless you include the 'Hannah' party which could be an amazing success, one never knows. Anyway I am a little stuffed as I have already paid for a years worth of membership.

So anyway, this is meant to be about Conservative Future right? Okay then, Conservative Future (or CF) for short is for any person under the age of 30 who wants to get involved with the party. In an ideal world, there would be one for every constituency but I suppose that one for most surrounding areas in acceptable enough. Also in an ideal world the member of Parliament would support and endorse their local CF but unfortunately, this does not always happen. A CF branch is usually set up to encourage young people and voters not to just gain an interest in the Conservative Party but to gain an interest in politics, which is always useful in the next generation of voters and possibly political candidates. A CF branch is also set up to let MP's and Councilors know what is needed for the younger people in that area and how that can be approached in the most suitable of ways. For example, my town is one of great historical value but there is not very much new development or many major businesses for a young person who has just left college or university to go into. Also at the moment, there is very high employment as there are so few jobs and not much to keep a young person in this town. The member of parliament is hoping that we be able to advise him on this.

University Conservative Associations are similar to CF's.

Just one last point, Conservative membership for under 22 year old is only £5 for the year.

24/06/2013-30/06/2013- Update on Moi

Hello people,

Really sorry about the delay in posts, I have been a very busy person, I thought that I would update you all on me.

Right, then I have a little confession to make to you all, if you have not guessed already, I am a Conservative. I joined the party about a week ago and now been appointed to the committee of my local Conservative Future Branch. We are now endorsed by our local MP and also been helping other MP’s around the area delivering leaflets and stuff for the Conservative 40:40 challenge and for Team 2015. On Saturday I even got bought a drink and everything at a pub by an MP! It could be said that my political journey has already begun! Exciting times indeed.

I have also been extremely busy with volunteering work. I signed on at a Volunteering Centre and currently have six different jobs (all voluntary) that went up to eight at a point. It has been manically hectic but worthwhile all the same. A few of the jobs have included Reception work I am hoping that will come in handy with my future career at some point. Other stuff includes supporting bike rides and abseiling events (which I scarily need details for a next of kin for!) It’s all fun indeed.

 During my ‘networking’ around different political people, I found myself doing work at the office for my Member of Parliament, I am very excited for this and it is for the whole of next week! Hopefully I get to meet him again but on a more personal level than a room of 50 people like last time. I have also been invited to Parliament by a MP who shares an office with my friend’s father. Every little helps and connections always lead to bigger and better things.

On the 1^st July I started my University Course on a Head Start basis. I love university already and I love the subject, I have taken so many notes already and want to start making friends up there in Central London. I really want to start a work placement but that is quite a while away. I always get far too ahead of myself.

On a final note, I am so pleased about the Royal Baby, he is absolutely gorgeous and I am sure that the Duke and Duchess will make two amazing parents.

17/06/2013-23/06/2013 - Notable People in the Liberal Democrat Party.

Nick Clegg

·        MP for Sheffield

·        Website: www.nickclegg.org.uk

·        Twitter: @nick_clegg

Nicholas William Peter ‘Nick’ Clegg is the Deputy Prime Minister. He was born in Buckinghamshire on the 7^th January 1967. He was a member of European Parliament between 1999 and 2004 and became a MP in 2005. He became the head of the Liberal Democrats in 2007. He studied Anthropology at the University of Cambridge. He then won a scholarship to study for a Masters degree at the University of Minnesota. He worked as an intern in New York and then moved to Brussels to work for the European Union as a trainee aid organiser. He studied for another masters at the College of Europe in Bruges. He also worked at the European Commission.

.

Danny Alexander

·        MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey

·        Website: www.dannyalexander.org.uk

·        Twitter: @dannyalexander

Daniel Grian ‘Danny’ Alexander is the Chief Secretary of the Treasury. He was born and grew up in Edinburgh. He first became an MP in the 2005 general election. Between 2005 and 2010 he was the Liberal Democrat shadow secretary for work and pensions. In 2010 he was appointed as minister for Scotland but later made chief secretary of the treasury due to the resignation of David Laws.

Vince Cable

·        MP for Twickenham

·        Website: www.vincecable.org.uk/en/

·        @vincecable

John Vincent ‘Vince’ Cable is the Secretary for Business, Innovation and Skills. He was born on the 9^th May 1943 in York. At University he studied economics and became an advisor for the Kenyan Government in 1966. He was an advisor for the British Government in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He was chief economist for the oil company Shell from 1995 to 1997. He was originally active in the Labour Party in the 1970’s and became a Glasgow Councillor. In 1982, he joined the Social Democrat Party that went on to become the Liberal Democrats. He was defeated in elections in 1983, 1987 and 1992 but won in 1997 during the election. From 2003 to 2010 he was the main spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats and became deputy leader in 2006. He resigned from this role in 2010.

Michael Moore

·        MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

·        Website: www.michaelmoore.org.uk

·        Twitter: @michaelmooremp

Michael Kevin Moore is the Secretary of State for Scotland. He was born on the 3^rd June 1965. He has been an MP since 1997.

10/06/2013-16/06/2013 - Notable People in the Labour Party

Ed Miliband

·        MP for Doncaster North

·        Website: www.labour.org.uk/ed_miliband

·        Twitter: @Ed_Miliband

Edward Samuel Miliband is the leader of the Labour Party and will become Prime Minister if they win the next election. He was born on the 24^th December 1969 in London. He is the younger brother of David Miliband, another Labour politician who he beat in the bid to become leader. He is also the youngest son of Ralph Miliband, who was a thinker of the Marxist theory. He gained a Masters Degree in Economics at the London School of Economics, he then became an advisor for the Labour Party. He was elected to the Commons in the 2005 general election and became Minister for Energy and Climate Change in 2008. He lost this in 2010 when Labour lost the general election.

Harriet Harman

·        MP for Camberwell and Peckham

·        Website: www.harrietharman.org

·        Twitter: @HarrietHarman

Harriet Ruth Harman is the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. She was born on the 30^th July 1950 in West London, she grew up there. She held Cabinet Posts in the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. She was the acting leader of the Labour Party when Gordon Brown resigned and stopped when Ed Miliband became leader. She was first elected to Parliament from a by-election in 1982.

Ed Balls

·        MP for Morely and Outwood

·        Website: www.edballs.co.uk

·        Twitter: @edballsmp

Edward Michael ‘Ed’ Balls is the Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer. He was born in Norwich and grew up in Nottinghamshire. He was first elected in the 2005 general election he was the Secretary of State for children, schools and families from June 2007 to May 2010. He ran for the election to become Labour Party leader but lost to Ed Miliband.

Douglas Alexander

·        MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South

·        Website: www.douglasalexander.org.uk

·        Twitter: @DAlexanderMP

Douglas Garven Alexander is the shadow minister for Work and Pensions. He was born on 26^th October 1967 in Scotland. Before 2010 he was Minister for International Development. He was first elected in 1997 in a by election.

*I am sorry if I have misspelt the name Miliband, I had to check what was the right spelling.

As you can see, I have completely run out of ideas to what to write. If you have any ideas feel free to e-mail me at yourpolitics@hotmail.co.uk or follow me on twitter @urpo1itics.

03/06/2013-09/06/2013 - Notable people in the Conservative Party

David Cameron

·        MP for Whitney

·        Website: www.davidcameronmp.com

·        Twitter: @david_cameron

David William Donald Cameron is the Prime Minster of the UK. Born on the 9^th October 1966 in London but grew up in Berkshire. He studied at Oxford. Before becoming an MP he was a political advisor for the Conservatives. He won the constituency for Whitby second time round in 2001. He entered the shadow cabinet and then became party leader in 2005. He became Prime Minister after the Conservatives won the majority in the Commons in 2010.

William Hague

     ·        MP for Richmond

·        Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-office

·        Twitter: @williamjhague

William Jefferson Hague is the current Foreign Secretary. He was born on 26^th March 1961 in Rotherham. He first appeared as a supporter of the Conservative Party in 1977, aged 16 where he spoke at the Conservative Party Conference. After attending Oxford University he became a Member of Parliament in 1989 in a by-election. He was made secretary state for Wales in 1995. He was made leader of the Party in 1997 but resigned in 2001 and was replaced by Iain Duncan Smith.

George Osborne

     ·        MP for Tatton

·        Website: www.georgeosborne.co.uk

·        Twitter: @george_osborne

George Gideon Oliver Osborne is the current Chancellor of the Exchequer. He was born on 23^rd May 1971 in Paddington, London he was educated at Oxford University. He became an MP in 2001 and entered the shadow cabinet in 2004. In 2005 he became shadow chancellor of the Exchequer by Michael Howard and kept the post when David Cameron became leader.

Theresa May

      ·        MP for Maidenhead

·        Website: www.tmay.co.uk

·        Twitter: Not Available

Theresa Mary May (Nee Brazier) is the current Home Secretary. She was born on 1^st October 1956. She was born in Eastbourne but grew up in Oxfordshire. As well as being Home Secretary she is the Minister for Women and Equality. She won her constituency in 1997 and was promoted to the shadow cabinet in 1999. Within the Shadow Cabinet, she held many positions including Chairman of the Conservative Party from July 2002 to November 2003 and shadow leader of the House of Commons from December 2005 to January 2009. She is known for her attempts to deport Abu Quada and her support on the Gay Marriage Bill.

As you can tell, I’m out of ideas, you can email me at yourpolitics@hotmail.co.uk or on my twitter @urpo1itics, follow me.

27/05/2013-02/06/2013 - The Royal Family

Hi all, sorry for the late blog posts, revising for A Level exams are really time consuming. And I am still not done! I still have coursework to get done but as far as I am concerned, my summer holiday has already started.

Before the post actually starts, I just wanted to say that I have work experience with my Member of Parliament! My proudest achievement to date, something tells me it is going to be a good summer.

So, I wanted to blog about the Royal Family, why? I don’t really know, but I do love them and so exited for baby Cambridge (William and Catharine’s baby). Four generations of Royals in line, it’s going to be amazing.

In regards to the Duke of Edinburgh, I am so glad he’s out of hospital and hope that the results come out as nothing wrong. Not heard much from South Africa and Nelson Mandela, I hope he’s recovering well.

Ive never seen the queen so happy when her horse won at Ascott yesterday, she’s wonderful and I’ve heard people say that the more time goes on, the more they warm to her. Long Live The Queen!

Like most monarchy, the British institution is an interesting one, quoting the Kings Speech ‘we are not a family, but a firm’.

So what does the Royal Family / Monarchy do?

The Queen is the representative of the United Kingdom, even more so than the Prime Minister. Their reign is basically for life making the majority of the world recognising them instantly. The Queen herself is head of the Commonwealth, so countries such as Australia have a monarch figure, (did you know that Australia gave the Speakers chair in the House of Commons?) Just thought I would mention that.

The monarch also has the power to appoint and dismiss Prime Ministers, the only person able to do so except for a vote of no confidence. The monarch is expected to react first if they see the country going downhill. In addition, the Prime Minister has a meeting with the King or Queen every Thursday. The monarch addressed the Government on the state opening of Parliament.

Some people say that we can do without the monarchy, but I personally don’t understand how, our daily news would have a gap and whatever they spend they gain back again. They’re a tourist attraction that holds our kingdom together.

20/05/2013 - 26/05/2013 - Murder

Hello again, I’m writing this instead of doing revision for my exams, so I thought that I ought to write is about what I’m meant to be studying. So, murder, why not?

Murder is a common law offence meaning that it is not actually written down in the statute books of parliament, it has just been made by judges. The most accepted definition is that of Lord Coke which is:

‘The unlawful killing of a reasonable person in being, under the King or Queen’s Peace with malice aforethought expressed or implied.’

If a murder is done by a British citizen in another country, they are still tried in a English court.

*in any offence, there must be two things taken into account, the actus reus meaning the physical act and the mens rea which is what is going on in the mind at the time.

The actus reus in this case is the unlawful killing of a reasonable person in being, under the King or Queen’s peace. The killing must be unlawful. For example a lawful killing would be self defence. Murder is a result crime, the defendant cannot be guilty unless their act or failure to act caused the death.

*An omission is a failure to act

In nearly every case the actus reus would be an act such as a shooting but is can also be committed by an omission if the defendant has a duty to the victim. These are

-          A duty because of a contract

-          A duty because of a relationship

-          A duty that has been taken voluntarily

-          A duty because a chain of events was started

In relation to the ‘reasonable person in being’ it basically means that it has to be a human being. But there are two problems in relation to this. These are

- Is a foetus in the womb a reasonable creature in being?

- Is a victim still alive if they are ‘braindead’ but being kept alive by a life support machine?

With the foetus, it has been said that a murder charge cannot be charged. It must have an independent existence from the mother. The defendant can be charged with manslaughter.

In relation to braindead, a doctor is allowed to switch off a life support machine without charge but if someone else did it then they would be liable for murder.

More on next blog.

13/05/2013 - 19/05/2013 - Referendums

Referendums

A referendum, as my friend and politics buddy Nathaniel would say is the ‘consultation of the population’. Basically it’s a political question that is asked directly to the public by a vote that has two answers. For example in 2011, there was a referendum asked to the UK public by the government (mostly the Liberal Democrats) whether it was a good idea to change the voting system from the First Past The Post system/winner takes all (if over 325 constituencies are won that becomes the next government) to the AV plus system (the alternative vote that gives minority parties more of a chance to become government and would most likely result in a coalition government). This resulted in a massive no result but it was a nice try.

So that is the jist of it, a referendum is a simple question with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Most of these have been on constitutional issues. There are two types of referendum, these are pre legislative meaning that it is consulting the nation before a law has been passed. There is also a post legislative meaning that it is consulting the nation either after a law has been passed or the question will be on a piece of legislation.

In the UK there have been referendums on:

·        Major legislation, such as the Alternative Vote Referendum

·        Minor or local, such as whether to have a mayor or not.

·        Prohibition, such as whether to make public houses close on Sundays

·        Transport, whether bringing in a congestion charge or not

·        Parish, whether to give more power to a parish council

Note: a referendum is not compulsory for a government to follow but they would be very unpopular if they did not go with the view of the public.

06/05/2013-12/05/2013- Council Elections

Council Elections

This years council elections were held on Thursday 2^nd May. It was held in 35 local authorities. There were 2300 seats being contested for, these are the candidates.

• Conservatives: 2,263 candidates
• Labour: 2,168 candidates
• Liberal Democrats: 1,763 candidates
• UKIP: 1,745 candidates
• Green Party: 893 candidates
• BNP: 99 Candidates
• English Democrats: 38 candidates
• Independent: 900 candidates.

Here is a step by step result of what parties got the most candidates.

• Conservatives

The Conservative Party now rules 18 Councils; they lost 10 Councils in this election. They have 1,116 Councillors; they lost 335 Councillors.

• Labour

The Labour Party now rules 3 Councils; they lost 2 Councils in this election. They have 538 Councillors; they gained 291 Councillors.

• Liberal Democrats

The Liberal Democrats do not rule any Councils, this is no change. They have 352 Councillors; they lost 124 Councillors.

• UKIP

The UKIP do not rule any Councils, this is no change. They have 147 Councillors; they gained 139 Councillors.

• Green Party

The Green Party do not rule any Councils, this is no change. They have 22 Councillors; they gained 5 Councillors.

• British National Party

The British National Party do not rule any Councils, this is no change. They have no Councillors; they lost 3 Councillors.

• English Democrats

The English Democrats do not rule any Councils, this is no change. They have no Councillors, this is no change.

• Independent

There are no Councils run by Independent Candidates, this is no change. They have 165 Councillors; they have gained 24 Councillors.

UKIP did well and Nigel Farage is in the limelight as the leader. Miliband is not as happy as he thought he would be and Cameron and Clegg are disheartened but were expecting bad results.