Monthly Archives: September 2009

MEPs are frequently allocated no more than 60 or 90 seconds speaking time in plenary debates, so we become very practised at making our point succinctly.  The same applies at the dinner-debates we have in the parliament.  It’s normal to … Continue reading →

Here’s a riddle for you.  What does Peter Mandelson have in common with Lewis Carroll’s Red Queen?  Answer: Both could believe half a dozen impossible things before breakfast.  Trouble is, in Mandelson’s case, he not only believes them (or appears … Continue reading →

On Wednesday I attended the launch of the East Midlands Obesity Platform, at the Peepul’s Centre (sic) in Leicester.  The Platform is designed to “provide a forum for stakeholders” in the region.  We heard presentations from Robert Madelin, the EU’s … Continue reading →

I’ve just had the privilege of attending the Rutland & Melton Conservative Association lunch at Northfield Farm, Cold Overton.  Guest of Honour Clarissa Dickson Wright was signing copies of her new book, “Rifling Through My Drawers”, and was introduced by … Continue reading →

David MacKay is a Professor at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge.  He is an expert on renewable energy, and has just published a book with the above title (find it at http://www.withouthotair.com).  His opinions on renewables in general, and wind … Continue reading →

EMS, the (former) Conservative MEP, has just been expelled from the Party, for failing to fulfil the solemn commitment he gave in writing before the June 2009 election regarding the formation of a new group in the European parliament.  Urbane … Continue reading →

With the British government planning to obtain up to 35% of UK generating capacity from wind turbines by 2020, it is instructive to consider the case of Denmark, one of the few countries that has got anywhere near that level. … Continue reading →