tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78632926086327193712024-02-08T14:23:52.617+00:00Politics from a Mid Wales townThe political face of my ramblingsPete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-21920784387120416472016-02-12T13:48:00.000+00:002016-02-12T13:48:17.026+00:00No Justice for Rural Wales The decision by the Tory Government to close Brecon Courts means there is no prospect of justice for many rural Wales residents,
This means the many hearings will now take place in Merthyr Tydfil of which Brecon was already a satellite. Merthyr is of course highly accessible. From Rhayader it is ONLY an hour an a quarter away by car. But what if you can't drive Travelline Cyrmu comes up Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-9209155397479401652016-02-12T13:07:00.000+00:002016-02-12T13:07:01.037+00:00Welsh Lib Dems respond to Flooding Challenge
No one can easily
forget the flooding experienced across the UK this winter and whilst
Wales has fared better than most there have been some problems.
However the height of the flooding coincided with the motions
deadline for Welsh Spring Conference and armed with personal
knowledge and a Facebook policy group I set out to write what I hope
is a reasonably comprehensive start point for our partyPete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-52439892029225540842015-05-14T01:40:00.002+01:002015-05-14T01:47:00.635+01:00The 2015 General Election as a Play ListLooking back on a disappointing election I wondered how it could all look if put to the titles or lyrics of popular music so here goes with my GE2015 Play list
The campaign
The Leaders debate. Eurythmics - Sisters are doing it for themselves.
The Tory campaign. Iron Maiden - Fear of the dark.
Lib Dem campaign. Steelers Wheel - Stuck in the middle with you
UKIP. Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-65238268420656177422010-09-17T09:16:00.003+01:002010-09-17T09:28:31.885+01:00Richard LivseyI have been meaning to restart this blog for a while but the sad news of the death of Richard Livsey was the last thing I expected to be the reopening topic.Richard was without doubt a politician from a different era. Someone who cared about his constituents not just climbing the greasy pole. I remember all too well the shock of sitting on the back step of my house in Aberystwyth in the 1992 sun Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-8049685759819704092010-03-03T22:38:00.003+00:002010-03-03T22:54:03.186+00:00Fear of CrimeFor the first time tonight my dad is worried about crime. To be precise he is afraid of being burgled. He wasn't this morning in fact it hasn't crossed his mind once in the nine years he has lived in the house that someone could lift the windows out to get in.So what has changed well this morning he got a leaflet inviting him to meet a double glazing salesman.The first I knew was mid afternoon Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-31574683337451967062010-01-21T08:53:00.003+00:002010-01-21T09:05:49.716+00:00The politics of potholesWe are all seeing it, the huge levels of damage to tired road surfaces caused by the recent winter weather and the consequent burden on the local authority budgets. However a simple question springs to my mind and that is should the government be picking up some of the tab?Why you may ask and here is the rub.When Lord Adonis intervened and required Councils to stop gritting on all but the highestPete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-26793681299516703022009-05-18T08:43:00.002+01:002009-05-18T08:59:04.151+01:00Go now Mr MartinWhile there are plenty of call for the speaker to go and some suggesting successors one question that has to be considered is timing.Now, in a month or at the general election.Our current speaker would prefer to hang on, resign honourably and stand down as MP at the same time or so it would seem. In that time he would without favour reform the expenses system at both entitlement and back office Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-3763101200286377452009-04-20T09:17:00.004+01:002009-04-20T09:26:20.855+01:00Welsh Lib Dems back Rally GBIt gave me a fair amount of pleasure to be one to the 10 reps signing the emergency motion calling on the Nat/Lab government in Cardiff to reverse its decision to break its sponsorship of Wales Rally GB.What am I talking about. Well for the measly sum of £2.4m that expert on rural tourism IWJ decided last week that the event which the government are contracted to support is not worth the Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-22183603901423163442009-02-14T22:51:00.002+00:002009-02-14T22:57:24.212+00:00Where a request is not a requirmentOver the past 7 years my protocol with our corporate hotel booking service has had a note on it saying that I will not accept being placed in a smoking room.The booking form they send had the words "non smoking room requested". Now in my ignorance I have always assumed that when a hotel accepts a booking with a request they will honour it on the day or inform the agency the request could not be Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-35813485761669863432009-02-14T22:37:00.004+00:002009-02-14T22:51:50.620+00:00Tory attacks core of Scouting valuesAs an Englishman living in Wales I have always been amazed at the depths some on the fringes of Welsh politics will go to attack all things English. However this latest news that a Tory Councillor in Abergele is up in arms about the Scout movement holding a parade to celebrate their patron saint takes the biscuit.Anyone who like me has been an active member of the Scouting movement would know Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-65429606967635694312009-02-08T10:43:00.002+00:002009-02-08T10:48:43.071+00:00Passport vs Driving licence onlineHaving moved recently and with an expired passport I finally got around to starting to sort the situation out this morning.First off the Passport. A google search gets me to the relevant agency and apply on-line forms a series of questions a postcode based address finder (with accurate information)and a return button promised me a pre filled form in the post in the next couple of days.So far so Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-48048226794652957742009-01-22T09:20:00.003+00:002009-01-22T09:32:52.041+00:00Northern Rock Bonuses give lie to shareholder compensation rulesSo there we have it on the week after the main Northern Rock shareholders were in court arguing the lie of the governments compensation order that Northern Rock should have been valued as if it were in administration we learn that the repayment targets have been met and workers will get a 10% bonus.Now I am pleased for them they stuck it out when all was bleak and clearly have done a good job Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-2770176585445989572009-01-20T22:26:00.004+00:002009-01-20T22:41:41.674+00:00Obama vs Labour on public accountabilityMy oh my what a contrast, while Barack Obama tells the American people"And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government."Our clear and transparent government have introduced "Freedom of Information (ParliamentPete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-59863752779046485362009-01-10T00:17:00.003+00:002009-01-10T00:24:36.209+00:00Missed opportunity in the Economic Recovery GroupOverall the reshuffle leaves me feeling we have a stronger team. The promotion of Jenny Willott in particular is a big plus, and moving Steve Webb back to pensions can only strengthen our policy in this key area.Unlike some of my fellow bloggers I am also happy to see Lembit outside the front bench team. Parliament needs politicians who are prepared to reach out to all of society and leaving him Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-6885297061258738392009-01-09T23:54:00.003+00:002009-01-10T00:08:35.093+00:00What is the point of Plaid in government?On the day when Labour drove a coach and horses though the devolution settlement in Wales what is the response from the supposed Party of Wales?Well according to their web site at 1 minute to midnight the only thing they have to say today is a press release from one of thier AMs in a cross party role challenging Wales to produce role models that challenge size zero and hence reduce the prevalencePete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-62222571105359378542008-12-31T17:55:00.003+00:002008-12-31T18:37:57.228+00:00Why speed limiters would be a poor solutionSo once again at Christmas time the Government has dug out those old chestnuts for a new attempt at making some decent stuffing. This year it is sat nav driven speed limiters that make it onto the fire for a slow roast. These voluntary devices will save the world, cutting down on fuel emissions and reducing road accidents as we cut speeds to the legal limit we are told.So the questions have to bePete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-2649392484094931762008-12-23T18:00:00.003+00:002008-12-23T18:31:46.673+00:00Emperor Browns new ClothesFirst the Germans said, it now the IMF have followed suit Far from being the saving of the British economy the VAT cut is looking more and more like the Emperors new clothes.But should we be surprised, while the big retailers are happy to pass the savings on what about the rest of the economy.The publican running a microbrewery "I cant afford to change all my menus and beer prices are actually Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-85268814288124137602008-12-21T23:10:00.003+00:002008-12-21T23:39:11.305+00:00Environment must gain from car bailoutsThis week two key factors emerged in relation to our car industry.Firstly the EU have passed new targets that will reduce CO2 emissions by 20% in 2020 including new targets for vehicle emissions. Secondly it appears at least one UK maker will be cap in hand to the Treasury looking for a bail out to keep in in business over the coming months.Now let me make it clear I without hesitation support Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-51529784891712266422008-12-19T21:57:00.004+00:002008-12-19T22:33:09.457+00:00Powys Leisure centres under threat ?So having turned out the lights and forced the elderly off our streets (good crime reduction idea.. I think not) Powys are turning their attention to the entire community especially those who wish to keep in shape or learn to swim.It would appear that leisure facilities are under "review" It seems that 16 leisure centres for 125k people is too many.Of course looked at another way since 16 centresPete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-69409333879545165462008-12-15T09:47:00.008+00:002008-12-15T10:36:21.276+00:00Is an i_pod the new dead sheep?It is not for me to criticize Nick Bourne for buying an electronic device to enable his learning of the Welsh language. If it helps him communicate with his electorate a significant proportion of whom speak Welsh as their first language then his actions are to be applauded. However his choice of player leaves a lot to be desired and his justification opens up significant questions of his approachPete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-66678539429167036412008-12-14T23:33:00.005+00:002008-12-14T23:54:33.299+00:00The Scientific way to turn off the lightsOne of the hottest potatoes in Welsh local government has been the issue of streetlighting and when to turn off.To date councils have offered seemingly random selections done the deed and waited for the howls of protest. However there is a different and more scientific approach.Almost every authority will have their streetlights stored within a geographic information system. In these cases it Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-808072807451554222008-12-08T22:02:00.001+00:002008-12-09T10:33:49.748+00:00Kirsty victory a big step forwardIts no secret here in Wales that I have supported Kirsty for a long time as a potential Welsh Lib Dem leader. So todays result is a great one for me personally. However I also think it is a great day for politics in Wales too and marks the first step in the changing of the guard, as well as being the first female leader she is also the first leader who was too young to vote in the 1979 referendumPete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-17686525505421631052008-11-21T22:42:00.002+00:002008-11-21T22:53:38.766+00:00Unlocking the housing market log jamAs it becomes increasingly apparent that the changes announced earlier this year are having no impact what so ever on the housing market is it now time to consider more radical measures?Given the increasing number of repossessions announced today and assuming the trend continues are we confident there will be enough capacity in the local authority sector to rehouse these individuals?If you have Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-87561247062663857632008-09-25T20:25:00.002+01:002008-09-25T20:34:38.227+01:00If Gordon can multiply why can't DarlingAn old colleague once told me the key to winning EU bids is not to show how much grant money you will spend in an area but how that money will multiply within the local economy.While its seems that our PM has learnt this lesson the chancellor most definitely has not.What do I mean by this curious statement well take their two big announcements. When the chancellor decided to give home buyers freePete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7863292608632719371.post-46548127601714673762008-06-16T13:41:00.002+01:002008-06-16T13:55:17.704+01:00Europe the way forward?As we ponder the way forward in Europe perhaps the devolution position in the UK is a model to consider.In Scotland the settled will suggested full law making from day one would fly while in Wales the settled will would have voted no out of hand so we have a partial solution and a roadmap to something better.The EU problem is that, to continue the analogy, they have imposed the Scottish Model on Pete Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15875926608968180999noreply@blogger.com0