How good it is to see our outgoing MP, Michael Howard, support a decision granting leave to a Gurkha to stay in our country. It is only right that we support a man who fought for our country and Tul Bahadur Pun VC deserves our sincerest gratitude. It is a sign of our thanks and recognition of his bravery that Tul should be allowed to come here.
A statement to Shepway District Council last night by East Kent NHS Facilities Director Howard Jones confirmed that the NHS Trust are continuing with their plan to sell the main building of the Royal Victoria Hospital, probably for residential development.
Shepway Liberal Democrats have tabled a motion slamming the Council treatment of Folkestone businessman Anthony Cowie by Shepway District Council and calling for his case to to reviewed as soon as possible. The motion will be debated at the Shepway District Council full council meeting on Wednesday 13 June.
The Liberal Democrats on Shepway District Council have presented a wide ranging set of questions to Wednesday evenings full Council meeting. The subjects cover issues from recycling, public liability insurance, the state of the Leas bandstand, Veterans Day, freedom bus passes and the future of the Folkestone Post Office.
Last week I attended the premier of Taking Liberties. It's a new feature film about how Tony Blair and New Labour have been steadily taking away our civil liberties. Love it or loathe it, it's very thought provoking and led to a heated panel discussion between myself, Shami Chakrabati, Ken Loach, Clive Anderson and others after the screening. You can see the trailer at http://www.noliberties.com/trailer.htm
Sunday 10 June sees Folkestone mark one of its most famous citizens with the annual William Harvey Commemoration.
The BBC report that two men are being questioned after police received reports of harassment against "Dave" the dolphin who has been swimming by Sandgate, Folkestone for over a year.
Action from Councillor Peter Gane has drawn a promise that at least one road in Cheriton will get better street cleaning treatment in future. After being called by local residents, Peter was appalled at the street litter and dirt in the area, and contacted Shepway demanding a clear-up.
Party members have just three weeks, until 29 June, to register for the Liberal Democrats Federal Conference at the discounted rate. Conference this year will take place at the Brighton Centre on Kings road Brighton between 15-20 September.
The House of Lords is due to vote on the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill later this month. Having initially insisted that it was a matter 'for Parliament to decide', both Gordon Brown and David Cameron are now saying they oppose the Bill 'in its current form', adding to the ongoing strong Liberal Democrat opposition to the bill.
Folkestone Deputy Mayor Emily Sanger was elected Chair of the key Community Services Committee of Folkestone Town Council on Tuesday night, with new councillor Dhan Gurung being elected as Vice-Chair. The Committee is focused on developing and supporting services for Folkestone, and the positions are for the 2007-08 year.
A provocative new documentary, Taking Liberties, is released in UK cinemas this Friday (8 June). The film makers are encouraging people to see the film, saying:
