tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61797432012-01-27T07:46:44.774Z<A HREF="http://john.hemming.name/">John Hemming</A>'s Web Logjohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.comBlogger21821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-57428223482999197082012-01-22T10:23:00.002Z2012-01-22T10:26:14.696Z

The link is to a copy of a report produced by the Australian Government in 2009 which was then as far as I can tell sat on and removed from the list of reports.The summary includes the following:The trends in discovery of oil can be used to project similar trends in the subsequentproduction of oil. Using a method developed here, forecasts of future oil/liquidsproduction for 40 countries/regions

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-77348603666500693182012-01-21T08:51:00.001Z2012-01-21T08:52:36.124Z

The link is to a story where a local council attempted to stop an elderly lady with dementia from going on a cruise. In this instance the CoP found for the human beings. My experience is that it normally finds for the state however bad the arguments for the state happen to be.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-32979962489527506192012-01-10T12:48:00.003Z2012-01-10T12:51:57.290Z

The Court of Appeal Judgement in Cheshire West and Chester v P appears to redefine the concept of deprivation of liberty to exclude disabled people, in effect depriving anyone locked up by social services on the basis of an *alleged* disability of safeguards and appeal rights.This judgment has been criticised in this excellent article by Sam Smith - along with many others including Community Care

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-75016623695970937172012-01-09T07:41:00.003Z2012-01-09T07:50:28.590Z

The link is to a story from Northampton where a mother was given a 28 days suspended sentence for putting information about her case on Facebook.RSC Schedule 1 Order 52 states:(2)If the court hearing an application in private by virtue of paragraph (1) decides to make an order of committal against the person sought to be committed, it shall in public state –(a)the name of that person;(b)in

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-42926269187612310632012-01-08T16:47:00.002Z2012-01-08T16:57:20.967Z

The link is to a story (29/12/2011) in the New York Times about failed adoptions leading to homelessness.The USA started the obsession with adoption as a "solution" to care. They have about 50,000 "adoptions" from care each year. They don't actually track the total adoptions figure as the most recent total figure is from 2001 and is around 127,000.There is a very important distinction between

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-12147184340401502182012-01-05T15:14:00.003Z2012-01-05T18:08:33.834Z

The link is to today's story in The Times about adoptions reversing as children get older. There has already been some of this, but with the more aggressive approach to adoption there are many more wrongful adoptions.The story is behind a paywall. I will extract a few quotesThe two leading adoption charities are deeply concerned about the big increase in online unplanned contact, which flouts

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-35957695424524223252011-12-28T09:55:00.004Z2011-12-28T10:10:36.278Z

The link is to the judgment of the Irish Supreme Court on matters relating to the Hague Convention and adoption.A number of parents have won legal cases in Ireland which prevented their children being returned to England and placed in care on the basis that this would lead to adoption.This case was an interesting one because the children were not actually in care or even subject to a care order,

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-68922027633451319642011-12-24T16:23:00.001Z2011-12-24T16:24:57.461Z

See the link for the website dealing with Florence Bellone's winning of the reporting prize for reporting on the English Family Courts scandal.Quoting from the website:Title of the articleGreat Britain: The Stolen ChildrenName of mediaRTBFThe Grand Jury distinguished the report for its investigative merit in highlighting a human rights issue occurring in a highly-developed European Member State.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-69739135215503012502011-12-22T20:31:00.002Z2011-12-22T20:31:58.481Z

I attended St Edburgha'a carol service last Sunday. Robert Jones has produced some good photographs of the event. The music was good, but I don't think it is available on the net.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-69071400200426177962011-12-18T12:11:00.003Z2011-12-18T12:14:24.942Z

The link is to a story behind the paywall of the Sunday Times relating to Friday's jailing at around 4pm of Vicky Haigh for 3 years.On the way to the meeting in London (at which she asked a question of Anthony Douglas which was one of the reasons for which Doncaster MDC tried to have her imprisoned) she saw her daughter and went to say hello.At a time at which the press would not ordinarily be

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-48615956656847088872011-12-17T09:17:00.001Z2011-12-17T09:20:07.306Z

There is a youtube channel Idowish12 which includes a lot of films of Birmingham's past.For example:and

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-73507987450813425682011-12-16T15:33:00.003Z2011-12-16T15:43:05.667Z

The CTB v Imogen Thomas case raises a number of constitutional concerns about the accountability and reliability of secret justice. On 20th May 2011 the Neuberger Committee reported on secret justice clarifying what should happen. These procedures were not followed (in this case) on a number of occasions. On 2nd November 2011 there was a hearing which was not even listed. On 11th November

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-34673784818583236882011-12-13T15:00:00.001Z2011-12-13T15:02:20.458Z

This link will give a video of the evidence session at Today's Education Select Committee (Martin Narey and myself).

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-45446856813340574492011-12-13T08:29:00.002Z2011-12-13T08:30:46.003Z

I noticed in Le Monde over breakfast this morning that the Socialist candidate for France's presidential elections has said he will renegotiate the treaty.I have found the story in the online version of the newspaper and that is the link.When I told the Minister for Europe of this I was informed that it was on Radio 4 this morning.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-4697301781020015822011-12-11T12:16:00.002Z2011-12-11T12:17:40.461Z

The express story has been updated to include more than was in the printed story.It now includes the following comments from the British Association of Social Workers:Nishra Mansuri, of the British Association of Social Workers, recognised the whistleblower’s comments and said: “It’s a major concern. The cuts are creating so much pressure for social workers that the right decisions are not

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-23416164726073352402011-12-11T09:05:00.002Z2011-12-11T09:05:53.752Z

The link is to a story in Today's Sunday Telegraph about the many foreign children trapped in Childrens Services' kafkaesque world.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-78955488453896319582011-12-11T08:51:00.003Z2011-12-11T08:53:26.390Z

The link is to a story in today's Sunday Express about how misleading reports and psychobabble are used to destroy families.This is an extract:The whistleblower, a father who works for a large authority in the south of England, said: “We’re being pressured to go against what we think is right for families.“Personally, I’ve written reports and been told ‘You are too positive with this family. We’

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-7485388661443647342011-12-09T11:27:00.003Z2011-12-09T13:54:21.588Z

A number of journalists have phoned me to ask my view as to the use of the veto. I think Cameron was right to use the veto on changes to the treaties. It is entirely right that the 17 Eurozone countries resolve how to get greater fiscal unity which is essential for the success of the Euro and consequential success of the UK. However, that does not mean that we have to sign up to that. We

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-32052038137031517422011-12-01T21:09:00.002Z2011-12-01T21:11:30.475Z

I wondered if Hansard had corrected what I thought was Ed Milliband's error at PMQs when he said:the dinner lady, the cleaner or the nurse, people who earn in a week what the Chancellor pays for his annual skiing holidayIndeed they have stuck with what he said. Perhaps it wasn't a mistake and he thinks that cleaners earn £11K per week.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-66200182391230658622011-11-29T13:03:00.003Z2011-11-29T13:09:32.205Z

The Autumn Statement was today. There are some innovative proposals in it (such as using QE for smaller businesses). I was concerned that we continued to protect the poorest in society. The cost of living has gone up substantially. I was concerned to ensure that the full inflation increase of 5.2% occurred for the poorest who find it hardest to make ends meet.Life is getting harder for many

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-3074303934780058452011-11-26T17:25:00.005Z2011-11-26T17:55:49.100Z

This is another radio programme which looks at the wrongful abduction of children in England done by the state.It is, however, mainly in French. (including one of my interviews talking about constitutional procedures). It does include a recording of an arrest with french translation.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-48141077620803586832011-11-25T13:36:00.004Z2011-11-26T14:55:52.505Z

Last night's meeting on the issue of whether or not we have a directly elected mayor was an interesting experience.In the week beforehand I had expressed concern that there were too many speakers and it was unbalanced. I thought that having equal numbers of speakers from each side of the argument was good practice.The initial proposal was 7 speakers in favour (plus the chair also being a

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-7360242401349847062011-11-24T07:52:00.002Z2011-11-24T07:55:10.487Z

People campaigning for the release of Stuart Syvret were having a problem getting an e-petition tabled in support of my Early Day Motion. I, therefore, tried to get a motion tabled. It has taken about 2 weeks (and being raised at two select committees), but we now have the e-petition.That is here: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/22394There is also one in support of my EDM calling for

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-53727841459575441012011-11-19T20:19:00.003Z2011-11-19T20:21:38.540Z

The failure of the UK's judiciary in interpreting Article 8 of ECHR can be expressed as:"Joking about a footballer becomes a criminal offence, but the state is allowed to steal children from poor people at a whim."Not good.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-79878277437878039762011-11-19T18:00:00.004Z2011-11-19T18:01:29.776Z

The link is to three interviews with MEPs about the possibility of the European Parliament acting to review the malpractise in the English and Welsh family courts.(in French).

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-51965364052147554552011-11-18T12:03:00.003Z2011-11-19T08:11:06.337Z

Court secrecy and injunctions act to undermine the rule of law.What is interesting in the courts at the moment is the revelation that many of the injunctions that were granted should not, in fact, been granted. A number of these were granted on the basis of allegations that were untrue and have not been substantiated.One of the problems with secret hearings (and we have still been having some

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-27088496054846123542011-11-16T16:57:00.004Z2011-11-16T16:59:27.957Z

The link is to yesterday's debate on fuel prices. I raised my concern that we need to look at the issue of all energy prices in a scarce environment.I think the idea of having a quota of cheap fossil hydrocarbon would be a sensible way forward as part of an international plan to manage demand and keep down capital transfers.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-29903011679525039222011-11-04T09:49:00.003Z2011-11-04T09:51:54.094Z

The cancellation of the Greek referendum is not surprising. It is, however, a good example of an issue where a government really has no choice.The problem is that if the alternative route had been taken then at a point people would not have been paid and the problem would be much bigger. Many people would then regret having taken the action that they took (or moreso inaction).This is the real

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-13753060882814663472011-11-03T07:39:00.001Z2011-11-03T07:41:08.315Z

Unsurprisingly, for a panel dominated by people who run the family justice system and without representation from those who go through it, the Family Justice Review has essentially defended the status quo with a few cost saving tweaks.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-44315365671224724072011-11-02T09:25:00.002Z2011-11-02T09:30:36.124Z

The Greek referendum will be an interesting exercise. At some point the Greek government runs out of cash. After that point no-one gets paid. I suppose they can start by holding back on big payments, but after a point salaries are not paid, pensions are not paid, suppliers are not paid.Cash becomes "king" because no-one will give the government any credit unless they are forced to.The

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-17338195028502799572011-11-02T09:23:00.000Z2011-11-02T09:24:05.495Z

This is worth repeating for information:High quality emergency trauma care moves one step closer The introduction of a regional trauma care system that will see people who suffer major trauma injuries get access to the best possible emergency trauma care moved one step closer today, following the decision to approve the introduction of three designated major trauma centres for the West Midlands,

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-22297839599840733352011-11-02T08:46:00.003Z2011-11-02T08:53:02.894Z

Using the name "Robin Hood Tax" is misleading because it implies that it is a new tax.The UK has had a Financial Transaction Tax for many years. It is called Stamp Duty. The logic is quite simple. For transactions in shares to have any merit then there has to be a legal system. People should pay on an ad valorem basis for this.This happens in England and in Ireland. England charges 0.5% and

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-7503112948768930062011-10-30T08:33:00.003Z2011-10-30T08:40:37.899Z

There was a good example of Project Creep at one of the European Scrutiny Committees this week.There is a proposal for the EU to develop its own criminal law and prosecutory apparatus. This, which we can opt out of anyway, is a good example of project creep.Matters relating to the various European Bodies are matters of detail. There is, however, a general point. The general point is that of

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-2982873150626782322011-10-28T10:24:00.002Z2011-10-28T10:28:08.693Z

Obviously no-one would wish to be here. It would have been possible for Christine to have had a prison sentence following the assault in April 2010 (for which she received a caution). Hence a suspended sentence is not surprising.Had she pleaded Guilty she would have most likely had a conditional discharge. Hence we have to look at the issues that encouraged her to plead not guilty. One aspect

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-21944443647971907152011-10-27T10:49:00.002Z2011-10-27T10:51:03.890Z

The link is to the currently in force version of Magna Carta article 29 which says:NO Freeman shall be taken or imprisoned, or be disseised of his Freehold, or Liberties, or free Customs, or be outlawed, or exiled, or any other wise destroyed; nor will We not pass upon him, nor [X1condemn him,] but by lawful judgment of his Peers, or by the Law of the Land. We will sell to no man, we will not

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-59206023009619482012011-10-24T07:31:00.002Z2011-10-24T07:32:26.850Z

The link is to Paul Tyler's article about 38 degrees. Those campaigns run by 38 degrees are now in the danger of being simply ignored because their claims are so often untrue.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-4524499454594617512011-10-21T07:59:00.002Z2011-10-21T08:08:34.916Z

I have posted before about the European Questions. It is sad that the public debate never really gets into any of the details of this issue. There will be a debate on Monday which has a motion proposing a referendum which has as one of it's options a renegotiation.I would like to make my underlying view clear.I do not support an "ever closer union". I do see that there is a role for a

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-74810862025292068402011-10-15T17:42:00.004Z2011-10-16T11:36:36.406Z

There are quite a few demonstrations going on about economic exclusion. It is not surprising as a society where the numbers of people who participate in society is continue reducing is not a good society to have.The error is, however, to believe that it arises from capitalism per se. There is a real problem, but it arises from the economic changes that result from technology.Whereas in the past

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-35451867283483978222011-10-13T08:20:00.003Z2011-10-13T08:34:16.245Z

The link is to the debate yesterday on the economy. I did not mention unemployment in that speech because time was limited and the debate was about the macro economic picture.Obviously the government does need to work to reduce unemployment. However, that has to fit within the spending envelope which is why I have previously made proposals that reduce unemployment without unsustainable demand

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-35697501916214454622011-10-07T11:37:00.002Z2011-10-07T11:39:04.785Z

I presented Tescos Computers for Schools at 10am this morning and Lyndon Green had tweeted a picture of the event within 2 hours. here

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-3315049678986228542011-10-07T10:41:00.002Z2011-10-07T10:43:37.591Z

I link to the judgment released today where Wall P recognised that he erred in law in imposing a suspended sentence on Elizabeth Watson when he released her.It has recently been drawn to my attention that the Official Solicitor is supposed to act to protect people convicted of contempt of court. I wonder what they have been doing.Obviously they may have been involved in this particular decision,

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-51575180644342162232011-10-02T09:13:00.002Z2011-10-02T09:22:27.287Z

I have previously posted this diagram of European Bodies:It shows the complexity of the different bodies in Europe. There is a debate going about whether or not to have a "referendum on Europe".The first question of course is what the referendum is about. There are those people who would like to leave all of the European bodies in the diagram (except perhaps the Common Travel Area - which isn't

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-17207078847271742142011-09-29T10:08:00.002Z2011-09-29T10:11:17.399Z

I have linked to the BBC report on the numbers of babies adopted from care. There have always been very few of these as they are basically the babies that are abandoned at birth.I am not sure myself that the Government are right to regret that fewer babies are abandoned at birth. I would think that it would be better if they were not abandoned. However, that is the government's view.Similarly

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-12864315172627648532011-09-24T20:55:00.003Z2011-09-24T20:59:15.727Z

The news that Labour support the increase in tuition fees to 6K at the lower end, but not the higher end to 9k is an odd piece of news.Basically under the coalition scheme the graduates in the bottom half of earnings are not affected by this proposal. Those who would benefit are those who earn in their life time more than the 52nd percentile.In fact many of these would hardly be affected (those

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-20871373965199889582011-09-24T09:10:00.007Z2011-10-15T13:05:53.429Z

For those interested in Jazz here are three of the numbers the band played at the Lib Dem Glee Club on Tuesday evening.A good still:Photo Jas SansiBand Websitell

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-30523753817614645252011-09-23T06:32:00.005Z2011-09-23T08:40:10.183Z

[2011] EWHC 2376 (Fam)Doncaster v Watson has been published in which Wall P says: "The first myth I wish to explode is that a person can be sent to prison "in secret". Nobody in this country is sent to prison for contempt of court "in secret"."He also makes reference to:[2007] EWCA Civ 248 Hammerton v Hammerton in which it is clear that someone was sent to prison "in secret". Hence he is wrong

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-4387964123007288102011-09-22T13:13:00.001Z2011-09-22T13:14:01.975Z

I spoke at a number of Fringes at the Conference. This was with the Freedom Assocation about the first amendment.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-69820166003062626652011-09-11T17:26:00.003Z2011-09-11T17:42:39.388Z

The situation in Greece does seem to be coming to a head. If they don't sort their problems out then they won't have money to pay their liabilities.I would argue that any country that has had to have a rescue of any form has gone through a form of bankruptcy. However, it is only at the point at which they really don't have any way of paying for things that they have the effects of insolvency in

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-22491921650291474702011-09-11T08:51:00.004Z2011-09-11T09:04:00.379Z

Publicwhip (under new management) have now published the divisions. It is worth explaining the meaning of the amendment divisions pushed by Labour (as what they saw as the key issues).Delay the abolition of Strategic Health Authorities I cannot understand the argument for delaying the abolition. Either they are worth keeping or should go. I also don't know why Labour really pushed this one.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-46542686424859127192011-09-09T17:56:00.004Z2011-09-09T17:58:22.766Z

The Court of Appeal have reduced his sentence so he is now free. However, there really is a question asked when recording a court hearing is thought to be worse than looting.Indeed if courts are now to be televised should we not compromise and keep out the cameras, but allow recording (even if the recordings are not broadcast).

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-84427409994100489222011-09-06T08:05:00.006Z2011-09-06T08:36:10.785Z

The recent judgments have now been published in the Vicky Haigh case Doncaster v Haigh and Doncaster v Watson I am not going to comment specifically on the Watson case.I have always had and remain to have three concerns about the issues relating to Vicky Haigh. The first two were public. Firstly, I was concerned that there was an attempt made to jail her for talking at a meeting in parliament.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-32586768092184136742011-09-01T07:12:00.002Z2011-09-01T07:22:44.689Z

There is quite a debate going on about an amendment that Nadine Dorries is promoting to the Health and Social Care Bill. The first problem I have is that I have looked on the parliamentary website to find out precisely what the amendment is. I cannot find it. Hence it is difficult to comment precisely as to the amendment itself. There are some simple principles, however. It would be better

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-70781305961308404602011-08-31T13:29:00.004Z2011-08-31T13:36:58.358Z

Why does the NHS need updating? The NHS is a national treasure. But despite the best efforts of staff, the NHS could deliver better care for patients. Right now around one in four cancer patients are only diagnosed when they turn up as emergencies. So although the NHS is good, it could be better still. What is the purpose of the bill? To update the NHS to give every patient the best possible

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-32513245045264880012011-08-27T20:56:00.003Z2011-08-27T20:57:46.401Z

The link is to a piece in the Sunday Telegraph which considers the analytical processes used in the Family Division.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-37817578071261294332011-08-27T10:02:00.004Z2011-08-27T10:20:18.251Z

I have written an article about the problems with adversarial family justice on the Huffington Post My own view is that the adversarial nature of family proceedings have made the whole process much harder to resolve and if any lesson is learnt from this that needs to be learnt. I have also been criticised for the behaviour of Elizabeth Watson. There are a large number of people in England who

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-9888931898985931522011-08-23T08:04:00.003Z2011-08-23T08:19:15.526Z

Yesterday's court hearing brought into the public domain more about the case relating to Vicky Haigh. It, however, has not brought into the public domain all of the issues relating to this case and the judiciary retain control of those aspects of the case. I am not making any statement as to the details of the underlying care issue. The Judge who took the hearing yesterday was also the judge

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-34595195099525523192011-08-22T18:24:00.002Z2011-08-22T18:26:29.283Z

I always wondered about this issue. What goes up normally comes down (unless it reaches terminal velocity). The link is to an interesting BBC story. Who, What, Why: How dangerous is firing a gun into the air? The rebel advance into Tripoli has been celebrated with gunfire Libyan rebels have celebrated their advance into Tripoli by firing guns in the air. How hazardous is this? It is,

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-88753996156148107532011-08-18T16:04:00.003Z2011-08-18T19:39:36.420Z

The link is in Russian about the imprisonment of Norman Scarth who is actually 85. He has a complex history including a court hearing which found that he used a chainsaw to fight off bailiffs when he was 75. [a court judgment which is disputed see comments] However, that does not justify imprisoning him for 6 months for recording a court hearing (see the link and ask google to translate it if

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-24321274876215974732011-08-18T08:00:00.004Z2011-08-18T09:21:50.681Z

I described the events last week as a "game changer". I think they are as they highlight the substantial numbers of people who basically don't feel a personal commitment to following the rules of society and are willing to simply fight their own corner. There seems to be a dispute between those who argue that it is a question of poverty and those who argue it is a question of discipline and law

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-7925758847977583502011-08-15T07:48:00.005Z2011-08-15T07:57:20.970Z

I know there are people who are critical of the police. My own view is that I am supportive of the police action last week. It is always possible to dig little holes into someone's performance, but normally futile. I think that Chief Constable Chris Simms of the West Midlands Police did a good job throughout the week and his management assisted in both bringing orders into the situation and

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-81189224225089508252011-08-09T12:38:00.008Z2011-08-09T15:14:07.800Z

The best people I met on my tour around the city centre were those who had come to help clear up. This is a photograph of the volunteer clean up crew. Thanks to the efforts of the city council's staff who started work at 6am most of the mess had been cleared up by this point. The aftermath of the worst is really looking at the attempts to steal a cashpoint machine. All we had was an attempt

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-74318794484588125172011-08-08T19:30:00.001Z2011-08-08T19:31:12.634Z

The link is to another case where the GMC have been involved in covering up problems.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-25894521346485388932011-08-06T16:01:00.003Z2011-08-06T16:06:25.328Z

This is always the test of chart readers.There is obviously an international element to the recent market movements. There is also recognition that even the US cannot simply fund demand on increasing debt.I think there is also an August over-reaction as a result of many people being on holiday and people closing out positions. However, to hazard a guess I would not expect the market to go below

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-70861486375933896912011-07-17T16:16:00.001Z2011-07-17T16:17:20.000Z

A funny spoof trailerHat tip to Peter Black

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-80230988675603052082011-07-17T11:46:00.004Z2011-07-17T12:17:30.720Z

The Sunday Express today has a story about how over a thousand children each year continue to be wrongly adopted as a result in part of an error in calculating the adoption target.Christopher Booker today in the Sunday Telegraph looks at an additional two case studies.There is a lot of misinformation spread by civil servants (and parroted by ministers) about the adoption targets.Each English

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-39392636499504660342011-07-15T19:25:00.002Z2011-07-15T19:27:39.943Z

The link is to an impressive campaign by Grandparents Plus about keeping families together rather than reaching for adoption orders ala Martin Narey.The videos are well produced and deal with the real issues. They are quite emotive, but what they say is real and not a misrepresentation of the situation.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-87503496330567829572011-07-12T15:35:00.003Z2011-07-12T15:38:05.600Z

"What Price Privacy" is the name of a report written by the Information Commissioner published on 10th May 2006.It gives details of what prices people charged to obtain information (often illegally) about other people.I have always been more concerned about how the press obtain information than what is reported. However, it is worth looking at the report and in particular Table 1 on page 24.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-89161298837999003792011-07-08T13:04:00.002Z2011-07-08T13:05:01.841Z

The link is to a story about the rewriting of care records.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-67405708403454864202011-07-06T09:22:00.001Z2011-07-06T09:25:10.298Z

Ofcom have produced a map of Broadband availability. The link is the link to it. The real problem, however, is that it does not indicate what someone should expect in some of the really large counties such as Powys.Broadband will vary across such counties so it is more of a management tool than a tool which really explains what someone should expect if they move to somewhere in such a county.It

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-15212701378389605932011-07-05T15:11:00.002Z2011-07-05T15:11:53.281Z

The link is to an article about Freedom of Speech and the Rule of Law in the Huffington Post.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-43968064478988354472011-07-04T10:03:00.004Z2011-07-04T12:54:59.292Z

This was the second time I have played with Digby Fairweather at the Jazz Festival. It is always a pleasure to accompany him. Sadly, however, I have my duties to perform in London and as such will not be able to attend most of the festival. I am hoping to find some time to sit in at some of the summer events in Birmingham, however.Pic: Merlin Daleman

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-54390393538417670232011-07-01T14:42:00.001Z2011-07-01T14:43:18.392Z

The link is to an article I have written about problems with the legal system. It concentrates on, but is not exclusively about, Public Family Law.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-85460843151450727632011-07-01T05:47:00.001Z2011-07-01T05:48:43.928Z

This interview was quite surreal. Whatever the question was the answer was essentially the same.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-22263403980440311512011-06-29T17:21:00.001Z2011-06-29T17:22:46.602Z

Yesterday's finance bill.John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): I have found it odd recently that some private health insurers will pay those whom they insure to use the NHS. If that is the habit of private health insurance, where does the hon. Gentleman think the saving to the taxpayer is in allowing this tax relief?Michael Connarty: I did not want to cite that example, although it is a good

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-39379184711102624252011-06-25T17:00:00.003Z2011-06-25T17:08:06.435Z

I have linked to the debate as to Labour's alternative. They proposed on Wednesday a "temporary cut" in VAT (which implies they have changed their policy on VAT such that the permanent rate is now 20%).This would increase borrowing in the year.I asked a number of Labour MPs who they would borrow the money from and how much interest they would pay. It shows a considerable ignorance of economic

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-78886738546880900542011-06-18T19:46:00.002Z2011-06-18T19:49:23.556Z

This story is the details of the PIBS story. This is an interesting issue from the perspective of capital heirarchies and the voting against class interests (bondholder classes). However, the human story is quite real.So, you want to burn all the bank bondholders? Read Albert the pensioner's story...By Ciaran ByrneSaturday June 18 2011Meet Albert Kempster: he's 73, has a pension of just £56 a

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-89913283349107968132011-06-15T10:09:00.002Z2011-06-15T10:14:01.049Z

I think the way in which the NHS reforms have been produced is a good example of how government should work. I was always concerned that we should keep the NHS as an essentially co-operative organism with European competition law being kept out.What has happened through a process of consultation is that a set of proposals for reform that deal with most of the serious criticisms have been

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-569697426068171862011-06-12T12:45:00.003Z2011-06-12T12:49:38.414Z

There is a story today in the Sunday Independent which includes the following text:John Hemming, the Liberal Democrat MP who used parliamentary privilege to reveal that Ryan Giggs was the footballer behind the recent superinjunction, is a leading Pibs-holder and part of the campaign. The group intends to write to the Irish government to condemn its "lack of common decency and fair play".I would

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-86845391357669046152011-06-10T08:28:00.003Z2011-06-10T11:28:07.104Z

The link is to Anna Raccoon's story about Steven Neary. Steven Neary was a victim of judicial secrecy. Happily he has been released from the clutches of the state and his case can now be talked about.Sadly there are many others still trapped in the Kafkaesque world of secret imprisonment.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-82714889068889910362011-06-01T06:24:00.003Z2011-06-01T06:46:12.826Z

There is another post of alleged injunctions on Twitter. This time it is done by someone who associates themselves with "anonymous" - this is clear from the use of the anonymous mask image.For the avoidance of doubt I don't support putting up lists of injunctions. However, there are lots of issues with trying to stop this.Firstly, it is very easy for anyone who intentionally wishes to put

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-53223173325767174322011-05-28T09:30:00.000Z2011-05-28T09:31:19.282Z

Best to go to the link.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-11497259690577727722011-05-27T14:12:00.002Z2011-05-27T14:13:12.290Z

This is a spreadsheet with the full information for England as to what happened to children Under 5 in terms of destinations in and out of care over the last 15 or so years.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-72727291728894031812011-05-26T08:52:00.002Z2011-05-26T08:55:42.719Z

YouGov performed a survey of people to find out what proportion knew "the secret" before I mentioned it in the House of Commons.Of the total sample of 2,442 82% were sure they knew, 14% were sure that they didn't know and 4% didn't know whether they knew or not. Of the 82% 3% got the name wrong, but 79% got the name right.From the perspective of the "Law of Confidentiality" I would argue,

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-36842332316205929492011-05-25T21:34:00.002Z2011-05-25T21:36:31.426Z

Noting the fact that according to press reports Ryan Giggs's lawyers are still trying to get information from Twitter can I offer to organise a collective defence of twitter users in the English and Welsh jurisdiction. Anyone who receives notification from twitter is welcome to contact me via the parliamentary systems.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-57349279449311946772011-05-25T20:30:00.002Z2011-05-25T21:21:24.849Z

I have a link to a story about getting data from Twitter.It remains my view that they will give up trying to prosecute tweeters for contempt, but think how much worse it would be with everyone anonymous and in secret as is happening with Zam.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/twitter/8536641/Twitter-prepared-to-hand-over-user-data.html"TWITTER yesterday said it was prepared to hand over

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-91331140077340624582011-05-24T21:14:00.000Z2011-05-24T21:15:26.713Z

John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker.Hon. Members will be aware that I have a long-time concern about secrecy in court processes, which was highlighted in the story in The Guardian today. We have no true freedom of speech when people can be jailed for complaining about their problems. This country seems to have a penchant for covering up problems that would be

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-19277737960698074472011-05-24T18:53:00.001Z2011-05-24T18:56:04.246Z

"If the third party publishes information which is already fully and clearly in the public domain by reason of the acts of others, then the third party's act of publication does not have this effect. It does not have an adverse effect on the administration of justice in the action. The court's purpose in making its interlocutory order has, by then, already been defeated by the acts of others.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-74492966842802765612011-05-24T14:38:00.002Z2011-05-24T14:38:38.149Z

The link is to a story about a secret committal for a breach of confidentiality.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-80430143055265792692011-05-24T07:53:00.002Z2011-05-24T07:54:53.271Z

The link is to Jonathan Walker's article on the Birmingham Post website.This is a good summary. Most reports had lost track of the fact that enforcement activities had started on two injunctions. On both occasions against people who tweeted on twitter.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-65436449632126485582011-05-23T17:40:00.001Z2011-05-24T07:58:32.025Z

Answering questions as to why he named the twitter footballer today, but not before John Hemming said "When he sued twitter it was clear what he was doing. He was going after the ordinary people who have been gossiping about him on twitter. To prosecute someone for contempt of court is quite a serious step. It comes with an up to two year jail sentance." "I have spoken to people of ordinary

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-72925393573894374502011-05-21T18:29:00.003Z2011-05-21T18:29:58.977Z

Anyone who likes baby pictures should look at the link. Vicky hasn't sent me a photo to upload yet. However, there is at least one more child that has been saved from the adoption machine.See the link in The Telegraph.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-33279270371379544812011-05-21T18:06:00.003Z2011-05-21T18:09:38.460Z

Here is a question. What is the public interest in identifying CTB?The answer is very clear. Anyone who believes they have a legal right of access to Kelvin Mackenzie's emails should not be anonymous.Similarly if they are going to hunt down and attempt to imprison people who tweet on twitter they should not do this anonymously.Personally I believe that trying to get journalists emails is an

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-78578612213181255392011-05-21T06:52:00.004Z2011-05-21T06:58:57.876Z

Well, well, well I didn't think that CTB could be that stupid. 2 million people have seen the Twitter account. Over 116,000 have subscribed to it. Twitter have highlighted it.Now CTB has decided to sue Twitter to get the account details.All they can get is the Internet Protocol address unless someone has been stupid enough to use their normal email address.This could be the address of an

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-41700493750026705012011-05-16T13:20:00.004Z2011-05-20T21:05:08.335Z

The link is to the judgment today in the above case.Section 12 of the 1998 Human Rights Act can be found hereWhere in the judgment can you find reference to 12 (4)The court must have particular regard to the importance of the Convention right to freedom of expression and, where the proceedings relate to material which the respondent claims, or which appears to the court, to be journalistic,

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-1415789492183125132011-05-15T08:35:00.003Z2011-05-15T08:40:14.593Z

Much that the presence of the twitter account that purports to reveal contents of a number of super injunctions was in the news on Monday, the account is still there and now has 113,865 followers.What we have is a law that is not generally accepted as well as a law that only really benefits wealthy men. The point about the checks and balances in the system is to ensure that the laws do have

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-91642359716463941242011-05-12T07:10:00.000Z2011-05-13T20:29:03.005Z

The link is to David Allen Green's piece on the New Statesman website about Wikileaks and their aggressive approach to staff secrecy.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-41333910690521818732011-05-11T11:01:00.002Z2011-05-11T11:04:08.969Z

The link is to the debate in parliament about Clause 13 of the Human Rights Bill on 2nd July 1998.It does show how far the courts have gone from parliament's intention.

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-43218586087763491062011-05-11T07:21:00.002Z2011-05-11T07:22:20.448Z

John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, if he will instruct legal representatives to intervene on one or more cases in respect of recent judgments in terms of the balance between Articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights to take the case to the Supreme Court for a ruling on the interpretation of section 12 of the

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-74974260172388524392011-05-10T09:15:00.003Z2011-05-10T14:38:36.535Z

The link is to the judgment. The conclusion of the judgment is:However, the Court has consistently emphasised the need to look beyond the facts of the present case and to consider the broader impact of a pre-notification requirement. The limited scope under Article 10 for restrictions on the freedom of the press to publish material which contributes to debate on matters of general public

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6179743.post-1317510510059034032011-05-05T06:49:00.001Z2011-05-05T06:50:52.198Z

The link is to a Daily Mail story that has a privacy order as part of an Employment Tribunal.A celebrity chef won a privacy order yesterday granting him anonymity over claims he mistreated two employees whom he later sacked at his business empire.The ruling means that he cannot be named at an employment tribunal later this year brought by the female and male members of his staff.I will be looking

johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16563623241172913378noreply@blogger.com2