Monday, 31 October 2011
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Interview with Nicky Morgan MP, author of "The Ombudsmen - Time for Reform"
Thoughtful and convincing work arguing for the thorough reform of the Ombudsman system written by an MP PPS in the House of Commons.
The Ombudsman was established in 1967 to investigate complaints of maladministration and injustice by central government. In 1974 the Local Government Ombudsman was established to perform a similar role for complaints against local councils. In 2001 they were joined by the Financial Ombudsman Service. There are now more than two dozen Ombudsmen covering everything from the NHS to furniture manufacturers.
In this provocative booklet Nicky Morgan MP argues forcefully that the system is ripe for a long overdue overhaul. She calls for Ombudsmen to look at service failure as well as at maladministration, to publicise their findings more widely and to be given greater powers to right the wrongs suffered by individuals at the hands of faceless bureaucrats. "The Coalition Government is committed to empowering people" writes Nicky. It is now time to act.
About the Author
Nicky Morgan is Member of Parliament for Loughborough. Nicky studied law at Oxford University. In September 2010 Nicky was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Cabinet Minister at the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. She had previously been elected by her fellow MPs to serve on the Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee, but gave up that position following her appointment as a PPS.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Negative Political Campaigning - the video
Insiders' analysis of negative campaigning in the politics of the UK and USA - why it works and why it does not.
The aim of A History of Negative Campaign: UK and USA stems from our recognition of those who continue to engage in the dark arts. Politics still very much remains a game of two halves: Positive campaigning everyone talks about and Negative campaigning they don't acknowledge.
Sangra, begins with an historical overview of the presidential elections in the United States of America, the birthing ground of political campaigns, political consultants and ultimately the rise of negative campaigns; drawing on the popularity of the Democrats and Republicans during a timeline of eras.
Woodman, proceeds with the lessons the United Kingdom have learnt from the Americanisation of politics and examines the negative campaigns of the Conservative, Labour and LibDem Parties. He concentrates on General Elections, but also talks about America's style in the London Mayoral Election.
Both authors present separate conclusions with predictions ahead of the upcoming Presidential and General Elections.
About the Authors
Harpreet is a 2008 graduate of Loughborough University with BSc Hons in Communications and Media Studies and has completed a dissertation researching spin and Alastair Campbell. She now works as a full time political analyst.
Andrew has worked for the Direct Democracy movement as well as co foundering the successful Reinstate Roger Helmer campaign. Andrew worked for seven years as campaign manager and election agent for the Conservatives in the North West Leicestershire constituency. He now works as Senior Parliamentary Assistant for Andrew Bridgen MP. '
The aim of A History of Negative Campaign: UK and USA stems from our recognition of those who continue to engage in the dark arts. Politics still very much remains a game of two halves: Positive campaigning everyone talks about and Negative campaigning they don't acknowledge.
Sangra, begins with an historical overview of the presidential elections in the United States of America, the birthing ground of political campaigns, political consultants and ultimately the rise of negative campaigns; drawing on the popularity of the Democrats and Republicans during a timeline of eras.
Woodman, proceeds with the lessons the United Kingdom have learnt from the Americanisation of politics and examines the negative campaigns of the Conservative, Labour and LibDem Parties. He concentrates on General Elections, but also talks about America's style in the London Mayoral Election.
Both authors present separate conclusions with predictions ahead of the upcoming Presidential and General Elections.
About the Authors
Harpreet is a 2008 graduate of Loughborough University with BSc Hons in Communications and Media Studies and has completed a dissertation researching spin and Alastair Campbell. She now works as a full time political analyst.
Andrew has worked for the Direct Democracy movement as well as co foundering the successful Reinstate Roger Helmer campaign. Andrew worked for seven years as campaign manager and election agent for the Conservatives in the North West Leicestershire constituency. He now works as Senior Parliamentary Assistant for Andrew Bridgen MP. '
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
What the Immigrant Saw - the video
Today we launch the first video of our autumn 2011 season. Below you can watch JP Floru talk about his new book "What the Immigrant Saw"
Britain as seen through the eyes of an immigrant from Belgium. Amusing, serious, incisive, but always affectionate, JP Floru brings an outsider's eye to look at Britain.
In this book JP Floru takes us on his journey to get to know Britain, his adoptive home. He recounts events both amusing and serious. He looks at British towns and countryside with a fresh eye, revealing us as others see us.
"I nearly walked under a car when I spotted my first ever bus queue. A dozen people of all ages and walks of life stood neatly behind each other (without touching!). I stared at it in wonder."
"Initially I thought people really wanted to hear more when they said "how interesting"; and I appreciated the compliment when they said "nice tie"."
"I wonder what Marlborough, Wellington or Churchill would have thought about the EU."
"Conviction is key: people can spot from a mile away if a politician just speaks spin manufactured to please them."
About the Author
JP Floru arrived in Britain in 1994 with a single suitcase and a scholarship to Leeds University. He has since become a full time artist selling his works at galleries in Londong and New York. He has also entered politics becoming a councillor in London and standing for the European Parliament in 2009.
Britain as seen through the eyes of an immigrant from Belgium. Amusing, serious, incisive, but always affectionate, JP Floru brings an outsider's eye to look at Britain.
In this book JP Floru takes us on his journey to get to know Britain, his adoptive home. He recounts events both amusing and serious. He looks at British towns and countryside with a fresh eye, revealing us as others see us.
"I nearly walked under a car when I spotted my first ever bus queue. A dozen people of all ages and walks of life stood neatly behind each other (without touching!). I stared at it in wonder."
"Initially I thought people really wanted to hear more when they said "how interesting"; and I appreciated the compliment when they said "nice tie"."
"I wonder what Marlborough, Wellington or Churchill would have thought about the EU."
"Conviction is key: people can spot from a mile away if a politician just speaks spin manufactured to please them."
About the Author
JP Floru arrived in Britain in 1994 with a single suitcase and a scholarship to Leeds University. He has since become a full time artist selling his works at galleries in Londong and New York. He has also entered politics becoming a councillor in London and standing for the European Parliament in 2009.
Monday, 10 October 2011
Videos
We are about to release some videos about our new range of political books. Watch this space.
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Website redesign
We are currently revamping our website. Watch this space for changes as they happen.
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