A reply – but not an answer

You may remember that I met my MP, Louise Mensch, before Christmas, and she agreed to write to The Treasury asking for the reasons why The Chancellor, George Osborne, announced a review of the Habitats Regulations in his Autumn Statement. Ms Mensch, being an author of some repute (whether good or ill is up to…

Newts

Newt Gingrich won the South Carolina primary last week which made me wonder whether the habitues of Lou and Perry’s diner were all voting for him – maybe they are all Democrats anyway. Newts are tricky things though aren’t they? There are three species of newts in the UK; smooth, palmate and great crested,  and…

Many bits and pieces

Last week this blog passed its 2000th comment – which seems pretty good going.  I am pleased to see that regular commenter Dennis Ames provided that 2000th comment alongside 137 others over the months.  I do enjoy seeing all your comments- whether I agree with them or not – do keep them coming please. I…

Where was the bulldog spirit on 19 December Mrs Spelman?

We used to talk about joined up government, but I haven’t heard the phrase used so often these days.  Maybe that’s just as well when the Defra Secretary of State regards biodiversity as the spice of life and the Chancellor regards it as the kiss of death for the economy. But we would have to…

What’s behind it?

It’ll be a while, no doubt, before the Treasury Minister, Chloe Smith replies to my MP, Louise Mensch, to tell me the basis of the Chancellor‘s decision to review the Habitat Regulations that he announced, with (it seemed to me) a certain degree of vindictive delight, in his Autumn Statement. At the moment I can…