BLAIR 'CLOSE TO RESIGNATION' OVER IRAQ AFFIAR -

The PM has stated that he would have resigned if a Commons vote on the war in Iraq had not gone the government's way. Could Gordon Brown have had a chance to become Prime Minister?

SNP AND LABOUR CLASH OVER THE ECONOMY -

Labour and the Scottish Nationalists have clashed over Scotland's economy. Mr. Swinney, the leader of the SNP, stated that Labour's economic policies contrast with the SNP's policies designed to give Scotland a competitive edge. What Scotland needs are more pro-business oriented politicians.

UK TO INTERVENE IN ZIMBABWE? -

The Conservatives have called for the Labour government to pursue an UN resolution in order to curb human rights violations in Zimbabwe. As a classical liberal/libertarian I'm opposed to interventionist foreign policies. I feel the UK should not be obligated to correct every 'wrong' in the world.

LABOUR LAUNCH LOCAL ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN -

The Labour party have launched their manifesto for the forthcoming local elections in Britain. Both Labour and the Conservatives feel that these elections will be fought over local issues and would not be a 'referendum' on Labour party rule. More attention should be placed into private provision of public services.

BURYING THE GERMAN HATCHETT? -

Tony Blair met with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder today in an attempt to restore relations in spite of the countries' disagreements pertaining to the war in Iraq. Is a similar reconcilliation meeting planned with French President Chirac?

SMOKING BANNED IN BARS? -

A Labour MP has proposed a bill which would outlaw smoking in establishments that sell food. Shouldn't it be bars/pubs/clubs themselves that determine whether smoking should be permitted?

LABOUR AHEAD IN OPINION POLLS -

The Labour party still retain a lead over the Conservatives in a recent opinion poll. Members of the electorate were asked whether they concurred with Labour's plans to raise National Insurance to fund extra spending on public services. The majority of people stated that they trusted Labour with the ability to improve public services greater than the the Conservatives. I feel this would be the case until the Tories can produce some coherent policies. This is not related to public services, but other areas. Will their economic policies be vastly different to New Labour's? Are they still anti-EMU entry (even though the majority of the parliamentary party and membership is opposed to such a thing)? I await their manifesto for the next general election, be it 2005 or 2006.

TONY IN THE SIMPSONS -

The PM has recorded lines that are to be broadcast in a future episode of the Simpsons. I'm a great fan of this show (even though post-season ten the standard has dipped) and look forward to Mr. Blair appearing on the programme.

SNP CALLS FOR 'OPTIMISM' -

The Scottish National Party, whilst launching their manifesto for the forthcoming Parliament elections, have stated that Scots should possess optimistic feelings relating to their nation. Mr Swinney (the leader of the SNP) commented that Scotland had 'great potential'. Whilst I dislike the notion of the UK breaking up, I do concede that Scotland could be a successful sovereign state. Nonetheless if there ever was an SNP government in an independent Scotland, they must revise their policies pertaining to business and the economy.

PORTILLO AT ASDA? -

The former Conservative defence secretary Micheal Portillo has decided to experience life as a supermarket checkout worker in Liverpool. He also has taken the repsonibility of caring for children (who were the offspring of the supermarket worker Mr. Portillo is replacing). Portillo is supposedly one of the more socially liberal Tory MP's. Even still I find it intriguing that he wishes to sample the life of one who is 'lesser off'. Is this what IDS means when he states that the Tories should 'help the vulnerable'? If so, Disraeli would be proud.

JUNK FOOD ON TV?

A Labour MP has stated that junk food should not be advertised on children's television. Of course, Ms. Shipley (the MP in question) is entitled to her opinion, nonetheless it's misguided. Shouldn't responsibility be primary here? A parent should (to a great extent) control the diet of their child.

THE BUDGET -

Today, Gordon Brown produced his seventh budget. He stated that the UK is in better economic shape than the other major industrialised nations of the world, albeit he amended his growth forecasts for Britain's GDP. As I have stated in previous logs, the government should cut taxes and allow greater private finance into public services.

BUSH/BLAIR NORTHERN IRELAND TALKS -

George W. Bush and Tony Blair have met in Northern Ireland to (in part) discuss the Northern Ireland peace process. When 'Dubya' ran for office in 2000, didn't he state that the US should take a less interventionist role in foreign affairs? Yes, 9/11 forced his administration to be more proactive, nonetheless I find it peculiar that Dubya wishes to duplicate his predecessor's work (, i.e. Slick Willy Clinton, of course) in Ulster.

EUROPEAN UNION 'EXIT CLAUSE'? -

A new clause (known as Article 46) in a future EU constitution is being pondered. It constitutes of whether a member state can leave the union, whilst giving two years notice. This is truly a superb announcement. It means that the UK can exit the EU if/when foolhardy notions of a federal Europe arise.

BE YOUR OWN CHANCELLOR -

I discovered this 'game' at the BBC news website. Essentially it's a model in which you input variables and see whether you've improved or ruined the economy. I cut taxes (both direct and regressive) and spending, yet inflation is always too high.

GERMANY'S FAULT? -

Gordon Brown supposedly feels that Germany is at fault for Britain's slower than optimum GDP growth over the past year. Of the four major economies of Europe (, i.e. Germany, France, the UK and Italy) the United Kingdom has grown at the fastest rate over the last few years. Even still, Mr. Brown should place emphasis on tax cuts and involving greater amounts of private finance into public services within his next budget.

ABU HAMZA DEPORTED -

The controverisal Islamic cleric Sheikh Abu Hamza is to be deported at the order of the Home Secretary David Blunkett. Tell me, why should a citizen of the United Kingdom (irrespective of his country of origin) be sent away from his nation simply because he speaks freely? Freedom of expression must be paramount in this instance.

NATIONAL INSURANCE RISES -

NI rates are to be risen from Sunday. This is not a wise or prudent move, considering that the economy is not growing at its optimum. Instead of raising taxes (which NI is, without question), why not lessen (even eradicate?) taxation and allow the private sector a greater role in the provision of public services? Institutions such as the NHS would fare better if permitted to exist within a free market.

SSP MANIFESTO -

I noticed the manifesto that the Scottish Socialist Party have for the forthcoming Holyrood elections. I couldn't really believe they are advocating a minimum wage of over seven pounds. THAT would surely seek to raise unemployment, as any highly set minimum wage could potentially do.

CRIME FIGURES -

Supposedly, recorded crime figures in England & Wales are lower than in previous quarters. A 9% drop was actually recorded. What the police need is to be relieved from bureaucracy. In addition, victimless crimes must be legalised (for example, why arrest a person who grows cannabis whilst other crimes with a direct victim may go unrecorded?)