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A Bill Of Rights Written By Social Workers
The government is planning a new Bill of Rights and possibly a written Constitution for Britain. Northern Ireland looks set to be the testing ground for the first draft of the Bill, much as Scotland was used to test the doomed Poll Tax in the 1980s.
The Bill due to be imposed on the people of the Province gives an idea of what Britain's Bill of Rights and Constitution might look like. Unlike the American documents, any British Bill of Rights is unlikely to be drawn up by a brains trust of the great men of the day: Instead, the earliest indications confirm our suspicions that the British Constitution will be written by activist lawyers and social workers.
A Bargain, Yes, A Bargain
Over the next years, this figure will increase at a hyper-inflationary rate: "In 2008-09, the net payment will be worth £6.1 billion. In 2009-10, it will be £6.4 billion", says the Telegraph. Yes, because we've go so much money to throw around, haven't we?
Fitna For Purpose?
"The default 'blasphemy law' in the UK is now Shari’a, and it is under its absolutes that all religio-political discourse must now be conducted."
Carlamania Continues
Having won over the British, the Sarkozy show has left London, and the President has returned to France to face the trickier task of reforming France's stubborn economy. Throughout the weekend, however, the British newspapers continued to bask in the afterglow left by Carla Bruni.
Sunday supplements were packed with reviews of her fashion choices and advice for women hoping to "get the look"; other features drew parallels between France's first lady, Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly.
Welcome To Paris
The biggest box-office draw in France this year has been Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis, a light-hearted tale of a cop posted to the country's northern region, home of the eponymous Ch'tis.
The movie has worked wonders for the North, viewed by many French citizens as a rainy, depressed and impoverished region. However, it hasn't changed the views of everyone in France, as the thirty metre banner above shows.
Terminal Disease
The Queen officially opened London Heathrow airport's new Terminal 5 early this month. It cost £4.6 billion to build. Construction started in 2002.
Since passengers walked in the many front entrances there has been nothing less than chaos.
The Carla Strategy Pays Off
"God bless Carla" says French PM; EURSOC had her right all along!
Nicolas Sarkozy's state visit to Britain had a number of goals. To present a "rebooted" President on his best behaviour following a series of disappointing polls and to dangle the possibility of a Franco-British engine in the European air, following the President's cool reception in Berlin, were the main hopes of Sarko's team.
A less-discussed, but doubtless important personal aim for Sarkozy, however, was to introduce his new wife Carla Bruni on the world stage as Europe's leading first lady.
It's too early to judge the success of his political aims; to judge by the reception in the British press, however, Plan Carla was a huge success.
Carla Wows Brits
Less than one year ago, two women were giving Nicolas Sarkozy no end of grief. His troublesome wife Cécilia was intent on making his home life a misery, while his Presidential opponent Ségolène Royal had determined, with the aid of the media, to depict Sarkozy as a dangerous extremist who would wreck centuries of French tradition.
Sarkozy's Speech
The full text of President Nicolas Sarkozy's speech to the British House of Commons and House of Lords:
Madame Speaker of the House of Lords, Mr Speaker of the House of Commons, Prime Minister, ladies and gentlemen, members of parliament.
For the president of the French Republic, it is an exceptional honour to address members of both houses of the British parliament.
It is indeed here, within these walls, that modern political life was born. Without this parliament, would parliamentary democracy have ever existed in the world? Hasn't this parliamentary practice, begun in this place, become the best guarantee against tyranny?
Sarko Day
Prince Charles greets the First Lady in the traditional French manner
An hour from now, France's President Nicolas Sarkozy will land at London's Heathrow Airport, to be greeted by Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall. It's the beginning of a short state visit which sees both the President and Britain's Gordon Brown hope to renew their flagging political fortunes.
Unlike Brown, however, Sarkozy is travelling with not-so-secret weapons: His new wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and her mother, Marisa Bruni-Tedeschi (Sarkozy's mother, who was expected to travel with him, has cancelled).
From the airport, the British and French parties will ride to be joined by the Queen, who they will accompany to Windsor Castle in a state carriage procession.
Hillary's Desperation
As late as autumn 2007, Hillary Clinton was tipped as favourite for the White House. Now the former First Lady's campaign is floundering. Chris Timmers reports.
“I remember landing under sniper fire. There was supposed to be some kind of greeting ceremony at the airport but instead we just ran with our heads down to get into the vehicles to get to our base.”
Hillary Clinton in a speech at George Washington University, 17 Mar 08
A New Entente Cordiale
Nicolas Sarkozy makes his first state visit to Britain tomorrow: His wife, Carla Bruni, and his mother are in tow
Throughout history, relations between France and England have been turbulent. There was a bad start when William the Conqueror invaded the British island in 1066. The English got their revenge at the battle of Agincourt in October 1415 when the soldiers from Blighty decimated an army of France.
Shakespeare In The Dock
We all know he was the greatest playwright. But it has emerged recently, thanks to good work by American scholars at the British Public Record Office in Kew, west of London, that William Shakespeare was involved in a lawsuit.
"Betrayal Of The Gurkhas"
Because the British grumble about the number of asylum seekers in the country (and, more regularly, the hopeless failure of the government to sort out the deserving from the chancers), an outsider could be forgiven for thinking that as a nation, we dislike the idea of allowing foreigners onto our little islands.
Paris In The Occupation
Opening today at the Bibliothèque historique de la Ville de Paris is an exhibition of colour photographs by André Zucca titled "Parisians under the Occupation."
The Ballad Of Paul And Heather
What can we say about the new celebrity Heather Mills? Is she a gold-digger and a whore ? Or the victim of a tortured childhood and a dutiful mother ?
Ryanair Takes On TGV
The Independent reports on Ryanair's plans to "take on the TGV" by launching a series of internal flights in France, including one between Paris (well, nearly) and Marseilles (or thereabouts).
Bin Laden Threatens, EU, Pope
In his latest broadcast, terror leader Osama bin Laden turned his attentions to the European Union, threatening "grave punishment" because of the images of Mohammed published in some newspapers. He said that Europe was involved in a "new crusade", in which the Pope and the Vatican "have a significant role."
His message, the first from the al-Qaeda leader since November, is timed to coincide with Mohammed's birthday, but it also marks the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.
Will EU Boycott China Olympic Ceremony?
France's foreign minister Bernard Kouchner has raised the possibility of the European Union boycotting the opening ceremony of this summer's Olympic Games in response to the continuing violence in Tibet.
Belgium Gets Government (It No Longer Wants)
Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Nine months after the last general election, Belgian politicians have finally agreed on the shape of the nation's new government. Flemish Christian Democrat leader Yves Leterme will step up as Prime Minister on Thursday: He was expected to become PM shortly after his party came ahead in last June's election, but was unable to reach a deal with representatives from Belgium's French-speaking end.
Unfortunately, voters seem to have cooled on Mr Leterme and his "government" has slumped in polls, even before it assumes the position.
The Odd Couple
The famous American film 'The Odd Couple' was a 1960s hit. It starred Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon. It was about two people who did not get along very well. It could be a metaphor for the couple who now control France and Germany.
Missing In Action
Why does this advertisement on the Daily Telegraph's website for a Telegraph-sponsored essay writing competition not include Northern Ireland?
The subject for the competition is the future of the UK; the prize jury includes robust supporters of the Union such as Conservative MP Michael Gove; the prize is due to be awarded by Baroness Thatcher, who is not renowned for her sympathy for Irish Republicanism. And it's sponsored by the Daily Telegraph, which up to recently was one of the few newspapers in Britain who respected the aspiration of the majority community to remain British. Have a word, please.
Jacques The Lad
A possibly apocryphal story about former President Jacques Chirac, from a comments entry on Charles Bremner's blog in the Times:
"Apparently, the following is a true story:
"Jacques Chirac, as President of France, is in the process of shaking hands, when some guy in the crowd shouts "Connard!" (= asshole, but stronger). And Jacques, cool as a breeze, turns to the guy, puts a big smile on his face, holds out his hand to the guy and says "Chirac, enchanté"."
Perhaps he could give Sarkozy lessons on how to handle a heckler?
Quote Of The Day
"(Thierry) Chopin says France has to define its relationship towards the EU. I would argue that many member states still have to do that – maybe even all of them."
So in other words, there's nothing wrong with the EU: If only those pesky nations would fall into line, things would work perfectly. From a letter in Europe's World complaining about the lack of action towards a common EU foreign policy.
Cheaper Than A Press Officer
Thanks to Gawain of England Expects for pointing us in the direction of the European Parliament's Prize for Journalism.
Viagra For Passover
As well as unleavened Matso bread there will be something else on the menu for the traditional week-long Jewish spring religious festival of Passover. (This year it arrives at nightfall on 19 April).
The new ingredient is Viagra, an American drug designed to aid against impotency.
Living In Fear
A London clergyman was beaten by Muslim youths in a "faith hate" attack two weeks ago.
Canon Michael Ainsworth suffered cuts and bruising, including two black eyes. One of his injuries developed complications and he was readmitted to hospital last week, but was released again today.
The 57 year old was reportedly wearing his clerical collar when he was attacked by three youths in the grounds of St George’s-in-the-East Church on March 5. While two of the attackers beat him, a third shouted what the Daily Mail describes as "anti-Christian abuse". The Canon asked the youths to quieten down as they loitered in the grounds of the 18th century church before the attack.
Crown Jewels
Twenty-seven years after the last of Britain's ex-colonies in the Caribbean 'achieved' independence, someone by the name of Elizabeth II remains queen and official head of state in almost all of them.
Sarko Spanked
France's centre-right UMP, led by President Nicolas Sarkozy, lost several large cities in the second round of the municipal and regional elections yesterday. The victorious Socialist Party is calling for a re-think, but Sarkozy's supporters claim that the defeat was a shot across the bows rather than a hole below the waterline.
A Long Finnish
They have started growing grapes and making red and white wine in the Reindeer regions of Finland. This may sound like a bad April Fools' Day joke, such as: They have begun harvesting strawberries at the North Pole.
What's Getting The BBC's Goat?
The BBC has come under fire for showing a pattern of anti-Christian bias. A season based on the experiences of Britain's white working classes led with a drama which suggested that conversion to Islam was the only salvation on offer for the downtrodden poor. This is to be followed by a new drama based on Christ's Passion, in which Judas and Pontius Pilate "appear to be exonerated."
This being the BBC one can only assume a level of studied purpose in this new tack. It is however a strange and dangerous road to take. The boffins who make these decisions at the BBC are not stupid, they know who they're likely to offend. The question is why?
Eternal Students
Every nation has its eternal students, but France seems to specialise in their production. Observers of student protests will notice scruffy thirtysomethings marching alongside fresh-faced youth. Not teachers, as you might expect, but fellow students, who entered higher education a decade or more ago and remained there long after it became undignified to do so.
A Dry White Season
The BBC is broadcasting a series of programmes about the UK's "Lost Tribe" - Britain's white working class. It's called White Season, and it features a series of dramas exploring issues of racism (of course) and community in multicultural Britain.
One drama features a white British girl growing up in a mostly Muslim area of a Northern town. Her (white) father is abusive and utterly unpleasant and her life is tough: However, the BBC comes up with a happy ending. Befriended by a saintly Muslim family, she converts to Islam, converts her mother, and waves goodbye to the vile man about the house for ever.
Mind Your Language
Why are British newspapers reporting on the French Culture Ministry's latest effort to prevent English words from sullying the beauty of the French tongue? Both the Daily Mail and the Metro freesheet report on the latest recommendations emanating from the "Commission for Terminologies" - a blog should be a bloc, an iPod should be diffusion pour baladeur.
As one EURSOC correspondent noted, these new terms are hardly eco-friendly. If the media was forced to publish the sometimes tortuous French expressions in place of their English equivalents, French computer magazines would use 20 percent more paper.
Most of us are aware of the heroic idiocy of the Academie Française, which meets regularly to despair of the rising tide of globalised expressions, and issues directives governing how state bodies and public figures should refer to the modern world's newest phenomena.
Room With An Ewww
French landlords are demanding sexual favours from tenants in return for cheap or free lodging, the BBC reports.
The Nice People
Good stuff from Devil's Kitchen on why Eurosceptics are always depicted as the "nasty" lot as Europhiles are presented as the soul of sweet reason, even while the evidence shows that there are few things as short-tempered and intolerant as a Eurofanatic who has his values questioned.
Gay Teenager "Faces Death" In Iran
When one considers all the dangerous nutters and even hijackers the British have allowed to stay in the country, it's difficult to believe that one of the first apparently deserving asylum claimants the media has discussed in some time might be sent back to a nation where he could be executed for his sexuality.
No Business Like Gnome Business
Residents of an Argentinian town claim they are being terrorised by a gnome. Or rather a little man dressed as a gnome. Here's some video footage: Can't be a gnome, we can't see a fishing rod anywhere.
Do As The Romans Did
Worried about the housing downturn in Britain? Well, invest your hard-earned in towns with strong Roman links. As a nice story in The Times shows, even though Roman rule ended nearly 1600 years ago, those towns where they left the strongest traces remain among the best-defended, at least in property-market terms.
'The Dark Underbelly Of Britain'
The Bishop of Oxford, Rt Rev John Pritchard, has supported Muslims who want to broadcast an amplified call to prayer in his city. Dozens of residents disagree with the Bishop and those at Oxford's Central Mosque - it's fair to say that the issue has been strongly contentious.
As with any contentious issue in Britain, the nutters are out in force. The Bishop claims he has received death threats for his stance.
Up North
A surprise box-office hit, the low-budget film, "Bienvenue Chez les Ch'tis" is France's favourite film of the moment.
The BBC's Blessing
Is the BBC trying to put the Pope out of his job? The route by which sinners might be exonerated has been a fraught historical issue over the centuries. As for the Christian tradition's greatest sinner of all, Judas Iscariot, well, it's safe to say that with the exception of the tormented portrayal of Christ's betrayer in Nikos Kazantzakis' The Last Temptation, things haven't moved on far since the fourteenth century.
Running Mates
US correspondent Chris Timmers has the latest on the Presidential race.
Just when you thought the US Presidential competition for the dominant Democratic nominee couldn't get any more ludicrous, Hillary Clinton's campaign comes out with a proposal that, once she wins the nomination, she would seriously consider Barak Obama as being her first choice as the number two, or Vice Presidential partner.
Pirates Of The Caribbean
Captain Jack would be proud. His modern-day equivalents are increasingly torturing ships and passengers and crew.
The Resources War
Now for a little geopolitics laced with climate change.
A report by Europe's top diplomats claims that European governments should prepare for an era of tension over energy resources, while global warming is likely to increase friction in the Arctic region between the EU and Russia.
Move On, Citizen
Melanie Philips makes some excellent points in her column on British citizenship today.
Tomorrow sees the release of a review on citizenship commissioned by the Prime Minister. Leaked reports says it includes suggestions such as an oath of allegiance to The Queen and pledges to obey the law for schoolchildren.
A Jump To The Left
Wins for the left in Spain and France
The left in two of the Eurozone's largest nations celebrated election victories last night. In Spain, Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero won re-election following a fraught campaign, while in France, President Nicolas Sarkozy's party faced the music in municipal and departmental elections
Sugar Pie Honey Bunch
Don't worry about artificial 'sweeteners' such as saccharin or aspartame if you are immune to cancer.
Finally! Hillary Wins Something
EURSOC's Washington correspondent Chris Timmers reports on a turnaround for Hillary Clinton.
On Tuesday, March 4th, voters in four US states went to the polls to choose the nominee from the Democratic party for President. Senator Hillary Clinton prevailed in Texas, Ohio, and Rhode Island. Her opponent, Senator Barak Obama, won in Vermont. Do these wins signal a momentum change for Hillary? Is she "back?" Too soon to tell.
The Global Hub
What is it with Foreign Secretary David Miliband and hubs? At the beginning of the year, he wrote in the Sunday Times on how he wanted Britain to become a "hub of ideas" in the same way London was a "hub" for global finance. He's at it again.
We Are Not Amused
There is a different side to Casablanca than the one depicted in the film starring Humphrey Bogart.
Don't Touch
Italy's highest court of appeal has ruled that it is a criminal offence for men to touch their genitals in public.
A British Constitution?
Gordon Brown is thought be pondering a written constitution for Britain. It couldn't come at a worse time
In February, Justice Secretary Jack Straw said that he would like to see a written constitution for Britain within the next two decades.
On the face of it, a written constitution for the UK sounds like a good idea. It would, advocates believe, finally codify the sometimes messy "unwritten constitution" which has governed Britain since time immemorial. It would act as a "land grab", securing for eternity numerous inalienable rights which future, less enlightened governments and populations might be tempted to vote away. It would present lawmakers with the opportunity to lay out once and for all the ideal relationship between the House of Commons, the upper house (in whatever form it might take), the courts, the Monarchy and the clergy (currently the established Church of England; in future, who knows?).
Naturally, many advocates of a written Constitution might use the drafting process as a means of reforming certain anachronisms they deem unsuitable for a modern state, or "hub of ideas" - the role of the Monarchy, for one, perhaps disestablishing the Church.
Attack On Property Rights
A British MP's latest wheeze aimed at inconveniencing the "super-rich" is dressed up as a means of safeguarding rural homes for key workers.
Second home owners in picturesque corners of Britain have become the latest targets of London's ire (along with "middle class wine drinkers"). Even modest properties in some parts of Devon and Cornwall easily reach the £500,000 mark, putting them well out of the reach of local teachers and tradesmen.
Monster Mash
Spuds we like
It may have escaped your attention, but the United Nations has declared 2008 "International Year of the Potato".
This year the European Union is paying for a 'pilot' potato processing plant in Cutervo in Peru, the middle point of a big potato-growing region in the northern highlands of the South American country.
