Yesterday's decision by Alan Johnson to sack the Chair of the Advisory Council on Drugs Misuse is quite frankly bonkers.
Their is little point in the Government having expert advisors if it is going to run rough shot over them and then sack them every time there say something that a Minister does not agree with.
Its rather like going to the going to an A & E department having cut ones finger off asking the doctors what to do about it and when the Doctors offer to sew it back taking the finger and throwing it in the bin.
When decisions are made on a political whims rather than facts makes Governments and the Ministers making the decisions look remote and out of touch with the general population.
Saturday 31 October 2009
Thursday 29 October 2009
Today Professor David Nutt, who heads up the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs comments on Cannabis and other substances were widely reported.
This is a very welcome contribution to the debate about drug used as you may recall earlier this month I raised the issue of use of Alcohol and Tobacco in an article on Labour List.
Professor Nutt has a very valid point in his argument about artificial separation of Alcohol and Tobacco from recreational other drugs.
Society has a duty of care to protect vulnerable users be it of Alcohol or any recreational drugs in the interests of the wider community not just the individual.
From 1920 till 1933 the United States tried a policy of prohibition of Alcohol which only succeeded in creating wealth for gangsters the UK policy towards some drugs for example Cannabis has had a similar effect.
Consumers of Cannabis currently do not benefit from any of the consumer protection users of other drugs such as Alcohol currently benefit from if someone is sold a short measure of beer they can complain to Trading Standards, yet if they buy a short amount of cannabis they have no recourse at all.
The legalising and licensing of Cannabis would not only reduce the massive resources that are wasted by law enforcement agencies in chasing users and dealers but also provide much needed income for Government.
Professor Nutt along with some other academics developed a Matrix of Harm based on damage that different drugs did to individuals and society. 
The 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act needs fundemental reform to bring it up to date with current society and the way it uses all drugs including Alcohol and Tobacco.
This is a very welcome contribution to the debate about drug used as you may recall earlier this month I raised the issue of use of Alcohol and Tobacco in an article on Labour List.
Professor Nutt has a very valid point in his argument about artificial separation of Alcohol and Tobacco from recreational other drugs.
Society has a duty of care to protect vulnerable users be it of Alcohol or any recreational drugs in the interests of the wider community not just the individual.
From 1920 till 1933 the United States tried a policy of prohibition of Alcohol which only succeeded in creating wealth for gangsters the UK policy towards some drugs for example Cannabis has had a similar effect.
Consumers of Cannabis currently do not benefit from any of the consumer protection users of other drugs such as Alcohol currently benefit from if someone is sold a short measure of beer they can complain to Trading Standards, yet if they buy a short amount of cannabis they have no recourse at all.
The legalising and licensing of Cannabis would not only reduce the massive resources that are wasted by law enforcement agencies in chasing users and dealers but also provide much needed income for Government.
Professor Nutt along with some other academics developed a Matrix of Harm based on damage that different drugs did to individuals and society.
The 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act needs fundemental reform to bring it up to date with current society and the way it uses all drugs including Alcohol and Tobacco.
Caption: Figure 1 from Nutt et al: Development of a rational scale to assess the harm of drugs of potential misuse. As published in the Lancet on Friday, March 23, 2007.
Credit: David Nutt et al.
Credit: David Nutt et al.
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Bad days in Barnsley
Last night English Football sadly showed its darker side when a small Group of Manchester United decided to run riot at Oakwell.
Manchester United should be deducted points for this behaviour from what was a small minority of people.
In the 1970's and 80's English football was blighted by hooligans which resulted in English Teams being banned from European competition from 1985-90.
The Premiership and Football Association should get tough with teams who's supporters who act in a violent manner.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8329580.stm
Manchester United should be deducted points for this behaviour from what was a small minority of people.
In the 1970's and 80's English football was blighted by hooligans which resulted in English Teams being banned from European competition from 1985-90.
The Premiership and Football Association should get tough with teams who's supporters who act in a violent manner.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/8329580.stm
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Beers and Burgers
Headed for the annual Norwich Beer Festival today orginal plan was to bike in but rain put pay to that.
As I had to rush for the bus to get into the city missed breakfast so opted for a Big Mac prior to the beer festival.
The queue was massive but well worth the wait first beer to be sampled was Phipps IPA which was very refreshing with a hint of grapefruit.
The 2nd beer to be tried was St Peters Golden brewed in South Elmham in a Brewery founded by marketing guru John Murphy who also owns Plymouth Gin.
3rd beer was Tolly Roger from the Cliff Quay in Ipswich which I first dicovered as a student when studying business in Ipswich.
4th Beer was the Tally Ho another beer from Suffolk but this time up the coast at the delightful town of Southwold it was one of those beers that just slipped down the throat and gave one a warm glowing feeling from the inside.
5th Beer was the Iceni Boadica which I rated as very average and lacking character.
6th Beer was Wolf Ale brewed in Besthorpe between Wymondham and Attlebourgh, was very good indeed with a hoppy sharp taste.
After all that drinking a large appitite had developed so another Big Mac was eaten before briefly seeing Sophie bit of planning of upcoming social activities.
As I had to rush for the bus to get into the city missed breakfast so opted for a Big Mac prior to the beer festival.
The queue was massive but well worth the wait first beer to be sampled was Phipps IPA which was very refreshing with a hint of grapefruit.
The 2nd beer to be tried was St Peters Golden brewed in South Elmham in a Brewery founded by marketing guru John Murphy who also owns Plymouth Gin.
3rd beer was Tolly Roger from the Cliff Quay in Ipswich which I first dicovered as a student when studying business in Ipswich.
4th Beer was the Tally Ho another beer from Suffolk but this time up the coast at the delightful town of Southwold it was one of those beers that just slipped down the throat and gave one a warm glowing feeling from the inside.
5th Beer was the Iceni Boadica which I rated as very average and lacking character.
6th Beer was Wolf Ale brewed in Besthorpe between Wymondham and Attlebourgh, was very good indeed with a hoppy sharp taste.
After all that drinking a large appitite had developed so another Big Mac was eaten before briefly seeing Sophie bit of planning of upcoming social activities.
Sunday 25 October 2009
A productive weekend
Sunday evenings are always a good chance to reflect on the weekends events this particular weekend has gone rather well.
I really can not remember much of friday night as after the gym was shattered and ended up going to bed early.
Saturday was good after a gentle work out headed to my consitiuency to talk to the electorate and the response was pretty positive more Labour supporters than anything else.
Sat evening was spent with Katy at her new flat in Harleston nice flat bit of a quiet place Harleston a town really in the middle of nowhere half way between Norwich and Ipswich.
Today thanks to changing clocks which was something that the UK Government introduced during the 2nd World War yet never got round to changing I had an extra hour in bed.
It would make sense to leave the clocks on British Summer Time meaning more light in the evenings and less use of energy.
Had a mega workout in the Gym before heading down to Snetterton to see Jodie, Rich and Ben who I have not seen for yonks.
Finally got the holes dug for the posts for the new fence not long now and it will be up.
Time to sit down to that roast dinner.
I really can not remember much of friday night as after the gym was shattered and ended up going to bed early.
Saturday was good after a gentle work out headed to my consitiuency to talk to the electorate and the response was pretty positive more Labour supporters than anything else.
Sat evening was spent with Katy at her new flat in Harleston nice flat bit of a quiet place Harleston a town really in the middle of nowhere half way between Norwich and Ipswich.
Today thanks to changing clocks which was something that the UK Government introduced during the 2nd World War yet never got round to changing I had an extra hour in bed.
It would make sense to leave the clocks on British Summer Time meaning more light in the evenings and less use of energy.
Had a mega workout in the Gym before heading down to Snetterton to see Jodie, Rich and Ben who I have not seen for yonks.
Finally got the holes dug for the posts for the new fence not long now and it will be up.
Time to sit down to that roast dinner.
Friday 23 October 2009
Daulling of McDonalds
As I am sitting down here writing this I am just about to head to the gym for a 60 min work maybe a bit longer if I can push myself.
The prospect of McDonalds opening daul carriageways to cope with demand says rather alot about the UK's populations attitudes towards food and health.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6416351/McDonalds-adds-extra-lane-to-drive-through-restaurants.html
Of course it goes without saying that the odd McDonald's once in while will not kill you but having watched Super Size Me I am just wondering if people realise just how damaging food which is high in fat, sugar and salt is when mixed with an inactive lifestyle.
Walking around many town and cities now its easy to notice the large number of people suffering for weight issues.
Ironically 150 years ago it was the rich that were fat and the poor skinny now in 2009 it seems the be the weakest members of society that tend to have a lifestyle of fast food and little exercise resulting in both a reduction in life expectancy and addional cost the to NHS.
This week we learned that a resident of Ipswich is a shocking 70 stone.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2690244/70-stone-Briton-Paul-Mason-is-worlds-heaviest-man.html
The prospect of McDonalds opening daul carriageways to cope with demand says rather alot about the UK's populations attitudes towards food and health.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6416351/McDonalds-adds-extra-lane-to-drive-through-restaurants.html
Of course it goes without saying that the odd McDonald's once in while will not kill you but having watched Super Size Me I am just wondering if people realise just how damaging food which is high in fat, sugar and salt is when mixed with an inactive lifestyle.
Walking around many town and cities now its easy to notice the large number of people suffering for weight issues.
Ironically 150 years ago it was the rich that were fat and the poor skinny now in 2009 it seems the be the weakest members of society that tend to have a lifestyle of fast food and little exercise resulting in both a reduction in life expectancy and addional cost the to NHS.
This week we learned that a resident of Ipswich is a shocking 70 stone.
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2690244/70-stone-Briton-Paul-Mason-is-worlds-heaviest-man.html
The BNP debate
Over the past few days nothing has been discussed more in the political blog world than Nick Griffin appearance on Question Time.
In short the fellow panellist drove a horse and cart through his racist neo nazi message and mad he look something of a fool.
Unfortantly very few BNP voters watch programmes like Question Time and base thier voting behaviour on the sort of myth and poison that the far right spread.
Some of these myths have been exposed in the weblink below :
http://www.yhuaf.org.uk/news.php?id=2
If you missed the debate you can see it here on iplayer
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00nft24/Question_Time_22_10_2009/
In short the fellow panellist drove a horse and cart through his racist neo nazi message and mad he look something of a fool.
Unfortantly very few BNP voters watch programmes like Question Time and base thier voting behaviour on the sort of myth and poison that the far right spread.
Some of these myths have been exposed in the weblink below :
http://www.yhuaf.org.uk/news.php?id=2
If you missed the debate you can see it here on iplayer
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00nft24/Question_Time_22_10_2009/
Thursday 22 October 2009
Local Crime Maps
NEWS FROM JOHN COWAN
For immediate release
22 October 2009
John Cowan Labour Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire welcomes new local crime map
A new interactive national map giving the public access to local statistics and details on neighbourhood policing in their area was launched today and welcomed by the Labour South East Cambridgeshire Parliamentary Candidate.
The online map will allow residents to view figures for all crime as well as burglary, robbery, violence, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour in their area at the touch of a button.
For the first time people can compare one police area with another, compare figures over a three-month period against the same period for the previous year and see annual crime rates.
The public will also be able to see details of their neighbourhood police team, local policing priorities and information about forthcoming local events such as crime prevention meetings and local surgeries.
Labour’s Candidate said:
“This is really important for Fulbourn, because it means that we can see where the problems are and hold the police to account to make sure they are tackling the issues that are affecting us all.
“I know that we have had some problems in Haggis Gap, but now is the time to keep investing in crime fighting, so that we don’t let the law-breaking minority win. This new tool will be an extra help.”
Labour’s Policing and Crime Minister David Hanson MP said:
“Crime maps are a key part of delivering neighbourhood policing and giving communities access to information like this not only improves public confidence but ensures police are responding to local people’s needs.
“We know the public want this information, which will allow them to hold the police to account and help create an even more responsive and effective service.
“Neighbourhood police teams already serve every community in England and Wales and the Crime Map is another example of how we are building greater links between the police and the people they serve.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
To see the national Crime Map, go to http://maps.police.uk/
For immediate release
22 October 2009
John Cowan Labour Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire welcomes new local crime map
A new interactive national map giving the public access to local statistics and details on neighbourhood policing in their area was launched today and welcomed by the Labour South East Cambridgeshire Parliamentary Candidate.
The online map will allow residents to view figures for all crime as well as burglary, robbery, violence, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour in their area at the touch of a button.
For the first time people can compare one police area with another, compare figures over a three-month period against the same period for the previous year and see annual crime rates.
The public will also be able to see details of their neighbourhood police team, local policing priorities and information about forthcoming local events such as crime prevention meetings and local surgeries.
Labour’s Candidate said:
“This is really important for Fulbourn, because it means that we can see where the problems are and hold the police to account to make sure they are tackling the issues that are affecting us all.
“I know that we have had some problems in Haggis Gap, but now is the time to keep investing in crime fighting, so that we don’t let the law-breaking minority win. This new tool will be an extra help.”
Labour’s Policing and Crime Minister David Hanson MP said:
“Crime maps are a key part of delivering neighbourhood policing and giving communities access to information like this not only improves public confidence but ensures police are responding to local people’s needs.
“We know the public want this information, which will allow them to hold the police to account and help create an even more responsive and effective service.
“Neighbourhood police teams already serve every community in England and Wales and the Crime Map is another example of how we are building greater links between the police and the people they serve.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
To see the national Crime Map, go to http://maps.police.uk/
Lib Dems failings loosing here
Well just back from the first meeting of the new year for the Communications, Campaigns and Policy Committee of the Norfolk Association of Local Councils where I lost the Chairmanship in what can only be described as a Lib Dem coup.
Ironically the Councillor who is now Chair was the person who spent so much effort on preventing committee move forward and complete its tasks.
One thing is certain when Lib Dems gain power normally on a mixture of lies and impossible promises they tend to leave a shambles behind them after only a short time.
Two example of Lib Dem failings were in Norwich and South Norfolk where during their time running those Councils residents suffered not only a noticable decline in services but also a massive rise in there Council Tax.
The people of Bedford will soon regret putting in a Lib Dem mayor as a protest vote in the recent Bye-Election for Mayor.
Ironically the Councillor who is now Chair was the person who spent so much effort on preventing committee move forward and complete its tasks.
One thing is certain when Lib Dems gain power normally on a mixture of lies and impossible promises they tend to leave a shambles behind them after only a short time.
Two example of Lib Dem failings were in Norwich and South Norfolk where during their time running those Councils residents suffered not only a noticable decline in services but also a massive rise in there Council Tax.
The people of Bedford will soon regret putting in a Lib Dem mayor as a protest vote in the recent Bye-Election for Mayor.
Wednesday 21 October 2009
Cold and Art
Suffering a bit at the moment with a bad cold nothing serious but enough to make me feel groggy and restrict my training programme.
With the weather gloomy outside decided to head for the Sainsbury's centre of Visual art where a very good expo on surealism is on.
http://www.scva.org.uk/exhibitions/current/?exhibition=52
The pleasure of Surealism is that is challenges tradional ways of looking at life bringing a new dynamic prespective.
With the weather gloomy outside decided to head for the Sainsbury's centre of Visual art where a very good expo on surealism is on.
http://www.scva.org.uk/exhibitions/current/?exhibition=52
The pleasure of Surealism is that is challenges tradional ways of looking at life bringing a new dynamic prespective.
Monday 19 October 2009
Walk and relaxation
Made the most of a day off by heading to the coast for a walk.
Was really sunny and quiet which nice when you need to unwind my route took me from Mundesley to Bacton before I returned via the Ship for a very nice Steak and Chips with a IPA.
Later today will be heading to the Gym no swim as at the moment the cold is still bad.
Had a call from the European Movement and will be speaking in a debate in Saffron Walden and at City College the following week.
Was really sunny and quiet which nice when you need to unwind my route took me from Mundesley to Bacton before I returned via the Ship for a very nice Steak and Chips with a IPA.
Later today will be heading to the Gym no swim as at the moment the cold is still bad.
Had a call from the European Movement and will be speaking in a debate in Saffron Walden and at City College the following week.
Sunday 18 October 2009
Well done Jenson but its time for a female F1 Champ
Today it was really good to see Jenson Button become F1 World Champion in his 10th season in F1.
More amazing to was the fact that at the start of the year when Honda withdrew from F1 Jenson faced the prospect of being without a drive in F1.
Its a remarkable acheivement in what is the first year of Brawn GP.
The other noticable thing about F1 is how unlike so many other walks of life the sport has yet to have a female Champion.
Out of all the current female racers one in particular has the ability to not only make it to F1 but become a World Champion today she was racing in the Formula Palmer Audi Championship at Snetterton.
http://www.formulapalmeraudi.com/drivers/emma-kimilaeinen.aspx
Emma has not only the typical skills of a flying Finnish superstar but also is the total package in terms of ability to handle the media and is a true star.
More amazing to was the fact that at the start of the year when Honda withdrew from F1 Jenson faced the prospect of being without a drive in F1.
Its a remarkable acheivement in what is the first year of Brawn GP.
The other noticable thing about F1 is how unlike so many other walks of life the sport has yet to have a female Champion.
Out of all the current female racers one in particular has the ability to not only make it to F1 but become a World Champion today she was racing in the Formula Palmer Audi Championship at Snetterton.
http://www.formulapalmeraudi.com/drivers/emma-kimilaeinen.aspx
Emma has not only the typical skills of a flying Finnish superstar but also is the total package in terms of ability to handle the media and is a true star.
Friday 16 October 2009
End off season feeling
This weekend is not only title deciding Brazilian GP but also the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch not totally sure if I am going to Brands yet.
Will be really glad to see the end of this season its been very much over shadowed by the tragic death of Henry Surtees who had 18 had so much to offer the sport.
I first meet Henry as a 17 year old last year when he was being coached for Formula Renault by my good friend Enzo Mucci down at Snetterton.
We chatted quite a bit on Facebook and on the day of his tragic accident at Brands Hatch during that F2 race wished him good luck as he drove up to the collecting area.
Sometimes in motorsport as in life the good times are blighted by the most tragic events.
Will be really glad to see the end of this season its been very much over shadowed by the tragic death of Henry Surtees who had 18 had so much to offer the sport.
I first meet Henry as a 17 year old last year when he was being coached for Formula Renault by my good friend Enzo Mucci down at Snetterton.
We chatted quite a bit on Facebook and on the day of his tragic accident at Brands Hatch during that F2 race wished him good luck as he drove up to the collecting area.
Sometimes in motorsport as in life the good times are blighted by the most tragic events.
Wednesday 14 October 2009
Mandleson is spot on with the post
Lord Mandleson the Business Secretary is spot on with his condeming of the decsion of the Communications Workers Union to hold a national strike of our postal services.
When you are working in a organisation with a shrinking market share the last thing that you would want to do is anything to annoy the customers on which the business you work for depends in order to pay your wages.
Not only will the major users of the Royal Mail such as Amazon be effected and possibly jump ship to the likes of UK Mail, DHL or another of the Courier companies but cash flow of small business that depend on the Royal Mail for important documents also suffer.
Luckly Electronic Funds Transfer and the advent of paypal means that relience on the check is something of a thing of the past but for a small ebay trader the postal strike puts his very livelyhood at risk.
The CWU members might as well not only walk out onto the picket lines but keep walking till they get to the Job Centre as they are effectively putting themselves on to the dole by there actions.
Good luck to Lord Mandleson is trying to make the CWU see some sense.
http://news.parcel2go.com/ParcelDeliveryNews/lord-mandelson-hits-out-at-national-postal-strike-plans-19407690.aspx
When you are working in a organisation with a shrinking market share the last thing that you would want to do is anything to annoy the customers on which the business you work for depends in order to pay your wages.
Not only will the major users of the Royal Mail such as Amazon be effected and possibly jump ship to the likes of UK Mail, DHL or another of the Courier companies but cash flow of small business that depend on the Royal Mail for important documents also suffer.
Luckly Electronic Funds Transfer and the advent of paypal means that relience on the check is something of a thing of the past but for a small ebay trader the postal strike puts his very livelyhood at risk.
The CWU members might as well not only walk out onto the picket lines but keep walking till they get to the Job Centre as they are effectively putting themselves on to the dole by there actions.
Good luck to Lord Mandleson is trying to make the CWU see some sense.
http://news.parcel2go.com/ParcelDeliveryNews/lord-mandelson-hits-out-at-national-postal-strike-plans-19407690.aspx
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Fit for office
Well been a fairly average day with my bike now back from repair I peddled of to Norwich and recorded a personal best time of 55 mins from home.
Can now really feel my quads have been working, whilst in Norwich I purchased some new swimming gear with the aim to cut drag and head from 1250m in just over the hour mark to 1500m.
Tomorrow will be an early start in the gym at 7am for an hour before the 1250m swim later in the day a good walk hopefully at the coast with the evening ending up at my local for the Curry night.
Now about to stock up on the carbs with some egg noodles.
Can now really feel my quads have been working, whilst in Norwich I purchased some new swimming gear with the aim to cut drag and head from 1250m in just over the hour mark to 1500m.
Tomorrow will be an early start in the gym at 7am for an hour before the 1250m swim later in the day a good walk hopefully at the coast with the evening ending up at my local for the Curry night.
Now about to stock up on the carbs with some egg noodles.
Saturday 10 October 2009
Nobel Prize
Just wondering how on earth President Obama has won the Nobel Prize for peace after all he has only been President for less than a year.
They are many more far worthy candidates who should have been the award.
They are many more far worthy candidates who should have been the award.
Friday 9 October 2009
How not to Chair a meeting
Last nights Council meeting was not my finest examples in the art of Chairing a successful meeting.
Some how a 90 minute meeting ended up over running by a hour.
We made real progress on the Comunuity Allotments scheme which will provide a valuable resource for the Community as well as helping to reduce the Carbon emmisions of the Community.
The thing that really caught my imagination was the prospect of a Community Orchard providing local fruit for people.
Some how a 90 minute meeting ended up over running by a hour.
We made real progress on the Comunuity Allotments scheme which will provide a valuable resource for the Community as well as helping to reduce the Carbon emmisions of the Community.
The thing that really caught my imagination was the prospect of a Community Orchard providing local fruit for people.
Thursday 8 October 2009
An active day with a painful evening
Yesterday was a very active day started with my 2 sets 12 crunches then went for 5k bike ride.
When calls and emails were done headed to the Gym for an hour of cardio work followed by 1000m swim big mistake was then going straight to the Bell Inn for an All you can eat Curry.
The Curry was amazing but I ate way to much so got really bad indgestion was in bed at 8:30.
Today I biking into Norwich and back will grab another 1000m swim before Chairing a Council meeting tonight.
When calls and emails were done headed to the Gym for an hour of cardio work followed by 1000m swim big mistake was then going straight to the Bell Inn for an All you can eat Curry.
The Curry was amazing but I ate way to much so got really bad indgestion was in bed at 8:30.
Today I biking into Norwich and back will grab another 1000m swim before Chairing a Council meeting tonight.
Saturday 3 October 2009
Fitness
Just been on a 16 mile bike ride started of at Barnham Broom then to Wymondham via Hethersett finally leg was back to Barnham Broom via Wicklewood.
Still feeling unfit and in bad shape.
Still feeling unfit and in bad shape.
Friday 2 October 2009
Doing my bit for the Armed Forces
For Immediate Release
2nd October 2009
John Cowan pledges to “do his bit” for British Armed Forces
John Cowan, Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire, has pledged to do his bit for the British Armed Forces family.
John met with representatives from The Royal British Legion at the recent Labour party conference in Brighton where he was presented with a copy of the Legion’s manifesto for the next general election.
The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It encourages MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates to “do their bit” for Service Personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants.
Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s Head of Public Affairs, said, “We’re really grateful to John for making the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. Our message to every candidate standing at the general election is very simple: ‘It’s time to do your bit’.
“The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties,” he added. “Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration”.
John said, “I was delighted to meet with The Royal British Legion. They have an important role to play in highlighting the needs of the whole Armed Forces family. I have pledged to do my bit and would encourage everyone to do the same by visiting the general election manifesto website – www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk - to find out more.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact: Kevin Shinkwin, Head of Public Affairs
E: kshinkwin@britishlegion.org.uk T: 020 3207 2246
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The Royal British Legion is the nation's leading Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy -- www.britishlegion.org.uk.
ENDS
2nd October 2009
John Cowan pledges to “do his bit” for British Armed Forces
John Cowan, Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire, has pledged to do his bit for the British Armed Forces family.
John met with representatives from The Royal British Legion at the recent Labour party conference in Brighton where he was presented with a copy of the Legion’s manifesto for the next general election.
The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It encourages MPs and prospective parliamentary candidates to “do their bit” for Service Personnel and their families, the bereaved, veterans and dependants.
Kevin Shinkwin, the Legion’s Head of Public Affairs, said, “We’re really grateful to John for making the time to meet with us and listen to our concerns. Our message to every candidate standing at the general election is very simple: ‘It’s time to do your bit’.
“The entire Armed Forces family needs the support of politicians from all parties,” he added. “Our manifesto outlines practical ways the next government can help, and we hope all the parties will give it serious consideration”.
John said, “I was delighted to meet with The Royal British Legion. They have an important role to play in highlighting the needs of the whole Armed Forces family. I have pledged to do my bit and would encourage everyone to do the same by visiting the general election manifesto website – www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk - to find out more.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact: Kevin Shinkwin, Head of Public Affairs
E: kshinkwin@britishlegion.org.uk T: 020 3207 2246
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The Royal British Legion is the nation's leading Armed Forces charity providing care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. It is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces. It is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy -- www.britishlegion.org.uk.
ENDS
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