Moving Forward fast

1st Rave

2010-08-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Attended my first rave last night well a Techno party in a pub in Dereham and it was quite an eye opener.

Since 1993 I have been going to nightclubbing off and one thing that struck me last night was how friendly people were without the large amount of booze being drunk that you get in nightclubs with the aggro and aggression that goes with it.

A drug called MDMA which I guess the new version of ecstasy seems to be the drug of choice and very popular.

Maybe I am weird but I no not get the point of going out and getting wreaked when partying any drug be MDMA or booze true I did have a pint of larger shandy during my nightout but that was enough to ensure I had a good night.

Drug use should be a personal choice the state's policy of prohibition of certain drugs has spectacular failure the system of licencing we have in UK works OK for Alcohol users.

Of course where some individuals get into health related problems through excessive drug use then the state has a duty of care to help those people.

For example when people go into a pub and buy a pint of beer they know what they are getting and that a pint is a pint and not an 8th of a pint and of a certain quality.

Given the vast amounts money that are wasted on enforcement of prohibition of drugs and the potential for Government to gain tax revenues the current UK drugs policy is quite simply a no brainier.

British GP

2010-07-12T02:33:00.000-07:00

The British GP was without doubt a very exciting race but the internal going ons at the Red Bull between drivers Mark Webber and Seb Vettel make for a challenge for Team Principal Christian Horner.

Having two people of simular ability but different personalities can cause strains in any teams witness Tony Blair and Gordon Brown for example.

Mark Webber's comment on the radio at the end of the race "not bad for a No 2 driver" was very telling hopefully both drivers will now be very commited to get results at the upcoming races, without hopefully taking each other off the track as happened at Turkey.

The one rule in motorsport is above all do not take out your team mate.

With Germany being the home race for Vettel the pressure will be really on should be a very tight race indeed.

The Budget

2010-06-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

Well its budget day today and its an opportunity for me to share some pre budget predictions.

Income Tax allowances up by £1,000
Duty of Fuel up 2p per litre
VAT up by 2.5%
Beer Duty up by 2p per pint
Duty on Spirits up by 10p per litre
Tobacco duty up 5p
Vehical Excise Duty up £20
Capital Gains Tax up
Social Benefits ie Old Age Pensions, Job Seekers Allowance frozen ie real terms cut
Capital programmes ie like the A14 improvements deffered
Public sector pay frozen ie real terms cut

Charles Clarke and the NEC Elections

2010-06-02T02:06:00.000-07:00

It was interesting to read in today's EDP an article about Charles Clarke the former Labour MP for Norwich South who for I have actively campaigned for over the years.

Charles is totally right in his view that the Labour Party must learn quickly the lessons for the defeat if it is to avoid 20 years in opposition as happened after the Labour Government of 1974-79 suffered defeat.

With hindsight when Charles called for Gordon Brown to stand down after Labour disasterous European Election campaign it was probably the right call.

However it would have taken a very special leader to halt the slide as the mood of the country was that it was time for a change even if it did not know what type of change it wanted.

UK politics could over the next few years be very different if plans to reduce the number of MP's from 650 to 450 go ahead along with the introduction of Proportional Representation through the alternative vote system it is possible that we might never see a Labour Government again with an overall majority.

I am pleased to see a friend of mine for my time on the Labour East Regional Board and fellow former Labour Parliamentary Candidate Julian Ware-Lane running for the election to the Labour Party National Executive Committee.

Two Chief Secretaries and more questions

2010-05-31T04:23:00.000-07:00

Its been a rather interesting 48 hours at the Treasury firstly it turned out that David Laws had paid his partner £40k of taxpayers money he was not entitled to and now his replacement Danny Alexander seems to have dodged Capital Gains Tax.

It was dodging of Capital Gains Tax that resulted in Hazel Blears resigning from the Cabinet and Ian Gibson giving up his Norwich North seat.

If Nick Clegg and Dave Cameron are serious about restoring the public's faith in politics its hard to see how Danny Alexander can remain in the Cabinet.

With the standard's of MP's exected to be so high at the moment it looks like we will be seeing lots more politians running into scandals in the coming months and years.

UK now under Con Dem

2010-05-12T02:12:00.000-07:00

7 years ago I took the decision to resign from the Liberal Democrats as the left of Centre Party that I joined in 1990 which was so opposed to the Tories had changed into a Centre Right Tory lite Party.

Today the Lib Dems now prop up the Tory Administration in the UK Government not really a great surprise as telling the Lib Dems apart from the Tory Party for the past few years has been increasingly hard.

Will be interesting to see how many Lib Dems now cross the floor and join the Labour Party.

Looking at a post from well known Lib Dem activist and Blogger Nick Starling it might be sooner then you think.

www.norfolkblogger.blogspot.com

Press Release London Marathon

2010-04-23T01:10:00.000-07:00

John Cowan Labour Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire today wished good luck to people from South East Cambridgeshire taking part in the Virgin Active London Marathon.

Running is a great way of keeping healthy and avoiding the problems associated with obiesity.

Hung Parliaments and recession

2010-04-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

Over the last few days their has been talk of what happens in the event of neither the Labour or Tory Party having an overall majority.

The simple answer is that the political uncertainity would cause the financial markets to go into a state of panic not seen since the start of the recession.

All the good work done by the Labour Government in getting Britian out of recession would be undone in a matter of minutes after the election result.

Real Progress on the NHS

2010-04-11T01:49:00.000-07:00

The Kings Fund report out today shows the real progress that has resulted from Labour's commitment and record investment in the NHS.

The reduction in waiting times is very welcome.

The challenge for the NHS over the next few years is dealing with the health inpacts of rising levels of Alcohol and the problems caused by obesity.

In England 46% of men and 32% of women are overweight with a Body Mass Index of over 25-30,

Whist 17% of men and 21% of Women are classed at obese ie BMI over 30.

Oh and before you get the idea that I am some mega skinny person telling you about this I have to confess to my own battle with weight I am currently 14 and half stone battling to get down to 13 stone.

Declaration of interests

2010-04-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

As the Labour candidate for the House of Commons for South East Cambridgeshire I am making public all my commercial and financial interests in accordance with Ministry of Justice recomendations.

This will be up on my campaign website www.labourparty-secambs.org.uk

Methadrone

2010-03-27T02:01:00.000-07:00

On monday the Advisory Council on Drugs Misuse reports to Jack Straw the Minsiter for Justice on whether Methadrone should be included within the current Misuse of Drugs Act as either a class A, B or C drug.

I have never used Methadrone nor do I have any particular desire to do so however I express my concern over a possible panic ban on the back of a few stories in the press.

In 2008 9,031 people died as a result of a legal drug called Alcohol and another legal drug Tobacco accounts for 80,000 deaths a year.

Banning Methadrone would not stop its use in fact it would just push it under ground leading to more danger for users as dealers cut it with other substances.

The other issue is that even if a ban does dry up supply it is only a matter of months before the chemists come up with a new legal high which may have even more harmful side effects.

Regulation to control the quality and doses of Methadrone would have a far less damaging effect on users.

Tories and VAT

2010-03-05T02:51:00.000-08:00

A few years back prior to Labour winning the 1997 General Election I remember going out and campaigning against the Tory Government's plans to put Value Added Tax on domestic fuels.

There for it was interesting to read of Tory leaning Think Tank Reform www.reform.co.uk proposing that VAT be extended to areas such as Food and Childrens clothes.

Indirect taxation hits the weaker members of society the hardest as there have less disposable income the Tories have a pretty bad record of VAT increases.

It was Tory Governments that increased VAT from 8% to 15% and finally to 17.5%.

Whislt the the Tories pretend to be the party of low taxation the truth is far from with plans to give Inheritance Tax breaks to the richest 500 estates in the UK the Tories really can not be trusted when it comes to taxation.

Single parents and pubs

2010-02-23T01:41:00.000-08:00

Was interesting to hear today that all three of the mainstream political party leaders have backed Gingerbreads campaign to remove the stigma of being a lone parents.

Whilst backing this campaign might not be so hard for Labour and the Lib Dems back it shows what a long way the Tories have come from party that was attacking single parents as part of its now infamous back to basics campaign.

Single parents still get a pretty tough time and the Gingerbread Campaign is very welcome and well help in removing some of the stigma that single parents face.

Pubs play a very important role in the community and are as much an asset as post offices the pub industry has been in decline for a number of years factors such as changing lifestyles all are factors however one measure that would help would be a reduction in beer duty.

The Labour Government has recognised many of the challenges that the pub industry faces and John Healey has been appointed Minster of Pubs.

At the Labour Party Conference in Brighton last year I meet with John Mann MP of the All Party Beer Group and the Chief Executive of the Pub Industry Association to raise my concerns at the decline of the pub industry.

A question of Leadership

2010-02-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

This week has been a challenging one for John Terry outed by the News of the World having an affair with a french underwear model.

The decision to remove Terry from being England Captian must have been a hard one for the England Manager however the danger is that John Terry's affair with not only anybody but the ex-girlfriend of a team mate might have weakend the respect that other players in the England Team.

Who ever the England Manager chooses to be the new Captain lets just hope they can keep there mind on football.

A day in London

2010-01-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

Had an amazing day yesterday was down in London on business getting a photo done for my Election leaflets at the House of Commons.

One of the more amusing moments was in the Parliamentary Labour Party Office where when lining up for photo's along with Sharon Taylor, Leader of Stevenage Council who is standing in Stevanage for the General Election when in come Chris Mole Ipswich MP and Transport Minister on route to another appointment in the House so he kindly asked to jump the queue.

There is something I find rather amussing about the Transport Minister jumping a queue in a rather ironic sort of way.

Once the photo's were finished headed to College Green for an interview with Winkball.com.

Headed down to Tate Modern which turned out to be much more than the 10 minute walk the Policeman at the House told me it was once there was thrilled to see work by Andy Warhol, Francis Bacon amoung others and a rather interesting film involving a naked couple passing a ball between each other.

On the way home I saw on the train Chryl who I dated about 3 years ago and Tony Wright, MP for Great Yarmouth.

Broken Britian I think not

2010-01-22T02:49:00.000-08:00

Dave Cameron's political opportunism at the tragic case of two dysfunctional boys who carried out an attack simular to the killing of Jamie Bulger in Bootle in 1993 is in rather poor taste.

Events of Children carrying out violent attacks are thankfully rare.

Questions must be asked how in the future disturbed children can be spotted and given suitable professional help.

Strange really that the Tories propose scrapping the Sure Start Scheme which will increase the chances of spotting children who may have serious emotional problems.

Photo's

2010-01-20T03:18:00.000-08:00

Having a nightmare trying to sort out my photo for the Election leaflet.

The orginal photo was not the right size which means I am chasing around to get a suitable photo sorted.

Least my blog is now live on the Evening News website.

Cold of runny nose type

2010-01-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

Feeling very feed up with a cold and fever have spent most of the day indoors sleeping today.

The last couple of days have been quiet busy getting ready for the General Election preparing leaflets and Chairing a Council meeting last night.

Because of this rather annoying cold my planned activities for the weekend of going tothe Gym then to play pool with Becky have had to be deferred.

Notes on a Scandal

2010-01-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

Saw the Panorama report tonight on the growing scandal effecting Northern Irish politics involving the first Lady of Northern Ireland.

Sex, Loans, possible corruption not to mention some breaches of the Councillors code of Conduct.

Just wondering how on earth Peter Robinson can carry on as First Minister ?

A week is a long time in politics

2010-01-08T08:41:00.000-08:00

As the saying goes a week is a long time in politics.

Wednesday attempt by Geoff Hoon and Patrica Hewitt to force a secret vote on Gordon Brown was quite rightly given a very short life by the majority of the PLP.

Divided parties do not win elections and the timing of this stabbing of the Leader in the back was rather damaging to say the least however the public I believe are still not stupid enough to put the Tories back in charge of the UK Government.

If life in politics is challenging for Gordon Brown spare a moment for Iris Robinson wife of DUP Leader and fellow MP Peter Robinson as if having and affair with a 19 year old toy boy was not bad enough questions are now being asked about financial issues involving her lover and herself.

Maybe Mrs Robinson was trying to live up to the character in the Graduate also called Mrs Robinson who has an affair with a toy boy.

Maybe I would not take so much pleasure in the Robinson's discomfort were it not for Mrs Robinson's homophobic views.

New Years Resolutions

2009-12-31T11:28:00.000-08:00

Decided to share with you some of my New Years Resolutions.

1. Reduce my mileage
2. Do a minimum of 2 hours of exercise a day
3. Make 10 new friends
4. Increase my profile
5. Drive in a fuel efficient manner
6. Drink less beer
7. Eat less junk food
8. Keep in touch more with friends and family
9. Swim more often
10. Eat more fruit and veg

Mary Robinson

2009-12-29T03:42:00.000-08:00

Was pleasing to see Mary Robinson's openness about her decision to stand down from Parliament due to depression.

Depression is a horrible illness that eats the person from the very inside of there soul.

All to often Mental Illness is stigmatised in the UK so Mary Robinson's decision to go public is helpful.

Alistair Campbell, Tony Bliar's media guru has done much to highlight many of the issues associated with Mental Illness.

www.time-to-change.org.uk

Sometimes it dangerous being in public life

2009-12-28T08:20:00.001-08:00

Two incidents highlighted the very real dangers that figures in public life face in past month.

Firstly their was the attack on the Prime Minister of Italy with a stone model of Milan Cathderal which resulted in him having to spend two nights in hospital.

Then on Xmas Eve a woman tried to attack Pope just before mid night Mass.

Althrough no major injury happened on both these occassions it is a stark reminder of the risk that public figures take ever day.

EURIM and travel

2009-12-11T03:39:00.000-08:00

Went to a really interesting meeting yesterday evening at the House of Commons where Eurim was holding a meeting looking at the how the use of technology can lead to cost savings and improved public services.

A speaker from Blackberry gave a presentation on how Portsmouth NHS Trust midwifes now use a digital pen to handle admin ensuring a a smooth clinic audit trail and freeing up time to enable more patient contact.

Blackberry also provides a case studies as to how Glasgow City Council use of Blackberries for its Social Services Team provided a return on investment of 13 days.

Allowing Care workers to have instant access to clients details allowing for the real time flow of information and other benefits such as lone worker protection.

My journey back from London was quite eventful as a man had committed suicide at Ilford which meant the trains were not running as normal.

One of the results of this was the train I was on was packed and made and extra stop at Shenfield joining us for the journey was a charming young lady from Billericay who had spent the evening in bars in the west end.

Together with the off duty police man we had a very assussing trip between Liverpool St and Shenfield which certainly made travelling by train more interesting than normal.

Finally got into Norwich at 01:48 and to bed at 03:00hrs hence the sleep in.

About to head off to Sainsburys to do the Xmas shop.

The truth is out there

2009-12-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

Among the things that caught my ear on tonights news include the decision after 50 years of the MOD to close it UFO department.

Since in 50 years the UK has not had attacks by extra terrestials I think this particular cut will have no detrimental effect on national security.

Some of the files made public from the UFO department included :

1) A woman who reported being approached by an Alien with a Scandinavian accent near Norwich in 1989
2) Sightings of UFO in London in 1993 which turned out to be an airship advertising the Ford Mondeo

Ironically this year has seen a more than tripling of reported UFO sightings.

Super Lorries

2009-12-01T08:01:00.000-08:00

You may well have seen on the news today about Denby Transport's attempt to use a 25.25m long lorry.

They are many benefits of this type of truck being allowed to operate on the UK's roads for a start there is the economic argument that a larger lorry will be able to move a bigger load in one go thus reducing the cost of the transport element of products in shops.

Also given the road use is contributor to climate change this type of lorry will also help that as less lorry miles will be needed to move the same amount of volume of goods.

Of course not all routes will suitable for the truck but for runs from factories which are normally in industrial areas to out of town supermarkets its just the job.

news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lincolnshire/8388420.stm

World Aids Day

2009-12-01T01:32:00.000-08:00

Today is World Aids Day last year for World Aids Day I handed out Condoms with Dhiverse a Cambridgeshire based Sexual Health Charity.

Aids like so many medical conditions has much sigma against those who fall victim to it.

This morning I read about some suffers lives here www.worldaidsday.org/hivreality/living-with-hiv.aspx

Since 1981 over 25 million people have died of AIDS.

Sex Education has key role in preventing the spread of HIV.

Offending behaviour

2009-11-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

The recent comments in a report by the Sainsbury's Centre for Mental Health highlight the links between children that have conduct issues in early years such as fighting and stealing often go on to a life of crime.

This is fine example of the need for progammes such as Sure Start which the Conservatives want to abolish.

It cost £30k to keep a adult in prision for a year whilst a Group Therapy programme costs £900 per child or about £4,000 if more intensive work.

Yesterday I attended the Young People of the Year awards where young people who have made a positive impact on there communities were awarded.

One of the winners had with the help of Social Services and the Police really turned her life around from a life that was going of the rails fast with substance abuse and involvement in crime.

I hate to think that Tory cuts would leave people like this young lady to fall through the net and in the long run cost society more in the long term.

Copy of the report below.

http://www.scmh.org.uk/news/2009_preventing_conduct_disorder.aspx

Labour East Regional Conference

2009-11-22T09:11:00.000-08:00

The weekend has been pretty shattering really as I spent most of it at the Labour East Conference in Stevenage.

The Conference started with the TULO Reception where Barbara Follett told us how she had enjoyed working with the Region in her role a Minister for the East of England and how she is looking forward to her retirement from being MP for Stevenage having served the people of Stevenage since 1997.

Transport Minister Chris Mole informed of us new investment in rolling stock that will improve the reliability and comfort of train passengers.

Was good also to meet so many friends such as Julian Ware-Lane, Peter Roberts, Chris Jones, Ally Barron along with many more.

Harriet Harman was amazing her message was simple and just what I have been hearing on the doorstep people want Labour to do more for them and do not want Dave Cameron's Tories in Government with massive cuts in public services.

The rest of the day was taken up with briefing and campaign training before John Prescott came along to rally the troops so to speak.

Afternoon in my constituency

2009-11-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

Just spent a very enjoyable afternoon in the constituency being photoed ahead of the General Election.

This also gave me tha chance to see South East Cambridgeshire from a perspective as a tourist with its wonderful Catherdral in Ely, stunning landscape, watersports, wildlife centre at Wicken Fen, ideal roads and paths to bike on I would strongly recomend South East Cambridgeshire as a venue for a holiday.

There is even some talk of opening up the historic waterway linking Ely to Thetford which is ideal for canoists.

Crime and disorder

2009-11-17T01:10:00.000-08:00

The last weekend was a strange one firstly I had £30 taken from my wallet which meant I was unable to go nightclubbing on Saturday night.

On Sunday also I found myself involved in the middle of a crime as a stolen red Vauxhall Astra being chased by police narrowly missed me unfortunately for the driver of a little red Ford Fiesta there were less luck at the Astra ploughed into them on Dereham Road.

It was very interesting to hear Sir Jackie Stewart talk on TV the other day about how many people with Dyslexia drift into a lifestyle of crime having failed to gain suitable skills for life during there Schooling.

If prisons do not reform those convicted into a law abiding citizen then they have failed in there purpose and failed society with the cost of keeping a person in prison in the region of £30k a year.

From Farm to Dustbin

2009-11-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

As you will know South East Cambridgeshire produces some of the finest vegatables and salad products in the World so you can imagine how frustrating it is that so much food goes to waste.

Today in Tesco I saved some perfectly good salad from the fate of ending up in a landfill and added some flavour to my plate for just 10p

Of course its not just the food that is wasted think of all the water, energy/carbon used to produce the food and space wasted in landfill sites.

Marriage just don't do it

2009-11-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

Just found out that yet another friend of mine has seperated from his wife after I had attended his wedding reception last year.

Another friend's marriage is on the rocks or rather should I say in the cliff by the sounds of it.

To be honest I count myself luck having escaped marriage after a engagement of a few months.

People often seem to be happy living together well sometimes, when marriage comes happiness disappears faster than rabbit.

As a pagan I do not believe in exclusive relationships between couples, a more pural approach is healthier than years of unhappiness with all the heartache and stress.

Modern life is complicated with many pressures and stresses.

Remberance Sunday and Afganistan

2009-11-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

On the treadmill this morning I was moved by an interview on the Andrew Marr show with a young Solider aged 18 or 19 years old who had lost his legs whilst serving in Afganistan.

Later in the day at Church I read the list of the fallen from World War 1 and World War 2.

The mission in Afganistan is a challenging one the lost of life and injuries are of course tragic but the price of allowing the Taliban along with other extremist Islamic Fundementalists is one that Britian can not afford.

On the issue of Afganistan Gordon Brown has called it spot on withdrawl before the competition of the mission is not an option.

Toyota and F1

2009-11-04T09:27:00.000-08:00

Today the news broke that Toyota are going be withdrawing from F1 and there is a possibility that Renault may follow.

For some they will see this as a death nail to F1 with BMW having withdrawn earlier this year the sport is moving back to time without the big manufacturers.

In the 1970's when the sport was at its pinnacle all the teams were small indepentant teams with the likes of Hesketh, Walter Wolf and Arrows mixing it with the likes of Ferrari and Lotus.

in 2010 the Lotus name returns to the sport with the help of Malaysian backing and the amazing Nino Singh Judge and Steve Kenington both engineers who ran Hakkinien and Senna in Lotus F1 teams.

Also 2010 sees a new entrant to F1 in John Booth's Manor with backing from Virgin.

Child Obesity rates leveling off

2009-11-03T03:38:00.000-08:00

Some really good news today as the rise in childhood Obesity rates seems to have levelled off.

Back in September I meet with Health Secretary Andy Burnham where we discussed the Governments 5 a day Healthy eating campaign.

The key for Government both local and national is to encourage the concept of a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and regular exercise.

Their is proven link between poverty and bad health for example men in Chelsea and Kensington live to 83.1 years on average compared to 73 years in Manchester.

Ideally not only would it be good for the gap to narrow but for the men to live longer in Chelsea and Kensington as well.

Le mans

2009-11-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

Making progress towards my target of getting my team an entry in the Le Mans 24 Hours race.

Today has been a mixture of crunching numbers and also undertaking some exercise as the Le Mans 24 Hours is not only a test of endurance for the drivers but also the Team Principle, Team Manager, Race Engineers and Mechanics.

As I found to my cost in 2005 at Silverstone the key to a successful endurance race is to prepared, organised and very disciplined.

Time management is key which is why I have taken the step to scale back some of my political activities such as coming off the Brecks partnership and the Labour East Regional Board.

Alan Johnson gets it badly wrong on drugs !

2009-10-31T00:50:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-10-29T00:30:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

Bad days in Barnsley

2009-10-28T05:44:00.000-07:00

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

Beers and Burgers

2009-10-27T10:36:00.001-07:00

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.

A productive weekend

2009-10-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Daulling of McDonalds

2009-10-23T08:38:00.001-07:00

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 BNP debate

2009-10-23T02:05:00.000-07:00

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/

Local Crime Maps

2009-10-22T06:29:00.001-07:00

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/

Lib Dems failings loosing here

2009-10-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

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.

Cold and Art

2009-10-21T04:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Walk and relaxation

2009-10-19T07:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Well done Jenson but its time for a female F1 Champ

2009-10-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

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.

End off season feeling

2009-10-16T10:02:00.001-07:00

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.

Mandleson is spot on with the post

2009-10-14T03:44:00.000-07:00

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

Fit for office

2009-10-13T06:13:00.000-07:00

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.

Nobel Prize

2009-10-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

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.

How not to Chair a meeting

2009-10-09T01:18:00.000-07:00

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.

An active day with a painful evening

2009-10-08T00:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Fitness

2009-10-03T02:59:00.000-07:00

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.

Doing my bit for the Armed Forces

2009-10-02T02:08:00.000-07:00

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

Tuesday's Confernce events

2009-09-30T02:31:00.000-07:00

Conference yesterday was very enjoyable in between attending the Federation of Small Business Reception and meeting the Ambassdors of Ireland and Georgia I also managed a swim in the sea and 5k jog.

Feel I am making a bit of progress with the fitness had a 5k jog and swim again today meet a group of ex Royal Marines who sleep rough on Brighton seafront very different from the typical homeless people you meet the do not appear to do drugs or have alcohol problems like so many of the homesless but live a very displined life most of the time working out running and swimming. I skrink would put them down as having classic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder really great bunch of guys.

Highlight of the day was not Gordon's keynote speach in fact I choose to jog when that was on but meeting Emind Barck the Former Prime Minister of Isreal at the Labour friends of Isreal event.

Today I have photo calls and will be speaking about Broadband speeds in front fellow Parliamentary Candidates and IT Professionals at a Eurim event.

The evening ends with the Labour Students Disco always the highpoint of Conference.

Latest Party Conference update

2009-09-29T01:35:00.000-07:00

It has been an interesting few days at Party Conference following my jog or rather part jog part walk from West Pier to the Brighton Marina, I headed to a event hosted by the Motorsports Association with Damon Hill, President of the BRDC, Steve Rider and Adam Parsons where we discussed finding future British Sports Stars.

Was a very good event Damon was on form as normal was nice to see him again since Brands Hatch last Sunday Gerry Sutcliffe the current Minister of Sport and Richard Carbon former Minister of Sport were both also in attendance.

The issue the I choose to raise was how in the UK we have a habit of hating winners be it in Sport, Business or other walks of life it is more of cultural problem and so different to North America where people who achieve are seen as hero’s not villains.

Following talks with a fellow Parliamentary Candidate it was agreed we would set up the Labour Motorsports Group which will seek to promote a greater understanding of the Motorsport Industry amongst the Party.

Later in the afternoon I did an interview Swiss Radio before doing a photo shoot with the Royal British Legion after which I had a very chilled couple of drinks with Kate Gunner.

The evening consisted of Dinner with the Chairman of A4E a company that helps the long term unemployed with training and motivation to get into employment.

A bit of wondering around the Conference before heading to town where after meeting some Brighton student s I ended up in a nightclub called Tru dancing until about 1:30 am.
The day a head consists for Gordon Brown’s keynote speech to Conference which I am totally unable to get excited about.

More importantly will be taking quite a bit of exercise rather than heading east towards the Marina today I might go west towards Hove.

Exercise, Food and carrots with the Health Secretary

2009-09-27T04:54:00.000-07:00

Well really enjoyed my jog from West Peir to the Nudist beach this morning stopped at the main Brighton Pier for 2 sets of stomach crunches and 7 press ups.

Bit more running to along the promo to Brighton's famous naturist beach for a quick swim au natural.

Then a more gentle pace to Morrisons to get the Carrots for the photo shoot with Health Secretary Andy Bunham MP South East Cambridgeshire grows some of the finest salad's and vegtables in the world also got a very nice peice of Rump steak and zuccini's.

Shallow fried Zuccini and rare rump steak make for a perfect sunday lunch.

Meet Cecilia Barlow MP for Brighton on my way back to the backpackers hostel and chatted about Mental Health policy.

Well better push on I need to be with the Health Secretary at 3pm and its now 13:15 and I have not showered yet.

2009-09-27T01:48:00.000-07:00

Entitlement Cards

Down in Brighton for Labour Party Conference one thing that is noticeable is the large amounts of alcohol used over the weekend and not just by the conference delegates.

Most people are responsible users and are able to have a few drinks and enjoy themselves without causing damage to either others or the local environment.

However not all drinkers and users of other substances are able to handle their use of booze in such a responsible manner the result can be seen in most Accident and Emergency departments every weekend in those suffering from alcoholic poisoning, assaults and drink related accidents taking much needed results out of the NHS which could be used for other purposes.

Prohibition of alcohol like any other drug does not work it was tried in the 1920’s in the US and resulted in the making the likes Al Capone rich men.

For a long time the Government have controlled motorists with system of licences where people enjoy the right and freedom to drive if they conform to certain rules such as not driving whilst drunk and driving at set speeds.

One possible solution could be an entitlement card that people would carry and swipe when every time they buy Alcohol or Tobacco and record their usage.

People who got into trouble for example for say minor crimes drunk and disorderly conduct in public would receive a fixed penalty notice and 3 points on their entitlement card with point disappearing over time for in the same way works on driving licences.
More serious offences would result in endorsements on the entitlement card and the cardholder would not be able to purchase alcohol, tobacco or other drugs available for sale through the entitlement card scheme.

The main benefits of the policy would be reduction in the health care and crime costs associated with use of substances hopefully leading for more better functioning society.

Brighton shopping an Fitness

2009-09-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

Well main acheivement of the day was find some really good fitness gear at sports direct.

Running shoes, shorts, running top and bag to hold all my stuff in such as phone, wallet and keys.

Tomorrow I will putting myself through a mixture of running, sit ups, press ups ect on the sea front.

Totally fed up with feeling unfit and my body not beaing able to perform the way I want it to !

Great Night out in Brighton

2009-09-26T01:28:00.000-07:00

Had a totally great night out in Brighton.

It started out badly got fish and chips ate them on the beach drinking a tin of fosters watching the sunset over the sea would have been romantic if I had someone with me.

Walked up and down the peir with a feeling of emptiness and being alone before coming back to Baggies where I meet up with Amy, Char, Becks and Maddie.

After good conversation and drinking games we all headed to a club called Audio music was not that great spo we all end up in a bar with me leaving feeling rather tired at 2:00am quick pizza on the way home (diet broken again) and bed at 3am.

Today my plan is getting some food for breakfast bacon, eggs and bread along with some gym kit to use as I try and keep myself alive.

Party Conference things

2009-09-25T00:29:00.000-07:00

Well just about to set off for the Labour Conference in Brighton and decided to share with the list of things I am taking.

Sleeping Bag
Pillow
Boxer Shorts x7
Black Socks x7
Black shoes smart x2
Slippers
Trainers
Multi Vitamins
Condoms
Towel
Swimming trunks
Mobile phone
Phone charger
Suits x4
8 neck ties
10 shirts
1 pair of Dockers
1 pair of jogging bottoms
Laptop
Laptop charger
Digital Camera
Flip video device
Leads for above
Conference Pass

Anything I have forgotten ?

Blogging

2009-09-22T02:16:00.000-07:00

Well sorry I have not been as busy getting blogs up as much as I should have been but it has a rather busy time as the Team starts to prepare for an attack on the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Will be updated my blog shortly.

Labour East Regional Board meeting

2009-09-07T03:26:00.000-07:00

Saturday I attended the Regional Board meeting in Cambridge.

Plans for the Labour East Regional Conference in Stevenage well under way which should be a good conference.

Richard Howitt MEP responded to my question about how a Tory MEP is calling the NHS a disaster for the Health of UK Citizens.

The May 2010 General Election planning is now at a critical stage with the some of the final details being put into place.

Norwich North and Luton South will be starting the process of selecting Labour candidates for next years General Election soon.

Bedford will be having a Bye-election for the Elected Mayor soon following the death in office of the sitting mayor.

Long discussion on the issues of what went wrong and what worked for us in the European/County election campaign.

Labour East Regional Board meeting

2009-09-05T15:59:00.000-07:00

Trying to think of some positive words to say about the Labour East Regional Board meeting today in Cambridge.

As it is now 12.05 and I am not in the best of moods for political, economic, social and technological reasons I will add a copy of my report on meeting on here later.

All go again

2009-07-10T23:10:00.000-07:00

Been a very busy week indeed.

Monday I had a seat fitting in the Formula Ford racecar that I have been kindly lent to do testing in.

Was rather nevous that the clutch would be to hard to push with my bad leg put the engineer and a friend who races in the British GT Championship explained the method for racecar control is not as hard as I throught.

Was at a reception on tuesday night for the Norwich North Bye-election campaign some of the people there did not seem pleased to see me and serveral Gibson supporters even refused to shake my hand.

On wednesday had the fun of Chairing a Council meeting which was good and manged to get through the adoption of a Child Protection and Vulnerable adults policy.

Thursday was also a busy day as I attended the Building Britian's future event at Cambridge Guildhall and talked with the Chancellor about tax breaks for career changers wanting to do training and education.

Also spoke in the debate about the need for UK to create wealth by becoming a world leader in innovative engineering solutions.

http://www.labourlist.org/time-reboot-inducstrial-creative-sprit-john-cowan,2009-06-25

Thursday evening meet up with Harriet Harman the Leader of the House in Cambridgeshire and discussed social policy.

http://www.labourlist.org/embed_pre_nuptials_marriage_law_john_cowan,2009-07-06

Yesterday was filled up with business meetings regarding my plans to take part in the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Police scarecrow arrest what happened next

2009-07-08T01:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2521729/Norfolk-police-arrest-scarecrow.html

Shortly after the police had taken the scarecrow to the police station he failed to answer questions.

This means the scarecrow was treated as a terrorist suspect and handed over to anti terrorist police.

Despite being questioned by Britian's finest anti terrorist police the scarecrow would not answer the details of the planned plot for blowing up the Bacton Gas Terminal and was handed over to the Americans for some more detailed questioning.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2008/sep/08/11?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront

The scarecrow when soaked in in water fell apart and yeilded no information useful to the prevention of terrorism.

Government Hot Weather Payments for vulnerable

2009-06-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

The past few days have once again seen some rather warm weather with the elderly, ill and poor the most effected by the extra costs associated with Hot Weather.

Quite rightly when weather enters extremes the Government helps people who's health is at directly at risk.

Keeping cool in hot weather is important to avoid health problems and one of the way that can be used to keep cool is by using fans or a small air conditioning unit.

Fans and AC both use lots of energy with so many people living in fuel poverty a Hot weather payment scheme should be introduced when the temperature exceeds 35 degrees C on a certian time period.

In 2003 some 35,000 Europeans died as a result of heat related issues http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn4259-european-heatwave-caused-35000-deaths.html

Treatment of the Elderly

2009-06-28T22:43:00.000-07:00

The way a society treats its elderly and children says alot about its values.

A few months ago on my youtube channel Johntheactivist I called for Ronnie Biggs to be released on compassionate grounds.

Mr Biggs is 79 now and deserves to be treated with as much dignity in old age as anyother citizen.

He committed a crime and paid the price for that crime now its time some respect was shown.

Micheal Jackson tragic death

2009-06-25T21:19:00.000-07:00

Last night I was in the Bell pub Barnham Broom when the phone rang and news started coming in about the tragic death of Micheal Jackson.

A heart failure can be brought on by many things like stress, drug misuse, virus's, excessive weight.

It would be in poor taste to speculate on the cause of Mr Jackson's death however you may want to draw your own conclusions.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/swine-flu/5255175/Swine-flu-Michael-Jackson-worried-about-flying-to-Britain.html

http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/62072/

Politics & Sport

2009-06-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

In the world of politics and sport there are times when you have face the facts that no matter what you personnally, your Team will struggle to win with you on the pitch and that your role is best served helping the Team Manager strategy from the dug out.

This a situation the party have been coming to terms with over the last fews days in respect of Norwich North.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33G8rUpUI08

Its important for the team to have faith in its manager.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPlZPa64eQk&NR=1

Comment at 9 min 5 secs is rather interesting.

The people of Norwich North will do the right thing and elect a woman who can ensure that we have high quality public services which will help enable people to develop the skills to live in a changing global environment.

Art, Sport and other things

2009-06-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

Well its been a busy few weeks.

Was in London on monday with Freddie Hunt attending a launch evening for one of the UK's most talented young artists.

15 is very young to be an artist and I was not expecting to see work of a very high standard however this guy is clearly something very special his work reminds me of Picaso.

Looking very much forward to the British GP on sunday should be a very exciting race.

Had a really good week so far much better than the one previous.

Bouncing back

2009-06-11T23:20:00.000-07:00

Just reading a case study about a brand that came back from near death and turned into a success.

http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=210425

Quote of the day

2009-05-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

Whilst out campaigning today a suprised a little boy on a trampoline.

My response was to the little boy "Sorry to make you jump" his parents were struggling to keep a straight face.

Politics of Empowerment

2009-05-24T01:13:00.000-07:00

Just listening to Charles Kennedy and Selina Scott on the Andrew Marr show.

Great to see so many people taking an interest in politics and hopefully some of cyncism of the last few years overcome.

I remember the excitment the nation felt when Tony Blair became PM and how it was the start of a long term change for the better.

Press Release from Labour National Executive Committee

2009-05-19T10:40:00.000-07:00

Press release
Tuesday 19 May 2009

For immediate use

Labour Party National Executive Committee: Statement on MPs' expenses Cath Speight, Chair of the Labour Party's National Executive Committee, and Ray Collins, General Secretary of the Labour Party,said:"The Labour Party's National Executive Committee fully supports the action that Gordon Brown is taking on expenses, and has today unanimously endorsed a tough new disciplinary process that can bar MPs found to have flouted the rules from standing as Labour candidates at the next election."The NEC has agreed today that a panel of NEC members will be established to interview any Labour MPs where there appears to be evidence against them. The panel will have the power to recommend to the NEC that MPs are not allowed to stand as Labour candidates at the next General Election."Labour Party members expect the highest standards from Labour representatives and the NEC resolved today that any allegations must be fully investigated, and when appropriate by the proper independent authorities."The Prime Minister and the Labour Party Chair, Harriet Harman, have already requested that the Committee on Members Allowances lead an independent investigation of all expenses claims in the last four years. If the Committee on Members Allowances does not investigate then the Labour Party will launch its own investigation, supported by a leading independent lawyer and accountants, to review all expenses claimed by Labour MPs in the last four years. Any cases of wrongdoing identified in this process will be referred to the NEC's panel."Gordon Brown, Prime Minister and Leader of the Labour Party, said:"I demand the very highest standards from Labour Members of Parliament. They came into politics to serve the public not themselves. But where there has been wrongdoing on expenses we owe it to the British people to take action."The current expenses regime must be reformed, and individual MPs must account for their expenses. Already, we have toughened the rules to ensure MPs must submit receipts to account for all their claims and any MPs with second jobs must declare them properly. I have asked for systematic independent scrutiny of every single expenses claim made in the last four years - with the power to decide what should be paid back."But I am committed to a complete clean up of the system so the work that MPs do to improve the lives of their constituents is not overshadowed by those who have broken the rules. Wherever immediate disciplinary action is required we will take it - including barring sitting MPs from re-standing as Labour candidates if necessary."

Ends

Details of County Council Candidates

2009-05-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

John Cowan, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for South East Cambridgeshire said he was thrilled with the quality and commitment of the Labour Candidates.

http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/cn_news_cambridge/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=416389

Empowerment

2009-05-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

Just been reading about a political leader in Roman Times my how things have changed in politics.

When a body politics looses contact with the people it serves then it starts to fail.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nero

News of first Labour Candidate from the New Communities

2009-05-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

Link here to a story I placed in the local press

http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=NOED01%20May%202009%2009%3A03%3A32%3A737

Nominations and a hurt leg

2009-05-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

Well in the final stage of getting nominations sorted for the County Council Elections and a Bye-Election.

Unfortanty Max decided to jump from a high wardrobe and has hurt her leg vet says it is soft issue damage and should heal fine with rest.

Budget

2009-04-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Some very good measures in the Budget to help hard working families in places like South East Cambridgeshire.

Increase in the ISA allowances and major help to savers.

Spoke to a women whilst out campaigning today and she told me that she would vote for me as I was the first person to bother taking the time to see her.

Local Government Reform

2009-04-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

Of to a meeting with the Boundary Committee for England today.

Unitary Council's are a good thing in general as they save the Council Tax payer money the key is not boundaries but quality cost effect public services.

Ely Market place

2009-04-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

Just back from handing out leaflets in Ely market place meet loads of people again who I have already meet on the doorstep.

We were outside a very busy Fish and Chip Shop I resisited this time and did not break my diet despite the great smells.

Press Release sent to me the other day

2009-04-17T14:11:00.000-07:00

Got sent this Press Release the other day might be of interest

DEREHAM & DISTRICT LABOUR PARTY

PRESS RELEASE

TOM BIDS FOR COUNTY SEAT

A 19 year old lad from Dereham could be following in his father’s footsteps after Tom Goreham was selected to contest the Dereham (North) seat in the Norfolk County Council Elections to be held on Thursday 4th June.

Tom is believed to be one of the youngest candidates in Norfolk and would become the youngest ever Norfolk County Councillor, if elected.

Tom’s parents, Robin and Linda Goreham, have given a total of 23 years’ service to the town as local councillors. Tom’s dad Robin has been Town Mayor on two occasions and is the County Councillor for Dereham (South). Now it could be Tom’s turn after the Dereham Labour Party selected him to stand in June.

Tom said: “As a younger person I will attempt to bring a fresh approach to local politics and I pledge to work hard to provide a voice for the people of Dereham and Scarning, should I be elected”.

Look out for Tom and his team when they embark on the campaign trail over the coming weeks.

Mum and Dad will not be left out, however. Linda will be contesting the Elmham & Mattishall county seat while Robin will be defending the Dereham (South) seat which he has represented for the last four years.

For further information, contact: 01362 691179.

County Council Elections

2009-04-15T04:56:00.001-07:00

Been out today sorting out the upcoming Norfolk County Council Elections.

Looks like we will be having 84 Candidates in 84 seats which is something the Liberals, Greens and BNP will probably not manage.

The recent McBride affair has been blown out of all proportion all I can say is it must have been a slow day for news over Easter.

State of Emergency

2009-04-12T00:30:00.000-07:00

The lastest political protests in Bankok are very worrying in my fear is instability in the far east may spread.

Help for new mums

2009-04-06T23:27:00.000-07:00

Labour Parliamentary Candidate John Cowan urges new mums in South East Cambridgeshire to claim £190 help from Government

£190 cash boost for every new mum in South East Cambridgeshire

From today, mums will get tax-free payment from the Government to help if you're a mum-to-be who's at least 25 weeks pregnant. The payment is called a 'Health in Pregnancy Grant'.

John Cowan Labour Parliamentary Candidate is today urging mums-to-be in South East Cambridgeshire to claim their £190. Women who are not yet 25 weeks into their pregnancy can register for a handy text or email reminder, so that they do not forget to claim their £190 when they get to 25 weeks.

68 000 women in our region will benefit from this extra support.

John Cowan said:

"Having a baby is an exciting time for mums and their families. Whether it's your first time or you're having another child there is lots of planning and preparation. From getting a pushchair to stocking up on nappies, there are bills to pay.

"To get the grant mums to be will need to get a claim form from their midwife or doctor. So I would urge mums to do this as soon as possible.

"I'm proud that children and families are at the heart of Labour’s policies, but especially so during these tough times. This cash boost will make a real difference to families in South East Cambridgeshire."

Notes for Editors

1. Who can get Health in Pregnancy Grant?

You can get the grant if all of the following apply:

you are 25 weeks pregnant or more your expected date of delivery is on or after 6 April 2009 you have been given health advice from a midwife or doctor

you may not get the grant if:

you are subject to immigration control or you are not present, ordinarily resident or have a right to reside in the UK

2. How much do you get?
The grant will be a one-off payment of £190 for each pregnancy. It will not affect your tax credits or any other benefits. Everyone will get the same amount – you will not be asked about your income.

3. How do you claim?
Get a claim form from your midwife or doctor any time from 1 January 2009 onwards - as long as you're at least 25 weeks pregnant and your expected delivery date is on or after 6 April 2009. Your midwife or doctor must fill in their part of the form and sign it before giving it to you.

You will need to get your claim form to HMRC within 31 days of your midwife or doctor signing the form - otherwise you may miss out on the grant.

You can get a free text message or email reminder to help you remember to claim if you are not 25 weeks pregnant yet. This can be accessed at the following link www.campaigns.direct.gov.uk/money4mum2be/alerts.jsp

Start of a new season

2009-04-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

Very good weekend at Brands Hatch some really talented drivers out there.

One to watch include Alice Powell, Nathan Freke and Tom Dunston

Eric's House Party gets nasty

2009-03-31T00:59:00.000-07:00

Any parent will know that feeling of dread when they allow their teenage son/daughter to have a Party in the House.

Eric Pickles the Tory Party Chairman must have had feeling when a fight broke out at a party he was hosting for journalists.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7973346.stm

Strangely journalists getting drunk, fighting and abusing expenses does not seem to get as much coverage as when MP's do it.

Would love to know which media organisation the involved Journalists work for I bet todays editorial meeting would have been fun for those involved.

MP's Allowances

2009-03-24T02:22:00.000-07:00

The upcoming enquiry into MP's Allowances and Expenses is very welcome if it restores the public's confidence in us Politicians.

Their was a time when MP's did not get paid or get expenses and the House of Commons was made up of wealthy landowners.

In the 1970's some MP's were having to sleep in their offices so the London Housing Allowance was introduced.

If Parliament is to attract quality MP's then they do need to be paid at a level to simular professionals such as a GP or secondary School Headmaster around £125k per year.

What amazes me is how so many MP's have a 2nd Job nothing wrong in this as it helps MP's keep a foot in the real world but surely if a member is making large amounts of money from outside earnings they should have their income reduced accordingly.

Someone on Job Seekers is allowed to earn up to £20 per week before lossing benefit on a pound for pound basis maybe it should be the same for MP's

Working in Parliament is very hard work and not very family friendly if more women are going to be involved in politics, the House of Commons must become more family friendly for example with MP's being allowed to vote over the net from an office at home for example when the House is sitting late.

The Tories are proposing reducing the number of MP's given the workload of MP's I can not see this working very well.

Financial pressures on parents during holidays

2009-03-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

With the Easter Holidays coming up my thoughts turned to the problems faced by parents on low incomes over holiday periods.
Children are expensive enough at any time of year but for a family on a low income holidays present extra challenges on already limited finances.
Of the 13.2 million people living in poverty in the UK 54% have at least one child or more.
In Government, Labour has made some progress on addressing the issue of child poverty the number of children living in low income household has dropped from 3.4m in 1998/99 to 2.9m in 2006/07.
During term time children have access to free school meals, free fruit and a large proportion of their time taken up. However holidays can be a nightmare for parents on low incomes not only is there the issue of having to provide extra meals not only to your own children but often their friends as well but also time taken off work or childcare costs.
When growing up I lived in a household in poverty as did most of my friends true there are lots of play schemes that run over the some more so if you are lucky to live in Labour controlled Council area.
Areas of policy that could be looked at is a special holiday credit to help cover extra costs associated with holidays for low income households with children, which could be credited to Child Tax Credits or other benefits.
Of course the amount of extra holiday bonus could be adjusted to reflect that some families have more than on child.
The other benefit of such a credit would be add an injection of extra consumer spending into the economy.

Barbie is 50

2009-03-09T01:02:00.000-07:00

Today Barbie is 50 years old.

Was thinking today a few questions why does Barbie's partner need to be Ken and not Karen ?

Come to think of it how come toy stores do not sell Barbie the Bricklayer kits ?

Companies like Mattel have a mamouth social responsibility in the social values that they impart their has been some suggestion that Barbie is linked to eating disorders.

Northern Ireland

2009-03-08T00:21:00.000-08:00

Rather sad that last night two soldiers were murdered by terrorists.

Hopefully it is not the start of troubles again in Northern Ireland since Peter Hain brought peace to Northern Ireland.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7930837.stm

A few little facts about me other Labour Candidates to follow

2009-03-07T10:32:00.000-08:00

Full name: John Cowan

Constituency that you hope to represent after the next General Election: South East Cambridgeshire

Favourite football team: Histon Town and Norwich City

Do you play sport?: Not actively anymore but played Youth football a few years back and was once on the wrong side of a 38-nil win mind you the other team did have one Chris Sutton playing for them who later went on to play for Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea.

Unusual fact about yourself: As a toddler when in Montana on holiday I once picked up a Rattle Snake and shock it.

Unusual fact about your constituency: Oliver Cromwell lived and worked in Ely as a Tax Collector

Why do you want to be a Member of Parliament?: To build on the work of the past 13 years of Labour Government and make progress on tackling poverty and social exclusion

Do you have a website?:Yes http://www.labourparty-secambs.org.uk/home

Long meetings

2009-03-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

Attended a meeting of the Rural Commuinity Council board quite productive but dragged out to 3 hours which is rather long for a meeting imho.

Not a great fan of long meetings !

Jobs scam found by BBC Look East

2009-03-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7923939.stm

This is totally distgusting exploitation.

SNP plans for booze

2009-03-03T12:37:00.000-08:00

The Scottish Nationalist Party in Government in Scotland is planning measures to reduce alcohol use in Scotland.

The video did not upload here so go to www.youtube.com/johntheactivist

Cricket Attack

2009-03-03T00:39:00.000-08:00

Let me start todays blog by saying my throughts are with the Sri Lankan Cricket Team who were attacked to whilst on tour in Pakistan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7920260.stm

Terrorism is never a valid means of expressing ones oppinion.