Figures released today by the Liberal Democrats show that the government has spent at least £2.6 million reorganising and rebranding government departments since 1997. These costs are set to increase even further after Gordon Brown's announcement to split the Department for Education and Skills into two departments and the rebranding of the Department for Trade and Industry. The research shows:
Liberal Democrats at the East of England Regional Assembly have led calls to promote the Felixstowe to Nuneaton rail line in order to move freight from road onto the railways. Chair of the Assembly's Europe Panel Kathy Pollard said "The East of England has the opportunity to benefit from millions of pounds of European funding for the Felixstowe to Nuneaton rail line, as it is part of the Trans European Network. However the Department for Transport has been dragging its heels. It has failed to draw up plans for this route and is in danger of missing the deadline unless it acts quickly. There was real anger at the panel meeting across party. I asked for this item to be added to the agenda so that members of the Panel could add their voice to the protests. If the Government is serious about reducing congestion on roads like the A14 it needs to put its money where its mouth is. We heard on Friday about the delays caused by accidents on the A12 and A14. This means that lorries are held up getting to and from Felix
The BBC report that one person died and 20 were injured in a pile-up involving more than 40 vehicles on the A20 between Folkestone and Dover on Saturday.
Dundee Liberal Democrats today (Sunday 1st July) backed calls by LibDem Leader Sir Menzies Campbell for a general election as Gordon Brown 'does not have a mandate' and that the country needs more than just a change in personnel.
DELGA have welcomed the extension of the smoking ban to England - which comes into force today - for the positive impact it will have for the LGBT communities.
Spelthorne Council have published the new Local Development Framework (LDF). This is a mandatory document for the Council to produce and it will have a profound effect on Spelthorne for the next 20 years.
