Train operator Govia has been given an eight-year franchise to run services across Kent and in parts of Sussex. The franchise includes running domestic Channel Tunnel Rail Link services. Govia, which also runs rail firm Southern, will take over from South Eastern Trains which was set up in 2003 after Connex lost its franchise.
Christine McHugh has launched a campaign to persuade the Mayor to re-think his decision to restrict when and where pensioners can travel with their bus pass.
Charles Kennedy has challenged leaders of the developed world to take steps to deliver on the promises made at the Gleneagles summit and to make serious strides on behalf of the poorest countries in the WTO trade negotiations in December, in a keynote speech hosted by CentreForum.
This white paper is not only flawed, it is also dangerous - dangerous to the health of our education system and dangerous to our children's education. An admissions "free for all" will cause widespread segregation and unequal educational opportunity. Please note our two Labour councillors - unequal educational opportunity! I think you will agree that these are not traditional Labour values - but there again this is New Labour isn't it?
The Government's new Education white paper is a massive document, with a great many proposals in. I guess only Paul Gray and the Executive member at this point could give an indication of the work that will go on to form a detailed response, and the length of time this will take. It's a paper that's full of ideas and ideology. There's a quite a way to go in terms of legislation and setting up the new systems, and a lot of decisions still to be made. In putting forward this motion, we have chosen to focus on three areas of concern, which - in educationspeak - will be particularly challenging to Surrey and may lead to undesirable outcomes.
At the Council Meeting Surrey's Lib Dem Councillors proposed a motion calling on the County Council to reject a number of key elements of the White Paper. Liberal Democrat Schools Spokeswoman, County Councillor Diana Smith said, "There are some very bad ideas in this white paper. Ideas that, if implemented, could do real damage to Surrey's schools."
