'Give It Some'

'Parliament is out of touch'

Politicians make decisions in Parliament which affect us all – whether it's going to illegal wars or spending billions of £'s on pointless ID cards.

But a new report says Parliament is especially out of touch with young people - it says the politicians needs to sit up, listen and do something about it.

To see this particular report's suggestions for improving parliamentary democracy then go to www.giveitsome.org.uk.

The Pay of Ministers & MPs

In case constituents of Delyn are wondering, from 1 April 2005 Members of the House of Commons (MPs) are paid an annual salary of £59,095, known as the Parliamentary salary.

Those MPs who are also Ministers receive the full Parliamentary salary, in recognition of their continuing constituency duties, in addition to their Ministerial Salary.

This means that the Prime Minister, for example, is entitled to a total salary of £183,932. Whilst a Minister of State will receive a total salary of £97,949.

House of Commons Ministerial Salaries (from 1st April 2005)

Post & Salary (£)

• Prime Minister 124,837
• Cabinet Minister 74,902
• Government Chief Whip 74,902
• Minister of State 38,854
• Parliamentary Under Secretary of State 29,491
• Advocate General 65,263
• Government Deputy Chief Whip 38,854
• Government Whip 25,005
• Assistant Government Whip 25,005
• Leader of the Opposition 68,662
• Opposition Chief Whip 38,854
• Deputy Chief Opposition Whip 25,005
• Speaker 74,902
• Chairman of Ways & Means (Deputy Speaker) 38,854
• First Deputy Chairman of Ways & Means (Deputy Speaker) 34,148
• Second Deputy Chairman of Ways & Means (Deputy Speaker) 34,148
• Parliamentary Salary 59,095

In addition, there are various allowances covering travel, subsistence and office expenses are available to MPs and Ministers.

Smile and be Happy!

Voltaire, author and philosopher

"Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities"

"All is for the best in the best of all possible worlds"

The Blair Project is the Problem

Blair & Blairism's two-finger message to voters

'The big debate will be about what, rather than who, follows Blair'

Labour dissidents will give full vent to their anger over Mr Blair's leadership tomorrow with the launch of 40 Bills for the next session of Parliament. The MPs are furious that Mr Blair is showing no let-up in his reforming zeal despite the "bloody nose" he suffered at the general election. Instead Blair is pushing ahead with "bringing the private sector into public services" and the authoritarian "managing" of people.

For example, just two controversial Blairite policies include:

• Private Academy Schools: a 'trojan horse' for the privatisation of schools

• Compulsory ID Cards: a £6 billion project based on 'falsehoods' and a 'dangerous fallacy'
  

In today's Independent, Labour MP Alan Simpson said: "The failure (or liability) is not Blair the person, but Blairism the project. It cuts across all areas of policy. To move beyond the war, we have to take ourselves out of the war zone. If today's market obsessions reduce people to commodities, we need to set out alternatives to these obsessions rather than call for a different figurehead to pretend that they work. If climate change is the serious priority of this parliament then it has to change policies far more profoundly than it changes leaders."

He added: "I am as overwhelmingly disinterested in Blair, the person, as I am in Brown, the knee-jerk alternative. The manner of Blair's departure matters not one jot. The big debate will be about what, rather than who, follows him. This is where the conflict is unavoidable."

'...I would have grieved not campaigned'

'You did good Reg'

'If you've learned and listened, when will you apologise Tony'

To read and/or see the election night speech of Reg Keys go to BackingBlair

Have you read Reg's letter to Tony Blair?

'The new fax your representative for free'

Contact your Councillors, MP, MEPs, or Welsh Assembly Member for free (via sidepanel)

Basically just go to the box in the sidepanel, type in your postcode and then press Go. If you plan to use this service then please first read the WriteToThem guidelines

This service was developed by a group of volunteers who've now set up a charitable organisation called mySociety; they thought that it would be a good thing if it were easier for people to contact their MPs. Their primary mission is to build internet projects which give people simple, tangible benefits in the civic and community aspects of their lives.

Alternatively you could just send, for instance, your Delyn MP an email to hansond@parliament.uk

We are listening... really we are

Go to Let down by Labour: I see Red

On Representative and Participatory Democracy

Considering that there was yet another low-turnout in this month's General Election, that the electoral system itself is being openly questioned, and that some people consider Tony Blair to be running an 'elected dictatorship' - here are a few points for Delyn constituents to possibly reflect upon and/or discuss:

1. How do Delyn constituents think that representative democracy could be made even better in this constituency?
2. How do you think that democracy could be made even more participatory in this constituency too?
3. Are you supportive of any particular reforms or fundamental changes to the electoral system?
   
4. Are there any broader reforms or fundamental changes - short, medium or long term - that you would suggest in order to challenge state-corporate power?
   

What do you think?

The truth couldn't be found

So Delyn constituents, when in government there are tough decisions to be made (and to cover-up) - and sometimes we won't listen to what you say, no matter how principled, intelligent or practical it might be - nevertheless, here is an opportunity for you to let us know what you think:

• Are there any particular issues that concern you that you want to raise?


• What are your thoughts on the Iraq war, the legal advice issues, and the ongoing occupation?

• What do you think about Britain's nuclear weapons; are they WMD that should be scrapped or essential for the UK's military arsenal?

• Do you think public services should be publicly-owned, publicly-financed and delivered on a non-profit making basis? Or do you prefer the private option?


• How do you think civil rights should be protected? Or do you prefer an authoritarian state?
  

• Do you believe that poverty and inequality should be challenged both in the UK and abroad? If so what extra things do you think could be done?

• Do you think new nuclear power stations are a good or bad thing in North Wales? What alternative technologies do you think could be promoted and utilised more effectively?
  

There is no Alternative

...or is there?