government

9124_secret

Clumsy Civil Servant In Security Cockup

We know the various London freesheets aren’t exactly worthy of much attention on the commute home. But if you’re going to peruse your work on the journey, it’s wise to do as the announcer says and “take all personal belongings with you” when alighting – …

8887_cadets

The Military Wants You (To Love Them)

The government today accepted recommendations from a report about improving public-military relations which included the appointment of a “cadet ambassador” for London to do “everything possible” to urge schools to start Combined Cadet Forces and get their pupils to join them and enjoy “a taste …

8218_tap

Let Them Drink Tap Water

Government departments are being asked to switch from bottled to humble tap water for lubricating the endless meetings involved in running the Civil Service. Hot on the heels of Ken’s campaign to get London’s diners to insist on tap water in restaurants, this switch could …

8195_Homeless%20and%20hungry

Highlighting the Plight of Destitute Asylum Seekers

Of the anywhere from 25,000 to 100,000 people who apply for asylum in the UK each year, Amnesty International estimates that approximately two-thirds are turned away. Once rejected, applicants are given 21 days to leave the country, at which point those without children are cut …

8140_2802_marylebone

Gas Guzzlers In Marylebone

Despite Londoners being inveigled mere days ago to report any suspicious activity to the police, people in Marylebone are now being advised to, er, do the opposite. The reason? A Home Office-run project is to simulate a dirty bomb attack on the capital. The trials, …

7835_2301_taxi

I Meant Soho, Not SoHo

The next time you’re stuck in a black cab ensnarled in traffic on the North Circular, the rain sluicing through the cracked window onto your chinos, and the cabbie turns to you with a wry grin and cracks a line about how great the weather …

7731_files

Private Data Goes Walkies Again

173 patient medical documents this time. The cache of personal information was discovered in a bag near Kingston Hospital. The files contain data on cancer and HIV patients plus ‘information on those attending conception and addiction clinics, as well as sexual disease and hepatitis test …

7606_98929076_50e24a197e_m

Save Our Pits And Pickle Factories, Finally The Government Steps In

The Rainbow is long gone, the Hammersmith Palais now lingers only in the memory and even that good old grubby beer stained shit-hole that is the loveable Astoria is under threat. Gigs are selling out in minutes, replacing restaurants and cinemas as the preferred venue …

7560_111207cityhall

London Elects Update 1: Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist

We’ve not lately delved into what’s been bubbling away in the run-up to London’s elections next year. So Wilkommen, Bienvenu, Welcome to this new and possibly occasional feature to catch up with what’s going on out there. Let’s have a rummage and see who’s up …

7530_0812.paddington

Paddington Bear v. the Home Office

Paddington Bear is to face depawtation in an all-new book from octogenarian Michael Bond. London’s favourite bear has been hibearnating for 30 years, but has been prodded awake to celebrate his 50th birthday. Harper Collins have even persuaded the original illustrator, 85 year old Peggy …

7522_7.12.07_Speakers_Corner

Bad Poetry Not a (Punishable) Offence

Or is it? Samina Malik, self-described “lyrical terrorist”, yesterday became the first women sentenced under the Terrorism Act. Found guilty last month of collecting materials “useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism”, including original poetry with titles such as How to …