Author Archives: Dave Page

Opinion: The problem with Lib Dem conference security arrangements

By Dave Page | 3rd June 2011 - 9:35 am

With the opening of registration for the Autumn Liberal Democrat conference this week, the first details have emerged of registrants needing to provide information to the police for “security checks”.

Looking at the Lib Dem blogosphere this morning, it’s clear that people are deeply unhappy with the requirements. I’m going to try to explain what the problem is, how it’s come about and what we might do about it.

What Information Is Required?

The pass application guidelines make it clear what is needed. First off, an up-to-date photo compliant with the new passport guidelines (which exist to make automated facial biometric recognition easier) for your conference pass.

Secondly, either your passport number, driving licence number or National Insurance number. If you don’t have any of the latter, it seems to be possible to come to some kind of arrangement with Greater Manchester Police (who are doing the checks on behalf of Birmingham’s West Midlands Police).

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Posted in Conference and Op-eds | Tagged | 28 Comments

Opinion: PCC’s rejection of Jan Moir complaint shows it up as entirely toothless

By Dave Page | 18th February 2010 - 1:55 pm

The Guardian reports that the Press Complaints Commission has rejected a complaint from Andrew Cowles, the partner of the late Boyzone singer Stephen Gately, over a Daily Mail article by Jan Moir originally titled “Why there was nothing ‘natural’ about Stephen Gately’s death”. Moir stated that Gately’s death was not natural, despite official reports to the contrary, and claimed that the circumstances were “more than a little sleazy”.

Over 25,000 people complained to the PPC over the article, claiming that it was homophobic and slanderous. The article went on to compare Gately’s death to the suicide of Kevin McGee, …

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Posted in Op-eds | Tagged and | 20 Comments

Opinion: Liberal Democrats should show their Pride

By Dave Page | 9th June 2009 - 6:30 pm

Every year around the country dozens of events are held to celebrate lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual people. From huge parades in Manchester and London to the smaller events in Swindon and Stoke, the Liberal Democrats should be there.

Our commitment to equality goes back decades. The Liberals fought two general elections with gay rights policies in the manifesto before the Sexual Offences Act 1967, and we have continued to make LGBT equality a manifesto commitment. Back in the 80s and 90s the Lib Dems set the progressive agenda on equality, advocating an equal age of consent and opposing Section 28. …

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Posted in Op-eds | Tagged and | 12 Comments

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