Democracy News, 22 February 2012
Today's stories: Scottish independence, House of Lords reform, media reform, republicanism.
- There are more rumours of Tory rebellion over House of Lords reform (Times paywall):
The Times | UK News, World News and OpinionOnly last night, Marie Colvin told an interviewer on CNN that the conflict in Homs was the worst she had covered. The Syrian army was all...- The Deputy Governor of the Bank of England Charles Bean has declared that it is for politicians, not the bank, to decide how the bank should adapt in the event of Scottish independence:
Sterling decision 'not for bank'21 February 2012 Last updated at 16:05 ET Charles Bean was speaking to a business audience in Glasgow The future role of the Bank of Engl...- Former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has called for the European Parliament to be abolished:
European parliament should be abolished, says Jack StrawStraw argues directly elected body has 'major democratic deficit' as poll shows 78% believe their voice doesn't count in EU The directly ...- Education Secretary Michael Gove has argued that the Leveson inquiry is having a chilling effect on British journalism:
Leveson inquiry has chilling effect on freedom of speech, says Michael GoveThe Leveson inquiry is creating a "chilling atmosphere" towards freedom of expression, Michael Gove has claimed. In a speech to journalis...- Commentator Dan Hind argues that calls for abolition of the monarchy is a distraction from the real constitutional problems in the UK:
Jubilee for Republicans and the QueenLondon, United Kingdom - This year Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee. Is it time for Britain's republicans to stop wo...
