tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78284112011-08-31T15:35:30.871+01:00Keith Vaz is the Labour MP for Leicester East who is currently without his own website. Until he decides to interact with his constituents via this helpful new medium this unofficial blog will attempt to do some of that work for him.Francesnoreply@blogger.comBlogger901100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1134071008419202262005-12-08T19:31:00.000Z2007-02-04T14:19:46.933Z

Vaz demands that 'bullying' video game be banned, Leicester Mercury.Although he has not seen the game, Keith Vaz, MP for Leicester East, read a preview of Bully on the website of its manufacturer Rockstar.He has now put forward a petition in the Commons demanding the game is banned.And the Mercury is continuing to allow them to bring Manhunt in to this:Mr Vaz has long campaigned against violent

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1132579034134241762005-11-21T11:48:00.000Z2007-02-11T00:10:22.550Z

More news on the video game front... from MCV, Industry baulks at MP call for Government legislation. It's only a short read, but a good one. Highlights: Vaz is not convinced the tight regulations that already govern the industry are sufficient. “I want to see a statutory system, not a voluntary code drawn up by the industry itself,” Mr Vaz explained. “I’m introducing my own Bill to make sure

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1132573584706373332005-11-21T10:56:00.000Z2007-02-23T03:15:21.056Z

'Speeches send commons to sleep' from the Leicester Mercury details some familiar MP-joshing between our own Vaz and Humfrey Malins, Tory frontbencher, concerning falling asleep in the Chamber and who might make the most snooze-worthy speeches.And how exactly does this fit in?Later, Mr Vaz said he had been determined to vote with the Conservatives on one of their amendments, "but having heard the

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1131575050831611302005-11-09T21:36:00.000Z2007-04-11T11:56:28.543+01:00

Dear Mr Vaz,Why I keep saying on the blog I have created that you don't have a websiteFirst, this is untrue. I have in fact referenced your Labour template site on the blog and followed the appearance of keithvazmp.com with excitement. I have not added a permanent link to this 'site' on the blog, for which I apologise and have amended.However I will maintain that you are currently without your

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1130872748098554142005-11-01T19:13:00.000Z2005-11-01T19:19:08.106Z

Greetings all and a Happy Diwali for today, followed in quick succession by a happy Bestu Varush tomorrow and Eid ul Fitr on Friday with bonfire night on Saturday. Quite the party week. Check the Leicester Mercury and Leicester City council site for events listings.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1129063742858663752005-10-11T21:30:00.000+01:002005-10-11T21:49:02.896+01:00

Keith Vaz was in on the debate in Parliament yesterday, check his comments or the debate itself.News from the Mercury: They need your help, Yaqub grieves as quake claims seven relatives, Muslim forum to buy supplies and Firefighters team saves three.Disasters Emergency Committee and Islamic Relief UK.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1124543232509452742005-08-20T13:25:00.000+01:002005-08-20T14:07:12.536+01:00

Keith Vaz has been writing about race relation issues in the Parliamentary Monitor magazine where he talks about the hate mail he receives and developments in attitudes to multiculturalism.Vaz reveals race-hate fears, ePolitix. Vaz and family are targets of hate-mail, Leicester Mercury.The Monitor is published by the Runnymede Trust but an online copy of the full article is not available.After

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1124540704416753582005-08-20T13:09:00.000+01:002005-08-20T13:25:04.423+01:00

A more general look at Vaz's recess projects...Here he is weighing in over NHS (or not) dentists: The future's wide open as dentists seek new role in NHS and Dentists ready to drop NHS patients, both Leicester Mercury.And now NHS hospitals: 'People are being left on trolleys' and a letter, Time to improve, again both Leicester Mercury.Our Keith is also busy handing out IT skills qualifications,

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1124539762267745992005-08-20T12:52:00.000+01:002006-03-20T01:26:23.523Z

The video game controversy rumbles on with the arrival of a new game, Bully.Fury of victim's mother over computer game on bullying, The Guardian.Bully game 'is irresponsible', Leicester Mercury.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1123929220023240862005-08-13T10:55:00.000+01:002005-08-13T11:33:41.096+01:00

With the walls of the internet closing in around me I struggled to find free / linkable content for you to read on this story.Hazel Blears has been put in charge of a government commission on racial integration. Yes, that would be the Hazel Blears that said Muslims should expect to be unjustly harrassed by the police, this back in March - one can only imagine the situation now.In an interview in

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1123925724132019732005-08-13T10:00:00.000+01:002007-02-04T14:04:58.023Z

BBC - Parents 'ignore game age ratings'. Found via Slashdot, discussion here. One for Keith Vaz's reading list perhaps?

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1122228305539692552005-07-24T18:30:00.000+01:002005-07-24T19:05:05.603+01:00

Firstly Vaz's contributions to the recent London events: 'Communities must prevent attacks' from ePolitix covers Vaz's PMQ comments...Leicester MP Keith Vaz reported to the prime minister "over 100 reported race hate attacks on members of the British Asian community". He expressed concern that the attacks could "imperil the diverse and multicultural society that is Britain today and the envy of

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1122153002696438422005-07-23T22:09:00.000+01:002005-07-23T22:10:02.703+01:00

The BBC iCan site has been revamped and turned in to Action Network, with a better interface and a more commanding name. I would really recommend people signing up, particularly if they are running or want to run a group, a campaign, an organisation or the whatever. It's really important that everyone be able to find people, help out, get involved, communicate and collaborate. So get out there

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1119635456281474192005-06-24T18:30:00.000+01:002005-06-24T18:52:36.970+01:00

Some more detailed news that deserves its own post: Keith Vaz has been rounding on supermarkets, particularly Tesco in a debate on supermarkets that featured calls for there to be a 'Shopwatch' style industry regulator.Mr Vaz's comment in full, from They Work For You:To use the Minister's analogy, if he has a dog, it sometimes needs to be put on a lead. Companies such as Tesco are behaving like

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1119633545880994662005-06-24T18:03:00.000+01:002005-06-24T18:58:30.526+01:00

National news first...Trial by jury? Leave it to lawyers - and a seminar by Simon Hoggart in the Guardian relates the debate about jury trials for fraud (read Vaz's contribution and the full debate here, from They Work For You) and included this on our Keith...Keith Vaz asked if it was right that a fundamental principle of justice should be removed because of - a seminar? We reflected that things

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1117727136040976242005-06-02T16:41:00.000+01:002005-06-02T16:45:36.046+01:00

A few little bits for your enjoyment:Problems about a dangerous road near Belgrave schools: 'Act before it is too late' and Parents hit out at 'traffic chaos'.Also Parents urge head to leave. Both our Vaz and Patricia Hewitt are involved. Abbey school was covered some time ago about their failure to provide rooms for Gujarati lessons.And of course the European Constitution has been rejected by

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1117231357933726822005-05-27T22:54:00.000+01:002005-05-27T23:02:37.940+01:00

As we draw closer to a French and Netherlands vote Keith Vaz is indeed waking up on it: 'We need to sell value of EU to Brits' (Mercury). This debate, at much more amusing and interesting length is available via They Work For You. It includes the fascinating news that Lembit Opik's mother lives in Evington. And the tricky issue of what happens to a British referendum if the French reject the

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1117230860248120082005-05-27T22:48:00.000+01:002005-05-27T22:54:20.256+01:00

Our Keith made the Telegraph Commons sketch, but it was really all about our Patricia. New plea on parking fees is the Mercury version. Read the exchange from They Work For You.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1116760276948523362005-05-22T11:54:00.000+01:002005-05-22T12:11:16.956+01:00

College move in jeopardy, Leicester Mercury.Now, I have a particular interest in all this. I was at Gateway only a few years ago and am wholeheartedly against it moving out to Rushey Meads. I believe a new campus is necessary but do not want to see the college leave the city centre. If people think the college needs to move then move it must. Development and improvement is vital. Being relocated

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1116614963436955402005-05-20T19:42:00.000+01:002006-07-19T16:33:25.883+01:00

As France draws closer to its referendum, tensions are mounting both there and here. The No Campaign is off and running. Straw signals Britain may abandon vote on EU treaty (Independent) if the French get a no. Keith Vaz has called for the referendum campaign to be geared up, EU speech (Mercury). More on what happens if the French say no from the BBC. I think Vaz still regards this in many ways

Francesnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1116438463221749762005-05-18T18:43:00.000+01:002005-05-18T18:47:43.226+01:00

Two big features in the Queen's speech, outlining the government's plans for the next year in Parliament that we might want to have a discussion about...Incitement to religious hatred and ID cards, outlined by the BBC. And an overview from Leicester Mercury: Blair promises 'bold reform'. Any comments?

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1116092768790768292005-05-14T18:43:00.000+01:002005-05-14T18:46:08.796+01:00

Something for Vaz to chuckle about from the Guardian, reporting on international reports on the elections...For its part, the Times of India was disappointed that the number of British Indian MPs remained unchanged, at six. It noted that, of the new MPs, "Except for [Keith] Vaz, they've all had a charisma bypass more or less."

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1115475092472901382005-05-07T15:10:00.000+01:002005-05-07T15:11:32.540+01:00

Here are the results for Leicester East, from the BBC.Keith Vaz (Lab) - 24,015 - 58.1% (+0.5%)Suella Fernandes (Con) - 8,139 - 19.7% (-4.8%)Susan Cooper (Lib Dem) - 7,052 - 17.1% (+4.8%)Colin Brown (Veritas) - 1,666 - - 4.0% (+4.0%)Valerie Smalley (Socialist Labour) - 434 - 1.1% (-1.0%)Majority 15,876, 38.4%Turnout 41,306, 62.2% (+0.1%)And in the news:Tory arrested as postal-vote fraud inquiries

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1114856194996739862005-04-30T11:11:00.000+01:002005-04-30T11:16:34.996+01:00

Hello Keith Vaz fans! Exciting scans of Keith Vaz's election communication (Evington and Thurncourt version) are being put up at the Leicester Election blog as we speak! Also news of Keithy's Labour-clone website. Check it out. All updates will go up there: Vote Leicester's Leicester Election 2005 site. I'll see you all back here after the election, to commiserate at the end of my Vaz proxy

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1113733162991931862005-04-17T11:15:00.000+01:002005-04-17T11:19:22.993+01:00

Tories winning on Black representation is an interesting article from Black Information Link assessing the Black and ethnic minority candidates being fielded by the parties and their likelihoods of getting a seat. There is criticism of Labour's not shortlisting any Afro-Caribbean men in eight vacant London seats.Labour MP's Diane Abbott, Keith Vaz, Mark Hendrick, Piara Khabra, Ashok Kumar, Khalid

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1113732897994000022005-04-17T11:07:00.000+01:002005-04-17T11:14:57.996+01:00

An article in today's Sunday Times about abortion, Toll of babies aborted with chance of life hits 1,000 a year, which looks at the debate around lowering the time limit on abortion from 24 weeks uses research by Keith Vaz in to how many healthy foetuses were aborted between 22 and 24 weeks, when there was a slight but potential chance they could have survived birth at that point.On Vaz: He

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1113733502831776142005-04-17T10:47:00.000+01:002005-04-17T11:25:02.833+01:00

Our Keith has friends in high places and they're sacrificing Bollywood stardom to come help him out. Bollywood flavour in British polls- Tahil supports Vaz campaign, Telegraph Calcutta.Dalip tahil was a Bollywood actor who came to Britain to star in Bollywood dreams and then Eastenders before almost being deported, with Vaz and others campaigning for his right to stay.It's always interesting to

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1113381982335547692005-04-13T09:31:00.000+01:002005-04-13T09:46:22.336+01:00

A quick post, Vaz fans to bring your attention to some newly uploaded Vaz publicity, which can be found in the Vote Leicester Archives. It's the 'Belgrave and Rushey Mead News', an infrequent at best publication because I've surely never seen one before. I suspect it may just be a ruse to sneak Keith vaz into our homes, as this copy was received by post in Evington.We lead with 'Labour landslide

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1113209841579919182005-04-11T09:29:00.000+01:002005-04-11T09:57:21.583+01:00

Further to Keith Vaz's almost vigilante mob dealings with the travellers living in Hamilton a very sensible letter has been written to the Leicester Mercury, We should not hate travellers: I am saddened and disturbed by the vitriolic hatred directed at travelling communities within the city and county of Leicestershire. In a fair and democratic society, the voices of those involved, both for

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1112372564160992942005-04-01T17:16:00.000+01:002005-04-01T17:22:44.163+01:00

I think I need to go and have a lie down...CITY RESIDENTS STORM ILLEGAL TRAVELLERS' SITE BY TOM MACK10:30 - 31 March 2005 A group of 50 residents, led by councillors and an MP, stormed onto a travellers' site to ask when they were leaving.More than 150 Hamilton residents had signed a petition to present to Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, asking for his help to

Francesnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1111759247980134232005-03-25T13:44:00.000Z2006-03-02T15:53:18.326Z

And it goes on...'Restrict violent games', Mercury, 18th March: An MP has put forward a bill attempting to restrict the sale of violent video games after the murder of a 14-year-old city boy.Howard in video law move snub, Mercury, 25th March: Tory leader Michael Howard has refused to back a bid by grieving mum Giselle Pakeerah to change the law and curtail the sale of violent video games to

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1111083484072688212005-03-17T17:49:00.000Z2005-03-17T18:18:04.076Z

Pupils' letter to Tony Blair, a tiny article in the Leicester Mercury almost broke my heart. Pupils have gone to Downing Street to deliver a letter to Tony Blair.Youngsters from Hamilton Community College, in Leicester, made the trip on Monday after learning about democracy in school. They won £2,000 in a national competition to support community schemes.Leicester East MP Keith Vaz went with them

Francesnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1111076775479794682005-03-17T16:13:00.000Z2005-03-17T16:26:15.483Z

Darcus Howe has a dark warning for Black and Asian MPs. In Darcus Howe explains Boateng's punishment (New Statesman) Howe paints a bleak picture. Articles about Boateng's new job have been popping up in Vaz searches over the past few days as many of them invariably mention other BME politicians. Boateng will quit for top job in Pretoria from the Guardian is one such article, which also looks at

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1110725322136226842005-03-13T14:19:00.000Z2005-03-13T14:48:42.140Z

Trevor Phillips, head of the Commission for Racial Equality has caused a stir recently with suggesting a debate on whether Black boys should be taught separately for some school classes after seeing successful work done in the US.Mr Vaz has dubbed the plans 'educational apartheid' in CRE boss accused of apartheid schooling, from The Independent. The Leicester Mercury carries a short story, MP

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1110723564007138322005-03-13T14:14:00.000Z2005-03-13T14:19:24.006Z

'Honesty' urged over EU project, BBC News. Vaz gets involved inthe debate about the EU Constitution referendum. There are quite a few quotes and other bits of interesting stuff, so I would recommend it for a quick read.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1109757628530693932005-03-02T09:32:00.000Z2005-03-02T10:00:28.533Z

KeithVazMP.com is still 'under construction' and Leicester Election 2005, whilst steadily growing in visitors, is down probably due to hosting company issues.Scholarship is 'fitting reminder of Stefan' and Scholarship in Stefan's name from the Mercury. Keith Vaz features prominently in both articles saying: "The campaign over the video games goes on."Call to government in row over night flights

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1109703395168147102005-03-01T18:49:00.000Z2005-03-01T18:56:35.170Z

Attention for the issue is rapidly increasing, along with the number of rebels, but at last night's vote Keith Vaz again supported the government's Prevention of Terrorism Bill.Read The Public Whip and They Work For You. WriteToThem is the new way to contact any of your elected representatives, use it!

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1109626052445409732005-02-28T21:24:00.000Z2005-02-28T21:27:32.446Z

I'm blogging this as a matter of urgency so that everyone can read it.Brian Sedgemore's last speech in Parliament.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1109330855660294152005-02-25T10:40:00.000Z2005-02-25T11:27:35.663Z

Enjoying a read I happen across a mention of our Keith from Guido Fawkes: "New Labour politician and official sleazeball Keith Vaz". Lovely. The link goes to the official report on Vaz's dabblings with the Hinduja brothers, lest we forget.I wasn't going to blog this because it didn't seem so relevant but now has got a bit more exciting. The competition for the Labour candidacy in Copeland,

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1109166960361036062005-02-23T13:29:00.000Z2005-02-23T13:56:00.366Z

I blogged this a few days ago but the continuing furore is worthy of further attention. A few points:I have always known the Leicester Mercury to be a fairly right-wing Daily Mail-wannabe local rag but the representation of viewpoints in response to Mr Sacranie's intial letter have been staggeringly one-sided. In fact, out of 19 replies only one was in support of Mr Sacranie.This may all be

Francesnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1109001445857275462005-02-21T15:34:00.000Z2005-02-21T15:57:25.856Z

Oh Keith Vaz fans would you believe it? Obsessed by a story in the Mercury about Campbell's visit to City of Leicester that made a passing reference to a new website for Keith Vaz I found this... www.keithvazmp.com.Before I get too hysterical it is 'under construction' and not in any way indicated that it is the genuine authentic website of our Leicester East MP, although it seems unlikely it

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1108824330296979602005-02-19T14:20:00.000Z2005-02-19T14:45:30.306Z

Yep, no sooner has the warm glow left by Robin Cook faded than no less than Alastair Campbell arrives in Leicester!He however is not opening himself up to the public, only to City of Leicester Sixth Form. He is there at Keith's request and, check this Vaz fans... help launch Mr Vaz's new website which is being designed and put together by the school. Website eh? Leicester Mercury, Spin doctor

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1108638000706621112005-02-17T10:48:00.000Z2005-02-17T11:00:51.676Z

Well, would you look at that. All the insanity going on in our world at the moment and the Mercury readers of Leicester choose Iqbal Sacranie's incredibly reasonable letter to get upset about.700 years of heritage and it represents us allPatriotic touchWhy St George is as multi-cultural as they comeIt's team spiritProud of our flag and countryTolerance works both waysI profess myself horrified. I

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1108473290079628772005-02-15T13:11:00.000Z2005-02-15T13:14:50.080Z

Well Vaz fans, how exciting. Wednesday 16th (tomorrow) at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre our Keith will be chairing a meeting with Robin Cook MP, who will 'cover a number of aspects of life in Britain at this moment in time'. How eloquently put.So that's a public meeting, all welcome. 7pm Weds 16th. Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, Rothley Street.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1108212906439682632005-02-12T12:22:00.000Z2005-02-12T12:55:06.443Z

Our Keith will be in Leicester on Tuesday opening a new Islamic bank, the first for Leicester (Dedicated Islamic bank opens in city).Another article on the elected mayor plans, Let's have a big debate, 10 Feb.Some EDM's then... our Keith is the primary sponsor of two: Leicester Mercury's Fight the Fat Challenge has garnered a few signatures as has Implementation of High Hedges Legislation (mark

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1108210923043890972005-02-12T11:41:00.000Z2005-02-12T12:22:03.050Z

Keith has had a bad Mercury postbag of late and it just keeps getting worse...A costly move The city council has said organising a referendum for an elected mayor could cost in the region of £200,000.All of a sudden, Leicester East MP Keith Vaz is organising a petition only a few months into the next general election in support of a referendum for a four-year-term lord mayor. Does Mr Vaz expect

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1107975775689083802005-02-09T18:51:00.000Z2005-02-09T19:02:55.690Z

Full post title - Elected Mayor For Leicester? or How My City Voted a Mascot Fox in to Office. More articles round up: 9 Feb - Petition has already been signed by 1000 8 Feb - Debate rages over merits of an elected mayor 7 Feb - For - by our Keith 7 Feb - Against 7 Feb - Risks of having an elected mayor It has been mentioned a few times in various articles that Vaz has been deliberating

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1107975067132392992005-02-09T18:47:00.000Z2005-02-09T18:51:07.133Z

A quick post to bring your attention to the latest episode in the Manhunt saga. A letter from Vaz to the Mercury, Campaign all about protecting children. I'll pick holes in it some other time. Any comments, you can always comment...

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1107773911379389312005-02-07T10:26:00.000Z2005-02-07T10:58:31.380Z

Well, Mr Vaz seems to think so. And the Mercury seems fairly behind him. The latest article (10,000 names needed to spark a referendum) has some wonderful pieces of pure gold. As the council consulted on the idea and rejected it Vaz need to raise five percent of the electorate in favour - over 10,000 people. At a cost of £200,000. Vaz says: "A directly elected mayor will advance Leicester's

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1107532233933927922005-02-04T15:43:00.000Z2005-02-09T20:58:22.070Z

Thanks to Mark for the links about our Keith and video games. I'm working on it. I have also been working on (note the effortless link there) a new website. Vote Leicester is born, to help with blogging the coming election and local politics. There is a new blog there, Leicester Election 2005, that will focus on the coming amusements. Please take yourself over there and have a look and perhaps

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1107253213505087882005-02-01T10:17:00.000Z2005-02-01T10:20:13.506Z

A bumper morning of posts today, rounding off with the most important... Keith Vaz surgery! Friday 4th February, this Friday, from 4 till 6pm on Uppingham Road near to his office. Exact details will only be revealed to those who have made an appointment, which you can do by ringing (0116) 212 2028.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1107253037840380982005-02-01T10:01:00.000Z2005-02-01T10:17:17.840Z

It seems I am not the only one becoming massively bored by Keith Vaz's moral crusade. Unfortunately I still seem to be the only one actually in his constituency. At some point I would like to do a round-up of all the articles and coverage on this controversial issue. Except my stats have deserted me and I cannot get at the details on all the gamers who link to the blog. Soon. Anyway... It's game

Francesnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1107252071170879792005-02-01T09:37:00.000Z2005-02-01T10:01:11.170Z

A Labour MP in not-so-far-away Birmingham has called for an end to immigration in to Britain. This, understandably, has provoked something of an outrage, particularly in his 65% BME constituency. Keith Vaz, Asian political spokesperson supreme, has got a few soundbites in related articles. A BBC overview, unfortunately lacking in Vaz goodness. Fellow MPs criticise Godsiff, where Vaz accuses him

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1106220689439048422005-01-20T10:54:00.000Z2005-01-26T09:53:56.436Z

So, two entries down the page I talked about all Vaz's questions about ethnic minority appointments to governement departments. Well, that now makes a bit more sense... Asians yet to gain quango job equality in the Guardian, according to a survey published today from data compiled by our man Keith. The results are actually quite shocking and I would encourage people to have a good read of the

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1106133435989408842005-01-19T10:52:00.000Z2005-01-19T11:17:15.990Z

A couple of appearances by Vaz in the Leicester Mercury for your attention. It must not happen again - The family of a man who was stabbed to death by a mental health patient said today nobody else should go through the trauma they had suffered. Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, said he was concerned about an apparent pattern of mental health patients committing violent crimes. Mr Vaz said: "There

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1105960038113828802005-01-17T10:18:00.000Z2005-01-17T17:19:49.340Z

Just a quick round up of Vaz business in Parliament. He has been going on a bit of an equality drive recently asking lots of different departments about their ethnic minority, female and disabled staff and how their policies reflect these concerns. There's also input in a debate on Guantanomo Bay, questions about the Nationalisation and Integration Board and a further question on violent video

Francesnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1105835422415450032005-01-16T01:12:00.000Z2005-01-16T00:30:22.416Z

Today Keith Vaz has been delighting in opening a new classroom block at Keyham Lodge School (Nether Hall) reports the Mercury - New class block proves to be a hit. The £130,000 classrooms replace old wooden ones. I'm especially loving the last paragraph: ISS Windows, which installed the classrooms, say that the steel infrastructure makes it almost impossible for arsonists to set it alight and

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1105528239543595202005-01-12T10:46:00.000Z2005-01-12T11:42:14.883Z

Keith Vaz is continuing his misdirected tirade against violent video games with an Early Day Motion, Control of violent video games classification system, and a debate on 17th January (MPs debate video games - Leicester Mercury). This time he appears particularly upset by JFK Reloaded which has won much publicity on the back of its 'sickening premise' (Video game vice - Washington Times). Vaz

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1105529209942430222005-01-12T10:37:00.000Z2005-01-12T11:26:49.943Z

Another Early Day Motion that caught my eye was this IMMIGRATION RULES AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE FLUENCY FOR MINISTERS OF RELIGION (excuse the caps, I just copied it from the page, couldn't bring myself to type it out). It deals with the new immigration rules for ministers of religion requiring that they have a command of English to level 4. Any know what constitutes level 4 English? I'd love to hear.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1105526591512147852005-01-12T10:30:00.000Z2005-01-12T10:43:11.513Z

Just a little round up of efforts in Leicester. Diners raise thousands of pounds to help - Leicester Mercury. The Ashoka and Sakonis resteraunts held fundraising days that are hoped to have raised £7000. Keith Vaz attended the free buffet and Ashoka and said "It's very important that people should be contributing to this worthwhile cause. I commend the restaurants taking part." Business man to

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1104516571134830282004-12-31T17:50:00.000Z2004-12-31T18:09:31.133Z

The last post of the year and it's for such a horrific reason. The South East Asia Earthquake and Tsunami blog BBC News In Depth, The Guardian, Leicester Mercury, The Hindu.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1103829535404211472004-12-23T18:56:00.000Z2006-11-01T08:22:31.823Z

Results are in and Keith Vaz has joined the vast majority of MPs and voted in favour of ID cards at the Bills second reading. Check TheyWorkForYou. News from the BBC including the legislation and links to news stories. BBC iCan has some debate, links and action ideas. More information, ideas and resources from No2ID.net. Commentary from Bloggerheads, Europhobia I, Europhobia II, the Yorkshire

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1102853942481429582004-12-12T11:48:00.000Z2004-12-12T12:19:02.480Z

Alas, not a second win for our esteemed MP but Ramola Bachchan for her successes - a copy of the artcile is below. The award is covered by five online Indian papers, but - even when searching directly for the award or Ms Bachchan's name - no British papers have. Which is nice. Keith Vaz has previously been a winner, but I couldn't find for what year. In case you were wondering, this is the '

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1102252390265589952004-12-05T13:48:00.000Z2004-12-05T13:59:13.256Z

European debate should focus on three-point reform agenda from the Scotsman has some thoughts on Europe and the recent comments by Denis MacShane, current minister for Europe. Vaz and Peter Hain's difficulties with the post are given some room, with this on our Keith: For instance, the job involves many junkets to Brussels, inviting the incumbent to go native. Thus did Keith Vaz turn overnight

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1102255137665090652004-12-05T13:13:00.000Z2004-12-05T14:01:47.353Z

What has our MP been up to in Leicester recently? I turn, reluctantly, to the Leicester Mercury, the Daily Mail wannabe of Leicestershire. Somewhat unbelievably it has been attracting praise for a recent moralising campaign and writing letters to President Chirac. MP delighted: Keith Vaz has been celebrating the new Labour control on the council with an EDM, signed by an impressive 36 MPs

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1101476751112071892004-11-26T13:43:00.000Z2004-11-26T13:45:51.113Z

...presenting LUDAVAZ

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1101384817196652562004-11-25T11:27:00.000Z2004-11-25T12:15:05.396Z

Hello Keith Vaz fans. Throwaway comment of the week: "the ludicrous Keith Vaz". Tiniest mention of Vaz coming up as the second most expensive MP in an article on foxhunting turns in to this beautiful description. From The Spectator. Since the release of the expenses I haven't been able to stop thinking about how our honourable friend's postage expenses for one year would more than fund the

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1098548130304180912004-10-23T16:43:00.000+01:002004-10-23T17:15:30.303+01:00

The release of members expenses has provoked a fair amount of media coverage, but interestingly, when searching Keith Vaz, most of it comes from Indian press. Those that aren't include UK's costliest MP says she is worth every penny, The Guardian. Includes a nice breakdown of costs by party. And MPs hit taxpayers' pockets with £209m expenses claim, The Independent. You can download all the

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1096631675047485952004-10-01T13:11:00.000+01:002004-10-01T13:06:35.976+01:00

Dug up some questions from a few weeks ago, relating to education. Mr Vaz asked about evidence of improvement among pupils and students, with a breakdown by ethnicity. Read here from They Work For You. And about steps taken to help underachieving students. Here. The first is interesting for its stats of GCSE and degree results by ethnicity. Aware that pupils of an Indian background have been

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1096027720601853122004-09-24T13:42:00.000+01:002004-09-24T13:08:40.600+01:00

Confirmation from the constituency office that Mr Keith is off to conference brings a smile. Leicester East will be glued to the television all next week eagerly hoping to catch a glimpse of our dear representative. What will Mr Vaz be up to? Will he continue to snort derisively about the Impeach Blair movement continuing to gain momentum? Link: Labour Conference 2004 is a new resource that

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1095409327964610802004-09-17T08:55:00.000+01:002004-09-17T09:22:07.963+01:00

Keith Vaz's contributions to the recent debate on the European Constitution. From the Leicester Mercury An MP has said that co-operation between Britain and the European Union is key to economic success. Keith Vaz, the MP for Leicester East, said the EU's Lisbon Agenda - to make Europe "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world by 2010" - was central to the city's

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1095407464670932122004-09-17T08:42:00.000+01:002004-09-17T09:23:39.856+01:00

Vaz is still hammering away with his video game angst. It was a terrible thing, Politics.co.uk. But... No-one says Manhunt is for children, The Register. We do have controls, Games Industry. Manhunt isn't even part of the case, BBC.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1094893129358677662004-09-11T09:25:00.000+01:002004-09-11T09:58:49.356+01:00

Now back at work Keith has supported three early day motions and is primary sponsor on the Appointment of the first Black High Curt judge, sending his congratulations to Linda Dobbs QC. More on her appointment from the Guardian. Mr Vaz has also supported Early Day Motions for congratulating Olympic boxer Amir Khan, a statue of Nelson Mandela in Trafalgar Square and regretting the cuts in

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1094722546159360142004-09-09T10:26:00.000+01:002004-09-09T10:35:46.160+01:00

Mr Vaz's concern in the recent reshuffles was not for his own position (despite Mandelson's recent comeback) but that of Ian McCartney, Labour Party chairman. You may have read the Guardian's McCartney / reshuffle article. But this article from Black Information Link points to McCartney's good record in improving diversity in the party, mentioning Keith's selection for Parliament. So it is

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1094284664841681312004-09-04T08:37:00.000+01:002004-09-04T08:57:44.840+01:00

Keith Vaz has been campaigning for Hamilton, to bring back the bus route, which was going to be brought back anyway, but never mind. The article from the Mercury also outlines some of the plans for the Hamilton district centre. Mr Vaz said: "I'm delighted because here we have a very big estate that is growing all the time and residents were suffering because of the lack of transport facilities.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1093702604464169132004-08-28T15:05:00.000+01:002004-08-28T15:16:44.463+01:00

Our Keith seems to be the face of the belittling-impeachment campaign. Rolled out on to Newsnight and from the Western Mail... Later, on Newsnight, no Labour big hitter deigned to make an appearance to refute Price's allegations. Instead Labour put up former Europe Minister Keith Vaz, a curious choice given his suspension from the House of Commons for a month two years ago for "serious breaches"

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1093541949880774572004-08-26T18:05:00.000+01:002005-12-12T20:12:30.516Z

From the Leicester Mercury... A summit on the potential dangers of violent computer games is to be organised by Leicester East MP Keith Vaz. Mr Vaz wants more research into the link between fantasy violence and real crime.He decided to act following the murder of Stefan Pakeerah. Stefan, 14, died in a brutal attack with a hammer and knife in Stokes Wood Park, New Parks, Leicester, in

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1093538825380116762004-08-26T17:30:00.000+01:002004-08-26T17:47:05.380+01:00

A small group of MPs are attempting to have Blair impeached over lying to the public and Parliament about the war with Iraq. The website for the campaign is at ImpeachBlair.org which has a copy of the report for download. More news coverage from the Guardian and BBC. From the BBC report: Labour MP and former minister Keith Vaz told Newsnight: "This is a silly story for the end of the silly

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1093354768468420572004-08-24T14:01:00.000+01:002004-08-24T14:39:28.470+01:00

From the Leicester Mercury, Mr Keith is renewing his attempts to control siting of mobile phone masts. There was something of a controversy on Goodwood Road, planning permission for the 15 metre high O2 mast was denied but when the council failed to notify them within the set period O2 were free to set up the mast. Mr Vaz said: "Since my last bill there has been a considerable growth in the

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1093110297229978582004-08-21T17:53:00.000+01:002004-08-21T18:46:04.716+01:00

Labour has accepted the idea of Asian and Black forums, a move welcomed by MPs. In an article from Scotsman.com Diane Abbott points out the about face by the party, who once viewed the idea as potentially dangerous. Keith Vaz took the idea one step further, calling for affirmative action to get an ethnic minority candidate on each shortlist. “We have to have affirmative action,” he told the

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1093001567361883372004-08-20T12:11:00.000+01:002004-08-20T12:32:47.360+01:00

Congratulations to all the Leicester kids with their record breaking results. Good for them. I'm sure Keith Vaz would also be congratulating everyone, and reinforcing the fact that it is hard work and better education that is to be applauded. A special congratulations to Gateway students and good luck to everyone for the GCSEs next week. Looking at the results table for Leicester and the county

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1092939411210513302004-08-19T19:13:00.000+01:002004-08-19T19:16:51.210+01:00

Received the following after a little email to Hewitt HQ about their website, linking to Bloggerheads articles about blogging MPs. So keep an eye on it and then we can all have a good comment. Thank you very much for your email. I work for Patricia in her constituency and have recently become responsible for the running of her website. In the past couple of days I have updated it, although I

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1092650755046351122004-08-16T10:51:00.000+01:002004-08-16T11:05:55.046+01:00

News on Keith's surgery... Early evening of Friday 20th. At Netherhall Neighbourhood Centre and (I think) the Morton and Northfield Residents Association at 294 Victoria Roads East. Sorry for not being very clear, but you'll have to phone anyway, on 0116 212 2028 (between 10 and 1pm) to make an appointment. A few notes on the surgery experience thus far... Ringing up Mr Vaz's office was a

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1092582236737606862004-08-15T15:50:00.000+01:002004-08-15T16:03:56.736+01:00

While waiting for these slow no-Vaz days to scrape by before finding out when and where the surgery will be held, with no exciting things to report I bring you news of the UK Political Blog Feeds site. Keep track of everything being blogged about politics. The Proxy Bloggers even have a separate section. Very cool, thank you very much. This site has had a bit of a Labour-friendly /

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1092043694415258672004-08-09T10:23:00.000+01:002004-08-09T10:28:14.416+01:00

Over the weekend I have been chasing up information on Keith Vaz's upcoming surgeries. And am proud to report the following: Friday 22nd August That's it, I'm afraid. The location and time will not be released until next Monday, when you will have to ring the appointments line on 0116 2122028. The surgery will be held somewhere around the constituency.

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1091885073886110392004-08-07T13:28:00.000+01:002004-08-07T14:24:33.886+01:00

Today the task has been trying to publicise the blog, presumably Keith Vaz being off at the Caribbean Carnival. Unfortunately I'm not in Leicester, but I hope the weather is good and everyone has a fantastic time. A letter to the Leicester Mercury is proving an incredibly daunting task. Looking at the websites of Leicester's other MPs is proving interesting. Patricia Hewitt has a Labour-standard

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1091788568308493052004-08-06T11:11:00.000+01:002004-08-06T11:36:24.626+01:00

The whole country has been involved in the controversy over the 'Manhunt' murder of a Leicestershire boy. The good old Leicester Mercury has been full of the sort of well-balanced, informed, calm and non-reactionary commentary that we are so used to. Mr Keith been receiving letters about the violence in video games. He is also getting involved in pre-emptively banning Doom 3. The Scotsman

Francesnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1091746584391475922004-08-05T23:40:00.000+01:002004-08-05T23:56:24.390+01:00

One wonders what Mr Vaz would make of the Tory leadership crisis... should Blair stay or should he go? Over at The UK Today, a riff on Labour's competition to vote. Take a look at Tories In Turmoil for a wider range of prospective new leaders. On the question of Blair I would urge people to check out the Big Intervention. Write to Keith Vaz to let him know what you're thinking about Tony Blair

Francesnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1091636801437718572004-08-04T16:43:00.000+01:002004-08-04T17:26:41.436+01:00

As the blog gets underway I thought it would be fun to note Mr Keith's Google results. Links open in a new window, I wouldn't want you to get lost. Top of the list comes profiles and information from the incredibly handy They Work For You, where you can look at voting records, recent appearances, statistics on attendance and rebelliousness and get contact details for all UK MPs as well as access

Francesnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7828411.post-1091633339651670622004-08-04T16:15:00.000+01:002004-08-04T16:28:59.653+01:00

Welcome to the Keith Vaz blog. I am not Keith Vaz or a member of his staff. This blog is unofficial and unknown. It is here to provide news of Keith Vaz to his constituents and to give us an easy, free and accessible way to communicate with him, and with each other. As such I welcome comments and want to positively encourage them. Any other dedicated constituents can become co-authors and

Francesnoreply@blogger.com3