Agenda, comment on news & issues of the day

Mohammad Nazir: How West Midlands can get riches from rags Jun 10 2009

With a little help, textiles could be a major contributor to regional prosperity, says industry expert Mohammad NazirRead

War memorials so important Jun 08 2009

Sir Bernard Zissman looks at the importance of the ‘unique’ National Memorial Arboretum.Read

A vote of confidence at the election Jun 03 2009

Chris Game sets out the case for a move towards proportional representation.Read

Agency Workers Directive should have minimum impact Jun 02 2009

Now the Agency Workers Directive is ratified, Paul Ross checks out how it will workRead

Matthew Boulton - the unsung hero of the industrial revolution Jun 01 2009

Ask most people to name the key figures of the Industrial Revolution and James Watt will probably be the first name that springs to mind. Samuel Crompton and Richard Arkwright might come next in recognition of their groundbreaking work in the textile industry.Read

MP Sir Patrick Cormack says Parliament must change to save its reputation May 29 2009

I fear that the parliament elected in May 2005 will become known as the Tainted Parliament. Why is this, what has gone wrong, and what can we do to restore public faith and trust in the institution upon which all our rights and liberties ultimately depend?Read

Machine for injustice May 28 2009

MP John Hemming looks at the effect of the latest changes in Family Court proceedings.Read

Council expenses system much fairer than Parliament's May 26 2009

Parliament would do well to follow standards set in monitoring councillors’ allowances, says Chris Game.Read

Helen Boyle: Time for Brum to embrace its gay community May 22 2009

Helen Boyle considers the business gains for Birmingham if it embraces the Equality BillRead

Call for more research into lesbians and gays treatment in the NHS May 21 2009

We don’t know how lesbians and gays fare in the Health Service as we don’t have the stats, says Dr Catherine MeadsRead

Humanity having its day in Church sexuality dispute May 20 2009

Rev Chris Dowd says both sides of the sexuality argument are finally listening to each otherRead

Supporting gay pupils against homophobia May 19 2009

As the city’s lesbian and gay community prepare for Birmingham Pride, Steve Ball focuses on education. He suggests that there’s still plenty to do to make our schools more inclusive and tolerant for all of our young people.Read

Leo Nation: Edgbaston’s neighbours are cricket fans too May 18 2009

Edgbaston cricket ground can still be improved without alienating residents, argues Leo NationRead

Adrian Pickersgill: How to avoid poverty stricken old age May 15 2009

Financial expert Adrian Pickersgill examines how best to avoid a poverty stricken retirementRead

First-class members who wouldn't milk the system May 14 2009

Political commentator Chris Moncrieff remembers Westminster before expenses claims. Read

The killing fields of Afghanistan May 13 2009

Edgbaston MP Gisela Stuart visits Afghanistan to see how our troops are fighting the TalibanRead

Lord Stafford: Keep the ideas coming May 12 2009

Innovation awards founder Lord Stafford on the vital role of universities in getting us out of recession.Read

Why the local press will be a never-ending story May 11 2009

As Local Newspaper Week begins today, John Lamb, Birmingham Press Club chairman, looks at the importance of the local mediaRead

West Midlands Minister reveals tourism crusade May 08 2009

Ian Austin, Minister for the West Midlands, on how tourism can regenerate the regionRead

Jack Straw: Justice for all May 06 2009

When a crime is committed, whose needs should “the system” look after over all others? The answer is pretty obvious: the victims of crime must always be the priority for all those involved in the justice service, from the police to the courts.Read

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