London is one of the most dynamic cities in the world for the media, film, television and broadcasting sectors. As a London MEP I have regular meetings with employees in the creative industries. On Monday I'll be meeting with representatives of the culture trade unions.
You can read my latest briefing on culture issues in the European Parliament by clicking on the link below:
http://www.maryhoneyball.net/culture.htm
Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London. Show all posts
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
MORE OLYMPIC WHINGING
Seventy-five pence in every one pound spent on the Olympic site will aid regeneration in east London. The Olympics will be of tremendous benefit to certain run down areas of London badly in need of extra resources.
Instead of supporting the Olympic preparations and understanding the opportunity the Games will provide for London and the country as a whole, the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has now jumped on the anti-Olympic bandwagon. Edward Leigh, Tory Chairman of the PAC has accused ministers and officials of underestimating the true cost in order to win government and public support for the bid.
Tessa Jowell, the Olympics Minister, has denied that there was any intention to mislead on the costings for the Games. Quite right too. We need to stop whinging and get on with the Olympic project which will be good for London and good for Britain.
Instead of supporting the Olympic preparations and understanding the opportunity the Games will provide for London and the country as a whole, the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has now jumped on the anti-Olympic bandwagon. Edward Leigh, Tory Chairman of the PAC has accused ministers and officials of underestimating the true cost in order to win government and public support for the bid.
Tessa Jowell, the Olympics Minister, has denied that there was any intention to mislead on the costings for the Games. Quite right too. We need to stop whinging and get on with the Olympic project which will be good for London and good for Britain.
Monday, 21 April 2008
ANOTHER OLYMPIC WHINGE
Will the interminable Olympic bashing ever end? In case the whingers hadn't realised, the UK and London worked hard to host the games. We believed the Olympics would promote London as a world class city and leave a lasting legacy of regeneration and superb sports facilities.
A report from the New Economics Foundation is now saying the Games will not improve the lives of the poorest people in London. They cite previous Olympics in other countries as evidence for this assertion. It may simply be that those who held the Games in the past did not intend to provide any kind of economic boost for the less well or improve decaying infrastructure.
In case the whingers hadn't noticed, the 2012 Olympics intend to do both these things. The Olympics will be a huge benefit to London and Londoners. Please let's talk up our amazing opportunity.
A report from the New Economics Foundation is now saying the Games will not improve the lives of the poorest people in London. They cite previous Olympics in other countries as evidence for this assertion. It may simply be that those who held the Games in the past did not intend to provide any kind of economic boost for the less well or improve decaying infrastructure.
In case the whingers hadn't noticed, the 2012 Olympics intend to do both these things. The Olympics will be a huge benefit to London and Londoners. Please let's talk up our amazing opportunity.
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
BRIAN COLEMAN'S EXPENSES
Tory GLA Member Brian Coleman has run up a £4,147 taxi bill this year - more than all the GLA Members put together, including Ken Livingstone. He managed to claim £420 in one fell swoop by asking the cab to wait while he addressed a meeting of the Jewish Forum in Barnet during December.
While I firmly believe we elected representatives need adequate resources to do our jobs, over four grand to travel round the capital seems a bit steep, especially since Ken's transport improvements have made it much easier.
The odious Coleman denies booking any of the cars himself. He thought he was being ferried around in a GLA official car. "Because I've been Chairman and Deputy Chairman I'm entitled to an official car when attending official functions in the morning dress and wearing the diamonds around my neck," he told "Metro" newspaper.
Yet there is no official car and indulging in the bells and whistles of office is Coleman's choice ninety-nine percent of the time. Murad Qureshi, a Labour Member of the Greater London Assembly said, "He (Coleman) justifies getting taxis everywhere because he wears his bling around. There's no reason for him even to be wearing it."
You and I are paying Mr Coleman's insecure need to puff himself up. His sense of self-importance is really quite extraordinary and expensive.
While I firmly believe we elected representatives need adequate resources to do our jobs, over four grand to travel round the capital seems a bit steep, especially since Ken's transport improvements have made it much easier.
The odious Coleman denies booking any of the cars himself. He thought he was being ferried around in a GLA official car. "Because I've been Chairman and Deputy Chairman I'm entitled to an official car when attending official functions in the morning dress and wearing the diamonds around my neck," he told "Metro" newspaper.
Yet there is no official car and indulging in the bells and whistles of office is Coleman's choice ninety-nine percent of the time. Murad Qureshi, a Labour Member of the Greater London Assembly said, "He (Coleman) justifies getting taxis everywhere because he wears his bling around. There's no reason for him even to be wearing it."
You and I are paying Mr Coleman's insecure need to puff himself up. His sense of self-importance is really quite extraordinary and expensive.
Friday, 11 April 2008
CREATIVE INDUSTRY- WHERE ARE THE WOMEN?
The European Parliament has just finished debating a report the creative industries. I spoke in the Chamber, highlighting the important role of our creative and cultural industries, particularly the increasing part they play in our economy.
As a member representing London, the creative hub of the UK and indeed Europe, I am acutely aware of the benefits that such industries bring to a locality. London is diverse in culture and thriving in its creativity and as cultural and creative industries represent a significant sector in London's economy, I welcome recommendations to support their sustainability and growth.
That said I find it of great concern, that whilst women represent a huge number of employees within the industry, their absence in high ranking positions is stark.
As the report rightly pointed out, cultural industries are an important vehicle through which European values are communicated. Equality between men and women is one of the most important..
The origins of our flourishing cultural and creative industries lie in the diversity of individual talents and skills. Member States must investigate and address the barriers that prevent our most creative women from entering the boardroom.
As a member representing London, the creative hub of the UK and indeed Europe, I am acutely aware of the benefits that such industries bring to a locality. London is diverse in culture and thriving in its creativity and as cultural and creative industries represent a significant sector in London's economy, I welcome recommendations to support their sustainability and growth.
That said I find it of great concern, that whilst women represent a huge number of employees within the industry, their absence in high ranking positions is stark.
As the report rightly pointed out, cultural industries are an important vehicle through which European values are communicated. Equality between men and women is one of the most important..
The origins of our flourishing cultural and creative industries lie in the diversity of individual talents and skills. Member States must investigate and address the barriers that prevent our most creative women from entering the boardroom.
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