The Wardman Wire

Here is todays roundup of stories.

Comment

Robert Colvile (Daily Telegraph Blogs)

- Capturing the good side of Parliaments

I had an interesting taste today of the good things about British politics that do not often get a lot of attention.

Hamish McCrae (Independent) - Hamish McRae: Sovereign wealth funds: the power barons who will change our markets

Will sovereign wealth funds save financial institutions in much the same way that demand from the BRICs may save the world from a global recession?

The Economist (The Economist)- On the march - Kenya

THE violent aftermath of the recent Kenya elections damaged the country’s image as a well-run corner of Africa.

Clay Risen (Times Online)- Prefabs and their empty promise

The modern architecture has become fashionable with cutting-edge designers, but the eco-friendly cachet is not built on solid foundations

News

Daily Mail (Daily Mail)

- Supermarkets face a ban on selling alcohol with big discounts

Ministers want to stop the practice amid fears it is fuelling a wave of violence in town centres and pubs.

Paul Hamilos in Madrid (Guardian)- Spanish discord kills new lyrics for anthem

The new lyrics were withdrawn yesterday amid accusations that they were reminiscent of Spain’s rightwing dictatorship and failed to represent the country’s regional differences.

Martin Hickman (Independent)- The banks’ £4bn protection racket

After a record fine for an extortionate loan protection scheme, customers are urged to claim back what they are owed

Leonard Doyle (Independent)- Scientologists try to block Cruise YouTube rant

Scientologists are attempting to block the spread of a video clip in which Tom Cruise zealously espouses his faith in the church.

JAMES FLANIGAN (NYT)- Entrepreneurship Takes Off in Ireland

Ireland is now alive with enthusiasm for entrepreneurs, who seemingly rank just below rock stars in popularity.

The Economist (The Economist)- Hungary’s fiscal roller-coaster is over

Hungary has completed a remarkable turnaround in its public finances, with the budget of deficit falling to just 5.7% of GDP in 2007 from close to 10% of GDP a year earlier.

Matthew Weaver and agencies (Times Online)- Governments court order plan will allow people in debt to keep their creditors at bay

The Ministry of Justice announces the biggest shake-up in personal insolvency laws for years, which will permit borrowers to take a repayment holiday

Michael Evans (Times Online)- Outrage as US accuses Britain of inexperience in Taleban conflict

Robert Gates, the US Defence Secretary, risked an unprecedented rift with Britain and other close allies after accusing Nato countries fighting in southern Afghanistan of lacking experience in counter-insurgency warfare.

Obituary

Independent (Independent)

- John Harvey: Tory MP and businessman

John Harvey fought Walthamstow East for the Conservative Party in 1951 and gained the seat at the 1955 general election with a majority of 1,129.

Scotland

BBC (BBC)

- Summit plans to reform gun laws

A firearms summit to identify how gun laws can be reformed is being planned by ministers in Scotland.

Wales

BBC (BBC)

- GP contract not value for money

The Welsh assembly’s audit committee said a new GP contract, which included a 25% pay rise, had not brought enough improvements for patients.

BBC (BBC)- Raise bar for GPs says report

The Auditor General for Wales says he wants to see the performance bar for GPs in Wales raised to ensure patients continue getting better services.

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