Patrick Hinton's Blog
Posted by Patrick Hinton
Good afternoon,
The British/UK affairs page is looking awesome with loads of great articles by some of the contributing writers.
In terms of discussion, there are lots of things to talk about in the UK at the moment.
- Gordon Brown is facing increasing pressure of the situation in Afghanistan.
- David Cameron took a lot of flak over his recent policy changing in regards to the European Union.
- The Queen's Speech on 18 November
- The NATO Assembly in Edinburgh
I'll try to keep it all covered, but may get behind- we'll have to see!
In the meantime, if you want an article written on anything relevant, just send me an email and I'll get on it ASAP.
Posted by Patrick Hinton
After a very stressful and busy summer I have finally sorted my life out enough to start writing some material again.
One article is up, and with many more to follow, I hope the British/UK Affairs section will be up and fully functional, (and of course up to date) within a few weeks.
I've covered the MP's Expenses scandal albeit briefly and I will try to expand on this as Sir Thomas Legg's report begins to take more of an effect.
With yesterday's ratification of the Lisbon Treat by the Czech Republic's president, Vaclav Klaus I will be putting up some material before the end of the week (hopefully) regarding the treaty, and its impact on the UK.
Obviously, any suggestions would be most welcome and if you'd like me to write a piece on a particular subject, don't hesitate to send me an email!
Posted by Patrick Hinton
David Cameron, leader of the British Conservative Party made his first speech since going on compassionate leave due to the death of 6-year old son Ivan last week.
Cameron admitted that the recession that is currently affecting the United Kingdom caught the party off guard.
He also said that politicians must admit their mistakes in order to earn public trust and lead Britain to a brighter future on the economic front.
The Conservative party has been pressuring the current Labour Party to admit their mistakes and apologise over how they have dealt with the economic crisis.
Posted by Patrick Hinton
Hi Everyone,
The section has had a steady stream of contributors which is cool, and they've really picked up sincet he beginning of the year.
We seem to be having at least one new article every few days and I am trying to write as often and as much as I can fit in between my furious studies!
I think there is a good mix of profiles, guides and also current affiars material now and I hope that the momentum can be kept up.
I really appreciate everyone who is contributing to the section and hope everyone continues to do so!
Yours,
Patrick
Posted by Patrick Hinton
On Tuesday, 4 March 2009, Gordon Brown, the British Prime Minister will begin a two day trip to the US to visit the new US President, Barack Obama.
Gordon Brown will be the first European leader to visit the newly inaugurated president. There has been a close realtionship between the two nations and a number of political commentators are signifying the meeting as the beginning of a new, special relationship between the US and the UK.
The previous leaders of each country, George W. Bush and Tony Blair became good friends and, even after they have both left office, still see each other.
Gordon Brown may be trying to increase his dwindling popularity in the polls simply through meeting with Mr. Obama.
President Obama is attracting higher approval rates in European countries than he does in the United States. It is thought by some that the huge popularity of the new US leader may "rub off" onto any European leaders who are, or at least seem to be in his favour.
There is also some speculation that Brown is eager to meet with Obama because of the similar way both leaders have tried to deal with the financial crisis. Both leaders announced hugely costly, and also controversial stimulus packages to try to reboot the economy after the financial collapse in which came to a head in September 2008.
Posted by Patrick Hinton
I am sad to announced that, as many of you will know, that the 6 year old son of the Conservative Party's leader, David Cameron died in hospital on Wednesday.
Ivan Cameron had both epilepsy and cerebral palsy. He was taken ill and admitted to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, where his died overnight.
Messages of sympathy are being displayed everywhere, and the Camerons have expressed their thanks to everyone who has supported them in this obviously difficult time.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has spoken to Mr Cameron to express his condolences over the loss of Ivan. Buckingham Palace have also stated that the Queen has expressed her sympathies to Mr Cameron.
Posted by Patrick Hinton
Having just completed my little series on all of the constituent parts of the United Kingdom (Check them out if you haven't done so already!), I am now trying to decide in what direction to head in.
I will of course continue to write on topical and current affairs when it is appropriate, but I would also like to create an in-depth and informative "database" if you like, of things to do with the UK.
I have begun to write about British Prime Ministers and I have written profiles on Gordon Brown, Tony Blairs, Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill. I would like to continue expanding these biographies and please feel free to write some biographies of Prime Ministers, or any other politician that you feel is interesting!
I will continue to think of ideas and thoughts on how to take the section forward and keep you posted here!
Posted by Patrick Hinton
Dear All,
I have just been made the new Feature Writer for the British/UK Affairs topic, which I am of course very excited about!
I hope to bring the section up-to-date and try to make some really interesting things happen. I will write articles as often as I can find time.
If anyone has any ideas which they think will bring the section forward, then feel free to email me (there is a link on my profile). I would really appreciate it!
Thanks,
Patrick