Download or read book Thirty third Report of Session 2005 06 written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: European Scrutiny Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2006-07-07 with total page 80 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Thirty-third report of Session 2005-06 : Documents considered by the Committee on 28 June 2006, including: consultation on fisheries management proposals, report, together with formal Minutes

Download or read book Twenty third Report of Session 2005 06 written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: European Scrutiny Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2006-04-11 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Twenty-third report of Session 2005-06 : Documents considered by the Committee on 29 March 2006, including, Promotion of clean road vehicles, report, together with formal Minutes

Download or read book Free Speech after 9 11 written by Katharine Gelber and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2016-04-14 with total page 187 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Although there has been a lot written about how counter-terrorism laws impact on human rights and civil liberties, most of this work has focussed on the most obvious or egregious kinds of human rights abrogation, such as extended detention, torture, and extraordinary rendition. Far less has been written about the complex ways in which Western governments have placed new and far-reaching limitations on freedom of speech in this context since 9/11. This book compares three liberal democracies - the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, in particular showing the commonalities and similarities in what has occurred in each country, and the changes in the appropriate parameters of freedom of speech in the counter-terrorism context since 9/11, achieved both in policy change and the justification for that change. In all three countries much speech has been criminalized in ways that were considered anachronistic, or inappropriate, in comparable policy areas prior to 9/11. This is particularly interesting because other works have suggested that the United States' unique protection of freedom of speech in the First Amendment has prevented speech being limited in that country in ways that have been pursued in others. This book shows that this kind of argument misses the detail of the policy change that has occurred, and privileges a textual reading over a more comprehensive policy-based understanding of the changes that have occurred. The author argues that we are now living a new-normal for freedom of speech, within which restrictions on speech that once would have been considered aberrant, overreaching, and impermissible are now considered ordinary, necessary, and justified as long as they occur in the counter-terrorism context. This change is persistent, and it has far reaching implications for the future of this foundational freedom.

Download or read book Digital inclusion in Wales written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Welsh Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2009-08-04 with total page 360 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Wales Office and the Welsh Assembly Government must ensure UK digital inclusion initiatives meet Welsh needs and build on existing good work to deliver on Welsh digital ambitions, says the Welsh Affairs Committee in a report published today. This report "Digital Inclusion in Wales", examines the use of digital technologies in Wales, highlights the urgent need for the eradication of broadband ’notspots' - areas with limited or no access to high speed internet connections - and says this issue must continue to receive priority attention. There should be more support to help a wider range of people use technology effectively. Employers told the Committee they need staff with better IT skills and more training opportunities. The Committee recommends the Welsh Assembly Government explicitly includes this issue in its digital inclusion strategy. The digital inclusion agenda is a complex mix of reserved and devolved matters. This brings a risk that key issues can be overlooked, for example no account has been taken of Welsh language speakers' needs in the Government's Digital Inclusion Action Plan. The Secretary of State for Wales must ensure that bodies in Wales across all sectors are fully engaged with initiatives and that the next stage of Digital Britain adequately reflects Welsh needs. Higher education institutions also have a vital role to play and should be involved in any new research opportunities. The Welsh Assembly already has successful digital inclusion projects in Wales and it should find a way to become fully involved with the UK digital inclusion and Digital Britain work so it does not miss out on policy developments and funding opportunities. The Committee also recommends the creation of a one-stop shop providing advice on the risks for young people using technology, and commends the Assembly's work tackling internet related crimes which it says should be promoted as part of the economic development strategy in Wales.

Download or read book The Blue Badge Scheme written by Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons. Transport Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2008 with total page 84 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Disabled people may be missing out on special parking concessions because of where they live. This is the main finding of this report into the Blue Badge Scheme, which offers parking concessions for disabled people. It comes as the Government carries out a strategic review of the scheme. The Committee found wide differences in the way the eligibility criteria are assessed by different local authorities. It wants to see more done to promote consistent good practice across the country.The Committee's conclusions include: (1) the Committee wants to see the minimum issue period for a badge reduced from three years to one, to include those with short-term or temporary disabilities. It would also like to see "smart card" technology developed so there could be even more flexibility over the issuing of badges. (2) In cases where a blue badge holder's condition is unlikely to improve they should not usually have to undergo regular three-yearly assessments, but have their badge renewed automatically. (3) the Government should consider including central London, which currently has its own regime, in the national system. (4) eligibility for a blue badge should be based on mobility in a wider sense than simply on an applicant's ability to walk. But the Government should also look to more appropriate ways of helping people with other disabilities, such as bowel disease. (5) for those who knowingly abuse the scheme the Committee want to see tougher penalties. In particular, those who use stolen badges should have their vehicles impounded. A national database should also be established to help combat fraud. (6) the Security Industry Authority should take steps to prevent vehicles displaying a valid badge from being clamped when they are parked on private land. (7) the Committee also found that Asda was the only example given of a major national company which consistently fined people who abused its disabled bays.

Download or read book Government response to the Committee s eighth report of this session written by Great Britain: Parliament: Joint Committee on Human Rights and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2007-05-21 with total page 20 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The control orders regime, established under the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005, gives the Home Secretary the power to place restrictions on the liberty of individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism-related activity, depending on the assessed risk posed by the individual concerned, including requirements as to place of abode, and restrictions on movement, association or communication. This publication sets out the Government's reply to the Committee's report (HLP 60/HCP 365, session 2006-07; ISBN 9780104010310) which examined the Government's intention to extend the control order regime for a second time, for a further year to March 2008, under the draft Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005 (continuance in force of sections 1 to 9) Order 2007 (Draft 2007 S.I., ISBN 9780110757278).

Download or read book Welsh prisoners in the prison estate written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Welsh Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2010-03-03 with total page 80 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is a pressing need for more prison places in Wales. There are only four prisons in Wales, all of which are in South Wales. The Committee urges the Government to be flexible in its approach, which would be consistent with the considered views expressed in recent reports by the Justice Select Committee.

Download or read book Harmful Content on the Internet and in Video Games written by Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons. Culture, Media and Sport Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2008 with total page 84 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Internet has become an indispensable tool for communications, research and commerce. But this report addresses the growing public concern at the Internet's dark side: the easy availability of hardcore pornography, which people may find offensive, the uploading by ordinary people of film of real fights, bullying or alleged rape, or the setting up of websites encouraging others to follow extreme diets, or self-harm, or even commit suicide. In particular, there is increasing anxiety among parents about the use of social networking sites and chatrooms for grooming and sexual predation. The Committee welcomes the Government-commissioned report by Dr Tanya Byron on the risks posed by the Internet to children, and agrees that a UK Council for Child Internet Safety should be established. Sites which host user-generated content-typically photos and videos uploaded by members of the public-have taken some steps to set minimum standards for that content. The Committee recommends that proactive review of content should be standard practice for such sites, and calls for provision of high profile facilities for reporting abuse or unwelcome behaviour directly to law enforcement and support organisations. There is a distinct issue about labelling of video games to indicate the nature of their content. Two systems currently exist side by side: the industry awards its own ratings, and the British Board of Film Classification awards classifications to a small number of games which feature content unsuitable for children. The dual system is confusing, and BBFC should have responsibility for rating games with content appropriate for adults or teenagers.

Download or read book Draft Heritage Protection Bill written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Culture, Media and Sport Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2008 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In April 2008, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) published a Draft Heritage Bill and the Government has indicated that the Bill will be in next year's legislative programme. The Bill is designed to unify heritage protection regimes, allow greater public involvement in decisions, and place heritage at the heart of the planning system. The Committee has undertaken pre-legislative scrutiny of the bill but this was undermined by the incomplete nature of the legislation. The Committee also felt that the Government must prioritise the revision of Planning policy guidelines (PPGs) 15 & 16 to ensure that the new guidance on planning policy can be implemented at the same time as the Bill. Further serious issues of concern included the accuracy of current cost estimates & impact assessment and sufficient staffing with the necessary skills, in particular conservation officers. The Committee was also not convinced that Heritage Partnership Agreements (HPAs), a new system of management agreements for owners of large estates, were a robust business option. Nor could any evidence be found that either DCMS or English Heritage had considered any amendments to the legislation which would improve the operation or effectiveness of the enforcement powers for local authorities.

Download or read book British Waterways written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2007-07-31 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This inquiry into British Waterways covers the following topics: the improvements to the network over the past decade; the impact of recent grant reductions; funding levels in the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007; changes to the financial and regulatory framework; commercial activities; growth in the waterways network for leisure; potential growth of freight; the relationship with users; partnership working; the relationship with Government. The inquiry showed that the relationship between British Waterways and its sponsor department have been tense in recent months, with a former minister criticising them in public. The Committee hope that it is time for a fresh start. The Committee fully support the case for a longer-term funding contract and believe there is a strong case for other Government department to also make direct contributions to the funding. Government should rule out any plans for privatisation.

Download or read book The UK Government s Vision for the Common Agricultural Policy written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2007-05-24 with total page 254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Incorporating HCP 1250, session 2005-06, not previously published

Download or read book The Government s motorcycling strategy written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Transport Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2007-03-29 with total page 166 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Government's Motorcycling Strategy was published in February 2005, with the aim of facilitating motorcycling as a choice of travel within a safe and sustainable transport framework. It had a strong focus on safety including provision on the highway, including road design and maintenance; encouraging safer bike design; promoting correct helmet fitting; and improving rider training. This inquiry looks at the progress in implementing the strategy. In addition it also considers changes to motorcycle licensing arrangements and action that might be taken to reduce the risk posed by mini-motos and go-peds.

Download or read book Proposed National Assembly for Wales Legislative Competence Housing and Local Government Order 2010 relating to sustainable housing written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Welsh Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2010-02-03 with total page 72 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The effect of this proposed LCO would be to devolve wide-ranging legislative competence for social housing policy to the National Assembly for Wales. The terms of the proposed Order include the provision of social housing, provision by local authorities of caravan sites for use by gypsies and travellers, measures to tackle homelessness, and council tax payable in respect of dwellings that are not the main residence of an individual. The current proposal is a revision of an earlier, much narrower, affordable housing LCO laid before Parliament in 2008, which was criticised because the terms of the LCO went much wider than the policy purposes described to us by the Minister in her evidence. The Committee believes that there is indeed a demand in Wales for comprehensive social housing legislation for Wales, to include the regulation of social housing providers and reform of tenure law. It concludes that the current Order is a logical extension of the current devolution settlement and, with minor technical changes outlined in this Report, is content that it should proceed. The Committee reiterates its continuing concerns about the naming of LCOs. There is now a number of draft or proposed Orders with similar titles. The recommendation is that LCOs should be given a simple title which conveys the actual subject of the Order to the general reader.

Download or read book Novice drivers written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Transport Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2007-07-19 with total page 68 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Novice drivers (those with less than three years driving experience) are among the most vulnerable drivers on our roads, particularly in the first year after passing their test, with one research study finding that nearly one fifth of new drivers were involved in at least one crash within one year of passing their tests. The Committee's report examines a number of options designed to create a more structured approach to learning to drive, in order to help reduce road deaths and injuries amongst novice drivers and the victims of their inexperience. Options include establishing a minimum learning period; graduated driver licensing so that there might be a restriction on driving at night for a certain period after passing a test or a limit on the car engine size allowed; and driver education schemes designed to influence people at a young age to address the development of over-confident attitudes. It also considers the role of the insurance industry and measures to make traffic law enforcement more effective, particularly for disqualified and unlicensed drivers. Recommendations include: i) the introduction of a minimum 12-month learning period, thereby establishing the minimum age for holding a full driving licence at 18 years, in line with most European countries; ii) the need to evaluate the enforceability of two blood alcohol concentration limits, one for novice drivers and one for the general driving populations; iii) the need for further research to understand the scale and nature of the crash involvement of novice drivers, as distinct from young drivers; and iv) reforming the driver training and testing framework including a mandatory continuous professional development programme for all driving instructors.

Download or read book The Northern Ireland Prison Service written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2007-12-12 with total page 76 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With around 1500 prisoners and an estate of three prisons, the Northern Ireland Prison Service is a very small prison service. This inquiry was undertaken to examine whether the estate was adequate and appropriate for the secure accommodation of Northern Ireland's prisoners and whether the Prison Service meets the health, education and training needs of prisoners. One of the main conclusions is that the Current Comprehensive Spending Review does not provide sufficient capital for the substantial redesign of the prison estate. If criminal justice is to be devolved the Committee hope that capital investment in the prison estate will be a priority of the Northern Ireland Executive. If not the Secretary of State will have to argue for an increase in funding.

Download or read book Climate Change written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2006-09-18 with total page 267 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Potential Benefits of the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics for Wales written by Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons. Welsh Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2009 with total page 136 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This inquiry arose from the Committee's belief that any benefits of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games should be felt in Wales and not only in London and the South East of England. The Committee cannot yet conclude whether Wales will benefit from the 2012 Games. Few events will be held in Wales and it is not predicted that Wales will benefit greatly from tourism generated by the Games. An opportunity was missed in the original bid to locate events in Wales particularly in respect of mountain biking and canoeing. In retrospect, it now seems misguided to build expensive new venues when such facilities exist in Wales. Lottery funding will be diverted from Wales to fund the Games, with a loss of an estimated £100 million, which will have a long-term effect on grassroots projects with a reduction in the number of new facilities built and possible problems in maintaining current structures. The Government has launched the London 2012 Business Network and CompeteFor, but there Welsh companies currently only account for 2 per cent of all the total number of registrations on the CompeteFor network. The most obvious benefit to Wales arises from the fact that the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London provide a unique opportunity to generate interest in sport amongst children and young people. Disability sports is a great success story for Wales and the community programme ensures that there are opportunities for children and young people with disabilities. It is important that all sections of Welsh society are engaged with the Olympics and Paralympics and its ideals.