In his latest column for the New Statesman, John Pilger describes the basic freedoms being lost in Britain as the ‘national security state’, imported from the United States by New Labour, takes effect.

Unelected Business Secretary, ‘Lord’ Mandelson was hit by slime rather than sleaze when Leila Deen, a member of environmental group Plane Stupid, threw green custard over him this morning. The move was a ‘last resort’ after the democratic process had failed, she said.

Plane Stupid is campaigning against a third runway at Heathrow. (more…)

Here’s a PDF copy of the Lesbian and Gay Foundation’s Annual Report and Financial Statements, for the year ending 2008.

More than a quarter of the LGF’s income comes from one primary care trust (North Manchester) and about another 50% from other primary care trusts and health bodies. Which are exactly the kind of things that are going to be cut back in bankrupt Britain in the next couple of years if you ask me.

The LGF blows £75,000 a year on rent for its Princess Street offices. Time to move somewhere cheaper? A portacabin on the Bloom Street car-park perhaps?

Staff wages cost £592,901 in 2008. With another £58,572 spent on National Insurance and £43,423 on pensions.

There was a cost of £61,589 to generate voluntary income of £100,736.

It’s interesting reading. Take a look…

When Lisa Ferguson changed her supplier, British Gas continued to send her bills. These were followed by letters threatening to cut off her supply, start legal proceedings and report her to credit reference agencies.

She wrote to the British Gas chairman and the watchdog Energywatch, but still the letters and bills continued. So she decided to turn the tables on British Gas and take them to court for unlawful harassment, claiming damages for distress and anxiety and financial loss. (more…)