PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?

Subject: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 08:57 AM

Charles Kennedy (Lib Dem leader)comes from a family of traditional musicians. Does anyone know where he stands on this?

He's not signed the EDM.

Whilst banging on about minority issues, isn't in a politician's long term interest, I'm sure he could make some political capital out of this.

Anyone know his views?

Subject: RE: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 08:59 AM

Before anyone says it, yes I know he has a Scottish constituancy. That could be used to advantage "why am I...etc"

Subject: RE: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 12:19 PM

To quote Ry Cooder, "smack dab in the middle"

Subject: RE: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 12:43 PM

Thanks for that unhelpful reply.

I shall get in touch and ask him, just thoght that Shambles et al. may have alredy done so. Hence asking here

Subject: RE: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: The Shambles
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 01:52 PM

Perhaps this would be a good place to post and find out what all our MPs think (and all our guests), and how the MPs are responding to our letters?

Some do not appear to be responding at all, if these could be named, there may be some here who share that MP and some concerted pressure can be placed?

It would be useful to know if we are we getting through to any of them? Are they accepting the incorrect information still being supplied to them by the DCMS?

Subject: RE: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 03:08 PM

As MP for Skye and Inverness West, a Scottish costituency if ever there was one, he has no axe to grind regarding his voters. However on the wider front I bet he's on our side.
Giok

Subject: RE: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: GUEST
Date: 07 Jan 03 - 03:18 PM

As the (almost) leader of the opposition, the entire British Isles are his 'voters'. I reckon he's worth getting onside. As I said earlier, I've written to him and would urge others to do likewise.

Subject: RE: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: DMcG
Date: 19 Feb 03 - 02:13 PM

I received a letter from Charles Kennedy this morning. When I wrote to him, I deliberately just asked where the Lib Dems stood on the Bill, rather than saying I was specifically interested in the two-in-a-bar issues.

Summarising, he said the Lib dems:

* Support reform of the existing laws
* Have concerns with the implications of the Bill as drafted
* Think the proposed bill may result in increased bureaucracy
* Want a way to protect areas against concentrations of too many in one area
* Need ways to get 'voices of local organizations and business heard' when licences are considered


Then, for us!

'If the licence is to be granted easily and at no extra cost as the Government believs will be the case, our fears are groundless. However, we plan to introduce an amendment to exempt unamplified music from needing a licence... We would also like the Bill to include an exemption for Church Halls, religious community centres and other modest events or activities caught up in the proposed licencing regime.'

So, broadly on our side, but seemingly unaware of issues with eg morris and mummer plays, that many of the costs are compliance rather than licence fees as such, and of the effect on the bill outside pubs.

Subject: RE: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 19 Feb 03 - 04:04 PM

Here's his website, with a "please contact me by email" facility.

Seems like a good idea to see if we can bring him up to speed on this issue. That unamplfied amendment is a good step in the right direction.

And it might be worth while bringing to his attention what Kim Howells said about complaints about bagpipes (or what the BBC said he said possibly, when he was actually talkig aboiut piped music.)

Subject: RE: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Feb 03 - 01:33 PM

Where's that website?

Subject: RE: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: The Shambles
Date: 09 Jan 06 - 05:35 PM

*Smiles*

Subject: RE: PEL: Where does Charles Kennedy stand?
From: GUEST,Ray Padgett (work)
Date: 10 Jan 06 - 06:16 AM

Seems his parents were/are musicians, no indications as to his musical ability ~ fondness for a tipple no doubt connected to Scottish ness and music, not unlike many of our folky friends and colleagues

Alcoholism is an illness (yes it is)!

Charles stands in the toilets like everyone else after a drink (males)

Good luck to the man and his family ~ difficult to find many prepared to stand in his shoes (Menzies Campbell best safe short term) until someone of youth/stature emerges!
Ray