Doctors are being warned not to routinely give people with learning disabilities anti-psychotic drugs to curb aggressive behaviour. An Imperial College London study of 86 patients found the drugs were no more effective than being given none at all. Researchers said it was more important to address the underlying causes.
As we look forward to the start of a New Year it strikes me that prospects for the Liberal Democrats are strong. Since May we have confounded the pundits with tremendous results in local council by-elections. Our vote has increased by more than any of the other parties and our victory in Helensburgh was an outstanding gain. In the Scottish Parliament, commentators are now talking about the Liberal Democrats as the most effective opposition party. We have a strong and effective team. And in Nick Clegg we have a dynamic and energetic new leader, determined to build our success across the UK.
Last year the Government announced their grand plan to save the Post Office from making large losses, is to shut about 2,500 more offices!! Well now they have published the list, the good news for us is that West End is not affected, but in Eastleigh Borough folk in Bishopstoke, Chandler's Ford, Hamble and Netley are not so lucky as their Offices are earmarked for closure.
"Make a New Year resolution to turn over a new leaf on the environment"
In an interview with gay news site PinkNews.co.uk published today, Lib Dem Shadow Justice minister David Heath argues the case for the proposed law on incitement to homophobic hatred as a Liberal and a Christian. He stressed the need for the law to have real teeth: "I've repeatedly said to the government I'm not interested in sending signals, that's not what legislation is for. If legislation is designed to send a signal then, as far as I'm concerned, it's not good law. It's got to be effective in remedying whatever mischief it's meant to address."
Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has strongly condemned the Prime Minister's reaction to the growing Kenyan crisis, accusing Gordon Brown of a 'monumental failure of leadership'. He said Britain's strong historical links to Kenya and our position as its single most important trading partner gave us a moral responsibility to lead the international community in tackling the crisis. Gordon Brown today welcomed the decision of African Union leader John Kufuor, Ghana's president, to undertake a reconciliation mission to Kenya. At least 275 people have been killed over four days of rioting and looting, including about 50 who burnt to death when a church was set on fire.
