The William Harvey Hospital in Ashford has closed two wards to new admissions after an outbreak of winter vomiting disease. Patients have been struck down by the norovirus, which causes acute sickness and diarrhoea.
Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg is to establish an independent Commission on Social Mobility, to be chaired by Martin Narey, Chief Executive of Barnardo's and the Chair of the End Child Poverty Coalition. The commission will investigate the reasons for Britain's apparently low levels of social mobility and recommend policy changes to enable children from disadvantaged backgrounds to fulfil their full potential. Current evidence suggests that social mobility is currently lower in the UK than in most western democracies.
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"
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.