Hugh Sandeman
Conservative Councillor for Bell Hill ward, Petersfield

Yesterday following a strategy meeting where CF Hampshire planned our next campaigning objectives for the coming weeks some of us went out to campaign with Ranil who is standing for a seat on the Borough Council. We spoke to numerous residents about their concerns and delivered leaflets talking about the positive ideas that Ranil wants to contribute if he is elected. The photo below shows us, almost in action!

Some of CF Hampshire encouraging residents to Vote Blue to Go Green in Basingstoke in support of Ranil's election campaign there.

Personal rant time now: ...perhaps a certain drinker in a certain local pub would like to familiarise themselves with the following question from the UK Government citizenship test:

Question 8
Life in the UK explains what to do if you spill someone's pint in the pub (we're not making this up). What, according to the book, usually happens next?

A: You would offer to buy the person another pint

B: You would offer to dry their wet shirt with your own

C: You may need to prepare for a fight in the car park

You too can see how British / Un-British you are by taking a copy of the test HERE at the BBC news website.

I do not see the need or point in the whole of the United Kingdom in 2007 saying sorry for the slave trade.

1) We cannot judge the actions of past generations with today's moral guidelines.

2) If we say sorry for this where will it end? - will every person ever killed in war by the British military be apologised to for example?

3) Although distasteful now, the (forced) work and global movement of people be they black or white in previous centuries has given us the diverse mix of cultures we find across the World today.

4) Britain was instrumental in abolishing the slave trade.

5) The Empires of Britain and other European states contributed more good than bad to the countries that they controlled and gave many a basis to be the powers that they are today.

In summary there is no doubt that slavery was horrific for those who were involved. However a general apology is a mere gesture with no weight or relevance, the Goverment should spend more time sorting out some of the huge issues facing the citizens of today's African pariah states and the children of the far east who work unjustifiably long hours supplying the west's desire for consumer goods. If these children were given the chance of an education alongside the work that is vital to their family's survival there would be scope to give them the chance of a brighter future. If anybody has any other views, or can rationally explain the worth of an apology I would love you to comment.

BBCi "Have your Say" comments HERE are worth a read, it seems that largely common sense prevails amongst the readership.

I have been shocked by the huge amount of dodgy dealings being uncovered surrounding TV competition phone-ins.

With even Blue Peter being revealed as having been less than straight in the past with the way a phone-in competition was run.

If it means that these dreadful competition channels and segments of so many shows are axed or modified it will be a huge plus for all viewers.