Barnet libraries name checked on TV

The Barnet libraries campaign got a mention on the "Politics Show" on BBC1 on Sunday courtesy of bestselling author Kate Mosse. You can see the programme here for a few more days; the libraries element is 41 minutes in.

I don't agree with Kate that it might be possible to close some small branch libraries - of course! - but she's right that we should be fighting for our libraries.

Calling all authors

Are you a published author? Do you live in Barnet or have a connection with the borough? We need to hear from you what you think of the council's plan to cut the libraries service. Please email info@barnettuc.org.uk.

Welcome to two-tier, pay-twice Barnet - it's orange, as well, by the way!

Most Barnet bloggers have concentrated on Lynne Hillan's fumbling 15 minutes of fame on BBC1's "Politics Show" last Sunday. But the whole segment on how London boroughs will cope with the looming cuts storm bears watching. You can see it here.

I don't agree with Labour Lambeth's solution, making the residents run more things themselves, because I don't believe it is a solution. In any case, the politicians in Labour town halls advocating such measures are part of the governing party and should be pressuring the party in government NOT to make cuts!

But Lambeth council leader Steve Reed's criticisms of the easyCouncil model seem to me entirely just, when he calls it the "two-tier, pay-twice" model.

And why is Barnet orange, according to the programme? Because that's the easyJet colour.