Euro MP Urges Parliament to End Bankers' Discredited Bonus Culture

THE European Parliament in Strasbourg will this week vote on a crucial first reading deal on new laws to end the risk taking culture in banking that led to the global economic crisis.

The deal negotiated by Vice Chair of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, Euro MP Arlene McCarthy was reached in a series of talks between the European Parliament, Council and Commission. It will mean that new laws on bankers' bonuses will be implemented for the upcoming bonus season.

Speaking in the debate in Strasbourg on Tuesday 6 July 2010 Arlene McCarthy said:- “We have a duty as legislators to respond to the public's concerns by voting in favour of these tough reforms to end the obscene bonus culture. At a time when the government is making substantial cuts, scaling back public services and support to families and businesses, our constituents expect banks to prioritise stability and lending over their own pay and perks. The banks have had two years since the 2008 financial crisis to do this and have failed to act, so now we will do the job for them.”

Drawing attention to proposals to regulate exceptional pension payments for bankers, which were added to the law by the European Parliament, Arlene McCarthy said:- "We have seen bank chiefs walk away from the ruins of their firm with a 16 million pound bonus pot, while taxpayers pick up the bill. These new rules will ensure this can never happen again."

Liverpool John Moores University Honorary Fellowships 2010

LIVERPOOL John Moores University has released details for the Honorary Fellowships and Corporate Awards to be conferred during this year's graduation ceremonies.

Honorary Fellowships are given in recognition of outstanding achievement by an individual in a given field or profession and to those who exemplify LJMU's ethos to 'dream, plan and achieve.'

Professor Michael Brown, LJMU's Vice Chancellor, said:- "Our Honorary Fellows have all demonstrated a great desire to pursue their interests and ensure they are recognised as the best in their field. To do this they may have had to overcome many hurdles but their desire to succeed has far outweighed any complications they may have encountered. This determination makes them excellent role models for our graduates and proves to them that if you have a dream and plan your moves carefully, you can achieve anything. We are delighted to welcome these inspirational figures into the University family and recognise their outstanding achievements.”

To be awared Honorary Fellows:- Bernard Hogan-Howe, Colonel John Blashford-Snell, Lord Jonathan Mance, Honorary Fellows Norah Button, Kim Cattrall, David Molyneux, Alison Steadman, John Timpson, Chrissie Maher, Gerry Marsden, John Entwistle OBE, Richard Lester and Sir Tim Hunt. JMU will give an Ambassador Fellow Professor to Phil Redmond CBE as well. Also taking place is the PhD Graduation of Tranmere Rovers Manager Les Parry and a Corporate Award will go to Aintree Racecourse (Mr Julian Thick).

Liverpool John Moores University Honorary Fellowships 2010

LIVERPOOL John Moores University has released details for the Honorary Fellowships and Corporate Awards to be conferred during this year's graduation ceremonies.

Honorary Fellowships are given in recognition of outstanding achievement by an individual in a given field or profession and to those who exemplify LJMU's ethos to 'dream, plan and achieve.'

Professor Michael Brown, LJMU's Vice Chancellor, said:- "Our Honorary Fellows have all demonstrated a great desire to pursue their interests and ensure they are recognised as the best in their field. To do this they may have had to overcome many hurdles but their desire to succeed has far outweighed any complications they may have encountered. This determination makes them excellent role models for our graduates and proves to them that if you have a dream and plan your moves carefully, you can achieve anything. We are delighted to welcome these inspirational figures into the University family and recognise their outstanding achievements.”

To be awared Honorary Fellows:- Bernard Hogan-Howe, Colonel John Blashford-Snell, Lord Jonathan Mance, Honorary Fellows Norah Button, Kim Cattrall, David Molyneux, Alison Steadman, John Timpson, Chrissie Maher, Gerry Marsden, John Entwistle OBE, Richard Lester and Sir Tim Hunt. JMU will give an Ambassador Fellow Professor to Phil Redmond CBE as well. Also taking place is the PhD Graduation of Tranmere Rovers Manager Les Parry and a Corporate Award will go to Aintree Racecourse (Mr Julian Thick).

Football Fever No Obstacle for Arts Festival

A Merseyside arts festival overcame the summer heatwave, World Cup fever and the ongoing economic downturn to enjoy another successful year.  The Prescot Festival, now in its sixth year, featured 10 days of arts and music, ranging from acoustic gigs and choral concerts to brass bands, tuba quartets and classical orchestras. Among the artists were organist Professor Ian Tracey of Liverpool Cathedral, musical theatre sensations Birkenhead Operatic Society and the esteemed L’Orchestra dell’Arte.  This year’s programme coincided with the 400th anniversary of Prescot Parish Church, Knowsley’s only Grade I listed building. As part of the celebrations, the world-renowned Choir of King’s College Cambridge sang to a record crowd of almost 700 people.  Dr Howard, who is Head of Music at Deyes High School, Maghull, as well as a composer, conductor and multi-instrumentalist, thanked the many faithful volunteers who make the Prescot Festival possible.  “This year was a unique challenge in so many ways, not least because we were competing with the World Cup for people’s attention. But the people came – which just goes to show that if you put together a good programme, the audience is there.” said Artistic Director Dr Robert Howard.  Preparations are already underway for the next festival, which takes place from 17 June 2011 to 26 June 2011.