Friend of Snoop Dogg who featured on hit record Regulate was recovering from two strokes he had suffered in recent years Hip-hop star Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, known by his stage name Nate Dogg, has died aged 41. The cause of his death is unclear but the Californian rapper had been recovering from two strokes he suffered in recent years. Hale began singing as a child in baptist churches under the care of his father, who was a pastor. At the age of 16 he dropped out of high school in Long Beach, California, and joined the US marine corps, where he served for three years. In 1991, he formed a rap trio with Snoop Dogg and Warren G, and first found fame as a guest on Dr Dre’s classic album The Chronic. With Warren G, he had a huge hit with Regulate, which reached No 5 in the UK charts in 1994. In total, he featured on four UK hits and also collaborated with Eminem, Ludacris, Tupac Shakur and Mark Ronson. “We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb” Snoop Dogg tweeted. “One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met. I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit.” “I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan.” Snoop continued. “all doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!” Singer Erykah Badu also tweeted: “Nate Dogg … freshness period. rest in beats”. Comedian Dave Chappelle similarly wrote: “Moment of silence for a hip-hop legend; RIP Nate Dogg. You will be missed, G Funk Era forever. #natedogg.” Hale was left paralysed on one side of his body following a massive stroke in December 2007 and was struck by a second stroke in September 2008. Nate released three solo albums, 1998′s G-Funk Classics, Vol 1 & 2, 2001′s Music And Me, and a self-titled LP in 2004. He was Grammy-nominated four times, most recently in 2007 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for his contributions to the Eminem track, Shake That. Rap Urban music Snoop Dogg United States Caspar Llewellyn Smith guardian.co.uk
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Friend of Snoop Dogg who featured on hit record Regulate was recovering from two strokes he had suffered in recent years Hip-hop star Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, known by his stage name Nate Dogg, has died aged 41. The cause of his death is unclear but the Californian rapper had been recovering from two strokes he suffered in recent years. Hale began singing as a child in baptist churches under the care of his father, who was a pastor. At the age of 16 he dropped out of high school in Long Beach, California, and joined the US marine corps, where he served for three years. In 1991, he formed a rap trio with Snoop Dogg and Warren G, and first found fame as a guest on Dr Dre’s classic album The Chronic. With Warren G, he had a huge hit with Regulate, which reached No 5 in the UK charts in 1994. In total, he featured on four UK hits and also collaborated with Eminem, Ludacris, Tupac Shakur and Mark Ronson. “We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb” Snoop Dogg tweeted. “One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met. I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit.” “I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan.” Snoop continued. “all doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!” Singer Erykah Badu also tweeted: “Nate Dogg … freshness period. rest in beats”. Comedian Dave Chappelle similarly wrote: “Moment of silence for a hip-hop legend; RIP Nate Dogg. You will be missed, G Funk Era forever. #natedogg.” Hale was left paralysed on one side of his body following a massive stroke in December 2007 and was struck by a second stroke in September 2008. Nate released three solo albums, 1998′s G-Funk Classics, Vol 1 & 2, 2001′s Music And Me, and a self-titled LP in 2004. He was Grammy-nominated four times, most recently in 2007 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for his contributions to the Eminem track, Shake That. Rap Urban music Snoop Dogg United States Caspar Llewellyn Smith guardian.co.uk
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Friend of Snoop Dogg who featured on hit record Regulate was recovering from two strokes he had suffered in recent years Hip-hop star Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, known by his stage name Nate Dogg, has died aged 41. The cause of his death is unclear but the Californian rapper had been recovering from two strokes he suffered in recent years. Hale began singing as a child in baptist churches under the care of his father, who was a pastor. At the age of 16 he dropped out of high school in Long Beach, California, and joined the US marine corps, where he served for three years. In 1991, he formed a rap trio with Snoop Dogg and Warren G, and first found fame as a guest on Dr Dre’s classic album The Chronic. With Warren G, he had a huge hit with Regulate, which reached No 5 in the UK charts in 1994. In total, he featured on four UK hits and also collaborated with Eminem, Ludacris, Tupac Shakur and Mark Ronson. “We lost a true legend n hip hop n rnb” Snoop Dogg tweeted. “One of my best friends n a brother to me since 1986 when I was a sophomore at poly high where we met. I love u buddy luv. U will always b wit me 4ever n a day u put the g n g funk u put the 1 n 213 n u put yo stamp on evrybdy u ever didit wit.” “I miss u cuzz I am so sad but so happy I got to grow up wit u and I will c u again n heaven cuz u know d slogan.” Snoop continued. “all doggs go to heaven yo homie n baby brotha bigg snoopdogg!!” Singer Erykah Badu also tweeted: “Nate Dogg … freshness period. rest in beats”. Comedian Dave Chappelle similarly wrote: “Moment of silence for a hip-hop legend; RIP Nate Dogg. You will be missed, G Funk Era forever. #natedogg.” Hale was left paralysed on one side of his body following a massive stroke in December 2007 and was struck by a second stroke in September 2008. Nate released three solo albums, 1998′s G-Funk Classics, Vol 1 & 2, 2001′s Music And Me, and a self-titled LP in 2004. He was Grammy-nominated four times, most recently in 2007 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for his contributions to the Eminem track, Shake That. Rap Urban music Snoop Dogg United States Caspar Llewellyn Smith guardian.co.uk
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Labour leader pushes for electoral reform before AV referendum rally as shadow health secretary John Healey joins No vote Ed Miliband is pitted against a large number of his own MPs over a switch in the voting system as more than 150 Labour MPs and peers put their weight behind the “Labour No to AV” campaign in Westminster. A full page advert on the back page of the Guardian listing more than 100 Labour MPs and more than 50 peers in favour of retaining the first-past-the-post system was published on the same day the Labour leader prepares to make his strongest intervention yet in the referendum on the alternative vote when he addresses a Labour Yes rally. Miliband, will claim that AV “will restore the balance of power in favour of voters”. Labour had committed itself to a referendum on AV in its manifesto at the last election, though many were reluctant to support it. Labour MPs cheerleading the case for the existing system includes John Healey, the most senior shadow cabinet member against electoral reform. Writing in the Independent, Healey branded the alternative vote is “perverse”. Claiming that the momentum for a “No” vote is gathering pace ahead of the referendum on 5 May, Healey wrote that the referendum should be “a long way” down Labour’s political priorities. “The reason the number of Labour MPs in favour of a No vote runs into three figures is because we haven’t been persuaded that AV is an upgrade to the voting system. The arguments just don’t stack up.” He said AV could produce results “less fair and proportional than the one we have now” and would make Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader and deputy prime minister, the “kingmaker” in any hung parliament. “Immediately after an election the parties would be scrambling to do coalition deals. They would feel free to jettison policies that had been firm pledges only a week earlier. This isn’t the new type of politics people have been calling for. They want politics that treats them with respect, not as fools.” He added: ” The last thing we should do is throw away what works in favour of an unfair, perverse electoral system. Politicians should be seeking the trust of voters, not encouraging them to move the goalposts.” Miliband will take the opposite stance at this evening’s rally when he will call on Labour supporters to look beyond Clegg’s performance in government and focus on the substantive issue of voting reform. Miliband’s speech comes as 17 former senior ambassadors write to the Guardian expressing support for AV, rejecting the argument that first past the post produces strong government. Labour figures addressing the rally in London include Neil Kinnock, Oona King and Ken Livingstone. In a sign of the high stakes involved, David Cameron reassured 60 Tory MPs that he is dedicating the resources necessary to ensure victory for the No campaign. Many MPs still say the outcome is too close to cool and that much will depend on whether voters make their decision on the basis of the substantive question or on Clegg’s popularity. Following a dispute this week with Clegg over sharing a joint platform, Miliband will say: “The arguments in this referendum have been framed around whether a Yes vote damages David Cameron or a No vote damages Nick Clegg. It is about something more. I want to take head-on the fear designed to appeal to Labour supporters: that a Yes vote in this referendum will be seen as a vindication of Nick Clegg. “I know this referendum is far harder to win because of Nick Clegg’s broken promises. But we can’t reduce the second referendum in British political history to a verdict on one man. The change to the alternative vote deserves our support because it is fairer and because it encourages a better politics. The British people know that the state of our politics is badly broken. Many see Westminster as remote and out of touch. Politicians should never feel safe or insulated from those they represent. That’s what I want to change.” However, Miliband will admit: “Let’s be honest: AV is no panacea. It isn’t perfect, but it would help to restore the balance of power in favour of voters. “So on May 5th, ask yourselves one simple question: are you happy with the state of British politics? If the answer is no, then seize this opportunity for change.” He will also attack Clegg by saying both Labour and the Liberal Democrats had campaigned for a fully elected second chamber, adding: “I will keep that promise.” Miliband will make those remarks in the knowledge that Clegg now favours an 80% elected Lords that keeps a small appointed element. Clegg says that the change is the only way to get the reform through parliament, seen as a way to keep the expertise that many see as the great virtue of the Lords. The ambassadors’ letter, also signed by Sir Stephen Wall, a former British ambassador to the EU, says: “First past the post is said to deliver strong government. Having worked for governments of every political colour, we are convinced that this strength is often illusory. Genuinely strong government needs a strong parliament and a flourishing democracy. Neither is helped by a voting system that is unfair and out of date.” AV Ed Miliband Electoral reform Labour Nick Clegg Liberal Democrats David Cameron Conservatives Hélène Mulholland Patrick Wintour guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …Labour leader pushes for electoral reform before AV referendum rally as shadow health secretary John Healey joins No vote Ed Miliband is pitted against a large number of his own MPs over a switch in the voting system as more than 150 Labour MPs and peers put their weight behind the “Labour No to AV” campaign in Westminster. A full page advert on the back page of the Guardian listing more than 100 Labour MPs and more than 50 peers in favour of retaining the first-past-the-post system was published on the same day the Labour leader prepares to make his strongest intervention yet in the referendum on the alternative vote when he addresses a Labour Yes rally. Miliband, will claim that AV “will restore the balance of power in favour of voters”. Labour had committed itself to a referendum on AV in its manifesto at the last election, though many were reluctant to support it. Labour MPs cheerleading the case for the existing system includes John Healey, the most senior shadow cabinet member against electoral reform. Writing in the Independent, Healey branded the alternative vote is “perverse”. Claiming that the momentum for a “No” vote is gathering pace ahead of the referendum on 5 May, Healey wrote that the referendum should be “a long way” down Labour’s political priorities. “The reason the number of Labour MPs in favour of a No vote runs into three figures is because we haven’t been persuaded that AV is an upgrade to the voting system. The arguments just don’t stack up.” He said AV could produce results “less fair and proportional than the one we have now” and would make Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader and deputy prime minister, the “kingmaker” in any hung parliament. “Immediately after an election the parties would be scrambling to do coalition deals. They would feel free to jettison policies that had been firm pledges only a week earlier. This isn’t the new type of politics people have been calling for. They want politics that treats them with respect, not as fools.” He added: ” The last thing we should do is throw away what works in favour of an unfair, perverse electoral system. Politicians should be seeking the trust of voters, not encouraging them to move the goalposts.” Miliband will take the opposite stance at this evening’s rally when he will call on Labour supporters to look beyond Clegg’s performance in government and focus on the substantive issue of voting reform. Miliband’s speech comes as 17 former senior ambassadors write to the Guardian expressing support for AV, rejecting the argument that first past the post produces strong government. Labour figures addressing the rally in London include Neil Kinnock, Oona King and Ken Livingstone. In a sign of the high stakes involved, David Cameron reassured 60 Tory MPs that he is dedicating the resources necessary to ensure victory for the No campaign. Many MPs still say the outcome is too close to cool and that much will depend on whether voters make their decision on the basis of the substantive question or on Clegg’s popularity. Following a dispute this week with Clegg over sharing a joint platform, Miliband will say: “The arguments in this referendum have been framed around whether a Yes vote damages David Cameron or a No vote damages Nick Clegg. It is about something more. I want to take head-on the fear designed to appeal to Labour supporters: that a Yes vote in this referendum will be seen as a vindication of Nick Clegg. “I know this referendum is far harder to win because of Nick Clegg’s broken promises. But we can’t reduce the second referendum in British political history to a verdict on one man. The change to the alternative vote deserves our support because it is fairer and because it encourages a better politics. The British people know that the state of our politics is badly broken. Many see Westminster as remote and out of touch. Politicians should never feel safe or insulated from those they represent. That’s what I want to change.” However, Miliband will admit: “Let’s be honest: AV is no panacea. It isn’t perfect, but it would help to restore the balance of power in favour of voters. “So on May 5th, ask yourselves one simple question: are you happy with the state of British politics? If the answer is no, then seize this opportunity for change.” He will also attack Clegg by saying both Labour and the Liberal Democrats had campaigned for a fully elected second chamber, adding: “I will keep that promise.” Miliband will make those remarks in the knowledge that Clegg now favours an 80% elected Lords that keeps a small appointed element. Clegg says that the change is the only way to get the reform through parliament, seen as a way to keep the expertise that many see as the great virtue of the Lords. The ambassadors’ letter, also signed by Sir Stephen Wall, a former British ambassador to the EU, says: “First past the post is said to deliver strong government. Having worked for governments of every political colour, we are convinced that this strength is often illusory. Genuinely strong government needs a strong parliament and a flourishing democracy. Neither is helped by a voting system that is unfair and out of date.” AV Ed Miliband Electoral reform Labour Nick Clegg Liberal Democrats David Cameron Conservatives Hélène Mulholland Patrick Wintour guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …Labour leader pushes for electoral reform before AV referendum rally as shadow health secretary John Healey joins No vote Ed Miliband is pitted against a large number of his own MPs over a switch in the voting system as more than 150 Labour MPs and peers put their weight behind the “Labour No to AV” campaign in Westminster. A full page advert on the back page of the Guardian listing more than 100 Labour MPs and more than 50 peers in favour of retaining the first-past-the-post system was published on the same day the Labour leader prepares to make his strongest intervention yet in the referendum on the alternative vote when he addresses a Labour Yes rally. Miliband, will claim that AV “will restore the balance of power in favour of voters”. Labour had committed itself to a referendum on AV in its manifesto at the last election, though many were reluctant to support it. Labour MPs cheerleading the case for the existing system includes John Healey, the most senior shadow cabinet member against electoral reform. Writing in the Independent, Healey branded the alternative vote is “perverse”. Claiming that the momentum for a “No” vote is gathering pace ahead of the referendum on 5 May, Healey wrote that the referendum should be “a long way” down Labour’s political priorities. “The reason the number of Labour MPs in favour of a No vote runs into three figures is because we haven’t been persuaded that AV is an upgrade to the voting system. The arguments just don’t stack up.” He said AV could produce results “less fair and proportional than the one we have now” and would make Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader and deputy prime minister, the “kingmaker” in any hung parliament. “Immediately after an election the parties would be scrambling to do coalition deals. They would feel free to jettison policies that had been firm pledges only a week earlier. This isn’t the new type of politics people have been calling for. They want politics that treats them with respect, not as fools.” He added: ” The last thing we should do is throw away what works in favour of an unfair, perverse electoral system. Politicians should be seeking the trust of voters, not encouraging them to move the goalposts.” Miliband will take the opposite stance at this evening’s rally when he will call on Labour supporters to look beyond Clegg’s performance in government and focus on the substantive issue of voting reform. Miliband’s speech comes as 17 former senior ambassadors write to the Guardian expressing support for AV, rejecting the argument that first past the post produces strong government. Labour figures addressing the rally in London include Neil Kinnock, Oona King and Ken Livingstone. In a sign of the high stakes involved, David Cameron reassured 60 Tory MPs that he is dedicating the resources necessary to ensure victory for the No campaign. Many MPs still say the outcome is too close to cool and that much will depend on whether voters make their decision on the basis of the substantive question or on Clegg’s popularity. Following a dispute this week with Clegg over sharing a joint platform, Miliband will say: “The arguments in this referendum have been framed around whether a Yes vote damages David Cameron or a No vote damages Nick Clegg. It is about something more. I want to take head-on the fear designed to appeal to Labour supporters: that a Yes vote in this referendum will be seen as a vindication of Nick Clegg. “I know this referendum is far harder to win because of Nick Clegg’s broken promises. But we can’t reduce the second referendum in British political history to a verdict on one man. The change to the alternative vote deserves our support because it is fairer and because it encourages a better politics. The British people know that the state of our politics is badly broken. Many see Westminster as remote and out of touch. Politicians should never feel safe or insulated from those they represent. That’s what I want to change.” However, Miliband will admit: “Let’s be honest: AV is no panacea. It isn’t perfect, but it would help to restore the balance of power in favour of voters. “So on May 5th, ask yourselves one simple question: are you happy with the state of British politics? If the answer is no, then seize this opportunity for change.” He will also attack Clegg by saying both Labour and the Liberal Democrats had campaigned for a fully elected second chamber, adding: “I will keep that promise.” Miliband will make those remarks in the knowledge that Clegg now favours an 80% elected Lords that keeps a small appointed element. Clegg says that the change is the only way to get the reform through parliament, seen as a way to keep the expertise that many see as the great virtue of the Lords. The ambassadors’ letter, also signed by Sir Stephen Wall, a former British ambassador to the EU, says: “First past the post is said to deliver strong government. Having worked for governments of every political colour, we are convinced that this strength is often illusory. Genuinely strong government needs a strong parliament and a flourishing democracy. Neither is helped by a voting system that is unfair and out of date.” AV Ed Miliband Electoral reform Labour Nick Clegg Liberal Democrats David Cameron Conservatives Hélène Mulholland Patrick Wintour guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …Labour leader pushes for electoral reform before AV referendum rally as shadow health secretary John Healey joins No vote Ed Miliband is pitted against a large number of his own MPs over a switch in the voting system as more than 150 Labour MPs and peers put their weight behind the “Labour No to AV” campaign in Westminster. A full page advert on the back page of the Guardian listing more than 100 Labour MPs and more than 50 peers in favour of retaining the first-past-the-post system was published on the same day the Labour leader prepares to make his strongest intervention yet in the referendum on the alternative vote when he addresses a Labour Yes rally. Miliband, will claim that AV “will restore the balance of power in favour of voters”. Labour had committed itself to a referendum on AV in its manifesto at the last election, though many were reluctant to support it. Labour MPs cheerleading the case for the existing system includes John Healey, the most senior shadow cabinet member against electoral reform. Writing in the Independent, Healey branded the alternative vote is “perverse”. Claiming that the momentum for a “No” vote is gathering pace ahead of the referendum on 5 May, Healey wrote that the referendum should be “a long way” down Labour’s political priorities. “The reason the number of Labour MPs in favour of a No vote runs into three figures is because we haven’t been persuaded that AV is an upgrade to the voting system. The arguments just don’t stack up.” He said AV could produce results “less fair and proportional than the one we have now” and would make Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader and deputy prime minister, the “kingmaker” in any hung parliament. “Immediately after an election the parties would be scrambling to do coalition deals. They would feel free to jettison policies that had been firm pledges only a week earlier. This isn’t the new type of politics people have been calling for. They want politics that treats them with respect, not as fools.” He added: ” The last thing we should do is throw away what works in favour of an unfair, perverse electoral system. Politicians should be seeking the trust of voters, not encouraging them to move the goalposts.” Miliband will take the opposite stance at this evening’s rally when he will call on Labour supporters to look beyond Clegg’s performance in government and focus on the substantive issue of voting reform. Miliband’s speech comes as 17 former senior ambassadors write to the Guardian expressing support for AV, rejecting the argument that first past the post produces strong government. Labour figures addressing the rally in London include Neil Kinnock, Oona King and Ken Livingstone. In a sign of the high stakes involved, David Cameron reassured 60 Tory MPs that he is dedicating the resources necessary to ensure victory for the No campaign. Many MPs still say the outcome is too close to cool and that much will depend on whether voters make their decision on the basis of the substantive question or on Clegg’s popularity. Following a dispute this week with Clegg over sharing a joint platform, Miliband will say: “The arguments in this referendum have been framed around whether a Yes vote damages David Cameron or a No vote damages Nick Clegg. It is about something more. I want to take head-on the fear designed to appeal to Labour supporters: that a Yes vote in this referendum will be seen as a vindication of Nick Clegg. “I know this referendum is far harder to win because of Nick Clegg’s broken promises. But we can’t reduce the second referendum in British political history to a verdict on one man. The change to the alternative vote deserves our support because it is fairer and because it encourages a better politics. The British people know that the state of our politics is badly broken. Many see Westminster as remote and out of touch. Politicians should never feel safe or insulated from those they represent. That’s what I want to change.” However, Miliband will admit: “Let’s be honest: AV is no panacea. It isn’t perfect, but it would help to restore the balance of power in favour of voters. “So on May 5th, ask yourselves one simple question: are you happy with the state of British politics? If the answer is no, then seize this opportunity for change.” He will also attack Clegg by saying both Labour and the Liberal Democrats had campaigned for a fully elected second chamber, adding: “I will keep that promise.” Miliband will make those remarks in the knowledge that Clegg now favours an 80% elected Lords that keeps a small appointed element. Clegg says that the change is the only way to get the reform through parliament, seen as a way to keep the expertise that many see as the great virtue of the Lords. The ambassadors’ letter, also signed by Sir Stephen Wall, a former British ambassador to the EU, says: “First past the post is said to deliver strong government. Having worked for governments of every political colour, we are convinced that this strength is often illusory. Genuinely strong government needs a strong parliament and a flourishing democracy. Neither is helped by a voting system that is unfair and out of date.” AV Ed Miliband Electoral reform Labour Nick Clegg Liberal Democrats David Cameron Conservatives Hélène Mulholland Patrick Wintour guardian.co.uk
Continue reading …Labour leader pushes for electoral reform before AV referendum rally as shadow health secretary John Healey joins No vote Ed Miliband is pitted against a large number of his own MPs over a switch in the voting system as more than 150 Labour MPs and peers put their weight behind the “Labour No to AV” campaign in Westminster. A full page advert on the back page of the Guardian listing more than 100 Labour MPs and more than 50 peers in favour of retaining the first-past-the-post system was published on the same day the Labour leader prepares to make his strongest intervention yet in the referendum on the alternative vote when he addresses a Labour Yes rally. Miliband, will claim that AV “will restore the balance of power in favour of voters”. Labour had committed itself to a referendum on AV in its manifesto at the last election, though many were reluctant to support it. Labour MPs cheerleading the case for the existing system includes John Healey, the most senior shadow cabinet member against electoral reform. Writing in the Independent, Healey branded the alternative vote is “perverse”. Claiming that the momentum for a “No” vote is gathering pace ahead of the referendum on 5 May, Healey wrote that the referendum should be “a long way” down Labour’s political priorities. “The reason the number of Labour MPs in favour of a No vote runs into three figures is because we haven’t been persuaded that AV is an upgrade to the voting system. The arguments just don’t stack up.” He said AV could produce results “less fair and proportional than the one we have now” and would make Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader and deputy prime minister, the “kingmaker” in any hung parliament. “Immediately after an election the parties would be scrambling to do coalition deals. They would feel free to jettison policies that had been firm pledges only a week earlier. This isn’t the new type of politics people have been calling for. They want politics that treats them with respect, not as fools.” He added: ” The last thing we should do is throw away what works in favour of an unfair, perverse electoral system. Politicians should be seeking the trust of voters, not encouraging them to move the goalposts.” Miliband will take the opposite stance at this evening’s rally when he will call on Labour supporters to look beyond Clegg’s performance in government and focus on the substantive issue of voting reform. Miliband’s speech comes as 17 former senior ambassadors write to the Guardian expressing support for AV, rejecting the argument that first past the post produces strong government. Labour figures addressing the rally in London include Neil Kinnock, Oona King and Ken Livingstone. In a sign of the high stakes involved, David Cameron reassured 60 Tory MPs that he is dedicating the resources necessary to ensure victory for the No campaign. Many MPs still say the outcome is too close to cool and that much will depend on whether voters make their decision on the basis of the substantive question or on Clegg’s popularity. Following a dispute this week with Clegg over sharing a joint platform, Miliband will say: “The arguments in this referendum have been framed around whether a Yes vote damages David Cameron or a No vote damages Nick Clegg. It is about something more. I want to take head-on the fear designed to appeal to Labour supporters: that a Yes vote in this referendum will be seen as a vindication of Nick Clegg. “I know this referendum is far harder to win because of Nick Clegg’s broken promises. But we can’t reduce the second referendum in British political history to a verdict on one man. The change to the alternative vote deserves our support because it is fairer and because it encourages a better politics. The British people know that the state of our politics is badly broken. Many see Westminster as remote and out of touch. Politicians should never feel safe or insulated from those they represent. That’s what I want to change.” However, Miliband will admit: “Let’s be honest: AV is no panacea. It isn’t perfect, but it would help to restore the balance of power in favour of voters. “So on May 5th, ask yourselves one simple question: are you happy with the state of British politics? If the answer is no, then seize this opportunity for change.” He will also attack Clegg by saying both Labour and the Liberal Democrats had campaigned for a fully elected second chamber, adding: “I will keep that promise.” Miliband will make those remarks in the knowledge that Clegg now favours an 80% elected Lords that keeps a small appointed element. Clegg says that the change is the only way to get the reform through parliament, seen as a way to keep the expertise that many see as the great virtue of the Lords. The ambassadors’ letter, also signed by Sir Stephen Wall, a former British ambassador to the EU, says: “First past the post is said to deliver strong government. Having worked for governments of every political colour, we are convinced that this strength is often illusory. Genuinely strong government needs a strong parliament and a flourishing democracy. Neither is helped by a voting system that is unfair and out of date.” AV Ed Miliband Electoral reform Labour Nick Clegg Liberal Democrats David Cameron Conservatives Hélène Mulholland Patrick Wintour guardian.co.uk
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Kin, an audio project based around interviews with mothers, fathers and their adult children, transforms the mood in the waiting room Listen to an extract from the Kin project It was while she was sitting in a succession of health centre waiting rooms with one or other of her parents that Donna Rutherford first got the idea for an artistic collaboration with the NHS. Struck by the changing relationship between parent and child as both age, Rutherford, a 41-year-old Glasgow artist, developed Kin , an audio project based around interviews with mothers, fathers and their adult children, and broadcast via listening posts set up in health centres and hospitals around Glasgow. Rutherford conducted the interviews with the help of volunteers and edited them into a 37-minute programme that touches on issues of loss, guilt, love and memory as both generations find their roles and relationships beginning to shift. The conversations are often humorous, and at times heartbreaking. A father recalling his daughter dancing on his feet, a mother’s admission that she hopes to “erase” herself before her death so the impact on those
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Gennady Yanin steps down after link to a website with the photos is sent to thousands of email addresses The director of the Bolshoi theatre’s ballet troupe has stepped down after erotic photos of him appeared on the internet in an apparent dirty tricks campaign to force him from his job. Gennady Yanin quietly stepped down last week after an email containing a link to a website with the erotic photographs was sent to thousands of email addresses in Russia and abroad. The website is now down. The Bolshoi’s longtime soloist Yan Godovsky, 37, was named as his replacement this week. He is due to hold the position until the end of the 2011 season, when his contract will come up for renewal. “The current situation is not seen as critical inside the theatre,” a ballet spokeswoman, Yekaterina Novikova, told the state-run news agency RIA-Novosti. “The entire repertoire is set, as is the tour schedule.” Russian critics decried the latest scandal engulfing one of Russia’s leading cultural institutions. “Despite all the vileness of this act, it reached its goal,” wrote Tatyana Kuznetsova, a critic at Russia’s leading daily, Kommersant. Kuznetsova heaped praise on Godovsky for having an “irreproachable reputation, both personally and professionally”. The 234-year-old theatre has seen various scandals in recent years. In 2003, it dominated tabloid magazines for weeks after the prima ballerina Anastasia Volochkova was fired for being too heavy . The theatre itself has been shut since 2005 for renovations that have run over budget and well over schedule. Its reopening, first scheduled for 2008, is now set for later this year. The Bolshoi ballet also lost its artistic director this week, when Yury Burlak’s contract expired on Tuesday. A replacement has not yet been named. Bolshoi Ballet Russia Dance Europe Miriam Elder guardian.co.uk
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