Wales@Westminster weblog

It's Wales@Westminster weblog, BBC Wales' Parliamentary correspondent David Cornock's diary on political life. It's a two-way process though, so add your comments too.

Monday 17 November

Hanging on the telephone
posted by David | 1426 GMT |

I bring you a heartening tale of joined up government.

I tried to telephone the Wales Office press office in Westminster. The call was automatically diverted to the Whitehall switchboard.

"I'll put you through to the Welsh Office (sic) now," said the voice on the line.

The phone rang once.

"Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru," came the answer.

Not only does Whitehall apparently not realise the Welsh Office was abolished four years ago, it cannot distinguish between the Wales Office, which ministers tell us still exists, and the National Assembly 150 miles away.

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On alert
posted by David | 1322 GMT |

Charles Gilbert from the USA has e-mailed to ask about the protests likely to greet President Bush during his visit to the UK this week.

Charles writes: "It is generally thought that an alert politician is someone who finds a parade and gets in front of it."

High security is already in evidence across London ahead of the president's arrival.

Anti-war protestors are to meet police again to try to resolve differences over where they can hold demonstrations.

The Stop the War Coalition says protesters should be allowed through Whitehall and close to the Houses of Parliament, although that seems highly unlikely.

You can add your comment or question by using the form below.

Will David protest the visit of Pres. Bush? If so, how will it be done? It is generally thought that an alert politician is someone who finds a parade and gets in front of it.
Charles Gilbert, USA