John

This is slightly unfair as DVLA is actually one of the most functional quasi-Government Departments (e.g. they can effiiciently reissue the photo part of your driving licence online).

...but a two-part driving licence? One made of paper and one of card? Who dreamt this up? I know. It went something like this: a meeting, in Whitehall, with a few people unable to solve the conundrum of updating for points (another Quiet Riot). "I know" said Geoff/Brian/whoever, "we just separate them." "Well done, paperclips all round!"

It's insane. Stupid. And frankly embarrassing. Does any other country on earth have an A4 sheet and a small card as the essential elements of their driving licence? As far as I'm aware, they tend to have... one document.

I expect the idiot who dreamed this up is long retired, enjoying a gold-plated public "service" pension.

Still, DVLA is efficient enough that they run a service so that when, as is inevitable with such a lunatic system, you find you've lost one part, but need to, say, hire a vehicle, for a small fee they can sign off on it.

Would losing 1 million public sector jobs - 15% of spend - saving £27bn a year really be the end of the world? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8400790.stm I doubt it.

Still, why not have a 15 part driving licence, or a 23 part one?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6kZtWoOBSI 7 months ago via web

Which? campaign for better British banks

http://www.bnbb.org/ 8 months ago via web

Which? campaign "Britain needs better banks"

http://www.bnbb.org/ 8 months ago via web

Ryanair named "worst family brand" 'partly because many parents see the company as putting profit before caring... and its extra hidden costs'

On the other hand "budget travel enables more families to go on holiday in the first place"

"Seatbelts can be purchased for $5..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3so6AJe4UQ 8 months ago via web

@stephenfry

I really don't know why I'm still waiting here at Euston to be honest. Trains cancelled. Certainly won't get to Manch in time.

8 minutes ago from Tweetie

Manchester and the media conference I was to attend and speak at will have to cope without me somehow it seems.

about 1 hour ago from Tweetie

All Virgin train services are suspended until further notice. Oh great.

about 1 hour ago from Tweetie 8 months ago via web

@stephenfry

I really don't know why I'm still waiting here at Euston to be honest. Trains cancelled. Certainly won't get to Manch in time. 8 months ago via web

Sweary but funny: naughty Russell Brand takes on The Sun at The Secret Policeman's Ball...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=999OFGq7WwI#t=0m24s 8 months ago via web

Government anger at train drivers' dispute

Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 12 November 2009 23.02 GMT

The government criticised "irresponsible" action by train drivers tonight after staff shortages caused travel chaos for passengers on some of the busiest routes in the country. Half of services between Brighton and Bedford run by First Capital Connect (FCC) were scrapped as drivers declined to work voluntary overtime, with similar disruption expected tomorrow. Aslef is balloting its 550 FCC members for industrial action over pay, threatening action just two weeks before Christmas. The company said it had made a fair pay offer to union representatives of 0% this year and at least 3% in 2010.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/nov/12/train-drivers-dispute-strike-aslef
8 months ago via web

46 BBC bosses earn more than the Prime Minister

The BBC published details of the pay of its 107 most senior managers today, revealing that 46 earn more than the Prime Minister.

The decision to go public about its top office salaries is a sign that the BBC is responding to demands that it be more open.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/46-bbc-bosses-earn-more-than-the-prime-minister-1819364.html 8 months ago via web