'IMPRESSIVE'
Michael Gove Sticks Up For Murdoch At Leveson

Siobhan Benita, 05/28/12

Former London Mayoral Candidate

There has been a lot of discussion at the Leveson Inquiry about the desirability of having a much clearer distinction in our print media between what is news and what is comment. Lord O'Donnell, Alastair Campbell and Andrew Marr have all given their thoughts on this over the past few days and I hear it's already standard practice in America for such a distinction to be made.

James Wharton, 05/28/12

Gay soldier and campaigner

Last year, I was asked by The Crescent, an organisation which provides support to people living with, or affected by HIV/AIDS, to become a Patron of their charity, and to become involved in the fundraising that goes with providing such services.

Jim Murphy MP, 05/28/12

Labour MP for East Renfrewshire, Shadow Secretary of State for Defence

While in Afghanistan with Labour Leader Ed Miliband and Shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander I heard first hand some of our Forces' worries. All of this should be unacceptable to every British person, family and community. Those who risk all in the dangers of Helmand Province and beyond should do so with the peace of mind about support back home.

Matt Bostrom, 05/27/12

Senior Director, APCO Worldwide London

As the 2012 election season grips all corners of the US in a fascinating carnival of strategy, pageantry, and partisanship; I realise I miss something else. Just as viewing sports is not the same in London, neither is the US political race.

Jai Breitnauer, 05/27/12

A mother and writer who believes childhood is about freedom, not restraint

If the government's new maternity leave plans go ahead it means new mums will be legally entitled to just four and a half months off with their baby, and any further leave will be under negotiation with their employer, and potentially unpaid.

Julian Dobson, 05/27/12

Writer and commentator on cities, towns and social policy

So the 'golden tickets' have been awarded to a dozen successful Portas Pilots to revitalise their high streets, with the promise of another 15 to come. Meanwhile more than 350 towns and suburbs who were hoping to win this mini-lottery will need to decide what to do with the energy and enthusiasm that went into their applications.

Nicky Gavron, 05/27/12

Labour London Assembly Member & Labour Spokesperson for Planning and Housing

The biggest shame is not that Boris Johnson seems to have notched up the first broken promise of his second term, but that he is going to continue to fail millions of Londoners living in the private rented sector.

Dr Philipp Rosler and Nick Clegg, 05/24/12

When the first Euros were printed in 1999, Europe chose a bold new future. But beneath the surface, the new European economy was built on shaky foundations. The decision is one of the biggest we have faced. The answer is clear: Europe must go for growth.

Jon-Christopher Bua, 05/25/12

Sky News White House Commentator

Although the Democrats and the Republicans have yet to hold their late summer conventions, the 2012 race for the presidency is clearly in full gear. We are now coming to the end of a brutalizing Republican Primary-Caucus season - beginning back in the freezing corn fields of Iowa.

Greg Jenner, 05/23/12

Historical Consultant to CBBC’s multi-award winning sketch show Horrible Histories

I have been, for as long as I can remember, a staunch republican. I skipped the Royal Wedding and went on holiday to Florence, home of the Renaissance Republic, as it seemed the most delightfully pleasant form of protest. I think monarchy is an outdated and inherently absurd form of political power that contradicts every philosophical tenet in my heart - the idea that you can only be born into true royalty is at total odds with modern Britain's democratic principles and emphasis on meritocratic social mobility. Yet, there is a whopping great problem with my frothy-mouthed rhetoric... I bloody love the Queen!

Rayhan Haque, 05/24/12

Researcher and blogger

Alan Johnson MP has revealed that he is considering a bid for London Mayor in 2016. Here are four reasons why he is Labour's best choice.

Andrew Wasley, 05/24/12

Editor of the Ecologist magazine

Exploitation in the food industry is alive and well. That's according to the latest grim report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation which studied the experiences of some of the migrant workers (almost invisibly) toiling in our fields, factories and restaurants.

Willard Foxton, 05/24/12

Feminist, Multiculturalist Tory

This is a big deal - we are not only putting a truly vast sum of money at stake - the defence contractors estimate £25 billion, so we can assume at least three times that, 10 years late - we are also binding ourselves into a strategic commitment to maintaining not just a nuclear arsenal, but to a uniquely cold-war era one, based around submarine launched ballistic missiles.

Mike Robb, 05/23/12

Head of Media Relations at Cicero Group

Ultimately, we must invest in our infrastructure and make the UK the most attractive place in the world to do business. It's time to stop the talk and get spending. If this is the course of action the Government has decided to take - rightly, in my view - let's get on with it.

Toby Lichtig, 05/23/12

Freelance journalist and TV producer

Those unaware of the complex and contradictory prostitution laws in Britain could be forgiven for thinking that prostitution is illegal. It isn't. And nor is buying sex. Whatever your views on the inherent "violence" in the practice, there's no getting away from this very simple fact. "If you choose to buy sex there will be consequences," states the campaign. Except there won't be.

Francois Petavy, 05/22/12

CEO, eYeka

It is clear from the worryingly low turnout at the local elections that more needs to be done to get people voting, and in particular young people. This is far from a new problem and it is time the government committed to tackling this serious issue by thinking more creatively about how to engage the youth in the future of the country they live in.

Ann Barnes, 05/23/12

Chair of the Kent Police Authority

Time is flying by and there's only six months to the new incoming Police and Crime Commissioners. There is an awful lot of work going on behind the scenes, not just locally but nationally as well.