Members

Blog mechanic is our very own Peter North (North Jnr, as he calls himself) - the creative mind behind the design of the blogs in the Umbrella "family". We set up this blog as a means of keeping readers informed of developments on Umbrella, and to provide user tips and general news about the site and its members.


This is a highly specialist blog set up to discuss and increase the awareness of the growing epidemic of bovine TB in Britain - described by some as a "slow-motion" foot and mouth epidemic, in terms of its economic impact on the farming community. Written by a working farmer, this is well worth the occasional visit.


"Addressing stupidity in Western civilisation," says the author. A mixture of current affairs, commentary and analysis across a wide range of subjects, with the occasional injection of poetry. Includes coverage of and commentary on Middle East affairs and some health issues.


Colin was a committed supporter of the Left. But his studies of modern French and German foreign policy led him to ask hard questions about the real goals of European integration. He was also shocked by the Left's obsessive hostility to Israel and its strategic alliance with Islamists. A radical rethink was in order.


An offshoot from EU Referendum, this blog deals specifically with UK defence issues, with a particular emphasis on equipment, procurement issues and the economics of war. It is very much a campaigning blog, seeking to reduce deaths and injuries amongst British troops deployed overseas.


An Englishman writing from Brussels, "Elaib" as he calls himself, is happy to take the EU's money as a functionnaire in the heart of darkness (aka the EU parliament), while spending his waking hours subverting the European Union. He writes of matters politique and other things.


Originally set up in 2004 to fight the EU constitution referendum, with the Dutch and French "no" votes, this blog widened its scope "to discuss issues related to the UK's position in Europe and the world. It has a strong emphasis on European Union affairs and the current constitutional reform treaty.


A whimsical often frustrated look at modern Britain aiming to, at best, inspire thinking on what this country stands for, what is good about it and what it can do in the future - with some little emphasis on technological development. It is, its author says, a non-partisan blog without portfolio aiming to challenge assumptions.


A quiet corner of the Libertarian Right where you might find from time to time whimsy, idosyncracy and iconoclasm. Come inside, says the author, for a rural antidote to the Metropolitan bubble. A combination of EU commentary, military, current affairs and much more.


An American blogger, Joshuapundit started blogging in 2005. He keeps an eye on the "war on jihad" and the "religion of peace" for us, providing a diet of news and commentary on Middle East and related issues. He writes with sufficient of a international perspective to interest a British as well as a US audience.


Is war the continuation of politics, or is it the other way around? Oliver McCarthy is a London-based blogger who stands for Church, Crown and currency. He attempts in his blog, as he writes, "to track leftwing mischief, deceit, subversion and general weirdness" wherever he finds them. He writes as a Roman Catholic layman.


Originally a market trader, Sunderland-based Neil Herron is now a full-time campaigner - director of the Metric Martyrs Appeal Fund, fighting to retain Imperial measures and of "Parking Appeals", confronting money-grabbing local authorities who are abusing parking law to fill their coffers.


Run by Dr Helen Szamuely, this blog deals with the trials and tribulations of Londoners having to suffer the ego and megalomania of "Hizonna" Ken Livingstone. It also penetrates into the darker reaches of the London Assembly, the home of which known by one and all as "the egg".


A blog to defend the car, its users and its contribution to prosperity and society from increasing, unjustified moral and financial attacks by misguided politicians and so-called environmentalists. Pro-car takes a particularly close look at the "green" issues relating to private car use, the myths and government policies.


Politics and current affairs, centred on Poland and Eastern Europe. Heavy emphasis on Polish domestic politics and also, the increasingly bizarre relationship between Poland and the EU. The author is journalist and lives in Warsaw where he can keep abreast of developments.


Run by Susan Smith, this blog commemorates the life of her only son, Phillip Hewett, killed in Iraq on 16 July 2005 by a roadside bomb while driving a "Snatch" Land Rover. She believes Phillip was badly let down by the government and is campaigning for better protection of Service personnel who are put in harm's way.


The Purple Scorpion is a member of the low tax coalition and thus writes extensively on government waste and allied issues, as well as politics generally and EU affairs. Launched in early 2006, this is a mature blog which offers acerbic and penetrating commentary on the political process.


Described as a 'Free Spirit' by Nigel Farage, a 'Successful Activist' by Roger Helmer, 'Nothing To Do With The Conservative Party' by Michael Portillo and a 'Bloody Fool' by Owen Paterson (for backing UKIP in 2001) Tapestry writes with conviction on topics that stir him. He has been blogging since mid-2006.


We have added this "Page 3" blog as part of the "family" It is a facility for ourselves and guest authors to write occasional pieces to cover any and all items as the mood takes us - or develop a breaking story or particular issue that demands attention. However, over term, we hope this page will develop its own character and personality.


This blog - in the words of its author, Peter Troy - is about very British (political) subjects by a very (political) British Subject. It is an eclectic mix of general commentary on topical current affairs, regular "Sunday quotes" and local campaigning, the latter very often comprising original material.


Tony Sharp is a Conservative Councillor in Wellingborough, UK. He has blogged about politics since December 2006 and was one of the top 50 UK political bloggers in 2007. He generally focuses on government, domestic affairs, law and order, social justice, the armed forces and Britain's relationship with Europe.


Warmwell has justly acquired a reputation for being the premier source of information on FMD and currently, Blue Tongue Disease, meticulously cataloguing the crises that continue to afflict the livestock industry. The site has migrated from Warmwell.com where the extensive archives can be found.