Lobby Bobbins

The term “bobbins” appears in northern English slang, meaning “rubbish”, i.e. something worthless or incorrect. Taken from the cockney “bobbins of cotton”, meaning “rotten”. This may be related to the contemporary British slang usage, where “bobbins” can be used to denote something negative, particularly in theatrical circles.

Not so long ago, I was having a Chatham House chat with a certain Political Advisor when the subject of Final Third Lobbying came up.

The point was made that “if you spent as much time at Portcullis House as XYZ, then you would understand why XYZ gets such a hearing”.

Now, many and varied interest groups naturally seek to get their messages across to Government and, in that context, Lobbying is a useful part of the Political Discourse in Westminster.

Where Lobby becomes Bobbins however is in situations where folks who don’t actually have a legitimate voice to speak on behalf of particular interest groups, nonetheless claim to so do.

So long as Government recognises the above and therefore treats such Lobby Bobbins speak as anyone would the sound of empty barrels then no harm is done and that realisation seems to be emerging where Final Third NGA is concerned, which is a Good Thing.

The real action and delivery in the Final Third comes from those who get on with the job, particularly at a local level, community by community, Building the Big Society.

Also posted on www.fibrestream.co.uk