Dr David Abbott, over at Brits at their Best has been writing to the Queen and Jack Straw. It would seem the Justice Ministry has a different interpretation on the Queens Sovereignty, than that which is set out in the British Constitution.
Daniel Hannan points out that EU Commissioners plan to extend their term of office in defiance of the rules.
After stories that the IMF have accused Gordon Brown of lying on the economy to the point that his pants are actually catching fire, Guido implies gently (final para) that Brown may have found a way to douse those flames, even when holding a press conference.
Leg Iron had something interesting to say about there being no more heroes at Old Holborns blog.
The New Statesman is considering the possibility of another Lib-Lab Coalition.
Frasier Nelson has some graphs from Oxford Economics, showing how the current Brown Stimulus Plan will destroy jobs.
And of course, less reading, more pictures at the brilliant Tractor Stats.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
The Other Kids Were Being Mean And Made Him Cry....
To whom am I referring? Answer is Iain Dale's Diary: Blubbing Brown Begs Rebels Over Heathrow#links
IMF Calls Time On Brown Economic Fantasy
4-Sep-08: Gordon Brown: "We are dealing, I think people will look back and say, with the first financial crisis of the new global age," he told the gathering of North West of England business leaders.
But, he added, "at root our economy is better placed to weather the global storm than it was in the seventies, the eighties and the nineties".
24-Oct-08: Gordon Brown: "It's a financial global recession everybody knows and started out of America, we are having to deal with the fall out. We are better placed in Britain than we have been in the past and are better placed that many other countries"
28-Jan-09: The IMF reveals that the following:
IMF Report is here.
Perhaps Mr Brown can clarify for everybody how it is that if the UK is best placed of all economies to tackle this recession, why the IMF is predicting that the UK economy will contract faster and further than any other economy?
Perhaps Mr Brown can reveal what information he was referring to when he made misleading statements to the public regarding the state of our economy, particularly that it is "best placed". Was this Treasury information? I hope the opposition parties do not let this particular issue drop. Either somebody has given the PM very bad info, in which case this needs to be investigated; or the PM has told blatent lies and should be held to account for that.
Perhaps Mr Brown will now stop running around churning out ineffective initiatives for the purpose of attacking the Conservative Party and start looking at initiatives that will reduce the Governments debt and borrowing plans and put in place an actual economic rescue plan that will stimulate growth of the UK economy and reduce the public debt.
But, he added, "at root our economy is better placed to weather the global storm than it was in the seventies, the eighties and the nineties".
24-Oct-08: Gordon Brown: "It's a financial global recession everybody knows and started out of America, we are having to deal with the fall out. We are better placed in Britain than we have been in the past and are better placed that many other countries"
28-Jan-09: The IMF reveals that the following:
- Developed Economies will grow much less in 2009 that Developing Economies.
- World Economic Growth will be 0.5% (weakest since the second world war)
- Around 50 Million Jobs will disappear world wide in the next 2 years
Despite dire predictions for the US and the Eurozone, contracting 1.6% and 2% respectively the IMF points out that the UK Economy will contract by 2.8% in 2009. This means the IMF are predicting that the UK economy will be the worst performing of all developed economies.
The IMF have essentially set out figures which say that Mr Brown is either incompetent, a liar, or probably both.IMF Report is here.
Perhaps Mr Brown can clarify for everybody how it is that if the UK is best placed of all economies to tackle this recession, why the IMF is predicting that the UK economy will contract faster and further than any other economy?
Perhaps Mr Brown can reveal what information he was referring to when he made misleading statements to the public regarding the state of our economy, particularly that it is "best placed". Was this Treasury information? I hope the opposition parties do not let this particular issue drop. Either somebody has given the PM very bad info, in which case this needs to be investigated; or the PM has told blatent lies and should be held to account for that.
Perhaps Mr Brown will now stop running around churning out ineffective initiatives for the purpose of attacking the Conservative Party and start looking at initiatives that will reduce the Governments debt and borrowing plans and put in place an actual economic rescue plan that will stimulate growth of the UK economy and reduce the public debt.
Childrens Register Accessible To 390,000 People
Another hat-tip to Brits at their Best blog for writing about and linking to this story.
The government has announced that a database that is being set up by the government that will track details of every single individual in the UK aged 18 or under is to be accessible by 390,000 staff that work with children. No child for any reason can be excluded from the list and each will have an individual identification number.
Beverley Hughes said the database would allow people working with children to "put their particular piece of the jigsaw into the whole picture." 17 Local Authorities will soon begin training staff on how to use and update the database, which will hold name, address, contact details, date of birth, school, doctor and of course their unique identifying number. It will be accessible to all local authorities, police, NHS staff and childrens charities.
I cannot think of a single worthwhile reason why such a database should exist. I find it harder still to think of anybody I would trust less with such a project than HM Government. Such a system is open to massive abuse and is an expensive failure waiting to happen. The potential for abuse is staggering. To me, it is the State taking ultimate responsibility for the upbringing of children in the UK; they obviously think the State should have overall responsibility in protecting children.
Will we really accept the criminalisation of parents who refuse to allow their childrens details be updated to the register?
I hope the Conservatives are prepared to scrap this scheme if they come to power, they have already said they will scrap the ID card scheme.
The government has announced that a database that is being set up by the government that will track details of every single individual in the UK aged 18 or under is to be accessible by 390,000 staff that work with children. No child for any reason can be excluded from the list and each will have an individual identification number.
Beverley Hughes said the database would allow people working with children to "put their particular piece of the jigsaw into the whole picture." 17 Local Authorities will soon begin training staff on how to use and update the database, which will hold name, address, contact details, date of birth, school, doctor and of course their unique identifying number. It will be accessible to all local authorities, police, NHS staff and childrens charities.
I cannot think of a single worthwhile reason why such a database should exist. I find it harder still to think of anybody I would trust less with such a project than HM Government. Such a system is open to massive abuse and is an expensive failure waiting to happen. The potential for abuse is staggering. To me, it is the State taking ultimate responsibility for the upbringing of children in the UK; they obviously think the State should have overall responsibility in protecting children.
Will we really accept the criminalisation of parents who refuse to allow their childrens details be updated to the register?
I hope the Conservatives are prepared to scrap this scheme if they come to power, they have already said they will scrap the ID card scheme.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
++ Breaking News From The Conservatives++
David Cameron and Lord Strathclyde have tonight announced a taskforce is to be established to analyse standards in the House of Lords.
The press announcement is here.
It highlights the key functions of the Taskforce as being:
- Review the current arrangements for securing standards of integrity and accountability, and recommend improvements
- Consider the impact of lobbying and advise on the most effective means of policing and preventing undue influence and ending paid advocacy
- Consider further the most appropriate sanctions for breaches of the Code of Conduct in the House of Lords, and how best to enforce them
The statement continues by quoting David Cameron as saying "Today, it's not possible to suspend a member of the House of Lords no matter how badly he or she behaves, it's not possible to expel them from that legislature and yet they're making the laws that all of us have to obey."
And he added, "This is completely wrong, it needs to change and we will change it. We will make sure that members of the House of Lords, if they behave wrongly, can be suspended or expelled."
This, in my opinion is a positive announcement. I think it will show that David Cameron is serious about cleaning up politics and his party. He has already had to take action in the declaration of expenses on MP's and MEP's and ordered his Whip to bulldoze a deal that was thrashed out with the Labour Leadership over exempting the publication of MPs expenses from the FOI act.
This is also a strategically important announcement, as it means that the Conservative will be viewed as acting on a matter of public concern, where the Government is largely expected to issue nothing more than a slap on the wrist to those four peers who have been exposed. It also gives the impression that the Conservative Peers have nothing to hide from such an investigation.
The press announcement is here.
It highlights the key functions of the Taskforce as being:
- Review the current arrangements for securing standards of integrity and accountability, and recommend improvements
- Consider the impact of lobbying and advise on the most effective means of policing and preventing undue influence and ending paid advocacy
- Consider further the most appropriate sanctions for breaches of the Code of Conduct in the House of Lords, and how best to enforce them
The statement continues by quoting David Cameron as saying "Today, it's not possible to suspend a member of the House of Lords no matter how badly he or she behaves, it's not possible to expel them from that legislature and yet they're making the laws that all of us have to obey."
And he added, "This is completely wrong, it needs to change and we will change it. We will make sure that members of the House of Lords, if they behave wrongly, can be suspended or expelled."
This, in my opinion is a positive announcement. I think it will show that David Cameron is serious about cleaning up politics and his party. He has already had to take action in the declaration of expenses on MP's and MEP's and ordered his Whip to bulldoze a deal that was thrashed out with the Labour Leadership over exempting the publication of MPs expenses from the FOI act.
This is also a strategically important announcement, as it means that the Conservative will be viewed as acting on a matter of public concern, where the Government is largely expected to issue nothing more than a slap on the wrist to those four peers who have been exposed. It also gives the impression that the Conservative Peers have nothing to hide from such an investigation.
Where Is The Public Outrage & Protest?
If a centre-right UK government was in power right now and presided over an approximate £22,000 drop in property value in every house in the UK, the media, led by the BBC would be calling for the PM’s head. Our TV screens would be full of Left leaning MPs calling for the uncaring and inactive government to be overhauled. “Economic Experts” would be in the news telling viewers and readers that people are struggling because of the Governments actions and/or inactions.
If a centre-right UK Government passed a law that allowed NATO to make and impose legislation governing UK border policy, defence policy or any law really, there would be protests in the streets. Petitions would be organised and passed around. The reaction would be stronger if, that government was elected with a specific promise of allowing the electorate to make that decision, via referendum.
If a centre-right government had been in charge of a monetary policy that had saw Sterling plummet to a 23 year low against the dollar, and all time low against the Euro, and we were witnessing loses of thousands of Manufacturing Jobs; the trade unions would be protesting in the streets about the tough market conditions and the increased jobless numbers.
If a centre-right government was proven in the media to have Parliamentarians selling, openly, their time and professional influence in making and changing laws; we would be calling it a “Constitutional Crisis”, and every law passed during that parliament would come under immense scrutiny. Lawyers would be having a field day. An immediate General Election would be called for by the left-wing leader of the opposition.
If a centre-right PM appointed his most influential minister to the House of Lords, free from the scrutiny of public election and being shadowed by an elected member of the shadow cabinet, then everybody would be calling it exactly what it is; an attempt to undermine Parliamentary accountability.
If a combination of the above situations had occurred we would likely have a combination, or all of the above consequences and responses. Eastenders would have story lines families going broke and being evicted, there would be students organising protests and recruiting members to radical organisations, and the Labour and Union conferences would be getting in depth media coverage. We would be told that there is an unprecedented social crisis taking place in the country.
So why is it, with a left-wing government in power, with The EU Lisbon Constitutional Treaty being forced on the UK without the promised referendum, with house prices nose-diving, with Sterling crashing, stock prices crashing, with a seemingly irreversible trend of the rich-poor divide growing further, with unpopular and oppressive laws being passed, with Peers being caught on tape selling their influence within the upper chamber of our national legislature; why is there no coherent, organised, public outcry of any significance? Why haven’t the people taken to the streets?
It is my assertion that if we currently had a Conservative Government, and were facing the scale of problems that we currently are, things would be very different. The opposition would be in a much stronger position. In fact, I suspect the calls from the public for a general election would be deafening.
There are no mass protests against the government in the streets, there is no radical student band amassing at St Stephens Gate.
The blogosphere has become an established force, and though there is balance and a real spectrum of views and approaches, it is noticeable that the centre-right opinions are prevalent. Have people taken to their computer keyboards rather than marching in the streets. Has the blog become the voice of the right, where the strikers placard is the voice of the left?
I am not sure that it has, or is. But I do not think the blogosphere realised its full reach and influence. Where there seems to be a balance in favour of influence to the political right on the blogosphere, there seems to be the reverse in the organising and effect of public protesting. With the Left targeting the blogosphere more and more, is now the correct time for the centre-right parties to be looking at getting people involved in rallies and protests, for which there is much to target? If they did, we may, just possibly, see that general election in 2009 that nobody is expecting.
If a centre-right UK Government passed a law that allowed NATO to make and impose legislation governing UK border policy, defence policy or any law really, there would be protests in the streets. Petitions would be organised and passed around. The reaction would be stronger if, that government was elected with a specific promise of allowing the electorate to make that decision, via referendum.
If a centre-right government had been in charge of a monetary policy that had saw Sterling plummet to a 23 year low against the dollar, and all time low against the Euro, and we were witnessing loses of thousands of Manufacturing Jobs; the trade unions would be protesting in the streets about the tough market conditions and the increased jobless numbers.
If a centre-right government was proven in the media to have Parliamentarians selling, openly, their time and professional influence in making and changing laws; we would be calling it a “Constitutional Crisis”, and every law passed during that parliament would come under immense scrutiny. Lawyers would be having a field day. An immediate General Election would be called for by the left-wing leader of the opposition.
If a centre-right PM appointed his most influential minister to the House of Lords, free from the scrutiny of public election and being shadowed by an elected member of the shadow cabinet, then everybody would be calling it exactly what it is; an attempt to undermine Parliamentary accountability.
If a combination of the above situations had occurred we would likely have a combination, or all of the above consequences and responses. Eastenders would have story lines families going broke and being evicted, there would be students organising protests and recruiting members to radical organisations, and the Labour and Union conferences would be getting in depth media coverage. We would be told that there is an unprecedented social crisis taking place in the country.
So why is it, with a left-wing government in power, with The EU Lisbon Constitutional Treaty being forced on the UK without the promised referendum, with house prices nose-diving, with Sterling crashing, stock prices crashing, with a seemingly irreversible trend of the rich-poor divide growing further, with unpopular and oppressive laws being passed, with Peers being caught on tape selling their influence within the upper chamber of our national legislature; why is there no coherent, organised, public outcry of any significance? Why haven’t the people taken to the streets?
It is my assertion that if we currently had a Conservative Government, and were facing the scale of problems that we currently are, things would be very different. The opposition would be in a much stronger position. In fact, I suspect the calls from the public for a general election would be deafening.
There are no mass protests against the government in the streets, there is no radical student band amassing at St Stephens Gate.
The blogosphere has become an established force, and though there is balance and a real spectrum of views and approaches, it is noticeable that the centre-right opinions are prevalent. Have people taken to their computer keyboards rather than marching in the streets. Has the blog become the voice of the right, where the strikers placard is the voice of the left?
I am not sure that it has, or is. But I do not think the blogosphere realised its full reach and influence. Where there seems to be a balance in favour of influence to the political right on the blogosphere, there seems to be the reverse in the organising and effect of public protesting. With the Left targeting the blogosphere more and more, is now the correct time for the centre-right parties to be looking at getting people involved in rallies and protests, for which there is much to target? If they did, we may, just possibly, see that general election in 2009 that nobody is expecting.
Monday, January 26, 2009
British Constitution Group
Just seen this at Brits at their Best. It is a short summary of the meeting which took place on Saturday of the British Constitution Group.
EU List Of Criminal Offences
Just discovered Raedwalds Blog tonight, I will be adding to the links on this page. I am also going to highlight a piece from this blog which can be read in full at this link: Raedwald: Integrated EU blacklist of 'criminals' is here
Essentially, the following offences will be centrally recorded by the EU as a result of this E.C. ruling.
- Offences related to waste - Unintentional environmental offences
- Insult of the State, Nation or State symbols - Insult or resistance to a representative of public authority
- Public order offences, breach of the public peace - Revealing a secret or breaching an obligation of secrecy
- Unintentional damage or destruction of property
- Offences against migration law - an "Open category" (offences undefined thus all encompassing)
- Offences against military obligations
- an "Open category" (offences undefined thus all encompassing)
- Unauthorised entry or residence
- Other offences an "Open category" (offences undefined thus all encompassing)
- Other unintentional offences
- Prohibition from frequenting some places
- Prohibition from entry to a mass event
- Placement under electronic surveillance ("fixed or mobile" - eg: home, car, mobile phone etc)
- Withdrawal of a hunting / fishing license
- Prohibition to play certain games/sports
- Prohibition from national territory
- Personal obligation - an "Open category" (offences undefined thus all encompassing)
- "Fine" - all fines. inc minor non-criminal offences
LPUK also has this, along with a video clip of the EU flag being BBQ’d, here.
This is another example people of the EU setting out its Federal boundaries and the extent of control over the citizens of the EU, boundaries that it now sets for itself under the impending Lisbon Constitutional Treaty.
The EU views itself as your Government, even if you do not share that view. It has decided it wants to know when you commit one of the above offences. None of this has been openly discussed within the UK and you will not see anyone from the Lib/Lab/Con parties discussing this in Parliament or on the TV. You could write to your MP, but they are powerless to act in any way to change this, they are likely unaware that this is even happening.
Remember, there is no opposition voice or vote on the E.C. its function is solely to “Harmonise” the laws and protocols of E.U. member states. They have decided this, and will impose it upon national parliaments; this will become law without you, as a voter, having had any say what-so-ever. The trappings of a Totalitarian State are being established under our noses, the tools of Democracy that were designed to protect us are again being used against us.
I repeat once again Thomas Jefferson’s wise words. "When the people fear the Government there is Tyranny; when the Government fears the people there is Liberty."
Essentially, the following offences will be centrally recorded by the EU as a result of this E.C. ruling.
- Offences related to waste - Unintentional environmental offences
- Insult of the State, Nation or State symbols - Insult or resistance to a representative of public authority
- Public order offences, breach of the public peace - Revealing a secret or breaching an obligation of secrecy
- Unintentional damage or destruction of property
- Offences against migration law - an "Open category" (offences undefined thus all encompassing)
- Offences against military obligations
- an "Open category" (offences undefined thus all encompassing)
- Unauthorised entry or residence
- Other offences an "Open category" (offences undefined thus all encompassing)
- Other unintentional offences
- Prohibition from frequenting some places
- Prohibition from entry to a mass event
- Placement under electronic surveillance ("fixed or mobile" - eg: home, car, mobile phone etc)
- Withdrawal of a hunting / fishing license
- Prohibition to play certain games/sports
- Prohibition from national territory
- Personal obligation - an "Open category" (offences undefined thus all encompassing)
- "Fine" - all fines. inc minor non-criminal offences
LPUK also has this, along with a video clip of the EU flag being BBQ’d, here.
This is another example people of the EU setting out its Federal boundaries and the extent of control over the citizens of the EU, boundaries that it now sets for itself under the impending Lisbon Constitutional Treaty.
The EU views itself as your Government, even if you do not share that view. It has decided it wants to know when you commit one of the above offences. None of this has been openly discussed within the UK and you will not see anyone from the Lib/Lab/Con parties discussing this in Parliament or on the TV. You could write to your MP, but they are powerless to act in any way to change this, they are likely unaware that this is even happening.
Remember, there is no opposition voice or vote on the E.C. its function is solely to “Harmonise” the laws and protocols of E.U. member states. They have decided this, and will impose it upon national parliaments; this will become law without you, as a voter, having had any say what-so-ever. The trappings of a Totalitarian State are being established under our noses, the tools of Democracy that were designed to protect us are again being used against us.
I repeat once again Thomas Jefferson’s wise words. "When the people fear the Government there is Tyranny; when the Government fears the people there is Liberty."
Some Good News From Barclays
Barclays have today announced in an open letter to customers, employees and shareholders that they are in a good position financially and are expecting to report a better than expected profit of £5.3bn for 2008. Furthermore that they are to bring forward the publication of their performance in the interests of transparency. The news saw a rally in Barclays share price of 36% to 69.7p. The FTSE also rallied on the news up 156.54 at 4,209.01.
This all sounds like good news to me as a Barclays customer. Even the news that Barclays is to write-down £8bn does not sound like bad news to me, (relatively speaking of course). It sounds to my ears that Barclays have been through their entire portfolio, identified the toxic debt and taken the decision to write it off so as to draw a line under all of the situation. They have "come clean" over the extent of their liabilities, and cleared some of the fog of uncertainty. The fact that Barclays ends the year in "profit", with the help of some heavy corporate refinancing and restructuring sounds good to me because it has done so out the hands of public ownership.
If you have read this Blog before you will know I have absolutely no background in finance... but I have, I think, as good an understanding as any layperson. To me, Barclays looks like the only UK bank positioned to trade in the post credit-crunch world. Though, that £8bn will need to be paid off, it has addressed and will price this into its offerings. Its customers and shareholders can understand the extent of it's liabilities.
The challenge for the Government is to now insist through its own bank ownership that the banks they own get themselves into a similar position so that these banks can trade their way back into a position of consumer confidence.
This all sounds like good news to me as a Barclays customer. Even the news that Barclays is to write-down £8bn does not sound like bad news to me, (relatively speaking of course). It sounds to my ears that Barclays have been through their entire portfolio, identified the toxic debt and taken the decision to write it off so as to draw a line under all of the situation. They have "come clean" over the extent of their liabilities, and cleared some of the fog of uncertainty. The fact that Barclays ends the year in "profit", with the help of some heavy corporate refinancing and restructuring sounds good to me because it has done so out the hands of public ownership.
If you have read this Blog before you will know I have absolutely no background in finance... but I have, I think, as good an understanding as any layperson. To me, Barclays looks like the only UK bank positioned to trade in the post credit-crunch world. Though, that £8bn will need to be paid off, it has addressed and will price this into its offerings. Its customers and shareholders can understand the extent of it's liabilities.
The challenge for the Government is to now insist through its own bank ownership that the banks they own get themselves into a similar position so that these banks can trade their way back into a position of consumer confidence.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
ComRes Poll
ComRes poll for tomorrows Independant.
Conservatives 43% (+2)
Labour 28% (-4)
Lib Dems 16% (-1)
The 15% lead translates to a likely majority to the Conservatives of around 84 Seats
Conservatives 43% (+2)
Labour 28% (-4)
Lib Dems 16% (-1)
The 15% lead translates to a likely majority to the Conservatives of around 84 Seats
Whatcha Gonna Do?
So Peers can sell their influence on an open market to lobbyists, the Government can't see that it is their very existance and size that is bankrupting the nation, The Irish will be asked to vote for something they have already voted against, the Greeks are rioting, the people of Iceland are rioting, Sterling is crashing, and tax payers are covering bankers wild international splurges.
The BNP seems close to getting elected in Bexley, Lib/Lab/Con all love the EU even though two-thirds of the people they represent dislike the EU, and MPs were prepared to vote to reduce their accountability to tax payers by covering up their expense details.
Our history has placed us with a position of global responsibilities that a great number of people take great pride in, others see this as a great sin, and a stain on our nation. Our armed forces are asked to serve to defend the very principles that this country has been abandoning for a generation. They are sent into battle with insufficient supplies and armour. An experienced squaddie knows that he must even ensure that a sufficient supply of toilet roll is packed as we are often unable to provide such basic provisions.
Our schools maintain a continued decline in standards, with Maths and English coming second to social studies and humanities. They are taught to pass exams, not provided the tools and skills to succeed in life. And what is the point anyway, their parents will have told them that if they can not get a job they can sign on and earn a living by fulfilling some small requirements that ensure that government targets are met. Don't rock the boat and the benefits will keep on coming.
After ten years of proclaiming that schools and hospitals are over stretched, this government has overseen that poor immigrants have entered the UK, en masse for over a decade. Stretching the those services further and further. A whole underclass of poverty stricken immigrants in place to ensure Labour Support for another 25 years is secured. The Labour Party, creating Poverty in the UK to further its own interests.
The Liberals have abandoned any pretence of true Liberal thinking and share no resemblance with the party was founded to oppose the Corn Laws, and now gloriously urinate on the principles of Gladstone, Asquith and Lloyd George. The Liberal Democrats in their present form would not recognise a principle if they tripped over one.
The Conservatives are the only mainstream party whose views countenance to the problems of the nation, but only in terms that slow the progressive visions of the insane and righteous; not to reverse it and set forward a new independent mantra of individual and collective responsibilities, freedom of individuals, especially freedom from state interference, and trust in the free market... which by the way, has lifted more people out of poverty and released more people from the yolk of tyranny than any charity, institution or international law ever conceived.
I really feel that 2009 could be the most radical for a very long time for setting out a shift in the direction of political parties ever... As politicians listen less, the louder we must shout. You may not answer our questions directly and offer soundbites when we need solutions, but we will not go away, and we will not be ignored forever.
When the EU meets to discuss civil unrest in nation states it demonstrates exactly how important the EU considers itself in the governing of Europe. Did anybody actually vote for this? Do we have Democracy and true Civil representation today? I could only answer yes if I could afford to buy a Peer, (and I can't).
There is something fundamentally rotten in our Constitution that the opinions and wishes of so many people can be ignored, and where the tactical application of smear and innuendo has replaced the presentation of facts in our media. We need to change the way politician's are able to govern from above. More accountability, less cost, less intrusion, and these and other rights enshrined and guaranteed. Thomas Jefferson said, "When the people fear the Government there is Tyranny; when the Government fears the people there is Liberty." Which do you think we have in the UK today? Are we moving towards or away from Tyranny?
Do we wish to form a more perfect country for the betterment of ourselves and mankind? or shall we hand ourselves, and our minds over, as requested, to the people who dictate that the way you live is killing the planet, the way you think is the cause of oppression, that you should be subject to laws that they should not? I have my voice now, here in blogosphere. Is your voice, and are your wishes being heard?
The BNP seems close to getting elected in Bexley, Lib/Lab/Con all love the EU even though two-thirds of the people they represent dislike the EU, and MPs were prepared to vote to reduce their accountability to tax payers by covering up their expense details.
Our history has placed us with a position of global responsibilities that a great number of people take great pride in, others see this as a great sin, and a stain on our nation. Our armed forces are asked to serve to defend the very principles that this country has been abandoning for a generation. They are sent into battle with insufficient supplies and armour. An experienced squaddie knows that he must even ensure that a sufficient supply of toilet roll is packed as we are often unable to provide such basic provisions.
Our schools maintain a continued decline in standards, with Maths and English coming second to social studies and humanities. They are taught to pass exams, not provided the tools and skills to succeed in life. And what is the point anyway, their parents will have told them that if they can not get a job they can sign on and earn a living by fulfilling some small requirements that ensure that government targets are met. Don't rock the boat and the benefits will keep on coming.
After ten years of proclaiming that schools and hospitals are over stretched, this government has overseen that poor immigrants have entered the UK, en masse for over a decade. Stretching the those services further and further. A whole underclass of poverty stricken immigrants in place to ensure Labour Support for another 25 years is secured. The Labour Party, creating Poverty in the UK to further its own interests.
The Liberals have abandoned any pretence of true Liberal thinking and share no resemblance with the party was founded to oppose the Corn Laws, and now gloriously urinate on the principles of Gladstone, Asquith and Lloyd George. The Liberal Democrats in their present form would not recognise a principle if they tripped over one.
The Conservatives are the only mainstream party whose views countenance to the problems of the nation, but only in terms that slow the progressive visions of the insane and righteous; not to reverse it and set forward a new independent mantra of individual and collective responsibilities, freedom of individuals, especially freedom from state interference, and trust in the free market... which by the way, has lifted more people out of poverty and released more people from the yolk of tyranny than any charity, institution or international law ever conceived.
I really feel that 2009 could be the most radical for a very long time for setting out a shift in the direction of political parties ever... As politicians listen less, the louder we must shout. You may not answer our questions directly and offer soundbites when we need solutions, but we will not go away, and we will not be ignored forever.
When the EU meets to discuss civil unrest in nation states it demonstrates exactly how important the EU considers itself in the governing of Europe. Did anybody actually vote for this? Do we have Democracy and true Civil representation today? I could only answer yes if I could afford to buy a Peer, (and I can't).
There is something fundamentally rotten in our Constitution that the opinions and wishes of so many people can be ignored, and where the tactical application of smear and innuendo has replaced the presentation of facts in our media. We need to change the way politician's are able to govern from above. More accountability, less cost, less intrusion, and these and other rights enshrined and guaranteed. Thomas Jefferson said, "When the people fear the Government there is Tyranny; when the Government fears the people there is Liberty." Which do you think we have in the UK today? Are we moving towards or away from Tyranny?
Do we wish to form a more perfect country for the betterment of ourselves and mankind? or shall we hand ourselves, and our minds over, as requested, to the people who dictate that the way you live is killing the planet, the way you think is the cause of oppression, that you should be subject to laws that they should not? I have my voice now, here in blogosphere. Is your voice, and are your wishes being heard?
Friday, January 23, 2009
We Are In Recession
For me, today's confirmation that we are in recession serves three purposes.
Firstly it formalises what people on the street already know, there is an economic downturn we have been feeling the pinch for some time now. The Government can not spin this fact any longer, the statistics have caught up. The UK is in recession.
Secondly, Gordon Browns pronouncements that he "Ended Boom and Bust" and "He Saved The World" serve as evidence that he is completely ignorance to real economics and would rather look good coming out with sound-bites on TV rather than making the tough decisions that the people of the UK need. Gordon Brown, His Government and their decisions are a large part of why we are in the trouble we are in.
Thirdly, Gordon Brown is not going to change his approach or outlook. He declares that the UK is using every tool necessary to fight the recession. This is a lie. He has not explored the necessary cuts required in our bloated public sector to bring Government spending under control. The greatest problem that the UK faces in this particular downturn is the size and expense of the Government. As prices and taxes rise this year and next people will have less and less money to spend in their local pub, paper shop and everyday things. Forget upgrading the car or buying a new fridge. Unless Brown shrinks the size of the Government, or we have an election that brings about a government that will we will not come out of this downturn.
Don't forget to register your vote, on the top left of this Blogs front page.
Firstly it formalises what people on the street already know, there is an economic downturn we have been feeling the pinch for some time now. The Government can not spin this fact any longer, the statistics have caught up. The UK is in recession.
Secondly, Gordon Browns pronouncements that he "Ended Boom and Bust" and "He Saved The World" serve as evidence that he is completely ignorance to real economics and would rather look good coming out with sound-bites on TV rather than making the tough decisions that the people of the UK need. Gordon Brown, His Government and their decisions are a large part of why we are in the trouble we are in.
Thirdly, Gordon Brown is not going to change his approach or outlook. He declares that the UK is using every tool necessary to fight the recession. This is a lie. He has not explored the necessary cuts required in our bloated public sector to bring Government spending under control. The greatest problem that the UK faces in this particular downturn is the size and expense of the Government. As prices and taxes rise this year and next people will have less and less money to spend in their local pub, paper shop and everyday things. Forget upgrading the car or buying a new fridge. Unless Brown shrinks the size of the Government, or we have an election that brings about a government that will we will not come out of this downturn.
Don't forget to register your vote, on the top left of this Blogs front page.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
That Awkward Conversation That Every Dad Dreads
When your boy questions the existance of Monkey God.
Crime Is Up, Crime Is Down..... Thanks BBC
The BBC reported today that reported crime numbers are up. The figures are as follows:
Knife/Sharp Instrument Robbery - Up 18%
Fraud/Forgery - Up 16%
Drugs - Up 9%
Home Burglary - Up 4%
Other Burglary - Up 3%
However, at the same time, a separate BBC report states that crime numbers are down. The key points being:
Gun Crime - Down 26%
Knife Crime - Down 12%
Robbery - Down 17%
Rapes and Domestic violence - Both Up
The difference between them being that the figures that show the increase are for the UK, where as the figures showing a reduction are for London only.
The two BBC reports, despite being online do not make reference to each other.
So let me ask the question. How is it that crime nationally continues to rise, but crime in London is falling? Could the answer be that in London the Met Police Authority is Chaired by the Mayor, currently Boris Johnson? This is not a Tory/Labour Comparison, as the figures show in London year-on-year trends meaning this is a continuation of a trend started under former Mayor Ken Livingstone. It is the only authority in England that is not completely controlled from Centralised targets sent down from the Home Office, and where the Met Authority has a say on policing, rather than the Chief Constable rolling out initiatives based on centrally set Home Office targets.
Could this be the real evidence that can be used to further the case for locally elected sheriffs and/or elected Police Commissioners? With the Mayor being an elected official in London chairing the Met Authorities meetings we can see a tangible link between an elected official conveying the concerns of the public that they are elected to represent.
A convincing case for local Sheriff's has been made by Daniel Hannan and Doug Carswell in their book The Plan: Twelve months to renew Britain. I must confess that I was sceptical about local Sheriffs until I read their proposal, but they won me over on this particular point.
Knife/Sharp Instrument Robbery - Up 18%
Fraud/Forgery - Up 16%
Drugs - Up 9%
Home Burglary - Up 4%
Other Burglary - Up 3%
However, at the same time, a separate BBC report states that crime numbers are down. The key points being:
Gun Crime - Down 26%
Knife Crime - Down 12%
Robbery - Down 17%
Rapes and Domestic violence - Both Up
The difference between them being that the figures that show the increase are for the UK, where as the figures showing a reduction are for London only.
The two BBC reports, despite being online do not make reference to each other.
So let me ask the question. How is it that crime nationally continues to rise, but crime in London is falling? Could the answer be that in London the Met Police Authority is Chaired by the Mayor, currently Boris Johnson? This is not a Tory/Labour Comparison, as the figures show in London year-on-year trends meaning this is a continuation of a trend started under former Mayor Ken Livingstone. It is the only authority in England that is not completely controlled from Centralised targets sent down from the Home Office, and where the Met Authority has a say on policing, rather than the Chief Constable rolling out initiatives based on centrally set Home Office targets.
Could this be the real evidence that can be used to further the case for locally elected sheriffs and/or elected Police Commissioners? With the Mayor being an elected official in London chairing the Met Authorities meetings we can see a tangible link between an elected official conveying the concerns of the public that they are elected to represent.
A convincing case for local Sheriff's has been made by Daniel Hannan and Doug Carswell in their book The Plan: Twelve months to renew Britain. I must confess that I was sceptical about local Sheriffs until I read their proposal, but they won me over on this particular point.
Icelandic Riots
Looks like Icelanders have taken to the streets, seems the UK branding them terrorists and crippling their ailing economy has had something of a negative effect. Doubt Brown cares though, probably views it as a precursor to Icelandic entry to the EU.
See the videos on Old Holborns blog, Here.
See the videos on Old Holborns blog, Here.
"2-Oaths" Obama
And thus a nickname is born.
Apparently Chief Justice John Roberts has been dubbed "Oaf of Office" in the US Media for his role in Obama's Oath of Office.
Chester A Arthur and Calvin Coolidge also had to repeat the oath.
Chester A Arthur swore the oath at home with a New York Supreme Court Judge John R. Brady, but then repeated it when he arrived in Washington D.C.(as he was ascending from the Vice-Presidency to the Presidency after the death of President Garfield)
Coolidge also ascended from the Vice Presidency after his Father administered the initial Oath of Office upon receipt of the news via messenger that President Harding had died. He re-took the Oath of Office upon his return to Washington D.C. the following day.
Apparently Chief Justice John Roberts has been dubbed "Oaf of Office" in the US Media for his role in Obama's Oath of Office.
Chester A Arthur and Calvin Coolidge also had to repeat the oath.
Chester A Arthur swore the oath at home with a New York Supreme Court Judge John R. Brady, but then repeated it when he arrived in Washington D.C.(as he was ascending from the Vice-Presidency to the Presidency after the death of President Garfield)
Coolidge also ascended from the Vice Presidency after his Father administered the initial Oath of Office upon receipt of the news via messenger that President Harding had died. He re-took the Oath of Office upon his return to Washington D.C. the following day.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Brown U-Turn On MP Expenses
The other day I picked up on what was written in the blogosphere online about the MPs expenses scandal. Thanks to Mick Fealty I found out about the MySociety campaign through theyworkforyou.com to try and force MPs to vote against the proposals (and against decent standards of Democratic process). I also read on Douglas Carswell MP blog that he was going to publish details of his expenses, inspired by a pledge from Ben Wallace MP.
Last night I was having a flick through the blogs and I saw on Doug Carswells Blog that he had top slot at PMQ's today, and that he was looking for suggestions for questions... seemed simple really - ask about the expenses, and see if he can get Gordon Brown to make a similar pledge. So, this was what I suggested, (twice actually, as my post last night was not visible on his blog this morning, so I posted it again today).
I have not seen the footage yet, I will be looking for it when I get home.
Anyway, The Times is already reporting that Gordon Brown is to perform a U-Turn after having been asked the question by Doug Carswell MP. You can read the Time Report here.
Here is a snippet: Mr Brown made the announcement in response to a question from Douglas Carswell, the Tory MP, who asked why he was whipping he MPs to pass the matter.
The change is a victory for the opposition parties and for the huge grassroots campaign by groups such as mySociety and Unlock Democracy. The Tories announced yesterday they were opposing the measure, while Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat, has led the case for the opposition.
I am pretty sure that Mr Carswell would have had this thought on his own, he is after all one of the smarter of the MPs we have in Westminster, but I am grateful that he did ask on this particular matter. I am more grateful really that such a counter-productive law will not be passed.
Unfortunately, despite the apparent u-turn we can be sure that this will be slipped back in as soon as the Government thinks no one is looking, or when outrage is so high against them, this will pale in comparison to whatever cock up we are lambasting them for.
My final thought is this, Doug Carswell knew in advance that he was to get the lead question, I understand that the Speaker sets out who is to get that particular privilege each week. I am sure it will not have escaped the Speakers attention that Doug Carswell had pledged to publish his expenses on the Internet. I wonder if the Speaker wanted Doug Carswell to ask that particular Question? Perhaps Mr Speaker wishes avoid himself being cast in yet another embarassing expenses story?
Last night I was having a flick through the blogs and I saw on Doug Carswells Blog that he had top slot at PMQ's today, and that he was looking for suggestions for questions... seemed simple really - ask about the expenses, and see if he can get Gordon Brown to make a similar pledge. So, this was what I suggested, (twice actually, as my post last night was not visible on his blog this morning, so I posted it again today).
I have not seen the footage yet, I will be looking for it when I get home.
Anyway, The Times is already reporting that Gordon Brown is to perform a U-Turn after having been asked the question by Doug Carswell MP. You can read the Time Report here.
Here is a snippet: Mr Brown made the announcement in response to a question from Douglas Carswell, the Tory MP, who asked why he was whipping he MPs to pass the matter.
The change is a victory for the opposition parties and for the huge grassroots campaign by groups such as mySociety and Unlock Democracy. The Tories announced yesterday they were opposing the measure, while Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat, has led the case for the opposition.
I am pretty sure that Mr Carswell would have had this thought on his own, he is after all one of the smarter of the MPs we have in Westminster, but I am grateful that he did ask on this particular matter. I am more grateful really that such a counter-productive law will not be passed.
Unfortunately, despite the apparent u-turn we can be sure that this will be slipped back in as soon as the Government thinks no one is looking, or when outrage is so high against them, this will pale in comparison to whatever cock up we are lambasting them for.
My final thought is this, Doug Carswell knew in advance that he was to get the lead question, I understand that the Speaker sets out who is to get that particular privilege each week. I am sure it will not have escaped the Speakers attention that Doug Carswell had pledged to publish his expenses on the Internet. I wonder if the Speaker wanted Doug Carswell to ask that particular Question? Perhaps Mr Speaker wishes avoid himself being cast in yet another embarassing expenses story?
A Little Direct Democracy Of My Own
I have put up a poll on the Blog (My first, but I think I will do so regularly) .
Q. Should Brown Go? Yes or No.
Q. Should Brown Go? Yes or No.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Thoughts On Obama
I didn't have a great day at work, the "A" key on my keyboard seems somewhat defunct and this blog is competing with a televised Man Utd game which is on the telly now, so I will keep it brief (for a change).
I wish Barrack Obama, and the people of the US well, I hope he can deliver the upon the promises he has made. I would not have personally voted for Obama, and I fear this is all a very big build up to a very big and very public fall from grace where he will go from super hero to super villain, which will again (as with Bush) distract the course of debate from important subject to the politics of personality. Very simply I agree with the parallels of Obama 2008 and Blair 1997... I suspect UK 2008 is what may happen to US by 2014, if Obama follows a Blair-esque political agenda of "change".
Anyway, there was an election and it was a fair one, I have no problem with the outcome because it is the will of the people. I have never brought into the anti-American sentiment that has malaised Europe in the last few years, and I personally hope that comes to an end now, and that the view of America can return to one of high standing in the world. I certainly think it deserves it.
The high point of the Obama campaign for me came when it was all over. Thankfully, the good people of South Park very succinctly summed up how a non-Obama (like me) supporter has viewed Obama supporters (in this case Randy Marsh), enjoy...
I wish Barrack Obama, and the people of the US well, I hope he can deliver the upon the promises he has made. I would not have personally voted for Obama, and I fear this is all a very big build up to a very big and very public fall from grace where he will go from super hero to super villain, which will again (as with Bush) distract the course of debate from important subject to the politics of personality. Very simply I agree with the parallels of Obama 2008 and Blair 1997... I suspect UK 2008 is what may happen to US by 2014, if Obama follows a Blair-esque political agenda of "change".
Anyway, there was an election and it was a fair one, I have no problem with the outcome because it is the will of the people. I have never brought into the anti-American sentiment that has malaised Europe in the last few years, and I personally hope that comes to an end now, and that the view of America can return to one of high standing in the world. I certainly think it deserves it.
The high point of the Obama campaign for me came when it was all over. Thankfully, the good people of South Park very succinctly summed up how a non-Obama (like me) supporter has viewed Obama supporters (in this case Randy Marsh), enjoy...
Monday, January 19, 2009
MP's Expenses
Mick Fealty blogged today that MySociety, through theyworkforyou.com is planning an offensive back against MPs who vote in favour of concealing their expenses this week. This involves a letter and email campaign to MPs and the subsequent naming and shaming of MPs who vote for the subversion of open democracy, not forgetting those who abstain. A worthy campaign that I will support on this blog.
Already I see that Douglas Carswell MP has declared on his blog that he will publish online details of all of his expenses. He says he is following the example of Ben Wallace MP. Hopefully all MPs will not only pledge to do the same, but vote down this ridiculous proposal, that can only further alienate politicians from the people they are supposed to serve.
In the aftermath of this issue, should any MP discovered to be wasting tax payer money will surely be slaughtered in the court of public opinion.
Already I see that Douglas Carswell MP has declared on his blog that he will publish online details of all of his expenses. He says he is following the example of Ben Wallace MP. Hopefully all MPs will not only pledge to do the same, but vote down this ridiculous proposal, that can only further alienate politicians from the people they are supposed to serve.
In the aftermath of this issue, should any MP discovered to be wasting tax payer money will surely be slaughtered in the court of public opinion.
Effing Bankers
The Government has today announced that it is to roll out an insurance scheme for the banks to encourage them to start lending more to people. This is being offered by the Government (in case you missed it) after banks lent too much to people who can not afford to repay it. As people now have no money left, and a significant chunk of the population now owes as much as they could possibly hope to pay off; Gordon Brown and Alastair Darling have decided that the Government should "do something".
On the same day that the insurance scheme is announced, RBS announced that they are in a little bit more trouble that was initially realised, certainly more than Gordon Brown knew about when he handed over £20bn in capital a few weeks ago.
RBS purchased another bank a few years ago called ABN Amro. This bank had also lent a lot of money that people can not afford to repay. They helpfully lent what now extends to £2.5bn of credit to a Russian Chap with a big impressive chemicals business. Unfortunately that chap can no longer afford to keep the company going so it will probably go to the wall and default on the loan. But don't worry, the British Tax Payer can pick up the bill. No, not because the treasury coffers are over flowing; but because the Chancellor knows some Asian fellas that are prepared to lend us a few quid to bail out these defaulting loans. I am not sure what the rate of interest is, but what the hell, we will not be paying them back anyway - the IMF will have take care of that for us, we can worry about paying the IMF back later.
Perhaps I have unrealistic expectations of elected officials and Government in general. Maybe, I have watch just a few too many episodes of the West Wing, or not enough of Yes Minister. Something inside me says, this is all completely wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong! Mr Brown, this credit crunch has not come about because of a lack of regulation, it is because we had bad regulation. You have not ended boom and bust, you have exaggerated it.
I wish someone could explain to me where this Government is authorised to borrow and spend, and spend and borrow in such a reckless fashion. Was this in the Labour Party Manifesto? Has Parliament debated the two separate bail outs? Has the chancellor been on ITV, BBC, SKY News taking calls from members of the public and addressing their concerns? I don't recall the national debate about the UK taxpayer covering UK banks defaulting foreign loans. We have a Democratic Deficit.
Some bankers have made off with £millions in bonuses. Were they acting illegally? I can only assume not. Otherwise the government would have launched an investigation and would be bringing these thieves and crooks to justice. Not just in the courts, but in the newspapers and TV news. Why has this not happened? Because they were not acting outside of the law.
So what is the government going to do when pumping £billions more into the system fails to lure indebted Brits further into debt (and thus kick starting a boom cycle, that Brown insists that no longer exists?) Borrow more money?
The government needs to be more pragmatic in it's approach to this crisis. By covering the debts of negligence that far transcends economic sense, the Government is covering for those poor investment decisions. They have nationalised the failures of the banking system. How many Banking heads have rolled? None. How many tellers, and branch assistance have lost their jobs? Loads. Is this right? No, it is not. The decision makers made the mistakes, they are keeping their jobs and the tax payer is funding it.
I think Interest rates need to come back up a little. UK banks need to attract deposits from abroad. Savers in the UK should not be unduly punished. We also need to avoid another surge of poorly secured credit on the first sign of economic recovery.
The Bank of England should be granted emergency powers to investigate all deals over £100m (or at a value deemed appropriate, and practical by the BoE) that is now on the Governments portfolio to see if those loans were based on sound financial decision making. If not then legal action should be considered by the government against the banks, and from the banks against the employees that made them. The Government can not keep maintaining that bankers were greedy and made errors if no one can be found to have fallen outside of the regulations.
Those toxic debts should be targeted, and identified. I am not sure if a Government Toxic Bank should be set up, but if these bad investments are identified, then it might not require a Government solution. Solvent banks and financial institutions might help struggling banks, with compensation of insurance. Certainly the Government should be looking for the banks to write down a share of the debts, at their loss, rather than propping up the whole rotten system.
The FSA should be culled and regulatory powers handed back to the BoE and the Treasury. The BoE must then openly report on the banking sector in the UK, and be charged with improving confidence in the UK financial sector.
Some of the money being offered into bailout schemes should instead be offered in entrepreneurial grants to companies that have a chance of getting a foothold in the emerging Asian markets, such as China and India... I am talking about small and midsized companies with UK based staff and management who are trading in sound products and emerging technologies. Our economy needs cach from the East, and we need companies creating new jobs.
The Government should also reduce the size of the State, to reduce the burden upon the tax payer. Can we go onpaying for big Government AND big Government debts? I don't think so.
I am not economist and I am not a banker. You may not agree with any, or all of the above, nor may the Government. I am, however, a tax payer, and I have not been consulted in how my tax money is being spent, or on my concerns for the future tax burden on me and my family. And that is what has annoyed me most of all.
On the same day that the insurance scheme is announced, RBS announced that they are in a little bit more trouble that was initially realised, certainly more than Gordon Brown knew about when he handed over £20bn in capital a few weeks ago.
RBS purchased another bank a few years ago called ABN Amro. This bank had also lent a lot of money that people can not afford to repay. They helpfully lent what now extends to £2.5bn of credit to a Russian Chap with a big impressive chemicals business. Unfortunately that chap can no longer afford to keep the company going so it will probably go to the wall and default on the loan. But don't worry, the British Tax Payer can pick up the bill. No, not because the treasury coffers are over flowing; but because the Chancellor knows some Asian fellas that are prepared to lend us a few quid to bail out these defaulting loans. I am not sure what the rate of interest is, but what the hell, we will not be paying them back anyway - the IMF will have take care of that for us, we can worry about paying the IMF back later.
Perhaps I have unrealistic expectations of elected officials and Government in general. Maybe, I have watch just a few too many episodes of the West Wing, or not enough of Yes Minister. Something inside me says, this is all completely wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong! Mr Brown, this credit crunch has not come about because of a lack of regulation, it is because we had bad regulation. You have not ended boom and bust, you have exaggerated it.
I wish someone could explain to me where this Government is authorised to borrow and spend, and spend and borrow in such a reckless fashion. Was this in the Labour Party Manifesto? Has Parliament debated the two separate bail outs? Has the chancellor been on ITV, BBC, SKY News taking calls from members of the public and addressing their concerns? I don't recall the national debate about the UK taxpayer covering UK banks defaulting foreign loans. We have a Democratic Deficit.
Some bankers have made off with £millions in bonuses. Were they acting illegally? I can only assume not. Otherwise the government would have launched an investigation and would be bringing these thieves and crooks to justice. Not just in the courts, but in the newspapers and TV news. Why has this not happened? Because they were not acting outside of the law.
So what is the government going to do when pumping £billions more into the system fails to lure indebted Brits further into debt (and thus kick starting a boom cycle, that Brown insists that no longer exists?) Borrow more money?
The government needs to be more pragmatic in it's approach to this crisis. By covering the debts of negligence that far transcends economic sense, the Government is covering for those poor investment decisions. They have nationalised the failures of the banking system. How many Banking heads have rolled? None. How many tellers, and branch assistance have lost their jobs? Loads. Is this right? No, it is not. The decision makers made the mistakes, they are keeping their jobs and the tax payer is funding it.
I think Interest rates need to come back up a little. UK banks need to attract deposits from abroad. Savers in the UK should not be unduly punished. We also need to avoid another surge of poorly secured credit on the first sign of economic recovery.
The Bank of England should be granted emergency powers to investigate all deals over £100m (or at a value deemed appropriate, and practical by the BoE) that is now on the Governments portfolio to see if those loans were based on sound financial decision making. If not then legal action should be considered by the government against the banks, and from the banks against the employees that made them. The Government can not keep maintaining that bankers were greedy and made errors if no one can be found to have fallen outside of the regulations.
Those toxic debts should be targeted, and identified. I am not sure if a Government Toxic Bank should be set up, but if these bad investments are identified, then it might not require a Government solution. Solvent banks and financial institutions might help struggling banks, with compensation of insurance. Certainly the Government should be looking for the banks to write down a share of the debts, at their loss, rather than propping up the whole rotten system.
The FSA should be culled and regulatory powers handed back to the BoE and the Treasury. The BoE must then openly report on the banking sector in the UK, and be charged with improving confidence in the UK financial sector.
Some of the money being offered into bailout schemes should instead be offered in entrepreneurial grants to companies that have a chance of getting a foothold in the emerging Asian markets, such as China and India... I am talking about small and midsized companies with UK based staff and management who are trading in sound products and emerging technologies. Our economy needs cach from the East, and we need companies creating new jobs.
The Government should also reduce the size of the State, to reduce the burden upon the tax payer. Can we go onpaying for big Government AND big Government debts? I don't think so.
I am not economist and I am not a banker. You may not agree with any, or all of the above, nor may the Government. I am, however, a tax payer, and I have not been consulted in how my tax money is being spent, or on my concerns for the future tax burden on me and my family. And that is what has annoyed me most of all.
Conservative Reshuffle
Full details published on ConHome, link is here.
Looks like no role for David Davis or John Redwood (so far).
Looks like no role for David Davis or John Redwood (so far).
EU Propaganda In Slovenia
I was over at ConHome to have a look at reactions to Ken Clarke's appointment when I saw this piece about the EU machine buying the hearts and minds of the people of Slovenia. It is a very interesting piece.
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