GROAN LOCALLY

2019-04-25T15:52:00.000+02:00

Politically the U.K. is under attack. Democracy is threatened.

Unfortunately those who wish to protect democracy can be those who unwittingly undermine it. Worse still some are those who had been elected for the very purpose of defending it.

Take for example the current U.K. Prime Minister, her government, and its Opposition. They were all elected having promised to take the U.K. out of the E.U. Yet now that PM, that Government, and Opposition, that entire Parliament with its partial Speaker, act to Remain. Not only do they defy the clearly expressed wish of the Electorate they undermine democracy itself.

The behaviour is shameful.

Of course all of this is old hat. We know that if the U.K. is to survive then big change will have to come; Conservative and Labour parties are collapsing and the Liberals are long gone. The daily political scene is chaotic. Diversionary news is rife. The political machine is broken.

On the plus side the emergence of the Brexit Party has taken the Country by storm. Their success is measured not just by the thousands joining the movement, but perversely by the plethora of attempted character assassinations, unjustified ridicule, and unsupported assertions thrown about by Remainers. For when people lose the argument, and have nothing constructive to say, they resort to personal abuse.

SOOTHSAYERS ANDTHE EU POST-BREXIT

2017-09-04T20:22:00.000+02:00

Europhile soothsayers can't help themselves gloomily gossiping about the UK post-Brexit; and it's a view.

Here's my view of the post-Brexit scene.

UK commerce and industry, released from unreasonable EU restraints, will blossom. European cars and trucks will disappear from our roads in favour of equally sophisticated Japanese, South Korean, Australian, American and, with the advent of the Electric Vehicle, British alternatives.

Endless progressions of HGV registered in Romania, Poland, Slovakia, Belgium, France Germany and Holland will also disappear from our roads with their cargos of fruit and vegetables, wine, fish, flowers, plants, cheese, and chocolates, all replaced by UK registered trucks with UK drivers, UK and Worldwide products.

We can look forward to the return of UK market gardens, and increased production opportunities for UK livestock and cereal farmers. No more wasteful "set-aside." We'll celebrate the re-emergence of UK fruit farms growing apples, pears, and soft fruit.

And there's more. An increase in the availability of splendid wine from Australia, South Africa, Canada and U.S.A. Greater opportunities for the return of Cottage Industries. Increased production and marketing worldwide of UK specialist Cheese, Chocolate, Honey, Ice Cream, and many other similar UK products whose marketing was stunted, modified, or destroyed by restrictive EU regulation.

The return of UK engineering and electrical workshops making spare parts and accessories for vehicles. Increased employment and export opportunities A return of the UK fishing industry. A proud industry savagely destroyed by membership of the E.U. A return of the UK Power Industry and accompanying Heavy Engineering. No reliance on imported electricity.

The UK Finance industry, enviously admired by European financial markets, will go from strength to strength released from the predatory inclinations of Frankfurt and Paris. No more the need to weigh incestuous deals simply for the sake of self-preservation. Free to operate on the World market within UK regulations unfettered by EU interference.

No more payments to the EU Club and, of course, no more expectation of something in return. A net financial benefit. No more need to share costly Intelligence with the EU and, of course no expectation of anything in return.

Holidays in Europe becoming a rarer occurrence as consumers venture further afield and discover there's no noticeable cost differential as European costs soar and its economies and the Euro stutter following Brexit.

Further Countries will shortly follow the UK example and eventually the EU will realise it has self-destructed.

THE "SINGLE MARKET" IS DEAD AND BURIED - and there's more....

2016-11-08T12:47:00.000+01:00

I'll be frank. I'm sick of Remoaners prattling on about needing to know what a post-Brexit UK will look like. Well let me tell you; we know only one thing for certain. It will be a damn sight better than remaining !!

But a quivering EU, the namby-pamby Liberals, much of the House of Lords, the Establishment and the rest of the Remoaners still cling to the vain hope that somehow the UK will change its direction and remain. Dream on.......

Refresh yourselves by contemplating what might have happened to the UK if its people had decided to remain.

(1) "The Single Market."

Well, much to the annoyance of many traditional economists, it's finished. It's yesterday's concept. Inward looking, protectionist, and unfit for purpose in a modern trading world. The UK can now leap forward building its future on new and better trade deals in the much wider world market.

The UK would have been held back, disadvantaged and imprisoned by the restrictions of the archaic European single market.

(2) "The Euro."

The Euro has forced many EU countries to the brink of currency-insolvency and absolute dependency on the EU. For example the Greeks were brought to their economic knees simply because they no longer had the balancing effect of their own currency; their exports were crippled. The same applies to others: Italy, Spain, Portugal. The list goes on. The EU appears to welcome the absolute dependency of its member countries.

Make no mistake - to have remained in a collapsing EU would have dragged the UK into the Euro with disastrous economic and social consequences.

(3) "The Law."

Listen carefully Remoaners. The ability to make and implement our own UK law is about to be reclaimed. Staying in the EU would have simply produced even more inappropriate law. More law resembling a horses ****.

To have remained in the EU would let go for ever the right to have a say through Parliament in the laws of your land.

(4) "Sovereignty."

Let's face it. If you are a Remoaner then, by definition, its difficult to be a convincing patriot. The EU has fewer and fewer countries with high levels of patriotism - but there are exceptions. The French, for example, are fiercely patriotic. Maybe no wonder then that extensive French anti-EU feeling runs so high. They reasonably expect to retain supreme power in their own country. Power to control their borders; power to make final appeal to their own country's supreme court; generally power to control their own country's destiny. Watch that space !

Remaining in the EU would for ever have surrendered sovereignty.

Finally however beware! The fuss being created by the rather sore Remoaners is, however, just what the Brussels doctor ordered. It eclipses the deep-rooted economic and social problems of the EU; eclipses the looming clouds of economic and social despair - precursors to the the eventual collapse of the EU.

If I had to recall one person to sum up the overall character of the rather sore Remoaners I think it would have to be Violet Elizabeth of Richmal Crompton's "Just William" fame. When she didn't get her own way her behaviour regressed and she threatened to vomit !! Bless her.

I SMELL SOMETHING FISHY...aka WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE LEAVE CAMPAIGN ?

2016-04-20T11:54:00.000+02:00

Whatever happened to the "Leave" Campaign ?

I smell something fishy; a huge stitch-up maybe. I imagine secret meetings ........

"Humphrey How are we going to get rid of these bloody "Out" campaigners?"

"You can't, Prime Minister. But you can neutralise them, and you can sideline that thorn in your side - Farage."

"How?"

"Get someone on the inside. A few colleagues, pretending to be in favour of Brexit......but not trying too hard....In fact a whole new Brexit Group......."

"Go on"

".......and then we can get the Electoral Commission to appoint them as the official Leave Campaign..............and there's more; ask Boris and a few others to cosy up to Farage....find out what's cooking eh?? Farage wont get a look-in when Boris is about; and countrywide Boris is the kiss of death!!"

"Splendid, Humphrey. Simply splendid !! Then we can get those all those undecided numbskulls to support me and vote stay."

Funny how the imagination can run away with things.......

IT'S TIME TO LEAVE EU

2015-10-13T19:48:00.001+02:00

There's not much point in waiting to see the outcome of negotiations with the EU. Even if it were to concede all Cameron's "demands" the U.K. would remain wallowing in a very bad place.

What will stop the never ending stream of immigrants? What will stop Mrs Merkel dishing out travel warrants right left and centre so allowing pretty much anyone from anywhere the right to wander into the U.K.? How long before the EU finally destroys the UK's finest asset: the London financial markets?

Just look at those involved in in the "Stay in Europe" campaign. (They mean of course "Stay in the EU" for Europe is not the EU). Take two of these fellows: Lord Rose and Sir Richard Branson. They maintain that staying in the EU is better for business - especially no doubt including their own business involvements? But why not Google those involvements, research them well, and then decide for yourself? And me? I'm more interested in the very best interests of the U.K. as a whole and not the personal interests of the Lord and the Sir.

If, however, you are a Lord or a Sir, then bless you. It's very difficult to convince the average UK native that you're not part of the Establishment. And being an integral part of the hated Establishment sure is an own goal for the Stay campaign! But beware! if you want to leave the EU you're taking on the Establishment in all its forms notwithstanding its plethora of own-goals. A formidable opponent.

This dreadful EU, and weak lilly-livered UK government are bleeding dry the social and business personality of the U.K. It has no control of its borders, no control of its laws, no choice of its markets, and no control of its destiny. It's time to LEAVE the EU.

UKIP: STRONG, HONEST, PRACTICAL

2015-04-27T18:51:00.000+02:00

A Coffee, a Brandy, and watching the scootering world go by, from this Spanish café. But I'm wondering.....

Why on earth does the U.K. allow itself to be drawn closer and closer to self-destruction?
The answer's not rocket science.

It's because LibLabCon refuse to get real on so many important issues. Issues like the EU, the polarisation of the UK, defence, NHS, education....the list goes on.

It's because LiblabCon have lost much of the electorate's trust.

It's because LibLabCon are perceived by many to be weak, cowardly, dishonest, and ineffective.

Against that background the lead up to the General Election is amazing to the extent that only one party, UKIP, seems to care about the future health and well-being of the United Kingdom. Don't think so? Well that's what it looks like from here. They look strong, courageous, honest, and practical.

Milliband hangs precariously to Labour Party leadership and lurches from day to day his position worse than hanging by spider's thread, wishing more people would warm to him, maybe even talk to him.

Cameron marches blindly on ignoring the feelings of so many of the electorate. His holier than thou attitude irritates. He says he "gets it"; but does he? Of course not !

Clegg, bless him, and his liberal colleagues wander helplessly from one day to the next in a sort of soapy-bubble, seemingly insulated from reality, maybe hoping something will come up.......

And north of the English border (:-) a selfish introspective Sturgeon is obsessed with Scotland to the exclusion of all else; she waits for full independence in denial of the potential deleterious consequences for Scotland if not the remaining part of the UK. I fear Scots may well live to regret the way this could go; but more likely the canny Scots will turn on Sturgeon when the fragility of an isolated Scotland becomes inescapably apparent.

All in all this leaves an inevitable choice: UKIP.

UKIP politicians speak bravely, openly and honestly They are not afraid to be forthright. They admit their faults and they get rid of transgressing members.

The majority of UKIP candidates in the General Election will not be practised politicians - thank God ! Their strength is to have held down real jobs in the real world. They have the strength to challenge inappropriate advice, the experience to identify weakness and strength. UKIP politicians embrace common sense, they reflect the view of a large percentage of the electorate.

UKIP have taken the political scene by storm. What's more they have The Establishment by the delicate parts. Beware Nigel !

THE DEATH KNELL OF EUROPE AND THE EUROZONE

2015-01-19T14:14:00.000+01:00

Could we be on the brink of a New Europe? Jean-Claude Juncker may well live to regret his recent comments - bless him!!

The EU and the European Commission is now perceived as a collection of dysfunctional legal and administrative units propped up by many apparently self-centred politicians and Commissioners; likewise the Eurozone has all the markings of a failed "project". What country, having regard to the well-being of its own citizens, would choose to remain part of such a shambles?

Europe is constantly warned of these dangers by parties such as Britain's UKIP.

In the current global economy struggling countries like Greece, Italy, Spain, and Portugal would surely do better outside of the EU. They need only take the decision, readopt their own currencies and leave. The same principle applies to stronger economies in the EU. Having the well-being of their citizens at heart, they too should rid themselves of the eurozone, get out of the EU and return to a common trading arrangement supported by their own currencies.

Could this be the beginning of the end for the Eurozone, the death knell of the EU ? Is it the spring-like dawn of a new and harmonius Europe united by trade? Let's hope so for the sake of the peoples of Europe.

MIGRANTS AND IMMIGRANTS - NET BENEFIT OR NOT IS IMMATERIAL

2014-12-02T12:41:00.000+01:00

Recent "academic research" shows that Migrants are of net benefit to the UK economy?

Not wishing to be too disrespectful to these academics it's absolutely clear to anyone that migration at existing levels is unacceptable to long-standing UK residents. Whether or not migration and immigration has a net benefit is therefore of little relevance.
Likewise waking up to a brand new double-decker bus on the drive would be horrifying, irritating, and bring on the urge to get rid of it as soon as possible -if it's not what you want. The difference of course is that the bus is definitely valuable and the migrants might not be (depending upon the particular bit of "research" cited).

With hard-core Immigrants there's even more to consider. Especially how many of the illegal variety have so far "slipped" into the UK? No one over there seems to have the slightest idea!!

Judging by my last UK sortie (and I accept it is a perception only marginally more accurate than much academic "research") there is a marked change from even just ten years ago. Boston, Spalding, Wolverhampton, London, Manchester, Rhyl, Torquay, Ambleside, Newquay, Brighton, Dover, Southampton, Crewe, Chelmsford, Clacton, .......the list goes on and on and on. If you visit these places be prepared to be amazed at the number of people overheard in the street not speaking English. The impression - often because of their surreptitious behaviour - is that many might have entered the UK illegally. Is it time to wonder what is the actual population of the UK taking into account the Illegals? Judging the density of population by road congestion ( why not ? ) the UK is already full to overflowing!

Note also the apparent growing community of wandering illegal immigrants (can you believe that even they claim benefit?). Many will be sleeping "rough", squatting, and probably adding to the UK's unsolved crime statistics?

Even if it was relevant, would research show that these fellows too are of net benefit to the UK? How long will it take UK political parties to wake up? When will they realise that huge numbers of their Citizens have had enough and are hungry for change?

How long before the UK bucks up? When will it recognises its time for:

1. Properly controlled immigration - including control of migration to UK from EU countries; and

2. a concerted effort to identify illegal immigrants and deal with them helpfully. If possible expel them otherwise isolate them to the extent they modify their domiciliary aspirations.

Can any of this be achieved while UK remains part of the EU?

SMITHERS !! HEADMASTER'S STUDY - NOW!

2014-10-10T14:35:00.000+02:00

LibLabCon, as UKIP call them, appear to be in complete disarray. Taking them one at a time this is how it looks from here.

Once reasonably supported, Liberals have disappeared near completely from favour. Whatever support they once had appears to have dissolved without so much as a bubble! No sign whatsoever of any fizz. A half-empty glass of weak lemonade?

Kindly, inoffensive, politicaly correct, and non-judgemental. These are Liberal strengths. Without exception they might make wonderful Samaritan Counsellors. But deal effectively with the threat of ISIS? So often their approach appears namby pamby when strength is required. They preach a sort of Andy Pandy politics. Bless them.

Called to the Headmaster's study there might be some tears of regret following a polite submission - even if they'd done nothing wrong. I wonder, could the intensity of today's world be rather too much for them?

Today's Labour Party? The working man's party? Has a leader with supposed close links to the UK trade union movement. And yet it's probably still a party politically to the right of Edward Heath's Conservative government of 1970 -1974! Is it any wonder traditional Labour voters at last finding their voices, courageously question the real motives of their fathers' and mothers' political heroes?

Whatever they might say publicly, Labour politicians have given the impression of bobbing along in a sort of protective bubble. Perhaps it's a bubble grown out of an unspoken and impenetrable cross-party fraternity encouraged by an elite educational background? Or perhaps it's just the knowledge, or the hope, that LibLabCon will protect themselves before they protect their supporters. Take, for example, the closing of ranks when issues arose concerning Politicians' expenses. Labour voters never dreamed their representatives would get involved in such a thing! But of course they could quite believe it of Conservatives and Liberals! Was this when the Labour Party confirmed suspicions it no longer deserved trust?

Ed Milliband appears to have done his best to restore that trust but it's an uphill struggle not helped by his personal standing in the popularity stakes. And how much longer will it take before he recognises that a majority of Brits appear to want out of the European Union?

Called to the Headmaster's study Labour would certainly put up a fight. Of course Ed should really take some notes to remind him why he'd done nothing wrong. In fact, lad, you might not do better than send in John Prescott - with or without notes I'd back him any day when it comes to a punch-up.

The Tories. What can I say? David Cameron the not-so-Conservative Prime Minister. Head of a failed Coalition. Allowing the Andy Pandy Party to influence his decisions on a needs-must basis. It's his only excuse for what comes over as clouded softly softly judgement. Along with Labour his party no longer commands the trust it once had. For example his promise to hold a Referendum on Europe - in or out - is hollow. Few believe the Conservative Party would take the U.K. out of Europe even if a Referendum required.

Called to the Headmaster's study Dave would no doubt send in a substitute; any substitute. Most likely, of course, it would be poor old Cleggy (after all he understands the "Smithers" world) armed with a carefully drafted "confession" and a plea in mitigation. Meanwhile Dave's on the phone to a few old school friends hoping to sort things out - well at least on a personal level?

Leaving the best to last I read today about the huge leap in success of the UK Independence Party. From here it seems the success is due quite simply to UKIP being many of the things LibLabCon are not.

To be honest, open, frank, courageous, and forthright, as a politician used to court political suicide. Economy with the truth was almost admired! But the British Public, looking for political change for the better, seem attracted to this new quite open and honest approach. It is a dangerous time for UKIP.

LibLabCon and parts of the British Establishment appear to be nervous of a change in the political balance, and may do something about it, Much of this Establishment concern has been not because of self-preservation (although surely some has been) but because of a genuine concern that as a new political party any UKIP Members of Parliament would lack the breadth and depth of experience to contribute to government. Given the defection of Douglas Carswell to UKIP and the strong possibility of many other defectors from the Conservative and Labour parties - and maybe even defection attempts by Liberals closer to the courageous end of the scale - such arguments no longer hold good. UKIP is on the up and up and LibLabCon should treat the competition very seriously. Just look at how close John Bickley (UKIP) came to taking the so-called "safe" Labour seat of Heywood and Middleton.

And so now can we imagine the call of Nigel Farage to the Headmasters study? No doubt, keeping the Head informed, he would go when it was sensible to go and not before. He would know he'd screwed up a bit and was probably down for a good smacking! A knock on the door and wait to be called. Maybe time for a quick ciggie? We're on. Discussion over a cup of tea - O.K. maybe something a bit stronger.

"O.K. I'll come clean. I might have screwed up a bit. Apologies. But just look at the up-side!"

And with no more than a slapped hand he would depart the Head's study with yet another UKIP member. Honest, open, frank, courageous, forthright and himself. People respect that.

SCOTLAND TO BE CAST ADRIFT ? ALLIES IN THE ENEMY CAMP, ALEX ??

2014-09-09T19:46:00.002+02:00

So we'll soon know how the land lies?

I've recently spoken to a variety of non-Scots from all walks of life and surprisingly a common theme emerges. Few really seem to care what happens. But I do. I hope all my Scots friends, and a majority of Scots, prefer to remain part of the United Kingdom rather than to cast Scotland adrift.

Alex Salmond attaches huge financial importance to the Scots supply of North Sea Oil and rightly so. But it would be catastrophically wrong to think that the rest of the U.K. would be much disadvantaged, financially or otherwise, by loss of direct access to that once valuable crude. Some say the Salmond Scots are making plans for refineries and chemical plants to process their crude rather than rely upon existing plants elsewhere in the U.K - but given the lack of available post- independence finance I wouldn't hold your breath! The loss of crude income is nothing in the overall scale of things U.K.

On a different tack there's lots of public reasons why non-Scot U.K. politicians would prefer to see Scotland vote "no." But talk to these politicians privately and you might detect a quite different agenda. Might they actually see the potential U.K. loss of a participant Scotland as rather desirable? Allies in the enemy camp, Alex?

The U.K., including Scotland, currently benefits hugely from invisible exports, and from being one of the major financial centres of the World. In significant volume these exports don't arise north of the England-Scotland border; Scotland is not a strong financial centre in World terms. Of course Alex Salmond and his enthusiastic cohorts would love Scots to believe otherwise. But worse still Scotland is unfortunately seen by many as an inconvenient net drain on the current U.K. economy. Imagine; could the majority of U.K. politicians privately recognise this perception? Might they also recognise that at grass roots level, maybe right, maybe wrong, many non-Scots have also long considered Scotland to be a financial drain on the rest of the U.K. believing it to have lived well beyond its means for years? The rest of the U.K. no longer perceives a majority of Scots as well-educated, hard-working, well-motivated and sober. Quite the opposite I fear.

But when all is said and done, these perceptions, right or wrong, are irrelevant. Quite simply it boils down to this. Does Scotland in fact derive net benefit from the U.K. economy or not?

Think about it. Look at the visible and invisible earnings in Scotland and compare them with the rest of the U.K; then look at who spends what! It's not rocket science !! Maybe that's why most of the non-Scottish bit of the U.K. is indifferent to the outcome of the Referendum? On the whole, economically, they really don't care if Scotland casts itself adrift. What a shame.

BEWARE BEYOND THE REFERENDUM

2014-05-30T20:35:00.000+02:00

The recent Euro election has shaken the old U.K. political parties to their roots. The #liberals are comatose, new #labour is wobbling, and the #conservatives are looking to Boris for comfort.

When the majority voted #UKIP in this Euro election, what else could it have been but a clear vote to get out of Europe? What better #Referendum could you have?

But, Cameron is happy to interpret the result as simply a need to renegotiate with Brussels! He just doesn't seem to get it ! The people don't want a renegotiation, Dave; THEY WANT OUT!

Keeping his promise to hold an In-Out referendum Cameron will do so facing the inevitability of an "Out" result. Some unfortunate fellow is probably drafting the speech right now.....

" The people have spoken. They've made their views known. They want to get out of the European Union. And I respect their view. My renegotiation with Brussels was not sufficient to convince the electorate. I'm not too proud to say I have failed " ...( like hell )... "I give you my pledge; I will enter into further negotiations. I will get a better deal for the U.K. And then I will put that deal to the public in a Referendum so they can say whether, on the basis of that renegotiation, they would prefer to stay in or out of the European Union. " In other words back to square one, and then off again in an endless loop hoping that one day the result will be in his favour.

In case you missed it, Dave "PEOPLE DON'T WANT A RENEGOTIATION THEY WANT OUT!!" That is why, in droves, people voted for UKIP in the Euro elections.

And so my message from abroad to all #Eurosceptics, and to #UKIP, and to the man on the street, is simply this: "Beware!". The only way to get out of the #E.U., the only sure way to take back control of your country, is to work for a UKIP majority in the U.K. parliament. Your vote for UKIP at a General Election is a powerful force towards that end.

TELL THE TRUTH, SMITHERS...........

2014-04-23T17:36:00.002+02:00

Watching what's happening in UK from over here in USA I see political parties lining up in readiness for the European elections; I smell burning!

What used to be the three main parties are in somewhat of a blind panic. Liberal, Labour, and Conservative parties have stopped talking to their potential voters about what really matters and started slinging mud like it's going out of fashion. Interestingly the mud's going all in one direction - that is towards their formidable new opponent UKIP. Quite simply, UKIP is the party that wants the UK out of Europe; and by all accounts the sooner the better!

Given the alleged inextricable involvement of many opposition and government members of the UK Parliament in European ventures - some political, some commercial, and some personal, it's no wonder that the mud slinging has commenced; no doubt it won't be long before the fur begins to fly!!

Meanwhile UKIP continues to talk about policies, and to argue in favour of reclaiming UK self-governance. Notwithstanding relentless smears it maintains the moral high-ground and continues to respond openly and honestly when under attack in the political arena. This "man in the street honesty", and the resultant vulnerability, is what sets UKIP apart from political dinosaurs in the liberal, labour, and conservative parties.

The man in the street has a growing and continuing respect for this fresh attitude, this open and honest approach. No surprise then why, and in droves, people continue to desert their traditional party to support UKIP.

"Tell the truth, Smithers; own up and take the consequences, lad." Surprisingly old-school politicians from liberal, labour and conservative parties appear blind to such real-life honesty. Not so UKIP politicians who are taking the UK political scene by storm.

European elections? Watch this space !!

POLARISATION OF THE E.U. Just a matter of time??

2013-12-12T16:18:00.000+01:00

Its time the #E.U. polarised. Time to allow each #E.U. country to return to their own currencies, to make their own laws, to follow their own traditions, and to reclaim their sovereignties. Goodbye E.U? Surely now it's just a matter of time?

According to the #Mail on Line 1 in 4 UK residents claiming sickness benefit are fit for work! Sounds amazing eh? But who are these people anyway?

Could there be a clue in the view of the #European Commission? I understand that it, or one of its well-fed members, has suggested Britain's welfare system is "too generous". Any abuse of benefits by EU migrants is the fault of the British authorities who pay out too much, too easily!! So if immigrants from Bulgaria and Romania, or other EU country, end up getting generous payouts shortly after arrival in the U.K. it's the U.K.'s fault? Well maybe it is to the extent that it appears to have very little intelligent control over immigration generally.

But this rather adolescent European Commission outbreak is unbelieveably cheeky and of amazing naivety bearing in mind that a large percentage of the U.K. population perceive the biggest waste of Britain's money, indeed the biggest waste of any European Union Member Country's money, arises from the actions or inactions of that motley amorphous mass the #European Commission itself!!!

Hold on! In the interests of balanced journalism let's look at the plus side? Well....uh....um....... I'll bet the European Commission is one of the best dining-clubs in the World.

Seriously from over here, it looks as if the European Commission's shenanigans have produced a wonderful incentive for the U.K. to get rid of any further involvement with the #EU.

After all the #E.U. is nothing but a bureaucratic dinosaur, a mill-stone around the #U.K.'s long-suffering neck. If Monsieur #Cameron, bless him, had as much strength elsewhere he would ditch his namby-pamby liberal buddy Monsieur #Clegg (bless him too), and get to grips with getting out of the #E.U pronto. Renegotiation will never get the #U.K. where it should be - but I fear it may get Monsieur Cameron where he would like to be.

HOW TO PUT THE "GREAT" BACK IN BRITAIN ?

2013-11-14T23:47:00.000+01:00

Whatever happened to Great Britain?

In varying degrees its Health Service, Universities, Schools, Energy policy, #Immigration management, and the Benefit and Transport systems, appear to be broken. If that wasn't enough it pursues questionable "green" policies and subscribes to the view that not only is the climate changing ( of course its bloody changing ! ) but the changes are quite definitely man-made, and ultimately catastrophic.

Frank discussions are no more. Political correctness stifles the expression of true feelings and "#Human Rights" allow almost anyone to get away with almost anything! Mention the word "blame" at your peril. The #European Union daily imposes ridiculous restrictions on the British lifestyle, its industry its commerce and its population. And the #UK sits happily back and takes it?

It's about time they woke up to the fact that a succession of incompetent governments are to blame. Governments which have dragged an uncertain population into a #European Union, governments which have failed to put in place a managed immigration policy, failed to properly organise schools, universities and health and social services.

For example thirty years or so ago the #teaching community were not discouraged from wandering down liberal (small "l") pathways. They did so happily accompanied, as it happens, by soul mates the #BBC and the #Guardian newspaper. Now this was a real climate change and chances are it contributed hugely to the UK we observe from mainland Europe today.

But the blame is not limited to a succession of incompetent governments; there are incompetent individuals out there who also carry much of the blame. Politicians, #doctors, #nurses, #teachers, #journalists, #industrialists and so on and so on. Sometimes they made mistakes; sometimes they were simply incompetent. The anti-blame culture has been their biggest ally.

Now's the time for the U.K. to sort things out before it's too late. Time to get real, to be honest about its predicament, to be courageous and above all learn to act with common sense.

It's time to elect a government capable of getting a grip, capable of being honest and fair. It's time to elect a government capable of doing what makes sense for the U.K. however unpopular it might seem: a government of common sense.

The question is "Do the U.K. electorate care?" I wonder.......

HOW TO LEAVE THE EU - WITH CONSERVATIVES OR UKIP?

2013-10-31T12:16:00.000+01:00

Objectivity is not easy if you are a politician. Personal views and feelings get in the way of the party line.

They tell me many members of the UK #Conservative party are defecting to burgeoning #UKIP. I've no evidence to suport the fact. What's certain however is that while I was in the U.K. I met many long-standing Conservatives disappointed with the Conservative approach to Europe.

These dissatisfied Conservatives want to get away from Europe; they don't want Europe imposing its views and laws on everything from a light bulb to energy policy. They are sick and tired of the ever increasing burden of barmy health and safety laws, green policies, perverse human rights decisions, and disgraceful wastes of money. They worry about giving control of UK energy industries to outside interests - including European interests. There's a lot more. In short they want sovereignty back.

Accordingly I can see why, not just many Conservatives, but many members of the Labour and Liberal Parties, might decide to defect to UKIP.

How to leave the EU? Be objective. Put aside Party doctrine and question which Party offers the best opportunity to regain sovereignty.

Would it be the Conservative Party with its leader's promise of a referendum on the subject? Or maybe it's UKIP; but is that a Party ready for Government? It's unlikely to be the Labour Party which yet has to decide what policies to follow. As things stand it would never be the namby-pamby Liberals with their sycophantic European agenda.

Politics will always be influenced by diverse vested interests. The political dimensions of quitting the #E.U. are no exception. So beware!

Politicians should not underestimate these issues and the importance of adapting so that objectivity and honesty become a major part of their political creeds.

If the Conservative Party wishes to regain lost ground maybe it should take a deep breath and question whether it achieves absolute objectivity? For example should it have the courage to respond to what it knows Conservative supporters actually want? Or does it know better? Should it start by having the courage to ditch the Liberals and end the pernicious Coalition? Should it tell the electorate the Conservatives will quit Europe; explain how, and explain why?

As for UKIP? For sure it hopes to continue its meteoric growth. But should it also take a deep breath and question how it can convince the electorate it would be ready for Government? If so, then would it help to explain how its political objectives will be achieved? Is its biggest challenge to morph into rather more than just an influential catalyst?

UKIP, CAMERON, AND DITCHING THE LIBERALS

2013-10-30T01:18:00.000+01:00

Why doesn't #Cameron ditch the #Liberals? Easy question eh? Most everyone would say "He needs them!"

Well does he? #Clegg and his party appear to be going down the drain. But for teachers and "right wing" elements in the #BBC, support would probably collapse completely. But of course without Clegg and his fellows the #U.K. Coalition government is finished. And if Cameron thought he could win a General Election then certainly he would ditch the Liberals. But he doesn't; so he won't.

So what is the opposition? #Milliband and ..oh yes...#UNITE (representing workers across the U.K??). No opposition there surely!? UNITE's recent rather windy Scottish excursion left it blushing with kilt above the head and very little of any significance below. As for Milliband, bless him, he still tags along in the shadow of his equally competent brother.

So what is the opposition? It has to be #UKIP. There simply is no other contender.

But is #UKIP just a force for change? Or could it really serve the U.K. in majority government?

All depends on the courage and perception of the U.K. electorate. What's crucial is not how they perceive UKIP. It's how they perceive the preparedness of UKIP for government. And that's the crunch.

UKIP IN DECLINE OR ASCENDANCY

2013-10-23T21:38:00.001+02:00

From over here in Spain I watch the progress of #UKIP with interest. I've admired the honesty of its leader, its broad appeal to the UK electorate, and its growing support.

I, too, have very little doubt that the #U.K. would be better off outside of the EU. But how will it extricate itself? Who will say that a referendum producing a majority in favour of leaving the EU, is a guarantee that the #U.K. will actually leave the E.U?

A #UKIP government would appear to be the only sure way of waving the EU, but not its people, goodbye.

But can UKIP ever expect to form a government? Or will it simply become just another pressure group? Is #UKIP in decline or ascendancy?

It seems to me that unfortunately #UKIP's political profile, is perceived as immature by some quite influential people. Some of these people are in Industry, some are in other countries, some politicians, and some form part of the U.K. electorate. Of course there are other groups.

For example who would deny that in a peaceful country no political party gets to govern unless it has a sound relationship with that country's Civil Service? #UKIP need to work on this. Whatever the certainty of their feelings towards the Civil Service and the #PublicSector generally, #UKIP needs to show some political maturity and get to grips with these issues. I believe UKIP's leadership already understand this; but maybe its grass-roots have some growing to do?

I recall that when I last wrote from Spain voicing some gentle criticism relating to the ebullient Mr Bloom, I was savaged by several grass-roots UKIP members who suggested I would do well to remain in Spain!! Perhaps not the best way to treat an occasionally supportive political commentator - and definitely immature politically, bless them!! "Not helpful" as the Minister would say!

UKIP is already a useful and quite successful agent for change. But it knows that's not enough to achieve its main objective.

#Cameron, #Clegg and #Milliband and their very influential industrial and commercial colleagues, and the #CivilService, appear to be stuck to the EU with superglue....well that's how some perceive things! #UKIP seems to be the only U.K. party hoping to break the apparent bonds. But to do so, should they first think about changing how they are perceived? A UKIP Government might then become a real possibility rather than a remote hope?

Of course, without a disciplined approach, this could turn into an impossible struggle. But who will blame me for wishing any well-motivated politician good fortune in their endeavours?

Oh........and to any UKIP supporters who feel uncomfortable with these comments, I apologise! Follow the example of your leader Mr #Farage and express views intelligently, from a soundly researched base, and with political maturity.

SHALE GAS - UKIP AND USA - THE FRACKING DEBATE

2013-10-09T13:36:00.001+02:00

Switch to the news and chances are someone will mention fracking before long !

Extracting gas from shale is a controversial procedure in an ever-dying "Green" #Europe. Scientists - some previously unheard of - disagree over its safety. However cross the pond and watch as the USA surges forward in shale-gas extraction. A completely revised energy policy is emerging. They recognise the risks in #fracking; but they also take into account the risks of other energy production.

Politicians and entrepreneurs in the #USA have clearly decided that the risks posed by fracking are acceptable when compared to the risks already taken in alternative forms of energy production.

And this is where burgeoning political party #UKIP is to be congratulated. So far as I can tell it is the only UK political party to openly and bravely conclude that fracking would be good for the UK economy. Therein lies the strength of #UKIP.

Refreshingly UKIP appears to be a party unafraid to state its position in a down to earth way: clearly, openly, and honestly. This "man in the street" approach has got it into trouble from time to time. But far from losing members and support it goes on from strenght to strength!! Its main policy is to get the UK out of Europe. It does fear UK population growth fuelled by uncontrolled immigration and says so to the horror of the PC,

namby-pamy liberal and leftish influences in #Westminster and the #Media. It is accused of being racist and politically naive. Its members are described by some as fascist. These accusations appear to be in proportion to the level of suport #UKIP receives!! The greater its support, the more it's accused !!

I watch with interest as #UKIP continues to grow. It surfs a huge wave of support with the policy of getting out of Europe as soon as posible. Let's hope it can maintain the moral highground and that selfish vested interests will not resort to dirty tricks in their attempt to keep the #UK in the #EU. Watch this space!!

"BONGO BONGO LAND" UKIP POLITICIAN

2013-08-22T12:03:00.001+02:00

Oh dear ! Godfrey Bloom appears to be in deep water again!

Taking the emotive language away from things - especially when talking about work and women - can be extremely difficult. Today's atmosphere, today's law (much of which is "imported" from a dysfunctional Europe) scares many, otherwise sensible, observers to silence.

Trying to be completely objective, and notwithstanding the insidious threat of political correctness, whatever muddled thinking reached the conclusion that women and men should be awarded time off work just because there is a new addition to the family? Of course it's nice! And few would pass up the opportunity. But how on Earth, why, did it become an entitlement?

Nowadays to argue that one parent should devote itself entirely to the upbringing of a child is to invite a public drubbing. And yet not so long ago such an arrangement was applauded and common; the converse was also true. Whether or not the change is progress is arguable; certainly mores have changed. Much depends upon perspective.

Women have become particularly sensitive about their abilities and their roles in life. Increasingly men have similar feelings. "Modern woman" and "Modern Man" do not abrogate responsibility for bringing up a child - but often find themselves sub-contracting the function after maternity/ paternity leave has expired. Sometimes perhaps it's by choice; sometimes maybe there is no reasonable alternative. Either way they are free to return to work - as if nothing had happened.

But where is the sane employer, where is the compassionate employer, who would give the level of maternity and paternity leave currently allowed unless compelled to do so by law?

It's doubtful if there are simple answers to any of these questions. They raise issues concerning the benefits system, matters of employment law, evolving mores, what's right and what's wrong ! Whichever corner you fight will, as always, depend upon just two things: perspective; objectives.

And the same goes for Godfrey's views ! Nevertheless he's definitely right on target when he says men and women are different. It may hurt to hear it; but it's true!!

SCARED TO SAY WHAT YOU THINK?

2013-08-13T23:44:00.000+02:00

The older I get the less tolerant I become. And that's why my political allegiance has changed - at least for the time being.

Take the three old established British political parties. Look at their leaders. Look at their M.P's. When was the last time you remember any of them giving a straight answer? Why should we tolerate such behaviour?

But now consider a new party: #UKIP. Its leader #Nigel Farage and his political colleagues seem unafraid to say what they think; and what they think appeals to an ever-increasing percentage of the UK electorate.

Many observers now believe #UKIP brings to U.K. politics a wonderful breath of fresh air. An air of honesty from politicians with the courage to express their view unequivocally; politicians willing to give a straight answer. Perhaps no longer will we have to put up with devious answers from old-fashioned #Labour #Conservative and #Liberal politicians.

The other day another #UKIP party member - now referred to as #Godfrey "Bongo" Bloom got into a bit of a fix when he spoke his mind on the matter of overseas aid. In a nutshell he referred to a billion or so pounds being wasted. His weakness was to use language now deemed politically incorrect. Apparently when the furore died down it was quite clear that Bloom's comments were made honestly and without intending offence. And his views were supported widely. Maybe Mr Bloom's character was moulded in the infectious days of Dad's Army? Days when no one gave a second thought if Jonesy the Butcher referred to his previous military engagement with fellows who evidently "didn't like it up 'em."

#UKIP politicians certainly have a vote-catching magnetism. Magnetism that will no doubt intensify with their simple ability to give straight unequivocal answers. The courage to say what they think, take the consequences, move on, and so maintain the moral high-ground.

Time will tell if they can keep it up in the face of aggressive political shenanigans !

EUROPE, KEN CLARKE AND FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS

2013-06-18T18:03:00.000+02:00

Whatever we think of #Ken Clarke he's entitled to an opinion. And today he suggests that unless the U.K. remains in the #E.U. it can never have a free trade agreement with North America!! Surely this is a ridiculous assertion ? Isn't it the other way around, Ken? While we are in the #E.U. we can't make bilateral agreements! If we get out, we can.

When I first heard Ken's view I had the feeling, just for a second, this was bad news for those of us hoping to ditch membership of the #E.U. But then I thought how wrong he is. Let's hope the Eurosceptic, and more accurate view ( bilateral agreements possible when we leave the E.U. ) gets the same amount of publicity.

Do we need to ask why #Ken Clarke made the assertion? Is it a matter of fact, an honest mistake, or an attempt to mislead - or simply an opinion?

UK ABOUT TO LEAVE EUROPE ?

2013-05-20T17:05:00.001+02:00

The U.K. political spectrum is changing. U.K. voters have had enough of broken promises; they've had enough of what they see as devious politicians unable to give a straight answer, politicians who appear to carry but a thin veneer of honesty. They dislike the disproportionate, and by all accounts nepotistic, influence of the Public School set seen in Conservative, Labour and Liberal parties (the latter no longer "mainstream") No matter where they looked Conservative, Labour, Liberal, Green - many found cause to shudder and, in desperation, hid their political head in their hands. The same goes for what they see going on in a dysfunctional EU.

But now things have changed. Much to the apparent annoyance of the old established parties a fellow called #Nigel Farage and a party called U.K. Independence Party (#UKIP) have taken the country by storm.

Looking from afar I asked myself quite how this could have happened. And from afar the answer was clear. Here is a party who's leader says what he believes, who acts quite naturally ("... if you need me I'm in the pub"), answers questions clearly and frankly, and promotes the party's main objectives honestly. And here is a party which places great store in its candidates having real business experience rather than being "career" politicians.

It will be interesting to see how #Conservative, #Labour and #Liberal politicians deal with this ever burgeoning challenge to their established "authority". Will it be by honest, frank and open debate? Or will the temptation of dirty tricks be simply too much to bear? Watch this space!!

CHRIS HUHNE - PERVERTING THE COURSE OF JUSTICE

2013-03-12T18:48:00.001+01:00

A very brief blog.

Chris Huhne, perverting the course of justice certainly is not "a fairly trivial issue" and I hope that in your last pre-jail interview you were not attempting to pass it off as such.

If, at the time of the offence you did not recognise what you were doing as perverting the course of justice then, later, how could you dare accept the demanding job of Energy Minister? A job where honesty is particularly important; a job where the Liberal party says it has so much to offer - even though most of the objectively informed know it hasn't !!

However I wish you well for the future and thank you in the knowledge that I am now saved forever from the need to consider voting Liberal. The scandals are just too many. It's a warning to us all when we observe "holier than thou" behaviour. I just wonder who will be next............

STRIKING JOURNALISTS AT BBC

2013-02-19T18:31:00.001+01:00

Well I hear BBC News journalists are on strike! Brilliant ! This is just what we want. Hopefully they will stay out long enough for someone somewhere to take action and get rid of them for ever.

Once upon a time we could be sure the BBC would try to be objective. It would not express its own political views willy nilly, or slant its presentation of the news. Now we cant be so sure. It used to report the facts of a matter. Now it comments upon them in such a way that even the fortunate-well-educated could be forgiven for thinking the comments are representations of fact.

And while the strike continues it's another great opportunity to weed out the lefty element at all levels in the Beeb.Maybe even introduce more than just The Guardian for recommended reading?

And what if, as seems most likely, the lefty trend continues when the strike and its consequences are forgotten? Well then let's get rid of the Beeb. If they wont change it's up to the licence fee payers and the government to make them change. Plenty of other news channels manage to present a balanced version of the news notwithstanding their political leaning.

Why not get your act together, Beeb before we do it for you?

PLASTIC KATE MIDDLETON ? OR IS IT HILARY MANTEL?

2013-02-19T17:57:00.001+01:00

How sad that #Hilary Mantel should have let her rather confused feelings surface. Her rude observations on #Kate Middleton might be welcomed by a few but will be unwelcome to most. That is because people who care generally think more than twice before uttering unkind remarks about strangers; and of course the same goes for me.

Maybe, Hilary, #psychologists would observe in you just a tinge of troubled background? Maybe a childhood tarnished with chronic guilt which is now bugging your adult life and sadly may do so for ever? A brilliant person drowning in their own #intellect?

How hard it must be for you to share the admiration most of the U.K has for #Kate. Look at yourself, #Hilary, and then examine your description of Kate ! Recognise anyone?