Another broken promise
Back in 2002, Labour promised to abolish mixed-sex wards in hospitals. But a reason study by the Healthcare Commission shows that more than 3 million NHS patients are still being admitted to mixed-sex wards. Not only is this another Labour broken promise, but it is deeply distressing to many patients, especially the elderly, who care about their privacy - indeed need it to help them recover. Thursday, May 15, 2008
Disingenuous Brown
I listened with growing irritation to Gordon Brown this morning, as he was grilled by John Humphreys on the Today programme. Mr Brown was challenged on several occasions about the £2.7 billion he's borrowing to appease his MPs over his abolition of the 10p tax band. Rather than admit this extra borrowing was due to political expediency, Mr Brown rambled on how Governments across the world are pouring public money into their economies to keep them afloat. This is just plain disingenuous. The more I hear this man, the more I know that he was never Prime Minister grade. In fact, I'm left wondering whether he qualifies for any grade at all! Thursday, May 15, 2008
Town versus country
I did feel some sympathy with the resident who lives near Darlington cattle market and is woken in the early hours by lorries bringing in the livestock. But her complaint has led to a noise pollution notice being served on the market, which could lead to its closure after more than 100 years. A representative for the market explained that the animals had to arrive early in time to fill in all the paperwork prior to the auction. If the market closes, the animals and farmers will have to move to another one 50 miles away. As I said at the start, I sympathise with residents, but I suspect the market's been there a lot longer than they have. I appreciate there weren't lorries over a 100 years ago, but I suspect the noise levels were just as high, but of a different nature. Thursday, May 15, 2008
Gloomy news
First the floods in Burma and now an earthquake in China. Hundreds of thousands of people killed or made homeless. The force of Mother nature can be truly terrifying, the consequences devastating. And it seems that these incidents are becoming more and more frequent. There's nothing we can do to prevent these tragedies, which highlight just how puny mankind really is. Thursday, May 15, 2008
EU referendum
What a wonderful sight in the Telegraph yesterday. Hundreds of demonstrators in Ireland waving placards with Peter Mandelson's face on them. You may remember this man, who failed as a Labour politician and was subsequently sent packing to that great gravy train called the EU. He's now the European Commissioner for Trade, where he's allowed to dabble in contentious areas like agricultural subsidies, such as are enjoyed by Irish farmers. Well, Ireland's about to hold a referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon - yes, the same treaty that Labour promised us a referendum on - next month, and opinion polls are showing there's a strong swing to the No camp. If just waving pictures of Mandelson is enough to secure a no vote, lets forget all the sound reasons for having a referendum and distribute more pictures. Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Barrister shooting
As a former soldier and journalist, who has witnessed armed sieges, I am deeply uneasy about the shooting of barrister Mark Saunders in London the other day. He was armed with a shotgun and holed up in his house, surrounded and unable to harm anyone except himself. A shotgun is extremely dangerous at short range, of that there's no doubt. But Mr Saunders had no one to shoot at short range. No one was in imminent danger. So, why kill him? There are plenty of other weapons in the arsenal which could have incapacitated Mr Saunders - smoke, gas, flashbangs, and the new stun guns - or indeed the stand-off could have continued, allowing professionals to end the siege peacefully. The man's own wife was on the scene, too. Surely she could have played a major part in talking her husband out. I'm afraid I just don't understand why Mr Saunders was shot, we're told at least five times. I look forward to the inquiry into this because something's not right. Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Girl crime
The number of crimes committed by girls aged between 10 and 17 has risen by 25%. No doubt alcohol, boredom, peer pressure and many other reasons will be cited. But where's that word parents? It's conveniently forgotten today, but family breakdown is sadly too often the explanation. And this is where the nation as a whole has to take a grip and stand up as one and say enough's enough. It's time for people to take responsibility for their lives, rather than blaming everyone else for their predicament. Government can help to a certain extent - more police, tougher sentencing, etc - but at the end of the day we live in a free and democratic country, which must be respected if it's to remain that way. Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Who can you trust?
As Gordon Brown sinks into a quagmire of his own making, his former colleagues are queuing up to push his head under the surface. And nowhere can this be more evident than in the memoirs of the former Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, and the former Prime Minister's wife, Cherie Blair. And what better time to sell a book. But I have to say that I find the rush to fill up their bank accounts a deeply offensive and disloyal act. Loyalty is one of the most valued human characteristics, and one of the most respected. Both Mr Prescott and Mrs Blair only reveal what unsavoury characters they truly are. And I'm not a fan of Mr Brown myself! Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Pagan prisoners
Now, this is not a joke. Apparently pagan inmates are to be allowed to keep twigs in their cells to use as wands. And, yes, this is all about equality and human rights. The lunatics really are running the asylum. Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Food, wonderful food
The cost of food is soaring and households across the country, let alone South Dorset, are feeling the pinch. And from food mountains, we now face food deserts. Why? The simple answer is there are more mouths to feed. And with oil prices at an all time high, food is becoming more and more expensive to produce. In addition, we have the drive to produce biofuels, a alternative to oil. And yet while all this is happening, Labour wants to concrete over more and more of our fields, to meet their housing figures. Why's this? Well, they've presided over an immigration shambles which has allowed millions of people into this country, all of whom need homes. The answers are simple: proper controls of our borders, cut fuel duty and protect every inch of farmland this country has. With the world as unstable as it is, never has there been a more important time for this country to safeguard its green and productive fields. Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Target the toffs
Apparently Labour is lampooning our candidate in the Crewe and Nantwich by-election by dressing two young supporters in top hats and suits. I hope our candidate there ignores the old class warfare jibes and continues with the job of introducing himself to his prospective constituents. Humour is the best weapon, as Boris so clearly showed us during the London Mayoral elections. Labour is baffled by it! Friday, May 09, 2008
Airport security
You just could not write the script. We learn that thousands of foreigners are being allowed to work "airside" in Britain's airports without passing criminal record checks. The Government says that checks would take too long and that our legal system is very different to others across the world. I'm not sure how a conviction for terrorist activities, bomb-making or firearms' offences can be so differently interpreted by the judiciary in any country. As our shadow home secretary, David Davis, said: "It's absoltutely astonishing." It is and it's also negligent and yet again this Government is failing in its primary duty to protect its citizens. Labour wants to lock people uo for 42 days, but it allows foreign nationals to work at some of our most vulnerable targets without the proper checks. This is Labour for you. Friday, May 09, 2008
The poor motorist
Oil prices continue to rise, reaching a high this week of $122 (£61) a barrel. A London investment banks predicts the price of a litre of petrol could rise to 130p in the next two years. And next year, vehicle excise duty will double car tax for more than a million people. Yes, it's the poor, law-abiding motorist, who is such an easy target, that continues to fill this Government's coffers. Nearly half the price of a litre of petrol or diesel is duty - that's jargon for tax. For the majority of us, the car is the only option. We need it to go about our daily business, to buy our food, to pick up our children, to visit our family and friends. Public transport is a joke, often filthy and overcrowded and in many cases totally impractical. I for one am fed up with being taxed and taxed again for just going about my every day life. And spare a thought for those on low incomes, because it is they who are being hit the hardest. Until we have a viable alternative to the internal combustion engine - and one will come - we should reduce the duty on fuel and get this country moving. Our instinct as Conservatives is to cut taxes. That instinct is correct and must be pursued when and if we are elected. Friday, May 09, 2008
When to quit
What is it about politicians that they are unable to stand down even when faced with inevitable defeat, like Hillary Clinton. I think it must be a cross between extreme arrogance and detachment from reality. There's something about Hillary that really scares me. Perhaps its the sight of her husband lurking on her shoulder in every picture, or her pretentiousness, or perhaps her lack of femininity, which becomes glaringly obvious the more you watch her. Ambition on its own can be a terrible weakness, leaving you horribly exposed when your back's against the wall, as Hillary's is now. It's over, Hillary. I think the free world can breathe a sigh of relief. Friday, May 09, 2008
The latest joke
This idea really beggars belief. Labour wants to tackle binge drinking with "alcohol disorder zones". The idea is that clubs, pubs and restaurants in these zones pay for the cost of extra policing. Why should they, for Heaven's sake? It was the Government which introduced 24-hour drinking, which has caused so many of the problems. There are several solutions, not least putting more police on the beat, especially at night. And then, of course, we need the proper laws in place which will act as a deterrent to those who fuel themselves with alcohol before engaging on a spree of violence. Wednesday, May 07, 2008
United we stand
Labour's tinkering with the constitution of this country amounts to a betrayal. The Welsh Assembly and Scottish Parliament are nothing more than expensive white elephants. History will judge Tony Blair harshly for a devolution too far. And instead of giving the people of Wales and Scotland more of a voice, the project has split the Union, which will inevitably encourage intolerance and dissent. And surprise, surprise, Scotland's Labour leader Wendy Alexander is reported to support a vote for independence. I can only warn the people of this great country that this suggestion is the height of folly. The motivation for this is pure political self interest and will cause untold harm. There is no doubt in my mind that united we stand; divided we fall. Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Full up
Statistics show that England is on course to becoming the most crowded major nation in Europe. The figures have been obtained from the Office of National Statistics by our Party. You only have to try and move around our crowded island to realise that we are already full up. In fact so full that Labour is planning to build many of its three million homes in flood plains. The solution is simple and is dictated by common sense: take firm control of our borders, and now. This means controlling those from the EU, too. The problem is only going to get worse and burying our heads in the sand is not an option. Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Medal for Harry
Well done, Prince Harry, who was decorated this week for his 10-week stint in Afghanistan. He did his bit on the front line, which is highly commendable. He could have easily avoided active service, I'm sure, but like any young subaltern he wanted to be in the thick of it with his men. With privilege comes responsibility and nowhere do you learn this better, in my humble opinion, than in the Armed Services. What a shame more young men cannot experience the discipline and selflessness that so many are lacking today.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Smile, smile, smile
Good old Boris. He did it. And thank God he did. We - the Conservatives - now have a chance to show the nation what we are capable of. Observers have already remarked how they will be keeping a weather eye on how Boris handles his new empire. As a humble parliamentary candidate, I can only hope he pursues core Conservative principles, by reducing the dependency on the State and by encouraging people to take control of their own lives. We are all tired of being told what to do and how to do it. And by electing Boris, the wise residents of one of the world's greatest cities obviously agree. You can't manage a city or a country, as Labour repeatedly tries to do, you have to lead it. And the two skills are very different. Monday, May 05, 2008
Goodbye, Gordon
I'm not sure I've witnessed such humiliation as Gordon Brown traipsing around the tv studios following his drubbing in the local and London mayoral elections. And in all the subsequent interviews, he claimed to understand how people were feeling. No, Mr Brown, you do not. You and your colleagues simply don't get it. The party's over and those who've drunk your wine and eaten your food for the past 11 years have all gone home. They've realised, like the nation has, that you cannot go on entertaining your friends on other people's money; money that has been earned through honesty and hard work. And now that the money has run out, and you can't buy anyone else, even your lenders are beginning to question the wisdom of risking more. We do not want you or your colleagues intervening in our lives any more. Please do the decent and honourable thing - leave. Monday, May 05, 2008
Listen to the experts
For too long now the MOD has purchased its equipment solely on the basis of protecting jobs at home. This was aptly highlighted in a letter to the editor in the Telegraph on Thursday. David Williams, a helicopter pilot for 10 years, was castigating the Lynx, which he claims struggles to meet operational requirements. He should know, he flew them for three years. And now its replacement, he says, will be an updated version of the same helicopter, with many of the same problems. The answer: buy the US Navy Seahawk, which "outperforms the Lynx in every category." At less than half the price and available in 12 months instead of five years, this sounds like a good buy. Jobs might go at home, but our fighting men and women would have the equipment they deserve. Friday, May 02, 2008
War with Iran
The US has despatched a second aircraft carrier group to the Gulf earlier this week. Apparently the one there now is due to leave shortly, but for a few days the Americans will have a considerable force within striking range of Iran. The country has already been branded as the world's "most active" state sponsor of terrorism. And as we worry about rising food and fuel prices here at home, we must not forget the threats from abroad. And this means we must provide better funding for our armed services. As Churchill said: "In time of peace, prepare for war." Friday, May 02, 2008
What a night
The sting in the tail at last night's local elections in Weymouth was losing our leader, Nigel Reed, to the Lib Dems. His opponent ousted him on a single issue: the pavilion development. But it won't take long for local people to realise just what an outstanding councillor they've lost on the back of a typically disingenuous Lib Dem campaign. But our loss was compensated by some valuable gains, one on Portland, which for too long has been ignored. This means we now have 16 councillors, which is cause for celebration. And our success has been mirrored across the country, which bodes well for the future. Roll on the general election. Friday, May 02, 2008
Inheritance tax
You may have read the story of the two sisters who claimed that by living together all their lives they shouldn't have to pay Inheritance Tax. Joyce and Sybil Burden argued that same-sex couples were avoiding this punitive tax by entering into a civil partnership. The Burdens have lost their case and claim that one will have to sell their home of 40 years when the other dies to meet the tax bill. This is a tragedy and could be avoided by scrapping the most immoral tax ever to be imposed on us. Most of us work all our lives, pay our taxes, take care of our children and hope there's something left at the end to pass on to the next generation. Regrettably the State sees fit to raid your bank account when the inevitable occurs: death. Get rid of this appalling and spiteful tax once and for all. Thursday, May 01, 2008
Incomprehensible
The revolting story that has emerged from a small town in Austria has stunned the world. It's the ultimate betrayal. How could any father imprison, rape and consequently impregnate his own daughter seven times? And what is even more staggering is the girl's mother had no idea that for 24 years her daughter was imprisoned in a secret cellar beneath her very feet. The Fritzl story is a nightmare of the worst kind. And how could this sort of terror be allowed to run its course for so long? The crime is so evil that I suspect no one can really understand the full horror of it. What saddens me most is that there is so much sickness out there. How many thousands of others are being abused every day. We must do all we can to remain vigilant and to safeguard those who can't look after themselves. Thursday, May 01, 2008
Today's the day
Today is the chance for you the electorate to send Gordon Brown and his inept Government a message. Millions have died to allow you to vote in a free, democratic country - despite what Labour is doing to undermine our inheritance. I can only urge all those who should be voting to do so. My grandfather once said to me: "You get the Government you deserve." Need I say more. Thursday, May 01, 2008
More violence
I have not seen the latest video game, Grand Theft Auto IV, but I don't need to. It's enough to know that a shaven-headed veteran from the Bosnian conflict goes around killing people in an increasingly realistic way. I say increasingly because the graphics are getting better all the time. As a father of four, I am concerned that these videos will and do influence young people. Their minds are not mature enough to fully comprehend what effect these violent pictures have on them. And it's very different from the cowboys and indians of my day. I feel these videos are another factor in the break down of many modern families. Rather than communicate with their parents, siblings and friends, many youngsters are sitting glued to their screens participating in an orgy of callous violence, which can only corrupt. Thursday, May 01, 2008
A class act
I want to say it for Kate Hoey MP. She may be Labour, but she's always had my respect. And now she's agreed to advise Boris Johnson, should he win today's Mayoral race. I suspect the "clunking fist" is furious. I've never met Miss Hoey, but a friend of mine worked for her for some time, and he has the highest respect for her. Frank Field is another Labour MP who stands out among a mediocre field. Why, you ask? Well, they stick to their principles, they represent their constituents and they have the courage to speak their minds - such a rare commodity today. Thursday, May 01, 2008
Harriet Harperson
Yes, that think tank of the politically correct, Harriet Harman, was on the BBC sofa this morning, standing in for the Prime Minister. This when the BBC has already interviewed the other two main party leaders. And if ever Labour needed its leader to stand up and defend this Government's appalling record, it's now only two days before the local elections. But, no Harperson was despatched and she didn't do a very good job. Defensive, she batted away the dignified questioning by rattling out the Party jargon. It was a stilted performance and lacked conviction. Perhaps she could see the queue in the distance of her and her colleagues collecting their P45s! Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Stick To The Pulpit
The Archbishop of Canterbury's at it again. He now wants to cap the salaries of the rich. Stick to church matters, Dr Williams, and leave oppression to Labour. Those who work hard, take risks, provide jobs and pay their taxes deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labour. It's this entrepreneurial spirit which made this country what it is today. Monday, April 28, 2008
Second to None
The proud motto of the Coldstream Guards, who marched through Windsor on Saturday, following a six month tour in Afghanistan. The parade was led by 21-year-old L/Cpl Simon Wiggins, who lost a leg in a mine blast. The streets were crowded with well-wishers, applauding and showing their respects to these brave men. I served with the Regiment for nearly nine years, and we trained to go to war. That was our job after all. But in my time the Regiment never faced the challenges it does today. And the photograph on page 10 in the Sunday Telegraph was a sobering reminder of what our brave men and women are facing every day in our name many thousands of miles away. We must never forget. Monday, April 28, 2008
A National Treasure
I read of Humphrey Lyttelton's death with genuine sadness. As an avid fan of Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, I sat for many hours in my car, with tears of laughter pouring down my face. Comedy is all about timing, and Humph's was spot on. His double entendres were legendary, as was his marvellous voice. His comedy, although suggestive, was never vulgar and base. It's funny, but all the great comedians never resort to coarse language: they don't have to. I shall really miss this man, as will millions of others. Sleep tight, Humph. It's your turn to laugh at us now. Monday, April 28, 2008
Come on, Boris
I'm bound to say this, you mutter. I'm a Tory candidate after all. But what's the first thing you do when you hear Boris Johnson's name? You smile, don't you. And what better for one of the world's greatest cities than a huge dose of humour. For too long now London's great history has been associated with Ken Livingstone, who's committed to socialism and all its faults. Oppression, taxes, rules and regulations will never succeed in winning the hearts and minds of free Englishmen. A vote for Boris on Thursday will light the way for a different London, a London where the Mayor's name,alone, brings a smile to your face. What better medicine can there be? Monday, April 28, 2008
Time to stand up
What has American politics got that we haven't? Do you ask yourself that question as you watch thousands of supporters screaming deliriously at their favoured candidates during this race for the White House. You could argue that that's the Americans for you. Or you could say that British politics is so out of touch with the people, who just don't give a damn. As I travel around South Dorset, I am finding a lot of the latter. They feel totally disenfranchised. And who can blame them? It really is time for politicians to stand up, speak the truth and say it how it is. Politicians are meant to be leaders, but so many today are managers. It won't be until - and if - the electorate see a sea-change in the way this country is governed that we will witness even a raised eyebrow and a glimmer of hope in their eyes. Thursday, April 24, 2008
St George's Day
Travelling around the South Dorset constituency today with Theresa May MP, I was heartened by the number of flags I saw blowing in the spring breeze. The flag of St George has for too long been hijacked by the far right and spitefully maligned by lefties and the politically correct. Slaying the dragon may be a myth, but the English people the Cross of St George proudly represents are not. Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Goodbye England
I'm an unashamed unionist. Labour has done its best to destroy our great country by creating a Welsh assembly and a Scottish parliament. This devolvement has so undermined the UK that Gordon Brown is now trying to find ways of re-establishing our identity! If it wasn't so serious, it would be a joke. We know, Gordon, what it is to be British. We don't need or want any further analysis from you or your Party. Now we hear - and no surprise - that Labour is conspiring with EU bureaucrats to create a European super-state via the back door. The plan is to break England into three new transnational regions which are joined with areas in other countries. For example, the south of England and the north of France would become the "Manche" region. I implore the people of this country to wake up to what is really going on before it's too late. We are literally sleepwalking into a socialist nightmare, which will take decades to escape from should we become ensnared. If elected, I shall fight this monstrosity will all my strength. Wake up, fellow countrymen, wake up! Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tax The Poor!
Gordon Brown must be ruing the day he even contemplated axing the bottom income tax rate. Now surrounded by baying hyenas - sorry, Labour backbenchers - he's promised to compensate those affected. This from a man who went by the name of Prudence and who repeatedly claimed the UK economy was safe in his hands. Now out of the sanctuary of the Treasury, the nation's increasingly seeing a man out of his depth. Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Not Fit For Purpose
No, I'm not talking about the Home Office, I'm talking about a Labour peer's view on Gordon Brown, our Prime Minister no less. Lord Desai said: "Brown was put on earth to remind us how good Blair was." Hardly an endorsement. It does stagger me how easily politicians stab each other in the back. In the military, we were expected to be loyal to each other. Of course, there were disagreements, but they were dealt with man to man and behind closed doors. Oh, well, so long as Labour keeps behaving like this, we'll see the back of them even sooner. Monday, April 21, 2008
Labour's dilemma
Another excellent article in yesterday's Telegraph by Simon Heffer about whether Labour should lose their leader of lose their seats. I think the latter will happen anyway, whoever's leader. But as to who'd replace Gordon Brown, the reservoir of talent is dry. And those who might be in the frame have names which would site comfortably in a Black Adder sketch: Darling and Balls. The sad thing is, it's no laughing matter, and the country, yet again, would be the loser. Thursday, April 17, 2008
Armed Forces Day
I'm delighted there's to be a "special day of celebration" for the Armed Forces. It's way overdue. These brave men and women continue to shine out as a wonderful example of what can be achieved with discipline, camaraderie, loyalty and courage. Sadly, we see so little of these characteristics around us today. That's not to say they've gone for good; it just needs strong leadership and a sense of direction to get this country back on its feet again. Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Iron Lady
The recent press coverage of this remarkable lady reminds me what an extraordinary person she was. It was her conviction, her gut instincts, which saw her through and marked her for greatness. Many people I speak to at the door today mention Mrs Thatcher with more than a hint of nostalgia. And the reason is simple. The nation is in desperate need of a leader who is prepared to stand up and say it how it is. It would take enormous courage, but I believe the silent majority would stand up and cheer as one voice that someone, somewhere is prepared to lead in our hour of need. Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Gap Year tragedies
My heart goes out to the families and friends of the five women who died in a bus crash in Ecuador. Miles from home, these pointless deaths only remind me how precious life is. My son is on his Gap Year in South America and for a second my heart froze when the news of the crash was first reported. Losing a child must be one of the worst experiences anyone can possibly go through. But we cannot featherbed our youngsters. They have to go out into this increasingly mixed up world and spread their wings. We can only hope and pray for their safe return. Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Rural communities
Oh dear! Another damning report on the Government. This time on Britain's vanishing rural communities. The figures from Oxford University show that nearly half of all neighbourhoods have lost their post offices, shops, surgeries and schools. And as if this is not bad enough, the Chancellor's recent and scandalous rise on the price of a pint of beer is forcing more and more pubs to close. We are witnessing the destruction of our great country by a Government which is so out of touch with the British people it's really quite frightening. And while UK plc quietly goes down the pan, it's leaders - we are led to believe - are checking what pension they're entitled to when they lose their jobs at the next general election. The only comfort in all this, is that the British people are at last beginning to full realise what New Labour stands for. Tuesday, April 15, 2008
They Don't Get It
Listening to Hazel Blears this morning on the Today programme, you realise just why this Government is well past its sell-by date. Ms Blears claims the Right wing of the Tory Party is lurking in the wings, ready to pounce should David Cameron stumble. It's a nice image and one Labour will repeatedly call upon as its wheels continue to fall off. What Ms Blears and her cohorts will never realise, is that a political party that is driven by envy and mediocrity will inevitably implode. We are a great nation, forged through a extraordinary history which this Government sneers at. You could almost taste the bile as you listened to Ms Blears this morning. This is what will destroy Labour in the end. Monday, April 14, 2008
Terrorism
The Daily Mail's article (10 April) on Muslim fundamentalist Abu Qatada is really quite shocking. We can't deport him because of his human rights! During an appeal against his detention in 2004, the former chairman of the special immigration appeal court, Mr Justice Collins, said: "The appellant was heavily involved, indeed was at the centre in the United Kingdom of terrorist activities associated with Al Qaeda. He is a truly dangerous individual." Why do we put up with men like this? A Government's first responsibility is to protect our country. I see no evidence of this. Friday, April 11, 2008
Voting system
As more and more wheels fall off the New Labour wagon, the Party is apparently looking to the electoral system for rescue. If you can't win under the first past the post system, then change it. Only Labour would have the mendacity to even consider this to stay in power. They say that power corrupts, and that absolute power corrupts absolutely. How true. If Labour does try and change the voting system, it would be an admission of failure. I also believe there would be a public outcry, and rightly so. This great country of ours has flourished on strong Governments, and long may it remain that way. It would be an act of folly and breathtaking arrogance for a broken Government to tinker with our democracy, to keep its minions employed in a job they are incapable of doing. Friday, April 11, 2008
Electoral register
Apparently one million voters have been added to the electoral register in only two years. According to an article in the Telegraph, they only have to fill in a two-page form and declare that the details are correct. And get this. Applicants do not have to provide documents proving their identity, or whether they are in the country legally. What madness is this? With all the problems of uncontrolled immigration, terrorism and over population, you really do wonder what this Government is up to. It seems that common sense has flown out of the window and the courage to speak honestly about such matters undermined by the politically correct. We must fight to protect our country and our democracy, a democracy which millions died to preserve. Friday, April 11, 2008
MCA Strike
It is regrettable that members of such a professional organisation are taking strike action today. But surely this is the point. For such high calibre people to even consider strike action there must be something seriously amiss. And there is. For years now pay parity with the other emergency services has slipped backwards, and that's a fact. It's now up to the MCA's chief executive Peter Cardy to take on the Government and demand that these highly skilled men and women are treated with the respect they deserve. Friday, April 11, 2008
