NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK SECURITY

Have you ever wondered who writes the security procedures for these sorts?  Security procedures which have to be implemented by telephone clerks who appear to have no real idea what day of the week it is. Clerks who honestly might be better off throwing a sickie and taking a DUKW Tour of London.

Receiving a call from one such apparent sot recently I asked quite how I might be sure it was in fact Nat West security and not some clever scammer.  

"Just answer a few security questions, sir.  What's your mother's maiden name?"

"I'm sorry I don't want to tell you that in case you are in fact an identity thief."

"What is your date of birth?"

"I'm sorry I don't want to answer that in case you are in fact an identity thief."

"Well sir you can always phone us back using the number on the back of your card."

"But then if you don't hang up I'm going to get you again aren't I?" ( His attitude was poor - I would say condescending -  and so I was now winding him up.....but of course there really is such a scam!)

And so it went on until his (feeble?) training kicked in and he suggested he was going to end the call because we were going round in circles. (which certainly we were not !) Or maybe his tea was ready.

Feeling rather sorry for what appeared to be a twittering plonker I ended the call.  Maybe I should have been tolerant?  I knew that by now, if indeed this had been a genuine security call, my accounts would be well and truly blocked, and a big black mark would be lurking somewhere - possibly with a file note suggesting care be taken with this rude bastard ( aka customer). Nevertheless, maybe I should try and phone them back as suggested.  

Taking the 0845 number from the back of my NEW card I dialled the number only to be informed by a recorded message that  "so as to improve the customer experience..." (or something very similar) ...."the number is no longer active and reference should be made to the web-site."  Thanks a bunch!

Once upon a time incompetence in such large organisations as the National Westminster Bank ( part of the Royal Bank of Scotland ?) would be almost unheard of. No longer as we all know.  It's maybe time they were all side-lined in favour of something new.

I had tried to explain to the National Westminster fraud clerk that I blamed the procedures and not him. He apologised for the procedures but said he could do nothing about them. (N.B. a lad with ambition?).  Well get this......  

If the National Westminster, Royal Bank of Scotland, has any worthwhile marketing tools it  will pick up this little blog. And you, dear readers will know because you will see their comments below.  It's a chance for them to get their own back.  So here's a couple of questions for the Chief Executive, National Westminster Bank. (1) "What the hell is going on?" and (2) What is your mother's maiden name?" 

SPEAKER'S PLANS TO END WESTMINSTER BOOZE CULTURE ON THE ROCKS

So now +John Bercow is a kill-joy?  Who in their right mind would try to destroy the Westminster Booze Culture?  Is the country really run by a bunch of drunks?

Let's just think about this.  For years many of Parliament's members have made their decisions after full debate and several trips to the Commons bar.  Television broadcasts of goings on in the Chamber show how responsibly, with what level of business propriety, and in what numbers, such debates are conducted.  

Who will dare say that more sober considerations would have produced more sensible decisions?  This esteemed crowd, many allegedly a  bunch of heavy drinkers, have been doing their level best; walking the white line with a degree of practised caution. But then seriously, haven't you ever wondered if just a couple of drinks might be sufficient to help them say what they really think?  Or maybe a couple of drinks is all it takes to get them whipped into shape? Remember these guys are there because we elected them !

On a deadly serious level, one too many, and things quickly go tits-up. Let's hope those fellows with a bit of a problem use public transport for the trip home - even if we pay for it.

Ban drinking at work for MP's? Make up your own mind.  Maybe look at Parliamentary performance over the last few decades; reach your own conclusions.  

As for John Bercow, bless him, let's assume he's suggesting something he actually believes.  I find it hard to warm to the man, but on this occasion, I agree with his efforts. Unless, of course, it's just an Aunt Sally?   

UK ABOUT TO LEAVE EUROPE?

Well can you believe it?  It's not long since +Venerable Jacques Delors seemed to be saying that the UK could split from the +European Community ( or whatever it now calls itself ) but still stay friends.

Absolutely no idea what this means have you ?  

But what is absolutely clear to many UK residents, including +Nigel Farage and members of burgeoning +UKIP, is that  leaving Europe could be one of the most courageous, but most constructive things the UK ever does. Especially important with the suicidal connection of the UK pound to the disasterous Euro.

As we are constantly reminded, especially by the wobbling +BBC, the world is changing.  The economic changes are real and of great importance; unlike, some would say,  the BBC's biased ranting on climate change!!  

The UK must look to help China and India blossom in their development and in so doing benefit itself through a massive increase in its traditional invisible exports.  Does Europe really believe still that Frankfurt can replace London in this part of the world as centre of the financial universe? But of course that's the intention - and with an exposed pound expect our European "friends" to tighten the noose.  But dream on !! Our new Chinese and other friends have their eye firmly on London.  It's the best off-shore centre in the World and following a brief decline in the fortunes of the UK pound the markets will return gladly to the strength and stability of British sense. 

So dear Jacques thanks for reminding us that we can still remain friends with Europe even if we "leave" it.  We value friendship and seek it.  If, bless them,  Europe felt unable to remain friends it would be their decision and certainly not the UK's.

Oh and by the way for all the doubters out there, dwell on this.  What Europe buys from the United Kingdom, it buys because it wants to - not because we are part of the E.U. 

EX-CONS TO BECOME MENTORS !!

What an amazing idea ! +Chris Grayling strikes again. Bless him.

Just before I rant about this wonderful concept, a note of caution, Chris: we're all potential crims. Maybe more attention should be given to figuring out why and then doing something about it? 

Whatever. We're told six out of ten offenders dealt with by the justice system return to crime within nine years. It's just not good enough! And so the idea is to meet  them by the prison gates shortly after the they wave a fond fairwell to the screws. The idea is to "help them go straight" in civvy-land.  (Ed:maybe a mis-print with the words "back in" missing?)

Imagine the conversation when our ex-Con Mentor first meets his subject.

"Right then, Fingers. I'm you're Mentor. Give us that £46 and we'll get off down the boozer for an initial chat"

"Sure, Boss, sure. (sniff)". "You got any (sniff) stuff for me(sniff)?"

"Have a seat, Fingers. I'll get the lemonade down.........there you go."

"Thanks, Boss, (sniff). Thanks.(sniff)"

"Now then. Before we start, a couple of simple rules. Mobile off when you're on a job. Gloves and a hood are a given. Got it, Fingers?"

"Got it, Boss. (sniff) Got it (sniff).".........

Now I'm not saying ex-gangland types are always not suitable for Mentoring.  I'm just saying that the number that are suitable might soon run out. Especially so if  the concept erroneously improves nine years to six.

Oh.....and by the way....I don't think I will be volunteering to Mentor anyone.  I don't have the requisite qualifications according to Grayling.  If I did I'm not sure I would want to run the risk of being exposed. And as I don't, I don't want to run the risk of people thinking I do !

What can we say? Bless you, Chris Grayling?

JIMMY SAVILE

I've been away for a bit so not had a chance to blog about the late Jimmy Savile.

Like many others my first reaction was to wonder whether there was any real benefit in pursuing the allegations given Savile's death.  No way to defend himself etc. Originally we heard allegations relating to the abuse of ~14 year old girls.  Later alleged abuse relating to younger girls and boys and alleged necrophilia.  Whilst doubting the practicability of collecting evidence of necrophilia I think we all quickly went to judgement on the other allegations.

The involvement of the BBC and others in alleged cover-ups soon clouded the situation somewhat; that is the focus seemed to change from the alleged behaviour of Jimmy Savile to the alleged behaviour of individuals part of the media in cover up or complicity.

Let's not forget.  If ultimately charges are brought then the Courts will decide.  That is the order of things. 

Of broader interest is the possibility that persons from all walks of life will now be spurred on to make similar allegations in respect of historic incidents which could well have been real but might have been imagined, and may even have been fabricated. Such allegations against previous workmates, family, friends or relatives, or anyone (there is no limit) will stand or fall on the balance of acceptable evidence. 

Until hard evidence of wrongdoing in the media or by individuals is produced, any charges brought, and decisions of  the Court reached, it's prudent to reserve personal judgement. 

Lets just hope the need to reach any judgement remains with a U.K. court and doesn't find its way to the horrendous European Court of Human Rights. Recent judgements there beggar belief.

WELCOME TO EUROPE - CUCKOO LAND

Here's a simple explanation. ( N.B. +Vince Cable :some things are not complicated ) 

Europhiles predict disaster for the U.K. if it leaves Europe.  They reckon that France and Germany and other European countries would cease buying U.K. products.  The U.K. would be left "out in the cold." What tripe!

The real outcome? France, Germany and their European cohorts would continue to buy U.K. products if they really wanted them. Simple eh ? So no change there !

And why would U.K. people want to remain part of something run with such apparently unbelievable incompetence?

Europe it seems is run by a posse of arrogant politicians so dumb, for example, they impose huge budget increases to bolster their  serial incompetence at the cost of poorer member countries who, concomitantly, are required to implement draconian austerity measures!  Welcome to cuckoo land!! 

If the UK has any sense it will get out of the EU as soon as it can. A vote for +UK Independence Party (UKIP) will get things moving.

WIKILEAKS FOUNDER TAUNTS BRITISH GOVERNMENT

"The U.S. must renounce its witch-hunt against WikiLeaks. It must dissolve its FBI investigation and it must vow that it will not seek to prosecute our staff or supporters." So says +Julian Assange from his pitch in the Ecuadorian embassy !!  Yeah right ! Does this fellow think he is becoming a "Great"?

Rather looks to me as if his diet has not been up to scratch and brain malfunction has begun to creep in.

Here's an Australian man who still really believes it was sensible to publish a massive amount of material claiming it to be U.S. diplomatic and military secrets. He alleges that sex offence claims brought by two women on a visit he subsequently made to Sweden are trumped up. If he is returned to Sweden to face trial he fears,eventually, he would end up in U.S.A.; and once there he would need to defend himself against (rather serious) claims of Wikileaks misbehaviour!  

Having viewed a bit of his Ecuadorian Embassy "balcony address" to a couple of hundred supporters (matched so far as I could see by as many press photographers), I conclude that this is not a great man: not a Churchill; not a Mandela; not a Kennedy. Except for consideration of his family predicament, I would allow his departure to Ecuador right away. In that beautiful country he could continue to fight for whistle-blowers - maybe starting from his new home...... just while he gets his feet under the table!! More than likely he'll be invited to stay in confinement !   

BBC HOST ACCUSED OF "PEEING ALL OVER BRITISH INDUSTRY"

How refreshing to come across someone who appears prepared to take on the BBC !!  @Iain Duncan Smith (IDS), Work and Pensions Secretary back in the U.K. A man of some definite courage,  IDS has complained that BBC Economics Editor, @Stephanie Flanders has shown pro-Labour bias when covering, when commenting upon, the recently published U.K. employment figures. 

But now then - take heed readers - let's not be one-sided.  Faced with a formal complaint the BBC, has responded with its own claim of confidence in its recent coverage of U.K. employment figures. Figures,it says, which it has presented both fairly and impartially.

For me, the issue, is more a matter of confidence.  Do I have confidence in what the @BBC says - or not?  Let me tell you: I have complete confidence in their resolve to report facts of the matter accurately; but regrettably I see no reason to be confident in their abililty to interpret facts in a politicaly balanced way ( what they would call fair and impartial ?).

What's going on then? Well this is how it looks to me: present the facts; go out of your way to comment on them; draw conclusions based on an opinion; and present in such a way you could be forgiven for thinking it is fact !! Clever eh? 

When I ask around, when I trawl the net, it becomes apparent that I'm not the only one who shares this perception.  And, bless him, IDS comes up with yet more evidence which he claims shows BBC political bias. Outcome of your complaint, Iain?  Three guesses !!

UK DOMESTIC PRODUCT SHRINKS, OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS

The U.K. Office for National Statistics (ONS) reckons the U.K. domestic product has shrunk by 0.7% in the second quarter of 2012. Consequently, and at last, it looks like the gloves are off .The Conservatives and the Liberals have a nice little punch-up in the offing!  I'm going to say the big boy will win!

I'm a bit confused though.  Back to the ONS. Can they be trusted?  For example, who collects and presents the statistics?  

Well I think I may have the answer to the first question. Currently ONS is looking to employ researchers at Bristol Airport and the Port of Holyhead.  Hmm....... They'll be part-time employees, paid at an annualised rate of £15,601 (based on 37 hours per week) but required to work only 6 hours per week. Budding Public and Commercial Service Union members. (see my blog on Striking Border clerks on the eve of Olympics). Plenty of takers there then,  interviewing passengers.    And of course we can rely upon these well-motivated part-timers to collect data in a most diligent way given the in-depth training offered.  

Nevertheless I can't help wondering what useful statistics (i.e statistics benefiting the economy) will be extracted from hurrying travellers intercepted at the ports; and to what extent would  the statistics be reliable?

Mind you think about it. Deduct the time these part-timers could be required to comply with Union orders to withdraw labour, and they probably wont have any time to collect themselves  let alone statistics! Is it safe to assume that similar arrangements are in place to collect a broader spectrum of economic statistics? Statistics which now indicate, as presented, that the U.K. domestic product has shrunk in the second quarter.

Well I'm an optimist. Who cares about the statistics anyway?  We know what you can do with them. I'm more worried about the bizarre suggestion that dear old @Vince Cable is up to being Chancellor. And bless him, when asked, he thought that he "probably would". Such a nice chap eh?

With luck this expected Liberal Conservative punch up (behind closed doors no doubt) will soon be over and @Nick Clegg, @Vince Cable and....and.... (well most people can only think of two of them) will lie low for a bit while they lick their wounds. Will they have learned to be more careful in future?  Will they have the sense to let the Conservatives get on with things? If not they may end up in the trash: there's currently no way @Ed Milliband and his mates would need to let these lads in!!

  

OLYMPICS - GRIDLOCKED GAMES?

On your marks, get set, bang!  

O.K.  I might have to eat my words and apologise to the Der Spiegel correspondent who ridiculed U.K. arrangements for the Olympic Games. Maybe the reaction wasn't anything to do with a ticket mix-up. In fairness there are a few minor irritations: gridlocked roads; reduced Underground service; and Border control strikes.

But the Brits welcome such irritations. They love it! It gives them a chance to show the rest of the world what magnificent ability they have to muddle through. Champions of the duck and weave event!  

Gridlocked roads? No problem. It'll sort itself out. Give it a couple of days and you'll see what I mean. 

A threatened work to rule by Underground "workers"? Well regular travellers on the Underground are unlikely to notice much difference. It's always chaotic when plenty of customers turn up.  Visitors will enjoy the experience.  

O.K. then,  Border control strikes? Forget it. People will come and go as usual; just like a busy day at Burger King. 

It will be as refreshing as a bottle of Pepsi. No...... I'll sit on the der Spiegel apology a bit longer.

DAVID GAUKE AND CASH PAYMENTS

Well well. Who would have thought @David Gauke (U.K. Conservative Minister) would be the sort of chap to give Tories a bad name?  Does he really think that paying a few quid in cash to a tradesman is as morally wrong as avoiding millions through legal tax avoidance schemes ?  

Morally wrong to pay tradespeople in cash he says. Just as bad he implies as the multi-millionaire tax avoiders!   What's he going to do? Name and shame the cleaners and tradesmen who've been paid in cash ?? What makes him jump so quickly to the quite false conclusion that cash always go undeclared as income and as a ruse to avoid value added tax? Sounds a little bit disrespectful to me.

Another own goal for the Tories methinks.  Will these chumps never learn? 

Oh - and by the way - how many of us are wondering if someone, somewhere, is working hard to find a tradesman or cleaner who's done work for the Gauks? Or maybe a taxi driver he's tipped? Oh dear!! And heaven help him if someone turns up a bit of unintentional tax avoidance.  Worse still if he has a burst pipe!!

If I was @David Cameron I 'd call the bloke in for a damn good smacking (I mean a verbal bashing of course). He needs to get a grip on these loose canons. As every day passes  UKIP  is becoming more attractive to voters leaning right of centre. 

MARKETS WOBBLE AGAIN AS SPAIN STRUGGLES

Sorry to be so simplistic but it really is time for struggling European countries to revert to their own currencies - and their own unhindered governance. (N.B. if you would like a grand view of what's wrong with Europe then look up Nigel Farage on YouTube)

So, who knows how to govern Spain best?  Certainly not a multi-national European coalition of "experts" cavorting under the influence of a wasteful European Parliament ! Who then?  Why the Spanish people of course!! 

Likewise the other financially struggling countries of Europe - Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Ireland - each know best how their people will react, and what is really needed to get each of their countries through these difficult financial times.  But they have very little say in matters. Look at Greece for example.  

We can guess what will happen when shortly representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Commission (EC), and the European Central Bank (ECB) swoop.  They're going to check up on the poor buggers' recent performance.  I'm going to wager that not much has changed ( bless the Greek people and jolly good luck to them ) and the so the Representatives will leave dissatisfied and in a dilemma. To be frank, I would like to see the EC and the ECB despatched with a flea in their ears. ( I see the IMF in a quite different, more favourable, light - but maybe that's a blog for another day.) 

Left alone to govern their country, and reverting to their own currency,I am sure the resourceful Greek people would find an acceptable solution to things.  That is a solution acceptable to the Greek people; not a solution acceptable to the rest of the collapsing Eurozone participants. 

Wow ! How splendid would it be to see the courageous, proud, and magnificent Spanish and Portuguese revert to their own currencies and then deal, without interference, with their own issues absolutely through their own Parliaments?

TORIES, THE PUBLIC SCHOOL IMAGE, AND THE OLD BOY NETWORK

Why are so many people shy of voting Conservative?  And why are so many Conservative supporters defecting to UKIP?

I reckon it's down to two things. First a disastrous impact caused by forced collaboration with the Liberals in Coalition.  Liberals many view with embarrassment as politically correct,  namby pamby members of a decrepit Party comfortable only in opposition. Second a mistrust many voters have of the Public School set, its natural association with the aristocracy, tricky Bankers and other City types.

There's very little doubt in the writer's mind that a good Public School education is second to none. It should be no surprise that many excellent politicians, bankers, lawyers,City entrepreneurs and so on have a Public School background. Why should such a good education be seen as a threat?   The U.K should welcome such expertise. 

Unfortunately the Conservative's have an image of unhealthy association with the "Old Boy" network; a network many perceive as somehow evil(I'm sure they're mis-informed), and having Public School roots. Believing that image, and disliking it, they search for a more old fashioned, in your face, firm but fair, UK-first, undiluted conservative approach, and defect to UKIP. A party where the image is more Grammar School than Public School.

The Conservative Party must deal with the unfortunate perception if ever they want to get voters back. (N.B. The Labour Party has an equal number of members of the aristocracy and old boys from Public School but a completely different image!) 

The Conservatives must also deal with their very unfortunate association with the watery Liberals.  I recently blogged that Liberals are involved in government only to make up the numbers - and I'm sure we're all pleased for them.  They are all such nice people.  But @David Cameron is fast getting tarred with the same brush!!  It's losing him votes.  

As I've said before it's time to invite Cleggy to Assembly and, before prayers, to give him a damn good public whacking  !!  On your Barracuda Bike !!

"SABOTAGING" OF THE OLYMPICS

On the brink of welcoming Olympic athletes and visitors  to the U.K we hear of a rather silly attempt by a minority of U.K. Border staff to screw up things. 

Could this simply be a cry for attention by a few budding under-achievers?  Sad cases maybe  who will never fully understand quite how they've ended up in the job anyway. Those disruptive few, bless them, appear to have delusions of grandeur fuelling the unreasonable belief that somehow the U.K. taxpayer owes them something: maybe higher wages, or a job for life? Dream on dears!!

Obviously border control at this level is important. But its not rocket science!  Airport Clerks swiping passports must find it quite a challenge to fend off boredom, remain polite, and yet still do their job properly.  But I'm sure the majority do.  And that majority, unlike the remainder, probably know, career-wise, exactly why they are where they are, and what work is needed, what behaviour is required, to achieve their eventual career ambitions.   

Meanwhile as I said the other day in response to the unhappy Der Spiegel correspondent,  the U.K will no doubt muddle through somehow and eventually come out smelling of roses. I am sure, for example, that desk-bound Civil Servants would delight at taking over from absent Border staff.  In fact it might well be their ambition.

If there is to be any further talk about pay then maybe it should be performance-linked and based on the number of  migrants caught trying to enter the U.K. in contravention of regulations? 

OLYMPICS AND DER SPIEGEL

My word !  Something's upset the editor of Der Spiegel.  Publishing such vitriolic comments about the U.K's Olympic organisation does seem to be rather "over the top".

Maybe these fellows should pay more attention to the fact that the Euro is collapsing, and with it the struggling financial "centre" of Frankfurt !  German export subsidies ( courtesy of the poorer countries of the Eurozone ) will before long begin to dry up as sensible countries desert the Euro and revert to their tried and tested currencies. 

No.  More likely it's just a mix up with the Der Spiegel application for tickets?

Whatever. It's a fair bet something's shaken the poor fellow's cage, bless him.  As for the Olympics he can rely upon the U.K. to cope somehow. We've muddled through several world-class events and managed to come out smelling of roses.  So I'm going to wager that everyone involved will look back with fondness on a splendid Games.......unless of course they didn't get the tickets they wanted or carry the Der Spiegel chip !! 

UK NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE AND GP'S

Anyone who's had the misfortune to try to make an appointment with a doctor on a Monday morning ( or actually pretty much any morning ) will know just how broken this bit of the National Health system has become.  Even if eventually you get hold of an often rude receptionist you'll be lucky to get an appointment. More likely you'll be told a nurse will phone you back at some indeterminate time. Object too strongly and you risk being removed from the Practice register. Nice eh ? 

Take the case of a bit of back trouble.  Now any intelligent person knows that back trouble can vary as between minor and bloody nasty.  But if you get caught with a bit of back trouble on a Monday morning then God help you. Chances are that the best you'll get is a call from a nurse.  

This happened to a family member recently. Following about six questions they were told "...it's probably a muscular problem.  Take some paracetemol and put a hot water bottle on it."  Well, guess what? Yep, this intelligent adult had already come to the conclusion that it was probably a muscular issue and knew how to deal with such things.  The reason they wanted to see a doctor was to have an examination by a doctor to determine whether or not it was muscular; and if not was it some other minor disorder or was it bloody nasty!? And by the way if I wanted advice from a nurse I would call NHS Direct and avoid the frustration of telephone contact with a GP surgery.

But why such a problem getting an appointment with a General Practitioner? 

It seems obvious that GP's in aggregate no longer work the hours they need to provide a service patients can reasonably expect. I'm not interested in why they don't work the necessary hours.  Some say it's because there are insufficient or inefficient doctors; maybe it's because some GP's are idle or part-time; maybe they no longer really care about patients' well-being; perhaps they refuse to work a full day on Saturdays and Sundays; or quite simply they are badly organised.  One thing looks certain: they are not underpaid and neither are they overworked.  Just an fyi guys many people work in excess of 80 hours each week, and many work weekends and evenings and at night; and we're not talking about being "on call," and we're not talking about special overtime or other payments to compensate.

Is the apparent difference between some General Practitioners (and nurses) of today and those of the fifties, sixties and seventies (when the problems were less acute) the difference between a job being work and a job being a vocation? How many young GP's and nurses even understand the difference ? And they wont find the difference by looking in a dictionary.  

Of course some GP's and Practice nurses do care. All we can hope is that their especially high ethical and moral standards rub off on the rest.  I fear however these well motivated GP's are in the minority.   

COALITION DOOMED TO LAST......

@Boris Johnson is often correct in a zany sort of way.  On the coalition, however, I have to question his judgement.

Sooner if not later ( but probably later ) the Liberals and @Nick Clegg in particular will realise that their party is very much a junior Coalition partner;  it's there simply to make up numbers. Putting dear old Vince in the background would do nothing to improve the growing Liberal image of being decrepit.

So when the penny drops, so will the realisation that Liberal voters are deserting in huge numbers because they are fed up with their image of ineffective hangers-on and  fed up with being publicly humiliated by more highly skilled political partners and opponents.  The longer Nick Clegg lets this go on, the fewer punters will vote for the Liberals in any upcoming election - Local or General.

So, Boris, you might be wrong on this occasion.  On the other hand a sort of illicit encouragement for things to muddle along until 2015 might well be a rather clever ploy. One which I have yet to fathom. 

I've never voted for the Liberal party, and I don't much like the namby pamby liberal views I read about in the UK and Europe.  But, bless them,  I can't help feeling sorry for Nick Clegg and for dear old @Vince Cable;  by all accounts they do appear to be such very nice people. But "nice" just doesn't cut it when difficult decisions have to be made. 

GREECE VOTES TO HELP GERMAN EXPORTS ?

Greek people can be incredibly kind.  The recent vote of 29.5% in favour of staying in the Eurozone is evidence of their kindness.  Well its evidence of the kindness of 29.5% of the 60% who took the trouble to vote.  I never imagined they would be prepared to preserve the low value of the German Euro ( aka Deutsche Mark) and so enable magnificent Germany to live in the certainty of a continuing healthy export performance.  In effect Greece and the other struggling European countries are subsidising Germany and definitely not vice versa. Without the poor relations in the Eurozone the Euro's value would soar stacking up no end of trouble for  Europe's stronger economies. 

Many commentators ( especially those down at the dear old BBC ) warn of immediate perils if countries leave the Eurozone.  Immediate perils to whom ?  Certainly not the countries leaving the Eurozone.  And few commentators look at the longer term.  I have blogged before to say how much better Greece, Italy, Portugal, Ireland and even Spain might be if only they had the courage to revert to their original currencies, proud once more to stand on their own feet making their own decisions in the best interests of their country.  True the drachma, for example,  would assume a unit value less than the current unit worth of the Euro. But therein is the advantage.  The relative trading position of Greece would improve immediately and with it the opportunity to strengthen its trading position in geographical Europe and worldwide.  Likewise German exports would slow down as progressively they became more expensive. Somehow the German economy would need to adjust to the changed characteristics of the playing field !

The Eurozone with Greece as a participant is probably finished.  A vote to stay in the Eurozone by 18% of those allowed to vote does not solve anything.  By tomorrow a new Greek government may be cobbled together.  However, it will have to be a rather special type of government to take the Greek people where they don't want to go.  I reckon the chance of success is zero.  But then, going forward,  (and hopefully civil unrest is avoided) the Greek people can think and vote yet again.  Perhaps to vote in huge numbers to revert to their own currency, and move on by setting a splendid example to the other struggling Eurozone economies. 

LIBERAL PARTY AND LOYALTY

I've blogged before about the Liberals apparent lack of understanding of things like Cabinet responsibility, loyalty and so on. Their philosophy of never seeming to make a decision unless everyone has "bought in" to a particular viewpoint is typical Liberal behaviour.  Great approach if you run a company's Human Resource Department, but hopeless if you run the company. Futile if you run a country.

Shame really because we might have had an effective Coalition if all parties to the Coalition had been prepared to make courageous decisions, to show absolute loyalty to the Coalition, and to upset more than a few people here and there along the way.  Ever met a Liberal who could do even one of those things?

The mass Liberal abstention this week will probably cause their party no end of trouble. Had they really thought through the consequences? Even the Opposition were moved, but delighted of course, by such treachery.  Could this be the beginning of the end for the Liberal Party? It's getting to the point where the damage caused by such behaviour (I've even heard it called childish behaviour) may take them beyond the point of no political return.  

So what can the Liberals do to stop the rot? It's a tough one.  But for sure there's no point in trying to put lipstick on a pig. And perhaps that says it all.  Let's face it Liberals are just jolly nice people. Far too nice to get involved in government.  Think +Vince Cable.  Bless him.

LEVESON INQUIRY AND INTERNET PRYING

Well I guess we all know what the Leveson Inquiry is looking at ?  

Now think on. Today the Government announces it will in future be able to access all of our e-mails,  our internet surfing pattern, our interactions with social networking sites and so on...........

So I deduce it's O.K. for the government to spy on me but not O.K. for me to spy on them, and not acceptable for someone to spy on them on my behalf?  For example the disliked Murdoch empire. Double standards - or just my addled thought process after a couple of large gins?

And by the way, anyone who wants to get around the proposed new internet interceptions needs only to use some pay and go phone cards off the internet ( Orange are good )  and have the courage to use a false name for registration and a nicked credit card to pay? 

Tossers comes to mind.

FRANCOIS HOLLANDE

The new French President has been quick off the mark bless him !  Maybe he will learn in time that more haste and less speed is worth thinking about ? Or put another way engage brain before opening mouth.

A quick look at the value of the Euro's performance following his election must surely tell him something.  Here's a man - a nice man -  who is against the austerity measures introduced by agreement with his predecessor.  But here is a man, methinks,  whatever he now says, who would actually welcome the return of the franc and bugger the Euro.  Well we all know what I think of the Eurozone so nice one, Franky !!

I could actually grow to like the man if otherwise he didn't appear to be so financially naive. He would like to see Europe wide taxes to "neuter" the City of London.  No surprises there then !!  Just a heads up though, Franky, Angela will make sure that Paris always plays second fiddle to Frankfurt - oh and by the way, good luck with your meeting on 16th May. Make sure you put a newspaper down your trousers !

This Presidential fellow suggests the UK is indifferent to the fate of the Euro; well surely that just shows a complete lack of economic understanding.  And to remark that the UK is attentive only to the interests of the City of London smacks just a little bit of envy?  If only France had such a magnificent and successful financial centre eh, Franky ??  Well no chance of that in the near future.

No. I'm really interested to see how this fellow gets on.  I'll wager it wont be too long before he has to change his spots. 

Above all I wish France and its people all of the very best and I hope that their choice of President brings them what they want.  But I have already heard someone utter the inevitable words "Come back Sarkozy; all is forgiven."

INCOMPETENT EUROPE?

When I was a lad the "Continent" was the word we used to describe  European countries "over the Channel." Frankly, as kids, we always felt a cut above them. Maybe the proximity of the Second World War ( to be re-christened I understand as The European Civil War !!) had something to do with it. Then in the sixties the word "Europe" crept in big time. Gradually the U.K. started a rather unwilling closer association with things European. They were spurred on by Ted Heath whose other great love was playing his organ. As time went by there was even a phase when new-born Eurocrats started mumbling about a United States of Europe !!  And then we began to hear more and more about the Eurozone.

Well ,as I have blogged before, the Eurozone seems now about to fall apart; and whatever the reasons, the consequence today is reflected by the currency.  And the rest of Europe could be dragged down with it whether or not they use the rapidly devaluing currency.

Can we really understand what's going on ?  Of course we can.  It's the same old story of politicians, bureaucracy, and incompetence. How for example is Europe organised? Well it isn't.

There are a load of countries in Europe. Some of the countries are members of the European Union, formerly the European Community and itself formerly the European Economic Community, and some of them are members of the Eurozone. Now some of the European countries are not actually members of the Eurozone but use its currency ( i.e Andorra, Montenegro, and Kosovo). And some European countries are not members of the Eurozone but are members of the European Union. Some countries, the clever ones, don't belong to either.  I could go on......It's a buggers muddle. 


So many of the poorer European countries will benefit when (maybe if) the Euro collapses and countries return to their original national currencies. The stronger economies will suffer in the short term. Perhaps that is equitable. 

IMMIGRANTS, TRAVELLERS, AND CROOKS

Immigrants Travellers and Crooks? Difficult subjects to discuss in U.K. without falling foul of some law or other - and so easy of course to become a victim of that horrendously bumbling and sometimes apparently crass, European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). But I want to write about these Groups anyway. 

My intention is to be absolutely considerate.....oh and by the way I use the word "Travellers" because I have an uncomfortable feeling that to refer to them as "Gypsies", however fondly, might get me into serious trouble.  Likewise I use the word "Immigrants" (to the U.K.) whilst noting that they are often called "Emigrants" (from their country of origin) as a safer option when it comes to potential referrals to the ECHR.  Would "Migrant" be even safer I wonder?  Finally I settle upon the word "Crook" in the hope that it is still a reasonable description of someone breaking the law and will not therefore  turn me into one.

You come across loads of people who have an intense dislike of Immigrants and Travellers and Crooks.  But nowadays it's routine for such categories to claim the dislike is discrimination and to muster support from the liberal-minded sorts peppering life and government in the U.K. just now.  And in a surprising number of cases which go the whole hog, it seems they are correct !!  Which, of course,  is why I perceive many  decisions of the ECHR as bumbling and crass.

Travellers occupying land without planning permission, or immigrants making their way into the country by hiding in lorries are acting illegally.  

That's why people grow a dislike of such people.  It's not discrimination because of who they are, it's a dislike of their illegal activities.

    

CABINET LEAKS AND THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

A few days ago I commented on the leaks coming out of the Cabinet.  Now leaks from committee-participating-"also ran"-parliamentarians are one thing; leaks from the Cabinet quite another.

I get the definite impression that our Liberal representatives are getting far too big for their tiny  boots. Cast your minds back to the recent budget.  How many leaks ?  It doesn't take long to deduce that leaks came from Liberal, not Conservative sources.  Any suggestion that such leaks emanated from the Civil Service are preposterous of course. No it looks as if it was someone of Liberal persuasion.

The Liberal character came out again this morning as I listened to a Liberal fellow interviewed by the lefty BBC.  Words to the effect that you can't blame the Liberals for preventing the Conservatives achieving  Conservative manifesto pledges.  Well of course you can't.! But what was the point in saying that?  The Conservative manifesto, and the liberal manifesto, have nothing to do with what's going on just now.  What should matter is in the coalition agreement.  But this particular Liberal fellow was still hung up on political differences between the parties.

Well maybe that's understandable.  But let's get back to the Cabinet and leaks.  When honour  certainly meant something in politics Cabinet discussions, decisions, responsibility, confidentiality and above all loyalty, were things absolutely respected by the participants. Labour and Conservative governments understood what loyalty was required for the benefit of good governance and to benefit of the country overall.  Maybe Liberals, bless them, have been out of  any serious loop for so long they don't really get what Cabinet responsibility is all about; it's as if they have no real idea how to behave.   Or maybe Liberal Cabinet members feel their overall responsibility is still to their party and not to the coalition government?   If so, like the school snitch, it means  they are not to be trusted. 

Watch out David Cameron!! If my furtive imagination is correct you need to sideline such fellows.  At the very least invite them for a discussion in the headmaster's study;  maybe give them a bloody good caning.  If you don't they will drag you down and perhaps even destroy your party.  It's not worth taking such risks.  

COLLAPSE OF THE EURO AND THE EUROZONE

I can't help thinking this is the calm before the storm.  Have you noticed there is almost a news blackout on the struggling European countries and their economies? It's almost as though Greece, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and Spain no longer have any financial problems !! Ponder this for a moment.  Is it all too good to be true?

True there are some parts of Europe where confidence is returning.  But therein lies the problem. Now is the time the stronger countries of the Eurozone could contemplate "pulling up the ladder."  They will see a way forward for themselves but not for their weaker Eurozone partners.  How strong Eurozone loyalty when really put to the test ?

No this is the calm before the storm.  What form of storm might well be the issue.  Watch this space.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN ?

I've just read about this "anechoic chamber" at Orfield Laboratories in the USA.  It's a chamber said to be 99.9% sound absorbent.  So far as I can deduce after 45minutes you will turn into a  wobbling jelly, a shadow of your former self,  able to hear only those sounds emanating from within.  By all accounts your ears will adapt to the lack of usual cacophony to such an extent that quite soon all you hear is your heartbeat, or maybe your stomach gurgling.  Heaven forbid that you cough or get the overpowering urge to pass wind.  And if the two are concomitant there's no telling what might happen. A disorientating experience if nothing else.  Hallucinations for sure.

Who uses this room?  Well NASA do - but then they would wouldn't they?  But of more fascination are the manufacturers using it for formal product testing. Things like checking out the sounds of switches on car dashboards, heart valves, and the display on cellphones (uh??). Harley-Davidson are said to use the room when trying to make their motorbikes quieter!!  Yeah right !  Well I'm not convinced.  A Harley can already reduce observers to wobbling jelly status without an anechoic chamber  and who in their right mind would want to hear themselves fart above the unique Harley sound? 

No I think rooms of this type, if not actually the Orfield Labs room, could be far more useful.  What about the need to check out the stories of suspected terrorists, illegal immigrants or other miscreants? 

"Do have a seat old chap.  We'll be with you shortly."  

I want one of these rooms at home. It could be what the Brits call "the front room." So when the unsolicited salesman, religious fanatic, politician, nosy neighbour, whatever, appears at the door he can be welcomed, shown to the front room, and told to wait a bit while you get him a drink.  Then what?  Of course !! Lock the bugger in and return with a nice cup of coffee 45 minutes later. 

SPAIN - WHAT IS HAPPENING TO IT ?

Poor old Spain.  It really is struggling.  Take some time and walk around the southern coastal areas.  What's evident?  What's evident is that a lot of building has been going on over the past few years but a lot of selling has not.  .......O.K.  When was the last time you saw loads of Spanish tourists outside of Spain?  Well there are some; mostly in USA.  But the average Spaniard seems to take a flat by the sea and hang out there when they have the time.  And who can blame them when they have such a beautiful country and coastline?   In their droves over the last twenty years or so other Europeans cashing in on the beauty seem to have purchased similar flats, duplexes and better.  But no longer.  Building has come to a virtual standstill.  So if you do want to buy property in Spain it's there for the taking.  Well, there for the taking when the unfortunate owners are eventually forced to sell because of their particular predicament.   Now on its own this is not necessarily anything to get worked up about..  Taken with other evidence of stagnation it may be.  Unemployment seems to be at a dangerously high level, and in particular a high level in the younger age groups.  Poor quality graffiti also appears to be at an all time high, and coupled with beautiful streets defaced with doggy dos ( my euphemism is an attempt at being kind ) I begin to wonder what has happened to Spanish pride.  It's the possible loss of pride which is the major concern.  There's a lot of talk about the Greek, Italian and Spanish problems.  And Spain I'm led to believe would be last of these three to fall.  Well let's hope that none of them "fall".  But sadly I wouldn't bet on it.

WHY IS EUROPE AND THE EUROZONE STRUGGLING?

Brace yourselves.  I've been thinking.  What do the countries of Europe have in common?  Well they're in the same geographical area.  So that's a start.  Otherwise?  Frankly very little. The peoples of the individual countries of Europe are different one to the other in almost every respect.  And that is something to be celebrated.  Why on earth would they want to get on together?  Well obviously they don't want to fight each other.  But then do we really need a European Union to achieve such peace??  Look around.  The Belgians don't like the Dutch and vice versa. Nobody likes the Brits or the Greeks, the French like the Germans because they have to, the Portuguese dislike the Spanish and vice versa, the Italians seem to like everyone from time to time, and so on and so on.  Trying to make these various European countries get on with each other is actually asking for trouble.  Take the Greek situation at March 2012.  Here is a country which is being told what it will do when it will do it and how it will do it!!! Unbelieveable.  Leave the Greek people alone and they will solve their problems in their own way and in their own time.  Otherwise take the consequences.  Next to be given dictates no doubt it will be the Portuguese and the Spanish.  LEAVE THEM ALONE !!!  How,  one wonders,  would France and Germany react to such intolerable interference.

No the only thing most Europeans have in common is the Euro.....and the only reason they have the Euro is because it suits a couple of over-assertive European countries.  

The only way to get real confidence back in Europe is to let each European country make its own decisions in its own time in accordance with its own traditions, work ethics, and under its own motivation.  The confidence will return to each country as and when the time is right.  A message to Brussels !! Dissolve yourselves sooner rather than later and have the maturity to leave the individual countries of Europe alone........of course there's a fat chance of those particular fat cats letting go of things.  Unfortunately there is a perception, maybe wrong,  that  Members of the European Parliament think more about their personal situation than the situation of the country they represent.  What do you think?

POLICE, FIRE SERVICE AND AMBULANCES - HEALTH AND SAFETY

Reading recent reports of the firemen who recently refused to retrieve a person from a few inches of water because they had insufficient training suggests to me that there might well be a lack of personal moral fibre around in that particular "service" these days?  Not to suggest that the firemen concerned were necessarily such persons;  maybe they were just following orders.  Maybe the rules put more fear into the firemen than venturing into the shallow water - an act which might have saved a life.  That would be the moral fibre bit.  And the Bobby who wanted to help was evidently restrained by these sorts.

The report I saw suggested that the Fire Officer concerned deduced that the victim was probably beyond saving anyway and so it made sense to wait for personnel trained in retrieving persons or bodies from several inches of water. For goodness sake ! So that's alright then?

These are the guys we rely upon to deal with life saving in emergency situations.  If the reports are true then heaven help us - the "emergency" Fire service more than likely will not.  If the reports are true then "Tossers" springs to mind - and I must say not the first time we have heard such reports?  

If they are untrue then let's here from some of our brave emergency Fire and Rescue service - what used to be known, and respected  as the Fire Brigade.  I cannot believe they are really wimps - but that's what the reports suggest.  Here's an opportunity to tell their side of the story - and I hope the reports are proved wrong.     

EUROZONE - EUROPE AND ITS VICE PRESIDENT

Just watched an interview of this woman on BBC World.  It confirmed my suspicions that the UK should have absolutely nothing to do with Europe as forced down the throats of its participants by "Brussels."  The woman was asked many interesting questions; she didn't give one straighforward answer, bless her.  But marks out of ten? Nil points.

However the impression she gave was that pretty much everyone in the European Community will fall in line - repeat will fall in line - with dictates from Brussels.  Even when asked about the threat to put Hungary into liquidation unless it changed its laws to comply with a particular dictate she ducked.  Nevertheless the impression I was left with was one of blackmail; change your law or you don't get the money!  Perhaps I'm wrong; maybe it was a language problem?  But whatever - that's the impression I got.

And the final killer question?  What will happen to Greece?  Well of course she didn't get anywhere near answering that one.  But we'll find out any day now.  Will Brussels ditch them?  I'm going to say yes. Sooner than you think.  But if not, then definitely later.

No the UK ( or England and Wales if it comes to that ) can do without any further "Brussels" involvement.  Quite frankly, unlike the majority of real people in Europe ( including the real residents of Belgium !),  they're just not our type.

UNITED STATES JOB NUMBERS

Most rewarding to learn that US job numbers are showing strong growth.  And good to see the U.S. President talking things up. Congratulations to him on such a positive approach. His political opponents might like to think about the benefits of agreeing on this occasion?

But now then, over in the U.K. one wonders quite what's going on.  Evidently London is now the worst major centre in the world to do banking.  Well, according to the U.K. Daily Mail so says a "senior executive" at a Wall Street Bank.  No doubt just transferred to London, then ? And at bonus time too? How unfortunate.  In fact, of course, London remains the foremost financial centre of the world and continues to attract rather clever people. And yes that does irritate a few people not the least of which reside in central Europe!!

The U.K. has that strange and enviable ability to get through things rather well in spite of its own apparent stupidity. For example paying invalidity allowances to lottery winners, or giving overseas aid to countries who clearly don't need it!  

But Brits don't care because they live in the certain knowledge that cream always rises to the top......

PORTUGAL AND GREECE FINANCIAL EMBARRASSMENT

Portugal.  What a lovely country and great people. But what a shame their economy, like many in the eurozone is screwed. How could things have got to this sorry state?  Maybe it's something to do with the futile dream of some of their northern European neighbours for a "United States of Europe"? 


How can you have a united anything when, quite reasonably, each of the countries in Europe, and each of the countries in the Eurozone consider themselves first and foremost independent countries?  Unlike the splendid role model across the Atlantic, the countries of mainland Europe  show  no signs of becoming happily united  - except of course to the extent of being a sort of expensive social club.


The current European practise of bunging these failing countries more money, and so increasing their financial and moral debt is flawed. It simply beats them up some more and hangs them out to dry. Nice eh? To add insult to injury they then poke rather large European noses into the struggling countrys' fiscal and social governments  . Ask yourself how you would feel if another country began to interfere with the running of your country.    

Beware! If interference continues then, God forbid, social unrest moves up the agenda. 


The Greek situation has now gone rapidly down the drain and the only long-term solution - which should be clear for all to see  - is to let them escape the Eurozone and get on with governing themselves once more without interference from grossly overpaid Brussels Eurocrats.  And the same goes for Portugal.  Leave them both alone for heaven's sake!! Let their own currencies re-emerge, let their economies rebalance, and give them back the respect they deserve. 

ECONOMISTS AND METEOROLOGISTS

Why oh why do some of us carry on attaching huge weight to the predictions of splendid fellows who so often get things wrong?     

Most stuff I read is pessimistic about economic outcomes.  But in my book economists are no more likely to accurately predict economic outcomes than weather forecasters are likely to predict next month's weather.  Successful economists or meteorologists have probably been very lucky, or maybe developed skins so thick they are desensitised to all but multiple lightning strike. 

Both disciplines are relatively black arts.  These highly intelligent, very well educated guys have got teams of similar people and  stacks of state of the art hardware gathering and analysing  "relevant" information from every conceivable source.  But when it comes down to it, whether it's an economic or weather forecast, the predictions are subjective. Meteorologists are naturally more pessimistic when it's winter; and economists start searching for  the precipice when business is a bit slow.

Both however are extremely competent at recording what's happened and therein lies their strength.