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

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 ?

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?

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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 ?

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

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

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?

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?    

NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE TO BE ABOLISHED

It was recently announced that many people suffering from what could be a serious illness refuse to see their G.P. or make a visit to hospital because they are too embarrassed. And who makes such announcements?  Well, of course, people in the Health Service.

Now it might well be true that many illnesses could be cured, or the effects of them reduced, if earlier visits were made.  Why such visits are often delayed may have something to do with embarrassment, but it might have a lot more to do with a complete loss of faith in and respect  for  the National Health Service.

Who would doubt that workers in the Health Service, without exception, genuinely care about the well-being of their patients? Unfortunately recent astonishing hospital events appear to give another impression.

Accordingly there is a continuing and growing unwillingness to let the National Health Service get its questionable mitts on us Brits!  The Elderly fear above all else ending up in a hospital where they have a very strong belief that whatever may, or may not be wrong with them, will be aggravated by a lack of care, mis-diagnosis, lack of food and drink, and verbal abuse.  They know that many patients end their days in hospital -  not because of what they went in for, but because of death by superbug. They fear lack of care. And if that doesn't do for them, they fear superbugs will. Wonderful.

On a slightly different tack many Brits report difficulty fighting their way past G.P receptionists. Receptionists who give the impression of being  more highly qualified than the G.P they serve!  Nurses who ignore patients pleas for water; Consultants who seem to have forgotten that patients are human and not exhibits to assist the teaching process. Administrators promoting unnecessary bureaucracy in the belief that it's helpful !

When it comes to the need for investigative or curative surgery is it any wonder many Brits fear the worst? If you can't trust the NHS to feed you and keep you clean, how can you possibly confidently relax on the operating table while some (generally arrogant) bugger cuts you up, after a lesser mortal has rendered you unconscious?

No.  It's time for the National Health Service, and all of its workforce, to change attitudes:  from the nurses who claim to be overworked and understaffed, to the consultants who might well be over-paid whilst underachieving;  from the army of ineffectual administrators to  the plethora of unhelpful political "support". Yes. This is a perception. Regrettably the perception is reinforced by the never-ending NHS stories reporting alleged neglect.

If the NHS is going to survive it must show at every staff level, and in every doctors surgery and hospital, in every political party, a harmonious willingness to change for the better in the interests of  patients' wellbeing. Equally important it must have the guts to recognise it's seriously ill and seek, and swallow, early treatment. 

Alternatively the NHS should not be surprised if it is abolished.  

   

   

INTERNET TROLLS

Professor Mary Beard's appearance on U.K. T.V. programme Question Time evidently led to her suffering vile on-line abuse from numbskull trolls whose behaviour is clearly inexcusable.

Why trolls seized upon Mary probably had more to do with the view she expressed on the issue of immigration and its effect upon the Lincolnshire town of Boston than anything else. Mary, it seems, expressed a view based on the verity of Boston Borough Council's "Social Impact of Population Change on Boston" report.

An audience member, a Mrs Rachel Bull, expressed the contrary view based, she said, on her experience of living in and around Boston over many years.

I have little doubt that Mary Beard and I hold different political views.  Likewise I am sure that neither one of us would feel any bitterness or hate towards the other because of any difference in opinion. Respect: it's not a word in the Troll Dictionary (which, incidentally seems to attach more importance to the first six letters of the alphabet. ( although frankly I found "E" a considerable challenge !)

Nevertheless, Mary, I do wonder whether being a Classics academic might sometimes be a serious handicap; especially so when it comes to dealing with matters of a political nature.  Questioning sources and testing the accuracy of  information before reaching conclusions is generally good practise. However to allow such distrust must be an extreme challenge for  one with such a kind heart. 

As for the numbskull trolls there is little more to say -  but so much more to pity. Bless their little cotton socks.       

HORSE MEAT AND THE FOOD CHAIN

Just a brief blog to clarify things concerning burgers and horse-meat !  

Many people can't understand what all the fuss is about.  That is the fuss about horse-meat concealed in burgers seemingly sold by several U.K. Supermarkets;  I see another one has been named this morning. 

Plenty of our European neighbours, but especially France and Belgium love horse-meat, indeed consider it a delicacy.  Well so do many Brits. Clearly, of course, those disallowed from stuffing themselves with horse-meat because of religious or other reasons have got  cause to be annoyed if they believed a burger's meat content was only beef.   

But let me explain, for the rest of us, what the fuss is really about.  When horse-meat is purchased as horse-meat it's a fair bet the meat is of merchantable quality and has been subject to high level food-quality controls and about a million E.U. Directives ( most of which are probably irrelevant ).  

The actual problem with horse-meat in burgers is the suspicion - the suspicion - that it might just have come from poor old Dobbin, the family pet, who until recently had happily wandered about a local field. Happily, that is, until Dobbin fell ill with heaven only knows what, and snuffed it.

In a twinkle Dobbin is minced up and mixed with beef and other stuff before being beaten into shape and pushed out as a Supermarket burger. Not to say this is what has happened; but it's what people fear might have happened. That's what all the fuss is about.

Now, just for fun, enjoy this little video and music by awesome60s.

GOOGLE, TAX AVOIDANCE, AND U.K. LEAVING THE E.U.

"Wake up and smell the coffee." That's what Dave said back in January.  But don't forget Dave, you preside over the biggest off-shore tax haven in the World ! Maybe you're about to kill the goose that lays the golden egg ?  And here we are in June and the Coalition is still moaning about tax avoidance - but now its #Google not #Starbucks. Even if action was appropriate it's taking an awful long time !!

Of much more interest is the Finnish fellow I heard on UK radio back in January who said something along the lines of  " The U.K. don't want to become another Norway, or another Switzerland..."   Really? Who says ? Actually Mr Finn the U.K. prefers to make its own decisions rather than having a foreigner tell us what we want !  

When asked to give reasons why U.K should vote to stay in the E.U ( it was a #BBC programme ) he trotted out the bit about our biggest export market, being on the outside looking in, not having a say in what Europe does and so on. 

As we've said before anyone in the EU buying U.K. products will continue to do so after the U.K. leaves.  Why? Because they only buy our stuff when we've got what they want at the right price.  To the timid souls who reckon, for example, that production in car plants'  built with foreign money will dwindle along with the investment - dream on.  Inward investment is attracted here because of thousand of reasons and the EU is not a significant one of them. 

As for being on the outside looking in, and so not being able to influence what goes on in the E.U., why would we care much about that if we are not part of the E.U?  And what on Earth makes anyone in their right mind think the E.U. has ever taken the slightest serious notice of the U.K?  #Nigel Farage has got the E.U. summed up.  And of course the E.U. hates him for it.

Our Finnish "expert" also rambled that "...the U.K. need Europe.....and Europe needs the U.K."  Umm.....Exactly. The fellow was not completely wrong; in fact he was half right !  But truly these are matters of opinion.  Maybe Europe does need the U.K. far more than the U.K. needs Europe. But if so then it's for the E.U. to manage the relationship not the U.K..  

More to the point who would dare say  the U.K. welcomes all the restrictions imposed by the top heavy, archaic, bureaucrats hanging out  at our expense in Brussels, day after day forcefully pouring bucket upon bucket of their expensive and ill-conceived Directives down our throats?

Nevertheless make no mistake, the U.K. generally likes its European neighbours; and if, in future, their governments as represented by the E.U. want to trade with us, then that would be good. If not, then the level of our regard and respect for our neighbours will remain. Unfortunately by referring to "the U.K. " and "its European neighbours" shows just how far there  is to go even to first base, never mind where "Brussels" wants. 

That's why it's time to leave the E.U. What's the point of getting married after living together unhappily for so many years?  It's only going to end in further unhappiness and a costly divorce. Get out while the going is good. 

The next few years are a great opportunity for U.K. industry to spread its wings, to develop, new and far more welcoming markets. In fact British Industry is already going down that road.  Taking such great opportunities will keep this little land and its people at the forefront of everything that really matters.  The E.U. will not fall into that category unless it changes beyond all recognition.  

And there, Dave you have it.  The challenge: change the E.U. beyond recognition, or watch your citizens vote to leave the E.U. for a fresh start. Maybe Google Angela and see what she really thinks.?  

UNIVERSAL BENEFIT CUTS

Pensioners could face universal benefit cuts after the next U.K. General Election according to the current Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan-Smith.

Oh dear, Smithy!  How skilfully you turn a small victory into certain defeat!  Now you've gone and put your good old ex-military foot right in it on something else.

Based on their current abysmal performance alongside of the namby pamby Liberals it's most unlikely the Tories will be returned to any form of power for a very long time.  But even assuming the unlikely, (more unlikely now as Pensioners see what the Tories promise) why would anyone in their right political mind threaten to deprive Pensioners of anything !!

"Right you 'orrible, 'orrible lot of old skiving conniving gits. Let's be 'aving your bus passes, winter fuel allowances and TV licence fees - AT THE DOUBLE NOW!"  

Smithy, bullying Pensioners is probably not a good choice.  Bullying - that will be the perception. Who could believe such a thing from you? 

Smithy is alleged to have said "Pensioners need a much longer time if you are going to make changes to their income......They are arguably the most difficult group to make short- term change because.......they can't suddenly say I'll take on more hours of work."  So what are they going to do, Smithy?  How will they replace what you plan to take away? Write blogs and hope someone clicks on the ads? 

We can only guess what evil adviser was behind this proposal.  Maybe working on the assumption that a load of these Pensioners will have snuffed it by the time means testing comes along; and that their replacements won't miss what they never had?

In fairness the fellow has the right idea when it comes to the general need for austerity measures. But to be perceived as knocking Pensioners about is not clever. Probably  a confused hangover from a military past? 

On the other hand, in the right context, why should anything be wrong with a bit of prudent "bullying"? In the hands of a skilled practitioner who knows what might be achieved with some metaphoric water-boarding? 

Could it be the fellow is just in the wrong job? Perhaps, bless him, our Smithy should be given the go-ahead to use strong-arm tactics and get rid of obscenely wasteful Quangos? I'll wager the resultant saving would far outweigh potential Pensioner savings.

Here surely is a man whose integrity is such he would have no qualms if it happened to involve "bullying" one's friends and colleagues?