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

Whatever happened to the "Leave" Campaign ?

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

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

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

"How?"

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

"Go on"

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

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

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

SMITHERS !! HEADMASTER'S STUDY - NOW!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 ! 

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!!   

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.?  

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. 

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 !!