Archive for the 'Politics' Category

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My letter to the Enfield Independent seems to have upset Labour

October 9, 2010 | Category: Politics and Society
My letter to the Enfield Independent denouncing the RMT Tube strikes

Reprint from Enfield Independent on 29 September 2010. All Rights Acknowledged.

Despite the obvious and overwhelming public opposition to the Tube strikes currently blighting London, Enfield’s Labour Council refuse to acknowledge the negative impact that they are having on our residents.

Instead of reconsidering their position, they have chosen, through Councillor Ozzie Uzoanya, to return to the tribal politics of old and try to position the dispute as class war.

He is missing the point; my concern is not with politics, but with the people of Enfield. They deserve better than a Labour administration that puts the needs of its union comrades before theirs.

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Enfield’s Labour administration puts the wishes of the Unions first and refuses to condemn the planned autumn Tube strikes!

September 26, 2010 | Category: Politics and Society

Like many thousands of people who live in Enfield, I rely on London’s extensive public transport network to travel to work in Central London each day and I am alarmed to hear that RMT/TSSA have announced plans for more strikes on 3 October, 2 November and 28 November – the first of which suspiciously coincides with the Conservative Party conference.

RMT leader Bob Crow, scourge of hard-working Londoners

RMT leader, Bob Crow

Millions of people across London are struggling to cope with the impact of the negative financial legacy left by the last government and even the loss of a day’s income could have a disastrous effect on the household finances for some of the most vulnerable in our borough in the run-up to Christmas.

Bob Crow and the RMT have tried to trick the people of London into believing that these strikes are in the interests of public safety, but it is clear that this strategy has failed; a ComRes poll published this Monday (20 September) shows that 65% of Londoners oppose these strikes confirming overwhelming public opposition. The public are not being protected by these militant unions, but are being held to ransom by them.

In the Council meeting that took place on Wednesday 22 September, I seconded Cllr Mike Rye OBE’s proposed motion calling on the Council to write to union leaders making it clear that Enfield does not support these strikes, a motion that we hoped the Labour administration would support.

However, their close links to the unions (nearly half of the Labour members had to declare an interest for being members of unions potentially connected in some way with the strikes) ensured that our attempts were thwarted.

Whilst – after a lively debate – a compromise was reached on a motion encouraging both Transport for London and the Unions to negotiate in good faith to find a resolution, it is clear that the administration is out of touch with public opinion and minded to put their loyalty to the unions before the needs of the people of Enfield.

The fragile economic recovery engineered by the new Coalition government is under threat if we allow the union militancy that blighted much of the 1970s and 1980s to go unchecked and the Opposition group remain strongly opposed to the planned strike action, which is unjustified and unwelcome.

At the end of my speech in the chamber I implored the Labour administration to show solidarity not with the unions that support and fund them, but with the people of Enfield who elected them and who need them to operate in their best interests in these difficult economic times.

On this attempt, we were not able to convince them to put the needs of the people of Enfield before their desire to please their comrades in the unions, but I’d like to reassure our residents that we will continue to fight hard in their interests – the people of Enfield cannot afford this strike and it is pity that their council doesn’t agree.

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George Osborne; The Economic Enforcer

June 23, 2010 | Category: Business, Politics and Society

For too many years, the Labour Government under the guidance of Gordon Brown ran the British economy at a deficit, using borrowed money to create jobs in the public sector as part of the the largest programme of gerrymandering ever undertaken;

Today, our new Chancellor, George Osborne, took the initiative and introduced the toughest Budget for nearly a century. He has rightly been dubbed ‘The Enforcer’ by the British press.

George Osborne delivers his first Budget

George Osborne delivers his first Budget flanked by Nick Clegg and Danny Alexander

Like many, I will be analysing the impact of the budget on my finances and those of my family, but what has struck me most so far is the image above…

A Conservative Chancellor delivering a budget consisting of many things that the Liberal Democrats opposed flanked by the two most senior Liberal Democrats; priceless!

Who said that there is never anything exciting in politics?! I wonder how they felt and how their party will react to their leadership supporting policies that they campaigned against just weeks ago.

Believe it or not, the Prime Minister was sitting behind George Osborne, curiously out of shot – perhaps conveniently?

I commend George Osborne and this brave budget. Well done, George – no longer ‘Boy George’ I think!

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What have we done to our planet? We must learn from the BP Gulf Oil Spill disaster

May 31, 2010 | Category: Business, Nature, Politics, Science and Society

As each day goes by, I get more and more concerned about the damage being caused by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico – the images of destruction that I see reported on the news are amongst the scariest things that I ever seen on the news.

Watch live streaming video from wkrg_oil_spill at livestream.com

Firstly, let’s not forget that 11 men lost their lives in the fire that led to this spill; whilst it is important to consider the economic impact on the USA and beyond, we have to remember that these men died just doing their jobs and the suffering of their families mustn’t be forgotten.

The Horizon off-shore drilling rig exploded on 20 April 2010 and over a month later, thousands of gallons of crude oil are pouring into the Gulf of Mexico with all attempts to stop the leak so far having failed.

This is the worst environmental disaster in American history, and possibly the worst’ in human history and leads to one question – when are we going to take seriously our need to eradicate our dependency on fossil fuels?

Satellite image of the BP Horizon oil spil in the Gulf of Mexico

Satellite image of the BP Horizon oil spil in the Gulf of Mexico

As long as we continue to extract oil from increasingly difficult to reach places, we will sustain the risk of major environmental catastrophes like this.

President Obama was right to ban new drilling around the American coast, but this is must be just the first step in what must be a concerted effort by governments around the world to encourage companies to invest seriously in alternative forms of energy.

Our current reliance on oil leads to inequality and conflict all around the world as we fight for control of dwindling supplies of ‘black gold’. Even without the inevitable ecological disasters that ensue, the continued exploration for oil generates a human cost that we must now consider unacceptable…

As the oil slick threatens hundreds of miles of US coastline, so it should threaten the continuation of oil exploration near human settlements.

It is time for us to get serious about looking at other forms of energy.

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The ‘Special Relationship’ is back. Hopefully!

May 19, 2010 | Category: Politics and Society

The Conservatives are the natural allies of America – our Atlanticism and Eurosceptism always play well in Washington DC, and Prime Minister Cameron’s compassionate conservatism fits well with President Obama’s focus on individual responsibility and social liberalism.

Prime Minister Cameron & President Obama in London April 2009

Labour has traditionally had a difficult relationship with the United States, shunning the world’s largest capitalist economy in favour of its socialist-leaning European neighbours, and Prime Minister Blair was the first Labour leader to break the mould, forging a strong relationship with President Bush Jr.

President George Bush & Prime Minister Tony Blair

His close relationship with George Bush sometimes led to accusations that Blair was acting like a ‘poodle’, demonstrating unswerving loyalty to his friend.

Ultimately, this created a less than healthy situation where America’s actions did not receive full scrutiny and where Britain had no choice but to follow its cousin ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’, which led us into two poorly-planned wars costing thousands of lives.

Blair’s instincts were, however, correct: America is our most important ally; It is his approach that was flawed.

He attempted to build upon Margaret Thatcher’s impressive legacy in which she created the ‘Special Relationship’ through her uniquely close bond with President Ronald Reagan.

Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher & President Ronald Reagan dancing (Reuters)

PM Margaret Thatcher dancing with President Ronald Reagan at his Inaugural Ball in the White House following his election in 1984.

Blair mistook the mutual respect and admiration that Thatcher and Reagan had for each other as simple friendship and affection; his relationship with Bush Jr had a similar level of warmth, but not the depth and true objectivity that defined the Thatcher / Reagan era – and shaped world politics for nearly a decade.

Whereas Thatcher and Reagan were trusted confidantes and peers, the way that George Bush called out “Yo, Blair!” to Tony Blair reflected what was obviously a very different level of understanding.

Gordon Brown, as Prime Minister, was simply unable to build any kind of sensible working relationship with President Obama, New Labour’s totalitarian approach sitting much more comfortably with the neo-conservative Republican approach than with Obama’s democratic one.

It is no surprise that President Obama was so quick to congratulate David Cameron on his becoming Prime Minister; the new Conservative administration under dynamic young leadership is exactly the sort of partner that the President needs in Europe; he was quoted as saying of David Cameron:

“…smart, dedicated new prime minister… is somebody we are going to be able to work with very effectively…”

Hopefully, the Special Relationship is back; that will be good for Britain, good for America and good for the world!

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Britain’s new government hits the ground running!

May 13, 2010 | Category: Politics and Society

It really is an incredible day for British politics, as the new Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister demonstrate genuine chemistry and respect for each other in their first press conference.

David Cameron & Nick Clegg - Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister

Britain's new Deputy Prime Minister and Prime Minister sharing a joke in Downing Street

The way in which the potential stumbling blocks in a Conservative / Liberal Democrat coalition have been ironed-out is impressive, and whilst I’m sure that the relationship will be difficult, there is no doubt that these two dynamic leaders are committed to putting Britain back on track and dealing with problems left by a wasteful and misguided Labour administration.

The focus on enhancing civil liberties and once again making an Englishman’s home his castle is most welcome indeed.

Already, we have a clear indication of their priorities as the new Government has already agreed to:

• A Great Repeal Bill, which will scrap ID cards, enhance civil liberties, reduce the ability of state officials to enter homes and cut regulation;

• £6 billion of public spending cuts to take effect in the current financial year, as a start on a concerted drive to cut the deficit;

• Major reform of the banks, perhaps amounting to “breaking them up”;

• Moves over time towards raising the starting threshold for income tax to £10,000 a year, paid for by changes to non-business Capital Gains Tax;

• A pupil premium, moving funding for disadvantaged children towards average spending on pupils in private schools;

• A cap on immigration from outside the EU;

• A referendum on the Alternative Voting electoral system;

• Legislation to require that Parliaments last a fixed term of five years;

• Trident replacement to go ahead, but subject to a value for money test;

• No further transfers of power to the EU, and no entry to the Euro; and

• Tax recognition of marriage, but LDs to have the right to abstain on votes on this (which means it will still get through the Commons).

Although Old Labour will soon resurface to start complaining about the plans, no right thinking person in the UK should object to this initial programme and I hope that even the more tribal observers will put aside their party loyalties and embrace this important agenda in the interests of our country.

David Cameron already has the makings of a fine leader!

David Cameron under the watchful eye of Winston Churchill

David Cameron, Prime Minister

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David Cameron is Prime Minister: now the hard work starts!

May 11, 2010 | Category: Politics and Society

Today was another historic day in London – Conservative leader, David Cameron, secured his place in history by becoming Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland after securing an agreement with Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, to form a coalition government.

David Cameron & HRH Queen Elizabeth II

David Cameron meets HRH the Queen in Buckingham Palace on May 11 2010

The Conservative Party won the most seats in the General Election, and came close to securing an overall majority in the face of an electoral system that is massively biased towards the Labour Party, but only by securing a deal with the Liberal Democrats could we have achieved power.

The way in which David Cameron has led the party back into power is a clear indication of the impact that he will have as Prime Minister.

This is a great day for the Conservatives, and a great day for Britain!

The Liberal Democrats will make difficult bedfellows, but I have faith the David Cameron’s ability to develop a strong working relationship with Nick Clegg and his team to form a long-term, stable government.

Many congratulations to David Cameron and Samantha Cameron – they are a First Couple that Britain can be proud of.

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A Con-Lib pact: Marriage of convenience or a match made in Heaven?

May 9, 2010 | Category: Politics and Society

Within the next few hours, there is a strong likelihood that David Cameron will announce that he is able to form a government with the support of the Liberal Democrats, providing us with some stability and certainty after what has been a tumultuous few days in Britain politics.

Conservatives such as myself will be delighted to see David Cameron in Number 10 as our new Prime Minister, although we are obviously upset that we were not able to secure a working majority.

Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg at VE Memorial in London

Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg at VE Memorial in London on May 8 2010

The arithmetic certainly works; together the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats will command 363 seats, representing a comfortable working majority of 37.

However, will the politics work?

The Liberal Democrats are a progressive party that finds itself to the left of Labour on many issues – including critical ones such as immigration and tax. Their position on these two policy areas couldn’t be further from ours, with the LibDems wanting to embrace both illegal immigrants through an amnesty, and higher taxes as part of their plan to redistribute wealth.

On these two issues alone, it is hard to see how the differences in policy could be reconciled sufficiently to allow the parties to work together in government.

But there is an even greater danger – electoral reform. Conservatives have no real appetite for proportional representation (PR) in its many guises, and DC instead favours a reduction in the number of seats to more sensibly reflect the political landscape. Many inner-city areas are divided into several seats in a way that simply doesn’t make sense, and consolidating some of them into a smaller number would go some way to reducing the Labour-bias in the current system and creating a smaller, more efficient parliament.

Nick Clegg will be under enormous pressure from his party to push for PR and if (when!) this is not forthcoming it will lead to disquiet within the Liberal Democrat ranks.

Things will not be easy for DC either; Conservatives will already be smarting from not having secured a majority against the least popular PM in living memory and against a backdrop of economic disaster – this should have been an open goal. The prospect of being in government with the LibDems is not an appealing one – particularly if it hampers the programme of radical changes that we obviously must employ.

The LibDems are against taking immediate action to cut the deficit, whilst at the same time wanting to sustain the highest rate of tax – positions diametrically-opposed to the Conservatives’.

Even if it is possible to sustain some consensus in the short-term, will these odd bedfellows be able to develop a long-term working relationship?

I have enormous faith in our front-bench team, but I greet the creation of a Con-Lib government with some trepidation and I suspect that Labour will be rubbing their hands with glee – they will appoint a new leader, lick their wounds from the opposition benches and regroup waiting for the cracks to appear in the coalition.

One thing is certain – we live in interesting times and Parliament will never be quite the same again!

Houses of Parliament, London

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Nick de Bois’s acceptance speech on winning Enfield North

May 8, 2010 | Category: Politics and Society

This (rather poor quality) video was made by me on the morning of May 7 2010 as Nick made a most gracious speech following the announcement of his 1,700 majority following a very tough election campaign.

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Well done, Nick!

A great day for him, and for Enfield North…

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The bittersweet taste of success…

May 8, 2010 | Category: Politics and Society

Friday 7 May 2010 will stay in my mind for a long time to come…

The euphoria that I felt after learning that Nick de Bois had finally removed Joan Ryan to become the member of parliament for Enfield North – and when it was announced that I had been elected as a councillor for Chase ward – soon subsided when I realised that we had lost control of the council to Labour.

Enfield Council Logo

It is many years since Labour has controlled Enfield and it is disturbing to think that the financial mismanagement and class-oriented social policies employed by them previously may soon be returning to Enfield.

Between 1994 and 2002 Labour drove the council’s finances into the ground and quality of local services was incredibly poor.

Since taking control, the Conservatives have built strong finances and improved services sufficiently to earn four-star status. The result of this election puts all of this at risk.

As councillor for Chase ward, I am determined to protect Chase from the worst excesses of a profligate socialist Labour administration in the Civic Centre and will, in particular, be a vigorous protector of our beautiful green spaces.

We know from previous experience that Labour eyes the open spaces of western Enfield with contempt, determined to build as many tower blocks and council estates as possible – something that is just not in the best interests of our residents.

The Conservative group will fight hard in the coming months and years to prevent that happening, and to ensure that Enfield does not become like Haringey – our crime-ridden, one-star neighbour to the south.

Unfortunately, a huge increase in turnout in the east, coupled with a significant voter registration drive by Labour has put the future of Enfield in jeopardy.

As one of the 26 Conservative councillors that will now form the opposition, I will do everything in my power to contain Labour’s excesses, and to prevent them from destroying the great work that was done by the Conservatives under former leader, Michael Rye.

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