A friend of mines wife has very bad MS so much so she can not walk, he will most probably have to finish work to become her carer. So as some one who has worked since he left school 35 years ago he has paid his National Insurance and taxes with out fail with little or no complaint. His wife needs a lift for the bedroom, invalid toilet and shower facilities, now as someone who paid into an insurance scheme all his life you would think he and his wife would be entitled to this free of charge? OH NO he is means tested this is where they have a look how much money he has in the bank, what property he earns and then they decide how much help he will get. In his case very little he has estimated he will have to get an extra mortgage £300 per month on what he is now paying to cover the extra facilities couple this with the fact that when he has to quit his job his income will fall by 50% his future is not very rosy. Now compare his plight with someone who may live a few streets away in a similar position, this family only worked intermittently over the last 40 years, when then they did have money they spent it on fags, booze, drugs and expensive holidays, they always rented. Now thy have nothing and everything is given to them free, even their rent and council tax is paid for. So my friend has been frugal with his money and saved for a rainy day and this how our government reward him, if he was paying into a Private Insurance scheme would they be allowed to pick and choose who it had to pay out on. Imagine the following “Sorry Mr Smith you have paid tens of thousands of pounds into our insurance but because you earn to much money we will not pay out, instead your money will go to the share holders” If that happened there would be a national outcry yet every day this government Insurance scheme uses MEANS TESTING.
On top of all this it takes months and months for anything to be done, like hospitals if you keep the ill and the elderly waiting long enough they will die and not cost the government a penny. WHAT A COUNTRY
Martin Clarke Sittingbourne
Friday, January 04, 2008
Female Bouncer sues Gay Night Club
This is aprt of an article that appeared in the Daily Mail find below the comment I added on line.
A female bouncer at a gay nightclub was yesterday awarded £6,000 damages in a landmark case after claiming she was bullied by her boss for being heterosexual.
Sharon Legg, a married motherof-four, fought her case under legislation brought in to protect gay, lesbian and bisexual workers from discrimination.
The 33-year-old is believed to be the first heterosexual to sue for harassment under the 2003 law.
At long last the Worm has turned. For to long Homosexuals and lesbians have been given favourable rights above normal people. It is a strange world where a human being who wishes to perform its natural rights i.e. reproduce is ridiculed and insulted. I refer to the term Breeder which is used by the Homosexual community to insult Normal Sexed people. Without us BREEDERS Homosexual would not exist
A female bouncer at a gay nightclub was yesterday awarded £6,000 damages in a landmark case after claiming she was bullied by her boss for being heterosexual.
Sharon Legg, a married motherof-four, fought her case under legislation brought in to protect gay, lesbian and bisexual workers from discrimination.
The 33-year-old is believed to be the first heterosexual to sue for harassment under the 2003 law.
At long last the Worm has turned. For to long Homosexuals and lesbians have been given favourable rights above normal people. It is a strange world where a human being who wishes to perform its natural rights i.e. reproduce is ridiculed and insulted. I refer to the term Breeder which is used by the Homosexual community to insult Normal Sexed people. Without us BREEDERS Homosexual would not exist
£290 Million on Consultants
Everything in this country is falling apart at the sleeves because of lack of money, yet a government department can spend £290 million on Consultants? Read On
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 2nd January 2008
Release date: Immediate
Subject: DEFRA consultants flourish while flood defences are neglected.
SCAP Director, Gordon Henderson, has revealed figures showing that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) spent a massive £290 million on consultants last year, but are planning to slash £270 million from programmes dealing with climate change and the natural environment.
A total of £1.1 billion of DEFRA money has been handed out to advisors since 2002, which is three times the amount the Environment Agency spent on building flood defences last year.
Mr Henderson said:
‘This news comes at a time when the Environment Agency is proposing that over the next century large swathes of our local environment will be allowed to become submerged by water, losing hundreds of acres of arable land.
‘The Medway Estuary and Swale Shoreline Management Plan recommended that almost the whole length of Sheppey’s southern shoreline and much of Sittingbourne’s northern coastline be categorised, in the long term, as “Managed realignment” areas, which in simple terms means that existing flood defences would be allowed to collapse and new ones built further inland.
‘I said at the time of the Plan’s review that the sensible thing to do would be to improve the existing sea defences, however, I was told that this would not be economically viable.
‘Which is why news that DEFRA has wasted so much money on consultants, rather than providing the Environment Agency with funds to better protect our shoreline; is simply adding insult to injury.’
….ends….
Note to Editors:
There are four categories of shoreline protection:-
1) Hold the line, which maintains the existing defence line.
2) Advance the line, which builds new defences seaward of the existing defence line.
3) Managed realignment, which allows the shoreline to change with management to control or limit movement.
4) No active intervention, which means that nothing is done to stop land erosion.
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 2nd January 2008
Release date: Immediate
Subject: DEFRA consultants flourish while flood defences are neglected.
SCAP Director, Gordon Henderson, has revealed figures showing that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) spent a massive £290 million on consultants last year, but are planning to slash £270 million from programmes dealing with climate change and the natural environment.
A total of £1.1 billion of DEFRA money has been handed out to advisors since 2002, which is three times the amount the Environment Agency spent on building flood defences last year.
Mr Henderson said:
‘This news comes at a time when the Environment Agency is proposing that over the next century large swathes of our local environment will be allowed to become submerged by water, losing hundreds of acres of arable land.
‘The Medway Estuary and Swale Shoreline Management Plan recommended that almost the whole length of Sheppey’s southern shoreline and much of Sittingbourne’s northern coastline be categorised, in the long term, as “Managed realignment” areas, which in simple terms means that existing flood defences would be allowed to collapse and new ones built further inland.
‘I said at the time of the Plan’s review that the sensible thing to do would be to improve the existing sea defences, however, I was told that this would not be economically viable.
‘Which is why news that DEFRA has wasted so much money on consultants, rather than providing the Environment Agency with funds to better protect our shoreline; is simply adding insult to injury.’
….ends….
Note to Editors:
There are four categories of shoreline protection:-
1) Hold the line, which maintains the existing defence line.
2) Advance the line, which builds new defences seaward of the existing defence line.
3) Managed realignment, which allows the shoreline to change with management to control or limit movement.
4) No active intervention, which means that nothing is done to stop land erosion.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
I have been Conned by BH Systems
Yes I am sorry to say I have been conned by BH Systems Ltd / Inest.co.uk. I went on to the internet to purchase a Digital Tv Recorder with Twin Freeveiw Tuners at £66.98 I thought I had a bargain. What arrived was Grundig Twin Anoloque Tuner, in a dirty beaten up box with no instructions. This company do not answer there telephone, email or fax so it seems i am stuck with this applainces. It seems I am not the only one to be conned if you go to http://www.unbeatable.co.uk/retailerreviews.asp?id=314577&pid you will see how many others have suffered . So beware
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Brilliant Poles Lazy English
Here we go again Employers telling us how lazy and incompetent we British are and how marvellous the Poles are, that to me translate to GOOD , ANOTHER SOURCE OF CHEAP LABOUR. These economic immigrants have taken ½ million jobs from British Workers (reported recently) and why because they under cut our work force and are prepared to work ridiculously long hours.
Yet in Poland reports are coming in that people queue at shops because there is no one to serve them, tradesman (if you can call them that) are an endangered species. Everyone realises that Poland has just come out of Communism but if the people of Britain had not worked after the last war to rebuild our nation where would be now. I suggest that all Poles return home and rebuild their beautiful neglected country and stop being used by that Greedy Nose in the Trough employers who are using you, the same employers who pushing low paid British Nationals into poverty.
I was recently told a Large Fruit Farmer inn my area was getting fed up with his Polish workers because they want the same money and conditions of work as British Subjects, plus they want managerial positions. So our Farmer is now looking for cheaper labour maybe the Albanians? After they want parity he can go on to local children I expect they would be even cheaper.
The latest from this farm was the polish fruit Picker who wanted job as a lorry driver, the Farmer said if he can get a license he would have a job obviously at a much lower wage. The Pole went home to Poland for a week he returned with a license to drive any lorry of any size and weight
Yet in Poland reports are coming in that people queue at shops because there is no one to serve them, tradesman (if you can call them that) are an endangered species. Everyone realises that Poland has just come out of Communism but if the people of Britain had not worked after the last war to rebuild our nation where would be now. I suggest that all Poles return home and rebuild their beautiful neglected country and stop being used by that Greedy Nose in the Trough employers who are using you, the same employers who pushing low paid British Nationals into poverty.
I was recently told a Large Fruit Farmer inn my area was getting fed up with his Polish workers because they want the same money and conditions of work as British Subjects, plus they want managerial positions. So our Farmer is now looking for cheaper labour maybe the Albanians? After they want parity he can go on to local children I expect they would be even cheaper.
The latest from this farm was the polish fruit Picker who wanted job as a lorry driver, the Farmer said if he can get a license he would have a job obviously at a much lower wage. The Pole went home to Poland for a week he returned with a license to drive any lorry of any size and weight
Monday, December 17, 2007
Give Criminals A break
PRESS RELEASE
Gordon Henderson
Date: 16th December 2007
Release date: Immediate
Subject: Labour giving criminals a break – as they walk free from local prisons.
New analysis of Government statistics has revealed that 1233 criminals have been let out of prison before finishing their sentences across the South East of England since June, under Labour’s controversial new early release scheme. This figure includes 117 prisoners who have been let out early from Elmley and 190 from Stanford Hill.
Across the country, 11,000 criminals have already walked out of prison early under the ‘end of custody licence’ system, with an estimated 25,500 criminals to be let out over a full year. They include violent offenders and foreign nationals convicted of serious offences. The scheme was introduced because a shortage in prison places, thanks to a funding crisis caused by Gordon Brown.
Labour Ministers are now planning a new sentencing quango, which would, for the first time, link sentences to prison capacity, so that when jails are full, criminals could receive shorter sentences or not be sent to prison at all.
Gordon Henderson said:
‘By definition, being sent to prison means someone has committed a serious offence. Yet Labour is giving criminals a break, by setting them free early, some of whom will re-offend almost immediately.
‘Serious crimes should be punished by a prison sentence, not least to protect the public. It is no wonder that violent crime has doubled under this Government when Gordon Brown is giving the culprits a “get out of jail” card this Christmas. This is fundamentally wrong. Sentences should fit the crime, not this week’s prison capacity.’
Conservatives are calling for:
· An immediate halt to the early release scheme, and the introduction of an emergency prison places programme using the savings from scrapping the flawed Identity Card scheme.
· Doubling the sentencing powers of magistrates to 12 months and repealing any new restrictions on their ability to hand down suspended sentences.
· Honesty in sentencing so that convicted criminals serve the minimum sentence handed down to them by the courts.
· Sufficient prison capacity to hold all those sentenced by the courts – and reforming prison regimes to break the cycle of re-offending.
Notes to Editors
LABOUR Giving criminals a break
The Government is trying to deal with the continuing shortfall in prison places by watering down sentences and attempting to restrict the ability of courts to send offenders to prison.
· The Criminal Justice & Immigration Bill, currently before the House of Commons, ends magistrates’ powers to impose a suspended sentence, and limits the period served in custody by offenders who breach their licence conditions to just 28 days.
· The Government plans to restrict the use of its flagship Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection Sentence for Public Protection (IPP). There will be a minimum tariff of two years below which Judges will no longer be able be impose an IPP. This would affect half the cases in which IPPs are currently imposed for threats to kill, arson, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, and most cases of sexual assault on a child under 13. The whole point of these sentences was to protect the public, ensuring that offenders could not be released until they were judged no longer to be a threat. Now they will be released automatically.
· A new Sentencing Commission will, for the first time, link sentences to resources, so that when jails are full, criminals could receive shorter sentences or not be sent to prison at all.
· It appears that the End of Custody Licence scheme, under which 11,000 offenders have already been released from jail 18 days early, will now continue indefinitely – even though it was meant to be a temporary measure. The Government expects to release 25,500 offenders early in a single year.
LOCAL FIGURES
The Government has published figures showing the number of criminals that have been let out of prison early, under the Government’s early release scheme. The figures below show the number let out from June to October.
Source: Ministry of Justice, End of Custody Licence Statistics, December 2007.
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/endofcustodylicence.htm
Gordon Henderson
Date: 16th December 2007
Release date: Immediate
Subject: Labour giving criminals a break – as they walk free from local prisons.
New analysis of Government statistics has revealed that 1233 criminals have been let out of prison before finishing their sentences across the South East of England since June, under Labour’s controversial new early release scheme. This figure includes 117 prisoners who have been let out early from Elmley and 190 from Stanford Hill.
Across the country, 11,000 criminals have already walked out of prison early under the ‘end of custody licence’ system, with an estimated 25,500 criminals to be let out over a full year. They include violent offenders and foreign nationals convicted of serious offences. The scheme was introduced because a shortage in prison places, thanks to a funding crisis caused by Gordon Brown.
Labour Ministers are now planning a new sentencing quango, which would, for the first time, link sentences to prison capacity, so that when jails are full, criminals could receive shorter sentences or not be sent to prison at all.
Gordon Henderson said:
‘By definition, being sent to prison means someone has committed a serious offence. Yet Labour is giving criminals a break, by setting them free early, some of whom will re-offend almost immediately.
‘Serious crimes should be punished by a prison sentence, not least to protect the public. It is no wonder that violent crime has doubled under this Government when Gordon Brown is giving the culprits a “get out of jail” card this Christmas. This is fundamentally wrong. Sentences should fit the crime, not this week’s prison capacity.’
Conservatives are calling for:
· An immediate halt to the early release scheme, and the introduction of an emergency prison places programme using the savings from scrapping the flawed Identity Card scheme.
· Doubling the sentencing powers of magistrates to 12 months and repealing any new restrictions on their ability to hand down suspended sentences.
· Honesty in sentencing so that convicted criminals serve the minimum sentence handed down to them by the courts.
· Sufficient prison capacity to hold all those sentenced by the courts – and reforming prison regimes to break the cycle of re-offending.
Notes to Editors
LABOUR Giving criminals a break
The Government is trying to deal with the continuing shortfall in prison places by watering down sentences and attempting to restrict the ability of courts to send offenders to prison.
· The Criminal Justice & Immigration Bill, currently before the House of Commons, ends magistrates’ powers to impose a suspended sentence, and limits the period served in custody by offenders who breach their licence conditions to just 28 days.
· The Government plans to restrict the use of its flagship Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection Sentence for Public Protection (IPP). There will be a minimum tariff of two years below which Judges will no longer be able be impose an IPP. This would affect half the cases in which IPPs are currently imposed for threats to kill, arson, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, and most cases of sexual assault on a child under 13. The whole point of these sentences was to protect the public, ensuring that offenders could not be released until they were judged no longer to be a threat. Now they will be released automatically.
· A new Sentencing Commission will, for the first time, link sentences to resources, so that when jails are full, criminals could receive shorter sentences or not be sent to prison at all.
· It appears that the End of Custody Licence scheme, under which 11,000 offenders have already been released from jail 18 days early, will now continue indefinitely – even though it was meant to be a temporary measure. The Government expects to release 25,500 offenders early in a single year.
LOCAL FIGURES
The Government has published figures showing the number of criminals that have been let out of prison early, under the Government’s early release scheme. The figures below show the number let out from June to October.
Source: Ministry of Justice, End of Custody Licence Statistics, December 2007.
http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/endofcustodylicence.htm
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Kent Police Spend money on Newsletter
I have just received very well produced and expensive booklet entitled “Policing Kent” which features smiling Police Officers, information on Police Station Opening Times (yes Police Station have shop opening hours, because most crimes happen in those hours?)how well the Police are doing their job and of course we all know that GB and Kent is a very safe place in the World to live!!!!. There is a special telephone line for Homophobic crime and one for racial crime, presumably if a crime is committed against these two groups of people it is more serious then if a crime is committed against the rest of us?
With regard to the new PCSO I was under the impression that this was Policing on the cheap but I am told this not the case, according to a PCSO web site in the West Midlands their wages are £19,000 per annum compared with a new PC at £21,000 so it just a saving of £2,000 so why not train these people up to be proper Police Officer? Once again I have got it wrong I am told that Kent have their quota of Police Officers as they have to keep within their budget OK but where does the money come for the PCSO’s.? Listening to PCSO’s on various chat shows most want to become Police Officers and find being a PCSO is a way in through the back door.
The public are continually being told that the Police do not have the resources yet they can spend tens of thousands of pounds on a glossy magazine, the British Public have lost all faith in the Police and the Judicial system in this country what we want is better policing, the capture of criminals who are put away for some considerable time. I recently had a motor cycle stolen I reported the crime and was given my crime number, I then had a follow up call giving me the number of victims support and then was asked if I would help with a survey. Yet what I wanted was a Police Officer to come and see me and make some effort to catch the little toe rags who nicked my bike, needless to say I never saw a Police Officer mind you I should have told them I was an ethnic homosexual I most probably I would have a dozen round.
To finalise I would like to ask the Chief Constable through your newspaper whether the following is true That before investigating any crime Police Officer have to make a RISK ASSESMENT before they respond to the crime and if the risk is to great they do not respond? Hopefully this is one of those silly rumours. Can you imagine the scenario if this is true> An emergency call comes in that a big fight has started in the Town Centre, the Police then quickly have a meeting to work out a Risk Assessment. For this they will need a detailed map of the area, looking out for obstacles which could cause them injuries i.e. steps, wet pavements, lampposts, cars, etc they then have to evaluate how many personnel are needed for the incident, for this they must consultant the various guideline which are laid down by Senior Officers finally they then must write out a report which each officers must sign ¾ hour later they have left for the incident which has now finished but they make themselves available to the ambulance personnel who picking up the injured. Alternatively they say NO to the call as they do not have enough Officers to meet the Risk Assessment Guidelines.
Martin Clarke Sittingbourne Kent
With regard to the new PCSO I was under the impression that this was Policing on the cheap but I am told this not the case, according to a PCSO web site in the West Midlands their wages are £19,000 per annum compared with a new PC at £21,000 so it just a saving of £2,000 so why not train these people up to be proper Police Officer? Once again I have got it wrong I am told that Kent have their quota of Police Officers as they have to keep within their budget OK but where does the money come for the PCSO’s.? Listening to PCSO’s on various chat shows most want to become Police Officers and find being a PCSO is a way in through the back door.
The public are continually being told that the Police do not have the resources yet they can spend tens of thousands of pounds on a glossy magazine, the British Public have lost all faith in the Police and the Judicial system in this country what we want is better policing, the capture of criminals who are put away for some considerable time. I recently had a motor cycle stolen I reported the crime and was given my crime number, I then had a follow up call giving me the number of victims support and then was asked if I would help with a survey. Yet what I wanted was a Police Officer to come and see me and make some effort to catch the little toe rags who nicked my bike, needless to say I never saw a Police Officer mind you I should have told them I was an ethnic homosexual I most probably I would have a dozen round.
To finalise I would like to ask the Chief Constable through your newspaper whether the following is true That before investigating any crime Police Officer have to make a RISK ASSESMENT before they respond to the crime and if the risk is to great they do not respond? Hopefully this is one of those silly rumours. Can you imagine the scenario if this is true> An emergency call comes in that a big fight has started in the Town Centre, the Police then quickly have a meeting to work out a Risk Assessment. For this they will need a detailed map of the area, looking out for obstacles which could cause them injuries i.e. steps, wet pavements, lampposts, cars, etc they then have to evaluate how many personnel are needed for the incident, for this they must consultant the various guideline which are laid down by Senior Officers finally they then must write out a report which each officers must sign ¾ hour later they have left for the incident which has now finished but they make themselves available to the ambulance personnel who picking up the injured. Alternatively they say NO to the call as they do not have enough Officers to meet the Risk Assessment Guidelines.
Martin Clarke Sittingbourne Kent
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
RAIL FARES GO THROUGH THE ROOF
2008 PRICE HIKES FROM 7.75% to 11.75%
GRAVESEND TO ST PANCRAS FARE ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF 30%
70-90 PASSENGERS PER CARRIAGE FROM 2009
INCREASED JOURNEY TIMES FOR CANNON ST / VICTORIA
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SIGNED BOTH PETITIONS:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/northkenttrains/
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/KeepCannonSt/
29 November 2007
Thanks to all you commuters who have given your overwhelming support to our campaign. We have had a great response from our fellow passengers, and interest from local press and councillors. We have contacted Southeastern in search of accurate information for you, and will be contacting the unions as well.
As mentioned in our last newsletter (App. 1: Mike Gibson's letter), the specifications on which the franchise was put out to tender are being reviewed. Sadly this doesn't mean we will be renationalised, but it does mean a review of the 2009 timetable - so now is the time to make your voice heard. Get everyone you can to support our petitions (please sign both!). Also write to Southeastern (mike.gibson@southeasternrailway.co.uk), your local MP (addresses below, as before), councillors and the local press.
Ask the following questions which we all, as fare paying passengers and tax paying citizens, want answered:
What is the frequency of commuter trains to Cannon Street and Victoria FROM 2009 (number and exact times)?
Southeastern declared for December 2009 (no mention of what happens going forward) 4 per peak period to Cannon St (2 from Faversham and 2 from Broadstairs) and 6 per peak period to Victoria.
What is the number of first and second class passengers per service compared to number of first and second class seats that will be provided?
Southeastern are proposing to have at least 90 passengers per carriage per train on the Cannon Street service and 70 on Victoria trains - and this is if each train has 12 carriages.
How many additional stops will each train make?
Southeastern admit to at least two, but we have been told it will be Longfield, Meopham and Swanley.
What is the proposed increase to current journey times for Victoria and Cannon St? Southeastern admit journey times "do take a bit longer" - probably long enough to force us all onto the St Pancras service.
Exactly what are the proposed fare increases for 2008 - 2011 per year, not the average, but the exact figure?
See table below for 2008 proposals - 7.81-11.75%!!. Southeastern call it fare increases, but in our view these are tantamount to theft. Our mate Purple Mike at Southeastern completely ignored my question on fares. We know it will be "an average of inflation plus 3%", however 11.75% for some stations is currently under that neat little umbrella! We believe Southeastern to be 'abusing its position of dominance', which is strictly prohibited under the Competition Act 1988 (the Chapter II, Prohibition).
Kent is desperately trying to attract more London workers - how will it do this with overcrowded trains, year on year double figure price rises and an ever slower commute?
Mike Gibson, (aka Purple Mike) Southeastern's Public Affairs Manager, emailed me on 9 November and said Southeastern do not want "misleading information being circulated amongst out passengers" (sic), but then proceeded to provide me with information which I very much believe to be misleading, and refused to answer some questions. See italicised information above for the main points in his e-mail. Also I am quite concerned that the information was "for 2009" - which does seem something of a play on words, is it only for December 09, will even this paltry service be phased out beyond that date?
Purple Mike finished his letter with the statement "I quite understand your wish for improved rail services and this is a goal we both share, however, I am sure you would want rail users to have the facts." I most certainly do want passengers to have the facts, and when he provides the answers to the questions I asked, rather than the answers he deigns to give, I will circulate them instantly. Our team will keep on asking until we get the answers.
We need your help - sign the petition, write to Southeastern and to your MP.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT, FUNDED BY PUBLIC SUBSIDIES.
THE INFORMATION SHOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN
Just in case you are dithering over whether it is worth making the effort, you should be aware that from December 2009 you will very likely need a travelcard to get from Stratford / St Pancras to your destination. If price hikes are similar to 2008's increase (and prior years' hikes do suggest a pattern of ever increasing rises) the true rise from a "London Terminals season ticket" to a Travelcard will be 26%. The proposed addition, we understand, for the Gravesend to St Pancras leg of the journey is 30%.
GRAVESEND TO ST PANCRAS FARE ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF 30%
70-90 PASSENGERS PER CARRIAGE FROM 2009
INCREASED JOURNEY TIMES FOR CANNON ST / VICTORIA
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SIGNED BOTH PETITIONS:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/northkenttrains/
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/KeepCannonSt/
29 November 2007
Thanks to all you commuters who have given your overwhelming support to our campaign. We have had a great response from our fellow passengers, and interest from local press and councillors. We have contacted Southeastern in search of accurate information for you, and will be contacting the unions as well.
As mentioned in our last newsletter (App. 1: Mike Gibson's letter), the specifications on which the franchise was put out to tender are being reviewed. Sadly this doesn't mean we will be renationalised, but it does mean a review of the 2009 timetable - so now is the time to make your voice heard. Get everyone you can to support our petitions (please sign both!). Also write to Southeastern (mike.gibson@southeasternrailway.co.uk), your local MP (addresses below, as before), councillors and the local press.
Ask the following questions which we all, as fare paying passengers and tax paying citizens, want answered:
What is the frequency of commuter trains to Cannon Street and Victoria FROM 2009 (number and exact times)?
Southeastern declared for December 2009 (no mention of what happens going forward) 4 per peak period to Cannon St (2 from Faversham and 2 from Broadstairs) and 6 per peak period to Victoria.
What is the number of first and second class passengers per service compared to number of first and second class seats that will be provided?
Southeastern are proposing to have at least 90 passengers per carriage per train on the Cannon Street service and 70 on Victoria trains - and this is if each train has 12 carriages.
How many additional stops will each train make?
Southeastern admit to at least two, but we have been told it will be Longfield, Meopham and Swanley.
What is the proposed increase to current journey times for Victoria and Cannon St? Southeastern admit journey times "do take a bit longer" - probably long enough to force us all onto the St Pancras service.
Exactly what are the proposed fare increases for 2008 - 2011 per year, not the average, but the exact figure?
See table below for 2008 proposals - 7.81-11.75%!!. Southeastern call it fare increases, but in our view these are tantamount to theft. Our mate Purple Mike at Southeastern completely ignored my question on fares. We know it will be "an average of inflation plus 3%", however 11.75% for some stations is currently under that neat little umbrella! We believe Southeastern to be 'abusing its position of dominance', which is strictly prohibited under the Competition Act 1988 (the Chapter II, Prohibition).
Kent is desperately trying to attract more London workers - how will it do this with overcrowded trains, year on year double figure price rises and an ever slower commute?
Mike Gibson, (aka Purple Mike) Southeastern's Public Affairs Manager, emailed me on 9 November and said Southeastern do not want "misleading information being circulated amongst out passengers" (sic), but then proceeded to provide me with information which I very much believe to be misleading, and refused to answer some questions. See italicised information above for the main points in his e-mail. Also I am quite concerned that the information was "for 2009" - which does seem something of a play on words, is it only for December 09, will even this paltry service be phased out beyond that date?
Purple Mike finished his letter with the statement "I quite understand your wish for improved rail services and this is a goal we both share, however, I am sure you would want rail users to have the facts." I most certainly do want passengers to have the facts, and when he provides the answers to the questions I asked, rather than the answers he deigns to give, I will circulate them instantly. Our team will keep on asking until we get the answers.
We need your help - sign the petition, write to Southeastern and to your MP.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT, FUNDED BY PUBLIC SUBSIDIES.
THE INFORMATION SHOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN
Just in case you are dithering over whether it is worth making the effort, you should be aware that from December 2009 you will very likely need a travelcard to get from Stratford / St Pancras to your destination. If price hikes are similar to 2008's increase (and prior years' hikes do suggest a pattern of ever increasing rises) the true rise from a "London Terminals season ticket" to a Travelcard will be 26%. The proposed addition, we understand, for the Gravesend to St Pancras leg of the journey is 30%.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Bank refuses to honour Cheque Card
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 22nd November 2007
Release date: Immediate
Subject: Gordon Henderson calls for truth over data disc scandal
LOCAL Tory Parliamentary Candidate, Gordon Henderson, has called on the Government to tell the truth about the loss of two computer discs containing the private and personal details, including bank account details, of thousands of local people who claim benefits.
The discs were sent by unrecorded post from the Tyneside office of HM Revenue and Customs to the National Audit Office in London.
Gordon said:
‘This scandalous and incompetent act will have left many local people concerned about having their identities stolen and their bank accounts accessed.
‘It’s all very well the Government saying that people have nothing to fear, because bank accounts are covered by the Banking Code, but sometimes that code is worthless. For instance I know of shops that have had cheques bounce despite being supported by a bank guarantee card.
‘The banks refused to honour the cheques using the argument that although the signature on the cheque was identical to that on the bank card, both signatures were different to the signature held by the bank. When it was pointed out that the shops didn’t have access to the correct signature, so wouldn’t know that both were forgeries, the banks brushed this logic aside and still refused to pay up! How do we know some banks won’t use a similar get out clause on this occasion? How easy will it be for people to prove that they have been caught up in this scandal?
‘More to the point, how on earth can we trust the reassurances of a Government that refuses to tell the truth about this fiasco? On Tuesday the Chancellor told the House of Commons that the delay in announcing the lost discs was so that banks could put in place security procedures. Now the banks are saying that they did not ask for a delay, indeed, it now transpires that the banks only found out about the loss last Friday and were given until Monday to sort it out. That doesn’t fill me with confidence that the accounts of local people will be properly protected if those discs fall into the wrong hands.
‘We now know that two more discs were lost in the post a few weeks ago. Those discs contained National Insurance numbers. The Government needs to tell the truth about exactly how many people are affected by the loss of those discs.’
….ends….
Date: 22nd November 2007
Release date: Immediate
Subject: Gordon Henderson calls for truth over data disc scandal
LOCAL Tory Parliamentary Candidate, Gordon Henderson, has called on the Government to tell the truth about the loss of two computer discs containing the private and personal details, including bank account details, of thousands of local people who claim benefits.
The discs were sent by unrecorded post from the Tyneside office of HM Revenue and Customs to the National Audit Office in London.
Gordon said:
‘This scandalous and incompetent act will have left many local people concerned about having their identities stolen and their bank accounts accessed.
‘It’s all very well the Government saying that people have nothing to fear, because bank accounts are covered by the Banking Code, but sometimes that code is worthless. For instance I know of shops that have had cheques bounce despite being supported by a bank guarantee card.
‘The banks refused to honour the cheques using the argument that although the signature on the cheque was identical to that on the bank card, both signatures were different to the signature held by the bank. When it was pointed out that the shops didn’t have access to the correct signature, so wouldn’t know that both were forgeries, the banks brushed this logic aside and still refused to pay up! How do we know some banks won’t use a similar get out clause on this occasion? How easy will it be for people to prove that they have been caught up in this scandal?
‘More to the point, how on earth can we trust the reassurances of a Government that refuses to tell the truth about this fiasco? On Tuesday the Chancellor told the House of Commons that the delay in announcing the lost discs was so that banks could put in place security procedures. Now the banks are saying that they did not ask for a delay, indeed, it now transpires that the banks only found out about the loss last Friday and were given until Monday to sort it out. That doesn’t fill me with confidence that the accounts of local people will be properly protected if those discs fall into the wrong hands.
‘We now know that two more discs were lost in the post a few weeks ago. Those discs contained National Insurance numbers. The Government needs to tell the truth about exactly how many people are affected by the loss of those discs.’
….ends….
Sunday, November 18, 2007
PC Update
Dear Supporter
A few things PC...and details of Lord Tebbit's important speech on Political Correctness...
PC...
1. A mother in Derbyshire received a letter from her daughter's school telling her to retract her "racist" comments for telling a little girl not to chew on a dark-skinned doll as it was dirty - it had been dropped on the floor and was covered in mud!
2. Veterans were banned from selling poppies in a WH Smith in Bristol by the manager - thankfully this decision was later overturned by senior managers.
3. The Mayor in Chepstow asked soldiers of the Rifles regiment to lay down their guns before marching in the Remembrance Day Parade. Angry veterans said this was ridiculous and the President of the local British Legion said, "The regiment is called the Rifles and rifles are an important part of their uniform....it's like asking the tank regiment to march past on parade without their tanks."
4. Bluewater Shopping Centre has apparently ordered their santas to slim down because they say "Santa Claus is a role model to thousands of children" and that he should be a "responsible icon".
A bit better...
1. The Chief Executive of the Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents said "small-minded bureaucrats" were undermining genuine advances in health and safety in their attempts to wrap children up in cotton wool. He went on to say, "We need to prepare our children for a complex, dangerous world in which healthy robust activity is more a national need than ever before".
2. Sir Norman Bettison, the head of West Yorkshire Police, said the "elevated and authoritative status" of health and safety often resulted in it being easier for the police to do nothing in a crisis. He also said, "The armchair perfection of the health and safety Taliban is intent on creating doubt where there was once certainty."
And finally...
Norman Tebbit has kindly agreed to speak to our meeting next Tuesday (20th November 2007) at The Strand Palace Hotel on The Strand (surprise surprise!). This should be a great meeting as many politicians shy away from taking on the subject of Political Correctness - which makes it all the more refreshing when they do. This will be a very important occasion in the battle against PC! A flyer with further details should be attached or you can find out more on the following link:
http://www.capc.co.uk/lord_tebbit_event.htm
The price of £45 includes your free copy of the Second PC Scrapbook worth £8.99 (as soon as it is published) and unlimited wine! If you have a group who want to go please get in touch with us and we will see if we can give you a group discount.
Please keep sending us your examples of Political Correctness at any time - the more information we have the better!
Cheers.
Yours sincerely
Laura Midgley
Co-Founder of the Campaign Against Political Correctness
www.capc.co.uk
"The Second Politically Correct Scrapbook" out soon - pre-order your copy now!!Please click this link for further details - http://www.capc.co.uk/PC%20_Scrapbook_Main.htm
A few things PC...and details of Lord Tebbit's important speech on Political Correctness...
PC...
1. A mother in Derbyshire received a letter from her daughter's school telling her to retract her "racist" comments for telling a little girl not to chew on a dark-skinned doll as it was dirty - it had been dropped on the floor and was covered in mud!
2. Veterans were banned from selling poppies in a WH Smith in Bristol by the manager - thankfully this decision was later overturned by senior managers.
3. The Mayor in Chepstow asked soldiers of the Rifles regiment to lay down their guns before marching in the Remembrance Day Parade. Angry veterans said this was ridiculous and the President of the local British Legion said, "The regiment is called the Rifles and rifles are an important part of their uniform....it's like asking the tank regiment to march past on parade without their tanks."
4. Bluewater Shopping Centre has apparently ordered their santas to slim down because they say "Santa Claus is a role model to thousands of children" and that he should be a "responsible icon".
A bit better...
1. The Chief Executive of the Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents said "small-minded bureaucrats" were undermining genuine advances in health and safety in their attempts to wrap children up in cotton wool. He went on to say, "We need to prepare our children for a complex, dangerous world in which healthy robust activity is more a national need than ever before".
2. Sir Norman Bettison, the head of West Yorkshire Police, said the "elevated and authoritative status" of health and safety often resulted in it being easier for the police to do nothing in a crisis. He also said, "The armchair perfection of the health and safety Taliban is intent on creating doubt where there was once certainty."
And finally...
Norman Tebbit has kindly agreed to speak to our meeting next Tuesday (20th November 2007) at The Strand Palace Hotel on The Strand (surprise surprise!). This should be a great meeting as many politicians shy away from taking on the subject of Political Correctness - which makes it all the more refreshing when they do. This will be a very important occasion in the battle against PC! A flyer with further details should be attached or you can find out more on the following link:
http://www.capc.co.uk/lord_tebbit_event.htm
The price of £45 includes your free copy of the Second PC Scrapbook worth £8.99 (as soon as it is published) and unlimited wine! If you have a group who want to go please get in touch with us and we will see if we can give you a group discount.
Please keep sending us your examples of Political Correctness at any time - the more information we have the better!
Cheers.
Yours sincerely
Laura Midgley
Co-Founder of the Campaign Against Political Correctness
www.capc.co.uk
"The Second Politically Correct Scrapbook" out soon - pre-order your copy now!!Please click this link for further details - http://www.capc.co.uk/PC%20_Scrapbook_Main.htm
Monday, October 22, 2007
IS MR COMMON SENSE DEAD?
London Times Obituary of the late Mr. Common Sense - Thursday, 15 Feb 2007Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who hasbeen with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since hisbirth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will beremembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:Knowing when to come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm;Life isn't always fair; and maybe it was my fault.Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend morethan you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are incharge).His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned butoverbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boycharged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended fromschool for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimandingan unruly student, only worsened his condition..Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the jobthat they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consentto administer sun lotion or an Elastoplast to a student; but could notinform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have anabortion.Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments becamecontraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received bettertreatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn'tdefend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sueyou for assault.Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed torealise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in herlap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; hiswife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He issurvived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, SomeoneElse Is To Blame, and I'm A Victim.Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone. If youstill remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.And a little extra...Can you imagine working for a company that has a little more than 600employees and has the following statistics?29 have been accused of spouse abuse7 have been arrested for fraud19 have been accused of writing bad cheques117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses3 have done time for assault71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit4 have been arrested on drug-related charges8 have been arrested for shoplifting21 are currently defendants in lawsuits84 have been arrested for drink driving in the last yearWhich organisation is this?It's the 635 members of The House of Commons, the same group that cranks outhundreds of new laws each year designed to keep the rest of us in line.
The Royals v Gordon Brown
Over the past few days we have seen how the Royal Family have got involved in the workings of the people of Great Britain, first we had the Princes William and Harry supporting the England Rugby team in a very active way, when the match had finished they went round to the Hotel joined in the party with the players and their families. These two Princes are definitely British Princes, while they were doing their bit at the Rugby their Father Prince Charles was honouring Territorial Army soldiers who served in Iraq s in the grounds of his private Scottish home. They were members of the 51st Highland, 7th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland; He wanted to personally thank them for their efforts during a recent tour of duty in Iraq.
Compare this with our Prime Minister Gordon Brown who was signing up to the European Treaty, do we British get a say in the destruction of Nation? Brown maybe a European Patriot but one thing for sure he is a Traitor to the British people. It was reported after the EU meeting he enjoyed a few celebrity drinks withal his European friends, did he have drinks with the Rugby lads and has he organised a parade for our returning Armed Forces NO
Martin Clarke Sittingbourne
Compare this with our Prime Minister Gordon Brown who was signing up to the European Treaty, do we British get a say in the destruction of Nation? Brown maybe a European Patriot but one thing for sure he is a Traitor to the British people. It was reported after the EU meeting he enjoyed a few celebrity drinks withal his European friends, did he have drinks with the Rugby lads and has he organised a parade for our returning Armed Forces NO
Martin Clarke Sittingbourne
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Bruges Group
The EU Constitution:Context and PredictionsRevisiting predictions on the fate of the EU Constitution
Two years ago the Bruges Group predicted the path of the EU treaty and warned of the consequences of railroading integration on Britain. Now the Bruges Group looks at what will happen next. And how Britain can finally resolve the EU question and become a good neighbour to the continent, rather than being an overcharged lodger.
We predicted in early 2005 that the EU Constitution would;
fail somewhere in a referendum(France and the Netherlands voted No. Britain would have certainly done the same)
the rejection of the Constitution would provoke a panic in Brussels(EU leaders did not know what to do next, EU Commission Vice-President, Margot Wallström, even moved onto Plan D)
this panic would create the opportunity for Britain to rethink our terms of EU membership(This however was missed and the EU stumbled on)
a failure to change our membership would mean the original plan would go back onto the table, and the breakup of the EU would become inevitable(The federalists only idea was to re-submit the same old tired Constitution, just under a new name)
What happens next and why a vote is inevitable
Brown under pressureThe Prime Minister has found himself stuck in the middle between the masses of people demanding a referendum on the Treaty and the Europhiles that are floating the idea of holding a vote on our very membership of the EU.The inevitability of a referendumA referendum, sooner or later, is inevitable and long overdue. The British public will not sit idly by as they see a referendum on the revived and renamed EU Constitution taking place in Ireland. They will not forgive the Labour Party for breaking its 2005 election manifesto.After the fiasco of the election that never was, Brown cannot afford to duck the will of the British people yet again.It is just a matter of what the final question will be.More wasting of taxpayers moneyWe can expect the Government will restart is costly, yet futile, roadshow to convince us of the ‘benefits’ of EU membership without actually naming any.The European Commission will also spend more of our money on propaganda in a vain attempt to make us support the Reform Treaty. We can be sure that some of this propaganda money will come from the European People’s Party which the Conservatives in the European Parliament are members of.The opportunity of the revived EU ConstitutionA vote rejecting EU integration in the UK will open up the prospect of new opportunities for Britain including a new arrangement of free trade and friendship, replacing burdensome regulation and the constant antagonism caused by Britain’s reluctance to submit itself fully to the federalist project.These opportunities were acknowledged by the very drafters of the EU Constitution itself. Article 7a, the Good Neighbour clause, of the draft Reform Treaty would allow Britain, if it were to leave the EU's political control, to enjoy a special relationship with the EU, where the UK can remain outside of the political structures, but still enjoy good working relations. This will give Britain free trade with the European Union. There is no reason why we cannot aim for such a relationship once the Treaty is rejected.This ‘good neighbour’ arrangement is clearly therefore an achievable objective, replacing our existing terms of membership.EU expert Dr Lee Rotherham says,“You don’t have to be Mystic Meg to predict a stormy 6 months for Gordon Brown. The question really is whether the Captain will follow his policy to the bottom of Davy Jones’ Locker, and whether David Cameron seizes the opportunity to steer a bold new course in Britain’s dealings with Europe.”Robert Oulds, Director of the Bruges Group, says,“Blair will be remembered as the man that failed to make the British public love the EU as he did and, above all, he ran from the challenge of the Eurosceptics and failed to even hold a referendum on the euro.“Unless Brown holds a referendum his legacy will also be one of cowardice, not courage, on the question of Europe.“If Brown fails to let the British public have their say he will also go down as the man that sunk Britain’s membership by pushing the people too far without their consent.”
Powers that Britain must reclaim
Once there has been reform at home by affirming the Primacy of Parliament over EU law, striking out the parts of the acquis communautaire that do not suit Britain. And after an official inquiry into the costs of EU membership has reported on the price we are paying; Britain can replace our current membership with the ‘good neighbour’ status.Below is a list of minimum demands that would be needed to make the 'good neighbour’ relationship work.
Repatriate CAP to national control. Reforms to be undertaken at national level
Repatriate CFP. Local community management
Restore Social Chapter opt-out
Remove Employment and Social Affairs from the arrangement
Repatriate all of International Development, and link with good governance
Remove Defence and intergovernmental affairs from the agreement; cut Commission representation; cut UK funding for Galileo; remove WEU from any EU agreement
End regional aid: budget saved to be restored to exchequers
Cut R&D funding or withdraw from UK participation and funding
UK to represent itself internationally unless we request otherwise. Option to join NAFTA subject only to anti-dumping talks with EU
Tax harmonisation to end. Britain allowed to set own tax rates, including ending VAT
Education and Culture to go to Council of Europe (a non-EU institution) with budget line
Health and Consumer Protection to be scaled back vastly
Stop the ability of the ECJ and the Commission to govern Britain
Justice and Home Affairs to be taken away from the EU and discussed at a broader level of intergovernmentalism
All remaining competences to see the restoration of the veto
Click here to read the original Bruges Group paper from early 2005 on where Britain should go next and the mechanics for changing the UK’s relationship with the EU
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For further information contact:Robert OuldsDirectorThe Bruges Group227 Linen Hall, 162-168 Regent Street, London W1B 5TBUKTel: +44(0) 20 7287 4414Mobile: 07740 029787E-mail: info@brugesgroup.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you do not wish to receive these news-bulletins please send an e-mail to:unsubscribe@brugesgroup.comPlease write unsubscribe in the subject heading
Two years ago the Bruges Group predicted the path of the EU treaty and warned of the consequences of railroading integration on Britain. Now the Bruges Group looks at what will happen next. And how Britain can finally resolve the EU question and become a good neighbour to the continent, rather than being an overcharged lodger.
We predicted in early 2005 that the EU Constitution would;
fail somewhere in a referendum(France and the Netherlands voted No. Britain would have certainly done the same)
the rejection of the Constitution would provoke a panic in Brussels(EU leaders did not know what to do next, EU Commission Vice-President, Margot Wallström, even moved onto Plan D)
this panic would create the opportunity for Britain to rethink our terms of EU membership(This however was missed and the EU stumbled on)
a failure to change our membership would mean the original plan would go back onto the table, and the breakup of the EU would become inevitable(The federalists only idea was to re-submit the same old tired Constitution, just under a new name)
What happens next and why a vote is inevitable
Brown under pressureThe Prime Minister has found himself stuck in the middle between the masses of people demanding a referendum on the Treaty and the Europhiles that are floating the idea of holding a vote on our very membership of the EU.The inevitability of a referendumA referendum, sooner or later, is inevitable and long overdue. The British public will not sit idly by as they see a referendum on the revived and renamed EU Constitution taking place in Ireland. They will not forgive the Labour Party for breaking its 2005 election manifesto.After the fiasco of the election that never was, Brown cannot afford to duck the will of the British people yet again.It is just a matter of what the final question will be.More wasting of taxpayers moneyWe can expect the Government will restart is costly, yet futile, roadshow to convince us of the ‘benefits’ of EU membership without actually naming any.The European Commission will also spend more of our money on propaganda in a vain attempt to make us support the Reform Treaty. We can be sure that some of this propaganda money will come from the European People’s Party which the Conservatives in the European Parliament are members of.The opportunity of the revived EU ConstitutionA vote rejecting EU integration in the UK will open up the prospect of new opportunities for Britain including a new arrangement of free trade and friendship, replacing burdensome regulation and the constant antagonism caused by Britain’s reluctance to submit itself fully to the federalist project.These opportunities were acknowledged by the very drafters of the EU Constitution itself. Article 7a, the Good Neighbour clause, of the draft Reform Treaty would allow Britain, if it were to leave the EU's political control, to enjoy a special relationship with the EU, where the UK can remain outside of the political structures, but still enjoy good working relations. This will give Britain free trade with the European Union. There is no reason why we cannot aim for such a relationship once the Treaty is rejected.This ‘good neighbour’ arrangement is clearly therefore an achievable objective, replacing our existing terms of membership.EU expert Dr Lee Rotherham says,“You don’t have to be Mystic Meg to predict a stormy 6 months for Gordon Brown. The question really is whether the Captain will follow his policy to the bottom of Davy Jones’ Locker, and whether David Cameron seizes the opportunity to steer a bold new course in Britain’s dealings with Europe.”Robert Oulds, Director of the Bruges Group, says,“Blair will be remembered as the man that failed to make the British public love the EU as he did and, above all, he ran from the challenge of the Eurosceptics and failed to even hold a referendum on the euro.“Unless Brown holds a referendum his legacy will also be one of cowardice, not courage, on the question of Europe.“If Brown fails to let the British public have their say he will also go down as the man that sunk Britain’s membership by pushing the people too far without their consent.”
Powers that Britain must reclaim
Once there has been reform at home by affirming the Primacy of Parliament over EU law, striking out the parts of the acquis communautaire that do not suit Britain. And after an official inquiry into the costs of EU membership has reported on the price we are paying; Britain can replace our current membership with the ‘good neighbour’ status.Below is a list of minimum demands that would be needed to make the 'good neighbour’ relationship work.
Repatriate CAP to national control. Reforms to be undertaken at national level
Repatriate CFP. Local community management
Restore Social Chapter opt-out
Remove Employment and Social Affairs from the arrangement
Repatriate all of International Development, and link with good governance
Remove Defence and intergovernmental affairs from the agreement; cut Commission representation; cut UK funding for Galileo; remove WEU from any EU agreement
End regional aid: budget saved to be restored to exchequers
Cut R&D funding or withdraw from UK participation and funding
UK to represent itself internationally unless we request otherwise. Option to join NAFTA subject only to anti-dumping talks with EU
Tax harmonisation to end. Britain allowed to set own tax rates, including ending VAT
Education and Culture to go to Council of Europe (a non-EU institution) with budget line
Health and Consumer Protection to be scaled back vastly
Stop the ability of the ECJ and the Commission to govern Britain
Justice and Home Affairs to be taken away from the EU and discussed at a broader level of intergovernmentalism
All remaining competences to see the restoration of the veto
Click here to read the original Bruges Group paper from early 2005 on where Britain should go next and the mechanics for changing the UK’s relationship with the EU
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For further information contact:Robert OuldsDirectorThe Bruges Group227 Linen Hall, 162-168 Regent Street, London W1B 5TBUKTel: +44(0) 20 7287 4414Mobile: 07740 029787E-mail: info@brugesgroup.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you do not wish to receive these news-bulletins please send an e-mail to:unsubscribe@brugesgroup.comPlease write unsubscribe in the subject heading
Saturday, October 20, 2007
No Ban on Red Arrows
Date: 20th October 2007
Release date: Immediate
Subject: Gordon receives reassurance on Red Arrows “ban”.
GORDON Henderson has received an assurance that the organisers of the 2012 Olympics have not banned the Red Arrows from performing at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics because the RAF display team is considered to be “too British”.
The assurance was given by the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt MP, who explained that the issue was raised with Lord Coe and Hugh Robertson, MP for Faversham and Sports and Olympics Spokesman, at the London 2012 fringe meeting at The Conservative Party Conference.
Lord Coe stated quite unequivocally that the issue had never even been raised with him and that the Red Arrows would be extremely welcome as part of The London 2012 Olympic Opening ceremony.
Furthermore, he pointed out that a fly past by The Red Arrows had been a key part of the celebrations in Trafalgar Square when we won the right to host The Games and that the London 2012 Organising Committee had not even settled on the format for our eight minute handover slot in Beijing in 2008 - let alone begun to consider possible formats for 2012.
Mr Hunt went on to say:
‘On a personal level, I would only add that I am a strong supporter of our Armed Forces in general, and The Red Arrows in particular, and would certainly wish them to have an appropriate role in the London 2012 celebrations. As the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport I have been closely following this issue and will continue to do so in order to ensure such a role is secured.
‘I hope that this reassures you about the current position, however we will continue to monitor the government closely as ever!’
Gordon said:
‘I am happy to accept the reassurance from Jeremy Hunt, however, I haven’t yet received a response from the Government itself, so I am still slightly nervous that the politically correct brigade in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will try to twist the arm of the 2012 Olympic organisers in an effort to change their minds. I hope I am wrong and that the Red Arrows will play a part in the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony.’
ENDS
Release date: Immediate
Subject: Gordon receives reassurance on Red Arrows “ban”.
GORDON Henderson has received an assurance that the organisers of the 2012 Olympics have not banned the Red Arrows from performing at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics because the RAF display team is considered to be “too British”.
The assurance was given by the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt MP, who explained that the issue was raised with Lord Coe and Hugh Robertson, MP for Faversham and Sports and Olympics Spokesman, at the London 2012 fringe meeting at The Conservative Party Conference.
Lord Coe stated quite unequivocally that the issue had never even been raised with him and that the Red Arrows would be extremely welcome as part of The London 2012 Olympic Opening ceremony.
Furthermore, he pointed out that a fly past by The Red Arrows had been a key part of the celebrations in Trafalgar Square when we won the right to host The Games and that the London 2012 Organising Committee had not even settled on the format for our eight minute handover slot in Beijing in 2008 - let alone begun to consider possible formats for 2012.
Mr Hunt went on to say:
‘On a personal level, I would only add that I am a strong supporter of our Armed Forces in general, and The Red Arrows in particular, and would certainly wish them to have an appropriate role in the London 2012 celebrations. As the Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport I have been closely following this issue and will continue to do so in order to ensure such a role is secured.
‘I hope that this reassures you about the current position, however we will continue to monitor the government closely as ever!’
Gordon said:
‘I am happy to accept the reassurance from Jeremy Hunt, however, I haven’t yet received a response from the Government itself, so I am still slightly nervous that the politically correct brigade in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will try to twist the arm of the 2012 Olympic organisers in an effort to change their minds. I hope I am wrong and that the Red Arrows will play a part in the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony.’
ENDS
"Immigrants No Bottle" says Ollie
My mate Ollie sent me the following:
Isn't it funny how foreign immigrants in this country (illegal or otherwise)claim to be here because they didn't like the set-up in their own country.What really sticks in my gullet, however, is that they are soon happy to stand up and shout about the wrongs of this country (and their rights), when they didn't have the balls to do so in their own country!
Isn't it funny how foreign immigrants in this country (illegal or otherwise)claim to be here because they didn't like the set-up in their own country.What really sticks in my gullet, however, is that they are soon happy to stand up and shout about the wrongs of this country (and their rights), when they didn't have the balls to do so in their own country!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Alan returns from Afghanistan
You may have seen one of the Swale Martial Arts Club members in the various tabloids on Monday; it was of course Cpl Alan Cain cuddling his two children. Why was he doing this, well he was a member the TA London Scottish Regiment who had just returned from active service in Afghanistan. You may also have also seen the pictures where these troops paraded through London without any member of the public cheering them on.
What a despicable country Great Britain has turned into where true hero’s, where men and women are willing to lay down their lives to protect us from terrorists yet we the public can not even celebrate their return home. Had this been a winning Football team you would not have been able to move the same would be for a pop band or celebrity and the only threat to their lives would be the amount of drugs or alcohol they consumed. Can you imagine what will happen if England wins the Rugby, there would be loads of politician singing the team there praises and knighthoods would go out of fashion
This government sends these troops out to be killed, then get embarrassed when they return at least Maggie Thatcher gave our troops a parade for their deeds in the Falklands but then again she did not court Celebrities and pop stars she dealt with real people.
I hope those who lived in the area where the parade was feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves.
Martin Clarke East Street Sittingbourne
What a despicable country Great Britain has turned into where true hero’s, where men and women are willing to lay down their lives to protect us from terrorists yet we the public can not even celebrate their return home. Had this been a winning Football team you would not have been able to move the same would be for a pop band or celebrity and the only threat to their lives would be the amount of drugs or alcohol they consumed. Can you imagine what will happen if England wins the Rugby, there would be loads of politician singing the team there praises and knighthoods would go out of fashion
This government sends these troops out to be killed, then get embarrassed when they return at least Maggie Thatcher gave our troops a parade for their deeds in the Falklands but then again she did not court Celebrities and pop stars she dealt with real people.
I hope those who lived in the area where the parade was feel thoroughly ashamed of themselves.
Martin Clarke East Street Sittingbourne
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Sittingbourne People want referendum
I am proud to say I spent a couple of hours with Gordon on Saturday getting some signatures, I thought it was about time I stopped complaining and done something
LOCAL Conservatives were out in Sittingbourne High Street at the weekend as part of their campaign to force Prime Minister Gordon Brown into holding a referendum before ratifying the EU Reform Treaty.
The EU Treaty, which transfers more powers from Westminster to Brussels, replaces the European Constitution which was resoundingly rejected by voters in France and Holland, but has now been resurrected under a different name.
Led by Parliamentary Candidate, Gordon Henderson, the campaigners received lots of attention and support from members of the public, who queued to sign the Conservative petition calling on the Prime Minister to honour the promise in the Labour Party manifesto at the last election to hold a referendum on the EU constitution.
The Conservative campaign was supported by The Sun, which has launched its own campaign for a referendum. The national newspaper supplied flags for the stand, which was set up outside the Forum and also sent along a photographer to take pictures of the campaigners.
Gordon said:
‘This was the best supported campaign we have ever organised. In just two hours we collected over four hundred signatures.
‘People were queuing to sign our petition because they are really angry about the way the Prime Minister is refusing to deliver on the Labour promise to hold a referendum before ratification of the new EU Reform Treaty.
‘Mr Brown maintains that this treaty is different to the EU Constitution, but that is nonsense. The documents are almost identical, which is why the Irish government is allowing its citizens a referendum.
‘Why is the Prime Minister scared of letting the British people have their say on this very important issue? First he chickened out of calling a General Election, now he is chickening out of holding a referendum.’
LOCAL Conservatives were out in Sittingbourne High Street at the weekend as part of their campaign to force Prime Minister Gordon Brown into holding a referendum before ratifying the EU Reform Treaty.
The EU Treaty, which transfers more powers from Westminster to Brussels, replaces the European Constitution which was resoundingly rejected by voters in France and Holland, but has now been resurrected under a different name.
Led by Parliamentary Candidate, Gordon Henderson, the campaigners received lots of attention and support from members of the public, who queued to sign the Conservative petition calling on the Prime Minister to honour the promise in the Labour Party manifesto at the last election to hold a referendum on the EU constitution.
The Conservative campaign was supported by The Sun, which has launched its own campaign for a referendum. The national newspaper supplied flags for the stand, which was set up outside the Forum and also sent along a photographer to take pictures of the campaigners.
Gordon said:
‘This was the best supported campaign we have ever organised. In just two hours we collected over four hundred signatures.
‘People were queuing to sign our petition because they are really angry about the way the Prime Minister is refusing to deliver on the Labour promise to hold a referendum before ratification of the new EU Reform Treaty.
‘Mr Brown maintains that this treaty is different to the EU Constitution, but that is nonsense. The documents are almost identical, which is why the Irish government is allowing its citizens a referendum.
‘Why is the Prime Minister scared of letting the British people have their say on this very important issue? First he chickened out of calling a General Election, now he is chickening out of holding a referendum.’
Council Tax to rise again
GORDON Henderson says that he is “absolutely horrified” that residents of Swale face inflation-busting hikes in council tax, following the publication of the Government’s new tax and spending plans for the next three years – the so-called “Comprehensive Spending Review”.
Gordon’s comments follow news that: -
· The cross-party Local Government Association has forecast that “the Chancellor's announcement will mean above inflation rises in bills for council taxpayers”.
· Insufficient resources have been given to local authorities to tackle the soaring costs of care for the elderly, waste collection and disposal, and other burdens imposed by Whitehall.
· Independent commentators have said that the Government’s claim that council tax bills will be kept down “do not look plausible”.
· The small print of the Government’s report reveals that council tax revenues are forecast to rise by 5 per cent this year. Assuming council tax rises of 5 per cent every year over the three years of the Spending Review, this would push the average council tax bill in Swale to £1508 on Band D. Under the Labour Government, bills have already soared across the country, and have increased bills by 112% across Swale.
Gordon remarked,
‘Thanks to Labour’s fiddled funding, council tax has gone through the roof across the country. Since 1997, council taxes in Swale have already rocketed by 112%. Now I fear that Gordon Brown is engineering three more years of inflation-busting hikes. I am absolutely horrified that rises will be imposed on our residents, because those increases will hit hardest the most vulnerable in Swale – particularly pensioners on fixed incomes.
‘This is yet another tax con from a tired Government that has run out of ideas. Using council tax to raise more money is the most dishonest tax hike of them all – engineered by Whitehall but with local councillors taking the blame when bills hit the doormat.’
Notes to Editors
GOVERNMENT PLANS TO HIKE COUNCIL TAX BILLS EVEN MORE
The small print of the Government’s Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review reveals that council tax revenues are forecast to soar this year by £1.2 billion, from £23.7 billion in 2007-08 to £24.9 billion in 2008-09. This is an inflation-busting rise of 5.1 per cent; only a tiny proportion of this change is due to the increase in the size of ‘tax base’ from population change (HM Treasury, 2007 Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review, October 2007, p.168, table B8).
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/F/9/pbr_csr07_annexb_305.pdf
In their response to Labour’s Pre-Budget Report, the cross-party Local Government Association has warned: “This is the worst settlement for local government in a decade. Councils will continue to work hard for the people they serve but they face tough choices. The Chancellor's announcement will mean above inflation rises in bills for council taxpayers and businesses, and there remains a black hole in funding for the care of the elderly. The money allocated to local government is simply not enough for councils to provide everything ministers have promised and meet the extra cost of looking after an ageing population which will cost £9m every single day. Even though this is a real terms increase in grant we estimate there will be a shortfall overall. The council taxpayer will once again be left to pick up the bill for promises made by the Government” (LGA Press Release, 10 October 2007).
http://www.lga.gov.uk/PressRelease.asp?id=SXEAC2-A7848E45
Leading commentator, Peter Riddell of The Times, has added: “Council tax, not inheritance tax, is what the Autumn Budget will be remembered for in the long term... Whitehall funding for councils will increase by an average of 1 per cent in real terms in the three years from next April: 1.5 per cent in the first year, then 0.8 and 0.7 per cent. The Government claims that this should be sufficient to ensure improved services, enabling local government to keep council tax rises low, with ‘an overall increase of well under 5 per cent in each of the next three years’. This is well above the forecast 2 per cent annual growth in consumer prices over the period. These figures do not look plausible. Local authorities complain that the Whitehall grant is not enough to provide new services promised by central government” (The Times, 11 October 2007).
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/peter_riddell/article2633826.ece
Gordon’s comments follow news that: -
· The cross-party Local Government Association has forecast that “the Chancellor's announcement will mean above inflation rises in bills for council taxpayers”.
· Insufficient resources have been given to local authorities to tackle the soaring costs of care for the elderly, waste collection and disposal, and other burdens imposed by Whitehall.
· Independent commentators have said that the Government’s claim that council tax bills will be kept down “do not look plausible”.
· The small print of the Government’s report reveals that council tax revenues are forecast to rise by 5 per cent this year. Assuming council tax rises of 5 per cent every year over the three years of the Spending Review, this would push the average council tax bill in Swale to £1508 on Band D. Under the Labour Government, bills have already soared across the country, and have increased bills by 112% across Swale.
Gordon remarked,
‘Thanks to Labour’s fiddled funding, council tax has gone through the roof across the country. Since 1997, council taxes in Swale have already rocketed by 112%. Now I fear that Gordon Brown is engineering three more years of inflation-busting hikes. I am absolutely horrified that rises will be imposed on our residents, because those increases will hit hardest the most vulnerable in Swale – particularly pensioners on fixed incomes.
‘This is yet another tax con from a tired Government that has run out of ideas. Using council tax to raise more money is the most dishonest tax hike of them all – engineered by Whitehall but with local councillors taking the blame when bills hit the doormat.’
Notes to Editors
GOVERNMENT PLANS TO HIKE COUNCIL TAX BILLS EVEN MORE
The small print of the Government’s Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review reveals that council tax revenues are forecast to soar this year by £1.2 billion, from £23.7 billion in 2007-08 to £24.9 billion in 2008-09. This is an inflation-busting rise of 5.1 per cent; only a tiny proportion of this change is due to the increase in the size of ‘tax base’ from population change (HM Treasury, 2007 Pre-Budget Report and Comprehensive Spending Review, October 2007, p.168, table B8).
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/F/9/pbr_csr07_annexb_305.pdf
In their response to Labour’s Pre-Budget Report, the cross-party Local Government Association has warned: “This is the worst settlement for local government in a decade. Councils will continue to work hard for the people they serve but they face tough choices. The Chancellor's announcement will mean above inflation rises in bills for council taxpayers and businesses, and there remains a black hole in funding for the care of the elderly. The money allocated to local government is simply not enough for councils to provide everything ministers have promised and meet the extra cost of looking after an ageing population which will cost £9m every single day. Even though this is a real terms increase in grant we estimate there will be a shortfall overall. The council taxpayer will once again be left to pick up the bill for promises made by the Government” (LGA Press Release, 10 October 2007).
http://www.lga.gov.uk/PressRelease.asp?id=SXEAC2-A7848E45
Leading commentator, Peter Riddell of The Times, has added: “Council tax, not inheritance tax, is what the Autumn Budget will be remembered for in the long term... Whitehall funding for councils will increase by an average of 1 per cent in real terms in the three years from next April: 1.5 per cent in the first year, then 0.8 and 0.7 per cent. The Government claims that this should be sufficient to ensure improved services, enabling local government to keep council tax rises low, with ‘an overall increase of well under 5 per cent in each of the next three years’. This is well above the forecast 2 per cent annual growth in consumer prices over the period. These figures do not look plausible. Local authorities complain that the Whitehall grant is not enough to provide new services promised by central government” (The Times, 11 October 2007).
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/peter_riddell/article2633826.ece
Sainsbury call its workers lazy
Dear Editor
Sainsbury recently announced that immigrant workers are very Conscientious, hard workers and will take on more then one job, indigenous British workers can learn a lot from them.
Well I would like to speak up for the Sittingbourne Sainsbury Worker, I have always found them smartly dressed, polite , helpful and always busy, the few I know personally are very hard workers.
One must asked the question if the British Worker is such a lazy bunch how did Sainsbury made its massive profits over the last 50 years? Sainsbury workers have been very loyal to the company maybe the company should respond the same.
Sainsbury like many companies have their own language every sentence they make has a hidden meaning so I have translated some Sainsbury Speak:
1) Very Conscientious = Do as they are told regardless, i.e. slave mentality
2) Will take on more then one job = Will work excessive long hours (this can cause health and safety problems due to tiredness)
3) Hard Workers = When told to jump they ask how high.
What Sainsbury is really saying here is a group of workers who we can take advantage of to make even bigger profits for the Fat Cat owners, Sainsbury has no loyalty to its work force or Great Britain its only loyalty is to the management and share holders, The British Worker is expendable.
Can I suggest if Sainsbury employ a disproportional amount of immigrant labour we all boycott the store?
The above can apply to medium size builders and farmers who now refuse to employ British workers
Martin Clarke Sittingbourne
Sainsbury recently announced that immigrant workers are very Conscientious, hard workers and will take on more then one job, indigenous British workers can learn a lot from them.
Well I would like to speak up for the Sittingbourne Sainsbury Worker, I have always found them smartly dressed, polite , helpful and always busy, the few I know personally are very hard workers.
One must asked the question if the British Worker is such a lazy bunch how did Sainsbury made its massive profits over the last 50 years? Sainsbury workers have been very loyal to the company maybe the company should respond the same.
Sainsbury like many companies have their own language every sentence they make has a hidden meaning so I have translated some Sainsbury Speak:
1) Very Conscientious = Do as they are told regardless, i.e. slave mentality
2) Will take on more then one job = Will work excessive long hours (this can cause health and safety problems due to tiredness)
3) Hard Workers = When told to jump they ask how high.
What Sainsbury is really saying here is a group of workers who we can take advantage of to make even bigger profits for the Fat Cat owners, Sainsbury has no loyalty to its work force or Great Britain its only loyalty is to the management and share holders, The British Worker is expendable.
Can I suggest if Sainsbury employ a disproportional amount of immigrant labour we all boycott the store?
The above can apply to medium size builders and farmers who now refuse to employ British workers
Martin Clarke Sittingbourne
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Conservatives Back On Top
Gordon Henderson cutting away the Bacon from LabourConservatives back on top
As a Conservative I obviously want a Conservative Government but in the past it has been anything is better then this Soul Destroying Government yet this weeks conference give me confidence that the next Conservative Government can claim the country back for the British people for example they pledge to:
1) Increase to £1 million pounds the Inheritance Tax threshold
2) Build more Jails so we can lock up the scum who ruin our lives, criminals to be treated as criminals not victims of society.
3) Stop earl y prison release
4) Tougher Immigration Laws
The one thing that has affected many steel workers in Swale was the Pensions debacle so I have attached a letter from Swale next MP Gordon Henderson
Gordon Henderson
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 1st October 2007
Release date: Immediate
Subject: Gordon “absolutely delighted” at Tory promise to help ASW pensioners
LOCAL Tory Parliamentary Candidate, Gordon Henderson, says that he is “absolutely delighted” David Cameron has promised to help workers who lost all, or most, of their pensions when their company pension schemes were wound up.
The issue has been a hot topic locally since ASW went into liquidation and workers at the steelworks in Sheerness saw their pensions destroyed overnight.
The Government eventually stepped in and set up the Financial Assistance Scheme, but the scheme only provides pensioners with 80% of their anticipated pensions and there are such long delays in processing claims that only 2000 pensioners have actually been helped, out of an estimated total of 125,000 victims.
Now David Cameron has promised that a Conservative government would immediately provide a £30 million a year “lifeboat fund” to provide immediate help to those facing hardship because of the loss of their pensions. As an interim measure, he promised that the Treasury would provide a £30 million loan so that victims could receive their proper pensions whilst the lifeboat fund was being set up.
Gordon said:
‘I am absolutely delighted that David Cameron has made this unequivocal pledge. So many weasel words have been spoken over the past few years as Gordon Brown and his Labour Government have tried to wriggle out of their moral obligation.
‘At last ASW pensioners can see an end to their struggle. They now have a cast iron guarantee that they will receive justice under a Tory government.’
….ends….
As a Conservative I obviously want a Conservative Government but in the past it has been anything is better then this Soul Destroying Government yet this weeks conference give me confidence that the next Conservative Government can claim the country back for the British people for example they pledge to:
1) Increase to £1 million pounds the Inheritance Tax threshold
2) Build more Jails so we can lock up the scum who ruin our lives, criminals to be treated as criminals not victims of society.
3) Stop earl y prison release
4) Tougher Immigration Laws
The one thing that has affected many steel workers in Swale was the Pensions debacle so I have attached a letter from Swale next MP Gordon Henderson
Gordon Henderson
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 1st October 2007
Release date: Immediate
Subject: Gordon “absolutely delighted” at Tory promise to help ASW pensioners
LOCAL Tory Parliamentary Candidate, Gordon Henderson, says that he is “absolutely delighted” David Cameron has promised to help workers who lost all, or most, of their pensions when their company pension schemes were wound up.
The issue has been a hot topic locally since ASW went into liquidation and workers at the steelworks in Sheerness saw their pensions destroyed overnight.
The Government eventually stepped in and set up the Financial Assistance Scheme, but the scheme only provides pensioners with 80% of their anticipated pensions and there are such long delays in processing claims that only 2000 pensioners have actually been helped, out of an estimated total of 125,000 victims.
Now David Cameron has promised that a Conservative government would immediately provide a £30 million a year “lifeboat fund” to provide immediate help to those facing hardship because of the loss of their pensions. As an interim measure, he promised that the Treasury would provide a £30 million loan so that victims could receive their proper pensions whilst the lifeboat fund was being set up.
Gordon said:
‘I am absolutely delighted that David Cameron has made this unequivocal pledge. So many weasel words have been spoken over the past few years as Gordon Brown and his Labour Government have tried to wriggle out of their moral obligation.
‘At last ASW pensioners can see an end to their struggle. They now have a cast iron guarantee that they will receive justice under a Tory government.’
….ends….
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