New Blog

Now I have retired from my voluntary work the title of this blog is inappropriate.  I have started a new blog entitled Kent Old Grumpy to which I have transferred the content of this blog.

http://kentoldgrumpy.blogspot.co.uk/

Plebgate

I do not subscribe to mega conspiracy theories: New World Order, Common Purpose, Who Shot Kennedy?,  the USA Did Not land a Man on the Moon, etc.

Of course there are conspiracies and cover ups and good investigative journalism may unveil them.  A good example of a cover up is the action of the police after the appalling disaster at Sheffield Wednesday's football ground.  Good journalism brought to public attention Jimmy Savile's sex exploits and most recently uncovered dirty work at the crossroads (or Downing Street's gates) in what is known as 'Plebgate'.

One aspect of Plebgate which intrigues me is that, as far as I am aware, Boris Johnson has not been mentioned, yet he is the political boss of the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and played a key role in the departure of the previous holder of the post.  Given the damage Plebgate has done to the relationship between police and politicians and the uneasy accord that exists between Cameron and Johnson, the silence of Johnson is deafening.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9764200/Plebgate-Met-Commissioner-promises-ruthless-investigation.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9764957/Plebgate-Andrew-Mitchell-does-not-come-out-smelling-of-roses.html

Happy Christmas

IPSOS sent me a Facebook App which enables me to make my own Christmas cards.  My effort is below.  Happy Christmas to my readers.

Of toffs and plebs

There is no reason why a toff should not describe a pleb as such, yet the left wing politicos/politically correct brigades are up in arms.  Indeed members of the religion of political correctness look on approvingly, indeed participate in baiting people for being toffs, as witness the Crewe by-election. Hurling insults is a British tradition which should be encouraged and we do need to retain or develop a sense of humour and not go all po-faced when insults are being hurled.

Sherwood School knees-up opprobrium

When Keith Marden retired after 25 years as head of Sherwood Park Community Primary School the school governors decided to hold a party for him.  According to reports in the local press the party included a barbecue, plenty of booze and a hired band.  The school budget picked up the bill to the tune of  £6,000.   The governing body has resigned en bloc, although there is some doubt whether the chairman has resigned.

However one looks at it, the cost to the taxpayer of the party is grossly excessive.  What does surprise me is that no-one took the governors to one side before the event and warned them of the impropriety of making such a payment.  Who knew?  Why didn't those in the know do anything?

Keith Marden was very well thought of in Sherwood and for many years ran  very successfully a school in an area of severe deprivation.  To state the work of  a teacher at the school is challenging is an under-statement.    It was a sad end to Mr Marden's career that the school was put into special measures.

To put this in context:  Kent County Council has an appalling  performance record for primary school education.  It is one of the worst in the country. All this happened under a Conservative administration at county hall. Instead of sounding off about the cost of Mr Marden's leaving party, let us read of Councillor Tansley engaging in 'blistering criticism' (to use the local newspaper's phrase) of his cronies at county hall.  Oh, I nearly forgot, it is county council election time in 2013.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2248046/Sherwood-Park-Community-Primary-Schools-entire-governing-body-forced-resign-spending-6-000-public-funds-headteachers-farewell-BBQ.html

Roger Millman

Roger Millman died earlier this year.  He was a key figure in the early development of the Bridge Trust.  The Trust had many problems in the early days and it is a mark of his success in overcoming them in concert with Bob Wykes,  David Gilpin and Niall Willis that the Trust has grown to be a major provider of accommodation and care for homeless single people in West Kent. Roger's wife, Jean, worked for the Trust after Roger stood down.

Roger kept abreast of and supported the Trust's activities after he stood down. I recall spending some very cold evenings on 'guard duty' with Roger during the annual Trust sleep-outs in car park in Tonbridge.  

Rusthall Community and Youth Project

Pleased to see the November minutes of the parish council on-line.  Keep up the good work.

One of the items discussed at the November meeting was the withdrawal of funding by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council for Rusthall Community and Youth Project and a request by the Project for the parish council to provide funding.  The matter was deferred for further analysis of the Project's costs.

I hope the parish council does support the Project.  It has been running for many years and at least two of the parish councillors have been trustees/officers. The leader of the Project, Mike Bassett, was awarded a Civic Medallion by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in recognition of his sterling service to the Project.

British Democratic Party: grim future for English Democrats

The problems facing Nick Griffin and the British National Party are well-documented: up to the gunnel in debt, riven by internal strife and losing members in droves..  Matters came to a head when Andrew Brons and Griffin contested the leadership of the BNP, the latter winning by a very small margin.  Brons resigned from the BNP and, as expected, now has formed a new party called the British Democratic Party.

I would not expect many of the remaining BNP members to jump ship and join the BDP.  But what of those who have left?  Some dropped out of party politics, some joined other right-wing parties, but the greatest influx of ex-BNP members was enjoyed by the English Democrats, including two members of Brons' staff.

Will the English Democrats retain their ex-BNP members?  They must be hoping beyond hope that they do.  Some ED members left the party when the ex-BNP influx began, joined the Conservative Party, or UKIP or gave up party politics.  I very much doubt ex- ED members will rejoin the party should the ex-BNP members shuffle off (or run) to the BDP.

The recent electoral success of UKIP has been a disaster for the English Democrats.  The ED 'puffed-up' its chances of beating UKIP in the Rotherham by-election.  The posts prior to the election on the website English Passport (recently re-named Kingdom of England Passport) controlled by a leading officer of the ED are hilarious.  http://kentcommunityactivist.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/english-democrats-humiliated-by-ukip.html

Having failed to demolish  UKIP (which in any event was not going to happen) the ED now is about to be assailed by the  BDP.

There doesn't seem to be anywhere for the English Democrats to go except downward, which in one sense is a shame as it is a party with a clear English civic nationalist message: that England should have an English parliament within a federal UK.  Unfortunately the party has accrued toxic baggage, so English civic nationalists will have to to look elsewhere for a political home.

A sad year

This year has witnessed the death of three individuals each of whom made a significant contribution to the welfare of people.

Kevin Lynes was a member of Kent County Council's Cabinet and worked hard for the people in his division, particularly the residents of Sherwood.  He was also a leading figure in the creation of Kent Savers Credit Union.

Val Griffiths was employed by Kent County Council as a detached youth worker.  She became a friend of numerous disadvantaged or troubled young people and helped them recover (or indeed discover) their self respect.

Cathy Gaunt was employed latterly by a charity based in West Kent. For much of her working life  she supported seriously disadvantaged groups.

I knew all three for many years and, in their own way, each was a 'one-off'.  Isn't it sad that we only recognise the true worth of an individual when it is too late to tell them.

The old cinema site Royal Tunbridge Wells

I have lost count of the number of times this blog has complained about the lack of progress in redeveloping the former Odeon cinema site in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells.  Now the Courier newspaper has commenced a  campaign, the Liberal Democrats have roused themselves from their deep sleep and started campaigning and the Civic Society has joined in.  The local MP has vented his frustration at the lack of progress in redeveloping the site.

All the above parties are urging action, at the very least that the premises are demolished and used as a car park or open space (presumably with seating) until such time as building work can commence.

Past and current Leaders of the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have raised the possibility of compulsory purchase.  The current Leader, councillor Jukes, ( currently the recipient of an ear-bashing for suggesting the Royal Victoria Hall in Southborough should be demolished and replaced by a community centre) has declared that nothing can be done regarding compulsory purchase until the summer of 2013.

The one comfort I take from all this is that those protesting about the lack of progress by the current owners includes the MP and the local press.  It is hoped their protests are heard and acted upon.  Then we might secure progress on redeveloping the civic complex.  Councillor Jukes is on record as stating that consideration of the future of the civic complex will come only after the future use of the Odeon site is determined.

Of roads, railways and airports

The Chancellor of the Exchequer's Autumn Statement included provision for £270 million to alleviate traffic hot spots and congestion bottlenecks on locally and nationally agreed priority schemes.  Will any of this be spent on improving the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury?

The Autumn Statement also included a commitment to extend the proposed HS2 line  to the North West and West Yorkshire.  However, it begs the question, when will the money be spent?  Delicious sense of timing with the courts currently hearing cases seeking judicial review of the proposals for the HS2 line between London and Birmingham.

See:  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/road-and-rail-transport/9731680/Passenger-numbers-blow-apart-case-for-HS2-train-line.html

The future airport capacity of  London and the South-East has been kicked into the long grass, at least until after the next general election.  Hence the comments of Willie Walsh

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/9722527/Politicians-afraid-of-airport-expansion-claims-Willie-Walsh.html

Meanwhile Kent County Council is pressing the claims of Manston Airport:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-20606478

More rail news:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-20557061

http://www.itv.com/news/london/update/2012-12-09/east-london-line-extension-complete

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-20626854?

Rusthall Parish Council: poor communication

At the time of writing this post the minutes of the Rusthall Parish Council meeting held on 8th October are not on the council's website.  There is a link, supposedly to the minutes, which brings up the notice of the 12th November meeting.

Having forked out in the region of £500 for the website it might have been anticipated by residents that the site would be kept up to date.  But, hey ho, its only public money thrown down the drain.

The council has 'form' when it comes to delayed publication of minutes, indeed the former borough councillor,  Robert Atwood, complained about this matter at a parish council meeting.  Alas, to no avail.

Update:  On 10th December the October minutes appeared on the website thanks to the intervention of the chairman of the parish council.

Latest from Wealden Line Campaign

http://www.bml2.co.uk/the-news/98-story-bml2-a-good-idea-says-industry-voice.html

Well come on Councillor Jukes (Leader, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council) and Councillor Carter (Leader, Kent County Council), lets see some action!

Trouble at mill

The French and Germans are falling out and the UK is stirring the pot.

From today's Daily Telegraph:

Germany finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble says German lawmakers are likely to reject proposals giving the European Central Bank power to supervise all banks in the 17-nation euro area, while France's Pierre Moscovici called for ministers to avoid a two tier system where only some banks are supervised.

Mr Schaeuble said:

Nobody believes that any European institution would be capable of supervising 6,000 banks in Europe - maybe not in this decade, to be very frank.

Mr Moscovici said:

We have no remit for a dual system of supervision which would call into question the existence of a single system for some banks. The ECB must supervise all banks with a European passport.

Meanwhile the UK is voicing its objection to any development which affects the single market.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9722704/Britain-threatens-to-veto-EU-bank-supervisor.html

As the president of the European Commission bleats out the mantra of 'ever closer union' is this a foretaste of battles ahead?

No sooner said and this appears!:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9724690/Euro-blueprint-gives-Brussels-economic-sovereignty-over-members.html

Meanwhile:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/as-juncker-steps-down-french-minister-moscovici-could-head-euro-group-a-870871.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/euro-crisis-is-past-its-peak-eu-commissioner-says-a-871330.html
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What is the Boris game plan?

Boris Johnson probably is the most popular Conservative in the UK, although I acknowledge this is not saying much.  Nevertheless he strikes a chord with the electorate that Cameron and Osborne can only dream of.

This week he has been decidedly strident in his comments about EU membership, the move towards greater political and fiscal union within the eurozone and plans circulating in the EU for an EU banking supervisor.  Wearing his Mayor of London hat he is is justified in commentating on issues which might affect London as a financial centre and this inevitably spills over into other European issues.  However, he gives the impression of distancing himself from the Downing Street Two and giving tacit support to Tory rebels on EU issues.

A Leader of the Conservative Party in waiting?  He would have to be an MP before making a leadership bid, so it may be that he is waiting for the result of the next general election before making a move.  In any event I believe he is on record as stating he will see through to completion his current term as Mayor of London.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/9720865/EU-Boris-Johnson-attacks-David-Cameron-and-George-Osborne-for-morally-wrong-policies.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/9720249/Boris-Johnson-accuses-French-of-trying-to-steal-UKs-financial-crown.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9721642/Sketch-Boris-Johnson-zaps-the-EU-doomsters.html

Bailouts, haircuts and a silly Frenchman

Just another day in fantasy land.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9719875/Spain-requests-39.5bn-bank-bail-out-but-no-state-rescue.html

http://www.businessinsider.com/theres-a-spain-bank-bailout-request-headline-going-around-thats-causing-folks-to-get-confused-2012-12?0=moneygame

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9719911/Greece-offers-to-buy-back-10bn-of-its-debt.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9717997/French-bank-governor-Christian-Noyer-calls-for-City-of-London-to-be-sidelined-as-Europes-financial-hub.html  &

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/jeremy-warner/9719979/What-chance-a-functioning-banking-union-after-Christian-Noyers-crass-remarks.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9720053/French-economy-buckles-as-car-sales-collapse.html

Hand in Hand

People in Sherwood, Tunbridge Wells have come together in an informal group known as Hand in Hand for Sherwood.  The group provides food and clothing for needy people.  It also offers support for people having difficulty filling in forms for various benefits.

See:  http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/Self-help-group-Sherwood-set-provide-winter/story-17216010-detail/story.html

All this has been achieved without any funding from the local council or other organisations.  This is commendable and long may it continue.  As soon as councils and housing associations become involved they bring with them stifling bureaucracy.

Sherwood fares badly in the indices of deprivation, so it is good to see local people taking the initiative to deal with problems on their own doorstep.

So far so good.  The sirens of doom and gloom have yet to make an appearance, although I have no doubt the jealous and envious will parade their prejudices soon enough.  Such is life.

The leaders of the group have a heavy burden to bear as the services the group provides will be in demand for the long term. Expectations have been raised, delivery will be demanded.  Power to their elbows.

UPDATE: 3rd December from Hand in Hand

The demand for Hand In Hand for Sherwood. Food Bank and Warmth together. is astounding, in the 4 weeks or so since the group was founded it has helped well over 100 people, this ranges from food parcels, clothing, bedding to help filling out forms and claiming money they are owed. On a daily basis people are coming forward asking for help, never be embarrassed, at some point we have all been there, this is a non discriminatory group, who offer a rapid response to ANYONE in need!!!!

Kent County Council's version of localism

The Conservative Party has proclaimed the virtues of community engagement, community involvement and community action wrapping it up in the concept of 'localism' which in turn is part of the Big Society agenda.  One of the leading proponents of localism is Greg Clark the MP for Tunbridge Wells.

The theory looks good, however turning theory into reality is somewhat more difficult. Step forward Kent County Council, under the kosh for its poor showing in the primary school performance league tables. The Council is responsible for youth services and as part of its budget reduction measures has decided to reduce funding for the youth service and moved away from a grants process to a commissioning process.

Kent County Council's commissioners rightly are looking for value for money but in so doing are able to influence the way in which the voluntary sector works, by encouraging mergers to reduce administrative costs and by reducing the number of organisations it has to engage with.  Money talks, so the voluntary sector is controlled by the policies and decisions taken in County Hall.

A stark example of this is what has happened in Tunbridge Wells.  Two organisations have fallen foul of the new commissioning regime and their future work, indeed the very future of the organisations now is in some doubt.  At this point I declare an interest: I have been the chairman of both of the organisations, although my  involvement ceased a few years ago.

One organisation, Number One Community Trust,  put in a bid for funding, was unsuccessful and has been left high and dry.  The other, Rusthall Community and Youth project, was put off applying by the 107 pages long notes for guidance.

Both organisations feel aggrieved  that funding has been awarded to an organisation based in Ashford which will provide a mobile bus to service youth provision in the areas covered by the two organisations.  The real worry is that the cuts in funding could lead to the demise eventually of both organisations, each rooted in and supported by the communities they serve.  It makes a mockery of localism and reinforces my belief that when it comes to budgets statutory authorities  (with a few exceptions) know the price of everything and the value of nothing,.

Latest from the Wealden Line Campaign

Good read:

http://www.wealdenline.co.uk/the-news/211-rail-professional-features-brighton-main-line-2.html

http://content.yudu.com/A1zxn1/RPDec12/resources/index.htm?referrerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.railpro.co.uk%2F%2520

English Democrats humiliated by UKIP (and the BNP).

So much for English Democrats' boasts.

Rotherham by-election result:

• Sarah Champion (Lab) 9,866 (46.25%, +1.62%)
• Jane Collins (UKIP) 4,648 (21.79%, +15.87%)
• Marlene Guest (BNP) 1,804 (8.46%, -1.96%)
• Yvonne Ridley (Respect) 1,778 (8.34%)
• Simon Wilson (Cons) 1,157 (5.42%, -11.32%)
• David Wildgoose (Eng Dem) 703 (3.30%)
• Simon Copley (Ind) 582 (2.73%, -3.58%)
• Michael Beckett (Lib Dems) 451 (2.11%, -13.87%)
• Ralph Dyson (TUSC) 261 (1.22%)
• Paul Dickson (Ind) 51 (0.24%)
• Clint Bristow (ND) 29 (0.14%)

The English Passport blog forecast (or the bookmakers are always correct!).

Rotherham By-Election – English Democrats, Respect, UKIP and Labour – the last 4 by English Passport Rotherham By-Election - English Democrats, Respect, UKIP and Labour - the last 4 The bookies for the Rotherham have had a very difficult election to keep tabs on. William Hill have closed their books for the second time. However, the final four going into Election Day are English Democrats, Respect, UKIP and Labour. Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and indeed BNP and Greens are history in Rotherham. It's going to be a very interesting count ! English Passport | 28 November 2012 at 10:22 pm | Tags: By-Election, David Wildgoose, English Democrats, Labour, News, Respect, Rotherham, UKIP | Categories: By-Election, Conservative & Unionists, English Democrats, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Respect, UKIP | URL: http://wp.me/p1mhUf-1Kw Comment    See all comments And this little gem: On the 2 November 1967, a historic moment to place in British Politics when the Scottish National Party won a By-Election, Hamilton by-election, in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, it was a milestone in the politics of Scotland. Although Robert McIntyre of the Scottish National Party (SNP) had won and briefly held the Motherwell constituency in a by-election during the last months of World War II, in April–July 1945, it was Winnie Ewing's victory in the Hamilton constituency which propelled the SNP, Scottish independence and devolution to the top of the agenda in Scotland. On 29 November 2012, there is the potential for an equal historic moment to take place in British Politics when the English Democrats are set to win the Rotherham By-Election in South Yorkshire, if this occurs, it will be a milestone in the politics of England, and victory by David Wildgoose would propel the English Democrats, self determination for the English People and devolution for England to the top of the agenda in England. It is only hoped that Nick Robinson, the Chief Political Editor of the BBC, takes the time to read the English Democrats Manifesto, before the 29 November 2012, so that if David Wildgoose and the English Democrats are successful on Thursday 29 November 2012, Nick Robinson does not look a complete arse, when he discusses the English Democrats party, with Mr Dimbleby. Not forgetting: RESPECT & ENGLISH DEMOCRATS FIGHT IT OUT IN ROTHERHAM AS LABOUR SET TO FINISH THIRD IN BY-ELECTION Posted by English Passport on 22 November 2012 · Leave a Comment  2 Votes Respect & English Democrats fight it out in Rotherham as Labour set to finish Third in By-Election Labour is set to lose the English Seat of Rotherham in South Yorkshire, however it is unclear as to whether the eventual winner will be the Respect Candidate Yvonne Ridley or the English Democrats candidate David Wildgoose. The by-election (which will be held on 29 November) was triggered by Scot Denis MacShane’s resignation over false invoices, Labour will not doubt be punished as a result. The disastrous Labour campaign began at the Labour selection meeting in Rotherham, half of the members present walked out in protest at the party’s failure to include a local figure on the shortlist. This left fewer than 50 to vote on the selection of Sarah Champion, who defeated the only other person on the list, former RAF Wing Commander Sophy Gardner. The walkout was staged by supporters of Mahroof Hussain, a prominent local councillor who was the preferred choice of the membership. As is standard for by-elections, the shortlist was drawn up by Labour’s National Executive Committee, rather than a local selection committee, which chose not to include Hussain. Two way Labour Split The Labour vote has therefore been split in two ways firstly the Respect candidate Yvonne Ridley, a former journalist who famously converted to Islam after her capture by the Taliban, will be taking Labour votes from the ethnic community in Rotherham in a hope to repeat her party’s triumph in Bradford West earlier this year, where George Galloway was re-elected to Westminster. Secondly there is strain on the Labour “patriotic” vote from the English Democrats local Candidate David Wildgoose, who has stood in Rotherham, three times before in 1992, 1994 and 1997, a local man, with friends and family in Rotherham he previously achieved 29.7% of the vote in 1994. The campaign of English Democrat David Wildgoose was given a dramatic boast on 15 November 2012 when the English Democrats achieved 2nd place in Rotherham in the Police & Crime Commissioner Elections with 5,034 votes 15.72% of the vote. Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and UKIP are all at risk of loosing their deposits as the main three parties in Rotherham fight it out – result in one week’s time. Just loved this one: And this.. Only David Wildgoose and the English Democrats can beat Labour in the Rotherham Parliamentary By-Election on Thursday 29 November 2012.Vote David Wildgoose – English Democrats to give England a voice in Parliament.

Oops a daisy.

Whilst eyes in the UK are focussed on the Leveson Report and to a lesser extent on the Rotherham by-election, there are rumblings in Euroland.  The ink has hardly dried on the agreement to to deal with the debt crisis in Greece, yet here we have the IMF threatening to take its ball home and private investors screaming blue murder.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9712612/Greek-deal-frays-as-IMF-threatens-walk-out-on-debt-buy-back-impasse.html

Nothing like transparency.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9713651/ECB-wins-case-to-conceal-Greek-debt-secrets.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-parliament-votes-to-approve-new-greece-aid-package-a-870259.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9715789/Moodys-downgrades-ESM-and-EFSF.htm
Mon Dieu.

Update: 2nd December:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9717121/Debt-crisis-Angela-Merkel-does-not-rule-out-Greek-haircut-in-the-future.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9717622/Cyprus-bail-out-doubts-over-Russian-money-laundering.html

Meanwhile: Spain

http://www.blacklistednews.com/Spain_Now_Faces_a_Systemic,_Societal,_and_Sovereign_Collapse/22833/0/0/0/Y/M.html

Rotherham: UKIP's 'Orpington'?

In 1962 the Liberal Party had a famous by-election victory over the  Conservatives at Orpington. Commentators identify this victory as the start of the revival of the Liberal Party.  There were many false dawns after 1962, but merger with the SDP to form the Liberal Democrats strengthened the party.

The Liberal party had a few MPS before the events of 1962, but mostly in the 'Celtic fringes', apart from two seats which were the subject of an electoral pact with the Conservatives (Bolton and Huddersfield).

UKIP has no MPs, but it does have a number of MEPs.  It is not strong in local government, but it has been strengthening its electoral base in recent years.  Will Rotherham be the 'breakthrough' as Brighton was for the Green Party?   The Labour majority will be hard to overturn, although the party has had problems with the candidate selection process which might assist Respect.  The issue of two foster parents having children taken away from them by Rotherham Council on the grounds that the parents belonged to UKIP has caused outrage across the political spectrum.  Will this be reflected in the vote today?  Will disaffected Conservatives vote UKIP as a protest much as they voted Liberal in Orpington in 1962?  We shall know soon enough.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/edwest/100191811/ukip-are-libertarian-theyre-also-conservative-pro-free-trade-and-anti-mass-immigration-and-theyre-coherent/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/ukip/9708791/Could-this-be-Ukips-day.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/9710762/Foster-row-Labour-faces-challenge-from-Ukip-in-Rotherham-by-election.html

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/edwest/100192106/tonight-ukip-have-a-chance-to-show-the-world-theyre-more-than-just-a-protest-vote-for-angry-tories/

http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2012/11/could-labour-lose-rotherham-election

http://www.thecommentator.com/article/2173/whatever_happens_today_ukip_is_breaking_new_ground

Update: 30th November.

A good showing by UKIP.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9713243/Ukip-takes-second-place-in-by-elections.html

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/timstanley/100192252/after-rotherham-ukip-is-now-a-national-populist-party-a-magnet-for-anger-at-the-british-establishment/

http://blogs.channel4.com/michael-crick-on-politics/after-rotherham-ukip-aims-to-top-the-2014-euro-poll/2031

More updates:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/ukip/9715909/Ukip-may-yet-gatecrash-the-private-party.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2241257/UKIPs-shelter-politically-homeless-disenchanted-voters-abandon-Tories-Labour.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/ukip/9717394/Ukip-deserves-to-be-taken-seriously-after-by-elections-surge-says-Vince-Cable.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/the-rise-and-rise-of-ukip--the-new-party-of-the-protest-voter-8373871.html

http://www.nucleus.uk.net/subscription-confirmed/item/nobody-can-stop-ukip-now

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/08/world/europe/nigel-farages-anti-eu-message-finds-fans.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0

German verdict on Greek bailout

Resolution of the problems with the euro will be determined by Germany.  However, how and when a solution is found is dependent on German public opinion and calculations by Mrs Merkel of the electoral consequences of the options that are available.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-commentators-say-greece-debt-deal-delays-the-inevitable-a-869768.html

http://www.openeurope.org.uk/Article/Page/en/LIVE?id=9629&page=PressReleases#

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/greece-aid-deal-to-cost-germany-billions-in-revenues-a-869706.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-remains-adamant-in-refusal-to-forgive-greek-debt-a-869300.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-opposition-spd-party-lacks-a-clear-course-on-the-euro-crisis-a-869988.html

Whatever else one might think about Gordon Brown, at least he kept us out of the euro.

UPDATE 30th November:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-parliament-votes-to-approve-new-greece-aid-package-a-870259.html

Rotherham

My memories of Rotherham consist mostly of gazing out of the train window on the approaches to Rotherham Masborough station when travelling between Leeds and Sheffield in the 1960s.  The whole route was taken up with vistas of railway sidings and junctions, collieries, steel works, iron foundries, heavy engineering, dirty rivers and canals.

Rotherham was not a destination of choice, much better attractions were to be found in Sheffield, but in those days that was not saying much.

Rotherham FC sold Keith Kettleborough to Sheffield United in 1960 and after a rocky start he became a fixture in the Blades team. I recall vividly the game between United and Wednesday at Bramall Lane during which Kettleborough and Tony Kay had a running battle. (United won with a goal in the last minute scored by Derek 'Doc' Pace.)  I braved the journey to Rotherham a few times in the 1967-68 season when the football club brought in Tommy Docherty as manager to save the club from relegation - he failed.

Rotherham, like many towns, is not often in the news and doubtless it would have remained so had it not been for the controversies surrounding the parliamentary by-election.

More EU jottings

To be added to:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9701846/Spain-to-get-35bn-in-aid-as-Eurogroup-meets-to-agree-Greek-aid.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9702032/Boris-drops-his-demand-for-an-in-out-referendum-on-Europe.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/germany-remains-adamant-in-refusal-to-forgive-greek-debt-a-869300.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9703842/David-Cameron-the-EU-rebate-will-stay-as-long-as-Im-Prime-Minister.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9704644/EU-IMF-agrees-deal-to-cut-Greek-debt-by-40bn.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/euro-zone-finance-ministers-avert-greek-bankruptcy-in-marathon-talks-a-869487.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9706702/Debt-deal-secures-Greeces-place-in-eurozone-says-PM-Antonis-Samaras.html
Well he would!

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/greece-aid-deal-to-cost-germany-billions-in-revenues-a-869706.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/independence-push-in-catalonia-still-a-problem-say-commentators-a-869532.html

28th November:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9709037/Tony-Blair-David-Camerons-position-on-Europe-risks-monumental-error.html

In or out?

Some Conservative MPs are stepping up the pressure on David Cameron to offer the great British public an 'in-or-out' referendum on EU membership.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9700867/Tories-cheer-Cameron-in-Europe-and-demand-referendum.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9700903/Mark-Pritchard-Only-an-in-out-referendum-will-do.html

Doubtless Cameron's deputy, Nick Clegg, will support this, won't he?   After all his party put this out at the last general election:

Spotlight on SS

The current furore over the decision of  the Social Services Department of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to take three children away from foster parents on the grounds that the parents were members of UKIP has focused again the spotlight on the activities of social services departments.

Usually press interest has been in the failure of departments to take children out of risk who have died as  a consequence.

On the face of it the decision taken in Rotherham had nothing to do with the physical safety of the children, but it would be unwise to consider what has happened as being an isolated case of  ill-judged opinion, stupidity, political correctness or political ignorance.

Christopher Booker has been commentating for years in the Sunday Telegraph on the activities of social services departments: snatching children from parents with active police connivance.  The work of family courts also has come under Booker's scrutiny: the lengths the courts will go to to prevent publicity and the too ready acceptance of the opinions of social workers.

The hope must be that the events in Rotherham will lead to a wider investigation of the power of, and its abuse, by social services departments as well as open to scrutiny decisions of family courts.

English Democrats over-excited by bookies' odds

I note that Steve Uncles and Chris Beverley have become somewhat excited by the odds offered by William Hill:

I wonder why these two English Democrat bloggers have not mentioned the odds offered by Ladbrokes?

Yippee!!

Germany sided with the UK against France.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9699264/EU-summit-budget-talks-collapse-as-David-Cameron-says--non-to-Brussels.html

See also:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9699134/EU-leaders-accuse-Cameron-of-sabotaging-budget-deal.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9699877/French-threat-to-UK-rebate-as-EU-budget-talks-collapse.html 
See also:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2237622/Why-listen-country-imploding-economy-drag-Europe-it.html

On time and within budget

The test of success  for any major infrastructure project is quite simple: on time and within budget.  There was a time when the UK was regarded as incapable of passing the test, but not any more:  the Olympic buildings and transport infrastructure came on line on time and within budget.  Not only that, they worked.

Compare and contrast with Germany, at one time lauded for its efficiency.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/spiegel-investigation-how-the-new-berlin-airport-project-fell-apart-a-868283.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/german-rail-warns-of-delays-due-to-siemens-delivery-problems-a-868763.html

Oh dear.

Europe Update

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/british-prime-minister-cameron-faces-tough-talks-on-eu-budget-a-868653.html

Cameron dubbed as 'Mr No.'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/9697082/Latest-eurozone-PMI-figures-suggest-downturn-deepening.html

Gloomy economic news.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/20/cameron-uk-contribution-eu-budget

EU Summit update


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/9698054/EU-talks-risk-collapse-as-Britain-and-France-battle-over-rebate.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/european-union-leaders-in-brussels-fail-to-reach-agreement-on-budget-a-868872.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/9699063/Nick-Clegg-friend-calls-for-end-of-Britains-EU-budget-rebate.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20459398

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9699985/Eurozone-confidence-returning-says-Mario-Draghi.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9700426/Merkel-rival-warns-of-impact-of-Greek-default.html

Eurozone and Greece

The problem of agreeing the EU budget is dwarfed by the ongoing saga of the protection of the euro and the 'imposition' of austerity in Greece, Portugal, Ireland and Italy: the likelihood of Cyprus and Spain requiring bailouts and the deteriorating French economy.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/french-credit-rating-downgraded-amid-doubts-over-reform-path-a-868203.html

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/iainmartin1/100190537/milibands-french-model-is-looking-sickly/


Back to Greece:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/9686251/Merkels-day-of-reckoning-as-taxpayer-haircut-on-Greece-looms.html


http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/economist-sinn-warns-against-current-euro-crisis-course-a-868005.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/accounting-tricks-in-berlin-impede-greece-bailout-strategy-a-868085.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/fresh-greek-aid-coalition-parties-demand-clarity-from-merkel-a-868121.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/commentary-on-germany-s-trouble-with-the-truth-about-greece-a-868125.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9688405/Worst-is-over-for-euro-says-Spanish-PM-Rajoy.html
Twerp.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9689396/Eurozone-leaders-remain-split-over-Greek-debt-ahead-of-key-meeting.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20398695

UPDATE: 20 November.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9691682/Debt-crisis-EU-leaders-warn-Greeces-aid-could-be-delayed.html

UPDATE 21 November

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9692225/Eurozone-finance-ministers-fail-to-agree-Greek-debt-deal.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/euro-zone-and-imf-fail-to-agree-on-path-forward-for-greek-debt-crisis-a-868463.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9694299/Eurozone-stability-depends-on-Greece-talks-warns-Samaras.html
Anyone for poker?

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/tacit-bond-arrangement-between-governments-and-banks-endangers-system-a-868971.html
Interesting article.

UK and the EU

In the lead up to the EU Summit in Brussels this Thursday the pro and anti EU forces are flexing their muscles.  Will the EU Summit be a staging post on the road to a UK referendum on the terms of membership/withdrawal from the EU?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9687470/Plans-for-EU-budget-without-Britain-a-slap-in-the-face.html
Should this happen what price UK membership of the EU?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9687187/Not-a-single-penny-more-for-the-EUs-begging-bowl.html
Typical Boris humour.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/businesslatestnews/9687876/CBI-chief-warns-UK-against-EU-exit-vote.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9687422/Leaving-the-EU-would-be-an-economic-disaster-Ken-Clarke-has-said.html

http://www.nucleus.uk.net/subscription-confirmed/item/veto-or-bust-the-tories-demand-their-handbag-moment

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9688281/David-Cameron-is-told-to-call-an-EU-referendum-by-2014.html
Davis plan.  But see:

http://www.ukip.org/content/latest-news/2870-davis-referendum-plan-prolongs-the-eu-agony


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9686866/Be-as-strong-as-Thatcher-on-EU-Boris-tells-PM.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/jeremy-warner/9688936/David-Camerons-non-policy-on-Europe-is-the-worst-of-all-worlds.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/british-wavering-on-the-eu-could-ultimately-lead-to-its-withdrawal-a-868254.html
Ratty article, not up to Spiegel's standard.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9691965/Our-EU-bills-could-still-rise-560m-despite-budget-freeze.html

Update 21st November:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9693186/David-Cameron-threatens-veto-over-EU-budget-rebate.html

Update 9th December:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9732677/David-Cameron-to-offer-inout-referendum-on-EU-Boris-says.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/9720865/EU-Boris-Johnson-attacks-David-Cameron-and-George-Osborne-for-morally-wrong-policies.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/conservative/9732009/Liam-Fox-draws-up-Tory-battle-lines-on-Europe.html

UPDATE: 11th December

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/benedictbrogan/100193736/like-tantric-sex-our-wait-for-a-european-policy-goes-on-and-on/

Oh dear

My avid reader will recall that recently I was subjected to a nasty attack on the English Passport blog for which I have sought an apology.

The following is the 'apology' I received. It does not address to my satisfaction the issue in contention.  Party membership is irrelevant.

Just for the record:  I have been a member of the Conservative Party for past five years.

Doom laden articles (2)

Nothing in the following articles will come as a surprise to my avid reader.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/jeremy-warner/9684528/The-euro-has-become-Germanys-new-Deutschemark.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/ambroseevans_pritchard/9686251/Merkels-day-of-reckoning-as-taxpayer-haircut-on-Greece-looms.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9685373/Italys-austerity-may-have-saved-the-euro-says-Mario-Monti.html

More bad news for Tunbridge Wells

The Tunbridge Wells Town Plan Advisory Panel recommended that the Council should support the re-opening of the Uckfield-Lewes rail link and also the line between Eridge and Tunbridge Wells.

See: http://kentcommunityactivist.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/tunbridge-wells-town-plan-advisory_19.html

A threat has emerged to the trackbed in Tunbridge Wells concerning which I posted the following:

http://kentcommunityactivist.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/latest-news-from-wealden-line-campaign.html

So what has been the reaction of the Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council to this threat to a through route linking West Kent with East Sussex and Brighton?

From today's Courier newspaper:

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council is not necessarily in the market for buying land adjacent to railways which have no investment value.

The leader of the Wealden Line Campaign, Brian Hart, responded:

That was  a shameful thing to say.

At the very least one might have expected Councillor Jukes to reiterate the importance of protecting the trackbed from housing development and to work with other organisations to ensure this happens.  He could have added his support for the re-opening of the line.  But no, all we hear is more negativity.

It all adds to the charge sheet against our councillors  who give the impression of being hell-bent on making Royal Tunbridge Wells a backwater: indeed a monument to political mediocrity.  No drive, no ambition, no vision, no action.

UPDATE:

http://www.bml2.co.uk/the-news/94-story-ministers-facing-questions-over-embarrassing-rail-land-sale.html

Kent PCC election result

It would be churlish not to congratulate Ann Barnes on her victory in yesterday's Kent Police and Crime Commissioner election.

The test for her now is to deliver on her pledges. She will be the subject of far greater scrutiny now she is holding an elected position as distinct from the appointed position she held as chairman of the Police Authority.  What she and the Chief Constable need to get to grips with is that it is not normal service being resumed.

A reminder of her manifesto:

I note that Steve Uncles came a poor fifth in the election and that his result was the poorest of the English Democrats standing in England for the PCC elections. His campaign against Barnes failed in spectacular fashion and one can but hope that he learns from this that a campaign of denigration is not the way to gain votes.

The Conservatives mounted a woeful campaign.

Doom laden articles

As readers of my Facebook page know I am a bringer of joy and happiness, well  maybe not!

The links below take you to two trenchant articles which fill me with foreboding and gloom.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9680554/Like-it-or-not-Beijing-and-Berlin-must-pay.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9681868/1930s-medicine-pushes-Europe-back-into-double-dip-recession.html

PCCs and PACT

It has been amusing to hear and read the comments of candidates for the PCC elections expounding on the importance of keeping in touch with people to ascertain their views on policing issues.  In sonorous terms candidates have explained how they will test the pulse of communities.

But hang on, the last Labour Government introduced, through the Home Office, Partner(ships) and Communities Together, known as PACT. Police forces established PACTs (in Ashford, Kent alone there were/are over 13 of these) and were responsible for their administration.  The idea was for policing issues at community level to be identified by inviting the public to attend meetings along with organisations in the locality: housing associations, local authorities, councillors, community groups, etc.

In fact PACT often is wrongly understood to mean Police and Communities Together.  The remit of PACTs extends to other issues -  examples:  environmental concerns, public transport, health issues

The problem is that many PACTs have not worked well.  Attendance of organisations and the public is often poor and some are hijacked by individuals pushing there own agenda.

Like a lot of 'good ideas' for consultation drawn up by civil servants and local government officers, they fail at the first hurdle, the unwillingness of the public to engage. One reason for this is that PACTs became just one more meeting to attend . No decisions taken, little reporting back on resolution of issues equals waste of time attending.

When Local Involvement Networks were established in Kent I suggested that rather than establish a new machinery for engagement with the public the PACTs should have taken on consultation on health issues.  At least it would have avoided another round of meetings.

Public engagement and consultation is a chimera: it won't happen if the process is a dull meeting in a community centre or church hall.  What is needed is a meeting which is not a talking shop, but one which reaches conclusions and sets specific time scales for reporting back by statutory organisations on progress achieved to resolve issues or reasons why progress cannot be achieved.  Sadly parish councils can be part of the problem of unsatisfactory engagement as PACTs can represent a threat.

Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company hits the buffers.

It comes as no surprise that the regeneration company is to be dissolved.

See: http://www2.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=4998

The writing was on the wall from the moment Roy Bullock was ousted as Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and  re-development of the civic centre put into deep freeze.

The Aspic Brigade will be delighted no doubt  by the news, but in the future where will the impetus for re-development come from?  One can have little confidence that the politicians running the borough  will be up to the task ahead. A recent press report quoted one retailer as stating that the town was dying.  Many town centres are facing retail problems with the expansion of out-of-town and Internet shopping. What is being done to bring other attractions to the town?

There has been talk of Royal Tunbridge Wells becoming the cultural centre for West Kent and part of East Sussex .  However, that is all it is: talk.   Where are the plans for a new theatre/ concert/conference venue along the lines of the new Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury?  The Aspic Brigade believes modifications to the Assembly Hall will do. They won't.  The museum needs a larger building and should seek to become the Museum of Kent to attract visitors.

It is no use the Council developing a 'cultural vision' without something to back it up.

Meanwhile, the Odeon cinema site, slap bang in the middle of the town, has been an eyesore for 12 years, a monument to inaction.

Major opportunities have been lost.  The former railway goods yard has been given over to blocks of flats whilst the former hospital site is to be developed for housing.  Each site could have been developed in a much more imaginative way, but then, if you elect dullards do not expect vision and action.

Royal Tunbridge Wells is becoming a monument to political mediocrity.

Police and Crime Commissioner election is TOMORROW

Tomorrow, Thursday 15th  November,  is election day for the the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner elections.  Sadly, the turnout is expected to be very low. Information on the candidates can be read here

Greek debt issue takes centre stage

Throwing good money after bad into a bottomless pit?

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/imf-demand-for-greek-debt-haircut-means-political-headache-for-merkel-a-867231.html

See also:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-and-imf-disagree-about-sustainability-of-greek-debt-load-a-866973.html

The crunch will come at the euro-finance ministers' meeting on 20 November,

IMF digging heels in:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9682247/Lagarde-Not-over-in-Greece-until-fat-lady-sings.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9683879/Debt-crisis-Greece-will-need-second-debt-writedown-says-Weidmann.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9684612/Greece-looks-past-Europe-in-search-for-new-funds.html