Kent Police and Crime Commissioner election

The time as I write is 17.00 on Tuesday 13th November.  On 15th November the election will be held for the position of Kent Police and Crime Commissioner. I have not received an election 'communication' from any of the candidates - the first time in 45 years that I have not received anything from any of the candidates at an election.

Admittedly, I have been following the election on the Internet, perusing the candidates' websites, as well as watching the videos of the hustings.  Many people either do not have Internet access, or if they have, do not necessarily use it to seek out the views of the candidates.

I can understand the  problems English Democrats and the two Independents have is delivering election leaflets across Kent. What has surprised me is that I have not received a Labour,Conservative or UKIP leaflets as these three parties distributed leaflets in abundance at the May local elections.

I know the Conservatives have been delivering leaflets.  One Conservative councillor has been out and about in Sherwood and I espied a Conservative councillor in Langton making deliveries.

UPDATE:  Received an election address from the Conservative candidate late this afternoon, Wednesday 14th November.

Greek debt storm

The Telegraph's Brussels correspondent Bruno Waterfield reports:

The Eurozone’s finance ministers have a big problem tonight: no one can agree on how much Greece is going to cost or who should pay.

The EU and IMF troika is completely split over how to deal with the fact that Greece will not make a debt “sustainability” target of 120 pc of GDP by 2020.

Estimates for how the target will actually work out vary wildly from 145pc to 125/30pc.

If Greek debt is unsustainable then the IMF is out of the aid programme for Greece increasing the burden for the eurozone and dealing a hammer blow to the EU’s credibility.

The fight between the IMF and the EU has been described as “total war” and represents the biggest test for the eurozone since the onset of the crisis three years ago.

If Greek debt is to be sustainable, keeping the IMF on board, then the EU is going to have to write off debts, opposed by the ECB and Germany and give Greece more time, which costs money.

Germany is keen to delay as long as possible (as with Spain) because as decision is going to cost the German taxpayer, the ECB is opposed to taking a hit on Greek debt and the IMF to throwing more of Washington’s money after bad in Greece.

The precondition of agreeing the next instalment for Greece is the troika report and the precondition for having a troika report is to thrash out the above meaning tonight’s meeting is a battle between Wolfgang Schaeuble, Mario Draghi and Christine Lagarde.

Without agreement from the German finance minister, the ECB chief and the head of the IMF the troika report for tonight’s discussion is restricted to “technical boxes”.

“Greece is broke. Someone is going to have to pay but no one wants to take the responsibility. They will fudge,” said a senior diplomat.

See also:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/euro-group-chief-juncker-says-troika-report-on-greece-positive-a-866721.html
Really!!??......read on.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9673043/Greece-will-need-32.6bn-if-Troika-agrees-to-bailout-extension.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9673271/Debt-crisis-Leaders-stall-at-32bn-bill-for-Greece.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9674059/IMF-chief-and-EU-clash-over-Greek-debt.html

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

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20311701

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9676055/Debt-crisis-Greek-debt-auction-averts-imminent-default.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9675867/Greece-says-bail-out-will-put-drachmaphobia-to-rest.html

An exchange with Steve Uncles:

Tunbridge Wells dying?

According to  a retailer in Royal Tunbridge Wells the town is dying, its life blood cut off by increasing traffic congestion, made worse by the installation of traffic lights on Pembury Road.  Retailers in the retail park are concerned that gridlock on the roads within the park is having a negative effect on customer numbers.  How much easier to drive to Bluewater.

A contentious  issue is that of parking charges.  I note that Sevenoaks has decided to lift parking charges in the run up to Christmas.

  http://www.kentnews.co.uk/news/sevenoaks_cabinet_agrees_to_free_christmas_parking_1_1688506

Back in the town centre the old Odeon cinema is a bleak reminder of dither over the years and  failure of Conservative administrations to move forward the development of the town.  The 'policy' of the Council is that nothing can be done regarding the civic complex until the Odeon site issues have been resolved. Should the current owners fail to develop the site there has been talk of compulsory purchase.

At least Roy Bullock tried to break the log-jam and was thanked by being ousted as Leader of the Council and then deselected as a candidate. Neither his immediate successor, Bob Atwood, who lost his Council seat last May, nor the latest incumbent, David Jukes, seems to have any strategy worthy of the name. Meanwhile the town continues to die.

Not good enough.

Battlegrounds looming

So, Germany wants to inspect the the health of the French economy and doubtless give advice on what should be done to improve the health of the latter's economy.  A distinct frost in the Berlin/Paris relationship.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9667687/German-risks-rift-with-France-over-economic-healthcheck-demands.html

Note the language: 'demands'.

Meanwhile:

lhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/top-german-and-eu-politicians-blast-britain-and-france-over-budget-a-866352.html

Note the language again. 'Berlin and Brussels demand more from London and Paris'. Why on earth should the EC make demands on sovereign states?  A glimpse into the future of a federal Europe? A foretaste of 'ever closer union'?

Battle commences:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9668841/EU-budget-talks-collapse-following-rows-over-funding-increase.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20269373
Talks 'acrimonious'.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9669458/EU-funding-crisis-as-talks-collapse.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/9670365/Weve-been-on-the-back-foot-with-the-EU-ever-since-we-joined.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9673547/Angela-Merkel-sticks-to-austerity-script-in-Portugal-as-revolt-builds.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-chancellor-met-with-protests-during-first-portugal-visit-a-866925.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9676707/Anti-austerity-strikes-launched-in-Eurozone.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/greek-mayors-refuse-to-send-athens-lists-of-employees-to-lay-off-a-867060.html

http://www.itv.com/news/2012-11-14/an-important-day-and-not-just-because-of-the-general-strikes/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9679076/Europeans-vent-their-anger-as-cuts-bite.html

Police Chief Elections 15 November

The prosaic name for the new police chiefs is Police and Crime Commissioners.  I don't like the use of the word 'commissioner' as it brings to mind people council officers who commission services and is not far removed from the hotel doorman.

Never mind, let us hope the new PCCs are not doormats for chief constables.  At the very least they will be an improvement on the unelected chairs of police committees and the other unelected members of police authorities.  Much rubbish has been spoken about the need for 'independent' as opposed to political party backed commissioners.  Any person elected on a party label will find out soon enough that toeing a party line is the quickest way to losing credibility and support.  The Mayor of London has shown independence of thought and action even though elected on a party label.

The problem in Kent is that  the candidates are an insipid bunch, apart from the UKIP candidate, Piers Wauchope who is a barrister specialising in criminal law.  One of the Independents, Ann Barnes, is lively but suffers from the charge of hypocrisy as she was until recently the chair of the Kent Police Authority and a leading opponent of the introduction of commissioners.

The Conservative candidate is an accountant and sounds like one.  Two of the other candidates are worthy but uninspiring.  One is the Labour candidate. a leading figure in union and national Labour Party circles and the other, an Independent, a  former Mayor of Medway.

Finally we have the English Democrat candidate, Steve Uncles, who has featured often on this blog. 'Nuff said.

Free school for Edenbridge?

The plan to open a secondary free school in 2013 has foundered on lack of demand.  However, a mini-baby boom could result in the potential pupil numbers stacking up for a 2015 intake.  Where would a school be located?  Finding a site, planning permission and building work all take time, so the steering group backed by the Harris Foundation will have to get its skates on.

See:

http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/Baby-boom-bring-new-school/story-17275772-detail/story.html

Germany calling and Greek riots (2)

A tragedy for the people of Greece.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/greece-passes-more-austerity-measures-despite-protests-a-866067.html

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ambroseevans-pritchard/100021180/who-will-stop-the-sado-monetarists-as-jobless-youth-hits-58pc-in-greece/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9664350/The-Greek-books-are-still-being-cooked.html

Meanwhile, Merkel visited Cameron.  Did she plead or threaten - take your pick.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9663476/Angela-Merkel-pleads-to-David-Cameron-Stay-in-the-EU.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9663236/Merkel-warns-Britain-against-European-Union-exit.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/merkel-and-cameron-meet-to-discuss-differences-on-eu-budget-a-866068.html

Germany calling and Greek riots

So, will the blessed Angela use her Teutonic charm and woo Vetoman round to her way of thinking?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/9660839/David-Cameron-and-Angela-Merkel-to-discuss-EU-budget-over-dinner-in-Downing-Street.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9659652/David-Cameron-to-hold-robust-talks-on-cutting-EU-budget.html

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/jameskirkup/100188402/angela-merkel-wants-clarity-from-david-cameron-over-europe-shell-have-to-join-the-queue/

Farage's advice to Merkel.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20232496

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9662285/Greeks-clash-with-riot-police-as-politicans-pass-austerity-measures.html

Much to ponder........

France and Greece in the spotlight:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9656984/IMF-warns-over-taxed-France-risks-slipping-behind-Italy-and-Spain.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/9658301/France-announces-20bn-worth-of-tax-breaks.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/9659504/Francois-Hollande-lurches-Right-in-historic-U-Turn-to-save-French-economy.html
Ooops!!


Greek crunch day tomorrow.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/strikes-cripple-greece-ahead-of-austerity-vote-in-parliament-a-865609.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9658185/Greece-gripped-by-48-hour-austerity-strikes.html?frame=2389912
Photos

Problems for Merkel?

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/media-commentators-on-merkel-adoption-of-expensive-new-programs-a-865640.html

Do as I say, not as I do. See also:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/economic-experts-warn-merkel-against-extra-spending-a-865890.html


Finally, EU keeps to the form book.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9657673/Audit-seriously-undermines-credibility-of-EU-spending.html

Past Watering Holes (6)

Giving directions to strangers often entails mention of landmarks: pubs, churches, shops, etc.  However pub closures, followed by change of use or demolition, has made the task of providing clear directions much more difficult.  The bewildering speed at which pub names are changed is a further trap for the unwary.

Many years ago a friend was visiting me and caught the bus from Chesterfield to Newbold.  I told him to alight at the Cross Daggers.  The pub had been demolished and replaced by a block of flats some years previously but the bus stop was known to locals, bus drivers and conductors at Cross Daggers.  My friend caught the bus and was berated by the conductor for still being on the bus after it had passed the stop!

Newbold has two pubs which face each other: the Nags Head and the Wheatsheaf.

The Nags Head sold Mansfield  Bitter.  Mansfield Brewery closed some years ago and has been demolished.  The landlord was Jack Keeton.  A character: a visit to the pub to hear him in full flow provided an evening of entertainment, quite apart from the excellent beer.

I was in the pub one evening and a young couple were sitting as far away from the bar as was possible.  They engaged in an energetic 'snogging' session. Not for long though.  Jack was over to them in a flash and enquired in a loud voice: " which position is that in the Kama Sutra?"  

Across the road from the Nags Head stands the Wheatsheaf which at one time sold the legendary Barnsley Bitter to be followed by John Smith's.  The old Wheatsheaf was demolished in 1965 to be replaced by a typical 'estate' pub.  The atmosphere created in the old pub by the 'regulars' did not transfer to the new pub.

In those days closing time was 10.30 pm with an additional ten minutes 'drinking-up' time. On Friday  evenings the local scoutmaster, resplendent in uniform including shorts would arrive between 10.25 and 10.28 and order two pints of bitter which he would down before throwing-out time at 10.40 pm. In the old pub the regulars sometimes would adjust their watches and the landlord his clock  and swear blind to the scoutmaster that he had arrived after time.

More police-catching criminals

The description of Steve Uncles on the list of candidates for the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner election.

English Democrats - "More Police - Catching Criminals!"

I do hope not. We don't want more criminals catching the police do we?  I prefer more police catching criminals.  

Yes, I know there is a space each side of the hyphen, but why bother a hyphen?

UK and EU

Update:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9648509/Britain-shouldnt-jump-the-gun-on-leaving-the-European-Union.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/9653211/Our-role-in-the-EU-needs-radical-change.html

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/charlescrawford/100189749/shock-horror-uk-not-isolated-in-european-budget-row/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9679833/EU-tries-to-grab-6bn-from-Britains-EU-rebate.html

16 November:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9683539/Pressure-on-Cameron-to-block-EU-army-HQ-plans.html

Europe update:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/francois-hollande/9649044/Francois-Hollande-being-president-isnt-easy.html

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ambroseevans-pritchard/100021082/dont-cry-for-me-francois/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9653643/David-Cameron-in-new-EU-cash-fight.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/eu-budget-commissioner-challenges-uk-loyalty-to-europe-a-864941.html

http://nucleus.uk.net/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9650824/Eurozone-factory-downturn-deepens-as-core-economies-struggle.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9653205/Angela-Merkel-eurozone-crisis-will-last-at-least-another-five-years.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9654088/ECB-investigating-if-loans-made-to-Spanish-banks-contravened-rules.html

Who will win Kent Police Commissoner election?

Recently I received a document setting out the voting procedure for the Kent Police Commissioner election. I may place a cross  in one column against the name of my first choice and then, if I wish, a cross in the second column against the name of my second choice.

How are the votes counted?  The Electoral Commission states as follows:

The first preferences are counted, and if a candidate has received more than 50% of the votes cast they are elected.

If no candidate has more than 50% of the vote, all candidates apart from those in the first and second place are eliminated.

The ballot papers showing a first preference for the eliminated candidates are checked for their second preference. Any second preference votes for the two remaining candidates are then added to the candidates’ first preference votes and the candidate with the most votes wins.

Unless a candidate receives more than 50% and wins, it is imperative that a candidate comes either first or second in the first round to have any chance of winning.

Whilst I believe the Conservative candidate will top the first preference count he may not secure more than 50% of the vote. But who will come second?  A local newspaper has suggested UKIP may spring a surprise. Either UKIP or the Independent (Ann Barnes) could come second, with Labour fourth followed by the English Democrat and the other Independent.  What will be the effect of second preference votes?  In the absence of a Liberal Democrat candidate how will that party's supporters cast their first and second preference votes?  Indeed, how many people will bother to cast a second preference vote?

It could well be that the leader after the first preference round will fail to hold on to the position  after second preference votes have been added.

Should a voter place crosses against the names of the candidates who come first and second in the first round his/her second vote is ignored.  Only the second preference votes of eliminated candidates are considered.  Therefore some second preference votes carry more weight than others, which is inequitable.  All second preference votes should be counted for all of the candidates.  Who thought up this voting system?

Uncles' agent blows it.

Steve Uncles, one of the candidates for the post of Police Commissioner for Kent, has appointed Michael Walters as his agent.  Today, I published the following on my Facebook page, stating it was from Kent on Sunday:

Walters responded with the following:

Read it for yourself by clicking on the link below, then go to page 16.

http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx?pbid=0008cf8d-409f-4c68-aa5d-b32c996a3e25

Well, Uncles' agent made a fool of himself and the penny has dropped the article in question is 'for real'.

See:  http://englishpassport.org/2012/11/05/kent-on-sunday-panic-into-misleading-english-democrats-description-to-halt-the-steve-uncles-campaign/

True Brits

I am for ever intrigued by the in-fighting between the minute political parties of the far right.  The latest manifestation is the creation of True Brits, in effect a BNP Mark 2.

The BNP has been losing members for some time as a consequence of organisational intrigue, not policy issues.  True Brits headline member is Andrew Brons MEP who resigned recently from the BNP after a long battle with Nick Griffin, the BNP leader, for control of the party culminating in an election contest for leadership of the BNP between the two individuals which Griffin won narrowly.

See: http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/hate-groups/true-brits/

The next few months/years will see open warfare between True Brits and the BNP for dominance. The internecine strife hopefully will exhaust both parties, but realistically I expect True Brits to come out on top.  Given some of the supporters of True Brits mentioned in the Hope not Hate blog it should make the far right even less attractive to the electorate that the BNP.

Over the past 18 months BNP members have left the party is droves and joined the English Democrats.  The ED has welcomed this influx even though the policies of the ED on UK constitutional arrangements is markedly different from the BNP and the English Democrats' statements to be a non-racist party. Will these ex BNP converts stay in their new home or will there be a rush to join True Brits?  Should this happen, and I expect it will, the English Democrats will  be weakened severely.  At the last local elections 45% of ED candidates were ex BNP members.  ED members who resigned in protest at the BNP influx are unlikely to re-join the ED. Many have found a congenial home in UKIP.

So, one consequence of the formation of True Brits is that the English Democrats could be weakened, possibly to the point of terminal decline given the latter party's debts and poor electoral showing.

Changed circumstances

One has to adapt to changed circumstances.  For me, this means less time on Facebook and posting on this blog.  I'll be back!

Latest news from the Wealden Line Campaign

Interesting article from the Campaign's website.

http://www.bml2.co.uk/the-news/93-regional-rail-triumphs-over-local-road.html

The decision not to build over the trackbed at Uckfield is welcome.  Can we hope that East Sussex County Council will become pro-active in support of re-opening the Uckfield-Lewes link?

What is happening in Tunbridge Wells is of great concern.  Action this day Councillor Jukes & company to preserve the trackbed between the West station and the Hastings line.

See also http://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/local/new-car-park-means-rail-track-stays-intact-1-4460368

UK and Europe

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9647205/David-Cameron-suffers-stinging-defeat-over-EU-budget.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/9645874/The-Commons-has-spoken-for-the-nation-on-the-EU.html

A watershed moment or a tipping point in the UK's relationship with the European Union? Or simply, an opportunistic vote by Labour to discomfort Cameron?  Time will tell, although the Conservatives and Labour are beginning to recognise public disquiet with the EU.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9641755/Britain-sorely-needed-in-EU-says-German-Finance-Minister-Wolfgang-Schaeuble.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/uk-vote-could-spark-major-eu-budget-row-a-864693.html
Perceptive article.

Are the Liberal Democrats signing the party's death warrant by continuing to be the most europhile of the major parties

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/9648011/Nick-Clegg-EU-opt-out-a-false-promise-wrapped-in-a-Union-Jack.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-20166436

UKIP is running third in most opinion polls, ahead of the Liberal Democrats.  Will UKIP benefit from current  public opinion?  Forthcoming parliamentary by-elections should provide a clue.

http://ukip.org/content/latest-news/2839-ukip-welcome-government-defeat-on-eu-budget-bid

More on matters European

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/london-and-berlin-demand-billions-in-cuts-to-proposed-eu-budget-a-864560.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9640833/A-day-of-judgment-looms-over-the-EU-budget.html


So who will 'win', the European Parliament, the European Commission, the net contributor states, or the net receiving states?  Will the wrangling take peoples' eyes off the ball of the eurozone crisis?

On the crisis, see

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ambroseevans-pritchard/100021059/the-german-bloc-will-have-to-take-its-bitter-medicine-in-greece/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

&

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9647098/Greek-death-spiral-raises-heat-for-German-bloc-creditors.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9647205/Cameron-suffers-stinging-defeat-over-Europe.html     

Black eye for Cameron:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/9647205/Cameron-suffers-stinging-defeat-over-Europe.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/euro-zone-unemployment-rises-in-september-to-highest-level-ever-a-864541.html

Resolution of Greek debt issue?

Reports coming in that the Greek government has concluded a deal with the troika over the country's fiscal adjustment programme and bailout funding. Will it hold or come unstuck when the Greek parliament considers the terms?

See:

http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_30/10/2012_467937

See also: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9641570/Debt-crisis-Greece-must-have-debt-relief-leaders-to-tell-Angela-Merkel.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9638489/Greek-prime-minister-warns-back-deal-or-risk-euro-exit.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9647098/Greek-death-spiral-raises-heat-for-German-bloc-creditors.html

The Hurricane

On Friday 16th October 1987 I was planning my trip from Derbyshire to Southgate to attend a party the following night.  During the day television news reported on hurricane winds and fallen trees across the south of England. Undaunted, I set off in the afternoon of 17th October for the M1 and London.  In those days motorway driving was a reasonably pleasant experience.  It was only when I headed off the motorway towards Barnet that the extent of the devastation became apparent.  On arrival at the party I noticed that a tree in the next door garden had crashed into the house and branches covered the roof on mine host's house.  The news items had not prepared me for the extent of the damage wrought by the hurricane

In those days there was no 24 hour news service, no websites, no smart phones, certainly no Twitter or Facebook.

Compare and contrast with today, as hurricane Sandy heads for the USA. Now we can watch and comment on the drama as it happens thousands of miles away, such has been technological advance since 1987.  We have ringside seats.  Now we can  rubber-neck on the misfortune of others anywhere in the world in real time.

Another millstone?

This could unravel the EMU project, or at the very least Greek participation in the eurozone. What hope for Spain?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9639512/Germany-rattled-as-taxpayer-losses-loom-in-Greece.html


http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/greek-creditors-propose-new-debt-haircut-for-athens-a-863999.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-comments-on-report-that-greece-will-need-more-aid-a-864010.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/globalbusiness/9640923/Greece-more-risky-for-investors-than-Syria.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/spiegel-interview-with-ecb-president-mario-draghi-a-863971.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9641302/Tony-Blair-the-EU-needs-a-president.html
Not him surely?

Update: 29th October

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9641570/Debt-crisis-Greece-must-have-debt-relief-leaders-to-tell-Angela-Merkel.html
Upping the pressure on Germany.

31st October

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9638489/Greek-prime-minister-warns-back-deal-or-risk-euro-exit.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9647098/Greek-death-spiral-raises-heat-for-German-bloc-creditors.html

Rusthall Fireworks (2)

The wind eased off and it was almost a clear sky for the annual Rusthall bonfire and fireworks display.  An excellent display which had some features I had not seen before.

Congratulations to the organising committee, not only for the bonfire and the display, but also for organising the volunteers to marshal road closures as a consequence of the decision of Kent police not to provide officers to police traffic during the torchlight procession.  The use of barriers for the first time to close roads worked very well.

I spied the chairman of the parish council and one of our borough councillors working to ensure public safety.  Well done.

Dover Beach moment

A verse from Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold.

The Sea of Faith
Was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore
Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furled.
But now I only hear
Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar,
Retreating, to the breath
Of the night-wind, down the vast edges drear
And naked shingles of the world.

Replace the first line with UK membership of the European Union.  Are we beginning to hear the UK's withdrawing roar from the EU?  Maybe, and the Liberal Democrats, the uber-europhiles, are in danger of being stranded on the beach.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9636022/Slowly-too-slowly-the-Tories-are-embracing-ever-looser-union.html

http://www.spectator.co.uk/features/8708011/lost-in-europe/

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/353582

Cathy Gaunt

The untimely death of Cathy Gaunt has deprived us of a person who cared passionately about the lot of deprived communities and people.  She came into contact with many people who owe her a debt of gratitude.  A person with strong convictions she had many discussions with me on poverty issues: the role of credit unions and food banks in particular.  I am proud to  have known her as a colleague when I worked at Voluntary Action within Kent, even though she did run her car over my foot when I was assisting her to park the vehicle.

I met Cathy for the first time at a meeting held at Tonbridge Connexions when she was working for Tonbridge YWCA.  She moved to a  post in Brighton where she worked in a neighbourhood regeneration programme as part of the 50+ Community Programme Team developing support and services for older people in one of the city's most deprived areas.

Her next post was in Tunbridge Wells with VAWK where she  worked on a project supporting people with HIV and AIDS.  Later, she took on the role of co-ordinator of 121 Befriending.

Not a glory seeker (unlike too many in the voluntary sector) Cathy just got on with the job.  Many whose lives she touched will be saddened by her death.  

http://ourcathy.info/index.html

Town Hall Dynamism (2)

In June 2011 I posted the item below.

http://kentcommunityactivist.blogspot.co.uk/2011/06/town-hall-dynamism.html

Sixteen months later what is there to report?  Precious little. The Tunbridge Wells Town Plan Advisory Panel's report has had little impact, the former Odeon cinema has not been demolished and the civic complex issues have been kicked into the long grass.


All music to the ears of the Aspic Brigade, a small unrepresentative clique which nevertheless has cast its dire spell over local Conservatives.

UK and Europe

Whilst the problems of the eurozone have been centre stage, the relationship between the UK and Europe has been and is a developing story.  So it should be.  The majority of citizens of the UK are eurosceptic and at last the Tories and Labour are beginning to soften their europhile approach.  Will this translate into a commitment to an 'in or out' referendum?

A few articles of interest:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/9632912/David-Cameron-is-right-to-defend-Britains-interests-Van-Rompuy-aide-says.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9628535/EU-demands-an-extra-11.5bn-from-British-taxpayers.html

http://www.nucleus.uk.net/subscription-confirmed/item/uk-need-not-be-alone-in-capping-eu-budget

http://www.euractiv.com/future-eu/uk-op-raises-eyebrows-home-affai-news-515655

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9632919/European-human-rights-court-is-a-hate-figure-in-Britain-laments-president.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/serbia/9632948/Britain-demands-EU-action-to-stop-huge-influx-of-Balkans-asylum-seekers.html


http://www.spectator.co.uk/features/8708011/lost-in-europe/

26th October 2012

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9634974/We-wont-give-up-rebate-David-Cameron-tells-EU.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9636417/Britain-shackled-to-corpse-of-EU-says-Douglas-Carswell.html


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/9639434/Law-officers-told-Alex-Salmond-independent-Scotlands-EU-membership-not-automatic.html

29th October:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9640104/David-Cameron-faces-fresh-rebellion-over-EU-budget.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9640833/A-day-of-judgment-looms-over-the-EU-budget.html

30th October:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9641755/Britain-sorely-needed-in-EU-says-German-Finance-Minister-Wolfgang-Schaeuble.html

http://www.thecommentator.com/article/1937/britain_doesn_t_need_brussels

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9643328/David-Cameron-under-pressure-on-all-sides-over-EU-budget.html

31st October

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/9645063/David-Cameron-faces-rebellion-as-Labour-to-vote-with-Tory-sceptics-on-EU-budget-cut.html

Uncles upsets teachers

Take a look at this:

http://englishpassport.org/2012/10/24/villagers-cry-for-help-in-medway-but-craig-mackinlay-kent-pcc-candidate-refuses-to-help/

Note the final sentence from this post on the Uncles owned blog.

Well, that's the teaching vote lost and I would imagine the votes of a lot of people who hold primary school teachers in high regard.

Rusthall Fireworks

No, not a meeting of the Parish Council.

The annual fireworks display is this Saturday, 27th October.  Not sure when the display commences, but be there from just before 7.00PM and soak up the atmosphere.  There will be the usual procession round the village prior to the display.

EU update

Some interesting articles, the first one in particular is worth careful study.

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ambroseevans-pritchard/100020923/britain-has-left-the-european-union-in-all-but-name/
Mind you we still pay £40m per day to the EU!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9628734/Financial-transaction-tax-will-raise-billions-says-EU-Commission.html
Another financial grab by the EU.  The European Parliament has approved an 8% increase in the EC budget.  Will Cameron use the veto as he said he will?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9629293/Debt-crisis-Europe-ratchets-up-grip-on-Madrid.html
More pain for Spain?

Update: 24 October 2012

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/9628949/Alex-Salmond-denies-barefaced-lies-over-Scotland-euro-membership.html
Oops!


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9630120/Greece-plans-to-cut-wages-and-pensions.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/reports-say-greece-to-get-two-more-years-to-reach-budget-targets-a-863110.html
Since denied by Greek government.

http://www.ecb.int/press/key/date/2012/html/sp121024.en.html
Mario Draghi in the Lions' Den.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-finance-minister-says-worst-is-yet-to-come-in-euro-crisis-a-862994.html

Update 25 October 2012

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/mixed-messages-from-greece-and-eu-on-two-year-austerity-delay-a-863353.html
What a shambles.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9634172/Act-on-pledge-to-ease-Irish-debts-IMF-urges-EU.html

26th October

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/9636133/Rome-braced-for-austerity-protests.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9635107/Spain-jobs-woes-deepen-as-unemployment-rate-hits-25pc.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/9636931/Greece-faces-30bn-bill-for-two-year-delay-to-meet-bail-out-targets.html
Relief, or not, for Greece and Ireland.?


27th October

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20112404
Italy.  Silvio cuts up rough.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/9638489/Greece-to-vote-on-key-austerity-measures.

28th October

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9638725/Mario-Draghi-backs-Wolfgang-Schaeubles-super-commissioner-plan.html
Well, he would wouldn't he?  See also:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/spiegel-interview-with-ecb-president-mario-draghi-a-863971.html

Green Riposte

http://stuartjeffery.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/rebuttal-to-steven-uncles.html

Rebuttal to Steven Uncles

On 30th September allegations were made against me on the 'English Passport' blog owned by 'Passport & Associates Ltd', which is run by Steven Uncles (he is a director and secretary, the other directors seem to be members of his family).

The blog post accuses me of:

1. Being a Nazi. This is both offensive and untrue. Furthermore it is offensive to the memory of those people who died at the hands of the Nazis.
2. Being a bigot, i.e "a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially: one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance". Again this is offensive and I believe, untrue.
3. Being on drugs. The inference in the blog post is that I regularly take recreational drugs. I do not take illegal drugs.

Furthermore, on October 19th, Mr Uncles claimed on his police commissioner campaignwebsite :

4. That I had withdrawn from the Police Commissioner election out of embarrassment. This is untrue, I had never had or stated an intention to stand in the election.
5. That I am anti-English. This is simply untrue.

I hope that Mr Uncles with remove the posts from his blogs and apologise for the untrue slurs that he has made.

English Democrat confusion

Steve Uncles, the English Democrats' candidate for Kent Police Commissioner has this to say on one of his blog posts:

STEVE UNCLES – ENGLISH DEMOCRAT CONFIRMS HE HAS THE TOUGHEST DRUG POLICY IN KENT AT CANTERBURY – FIRST KENT PCC HUSTINGS

Posted by English Passport on 23 October 2012 · Leave a Comment 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Vote

Steve Uncles – English Democrat confirms he has the toughest Drug Policy in Kent at Canterbury Hustings

At the First Kent PCC Hustings, all six candidates made statements saying that they would be “Tough on Drugs” but the test came when one student from the University of Kent in Canterbury, asked the opinion of the Candidates as to their policy on the personal growing of Cannabis Plants for personal use.

Of the six Candidates four including the Conservative Craig MacKinlay, made statements saying that “Growing drugs for personal use is OK”, Ann Barnes, confirmed the Law in that even growing Cannabis for personal use is against the Law, but Steve Uncles of the English Democrats confirmed that his policy was Zero Tolerance on all Illegal Drugs in Kent, to make Kent into a “Drugs Free Zone”

Mr Uncles was the only candidate to confirm that “Zero Tolerance” meant absolutely no toleration of Drugs in Kent, by the Kent Police under his administration, his rationale for this policy he justified by the terrible affect that addictive drugs have on users lives, once they are addicted, the Crimes motivated by drug use, and the revenue stream for organised crime from the drug trade and drug dealing.

Mr Uncles concluded  “If you wish to vote for candidates who have a liberal policy on drugs, then you have several choices, but just to make it clear, when the English Democrats say ‘zero tolerance – a drug free zone’ that is exactly what we mean, here in Kent“

However, perusal of the English Democrat's manifesto, to which he refers readers in an earlier post, states this:

2.14 Drugs and Alcohol 2.14.1 English Democrats believe that government should encourage a healthy lifestyle which makes the minimum use of "recreational" drugs of all kinds and only reasonable use of alcohol. The Government's drug policy is failing to control the use of illegal drugs and its alcohol policy appears to be making the problems worse. 2.14.2 The English Democrats favour an independent and open minded, English enquiry into alcohol and drug abuse. This should consider, amongst other issues, the pros and cons of legalising the use of cannabis and its health and social consequences. The enquiry should consider health and social consequences. We recognise that there are good arguments on either side. What is needed is a proper conclusion to the debate for England so that it is possible to move on with an agreed stance and suitable measures. Clearly the manifesto is not worth the paper it is written on.

Germany calling.

Poor Mr Cameron has upset Mrs Merkel over his plan to veto the EU budget.  Mrs Merkel and that nice Mr Hollande have fallen out, mixed messages about Greece are being uttered and Croatia has fallen out of favour.  Oh well, so much for unity of purpose in the EU.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9626049/David-Cameron-to-Angela-Merkel-Ill-stick-to-my-guns-on-EU-budget.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/crisis-of-confidence-develops-between-merkel-and-hollande-a-862644.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/berlin-sends-contradictory-messages-on-greece-a-862647.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/leading-german-politicians-are-skeptical-about-croatian-eu-accession-a-862675.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/eu/9626767/Britons-hostility-to-EU-at-its-deepest-says-William-Hague.html

The Pain in Spain

Regional elections in Spain.  The biggie is Catalonia on 25 November.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/9566649/Catalonia-calls-snap-elections-in-independence-drive-from-Madrid.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/spain/9620870/Basque-election-test-for-Spains-conservative-government.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9624211/Spanish-elections-could-mark-step-toward-bail-out.html

UPDATE:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9624455/Spains-austerity-drive-backed-by-Galicia-but-not-the-Basques.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9626278/Galicia-elections-Spanish-government-hails-overwhelming-support-for-austerity-programme.html

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner election

Trawling through the web I have hit upon the following sites which provide information on five of the candidates for the position of Kent PCC.  Unfortunately, I cannot find a site for the Independent, Dai Liyanage.

Conservative:  http://www.craigmackinlay.com/

Labour:  http://www.harrietyeo.com/

Independent:  http://www.annbarnes.co.uk/

UKIP (Facebook page): https://www.facebook.com/ukiptwells?sk=app_290919714259665

English Democrats:  http://steveunclesenglishdemocrats.org/

What a load of baloney.

Yes, from Steve Uncles' blog.  See:

http://englishpassport.org/2012/10/21/craig-mackinlay-police-commissioner-candidate-a-scottish-conservative-lost-in-kent/

From the article:

Craig MacKinlay Police Commissioner Candidate - A Scottish Conservative lost in Kent ...

The Scottish Conservative Accountant Craig MacKinlay, who has been parachuted into Kent, by Conservative Party Central office to ensure that 20% cuts are made in English Police Services to enable further "bribes" to go to Scotland in addition to the £33 Billion already given to Scotland by English Tax Payers (Source Tax Payers Alliance), has been busy in his campaign in Kent, mainly introducing himself to "Conservatives" 

Far from being parachuted in the Conservative candidate was elected by Kent Conservatives at a series of meetings open to all members of the party in Kent.  How was Mr Uncles selected?

The Conservative candidate was born in, lives in, works in Kent and has a distinguished record of public service in Medway. I have received this from a reliable source:


Craig Mackinlay in fifth generation English. You would need to go back to 1855 to find his first non English born relative.

Casual disregard for fact illustrated also by this from the English Passport blog:




The blog post in full, see:

http://englishpassport.org/2012/10/19/truer-statement-of-the-persons-nominated-for-the-kent-police-crime-commissioner-election-15-november-2012/

EU Summit

Interesting quotes (taken from Daily Telegraph).

More from David Cameron's closing speech at the EU summit. He rejected suggestions that Britain was "slowly waving goodbye to Europe", but said he wanted a "new settlement" with the EU, including more say in how it's run.

Am I happy with the status quo in Europe? No I am not, I think there are changes that we need. There are opportunities opening for what I have said should be a new settlement between Britain and Europe and there will be opportunities to seek that new settlement.

The claim came from Finland's Europe minister, Alexander Stubb:

I think Britain is right now, voluntarily, by its own will, putting itself in the margins.

We see it in foreign policy, we see it in economic policy, we see it linked to the single currency. And I, as someone who advocates the single market and free trade, find that very unfortunate, very unfortunate.

It's almost as if the boat is pulling away and one of our best friends is somehow saying 'bye-bye' and there's not really that much we can do about it.

Running with the fox and chasing with the hounds?

Other articles:

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/merkel-and-hollande-reach-summit-agreement-on-banking-oversight-a-862178.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9620715/Merkel-wins-major-victory-over-Hollande.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9619305/EU-leaders-agree-fiscal-facility-plan-with-eye-on-budget-union.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9621559/Debt-crisis-Merkel-blocks-eurozone-support-efforts.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9619458/EU-banking-supervision-is-no-triumph.html

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ambroseevans-pritchard/100020875/europe-mistakes-market-lull-for-vote-of-confidence/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9620666/David-Cameron-threatens-to-veto-EU-budget-unless-Brussels-sacks-staff.html
For home consumption.

The BBC and Uncles

See also:

http://englishpassport.org/2012/10/18/bbc-south-east-news-featuring-this-english-passport-blog-kent-green-chairman-a-bigotted-drug-taking-nazi/

Amazing, truly amazing,

EU miscellany

A mixed bag of articles.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/9616288/If-the-euro-survives-how-will-Britain-fit-into-the-new-federal-state.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9616531/Hollande-Europe-is-close-to-ending-crisis.html
I spy flying pigs.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/france-and-germany-struggle-to-find-common-ground-ahead-of-eu-summit-a-862009.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9618603/EU-Summit-Angela-Merkel-moves-to-block-Hollande-bank-union-deadline.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9617447/EU-summit-France-to-clash-with-Germany-over-eurozone-bailout-fund.html

http://www.nucleus.uk.net/subscription-confirmed/item/germany-isolated-as-hollande-wins-allies

http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-12-740_en.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19986804
Riots in Greece.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/9617085/David-Cameron-to-reassure-Brussels-that-Britain-can-avoid-a-vote-on-exiting-the-EU.html

Update 21 October 2012:

Integration?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9623857/ECBs-Knot-backs-call-for-EU-commissioner.html

Second Gatwick runway

Detailed planning is under way for a second runway at Gatwick which will double capacity.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-19977226

How will the transport infrastructure serving Gatwick cope?  As far as rail is concerned, it won't.  The Brighton Main Line is near to full capacity now, indeed it can be argued it is at full capacity. The case for the alternative route via Uckfield to relieve congestion grows daily.

Germany lobs grenade into Brussels.

Talk about ramping up the stakes.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9613384/Germany-shocks-EU-with-fiscal-overlord-demand.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financialcrisis/9613972/German-people-happy-to-accept-currency-commissioner.html

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-press-review-of-new-berlin-reform-plans-for-euro-zone-a-861799.html

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19984327

Meanwhile.....

http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/study-warns-euro-exit-of-southern-nations-could-cost-17-trillion-euros-a-861775.html