Sunday, 27 April 2008
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Are we watching 1990 to 1997 replayed in double speed?
It struck me the other day that the similarities between the present Government's problems and the problems of John Major's Government are similar but being played out a double speed.
Both leaders came into office after a coup had forced out the previous thrice election winning incumbent, and quickly saw their initial popularity wane as they were deemed useless compared to their illustrious predecessor. But the similarity does not end there...
After John major's election as leader of the Tory party, that he became a very popular figure for a short while and was able to pull off the spectacular coup of a fourth Tory election victory. There could be a similarity here with Gordon Brown's initial popularity which lasted a short 5 months.
There then followed an economic upheaval as Britain was forced (thankfully) out of the ERM. For Brown, this could be deemed his Northern Rock moment. From that moment on, Major's and Brown's popularity plummeted.
John Major then had to pass the Maastrict treaty against some rebels in his party, the Constitution anybody?
For John Major, the following Budget brought in tax rises in a very unpopular way. The addition of VAT to fuel was in the words of Sir Humphrey, 'Courageous' as it hit the poorest hardest, and had to be amended (halved) for the tax proposals to pass. Are you seeing the abolition of the 10% tax rate yet?
By this point, the Tories were backstabbing, inward-looking, and not interested in unity any more. John Major had to plead for loyalty. Maybe someone should tell the PLP.
John Major had seven years in office before being booted out, at most Gordon Brown has three years. The similarities are striking. I don't think Labour will recover.
Squiffy.
Both leaders came into office after a coup had forced out the previous thrice election winning incumbent, and quickly saw their initial popularity wane as they were deemed useless compared to their illustrious predecessor. But the similarity does not end there...
After John major's election as leader of the Tory party, that he became a very popular figure for a short while and was able to pull off the spectacular coup of a fourth Tory election victory. There could be a similarity here with Gordon Brown's initial popularity which lasted a short 5 months.
There then followed an economic upheaval as Britain was forced (thankfully) out of the ERM. For Brown, this could be deemed his Northern Rock moment. From that moment on, Major's and Brown's popularity plummeted.
John Major then had to pass the Maastrict treaty against some rebels in his party, the Constitution anybody?
For John Major, the following Budget brought in tax rises in a very unpopular way. The addition of VAT to fuel was in the words of Sir Humphrey, 'Courageous' as it hit the poorest hardest, and had to be amended (halved) for the tax proposals to pass. Are you seeing the abolition of the 10% tax rate yet?
By this point, the Tories were backstabbing, inward-looking, and not interested in unity any more. John Major had to plead for loyalty. Maybe someone should tell the PLP.
John Major had seven years in office before being booted out, at most Gordon Brown has three years. The similarities are striking. I don't think Labour will recover.
Squiffy.
Saturday, 19 April 2008
10% tax, 90% trouble
Gordon Brown is in a right pickle over the abolition of the 10% tax rate. It's a problem entirely of his own making.
For some reason, Gordon Brown forgot his own Labour principles when he announced with a fanfare the decrease in the basic tax rate from 22% to 20%. He pushed principles aside to get a quick headline, achieving what Margaret Thatcher had always wanted. As usual with GB the detail was in the 2007 budget red book, and not in his speech. He had quietly forgot to mention the scrapping of the 10% tax band.
It was Gordon Brown, in 1999, who introduced the 10% tax band. It was a good measure to decrease tax for all, but was of disproportionate benefit to those on lower incomes. He now claims that he wants to simplify the tax system! It was he of course who complicated the tax system in the first place. Had GB decreased the basic rate of tax in 1999, all would have benefited and he would not be in his present mess.
Gordon Brown has made much play of his help to low earning families, but he forgets all those who don't have a child. He wants to take as much money as he can, then he give it back to you in state aid through tax credits and benefits. He knows best - or should I say - knew best. I think he has shown that his earlier political instincts have deserted him and shown him as a political opportunist. Unfortunately for Britain, he's crap at it and he's making poorer people's lives worse.
Squiffy.
For some reason, Gordon Brown forgot his own Labour principles when he announced with a fanfare the decrease in the basic tax rate from 22% to 20%. He pushed principles aside to get a quick headline, achieving what Margaret Thatcher had always wanted. As usual with GB the detail was in the 2007 budget red book, and not in his speech. He had quietly forgot to mention the scrapping of the 10% tax band.
It was Gordon Brown, in 1999, who introduced the 10% tax band. It was a good measure to decrease tax for all, but was of disproportionate benefit to those on lower incomes. He now claims that he wants to simplify the tax system! It was he of course who complicated the tax system in the first place. Had GB decreased the basic rate of tax in 1999, all would have benefited and he would not be in his present mess.
Gordon Brown has made much play of his help to low earning families, but he forgets all those who don't have a child. He wants to take as much money as he can, then he give it back to you in state aid through tax credits and benefits. He knows best - or should I say - knew best. I think he has shown that his earlier political instincts have deserted him and shown him as a political opportunist. Unfortunately for Britain, he's crap at it and he's making poorer people's lives worse.
Squiffy.
Friday, 18 April 2008
Gwyneth
It's so sad to hear of the news of Gwyneth Dunwoody's death. There's not many MPs you can appreciate across the political divide, but some can gain your respect through steadfastness and a sense of purpose - and not giving in to the prevailing wind.
Gwyneth Dunwoody was such a person, and as the chairman of the Transport select committee showed her brilliance in asking awkward questions of ministers from her own Government. She would, frequently, show her independence of spirit and would often entertain by not towing the party line.
Tonight, I feel much poorer for her passing. Heaven has gained a new straight-talking angel.
Squiffy.
Gwyneth Dunwoody was such a person, and as the chairman of the Transport select committee showed her brilliance in asking awkward questions of ministers from her own Government. She would, frequently, show her independence of spirit and would often entertain by not towing the party line.
Tonight, I feel much poorer for her passing. Heaven has gained a new straight-talking angel.
Squiffy.
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Will Brown be ousted?
The short answer is No. It is practically impossible to remove a Labour Prime Minister, whereas it is easier to remove a Labour leader in opposition.
The fact that we are even beginning to ask this question must be shocking to Labour MPs, and no less to Mr Brown himself. It seems like an age ago when Mr Brown was crowned leader of the party and country, seemed at ease with himself, and had the country in the palm of his hand with his sureness of touch in dealing with initial troubles.
Since October, his political acumen has alluded him. He now does not seem like Prime Ministerial material, he is surrounded by political pygmies, and looks like he is not enjoying the job. After the non election, he asked to be given time to explain his vision. We are still waiting. After the abolition of the 10 pence tax rate, even Labour MPs are beginning to ask what is the purpose of this Government.
Today, the Guardian's leader has mentioned the PM in trouble, there are open leadership questions and Polly Toynbee now thinks that GB has not got the necessary qualities. When your former backers are now posing problems you can tell that you are in deep do do. Ask John Major.
I think we are watching Labour's endgame (for now) being played out. Only a change of leadership will raise their fortunes, but I cannot see it happening.
Squiffy.
The fact that we are even beginning to ask this question must be shocking to Labour MPs, and no less to Mr Brown himself. It seems like an age ago when Mr Brown was crowned leader of the party and country, seemed at ease with himself, and had the country in the palm of his hand with his sureness of touch in dealing with initial troubles.
Since October, his political acumen has alluded him. He now does not seem like Prime Ministerial material, he is surrounded by political pygmies, and looks like he is not enjoying the job. After the non election, he asked to be given time to explain his vision. We are still waiting. After the abolition of the 10 pence tax rate, even Labour MPs are beginning to ask what is the purpose of this Government.
Today, the Guardian's leader has mentioned the PM in trouble, there are open leadership questions and Polly Toynbee now thinks that GB has not got the necessary qualities. When your former backers are now posing problems you can tell that you are in deep do do. Ask John Major.
I think we are watching Labour's endgame (for now) being played out. Only a change of leadership will raise their fortunes, but I cannot see it happening.
Squiffy.
Thursday, 3 April 2008
The travails of the commuter
I arrived this morning at Kilburn tube station, just like normal, to find that the platform has yellow squares painted onto it. The idea is to show where the doors will be when the train stops. Nice idea. But please, London Transport, stop now. One of the only bonuses of being a commuter in this city is having the insider knowledge, i.e. knowing where the doors will be. Don't give away our secrets.
While I'm having this rant, I want to make a few other points. During peak hours, please stop all the announcements. I know I shouldn't smoke, there's signs everywhere. I know that I should tap my oyster card in and out. I know that Baker Street comes after St John's Wood. I know Bond Street has a change to the central line. I know to mind the gap. I know to stay behind the yellow line.
I don't need to be told every 30 seconds! Maybe this information is useful for tourists, but if they're travelling around at 8 in the morning and 6 in the evening then they must be mad.
Just like the earlier post about street furniture, please trust us to know what we're doing.
Squiffy.
While I'm having this rant, I want to make a few other points. During peak hours, please stop all the announcements. I know I shouldn't smoke, there's signs everywhere. I know that I should tap my oyster card in and out. I know that Baker Street comes after St John's Wood. I know Bond Street has a change to the central line. I know to mind the gap. I know to stay behind the yellow line.
I don't need to be told every 30 seconds! Maybe this information is useful for tourists, but if they're travelling around at 8 in the morning and 6 in the evening then they must be mad.
Just like the earlier post about street furniture, please trust us to know what we're doing.
Squiffy.
Get rid of street furniture
I'm interested in the idea of removing street furniture to make our roads a safer place. As a perennial pedestrian I can see some great merits in the idea.
For the pedestrian, there's too many barriers stopping your from crossing the road at convenient points.
I can see that drivers speed as fast as they can between green traffic lights, hoping to make some progress before they hit the inevitable red. Given these overriding thoughts it's no wonder that drivers aren't paying too much attention to the pedestrians on the pavement, and accidents do happen.
The idea of removing barriers, traffic lights and a multitude of other signage is to make everybody a first class citizen of the road, and give everyone an equal chance to move at a sensible speed. It may sound mad, but experiments in the Netherlands have shown that people get to their destination quicker and accidents are reduced. As well as that, roads are clearer and it costs councils less.
A trial is going to happen in Kensington & Chelsea. I hope it's a success.
Squiffy.
For the pedestrian, there's too many barriers stopping your from crossing the road at convenient points.
I can see that drivers speed as fast as they can between green traffic lights, hoping to make some progress before they hit the inevitable red. Given these overriding thoughts it's no wonder that drivers aren't paying too much attention to the pedestrians on the pavement, and accidents do happen.
The idea of removing barriers, traffic lights and a multitude of other signage is to make everybody a first class citizen of the road, and give everyone an equal chance to move at a sensible speed. It may sound mad, but experiments in the Netherlands have shown that people get to their destination quicker and accidents are reduced. As well as that, roads are clearer and it costs councils less.
A trial is going to happen in Kensington & Chelsea. I hope it's a success.
Squiffy.
Max Mosley should go
It is time for Max Mosley to resign. That is quite obvious. Now that BMW, Mercedes and Honda have criticised him, it is clear that he has lost the support of the major F1 teams.
It's interesting to note that Jean Todt has just stepped back from the front line and is being mentioned as a possible successor. Given that the FIA has been accused of Ferrari bias, is this wise? It is also to be noted that this week Ron Dennis has been giving his views on the future of F1 and interesting reading it makes.
To try to bring some balance back to F1, let's hear a cheer for Ron Dennis, President of the FIA.
Squiffy.
It's interesting to note that Jean Todt has just stepped back from the front line and is being mentioned as a possible successor. Given that the FIA has been accused of Ferrari bias, is this wise? It is also to be noted that this week Ron Dennis has been giving his views on the future of F1 and interesting reading it makes.
To try to bring some balance back to F1, let's hear a cheer for Ron Dennis, President of the FIA.
Squiffy.
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Has the Brown bubble now completely disappeared?
The latest opinion polls have shown the Tories with double digit leads. It seems that something seismic has occurred in the political world. It all started with the election that never was, that burst the Brown bubble, but now it seems that political good will has now evaporated.
Last week, the Budget did what was expected of it. It was the most boring budget in years, not much happened. I think, though, that it showed that in the present crisis this Government has no ideas on how to move forward and that it had boxed itself in. It has finally dawned on the public that this Government has mismanaged the economy, and has nowhere to go.
I think last Wednesday will in future be seen as this Government's Black Wednesday. The day the Government's competence was seen to be lost.
From now on, this Government is on borrowed time.
Squiffy.
Last week, the Budget did what was expected of it. It was the most boring budget in years, not much happened. I think, though, that it showed that in the present crisis this Government has no ideas on how to move forward and that it had boxed itself in. It has finally dawned on the public that this Government has mismanaged the economy, and has nowhere to go.
I think last Wednesday will in future be seen as this Government's Black Wednesday. The day the Government's competence was seen to be lost.
From now on, this Government is on borrowed time.
Squiffy.
What a race!
The Australian GP was fantastic. Not only did Lewis Hamilton win in great style, withstanding 3 safety car periods similarly to his maiden win in Canada, but the Ferrari drivers were made look pretty ordinary. Apart from Raikkonen's middle stint, he was out of sorts for most of the weekend. He made several unforced errors and nearly joined Felipe Massa in the wall.
There were several surprises. The McLaren seemed to be as fast, if not faster, than the Ferrari. The Honda was better than expected, as was the BMW. I think the biggest surprise, though, was that the cars looked twitchy without traction control - and quite a handful.
F1 is back, and better.
Squiffy.
There were several surprises. The McLaren seemed to be as fast, if not faster, than the Ferrari. The Honda was better than expected, as was the BMW. I think the biggest surprise, though, was that the cars looked twitchy without traction control - and quite a handful.
F1 is back, and better.
Squiffy.
Saturday, 15 March 2008
Hamilton on Pole, nearly Pole on Pole
It was great to see Hamilton start the season on pole, but what a surprise to see Robert Kubica on the 2nd spot. He just missed out, and if he hadn't had a small excursion on the grass he may have made it to pole.
Looking forward to the race now.
Squiffy.
Looking forward to the race now.
Squiffy.
F1 2008 is here (part 2)
Completing the round up of F1.
Williams
I am a big fan of the Williams team, ever since they had Nigel Mansell driving for them. They are true racers; Frank Williams and Patrick Head are honest down to earth petrol heads and have not been persuaded, thus far, to allow a corporation to buy into their team. Maybe that was a mistake, as the team have not been close to the front for a few year, but I respect them for it.
Unfortunately, Williams suffered greatly when Adrian Newey left during 1996, and have only added one more driver's title since (and that car would have had Newey's imprint). They have won races, but apart from 2003 and not come close to their heyday. Last year they recovered from their appalling 2006 season, when they finished 8th, to rise to 4th.
Sam Michael, the technical director, seems to have settled into his role and now that the wind tunnel is calibrated correctly, has produced a promising car for this year. So far, the car looks fast and may be in the running for 3rd spot.
Nico Rosberg is a driver with a large amount of talent and hopefully should thrive with a good car underneath him. He seems to enjoy the atmosphere at the team, and personifies the 'Williams' racer. Kazuki Nakajima also shows a turn of speed if somewhat erratic. He will need to calm down and not try too hard, as once labelled as accident prone - the tag will not leave.
Renault
The Renault team should be advancing this year, after a lacklustre 2007. They will have Fernando Alonso back in the fold and that should be a boost, even if he is only around for a year. Renault lost their way last year; after having designed cars around the Michelin tyres they did not effectively change their design for the Bridgestones and suffered badly.
With a great engine and aero team behind them, Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr should be able to run up front, although a third championship for Alonso looks unlikely. Fernando has to undo some of the damage that he did to his reputation last year and buckle down to some stellar performances. Piquet Jr was narrowly beaten to the GP2 championship in 2006 by Lewis Hamilton and so should be competitive, although I doubt whether he will be able to provide Alonso with the headaches from last year.
Toro Rosso
The Red Bull 'B' team will be starting the year with last year's car. This may give them an advantage at the start of the season as they will know the car inside out, and with the reliability problems sorted out they may outgun the 'A' team. The team will move up to the RB4 for the Turkish GP, by which time niggles with the new car should have been laid to rest. I would expect them to drop back at this point before coming back after a few races.
Sebastian Vettel will be at Toro Rosso for a full season. He's a great talent and will no doubt be plucked by one of the bigger teams at the end of the year, maybe alongside Webber at the 'A' team? After watching him at the Race of Champions it's clear that he's a future race winner.
His namesake, Sebastian Bourdais is a 4 times Champ car champion and finally gets his F1 chance. It's a shame that it has taken him so long to achieve his ambition, and I feel that he may struggle after being out of European single seaters for a while. He will have tough competition from Vettel and may find himself eclipsed.
Force India
It's been sad to see the old Jordan team going from championship contenders in 2000 to tail enders via some changes in ownership. It would be great to have EJ back in the frame, maybe as the successor to Max Mosley.
After Midland and Spyker, the team has now become Force India. It should be on the up, Mike Gasgoyne is back as technical director with Mark Smith as chief designer. Vijay Mallya is the millionaire behind Kingfisher lager and a petrol head, since buying the team he's injected money and renewed optimism. Hopefully this will lead the team back up the grid.
Giancarlo Fisichella is back at the team, for a third spell, and will provide some experience alongside the accident prone but fast Adrian Sutil. I expect Fisichella to be a star, bringing the car home higher than it should. How is it that Fisichella excels in middling teams and disappoints in front running teams? I think this will be his last team though. Sutil needs to calm down and show his speed without the excursions on the grass, if he proves to be close to Fisichella he will deserve his place in F1.
Honda
The Honda team had a diabolical 2007. The car was awful, it gave the drivers conflicting feedback and left them not knowing whether the next corner would demonstrate understeer or oversteer. Honda have suffered from Geoff Willis's departure (what a mistake to make) and upheaval in the engineering department. It looked like Honda may go the same way as Toyota with management by committee, but fortunately they wrestled Ross Brawn from Ferrari. This should be the key to Honda's resurgence. Mr Brawn is extremely talented and should help the team to thrive by setting a good direction for development.
After last year's recalcitrant RA107, the RA108 looks marginally better. Honda have gone back to first principles and developed a plain looking chassis. This is a good step, they need to get to understand their car again before making complicated aero upgrades. Last year, they were throwing parts at the car in the hope that it would help. Hopefully, they will be able to make leaps this year.
It's been terrible to see Jenson Button get so close to having a car which can show his talents (in 2006) and then stumble back. He's super smooth and deserves better, Honda have to deliver soon otherwise it will be a talent wasted. This will probably be Rubens Barrichello's last year, and I don't think he'll be quite as fast as Jenson, but it's great to see that enthusiasm is still there when it would have been so easy to lose heart.
Super Aguri
A few weeks ago it looked like the team would not make it to Melbourne, but thankfully some investment has enabled them to make the flight. They will be using last year's Honda, so I wouldn't expect any fireworks from the team.
Takuma Sato is looking better these days, but was shaded by Anthony Davidson towards the end of last year. In fact Davidson looked the better of the pair overall, but was unlucky to earn less points. Let's hope for better this year, but the RA107 is less than likely to deliver.
Squiffy.
Williams
I am a big fan of the Williams team, ever since they had Nigel Mansell driving for them. They are true racers; Frank Williams and Patrick Head are honest down to earth petrol heads and have not been persuaded, thus far, to allow a corporation to buy into their team. Maybe that was a mistake, as the team have not been close to the front for a few year, but I respect them for it.
Unfortunately, Williams suffered greatly when Adrian Newey left during 1996, and have only added one more driver's title since (and that car would have had Newey's imprint). They have won races, but apart from 2003 and not come close to their heyday. Last year they recovered from their appalling 2006 season, when they finished 8th, to rise to 4th.
Sam Michael, the technical director, seems to have settled into his role and now that the wind tunnel is calibrated correctly, has produced a promising car for this year. So far, the car looks fast and may be in the running for 3rd spot.
Nico Rosberg is a driver with a large amount of talent and hopefully should thrive with a good car underneath him. He seems to enjoy the atmosphere at the team, and personifies the 'Williams' racer. Kazuki Nakajima also shows a turn of speed if somewhat erratic. He will need to calm down and not try too hard, as once labelled as accident prone - the tag will not leave.
Renault
The Renault team should be advancing this year, after a lacklustre 2007. They will have Fernando Alonso back in the fold and that should be a boost, even if he is only around for a year. Renault lost their way last year; after having designed cars around the Michelin tyres they did not effectively change their design for the Bridgestones and suffered badly.
With a great engine and aero team behind them, Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr should be able to run up front, although a third championship for Alonso looks unlikely. Fernando has to undo some of the damage that he did to his reputation last year and buckle down to some stellar performances. Piquet Jr was narrowly beaten to the GP2 championship in 2006 by Lewis Hamilton and so should be competitive, although I doubt whether he will be able to provide Alonso with the headaches from last year.
Toro Rosso
The Red Bull 'B' team will be starting the year with last year's car. This may give them an advantage at the start of the season as they will know the car inside out, and with the reliability problems sorted out they may outgun the 'A' team. The team will move up to the RB4 for the Turkish GP, by which time niggles with the new car should have been laid to rest. I would expect them to drop back at this point before coming back after a few races.
Sebastian Vettel will be at Toro Rosso for a full season. He's a great talent and will no doubt be plucked by one of the bigger teams at the end of the year, maybe alongside Webber at the 'A' team? After watching him at the Race of Champions it's clear that he's a future race winner.
His namesake, Sebastian Bourdais is a 4 times Champ car champion and finally gets his F1 chance. It's a shame that it has taken him so long to achieve his ambition, and I feel that he may struggle after being out of European single seaters for a while. He will have tough competition from Vettel and may find himself eclipsed.
Force India
It's been sad to see the old Jordan team going from championship contenders in 2000 to tail enders via some changes in ownership. It would be great to have EJ back in the frame, maybe as the successor to Max Mosley.
After Midland and Spyker, the team has now become Force India. It should be on the up, Mike Gasgoyne is back as technical director with Mark Smith as chief designer. Vijay Mallya is the millionaire behind Kingfisher lager and a petrol head, since buying the team he's injected money and renewed optimism. Hopefully this will lead the team back up the grid.
Giancarlo Fisichella is back at the team, for a third spell, and will provide some experience alongside the accident prone but fast Adrian Sutil. I expect Fisichella to be a star, bringing the car home higher than it should. How is it that Fisichella excels in middling teams and disappoints in front running teams? I think this will be his last team though. Sutil needs to calm down and show his speed without the excursions on the grass, if he proves to be close to Fisichella he will deserve his place in F1.
Honda
The Honda team had a diabolical 2007. The car was awful, it gave the drivers conflicting feedback and left them not knowing whether the next corner would demonstrate understeer or oversteer. Honda have suffered from Geoff Willis's departure (what a mistake to make) and upheaval in the engineering department. It looked like Honda may go the same way as Toyota with management by committee, but fortunately they wrestled Ross Brawn from Ferrari. This should be the key to Honda's resurgence. Mr Brawn is extremely talented and should help the team to thrive by setting a good direction for development.
After last year's recalcitrant RA107, the RA108 looks marginally better. Honda have gone back to first principles and developed a plain looking chassis. This is a good step, they need to get to understand their car again before making complicated aero upgrades. Last year, they were throwing parts at the car in the hope that it would help. Hopefully, they will be able to make leaps this year.
It's been terrible to see Jenson Button get so close to having a car which can show his talents (in 2006) and then stumble back. He's super smooth and deserves better, Honda have to deliver soon otherwise it will be a talent wasted. This will probably be Rubens Barrichello's last year, and I don't think he'll be quite as fast as Jenson, but it's great to see that enthusiasm is still there when it would have been so easy to lose heart.
Super Aguri
A few weeks ago it looked like the team would not make it to Melbourne, but thankfully some investment has enabled them to make the flight. They will be using last year's Honda, so I wouldn't expect any fireworks from the team.
Takuma Sato is looking better these days, but was shaded by Anthony Davidson towards the end of last year. In fact Davidson looked the better of the pair overall, but was unlucky to earn less points. Let's hope for better this year, but the RA107 is less than likely to deliver.
Squiffy.
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Pity the poor children
The news that the Government are going to try to give every child in the land 5 hours a week of cultural activities, should be a good thing. Unfortunately it isn't, they just don't get it - do they? To give up smoking you have to want to give up. It's no good being told that it's bad for you, and it's really expensive because you know all that already. You have to want to. Similarly, with cultural activities, you must have to want to go and see a play, see an art exhibition or go to a museum.
The point of teaching is to provide the foundations of learning for the rest of your life. To encourage pupils to see a play, they need to do be encouraged to read eye-opening literature and be encouraged to do drama classes. To get an interest in art, they need to be doing some drawing, painting or sculpture themselves. For a museum, the kids need to be taught the basics of history and encouraged to find out more.
All these things should be taught in school anyway. If they are not, why aren't they? They were when I was a kid. They've probably been pushed out by more trendy things like Parenting and Citizenship classes. At school we only had one nonsense lesson a week, Personal Skills Development - it was such a joke. None of the kids took it seriously. Similarly, forcing kids into 5 hours of cultural activities a week will be seen as a joke, time to mess about.
Give the £200 million to schools directly (it's £15 per pupil - maybe one decent play a year) to be used by teachers to supplement an English Literature, Drama, Art or History course when a topic is of interest to the kids. If the Government gets involve it'll be a disaster, think Millenium Dome as opposed to Tate Modern.
Squiffy.
The point of teaching is to provide the foundations of learning for the rest of your life. To encourage pupils to see a play, they need to do be encouraged to read eye-opening literature and be encouraged to do drama classes. To get an interest in art, they need to be doing some drawing, painting or sculpture themselves. For a museum, the kids need to be taught the basics of history and encouraged to find out more.
All these things should be taught in school anyway. If they are not, why aren't they? They were when I was a kid. They've probably been pushed out by more trendy things like Parenting and Citizenship classes. At school we only had one nonsense lesson a week, Personal Skills Development - it was such a joke. None of the kids took it seriously. Similarly, forcing kids into 5 hours of cultural activities a week will be seen as a joke, time to mess about.
Give the £200 million to schools directly (it's £15 per pupil - maybe one decent play a year) to be used by teachers to supplement an English Literature, Drama, Art or History course when a topic is of interest to the kids. If the Government gets involve it'll be a disaster, think Millenium Dome as opposed to Tate Modern.
Squiffy.
Be afraid, very afraid
With the news that Jack Straw is going to attempt to start the processing of writing a Constitution for Britain, I have become more than a little agitated.
This Government has presided over a mass of ill thought out legislation which has needed to be revisited many times. How many Criminal Justice Bills have there been? How many times have organisations been re-organised and the re-reorganised back into something similar to original plan, NHS anyone?
The thought of this lot, no matter how good their intentions are, framing the basis for the relationship between the individual and the state is laughable. Almost as much as Tony Blair being announced as the peace envoy to the Middle East. They cannot seriously think that we trust them with individual liberties, this the most authoritarian of Governments in modern history.
A written constitution would have to provide a flowing prose describing British values. I don't believe this Government can provide anything in a flowing manner, more of a dithered sentence of PR speak. My English isn't fantastic, but the oratory required of the Queen when opening the yearly session of Parliament leads me to believe that a reasonably good G.C.S.E. student could do better. The country that gave the world Shakespeare, Dickens, Keats, Tennyson and Winston Churchill deserves so much better.
I only hope that they realise the futility of it all, before they spend a vast amount of money on pointless consultation exercises and focus groups. With any luck this will be dropped along with any proposed 'motto', before the Government commits any more un-British acts.
Long live the unwritten Constitution.
Squiffy.
This Government has presided over a mass of ill thought out legislation which has needed to be revisited many times. How many Criminal Justice Bills have there been? How many times have organisations been re-organised and the re-reorganised back into something similar to original plan, NHS anyone?
The thought of this lot, no matter how good their intentions are, framing the basis for the relationship between the individual and the state is laughable. Almost as much as Tony Blair being announced as the peace envoy to the Middle East. They cannot seriously think that we trust them with individual liberties, this the most authoritarian of Governments in modern history.
A written constitution would have to provide a flowing prose describing British values. I don't believe this Government can provide anything in a flowing manner, more of a dithered sentence of PR speak. My English isn't fantastic, but the oratory required of the Queen when opening the yearly session of Parliament leads me to believe that a reasonably good G.C.S.E. student could do better. The country that gave the world Shakespeare, Dickens, Keats, Tennyson and Winston Churchill deserves so much better.
I only hope that they realise the futility of it all, before they spend a vast amount of money on pointless consultation exercises and focus groups. With any luck this will be dropped along with any proposed 'motto', before the Government commits any more un-British acts.
Long live the unwritten Constitution.
Squiffy.
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
Time to get rid of Ken
The latest controversy to hit the Mayor of London is his plan to increase the congestion charge to £25 for gas-guzzlers. I have no particular sympathy for people who drive big cars in London, for the most part it's not needed when the public transport can adequately (not always on time and with comfort) transfer you to your destination, but this is a tax that is going too far.
Cuddly Ken has been mired recently in a series of controversies regarding his relationship with some of his staff and the financial dealings of the London Development Agency (LDA). He accepts that he uses the public purse to launch attacks on his opponents and accepts that public money is channeled through the LDA to some organizations which have nothing to show for it. To most people this would be the trigger for resignation, but not Ken. He wears it as a badge of pride. For some reason the public seem to let him off with it too.
When Mr Livingstone launched the congestion charge in 2003, only 5 years ago, the price was £5 to drive into central London. The majority of the profits were due to go into public transport. Ken announced that there were no plans to increase the charge, but soon increased it to £6. A proposed extension of the charge zone into West London was put out to consultation, but when the results indicated that the majority did not want the extension Ken trampled all over the exercise and imposed it anyway.
A second increase in the fare to £8 has since occurred, with the prospect of £10 not far away. And now £25 for bigger cars, for anyone short on Maths that's £125 in a week and £500 per month. It's nearly extortion! The original proposal was to reduce congestion, but recent evidence shows that congestion is now back to pre-charge levels. The scheme's profits have been minimal, the money has mainly gone into the administration of the scheme. Improvements to public transport have been marginal.
This is what happens when the public allow Socialists to get their hand on a new tax. It may seem reasonable at first but soon becomes an albatross around the public's neck. Give an inch and they'll take a mile. It is now time to set Ken free.
Squiffy.
Cuddly Ken has been mired recently in a series of controversies regarding his relationship with some of his staff and the financial dealings of the London Development Agency (LDA). He accepts that he uses the public purse to launch attacks on his opponents and accepts that public money is channeled through the LDA to some organizations which have nothing to show for it. To most people this would be the trigger for resignation, but not Ken. He wears it as a badge of pride. For some reason the public seem to let him off with it too.
When Mr Livingstone launched the congestion charge in 2003, only 5 years ago, the price was £5 to drive into central London. The majority of the profits were due to go into public transport. Ken announced that there were no plans to increase the charge, but soon increased it to £6. A proposed extension of the charge zone into West London was put out to consultation, but when the results indicated that the majority did not want the extension Ken trampled all over the exercise and imposed it anyway.
A second increase in the fare to £8 has since occurred, with the prospect of £10 not far away. And now £25 for bigger cars, for anyone short on Maths that's £125 in a week and £500 per month. It's nearly extortion! The original proposal was to reduce congestion, but recent evidence shows that congestion is now back to pre-charge levels. The scheme's profits have been minimal, the money has mainly gone into the administration of the scheme. Improvements to public transport have been marginal.
This is what happens when the public allow Socialists to get their hand on a new tax. It may seem reasonable at first but soon becomes an albatross around the public's neck. Give an inch and they'll take a mile. It is now time to set Ken free.
Squiffy.
Sunday, 10 February 2008
Charles Clark enters the fray
An extraordinary interview by Charles Clark appeared in the Daily Mail yesterday.
It's not surprising that CC has made comments about Gordon Brown, in fact I thought he would (see my 2008 predictions). But to do so this early in the year and with the ferocity shown is quite astonishing.
I suppose a re-entry into the Cabinet is now out of the question.
Squiffy.
It's not surprising that CC has made comments about Gordon Brown, in fact I thought he would (see my 2008 predictions). But to do so this early in the year and with the ferocity shown is quite astonishing.
I suppose a re-entry into the Cabinet is now out of the question.
Squiffy.
Friday, 8 February 2008
What's a manifesto worth?
Stuart Bower, a former police officer, and a former constituency secretary for Hove Labour Party has brought a court case against the Government for breach of contract with regards to the ditching of the referendum on the European Constitution Treaty.
It would be amazing if he won the court case, but very unlikely. It is fascinating though to hear that the defence for the Government stated "manifesto pledges are not subject to legitimate expectation". Blimey! I know that we are all sceptical about manifesto commitments but to hear such a statement from a representative of the Government shows how in little regard they hold the public.
A manifesto is a commitment to what a party would do if elected. As such, any mention in the published manifesto for an elected party is given an easy ride through Parliament. By convention, opposition parties do not vote down measures on which the public have directly had their say. Of course opposition is made to the proposals, but it will eventually end up on the statue book.
When the next election comes around, I hope that the opposition parties remember this betrayal and mention many times that a manifesto commitment from Labour is not worth the glossy paper it is written on. If we're unfortunate to have another 5 years of Labour (heaven help us), then I would not expect the opposition to give the Government such an easy time on manifesto commitments. After all "manifesto pledges are not subject to legitimate expectation".
Squiffy.
It would be amazing if he won the court case, but very unlikely. It is fascinating though to hear that the defence for the Government stated "manifesto pledges are not subject to legitimate expectation". Blimey! I know that we are all sceptical about manifesto commitments but to hear such a statement from a representative of the Government shows how in little regard they hold the public.
A manifesto is a commitment to what a party would do if elected. As such, any mention in the published manifesto for an elected party is given an easy ride through Parliament. By convention, opposition parties do not vote down measures on which the public have directly had their say. Of course opposition is made to the proposals, but it will eventually end up on the statue book.
When the next election comes around, I hope that the opposition parties remember this betrayal and mention many times that a manifesto commitment from Labour is not worth the glossy paper it is written on. If we're unfortunate to have another 5 years of Labour (heaven help us), then I would not expect the opposition to give the Government such an easy time on manifesto commitments. After all "manifesto pledges are not subject to legitimate expectation".
Squiffy.
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Come on over Frank, Kate & Gisela
Apparently there are threats to expel Frank Field, Kate Hoey and Gisela Stuart from the Parliamentary Labour Party for their stance in standing up for the Labour party's manifesto commitment to hold a referendum on the EU constitution treaty.
I hope that the threats are the the final nail in the coffin for their Labour party membership. Cross the floor, each of you, and find a place on the other benches where your views will be respected.
Squiffy.
I hope that the threats are the the final nail in the coffin for their Labour party membership. Cross the floor, each of you, and find a place on the other benches where your views will be respected.
Squiffy.
Zero Tolerance
The Zero Tolerance rhetoric is bandied about quite regularly in relation to policing. I also believe in Zero Tolerance for MPs. They are the only body who set their own wages and allowances, they are exempt from libel laws, they set-up committees iof MPs to investigate themselves (the latest being 3 MPs chosen to investigate the implications of the Conway affair).
There should be Zero Tolerance of MPs' financial affairs. An external body should set the rules for MPs, it should monitor that the rules are upheld and also have the power to fire an MP, triggering a by-election. The MP could stand again and face the public. There should only be one register of member's interest to clarify the current rules.
While I'm at it, how about one secretary on a full-time wage hired by the Commons and also one researcher part-time? They would be in the employ of Parliament. Family members can apply but would be scrutinised by the House authorities. Also, why not scrap allowances. Give a bigger salary, with a weighting for distance from London, so that MPs get more money for living away and having to travel.
Squiffy.
There should be Zero Tolerance of MPs' financial affairs. An external body should set the rules for MPs, it should monitor that the rules are upheld and also have the power to fire an MP, triggering a by-election. The MP could stand again and face the public. There should only be one register of member's interest to clarify the current rules.
While I'm at it, how about one secretary on a full-time wage hired by the Commons and also one researcher part-time? They would be in the employ of Parliament. Family members can apply but would be scrutinised by the House authorities. Also, why not scrap allowances. Give a bigger salary, with a weighting for distance from London, so that MPs get more money for living away and having to travel.
Squiffy.
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Well done Cameron
No sooner had I posted that David Cameron should withdraw the whip from Derek Conway, he did just that. Well done Mr Cameron. What a contrast to the dithering by Gordon Brown.
Squiffy.
Squiffy.
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