We need our own Egyptian Revolution.
It is fantastic to see ordinary people in Egypt topple their tyrannical rulers. It is just a shame it did not happen sooner-the West provided vast amounts of aid to keep Mubarak in power. We can only hope, and give as much support as we can to the Egyptian people so they may develop a democratic constitution, and have regular free and fair elections.
We now need to turn our attention to our own shores.
Our government has introduced a massive cuts programme which will disproportionately impact the poor. This is a political choice. Tax rises for the wealthy, and closing tax loopholes, and the many ways the wealthy evade tax could have ensured the deficit was reduced.
The government’s White Paper on the NHS will lead to the privatisation of services, putting profit before the needs of the sick and vulnerable. This was never in the coalition agreement, and as many professional groups have stated will cause chaos and the destruction of the NHS.
The vast majority of the cabinet are privately educated, Oxbridge millionaires who have no concept how ordinary people live. The cuts we are about to suffer will disadvantage the many, for the benefit of the few bankers who nearly destroyed our economy, yet still enjoy vast and increasing wealth.
Neither is there much chance of change.
Labour would basically have undertaken a similar cuts programme, although perhaps at a slower pace. Historically they have only ever achieved power by compromising with the wishes of the media, powerful and wealthy. Our media is increasingly controlled by a small group of wealthy individuals, of which whoever gets into No.10 has to court. The major political parties rely on media and business interests if they are to get elected.
Our voting system only benefits the major parties, and they remain united in defending it. The proposed ‘Alternative Vote’ system only offers a token of the reform required, and will not really change the balance of power.
We need our own revolution to rid ourselves of our own self serving elite.It is the only way of getting rid of them. We need to establish a written democratic constitution where the vested interests of the wealthy and powerful are kept in check. This is the only way that ordinary people, and the democratic wishes of the majority can be properly represented.
Sunday 13 February 2011
Saturday 22 January 2011
Fortnightly Black Bag Collection is an Opportunity not a 'Rats Charter'
Letter to 'West Briton' 27.1.2011
Dear Editor,
I disagree with Councillor Alex Folkes’ comments that Fortnightly rubbish collections are a ‘rats charter’, and broadly agree with the West Briton editorial that it is appropriate to ‘reserve judgement’ regarding the proposal pending on how it is implemented. (West Briton 20/1/2011).
Critics of this proposal fail to address three key challenges the council face (1) To increase recycling rates in line with statutory government guidelines (2) To make massive expenditure cuts due to the cut in government grants to local government while trying to protect front line public services (3) To have an alternative waste strategy due to our landfill capacity being reached, and massive public opposition to having the St Dennis waste incinerator.
For me fortnightly black bag collections, coupled with increased recycling helps to ensure the council meets these challenges, and the Green Party have been arguing for such an approach for decades.
People cannot have their cake and eat it. The majority of people do not want to pay higher taxes, yet most complain when vital public services are cut because government does not have the revenue to pay for them. Similarly many are concerned about climate change (especially when they are made aware of the reality of the situation), yet unless they are prepared to change their behaviour to ‘reduce, re use, repair and recycle’ we will face imminent and irreversible global warming. The Green Party have always viewed taking positive action to these challenges as essential for our future.
As a family of four we very seldom dispose of more than one bin bag a week, and we are doing all we can to decrease this. We try to avoid purchasing any item with excess packaging or items we do not need; we compost as much food waste as possible; ensure paper, card, boxes, tins, glass is all recycled; repair items where we can, and where possible reuse or recycle useful but unwanted items to charity shops. This year I want to purchase a ‘Green Cone’ which will effectively break down cooked food waste including meat and fish bones in an odourless way without attracting vermin.
My understanding is the council is also looking to collect food waste on a weekly basis which also will ensure people do not have to fear an increase in vermin. The council also needs to look at ways increase the recycling of some plastics, polythene and ‘Tetra-Pac’ cartons as there are currently limited opportunities for recycling these materials in Cornwall.
People need to rise to this challenge , rather than react in a sensationalist way to this proposal. As a Liberal Democrat Councillor Folkes should support his party’s policies to increase recycling, although U turns do seem the order of the Liberal Democrat approach these days. By changing our behaviour, in this positive way, we can save money, reduce landfill and contribute in a small way to saving the planet. This policy, if implemented, represents a win win for everybody.
Dear Editor,
I disagree with Councillor Alex Folkes’ comments that Fortnightly rubbish collections are a ‘rats charter’, and broadly agree with the West Briton editorial that it is appropriate to ‘reserve judgement’ regarding the proposal pending on how it is implemented. (West Briton 20/1/2011).
Critics of this proposal fail to address three key challenges the council face (1) To increase recycling rates in line with statutory government guidelines (2) To make massive expenditure cuts due to the cut in government grants to local government while trying to protect front line public services (3) To have an alternative waste strategy due to our landfill capacity being reached, and massive public opposition to having the St Dennis waste incinerator.
For me fortnightly black bag collections, coupled with increased recycling helps to ensure the council meets these challenges, and the Green Party have been arguing for such an approach for decades.
People cannot have their cake and eat it. The majority of people do not want to pay higher taxes, yet most complain when vital public services are cut because government does not have the revenue to pay for them. Similarly many are concerned about climate change (especially when they are made aware of the reality of the situation), yet unless they are prepared to change their behaviour to ‘reduce, re use, repair and recycle’ we will face imminent and irreversible global warming. The Green Party have always viewed taking positive action to these challenges as essential for our future.
As a family of four we very seldom dispose of more than one bin bag a week, and we are doing all we can to decrease this. We try to avoid purchasing any item with excess packaging or items we do not need; we compost as much food waste as possible; ensure paper, card, boxes, tins, glass is all recycled; repair items where we can, and where possible reuse or recycle useful but unwanted items to charity shops. This year I want to purchase a ‘Green Cone’ which will effectively break down cooked food waste including meat and fish bones in an odourless way without attracting vermin.
My understanding is the council is also looking to collect food waste on a weekly basis which also will ensure people do not have to fear an increase in vermin. The council also needs to look at ways increase the recycling of some plastics, polythene and ‘Tetra-Pac’ cartons as there are currently limited opportunities for recycling these materials in Cornwall.
People need to rise to this challenge , rather than react in a sensationalist way to this proposal. As a Liberal Democrat Councillor Folkes should support his party’s policies to increase recycling, although U turns do seem the order of the Liberal Democrat approach these days. By changing our behaviour, in this positive way, we can save money, reduce landfill and contribute in a small way to saving the planet. This policy, if implemented, represents a win win for everybody.
Friday 21 January 2011
Letter to Sarah Newton MP regarding proposed redevelopment of the Pendower Beach Hotel.
Dear Sarah,
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ‘PINK HOTEL’ NEAR VERYAN, TRURO
You may remember me from the general election campaign, when I stood for the Truro and Falmouth seat for the Green Party. I hope you and your family are well, and you are enjoying your new job.
I am writing to you regarding this development which is planned in our constituency. I am writing in a private capacity and not on behalf of the group.
Pendower Beach is a largely unspoilt beach free of excessive development near Veryan. If you have a look on Face book under the ‘Friends of Pendower Beach’ page you will see photographs of this lovely, peaceful place which has been enjoyed by local people and holiday makers for many generations.
The Pendower Beach Hotel closed several years ago, and now the site is sadly dilapidated, and in need of redevelopment. However the site has been purchased by a local developer ‘Johnny Goldsmith’ who plans to redevelop the site as what is basically a holiday village for wealthy people. It is planned that the current buildings are pulled down and a hotel and chalets are built on the site. The developer wants to build well in excess of the existing foot print of the building, with the subsequent significant damage to the local environment. For example it is feared that many of the chalets will be positioned along the currently undeveloped valley. It is also of concern that the development will in effect take over the beach, and local people and other visitors will not feel welcome to relax there. It is also proposed that an existing ‘Land Rover track’ across unspoiled and undeveloped fields is turned into a road for the hotel staff and guests, which will cause further damage to the local environment.
You are undoubtedly aware that the Roseland is a more or less completely unspoiled part of your constituency. Local people and regular visitors want to keep it this way as this is part of its attraction. There is a fear that developments such as what has been proposed will enable other developers to submit other plans due to any precedent that could be set. The only potential ’benefit’ of such a development is the creation of local jobs, which is largely a red herring. Many of these would be low paid, and as one local hotelier has informed us, would most likely be seasonal, and not an attractive proposition to those in the local community.
As a consequence of this proposal a group ’ Friends of Pendower Beach’ has been formed. A public meeting was held at Veryan Sports and Social Club last night which attracted in excess of a hundred people. The group which was formed only several weeks ago now has over 400 supporters. To date the group has been successful in ensuring two proposals have not been submitted to planning.
At the meeting people stated:
Any new development should not exceed the existing foot print of the current buildings. If possible the main building is retained.
The design of any buildings should be in keeping with the local environment.
The development should be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment so this area of outstanding natural beauty and wildlife is protected.
Consideration must be given not to increase local traffic
Any agreed development must be final, and the council must ensure that subsequent planning applications cannot be made to extend the development, or result in other developments by other parties.
There should be no more than 30 bedrooms in total on the site.
Any part of the National Trust car park should not sold to the developer for the hotel.
The beach is public property, and active consideration must be given by the developer and the planning department to ensure it is not effectively ‘taken over’ by the development. The beach must remain to be enjoyed by local people and visitors for the future.
If the developer does not agree to such local concerns alternative uses should be actively considered for the site.
During the election campaign I was pleased you were supportive in protecting Cornwall’s landscape and unique heritage. I was also pleased that you shared many of my environmental concerns. People at the meeting last night represented a wide cross section of the local community, and I am sure had a wide spectrum of political views. However we were all united that this development is potentially wrong and damaging for the local environment.
I would be grateful if you could support this campaign and help the group to oppose this unnecessary and potentially extremely damaging development to our local environment. I would be interested in your views on this matter, and whether you would support the campaign.
Many thanks for reading, and once again my best wishes.
Yours sincerely
Ian Wright
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ‘PINK HOTEL’ NEAR VERYAN, TRURO
You may remember me from the general election campaign, when I stood for the Truro and Falmouth seat for the Green Party. I hope you and your family are well, and you are enjoying your new job.
I am writing to you regarding this development which is planned in our constituency. I am writing in a private capacity and not on behalf of the group.
Pendower Beach is a largely unspoilt beach free of excessive development near Veryan. If you have a look on Face book under the ‘Friends of Pendower Beach’ page you will see photographs of this lovely, peaceful place which has been enjoyed by local people and holiday makers for many generations.
The Pendower Beach Hotel closed several years ago, and now the site is sadly dilapidated, and in need of redevelopment. However the site has been purchased by a local developer ‘Johnny Goldsmith’ who plans to redevelop the site as what is basically a holiday village for wealthy people. It is planned that the current buildings are pulled down and a hotel and chalets are built on the site. The developer wants to build well in excess of the existing foot print of the building, with the subsequent significant damage to the local environment. For example it is feared that many of the chalets will be positioned along the currently undeveloped valley. It is also of concern that the development will in effect take over the beach, and local people and other visitors will not feel welcome to relax there. It is also proposed that an existing ‘Land Rover track’ across unspoiled and undeveloped fields is turned into a road for the hotel staff and guests, which will cause further damage to the local environment.
You are undoubtedly aware that the Roseland is a more or less completely unspoiled part of your constituency. Local people and regular visitors want to keep it this way as this is part of its attraction. There is a fear that developments such as what has been proposed will enable other developers to submit other plans due to any precedent that could be set. The only potential ’benefit’ of such a development is the creation of local jobs, which is largely a red herring. Many of these would be low paid, and as one local hotelier has informed us, would most likely be seasonal, and not an attractive proposition to those in the local community.
As a consequence of this proposal a group ’ Friends of Pendower Beach’ has been formed. A public meeting was held at Veryan Sports and Social Club last night which attracted in excess of a hundred people. The group which was formed only several weeks ago now has over 400 supporters. To date the group has been successful in ensuring two proposals have not been submitted to planning.
At the meeting people stated:
Any new development should not exceed the existing foot print of the current buildings. If possible the main building is retained.
The design of any buildings should be in keeping with the local environment.
The development should be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment so this area of outstanding natural beauty and wildlife is protected.
Consideration must be given not to increase local traffic
Any agreed development must be final, and the council must ensure that subsequent planning applications cannot be made to extend the development, or result in other developments by other parties.
There should be no more than 30 bedrooms in total on the site.
Any part of the National Trust car park should not sold to the developer for the hotel.
The beach is public property, and active consideration must be given by the developer and the planning department to ensure it is not effectively ‘taken over’ by the development. The beach must remain to be enjoyed by local people and visitors for the future.
If the developer does not agree to such local concerns alternative uses should be actively considered for the site.
During the election campaign I was pleased you were supportive in protecting Cornwall’s landscape and unique heritage. I was also pleased that you shared many of my environmental concerns. People at the meeting last night represented a wide cross section of the local community, and I am sure had a wide spectrum of political views. However we were all united that this development is potentially wrong and damaging for the local environment.
I would be grateful if you could support this campaign and help the group to oppose this unnecessary and potentially extremely damaging development to our local environment. I would be interested in your views on this matter, and whether you would support the campaign.
Many thanks for reading, and once again my best wishes.
Yours sincerely
Ian Wright
Thursday 25 November 2010
In praise of the students and those brave enough to protest.
Let's congratulate the students and all those out there brave enough to protest against the cuts, and the OK Magazine /Celebrity culture garbage, that many of us felt may have resulted in leaving us all comatose in recent years.
It is great to see yesterday the students protesting and writing things such as 'Revolution' on the walls in Whitehall. Yes the 'Evening Standard' and the rest of the mainstream media will protest against the 'violence' and 'destruction', whilst ignoring the 'violence' and 'destruction' caused by the Tories and Liberal Democrats on our society over the last few months. Still it is ok, from the media's perspective, for the rich to get their bonuses, and carry on the privileged lives regardless of the impact of the government's policies on ordinary people.
Hasn't the negative publicity against protest always been this way? The Elite / Ruling Class /Whatever they are, need to ensure the majority remain on the 'right' side of the barricades. (Well at least from the perspective of the Lab, LibDem Con's who basically all agree 'which side they are all on'.) For those old enough (Doesn't it seem like yesterday?) let us not forget the Miners' Strike-the mid 80's- when ordinary people, dared, the last time to crawl out of their shells and dare put their heads above the parapet. Again the media focused on the 'violence' and the 'extremists', and did not give a damn about the impact of pit closures on ordinary communities. The latter was true violence, and those communities have paid for it ever since-through no fault of their own.
In regard to the students, I hope they will make the connections between their 'grants' campaign and wider inequalities in society-particularly those inequalities, which are being actively encouraged by Cameron et al.
Cameron announced today that he wants government to measure how 'happy' we all are. It is only 'a shame' his and Clegg's government makes us so miserable-particularly if you frequent the lower echelons of society.
The Tories have not changed. They are ideologically committed to cuts-irrespective of how the economy is performing. The deficit caused by the banking crisis was just the excuse they needed to implement the Shock Doctrine much loved by the neo -Liberals whether in the Tory party or the 'liberal' economic wing of the Liberal Democrats (Clegg et al).
Still the words of the Tory peer-'elect'-Howard Flight today, provides much amusement- don't ya just love him! It is great to see them vocalise their true feelings- for those that missed it- he argued that cutting child benefit for the wealthy will deter them from 'breeding' whereas child benefit for the poor will only encourage them to 'breed' more! Who said there is now a 'class less' society when the Tories come out with stuff like that! Of course he was 'profoundly sorry' (once Cameron's minders got to him!)Always great when the wealthy let their guard slip and say stuff like that-Priceless!!
It is great to see ordinary people in Ireland, Portugal and Greece saying 'no' to cuts, the various international institutions (such as the IMF /EU etc.), and their own governments. (Shame however on the Irish Greens-just in case we thought it was just the lib dems who copped out in the lust for power! Well there are some doing it on our own side too! Green's attracted by sharp suits-God forbid!).
Great to see the increasing anger of our own people here too in the UK. As an active trade unionist, I am hoping for a big turn out against the cuts for the TUC demo. at the end of March.
It is however awful that we have to get to this point before people make the connections. When I hear of people fearing, and loosing their jobs, their homes, everything they have worked for; seeing the protests does not feel so great. Ordinary people should not have to suffer anywhere near that before they get up and protest.
I guess it is easy for the 'privileged' like myself to advocate for change, harder for those to be drawn to protest because their backs are to the wall and they see no other alternative.
A friend mildly criticised another for focusing on concerns about the rise in methane levels, stating we should focus on the bigger issues. I guess in reality the rise in methane is really a big, big issue, although the media, and the majority of us choose to ignore it, and see it as relatively unimportant for example compared to loosing your job or having to pay for a pension or a grant, when previously these benefits from society were deemed as 'free' and /or taken for granted.
Global warming=no future etc. if we did but know it.
However, the majority loosing their grants, loosing their jobs, loosing their homes here in the UK may not make the connection or realise the importance of so called 'Green Issues'. Lest we forget the effects of global warming are an every day reality for people for example in Bangladesh or Pakistan, and that does result in those people loosing homes, jobs, families,livelihoods etc. However people here in the UK do not see the IMMEDIATE impact of climate change(yet anyway).
As Greens we do have to focus on the stuff which is having an immediate impact on people here; to try and make the connections of the issues in the 'headlines' with the issues less in the public's consciousness; which are just, if not more important.
Radical change in our own society, as well as elsewhere, will not necessarily guarantee a Green society and one which will ensure a sustainable future for our earth. We do however have to make the links between 'Capitalism' (and indeed 'Socialism'-we cannot let Pol Pot, Stalin and Chairman Mao off the hook!),and the destruction of our planet. Continued consumption and economic growth, whether in a capitalist or socialist based society will necessitate the need to consume the earth's finite resources, which leads to environmental destruction, global warming etc. The failure to realise that, however society is organised, will lead to our extinction and our earth's destruction.
It is essential we provide a voice, and a clearly stated progressive and radical one about the key issues of today. This is particularly the case if ordinary people are to see us as an viable alternative-otherwise they will give up and return to planet Catatonia. At the very best they will return once more to Labour as the only solution-and we all know they are a complete waste of space from the limited effect they had in bringing about true change in their 13 wasted years in power.
We must state clear and genuine support for social movements whether that is fighting cuts, supporting students so they can have a decent, free education. We must make the linkages of those causes to wider inequality; the impact of how this society is currently organised; the impact of how we live on our earth. In doing so, we have some chance to raise Green issues, and bring in the various linkages to day to day problems ordinary people face, and hopefully in turn raise consciousness to the wider agenda which may, you never know, just may give us some chance of a future. (We must remain optimistic that our current analysis of the state of the planet is wrong-however unlikely that may be!)
Alas, as many of us feel, it may now be too late...but even if it is, at least we went down fighting, and did not consciously contribute to the problems we face. The more I read and the more I see, I conclude the Green alternative is the only valid way if there is to be any chance of a future. I only wish me and others had realised this 20 years ago.
It is great to see yesterday the students protesting and writing things such as 'Revolution' on the walls in Whitehall. Yes the 'Evening Standard' and the rest of the mainstream media will protest against the 'violence' and 'destruction', whilst ignoring the 'violence' and 'destruction' caused by the Tories and Liberal Democrats on our society over the last few months. Still it is ok, from the media's perspective, for the rich to get their bonuses, and carry on the privileged lives regardless of the impact of the government's policies on ordinary people.
Hasn't the negative publicity against protest always been this way? The Elite / Ruling Class /Whatever they are, need to ensure the majority remain on the 'right' side of the barricades. (Well at least from the perspective of the Lab, LibDem Con's who basically all agree 'which side they are all on'.) For those old enough (Doesn't it seem like yesterday?) let us not forget the Miners' Strike-the mid 80's- when ordinary people, dared, the last time to crawl out of their shells and dare put their heads above the parapet. Again the media focused on the 'violence' and the 'extremists', and did not give a damn about the impact of pit closures on ordinary communities. The latter was true violence, and those communities have paid for it ever since-through no fault of their own.
In regard to the students, I hope they will make the connections between their 'grants' campaign and wider inequalities in society-particularly those inequalities, which are being actively encouraged by Cameron et al.
Cameron announced today that he wants government to measure how 'happy' we all are. It is only 'a shame' his and Clegg's government makes us so miserable-particularly if you frequent the lower echelons of society.
The Tories have not changed. They are ideologically committed to cuts-irrespective of how the economy is performing. The deficit caused by the banking crisis was just the excuse they needed to implement the Shock Doctrine much loved by the neo -Liberals whether in the Tory party or the 'liberal' economic wing of the Liberal Democrats (Clegg et al).
Still the words of the Tory peer-'elect'-Howard Flight today, provides much amusement- don't ya just love him! It is great to see them vocalise their true feelings- for those that missed it- he argued that cutting child benefit for the wealthy will deter them from 'breeding' whereas child benefit for the poor will only encourage them to 'breed' more! Who said there is now a 'class less' society when the Tories come out with stuff like that! Of course he was 'profoundly sorry' (once Cameron's minders got to him!)Always great when the wealthy let their guard slip and say stuff like that-Priceless!!
It is great to see ordinary people in Ireland, Portugal and Greece saying 'no' to cuts, the various international institutions (such as the IMF /EU etc.), and their own governments. (Shame however on the Irish Greens-just in case we thought it was just the lib dems who copped out in the lust for power! Well there are some doing it on our own side too! Green's attracted by sharp suits-God forbid!).
Great to see the increasing anger of our own people here too in the UK. As an active trade unionist, I am hoping for a big turn out against the cuts for the TUC demo. at the end of March.
It is however awful that we have to get to this point before people make the connections. When I hear of people fearing, and loosing their jobs, their homes, everything they have worked for; seeing the protests does not feel so great. Ordinary people should not have to suffer anywhere near that before they get up and protest.
I guess it is easy for the 'privileged' like myself to advocate for change, harder for those to be drawn to protest because their backs are to the wall and they see no other alternative.
A friend mildly criticised another for focusing on concerns about the rise in methane levels, stating we should focus on the bigger issues. I guess in reality the rise in methane is really a big, big issue, although the media, and the majority of us choose to ignore it, and see it as relatively unimportant for example compared to loosing your job or having to pay for a pension or a grant, when previously these benefits from society were deemed as 'free' and /or taken for granted.
Global warming=no future etc. if we did but know it.
However, the majority loosing their grants, loosing their jobs, loosing their homes here in the UK may not make the connection or realise the importance of so called 'Green Issues'. Lest we forget the effects of global warming are an every day reality for people for example in Bangladesh or Pakistan, and that does result in those people loosing homes, jobs, families,livelihoods etc. However people here in the UK do not see the IMMEDIATE impact of climate change(yet anyway).
As Greens we do have to focus on the stuff which is having an immediate impact on people here; to try and make the connections of the issues in the 'headlines' with the issues less in the public's consciousness; which are just, if not more important.
Radical change in our own society, as well as elsewhere, will not necessarily guarantee a Green society and one which will ensure a sustainable future for our earth. We do however have to make the links between 'Capitalism' (and indeed 'Socialism'-we cannot let Pol Pot, Stalin and Chairman Mao off the hook!),and the destruction of our planet. Continued consumption and economic growth, whether in a capitalist or socialist based society will necessitate the need to consume the earth's finite resources, which leads to environmental destruction, global warming etc. The failure to realise that, however society is organised, will lead to our extinction and our earth's destruction.
It is essential we provide a voice, and a clearly stated progressive and radical one about the key issues of today. This is particularly the case if ordinary people are to see us as an viable alternative-otherwise they will give up and return to planet Catatonia. At the very best they will return once more to Labour as the only solution-and we all know they are a complete waste of space from the limited effect they had in bringing about true change in their 13 wasted years in power.
We must state clear and genuine support for social movements whether that is fighting cuts, supporting students so they can have a decent, free education. We must make the linkages of those causes to wider inequality; the impact of how this society is currently organised; the impact of how we live on our earth. In doing so, we have some chance to raise Green issues, and bring in the various linkages to day to day problems ordinary people face, and hopefully in turn raise consciousness to the wider agenda which may, you never know, just may give us some chance of a future. (We must remain optimistic that our current analysis of the state of the planet is wrong-however unlikely that may be!)
Alas, as many of us feel, it may now be too late...but even if it is, at least we went down fighting, and did not consciously contribute to the problems we face. The more I read and the more I see, I conclude the Green alternative is the only valid way if there is to be any chance of a future. I only wish me and others had realised this 20 years ago.
Sunday 24 October 2010
A Pat on the Back
For me Nick Clegg patting George Osborne, on the back in congratulation, is the defining image of last week’s Coalition spending review announcement. To think thousands of people in Cornwall voted Lib Dem in the false belief they would defend the livelihoods of ordinary people, or at the very least keep the Tories out. A brief spat last week between Labour and the Tories regarding whether the announced 19% cuts were less or more than if Labour had been in power provided diversion from the horrors in the announcement. However none of the hot air will make a blind bit of difference to ordinary Cornish people who will suffer as a result of the supposedly ‘fair’ (to use that well worn ‘Coalition’ phrase) cuts in benefits and services. Lest we forget the 50% cut in the social housing budget, the 2000 jobs to go at Cornwall Council, or the thousands of disabled people in care homes who will now go out even less due to the government’s cut of their entitlement to mobility allowance. About as ‘fair’ as Wayne Rooney’s new pay deal at Man Utd I think.
During the election, when I stood for the Green Party, the other candidates as usual promised so much should they get elected. Better public transport, more social housing, improved services etc. etc. The Greens were the only honest party when we clearly said yes we would do this too, but sorry folks this will need to be paid for by a more progressive tax system. Those who are more wealthy paying more in order to create and nurture a civilised, more equal society. A society where there are decent public services, and ordinary Cornish people can afford a decent house in the community they were born and brought up in. Despite the Lib Dems and the Tories at the time bickering with each other; they are now patting each other on the back. As for Labour, it was them, who from 1997, got in bed with the City, and nurtured a deregulated financial system which resulted in the terrible crash that caused the financial problems we now have. No wonder there is so little trust in politicians and people believe politicians ‘are all the same’. Look at the evidence.
The Coalition may blame the few cases of benefit excess highlighted by their friends at the Telegraph and Mail to justify its cuts, but the Cameron-Clegg pact continues to see it less of a priority to combat tax evasion and avoidance. Why hurt your friends?
Yes, the deficit needs eradication. However while City bankers are again enjoying big bonuses, and will be relatively untouched by the government’s spending review, it should not be the poor who should be paying for problems caused by the City’s greed and excess. Should I have sat next to Mr Osborne last Wednesday the last thing I would have wished to offer him was a pat on the back.
During the election, when I stood for the Green Party, the other candidates as usual promised so much should they get elected. Better public transport, more social housing, improved services etc. etc. The Greens were the only honest party when we clearly said yes we would do this too, but sorry folks this will need to be paid for by a more progressive tax system. Those who are more wealthy paying more in order to create and nurture a civilised, more equal society. A society where there are decent public services, and ordinary Cornish people can afford a decent house in the community they were born and brought up in. Despite the Lib Dems and the Tories at the time bickering with each other; they are now patting each other on the back. As for Labour, it was them, who from 1997, got in bed with the City, and nurtured a deregulated financial system which resulted in the terrible crash that caused the financial problems we now have. No wonder there is so little trust in politicians and people believe politicians ‘are all the same’. Look at the evidence.
The Coalition may blame the few cases of benefit excess highlighted by their friends at the Telegraph and Mail to justify its cuts, but the Cameron-Clegg pact continues to see it less of a priority to combat tax evasion and avoidance. Why hurt your friends?
Yes, the deficit needs eradication. However while City bankers are again enjoying big bonuses, and will be relatively untouched by the government’s spending review, it should not be the poor who should be paying for problems caused by the City’s greed and excess. Should I have sat next to Mr Osborne last Wednesday the last thing I would have wished to offer him was a pat on the back.
Saturday 26 June 2010
Our Lib Dem MP's have let us down
I was disappointed by our Liberal Democrats MP’s reaction to the budget (West Briton 24/06/10). To describe the government’s action as a ‘step forward’ that will lead to a ‘fairer economy’ is a significant let down to ordinary people. This is particularly the case in Cornwall, which as we know is one of the poorest areas in Western Europe. The budget also failed to say anything about how we could develop a greener, fairer economic strategy away from greedy ‘boom and bust ‘ economics all three major parties clearly agree on. The ‘ostrich position’ was also clearly adopted in regard to the impending fundamental twin risks of energy crisis and climate change- just as if they do not exist. Still as long as the wealthy, the media, the markets and big business are happy-does it really matter?
Where now do ordinary people turn, let down by thirteen years of Labour, as well as now by the Lib Dems ?. The Lib Dems clearly said a vote for them was the only way to stop the Tories but now are only too keen to break so many promises in their pursuit for power.
The West Briton clearly reports the budget will result in a reduction of £3.8 million in grants to Cornwall Council which will undoubtly have a direct impact on its ability to provide vital services to ordinary people, which are clearly too stretched as it is.
It is not debatable that the national deficit needs significant reduction. Despite some good policy initiatives, the Labour government’s implementation of policy was often ill thought out and wasteful. It is not reasonable for the Labour Party to now carp about the coalition programme of cuts. They too planned a similar programme of cuts, albeit slower, if elected.
During the election campaign, the main parliamentary candidates in Truro and Falmouth promised, if elected, they would ensure many major improvements would occur, for example, regarding housing, our environment and to public transport etc.. They were disingenuous in order to win your vote. They all failed to claim how their promises would be funded, knowing once elected a ‘slash and burn‘ approach to public expenditure would be adopted.
I am pleased to say the Green MP for Brighton, Caroline Lucas, has along with the Welsh and Scottish nationalists been scornful of the current approach to deficit reduction. The Lib Dem- Conservative coalition is happy to allow public expenditure to be cut by a ratio of £4 to every £1 of tax rises. Cuts in public expenditure impacting vital services disproportionately negatively affects poorer people more than the wealthy. The budget will create a more unfair, unequal society despite the evidence that the more equal a society, the happier people, irrespective of wealth, generally are.
Our Lib Dem MP’s have clearly let us down, and I hope people will not trust them, the Conservatives or Labour in future elections. The Green Party would have cut waste, but we were the only party who said we would introduce a more progressive tax system to tackle the deficit yet maintain the public services we all need and benefit from.
I am afraid ordinary people in Cornwall will be disproportionately and negatively affected by the actions of this coalition. Despite being will trained in presentation skills we did not expect anything more from the Conservatives. However, happy in the ‘Westminster Bubble’ our Lib Dem MP’s have clearly forgotten their Cornish roots and the problems of Cornish people. There is a real risk that even more people will not bother to vote in future knowing that all the political parties really are ‘all the same’. However I try to be positive and hope next time people in Cornwall will follow the example of the people of Brighton in electing Green MP’s that will not let them down.
Where now do ordinary people turn, let down by thirteen years of Labour, as well as now by the Lib Dems ?. The Lib Dems clearly said a vote for them was the only way to stop the Tories but now are only too keen to break so many promises in their pursuit for power.
The West Briton clearly reports the budget will result in a reduction of £3.8 million in grants to Cornwall Council which will undoubtly have a direct impact on its ability to provide vital services to ordinary people, which are clearly too stretched as it is.
It is not debatable that the national deficit needs significant reduction. Despite some good policy initiatives, the Labour government’s implementation of policy was often ill thought out and wasteful. It is not reasonable for the Labour Party to now carp about the coalition programme of cuts. They too planned a similar programme of cuts, albeit slower, if elected.
During the election campaign, the main parliamentary candidates in Truro and Falmouth promised, if elected, they would ensure many major improvements would occur, for example, regarding housing, our environment and to public transport etc.. They were disingenuous in order to win your vote. They all failed to claim how their promises would be funded, knowing once elected a ‘slash and burn‘ approach to public expenditure would be adopted.
I am pleased to say the Green MP for Brighton, Caroline Lucas, has along with the Welsh and Scottish nationalists been scornful of the current approach to deficit reduction. The Lib Dem- Conservative coalition is happy to allow public expenditure to be cut by a ratio of £4 to every £1 of tax rises. Cuts in public expenditure impacting vital services disproportionately negatively affects poorer people more than the wealthy. The budget will create a more unfair, unequal society despite the evidence that the more equal a society, the happier people, irrespective of wealth, generally are.
Our Lib Dem MP’s have clearly let us down, and I hope people will not trust them, the Conservatives or Labour in future elections. The Green Party would have cut waste, but we were the only party who said we would introduce a more progressive tax system to tackle the deficit yet maintain the public services we all need and benefit from.
I am afraid ordinary people in Cornwall will be disproportionately and negatively affected by the actions of this coalition. Despite being will trained in presentation skills we did not expect anything more from the Conservatives. However, happy in the ‘Westminster Bubble’ our Lib Dem MP’s have clearly forgotten their Cornish roots and the problems of Cornish people. There is a real risk that even more people will not bother to vote in future knowing that all the political parties really are ‘all the same’. However I try to be positive and hope next time people in Cornwall will follow the example of the people of Brighton in electing Green MP’s that will not let them down.
Monday 31 May 2010
The Government must stand firm on Capital Gains Tax Proposals
Letter to West Briton 3/6/2010
Well done for your excellent analysis regarding the housing shortage in Cornwall (A home of their own will remain dream for most- West Briton 27/5/2010).Your articles summarised the history of failure of previous governments to address the issue. Our new MP’s must address the need for rented and affordable housing in Cornwall as ‘the key issue of our time’.
Your correspondent AG Rawlings also analysed the situation correctly in the letter ‘Work for the working man’ (Letters 27/5/2010) by linking rural depopulation, the resulting closure of local shops, the pursuit of national government over the years for free trade and profit at the expense of community. The Green Party is the only main party which does not accept the current economic model is sustainable or desirable. We believe in the need to rebalance our societal and economic priorities in favour of rebuilding our communities and supporting small business against sectional interest, large corporations and multinationals.
The new government’s initiative to raise Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the sale of second homes to 40% to reduce demand from speculators and investors is commendable. This measure would help ensure housing in our communities is more affordable, and there will be a subsequent demand for local shops and businesses to thrive once more.
However, after picking up discarded copies of the ‘Times’ and ‘Financial Times’ on the train this week, I am concerned at the backlash of the right wing press, the right wing of the Conservative Party and subsequent speculative talk from some members of the cabinet to water down the CGT proposals. There is already much grinding and gnashing of teeth from right wing commentators that the proposals to raise CGT are ‘unfair’. This makes my blood boil. What is unfair is that ordinary local people cannot have a decent, affordable roof over their heads, small Cornish communities are dying and that the Coalition proposals to slash public expenditure will have a disproportionate impact the poor and vulnerable.
We are all aware that many second homes have been purchased by those working in the City and in big business who actually have contributed significantly, through short term and selfish interest, to get our country in to the mess it is now in. However these people fail to accept their share of financial responsibility although are quite happy for ordinary people to pay more tax and have services cut, while the wealthy think they can carry on as normal.
I hope the government will stand firm regarding its CGT proposals. It must face off its opponents on this measure as it represents a key tool in helping to rebuild local communities, and enable local people to have a home in the communities where they are born and bred. Subsequently we can then begin to see local communities thrive once more for the benefit of ordinary people rather than the wealthy.
Well done for your excellent analysis regarding the housing shortage in Cornwall (A home of their own will remain dream for most- West Briton 27/5/2010).Your articles summarised the history of failure of previous governments to address the issue. Our new MP’s must address the need for rented and affordable housing in Cornwall as ‘the key issue of our time’.
Your correspondent AG Rawlings also analysed the situation correctly in the letter ‘Work for the working man’ (Letters 27/5/2010) by linking rural depopulation, the resulting closure of local shops, the pursuit of national government over the years for free trade and profit at the expense of community. The Green Party is the only main party which does not accept the current economic model is sustainable or desirable. We believe in the need to rebalance our societal and economic priorities in favour of rebuilding our communities and supporting small business against sectional interest, large corporations and multinationals.
The new government’s initiative to raise Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the sale of second homes to 40% to reduce demand from speculators and investors is commendable. This measure would help ensure housing in our communities is more affordable, and there will be a subsequent demand for local shops and businesses to thrive once more.
However, after picking up discarded copies of the ‘Times’ and ‘Financial Times’ on the train this week, I am concerned at the backlash of the right wing press, the right wing of the Conservative Party and subsequent speculative talk from some members of the cabinet to water down the CGT proposals. There is already much grinding and gnashing of teeth from right wing commentators that the proposals to raise CGT are ‘unfair’. This makes my blood boil. What is unfair is that ordinary local people cannot have a decent, affordable roof over their heads, small Cornish communities are dying and that the Coalition proposals to slash public expenditure will have a disproportionate impact the poor and vulnerable.
We are all aware that many second homes have been purchased by those working in the City and in big business who actually have contributed significantly, through short term and selfish interest, to get our country in to the mess it is now in. However these people fail to accept their share of financial responsibility although are quite happy for ordinary people to pay more tax and have services cut, while the wealthy think they can carry on as normal.
I hope the government will stand firm regarding its CGT proposals. It must face off its opponents on this measure as it represents a key tool in helping to rebuild local communities, and enable local people to have a home in the communities where they are born and bred. Subsequently we can then begin to see local communities thrive once more for the benefit of ordinary people rather than the wealthy.
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