Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
2007 - A Political Odyssey
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
True Yellow Conservatives?
Should traditional Conservative supporters welcome news that three Liberal Democrats candidates in the 2005 General Election have switched to the Conservative Party?
I fear it merely shows how far the Conservative Party has moved away from it's core supporters!
I fear it merely shows how far the Conservative Party has moved away from it's core supporters!
British Government "held to account"
How can the British Government remain opposed to the death penalty if Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett considers that Saddam Hussein's execution means that he has finally been "held to account" for his crimes?
Does Margaret Beckett think that Ian Huntley and Peter Sutcliffe have been "held to account" for their crimes?
If the Government accepts Iraq's sovereignty to convict and execute Saddam Hussein, why didn't they accept Pakistan's sovereignty to convict and execute Mirza Tahir Hussain!?!
Does Margaret Beckett think that Ian Huntley and Peter Sutcliffe have been "held to account" for their crimes?
If the Government accepts Iraq's sovereignty to convict and execute Saddam Hussein, why didn't they accept Pakistan's sovereignty to convict and execute Mirza Tahir Hussain!?!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Labour's not educating
Who does Labour MP Karen Buck blame for the education of her son if it's so bad that she has been forced to move him from a failing City Academy to a leading local Comprehensive school?
Does she feel guilty that other parents might not be able to move their children?
At least Karen can be praised for not sending her son to a private school!
Does she feel guilty that other parents might not be able to move their children?
At least Karen can be praised for not sending her son to a private school!
NHS savings only required in England?
Will routine post-op consultant check-ups be scrapped in Scotland and Wales or are savings only required in England?
How can a system be inefficient if 90% of patients still attend their routine post-op check-up? Why not penalise people who fail to attend instead?
How can a system be inefficient if 90% of patients still attend their routine post-op check-up? Why not penalise people who fail to attend instead?
M&S Buyers' grammar lessons
How can Marks & Spencers expect their buyers to have a good grasp of English grammar when they may only have 'A*' at GCSE English?
Referring to the latest mistake, the store said it was a "silly mistake" and added perhaps it should send its buyers to grammar lessons in the New Year.
Referring to the latest mistake, the store said it was a "silly mistake" and added perhaps it should send its buyers to grammar lessons in the New Year.
Not proud of history lessons
Why do lessons on the history of the British Empire in India need to be revised to reflect the "mix of nationalities in England"?
Will students be taught that Britain banned Sati in India?
On 4 December 1829, the practice was formally banned in the Bengal Presidency lands, by the then governor, Lord William Bentinck. The ban was challenged in the courts, and the matter went to the Privy Council in London, but was upheld in 1832.
Will students be taught that Gandhi was educated at University College, London where he trained as a barrister?
Will students be taught that Britain banned Sati in India?
On 4 December 1829, the practice was formally banned in the Bengal Presidency lands, by the then governor, Lord William Bentinck. The ban was challenged in the courts, and the matter went to the Privy Council in London, but was upheld in 1832.
Will students be taught that Gandhi was educated at University College, London where he trained as a barrister?
Thursday, December 28, 2006
English NHS spending
When was the last time an English Conservative MP highlighted differences in per capita health spending across the four nations of the UK?
These figures confirm that NHS Wales is set to fall even further behind the health service in other parts of the United Kingdom.
Patients in Wales are paying the price for the glaring and growing differences in health expenditure between Wales and the other nations of the UK. - Welsh Conservative health spokesman Jonathan Morgan AM
These figures confirm that NHS Wales is set to fall even further behind the health service in other parts of the United Kingdom.
Patients in Wales are paying the price for the glaring and growing differences in health expenditure between Wales and the other nations of the UK. - Welsh Conservative health spokesman Jonathan Morgan AM
Minister's Kimbyism
Is Cabinet Minsiter Hazel Blears guilty of 'Kimbyism' - Keep in my back yard(!) - if she opposes the closure of her local maternity unit whilst supporting the Government's policy to close maternity units in other parts of the country?
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
HIV treatment on the NHS?
If the lifestlye choices of the obese, smokers and people with alcohol problems means they should be denied priority NHS treatment, should it also be witheld for people infected with HIV through unprotected sex or needle sharing?
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
The mother of all "People Panels"
Tony Blair has called for "people's panels" to help push through key public service reforms.
He wants 617 of them to represent people's interests throughout the country. They will be selected at General elections with the representative with the most votes winning the seat. The victors will be called MPs.
The panels will discuss issues such as government plans to influence lifestyles and healthy living.
All 100 panel members will take part in a "summit" a month later, which will also be attended by junior ministers and civil servants
They will discuss what "support and encouragement" the state can give to help to improve people's "life chances and well-being" - in particular such as "behavioural factors" as smoking and poor diet.
He wants 617 of them to represent people's interests throughout the country. They will be selected at General elections with the representative with the most votes winning the seat. The victors will be called MPs.
The panels will discuss issues such as government plans to influence lifestyles and healthy living.
All 100 panel members will take part in a "summit" a month later, which will also be attended by junior ministers and civil servants
They will discuss what "support and encouragement" the state can give to help to improve people's "life chances and well-being" - in particular such as "behavioural factors" as smoking and poor diet.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Me2
Why has multi-millionaire U2 frontman Bono been given an honorary knighthood for services to the music industry and his humanitarian work?
How many other people would be rewarded for their humanitarian work if they did not have to work for a living whilst paying income tax at a lower rate than everyone else!?!
Meanwhile, the blight of aid continues to prevent Africa from lifting itself out of extreme poverty.
How many other people would be rewarded for their humanitarian work if they did not have to work for a living whilst paying income tax at a lower rate than everyone else!?!
Meanwhile, the blight of aid continues to prevent Africa from lifting itself out of extreme poverty.
Caught short and curlies
Why are Police taking no further action against a 15 year old Sikh who claimed racist white youths cut off his hair when he has now admitted that he made the whole incident up? He wasted Police time with a high profile allegation.
Is he guilty of racially stereotyping white youths!?!
Is he guilty of racially stereotyping white youths!?!
Merry Christmas Britain!
Nine out of 10 crimes are either not reported or go unpunished.
Prison numbers could increase by 25% to 100,000 within five years.
The very poorest have got poorer since 1997.
Strategies for fighting crime could include "chemical castration" and alcohol rationing
Prison numbers could increase by 25% to 100,000 within five years.
The very poorest have got poorer since 1997.
Strategies for fighting crime could include "chemical castration" and alcohol rationing
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Airport security joke
How safe are flights from Heathrow airport when women wearing the Niqab are not routinely checked to confirm their identity?
Mustaf Jama, a prime suspect in the fatal shooting of PC Sharon Beshenivsky, assumed his sister’s identity — wearing the niqab and using her passport — to evade supposedly stringent checks at Heathrow, according to police sources.
At the time, Jama was Britain’s most wanted man, while Heathrow was on a heightened state of alert after the 7/7 terrorist atrocities in London five months previously.
If Somalia is safe enough for a suspected Police murderer to flee to, is it also safe enough for a convicted child rapist to be deported to!?!
Mustaf Jama, a prime suspect in the fatal shooting of PC Sharon Beshenivsky, assumed his sister’s identity — wearing the niqab and using her passport — to evade supposedly stringent checks at Heathrow, according to police sources.
At the time, Jama was Britain’s most wanted man, while Heathrow was on a heightened state of alert after the 7/7 terrorist atrocities in London five months previously.
If Somalia is safe enough for a suspected Police murderer to flee to, is it also safe enough for a convicted child rapist to be deported to!?!
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Singing the Trident Blues!
What hope is there for Britain to retain a "skilled workforce" to build the next generation of nuclear submarines if the "skilled workforce" are unable to read the lyrics of popular Karaoke songs!?!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Bishop criticises BBC Pay?
Does the Bishop of Worcester think that high salaries "justified" by performance within the BBC are as "galling" to NHS workers as high salaries within the square mile!?!
What we find most unfair when looking at pay rates is when people who earn huge sums of money are also insulated from the risk - Right Reverend Peter Selby, Bishop of Worcester.
What we find most unfair when looking at pay rates is when people who earn huge sums of money are also insulated from the risk - Right Reverend Peter Selby, Bishop of Worcester.
The end of the world is nigh!
Why does the Conservative Party oppose welfare reform that would see benefits being cut for the work-shy!?!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Labour's workshy
Why should any initiatives to compel people off benefits and into work face resistance from Labour MPs? Do they prefer people to stay on benefits?
Would the workshy be 'encouraged' back into work if their benefit claims were stopped after two years?
Would the workshy be 'encouraged' back into work if their benefit claims were stopped after two years?
Friday, December 15, 2006
Obese squeezing the NHS?
How can obesity ever "bankrupt" a taxpayer funded organisation like the NHS?
It may place new burdens on the NHS, but it could always be funded either by withdrawing other treatments or through more increases in general taxation.
It may place new burdens on the NHS, but it could always be funded either by withdrawing other treatments or through more increases in general taxation.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Joined Up Government?
The new Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (CMEF) will be able to dock wages and withdraw the passports or driving licences of absent parents.
The government is set to abolish the requirement for fertility clinics to consider the need for a father when deciding whether to offer IVF treatment.
The government is set to abolish the requirement for fertility clinics to consider the need for a father when deciding whether to offer IVF treatment.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
NHS Finances
How can additional funding ever help the NHS when it suffers from "mismanagement at all levels"?
How many NHS staff have been sacked for financial incompetence?
How many NHS staff have been sacked for financial incompetence?
Cost in Translation
Does translating NHS and council services into an immigrant's mother tongue encourage integration or promote separatness?
When you are trying to help us you are actually harming. Even before we ask, all we have to do is say hello, they are here with their interpreters. We just sit here doing nothing and we don't need to speak in English at all. - Bangladeshi woman who has lived in the UK for 22 years speaking through a translator!
Is the £100m cost of translation deducted from the economic benefits of immigration?
When you are trying to help us you are actually harming. Even before we ask, all we have to do is say hello, they are here with their interpreters. We just sit here doing nothing and we don't need to speak in English at all. - Bangladeshi woman who has lived in the UK for 22 years speaking through a translator!
Is the £100m cost of translation deducted from the economic benefits of immigration?
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Pension Potties!
How generous is the Government's 1% contribution to new "Personal [Pension] Accounts" when it penalises pensioners with an 85% effective marginal tax rate on means-tested benefits!?!
National Health Surplus
How much surplus will NHS Wales and NHS Scotland need to make if NHS England has to make a £250m surplus?
Will any Scottish surplus be handed back to Westminster?
Will any Scottish surplus be handed back to Westminster?
Monday, December 11, 2006
Number Crunching
£250m "Surplus" required by NHS England in 2007.
£250m Home Office "technical overdraft" in 2005/6 due to "ineffective cash management procedures".
£250m Home Office "technical overdraft" in 2005/6 due to "ineffective cash management procedures".
Preaching to the converted.
Do 5.5m people already know that Britain is becoming an "increasingly dysfunctional society" breeding criminality?
It paints a gloomy picture of a society where for some family breakdown, drug and alcohol abuse, debt and failure in education combine
It paints a gloomy picture of a society where for some family breakdown, drug and alcohol abuse, debt and failure in education combine
Friday, December 08, 2006
Forgive my schafenfreude!
Bishop mugged walking to his home
It's difficult to think of people more worthy of being mugged than liberal Bishops!
This report attempts to look behind the sound bites of politicians and the tabloids and bring to bear on this subject an informed and Christian contribution. - The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Rev Tom Butler.
"The report calls for more emphasis on restorative justice, which looks for alternatives to prison."
It's difficult to think of people more worthy of being mugged than liberal Bishops!
This report attempts to look behind the sound bites of politicians and the tabloids and bring to bear on this subject an informed and Christian contribution. - The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Rev Tom Butler.
"The report calls for more emphasis on restorative justice, which looks for alternatives to prison."
Labour's not paying
The Times quotes Treasury figures showing that nearly 1.7 million people on low incomes face deductions totalling more than 60p in the pound from their pay.
It is a crazy system where you have people in poorly paid jobs, such as dinner ladies and hotel cleaners, suffering higher effective tax rates than millionaires, who pay 40 per cent higher-rate tax and 1 per cent national insurance at higher income levels - Mike Warburton, senior tax partner in Grant Thornton.
Why is the Labour Party penalising core voters for working rather than rewarding them for hard work? No wonder 5.5m people are economically inactive in the UK. They are the sensible ones!
It is a crazy system where you have people in poorly paid jobs, such as dinner ladies and hotel cleaners, suffering higher effective tax rates than millionaires, who pay 40 per cent higher-rate tax and 1 per cent national insurance at higher income levels - Mike Warburton, senior tax partner in Grant Thornton.
Why is the Labour Party penalising core voters for working rather than rewarding them for hard work? No wonder 5.5m people are economically inactive in the UK. They are the sensible ones!
People’s private spheres
Europe's second-highest ranking commissioner was fighting to save his political career last night over pictures showing him naked on a beach with his chief of staff. - The Times.
"People’s private[s]" should be respected - José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission!
"People’s private[s]" should be respected - José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission!
Somalia's immigration policy
Does Somalia have a better immigration policy than the UK opposing the return of child rapists?
No doubt "Desperate to remain in the UK" to benefit the UK's economy, "A" raped a young girl at knifepoint within a year of his arrival in the UK in May 1995, yet the Government's duty to protect the public has now cost taxpayers £50,000 in damages as he was held illegally for a further twenty months as repeated attempts to deport him failed. How would naming "A" hamper further Home Office attempts to deport him!?!
If "A" is released in the UK, would Mr Justice Calvert Smith bet a child's life that "A" wouldn't remove an electronic tag? I wouldn't.
No doubt "Desperate to remain in the UK" to benefit the UK's economy, "A" raped a young girl at knifepoint within a year of his arrival in the UK in May 1995, yet the Government's duty to protect the public has now cost taxpayers £50,000 in damages as he was held illegally for a further twenty months as repeated attempts to deport him failed. How would naming "A" hamper further Home Office attempts to deport him!?!
If "A" is released in the UK, would Mr Justice Calvert Smith bet a child's life that "A" wouldn't remove an electronic tag? I wouldn't.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Government coffers and cobblers?
The UK economy and the government's tax receipts have been boosted massively in recent year[sic] by immigrants, especially from Eastern Europe, according to economists of the Ernst & Young ITEM club
Has Government expenditure been boosted massively in recent years by immigrants, especially from Eastern Europe?
Has Government expenditure been boosted massively in recent years by immigrants, especially from Eastern Europe?
You ASBO be laughing!
I don't accept a breach of an ASBO is the failure of an ASBO. - Home Office minister Tony McNulty.
If each ASBO costs more than £3,000 to adminster yet 55% of all anti-social behaviour orders given out in England and Wales are breached, does this represent good value to the taxpayer?
Where breaches are reported it means that individuals are being monitored - Home Office minister Tony McNulty.
Are 45% of ASBOs not being monitored properly?
What are the "serious consequences" of breaching ASBOs if 35% of holders have breached their order five or more times!?!
If each ASBO costs more than £3,000 to adminster yet 55% of all anti-social behaviour orders given out in England and Wales are breached, does this represent good value to the taxpayer?
Where breaches are reported it means that individuals are being monitored - Home Office minister Tony McNulty.
Are 45% of ASBOs not being monitored properly?
What are the "serious consequences" of breaching ASBOs if 35% of holders have breached their order five or more times!?!
Ready to read books?
How will the provision of free books improve reading levels amongst the 21% of children who are unable to read after six years of schooling?
Providing free cars to seventeen year olds does not mean they become good drivers!
Providing free cars to seventeen year olds does not mean they become good drivers!
Knives out for knife amnesties!
Who could have predicted that knife amnesties have no real impact on reducing knife crime?
In late August 2006 - six weeks after the operation ends - offence levels tend to return to pre-operation values
"Amnesties needed to be used in conjunction with other initiatives" like tougher and longer prison sentences perhaps?
Can we look forward to a similar study looking at the impact of a gun amnesty on gun crime?
In late August 2006 - six weeks after the operation ends - offence levels tend to return to pre-operation values
"Amnesties needed to be used in conjunction with other initiatives" like tougher and longer prison sentences perhaps?
Can we look forward to a similar study looking at the impact of a gun amnesty on gun crime?
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Non-polluting Scottish aircraft?
Why should airports in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland remain exempt from Air Passenger Duty?
Do they use special aircraft that don't pollute the environment or does Gordon prefer saving Labour votes to saving the planet?
Do they use special aircraft that don't pollute the environment or does Gordon prefer saving Labour votes to saving the planet?
Channel Fornicates You!
Will Channel Four's decision to use a veiled Muslim woman to deliver this year's alternate Christmas speech help integrate Muslims into the wider British community?
Could Channel Four be guilty of incitement to racial hatred if it doesn't!?!
Could Channel Four be guilty of incitement to racial hatred if it doesn't!?!
Gordon's Closing Down Sale
If the UK economy is doing as well as Gordon Brown claims, why does he need to make it easier to sell £30bn of Government assets!?!
Brown hails a strong UK economy BBC News Online report, Dec. 6th, 2006.
The UK economy is set to grow by 2.75% this year
Sudden fall in UK industry output BBC News Online report, Dec. 6th, 2006.
Industrial output across the UK dropped unexpectedly in October, declining at its fastest pace in more than a year.
Brown hails a strong UK economy BBC News Online report, Dec. 6th, 2006.
The UK economy is set to grow by 2.75% this year
Sudden fall in UK industry output BBC News Online report, Dec. 6th, 2006.
Industrial output across the UK dropped unexpectedly in October, declining at its fastest pace in more than a year.
Money can't buy you educational results
No matter how much money is spent on education, it is all wasted if it is not accompanied with good discipline and the removal of teachers who are unable to teach.
If Gordon Brown is worried about the future challenges from India and China, should he consider copying how India and China and teach their children?
Modern education in India is often criticized for being based on rote learning. Emphasis is laid on passing exams with high percentage. Few institutes give importance to developing personality and creativity among students. [] Some schools in India practice extreme forms of corporal punishment on children, particularly those in middle school.
The People's Republic of China has a system of 9-year-compulsory education in mainland China.
If Gordon Brown is worried about the future challenges from India and China, should he consider copying how India and China and teach their children?
Modern education in India is often criticized for being based on rote learning. Emphasis is laid on passing exams with high percentage. Few institutes give importance to developing personality and creativity among students. [] Some schools in India practice extreme forms of corporal punishment on children, particularly those in middle school.
The People's Republic of China has a system of 9-year-compulsory education in mainland China.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Sharia Law in the UK?
It's here already - according to Clive Davis!
The BBC Radio 4 programme Law in Action produced evidence yesterday that it was being used by some Muslims as an alternative to English criminal law.
How can a female convert to Islam possibly complain about the growth of minority legal systems? "Very often traditional forms of mediation can disadvantage vulnerable groups, such as women, within a community."
She didn't have to convert!
The BBC Radio 4 programme Law in Action produced evidence yesterday that it was being used by some Muslims as an alternative to English criminal law.
How can a female convert to Islam possibly complain about the growth of minority legal systems? "Very often traditional forms of mediation can disadvantage vulnerable groups, such as women, within a community."
She didn't have to convert!
Plugging the UK skills gap?
Unsurprisingly, 400 further education institutions support a plan to extend education and training for everyone up to the age of 18 despite 41% of sixteen year olds not even able to obtain five good GCSEs!
Without increased skills, we would condemn ourselves to a lingering decline in competitiveness, diminishing economic growth and a bleaker future for all. The case for action is compelling and urgent. - Lord Leitch.
Does the UK need to be concerned with a growing skills gap when immigration from 10 new EU countries since 2004 has meant [an] influx of a skilled, low-cost workforce!?!
Without increased skills, we would condemn ourselves to a lingering decline in competitiveness, diminishing economic growth and a bleaker future for all. The case for action is compelling and urgent. - Lord Leitch.
Does the UK need to be concerned with a growing skills gap when immigration from 10 new EU countries since 2004 has meant [an] influx of a skilled, low-cost workforce!?!
Unhappy Christmas?
Christmas in 21st Century Britain...
Bodyguard for Santa after attacks
Organisers in Tipton have taken the precaution after Santas in previous years had stones and abuse thrown at them by youths.
Mince pie danger to be assessed
Council bosses say posters will have to be displayed at the party in Embsay, in the Yorkshire Dales, warning villagers the pies contain nuts and suet pastry.
Santa may need a Criminal Records Bureau check.
Firms 'ban festive decorations'
Christmas trees and decorations may well be a thing of the past in many workplaces this Christmas as political correctness culture has spread to the workplace
Bodyguard for Santa after attacks
Organisers in Tipton have taken the precaution after Santas in previous years had stones and abuse thrown at them by youths.
Mince pie danger to be assessed
Council bosses say posters will have to be displayed at the party in Embsay, in the Yorkshire Dales, warning villagers the pies contain nuts and suet pastry.
Santa may need a Criminal Records Bureau check.
Firms 'ban festive decorations'
Christmas trees and decorations may well be a thing of the past in many workplaces this Christmas as political correctness culture has spread to the workplace
Monday, December 04, 2006
Making mountains out of molehills
As so many voters are disillusioned with Tony Blair and the Labour Party, it should be straightforward for the Conservative Party to secure victory at the next General Election.
So why does David Cameron admit he has a "huge mountain to climb"?
Is it a recognition that the Conservative Party does not yet appeal to aspirant blue collar workers? Focusing on green issues may well appeal to floating middle class voters but it's unlikely to win many "working class" votes!
How many "working class" voters feel angry when they see others enjoying a similar lifestyle yet are solely reliant on the welfare state?
So why does David Cameron admit he has a "huge mountain to climb"?
Is it a recognition that the Conservative Party does not yet appeal to aspirant blue collar workers? Focusing on green issues may well appeal to floating middle class voters but it's unlikely to win many "working class" votes!
How many "working class" voters feel angry when they see others enjoying a similar lifestyle yet are solely reliant on the welfare state?
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Community Care killers
On average, one person a week dies at the hands of a mentally ill patient.
Almost a third of the killings were by people judged to have been of "low risk".
Is it acceptable that two thirds of the killings are by people judged to be "medium" or "high risk"!?!
Would mental health staff make different decisions if their family or friends were murdered by "low risk" patients?
Who will be the unfortunate person who dies at the hands of a mentally ill patient this week?
Almost a third of the killings were by people judged to have been of "low risk".
Is it acceptable that two thirds of the killings are by people judged to be "medium" or "high risk"!?!
Would mental health staff make different decisions if their family or friends were murdered by "low risk" patients?
Who will be the unfortunate person who dies at the hands of a mentally ill patient this week?
Pay peanuts and you get MPs?
How can any backbench MP be worth £100,000 per year?
If MPs consider their pay should be comparable to GPs and council chief executives, should their holidays be comparable too!?!
If MPs consider their pay should be comparable to GPs and council chief executives, should their holidays be comparable too!?!
Reducing traffic congestion
Would traffic congestion be cut by 10% if the estimated 1.4m uninsured drivers were forced off Britain's roads?
Uninsured drivers are typically young males living in an urban environment where traffic congestion is particularly bad...
How would road pricing be enforced for these drivers!?!
Uninsured drivers are typically young males living in an urban environment where traffic congestion is particularly bad...
How would road pricing be enforced for these drivers!?!
England's public service budget
"Breaking up Britain would remove billions of pounds from the public service budget in Scotland". - George Foulkes, former Scotland Office minister.
"Breaking up Britain would restore billions of pounds for the public service budget in England". - Not said by any mainstream policitian.
"Breaking up Britain would restore billions of pounds for the public service budget in England". - Not said by any mainstream policitian.
Scottish Conservative Party hopes scotched!
Can Scottish Conservatives ever win power when "just 163,000 Scottish taxpayers, from a population of 5m, make any net contribution to the British exchequer. The rest receive more than they pay out in reliefs, subsidies and benefits"?
Why offer tax cuts when so few people actually pay any tax!?!
Why offer tax cuts when so few people actually pay any tax!?!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
'Tough' for Conservative detractors?
David Cameron suggests that if core Tory voters are upset by the direction in which he is leading the party then "that's tough."
Has he already explained the reasons for a fourth successive Conservative electoral defeat?
I suppose you could spend the next few years as leader of the Conservative Party just telling people what they wanted to hear and jolly them along and everyone would be happy — and then you would lose another election. Well, I don't see the point of that. - David Cameron.
What is wrong with offering policies that the public want to hear? The Conservatives won more votes in England than Labour in 2005 because of it!
I would rather abstain at the next General Election than endorse a man whose contempt for core Tory voters knows no bounds.
Has he already explained the reasons for a fourth successive Conservative electoral defeat?
I suppose you could spend the next few years as leader of the Conservative Party just telling people what they wanted to hear and jolly them along and everyone would be happy — and then you would lose another election. Well, I don't see the point of that. - David Cameron.
What is wrong with offering policies that the public want to hear? The Conservatives won more votes in England than Labour in 2005 because of it!
I would rather abstain at the next General Election than endorse a man whose contempt for core Tory voters knows no bounds.
Friday, December 01, 2006
'Buy-to-jail' mortgages?
As the Government considers selling shares to fund new prisons, will it be long before mortgages are available on them?
Members of the public would receive a regular income from the "invest in a cell" scheme and would benefit from a rise in the value of their investment because of increasing property prices.
How can the Treasury be so short of cash that new prisons need to be funded by public subscription?
Members of the public would receive a regular income from the "invest in a cell" scheme and would benefit from a rise in the value of their investment because of increasing property prices.
How can the Treasury be so short of cash that new prisons need to be funded by public subscription?
Motorists 'must pay for road use'
Are ministers the only road users who do not pay to use the road network as their fuel and road tax can be reclaimed as expenses!?!
Every other motorist already pays more the further they drive!
Last year, I posted an article at 'Oncemore' on road pricing that tragically seems just as relevant now...
Every other motorist already pays more the further they drive!
Last year, I posted an article at 'Oncemore' on road pricing that tragically seems just as relevant now...
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Beware of old men in MACs!
Isn't it too late for a new body, the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), to consider the wider social impact of immigration when nearly 1.5m immigrants have arrived in just the last two years?
Even if the social impact was negative, could the UK reduce current levels of immigration whilst it remains a member of the European Union?
If John Reid claims there is "no systematic weighing up of the benefits and costs of immigration", how can consecutive Governments always claim that the economic benefits of immigration outweigh the costs!?!
Even if the social impact was negative, could the UK reduce current levels of immigration whilst it remains a member of the European Union?
If John Reid claims there is "no systematic weighing up of the benefits and costs of immigration", how can consecutive Governments always claim that the economic benefits of immigration outweigh the costs!?!
Asylum seekers are not boomerangs!
How many of the 150 immigration offenders being released on bail does the Home Office expect to return once the present crisis at Harmondsworth has been resolved?
Wouldn't it be better to fast track the deportation of all failed asyulum seekers at Harmondsworth?
Mr Rasul faces deportation to northern Iraq after having exhausted his appeals for asylum.
Wouldn't it be better to fast track the deportation of all failed asyulum seekers at Harmondsworth?
Mr Rasul faces deportation to northern Iraq after having exhausted his appeals for asylum.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Lifting the veil of double standards!
The vast majority of people...believe women should be allowed to wear what they like [such as the full veil] - Rajnaara Akhtar of the Assembly for the Protection of the Hijab.
Only a "tiny, tiny minority" are forced to wear the veil - Rajnaara Akhtar of the Assembly for the Protection of the Hijab.
Only a "tiny, tiny minority" are forced to wear the veil - Rajnaara Akhtar of the Assembly for the Protection of the Hijab.
Shotgun justice
If a protestor climbed onto the roof of your house and you confronted him with a loaded shotgun, could you expect to go to prison?
Answers on a postcard to Judge David Tyzack!
Answers on a postcard to Judge David Tyzack!
The modern family - mother, father and government?
Are parents or the Government to blame if one in seven children are growing up in "bad" housing?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
PC Police?
If black Police Officers had distributed an email showing a white suspect decapitated in a freak accident whilst being pursued by Police, would they have faced a five month long "robust" investigation into it?
Would people perceive the email as 'racist' or just sick? Would there be calls for the Police Officers to be sacked?
It is, at best, disrespecful to the [white] people that live in Hertfordshire - Keith Jarrett, President of the White Police Association!
Would people perceive the email as 'racist' or just sick? Would there be calls for the Police Officers to be sacked?
It is, at best, disrespecful to the [white] people that live in Hertfordshire - Keith Jarrett, President of the White Police Association!
Inflation busting rail fares
How will increasing rail fares above the rate of inflation encourage more car drivers off the roads and onto the railways?
Can it be long before railway workers strike to get their share of the increases?
Can it be long before railway workers strike to get their share of the increases?
Impartial BBC?
Does anyone beyond the ITV and BBC media bubble really care that Michael Grade has resigned from the BBC and moved to ITV?
So why is the BBC's leading UK article (at 10.08 am) reporting his move!?!
Should we rejoice that the BBC was unable to match ITV's £10m offer for his services over five years?
So why is the BBC's leading UK article (at 10.08 am) reporting his move!?!
Should we rejoice that the BBC was unable to match ITV's £10m offer for his services over five years?
Monday, November 27, 2006
TV Licence Tax
The BBC is now officially part of Central Government! - the TV licence fee has recently been reclassified as a tax rather than a service charge.
(Quarterly National Accounts Briefing Note: 2006 Q1 & 2006 Blue Book, p.11)
Courtesy of Raw Carrot.
(Quarterly National Accounts Briefing Note: 2006 Q1 & 2006 Blue Book, p.11)
Courtesy of Raw Carrot.
Slavery
Do Africans feel "Deep Sorrow" for Africa's role in the slave trade or is it just the "white man's burden"?
Mighty black kings in the Bight of Biafra near modern-day Senegal and Benin sold their captives locally and later to European slave traders for goods such as metal cookware, rum, livestock, and seed grain.
The slaves came from many different sources. About half came from the societies that sold them. These might be criminals, heretics, the mentally ill, the indebted and any others that had fallen out of favour with the rulers. Most came from captured tribes in inter-tribal warfare. [] It is believed that capital punishment and human sacrifice in the region nearly disappeared since prisoners became far too valuable to dispose of in such a way.
For those left behind in Africa the standard of living increased substantially and the region became divided into highly centralized and powerful nation states, such as Dahomey and the Ashanti Confederacy. It also created a class of very wealthy and highly Europeanized traders who began to send their children to European universities.
Mighty black kings in the Bight of Biafra near modern-day Senegal and Benin sold their captives locally and later to European slave traders for goods such as metal cookware, rum, livestock, and seed grain.
The slaves came from many different sources. About half came from the societies that sold them. These might be criminals, heretics, the mentally ill, the indebted and any others that had fallen out of favour with the rulers. Most came from captured tribes in inter-tribal warfare. [] It is believed that capital punishment and human sacrifice in the region nearly disappeared since prisoners became far too valuable to dispose of in such a way.
For those left behind in Africa the standard of living increased substantially and the region became divided into highly centralized and powerful nation states, such as Dahomey and the Ashanti Confederacy. It also created a class of very wealthy and highly Europeanized traders who began to send their children to European universities.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Voting SNP south of the border?
In England, people quite rightly resent Scottish Labour MPs bossing them about on English domestic legislation. England has as much right to self government as Scotland does. - Alex Salmond, the SNP leader.
The last thing we need is yet another parliament with separate elections and more politicians spending more money. - David Cameron, Conservative Leader.
68% of English voters want their own Parliament.
62% of English voters want Scottish MPs stripped of the right to vote on solely English matters.
60% of English voters complain that higher levels of public spending per head of the population in Scotland were "unjustified".
How can an English electorate vote SNP!?!
Courtesy of the Sunday Telegraph.
The last thing we need is yet another parliament with separate elections and more politicians spending more money. - David Cameron, Conservative Leader.
How can an English electorate vote SNP!?!
Courtesy of the Sunday Telegraph.
Gordon's Highlanders
Will Labour's legitimacy to pass UK legislation be questioned if the SNP win the 2007 Scottish elections?
Labour's Scottish MPs could no longer claim to represent the views of their constituents whilst Labour won fewer votes than the Conservatives across England in 2005!
It would be an inauspicious start to Gordon's Premiership.
Labour's Scottish MPs could no longer claim to represent the views of their constituents whilst Labour won fewer votes than the Conservatives across England in 2005!
It would be an inauspicious start to Gordon's Premiership.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Vegetaballs!
If pregnant women and low income families with toddlers do not already know the importance of fruit and vegetables in their daily diet, why should the provision of free fruit and vegetables make any difference?
Will they know how to eat them!?!
Will they know how to eat them!?!
Friday, November 24, 2006
NHS value for money?
A new cancer centre is to be built at Taunton's Musgrove Park hospital:
Construction costs: £12m
Specialist Equipment: £10m
Total cost: £22m
Cost to the taxpayer over thirty years: £100m
Construction costs: £12m
Specialist Equipment: £10m
Total cost: £22m
Cost to the taxpayer over thirty years: £100m
Private Jets For Everyone!
In the past we used to think of poverty in absolute terms - meaning straightforward material deprivation. That's not enough. We need to think of poverty in relative terms - the fact that some people lack those things which others in society take for granted. - David Cameron
So David, when can I have my free private jet!?!
So David, when can I have my free private jet!?!
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Retirement ages
Why should private sector workers be expected to work to 68 when public sector workers will only have to work until they are 65?
Increasing the retirement age for private sector workers is effectively another tax rise.
Increasing the retirement age for private sector workers is effectively another tax rise.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Not Education, education, education
Nearly ten years after Labour came to power, 10% of secondary schools are still 'failing' according to Ofsted! How many more years does Labour need!?!
Given that 'the poor' are most likely to attend such schools, why has Labour been allowed to fail another generation of it's core voters?
Given that 'the poor' are most likely to attend such schools, why has Labour been allowed to fail another generation of it's core voters?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Skills gaps
What skills and labour gaps does Immigration Minister Liam Byrne think are filled by 510,000 East European immigrants that cannot be filled by 1,710,000 unemployed British workers!?!
Overcrowding
The proportion of black and ethnic minority families living in [overcrowded conditions in London] is much worse than average, the report found.
Is this because 'black and ethnic minority families' tend to have larger families than average?
Is this because 'black and ethnic minority families' tend to have larger families than average?
Monday, November 20, 2006
Conservative debt busters!
We should not allow people to take out that tenth credit card without the credit card company knowing about the other nine. - Shadow chancellor George Osborne.
Why aren't lenders already concerned about the other nine credit cards when lending money? The lender should decide the amount of risk being carried on their book, not some MP!
If the Conservatives really want to tackle the growing personal debt "crisis", they should offer tax cuts!
Why aren't lenders already concerned about the other nine credit cards when lending money? The lender should decide the amount of risk being carried on their book, not some MP!
If the Conservatives really want to tackle the growing personal debt "crisis", they should offer tax cuts!
Feeling very cross?
Why are British Airways unable to change their uniform policy to allow a Christian woman to wear a crucifix in public display?
They must have changed their rules for Muslims and Sikhs at some time in the past!
They must have changed their rules for Muslims and Sikhs at some time in the past!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Risky business?
What percentage of the teenagers given £10 loans to start a "social enterprise" will merely invest the funds in fast food or alcohol?
Should they follow the example of "Risky Business" and start a brothel?
My name is Joel Goodson. I deal in Human Fulfillment. I grossed over $8000 in one night. Time of your life, huh kid.
Should they follow the example of "Risky Business" and start a brothel?
My name is Joel Goodson. I deal in Human Fulfillment. I grossed over $8000 in one night. Time of your life, huh kid.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Fast food for over 16s only?
If the Government is so concerned about childhood obesity that it is prepared to ban junk food advertising, why not merely prohibit children from eating at fast food restaurants?
Are they concerned that too many working class people would object to such a policy!?!
Are they concerned that too many working class people would object to such a policy!?!
Conservative education policy disaster!
How many Conservative voters will oppose a Conservative plan to break up school catchment areas!?! Parents typically pay a £25,000 premium to live within the catchment area of good schools!
It would be far better for the Conservative Party to identify what makes a good school. School discipline, grammar schools and sacking poor quality teachers!
It would be far better for the Conservative Party to identify what makes a good school. School discipline, grammar schools and sacking poor quality teachers!
Drinking to excess
Why should alcohol be made more expensive to deter under 18s from drinking to excess?
The ban on sales of alcohol to under 18s needs to be enforced more strictly. The price of handguns was not increased to deter criminals from buying them!
The ban on sales of alcohol to under 18s needs to be enforced more strictly. The price of handguns was not increased to deter criminals from buying them!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The BBC - The Big Brother Corporation
Under the [Digital Switchover] legislation, the BBC would be handed the social security and war pensions information for an estimated seven million people.
Have an 'estimated seven million people' agreed to the Government giving away their confidential infomation to a third party without consulting them?
Have an 'estimated seven million people' agreed to the Government giving away their confidential infomation to a third party without consulting them?
Murdered man still murdered!
Are Jamshed Khan's family likely to welcome Mirza Tahir Hussain's reprieve from a death sentence following Prince Charles' intervention? Their son is still dead!
Why would a Muslim want to be back in the UK in time for Christmas!?!
I have been working with the family to secure Hussain's release and was planning a last-minute plea next month which will now become a plea for his return to Leeds for Christmas - Yorkshire and Humber MEP Edward McMillan-Scott.
Why would a Muslim want to be back in the UK in time for Christmas!?!
I have been working with the family to secure Hussain's release and was planning a last-minute plea next month which will now become a plea for his return to Leeds for Christmas - Yorkshire and Humber MEP Edward McMillan-Scott.
Racing lines
Would it be better to sieze the vehicles of boy racers in Kirkcaldy rather than reward them with free entry to Knockhill Racing Circuit?
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Britain - the sick man of Europe?
Are the costs of treating migrants with TB, HIV or malaria deducted from the economic benefits of immigration!?!
Smoking rights
Will council workers forced to stop smoking during the day be able to sue their council employer for £4,000 each for a fundamental breach of their human rights even if it could save their lives!?!
Home Office employment opportunities
Our mandate is to build a safe, just and tolerant society for everyone in the UK, regardless of their race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or age. - Home Office website.
No wonder a senior member of Islamist group Hizb ut- Tahrir is working as a computer technician at the Home Office!
Are BNP members allowed to work at the Home Office!?!
No wonder a senior member of Islamist group Hizb ut- Tahrir is working as a computer technician at the Home Office!
Are BNP members allowed to work at the Home Office!?!
Spot the difference
Gang sought after racist attack: A 15-year-old Asian youth was kicked and punched in an unprovoked and racist attack in Edinburgh.
Sadistic robbers jailed for life: A gang of armed robbers have been jailed for life for kidnapping people and subjecting them to "sadistic and gratuitous violence".
Why doesn't the BBC focus on the gang's "homophobia and racial hatred [that] occasionally played a part in the selection of victims"?
Sadistic robbers jailed for life: A gang of armed robbers have been jailed for life for kidnapping people and subjecting them to "sadistic and gratuitous violence".
Why doesn't the BBC focus on the gang's "homophobia and racial hatred [that] occasionally played a part in the selection of victims"?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Home sweet homeless?
Will a £164m package to help homeless people living in hostels and families living in bed and breakfast accommodation merely encourage more people to become homeless as the 'inconvenience' of being homeless is reduced?
If 80% of the people who sell the Big Issue magazine come from local authority support, why should local authorities be trusted to improve their situation!?!
If 80% of the people who sell the Big Issue magazine come from local authority support, why should local authorities be trusted to improve their situation!?!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Crime always pays!
Why is the taxpayer not allowed to know how much of their money has been paid as compensation to six prisoners and former inmates forced to stop taking drugs by going "cold turkey"?
Court TV
What is the point of allowing TV in court if witnesses, defendants and jurors should not be seen according to Lord Falconer?
Could you bet on when the judge will fall asleep or listen as a lawyer focuses on the intricacies of the case whilst wearing a Niqab!?!
Could you bet on when the judge will fall asleep or listen as a lawyer focuses on the intricacies of the case whilst wearing a Niqab!?!
Terror 'priority' if Brown is PM
Especially for the Middle classes who will be taxed until the pips squeak!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Pro-Islamic UK?
Why does Lord Falconer believe there should be "consequences" for saying that Islam is "wicked and evil"?
What are his fears if the UK is unable to demonstrate to young Muslims that this country is not anti-Islamic!?! Should Lord Falconer expect Islam to demonstrate that it is not "wicked and evil" too!?!
Would Gordon Brown, John Reid and Lord Falconer be calling for race hate laws to be tightened if Mizanur Rahman had not been found guilty of stirring up racial hatred?
What are his fears if the UK is unable to demonstrate to young Muslims that this country is not anti-Islamic!?! Should Lord Falconer expect Islam to demonstrate that it is not "wicked and evil" too!?!
Would Gordon Brown, John Reid and Lord Falconer be calling for race hate laws to be tightened if Mizanur Rahman had not been found guilty of stirring up racial hatred?
Friday, November 10, 2006
The veil truth and nothing but the truth!
Does allowing lawyers to wear veils in court help integrate Muslims into mainstream UK society or is it another fillip to politicial correctness?
Are jurors and defendants already allowed to wear the veil in court? How do jurors prove their identity each day?
Are jurors and defendants already allowed to wear the veil in court? How do jurors prove their identity each day?
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Labour's condom policy?
The Welsh Labour party has pledged only to spend public money if it helps end child poverty by 2020. So will they subsidise condoms for people living in disadvantaged areas!?!
No political party will ever end child poverty!
No political party will ever end child poverty!
The Visible Hand?
Would would David Cameron's immigration plans identify people with "in-demand skills"?
Could civil servants be trusted to become the visible hand of the labour market?
Could civil servants be trusted to become the visible hand of the labour market?
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Squaddie "not the smartest arse"!
Recently, Senator Kerry told an audience of college students in California that if they did not study hard they could "get stuck in Iraq", does this also apply to college students in the UK?
A squaddie, just back from a tour of duty in Iraq, has been injured after using his bum to launch a firework!
John Woodhead, chairman of the Firework Association, said he had never heard of an incident like it in 45 years.
A squaddie, just back from a tour of duty in Iraq, has been injured after using his bum to launch a firework!
John Woodhead, chairman of the Firework Association, said he had never heard of an incident like it in 45 years.
Racist Conservative?
Why is Conservative Mayoral candidate Winston McKenzie not suspended by the Party for using his ethnic origin as an electoral asset in the 2008 London elections?
The fact that I am a black man will appeal to people
I'll stun the world. London will see its first ever black Mayor. The history books of politics shall be re-written, changed forever
In other news:
Good luck Ali, but I would be shocked if they didn’t pick a white middle-class male [for the safe Conservative constituency of Witham, Essex] - Bernard Jenkin, former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party responsible for recruiting more ethnic minority candidates.
The fact that I am a black man will appeal to people
I'll stun the world. London will see its first ever black Mayor. The history books of politics shall be re-written, changed forever
In other news:
Good luck Ali, but I would be shocked if they didn’t pick a white middle-class male [for the safe Conservative constituency of Witham, Essex] - Bernard Jenkin, former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party responsible for recruiting more ethnic minority candidates.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Olympic sized VAT bill
If the Treasury is prevented from waving VAT on the 2012 Olympic construction costs due to EU regulations, there is a simple solution.
Ignore them!
Ignore them!
Police Protection
If 81% of British Muslims describe themselves as Muslim first and British second, should any British Muslim be allowed to guard Tony Blair?
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assasinated by Sikh members of her bodyguard who presumbaly considered their faith to be more important than their duty.
Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assasinated by Sikh members of her bodyguard who presumbaly considered their faith to be more important than their duty.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Ripping England out of the UK?
If the SNP are promising a referendum on Scottish independence within four years, will the English electorate be promised a similar referendum on whether they want Scotland to remain within the UK?
Why should such decisions be left solely to the Scottish electorate!?!
"To end up having a separate Scottish currency, separate Scottish armed forces, separate Scottish economy when we are so integrated together would be disastrous for [the Labour Party?]" - Tony Blair.
Why should such decisions be left solely to the Scottish electorate!?!
"To end up having a separate Scottish currency, separate Scottish armed forces, separate Scottish economy when we are so integrated together would be disastrous for [the Labour Party?]" - Tony Blair.
Dhiren Barot (2)
Was Dhiren Barot "venting [his] frustration" when he plotted "another black day for the enemies of Islam and a victory for the Muslims"?
Will he "feel almost ashamed" when he is no doubt imprisoned for just a couple of years for plotting the murder of thousands!?!
Has Liberal Democrat campaigns chairman Edward Davey reported Dhiren Barot to the Commission for Racial Equality!?!
Why hasn't Dhiren been charged with incitement to racial hatred!?!
Will he "feel almost ashamed" when he is no doubt imprisoned for just a couple of years for plotting the murder of thousands!?!
Has Liberal Democrat campaigns chairman Edward Davey reported Dhiren Barot to the Commission for Racial Equality!?!
Why hasn't Dhiren been charged with incitement to racial hatred!?!
Freedom of speech?
Not on your nelly!
It should be for the electorate to decide whether a Conservative candidate is out of order, not Liberal Democrat campaigns chairman Edward Davey.
It should be for the electorate to decide whether a Conservative candidate is out of order, not Liberal Democrat campaigns chairman Edward Davey.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Death sentence double standards
If the UK government supports Saddam Hussein's death sentence as he is being "held to account" for his crimes, why don't they support the death sentence for murderers in the UK?
It's ironic that the only the Liberal Democrats oppose Saddam's execution!
It's ironic that the only the Liberal Democrats oppose Saddam's execution!
Friday, November 03, 2006
Feral Children
Why should the taxpayer love 'feral children', when it's their taxes that have raised so many of them rather than their parents' wages!?!
Skills deficit?
How does the skills base of the 1,500 immigrants arriving in the UK every day compare to the skills base of the 1,000 emigrants leaving the UK every day?
In a global labour market, is Gordon Brown making life too expensive for high earners to remain in the UK?
In a global labour market, is Gordon Brown making life too expensive for high earners to remain in the UK?
Thursday, November 02, 2006
University of life
Who would have thougth that being a University lecturer was so tough. It's so bad that 52% have even considered leaving the profession for the private sector!
So what stopped them? Did they discover work is even tougher in the private sector!?!
So what stopped them? Did they discover work is even tougher in the private sector!?!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Religious Traffic Police!
Rather than receiving three points and an £80 fine for breaking traffic laws in the UK, should drivers be lashed and have their heads' shaved!?!
If the roads of Somalia's lawless capital Mogadishu can be tamed with public punishments and humiliation, it can be applied to London's lawless roads too!
If the roads of Somalia's lawless capital Mogadishu can be tamed with public punishments and humiliation, it can be applied to London's lawless roads too!
NHS Strikes
Are NHS workers protesting against job cuts that would damage the provision of care to patients or to protect their own jobs?
How can any organisation with 1.3m workers possibly be well run!?!
How can any organisation with 1.3m workers possibly be well run!?!
Another benefit of the European Union?
The UK faces the threat of increased crime when Romania and Bulgaria join the EU such as cash machine crime, sex trafficking, street violence and fraud.
Some UK residents have welcomed the news as they can now look forward to reductions in their council tax bills!
Some UK residents have welcomed the news as they can now look forward to reductions in their council tax bills!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Of Paedophiles and Terrorists
Would Ken Livingstone be as happy for paedophiles with foreign convictions to work with children in London as he is for terrorists with foreign convictions to work on the Underground?
"Has [Mohammed Kamel Mostafa] broken any law here in Britain? [No, so] we are happy to have him working for us" - Ken Livingstone
"Has [Mohammed Kamel Mostafa] broken any law here in Britain? [No, so] we are happy to have him working for us" - Ken Livingstone
Monday, October 30, 2006
Burning Issues?
If Liberal Democrat MP Evan Harris opposes the criminalisation of flag burning as "an unacceptable restriction of freedom of expression", would he also oppose future legislation that criminalised anyone burning the Qu'ran!?!
Covering up Camilla
Will Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, be expected to wear a headscarf whilst visiting Pakistan even though she is not Muslim!?!
Some might argue that she should be covered up regardless!
Some might argue that she should be covered up regardless!
Long term health care costs!
Will it really cost £45bn to clean and maintain £8bn worth of hospitals over the next thirty years?
Would it be cheaper to knock them down and rebuild them every 10 years!?!
On the basis that all the major political parties support the NHS, these hospitals should never have been mortgaged.
Would it be cheaper to knock them down and rebuild them every 10 years!?!
On the basis that all the major political parties support the NHS, these hospitals should never have been mortgaged.
Trouble ahead!
How does the Government explain that more children than previously thought cannot write their names or recognise words like "dog" and "hat" by the age of five?
The Department for Education and Skills said more rigorous and accurate marking this year was likely to have caused the drop in results...
The Department for Education and Skills said more rigorous and accurate marking this year was likely to have caused the drop in results...
Sunday, October 29, 2006
English students protest over higher fees
English students are set to march in central London on Sunday to protest over higher tuition fees.
English students who started degree courses in September this year, have to pay up to £3,000 a year towards tuition costs.
The government says the new package is fairer as the fees are no longer paid upfront and grants are available to disadvantaged students.
Courtesy of the BBC.
English students who started degree courses in September this year, have to pay up to £3,000 a year towards tuition costs.
The government says the new package is fairer as the fees are no longer paid upfront and grants are available to disadvantaged students.
Courtesy of the BBC.
English students protest over higher fees
English students are set to march in central London on Sunday to protest over higher tuition fees.
English students who started degree courses in September this year, have to pay up to £3,000 a year towards tuition costs.
The government says the new package is fairer as the fees are no longer paid upfront and grants are available to disadvantaged students.
Courtesy of the BBC.
English students who started degree courses in September this year, have to pay up to £3,000 a year towards tuition costs.
The government says the new package is fairer as the fees are no longer paid upfront and grants are available to disadvantaged students.
Courtesy of the BBC.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Focused Alcohol Policy?
If Patricia Hewitt wants to reduce binge drinking amongst teenagers, why should all drinkers be penalised by a general rise in the tax on alcohol?
How about raising the drinking age to 21 or reducing the minimum wage for teenagers!?!
Is the Government more concerned about raising additional tax revenue!?!
How about raising the drinking age to 21 or reducing the minimum wage for teenagers!?!
Is the Government more concerned about raising additional tax revenue!?!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Dig for money!
If local councils are to be bribed with millions of pounds for local services if they allow nuclear waste to be buried locally, will Scotland lose it's multi-billion pound English subsidy if nuclear waste is not stored in Scotland?
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
That's Richmond!
It's good to see that the cost of residents' parking permits in Richmond will rise when they are linked to the 'pollution' caused by their vehicles soon.
It serves them right for deserting the Conservatives and voting Liberal Democrat!
It serves them right for deserting the Conservatives and voting Liberal Democrat!
Foreign stereotypes
Are Police and the BBC allowed to stereotype foreign lorry drivers!?!
"Foreign lorry drivers are putting lives at risk by overworking, using vehicles with serious faults and overloading their trucks" - Chief Superintendent Geraint Anwyl.
"Foreign lorry drivers are putting lives at risk by overworking, using vehicles with serious faults and overloading their trucks" - Chief Superintendent Geraint Anwyl.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Impartial BBC news?
If ITV has been banned by the Ministry of Defence from filming frontline troops for "inaccurate and intrusive reports about the fate of wounded soldiers", how reliable are BBC broadcasts from the frontline?
The Great Escape failure to return!
Murderer Mark Ryder has not escaped from Highpoint Prison, Suffolk, during an escorted trip to Cambridge, he has merely failed to return!
This is not an escape or an abscond, it is classed as a failure to return. An internal inquiry into this incident is already underway. - Prison Service Spokesman
This is not an escape or an abscond, it is classed as a failure to return. An internal inquiry into this incident is already underway. - Prison Service Spokesman
Monday, October 23, 2006
Racist head of the CRE?
In 1963, the great African-American writer James Baldwin quoted an old spiritual in a famous essay, correctly predicting the civil strife that was to come: God gave Noah the rainbow sign. Said no more water, but the fire next time - Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality.
Why does Trevor need to highlight the racial background of James Baldwin!?!
In 1968, the great White-British politician Enoch Powell quoted Virgil's Aenid, correctly predicting the civil strife that was to come: Like the Roman, I seem to see ‘the River Tiber foaming with much blood’.
Why does Trevor need to highlight the racial background of James Baldwin!?!
In 1968, the great White-British politician Enoch Powell quoted Virgil's Aenid, correctly predicting the civil strife that was to come: Like the Roman, I seem to see ‘the River Tiber foaming with much blood’.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Conservative tax cuts and rises!
The Times reports that "George Osborne [Shadow Chancellor] has categorically ruled out any promises to cut overall taxes before the next election campaign, insisting that any cuts would have to be matched by tax increases elsewhere."
Does George really believe that copying Gordon Brown's policy of giving with one hand but taking more with the other will lead to electoral success!?!
Will the electorate categorically rule out any promises to vote Conservative ever again!?!
Does George really believe that copying Gordon Brown's policy of giving with one hand but taking more with the other will lead to electoral success!?!
Will the electorate categorically rule out any promises to vote Conservative ever again!?!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Muslim opposes Sharia law?
On what basis should Tony Blair or Prince Charles intervene in the case of Mirza Tahir Hussain, awaiting execution in Pakistan for the murder of Jamshed Khan in 1988?
His conviction was overturned in Pakistan's High Court but he was later retried by an Islamic court, which sentenced him to death.
Relatives [of Jamshed Khan] said they "wanted justice" and "would never compromise"
Do the 40% of British Muslims who want Sharia law introduced into parts of the UK support the execution?
His conviction was overturned in Pakistan's High Court but he was later retried by an Islamic court, which sentenced him to death.
Relatives [of Jamshed Khan] said they "wanted justice" and "would never compromise"
Do the 40% of British Muslims who want Sharia law introduced into parts of the UK support the execution?
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
English tax cuts?
How many of the proposed Conservatives' tax cuts are only for people living and working in England?
Tories plan lower income tax rate for Scotland
Tories plan lower income tax rate for Scotland
The Last Post?
If Post Offices are so valuable to people living in rural areas, perhaps they should pay more for the service!
Why should 'townies' subsidise their lifestyles when they are prevented from moving there themselves!?!
Why should 'townies' subsidise their lifestyles when they are prevented from moving there themselves!?!
It's in the post!
Why is a petition with 4m signatures to save rural post offices being delivered to 10 Downing Street by hand?
Are organisers scared it could get lost in the post!?!
Are organisers scared it could get lost in the post!?!
New faith schools?
Female students at a new Islamic school will be made to wear head scarves regardless of their religion, it was revealed yesterday.
The Madani High School in Leicester will be required by law to accept 10 per cent of its 600 pupils from a non-Muslim background.
But girls who are not Muslim will still have to abide by a rule insisting all female pupils cover their heads as part of the uniform.
Does any non-muslim school have such strict dress codes about not wearing head scarves!?!
Courtesy of the Daily Mail and Dhimmi Watch.
The Madani High School in Leicester will be required by law to accept 10 per cent of its 600 pupils from a non-Muslim background.
But girls who are not Muslim will still have to abide by a rule insisting all female pupils cover their heads as part of the uniform.
Does any non-muslim school have such strict dress codes about not wearing head scarves!?!
Courtesy of the Daily Mail and Dhimmi Watch.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Trained Monkeys!
How much training does it take for a council employee to rummage through rubbish to find junk mail with an address on it!?!
The [fly tipping] teams are trained to search through any offending waste that they have found to look for evidence of its origins - Swansea Council enforcement officer Martin Lemon.
The [fly tipping] teams are trained to search through any offending waste that they have found to look for evidence of its origins - Swansea Council enforcement officer Martin Lemon.
NHS employment prospects
When the NHS is the largest employer in Europe with "approximately 1.2m staff", will anyone notice "a few hundred" job losses or even 20,000 job losses?
Fundamentally, people should be asking why the NHS is the third largest employer in the world after the Chinese Army and Indian State Railways!
Fundamentally, people should be asking why the NHS is the third largest employer in the world after the Chinese Army and Indian State Railways!
The hidden five million
Does David Cameron really believe that 5m people in the UK are on the scrapheap as they are not working?
How many of the 5m would find work if benefits were cut after six months to make work pay?
How many of the 5m would find work if benefits were cut after six months to make work pay?
Monday, October 16, 2006
Uncontrolled Terror Suspect
How can the public help Police search for a terror suspect who escaped from a mental health unit two weeks ago if they don't publish his name or photo?
How did he manage to escape if he has mental health problems!?!
Update: Another one has been missing for several months!
How did he manage to escape if he has mental health problems!?!
Update: Another one has been missing for several months!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Raping the law?
If Ministers are concerned that "fewer than 6% of rape allegations result in successful convictions" as cases frequently collapse due to the woman's drunkeness, what is their target percentage?
10%, 35%, 60% or 100%...
Can car drivers accused of drink driving soon be too drunk to know they were too drunk to drive!?!
10%, 35%, 60% or 100%...
Can car drivers accused of drink driving soon be too drunk to know they were too drunk to drive!?!
BA Boycott?
Will British Airways passenger volumes:
a) Decrease as Christians boycott the airline for suspending an employee who wore the Crucifix?
b) Increase as there is now less chance of meeting Ann Widdecombe MP on a flight!?!
a) Decrease as Christians boycott the airline for suspending an employee who wore the Crucifix?
b) Increase as there is now less chance of meeting Ann Widdecombe MP on a flight!?!
Not gotta have faith!
What happens if new religious schools are unable to fill 25% of their classroom places to "non-believing" children?
How many non-muslim parents want to send their children to Muslim schools!?!
How many non-muslim parents want to send their children to Muslim schools!?!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Too many consultants spoil the hospital?
Accountancy Age reports that the NHS "now spends more on consultancy than the entire UK manufacturing industry, and is the fourth largest market for consultants".
So why are more than half of all NHS trusts still need to improve the quality of their services or their financial management?
Have the hospitals employed too many management consultants or too few!?!
So why are more than half of all NHS trusts still need to improve the quality of their services or their financial management?
Have the hospitals employed too many management consultants or too few!?!
Passports for pay rises?
At the same time as the cost of a passport has risen by 50% many staff members have seen their pay rise below the cost of inflation at a rate of just 1%. - PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka.
If the Passport Service is not struggling to recruit new employees (thanks to illegal immigration perhaps!?!), why should they give their staff pay rises?
'Undervalued' can always move into overpaid private sector jobs...
If the Passport Service is not struggling to recruit new employees (thanks to illegal immigration perhaps!?!), why should they give their staff pay rises?
'Undervalued' can always move into overpaid private sector jobs...
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Dhiren Barot
Why is the BBC unable to give any of the motivations behind North Londoner Dhiren Barot's plans to cause "injury, fear, terror and chaos" with a series of synchronised attacks across the UK?
Is he the same Dhiren Barot who was born into a Hindu family in India and converted to Islam when he was 20? The Times of India also reports that he took part in terrorist campaigns against Indian forces in Kashmir and is said to have been the main casing agent for al-Qaeda!
Is he the same Dhiren Barot who was born into a Hindu family in India and converted to Islam when he was 20? The Times of India also reports that he took part in terrorist campaigns against Indian forces in Kashmir and is said to have been the main casing agent for al-Qaeda!
Poor NHS Finances
If 47% of NHS trusts are ranked 'fair' for financial management whilst 37% are 'weak', how will increased funding by the Conservative Party improve the NHS without fundamental change?
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Tax cuts increase tax revenues!
How will Labour and the Conservative Party defend their policies of no tax cuts when American tax cuts have reduced the federal deficit to a four year low?
Veiled threats!?!
If Commission for Racial Equality chief Trevor Phillips tends to think that veils should not be worn in the classroom, what does he think about veils being worn at the airport!?!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
The 983
Did the 983 other suicidal men in Britain look forward to 72 virgins in Paradise last year!?!
Prison bribes
Why does the Government need to bribe non EU national prisoners with a £2,500 payment for them to leave when they should be able to deport them with force if necessary?
Can EU national prisoners claim discrimination against the Government?
Will such large bribes encourage Romanian and Bulgarian criminals for whom £2,500 is perhaps more than they would earn in a year?
Can EU national prisoners claim discrimination against the Government?
Will such large bribes encourage Romanian and Bulgarian criminals for whom £2,500 is perhaps more than they would earn in a year?
Monday, October 09, 2006
Bargain of the century!
Is the UK Government more likely to under-estimate the £5.4bn ten year cost of ID cards or over-estimate it!?!
Young jail birds
The two teenage brothers who killed schoolboy Damilola Taylor have only been sentenced to eight years' youth custody as they were only 12 or 13 at the time.
Given that they were capable of such evil at such a young age, why didn't the judge increase instead?
Given that they were capable of such evil at such a young age, why didn't the judge increase instead?
NHS 'independence'
If the NHS is given operational independence from Ministers, as suggested by Gordon Brown and now David Cameron, will they claim credit for any good decisions made by the new NHS Policy Committee?
Despite giving the Bank of England the ability to set interest rates independently in 1997, Gordon Brown still claims credit for low inflation and interest rates!
Despite giving the Bank of England the ability to set interest rates independently in 1997, Gordon Brown still claims credit for low inflation and interest rates!
Friday, October 06, 2006
Institutionally Racist Police? (2)
If the Israeli embassy had been attacked whilst Muslim PC Alexander Omar Basha was protecting it, what would he have done?
PC Basha was married by the extremist cleric Sheikh Omar Bakri Mohammad at the officer’s family home in London.
PC Basha was married by the extremist cleric Sheikh Omar Bakri Mohammad at the officer’s family home in London.
Celebrating Diversity in the Labour Party!
When I see a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf or a hijab, I don't feel threatened, I celebrate it. - Ruth Kelly MP, August 2006.
Remove full veils - Jack Straw MP, October 2006.
Remove full veils - Jack Straw MP, October 2006.
Lifting the veil
Are muslim and non-muslim women expected to wear a headscarf when visiting a mosque?
Tories - "light" on policies?
Whoever said the Conservative Party are light on policies?
They have have voted for a tax cut on VAT on energy-saving light bulbs!
They have have voted for a tax cut on VAT on energy-saving light bulbs!
Minimum Labour?
How can Labour claim 'credit' for the introduction of the minimum wage when the arrival of 1.5m foreign workers will have driven wage levels down?
Millions of working people have directly benefited from the decent minimum standards we have put in place, like the minimum wage. - Employment relations minister Jim Fitzpatrick.
Millions of working people have directly benefited from the decent minimum standards we have put in place, like the minimum wage. - Employment relations minister Jim Fitzpatrick.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Institutionally Racist Police?
Will Muslim PC Alexander Omar Basha be sacked for refusing to guard the Israeli embassy in London?
If his role is compromised by his religion, should any Muslim Police officer be allowed to guard Tony Blair or provide security at major airports across the UK?
What would happen if a non-Muslim PC refused to protect a Mosque following a terror attack?
Does he run the risk of a being forced to attend a "Diversity Awareness" course?
If his role is compromised by his religion, should any Muslim Police officer be allowed to guard Tony Blair or provide security at major airports across the UK?
What would happen if a non-Muslim PC refused to protect a Mosque following a terror attack?
Does he run the risk of a being forced to attend a "Diversity Awareness" course?
Number Crunching
3 years: Too far from the next election for George Osborne, Shadow Chancellor, to make a commitment to reduce income tax in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
3p: How much George Osborne wants to reduce income tax by in Scotland next year.
3p: How much George Osborne wants to reduce income tax by in Scotland next year.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
No Hope Sunshine!
"Tony Blair explained his priorities in three words: education, education, education. I can do it in three letters: NHS. We will serve and support the National Health Service." - David Cameron
Why has no-one in Conservative Central Office highlighted the irony of Tony Blair's 'priorities' to David Cameron!?!
I can do it in three letters: NHS - No Hope Sunshine.
Why has no-one in Conservative Central Office highlighted the irony of Tony Blair's 'priorities' to David Cameron!?!
I can do it in three letters: NHS - No Hope Sunshine.
English language
Why should British taxpayers be expected to fund English language training for migrants so they can then compete in the labour market!?!
Why does Britain accept economic migrants without English language skills?
If "lack of fluency in the language condemns many people to poverty", migrants should expect to fund their own language training.
Update: If illegal immigrants can afford to buy their way into the UK, they should also be able to afford English language lessons!
Why does Britain accept economic migrants without English language skills?
If "lack of fluency in the language condemns many people to poverty", migrants should expect to fund their own language training.
Update: If illegal immigrants can afford to buy their way into the UK, they should also be able to afford English language lessons!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Whatever of England schools!
Will new Muslim, Sikh and Hindu schools also be expected to "offer at least a quarter of places to pupils from outside" their faith?
Monday, October 02, 2006
Council tax
If 2 million people are struggling to pay their council tax, why don't they vote for a party that is prepared to cut services and bills at their next local elections!?!
Spend, spend, spend.
Will David Cameron adopt Labour's spending policies for the first two years of the next Conservative Government to prove how 'centre-right' the party has become?
Thought for the day
How many UK based animal rights extremists have ever refused medication on the grounds that they have been tested on animals?
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Conservative tax pledges
If David Cameron is unconcerned that British tax levels are higher than in Germany and is unable to pledge tax cuts prior to the next General Election, why should anyone bother to vote Conservative again?
Tax cuts could always be funded by reducing the £100bn welfare budget and making work pay.
Tax cuts could always be funded by reducing the £100bn welfare budget and making work pay.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Conservative Hot Topics
Why aren't immigration and taxation 'hot topics' for the Conservative party to debate at their conference next week?
Conservative supporters could fall asleep listening to debates on "marketing to children" and "cheap flights"!
Conservative supporters could fall asleep listening to debates on "marketing to children" and "cheap flights"!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Of mice and men
If Pentonville Prison is "overrun with cockroaches and vermin" caused by leftover meals, how come there is sometimes "not enough food" for the inmates? Do the mice get served first!?!
How honest are inmates when they fill out 'customer satisfaction' surveys in prison?
The chief inspector's report revealed 43% of prisoners, down from 64% in 2005, said staff treated them with respect.
How honest are inmates when they fill out 'customer satisfaction' surveys in prison?
The chief inspector's report revealed 43% of prisoners, down from 64% in 2005, said staff treated them with respect.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Private education, education, education!
If privately educated children earn more (and pay more tax) whilst saving the taxpayer the cost of their education, why do private schools still need to justify tax advantages worth an estimated £88m per year!?!
How can Tony Blair trumpet Labour's 'achievements' in raising school standards if many poorer families still "dream" of a private education?
How can Tony Blair trumpet Labour's 'achievements' in raising school standards if many poorer families still "dream" of a private education?
Gordon's jobs
How will Gordon Brown create 100,000 jobs in 'Green' technology?
Will he create research jobs for 100,000 in the public sector or profitable new markets that the private sector could exploit?
How much will he subsidise each role by!?!
Will he create research jobs for 100,000 in the public sector or profitable new markets that the private sector could exploit?
How much will he subsidise each role by!?!
Fighting corruption?
How much cash can Romania and Bulgaria look forward to receiving when they join the European Union next year?
The EU has threatened only to give them three-quarters of the cash they are entitled to if they don't set up "agencies to handle millions of euros worth of EU farm aid".
If the agencies aren't set up, why should they receive any farm aid at all? You can be corrupt with three quarters of our money, but not all of it!
The EU has threatened only to give them three-quarters of the cash they are entitled to if they don't set up "agencies to handle millions of euros worth of EU farm aid".
If the agencies aren't set up, why should they receive any farm aid at all? You can be corrupt with three quarters of our money, but not all of it!
Monday, September 25, 2006
Cameron "proud to be English"?
If Gordon Brown readily admits he is "proud to be Scottish and British", will Dave Cameron ever admit he is "proud to be English and British"!?!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Raising Heckles!?!
How many Muslims are sympathetic to the views expressed by Abu Izzadeen when he recently heckled Home Secretary John Reid?
Irish talks
Were 'leading members' of the Irish community ever consulted before Police raids on IRA suspects in London during the 1970s and 1980s?
So why should the Police "consult a panel of Muslim leaders before mounting counter-terrorist raids or arrests" now?
Members of the panel will offer their assessment of whether information police have on a suspect is too flimsy and will also consider the consequences on community relations of a raid.
Could the lives of British citizens now be sacrificed for the benefit of community relations!?!
So why should the Police "consult a panel of Muslim leaders before mounting counter-terrorist raids or arrests" now?
Members of the panel will offer their assessment of whether information police have on a suspect is too flimsy and will also consider the consequences on community relations of a raid.
Could the lives of British citizens now be sacrificed for the benefit of community relations!?!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Tory tax cuts
Would £20bn of tax cuts proposed by the Conservative Party's Tax Reform Commission be more acceptable if they were funded by £20bn of cuts in welfare benefit rather than cuts to schools and hospitals?
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Welsh Health Tourism
How did a Welshman, campaigning for prostate cancer patients in Wales to be offered the same treatment available in England, manage to be treated on the NHS in England?
Are English patients, campaigning for patients in England to be offered the same treatment available in Wales, able to cross the border for treatment!?!
Are English patients, campaigning for patients in England to be offered the same treatment available in Wales, able to cross the border for treatment!?!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Military homes
Will Armed Forces personnel who are given taxpayers' help to buy their first homes be expected to relinquish some of their pension rights?
Other first-time homebuyers in the South East will now be competing for expensive homes against military personnel they are subsidising!
Other first-time homebuyers in the South East will now be competing for expensive homes against military personnel they are subsidising!
Payment by results?
If Liberal Democrats believe that schools should be rewarded for enrolling 'underperforming children', should other pupils' parents reward the school if it keeps them out!?!
Schools do not improve by enrolling undisciplined children!
Schools do not improve by enrolling undisciplined children!
Care costs
Why should anyone in England or Northern Ireland be expected to make plans for their future healthcare costs in old age when it's free if you have less than £21,000 in savings!?!
Do Welsh and Scottish residents pay higher rates of income tax to fund healthcare provision in their old age? Does the Department of Health think that's fair!?!
Do Welsh and Scottish residents pay higher rates of income tax to fund healthcare provision in their old age? Does the Department of Health think that's fair!?!
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Criminal Injustice System
How long had carjacker Paul Wales spent in prison for eight driving convictions prior to knocking down and killing a grandmother?
He had amassed four convictions for taking a vehicle without consent, three for driving while disqualified and one for reckless driving.
He has never held a driving licence.
He was an accident waiting to happen yet the criminal justice system insisted on giving him the benefit of the doubt rather than protect the public!
He had amassed four convictions for taking a vehicle without consent, three for driving while disqualified and one for reckless driving.
He has never held a driving licence.
He was an accident waiting to happen yet the criminal justice system insisted on giving him the benefit of the doubt rather than protect the public!
Monday, September 18, 2006
Racial inequality!
Is Chief Supt Ali Dizaei guilty of racial discrimination for claiming that drug users are known to be "predominantly white, middle class men" even though the authorities focus on young, black men?
Ironically, Dizaei opposed passenger profiling when the current terror threat is from predominantly Asian, working class men!
Ironically, Dizaei opposed passenger profiling when the current terror threat is from predominantly Asian, working class men!
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Holy Smoke!
Why should the Pope be expected to apologise for quoting a 14th Century Christian emperor who said the Prophet Muhammad had brought the world only "evil and inhuman" things?
Friday, September 15, 2006
English ignorance, Scottish arrogance!
Why does David Cameron think the English are "ignorant of Scots and Scotland"?
Safety first!
A new law comes into force on 18 September 2006, which the government says could save up to 2,000 children per year from death or injury in road accidents.
Ministers have rejected a proposal to reduce the blood-alcohol limit for drivers under 25 who "are more likely than older drivers both to have road accidents and to fail alcohol tests".
Ministers have rejected a proposal to reduce the blood-alcohol limit for drivers under 25 who "are more likely than older drivers both to have road accidents and to fail alcohol tests".
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Office Christmas Party!
Does the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs have a riotous Christmas Party each year!!?
Some achievements, some brass!
Gordon Brown hailed Mr Blair's achievements, listing Northern Ireland, hospitals and schools, high employment and economic stability as highlights.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Schools support small business!
Should schools have exclusive school uniform agreements that support small local suppliers or let them be undercut by supermarkets that threaten "High Street choice"!?!
As consumers, we may be benefiting in the short term from the low prices and the attractive offer that supermarkets can present to us, but in 10, 15, 20 years time, the prices we pay for our... supermarket goods, may actually be rather higher than we would wish. - Philip Hollobone, MP for Kettering.
As consumers, we may be benefiting in the short term from the low prices and the attractive offer that supermarkets can present to us, but in 10, 15, 20 years time, the prices we pay for our... supermarket goods, may actually be rather higher than we would wish. - Philip Hollobone, MP for Kettering.
Anonymous assault
Why is the complainant whose imaginary assault led to a five year prison sentence for Warren Blackwell to remain anonymous?
Will she be charged with wasting Police time!?!
The court recommended that the complainant's details be shared with police forces across the country in case she tried to repeat the accusations.
Will she be charged with wasting Police time!?!
The court recommended that the complainant's details be shared with police forces across the country in case she tried to repeat the accusations.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Uninsured drivers
A teenager who killed a doctor while driving without a licence or insurance has been jailed for four years.
"I hope the sentence passed on this man will make others think long and hard before getting into a car and driving without a licence or insurance." - Sgt Pete Jell, of Thames Valley Police.
Unfortunately for the Sergeant, motorists caught driving without insurance on average receive a fine of £150 and three penalty points. Hardly enough to deter anyone!
If all motorists caught driving without insurance were jailed for four years, would Dr Margaret Davison still be alive?
"I hope the sentence passed on this man will make others think long and hard before getting into a car and driving without a licence or insurance." - Sgt Pete Jell, of Thames Valley Police.
Unfortunately for the Sergeant, motorists caught driving without insurance on average receive a fine of £150 and three penalty points. Hardly enough to deter anyone!
If all motorists caught driving without insurance were jailed for four years, would Dr Margaret Davison still be alive?
Monday, September 11, 2006
Skills shortages?
Apart from driving, what skills gap does blind, eight fingered Omad Aziz fill in the UK economy?
The defendant, who has just three fingers on his right hand and suffers from leg tremors and is partially deaf, receives £520-a-month in incapacity benefit.
How many job opportunities does Omad provide to Social Services!?!
The defendant, who has just three fingers on his right hand and suffers from leg tremors and is partially deaf, receives £520-a-month in incapacity benefit.
How many job opportunities does Omad provide to Social Services!?!
Oh no!
A national strike involving hundreds of thousands of workers is almost certain to go ahead.
If public sector workers are unhappy with a 2% pay rise, why not resign and get a job in the private sector rather than make strike threats?
If public sector workers are unhappy with a 2% pay rise, why not resign and get a job in the private sector rather than make strike threats?
The Ruth is out there!
How can "flexible working, time-share and good quality part-time work" be "worth up to £23bn to the UK economy"!?!
"My message to business is clear, this is not about political correctness, this is about improving your profit margins." - Ruth Kelly.
If such plans did improve profit margins, businesses would already have adopted the plans!
Will Ruth's plans also be available to men?
"My message to business is clear, this is not about political correctness, this is about improving your profit margins." - Ruth Kelly.
If such plans did improve profit margins, businesses would already have adopted the plans!
Will Ruth's plans also be available to men?
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Gnome sweet gnome!
Are Police guilty of harassment if they wake a householder up at nearly midnight to warn him that a gnome in his garden is considered offensive by neighbours?
Would the Police be so concerned if the neighbour didn't happen to be a former Policeman himself!?!
Would the Police be so concerned if the neighbour didn't happen to be a former Policeman himself!?!
Friday, September 08, 2006
Single White Men
"Most of our media, our schools and our workplaces and so on are to some extent geared to the interests of single white men." - Trevor Phillips.
Oh yeah? So how did a married black man become the first chairman of the new equalities commission!?!
Mr Phillips "had previously opposed the new commission" but clearly found a £160,000-a-year post too tempting and did a 'Neil Kinnock'...
Oh yeah? So how did a married black man become the first chairman of the new equalities commission!?!
Mr Phillips "had previously opposed the new commission" but clearly found a £160,000-a-year post too tempting and did a 'Neil Kinnock'...
Something to celebrate?
"When I see a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf or a hijab, I don't feel threatened, I celebrate it." - Ruth Kelly MP.
"In some areas, 70% of the population of a school can be from an ethnic background." - Steve Acklam, Chief Executive of School Governors' One-Stop Shop.
"In some areas, 70% of the population of a school can be from an ethnic background." - Steve Acklam, Chief Executive of School Governors' One-Stop Shop.
Not cricket!
How likely is it that Dalbir Singh, 18, will be found and deported by the authorities having disappeared whilst on a school cricket tour from the Punjab?
Why would he only be "recommended for deportation"!?!
Why would he only be "recommended for deportation"!?!
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Statements...
"British citizens who happen to be born Muslim have to accept responsibility for the anger there is against Islam."
"British citizens who happen to be born Jews have to accept responsibility for the anger there is against Israel or America."
Which statement is unacceptable?
Which statement was made by Labour MP Denis McShane?
"British citizens who happen to be born Jews have to accept responsibility for the anger there is against Israel or America."
Which statement is unacceptable?
Which statement was made by Labour MP Denis McShane?
Save our jobs!
Would Labour MPs be less fearful of losing their jobs were Tony Blair to remain as leader if they were paid the average annual UK salary of £24,000pa rather than £59,000pa!?!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Depressed Prisoners
Why should any prisoners be given anti-depressant drugs?
Prisons are supposed to be depressing places to be!
Prisons are supposed to be depressing places to be!
Buying Public Sector Votes?
Will an "unambiguous commitment" to increase public sector expenditure by the Conservative party lead to better public services or merely more pay for civil servants?
Monday, September 04, 2006
More vegetables?
How will pupils benefit from cooking lessons?
When 38.4% of GCSE English students earned a 'D' grade or less and 45.7% of GCSE Maths students earned a 'D' grade or less this year, they won't even be able to read the recipes!
More vegetables anyone!?!
When 38.4% of GCSE English students earned a 'D' grade or less and 45.7% of GCSE Maths students earned a 'D' grade or less this year, they won't even be able to read the recipes!
More vegetables anyone!?!
Britain "better than 20 years ago"?
If Britain was better now than it was twenty years ago when Mrs. Thatcher was Prime Minister, would the BBC fail to mention it?
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Schools out!
Why hasn't Ruth Kelly already shut down the Jameah Islameah Islamic school at Mark Cross?
Whilst Police search it as part of an on-going anti-terror investigation, the Chairman of the Association of Muslim Schools in the UK, Dr Muhammed Mukadam, reveals that:
"it hasn't been registered by Ofsted and therefore technically speaking it shouldn't be operating as a school at all."
Whilst Police search it as part of an on-going anti-terror investigation, the Chairman of the Association of Muslim Schools in the UK, Dr Muhammed Mukadam, reveals that:
"it hasn't been registered by Ofsted and therefore technically speaking it shouldn't be operating as a school at all."
Friday, September 01, 2006
Trouble makers!
Will Labour reduce the benefits available to teenage mums to discourage them from becoming pregnant in the first place if they are raising "tomorrow's potential troublemakers"!?!
Uniform savings!
"Expensive school uniforms cause worry for parents in low-income families and can leave their children feeling isolated and the target of bullies. - Helen Dent, Chief Executive of the Family Welfare Association.
Maybe low-income parents could save some money by giving up cigarettes, alcohol and fast food joints for a couple of weeks!
Maybe low-income parents could save some money by giving up cigarettes, alcohol and fast food joints for a couple of weeks!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Green fingered!
If George Osborne MP, shadow chancellor, wants to increase the proportion of revenue taken from "green" taxes, he could always reduce non-green taxes!
Unfortunately, he seems intent on out-taxing Labour!
"I think the question George Osborne failed to answer is: is he really saying that he thinks taxes on motorists should be going up now at a time when petrol prices are so high?" - Economic secretary to the Treasury, Ed Balls MP (Labour!)
Unfortunately, he seems intent on out-taxing Labour!
"I think the question George Osborne failed to answer is: is he really saying that he thinks taxes on motorists should be going up now at a time when petrol prices are so high?" - Economic secretary to the Treasury, Ed Balls MP (Labour!)
All equal before the law?
If Keith Davis had stabbed his wife to death with a bread knife at their home in East Sussex, would he only have been jailed for three years?
Would it have made any difference if they had only been married two years, they had a volatile relationship and they had been drinking alcohol that afternoon even though they were supposed to be looking after their three year old grandson?
Would it have made any difference if they had only been married two years, they had a volatile relationship and they had been drinking alcohol that afternoon even though they were supposed to be looking after their three year old grandson?
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Prison populations
"Someone who does not know any black families would find it hard to understand the anger surrounding the over-representation of black men in jails" - Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality.
Are these 'black men' innocent or have they been convicted in a court of law?
Have their crimes affected the local community?
"I'm sorry, but you should understand that as black men are over-represented in prison, Joel Smith will go free. We've got targets you know...."
Are these 'black men' innocent or have they been convicted in a court of law?
Have their crimes affected the local community?
"I'm sorry, but you should understand that as black men are over-represented in prison, Joel Smith will go free. We've got targets you know...."
Government extremism?
How likely is it that the Government would ever close a Muslim school that promoted "isolationism" and "extremism"?
Are such claims by Ruth Kelly merely to create good headlines!?!
Are such claims by Ruth Kelly merely to create good headlines!?!
Obesism
If the British Fertility Society consider that obese women should be denied IVF treatment as they "are less likely to get pregnant and more likely to encounter health problems", are they guilty of blatant obesism? They have potentially offended 13m adults in England!
Can obese women obtain a tax refund if they are denied treatment!?!
Do they withold treatment to smokers or those relying on state benefits?
Can obese women obtain a tax refund if they are denied treatment!?!
Do they withold treatment to smokers or those relying on state benefits?
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Unfunded tax cuts?
If Gordon Brown can fund public sector expenditure by an ever increasing budget deficit, why should he be disturbed by "unfunded tax cuts"!?!
Health priorities?
Up to 50 children aged under two in Wales and England die from pneumococcal infections each year.
Does England offer every child up to the age of two the pneumococcal disease vaccine or will it only be available for Welsh children?
Does England offer every child up to the age of two the pneumococcal disease vaccine or will it only be available for Welsh children?
Monday, August 28, 2006
A duty to stamp out poor tax cuts!
A report in The Sunday Times newspaper says one in five Britons - the equivalent of 10m adults - say they are considering leaving the country because they feel they are paying too much tax.
Will they stay if Conservatives cut stamp duty on share purchases or if they propose substantial cuts in income!?!
Will they stay if Conservatives cut stamp duty on share purchases or if they propose substantial cuts in income!?!
Friday, August 25, 2006
General Election victory?
At which General election did the UK electorate vote for ever increasing levels of immigration?
High-level community orders
Why were only 21% of adults in England and Wales jailed when they were sentenced for shoplifting?
Will "high level community orders" deter them from shoplifting rather than jail?
How many of the 14,000 fines issued for shop lifting were actually paid in 2005?
Will "high level community orders" deter them from shoplifting rather than jail?
How many of the 14,000 fines issued for shop lifting were actually paid in 2005?
Institutionally Incompetent?
Are the Metropolitan Police "Institutionally incompetent" rather than "Institutionally racist"!?!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
A quote
War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. - John Stuart Mill - Courtesy of House of Dumb.
Another Commission!
The Commission on Integration and Cohesion starts work in September and will tour the UK, looking at how towns, cities and communities tackle challenges such as segregation and social or economic divisions between different ethnic groups.
How likely is it that the Commission will conclude that there should be an annual limit on immigration?
Update to assuage Alfie's fears: "The Commission will be headed by Darra Singh, the leader of Ealing Council, and its 13 other commissioners include academics, youth activists, academics and representatives of the police, trade unions, business, local government, voluntary groups and the Interfaith Network.
..and no one from the wider indigenous population!
How likely is it that the Commission will conclude that there should be an annual limit on immigration?
Update to assuage Alfie's fears: "The Commission will be headed by Darra Singh, the leader of Ealing Council, and its 13 other commissioners include academics, youth activists, academics and representatives of the police, trade unions, business, local government, voluntary groups and the Interfaith Network.
..and no one from the wider indigenous population!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
MPs' pay
Will MPs' pay be undercut by the influx of immigrants or are they safely immune to pay competition!?!
Cameron's own Pole
Will David Cameron ensure more Polish candidates are short-listed by local Conservative Associations so that 600,000 immigrants are represented in Parliament!?!
If we do not have proper representation of women and black and ethnic minority candidates in Parliament, we will be missing out on huge amounts of talent. - David Cameron
If we do not have proper representation of women and black and ethnic minority candidates in Parliament, we will be missing out on huge amounts of talent. - David Cameron
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Indian Healthcare
Why should Britain commit £252m to save the lives of 1 million Indian children each year when India would rather spend $3.3bn on it's space programme?
Labour's dirty little secret?
If one of Labour's priorities is wealth re-distribution, why does the Treasury dismiss Stephen Byers' call to scrap inheritance tax as a "necessary means of raising revenue for public services" rather than funding those on benefits!?!
First choice?
It is not just Muslims who end up getting bombed or killed. Foreign policy just seems to be lacking a humanitarian dimension. - Zarina Javed of Huddersfield.
When will Zarina stop considering herself to be Muslim first and British second but rather British first, Muslim second?
When will Zarina stop considering herself to be Muslim first and British second but rather British first, Muslim second?
US aid
Why is America bothering to help the Lebanon with $230m of aid?
No one in the Middle East will be grateful!
No one in the Middle East will be grateful!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Benefits of prison?
How did prisoners receive £13m of jobseekers allowance and other benefits over the last three years when they should only qualify for payments by signing in every other week!?!
Travelling whilst white & working class
Did Chief Superintendent Ali Dizaei oppose the profiling of potential English football hooligans during the World Cup in June?
Friday, August 18, 2006
Grammar school success?
32.4% of all A-levels earned in Northern Ireland were 'A' grades compared to an average of just 24% across the rest of the UK.
Will Northern Ireland's performance fall when Grammar schools in the province are scrapped!?!
Will Northern Ireland's performance fall when Grammar schools in the province are scrapped!?!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Immigrant welfare
What does the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants think about triple killer Rohan Chung who used the old "missed the flight" ruse to overstay his welcome in the UK?
Chung, 30, had been deported twice from the UK to Jamaica but managed to return using false names.
Chung, 30, had been deported twice from the UK to Jamaica but managed to return using false names.
The 'I' word?
Why is the BBC unable to say what has caused "growth in the working age population" to explain the continuing rise in the UK's unemployment rate?
Could it be immigration!?!
Could it be immigration!?!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Prison release
Why is the Home Office not prepared to deport foreign prisoners early if they need to free up cells in overcrowded prisons?
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Pardon me?
Sets 'can make teachers feel thick'
Hezbollah's hollow victory?
If Hezbollah are "hoist[ing] the banner of victory" following the month-long conflict with Israel, why is Britain sending an extra £6m in aid to the Lebanon rather than Israel?
Student debt
What are the average debt levels of Welsh and Scottish students? Only English undergraduates can owe £9,000 in tuition fees over three years?
Outrageous!
If some Muslims are sufficiently "outraged" at plans to use passenger profiling at Britain's airports, will they, erm, blow themselves up!?!
Monday, August 14, 2006
Squatters' responsibilities
Why should the taxpayer subsidise a squatter who has managed to spend nearly all of a £710k windfall in just two years?
He has £50,000 left which will allow him to pay the rent on his two-bedroom Hampstead flat for another two years.
What's the point in investing the money in property or something like that?
Did his generosity encompass paying twenty years worth of council tax!?!
He has £50,000 left which will allow him to pay the rent on his two-bedroom Hampstead flat for another two years.
What's the point in investing the money in property or something like that?
Did his generosity encompass paying twenty years worth of council tax!?!
Proud to be British?
A lot of the kids involved are from third-generation unemployed families and some of them have been asking their youth workers why Polish people need to come here, why they can’t stay in their own country. - Spokesman for Moray Council, planning to send teenage troublemakers to Poland to learn about tolerance.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
The politics of terror
"No government worth its salt would stay in power in my view, and no government worth its salt, would be supported by the British people if our foreign policy or any other aspect of policy was being dictated by terrorists."
"That is not the British way, it is antithetical to our very central values. We decide things in this country by democracy, not under the threat of terrorism." - John Reid, Home Secretary.
In other news:
The IRA 'has ceased its criminality'
"That is not the British way, it is antithetical to our very central values. We decide things in this country by democracy, not under the threat of terrorism." - John Reid, Home Secretary.
In other news:
The IRA 'has ceased its criminality'
Tough A-levels?
There is a general misconception that the 'A' level has become impossible to fail and that A grades are handed out like sweets - Schools Minister Jim Knight.
"National figures are likely to show that almost all passed, with about 23% of entries being awarded the top grade."
"National figures are likely to show that almost all passed, with about 23% of entries being awarded the top grade."
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Collective Punishment?
Are all air passengers being penalised because the Government is not prepared to use racial and religious profiling when identifying high risk passengers?
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