Not sure farmers will be happy about this

Chris Davies, the North West Lib/Dem MEP and an old fashioned yogurt knitter has excelled himself with this report that was passed in the EP this week. Called,

Roadmap for moving to a competitive low carbon economy in 2050

you can imagine the litany of ill-conceived, ruinously expensive ideas that lie therein. The one section, of many, that really caught my eye was this,

Supports the idea that EU funds, including the Rural Development Fund, should only fund projects for agricultural facilities that are energy-efficient, and in particular those employing renewable energy sources that can reduce carbon emissions to a level as close as possible to zero;

I am sure that the farmers of this land will be delighted to discover that the Lib/Dems, and Labour voted in favour of this. The Tories, displaying their normal moral courage abstained.

Delusions of power

Many of my Tory friends used to say, "Wait until Dave gets in, you'll see we will roll back the power of Europe".
We he is in, and the powers of Europe are not being rolled back. But what is really odd, is that the actions of his goverbnment seem designed to highlight its own impotence.

So far the classic case has been the prisoner votes charade, where hundreds of Tory Back benchers have voted to prove their own impotence.

Next up is on issues surrounding maternity leave. Here again the Tories are attempting to steal a UKIP policy (just as they keep on doing, and I see that the SNP are doing similar (thanks Peter)) but this time it is one of the policies that only UKIP can achieve.

You see these ideas trailed in the Sunday Telegraph, just won't work while we remain in the EU.

The strategy is expected to include proposals aimed to address the staffing problems caused to such firms by strict maternity leave laws. In the future, companies with 10 or fewer employees could be given the right to negotiate maternity and paternity leave “deals” directly with their workers.


Mark Prisk, the deregulation minister, will meet business leaders in the next few days to discuss the plans, this newspaper understands. The Budget will be announced by Mr Osborne on 23 March.

Currently a women is allowed up to a year’s statutory maternity leave if she is an employee, no matter how long she has had the job, how many hours she works or how much she is paid. Her employer is also forced to give her old job back to her, or offer her a similar post, on the same salary and conditions, if she wishes to return.

Furthermore, under changes to take effect in April, if a mother returns to work without taking a full year’s maternity leave then the father will be able to take the remaining time, up to a maximum of six months – another moved opposed by most business leaders.

Marvellous, excellent, good on you Mr Prisk. And why not go a little further, for example our Small Business Policy.

But anyhow we are not the only ones who have noticed that this idea has one overweaning problem. The EU.

Plans to exempt small firms from onerous new maternity leave rights are being stymied by Lib Dem ministers.
Tories want to give bosses of businesses with ten or fewer employees the right to negotiate parental leave directly with staff.
But the move is being opposed by Lib Dems who have warned that any move to water down protection for workers at small firms would flout EU laws

So what are the Tories up to? I would guess that a significant majority of Tory backbenchers would like to see SMEs released from the spring tide of regulations drowning out their entrepreneurship.
What is more they would happily vote it through the House.

Only to be brought up sharp by the first employment tribunal which will make it clear, as plain as a pikestaff that the UK no longer legislates alone on employment regulation. It is at least in part an EU competance.

Yet again it appears that they Conservatives are merely underlining their impotence.

I am beggining to feel that they actually believed their own rhetoric. They actually thought that by getting into power it would mean that they were in power. I don't think that they have the first idea quite how much control has been passsed across the Channel, both on their own watch and the watch of the Blair/Brown years. All they are doing is reminding people that the EU is in control.

Which in turn drives people to UKIP.

Dog bites man. Then in a shock result man bites dog.

The news that the Lib Dems lie or misrepresent reality in their election literature should surely come as no surprise to anyone. The unbiquity of those dodgy little bar graphs suggesting that they are the only people who could possibly win barring the Khmer Rouger in Basildon have all been collected in the musuem of political fibbery.

What is unusual is that when they are caught out in one of these lies that they apologise. Normally they just brazen it out.

So hats off the the Watford Observer who forced them to eat their words about their latest local leaflet.

The Liberal Democrats in Watford have today apologised to the Watford Observer for publishing misleading information in their latest election campaign leaflet.

The leaflet, which was delivered to thousands of homes across the constituency last weekend, presents a quote attributed to the Watford Observer that stated: “The signs look good for the Lib Dems to topple Claire Ward.”

However, the quote was actually taken from a story in May 2007, when the quote was clearly attributed to the Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill, a Liberal Democrat.

It in no way reflects comment or opinion that has been expressed by the Watford Observer.

Of course they would have to be very stupid to misrepresent the main source of information in the Constituency wouldn't they? And I bet that, unlike a newspaper which has to print an apology and correction there are no plans to do the same in the next Lib/Dem flyer to go out.

Maybe some of the opposition might call for it?

Hubris calling Watson... Hubris calling Watson

Oh what a bouffant buffoon Graham 'Toady' Watson is. The leader of the Liberal Democrat Group (ALDE). He has launched his election campaign as the next President of the European Parliament.

There are a few small problems with this.

Firstly he launched it on Euronews - hardly somewhere where he will be noticed.

Second, he is fibbing when he claims that this is the,

"first ever public campaign for the presidency".

Nope that would be the campaign of Jens-Peter Bonde last time round. The 'Fair Chair' campaign was specifically a public campaign.

Then there is the fact that he will not have the support of either the socialist group or the EPP. Leaving him writing begging letters to UKIP MEPs for support. Now given that he says on his campaign website,

"If elected, I will work with MEPs of all persuasions and with Council and Commission for a stronger European Union. The ideal of a united Europe is under attack and I intend to lead a counter-offensive. "

I suspect that the letters to the Ind/Dem Group are, at best, a waste of paper.

But most importantly he hasn't been elected yet. His seat hangs in the balance if the results of the opinion poll in the Sunday Telegraph are anything to go by. To win a seat in the South West, where he pretends to be based requires about 15%. The poll has the Lib/Dems at 14%.

So he spending a whole bunch of money on a website based in Texas (bought on December 2nd) to run for a campaign he has a very real chance of being unable to prosecute due to not being elected as an MEP, let alone President of Parliament. He is playing a very dangerous and hubristic game here.

Update

I pottered along to Watson's section of YouTube and noticed that the last 17 weekly podcasts have average viewing figures of 37 views.

Given that many will be from his own office... well it doesn't bode well does it?

There is more joy in heaven...

...over one sinner who repents,

I fully understand the argument against both excessive hours and exploitation. I just think that working time is not something that should be regulated at EU level.

Sarah Ludford MEP

(ALDE/UK Liberal Democrats)

I am pinching myself this morning having read thios little note. Is this the first time in history that a Lib/Dem has stated publically that something should not be controlled at an EU level. Is this the crack in the dyke?

Or was the good Baroness lobbied like mad by companies and individuals in her constituency. However it happened I can only applaud.

Nick 'Janus' Clegg slaps down colleague, sort of

I promised a while back to tell you the response if I recieved one from Nick Clegg's office about the egregious Paul Holmes MP for Chesterfield and the Lib/Dem Parliamentary Chairman and 'Shadow' Housing Minister.

So here it is,

Dear Mr Towler,

Many thanks for your email to Nick regarding Paul Holmes' signature ofEDM 982 on Fidel Castro and his further comments. Nick has asked me to reply to you on his behalf.

Paul Holmes MP signed this EDM in his role as an individual constituency MP. It should not be the role of the party leader to dictate which EDMs individual MPs choose to sign.

However, the content does not represent party policy and does not have the
support of Nick Clegg nor our Foreign Affairs Spokesperson.

All best wishes,

Victoria Helyar-Cardwell

Correspondence Manager

Office of Nick Clegg MP

So what is he actually saying here? That MPs are free to sign up to anything they want, from the slaughter of the first born to support for withdrawal from the European Union. Is he saying that a senior member of his party, elected no less to the Chairmanship of the Parliamentary Party, and a member of his so called Shadow Ministerial team is not covered by any form of corporate responsibility?

But it's OK. Clegg doesn't agree with him, nor does the shadow foreign team. Well I should ruddy well think not. Remember that I asked the question after Holmes was quoted as saying,

"It is true Cuba has political prisoners and no free elections," said Holmes, "but it has very good dentistry."

A monstrously flippant attitude to basic human liberties of those poor blighters in Cuba suffering under a Communist dictatorship. Good teeth be hanged. Good teeth if you are a party apparatchik or with US dollars to play with more like.

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised at the pusillanimity of Clegg's response, after all the NHS he worships has a similar feel to it these days. However given that he sacked people for refusing to abide by his three line whip to abstain, this is pretty weak, and rather telling.

I asked Clegg,

"Is this attitude something that you believe is acceptable from somebody so senior in your party.

And if so, why?"

I really don't think that this is an answer.

Back to Duff

On aspect of the Andrw Duff's speech on Monday that I missed and has now been brought to my attention is this little nugget.

The Charter is to be solemnly proclaimed on 12th December, a day before the Treaty is signed. If the latter can be justified and passed, it will be durable for years to come. Parliament has been granted powers to propose further reform of the treaty, and there is a hope to include those things that were left out.

Which is a little worrying given the normal stuff that the parliament keeps on demanding.

Lib Dems on War footing

Sounds like Zanzibar prepares to rout imperialists.



No sooner had Ming posted this inspirational video, than a email missive pings into my in box.

From Lord Renard no less, Lib Dem Campaign supremo,

"I am writing you this email from our newly created "election war-room" in Cowley Street.

We have just had back-to-back meetings of our Shadow Cabinet and Federal Policy Committee to put the finishing touches to our general election manifesto.

Of course, I can't tell you the details just yet. But it will be a very strong document setting our distinctive values with a strong emphasis on the environment.

Throughout this week the General Election Management Team has been planning things like our press conferences and Ming's extensive tour across the country.

The reports from constituencies this weekend are very good. We have had thousands of party members knocking on doors and making telephone calls as part of "community canvass week" Ming himself was out canvassing earlier this week in Scotland as you can see from the film on his website: http://www.mingcampbell.org.uk/

Whether Gordon Brown calls the election next week, the following week, or at any time in future - we will be ready !"

I cannot belive that that video is being flagged up in such a way, but they are ready. Oh yes.

Graham Watson, absentee landlord

Shambling into the stocks on the Parish Referendum issue comes Graham Watson, the expensively coiffured leader of the European Liberal Group, the ALDE - Motto "Cheap Opinions piled high" and Lib Dem MEP for the South West.

Not known for his activities in his constituency, neither his blog, (and if that is a blog then I am a Dutchman) nor his forward diary suggest any hands on local activity - just a mention that he went to Somerset for a weekend after the holidays, he has weighed into the Parish Referendum affair with a classic press release,

CARP in UKIP Clothing: MEP demands informed debate on Europe
2.09.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 26th Sep 2007
Commenting on results this week from a poll in East Stoke, Dorset on whether Gordon Brown should call a referendum on the EU's Reform Treaty, local MEP Graham Watson has said:

"Let's have some debate about this", argues Graham Watson MEP
"I think it's a shame that a parish referendum in East Stoke has been hijacked by UKIP and its close affiliates, CARP (Campaign Alliance for Referendums in Parishes). I understand the strength of feeling on this issue, but what this needs is informed public debate, not populist publicity stunts such as this. I very much doubt that this referendum was based on the wording of the Reform Treaty. So let's have some debate about this. Fifteen further parishes across the South West have requested a parish referendum on the issue; I would welcome the opportunity of talking to them about this."

Where to start?
"Results this week" No Graham, if you read the papers or took and interest in your constituency you would realise that the vote took place last week.

"I think it's a shame that a parish referendum in East Stoke has been hijacked by UKIP and its close affiliates, CARP" Errr, how can the organisers of the poll be accused of hijacking it. That is akin to suggesting that a baker is hijacking the bread in his own bakery. CARP organised the poll, it did not hijack it.

"I understand the strength of feeling on this issue" But, despite being aware that the vast majority of the people of the South Western Counties are in favour of a referendum on the Constitutional Treaty, you set your face against it.

"what this needs is informed public debate", the normal weasel words that translate not as debate, but monologue, only supporters are informed.

"I very much doubt that this referendum was based on the wording of the Reform Treaty", it would be easy to pick up the phone and ask the organisers of the poll if they have read the proposed treaty. You know what, I have, and surprise sup rise, they have read the proposals. What is more the poll does not ask for the treaty to be rejected, what it asks is for the Treaty to be voted upon by the British public. During the period leading up to a referendum I would expect, just like in Holland and France before hand there would be massive public debate on the relative merits of the Treaty. So Graham, don't shoot straw dogs.

"let's have some debate about this", Eh? Debate about what Graham, about whether people should have a direct say in the governance of their country?

"Fifteen further parishes across the South West have requested a parish referendum on the issue" Suggesting does it not, that there is a groundswell of public opinion wishing to be allowed to have a say?

"I would welcome the opportunity of talking to them about this", Great stuff, why not go along to the next parish that holds a poll and on the night before hold a debate about whether people should be allowed a referendum. I understand that an invitation is on its way. I think it is going to be down in the pointy bit of Cornwall. They are hospitable people down there and I am certain they will make you welcome.

Rather wonderfully in the light of his opposition to a referendum on the Treaty his previous press release is this,
"The Case for Global Democracy: Cross Party Coalition of MEPs calls for a UN Parliamentary Assembly"

So for Graham it appears that having laws made by the likes of Mugabe is a good thing, but having laws made by his own country is a bad one. Truly, you couldn't make it up.

Aside,
The photo is from the European Research Forum at London Metropolitan University. It is titled, "Lord Graham Watson MEP, Leader of the Liberal Group Brendan Donnelly, Director of the Federal Trust Professor Stephen Haseler, Director of the ERF" Watson being on the left.
It seems that the ERF needs to get its own research in order, I am pretty sure that Mr Watson has not been raised to the ermine.

Motes and Beams

So the long running saga of Ashley Mote is concluded. But no it isn't.

According to the judge's statement today on sentacing the fraudster to gaol one reason why he is being sent down for only 9 months (and not the 12 and a day required for him to lose his seat) he wasn't given the full tariff beacuse of prison overcrowding.

WTF!!!

So the people of the South Eastern counties of England will be represented from the confines of one her Majetsy's House of Correction, where he will still pick up £7,000 a month in wages and, as he will no doubt be let out after 4 months he will also keep all his expenses.

Why because the Government has not seen fit to build the prisons necessary to lock those who break the law. Bonza!

On and while on the subject, I must pass comment on the excrable piecer of dithering verbiage encrusted make weight politico who is the leader of the Lib Dems in the European Empire, Andrew Duff.

He immeditely put out a press release blaming UKIP which even journalists of my aquaintance regard as one of the most self-serving pieces of band wagon leaping they have seen in ages.
"I'm pretty cynical," said one correspondent for a UK national daily, "But even I thought that it was pretty awful".

Politics is knockabout, so one can expect a slating at any given moment, however this,

"Commenting on the court case, Duff added: "The time Mr Mote's case has taken to
reach a conclusion is a disgrace. Parliamentary immunity of an MEP is a privilege reserved to protect the Member for his or her legitimate political activities. It should not be abused by British courts as a means to shield criminals."

Is either deciet or ignorance. I suspect a combination. It was not the British Court system that slowed down the process, it was the way in which the European parliament and Courts allowed Mr Mote to abuse its immunity system. The British courts have been trying to try the man for years, but the EU institutions allowed him to play the system.

If a crime is committed before the individual is elected then there can and should be no case for immunity (frankly, apart from immunity from prosecution for things said in the chamber there should be no immunity from prosecution at all). For the Parliament to have allowed Mote to put three seperate immunity claims through it is disgraceful.

For the Lib Dems to blame the UK Courts is disgusting but sadly of a piece with their normal behaviour. When it comes to Motes and Beams, it is not just Ashley who should be looking carefully.

Update

EUPolitix has used the Lib Dem attack on the British Courts without comment. Given that they of all people should know that this is a utter distortion of the truth I am suprised

Sir, Sir Charley broke the rules

The news that Charles Kennedy has been busted for smoking on the Plymouth train creates mixed feelings.

The fact that the train staff didn't just ask him stop, but needed to get the transport police to talk to him smacks of a level of patheticness I find hard to fathom. No doubt their training superviosr has told them that they might get beaten up by recalcitrant smokers so they had better not do anything just call the police. Of course this sort of direction, and worse that the staff took it seriously is a symptom of our times. If the train staff had any level of automony they could gage a situation, and act accordingly. Thus is a pissed up biker was having a fag, then maybe discretion would be the better part of valour. But a senior politician, whether pissed up (well it is Charley) or not is not the same thing.

Kennedy must be having a laugh with his excuse. Either that or he was pissed.

Thirdly, what a sanctimonious doubledealer. The blighter voted for the smoking ban, no doubt because he needs the law to help him give up. "The ban is good because it will help me stop smoking". Well Charley that is up to you. For goodness sake grow up man and take responsibility for your own actions, don't bring in represive legislations because of a weakness in your own character.

Forthly. I wonder what would have happened if it were you, me or any other punter. Do you really believe that we would have got away with,
"It was explained that that wasn't OK, and that was that."
from the police. Not ruddy likely, we would have had the whole book plus fixed £250 fine chucked at us.

What a T.. T.. ..T.. T.. Duffer

Andrew Duff is a Lib Dem MEP for the Eastern Counties. I also suspect that his own electorate do not realise what they have elected.

He is one of the main drivers in favour of a Euuropean Constitution and as such has a certain contempt for the majority opinion in the country. There will be a meeting of the most sceptical countries in Prague to discuss what to do to stymie the German proposals for a new opne.

This is what he said about attempts to ensure that the next stage of the Constitution is kept accountable.

"They are following in the slip stream of the English -- which is the prominent eurosceptical country. If the English can be defeated then the opposition in Prague will disappear,"

Run that by me again, he hopes that the, "English can be defeated". Let me remind this traitor that his words wiil be repeated across the fens, broads, Stour valley and elsewhere until he realises that he has lost the partial support he might once have had.
Mr Duff sir, you are a disgrace. If you ever served a purpose in representing the people in your constituency you have outlived it. You are, if I may use a vernacular, a teetering column of overboiled spinach, a split gizzard, a burnt offering, a shine-pated crack arse, a pox-stained finches pizzle, indeed you are beneath contempt.