"The coming election is momentous for every voter, but for British Jews it contains a particular anguish: the prospect of a prime minister steeped in association with antisemitism.
"Under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership, Labour has come under formal investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission for institutional racism against Jews. Two Jewish MPs have been bullied out of the party. Mr Corbyn has a long record of embracing antisemites as comrades.
"We listen to our Jewish friends and see how their pain has been relegated as an issue, pushed aside by arguments about Britain’s European future.
"For those who insist that Labour is the only alternative to Boris Johnson’s hard Brexit, now, it seems, is not the time for Jewish anxiety.
But antisemitism is central to a wider debate about the kind of country we want to be. To ignore it because Brexit looms larger is to declare that anti-Jewish prejudice is a price worth paying for a Labour government.
"Which other community’s concerns are disposable in this way? Who would be next?
"Opposition to racism cannot include surrender in the fight against antisemitism. Yet that is what it would mean to back Labour and endorse Mr Corbyn for Downing Street. T
"The path to a more tolerant society must encompass Britain’s Jews with unwavering solidarity.
We endorse no party. However, we cannot in all conscience urge others to support a political party we ourselves will not. We refuse to vote Labour on 12 December."
Extracts from a letter to the Guardian signed by:
John le Carré (David Cornwell), Fay Weldon, Joanna Lumley, William Boyd, Simon Callow, Antony Beevor, Sathnam Sanghera, Janina Ramirez, Trevor Phillips, Jimmy Wales, Suzannah Lipscomb, Tom Holland, Frederick Forsyth, Peter Frankopan, Ghanem Nuseibeh, Dan Snow, Fiyaz Mughal, Tony Parsons, Dan Jones, Maajid Nawaz, Oz Katerji, Nick Hewer, Ed Husain, Terry Jervis
Friday, November 15, 2019
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Shap by-election today
A reminder to residents of the Shap ward of Eden District Council that there is a by-election today for that ward on EDC.
The Conservative candidate is a keen young person called Sean Quinn who will be a breath of fresh air on the district council.
The Conservative candidate is a keen young person called Sean Quinn who will be a breath of fresh air on the district council.
Labour's four day week chaos
The Labour party has unveiled plans for a 32-hour working week - equivalent to four days.
However, to put it politely, they don't appear to have thought this through.
Labours shadow health spokesman
Yesterday morning Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth appeared to say that Labour proposals for 32 hour working week – equivalent to a four day week – would not apply to the NHS, calling the idea “nonsense.”
Then the Shadow Chancellor said that these proposals would “apply to all” including the NHS, and that Ashworth had only meant the application of this policy to the NHS would “not be an overnight thing.”
This news comes as an independent report shows that more than a thousand residents of Cumbria would have their operations cancelled each year under a Corbyn government as a result of Labour’s plans to remove independent sector hospital capacity from the NHS.
Labour plans for a 32 hour week could not be implemented in the NHS, even over a ten year period, without exacerbating labour shortages in the NHS which would mean ward, department and hospital closures in areas like Cumbria.
The NHS has been suffering from a national shortage of doctors, nurses and medical professionals for decades, especially in areas like Cumbria. In North, West and East Cumbria as a whole we have a 20% vacancy rate for GPs but it is much worse in some parts of the county.
That’s why the government decided in 2016 to open five new medical schools and increase by 25% the number of doctor training places, but the impact of that will take decades to work through because that’s how long it takes to go from being a medical student to a specialist consultant.
If, as the shadow chancellor says, Labour’s plans for a 32-hour week apply to the NHS, even over a ten year period, this would put even greater stress on the local health service in areas which are already seriously short of professional staff resource. Making that problem even worse would make service closures inevitable in areas like ours.
If Labour’s plans did not apply to public services like the NHS, the people who work in those services would understandably feel cheated and morale would be knocked for six, hitting recruitment and retention.
They have not thought it through. Corbyn’s Labour isn’t competent to run a bath, never mind our NHS.
However, to put it politely, they don't appear to have thought this through.
Labours shadow health spokesman
Yesterday morning Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth appeared to say that Labour proposals for 32 hour working week – equivalent to a four day week – would not apply to the NHS, calling the idea “nonsense.”
Then the Shadow Chancellor said that these proposals would “apply to all” including the NHS, and that Ashworth had only meant the application of this policy to the NHS would “not be an overnight thing.”
This news comes as an independent report shows that more than a thousand residents of Cumbria would have their operations cancelled each year under a Corbyn government as a result of Labour’s plans to remove independent sector hospital capacity from the NHS.
Labour plans for a 32 hour week could not be implemented in the NHS, even over a ten year period, without exacerbating labour shortages in the NHS which would mean ward, department and hospital closures in areas like Cumbria.
The NHS has been suffering from a national shortage of doctors, nurses and medical professionals for decades, especially in areas like Cumbria. In North, West and East Cumbria as a whole we have a 20% vacancy rate for GPs but it is much worse in some parts of the county.
That’s why the government decided in 2016 to open five new medical schools and increase by 25% the number of doctor training places, but the impact of that will take decades to work through because that’s how long it takes to go from being a medical student to a specialist consultant.
If, as the shadow chancellor says, Labour’s plans for a 32-hour week apply to the NHS, even over a ten year period, this would put even greater stress on the local health service in areas which are already seriously short of professional staff resource. Making that problem even worse would make service closures inevitable in areas like ours.
If Labour’s plans did not apply to public services like the NHS, the people who work in those services would understandably feel cheated and morale would be knocked for six, hitting recruitment and retention.
They have not thought it through. Corbyn’s Labour isn’t competent to run a bath, never mind our NHS.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
29 days to go
There are 29 days to go until election day
The choice is clear in this election which has been called a battle for Britain's soul.
The Conservatives have a positive, dynamic vision for Britain.
A Conservative majority will:
Key things to remember throughout this campaign:
A Conservative Government can unleash Britain’s potential. Investing in our NHS with 40 new hospitals, cutting crime with 20,000 more police, introducing an Australian style points based immigration system, and giving businesses and families the economic certainty they need to plan for the future with confidence.
The choice is clear in this election which has been called a battle for Britain's soul.
The Conservatives have a positive, dynamic vision for Britain.
A Conservative majority will:
- Make it easier to see your GP – under a majority Conservative government, there will be 50 million more appointments in GP surgeries, more GPs, more pharmacists and easier ways to book appointments.
- Introduce a new visa to attract the best doctors and nurses to work in our NHS and provide high-quality care transforming the experience of patients.
- Invest in infrastructure and level up opportunities across the country.
- Support our fantastic British drink producers like Scotch whisky distilleries – another example of the Conservatives delivering for the Scotland whilst the SNP are fixated on another independence referendum.
Key things to remember throughout this campaign:
- The choice at this election is between a majority Conservative government that will end the paralysis and confusion in Parliament, get Brexit done, and let the country move on OR a hung Parliament bringing more confusion and Corbyn in Downing Street.
- Only the Conservatives can win a majority – we only need to win nine more seats to end the gridlock in Parliament.
- It is most unlikely that Jeremy Corbyn could win a majority but in a hung parliament he would be propped up by the SNP. Under Corbyn 2020 would be lost to the chaos of another two referendums – one on Brexit and another on Scottish independence.
A Conservative Government can unleash Britain’s potential. Investing in our NHS with 40 new hospitals, cutting crime with 20,000 more police, introducing an Australian style points based immigration system, and giving businesses and families the economic certainty they need to plan for the future with confidence.
Good news on jobs
New figures have shown that the number of people in full-time work has hit an all time high, unemployment has fallen to the lowest level in 45 years - and wages have risen ahead of prices for the 20th consecutive month.
By getting Brexit done, a Conservative majority government can move the country forwards and focus on the people’s priorities – investing in our NHS, tackling violent crime, and reducing the cost of living – including through increasing the National Living Wage to £10.50 per hour by 2024.
By getting Brexit done, a Conservative majority government can move the country forwards and focus on the people’s priorities – investing in our NHS, tackling violent crime, and reducing the cost of living – including through increasing the National Living Wage to £10.50 per hour by 2024.
- The unemployment rate is at its lowest level since 1974. The unemployment rate is currently 3.8 per cent –it has not been lower since 1974 (ONS, Labour market statistics, 12 November 2019).
- Full time employment: At a record high, and up by almost 3 million since 2010. In the three months to September, there were 24,213,000 people working full time that is up from 21,221,000 in period covering February- April 2010 (the last full period that Labour were in power).
- Employment: 32.8 million (up 323,000 over the last year and up by 3.7 million since 2010).
- Employment rate: 76.0 per cent (up 0.5 points over the past year and up 5.8 points since 2010).
- Unemployment: 1.3 million (down 71,500 over the past year and down by 1.20 million since 2010.
- Wages: Average weekly earnings for employees increased by 3.6 per cent compared with a year earlier – growing by 1.8 per cent after adjusting for inflation – meaning people have more money in their pockets. Wages have increased ahead of prices for 20 months in a row.
- Youth unemployment: There are 438,000 fewer young people out of work since 2010 – almost halving since 2010.
- Female employment: There are 1.8 million more women in work since 2010.
- Ethnic minority: The number of people from an ethnic minority in work is at a record high. There are 1.2 million more people from an ethnic minority background in work since January-march 2010, increasing from 2,736,000 to 4,026,000.
- Disabled: The number of disabled people in work has increased by 1.3 million, and is now at a record high with the number of disabled people out of work at a record low
Quote of the day 13th November 2019
"The behaviour of the hard-Left within the Labour Party - the anti-Semitism, the thuggery, the irrational views on security and international issues, and the lack of realisation that you have to embrace a big tent of people in order to win - certainly makes me despair."
(Former Labour home secretary David Blunkett, now Lord Blunkett, writing in the Daily Telegraph. the full article is behind a paywall but a report including the above quote is available on another paper's website here)
(Former Labour home secretary David Blunkett, now Lord Blunkett, writing in the Daily Telegraph. the full article is behind a paywall but a report including the above quote is available on another paper's website here)
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Field Marshall Lord Bramall; RIP
The former D-Day veteran and head of the armed forces Field Marshall Lord Bramall has died at the age of 95.
He joined the Army at the age of 18 and took part in the D-Day landings. He was wounded twice in Normandy but quickly returned to duty. For his bravery he was awarded the military cross in 1945.
He rose through the ranks to commanded UK land forces between 1976 and 1978. He became chief of the general staff - the professional head of the Army - in 1979, and in that capacity he oversaw the 1982 Falklands campaign. Later that year he became chief of the defence staff - e.g. the overall head of the uniformed armed services - holding that post until 1985.
He was made a life peer and went on to have a 26-year career in the House of Lords.
Lord Bramall - known to his family and friends as Dwin, from his first name Edwin - was not afraid to express controversial opinions. He spoke out in the House of Lords against the involvement of the UK in the Iraq war. During a debate in 2004, he said:
"We really should know by now that, unlike naked aggression, terrorism cannot be defeated by massive military means, but by concentrating more on the twin pillars of competent protection and positive diplomacy."
Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood has praised Lord Bramall as an "inspirational leader".
Former defence secretary Lord Heseltine called him an "outstanding soldier", adding:
"From his earliest experiences in the liberation of Europe and the D-Day landings, to his distinguished tenure as chief of the defence staff, he was a man who inspired confidence."
"The country has lost a great patriot who deserved better from us."
Former MP Harvey Proctor, who was also wrongly accused by Beech, paid tribute to Lord Bramall and said the country was "poorer for his death".
"He will be remembered as a military leader of enormous stature, courage and ability," added Mr Proctor.
Paying tribute to Lord Bramall, the current chief of the defence staff General Sir Nick Carter said his "many admirers" would be "deeply saddened" to hear of his death.
"He was a remarkable soldier who served our country with great bravery and dedication over many decades, inspiring his many subordinates, and overseeing significant change as a chief of staff that we still benefit from today," he said.
He joined the Army at the age of 18 and took part in the D-Day landings. He was wounded twice in Normandy but quickly returned to duty. For his bravery he was awarded the military cross in 1945.
He rose through the ranks to commanded UK land forces between 1976 and 1978. He became chief of the general staff - the professional head of the Army - in 1979, and in that capacity he oversaw the 1982 Falklands campaign. Later that year he became chief of the defence staff - e.g. the overall head of the uniformed armed services - holding that post until 1985.
He was made a life peer and went on to have a 26-year career in the House of Lords.
Lord Bramall - known to his family and friends as Dwin, from his first name Edwin - was not afraid to express controversial opinions. He spoke out in the House of Lords against the involvement of the UK in the Iraq war. During a debate in 2004, he said:
"We really should know by now that, unlike naked aggression, terrorism cannot be defeated by massive military means, but by concentrating more on the twin pillars of competent protection and positive diplomacy."
Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood has praised Lord Bramall as an "inspirational leader".
Former defence secretary Lord Heseltine called him an "outstanding soldier", adding:
"From his earliest experiences in the liberation of Europe and the D-Day landings, to his distinguished tenure as chief of the defence staff, he was a man who inspired confidence."
"The country has lost a great patriot who deserved better from us."
Former MP Harvey Proctor, who was also wrongly accused by Beech, paid tribute to Lord Bramall and said the country was "poorer for his death".
"He will be remembered as a military leader of enormous stature, courage and ability," added Mr Proctor.
Paying tribute to Lord Bramall, the current chief of the defence staff General Sir Nick Carter said his "many admirers" would be "deeply saddened" to hear of his death.
"He was a remarkable soldier who served our country with great bravery and dedication over many decades, inspiring his many subordinates, and overseeing significant change as a chief of staff that we still benefit from today," he said.
Neil Hudson selected as Conservative candidate for Penrith & the Border
Congratulations to Neil Hudson, on the left in the photograph below taken while we were out campaigning in Shap for council candidate Sean Quinn in this Thursday's Eden District Council by-election, and who has been adopted as the Conservative candidate to be MP for Penrith and the Border.
(Above left to right: Neil Hudson, myself, my wife Brigid, Penrith and the Border Conservative chairman Cllr Helen Fearon)
Following his selection, Neil said:
“The issues facing rural communities are of particular concern to me. “Penrith and the Border is a vast and sparsely populated constituency.
"Communities need effective linkages and I will champion these issues including improving road access and conditions like the A66, improving train links, protecting rural bus services from Lib Dem/Labour Council cuts and improving digital connectivity.
“I will fight to protect services vital to rural areas such as post offices, banking services and telephone boxes. "I will stand up for constituents struggling to find a place on the housing ladder.
"I will do everything I can to boost the economy, whilst protecting our beautiful and fragile environment.
“The Conservative Party is the party of opportunity. I am passionate about the life chances of our young people and want to help a society where any child can achieve their dream no matter what their background.”
(Above left to right: Neil Hudson, myself, my wife Brigid, Penrith and the Border Conservative chairman Cllr Helen Fearon)
Following his selection, Neil said:
“The issues facing rural communities are of particular concern to me. “Penrith and the Border is a vast and sparsely populated constituency.
"Communities need effective linkages and I will champion these issues including improving road access and conditions like the A66, improving train links, protecting rural bus services from Lib Dem/Labour Council cuts and improving digital connectivity.
“I will fight to protect services vital to rural areas such as post offices, banking services and telephone boxes. "I will stand up for constituents struggling to find a place on the housing ladder.
"I will do everything I can to boost the economy, whilst protecting our beautiful and fragile environment.
“The Conservative Party is the party of opportunity. I am passionate about the life chances of our young people and want to help a society where any child can achieve their dream no matter what their background.”
Quote of the day 12th November 2019
"Gyimah could do with a little help with his interview technique.
Come on, I say conspiratorially, trying to out-charm the arch charmer. I know and you know that Jo Swinson doesn’t have a prayer of becoming the prime minister so her going around saying that she does makes her sound a bit ridiculous.
If the Lib Dems are serious about stopping Brexit, then they are going to have to come to some sort of deal with Labour. But Gyimah just smiles and shakes his head. The Lib Dems are going to win the election and Swinson will be prime minister.
The plan A is to have no plan B. There is no plan B because plan A is going to work. It is written in the stars.
It is also quite mad."
(The Guardian's sketchwriter John Crace takes on Lib/Dem defector Sam Gyimah, in an article called "Sam Gyimah continues down Lib Dem path of fairytales and unicorns.")
Come on, I say conspiratorially, trying to out-charm the arch charmer. I know and you know that Jo Swinson doesn’t have a prayer of becoming the prime minister so her going around saying that she does makes her sound a bit ridiculous.
If the Lib Dems are serious about stopping Brexit, then they are going to have to come to some sort of deal with Labour. But Gyimah just smiles and shakes his head. The Lib Dems are going to win the election and Swinson will be prime minister.
The plan A is to have no plan B. There is no plan B because plan A is going to work. It is written in the stars.
It is also quite mad."
(The Guardian's sketchwriter John Crace takes on Lib/Dem defector Sam Gyimah, in an article called "Sam Gyimah continues down Lib Dem path of fairytales and unicorns.")
Monday, November 11, 2019
Brian Mawhinney RIP
Brian Mawhinney, Lord Mawhinney, who was chairman of the Conservative party and Transport secretary under John Major, making him the first Ulsterman to join the cabinet in 59 years, has died at the age of 79.
After leaving politics he became Chairman of the Football League.
I knew him slightly when he was MP for Peterborough and I was active in the Eastern Area of the Conservative party. He was a very straightforward person in his approach to politics but was often capable of greater subtlety than people expected of him, for example in his sense of humour.
He was a loyal colleague and a doughty fighter for the things he believed in. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace.
After leaving politics he became Chairman of the Football League.
I knew him slightly when he was MP for Peterborough and I was active in the Eastern Area of the Conservative party. He was a very straightforward person in his approach to politics but was often capable of greater subtlety than people expected of him, for example in his sense of humour.
He was a loyal colleague and a doughty fighter for the things he believed in. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace.
November meeting of CCC Copeland Local Committee
The County Council's Local Committee for Copeland will meet tomorrow, Tuesday, 12th November 2019, at 11.15 am in the Millom Network Centre, Salthouse Road, Millom, LA18 5AB.
The agenda and reports can be found on the county council website here.
The agenda and reports can be found on the county council website here.
This agenda is however incomplete in one respect.
Under item 4, public participation, three requests for public participation were notified to the council before the deadline but after the agenda was published, and these will be heard, in turn, under this agenda item.
Those three items are:
1) David Forster will speak about the highways implications of the access which has been proposed through Bay Vista for a number of recent planning applications to Copeland BC:
2) Dr Clare Hale on behalf of St Bees Parish Council, will ask the local committee to reconsider a the decision to drop a proposal to extend double yellow lines at High House Road St Bees near Fleatham Croft
3) Andy Burn will ask for support for the Millom Community Running/Cycle track.
Backing our armed forces
Today, the Conservatives introduced an armed forces package which will support military personnel, veterans and their families and recognise the sacrifice they have made for their country. The measures include:
|
|
Caroline Lucas of the Greens on the Lib/Dems
It did not take long before the members of the new "Remain Alliance" between the Lib/Dems, the Greens and the Welsh nationalists were sniping at each other.
In an interview on 9th November, Caroline Lucas, formerly the Green party's one MP and their joint leader, had this to say about the Lib/Dem policy on Brexit:
"Position of Revoke, at that point I just felt, this is just taking party interest above national interest to such an unforgivable degree to be honest.
I think, you know, er, if you wanted to send a message to 17.4 million people that you don't give a f*** about what they've just said, then why don't you just say so?"
I don't always agree with Caroline Lucas but I think she had a point there. I'm sure meetings of the "Remain Alliance" will be lively.
In an interview on 9th November, Caroline Lucas, formerly the Green party's one MP and their joint leader, had this to say about the Lib/Dem policy on Brexit:
"Position of Revoke, at that point I just felt, this is just taking party interest above national interest to such an unforgivable degree to be honest.
I think, you know, er, if you wanted to send a message to 17.4 million people that you don't give a f*** about what they've just said, then why don't you just say so?"
I don't always agree with Caroline Lucas but I think she had a point there. I'm sure meetings of the "Remain Alliance" will be lively.
Armistice day 2019
At 11am today it will be exactly a hundred years since people in Britain and free countries around the world first observed two minutes of silence at 11am on the 11th of November, the anniversary of the point when the guns finally fell silent in the bloodiest war in history up to that time, in memory of those who gave their lives for their country in what was then known as the Great War.
Since then the scope of remembrance has been expanded to cover all those who died in that war and, tragically, those which have taken place since.
While the main acts of remembrance in this country now take place on Remembrance Sunday, the nearest Sunday to 11th November, which this year was yesterday, many people also observe a silence at 11am on the 11th of November, and I will be one of those who do that this year.
Since then the scope of remembrance has been expanded to cover all those who died in that war and, tragically, those which have taken place since.
While the main acts of remembrance in this country now take place on Remembrance Sunday, the nearest Sunday to 11th November, which this year was yesterday, many people also observe a silence at 11am on the 11th of November, and I will be one of those who do that this year.
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Excellent turnout at Remembrance Sunday commemorations
Excellent turnout today at the parade and act of Remembrance in Whitehaven.
Good to see so many people turn out to honour those who gave their lives defending our country and to remember both them and all the other people who were killed during the terrible wars we commemorate today.
One other very positive take from today. Despite the fact that we are in the middle of a general election campaign, I was able to have friendly conversations today with people from all the major political parties and with colleagues who are independents, and none of us had any trouble setting aside partisan politics for the day.
British public life used to be very good at setting aside partisan disputes and party politics when they are not appropriate, and today was a timely and important reminder that this vital aspect of our British traditions is not entirely forgotten. Long may that remain the case.
That was the Whitehaven commemoration: will be off to Moor Row this afternoon.
POSTSCRIPT
Now back from the Moor Row act of remembrance, also very moving, also very well attended.
Good to see so many people turn out to honour those who gave their lives defending our country and to remember both them and all the other people who were killed during the terrible wars we commemorate today.
One other very positive take from today. Despite the fact that we are in the middle of a general election campaign, I was able to have friendly conversations today with people from all the major political parties and with colleagues who are independents, and none of us had any trouble setting aside partisan politics for the day.
British public life used to be very good at setting aside partisan disputes and party politics when they are not appropriate, and today was a timely and important reminder that this vital aspect of our British traditions is not entirely forgotten. Long may that remain the case.
That was the Whitehaven commemoration: will be off to Moor Row this afternoon.
POSTSCRIPT
Now back from the Moor Row act of remembrance, also very moving, also very well attended.
Remembrance Sunday
Today, 10th November 2019, is Remembrance Sunday: tomorrow is Armistice Day, the 101st anniversary of the day the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War.
I will not be making any party political posts today, or tomorrow until after 11 am. To the best of my knowledge none of the political parties are campaigning today.
Instead I will be attending various commemorative events covering areas of my county division. Apologies for the fact that I will not be able to get to them all but I cannot be in two places at once.
Today is a day for remembering all those who have lost their lives in war, particularly those who fought to defend our country but also all the innocent civilians and victims or war and atrocity.
We remember the cost of war today as we have done ever since the end of the massive conflict which is usually known today by the name I gave it above, the First World War, but was known to those who lived through it as The Great War.
Many of those who died in that war have their names recorded on a war memorial. But in the case of the town my grandfather came from, a Lancashire town called Darwen which is just south of Blackburn, that community lost so many people that this is the inscription the citizens of the town placed on the memorial to their dead which was put up shortly after the end of the war. This war memorial is in Bold Venture Park, a few minutes' walk from my grandfather's house.
Yes, more than twelve hundred dead from one small town. It does not bear thinking about. Darwen came off particularly badly but every town and village in Britain bore its share of pain and loss.
My grandfather's younger brother Robert - Private Robert Whiteside, 18th Battalion the Lancashire Fusiliers - is one of those whose names would have been on that memorial had there not been too many names to fit on it. He was killed at the age of eighteen, just six weeks before the end of the war.
Here is a picture of the memorial itself. A beautiful place yet this memorial commemorates such a vast tragedy.
The sacrifice of all those who gave their lives for this country should never be forgotten. Nor should we forget any of the others who have died in war.
Rest in Peace.
I will not be making any party political posts today, or tomorrow until after 11 am. To the best of my knowledge none of the political parties are campaigning today.
Instead I will be attending various commemorative events covering areas of my county division. Apologies for the fact that I will not be able to get to them all but I cannot be in two places at once.
Today is a day for remembering all those who have lost their lives in war, particularly those who fought to defend our country but also all the innocent civilians and victims or war and atrocity.
We remember the cost of war today as we have done ever since the end of the massive conflict which is usually known today by the name I gave it above, the First World War, but was known to those who lived through it as The Great War.
Many of those who died in that war have their names recorded on a war memorial. But in the case of the town my grandfather came from, a Lancashire town called Darwen which is just south of Blackburn, that community lost so many people that this is the inscription the citizens of the town placed on the memorial to their dead which was put up shortly after the end of the war. This war memorial is in Bold Venture Park, a few minutes' walk from my grandfather's house.
Yes, more than twelve hundred dead from one small town. It does not bear thinking about. Darwen came off particularly badly but every town and village in Britain bore its share of pain and loss.
My grandfather's younger brother Robert - Private Robert Whiteside, 18th Battalion the Lancashire Fusiliers - is one of those whose names would have been on that memorial had there not been too many names to fit on it. He was killed at the age of eighteen, just six weeks before the end of the war.
Here is a picture of the memorial itself. A beautiful place yet this memorial commemorates such a vast tragedy.
The sacrifice of all those who gave their lives for this country should never be forgotten. Nor should we forget any of the others who have died in war.
Rest in Peace.
Saturday, November 09, 2019
The Jewish Chronicle's trumpet call against Corbyn
I am advised that the Jewish Chronicle is the world’s oldest continuously published Jewish newspaper, founded in 1841, and that until this week it had never taken sides in a general election.
That has now changed.
The JC (as Jews affectionately call it) devoted its entire front page on Thursday to a leading article under the banner headline: “To all our fellow British citizens.”
The paper appealed to non-Jews not to vote Labour for as long as it is led by Jeremy Corbyn.
The front page version of the leader, published by the JC on social media in an image obviously designed to be shared, is here
This is only the latest illustration of the most serious concerns among the Jewish community about the direction in which the Labour party has moved under Jeremy Corbyn.
Ian Austin, whose parents were refugees from the holocaust, and was one of two former Labour MPs who were yesterday urging traditional Labour voters to lend the Conservatives their votes in the 2019 general election, made absolutely clear that Anti-Semitism was one of his reasons for doing so, though he was also concerned about the fitness of the Labour leader to be PM.
“Jeremy Corbyn is an extremist,” he said. “To lead our country, you’ve got to be able to say you love Britain and I do not think he is a patriot. He has sided with our country’s enemies, whether that’s supporting the IRA or saying Hamas and Hezbollah are his friends.”
That has now changed.
The JC (as Jews affectionately call it) devoted its entire front page on Thursday to a leading article under the banner headline: “To all our fellow British citizens.”
The paper appealed to non-Jews not to vote Labour for as long as it is led by Jeremy Corbyn.
The front page version of the leader, published by the JC on social media in an image obviously designed to be shared, is here
Ian Austin, whose parents were refugees from the holocaust, and was one of two former Labour MPs who were yesterday urging traditional Labour voters to lend the Conservatives their votes in the 2019 general election, made absolutely clear that Anti-Semitism was one of his reasons for doing so, though he was also concerned about the fitness of the Labour leader to be PM.
“Jeremy Corbyn is an extremist,” he said. “To lead our country, you’ve got to be able to say you love Britain and I do not think he is a patriot. He has sided with our country’s enemies, whether that’s supporting the IRA or saying Hamas and Hezbollah are his friends.”
Notes from the November meeting of Full Council
Highlights and lowlights from the meeting of Cumbria County Council on 7th November 2019.
The meeting began with the council standing for a minute's silence in memory of my predecessor as County Councillor for Egremont North and St Bees division, Henry Wormstrup, who died a couple of weeks ago.
The meeting began with the council standing for a minute's silence in memory of my predecessor as County Councillor for Egremont North and St Bees division, Henry Wormstrup, who died a couple of weeks ago.
During the time reserved for questions from members of the council, the meeting was suspended for ten minutes because an independent councillor from Carlisle insisted on reading a pre-prepared speech rather than asking a question.
When it was reconvened I asked the leader of the council, in the absence of the highways portfolio holder, if they would review the policy of the council in terms of whether we could obtain more action to improve roads, like the A595 and A66, which are managed by Highways England by being
more pro-active in putting forward shovel-ready schemes to improve these roads.
The response of the Leader of the council was essentially to complain about the fact that I ask questions like this at every council meeting.
If he thinks that's going to stop me he has another think coming.
Councillors were then asked to approve a "Youth Justice Strategy" the full draft of which was not included in the council papers as circulated in hard copy and which most of us had not seen., although we did see a report about it.
The document was approved given that those members of all parties who actually had seen it praised it as a good document and that we were given assurances that this would not happen again.
Trudy Harrison re-adopted
Trudy Harrison who was Conservative MP for Copeland in the last parliament has been readopted this morning as the Conservative candidate for Copeland.
Cllr Andy Pratt proposed and I seconded that Trudy should be re-adopted to stand again and this was unanimously approved in a secret ballot of the executive.
We then attended a successful community coffee morning in Gosforth and went on to campaign in Seascale. Despite the cold, lots of people were eager to talk to us on the doorstep and it was evident that Trudy has a strong personal vote.
Cllr Andy Pratt proposed and I seconded that Trudy should be re-adopted to stand again and this was unanimously approved in a secret ballot of the executive.
We then attended a successful community coffee morning in Gosforth and went on to campaign in Seascale. Despite the cold, lots of people were eager to talk to us on the doorstep and it was evident that Trudy has a strong personal vote.
Conservative campaign launched
This week the Prime Minister launched our General Election Campaign.
We will unleash the potential of this country and get Brexit done.
We will make 2020 about the people of this country and not its politicians – rather than wasting 2020 on having two chaotic referendums on Scotland and Europe.
The parliament which has just been dissolved was stuck in a rut because there was no majority to get anything done – a majority Conservative government can get Brexit done, enable the country to move on and get Parliament working for you.
If we get Brexit done we can make this country the greatest place to live, to start a family, the greatest place to send your kids to school, to start a business, the place that leads the world in clean green technology.
A hung Parliament means more of the same confusion, more delay and more of the indecision which voters are sick of. Conservatives need to win just 9 seats more than in 2017 to win a majority, break the deadlock in Parliament, Get Brexit Done, move the country on and unleash Britain’s potential.
Only the Conservatives can get Brexit done and get on with our project of sensible moderate, but tax cutting, one nation conservatism, spreading opportunity and hope across the whole UK. Let’s unleash the potential of this country.
We will unleash the potential of this country and get Brexit done.
We will make 2020 about the people of this country and not its politicians – rather than wasting 2020 on having two chaotic referendums on Scotland and Europe.
The parliament which has just been dissolved was stuck in a rut because there was no majority to get anything done – a majority Conservative government can get Brexit done, enable the country to move on and get Parliament working for you.
If we get Brexit done we can make this country the greatest place to live, to start a family, the greatest place to send your kids to school, to start a business, the place that leads the world in clean green technology.
A hung Parliament means more of the same confusion, more delay and more of the indecision which voters are sick of. Conservatives need to win just 9 seats more than in 2017 to win a majority, break the deadlock in Parliament, Get Brexit Done, move the country on and unleash Britain’s potential.
Only the Conservatives can get Brexit done and get on with our project of sensible moderate, but tax cutting, one nation conservatism, spreading opportunity and hope across the whole UK. Let’s unleash the potential of this country.
Friday, November 08, 2019
Nick Robinson interviews the SNP's Ian Blackford
Nick Robinson is one of those interviewers who asks intelligent and difficult questions to politicians of all parties.
In this interview with the SNP's Ian Blackford on BBC politics live, Nick demonstrates that the SNP find it much easier recycling Labour scaremongers about imaginary threats to the NHS from a trade deal which does not yet exist than they do defending their record running the Scottish NHS, for which the SNP is responsible, and which has missed eight out of it's ten targets.
Warning: this interview is not for the squeamish.
In this interview with the SNP's Ian Blackford on BBC politics live, Nick demonstrates that the SNP find it much easier recycling Labour scaremongers about imaginary threats to the NHS from a trade deal which does not yet exist than they do defending their record running the Scottish NHS, for which the SNP is responsible, and which has missed eight out of it's ten targets.
Warning: this interview is not for the squeamish.
Quote of the day 8th November 2019
When asked who will pay for Labour’s spending plans, Labour Treasury spokesperson Peter Dowd says:
“The British people will pay.”
“The British people will pay.”
This will probably be the one statement from a Labour spokesperson during this election which I agree with.
Thursday, November 07, 2019
Wednesday, November 06, 2019
When robust debate becoms abuse
Sometimes two things which are important and indeed essential can also be challenging to reconcile.
An example is the importance of Free Speech, and the fact that we need more civility and tolerance in politics.
I believe that in my adult lifetime the level of freedom of speech within this country and elsewhere has decreased, is decreasing and ought to be increased.
But I also believe that abusive behaviour towards people of different political views is an extremely bad thing, and as Charlotte Henry argued in a recent article, is driving good people out of politics.
It must surely be possible to argue very robustly against opinions or policies you think are wrong, or to make strong fact-based criticism of the record of a party and its leaders at national or local level, without crossing over the line from political criticism to personal abuse.
But I do not think that, as a country, we are doing very well at finding the right place to draw that line.
This is not a party political point: people in every part of the political spectrum need to think more about what they say and write.
An example is the importance of Free Speech, and the fact that we need more civility and tolerance in politics.
I believe that in my adult lifetime the level of freedom of speech within this country and elsewhere has decreased, is decreasing and ought to be increased.
But I also believe that abusive behaviour towards people of different political views is an extremely bad thing, and as Charlotte Henry argued in a recent article, is driving good people out of politics.
It must surely be possible to argue very robustly against opinions or policies you think are wrong, or to make strong fact-based criticism of the record of a party and its leaders at national or local level, without crossing over the line from political criticism to personal abuse.
But I do not think that, as a country, we are doing very well at finding the right place to draw that line.
This is not a party political point: people in every part of the political spectrum need to think more about what they say and write.
Howgill Family Centre
I understand that my fellow County Councillors from Copeland who had submitted a cross-party call-in of the decision on the contract awards for social care had a lengthy meeting yesterday at which significant progress was made.
It is unlikely to be possible to completely overturn the decision but I understand concessions have been offered which will help Howgill Family Centre and protect the interests of vulnerable children. As soon as a formal statement is made on the issue I will post it here.
It is unlikely to be possible to completely overturn the decision but I understand concessions have been offered which will help Howgill Family Centre and protect the interests of vulnerable children. As soon as a formal statement is made on the issue I will post it here.
Quote of the day 6th November 2019
"It is a horrifying reality that in 2019, Jewish communities across the world live in fear of violent terror attacks. The traumatic scenes outside of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, or the recent attack on the Halle synagogue in Germany, are ones we fear being repeated in the UK.
This fear only increased with the stabbings of Jews outside a synagogue in Marseille later that year and the subsequent murders in Paris of Sarah Halimi and Mireille Knoll in further antisemitic incidents.
I recently enrolled my daughter at a nursery school based at a synagogue. Upon visiting the nursery — as much as I wanted to meet the staff, see the space and learn about the daily schedule — the thing I spent the most time checking-out was the security set-up for the building.
From the age of one, my daughter will be attending daycare with a guard at the front door and constant security presence.
That is not the desires of an over-protective parent — it is a necessary precaution of 21st century Jewish life. In this environment, the Jewish community relies on a supportive government who understand and sympathise with these very real security threats — a government that will help overcome any administrative or regulatory hurdles to protecting Jewish community centres, schools and places of worship.
I can recall hearing this support loud and clear from successive political party leaders over the past decades, whether Labour, Conservative or Lib Dems. I have never once heard Jeremy Corbyn utter his commitment.
In fact, when I searched out looking to find and consolation that Jeremy Corbyn might understand the nature of anti-Jewish terrorism, I only found the opposite.
Down the road from my home is a Jewish community building named Balfour House. I recall visiting it as a teenager when taking part in a youth volunteering programme. In 1994, the building was bombed in an antisemitic incident, and one backbench MP spent the subsequent years campaigning for the release of two of the terrorist attackers. His name was Jeremy Corbyn."
(Rob Mindell, extract from an article on the "Medium" website which you can read in full here.)
When a kosher shop became a target in France’s wave of terror attacks in 2015, it struck a raw chord with many in Britain’s Jewish community. I recall the Friday night sabbath dinner conversation —
- What if I had been one of those hostages?
- How worrying that it is only the small English Channel separating us from the wave of terror against Jewish communities in Europe?
This fear only increased with the stabbings of Jews outside a synagogue in Marseille later that year and the subsequent murders in Paris of Sarah Halimi and Mireille Knoll in further antisemitic incidents.
I recently enrolled my daughter at a nursery school based at a synagogue. Upon visiting the nursery — as much as I wanted to meet the staff, see the space and learn about the daily schedule — the thing I spent the most time checking-out was the security set-up for the building.
From the age of one, my daughter will be attending daycare with a guard at the front door and constant security presence.
That is not the desires of an over-protective parent — it is a necessary precaution of 21st century Jewish life. In this environment, the Jewish community relies on a supportive government who understand and sympathise with these very real security threats — a government that will help overcome any administrative or regulatory hurdles to protecting Jewish community centres, schools and places of worship.
I can recall hearing this support loud and clear from successive political party leaders over the past decades, whether Labour, Conservative or Lib Dems. I have never once heard Jeremy Corbyn utter his commitment.
In fact, when I searched out looking to find and consolation that Jeremy Corbyn might understand the nature of anti-Jewish terrorism, I only found the opposite.
Down the road from my home is a Jewish community building named Balfour House. I recall visiting it as a teenager when taking part in a youth volunteering programme. In 1994, the building was bombed in an antisemitic incident, and one backbench MP spent the subsequent years campaigning for the release of two of the terrorist attackers. His name was Jeremy Corbyn."
(Rob Mindell, extract from an article on the "Medium" website which you can read in full here.)
Tuesday, November 05, 2019
Labour scaremongering on the NHS
|
|
Remember, Remember the fifth of November ..
"Remember, Remember, the fifth of November
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot,
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot."
In an age when establishments of whatever kind are unpopular it is perhaps not surprising that the most famous of a gang of plotters who once attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament should have been reinvented in popular culture as a kind of heroic rebel.
Yet the last thing that Robert Catesby, (the real leader of the gunpowder plotters,) Guido Fawkes and the remainder of the conspirators of November 1605 wanted was a Britain in which the majority of the people would have had the freedom to choose their own religion, or any other kind of freedom.
Far from being freedom fighters the plotters were classic religious fundamentalist terrorists - the Osama Bin Laden and Abu Bakr al Baghdadi of the seventeenth century.
They perceived the first king of the United Kingdom, James the Sixth of Scotland and First of England, as a tyrant who persecuted Roman Catholics - but they wanted to replace him with a catholic monarch whose regime would have persecuted protestants.
The most likely result if the plotters had succeeded in decapitating parliament would have been a short but extremely bloody civil war which an enraged protestant majority would have won, followed by a pogrom against Roman Catholics. As is so often the case, those who suffered worst from the act of terrorism which Robert Catesby and Guido Fawkes attempted to perpetrate would have been the very people they thought they were trying to help.
Those who use his image to represent freedom fighters and heroic rebels are promoting a myth which bears little resemblance to the facts of history.
Gunpowder, Treason and Plot,
I see no reason why gunpowder treason
should ever be forgot."
In an age when establishments of whatever kind are unpopular it is perhaps not surprising that the most famous of a gang of plotters who once attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament should have been reinvented in popular culture as a kind of heroic rebel.
Yet the last thing that Robert Catesby, (the real leader of the gunpowder plotters,) Guido Fawkes and the remainder of the conspirators of November 1605 wanted was a Britain in which the majority of the people would have had the freedom to choose their own religion, or any other kind of freedom.
Far from being freedom fighters the plotters were classic religious fundamentalist terrorists - the Osama Bin Laden and Abu Bakr al Baghdadi of the seventeenth century.
They perceived the first king of the United Kingdom, James the Sixth of Scotland and First of England, as a tyrant who persecuted Roman Catholics - but they wanted to replace him with a catholic monarch whose regime would have persecuted protestants.
The most likely result if the plotters had succeeded in decapitating parliament would have been a short but extremely bloody civil war which an enraged protestant majority would have won, followed by a pogrom against Roman Catholics. As is so often the case, those who suffered worst from the act of terrorism which Robert Catesby and Guido Fawkes attempted to perpetrate would have been the very people they thought they were trying to help.
Bonfire night is not a celebration of Fawkes and his fellow plotters but of the fact that they were caught and the atrocity they plotted was prevented.
Gridlock in Whitehaven
Tangier Street in Whitehaven is currently closed for works as part of the North Shore improvement project.
When this project, being implemented by Cumbria County Council with support from a central government grant of taxpayer's money, is complete it should make travel in the North and centre of Whitehaven easier. At the moment, obviously, the necessary work is making things difficult.
Large areas of Whitehaven town centre were practically gridlocked with stationary traffic for a significant part of the "rush hour" yesterday evening, particularly in the Strand Street area. If you have to drive through that part of town in the next few days, please allow extra time.
When this project, being implemented by Cumbria County Council with support from a central government grant of taxpayer's money, is complete it should make travel in the North and centre of Whitehaven easier. At the moment, obviously, the necessary work is making things difficult.
Large areas of Whitehaven town centre were practically gridlocked with stationary traffic for a significant part of the "rush hour" yesterday evening, particularly in the Strand Street area. If you have to drive through that part of town in the next few days, please allow extra time.
Independent Study backs Conservative plans for higher National Living Wage
The government has been cleared to implement the increase in the national living wage proposed by the Conservatives by an independent study commissioned by the Treasury, which concluded that a higher rate would have little impact on jobs.
The review, ordered by Philip Hammond when he was chancellor, studied evidence from Britain, America and Europe.
Its findings support the government’s plan to raise the living wage to £10.50 an hour by 2024 and reduce the age threshold from 25 to 21.
The review, ordered by Philip Hammond when he was chancellor, studied evidence from Britain, America and Europe.
Its findings support the government’s plan to raise the living wage to £10.50 an hour by 2024 and reduce the age threshold from 25 to 21.
Quote of the day 5th November
"Scottish Labour deserves electoral oblivion after Corbyn's cynical embrace of the SNP"
(Title of article in the Telegraph by former Scottish Labour MP Tom Harris which if you are registered to read telegraph articles you can read here - it's behind a paywall.)
Tom Harris
Monday, November 04, 2019
Pensions and benefits to rise
|
|
Quotes of the day 4th November 2019
(The painting which illustrates the Syndey Harris quote is by Tito Salomoni.
A book of the author's illustrations with quotes which inspired them has two similar quotes on opposite pages. On one side is the illustration above and the Sydney Harris quote
"The real danger is not that computers will begin to think like men but that men will begin to think like computers."
On the opposite page is the author's painting "The Complete Circuit" and the quote from Erich Fromm:
"The danger of the past was that men became slaves. The danger of the future is that men may become robots.")
Sunday, November 03, 2019
An end to fracking
In light of the latest scientific evidence, we have announced an immediate halt to all fracking activities in England, putting the safety of local communities first.
- We have always said that we will be guided by the latest scientific evidence on fracking, and will never do anything that puts local communities at risk.
- In light of a new report from the independent regulator, we have announced an immediate moratorium meaning that no more fracking will take place in England.
- The Conservatives took action to ban fracking as soon as scientific evidence suggesting that this is the safest course of action became available. On 2 November 2019, the Oil and Gas Authority released a new report showing it is not possible to accurately predict the possibility or magnitude of earthquakes linked to fracking operations. We banned fracking on the same day (See BEIS press release, 2nd November, here)
- We will continue to reduce the UK’s reliance on dirtier fossil fuels like coal, boosting renewables to record levels and introducing world-leading legislation that means the UK’s contribution to global warming will end by 2050, leaving our precious planet in a better condition for the next generation.
Sean for Shap
Been out today with Cumbria Conservatives, Penrith and the Border Conservatives and several volunteers from other parts of the North who came to support Sean Quinn, the excellent Conservative candidate in the Shap ward by election for a vacant seat on Eden District Council.
Sean is a great young person who cares about affordability of homes and creating more and higher paid jobs which will give young people in the area a future. He also supports Shap swimming pool and the 106 bus.
Among other things we were delivering a letter from the outgoing councillor, John Owen MBE, explaining to residents why he resigned and supporting Sean to be the new representative for Shap on Eden DC.
We've been getting a positive response and I wish Sean Quinn all the best in the election.
Sean is a great young person who cares about affordability of homes and creating more and higher paid jobs which will give young people in the area a future. He also supports Shap swimming pool and the 106 bus.
Among other things we were delivering a letter from the outgoing councillor, John Owen MBE, explaining to residents why he resigned and supporting Sean to be the new representative for Shap on Eden DC.
We've been getting a positive response and I wish Sean Quinn all the best in the election.
Sunday music spot: "Holy is the true light" - Harris
I was at a briefing at Church House yesterday.
The meeting was held in the beautiful assembly hall which the Church of England general synod uses. An inscription runs round the walls, just below the ceiling, which reads
"Holy is the true light, and passing wonderful,
Lending radiance to them that endured in the heat of the conflict.
From Christ they inherit a home of unfading splendour,
Wherein they rejoice with gladness evermore,
Hallelujah."
I was reminded of the beautiful music to which William Harris set those words.
In the recording below that music is sung by the choir of St Stephens, Canterbury
The meeting was held in the beautiful assembly hall which the Church of England general synod uses. An inscription runs round the walls, just below the ceiling, which reads
"Holy is the true light, and passing wonderful,
Lending radiance to them that endured in the heat of the conflict.
From Christ they inherit a home of unfading splendour,
Wherein they rejoice with gladness evermore,
Hallelujah."
I was reminded of the beautiful music to which William Harris set those words.
In the recording below that music is sung by the choir of St Stephens, Canterbury
Quote of the day 3rd December 2019
“I want rich people. The top one per cent pay 30 per cent of income tax – it’s a great thing.
“I want rich people to pay loads of tax. I want them to be contributing to our society. I don’t want them driven out of Britain.
“I don’t want anyone who is aspirational and starts their own business to be persecuted. It’s crazy stuff.”
(Prime Minister Boris Johnson, making the point in a newspaper interview in the Express that the way to get most tax revenue for the NHS and schools from rich people is to have a progressive tax system which asks rich people to pay their fair share of tax without trying to take their whole fortunes away from them.)
“I want rich people to pay loads of tax. I want them to be contributing to our society. I don’t want them driven out of Britain.
“I don’t want anyone who is aspirational and starts their own business to be persecuted. It’s crazy stuff.”
(Prime Minister Boris Johnson, making the point in a newspaper interview in the Express that the way to get most tax revenue for the NHS and schools from rich people is to have a progressive tax system which asks rich people to pay their fair share of tax without trying to take their whole fortunes away from them.)
A message to supporters of the Conservative party
|
|
|
|
Saturday, November 02, 2019
The Stronger Towns Fund
The Conservatives are helping 100 towns access extra funding so we can level up opportunities across the country and ensure each town looks towards the future with renewed optimism.
- We are committed to levelling up all parts of the country, which is why we created the £3.6 billion Towns Fund to help businesses grow, connect communities and give people the skills they need to succeed in towns across the country.
- This week we’re helping those towns access their share of £25 million through a prospectus which will give them the information and ideas they need to come up with unique ideas that work for their town.
- By providing towns with the investment and the impetus for long-term renewal, we will deliver the change people voted for ensuring that prosperity and opportunities are available to everyone in this country not just not just those in London or our biggest cities.
November meeting of Cumbria County Council
The November 2019 meeting of Cumbria County Council will be held at 10am on Thursday 7th November in the Council Chamber at County Hall in Kendal.
The meeting will be open to the public.
The full agenda and supporting papers are all available on the County Council website here.
Key items include
7. Minutes of the Cabinet:
The minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 19 September and 17 October
8. Questions
To consider questions from Councillors, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No 11.2 to 11.5 to the Leader, a Member of the Executive or the Chair of any Committee.
9. TREASURY MANAGEMENT HALF YEAR STRATEGY REVIEW 2019/20
To consider a report from the Deputy Leader of the Council (copy enclosed)
10. YOUTH JUSTICE STRATEGY 2019/20
To consider a report from the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
11. CONSTITUTION REVIEW GROUP UPDATE PDF 120 KB
To consider a report from the Leader of the Council
12. SCRUTINY ADVISORY BOARD - CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
To consider a report from the Monitoring Officer
13. SCRUTINY MANAGEMENT UPDATE
To receive a report from the Chair of Scrutiny Management Board
14. URGENCY PROVISIONS
To consider a report from the Leader of the Council
15. Notice of Motions
Councillor Ben Shirley will move:-
"That Cumbria County Council ask officers to investigate the possibility of reworking the concessionary bus travel scheme to include some of the so-called WASPI generation of women – that is, women born in the 1950s whose state pension age has been increased."
The meeting will be open to the public.
The full agenda and supporting papers are all available on the County Council website here.
Key items include
7. Minutes of the Cabinet:
The minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 19 September and 17 October
8. Questions
To consider questions from Councillors, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No 11.2 to 11.5 to the Leader, a Member of the Executive or the Chair of any Committee.
9. TREASURY MANAGEMENT HALF YEAR STRATEGY REVIEW 2019/20
To consider a report from the Deputy Leader of the Council (copy enclosed)
10. YOUTH JUSTICE STRATEGY 2019/20
To consider a report from the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
11. CONSTITUTION REVIEW GROUP UPDATE PDF 120 KB
To consider a report from the Leader of the Council
12. SCRUTINY ADVISORY BOARD - CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
To consider a report from the Monitoring Officer
13. SCRUTINY MANAGEMENT UPDATE
To receive a report from the Chair of Scrutiny Management Board
14. URGENCY PROVISIONS
To consider a report from the Leader of the Council
15. Notice of Motions
Councillor Ben Shirley will move:-
"That Cumbria County Council ask officers to investigate the possibility of reworking the concessionary bus travel scheme to include some of the so-called WASPI generation of women – that is, women born in the 1950s whose state pension age has been increased."
Backing Our NHS
On Thursday, the Prime Minister visited hospitals underlining our commitment to the NHS; a vote for the Conservatives means getting Brexit done so we can invest in frontline services.
- This week, the Conservative government announced the 78 hospital trusts that will receive state-of-the-art MRI, CT and mammography screening machines, so our brilliant NHS staff have the tools they need to quickly diagnose cancer and boost survival rates.
- North Cumbria's hospitals will benefit: these include the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (listed under the pre-merger name of the former acute hospitals trust.)
- Last week, we successfully negotiated a deal so that NHS England can offer three life-saving cystic fibrosis medicines, transforming the lives of thousands of people with this disease.
- We have also backed the NHS with an extra £33.9 billion a year by 2023-24, given the green light to 40 new hospitals schemes, and confirmed 20 hospital upgrades across the country.
Friday, November 01, 2019
West Cumbria Mining gets the go-ahead
Great news for West Cumbria as the government announces that the West Cumbria Mining application, unanimously approved earlier this week by councillors of all parties on Cumbria County Council's Development Control committee and ratified again yesterday, will not be called in.
This means that the development of a mine to extract metallurgical coal for the steel industry can go ahead, providing 500 badly needed jobs in Copeland.
This is about getting coking coal which is needed to produce steel locally in Britain rather than strip-mining it in the USA and shipping it over the Atlantic. This is NOT about coal to burn for energy, and indeed, because the coal will be sourced locally rather than carried a significant proportion of the way round the world, it will have a LOWER carbon footprint.
If Lib/Dem MP Tim Farron, who tried to get the mine "called in" and stopped, does not understand this then he doesn't listen to his own local Lib/Dem county councillors, including the chairman of the committee, who all voted for the application and could have explained to him why it should go ahead.
Copeland's Conservative MP Trudy Harrison said
“Coking coal is essential for the steel industry and this has been rightly recognised.”
POSTSCRIPT 3RD NOVEMBER
I want to add to the above post that when the County Council's development control committee discussed the West Cumbria Mining application on Thursday 31st October and ratified their decision to support the grant of planning permission for the mine, they did so on the following basis:
1) That there would be an addendum to the original wording in respect of the Section 106 agreement adding an obligation on West Cumbria Mining to pay for improvements to the St Bees Road/Mirehouse Road junction.
2) The conditions under which planning permission should be granted from the original committee report (there were a hundred of them) still stand.
The report to the committee meeting on 31st October, which anyone can read on the County Council website here, proposes that the original planning condition stand, with the following additional text about the road junction:
"We have also taken the opportunity to propose adding an obligation to the S106 Agreement for a financial contribution to the Council to ensure that works to the access with the junction with the public highway and necessary improvements to the Mirehouse Road / St Bees Road junction are carried out.
The works are necessary to ensure the safe access and egress to the site and at the Mirehouse Road / St Bees Road junction and this has been agreed with West Cumbria Mining."
This was agreed by the committee on Thursday.
Saturday Chataway tomorrow
Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland will meet with residents for ‘Saturday Chataway’ in Egremont, tomorrows (Saturday, November 2nd 2019).
Councillors and locally elected members will join Trudy Harrison MP at Egremont Methodist Church Hall to speak with constituents, listen to their concerns and suggestions and assist with any issues.
Each month, these coffee morning style surgeries raise money for a much valued local organisation or charity.
The event will be held from 9am to 12 noon. Refreshments will be available.
Councillors and locally elected members will join Trudy Harrison MP at Egremont Methodist Church Hall to speak with constituents, listen to their concerns and suggestions and assist with any issues.
Each month, these coffee morning style surgeries raise money for a much valued local organisation or charity.
The event will be held from 9am to 12 noon. Refreshments will be available.
Many a true word
The "NewsThump" satirical site has a post
"Nigel Farage announces plan to ensure the Leave vote is completely split."
It suggests that "The Brexit Party will stand in all parliamentary seats at the forthcoming election to ensure the Leave vote is split and Brexit doesn’t actually happen, they have confirmed this morning."
and adds that party leader Nigel Farage told party members that
“If the UK were ever to actually leave the EU, then the publicity and grievance-money which I love so much would dry up completely,”
adding
“I’ve had a solid twenty years on the rebel gravy train and I’m damned if I’m going to let Boris Johnson ruin that now by getting me what I say I want."
Sometimes telling the difference between truth and satire can be quite difficult.
UPDATE
This is what Tom Peck of the Independent wrote about the Brexit party campaign launch illustrating the point about how hard it can be to tell mainstream journalism from satire:
Of course, nobody knows exactly what the impact of the Brexit party standing will be.
However, there are a certain cohort of voters who have in the past been strongly Labour but are strongly pro-Leave and don't like Labour's attempts to sabotage Brexit. Some of those voters could never bring themselves to vote Conservative but might consider voting for the Brexit party.
If the Brexit party detach more Leave voters of that kind from the Labour party, especially in marginal seats, than the number of voters they detach from the Conservatives in those seats, the result could be to help, not hinder, the Conservatives.
There are two articles suggesting how this possibility could work, a humorous sketch from Tom Peck here and a serious one from Jon Stone here on The Independent's website.
We live in interesting times!
"Nigel Farage announces plan to ensure the Leave vote is completely split."
It suggests that "The Brexit Party will stand in all parliamentary seats at the forthcoming election to ensure the Leave vote is split and Brexit doesn’t actually happen, they have confirmed this morning."
and adds that party leader Nigel Farage told party members that
“If the UK were ever to actually leave the EU, then the publicity and grievance-money which I love so much would dry up completely,”
adding
“I’ve had a solid twenty years on the rebel gravy train and I’m damned if I’m going to let Boris Johnson ruin that now by getting me what I say I want."
Sometimes telling the difference between truth and satire can be quite difficult.
UPDATE
This is what Tom Peck of the Independent wrote about the Brexit party campaign launch illustrating the point about how hard it can be to tell mainstream journalism from satire:
Of course, nobody knows exactly what the impact of the Brexit party standing will be.
Received wisdom from many journalists is that they may split the Brexit vote and perversely help stop Brexit.
If the Brexit party take more votes from the Conservatives than Labour they could indeed let Jeremy Corbyn into Downing Street and prevent Britain leaving the EU. And the Brexit party does appear to have had such an impact in the Peterborough and the Brecon and Radnorshire by-elections, handing the seats respectively to Remain candidates from the Labour and Lib/Dem parties.
If the Brexit party detach more Leave voters of that kind from the Labour party, especially in marginal seats, than the number of voters they detach from the Conservatives in those seats, the result could be to help, not hinder, the Conservatives.
There are two articles suggesting how this possibility could work, a humorous sketch from Tom Peck here and a serious one from Jon Stone here on The Independent's website.
We live in interesting times!
An election for Life, not for Christmas
Every time there is an election, the politicians and pundits always say how important this current election is, often producing clichés like "the most important election since the war" or "the most pivotal election of this century."
This one really is pivotal. If Boris Johnson gets a majority, Brexit will finally happen on the terms set put in the deal. We can then start moving forward.
If Boris does not get a majority, we are almost certainly looking at a government led by Jeremy Corbyn who would be the most left-wing PM the country has ever had. Whether you are one of his devoted fan club or believe that he would do immense damage to the UK, the one thing that we can all agree on is that a Corbyn government would be a very radical change.
There is of course a third option in the Liberal "Democrats" and I put the second word of their name in inverted commas because any party which comes out with some of the contortions in respect of their attitudes to referenda which have emerged from the Lib/Dems under their present leader has a very questionable right to describe themselves as democrats. At one point they were calling for another EU referendum and yet saying that if it produced another "leave" vote they would ignore the result and continue to back remaining in the EU: now they are saying that they would prefer to simply cancel the 2016 referendum.
If the trade descriptions act applied to politicians the Liberal "Democrats" would be successfully sued for supporting such policies while operating under their present name. They will do well in some heavily Remain areas of the country but they are most unlikely to come first in seats or votes with a policy which quite literally, if you will excuse my quoting their bad language, says "bollocks" to the majority of 2016 voters and a majority of the constituencies in the country.
There is a very good article by Daniel Johnson here on The Article site called
"This election is for life, not just for Christmas"
After running through what the parties offer he concludes
"Not all elections matter, but this one really will. Our choices will determine what kind of country we want to live in for generations to come. We should ignore politicians bearing gifts. This election is for life, not just for Christmas."
Daniel Johnson also has another interesting article here which suggests that Nigel Farage's question to Donald Trump which provoked an attack on Jeremy Corbyn from the President of the United States was actually designed to help Corbyn.
I am 100% convinced that Daniel is right on that point.
Whether Trump knew what he was doing or not, Farage knows that voters do not like being told what to do by the leader of another country, even an ally. The Brexit party leader and the cabal around him have certainly put out enough attack tweets criticising foreign leaders like Obama, Merkel and Tusk for "interfering" in British politics to prove that he gets this point.
This was a stunt intended to help Labour under the guise of attacking them as part of some foolish partisan game. Sadly it probably won't be the last such stunt of the forthcoming election campaign.
This one really is pivotal. If Boris Johnson gets a majority, Brexit will finally happen on the terms set put in the deal. We can then start moving forward.
If Boris does not get a majority, we are almost certainly looking at a government led by Jeremy Corbyn who would be the most left-wing PM the country has ever had. Whether you are one of his devoted fan club or believe that he would do immense damage to the UK, the one thing that we can all agree on is that a Corbyn government would be a very radical change.
There is of course a third option in the Liberal "Democrats" and I put the second word of their name in inverted commas because any party which comes out with some of the contortions in respect of their attitudes to referenda which have emerged from the Lib/Dems under their present leader has a very questionable right to describe themselves as democrats. At one point they were calling for another EU referendum and yet saying that if it produced another "leave" vote they would ignore the result and continue to back remaining in the EU: now they are saying that they would prefer to simply cancel the 2016 referendum.
If the trade descriptions act applied to politicians the Liberal "Democrats" would be successfully sued for supporting such policies while operating under their present name. They will do well in some heavily Remain areas of the country but they are most unlikely to come first in seats or votes with a policy which quite literally, if you will excuse my quoting their bad language, says "bollocks" to the majority of 2016 voters and a majority of the constituencies in the country.
There is a very good article by Daniel Johnson here on The Article site called
"This election is for life, not just for Christmas"
After running through what the parties offer he concludes
"Not all elections matter, but this one really will. Our choices will determine what kind of country we want to live in for generations to come. We should ignore politicians bearing gifts. This election is for life, not just for Christmas."
Daniel Johnson also has another interesting article here which suggests that Nigel Farage's question to Donald Trump which provoked an attack on Jeremy Corbyn from the President of the United States was actually designed to help Corbyn.
I am 100% convinced that Daniel is right on that point.
Whether Trump knew what he was doing or not, Farage knows that voters do not like being told what to do by the leader of another country, even an ally. The Brexit party leader and the cabal around him have certainly put out enough attack tweets criticising foreign leaders like Obama, Merkel and Tusk for "interfering" in British politics to prove that he gets this point.
This was a stunt intended to help Labour under the guise of attacking them as part of some foolish partisan game. Sadly it probably won't be the last such stunt of the forthcoming election campaign.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)