Chris Whiteside's Blog

“I am never satisfied that I have handled a subject properly till I have contradicted myself at least three times,”  ( John Ruskin , quoted in an Economist article last week. which can be read in full here if you are registered with their website. The conclusion to the article, suggesting that the most important thing modern Britain can learn from John Ruskin is the importance of eclecticism, is also worth quoting and reads as follows: "One of the dangers facing Britain is that, after dividing into warring political tribes over Brexit, it will split again over the future of capitalism. The only way to bring the country back together and tackle its manifold social and economic problems is to adopt a Ruskinian approach, and ransack every tradition—conservative, liberal and socialist—for good ideas." )

This week the Conservative government has struck £250 million of housing deals which will deliver 24,500 homes across the country, helping to make the housing market work for everyone. Key facts: The government is investing £157 million of taxpayers' money in infrastructure, such as building roads and ensuring there is natural green space alongside new developments.  10,000 homes will be built on Ministry of Defence land on seven military bases across the country, with the potential of more to come.  By investing in infrastructure, freeing up public sector land and offering targeted loans we are making the housing market work.

"No doubt the legend of his life will grow in the telling, but he was in fact often held in disdain by his political party, he was often defeated, he was often wrong. Certainly but generously wrong about the abdication of Edward VIII, probably wrong over India, possibly wrong over the Dardanelles. He was a lovable fallible man. If the taxi that injured him so gravely in New York in 1931 had killed him, his life would ‘have been written as one of promise unfilled, one of the many that stopped short of greatness. But he lived to keep his tryst with destiny in 1940. Nothing else weighs in the scale against that one colossal contribution to the cause of freedom everywhere. And again it must be proclaimed. We live as free men, we speak as free men, we walk as free men because a man called Winston Churchill lived. Of no other man since time began can that be said. And, as we waited and prayed, there was nothing more to be said." (Conclusion of a Spectator article about Wins...

“I think my grandfather’s reputation can withstand a publicity-seeking assault from a third-rate, Poundland Lenin. I don’t think it will shake the world.”  ( Nicholas Soames MP , grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, on shadow Chancellor John McDonnell characterising Churchill as a villain.)

Not best pleased when I arrived home from the council meeting to see that the European Research Group in parliament have been undermining not just the Prime Minister but Britain's negotiating position in Europe. As Liam Fox put it, “Our European partners will be watching our debate and listening today to see if they get the impression that if they were to make those concessions Parliament would definitely deliver. There's a danger that we send the wrong signals.” The European Union is less likely to bother offering concessions to Britain on the "backstop" or any other aspect of the proposed Withdrawal Agreement to avoid a "No deal" Brexit if they think Prime Minister is still not going to be able to get any revised deal through the House of Commons. Five Conservative MPs who voted against the government today - four pro-Brexit ultras and one pro-Remain ultra - and about fifty who abstained, mostly pro-Brexit hardliners, and caused the government to ...

J.S. Bach's Cantata 208 includes this lovely and restful piece, the German lyrics of which are usually translated into English as " Flocks in pastures green abiding " but also sometimes, as in this version sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, as " Sheep may safely graze. "

Every time Cumbria County Council has met since my election to that body in May 2017 I have asked a question about the A595. This is my personal "Cartago Delenda Est:" the ancient Roman statesman Cato said those words every time he spoke in the Senate to remind the Romans of the threat posed by Carthage.  I have taken a leaf from Cato's book and make a point of reminding the county council at every meeting of how important it is to the people of West Cumbria it is to improve that road. Here is the question I asked today to the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Cllr Keith Little. "Will the portfolio holder  join me in welcoming the massive and positive response to the A595 Whitehaven Relief Road consultation, to which there were more than 800 replies, and,  agree with me that, following today's excellent news that the North of the county is getting much needed investment in the Carlisle relief road, this council's priorities should include working wi...

The budget meeting of Cumbria County Council took place in Kendal today. The Lib/Dems and Labour forced through a budget which imposes on Cumbria's hard pressed taxpayers a 3.99% iucrease in the County Council element of their council tax bill (including the 2% surcharge to support the costs of Adult Social Care.) All Conservative county councillors and two of the independents voted against this budget. Here are two quotes from the James Airey, the Conservative leader on Cumbria County Council:

The Cairncross Review has published its final report , with recommendations on how to ensure the future sustainability of the UK press, helping to preserve our democracy. Key facts : The independent review undertaken by Dame Frances Cairncross was tasked by the Prime Minister with investigating the sustainability of the production and distribution of accurate news and high-quality journalism in the face of changing technology and rising levels of "fake news."  The recommendations include measures to tackle the uneven balance of power between news publishers and online platforms. It also recommends forms of tax relief for the provision of local and investigative journalism and a new Institute for Public Interest News.  The government will now consider all recommendations in more detail – engaging with the Competition and Markets Authority, Ofcom and the Chair of the Charity Commission.  Why this matters : Democracy needs high quality journalism to thrive. This ...

I have heard this evening the sad news that Jane McInnes who has worked in the Conservative Party's north West office in Salford for thirty years has died. Jane was always cheerful kind and helpful and she will be missed by many people. Rest in Peace.

Five bills received royal assent today and will become law. In particular The Voyeurism (Offences) (No.2) Bill, known colloquially as the Upskirting Bill, received Royal Assent today (12 February 2019). It becomes the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019 and will come into force on 12 April 2019. What is the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019? The act adds two new offences to the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to cover the practice known colloquially as ‘upskirting’. The new offences apply in instances when: Without consent, an individual operates equipment or records an image beneath a person's clothing to observe their genitalia or buttocks, whether covered or uncovered by underwear garments  The offender has a motive of either obtaining sexual gratification or causing humiliation, distress or alarm to the victim.  The Act also ensures that the most serious offenders, where the purpose of the offence is for sexual gratification, are made subject to notification requirements (often...

"Our changes to Universal Credit mean more people get more support, helping them into work and off benefits.  We made these - extending advances, cutting waiting times - because there were issues with the initial roll-out of UC. I‘ve been clear about this since I took over at DWP." ( Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP, Secretary of State at the Department of Work and Pensions, on the changes being made to Universal Credit/)

Four quotes from the greatest ever US president, born 210 years ago today.

Last week's comments by the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk continue to reverberate. There are two aspects to what he said. Had it been expressed in more reasonable and less inflammatory language, the point made would have had some merit and indeed, was saying nothing I did not myself write here during the referendum campaign. However, consigning people to hell because you do not agree with their tactical decisions about how much detail to give of their vision and plans during a referendum campaign is divisive and unconstructive at best. Doing so at a critical stage of the Brexit negotiations and when there is a desperate need to find a deal which can both satisfy the EU and the House of Commons was counter- productive and unhelpful in the extreme. I wasn't present at the CCC cabinet meeting when the leader of the County Council, councillor Stewart Young who is supposed to be a political representative of a county which voted overwhelmingly to leave, appe...

New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that productivity has grown across most regions of the UK since 2010, as the Conservative government's balanced approach to the economy helps to improve living standards across the country. Key facts: Productivity increased for most regions between 2010 and 2017, with the largest improvement in Lancashire.  Productivity also increased in most local enterprise partnership (LEP) areas. LEPs were set up in 2011 to lead local lead economic growth and job creation. The highest growth in economic output occurred in Coventry and Warwickshire.  Why this matters:  Slow growth in productivity has been one of the biggest factors holding Britain back under governments of whatever colour. Improving productivity is  key to ensuring Britain can afford higher living standards, secure pensions and better public services. Conservatives are committed to delivering good jobs and growth across the whole country t...

On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the School Standards Minister has called on teachers, parents and society in general to challenge and dispel misconceptions some girls have about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Key facts: New data published for the first time today by the Department for Education shows school girls in England are substantially less likely than boys to consider taking STEM subjects at A Level than boys.  Britain has made considerable progress in increasing girls’ participation in STEM subjects since 2010, with the proportion of girls taking STEM A Levels and the number of women being accepted onto full-time STEM undergraduate courses both increasing by a quarter.  The new research, however, shows that certain misconceptions are still prevalent, and we all have a part to play, including parents and teachers, to dispel misconceptions about STEM subjects and help encourage our scientists of future gen...

The Work and Pensions Secretary has announced that directors who recklessly put workers’ pensions at risk will face up to seven years in prison or unlimited fines.  This will give an incentive to all who are responsible for running a company with a pension scheme to make sure they protect workers and ensure there is a reward for those who have done the right thing by saving. Key facts: A new criminal offence of ‘wilful or reckless behaviour’ in relation to pensions will be introduced under the proposals to crack down on abuse of final or average salary schemes.  For too long the reckless few playing fast and loose with people’s futures have got away scot-free. Workers who have done the right thing and saved for retirement, confident their investments were safe, are left facing a leaner later life.  These plans are included in the Government’s response to a consultation on enhancing the pensions regulator’s powers.  Why this matters:  We are wor...

Tomorrow, the Brexit Secretary will meet with Michel Barnier to discuss how to secure legally binding changes to the Withdrawal Agreement, addressing concerns about the backstop while guaranteeing no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. Key facts: The government's objective is to find a way to guarantee we cannot, and will not, be trapped in the backstop.  The British government is open to different ways to achieve this – but are clear it must be legally binding.  In Downing Street, the Prime Minister will continue talks with EU 27 leaders following her engagement in Brussels, Northern Ireland and Ireland this week.  Working groups will continue to develop a package of measures that can command support in Parliament.   The EU shares the view of the majority of Parliament that it would be best for everyone if Britain leaves  the with a deal – we must show determination and do what it takes to now get the deal over the line.

I agree with Liz.

There is overwhelming evidence that the majority of vaccination programmes have between them saved millions of people from premature death, improved the quality of life for millions more and massively improved public health. A healthy democracy needs to be able to have robust debate about the effectiveness of vaccination programmes like any other aspect of health policy. There are particular patients who may have an adverse reaction to specific vaccinations; they are usually a small minority but they do exist. Anyone who has concerns about the safety of vaccination can and should discuss those concerns with their doctor. It is however, important to recognise that vaccination programmes are one of the main reasons that infant and child mortality was massively reduced in Britain in the 20th century. For example, five diseases in particular - pneumonia, tuberculosis, diphtheria, measles and whooping cough - between them used to kill in infancy more than a quarter of babies born...

The Home Secretary has appointed Professor Dame Carol Black to lead a major review that will look into the ways in which drugs are fuelling serious violence. Key facts: The wide-ranging review will look at who drug users are, what they are taking, and how often to build the most in-depth and comprehensive picture of this issue to date.   The review – which will build on existing Government strategies to combat drugs, serious violence and serious and organised crime – will examine the harm that drugs cause and the best ways to prevent drug-taking.    Dame Carol Black, the Principal of Newnham College, Cambridge, who has previously provided expert advice to the Government on the impact of drug addiction will bring independence, integrity and a strong focus to the review. Why this matters :   We know the sale and use of drugs is driving serious violence. This review will give us a greater understanding of t...

“Socialism has long sought to create a heaven on earth but an even older philosophy pointed out that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” ( Thomas Sowell , American economist)

I do not tend to change my mind lightly or easily, Perhaps I do not change it often enough. But today Sir Christopher Chope, the MP for Christchurch, changed my mind with one word. He changed my mind about parliamentary procedures by shouting the word "Object" and thereby blocking the Children Act 1989 (Amendment) (Female Genital Mutilation) Bill from proceeding at second reading. The bill was a one-line amendment to the Children's Act which would add a child being thought to be at risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) to the legal grounds on which a Family Court can take action, up to and including a care order, to protect a child. This bill had been proposed by a crossbench peer and had almost universal cross-party support including from the government. Home secretary Sajid Javid's responded on twitter  to Sir Christopher's action by saying that he was "Very disappointed by this. FGM is child abuse. I am determined to stamp out this despicable and...

A landslip between Whitehaven (Bransty) and Workington stations has caused severe disruption to all trains between Carlisle and Barrow on the West Cumbrian coastal line. Some trains were cancelled earlier today and replacement buses organised. Trains are now running again but have to reduce speed to 5mph in the Harrington area where the landslip occurred, causing delays of up to an hour. Disruption may continue into tomorrow (Saturday 9th February 2019.) More details on the News and Star website here .