Brown playing for time in Lisbon treaty deal

Gordon’s re packaging of old policies has given him a bounce in the latest opinion polls despite the fact that there’s no financial substance to the building Britain manifesto. With one eye on the polls you think he’d be quivering like a whippet in the traps at Hackney to get out and push the election button, but he’s poured cold water on that idea. I wonder why? Well we all know. The Irish will have a re run of the NO vote in the hope that this time they come up with a YES vote. Since when has No meant Yes or indeed not meant NO.

So the Irish will have another referendum in October, that’s not a good time for Gordo to have a GE as the Conservatives have promised a referendum on the Lisbon treaty if it hasn’t been ratified. The longer Gordo can hold off calling the Election the more chance he has of ratifying the treaty. Most EU leaders want the treaty ratified by the end of the year.

Most EU member states have ratified the treaty, but the Eurosceptic presidents of the Czech Republic and Poland have not yet signed it, saying they will wait for the decision of Irish voters. The second Irish referendum is expected to happen in early October.

The treaty’s opponents argue that it is just the defunct EU Constitution repackaged, and say it will undermine national sovereignty. The constitution was rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005.

Officials in Germany’s ruling coalition said parliament would vote on the legislation demanded by the court before Germany’s general election on 27 September.

German media say the judges want it spelled out in law that parliament will have to vote on any changes to the Lisbon Treaty, or any expansion of EU competencies that impacts on German sovereignty.

Ireland’s EU commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, has said the Lisbon Treaty would have been rejected in most EU countries if they had held referendums like in Ireland.

“I think all of the politicians of Europe would have known quite well that if a similar question had been put to their electorate in a referendum the answer in 95 percent of countries would have been ‘No’ as well,” he told a meeting of accountants in Dublin on Friday.

He said EU heads of state were “glad they didn’t have to put the question themselves to their people”.

But we as Conservatives want the chance to put that very question to the people. Have your say now – go to my on line Survey and let me know your thoughts on the election date, European issues and more.

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2jfmdo9fwl8mnij/start

Honey didn’t make it, Political Vacuum, Expense scandal, Cross party dithering…. pathetic.

Back from Silverstone, having had a wonderful few days, to the sad news that Honey our 6 yr old Labrador had died. We are all devastated and whilst I was whooping it up at Silverstone my wife, my rock and my best friend Sue was having to go through the trauma of making Honey as comfortable as possible knowing that she was slipping away. Thank you Sue – you are a true Angel. So Barty’s without his pal – here’s a pic – Honey is on the right.

Honey and Barty

But we can’t look back – look forward and plenty to look forward to – Lisa our daughter is Gala Queen and whilst we are subdued this week the excitement of fulfilling this prestigious role will mount. Sunshine and summer holidays are just around the corner. Things can only get better.

So Back to Politics and a busy week canvassing in Bowden, Stow and Melrose this week, pressing the flesh, getting the face about and preparing for that Election, the one Mr Brown doesn’t want.

I sent a Tweet yesterday on the back of a cracking article in the Times

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/rachel_sylvester/article6557730.ece

It mirrors the exact sentiment that I have found on the doorstep tonight. Everyone’s crying out for change except the MP’s. Is the expense scandal simply going to be swept under the carpet? So every candidate for speaker had an expenses or home flipping issue in which they had purposely tried to dodge capital gains tax or slip through personal, non political expenses. So much for a fresh start.

David Cameron came out guns blazing a few weeks ago, promising the world, promising to pay the money back, promising to come down hard on MP’s who had dodged the tax, bent the rules, feathered the nest. Had you or I decided to fiddle the VAT, send in less PAYE / Nat ins contributions than was actually due or commit fraud within our own business then we’ have the police, the vat man, the tax man and every tom, dick and harry round to cart us off to jail. I might just hang onto to my VAT chq for a while longer this time and see what happens – Alistair Darling should not be holding the office of Chancellor with an expenses record as he has.

So Cameron fired into the team upsetting a lot it appears as he forces MP’s to repay – excellent article below from the Guardian

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/jun/25/conservative-mps-expenses-david-cameron

When on earth is Brown going to tackle this immoral issue? He’s back in the bunker wondering what to do next? David Cameron has taken a strong lead on this issue, my disappointment with the remainder in the elected house is that they appear to be dithering again. The public will not let this rest until we see a prosecution in the same way that you or I would face. Mr Speaker – it’s down to you – swift and decisive.

Benedict Brogan wrote in the Telegraph yesterday:
“A parliament of professional politicians, think tank dwellers and Westminster hanger ons must produce ministers from the same class, free of any relevant experience, be it the law, banking, business, health, farming, the military or even the circus.”

I’ll put my hand up – I’m not from the political vacuum, internal politics, cross party bun fights, towing the party line – these irrelevant issues do not fill my every waking thought, nor does dancing to the tune of whips and bullies.

Common sense, a fair and decent society, a respect for each other and a freedom to speak openly about Immigration, religion, Great Britain and a freedom to make a pound or two without being hammered at every twist and turn by the tax man – These are the important issues – quite frankly the whole MPs expenses scandal has been pathetic and we should fire the lot of them. ( But we’ll loose some amazing talent !! A cry from a Labour supporter to me – my response Talent ! – I’d rather have Simon Cowell running the country !)

We have to ensure that we elect balanced, down to earth, family, business driven, outward looking individuals to the Parliament – if we don’t and if we scare them all off Parliament will be left a sterilized place peopled by those too rich to care or too poor to complain and no one in between.

Euro success, Brown holds on, Langlee visit and a family trauma.

It seems a lifetime since I stood over the boxes at the Scottish Borders Council European election count. An efficient procedure, well managed and well run. It will infact be only 2 weeks this Sunday but it’s been hectic in my life one way or the other.

So we managed to win the council region count at the European elections. No complacency, low turnout, increase in the SNP share and UKIP thrown in as a protest vote, not to mention the Greens who did relatively well. So what did it tell us – it was a result of immense importance to our team of dedicated supporters who deliver, stuff and turnout to fight the good fight. It was a motivator and has left victory at Westminster within our grasp.

But despite all the media hype Gordon Brown has survived. Despite the expense scandal, despite the back room rumours Madelson and Campbell managed to stage manage the desk banging in an upstairs committee room at the palace of Westminster. ” I know I have to change” came the humbling cry from a PM wounded and down but not out. Phew… I thought… We want to fight Gordon Brown at the next election. The Master must be defeated – for those of you who remember the mater in DR Who !!

Here’s the BBC’s very handy full list of all the expenses from every party – a true testament to greed, deceit and embezzlement.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8039273.stm

And so back to issues closer to home. Browns Broadband promise will once again see the rural areas of Scotland miss out. Just like the Digtal switchover on which I have moaned on several occasions – The Borders will be left behind – the price we pay for 40 years in the Wilderness in no mans land.

Borders Conservatives have spoken out against the Government’s “Digital Britain” report, which proposes a 50p per month tax on telephone lines in an
attempt to provide rural areas with an internet connection of 2 Mbps, almost half the speed of that in cities such as London.

Chris Walker, local Conservative Westminster Candidate, blasted Gordon Browns plans of a broadband rollout as “another kick in the teeth for rural living”.
Shadow Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “The plans for broadband rollout are disappointing and mean that by 2012 parts of rural Scotland will be
even further behind than those in cities. We need to recognise there is a real problem with the digital divide that will not be addressed until the
Government stimulates large scale investment by the private sector.”

And so on to Langlee – once regarded as the roughest estate in the Borders… not any more, well kept gardens, mown lawns, plenty of green field for the kids, no dug turds, needles or litter in sight. This was a community starting to get to grips with its own demons. Well done to Judith Cleghorn and all the members of the Langlee residents association – a clear demonstration of civic pride, pulling together a will for social interaction. I’ve offered to host a quiz at the Woodcutter in October – more details to follow – but what a great bunch. This is a blue print for community living. Well done

Chris and Judith Cleghorn at Langlee

And finally – family trauma – After the Euro elections – the results of whic you can see on one of the dedicated pages here on the blog – We headed off to the lakes for a few days break staying at the Ladore Falls Hotel ( excellent by the way ). Our 6 year old Labrador Honey suffered liver failure whilst we were away, many thanks to Keswick vet MR Gilbert, she became very yellow and jaundiced although relatively bright but took a steep nose dive south 2 days later and was rushed back up to Scotland to our own local vet Jimmy Moore. Lorna the associate Vet soon got Honey stabilised on a drip and with antibiotics but we still are unsure of the cause or indeed the best form of treatment and the as I write the poor dog remains on critical. Keep your fingers crossed.

So it is with some reservation that I set off to Silverstone for the annual trip to the Formula 1 Grand Prix – a full report next week and an update on the dog.

Take care.

The Gordon Brown show…. This is Prime time never mind Prime Minister

If it wasn’t such a tragedy it would be funny. Taken from the pages of a Shakespearean tragedy Brown must now wondering if his performance is keeping the general public amused as a bumbling Falstaff as opposed to the dark thoughts that possess Macbeth. Exit stage left may not be an option if we are being entertained so well. The best laugh I have had in a long time has been the YouTube below.

Try replacing the names below from Macbeth’s scene I act 4 with – Macbeth = Brown / Duncan = Mandy / Banquo = Milliband / Malcolm = Johnson – et voila our own political tragedy written for today in 1606 – some things never change.

When Macbeth arrives, Duncan thanks him for what he did, saying he can never repay him. Macbeth says he was just doing his duty. Duncan says Macbeth will grow, and Banquo will be close to his heart. Banquo also expresses his loyalty, saying the benefit would be for Duncan. Duncan says he is happy despite troubles, and declares his son Malcolm his successor, making Malcolm a problem in Macbeth’s getting the throne. Duncan decides to go to Macbeth’s castle, and Macbeth goes to tell his wife. Macbeth talks of how he is having dark thoughts about trying to become king. Duncan comments on how great Banquo is and then follows him.

And how did it finish ?  Siward = Ed Balls / Ross = Straw / Young Siward = an unknown back bencher outwith the inner circle / Macduff = Darling

Malcolm wishes no one had to die, but Siward says it is necessary and the cost wasn’t that high for such a good day. Ross tells Siward that Young Siward, who just became a man in fighting, died. He tells him not to have sorrow, though. Siward says he died well then. Macduff hails Malcolm as king holding Macbeth’s head.

Letter to the PM

I’ve written to the PM this morning as I am now so disgusted with the Politcal circus that is running our country – what do you think?

Prime Minister

I watched you on the Andrew Marr programme last Sunday saying that reform was needed before a General election and that the people wanted reform first and that you were getting on with the job.

So I went out onto the streets of Hawick, Selkirk and Melrose in the Scottish Borders yesterday to ask ordinary hard working folk what they wanted.
Firstly do not under estimate the anger on the streets over the appalling expense claim revelations that have tarnished every party. If I had fiddled my business books to the same extent I would have had the Vat man, Taxman and Police down on me like a ton of bricks. I would have been a thief, embezzler and ostracized locally. The police need to come in and audit every single one of you and prosecute where necessary.
But before that there must be a general election and all golden handshakes and severance pay must be suspended until each MP win or loose at the next election is investigated. If they have been caught with their hand in the till then any golden pension payment and severance pay should be null and void. One man said to me yesterday that he wouldn’t care if some of the corrupt MP’s ended up in sleeping bags along the embankment and I agree. Some, not all, have let us down and disgraced themselves.
The majority wants a General Election and the longer you delay giving this to the public the deeper you personal ratings will plummet and the deeper the feeling of despair and frustration throughout our once great nation. I say once great because quite frankly Mr. Brown there’s nothing great about Britain at the moment.
What have you done? We are the laughing stock of the World; it will take generations to restore respect to your office and Parliament.

Please go, please call an election and let the public decide the fate of Parliament and their representatives. You all work for us, please respect that.

Yours sincerely

CHRIS

Live Election results – History in the making

Could we be about to witness the biggest shift in Political history. I’ll be hard at it this week on the doorstep, delivering pledge letters, working a committee room and getting out the vote here in Scotland for the European elections. But – south of the Border the local council elections could wipe Labour off the map with the  IPSOS MORI poll which shows the Conservatives on 40% (-1), Lib Dems on 18% (-4) and Labour … wait for it… on 18% (-10). The worst Michael Foot ever polled was 23.5%.

You can of course keep up to speed with Iain Dale via the above link to play radio with a blow by blow account of the results as they come in. The results from local government and European elections could change the face of modern ay Politics for good. Stay tuned.

Could the Euro elections push Brown to PR deal with the Libs?

Brown considers PR deal with Liberal Democrats to end likelihood of Tories ever governing alone again

“The suggestion put by one political insider is that Brown will present his parting gift to the Labour Party as an electoral system that denies the Conservatives the likelihood of ever governing alone again.”

Read more

A devastating ICM poll for tomorrow’s Sunday Telegraph puts Labour in THIRD place behind the Liberal Democrats:  More click here

The Apprentice, our Euro Advan, more resign over expenses and Theresa May MP visits Kelso

What a week. You would be forgiven if you were unaware of the forthcoming European Election because to be honest there has hardly been any news coverage. Instead page after page, bulletin after bulletin has been filled with yet more pigs with snouts in trough stories. The truth is that this will just run and run until we have a General Election and let the public vent their anger and vote for change.

Let’s start with the Apprentice this week, which I actually had to watch an hour later, not because I was watching the football but because I’d come home via Moffat to see an old pal who is heading out to the states for good next week.

So shock horror – Owen gets the old heave ho, five left and I can’t see the only Male left James making a dash for the finishing line!! Next week’s episode is the one I’ll enjoy the most – It’s the dreaded interviews – my money is still on Kate. But in and amongst all the Political drama I have managed to catch Britain’s got talent. Nick Hell might go down well on a canvass day, swinging dustbins from his ear lobes whilst drilling through his nose !!

So we had the Euro Advan with us this week – Cameron, Goldie and Stevenson toured the Borders nailed to the back of a flat bed van driven by a nice chap called Archie and supported by 4 lovely ladies from Brussels, Laura, Kathryn, Anna and Sheena. We started in Hawick and worked our way through the Borders spreading the gospel whilst Dave and crew circumnavigated the one way systems of Hawick, Galashiels and Jedburgh. I was most upset however when we pulled up in Galashiels for a spot of lunch, 8 of us in a recession would be good news one would think, to hear the proprietor squeal ” I hope that doesn’t put my customers off their lunch” – what on earth was she referring to? A dead Gerbel on the floor, a crusty baguette smuggled in from Brussels, perhaps a little dog under the table? NO – It was Dave and the gang on the Advan !! Must change the canvass cards – I had thought we might have had a supporter lurking behind the beard and sandals.

Dave & Crew on the Advan

And finally the resignations rumble on – Moran and Kirkbride fall on their swords, more to come in the Telegraph over the next few days. I see Nick Clegg has come over to join our call for a General Election. Why should the general public have to wait?

It is every small businesses dread, the Tax inspector cometh. VAT, Nat Ins, income tax – we all know that our books will be poured over in great detail, I once claimed the full 17.5% vat back on a delivery of oil when it should have been 5% I think, the VAT man found it and I repaid it £70 if I remember rightly. But had my misdemeanor been anymore serious then I would have felt the full force of Government coming down on me like a ton of bricks and I would have faced criminal charges. The MP’s that have been on the take are not above the law. They must face criminal charges if found guilty of fraud Call that election Mr Brown……. Mr Brown – where are you??? The silence is deafening – must be in the Bunker !!

So European elections next week – don’t forget to VOTE and make it a blue one. An interesting article caught my eye in the times today  – what could the results mean for Gordon B

http://timesonline.typepad.com/comment/2009/05/exchange-why-brown-is-safer-than-you-think-1.html

And finally – Thersa May came to Kelso last week. A flying visit but we managed a quick walkabout and an appointment with a local business concerned at the increasing red tape suffocating him and the power of Scottish Power to effectively charge what they fancy to facilitate an upgrade which includes replacing a sub station to the tune of £50k !! Crazy – still the sun shone and the scooters were out in force for their annual meeting at Springwood, Horse trials were on at Floors and the Jim Clarke rally came to Duns. All in all a good week.

Theresa May MP in Kelso with Chris Walker

Reaction on the doorstep.

We headed out to Eyemouth for a Canvass day today and I am pleased to report that, whilst all is not forgiven in the atrocious pigs in trough scandal, the general public have a renewed interest in Politics. Not that you can really escape it at the minute, every news editor is having a feeding frenzy on sleaze, corruption and down right theft from the taxpayer as MP after MP appears in the Telegraph.

I am so pleased to report that the public don’t blame the party but the individuals. The system is rotten and needs replacing but the morality of claiming lies firmly at the feet of those who clearly have bent the rules for personal gain. These individuals will in time be found out and barred from office.

There had been times over the last few weeks that I seriously questioned my aspirations to join the political circus. To be elected as an MP would be the greatest honour and the greatest personal achievement. I’m no academic you see, having flunked my O levels yet enjoyed every aspect of my school life at Sedbergh, potholing, walking, swimming, rugby, Combined Cadet force and playing the Drums, I wanted to prove to my dear Dad that I’m not the thicko he thought I was. I’ve grafted hard with my best friend, soul mate and wife of 21 years Sue, to build businesses, to buy and to sell and to make the odd mistake along the way. What I don’t want to do is join the gravy train for the cash. I’m here for the honour to serve and the call of duty.

Chris Walker & David Cameron

Can you imagine how proud my Dad would be, he passed away from Cancer 8 years ago, if I was to be elected. He’d be appalled at what has gone on in the past few weeks, he’d be angry at the abuse of public money but he’d say to me “If you believe you can make a difference – fight on son, fight on.”

And I think we can make that difference. I met with David Cameron a few weeks ago. Here is a true leader, a man appalled and disgusted by some of his own MP’s but a man who is committed to clearing out the dead wood, to clearing up the system and to creating transparency. Those who have abused the system are the minority. Those rising stars such as Grant Schapps MP and Adam Afriyie MP understand as I do the requirements as per the rules laid down for the majority of us – ie The Inland Revenue.  I have just picked these two at random and because I follow them on twitter, but these new wave of British Conservative MP’s are not expecting the moat or the pool to be cleaned, they are expecting the bare minimum of claims for transport, hotels or flat rentals.

The general public are sick to death of Labour, sick to death of Gordon Brown – our non elected PM – and are quietly confident in DC as prime minister.

Call that election MR Brown – we’re ready – and sign our petition below if you get 2 minutes.

Back up to speed again next week – European elections loom and the apprentice hots up – well Ben’s away now 2 down only one of my tips left!!

http://www.conservatives.com/Campaigns/Sign_for_Change/Petition_Item.aspx

And finally, not at the expense of my friend and colleague David Mundell MP – a link to a story that will make you laugh. David is a great guy, an astute poiltican & a very sharp thinker.

“http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Darn-it-What39s–an.5296729.jp

My take on expenses

My YouTube offering on the expense claims that will inevitably change the political system as we know it forever. Hallelujah.