It looks increasingly likely that the next UK General Election will be a very close thing and the outcome close. A hung parliament is a likely outcome. Being a "first past the post" election, voting for the smaller parties could well result in a wasted vote. So, it looks like I may be voting for the "least worst" option rather than the party I would really choose.
Last time I voted Lib Dem and I voted Green in the European elections. All I know is I shall not be voting UKIP. I don't like some Conservative policies and I find Ed Miliband a useless leader. Hobson's choice?
Thursday, 26 February 2015
Euro exchange rate
Every day the exchange rate of the pound to the euro gets more favorable. It means holidays in the eurozone are cheaper, cheaper imports from the eurozone, but more of a struggle to export goods from the UK to the eurozone nations.
Because of my health, no holidays to eurozone countries have been planned. I expect the rate will have fallen by the next time we go to Europe.
Come the late summer I expect holidays to Greece will be very cheap if they go over to the Drachma again. I know the eurozone wants to hold on to Greece, but 4 months debt extension is no time at all.
Because of my health, no holidays to eurozone countries have been planned. I expect the rate will have fallen by the next time we go to Europe.
Come the late summer I expect holidays to Greece will be very cheap if they go over to the Drachma again. I know the eurozone wants to hold on to Greece, but 4 months debt extension is no time at all.
Net inward migration into the UK
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31638174.
So, net inward migration is up to its highest level since before the last election. There is no doubt that some people are needed, but surely, on our small island, we should be able to decide who can live and work here? I am not political and have never voted UKIP (to me this is just a protest party) but I can understand why there is a genuine concern over our rapidly rising population. Yes, it shows people want to come here as we have a relatively decent standard of living and a half decent economy that is growing.
The next government must address inward migration. The current government has totally failed. Our housing is over-stretched as are our public services. We have too many people.
So, net inward migration is up to its highest level since before the last election. There is no doubt that some people are needed, but surely, on our small island, we should be able to decide who can live and work here? I am not political and have never voted UKIP (to me this is just a protest party) but I can understand why there is a genuine concern over our rapidly rising population. Yes, it shows people want to come here as we have a relatively decent standard of living and a half decent economy that is growing.
The next government must address inward migration. The current government has totally failed. Our housing is over-stretched as are our public services. We have too many people.
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
Sexual offences claims
Tonight we heard, on the BBC news, that the enquiry into one of our leading singers is being extended. The singer concerned has denied any wrong doing.
I do think all concerned (accused and accusee) should remain anonymous until the result of any trial is known. Only if the accused is found guilty should the guilty person be named. It must be awful to be dragged though the mill of public hate or doubt if in the end they are cleared of all charges. If found guilty then the accused should get deserved justice/punishment. If not guilty then the accused should walk free and not with a tarred reputation.
Certainly some people now coming forward have genuine cases that have a right to be heard. However, some cases are historic and are very doubtful.
Morals were different in the 1960s and early 1970s. It is wrong to judge in 2015 morals of the long past. If we are talking about serious sexual crimes, and the evidence is good, then the cases should be heard. When I started work back in 1970 many girls got wolf-whistles and bottoms touched - this was the norm back then. Morals are different today.
I do think all concerned (accused and accusee) should remain anonymous until the result of any trial is known. Only if the accused is found guilty should the guilty person be named. It must be awful to be dragged though the mill of public hate or doubt if in the end they are cleared of all charges. If found guilty then the accused should get deserved justice/punishment. If not guilty then the accused should walk free and not with a tarred reputation.
Certainly some people now coming forward have genuine cases that have a right to be heard. However, some cases are historic and are very doubtful.
Morals were different in the 1960s and early 1970s. It is wrong to judge in 2015 morals of the long past. If we are talking about serious sexual crimes, and the evidence is good, then the cases should be heard. When I started work back in 1970 many girls got wolf-whistles and bottoms touched - this was the norm back then. Morals are different today.
HIV game changer?
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-31622337 .
At one time the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS was a death sentence. Now, with new drugs, more people are living with HIV and not dying. There is hope.
At one time the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS was a death sentence. Now, with new drugs, more people are living with HIV and not dying. There is hope.
Anglesey Abbey
I have come to the conclusion that it is better to be disabled in a way clear to others than have a disability that cannot be seen easily. At Anglesey Abbey there were quite a few people who were clearly disabled. My wife says when I walk you cannot tell I have a disability. Inside I still feel like I am drunk, I tire easily and I still feel wobbly when walking. My voice is still poor and swallow of thin liquids is poor. Most people think I am fine now. I am still a long way from that although I still feel I am making slow improvements.See http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey/ .
Round Church, Cambridge
My other blog on East Anglian churches was updated today to include "The Round Church" in Cambridge, which dates back to 1130AD and is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)