nightrider Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Several times I have read in the papers that this year is supposedly to be Britains summer of discontent. Which may lead to protest marches and riots by people who are sick of the financial situation we are all in, fat cat bankers and politicians with their snouts in the trough etc. I have also read that the police and the army are on standby in the event things kick off good style, how true that is I dont know. What I would like to know is how would the general public react to our army if they are brought in to quell street riots? taking into account the warm welcome in many town centres that our troops recieved when they returned from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordThornber Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Malc, I'll tell you how I'd react, the FOR SALE sign would be up on the house and we'd clear off to France. Martyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CliveH Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I am old enough to remember the poll tax riots. And that changed government policy. So can you blame the Government for running scared and trying to head off protest before it happens? After the monumental cock ups they have made! This latest debacle re the porn movies and claiming for the cost from us taxpayers is just the sort of thing that is making many people get very close to their “tipping point”. The second home allowances that has clearly been abused is calculated certainty to really offend someone who is close to losing their home due to the credit crunch that let’s face it was caused by lax politicians allowing the banks to infiltrate the regulator. There is real anger out there. But it is not against just the Government – all politicians are guilty of sleaze in the eyes of the public I feel. being scared of Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordThornber Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 The Porn films, £40.000 a year wages for the husband, 2nd home caper and that's only ONE Politician = more anger. I was in a pub, (as ever), watching the "porn storm" break and the looks on peoples faces and the comments you could hear were, well, you can imagine - fury, disbelief & a bundle of laughter at the embarrassment. Methinks we need change, soon. Now where's that FOR SALE sign... :D Martyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightrider Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 I have at times sent in controversial posts and have been hammered for them, I really really feel for those people who have lost their jobs, homes and dreams for the future. Someone somewhere has got to pay for all that misery, the man that really angered me was that leftwing Labour politician Harry Cohen who with his three homes including a static caravan on a very exclusive site said words to the effect that he was told to claim the full monty and go on a spending spree, I am still seething now. This Labour government is an abomination but would a Tory government be any better? The Lib-dems seem to me to be in cloud cuckoo land so the hand of fate (or hope) seems to be pointing to the BNP, who knows? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordThornber Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Malc, you surely don't think for a moment that the BNP are going to become electable just because of:- The Credit Crunch The Home Sec's goings on Immigration quotas Job losses Home repo's Mandelson Please add to the above at your leisure Martyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightrider Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 Martyn, I would love to sell up and head for France but a particular home committment dictates that we have to stay here. My idea of heaven would be to buy a run down farm house to renovate, some years ago a cousin of mine sold up and bought a derelict farm with outbuildings in Caan and turned them into holiday lets, as far as I am aware he is doing ok. But we can all dream can't we? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightrider Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 I am a bit of a hard liner when it comes to the protection and welfare of my own country and people, so I have to reign in what I say. I can't be doing with our more moderate thinking members shouting at me, bit too long in the tooth for that. I put this same thread on a local group that I am on, but no one took me up on it, mention the BNP and they throw their arms up in horror, the only reason for that is that I dont think they are as intelligent as the members of this group who are willing to debate controversial issues. Not that I am saying they are thick, but they seem more interested in the fact that Mrs Jones washing pole blew down in the wind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Jones Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 The whole "second home" racket could be dealt with quite easily. At present, taxpayers pay for loads of stuff which the MPs still keep when they're kicked out, and the taxpayers stump up again for the next lot. Instead of "second home" allowances, there should be a "hall of residence:" a block of good quality flats, in walking distance from the Commons, comfortably furnished and equipped, with satellite TV and broadband, and PERMANENTLY OWNED BY THE TAXPAYERS. Any MP whose constituency (and therefore home) was over a certain distance from Westminster would be entitled to a flat in this building free of charge. If they chose not to use that facility, no expenses would be paid for any other accommodation for them. Simple and fair to all. But it will never happen, because in Parliament, unlike any other taxpayer-funded outfit, the beneficiaries are also the ones who make the rules! They aren't willingly going to take their snouts out of the trough. Personally I'll vote for the first party which promises to implement something like this, and give us a written BIll of Rights while they're at it. Even if I detest all their other policies vehemently, what the heck, we can always kick them out again once they've sorted this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJH Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Brilliant idea Tony. Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 According to Michael Portillo, the expenses fiddles date back to Maggies time, she was trying to kid the electorate that MP's where getting a low wage increase, then they where given the nod to put in high expenses. I'm sure there's some honest politicians, but I don't think they are in the majority. *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob b Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 A friend of mine is a retired Inland Revenue Inspector. I remember him telling me, about 25 years ago now, that he was in the process of carrying out an investigation into an MP. Apparently the MP was falsifying his tax returns quite blatently and making large sums of undeclared income.Halfway through the investigation, word came down from the 'top' to drop the investigation. My friend argued for continuing the investigation, but was told in no uncertain terms to drop the investigation. I don't know who the MP was, as my pal wouldn't tell me.With the latest scandal, my first reaction was that we taxpayers are treated with contempt by most MP's. On reflection, I think that all the 'fiddles' are just second nature and we're not even thought about ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malc d Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 GJH - 2009-03-31 1:00 PM Brilliant idea Tony. Graham It's a good idea but I think it's come up before but involved security issues. All those MPs in one building ! Mind you, it could be a good time at the moment for the government to buy up lots of repossessed flats and houses in London for use by MPs. :-| Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colin Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 bob b - 2009-03-31 8:23 PM A friend of mine is a retired Inland Revenue Inspector. I remember him telling me, about 25 years ago now, that he was in the process of carrying out an investigation into an MP. Apparently the MP was falsifying his tax returns quite blatently and making large sums of undeclared income.Halfway through the investigation, word came down from the 'top' to drop the investigation. My friend argued for continuing the investigation, but was told in no uncertain terms to drop the investigation. I don't know who the MP was, as my pal wouldn't tell me.With the latest scandal, my first reaction was that we taxpayers are treated with contempt by most MP's. On reflection, I think that all the 'fiddles' are just second nature and we're not even thought about ! Our last MP was booted out for miss conduct, must have upset too many people, the one previous to that could have been made ineligibal due to bankrupcy, but like many at the time was given a large lump of taxpayers money by Mary Archer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Momma Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 I live in Wiltshire and have to travel to London several times a week for work commitments, wonder if the Government would stump up some cash so that I could stay in London when I have to be there for work (?) If the Politicians had to travel in each day on Public Transport and taste what it is really like then perhaps something would be done to improve local transport which would benefit everyone. Oh for the ideal world *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJH Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 malc d - 2009-03-31 8:27 PM GJH - 2009-03-31 1:00 PM Brilliant idea Tony. Graham It's a good idea but I think it's come up before but involved security issues. All those MPs in one building ! Mind you, it could be a good time at the moment for the government to buy up lots of repossessed flats and houses in London for use by MPs. :-| I'm sure security issues could be overcome given a willingness to do so. I think I recall that there is a "village" being built in the Stratford area of London currently which will be redundant towards the end of 2012. Why not turn that into a place for MPs to live? Anyone volunteer to start a petition on the No 10 Petitions Site along those lines? Graham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rapido-lass Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Tony's idea of a hall of residence is brilliant, however there is the security issue so more thought needed - they could always have security paid out of their own pockets for a change?? Nothing will change as they make the rules - how lucky is that for them? cake and eat it springs to mind. I won't get on my soap box regarding my thoughts on politicians as I would be banned from this site, so you can guess my feelings! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Jones Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 They seem to cope with the security issues at Parliament itself, and there they have the added complications that (a) there has to be SOME access for all sorts of folk who aren't members and (b) the old place wasn't built with modern security problems in mind. But this place would be purely for residential use, with visitors personally signed in by residents, and it would be purpose-built (unless we recycle the Olympic Village as Graham suggests - and that's intended to be pretty secure anyway!) Please can we call it "Tony Jones House" (?) :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malc d Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Tony Jones - 2009-04-01 8:47 AM They seem to cope with the security issues at Parliament itself, and there they have the added complications that (a) there has to be SOME access for all sorts of folk who aren't members and (b) the old place wasn't built with modern security problems in mind. But this place would be purely for residential use, with visitors personally signed in by residents, and it would be purpose-built (unless we recycle the Olympic Village as Graham suggests - and that's intended to be pretty secure anyway!) Please can we call it "Tony Jones House" (?) :-D Tony The difference with the Houses of Parliament is that there's not often many MPs there ! As you suggest : "purely for residential use" "visitors to be signed in" " purpose-built" ...how about adding a new wing to Holloway or Wormwood Scrubs. ;-) p.s. But I like the Olympic Village idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Jones Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 GJH - 2009-03-31 10:51 PM I'm sure security issues could be overcome given a willingness to do so. I think I recall that there is a "village" being built in the Stratford area of London currently which will be redundant towards the end of 2012. Why not turn that into a place for MPs to live? Anyone volunteer to start a petition on the No 10 Petitions Site along those lines? Graham Someone's beaten us to it. Although they've overlooked my proposed name for the building! Sign HERE Tony PS Proud of myself now - figured out how to do that trick of replacing the link with "here!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GJH Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Tony Jones - 2009-04-01 10:35 AM GJH - 2009-03-31 10:51 PM I'm sure security issues could be overcome given a willingness to do so. I think I recall that there is a "village" being built in the Stratford area of London currently which will be redundant towards the end of 2012. Why not turn that into a place for MPs to live? Anyone volunteer to start a petition on the No 10 Petitions Site along those lines? Graham Someone's beaten us to it. Although they've overlooked my proposed name for the building! Sign HERE Tony PS Proud of myself now - figured out how to do that trick of replacing the link with "here!" Probably won't do any good but I've signed it anyhow. Are you really sure you would want your name associating with such people though Tony? (lol) Grahm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W3526602 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Hi OT ....but way back in the late 1950s, a young lad was called up for National Service, I think he got a commission in the army. He didn't serve his full two years though. He read the rule book (QRs) and stood for Parliament.....which lead to his prompt honourable discharge. Soldiers ain't allowed to be MPs. (Plan B was to enter the Church). He did get elected, even became a Minister. Later showed he had integrity, by resigning over a scandal. Even if he crossed the house, his party would get my vote, if he was leader. But can anyone remember his name? :-D 602 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 W3526602 - 2009-04-01 4:19 PM Hi OT ....but way back in the late 1950s, a young lad was called up for National Service, I think he got a commission in the army. He didn't serve his full two years though. He read the rule book (QRs) and stood for Parliament.....which lead to his prompt honourable discharge. Soldiers ain't allowed to be MPs. (Plan B was to enter the Church). He did get elected, even became a Minister. Later showed he had integrity, by resigning over a scandal. Even if he crossed the house, his party would get my vote, if he was leader. But can anyone remember his name? :-D 602 Integrity eh? But not enough to do his two years like everyone else and THEN stand for parliament. Sounds more like a typical MP to me? One who uses all the rules to suit their own best interests? Or am I being too harsh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malc d Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 I don't think that's harsh Tracker. He was obviously determined NOT to serve his time like everyone else, as he had a plan 'A' and a plan 'B' to make sure he didn't. :-( I don't think he would get my vote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Basil Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 Whilst I agree with most and add my disgust to the way that MP's are treating us all with contempt, am I the only one that is actually much better off financially now than a while back? We are buying lots more things from retailers, having spare money that we are saving as we don't have anything to do with it (despite there being low returns) and even buying lots of shares as they are so undervalued and will without doubt go up. I find it hard to feel gloomy when we are so much better off than we were. Bas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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