tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74377826599183110322023-11-15T14:11:01.029+00:00Independent Sovereign Democratic Britain Editor: Mike Scott-HaywardMike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-39109766382141996722018-01-14T15:28:00.002+00:002020-04-27T13:19:05.771+01:00An Irritation<br />
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In the days before we were swamped with being PC, the army at least had a good expression to describe those who, like today’s media gurus, want only to “stir” an obnoxious substance. Secretly, I think the moniker which I have in mind, is apt.Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-33478284481377620752017-09-16T11:00:00.000+01:002017-09-16T11:00:17.406+01:00<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 68%; margin-bottom: 9.0pt; margin-right: 7.0865pt; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 68%;"><span style="color: yellow;">Independent Sovereign Democratic Britain<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 93%;"><span style="color: yellow;">Happily, we will now get an Independent Sovereign Democratic Britain, delivered by Brexit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 93%;"><span style="color: yellow;">British sovereignty should no longer be shared and we should be represented abroad by only the British Government; the Sovereign-in-Parliament should be the final arbiter over British Subjects; and we should be Democratic not Bureaucratic.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 93%;"><span style="color: yellow;">I stood fast for this—I even had to leave Cameron’s Conservatives—but now the Referendum has delivered our British Will on this, even though the Liberal Democrats do not understand that. I want to be in Parliament to see that this is delivered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 93%;">I want to see stronger Defence</span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 93%;">—it has been cut too far; by definition, no crystal ball can forecast when we may face an unforeseen danger.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;"><span style="color: yellow;">I also want to see better use of the Armed Services abroad, used together with a Civilian Overseas Aid Service, to deliver Foreign Aid in kind on scene (no money handed over); and to be ready to help when Humanitarian and Natural Disasters occur. We need some change in Force structures and some new ships—Logistics, Humanitarian and Military Command and Support ships. We should consider National Citizenship Service to augment Defence and Humanitarian Aid capabilities. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">A Strategic Defence Review </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;">should look again at Force roles across the Globe, at Home Based Quick Reaction Mobile Regular Forces and at establishing Commonwealth Naval Task Groups, not least to share meeting Disaster Relief scenarios.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;"><span style="color: yellow;">Security, Intelligence and Surveillance must be fully funded.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">UK Border Controls and Immigration, </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;">post Brexit, should be wholly subject to the sovereign will of Parliament which alone should set and alter these laws and rules as required from time to time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Parliament</span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;"> should establish new criteria for British Citizenship, Immigration and Visa entry policies. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;"><span style="color: yellow;">I consider that we should avoid setting Migration level targets—the numbers are always arbitrary—but rely instead on sensible and balanced criteria.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;"><span style="color: yellow;">For example, except for security reasons, tourists and visitors should be able to enter with minimal fuss, albeit with an insistence on the visitor being self sufficient and holding health cover insurance for the duration of the agreed length of stay. Work Visas should be issued when jobs have been secured and health cover insurance provided by the visitor or employer. The employer might need to show that local recruitment was impractical. A variety of visas would be needed -to cover students, for example.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Refugees</span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;"> should always be given exactly that— safe refuge—where there is a genuine need and usually where a proper approach has been made to the first British Authority with whom the refugee can make contact. Refugees should be brought to Britain under proper control and suitably accommodated; their aim should be to return home when safe; otherwise, after a period set by Parliament, they should apply for citizenship and full residential status.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;"><span style="color: yellow;">As I would like to introduce National Citizenship Service after the age of 18, I would like so see all applicants for citizenship having to undertake such service, and to pass an English test.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Our Commonwealth Links </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;">have sadly diminished since we joined the EC/EU and we must revitalise those relationships in terms of free trade, cultural exchange and strengthen Defence co-operation. I’d propose a Commonwealth Free Trade Agreement. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Small Business</span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;">: I have a solution to Late Payment Problem: HMRC should penalise late payers, via VAT returns. And I think the Business Rates system across the UK must be radically simplified to be based only on premises size (square footage), regardless of site location or use, etc, in two bands: one for PLCs and a capped lower rate for SMEs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">National Lottery Ticket’s </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;">should include five option boxes so we can direct what benefits: Research, NHS, Defence, Art & Culture and Community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB"> </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Farming and Fishing </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;">should continue to receive, directly from the British Government, the subsidies currently received via Brussels. Parliament should then, consulting with those industries, change policies so that both CFP and the CAP fits our circumstances.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Universities </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;"> need a guarantee that there will be no non-security restrictions on visas for foreign staff or students. Attracting foreign investment should be encouraged. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">The NHS </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;">is vital but a thorough review is needed to get the available money more directly to the point of need.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 119%;">Food and Fuel Poverty </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 119%;">is best combatted by a good economy but we should immediately defy EU restraints and stop VAT on domestic energy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 117%;">Space Exploration: </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 117%;">Create a tax free unsubsidized regime to build the British Space Industry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 117%;">No more Onshore Wind Turbines </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 117%;">unless directly owned, unsubsidized and run by local communities themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 117%;"><span style="color: yellow;">Housing </span></span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 117%;"><span style="color: yellow;">needs should be supported with any available public monies primarily being injected to support start up private home ownership. </span><span style="color: #0000c0;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-88469221977324890172017-09-12T11:33:00.000+01:002017-09-12T11:35:54.857+01:00The Caribbean et al<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.88px; margin-bottom: 5pt; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: yellow;">In my Election Address for 8th June 2017, I said:</span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.88px;">want to see stronger Defence</span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 14.88px;">—it has been cut too far; by definition, no crystal ball can forecast when we may face an unforeseen danger.</span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19.04px;"><span style="color: yellow;">So I also want to see better use of the Armed Services abroad, used together with a Civilian Overseas Aid Service, to deliver Foreign Aid in kind on scene (no money handed over); and to be ready to help when Humanitarian and Natural Disasters– we need some change in Force structures and some new ships—Logistics, Humanitarian and Military Command and Support ships. We should consider National Citizenship Service to augment Defence and Humanitarian Aid capabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 19.04px;">A Strategic Defence Review </span><span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19.04px;">should look at Force roles across the Globe, at Home Based Quick Reaction Mobile Regular Forces and at establishing Commonwealth Naval Task Groups, not least to share meeting Disaster Relief scenarios."<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="en-GB" style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19.04px;"><span style="color: yellow;">That view was rejected by North East Fife but I still maintain the concept is a good one.</span></span></div>
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Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-53434095961270963712015-07-15T18:06:00.001+01:002015-07-15T18:17:20.807+01:00Why do Police Scotland not budge on voluntary civil aviation help?In 2013, Willie Rennie MSP (Mid Scotland and Fife) (Scottish Liberal Democrats) asked the Scottish
Government what the position was on the role of the civil air patrol service in carrying out extended
searches and about what discussions it had had with the service regarding its future role.
(S4W-18227).<br />
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Kenny MacAskill replied that the Scottish Government valued the contributions of volunteers, including Civil
Air Patrol members to resilience and emergency response work, and that it had been in discussion with Civil
Air Patrol, Police Scotland and the Civil Aviation Authority on the issue.<br />
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The Scottish Government and
Police Scotland had asked the Civil Aviation Authority to determine measures necessary to be taken to
remove any regulatory barriers to Police Scotland tasking Civil Air Patrol to assist in search operations.<br />
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Mr Rennie also asked the Scottish
Government what its position was on Police Scotland’s then decision to no longer use the civil air patrol
service and what discussions it had had with Police Scotland regarding that. (S4W-18228).<br />
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Mr MacAskill replied that tasking decisions on the use of particular assets are operational matters for
Police Scotland.
The Scottish Government and Police Scotland had asked the Civil Aviation Authority to determine
what measures could be taken to remove any existing regulatory barriers to Police Scotland working
with the Civil Air Patrol service.<br />
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Since then not much progress appears to have been reported and just this week we have had the horrible news of a crashed car going unnoticed for 3 days despite at least one report to a control room. Mr Rennie has commented on the tragedy but even he has failed to connect the matter with his his earlier questions, which he does not appear since to have pursued anyway.<br />
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Now, lines of sight are an interesting topic - I can quite see why someone sitting in a car, a police patrol car for example, might not see a crashed vehicle lying below his line of vision below a bank.<br />
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But I also know that the perspective chances quite considerable from a more elevated position - from an aircraft flying overhead, for example. In the case in point, woodland may have obscured even that line of sight.<br />
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None of this is a good reason for Police Scotland to not work with the Civil Air Patrol. The Police do so in England.Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-62964179079397353792015-06-14T11:28:00.000+01:002015-06-14T11:28:39.476+01:00Unionist Strategy for Scotland's Holyrood Elections.<span style="font-size: large;">The SNP won 56 seats out of 59 on the first past the post vote - the Unionist vote was as good, about equal to the nationalist vote, but divided between Labour, Conservatives and Lib Dems. </span><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Had the Unionist held open primaries to select a Unionist Candidate per seat, the Unionist side might have taken half the seats.<br /><br />In late summer 2014, after the referendum , I suggested Unionist should discuss this - the Conservatives replied the next day stating they would do no deals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In North East Fife (NEF), the Lib Dems really believed that they would get more than the SNP even when Ashcroft polls showed the SNP on 40/45% with Lib Dems on 30% and Tories on 14% - and the result was on those lines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Tories, likewise, told all who would listen that they were going to win. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Party came before common sense and statistics. That was clear, as even the NO campaign saw each party trying to get credit for being the backbone of Unionism. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tories here (NEF) would not concede that a single Unionist would be better, as they wanted the satisfaction of Tories beating the Lib Dems, which they thought they'd do as Ming Campbell had stood down. <br /><br />It is now past time for Unionists in Scotland to reform - they need a broad coalition or at least a deal to stop the SNP clean-sweeping at Holyrood in 2016. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I suggest they hold cross party open primaries to select the single Unionist candidate for in each constituency. The parties should still put forward full party list for the Additional Members contest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The alternative way to put the full glare on the SNP in power in Holyrood is for Cameron to give Holyrood full fiscal autonomy now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The SNP, Sturgeon and Swiney, should immediatley have to carry the full the can for a Scottish Budget from the Autumn statement onwards. That would remove any case the SNP could make to blame Westmintser as usual, and dodge those realities already evident - such as the poorer showing of the NHS and Education in Scotland compared to England, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let Unionist parties in Scotland now develop a joint selfless strategy.</span></div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-40608098319366381252015-05-17T11:30:00.003+01:002017-04-25T00:44:27.629+01:00UN is not fit - it must get a peace-maker role<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" style="line-height: 1.38; overflow: hidden;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">The UN needs to mandate action (I have written about the drag of a single veto - it should not stop an 80% mandate of the General Assembly) for the best and most effective forces in the world to implement - the British Armed Forces. No dodgy Blairite dossiers, no wishy-washy bomb from a safe distance USA sorties - any soldier knows one must take and hold ground to neutralize an opponent.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/11596210/South-African-mercenaries-secret-war-on-Boko-Haram.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/…/South-African-mercenaries-secr…</span></a></div>
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Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-46403015203287571012015-04-25T03:08:00.000+01:002015-04-25T03:14:22.041+01:00The MP for North East Fife will serve at Westminster, not Holyrood.There are important local matters that an MP can fight on: For example, our landscape is changing, with wind turbines becoming an increasingly obvious and mostly unwelcome feature. That happens because Westminster has accepted EU renewable energy targets and carbon footprint thresholds. And sanctions paying subsidies for uneconomic wind energy systems which the people who are now setting them up know that they would not pursue if they had to pay foot the bill. Instead, energy users have their bills loaded with a surcharge to bung the wind industry - FITs or Feed In Tariffs cost all of us and benefit the few. Westminster should stop that nonsense.<br />
<br />
Defence too, matters locally. Changes at Leuchars will be sorted out in the medium term as the Army replaces the RAF as the main unit there but the change was a mistake. Ming Campbell said it was a strategic mistake. In a way, but not as he meant it, he was right. The strategic error is in the dangerous cut in defences, the reduced size of the RAF fast jet fleet, not so much where the vestiges of the RAF as we knew it are based. <br />
<br />
But even on his own measure, that closing RAF Leuchars was a strategic error, the Liberal Democrat's past Leader and Defence Spokesman, rolled with the decision and continued to support the coalition which made, in Ming's terms, the disastrous mistake. He should have really stood up for us and resigned the whip, not back off on a matter of principle. He must have known he was going to retire, so he had little to loose, surely? The impact of a senior resignation would have rattled a cage or two. <br />
<br />
We have to restore defence spending to at least meet the agreed NATO targets; it does many things beyond the obvious necessary restoration of defence capacity. It is one of the few real ways in which a government can create real jobs, in the armed services, and in the defence industry. My manifesto, written in March, also advanced my view that we need to strengthen the RFA (Royal Fleet Auxiliary) with hospital ships - in fact with purpose built hospital, rescue and support ships. They would be roled to do what the Prime Minister has now tasked HMS Bulwark to do - a humanitarian mission to rescue and help people in distress; they'd be able also to deploy Field Hospitals ashore (useful for Refugee situations, or for survivors of Natural Disasters), produce water and supply energy, whilst still having the ability to carry out their normal role of RAS (Resupply At Sea).<br />
<br />
There are many issues for your MP to address, like those above. It is, now, for your MSP and councillors to try to get the NHS and Education right in Scotland: I assume all the other candidates do accept the existence of the Scottish Parliament.Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-60910377715228283852015-04-24T19:12:00.000+01:002015-04-24T19:12:09.789+01:00What is going on?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;">An interesting slant of politics in Scotland. I was asked to comment on the apparent status of the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath seat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;">What on earth is our focus now in Scotland? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;">In my view, </span><span style="color: #1f497d;">Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath cannot
be regarded as Labour’s safest seat – Gordon Brown is the reason it had that
status. <br /><br />No other Labour figure left in Scotland matches up to his
reputation. <br /><br />The same lesson holds now for the other parties – the Conservatives,
for example, field Ruth Davidson as their asset – perhaps that is true – but
who is their top slot leading light actually standing for Westminster?
And that question also applies to the Liberal Democrats. Of course,
Salmond has been outshone by Nicola as well.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d;">None of this is surprising –
even the media seem only to be capable of raising Scottish Parliament and
Council issues. <br /><br />The whole devolution exercise has caused a schism in
politics with a loss of focus here of what matters outside of Scotland; it all
plays into the hands of the SNP. <br /><br />I do not believe that all of the
electorate are taken in by this drift – after all is said and done, the SNP
lost the referendum. All Scottish Parties need to remember that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-80641209849721720172015-04-23T14:59:00.000+01:002015-06-02T00:39:11.018+01:00Make the Big Breaks for Small Business<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), small business to you
and me, are the true creators of real, productive jobs in the United
Kingdom. They provide more jobs than do the PLCs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;">David Cameron has promised to create 2 million jobs – promised
– that word again. Hard to believe particularly as the only jobs
government creates are those in the public tax payer funded sector.
That is not entirely nugatory of course, we sell medical training to overseas
student through NHS teaching hospitals, for example, and employing armed forces
leads to creation of jobs in industry, manufacturing equipment and building
ships. That said, it is really the private sector which has the potential
to create jobs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;">The business environment, however, can kill small
business. We now have EU procurement rules that makes selling to
the public sector a game for the multi-nationals, we have all too tight
restrictions, often unnecessary, in the work place and restrictions like the
working time directive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;">But I consider that the biggest problems for Small Business
to overcome are rates and slow or late payers. We can tackle both.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Business Rates need to be simplified, and divided into two
bands; a band for PLCs, which the chancellor can see as a reasonable source of
revenue, and a band for SMEs. Given that we have a large SME sector, it
is acceptable for them to pay rates as a resource for the common good, but the
system must not weigh against them in favour of PLCss as now. A corner shop
pays more in proportion than does a supermarket. Those hit thus, will
know that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;">I propose a simpler system based on a straight forward levy
per square foot for both PLCs and SMEs, regardless of location. That will help
city centre businesses and encourage revitalising small traders in town centre
etc. Secondly, the rate set for SMEs would be in a band factors lower
than the PLC band. I support local responsibility local
authorities should be the rate setters for their areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;">Now the big one – dealing with late payers, by whom I mean
PLCs, and even local authorities, who keep SMEs waiting for payment.
Indeed, bigger SMEs might well be guilty too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c;">The man with the power and tools to sort this out is our
dear friend the VAT man. VAT registered businesses have to render their
dues to the VAT man on a regular basis and can be hammered if they do not
pay. All the VAT mand needs to do, is to require VAT payers to include in
their returns on VAT , the additional information of how much they owe their
creditors beyond a 30 day limit. There would be an automatic fine by the
VAT man on that figure (helping his public pot) and inducing the slow payers to
pay on time. Being a slow payer would be highly uneconomic, and
would probably dry up.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-56536214211613223772015-04-16T10:53:00.002+01:002015-04-16T10:54:34.878+01:00To Barnett or not to Barnett?<span style="font-size: large;">The Barnett Formula works for the UK - if Scotland gets FA (Fiscal Autonomy) as well, as they all seem hell bent on, Scots will have extra taxes to pay. <br /><br />Any pleas by Scots for a reduction in UK taxes to balance our personal budgets would mean less spent in Scotland from UK taxes - a reduced slice of Barnett being the most obvious option. Before any tinkering with Barnett, we MUST be told what Full Fiscal Autonomy entails. <br /><br />How many tax bills is Scotland asking to have levied here? <br /><br />Is FA so much smoke and mirrors? Sturgeon, Murphy and Davidson MUST clarify this if they want an honest ballot result.</span>Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-91600847999917571452015-04-10T09:49:00.000+01:002015-04-10T09:56:28.554+01:00A Tricky Issue in St AndrewsThe siting or mis-siting of a new school for St Andrews is a long drawn out saga with the current proposal not being the right answer.<br />
<br />
I was asked for my view, by the local press, and gave it, quite clearly:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><i>For decades, Ming Campbell led the Liberal Democrats campaigning
for a Tay Bridgehead school to relieve pressure in St Andrews. The
Conservatives also took that view. Both as a Conservative and as UKIP, I took
that view too.</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><i>So we must first recognise that we are in this mess because the
Liberal Democrats, when at last they held the reins on the council, reneged on
the idea, breaking their pledges. That turned the choice within St
Andrews into a mess. Ming Campbell never again commented and has never apologised
for not standing by his decades long demands.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><i>You will not know it, I don’t think you were in post at the
time, but we also had a campaign for a new hospital and there was near chaos on
choosing a site for it. I, as a councillor and a PPC at the time,
suggested, in discussion with the NHS, that the Green Belt could be
breached for that hospital, and for that alone, and that they should plumb for
the site at Pipelands. That was right, the site was agreed and the
hospital is in the right place.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">It is not the right place for the
school</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">. Nothing those who waver on the lines of “let it all now
be forgotten” can say can make it right. The politicians who promised so
much, who broke with their decades of pledges, who tried to talk turkey with
the University, got it all wrong. A school in the Green belt, in
a confined space, next to a hospital which it will landlock, with a
wholly unacceptable transport configuration, is not the right answer. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">I do not move from where I stood; a Tay
Bridgehead School first, proper catchment areas second, refurbished Madras for
St Andrews third and finally releasing the asset value of Kilrymont towards
paying for it all</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">
Is it too late? Is it now too much of a mess? Does using the wrong site
blighting a hospital work? <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b><i style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">STEPAL are within their rights whereas an intransigent council
and unworthy politicians are not. Effectively, we are still on the starting
line.</i></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">That response is not fence sitting. Going ahead with a bad idea is not a good idea. The situation demonstrates that Local Authorities are not much cop at planning schools; some of us will remember the hiccoughs at the Waid! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">This is, in any case, an issue for the elected councils, who appear to be subservient to the Administration's bureaucrats, and for the Scottish Parliament, and no longer for Westminster. It does however, serve well in illustrating why I consider that every constituency's elected Parliamentary Member should sit both in Westminster and at Holyrood. </span></div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-20134383518737130172015-03-29T23:47:00.002+01:002015-03-29T23:47:32.259+01:00AN INDEPENDENT’S MANIFESTO<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5407970825309908640" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: #441500; color: #ffeedd; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5240001678467px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 518px;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30.6666641235352px;">Mike Scott-Hayward<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 27.6000003814697px;">AN INDEPENDENT’S MANIFESTO FOR AN<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 26pt; line-height: 39.8666687011719px;">Independent Sovereign Democratic Britain<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">26 March 2015</span></u><u><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>OVERARCHING PRINCIPLES<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Independent Britain<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Independent, to emphasise that British sovereignty shall no longer be shared or surrendered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Britain Governing herself, not governed by any supra national authority – and therefore not in the EU.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Britain represented only by the British Government abroad and in all international organisations – such as the UNO, IMF, IMO, NATO, EFTA, et al.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Sovereign Britain<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Sovereign-in-Parliament final arbiter over British Citizens<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Democratic Britain<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;">
Democratic not Bureaucratic<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>POLICY GUIDELINES<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><b>Defence<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>SLBM based Nuclear Deterrent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Carrier Force – cover roles across Atlantic/Mediterranean, Asian and Pacific regions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Home Based and Quick Reaction Mobile Regular Forces.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>National Service including Civilian Overseas Service and Volunteers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Reserve Forces for Emergencies and to provide a Resilience Corps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Commonwealth Links – establish Commonwealth Naval Task Groups/Squadrons etc<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>East of Suez Base/s<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Strengthen the Royal fleet Auxiliary – emphasise on new additional Disaster Relief role, including hospital ships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Overseas Aid and Development: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span> Switch to predominance of assistance provided through Armed Forces, National Service, RFA and Civilian Overseas Service and Volunteers on development and aid projects coordinated by FCO and MOD.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Minimal Financial Support through partial funding of projects delivered by British Companies<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Security, Intelligence and Surveillance – better resources.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Immigration<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Principle that the UK Border Controls and Immigration are wholly subject to the sovereign will of Parliament which alone sets and alters law and rules as required from time to time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Immigration Quotas will be set when and if necessary based on impact on UK infrastructure and needs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Refugees – People seeking Asylum will always be treated as special case with decisions taken under the Royal Prerogative.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Immigrants<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 144pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>People seeking permanent British Residential Status and Citizenship, either: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 180pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Having British Roots: Will become British Subjects and Citizens of UK and Colonies upon proof of connection which meets criteria set by Parliament from time to time, or<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 180pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Not having British roots but seeking full British Citizenship: May become British Subjects and Citizens of UK and Colonies on application and meeting criteria set by Parliament from time to time, after 5 year qualification and contribution period during which time they must have held an appropriate Entry Visa.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 144pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>People seeking Limited Residential Status (Renewable periodically), for the purpose of work, study or investment:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 180pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Entry Visa conditional upon holding proof, and continued applicability, of full medical insurance cover and proof of:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 216pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Employment Position covered by Employers Certificate of necessity and remunerated sufficiently so as to ensure the entrant will be fully self-financing in respect of all own living, accommodation needs and of any admissible accompanying dependents; or<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 216pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Fully funded University (or other approved establishment) place including full living and accommodation expenses or<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 216pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Fully Self Financing in all respect, including medical insurance and ability to maintain investment or bank deposit holdings at level set from time to time by Parliament.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Tourists – Time limited Visas subject to proof of Medical Care Insurance and sufficient holding of funds for intended visit activities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>The Commonwealth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Renew emphasis on cooperation with Commonwealth in international affairs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Renew and encourage trade with and within the Commonwealth. Propose a Commonwealth Free Trade Agreement.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Small Business:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Solution to Late Payment Problem – HMRC penalise late payers, via VAT returns.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Business Rates – based directly on premises size (area/square footage), not location, use, etc, in two bands: PLCs and SMEs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>NHS: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>NHS UK – stronger Hospital Based structure with autonomous GP practices<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Care Homes – sourced by Hospitals, from Council, Social, Charity and Private Sector (Nanny cannot do it all)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Democracy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Parliament<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 144pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Cohesive Parliamentary Structure <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 144pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Westminster integrated with four National Parliaments – MPs sit at Westminster and in National Parliaments, with additional National Members for PR balance.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 144pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Repeal the Coalition clamp on motions of confidence and the fixed term restriction of democracy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Recall - Simple system of by election called when 30% of registered voters sign petition. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Binding Local Referenda: Council Decisions, including Planning Consents, overturned by referendum of voters in affected wards when appeal called by 20% of the relevant voters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Smaller Government – Guiding Principle should be to not legislate unless doing so is only solution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Housing – Remit of the National Parliaments but need for a UK regime encouraging first/single home ownership.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>International Trade –Engage in full trading relationships worldwide with an emphasis on trade with the Commonwealth, EFTA and the USA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Energy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Full mix led by nuclear with clean oil, gas and coal technology, fracking, tidal, solar and riparian power.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>No subsidy, support or targets for intermittent wind or wave power but no bar to private development if Planning Consent, decided “in county”, is agreed. (See Planning).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Railways<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>HS2 becomes United Kingdom High Speed Railway (UK HSR): Floated for public and private investment, build from both ends (and even the middle outwards), including Scotland and Wales. Must have high freight capacity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Encourage investment in new rail links using fiscal leniency.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Review Rail Franchises- longer term investments <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Personal Taxation and Welfare Support<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Properly establish system as advocated by the tax Payers Alliance, whereby a choice between a Citizen Benefit and a Tax free Allowance, removes benefit trap and encourages people to take employment without facing claw-backs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Space Exploration: Tax free unsubsidized environment to encourage British ventures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Human Trafficking: Human trafficking has increased; it is abhorrent and a prime cause involves prostitution. Prostitution cannot be stopped but a safer environment can be created to protect for sex workers as well and creating a disincentive, taking the profit out of human trafficking. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Regulation a preferred, safer and better route than unenforceable wholesale prohibition<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>License sex workers’ register, approved and held by local authority.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New';">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Human Trafficking (for any purpose) to carry minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment without parole<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 72pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span>Coalition- in extremis only – supply and confidence support</div>
</div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-51562678976691227322015-03-29T16:17:00.000+01:002015-03-29T16:17:24.071+01:00Dumb, not smart<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
An IoD report highlights a number of key concerns about Smart Meters:</div>
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Despite the EU Directive, 11 nations have ruled out electricity smart meters and only 5 are pushing ahead with the 2020 target for gas meters. </div>
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In contrast, as is so often is the case, the UK has gold-plated the Directive.</div>
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<br />The government refuses to publish any of the reports on the programme by the Major Projects Authority.</div>
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The cost-benefit analysis conducted by the Department for Energy and Climate Change is so heavily redacted as to be almost unreadable.</div>
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The Smart Meter network would be vulnerable to cyber-attack and disruption.<br />Introducing time-of-day pricing to shift consumer demand will only work with price increases that are not politically realistic. </div>
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Retail consumers really can’t change their energy consumption that much.</div>
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Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-54079708253099086402015-03-26T11:25:00.000+00:002015-03-26T11:25:27.026+00:00AN INDEPENDENT’S MANIFESTO<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mike Scott-Hayward<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">AN INDEPENDENT’S MANIFESTO FOR AN<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 26.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Independent Sovereign
Democratic Britain<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<!--[if supportFields]><u><span
style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%'><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>DATE \@ "dd MMMM yyyy" <span
style='mso-element:field-separator'></span></span></u><![endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">26
March 2015</span></u><!--[if supportFields]><u><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;line-height:115%'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span></u><![endif]--><u><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<b><u>OVERARCHING
PRINCIPLES<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Independent Britain<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Independent,
to emphasise that British sovereignty shall no longer be shared or surrendered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Britain Governing herself, not
governed by any supra national authority – and therefore not in the EU.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
Britain represented only by the
British Government abroad and in all international organisations – such as the
UNO, IMF, IMO, NATO, EFTA, et al.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sovereign Britain<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
Sovereign-in-Parliament final arbiter over British Citizens<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Democratic Britain<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;">
Democratic not Bureaucratic<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><u>POLICY GUIDELINES<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Defence<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->SLBM based Nuclear Deterrent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Carrier Force – cover roles across
Atlantic/Mediterranean, Asian and Pacific regions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Home Based and Quick Reaction Mobile Regular
Forces.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->National Service including Civilian Overseas
Service and Volunteers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Reserve Forces for Emergencies and to provide a Resilience
Corps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Commonwealth Links – establish Commonwealth
Naval Task Groups/Squadrons etc<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->East of Suez Base/s<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Strengthen the Royal fleet Auxiliary – emphasise
on new additional Disaster Relief role, including hospital ships. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Overseas Aid and Development: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--> Switch to
predominance of assistance provided through Armed Forces, National Service, RFA
and Civilian Overseas Service and Volunteers on development and aid projects coordinated by FCO and MOD.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Minimal Financial Support through partial
funding of projects delivered by British Companies<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Security, Intelligence and Surveillance – better
resources.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Immigration<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Principle that the UK Border Controls and Immigration
are wholly subject to the sovereign will of Parliament which alone sets and
alters law and rules as required from time to time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Immigration Quotas will be set when and if
necessary based on impact on UK infrastructure and needs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Refugees – People seeking Asylum will always be
treated as special case with decisions taken under the Royal Prerogative.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Immigrants<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 144.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->People seeking permanent British Residential
Status and Citizenship, either: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 180.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Having British Roots: Will become British Subjects and Citizens of
UK and Colonies upon proof of connection which meets criteria set by Parliament from time to time,
or<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 180.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Not having British roots but seeking full British
Citizenship: May become British Subjects
and Citizens of UK and Colonies on application and meeting criteria set by
Parliament from time to time, after 5 year qualification and contribution
period during which time they must have held an appropriate Entry Visa.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 144.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->People seeking Limited Residential Status
(Renewable periodically), for the purpose of work, study or investment:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 180.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level4 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Entry Visa conditional upon holding proof, and
continued applicability, of full medical insurance cover and proof of:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 216.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Employment Position covered by Employers
Certificate of necessity and remunerated
sufficiently so as to ensure the entrant will be fully self-financing in
respect of all own living, accommodation needs and of any admissible accompanying
dependents; or<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 216.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Fully funded University (or other approved
establishment) place including full living and accommodation expenses or<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 216.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level5 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Fully Self Financing in all respect, including
medical insurance and ability to maintain investment or bank deposit holdings
at level set from time to time by Parliament.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Tourists – Time limited Visas subject to proof
of Medical Care Insurance and sufficient holding of funds for intended visit
activities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The Commonwealth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Renew emphasis on cooperation with Commonwealth in
international affairs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Renew and encourage trade with and within the
Commonwealth. Propose a Commonwealth
Free Trade Agreement. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Small Business:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Solution to Late Payment Problem – HMRC penalise
late payers, via VAT returns.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Business Rates – based directly on premises size
(area/square footage), not location, use, etc, in two bands: PLCs and SMEs<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->NHS: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->NHS UK – stronger Hospital Based structure with
autonomous GP practices<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Care Homes – sourced by Hospitals, from Council,
Social, Charity and Private Sector (Nanny cannot do it all) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Democracy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Parliament<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 144.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Cohesive Parliamentary Structure <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 144.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Westminster integrated with four National
Parliaments – MPs sit at Westminster and in National Parliaments, with
additional National Members for PR balance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 144.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level3 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">§<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Repeal the Coalition clamp on motions of
confidence and the fixed term restriction of democracy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Recall - Simple system of by election called
when 30% of registered voters sign petition. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Binding Local Referenda: Council Decisions,
including Planning Consents, overturned by referendum of voters in affected
wards when appeal called by 20% of the relevant voters.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Smaller Government – Guiding Principle should be
to not legislate unless doing so is only solution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Housing – Remit of the National Parliaments but
need for a UK regime encouraging first/single home ownership. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->International Trade –Engage in full trading
relationships worldwide with an emphasis on trade with the Commonwealth, EFTA
and the USA.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Energy<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Full mix led by nuclear with clean oil, gas and
coal technology, fracking, tidal, solar and riparian power.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->No subsidy, support or targets for intermittent
wind or wave power but no bar to private development if Planning Consent,
decided “in county”, is agreed. (See Planning).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Railways<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->HS2 becomes United Kingdom High Speed Railway
(UK HSR): Floated for public and private
investment, build from both ends (and even the middle outwards), including
Scotland and Wales. Must have high
freight capacity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Encourage investment in new rail links using
fiscal leniency.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Review Rail Franchises- longer term investments <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Personal Taxation and Welfare Support<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Properly establish system as advocated by the
tax Payers Alliance, whereby a choice between a Citizen Benefit and a Tax free
Allowance, removes benefit trap and encourages people to take employment
without facing claw-backs. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Space Exploration: Tax free unsubsidized environment to
encourage British ventures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Human Trafficking: Human trafficking has increased; it is
abhorrent and a prime cause involves prostitution. Prostitution cannot be stopped but a safer
environment can be created to protect for sex workers as well and creating a
disincentive, taking the profit out of human trafficking. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Regulation a preferred, safer and better route than unenforceable wholesale
prohibition<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->License sex workers’ register, approved and held
by local authority.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 108.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Human Trafficking (for any purpose) to carry
minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment without parole<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 72.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Coalition- in extremis only – supply and
confidence support<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Mike
Scott-Hayward</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-41718682873683908222015-03-24T23:48:00.000+00:002015-03-24T23:48:37.198+00:00Independent Sovereign Democratic Britain<span style="font-size: large;">I simply cannot find a party for which to vote which adequately covers all the bases I consider necessary; moreover, those that come close on some points have gained track records of breaking promises.<br /><br />All I want is an Independent Sovereign Democratic Britain:<br /><br />Independent Britain<br /><br />Independent, to emphasize that British sovereignty should no longer be shared or surrendered: Britain governing herself, not governed by any supra national authority – and therefore not in the EU. Britain represented only by the British Government abroad and in all international organisations – such as the UNO, IMF, IMO, NATO, EFTA, et al.<br /><br />Sovereign Britain<br /><br />The Sovereign-in-Parliament - the constitutional framework which should be final arbiter over British Citizens<br /><br />Democratic Britain<br /><br />Democratic not Bureaucratic: Decision making should wherever possible require or be subject to the endorsement of the people most affected. Our Parliament, as our supreme sovereign authority, subject as it has always meant to be, subject to the democratic will of the British People; its members, our MPs, sitting subject to the goodwill and support of their electing constituents, and hence liable to recall if that goodwill is lost.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It seems to me that my only choice is to stand again; to stand for North East Fife at the General Election on 7th May 2015.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So today I am launching my appeal to raise money for a deposit and for leaflets if possible. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Moreover, I have submitted a registration application to the Electoral Commission though they are unlikely to clear it as a "party registration" in time. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">If registered, I will be able to use the description "Independent Sovereign Democratic Britain" on the ballot paper - otherwise I will simply be an Independent.<br /><br />I will publish a Manifesto here soon. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Views or comments etc to me via email: independentsovereigndemocraticbritain@outlook.com<br /><br />Mike Scott-Hayward</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-41608925603140366322015-03-22T10:00:00.001+00:002015-06-16T18:32:31.258+01:00Where's the Navy?<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12.8800001144409px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
The cry used to be "The Navy's here!" - as when HMS Cossack intercepted the Altmark.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12.8800001144409px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
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Where's the Navy now?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12.8800001144409px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
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We need ASW destroyers or frigates, as we used to have, in sufficient numbers to patrol not only in support of our shipping worldwide, but our home waters, do we not?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 12.8800001144409px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
And what excuse does the Coalition have for scrapping Nimrod now?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 12.8800001144409px;">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/11487625/Did-Russian-submarine-nearly-drag-Scottish-fishing-trawler-to-watery-grave.html?WT.mc_id=e_DM7091&WT.tsrc=email&etype=Edi_FAM_New&utm_source=email&utm_medium=Edi_FAM_New_2015_03_22&utm_campaign=DM7091</span></span></div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-30236773248824507062015-02-23T15:20:00.000+00:002015-03-06T09:20:49.948+00:00Old Lessons to Remember<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Cold War II would be a much better option than WW III.<br /> <br />A cold war brings stabilized tension, constant vigilance and constant caution - and with nuclear deterrence at its core - a permanent stand-off.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />We face these new choices simply because the EU's little demagogues do not understand the innate fear of a Russian nation which was brought close to extinction by Napoleon and Hitler.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The old "spheres of influence" have been disregarded by the EU, Merkel and the woman the Russians call "that English woman", Baroness Ashton. A British Army subaltern doing War Studies would get it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />And let's not go near to even discussing Sturgeon's Stupidity on Trident.</span></div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-26084412193629823692015-02-20T17:52:00.000+00:002015-02-20T17:52:34.384+00:00Scottish Nanny Party<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">The Scottish Nanny Party is starting its next roll towards total state insanity. The unbelievable legislation to appoint a state nanny for every child will be one of the biggest steps ever taken anywhere to undermine family life, individual rights and democracy.<br /><br />The very concept of handing control and coordination of your child to the state from shortly after its conception, to age 16, is now a virtual certainty. I wish No to a Named Person (NO2NP) every success – they will need all of our support.<br /><br /><br />As yet, I have not seen any mention or answers to some issues that will worry all sane folk:<br /><br />• Will this idiocy apply to the children of all EU citizens in Scotland?<br />• Will this idiocy apply to the children of non- EU citizens in Scotland?<br />• Will parents have the right of access to the personal records of the named person, to ensure they are not criminals or potential paedophiles?<br />• For how many children will each named person have responsibility?<br /><br />That’s for starters.<br /><br />It seems to me this is a policy designed to send the sane south.</span>Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-64403213769589088432015-02-09T00:53:00.002+00:002015-02-09T00:53:19.589+00:00United Nations is not fit for purpose<div class="MsoNormal">
The United Nations Organisation is not fit for
purpose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How is it that all of the independent sovereign nations of
the world there gathered cannot act effectively against ISIL? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ISIL, after
all, is an unrecognised self-proclaimed rogue “state” which stands
condemned by all. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The UN, surely, if able to muster near unanimity, should
have the necessary authority to act. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One bar to unanimous action may be the veto wielded by key
states in the Security Council. But do any of those support ISIL? That is surely inconceivable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why no action? Perhaps some reform is needed in any event: should the
General Assembly have the power, if wielded by a very high majority, say 80 or
90%, of all member nations, be able to overrule a minority view of
just one veto wielding power, or to compel the Security Council to act?<o:p></o:p></div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-62900170742012067462015-01-28T18:22:00.000+00:002015-01-28T18:22:10.594+00:00Consensus versus Democracy<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">There are some issues on which the whole nation needs to pull
together - such as in war, when defending our existence against an enemy
seeking to overwhelm or destroy us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When we have internal disputes, even
conflict, however, it is only by obtaining the majority democratic view of a
free society that we can have some assurance that we, the people, will not be
brought to heel by a government or establishment dictatorship.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">That is why I cringe when I hear
self-interested MPs or vested interest groups say that the only way to handle
an issue which is becoming too hot to handle, is not by courageous democratic
debate, but by "all parties coming together in a non-partisan way".
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">That is the route to putting all power,
unchecked and unscrutinised, into the hands of bureaucrats and subservient
politicians, or, worse, at first into the hands of an elite clique and then of
a demagogue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Raucous debate across the floor of the House, and widely varying
opinions during election campaigns, is a better way, the British way, than cosy, closed door coalition.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-85845726730829198332015-01-06T14:04:00.000+00:002015-01-06T14:04:57.946+00:00Democracy Diminshed.<div class="MsoNormal">
The Coalition Government has diminished the political influence of MPs even
further than had the Blair Government.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today’s Parties want puppets and clones on their books. Few MPs dare to act in keeping with the
stance they professed when elected. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Indeed, because of the Act passed by Blair’s government, the
Parliamentary Parties, Elections and Referendum Act (PPERA), few candidates dared
to put any view at variance with the Party Orders, lest they be forced to stand
without Party endorsement, as Independent candidates, unable even to aspire to
a description on the ballot paper.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PPERA was introduced because of the introduction of the system
of Lists required for the proportional representation for elections to the
Scottish Parliament, The Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies and the European
Parliament. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the first time in British
history, parties had to register with the state authorities in order to be eligible
to field candidates for Parliament. Prior to that, anyone or any group or party,
could be or field candidates who were able to adopt a description, be it a Party
Name, or something as simple as ”Independent Communist”, to fight their corner to take a
seat in Parliament.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But no more – since PPERA, only registered parties can have party
names or descriptions and the candidates need the specific endorsement of a
Nominating Officer, from the registered Party, in order to have the description
on the ballot paper. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The exception, for a candidate not accepted to stand for a
party, or not wishing to, is to stand as an "Independent”. So what, you ask?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, in the past, a free spirit could distinguish his or
her “independent” status with some
description – for example, “Independent Communist”, "Independent For A Free NHS”,
“Independent Conservative” etc. The
rule now is that the only default description is the single word “Independent”. So two, or three, independent candidates on
the same ballot paper cannot explain or describe themselves as in any way
different from the others – are they to the left, right or centre?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A small, harmless shift, one night say. Especially if one is
a bureaucratic party, determined to keep MPs in line - lose the
<span lang="EN-US">label</span>, lose the seat. Power has shifted, in this as in so much
else, towards the controllers at the
centre – party bosses and bureaucrats.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is not good for democracy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the Coalition bent the constitution even further – gone now
are the good old days when a Prime Minster had to command the confidence of a majority of individual MPs in the House of Commons. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Losing an important vote meant being unable to govern
as pledge; but the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in coalition sorted that
– they fixed the term of parliament so that they retain power even if they lose the
support of MPs – and that has happened in this parliament. And adjust the
margin by which dissent or dissatisfaction amongst MPs is needed before the
cosy cartel can be challenged.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are all our MPs now wimps? Why do they accept all of
this? To keep the job, regardless?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We must restore the convention we had when we were British,
that is, that the Government must have the confidence of the House in order to
govern, that MPs should not fear for their futures more than they do for the
country, and that free spirits can stand as Independents but with some description, so that the electorate can distinguish their
intent.<o:p></o:p></div>
Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-72323731530040691352014-11-30T11:23:00.001+00:002014-11-30T11:23:57.070+00:00BigmouthQuite the unacceptable face of UKIP: There are uncomfortable people in all parties and sadly the balance seems quite high in UKIP in Scotland. More's the shame, as years of "co-operation" forced on them by the Party List system, has weakened clear strong policy-making amongst the SNP's main opponents.<br />
<br />
http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/scottish-politics/ukip-in-nazi-jibe-over-new-paper.25999221?utm_source=headlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email%2Balert<br />
<br />Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-4079479923957364542014-11-11T23:23:00.001+00:002014-11-11T23:24:35.898+00:00EU Benefits RulingA "win" on one issue in an EU court is not a restoration of our sovereignty or a "victory" - hooting hurrah for this result is understandable but the next EU legal decision may equally go the "other" way. They are deciding - we are ruled.Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-3921102445627543212014-10-19T10:03:00.004+01:002014-10-19T10:05:19.137+01:00Not just immigration<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Cameron putting immigration at the centre of his manifesto is not the winning trick - the EU issue is about all of our sovereignty.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><br /></span>Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7437782659918311032.post-68598396469402491292014-09-13T16:42:00.000+01:002014-09-14T11:27:46.437+01:00World SecurityAn Independent Scotland might well not be a weak nation, will not be a poor state but will not gain top table status, especially if run by a centralizing, overspending and smug government.<br />
<br />
The United Kingdom, broken up by the independence of Scotland, will doubtless be diminished, certainly in the short and medium term. And that will have an adverse impact on world security and stability.<br />
<br />
Any perception that the UK's break up weakens it, will weaken her impact and influence in NATO, multiplying the effect current force reductions. The reality of Scottish Independence with the subsequent uncertainty over Trident basing will create a shock wave amongst the allies, and some mirth to say the least in Putin's front office.<br />
<br />
The UK's voice in the UN Security Council may be deemed to be toned down - and perhaps her veto questioned.<br />
<br />
Scotland is not a colony growing up to make its own way in the world. Scotland is a partner in a Union that has been a world leader and possible the most successful force for good, security and stability, despite an imperfect past. Churchill might have said that the Union might not always have been perfect, but it has made a most impressive contribution.<br />
<br />
I hope Scots will not follow the narrow inward looking selfishness so smugly exuded by Salmond and his people.Mike Scott-Haywardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04021217741768016765noreply@blogger.com0