Monthly Archives: May 2011

               Last night’s elections reminded us just how overgoverned the UK has become, with elections to so many layers of government  and with so many posts on offer. The results were much as expected. The pundits had expected the SNP to do well at Labour’s expense in Scotland and for the Lib Dems to [...]

                There are two central claims from the pro AV campaign that are misleading. I have shown why I do not believe   their claim that AV would make holders of “safe seats” more accountable – and all the implied nonsense that politics under AV would be transformed, with more responsive and well behaved MPs.              [...]

                 President Obama has declared that justice has now been done by the death of Bin Laden.               If that is so, this should be the time for troops to leave Afghanistan. There is only so much training and preparation western troops can give to Afghan security forces. Advsiers and teachers could stay on [...]

                The Yes campaign has put up misleading posters as part of their contribution to this bad tempered referendum campaign. They want voters to believe that AV will make MPs in safe seats more accountable, and force them to appeal beyond their party suppport to those of differing views. This is wrong on so [...]

              We hear today that the Morecambe Bay gas field is being closed for four weeks for maintenance. The field accounts for 6% of UK gas production. We also learn that Morecambe South, part of the the field, is now taxed at 81% and may not re-open, owing to the high taxation.            It [...]

                   Let us hope the death last night of the world’s  ”top terrorist” in US eyes will lead to closure and a change of policy after the dreadful events of the twin towers nearly ten years ago. Bin Laden’s death in Pakistan could be used to achieve  an earlier exit from  Afghanistan, as that was an  invasion [...]

             The Fed’s first news conference, held this week, apparently passed off well. It is difficult to understand why the press did not ask more and tougher questions. They have been waiting long enough for such an opportunity.              The Fed, like the Bank of England, pumped up the bubble in 2005-7.  The Fed, [...]

                 It was interesting to hear Mr Farage on Any Questions arguing that Yes to AV is a step on the way to a fairer voting system. I doubt his support will tip the balance in favour of AV. Once again UKIP will bang the drum and exhort its troops, but may only  demonstrate it cannot [...]