I am pleased to report that this website was ranked Number One amongst MP websites in the Total Politics rankings this month, Number Four amongst Conservative websites, and Number 20 overall. That is only possible with your interest and comments.
This site is entirely written by me and by you, the contributors. I pay for the web service myself, and so far have in fits of high mindedness declined advertising revenues.
It is good to know that the wish to get beneath the spin, provide analysis and commentary, offer insights from official documents, statements, votes and executive actions, and to come to independent judgements of what might work best for our country can get this much interest and support. I know some of you would like the site to make more personal attacks on individuals and companies, but I leave that to other sites and journals with better libel lawyers, or sites beyond the threat of legal action for other reasons.
September 21, 2011
great john well done
September 21, 2011
Great to know MPs are actually interested in public opinion and that to your credit you diligently answer points raised here. It goes considerable way to make MPs accessible and have sensible discussions without, flannel, spin, sophistry, deceit and lies.
Well done John, thoroughly deserved. Now what the hell was Clegg on about when he said the HRA is here to stay??? What gives a minority, very minor, party the right to speak as if he is in charge? Is Cameron going to take this challenge up or continue to be the witless liberal conservative he claims to be?
September 21, 2011
Well deserved! Your views are always worth reading, you take the trouble to reply to contributors and you never seem to have a day off!
September 21, 2011
great informative blog – you deserve it
September 21, 2011
I firmly believe online mass discussion is a silver bullet which can facilitate the finding of answers and insights we don’t yet have and don’t even yet know we need.
Well done for your pioneering efforts John,
September 21, 2011
Congratulations, John. It’s hard to think of an MP who is more the opposite to Chris Huhne. ‘Centrists’ deal entirely in image and emotional manipulation. Huhne thinks of us as the people ‘who sent children up chimneys’ and the fact that it was Conservatives who stopped that is irrelevant to him because he is expressing his feelings. By contrast, John Redwood deals in facts and figures, all put forward with patience and persistence.
Here’s to hoping that John’s example inspires more people to speak truth to power.
September 21, 2011
John,
Congratulations and well done. I trust and hope that you will continue to resist the tempatation to add adverts to your site – it is the first item I check when logging on and always, always of value. As for the comments, almost all of equal value and an interesting insight into how others are thinking.
Sometimes, I can visualise steam coming out of some ears – mine, of course I can see! Keep it up, please (the blog, that is, not steam!)
September 22, 2011
I see no reason why this website should be funded at John’s personal expense. If he writes a good blog, he should be allowed to benefit financially. That is capitalism. If you want socialism, where good behaviour is punished and failure rewarded, perhaps you shouldn’t be here.
This doesn’t apply to all MPs. Look at Theresa May’s awful website. This is entirely funded by the taxpayer and it would be an outrage if she gained financially from it. It’s bad enough as it is as all she or, more accurately, her staff write about are local campaigning issues (more properly the domain of councillors), with the objective of getting herself re-elected. That’s (questionable-ed) as she is using public money for personal and party political ends.
Reply: The Commons rules allow MPs to communicate with constituents and to receive back their views on expenses, as long as the content is not party political or geared to an election.
September 26, 2011
Advertising revenues always come with strings attached. For many businesses that does not matter, but for political commentators it would be a slow burner to oblivion. moreover stacks of people earning a lot less than an MP manage to find the money to run their own websites, so I am pleased to see an MP living by the same rules as the rest of us for once, rather than asking for special favours. The old dependency culture is far too alive and well in the House of Commons as the FoI all too clearly eventually revealed!! Keep it up, JR.
September 21, 2011
I am very pleased that your blog has been recognised in this way. It should also be added that your readiness to reply to individual comments is very much appreciated and is the exception rather than the rule.
September 21, 2011
Thanks for the opportunity to air our views, largely uncensored. The Left-wing blogs will ban you once you regularly oppose their dogma. Con Home has become too aligned to the Cameron clique recently, they avoid the real issues and they frequently delete replies.
September 22, 2011
Which ones Winston? I’m interested.
While I’ve found some commercially run forums to have a managed agenda I’ve found the political blogs have not been so. Bias by the force of character running the blog is inevitable but banning people who disagree but express themselves in a non-abusive and non-spamming way is not.
September 21, 2011
Congratulations.
Your blog gets underneath the headlines and the spin and is highly informative.
September 21, 2011
Indeed well done JR I am amazed you have the time to do all you do. Do you ever get any sleep?
If however you do have any more spare time perhaps you could correct my endless spelling and grammar mistakes. I blame in on all my small computer screen and ageing eyes.
Did anyone see Huhne, not answering any of Paxmans questions on Newsnight last night (in the middle of the program) does he really believe what he does comes out with? It would be funny were it not so depressing? But at least the BBC is actually asking the questions for a change – and they even had three fairly sensible people talking on the Greek Euro fiasco too.
September 21, 2011
I always enjoy reading lifelogic’s comments – the only grammatical errors are when you confuse ‘loose’ and ‘lose’.
zorro
September 21, 2011
John,
Congratulations; well deserved.
I like your blog because it is honest and usually complete. No spin and never only part truths and semantics.
I like the fact that you post views from both supporters and non supporters and will give replies to all; I do, at times, wish you would always reply to all posts, but I appreciate you have a very busy schedule and a social life.
I enjoy reading the post from non Conservative supporters as it gives an insight to how others think. I always laugh at some on here that try to argue the pro climate change case and the pro EUSSR case and once in a while, cry!
Again, well done John!
September 21, 2011
No, John.
Thank YOU.
Despite all the ill considered and negative things I say I am so very grateful to you for your marvelous insights and this outlet for my frustrations and deep concerns about our country.
I won’t have a bad word said about you.
September 21, 2011
Well done. It’s an excellent blog John.
You have the balance spot on between local, national and international; economic, social, and political; synicism, constructiveness and optimism.
September 21, 2011
Well done. My first read every morning. How I, and so many others, wish you were on
the front bench.
September 22, 2011
It may be your first read in the morning. Unfortunately, it is my last read in the evening as I am working in Nepal… And we are far ahead of you but not in development!
It is an excellent blog. I love it. He says all things I want to hear but which my MP – the dreadful socialist Sandra Osborne of Kyle, Carrick & Doon Valley (actually doon/roon ra bend!) – is unable to understand/won’t vote against the reason of the Daily Record/or is up the wotsit of the Wee Ed (Millipede not Balls but there’s little difference). I remain unrepresented in Scotland. Take a memo: Move to JR’s constituency but not the Texan one…
September 21, 2011
Very well deserved. This is the blog for incisive common sense. (Oh and pls keep it pure and ad free – it all adds to the ascetic quality of the blog).
September 21, 2011
I believe all the plaudits belong to you Mr. Redwood for your dedication to the website and keeping all of us appraised of interesting, pertinent and controversial issues.
I do not give praise easily, but I believe that this is a testament to your diligence and pursuance of the publics views in this era of challenging economic times.
September 21, 2011
Well done John, and a reward for the efforts and time you clearly put in on a daily basis.
Your site is one of the few places to go if you want a real and serious insight as to the options available to many of the governments problems, and how our governmental system works, and your analysis and thinking behind many polices
Your site not only has sensible and factual comment from yourself, but also many excellent comments and responses from your range of readers.
If you can, please avoid advertising if at all possible.
Keep up the good work and thank you.
September 21, 2011
Yes, I just looked at messagespace and saw the Labour Party and the Unite Union logo passing by the page….enough said….Money isn’t everything 😉
zorro
September 21, 2011
great site, read worldwide
September 21, 2011
Well done and thank you!
It is indicative of the debased state of our politics that you are being kept out of government.
September 21, 2011
Yes you have declined our offers.
But it is still there!
September 21, 2011
There’s nothing wrong with you making a bit of pocket money, JR !
September 21, 2011
A number one blog wrritten by a number one MP!
It is a daily pleasure to read your excellent articles (and the responses to them).
I first came to this site after watching you on TV during a budget debate, still one of the best public speeches of modern Parliamentary times IMHO.
I would like to see a book with many of your best articles and perhaps some of the best responses, then make it a set book for economics and politics students.
September 21, 2011
Congratulations.
September 22, 2011
Hats off to you and your excellent blog,please keep on keeping on!
September 21, 2011
Mr. Redwood, as all of the above and long may you ‘blog’. Mear numbers do not testify to the quality of your writing which is virtually on its own for clarity, logical thinking and shear commonsense. If/when you retire from political life and, if all the non exec’ offers look boring, take up teaching, whether economics or politics or both. We will only get the Great back in Britain with proper teaching on these subjects and you could do it with your eyes closed IMHO.
September 21, 2011
Well done!
Just a reminder that a major EU treaty change was quietly agreed on March 25th through European Council Decision 2011/199/EU:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:091:0001:0002:EN:PDF
MPs should be organising to block the forthcoming Bill to approve that EU treaty change, and send Cameron back to re-negotiate.
September 21, 2011
Good blog, always worth reading.
September 21, 2011
Mr Redwood,
Congratulations and thank you for your wise words, it is always the first port of call for me after logging on.
Thoroughly deserved award.
September 21, 2011
Congratulations and well deserved!
September 21, 2011
Few MPs seem as willing to engage with the electorate as you, Mr Redwood, and fewer still have your rare blend of common sense and economic knowledge. And the ability to explain economics in simple terms anyone can understand, which may well be the rarest gift of all.
Long may you continue blogging! (Though if you lacked the time due to being made Chancellor, that would be OK…)
September 21, 2011
I find your blog to be straight forward, no-nonsense and always backed up with solid facts.
I also think this blog does make a difference. It’s a hard slog but I am sure the message is getting out. I suspect it is read by quite a few journalists and other politicians even if they don’t admit it!
I too appreciate your feedback.
September 21, 2011
Sir,
I read the blog every day but only comment now and again. Always superb and precise . How i wish you were in the cabinet. Regards ken
September 21, 2011
Guido,The Slog,John Redwood(and links ),Politicshome is a most enjoyable morning routine!
September 21, 2011
I am pleased that your blog has achieved such recognition. It’s something I read every morning, without fail.
Were it not for your incisive commentary on current affairs, particularly in the economic sphere, I would wonder if the Conservative Party had lost its voice, its soul and, frankly, its marbles!
September 21, 2011
One of the things that makes your blog such a pleasure to indulge in is the lack of personal attacks – it is about ideas and fact-based analysis. There is far too much of the former around and not nearly enough of the latter. I do hope that one day the mainstream media will catch on. I’m not holding my breath though…
September 21, 2011
John.
When I come across people who are new to reading blogs and might be short of time I recommend two above all others; Guido Fawkes (tittle-tattle par excellence) and yours. I explain it by saying that your thinking is second to none, your writing very readable and most importantly you are, in my book, almost always bang on the money. I have rarely disagreed with you.
Well done.
September 21, 2011
Well done indeed. The site’s content must surely be compulsory reading for all MPs, and others.
September 21, 2011
Congratulations on your well earned success. I don’t always agree with you but you invariably put across a reasoned argument and stimulate thought.
I also appreciate your courteous replies.
It’s a great regret that the party fails to use your talents more actively.
September 21, 2011
No, he is, I think, wrong on capital punishment – unless his views have changed and often pulls his punches a bit too much, being rather too gentle and controlled on the clear insanities of the UK system of alleged “democratic” government, the EU, the green religion, BBC, Cable, Huhne, Osbourne, Cameron and the rest – but I suppose that goes with the job of having to appeal to all and work with the system as it is.
But not much else is wrong and has been proved right over many years – if only the powers that be would just do what is suggested now – after all perhaps only about 3+ years left until Labour.
September 21, 2011
Of course this is all based on votes on a site of which I’ve never heard. For me, this site offers unique insights which I would sorely miss if JR were to take an appropriate portfolio in the Coalition, but that, nevertheless, is where he needs to be. The problem with most of our government is that it appears completely clueless and thus sheep to the slaughter. We’ve just had 13 years of rule by vandals and all this government can think of is ‘Steady as She goes’: hopeless.
But it’s shame that JR was beaten by sites that I would describe as either boring or creepy or both.
September 21, 2011
Well done, you can be sure that I only comment on the best blogs!
The breadth of topics covered in your posts, particularly within the sphere of economics is refreshing as is your ability to listen and respond to those of us who share our views with you. I hope that our interest keeps you motivated to carry on debating these issues and to try and put some pressure on the decision makers. I have noticed that you’re blog posts are getting more attention within the mainstream media as the views which you espouse gain more currency bearing in mind the current deleveraging of the economic system…….
Oh hold on BBC news – Stephanie Flanders – Operation Twist – http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-20/fed-may-extend-duration-of-treasuries-with-operation-twist-survey-shows.html …….Give me strength
zorro
September 21, 2011
‘you’re’…..NO ‘your’…sorry Stephanie Flanders distracted me….
zorro
September 22, 2011
Flanders is both distracting and distracted…
September 22, 2011
Pfftt…if it’s distraction you want…
Check out Bloomberg’s Betty Lui
September 22, 2011
Stephanie Flanders another Oxford PPE person I see.
September 22, 2011
Did she study COSHH. and related PPE? Interesting.
September 22, 2011
As I understand the article on “Operation Twist”, the Fed intends to sell some of its holdings of short term Treasuries and use the money to buy longer term bonds.
“Feroli estimates the Fed will reduce longer-term yields by about 0.1 percentage point by announcing a swap of $300 billion to $400 billion in Treasuries, selling securities with one to three years remaining maturity, and purchasing mostly those with seven to 12-year maturity.”
As the yield on 10-year bonds is already at a record low:
“The yield on Treasury 10-year notes fell on Sept. 12 to 1.877 percent, the lowest ever. Its highest point this year was 3.77 percent on Feb. 9.”
is this an attempt to keep a bubble inflated a bit longer, during which period certain favoured parties will have the opportunity to unload their holdings onto the Fed before the crash?
Reply: The aim is to lower longer term rates even further to look as if they are doing something to promote longer term investment. The market has taken it badly so far, saying it means the Fed has run out of ammo, and pointing out that it is bad news for bank profits at a time when banks need higher retained earnings to improve their balance sheets.
September 21, 2011
You deserve it, well done. You are always by ‘breakfast read’.
September 21, 2011
Congratulations-an excellent blog well deserving of the success.
We don’t need you to do personal attacks (we can do that bit-lol), we just need you to supply the information.
September 21, 2011
Wisdom is being in touch with reality and this is the wisest blog around.
As reality now has it’s own momentum, and politicians are unable to turn history with spin and wishful thinking, the wisdom in this blog predates the future.
September 21, 2011
Congratulations!
September 21, 2011
Congratulations. I only hope this moves forward the day when we have a more truly representative democracy. Perhaps even more referenda and potential recall powers by constituents of our MP’s if they get confused on matters pledged in public in manifesto’s or similar.
September 21, 2011
Congratulations, John. Well done and many thanks for all your hard work on the blog.
September 22, 2011
Where ever I am always I log into your blog.
You always give an honest appraisal, free of ideology, and name calling.
It takes a special insight to see the big picture, you have that insight. The journalist Trevor Kavanagh takes a similar macro view. It’s a rare person that does.
Great blog written every day of the year – thank you.
September 22, 2011
Well done. May God bless your hard work with concrete results.
September 22, 2011
This is the must read political blog…Your equanimity is examplary. I recommend the blog to all who want to be rational about politics.
September 22, 2011
Your blog is one of the first things I read in the morning, congratulations on the thoroughly deserved recognition for such an illuminating blog.
September 22, 2011
Sometimes I wonder whether I am totally out of touch on prudent economic theories. Am glad to find out that I am not when reading your comments.
September 22, 2011
Great Blog.
It is good to know someone in Westminster is both listening and applying rigorous analysis to the challenges facing the country. Petty there are not more like you.
Thank you
September 22, 2011
Congratulations and thank you very much for a blog that is so readable, sensible and informative.
September 22, 2011
JR: “I am pleased to report that this website was ranked Number One amongst MP ”
Congratulations. Well deserved.
September 22, 2011
Thank you John for a great blog, and thanks also to all those who comment here. It makes for a great read. I very rarely comment because most of what I want to say has already been said by others.
Thanks and all the best.
September 22, 2011
Excellent news. My first read of the day. Congratulations.
Like others here, I’m not sure how you do it. You produce daily articles of the same depth as weekly columnists on national broadsheets, in addition to your Parliamentary duties. A remarkable contribution to the political debate.
September 22, 2011
Interesting site with clear layout, no annoying ads and constantly updated. Enjoy reading the comments and content because of John Redwoods editing of comments forcing the commentator to be more subtle. Not what I would call censorship, but sieving out madness which often hides what many really think.
September 22, 2011
I like this blog a lot, and admire your willingness to engage on it, even when we line up to give you a kicking! More political figures should do the same.
September 22, 2011
Well done, many congratulations. Your web site is the first I read in the morning to get informed and authoritative insight into our politics. Keep up the good work.
September 22, 2011
Well done and thanks for all the time and effort. This blog allows genuine debate. People with expert knowlege and opinions to have just a little chance of being heard where it matters. I hope you and your fellow thinking politicians are able to see the reaction of the various ministers, who must be annoyed at their incompetence being exposed. The site is not only right wing in my opinion, more radical and honest on a new political agenda.
September 22, 2011
Congratulations!
Well informed and thought out, succinctly delivered comments.
It beats the rambling and narrow, opinionated views of the Commentariat hands down.
September 22, 2011
This web page is the home of authentic Conservative thinking, without a doubt.
September 22, 2011
Well done John, I have to say this blog has great value, I have been watching it for about 6 months now, and I now know and trust you far more than my own local MP. I wish you would be promoted into the cabinet and given power, I am sure it will happen when ‘Brave Dave’ is moved swiftly on.
September 22, 2011
Congratulations – a thoroughly deserved ranking for your blog, which has become essential reading, not least because of your policies in regard to your own posts and to the comments by your regular posters.
(Aww, I go away for a couple of days and this happens … therefore, sorry for the belated congrats.)
September 22, 2011
Thank you, Mr Redwood, and your contributors, for keeping up high standards of intelligent analysis and linguistic purity in a coarse and superficial age. One can learn a lot here that one used to get from good newspapers.
This blog is a beacon of hope and sanity in what often feels like a Weimar republic, and I really appreciate the absence of advertising. Not only is it more aesthetic, but it confirms your independence and generosity.
September 22, 2011
Very many congratulations, so well deserved.
One day when you have time to spare could you do something out of character.Speculate! ‘ What if you had won in 1995 against John Major……….’. How different would the country be today given that you would have had two years of an improving economy to help combat the appeal of New Labour before 1997.
September 22, 2011
This blog is a welcome place to read about policy ideas and politics, rather than The Westminster Village soap opera, which is what normally passes for political debate. If you’re under pressure to resort to tattling or mud-slinging, I’m glad you ignore it. There’s already a pretty lively, well-supplied market in that sort of thing.
September 22, 2011
Well done it was an inevitability,I concur with Winston Smith re Conhome I used to go to it a lot,But about 15 months ago they started censoring without any acknowledgement so I found you and Saw the Light,despite our spats I think you must be a Saint to have to work with a lot of your own party and as for the Limpdims tail wagging the Tory dog don’t you ever feel like throttling them?. I predict your site will eventually go too no 1
September 22, 2011
Well done!
People tend to forget how important good Parliamentarians are!
September 22, 2011
Well done John. I look forward to your daily email. I have no faith in the political classes but you give me hope that there are still those in your party that are prepared to tell the truth. Enoch Powell did, he was not racialist as many believe and like him your career suffers for your honesty and I admire you for it.
Regards
Graham
September 22, 2011
Thanks Mr Redwood. I read your blog because it generally says something thought-provoking and worth reading and it says it succinctly. Please keep up the good work!
September 22, 2011
Congratulations, John Redwood.
Yours is certainly one of the best weblogs around
September 22, 2011
The best commentator by far, thank you very much. I often forward your blogs to “political” friends. Not only incisive but full of statistics which would take me hours to find out.
One minor gripe. There seem to be “two divisions”, those who get your posts first and others a few hours later. Can they not all go out at the same time please?
September 23, 2011
Yes, well deserved. Please keep going!
September 23, 2011
I’d like to add my congratulations to JR with the other commentators here. The recognition of this blog is well deserved and thanks to the commitment and hard work of JR. The comments are also worth reading, which is more than can be said for many other blogs. If only Mr Redwood was on the front bench. I live in hope!