It is General Election morning, damp but not cold, No one knows what the outcome will be because people have been refusing to say how they will vote to reporters, canvassers and pollsters.
I decide to spend the day finishing the study of the Labour Government Manifesto and catching up on how the Tory Press attempt top have an impact on how those eligible vote.
Following from Simon Reeve’s Tropic of Cancer visits to Asia I have reread what the Government has said in its 2010 General Election Manifesto and noted the emphasis on the moral duty to contribute to the reduction of poverty and its consequences in the wider world.
I also feel that the right balance has been achieved with concentrating resources the poorest and most excluded and ensuring the funding is correctly used and tackling corruption. A minimum of 5% is to be used for strengthening Parliaments and civil society. Over £1 billion a year is to be contributed to help more children to go to school with 6 billion over the same period on health and 1 billion to in the fights against HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. 1£ billion is to go on improving water supply and sanitation and 1£ billion on food security and agriculture. To ensure there is progress world wide the Government proposes to work for the reform of International bodies such as the G8, the World Bank concentrating on the Poorest countries and on low carbon developments and the IMF to focus on financial stability. The United Nations comes for special attention with the intention to change the composition of the Security Council.
With human rights and democracy at the forefront of Britain’s foreign policy the issue of the unfairness of the present electoral system in Britain does require examination and it will be interesting to see if Prime Minister Brown does attempt to achieve a working majority over the next five years by making concessions to the Liberal Democrats over the issue of proportional representation.
It is also important that Government continues to participate in the proposed global Treaty on the arms trade having reach agreement that cluster bombs should not be sold or used.
My impression is that government does plan a radical reorganisation of the armed services which should emerged from the proposed Defence Review but my priority is that the Trident Missile system should not be replaced which as with the proposed changes to general taxation is something which I hope the Liberal Democrats will insist on in order to sustain the Labour Government in a hung Parliament. The Manifesto renews commitments to helping the Peace Process in the Middle East, to reaching agreement over the situation in the Sudan and ensuring the move back to democracy in Zimbabwe. There is special mention for the release of the Opposition Leader in Burma, improving the relationships between India and Pakistan and between Greece and Turkey over the future of Cyprus. There is also reference to Sri Lanka. The South Shield’s Member of Parliament and Foreign Secretary has one of the safest Labour seats in Britain and I hope he is able to continue the fine work his department has achieved.
At the heart of Britain making a positive contribution to the world is the importance given to combating climate change and the Government commitment to creating a major new area for employment and economic development. As previously mentioned my only objection to the programme is the support for a third runway and London Heathrow airport. What impresses me is the seriousness and depth of the Manifesto section, based on what has been achieved to-date.
There are two other subjects to be covered. All parties are competing to show support for marriage and the family through taxation measures and support services. I understand why the Parties feel under pressure to present issues this way but I would have welcomed a different approach because of the impression given that those who are not part of couples with children are second class citizens
A better approach is to look at the position of children, parents, working adults, those in receipt of state retirement, those who have measurable degrees of disability and ill health. This avoids appearing to discriminate against those who chose or who are unable not have children. I am not in favour the tax position for adults varying as to whether they are marriage or in what is called a civil partnership although I do not understand the difference.
My view is that the tax system should be neutral on sexual choices and behaviour and on whether one, two or more adults chare a dwelling,
I am in favour for increased flexibility and opportunity for the adults who raise a child to be able to share in the care over for the first two years. I am not in favour of children under four years spending too much of their day being cared by those who are not members of the household in which they are being raised. I therefore approve the new Toddler Tax Credit of £4 a week for the parent/parents of all children whether they want to stay at home or go out to work.
Because of the wrong decision to raise the retirement age for receipt of state pension, I also support the proposal to ensure that elders who work can do so with the maximum flexibility. I also like the idea of a cap on care home charges and the provision a free home care service for those in the greatest need, but this should be based on care need not financial need. or at least a mixture of both if financial circumstances are to be the issue. What is important is that those who wish to stay in their own homes are able to do so. I also support the proposed reintroduction of the link between Basic State Pension and earnings.
My final subject is the importance which the Manifesto gives to public funding and legislative support for support for sport, the arts and culture. The Government remains committed to delivery the Olympic games on time and on budget something which no political will renege on. There is also the Rugby League World Cup in 2013, the Commonwealth Games in 2015 and the Rugby Union World Cup in 2015. I was delighted to see the intention begin a programme of free theatre experiences for young people and for continuing to promote special programmes and subsidised programmes to enable continuing attendance at the theatre for those on fixed. There is an interesting proposal to make national museums and galleries independent of government management and continue the policy of free admissions, The intention also enable public institutions to be able to borrow for display art from the national collection. There is emphasis on improving the look of our towns and cities and in protecting community life which covers everything from pubs to post offices and the further development of safe play spaces and adventure facilities. Further measures to ensure local environments are clean and free from litter. There are proposals for more social enterprises and a National Youth Community Service.
The Government also realises the importance of the creative industries in people’s lives as well to the British economy from film which I adore to fashion which I can do without. There is continuing support for the BBC and to Channel Four. The digital switchover will be completed by 2012 and the government recognises the need and value of providing everyone everywhere with access to broadband internet.
The holding of Leader’s debates on Television has given a good jolt to the arrogance of Newspapers owners and their editors in trying to lead public opinion rather than reflecting viewpoints, by distorting facts, misrepresenting statements and generally engaging in behaviour more suitable for some of the anti democratic nations which the papers rightly condemn.
The Tory press has always been led by the Sun in terms of outrageousness. It is interesting that the Sun is the paper publishing a poll out of line with all the others and saying that Cameron is on course to win the election, Their paper is full of wild accusations and lies and as on previous occasions they are a disgrace to the democratic process. A moronic paper for the morons. They remind of a jilted lover. What percentage of the owner’s earning does he pay in British Taxes.
The Daily Mail while giving wholehearted support to the Tories with a series of campaigning articles is honest in reporting what the Opinions Polls are saying. A hung Parliament with the Conservatives having more seats than Labour but Labour coming second in the popular vote and therefore with the prospects of a Labour Lib Dem deal.
Tories 35 35 35 36 37
Labour 29 28 27 28 28
Lib Dems 27 28 26 26 27
The Express stays clear of reporting the polls and argues that Dave is the only hope for saving the country, also a arguing that the Labour and Lib Dem parties are interchangeable. Its coverage is less hysterical but clearly biased.
The Times is the most honest of the papers so far while reporting on a poll which begins to give Cameron the possibility of an overall majority admits that the evidence is that the support for him is a negative one opposed to Labour continuing in office rather than enthusiasm for a Tory Government
The Daily Telegraph is backing Mr Cameron, surprise surprise but admits there are eight different possibilities given what the polls are actually not saying about voting intentions.
The Sunday Observer is one of four papers supporting the Liberal Democratic and proportional representation, given the travesty of the present system where a Party can command over a quarter of the votes but only gain a sixth of the seats. The Guardian Newspaper, the Independent and the Independent on Sunday also supporting the mood for a new political framework and system believing that a vote for the Lib Dems or tactical voting will bring about a more balanced political situation.
The Daily Mirror admits the result is open and pleads with readers to vote Labour and not let David Cameron sneak into 10 Downing Street on the backs of the Liberal Democrats. They agree that the medium term future of the nation is at stake. The have provided a tactical voting guide to stop Cameron which has incensed other newspapers
The Scottish Herald wants a coalition as the most likely outcome to favour Scotland and here in the North East The Journal is sitting on the fence. What struck me is that as with the voting system is that the press does not reflect the present political beliefs and instincts of the British People.
I enjoyed a piece of fish for lunch, with the remainder of the tinned tomatoes and corn followed by the last banana in stock. For the evening accompanied by a bottle of Asti I commenced with crackers dipped in a peppered cream cheese, following by a small prepared bangers and mash and then grapes and coffee. There was half a portion of pawn in shell for tea.
I enjoyed an England win in the next round of the ICC world 20 20 championship in the West Indies against the current champions Pakistan. Paul Collingwood won the toss and elected to bowl first an when two sixes were hit in the first over the doubts commenced. However some excellent fielding and poor batting saw Pakistan struggle in the latter half although a final over for 15 runs made the game competitive. Lumb and Kieswetter gave another good opening without major score and it was left to Kevin Petersen to hit an impressive 70 not out to win the match. However there were a few last palpitations as with the game over with three overs to go it was not until the last over that the winning runs were scored. There was no play today at Durham because of the rain.
The WATCH channel has been showing Yes Prime Minister all day including several episodes where the themes and repartee is as fitting today as when first performed.
An how did I vote. Surprise surprise David Miliband for Labour in the nation election and John Wood for Labour in South Tyneside. My ideal outcome would see Gordon Brown back as Prime Minister with David Miliband continuing as Foreign secretary, but with Nick Clegg as Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House of Commons and Vince Cable as Chancellor of the Exchequer, agreement to revise the income tax with a compromise on the level proposed by the Lib Dems, to include Trident in the Defence Review and an over 50% transfer voting system rather than proportional representation with lists. Only a few mins when the special exit poll commission by the BBC, Sky and ITV will be announced
I decide to spend the day finishing the study of the Labour Government Manifesto and catching up on how the Tory Press attempt top have an impact on how those eligible vote.
Following from Simon Reeve’s Tropic of Cancer visits to Asia I have reread what the Government has said in its 2010 General Election Manifesto and noted the emphasis on the moral duty to contribute to the reduction of poverty and its consequences in the wider world.
I also feel that the right balance has been achieved with concentrating resources the poorest and most excluded and ensuring the funding is correctly used and tackling corruption. A minimum of 5% is to be used for strengthening Parliaments and civil society. Over £1 billion a year is to be contributed to help more children to go to school with 6 billion over the same period on health and 1 billion to in the fights against HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. 1£ billion is to go on improving water supply and sanitation and 1£ billion on food security and agriculture. To ensure there is progress world wide the Government proposes to work for the reform of International bodies such as the G8, the World Bank concentrating on the Poorest countries and on low carbon developments and the IMF to focus on financial stability. The United Nations comes for special attention with the intention to change the composition of the Security Council.
With human rights and democracy at the forefront of Britain’s foreign policy the issue of the unfairness of the present electoral system in Britain does require examination and it will be interesting to see if Prime Minister Brown does attempt to achieve a working majority over the next five years by making concessions to the Liberal Democrats over the issue of proportional representation.
It is also important that Government continues to participate in the proposed global Treaty on the arms trade having reach agreement that cluster bombs should not be sold or used.
My impression is that government does plan a radical reorganisation of the armed services which should emerged from the proposed Defence Review but my priority is that the Trident Missile system should not be replaced which as with the proposed changes to general taxation is something which I hope the Liberal Democrats will insist on in order to sustain the Labour Government in a hung Parliament. The Manifesto renews commitments to helping the Peace Process in the Middle East, to reaching agreement over the situation in the Sudan and ensuring the move back to democracy in Zimbabwe. There is special mention for the release of the Opposition Leader in Burma, improving the relationships between India and Pakistan and between Greece and Turkey over the future of Cyprus. There is also reference to Sri Lanka. The South Shield’s Member of Parliament and Foreign Secretary has one of the safest Labour seats in Britain and I hope he is able to continue the fine work his department has achieved.
At the heart of Britain making a positive contribution to the world is the importance given to combating climate change and the Government commitment to creating a major new area for employment and economic development. As previously mentioned my only objection to the programme is the support for a third runway and London Heathrow airport. What impresses me is the seriousness and depth of the Manifesto section, based on what has been achieved to-date.
There are two other subjects to be covered. All parties are competing to show support for marriage and the family through taxation measures and support services. I understand why the Parties feel under pressure to present issues this way but I would have welcomed a different approach because of the impression given that those who are not part of couples with children are second class citizens
A better approach is to look at the position of children, parents, working adults, those in receipt of state retirement, those who have measurable degrees of disability and ill health. This avoids appearing to discriminate against those who chose or who are unable not have children. I am not in favour the tax position for adults varying as to whether they are marriage or in what is called a civil partnership although I do not understand the difference.
My view is that the tax system should be neutral on sexual choices and behaviour and on whether one, two or more adults chare a dwelling,
I am in favour for increased flexibility and opportunity for the adults who raise a child to be able to share in the care over for the first two years. I am not in favour of children under four years spending too much of their day being cared by those who are not members of the household in which they are being raised. I therefore approve the new Toddler Tax Credit of £4 a week for the parent/parents of all children whether they want to stay at home or go out to work.
Because of the wrong decision to raise the retirement age for receipt of state pension, I also support the proposal to ensure that elders who work can do so with the maximum flexibility. I also like the idea of a cap on care home charges and the provision a free home care service for those in the greatest need, but this should be based on care need not financial need. or at least a mixture of both if financial circumstances are to be the issue. What is important is that those who wish to stay in their own homes are able to do so. I also support the proposed reintroduction of the link between Basic State Pension and earnings.
My final subject is the importance which the Manifesto gives to public funding and legislative support for support for sport, the arts and culture. The Government remains committed to delivery the Olympic games on time and on budget something which no political will renege on. There is also the Rugby League World Cup in 2013, the Commonwealth Games in 2015 and the Rugby Union World Cup in 2015. I was delighted to see the intention begin a programme of free theatre experiences for young people and for continuing to promote special programmes and subsidised programmes to enable continuing attendance at the theatre for those on fixed. There is an interesting proposal to make national museums and galleries independent of government management and continue the policy of free admissions, The intention also enable public institutions to be able to borrow for display art from the national collection. There is emphasis on improving the look of our towns and cities and in protecting community life which covers everything from pubs to post offices and the further development of safe play spaces and adventure facilities. Further measures to ensure local environments are clean and free from litter. There are proposals for more social enterprises and a National Youth Community Service.
The Government also realises the importance of the creative industries in people’s lives as well to the British economy from film which I adore to fashion which I can do without. There is continuing support for the BBC and to Channel Four. The digital switchover will be completed by 2012 and the government recognises the need and value of providing everyone everywhere with access to broadband internet.
The holding of Leader’s debates on Television has given a good jolt to the arrogance of Newspapers owners and their editors in trying to lead public opinion rather than reflecting viewpoints, by distorting facts, misrepresenting statements and generally engaging in behaviour more suitable for some of the anti democratic nations which the papers rightly condemn.
The Tory press has always been led by the Sun in terms of outrageousness. It is interesting that the Sun is the paper publishing a poll out of line with all the others and saying that Cameron is on course to win the election, Their paper is full of wild accusations and lies and as on previous occasions they are a disgrace to the democratic process. A moronic paper for the morons. They remind of a jilted lover. What percentage of the owner’s earning does he pay in British Taxes.
The Daily Mail while giving wholehearted support to the Tories with a series of campaigning articles is honest in reporting what the Opinions Polls are saying. A hung Parliament with the Conservatives having more seats than Labour but Labour coming second in the popular vote and therefore with the prospects of a Labour Lib Dem deal.
Tories 35 35 35 36 37
Labour 29 28 27 28 28
Lib Dems 27 28 26 26 27
The Express stays clear of reporting the polls and argues that Dave is the only hope for saving the country, also a arguing that the Labour and Lib Dem parties are interchangeable. Its coverage is less hysterical but clearly biased.
The Times is the most honest of the papers so far while reporting on a poll which begins to give Cameron the possibility of an overall majority admits that the evidence is that the support for him is a negative one opposed to Labour continuing in office rather than enthusiasm for a Tory Government
The Daily Telegraph is backing Mr Cameron, surprise surprise but admits there are eight different possibilities given what the polls are actually not saying about voting intentions.
The Sunday Observer is one of four papers supporting the Liberal Democratic and proportional representation, given the travesty of the present system where a Party can command over a quarter of the votes but only gain a sixth of the seats. The Guardian Newspaper, the Independent and the Independent on Sunday also supporting the mood for a new political framework and system believing that a vote for the Lib Dems or tactical voting will bring about a more balanced political situation.
The Daily Mirror admits the result is open and pleads with readers to vote Labour and not let David Cameron sneak into 10 Downing Street on the backs of the Liberal Democrats. They agree that the medium term future of the nation is at stake. The have provided a tactical voting guide to stop Cameron which has incensed other newspapers
The Scottish Herald wants a coalition as the most likely outcome to favour Scotland and here in the North East The Journal is sitting on the fence. What struck me is that as with the voting system is that the press does not reflect the present political beliefs and instincts of the British People.
I enjoyed a piece of fish for lunch, with the remainder of the tinned tomatoes and corn followed by the last banana in stock. For the evening accompanied by a bottle of Asti I commenced with crackers dipped in a peppered cream cheese, following by a small prepared bangers and mash and then grapes and coffee. There was half a portion of pawn in shell for tea.
I enjoyed an England win in the next round of the ICC world 20 20 championship in the West Indies against the current champions Pakistan. Paul Collingwood won the toss and elected to bowl first an when two sixes were hit in the first over the doubts commenced. However some excellent fielding and poor batting saw Pakistan struggle in the latter half although a final over for 15 runs made the game competitive. Lumb and Kieswetter gave another good opening without major score and it was left to Kevin Petersen to hit an impressive 70 not out to win the match. However there were a few last palpitations as with the game over with three overs to go it was not until the last over that the winning runs were scored. There was no play today at Durham because of the rain.
The WATCH channel has been showing Yes Prime Minister all day including several episodes where the themes and repartee is as fitting today as when first performed.
An how did I vote. Surprise surprise David Miliband for Labour in the nation election and John Wood for Labour in South Tyneside. My ideal outcome would see Gordon Brown back as Prime Minister with David Miliband continuing as Foreign secretary, but with Nick Clegg as Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House of Commons and Vince Cable as Chancellor of the Exchequer, agreement to revise the income tax with a compromise on the level proposed by the Lib Dems, to include Trident in the Defence Review and an over 50% transfer voting system rather than proportional representation with lists. Only a few mins when the special exit poll commission by the BBC, Sky and ITV will be announced
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