The oil rich state of Alberta seems to have voted strongly to remain part of Canada, whilst initial polls seem to be in favour of restricted immigration. A positive outcome that has the bonus of upsetting Trump.
Riots in France reveal the dangers of allowing dangerous demonstrations to develop into full scale riots. This applieds to both left and right wing demonstrations (although the Fascists seem to be organising for for more violence). Every right minded person should come out and support the police, they have a very difficult task of marrying the right to protest, and ensuring that laws are not broken. So first off I would make it illegal to wear a face covering during a demonstration and allow the police to declare an emergency with minimum fuss – maybe getting a judge or two to allow it?
Budget next week and the Chancellor is being hounded by the press. The economy, despite Iran and Ukraine is doing OK, but borrowing costs across the world are rising making the debt burden inherited from the Tories, difficult. Large demonstrations in Spain indicate a need for rent controls, especially for old and young. Burnham has announced a need for a cap on parking fees, but he needs to do a lot more. The cost of social benefits is too high, yet childhood poverty is a major hindrance to economic growth and productivity. The need for a dialectic decision is paramount, but cannot be reached whilst politicians from all sides remain dogmatic (I would prefer to use the word bigoted).
We have an ageing population and the care home situation is dire, previous PM’s including BJ Boris have tried and failed to find a solution, whatever it is will be expensive. Efforts to find employment for NEETs may take a carrot and stick approach, A mother of 3 young children can get more in benefits than a manager of a business with a dozen employees. Maybe a way of rewarding regular rent payments and enabling a share of profits on a sale, or new rental agreement would make people more invested in their homes, encourage improvements – basically I am bullshitting now so I will shut up.
So Reform are upset about the ITV expose, blaming journalists for stting up ‘stings’ to allow candidates and member to make comments that are appalling. Ever the case of blame the messenger rather than the people at fault – Farage is now floundering, he will soon be left with a rabble of violent nutters split between his party and Restore/Repulsive. This will comprise of about 15% of voters who are either innumerate, illiterate and violent paedophiles/misogynists or all three. Badenoch is courting the knuckle draggers – and is performing abysmally at PMQ’s – but at least the Tories look like holding steady, rather than being swept aside by the tide of fascism. She may have gone too far right for her core supporters though. Thames Water rears its head again, my initial reaction is to tell American hedge fund to fuck off and take the loss, but I accept the government may need to be subtle before telling the hedge funds just that. Politics is a difficult game!