howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#1
courtesy of the independent.
During the Thatcher government, Norman Tebbit coined a phrase for the age when he advised the unemployed to do what his father did and "get on their bikes and look for work".
The rail minister Theresa Villiers is now being accused of bringing the philosophy up to date after appearing to tell sacked call-centre workers in Newcastle to relocate to Mumbai. A letter written by Ms Villiers to Berwick MP Sir Alan Beith has prompted anger from Labour and the unions, which have described the prospect of staff from the North-east being asked to move 5,000 miles to do the same job in India as "unhinged and unpatriotic".
The row follows the closure of Baron House, a former East Coast passenger call centre, which resulted in the loss of nearly 200 jobs and delivered a major blow to the region's struggling economy. A review of public contracts by the newly nationalised rail operator meant the existing provider, National Express, missed out to two other companies, one of which, Intelenet (UK) has operations in Plymouth and Mumbai.
Guest 710- Registered: 28 Feb 2011
- Posts: 6,950
#2
Why anger only from the groups mentioned?
There was some similar 'slip-up' recently, but that, at least, was by text or e-mail and was later apologised for. To pen a letter with these odd sentiments rather folds time back, back a bit further than to the time of Tebbit, back maybe to Norman times though.
Was it Dennis Healey that was the last politician who urged us all to Buy British?
Since those dark days when there was a Labour Government we, the people of Britain, have 'enjoyed' much glad-handing and trite blandishments from MPs who seem no more than front men for dubious commercial interests and 'The Apprentice' type wannabes vying for future self-enrichment.
However, the brand new idea of revisiting copyright law will blind enough of us to this stark truth of politicians reverting to type. "Let them eat Samosas?"
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#3
Theresa Villiers is an odd bod and no mistake. One of those fast forwarded well connected home counties type. A government minister before she could walk. I have the awful feeling that when she released that news item yesterday about the Port, and made her approach and ultimatum to the Port itself also yesterday....that she was painfully unaware of the restructured DHB proposal made just 4 or so weeks back. I have that feeling in my bones. Maybe the hot weather is getting to all of us.
The shambling rambling about Mumbai smacks of mental dehydration of the overwrought kind.
Guest 710- Registered: 28 Feb 2011
- Posts: 6,950
#4
"The shambling rambling about Mumbai smacks of mental dehydration of the overwrought kind."
Yes, Paul. We should all take more water with it.
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#5
there seem to be a few that have been promoted far too much for their capabilities.
the modern day politician is much more interested in saying something that gets in to print than saying something sensible.
this latest faux pas ranks alongside gordon brown when asked about ther being too much immigration to the town he was visiting, he replied "but we can all go and work in eastern europe".
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
#6
Teresa Villiers has been to Blakes and I can say that she is a down-to-earth politician who actually listens to people. Like many of our local representatives she has not wholly signed on to the PC thing. Have you actually met her, PaulB?
On the one hand politicians get criticised for being too PC yet whenever they say something off the cuff they get criticised too. No wonder politics doesn't attract the best people.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#7
not off the cuff, she wrote a letter to an m.p..
the comment suggests that she was trying to get cheap publicity no other reason.
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
#8
Personally I would not mind living in Mumbai. It can't be much worse than Riyadh in early 1979.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 710- Registered: 28 Feb 2011
- Posts: 6,950
#9
Howard @7
I wondered about how much effort would be required for this letter over an e-mail, but I don't know if these letters get as far as a stamp and posting. Would they not be sent in the internal Westminster post?
Ignorance is bliss, bliss is happiness, I am happy...to draw your attention to the possible connectivity in the foregoing.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#10
doubt that tom westminter is empty with all the honourable members sojourning in their 4 berth caravans just outside of goole.
even if it was an e mail it would still require some preparation so premeditation is involved here.
Guest 705- Registered: 23 Sep 2010
- Posts: 661
#11
AH! the joys of Mumbai- This is Victoria Railway Station-magnificent eh?
Never give up...
Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#12
oh well lads
shes down to earth
so she was sincere
pack your bags if you want a job
cor blimey wot a govt
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Never give up...