Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,580
the dogs knew you bob lol
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Latest from Charlie.
Too much of our taxpayer cash is wasted. Whether it's building an airport where planes can't land, or NHS trusts ordering fax machines long after they’ve become obsolete, these tales of fiscal farce have drawn public ridicule for years. Next year, the Government will spend £840 billion. That’s some £31,000 per household - an eye watering sum of money. Yet incredibly there is hardly any Parliamentary oversight of how this money is spent.
In fact, there’s so little oversight that a month ago just under £300 billion of spending was voted through by the Commons without any debate – or even a vote. This needs to change, which is why I am making the case to establish a powerful Parliamentary spending watchdog, a Budget Committee.
In recent years, parliaments around the world have been setting up budget committees and parliamentary budget offices – such as the well-known Congressional Budget Office in the US. Yet our Parliament has not kept up. In fact we are so far behind that experts consider the Commons to have one of the weakest spending oversight systems in the developed world.
With a powerful Budget Committee, Treasury figures would be subject to independent checking. Detailed questions could be asked before projects and plans are signed off. Accordingly, before Parliament signs off on further vast sums for projects like HS2, serious work could be done on where it is going, what difference it will make and whether existing budgetary governance is adequate for that project. Taking a longer-term approach would mean risks as well as long term costs and benefits could be assessed.
The work of the Budget Committee would not just apply to the oversight of individual projects. It should also cover Government spending reviews too. All too often complex and detailed budgetary work is decided in a flurry of salami-slicing as the Treasury rushes to meet the spending review deadline. With a powerful and independent Parliamentary Budget Office, spending reviews could be made rolling, led by Parliament, with a zero-based approach focused on cutting waste and seeking efficiencies.
We have achieved so much in managing the economy. Employment is now at record highs, while wages are rising above inflation. In Dover and Deal 7,700 more jobs have been created since 2010. That has been driven by more than £500 million of investment, including a new shopping centre, a new leisure centre, the fast train and major seafront regeneration. Now it is time to focus on spending taxpayer’s hard earned money better. If we manage to save just one per cent of that £840 billion, that would mean £8.4 billion – a sum equal to 2p off basic rate tax, and not far off from the entire annual spending on policing. It’s time we got more bang for the taxpayer buck.
Ross Miller- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,682
Shame they cannot be trusted after the expenses scandal especially as a number have been caught out doing it again and again...
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
ray hutstone- Registered: 1 Apr 2018
- Posts: 2,158
Why doesn't he mention the already countless millions that have been squandered on Brexit?
Ross Miller likes this
Button- Location: Dover
- Registered: 22 Jul 2016
- Posts: 2,908
Also from Charlie: "For many decades in this country we have had legal heroin prescribed as morphine. Let's change these NHS guidelines now - rather than wasting time arresting desperate mothers at airports."
Hmm. Reminds me of a Customs case under the Misuse of Drugs Act, which unfortunately described the substance as 'heroin' - effectively just a brand name, rather than 'diamorphine' as per the MDA schedule. The Bench allowed the case to proceed, but... cue much wagging of finger.
(Not my real name.)
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Latest from Charlie, best recited out loud in a churchillian voice.
"Britain stands ready. It’s time our Government matched the political courage of the British people. We’ve discussed Europe for long enough. Today we should not be seeking an Article 50 extension. We should be leaving, deal or no deal."
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
nearly wet myself reading that. if he wants out he could allways move to gite in france
Captain Haddock- Location: Marlinspike Hall
- Registered: 8 Oct 2012
- Posts: 7,507
Jan Higgins and Brian Dixon like this
'If no one went no faster than what I do there'd be a sight less trouble in this world'
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,984
Well said Bob
Captain Haddock- Location: Marlinspike Hall
- Registered: 8 Oct 2012
- Posts: 7,507
The 'deal' would have taken us out of the Customs Union and the Single Market.
Charlie and others are acting like spoiled brats who because they can't have EVERYTHING they want are ensuring that the majority Brexit voters get NOTHING they want.
As it stands it looks as though the best 'we' can hope for is another 12 months delay, Magic Grandad to ADD Customs Union to present deal AND the possibility of the Conservative Government being blamed for the whole debacle leaving the lefty Labour lunatics with a chance of winning the next General Election.
The stupidity is running deep today.
'If no one went no faster than what I do there'd be a sight less trouble in this world'
Dover Pilot- Registered: 28 Jul 2018
- Posts: 333
Captain Haddock wrote:The 'deal' would have taken us out of the Customs Union and the Single Market.
Charlie and others are acting like spoiled brats who because they can't have EVERYTHING they want are ensuring that the majority Brexit voters get NOTHING they want.
As it stands it looks as though the best 'we' can hope for is another 12 months delay, Magic Grandad to ADD Customs Union to present deal AND the possibility of the Conservative Government being blamed for the whole debacle leaving the lefty Labour lunatics with a chance of winning the next General Election.
The stupidity is running deep today.
Possibility of blame? I think you are mistaken. The Conservatives will NEVER govern this country again.
ray hutstone- Registered: 1 Apr 2018
- Posts: 2,158
Charlie now appears to be siding with this ever vociferous chap. Shall we remember what he used to say? Only a madman.....
Jan Higgins- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,660
Charlies latest load of rubbish, if he feels that strongly about Brexit maybe he should have voted to get the thing passed and persuaded his pals to do the same.....
"It's time to leave the EU and move on
The past week has witnessed incredible scenes in Parliament – not least the first tied vote seen for 25 years. The 2016 EU referendum deeply divided the nation. It is therefore unsurprising that there has been such strength of feeling on both sides of the debate.
Yet here in Dover and Deal there was a stronger consensus. Some two-thirds of voters backed leaving the EU. My mandate was clear. To leave the EU and take back control of our laws, trade, money and borders.
We are of course very much on the front line of this decision. So as your MP, I have worked tirelessly to make sure that our area is as ready as it can be, deal or no deal. I set out a blueprint for this Ready on Day One approach. My series of papers detailed how customs and border security systems could be overhauled and brought into a single Government department to ensure order at the border.
We formed a Brexit Task Force at Dover District Council. I have met time and again with Transport Ministers, Treasury Ministers and Ministers from the Brexit Department to press the case for early preparation and readiness. I have asked the Prime Minister in Parliament for greater investment in our borders and to make sure we are ready on day one, prepared for every eventuality. Millions of pounds have been secured for preparations – from additional resources for Kent Police and councils to investment in the Channel Ports and transport infrastructure.
Yet Brexit has now become all consuming. We need to move on and focus on the many other things that matter to us all – especially jobs, schools, hospitals, home ownership and policing. I am against a second referendum. It would simply mean endless Brexit. We need to break out of this Brexit Groundhog Day, not have another year leading up to yet another Brexit referendum. The referendum was held. The decision was made. It’s been nearly three years. It’s now time to move on.
So where do we go from here? In Parliament I have voted for a no deal departure and against staying in the Customs Union and Single Market that would give us no control over EU immigration and force us to accept EU laws, including EU trade policy. I have also voted against a second referendum and opposed an Article 50 extension. I believe we have talked about Brexit for long enough. We now need to leave the EU – deal or no deal – and move on.
In the meantime, I continue to focus on delivering for our community. We have been able to achieve an incredible amount here in Dover and Deal – record jobs, more cash for healthcare, over £500m of investment and so much more.
For me it’s time to believe in Britain – the global trading power we can be and the economic powerhouse we can build. Let’s leave the EU now and move on. Our best years are yet to come."
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Captain Haddock- Location: Marlinspike Hall
- Registered: 8 Oct 2012
- Posts: 7,507
'It’s now time to move on'.
Which is a bit like trying to convince your father that in spite of then fact that you took the family car out last night without permission and wrapped it round a lamp-post while pissed and got brought home by the police you'd like to change the subject!
YOU (and others) screwed this up Charlie. Own it.
You've got six months to sort it.
Perhaps since your collective mucking around has forced cancelled holidays and overtime on various groups, the least you bastards could do to compensate is cancel your six week summer recess and stay in Westminster until you have something concrete to report.
As you point out, as well as Brexit, you have more than enough to keep you all occupied ...............
Button likes this
'If no one went no faster than what I do there'd be a sight less trouble in this world'
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
"Police forces across the country are failing to investigate financial crime. A constituent lost £500k in the £10m Premier FX scandal, yet the Police won’t investigate. We need a national economic crime police force with the skills needed to tackle these appalling crimes."
The above from our MP who has consistently voted for cuts in police funding.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Latest from Charlie.
The past week has witnessed incredible scenes in Parliament – not least the first tied vote seen for 25 years. The 2016 EU referendum deeply divided the nation. It is therefore unsurprising that there has been such strength of feeling on both sides of the debate. Yet here in Dover and Deal there was a stronger consensus. Some two-thirds of voters backed leaving the EU. My mandate was clear. To leave the EU and take back control of our laws, trade, money and borders. We are of course very much on the front line of this decision. So as your MP, I have worked tirelessly to make sure that our area is as ready as it can be, deal or no deal. I set out a blueprint for this Ready on Day One approach. My series of papers detailed how customs and border security systems could be overhauled and brought into a single Government department to ensure order at the border.
We formed a Brexit Task Force at Dover District Council. I have met time and again with Transport Ministers, Treasury Ministers and Ministers from the Brexit Department to press the case for early preparation and readiness. I have asked the Prime Minister in Parliament for greater investment in our borders and to make sure we are ready on day one, prepared for every eventuality. Millions of pounds have been secured for preparations – from additional resources for Kent Police and councils to investment in the Channel Ports and transport infrastructure.
Yet Brexit has now become all consuming. We need to move on and focus on the many other things that matter to us all – especially jobs, schools, hospitals, home ownership and policing. I am against a second referendum. It would simply mean endless Brexit. We need to break out of this Brexit Groundhog Day, not have another year leading up to yet another Brexit referendum. The referendum was held. The decision was made. It’s been nearly three years. It’s now time to move on. So where do we go from here? In Parliament I have voted for a no deal departure and against staying in the Customs Union and Single Market that would give us no control over EU immigration and force us to accept EU laws, including EU trade policy. I have also voted against a second referendum and opposed an Article 50 extension. I believe we have talked about Brexit for long enough. We now need to leave the EU – deal or no deal – and move on.
In the meantime, I continue to focus on delivering for our community. We have been able to achieve an incredible amount here in Dover and Deal – record jobs, more cash for healthcare, over £500m of investment and so much more. For me it’s time to believe in Britain – the global trading power we can be and the economic powerhouse we can build. Let’s leave the EU now and move on. Our best years are yet to come.
ray hutstone- Registered: 1 Apr 2018
- Posts: 2,158
Pass the sickbag, Alice.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
Latest from Charlie.
Stronger transport links are central to delivering more jobs and money for our area. That’s why I work hard to deliver road and rail improvements. So far it’s made a real difference. We fought a long battle to get the High Speed train sweeping into Deal all day, every day. This has boosted the local economy. More people than ever now commute to work and it’s so much easier for tourists to visit.
This is a far cry from how things were. The previous Government had refused to extend the High Speed service to Deal, describing it as a village. Yet by working together, finally in August 2011 fast trains finally started running to Deal, Walmer and Martin Mill as a peak commuting service. This cut journey times to London by half an hour. It was an incredible success.
The next step was to extend it again – this time to an all-day service. Another campaign saw Transport Ministers announce the move from January 2015. This background is important – because the pace of positive change to Deal’s economy has increased alongside. Better transport links is one of the reasons our area has attracted more than £500 million of investment in recent years, including 7,700 extra local jobs. Having fought so hard for these successes, it’s vital we build on them. That’s why I have held urgent talks with rail minister Andrew Jones after it emerged the number of direct High Speed trains between Deal and London could reduce in future. The Minister was left in no doubt about my strength of feeling on this issue – and I hope that we will now see action. I also called on him to invest more in local stations. Led by Helen Charlton's volunteer groups Deal Station Gardeners and the Clean-up Crew, Deal station has been much more cared for recently. More investment is planned with a new deck and steps, while major improvements to the footbridge at Dover Priory are also in the pipeline. To address antisocial behaviour, a senior officer from British Transport Police has been allocated to Deal for the first time.
Our area deserves the best possible transport links. We’ve achieved a lot on rail. Yet our roads need investment too. We need to see the A2 dualled all the way to the port. We need a better road between Dover and Deal – because the A258 is so overcrowded and dangerous. And we need to see the M20 lorry parks that have long been promised finally delivered. These schemes are vital to unlocking our area’s potential. Because prosperity comes down a train line and a dual carriageway. Transport investment pays for itself and boosts economies in communities like ours. We need to keep up the momentum – so we continue to speed along the road to greater prosperity in the years to come.
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
more dross from the boss.
Captain Haddock- Location: Marlinspike Hall
- Registered: 8 Oct 2012
- Posts: 7,507
'Alexa, can you write 200 words of non-committal stuff about transport without mentioning the fact that the minister responsible is Chris Grayling or mentioning much more important stuff like Brexit'
'Here you are Charlie'
Guest 2982, Button and Guest 1997 like this
'If no one went no faster than what I do there'd be a sight less trouble in this world'