Please visit my new website/blog - http://jatwilliams.wordpress.com/
Cascittuni will be discontinued soon as a result.
Alex
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Stronger Labour-Plaid links strengthens Tories
Nick Davies and Darren Williams, the authors of "Clear Red Water: Welsh Devolution and Socialist Policies" advocate stronger links with Plaid Cymru as their "preferred coalition partner".
This is unlikely to work in practice. We have already seen rifts occur among the Labour-Plaid government and the Labour and Plaid backbenchers - issues ranging from badger culling to student top-up fees. There will no doubt be further tensions before this Assembly term is out.
But of course the major sticking point for such a firm coalition is the competing aims of Labour and Plaid as far as devolution is concerned - Rhodri Morgan recently said as much when he said that Labour was a proud supporter of devolution whilst Plaid is a secessionist party.
This unholy alliance would not serve to "isolate the Tories for the foreseeable future" as Davies and Williams suggest. The people who supported Plaid Cymru as an alternative to Labour at the last Assembly Election are probably entirely peeved that they decided to prop up Labour rather than opt for change and a Plaid-led Welsh Assembly Government.
Closer ties between these two parties would mean that the Welsh Conservatives would be the only meaningful alternative for voters disillusioned with the Labour-Plaid administration, thereby strengthening the Welsh Conservatives' hand.
Besides, after the General Election and a Conservative landslide, perhaps the Welsh Conservatives will be one of the key players in coalition talks. With a Conservative administration in London, a progressive agenda may be more achievable if there were a Conservative-led administration in Cardiff Bay too - we will have to watch this space.
This is unlikely to work in practice. We have already seen rifts occur among the Labour-Plaid government and the Labour and Plaid backbenchers - issues ranging from badger culling to student top-up fees. There will no doubt be further tensions before this Assembly term is out.
But of course the major sticking point for such a firm coalition is the competing aims of Labour and Plaid as far as devolution is concerned - Rhodri Morgan recently said as much when he said that Labour was a proud supporter of devolution whilst Plaid is a secessionist party.
This unholy alliance would not serve to "isolate the Tories for the foreseeable future" as Davies and Williams suggest. The people who supported Plaid Cymru as an alternative to Labour at the last Assembly Election are probably entirely peeved that they decided to prop up Labour rather than opt for change and a Plaid-led Welsh Assembly Government.
Closer ties between these two parties would mean that the Welsh Conservatives would be the only meaningful alternative for voters disillusioned with the Labour-Plaid administration, thereby strengthening the Welsh Conservatives' hand.
Besides, after the General Election and a Conservative landslide, perhaps the Welsh Conservatives will be one of the key players in coalition talks. With a Conservative administration in London, a progressive agenda may be more achievable if there were a Conservative-led administration in Cardiff Bay too - we will have to watch this space.
Friday, 10 April 2009
Independence in Europe?
So, Welsh nationalists support "independence in Europe". Ok, it's fine to change one's mind (all parties do it from time to time) but it surprises me that Welsh nationalists are in favour of the EU at all.
How can Welsh nationalists, who passionately assert their national identity promote a process of European integration which has started to transcend the nation-state? Is this not a contradiction in their argument?
Contrary to what Jill Evans, Plaid Cymru's MEP, says (Western Mail, 10/04/09 p. 18), I do not believe that Wales would be "better off as an independent state within the EU."
Wales, as a constituent nation of the United Kingdom, wields significantly more leverage in Europe as one of the leading decision-making nations along with France & Germany, by being part of the Union of Nations which make up the United Kingdom, than it would if we were to secede from the Union.
Advocates of “independence in Europe” justify their argument by saying that we would have more MEPs, get our own seat on the Council of Ministers, our own Commissioner and, once in a blue moon, get the presidency of the EC.
Of course, in recent times, two Welshmen - Neil Kinnock and Roy Jenkins - have represented Wales and the UK in Brussels at the highest levels. My point - Wales already appears to be punching above its weight as far as Welsh representation goes in Europe and on the international stage. Indeed, Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the Chair of the All Wales Convention, was once the UK's Ambassador to the UN.
Speaking of the UK, if each UK nation were to secede from the Union, the UK would be no more and we would obviously lose our status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council (thereby losing significant political influence in world affairs). So as a rider to this, it would be interesting to hear what Plaid Cymru's position is on the EU gaining a seat on the UNSC at the expense of the UK & France?
Anyway, back to Europe - by pointing to the so-called advantages of "independence in Europe" (more MEPs, Council, Commissioner, Presidency etc.) nationalists ignore the almost inevitable reorganisation of the institutional makeup of the EU to take into account its ever-enlarging membership.
Enlargement means that the European Union's institutional structure is becoming unwieldy, meaning that if there were an adjustment in the number of MEPs, Wales would probably not get the holy grail of 12 members which Jill Evans promises.
Surely all this talk of "independence in Europe" and institutional arrangements detracts from the practical work which can be done in Europe on behalf of the Welsh people. It is for our four Welsh MEPs to fight Wales' corner in Brussels.
I know from working with Jonathan Evans MEP, this is exactly what he has been doing for the last ten years. I know Kay Swinburne, the Welsh Conservative candidate at these forthcoming European elections, will do exactly the same when she arrives in Brussels.
How can Welsh nationalists, who passionately assert their national identity promote a process of European integration which has started to transcend the nation-state? Is this not a contradiction in their argument?
Contrary to what Jill Evans, Plaid Cymru's MEP, says (Western Mail, 10/04/09 p. 18), I do not believe that Wales would be "better off as an independent state within the EU."
Wales, as a constituent nation of the United Kingdom, wields significantly more leverage in Europe as one of the leading decision-making nations along with France & Germany, by being part of the Union of Nations which make up the United Kingdom, than it would if we were to secede from the Union.
Advocates of “independence in Europe” justify their argument by saying that we would have more MEPs, get our own seat on the Council of Ministers, our own Commissioner and, once in a blue moon, get the presidency of the EC.
Of course, in recent times, two Welshmen - Neil Kinnock and Roy Jenkins - have represented Wales and the UK in Brussels at the highest levels. My point - Wales already appears to be punching above its weight as far as Welsh representation goes in Europe and on the international stage. Indeed, Sir Emyr Jones Parry, the Chair of the All Wales Convention, was once the UK's Ambassador to the UN.
Speaking of the UK, if each UK nation were to secede from the Union, the UK would be no more and we would obviously lose our status as a permanent member of the UN Security Council (thereby losing significant political influence in world affairs). So as a rider to this, it would be interesting to hear what Plaid Cymru's position is on the EU gaining a seat on the UNSC at the expense of the UK & France?
Anyway, back to Europe - by pointing to the so-called advantages of "independence in Europe" (more MEPs, Council, Commissioner, Presidency etc.) nationalists ignore the almost inevitable reorganisation of the institutional makeup of the EU to take into account its ever-enlarging membership.
Enlargement means that the European Union's institutional structure is becoming unwieldy, meaning that if there were an adjustment in the number of MEPs, Wales would probably not get the holy grail of 12 members which Jill Evans promises.
Surely all this talk of "independence in Europe" and institutional arrangements detracts from the practical work which can be done in Europe on behalf of the Welsh people. It is for our four Welsh MEPs to fight Wales' corner in Brussels.
I know from working with Jonathan Evans MEP, this is exactly what he has been doing for the last ten years. I know Kay Swinburne, the Welsh Conservative candidate at these forthcoming European elections, will do exactly the same when she arrives in Brussels.
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Flagrancy of the few tarnishes the majority
Ok, fair enough - Bob Quick had to go following what was an innocent but regrettable mistake when he carried secret papers with sensitive operational details up Downing Street in full view of the waiting media.
It's unfortunate, however, that his boss - Jacqui Smith - didn't have the decency to realise that her recent actions require her resignation too. If this had happened to you or me, we would have surely been sacked!
She says that her expense claims are within the rules. Ok, even if they are, you would have thought she would have the "moral compass" to ask herself whether her constituents would find such expense claims acceptable.
She says that she can look her constituents in the eye and say that she believes she has done a good job - she will have to work very hard as she's defending a majority of 2716 in her Redditch constituency, the lowest majority of any Cabinet minister.
That said, at least Jacqui Smith actually takes up her seat in the House of Commons which is more than can be said for Sinn Fein MPs - who have claimed additional cost allowances and more than £400,000 on London flats from an institution to which they are elected but choose to boycott by not taking up their seats, thereby not serving their constituents' interests.
I'm pleased to hear that if they form the next Government, the Tories will end this abuse of the system and restore the integrity of Parliament.
Those MPs on all sides of the House who operate within their own moral code of acceptability and are dedicated to public service must be seething as the flagrancy of the few tarnishes the good work of the majority. The rules must change!
It's unfortunate, however, that his boss - Jacqui Smith - didn't have the decency to realise that her recent actions require her resignation too. If this had happened to you or me, we would have surely been sacked!
She says that her expense claims are within the rules. Ok, even if they are, you would have thought she would have the "moral compass" to ask herself whether her constituents would find such expense claims acceptable.
She says that she can look her constituents in the eye and say that she believes she has done a good job - she will have to work very hard as she's defending a majority of 2716 in her Redditch constituency, the lowest majority of any Cabinet minister.
That said, at least Jacqui Smith actually takes up her seat in the House of Commons which is more than can be said for Sinn Fein MPs - who have claimed additional cost allowances and more than £400,000 on London flats from an institution to which they are elected but choose to boycott by not taking up their seats, thereby not serving their constituents' interests.
I'm pleased to hear that if they form the next Government, the Tories will end this abuse of the system and restore the integrity of Parliament.
Those MPs on all sides of the House who operate within their own moral code of acceptability and are dedicated to public service must be seething as the flagrancy of the few tarnishes the good work of the majority. The rules must change!
Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Welsh Labour Leadership
This week, it has been rumoured that both the Health Minister (Edwina Hart) and the Education Minister (Jane Hutt), have been taking soundings for a possible leadership bid.
When Rhodri Morgan steps down (currently scheduled for this Autumn) and it’s time to choose the next First Minister, it occurs to me that Labour’s membership will have to bear in mind the frontrunners’ slim majorities (below) as well as their respective leadership qualities.
Wouldn’t it be embarrassing for Welsh Labour if the First Minister lost his/her seat to the Welsh Conservatives or the Welsh Lib Dems. With this in mind, Huw Lewis or Leighton Andrews could still have a chance yet.
My view – Rhodri Morgan has been bolstered by a recent poll which showed that his job approval rating over the whole of his tenure is at a healthy 65%. In my view, his plans could very well be delayed and he could be in charge until after the General Election. He is a very shrewd politician and it could be said that no one in his party at the moment has the stature and/or the majority to replace him.
Is it too bold to suggest that Peter Hain may seek election to the Assembly? Might we see a First Minister Hain post-2011?
Labour Majorities
Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan) - 83
Edwina Hart (Gower) – 1192
Andrew Davies (Swansea West) - 1511
Carwyn Jones (Bridgend) - 2556
When Rhodri Morgan steps down (currently scheduled for this Autumn) and it’s time to choose the next First Minister, it occurs to me that Labour’s membership will have to bear in mind the frontrunners’ slim majorities (below) as well as their respective leadership qualities.
Wouldn’t it be embarrassing for Welsh Labour if the First Minister lost his/her seat to the Welsh Conservatives or the Welsh Lib Dems. With this in mind, Huw Lewis or Leighton Andrews could still have a chance yet.
My view – Rhodri Morgan has been bolstered by a recent poll which showed that his job approval rating over the whole of his tenure is at a healthy 65%. In my view, his plans could very well be delayed and he could be in charge until after the General Election. He is a very shrewd politician and it could be said that no one in his party at the moment has the stature and/or the majority to replace him.
Is it too bold to suggest that Peter Hain may seek election to the Assembly? Might we see a First Minister Hain post-2011?
Labour Majorities
Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan) - 83
Edwina Hart (Gower) – 1192
Andrew Davies (Swansea West) - 1511
Carwyn Jones (Bridgend) - 2556
Leave off our Cheryl!
Now, where was I …
Can anyone tell it’s recess?
In today’s Western Mail, Cheryl Gillan has been criticised for saying that “knowledge of Wales or devolution is desirable but not essential” while advertising for a research assistant. Does this really justify a two-page spread in the Western Mail?
Some would say that some of our AMs could do with a crash course to boost their knowledge of Wales or devolution.
This is no where near “doing a Redwood” as Welsh Ramblings suggests. Clearly all adverts have to comply with employment legislation.
Cheryl’s opponents have typically jumped on this politically expedient bandwagon.
If only she got the same media coverage for all the good work she does in Wales – she is the most dedicated and hard working Shadow Secretary of State that I have had the pleasure of working with and she gives up most of her weekends to visit constituencies all over Wales to listen to people’s views and concerns on a range of issues including the economy, housing, social justice and the environment among others.
She will make an outstanding Secretary of State in the not too distant future.
Can anyone tell it’s recess?
In today’s Western Mail, Cheryl Gillan has been criticised for saying that “knowledge of Wales or devolution is desirable but not essential” while advertising for a research assistant. Does this really justify a two-page spread in the Western Mail?
Some would say that some of our AMs could do with a crash course to boost their knowledge of Wales or devolution.
This is no where near “doing a Redwood” as Welsh Ramblings suggests. Clearly all adverts have to comply with employment legislation.
Cheryl’s opponents have typically jumped on this politically expedient bandwagon.
If only she got the same media coverage for all the good work she does in Wales – she is the most dedicated and hard working Shadow Secretary of State that I have had the pleasure of working with and she gives up most of her weekends to visit constituencies all over Wales to listen to people’s views and concerns on a range of issues including the economy, housing, social justice and the environment among others.
She will make an outstanding Secretary of State in the not too distant future.
Thursday, 23 August 2007
Suspension of the Blog
It is with regret that due to potential conflicts of interest with work, I have to suspend this blog until I am in a position when I can resume it. It's been fun and I've enjoyed contributing my views. I'll still be an avid reader and will keep up to date with all the political developments from a sedentary position. All the best to all. Cascittuni - signing off for now.
AW
AW
Thursday, 9 August 2007
Logo and Texas
Given that it's recess, silly season continues and there are murmurings surrounding our tree logo turning a shade of blue. I understand why the Party is doing this - to appease the Right - but I have to say that it is a distraction. It's now time to present some firm policy proposals to the electorate based on the Policy Commissions' and Taskforces' reports rather than fiddling with logos and presentation.
I was originally of the opinion that we should keep our Blue Dragon in Wales but I understand why the Party decided to change the torch because of its negative connotations. However, now that it has changed, discussions should move on.
I may be wrong but recent events seem to suggest that on a national level we still don't have the hunger to win. David Cameron must not be deterred from pursuing his modernisation programme. But it is time to stop calling it the Cameron agenda and start calling it the Conservative agenda. We will only have a chance of winning the election if we position ourselves in the centre of British politics and we carry the whole party with us. At the moment, Labour is setting the agenda and we are being made to look like a disunited pressure group responding to the government's agenda.
Perhaps the UK Party should look at how Nick Bourne has successfully repositioned the Party in Wales for inspiration and Cameron ought to get some really top class people in to support him - experienced political operators like Ken Clarke should be asked to be mentors in my view. Cameron could also probably have a refresh of his support staff - bringing in a combination of experienced people who have been there and done it as well as bright and sharp youngsters. Just a thought. Whatever happens, our PR certainly needs to be a lot sharper in the future if we are to be slick enough to win.
I won't be blogging from now until August 22nd as I am off to Texas to be best man in a wedding. I'm looking forward to a few steaks. Hopefully the Conservative Party won't fall apart (totally) when I'm gone and retreat to the Right.
I was originally of the opinion that we should keep our Blue Dragon in Wales but I understand why the Party decided to change the torch because of its negative connotations. However, now that it has changed, discussions should move on.
I may be wrong but recent events seem to suggest that on a national level we still don't have the hunger to win. David Cameron must not be deterred from pursuing his modernisation programme. But it is time to stop calling it the Cameron agenda and start calling it the Conservative agenda. We will only have a chance of winning the election if we position ourselves in the centre of British politics and we carry the whole party with us. At the moment, Labour is setting the agenda and we are being made to look like a disunited pressure group responding to the government's agenda.
Perhaps the UK Party should look at how Nick Bourne has successfully repositioned the Party in Wales for inspiration and Cameron ought to get some really top class people in to support him - experienced political operators like Ken Clarke should be asked to be mentors in my view. Cameron could also probably have a refresh of his support staff - bringing in a combination of experienced people who have been there and done it as well as bright and sharp youngsters. Just a thought. Whatever happens, our PR certainly needs to be a lot sharper in the future if we are to be slick enough to win.
I won't be blogging from now until August 22nd as I am off to Texas to be best man in a wedding. I'm looking forward to a few steaks. Hopefully the Conservative Party won't fall apart (totally) when I'm gone and retreat to the Right.
Monday, 6 August 2007
Welsh Conservative Defection to Labour and Shambo
Defection
Right, well here are my thoughts on the row over David Anstee's defection from us to Welsh Labour...
It must be silly season if this is one of the main stories on the BBC Wales Politics website.
However, being a political anorak, I can't resist in contributing my thoughts.
It is a shame that the first sign of a few minor difficulties provokes such a knee jerk reaction from David Anstee - a long-term strategic error of judgement me thinks - unless he has come to the decision that he prefers the top down centrally driven targets of the Labour Party to the bottom up, localism of the Conservatives that is.
I have to say that I have never come across David Anstee (Rhondda) in my 7+ years as a party member in the neigbouring constituency of Ogmore.
Like Anstee, I also attend Policy Forums and contribute to the debates but do not profess to be one of the principal architects of the Welsh Conservative manifesto. As Secretary of the South Wales West Conservative Council, I did not come across Mr Anstee's name whilst discussing the manifesto with colleagues prior to the election or during the campaign so I doubt whether he was an instrumental figure in the policy-making process.
I acknowledge that Brown has done quite well in his first few weeks as PM in managing crisis after crisis but when the normal business of government resumes in the autumn, the bounce could well be over and I am sure that we will expose the weaknesses of the government once again. Jumping ship so early on seems to indicate that Mr Anstee has been uncomfortable with the party for while. Either that or he is merely an opportunist and he thinks he's picked the winner of the next election. A week's a long time in politics apparently. The political tide could once again change quickly.
Shambo
I don't apologise for what I said with regards to Shambo - I still think public health considerations must outweigh religious sensitivities. However, I think that I could have been a little more sympathetic to those who loved Shambo.
On the weekend, my black lab - Jack - who is almost 14 (a good age for a Lab) fell ill. He was in a great deal of pain and we had to make a mercy dash to the vet. We were given the dreaded option - hospitalise him for further tests or put him down. We honestly thought he was a gonner but luckily, we decided for the former option and it ended up being good news - he's right as rain today and all he needed was a steroid injection to ease the pain in his hips. It could have been a lot worse.
Throughout this whole episode, I thought of the Skanda Vale monks who were forced to see their beloved Shambo led away to the slaughter house. It made me think how difficult the decision was.
Right, well here are my thoughts on the row over David Anstee's defection from us to Welsh Labour...
It must be silly season if this is one of the main stories on the BBC Wales Politics website.
However, being a political anorak, I can't resist in contributing my thoughts.
It is a shame that the first sign of a few minor difficulties provokes such a knee jerk reaction from David Anstee - a long-term strategic error of judgement me thinks - unless he has come to the decision that he prefers the top down centrally driven targets of the Labour Party to the bottom up, localism of the Conservatives that is.
I have to say that I have never come across David Anstee (Rhondda) in my 7+ years as a party member in the neigbouring constituency of Ogmore.
Like Anstee, I also attend Policy Forums and contribute to the debates but do not profess to be one of the principal architects of the Welsh Conservative manifesto. As Secretary of the South Wales West Conservative Council, I did not come across Mr Anstee's name whilst discussing the manifesto with colleagues prior to the election or during the campaign so I doubt whether he was an instrumental figure in the policy-making process.
I acknowledge that Brown has done quite well in his first few weeks as PM in managing crisis after crisis but when the normal business of government resumes in the autumn, the bounce could well be over and I am sure that we will expose the weaknesses of the government once again. Jumping ship so early on seems to indicate that Mr Anstee has been uncomfortable with the party for while. Either that or he is merely an opportunist and he thinks he's picked the winner of the next election. A week's a long time in politics apparently. The political tide could once again change quickly.
Shambo
I don't apologise for what I said with regards to Shambo - I still think public health considerations must outweigh religious sensitivities. However, I think that I could have been a little more sympathetic to those who loved Shambo.
On the weekend, my black lab - Jack - who is almost 14 (a good age for a Lab) fell ill. He was in a great deal of pain and we had to make a mercy dash to the vet. We were given the dreaded option - hospitalise him for further tests or put him down. We honestly thought he was a gonner but luckily, we decided for the former option and it ended up being good news - he's right as rain today and all he needed was a steroid injection to ease the pain in his hips. It could have been a lot worse.
Throughout this whole episode, I thought of the Skanda Vale monks who were forced to see their beloved Shambo led away to the slaughter house. It made me think how difficult the decision was.
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
Update
Conservatives
Those in the Party who criticise David Cameron have a short memory and are clearly content on being in Opposition for the forseeable future. Don't they remember that focusing solely and primarily on immigration, low taxes and Europe has cost us the last three General Elections. Edward Leigh says that these issues "enthuse" activists. I'll tell you what would enthuse me - winning and actually engendering change by being in government rather than by sniping and carping from the sidelines. We need to get behind David Cameron instead. Leigh goes on to say that "liberalism doesn't win elections". Maybe not but nor does factionalism. Pragmatism and centrism wins elections. United parties win elections. It serves neither man nor beast for Edward Leigh or Ali Miraj to be undermining Cameron in this way.
Nick Bourne is right to say that a change in strategy would be absurd. I totally agree with Nick in saying that “David Cameron’s leadership has taken the party in exactly the right direction." I am glad that the Welsh Conservatives seem to be united and supportive of DC in spite of our difficult few weeks in Westminster. Brown's bounce won't last forever. We must remain on this course and not succumb to the opportunists who seek to undermine the leadership.
Lembit Opik
Lembit Opik has been tipped as a potential candidate for the London mayoral race. He says he has no intention of standing but if I were him, I would be tempted given that he is up against the Welsh Conservative powerhouse that is Glyn Davies at the next General Election. I would want to get out of Montgomeryshire too if I were Lembit. The prospect of facing Glyn can't exactly fill him with joy. It would certainly be an interesting contest though - Boris, Ken and Lembit going head to head. Whether Lembit stands or not, it will prove to be an intriguing contest. However, it would be nice to see the Lib Dems field a heavyweight candidate to avoid being also-rans.
Andrew Lilico - The Differences between a modern Conservative and a Blairite
I read an interesting article on Conservative Home on Tuesday about the differences between a modern Conservative and a Blairite. I encourage everyone to read it at http://www.conservativehome.co.uk/
European Treaty
Whether you're a pro-European or a Eurosceptic, it's clear that Brown must honour his party's manifesto commitment and give us a referendum on the proposed European Treaty given that 90% of the proposed measures have been lifted from the rejected European Constitution. Labour members refer to the fact that we did not offer a referendum on the Maastricht Treaty. That's true but we didn't promise one either.
Those in the Party who criticise David Cameron have a short memory and are clearly content on being in Opposition for the forseeable future. Don't they remember that focusing solely and primarily on immigration, low taxes and Europe has cost us the last three General Elections. Edward Leigh says that these issues "enthuse" activists. I'll tell you what would enthuse me - winning and actually engendering change by being in government rather than by sniping and carping from the sidelines. We need to get behind David Cameron instead. Leigh goes on to say that "liberalism doesn't win elections". Maybe not but nor does factionalism. Pragmatism and centrism wins elections. United parties win elections. It serves neither man nor beast for Edward Leigh or Ali Miraj to be undermining Cameron in this way.
Nick Bourne is right to say that a change in strategy would be absurd. I totally agree with Nick in saying that “David Cameron’s leadership has taken the party in exactly the right direction." I am glad that the Welsh Conservatives seem to be united and supportive of DC in spite of our difficult few weeks in Westminster. Brown's bounce won't last forever. We must remain on this course and not succumb to the opportunists who seek to undermine the leadership.
Lembit Opik
Lembit Opik has been tipped as a potential candidate for the London mayoral race. He says he has no intention of standing but if I were him, I would be tempted given that he is up against the Welsh Conservative powerhouse that is Glyn Davies at the next General Election. I would want to get out of Montgomeryshire too if I were Lembit. The prospect of facing Glyn can't exactly fill him with joy. It would certainly be an interesting contest though - Boris, Ken and Lembit going head to head. Whether Lembit stands or not, it will prove to be an intriguing contest. However, it would be nice to see the Lib Dems field a heavyweight candidate to avoid being also-rans.
Andrew Lilico - The Differences between a modern Conservative and a Blairite
I read an interesting article on Conservative Home on Tuesday about the differences between a modern Conservative and a Blairite. I encourage everyone to read it at http://www.conservativehome.co.uk/
European Treaty
Whether you're a pro-European or a Eurosceptic, it's clear that Brown must honour his party's manifesto commitment and give us a referendum on the proposed European Treaty given that 90% of the proposed measures have been lifted from the rejected European Constitution. Labour members refer to the fact that we did not offer a referendum on the Maastricht Treaty. That's true but we didn't promise one either.
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