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 | Welcome to our Blog |
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Read and comment on views from members of Cambridge Conservatives.
Thursday, 01 January, 2009
 | Change Britain in the New Year |
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 People are looking to the Conservatives for hope in these dark days, and we must be ready to offer it: hard-edged hope, built on a clear-sighted analysis of what has gone wrong and how we can put it right.
This government has lost its moral compass. Where is the morality in asking our children to pay off our debts? Where is the morality in encouraging people who have already borrowed too much to borrow a little more? Where is the morality in trying to reflate the bubble and return the country to the age of irresponsibility that led us to this mess?
It has to end – and the sooner the better. The longer Labour are in, the worse it gets. So let’s make sure we’re ready for an election at any time, and let’s do all we can to make sure that 2009 is the year when change comes to Britain too. |
Wednesday, 17 December, 2008
| Quango Boss in a TIF |
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Cambridge Evening News, Letters to the Editor
Dear sir,
Today’s News reports the chief executive of Cambridgeshire’s development quango is concerned that by rejecting the congestion charge we are also turning down money for transport in the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF)
He is looking through the wrong end of the telescope. TIF is not about the extra money, it is about the introduction of congestion charging. I suggest he turns his attention to the government and asks why Labour ministers have made the congestion charge compulsory? If Labour really cared about congestion, they would drop the compulsory nature of the congestion charge and let local people decide for themselves what is best.
As for the level of funding - it is fairy gold. We are dealing with a government that, while promising action, has actually delayed upgrading our existing roads, like the A14. It has reduced in real terms, every year, the grants allocated to the County Council to enable it to provide necessary services to the people of Cambridgeshire.
I am delighted that the voters of Manchester had their chance to reject the compulsory congestion charge and that Boris Johnson kept his pledge to scrap the extension of the London congestion charge zone. I too will campaign against Labour’s blackmail transport plan for Cambridge.
Richard Normington
| 'Cambridge has best research ideas' - Daily Telegraph |
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Cambridge has the best research plans of all British universities, according to an analysis of official data published. Oxford and Cambridge are leading the field among UK universities, with high proportions of their research graded as "world leading". But Cambridge has nudged ahead, claiming the top spot in a table produced by the Press Association.
Monday, 15 December, 2008
| The A14 Choice: Upgraded or Downscaled? |
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For users of the A14 at the next election, voters can choose if they want it to be upgraded by Conservatives, or 'downscaled' by the Lib Dems.
The recent comments by the MP for Cambridge and the ruling group on the City Council show how out-of-touch they are with the day-to-day needs of the city.
Residents' know that the fastest way to gridlock the city's traffic is an accident on the A14. The environmental harm of stuck traffic is much greater than that of free-flowing vehicles. Furthermore, the road is a major business artery, connecting the eastern ports to the many cities of the industrial midlands. It needs upgrading urgently, and we already see the problems caused by Labour's cancellation of the Conservative roads programme in the 1990's.
Richard Normington commented, 'Cambridge needs a new voice, ready to stand up for ordinary people. Conservatives are ready to take on the medievalist-luddite sect of environmentalism that has the local Lib Dems in its grip. Our candidates for the county council election will stand on the side of improvement for the A14. We will provide local families with the chance to use a safer, swifter motorway.'
Friday, 12 December, 2008
| Gordon Brown breaks his promise on Equitable Life |
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"I note that the Leader of the House announced a statement on Equitable Life in the first week back after Christmas. Last week, the Prime Minister promised to the House a statement on Equitable Life before Christmas. So will the Prime Minister come to the House to explain why his Chancellor is not doing what the Prime Minister promised the House he would do? Given that the Leader of the House, on numerous occasions, told us that the statement would be given in autumn, perhaps she can explain why this is the first time in living history that autumn has extended into January?"
Harriet Harman replied:
"The right hon. Lady mentioned Equitable Life. I acknowledge that we said that the statement would be ready in the autumn, but it is important to note that the issue has its roots in problems that started in the 1980s. In the summer, there was a substantial report from the ombudsman that needed consideration. We are talking about important issues, and if the Treasury needs to dot the i’s and cross the t’s, it should do so. Surely it is more important that the report is properly considered before it is brought to the House than for us to have an artificial timetable. The statement will be made in January."
It was more than moderately cheeky for Ms Harman to describe the Government's own (abandoned) timetable as "artificial".
Pensions expert Stephen Yeo commented to ConservativeHome:
"The delay is even worse than it seems at first. The Ombudsman's report took an unprecedented 4 years because the Treasury decided to submit 500 pages of prevarication in 'evidence'. Although the report was published in July, the Government would have had a draft in their possession for some months prior to then. If so minded they could have responded straight away, but they said they would do so 'in the Autumn'. Yesterday we learnt that meant January!"
Other Conservative MPs were also far from impressed. Congleton MP Ann Winterton led the charge:
"The autumn has long since gone but
because the Prime Minister reneged on a solemn commitment to the House, which was given in the debate on the Queen’s Speech last week, that we would have an Equitable Life statement before Christmas. What are we to say to our constituents, most of whom are elderly and many of whom live on modest means? Indeed, some have already died. When will the Government make a statement to ensure that those people are able to live better in the future, because they have been seriously disadvantaged through no fault of their own?
Ms Harman: No one thinks that this is not a serious issue, and it is because it is a serious and important matter that we wanted to ensure that the Treasury has the time necessary to consider it. On the question of what the hon. Lady should tell her constituents, she should say that the statement will be in January."
Andrew Mackay, who is a senior adviser to David Cameron, weighed in too:
"I am always anxious to give the Leader of the House the benefit of the doubt, so I accept that she was acting in good faith when she told the House in July, when the ombudsman’s report was published, that there would be a statement on Equitable Life in the autumn. I am less able to give the Prime Minister the benefit of the doubt about what he told the House during the debate on the Address:
“There will be a statement before the House rises at Christmas. I can say to the hon. Gentleman that that will be done. There will be a statement”.—[ Official Report, 3 December 2008; Vol. 485, c. 38.]
That was only a week ago. What has happened in that week? Has the Prime Minister saved the world but lost his grip here?
Ms Harman: What was said then was that there was an expectation —[Interruption.] Well, it stands to reason, does it not, that if the statement had been ready, it would have been made, so what was being talked about was a statement that was under preparation? The preparation has taken a bit longer than anticipated, but I think that Members are going way beyond things if they are asserting that there has somehow been some calculation about the timing and that Ministers are not acting in good faith. All we have been trying to do is give a reasonable estimate of when the statement might be ready, and the latest estimate is that we hope it will be ready on the week of the 15th."
Thursday, 11 December, 2008
| Out of Touch on Tax |
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This letter from Andrew Bower was published in today's Cambridge News, but not in the online edition:
I WAS astonished to hear senior Lib Dem councillor Sian Reid declaring: "Tax is an extremely good thing" at a meeting of the city council on December 4.
She would have had a point if she had praised the principle of collective action for those in need, the provision of civic infrastructure or various public services.
She would also have been right to praise charity.
But by exalting taxation, which should be a means, not an end, she shows how out of touch the Lib Dems are.
Deputy Chairman (Political)
City of Cambridge Conservatives
Sunday, 30 November, 2008
| Saving, Not Spending |
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Letter in the Cambridge Evening News:
I AM instructed by Alistair Darling that I should go out and spend because he cut VAT on Monday.
Should I? I don't think so.
When I read the small print in his speech, I realised that I will be taxed more from 2011 to pay for today (Thursday, 27 November)'s giveaway.
And to pay for the interest on the extra debt that he will incur in the next three years.
Sounds like more extra tax than he has chosen to admit.
So I'm not going to spend, I'm going to save so that I am still solvent after Gordon and Alistair tax me to pay off their credit card.
Chairman
City of Cambridge Conservatives
Belvoir Road
Cambridge
27th November
Sunday, 16 November, 2008
| Lights, Skates, Action! |
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A lovely Christmas lights switch on in the city. Together with Stacey and the new baby, we visited the stalls, watched the procession and cheered the countdown. Afterwards we walked home, stopping for a tasty bratwurst and mulled wine at the skating rink. Cambridge can be a super city to live in, and this was one of those days.
Thanks to everyone who made today possible - including the council, the Cambridge News and Q103.
Richard Normington
Saturday, 15 November, 2008
| Labour's 'Mugabenomics' Warning. |
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With the clock ticking down Gordon Brown’s time as Prime Minister, we should be aware of his scortched earth option – to borrow or print money while increasing spending on special interest groups, political allies and marginal seats. For him, this only needs to work until election day. For us, the effects would be felt for a very long time.
Unfunded borrowing adds to the national debt, the repayment charges become more expensive, the costs pile on for future years and the economy pays for it by being stifled by taxes for years to come.
Instead, we propose:
Economic responsibility:
- A responsible fiscal policy, with an independent Office of Budget Responsibility to hold every government to account;
- A responsible financial policy, bolstered by a renewed role for the Bank of England in monitoring overall debt levels; and
- A responsible attitude to economic development, which fosters more balanced economic growth.
Fully funded tax cuts, not unfunded "tax cons" from Labour:
A 2-year council tax freeze, paid for by cutting back on government advertising and consultancy fees:
£2.6 billion of tax breaks would be given to employers in total – and this would be paid for using the money saved on welfare payments. The scheme would create new jobs, boost the economy and reduce the damaging social costs associated with unemployment. As it would be funded from lower spending on unemployment benefits, it would be revenue neutral overall for the Government.
Also see http://www.order-order.com/2008/11/gavyn-davies-advocates-mugabinomics.html
Monday, 10 November, 2008
| The Clinton Toxic Loan Legacy |
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‘The origin of the subprime debacle was the well-intended affordable housing legislation passed under the Clinton administration that enjoined the banks, under pain of sanction, to lend to previously unqualified mortgage applicants’
November 2008
www.financialworld.co.uk
Another comment on laws of unintended consequences...
Or as the 1996 US presidential election bumper sticker said, "The road to Hell is paved with Liberals".
Wednesday, 05 November, 2008
| Hope trumps experience |
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On 4th November Americans voted for Barack Obama to be the next president. He represented hope for a fresh, brighter future over the past experience offered by John McCain.
Elections are about deciding who people want to lead their country for the coming years, and not just a referendum on past performance. With Labour's record, and the Conservative agenda for a better Britain, these are two powerful reasons why Gordon Brown has the most to fear from the Illinois senator’s success.
Richard Normington
| Brown's Golden Botch |
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The Labour Government has sold 395 tonnes of gold since July 1999. The sales raised £1.9billion. At today's prices those sales would have been worth £5.7billion. Under Gordon Brown's direction, this decision has lost the country more money than it did on 'Back Wednesday' in 1992 when the pound left the European Exchange Rate Mechanism.
At least Black Wednesday had the silver lining of ensuring that we never join the euro. There is nothing to redeem Brown's Golden Botch.
(as noted in today's Daily Mail and Conservative Home)
Richard Normington
Tuesday, 04 November, 2008
| Today's Letter on Identity Cards |
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This letter from Councillor Chris Howell was published in today's Cambridge News:
I HAVEN'T led a particularly sheltered life, but I confess to never being in "difficult situations [where] the police need a quick and reliable identification" as described by Mr Gazeley in his recent letter. But then I also disagree that Cambridge is so dangerous we need to hold up undemocratic regimes like China, where police can stop you just to demand papers, as models for law enforcement.
If a police officer did need to question my identity, there would be no problem using a combination of questioning, examining existing forms of identity and applying thought and common sense - a test that would be failed by someone trying to hide their identity.
The last thing needed is the planned ID card backed up by a huge "big brother" database.
Police, assuming cards are infallible, will not question it if the information on the card is consistent with the full complex set of personal circumstances that actually defines an identity. Of course criminals will have fake ID cards - it only takes one person to infiltrate the thousands of bureaucrats in whose hands our valuable identities will then res t.
The ID card and database will then be an expensive white elephant that will hand my identity over to the state and put me more at risk from criminals faking their ID, which is why I will never co-operate with the scheme.
Coleridge Ward
Cambridge City Council
See some of Cllr Howell's blog posts on identity cards.
Monday, 03 November, 2008
| National Labour Advert Admits Tory Surge in City |
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An official Labour Party Job advertisement says Cambridge is turning into a three way General Election contest.
“Cambridge is a demanding but rewarding challenge. It is now becoming a 3 way marginal!”
The advertisement for a Labour campaign organiser is a long-awaited admission that the Conservative surge in the City is turning into a three-way fight for the General Election. Parliamentary Spokesman Richard Normington commented,
“This advert is a reality-check for the local parties of ‘Boom to Bust’ Brown and ‘Calamity’ Clegg who try unsuccessfully to paint the Conservatives out of the election picture.”
“We are the only major party to make successive gains in share of the vote across the city since 2005."
“Today, Conservatives are the only realistic alternative to Labour nationally, and to the tired and out-of-touch Lib Dems in the Guildhall."
Contact:
Tel: 01223 750 095
Mob : 07 929 000 582
e-mail: Richard@richard4cambridge.com
Notes for Editors:
Cambridge had a Labour MP from 1992 to 2005 and for many years Labour controlled the City Council. The aims of the local party are to put in place the resource to win the next Parliamentary Election, work towards winning back control of the City Council, and make gains in all other local and European elections.
Cambridge Labour Party has employed an organiser for many years and this position has been funded almost completely by local fundraising and a Guaranteed Income Scheme. The position has arisen through internal Labour Party promotion.
The Opportunity
Cambridge is currently seen by the Labour Party as a Strategically Important Seat and as such has the opportunity to get additional support from neighbouring CLPs. Extra support and training opportunities are also afforded by the Eastern Region office of the Labour Party.
The commitment of the local Cambridge Party is demonstrated by the fact that it employs an Organiser and maintains a busy Party office within the city. Cambridge is a demanding but rewarding challenge. It is now becoming a 3 way marginal! You will play a critical role in winning it back for Labour.
Skills
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an up to date approach to political campaigning. They will need to be able to motivate volunteers to maximise the effectiveness of the Campaign
Team.
Applying
Closing Date: 14th November 2008. Interviews will be Saturday 22nd November.
Please email your CV and a covering letter to: Mike Sargeant, Secretary Cambridge Labour Party: mikesargeant@ntlworld.com.
[emphasis added]
Wednesday, 29 October, 2008
| Guided Bus Deserves Support |
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This letter from Chris Howell was published in Monday's Cambridge News, but not in the online edition:
THE Liberal Democrats' behaviour over the Guided Bus is the worst kind of political opportunism. Where were their alternative proposals when the Guided Bus decision was made? Nowhere, because they knew then and now that all independent expert reviews indicated this was the only one to make any financial sense, and therefore the only option that could be funded and delivered.
The Conservative County Council is well on its way to making happen a scheme that will significant improve public transport and cycling - and they will be accountable for the outcome. If the Liberal Democrats had any sense of responsibility to taxpayers, they would do all they could to make the Guided Bus scheme work, instead we get continual carping and made up stories like their latest 'pollution scare'. Listening to this nonsense, you would think having any buses at all in Cambridge was a bad thing. Like their previous 'opposition' to A14 improvements, their stance is one of cynical posturing, which would result in no transport improvements ever in the County. It demonstrates why they would be totally unfit to run transport in Cambridgeshire.
Cllr Chris Howell
Cambridge City Council
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