Unfortunately, the blog is the first thing that goes when I get swamped with work, so once again, it’s apologies for the lapse since my last post.
The big story of the weekend is the proposal to impose a windfall tax on the banks, something that is enthusiastically embraced by Labour and LibDems and “not discounted” by the Conservatives.
I argue that the Conservative leadership should tread very carefully before supporting such a move - let me explain why…
The last 24 hours have been rather news-heavy, with the two big stories being Europe and this morning the Kelly Report.
I’ve written numerous pieces on expenses, so I will deal with that in due course, but suffice to say, I have been banging on about ending the Communications Allowance and having a rental allowance for so long, that I am feeling somewhat vindicated in the positions I took.
More fundamental and important is the question of Britain in Europe. I understand that David Cameron will be making an announcement at 4pm, so I deliberately wanted to make my opinions clear before then, rather than just writing out another reactive piece after the fact.
I am utterly confused. I admit it.
Vince Cable has just announced at his Party’s conference that he wants to impose a wealth tax of 0.5% per year on properties worth more than £1m.
I warned about this back in August 2007 when Vince first mooted this policy, then again in August this year, when I felt the chill winds of wealth taxation blowing through the left of British politics.
So, Vince Cable is finally making an attempt to discuss the Riverside issue with local residents, despite saying he “doesn’t get involved” with local council matters.
This meeting will be held this Tuesday, 15th September.
The Riverside issue is at a critical stage and I have a number of questions for him:
1. Why are you holding the meeting on the same day as the group council meeting? It means that the council leader Serge Lourie won’t be able to attend - how are people supposed to get answers when all councillors will be otherwise engaged?
2. Why are you not holding the meeting in your own constituency? The meeting is being held in Richmond, not Twickenham.
3. Indeed, why are you not holding the meeting anywhere near the site of the proposed redevelopment?
I know you read this blog Vince, so why don’t we have some answers, or is this another stitched up photo-opportunity being dressed up as a consultation?
Do you remember the blog post I wrote back in January 2008 on Conformist Liberalism? Well, ne’er a truer word was spoken and more than ever I stand by my argument.
I have listened to Dan Hannan’s interview on US TV, which has created such uproar. I must congratulate the Left on mobilising the media and perverting the story to be something it is not.
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