The Dublin Agreement, Brexit and possible media bias

Earlier this week, Nigel Farage was given media time without being challenged properly. In an interview about how Reform UK Ltd would deal with prison overcrowding, the topic of asylum seekers crossing the channel came up. Not one journalist asked him if he regretted the rise in crossings after Brexit due to the ending of The Dublin Agreement.

Events like this are an opportunity to hold politicians accountable for their plans and challenge them on statements which they make. It is a shame our media appear to not do so with Nigel Farage.

Could Farage Returning Destroy the Tories?

It is hard to tell what Nigel Farage wants in the world.  Once upon a time, despite disagreeing with his political views, I liked and respected him, but back then, he used to tell the truth.  

Since then, he has decided to bending the truth and spreading alternative facts on matters.  I am not sure if he wants to return to Reform UK, the party he is sort of in charge of, despite Richard Tice being its leader and main funder.  Or he might want to join the Conservatives and become leader after the next General Election.  

In a way, I feel sorry for the Tories, who are trying to work out if they need to woo or shun him.  Either way, I feel that he has caused enough damage with Brexit and that more power to him would harm our great nation.

Ode to Joy

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said that Ode to Joy sums up Labour. If this is a political move, it is genius. It will not bother most voters, but it will enrage those Brexiteers who despise him and may endear him to those who voted remain.

The Last Night Of the Proms

There was annoyance from the right about The Last Night of the Proms.  It appears that they wanted the BBC to censor those waving EU flags.  Those flags apparently had been given out free of charge by an organisation, but if a person wanted a Union Flag, they would have had to buy it from vendors outside.   

I have to agree with Femi in that patriotism is wanting our great nation to be even better, and it was better in the EU than out of it. 

While I would love to re-join the EU, we are never going to get the great deal that we had being in it again.  Any referendum held now could probably be won by those wanting to re-join the EU for reasons shared by Gary Lineker. 

A trip across the channel

We woke up early today for a trip abroad again.  This time, it was a quick dash across the channel.  Many years ago, when we had returned from one holiday, instead of heading home, we surprised the children with a trip to France.  Then, they were very excited to drive onto a train.  Since then, we have done this on a few more occasions, and I actually think that they are bored with this!  But, we decided to just go for the day, and having booked this at the last moment, we had to travel early in the morning to get on the train.  We made good time and in fact, it was good that we travelled so early as when we arrived at the Eurotunnel terminal, it was quite empty and was filling up when we left.  When in France, we did shop for some wine, but also cheese and yoghurt.  It was an expensive day out, but it did expose the children to French, which my daughter will be learning more about in the upcoming academic year.  What was interesting was the queues to get back into the UK, and I cannot but think that if a hard Brexit occurs, that this will result in longer queues on both sides, and a lot of economic damage to Calais as well.  My daughter is keen to travel by ferry next time, and while it may take longer, this is something I think we should consider as it will be cheaper if we do this again in the future.

Which Way To Vote In EU Referendum

I think we are #BetterIn and I have made this decision despite the lies and half-truths that both sides have spread.  As those who have read by blog before know, I am not a huge fan of the EU.  I think that it needs less powers, not more, and when put to the vote, this is a view that has been present across Europe.  While not all agree with this, loads do and ideally, it would be great if all nations in the EU were offered more say in more or less EU integration.  Here are some of the reasons for my decision on this.

1: We will still have to pay into the EU or follow its laws - Of the nations of Western Europe, there are two who are out of the EU and do well.  Norway and Switzerland.  Norway has oil, and lots of it.  Switzerland has its financial sector.  Yes, they make chocolates, drugs and watches but it is a major banking sector.  But both pay into the EU, and neither have a say in how the money is spent.

2: Manufacturing - In the UK, we have falling supplies of oil and gas, our manufacturing sector is getting smaller and while Britain is great, our ability to export may not be enough to compete against China and other BRICS nations.  We are still making things, but we export a lot to Europe.  Cars for example are produced in the UK, but I can not see Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and the many companies that make cars in the UK staying if we have to pay import duties into the EU.  And while Germany, with the interest they have in our car industry will want us in the EEC, I can not see France with Peugeot, Citroen and Renault, or Italy with Fiat and Alfa Romeo wanting us to export cars to compete with them. And for those who doubt this, remember the ban that France had against our beef even when the EU told them not to ban it.

3: Scotland - If we vote for Brexit, then many in Scotland will want another vote to leave the UK.  And if Scotland leaves, then we risk Wales leaving as well.

4: Unelected bureaucrats - While there are many who complain that the European Commission is unelected, they forget that the commission only proposes laws, and the elected parliament votes to say if they feel they are to be followed or not.  However, in the UK, we have the house of Lords, who are unelected and they have the power to block the elected members in The House of Commons.

5: Benefits - There is a claim that immigrants from the EU are coming to steal our benefits (and at the same time steal our jobs).  But as far as I am concerned, most of the EU migrants I have seen are working.  I have come across a few that are not, but they are few and far between.  In addition to this, EU migrants will have benefits restricted in the future.

6: Crime - Yes, there are criminals from the EU who live in the UK, but we export crime as well.  I am old enough to remember the term Costa Del Crime unlike many.  I want criminals brought to justice rather than being able to live abroad rather than be rehabilitated in jail.    

7: Turkey - The EU is probably to agree to visa-free travel for Turkish citizens inside Europe's passport-free Schengen area, but the UK is outside this so the swarms of Turks promised by the right are not going to come.  As for Turkey joining the EU, last year, there was a report damming the human rights record of Turkey last year, and things have got worse since.  Unless human rights improve there, I do not see Turkey becoming part of the EU.

8: Red Tape - Yes, red tape is hindering business.  Examples of red tape include the working time directive and other things that protects the rights of workers.  So yes, leaving the EU would allow red tape to be cut and allow workers rights to be removed.   

9: Immigration - It is a concern for many, but leaving the EU will not end immigration.  It will still happen, and we will not be sending immigrants home.  But bringing in border controls means that we will face border controls when visiting Europe.  Remember all those queues at airports for those who are not EU nationals?  Well if we impose border controls, that is what we will face.  And this will affect those who work abroad, and affect how competitive our various industries will be as competition in Europe will find it easier to attract the best people.

10: America - Not only did the US vote in Bush the second, they did it twice.  And at the time of making this post, Trump is ahead in the polls to be president.  I would rather be closer to Europe than the USA (though I would prefer to be close to both) because of this.

Anyway, what ever way you decide to vote, just remember to vote.

Leading not leaving Europe. Why I think that we are Better In the EU

As mentioned before, with the argument about if we should stay or leave the European Union both sides are spreading half truths and at times, lies.  However, despite the smokescreen from both, I have figured out my view and I think we are #BetterIn.
I am not a huge fan of the EU.  I think that it needs less powers, not more, and when put to the vote, this is a view that has been present across Europe.  While not all agree with this, loads do and ideally, it would be great if all nations in the EU were offered more say in more or less EU integration.  It is not just that.  I do not like the way there still appears to be corruption within it (though that is much less than before as it is taking action on it).  Here are some of the reasons for my decision on this.

1; We will still have to pay into the EU or follow its laws - Of the nations of Western Europe, there are two who are out of the EU and do well.  Norway and Switzerland.  Norway has oil, and lots of it.  Switzerland has its financial sector.  Yes, they make chocolates, drugs and watches but it is a major banking sector.  But both pay into the EU, and neither have a say in how the money is spent.

2: Manufacturing - In the UK, we have falling supplies of oil and gas, our manufacturing sector is getting smaller and while Britain is great, our ability to export may not be enough to compete against China and other BRICS nations.  We are still making things, but we export a lot to Europe.  Cars for example are produced in the UK, but I can not see Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and the many companies that make cars in the UK staying if we have to pay import duties into the EU.  And while Germany, with the interest they have in our car industry will want us in the EEC, I can not see France with Peugeot, Citroen and Renault, or Italy with Fiat and Alfa Romeo wanting us to export cars to compete with them. And for those who doubt this, remember the ban that France had against our beef even when the EU told them not to ban it.

3: Unelected bureaucrats - While there are many who complain that the European Commission is unelected, they forget that the commission only proposes laws, and the elected parliament votes to say if they feel they are to be followed or not.  However, in the UK, we have the house of Lords, who are unelected and they have the power to block the elected members in The House of Commons.

4: Benefits - There is a claim that immigrants from the EU are coming to steal our benefits (and at the same time steal our jobs).  But as far as I am concerned, most of the EU migrants I have seen are working.  I have come across a few that are not, but they are few and far between.  I am more concerned about the pensioners who live abroad in countries like Spain.  If we leave, there is a chance that they may have to come back here to get the treatment they are entitled to rather than stay in the nations that they have retired to and be treated there as is the choice they want.

5; Crime - Yes, there are criminals from the EU who live in the UK, but we export crime as well.  I am old enough to remember the term Costa Del Crime unlike many.  I want criminals brought to justice rather than being able to live abroad rather than be rehabilitated in jail.    

6; Turkey - The EU is probably to agree to visa-free travel for Turkish citizens inside Europe's passport-free Schengen area, but the UK is outside this so the swarms of Turks promised by the right are not going to come.  As for Turkey joining the EU, last year, there was a report damming the human rights record of Turkey last year, and things have got worse since.  Unless human rights improve there, I do not see Turkey becoming part of the EU.

7; Red Tape - Yes, red tape is hindering business.  Examples of red tape include the working time directive and other things that protects the rights of workers.  So yes, leaving the EU would allow red tape to be cut and allow workers rights to be removed.   

8; America - Not only did the US vote in Bush the second, they did it twice.  And at the time of making this post, Trump is ahead in the polls to be president.  I would rather be closer to Europe than the USA (though I would prefer to be close to both) because of this.

I might get time to add to this list, but for now, good night!

Staying in the EU, the least worst option

The argument about if we should stay or leave the European Union is to be settled this month and both sides are talking crap.  However I have figured out my view and I think we are #BetterIn.


I am not a huge fan of the EU.  I think that it needs less powers, not more, and when put to the vote, this is a view that has been present across Europe.  While not all agree with this, loads do and ideally, it would be great if all nations in the EU were offered more say in more or less EU integration.  It is not just that.  I do not like the way there still appears to be corruption within it (though that is much less than before as it is taking action on it).  Here are some of the reasons for my decision on this.

1; We will still have to pay into the EU or follow its laws - Of the nations of Western Europe, there are two who are out of the EU and do well.  Norway and Switzerland.  Norway has oil, and lots of it.  Switzerland has its financial sector.  Yes, they make chocolates, drugs and watches but it is a major banking sector.  But both pay into the EU, and neither have a say in how the money is spent.

2: Manufacturing - In the UK, we have falling supplies of oil and gas, our manufacturing sector is getting smaller and while Britain is great, our ability to export may not be enough to compete against China and other BRICS nations.  We are still making things, but we export a lot to Europe.  Cars for example are produced in the UK, but I can not see Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and the many companies that make cars in the UK staying if we have to pay import duties into the EU.  And while Germany, with the interest they have in our car industry will want us in the EEC, I can not see France with Peugeot, Citroen and Renault, or Italy with Fiat and Alfa Romeo wanting us to export cars to compete with them. And for those who doubt this, remember the ban that France had against our beef even when the EU told them not to ban it.

3: America - Not only did the US vote in Bush the second, they did it twice.  And at the time of making this post, Trump is ahead in the polls to be president.  I would rather be closer to Europe than the USA (though I would prefer to be close to both) because of this.

When I get other ideas, I will post again.  Good night!

Why I want to stay in the EU

I am probably going to make several posts on this topic, but I thought I would make the first one, for now.

There is to be an EU referendum, which I think is good as it will put an end to the discussion about should we be in it or should we leave it.  I also think that we should be in the EU.  

Here are some of the reasons.

1; Bankers - Of the nations of Western Europe, there are two who are out of the EU and do well.  Norway and Switzerland.  Norway has oil, and lots of it.  Switzerland has its financial sector.  Yes, they make chocolates, drugs and watches but it is a major banking sector.  

2: Manufacturing - In the UK, we have falling supplies of oil and gas, our manufacturing sector is getting smaller and while Britain is great, our ability to export may not be enough to compete against China and other BRICS nations.  We are still making things, but we export a lot to Europe.  Cars for example are produced in the UK, but I can not see Honda, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover and the many companies that make cars in the UK staying if we have to pay import duties into the EU.

3: America - Not only did the US vote in Bush the second, they did it twice.  And at the time of making this post, Trump is ahead in the polls to be the GOP candidate.  I would rather be closer to Europe than the USA (though I would prefer to be close to both) because of this.

When I get other ideas, I will post again.  Good night!