The Reality of the ‘Something for Nothing Society.

The financial realities of the ConDem’s austerity package is finally kicking in, affecting most families, friends and communities within the U.K. There are so many families losing their jobs, living on the breadline and struggling to make ends meet. Unfortunately it looks as if this trend will continue for some time under the uncaring and unscrupulous Westminster government.

With communities being ripped apart, and many suffering the indignity of losing their jobs and collecting welfare the last thing they need is to be labelled a ‘something for nothing society.’ Yet this is how, not only Labour but the rest of the Westminster politicians see people on benefits. It is also one of the main differences between Labour for Independences Real Labour policies and that of Scottish Labour.

Welfare, since its creation, has always been a contentious topic, the third line on the rail track, touch it and die (at least politically). But it’s an important issue and one which will be a leading factor in the independence debate.

So before we get started, let’s get the facts straight. The welfare system is in need of reform, the current system offers no financial incentive for many to work. There are also people out there who abuse the system. But these people are in the extreme minority. Most people who are on welfare are on it for need rather than greed.

The current system of change under Ian Duncan Smith ignores this, while the need for reform is not in question, a blanket cut is not the answer. For many suffering disabilities the embarrassing situation of claiming benefits is humiliating enough without having to undergo testing as to how disabled they actually are. How can someone prove to ATOS that they have mental health issues? How do you test someones physical disabilities without stripping them of their dignity?

The real change in the welfare system will only come about when there is a real incentive for people to work. A member of my family, after giving birth to her first child, worked 16 hours a week in a minimum wage job. When she was offered 5 extra hours a week, she had to refuse them as it would have meant she lost all her tax credits, leaving her unable to live. This is not encouraging work rather restricting individual responsibility and holding families back.

Only when there is a true incentive for people to give up their welfare for work, will be when work, even the most basic becomes more financially appealing than staying on welfare. This will only happen when a minimum wage is reflective of the demands made on a family.

The other issue, is the complexity of the tax credits, The truth of the situation is that most people who use them, don’t understand how they are worked out. In fact those who ‘cheat the system’ should be awarded honorary degrees for working out the process. The realities for most is that they fill out their claim and receive a payment. What happens too often is that the tax credits office then come back the following year claiming that the claimant has been overpaid and is now due money. However to prevent hardship they continue to pay them leading to more being owed, and a never ending spiral of debt and poverty. The system needs to be made simpler and have the awarded claim be undisputable.

The unsettling reality of the economic situation we find ourselves in, is that more and more people will experience the welfare system. This is not something which should be mocked or have those in that position be blamed for the economic crisis we face. Let’s not forget who got us into this situation in the first place. The banks and the government for failing to regulate them properly. It is the people who are now being blamed for this crisis who are suffering the most. To label them as a something for nothing society, is crass, uncaring, and shows a basic lack of knowledge and understanding of the hardships faced in communities each day.

Labour for Independence wants to see more people in work, for their own self-respect, for the financial benefit for their families and for our economy as a whole. But what is needed is dramatic changes to incentivise work, increase the minimum wage to a living wage. Reduce the risk of debt by simplifying the credit system.

The only way for real reform to take place in Scotland is for the reforms to be made by a government who represents every person in Scotland not just those who turn a profit. Those in a Westminster ivory tower, who have no idea of the hardships faced by those most affected by austerity can never truly grasp what is needed. This, like so many other issues are best resolved in an independent Scotland and with Real labour ideals at the heart of it. Without it we will never be able to solve our biggest societal challenges and will always be labelled a ‘something for nothing society!’

A Reason for Hope

I started the Labour Voters for Independence Facebook page as an avenue for Labour supporters who believed in independence to voice their opinions away from the spectre of the party.

In the last six weeks, this page has had an enormous stream of support. I'm proud we have changed some people’s perceptions, I'm pleased that we have given the pro-Indy Labour voters a home to voice their opinions. In the last month, we have created our own website which, after just over three weeks, has had more than 10,000 hits.

In the coming months, we will continue to spread our message. We will be proud to join the independence march on September 22. Our aim is to gain enough grass roots support within our party so that we may be allowed to vote on Labour’s stance on the independence campaign and in the next two years we will continue to seek support from within our party.

We would also like to encourage everyone to enter the debate on our page, no matter what your stance on independence. A thriving national conversation is what is needed at this time and we are proud to play our part in this.

In the coming weeks and months, I along with many others will continue to argue the advantages for a strong Scottish Labour Party through independence. This, however, is not what I wish to write about today.

The case for an independent Scotland is one that affects all political parties, both for and against independence but it is so much more important than that. The supporters of a strong union, of which the hierarchy of my party are one, will tell you that we are better together, stronger united. They will pose the question of Why? Why should Scotland go it alone? Why should the Scottish people seek to break free from the safety and security of the United Kingdom?

With the UK in a double dip recession, cuts being made across all public services, the cost of living rising while wages stagnate, unemployment rising, more families scraping to make ends meet and one in five Scots children living in poverty my question to them is: Why not?

The argument over the benefits for Scotland of independence will continue to rage on until 2014 – would Scotland today be better or worse off as an independent country? But this is not the question we should be asking. The real issue is: how will Scotland fare tomorrow and in the future?

If we look and analyse Scotland today we can never have a real idea of what an independent Scotland can achieve. Take South Korea where I lived and worked for two years. Immediately after the Korean war, the South suffered great hardship. Yet through education, technological ingenuity and hard work South Korea became the thirteenth largest economy in the world and this was reflected in the confidence of the people who lived there. This should be the aim for all independently-minded Scots.

We as a nation have a great deal to offer the world, be it through tourism, or oil, our national dram and common sense. Yet it should not be limited to this. Our natural resources of wind and wave power mean we could lead the world in renewable energy. Our research facilities are some of the finest in the world; our belief in tolerance as seen recently by allowing gay marriage, can show the world  a better way.

It is not an easy thing to grasp your nationality. It is in our minds that we can become great, in our ideologies of how people are treated, our sense of adventure and most importantly our ingenuity. We should always remember great Scots such as Fleming, Bell and Livingstone. But they should not be thought of in remembrance of what we once achieved, rather what we can achieve.

We have an opportunity which those in the last three hundred years never had. An opportunity to look forward to a free, independent, proud Scotland, one which stands shoulder to shoulder with the great and good of the world. That is more valuable than any political party.

Good for Scotland, Good for Labour

Over the next two years, there will be countless headlines, opinions, and righteous self opinions on the case for Scottish independence. Some will argue that it will lead to a Socialist Utopia, a Northern Kuwait. While others will cite the slow and painful death of a nation, much like the media do now of Scottish football.

Each side are, at the moment, are waiting for the other to outlay their grand plans, their reasons, their smoking gun which will lead the nation to a Yes or a No vote. So, not being one for getting ahead of myself; this article will not be about why independence is good for Scotland, but rather why it's good for the Labour party.

For years the argument has been, if you want independence, vote for the SNP. Well I never have nor intend to, yet we approach the precipice of the nationalist movement. Is it possible to be pro independence but vote for Labour?

One of the founders of the Labour Party.

The foundations of the Labour party are closely aligned not only in Scottish politics but Scottish independence. The founding father of the Labour movement Keir Hardie was a strong believer of home rule. Yet within the modern Labour party their seems to be an automatic assumption that the party and party members must support the union.

 But lets suppose it's 2014, the polls have voted a resounding Yes vote for Scottish Independence. A new Scottish Labour party must be formed, independent of Westminster and all its ties. What would that party look like? Would it support Trident? Would half of their public message be based on a 'Squeezed middle?' Where would it stand on education, health? Would it semi privatise these systems as New Labour did? What would a Labour party look like when it doesn't have to court the home counties?

Don't misunderstand me, as a British Labour party I understand the need to play to the home counties, to Middle England. Don't get their votes, don't WIN! But do all the issues of Middle England affect Scotland?

I argue that the majority of Scots voters are far more liberal than those of the south. While I do not think that we would have a socialist utopia, nor a death of a conservative force in Scotland, I do believe that the majority of this great nation would in fact vote for a real Scottish Labour. A Labour party that returns to its original roots, one of workers rights, education for all, welfare as a hand up not a handout, self defence and preservation, while holding a moral standing in the world.

One of the great qualities we have as a country is also our worst, self deprecation. It's a wonderful tool, that's disarming and charming. But sometimes, its time we showed a little confidence, some swagger. How many times will we watch Scotland play football or Andy Murray play in a grand slam final and say well, they/he wont win? Why are we as a country such a shy child who needs someone to tell us that we are worthwhile, that we can do well? We can make our nation great. We can succeed as an independent country.

If for nothing else than a stronger, fairer Labour party who will fight for your needs; not those of Sussex or Hampshire, then the answer has to be YES!

D-Day for Sevco Rangers or The End of Scottish Football

                                                    

                                                     The End of the Old Firm?

In the next two days the fate of what was once the most successful domestic club in the world will be decided. Tomorrow the SPL clubs should, having stated their intentions already, refuse to grant The Rangers Football Club, a place in the Scottish Premier League. While today 30 SFL clubs will come together to agree on whether they will be accepted in to the First Division Or the Third.

The talking, the debate, the headlines seem to have been never ending, but now it's time for the main event, When the fate of Scottish football may be decided.

Being a Celtic fan, I was not one of these fans who wanted Rangers to be destroyed, I look forward to the Old Firm games as do all Celtic and Rangers fans. I did however expect to see them face strict punishment and accept it as the guilty party. The transfer ban imposed by the SFA might not have been legal, but it allowed a way for Rangers to be punished while still leaving the door open for them to play a full part in the SPL. Rather than accept these average punishments, Rangers, or rather the new promised messiah, Charles Green took them to the Scottish courts.

There has been a decided stench in the air since Rangers went into administration. For every one Rangers fan you meet, who feels they have done wrong and deserve to be punished ten more will tell you it's all one big conspiracy against their lovable rogue of a team. From Mark Hateley's attempts to belittle Celtics title win, Sandy Jardine calling players who refused to sign for the new Sevco, cowards. These very players by the way were the ones who took a 75% pay cut to keep Ibrox staff in a job.

The smartest man in all this sham seems to be Charles Green. When faced with the prospect of buying the club for £11 million and then paying back creditors. He came out the day before the creditors hearing and stated he had 30 transfer targets and wanted Rino Gattuso on £12,000 a week. Then he had the temerity to walk into the creditors meeting and offer 9p in the pound, no wonder they said no.

The result of this being he was able to liquidate Rangers Football Club and buy its assets for £5.5 million. Considering Ibrox and Albion Car Park alone were listed as having a value of £121 million it's quite a shrewd piece of business. The kind that only someone lacking any emotion or empathy would make. It's hardly surprising he's threatening court action over the players refusing to agree to new contracts as it just cost him somewhat close to £25 million.

What are Charles Green's real intentions?

So now the Scottish club has to make a major decision, Send Rangers into Division 3 and face a financial meltdown in the game, or allow them into the First division, be seen as morally repugnant and lacking any thread of sporting integrity. Well actually it doesn't have to be either.

Say Rangers are voted down to the Third Division, clubs who are more successful will see their attendances rise. There is a possibility of losing the Sky deal, something which rings fear into ever SPL chairman. Would this be such a bad thing?

The first Old Firm game of last season at Ibrox, ticket prices were £45 for everyone, no concessions, just one set price. That means a family of 4 living in Dundee would pay

£180 for 4 tickets,

£30 for petrol

£10 for programmes x2

£ 20 on food/drinks

That's £230 for on game of football, 90 minutes, or go to the pub to watch it on Sky.

If there was no Sky deal, there would be no random games at obscure hours to fit around the EPL. There would be Saturday 3pm matches. If the power men of Scottish football really want to save the game, then lower ticket prices, become more family friendly, more involved in local communities, focus on youth players, get all the basics right again, and then try to move forward in an affordable way.

Most fans who have been demanding Rangers to be sent to the bottom of the leagues have been accused by the media of not understanding the consequences, of killing the game. These fans aren't just some idiots who just walked in from a 10 year wilderness retreat, they are ready for change, they want change and they want to see justice be done.

There is an acceptance in Scotland that we will no longer see the days of world class players such as Laudrup and Larsson., we realise that we may have to walk into the wilderness, but this does not have to be the end or a bad thing. As Henry David Thoreau once said;

“Generally speaking, a howling wilderness does not howl: it is the imagination of the traveller that does the howling.”

10 Ways to Get the Economy Moving Part 2

Part 2

In the second and final part today I will be looking at a further 5 ways to get the U.K. Back to to working order. Again these are my opinions and suggestions. Feel free to comment or disagree.

6. Introduce a lasting progressive tax system.

When I studied politics, the text which left the lasting impact on me wasJohn Rawls; Theories of Justice.  The argued for veil of ignorance in which those who earn the most should contribute more resonates with most sane people, unless of course you ARE one of the top 5% of earners.

I believe that we should have a 50% tax rate for the highest earners which declines the further you go down the tax bracket. This policy needs to be instituted permanently. However this is only half the issue. By raising the tax to 40% there is a danger; as is proving true at the moment, that you receive less tax returns as the highest earners find ways to avoid paying the levy.

In order for this tax scheme to work, there should be strict penalties for all tax avoidance, and all tax loopholes closed. Businesses should also be rewarded for paying their tax contributions by being giving a 6 month N.I. tax break. This should prompt tax payers to pay on time and hopefully encourage small businesses to take on more employees.

7. Pay freezes/cuts to start at the top, not the bottom.

At the time of this our public services are being gutted by savage and careless cuts, this not only affects the services available to the general public but also those employed in the sector.

Widespread redundancies have lead to, not exclusively; closures of leisure centres and libraries, shortening of office hours and now as we've seen recently in the news, mass delays in border controls at major airports.

But these cuts are not coming at the top where council fat cats enjoy their lunches and 'twinning' trips at the taxpayers expense, whilst it must be said some take home in a yearly salary than the Prime Minster. These cuts are affecting the lower paid workers, the coal face of the public services you and your family need and use.

What happens to these workers, who join the ever expanding unemployment line? Where are the private sector jobs which would appear to cover this loss in employment? Instead of receiving a working wage for the service they provide, they claim benefits paid for by the government. Instead of using their wages to buy fuel, groceries, amenities and other purchases in our high streets, they cut back as there is little money coming into the household. This further stagnates the economy with less people spending and more being subsidized by the government.

Yes the deficit needs to be reduced, yes there is wasted spending within each public service these are all areas which can be trimmed and money saved. But IF there needs to be cuts it should start at the top. Instead their wages are incredibly set to rise. Trimming the fat at the top of the table is a far more effective and moral way than to swipe the scraps from the servants quarters.

8. Reduction in alcohol, fuel and cigarette tax.

This is the one I'm sure that most people will take issue with, the fuel pricing withstanding. So let me make my point and feel free to disagree...

In this, a proud democratic country, we have for centuries extolled the virtues of democracy and freedom of speech which we enjoy here, if not for it, I would not be able to type this and place it on this site. The one freedom we seem to have forgotten is a freedom of choice.

Lets look at a rough pricing of cigarettes. (for a packet of 20)

U.K £6-£8

Germany £3.50

Spain £3

Eastern Europe £1-£2

South Korea 90p

South East Asia 20p

Are we being unfairly charged by manufacturers in this country? No the rest of the cost is sent direct to the treasury, along with your national insurance, and income tax.

Why is it so expensive? The political argument is that smoking severely damages your health (it does.) It also uses up a large amount of the NHS budget in treating smoking related diseases.(It does.)

However the amount made in tax is far greater than the cost of treatment.

“The revenue generated from tobacco products is a matter for HM Treasury.
However, it should be noted that the Government, as a whole, has made the
decision to reduce smoking rates in England. In 2004, the Government
agreed an overarching target to reduce smoking substantially from 25 per
cent in 2004 to 21 per cent or less by 2010 and to reduce smoking among
routine and manual groups to 26 per cent or less. The Government expects
that reducing smoking rates will lead to a loss of revenue to the
Exchequer. However, any loss to the Exchequer is balanced by the fact
that thousands of lives are saved through the Government's tobacco control
strategy.”

Now I will admit this is an admirable attempt to save lives, and as a smoker myself who is trying to stop I do appreciate the efforts made to educate smokers of the health risks involved. However the ludicrous tax placed on cigarettes are a blatant breach of an individuals freedom of choice. If you want to smoke then you should be allowed to do so, without, being treated worse than a drug addict and being priced out of something you wish to do.

Minimum pricing of alcohol is another issue, this is based on the minority abusing alcohol at the detriment of their health. This minimum pricing will not stop alcoholics from drinking, in fact the likely affect will be that crime rates will rise as they raise their drinking money in any fashion they can. The real people this will affect, are genuine hard working people who at the end of a long working week like a drink in moderation and find another tax hike.

The more this government interferes in your life the higher your prices go up. This government, in particular, this government want the majority to keep working long into their old age, earn just enough to get by and forgo any minor pleasures you find comfort in along the way. That is of course unless you have a bit of cash behind you, then you might just receive a bit of a break.

9. Scrap the royal family. (Or at least tax their earnings)

The 32^nd richest woman in the U.K, has a personal fortune estimated at around £310 million. To achieve this wealth, she was born into a famous family, and her job includes visiting most countries around the world, staying at the finest of establishments, all of which earn her a £1 million salary a year. Oh that's tax free by the way.

Imagine the uproar if she was a banker, or WAG, but no this woman, is our head of state, the Queen, One in a long line of money draining idlers who have vacated Buckingham Palace and other fine establishments.

What is the purpose of the Queen? Some would argue that she brings a large amount of money into the country through tourism, she is the ideal face for Britain. While the first point may be true, does this do enough to warrant her salary and mass personal fortune given to her, by her subjects? Would a presidential head of state not do the same but for far less?

Okay, here's the argument, who has attracted more worldwide appeal for their country, The Queen, or Barack Obama?

This mass fortune is not including our continual funding for the largest group of gentry which have been given land, title and wealth for nothing more than being born into a household, no matter how distant from the main character.

Still not convinced? Well just remember that we are not only subsidising the Queen, with her, the baggage is far greater, we, the tax payers are also keeping the crooked son Andrew, the show jumper with the dwarf throwing husband, and of course lovable Prince Philip in the luxury that they are accustomed. All while we face continued hardship, and money worries.

So yes scrap them all or if you must keep them can we have a maximum of 5 in there. If it came to a choice between investment in schools and jobs or Corgi's and caviare for H.M. I know what I would rather have.

10. An introduction of compulsory second language education from the age of 8 onwards.

For the last twenty years countries around the world and in particular Asia, have opened English language school, which teach ESL(English as a second language) some from a kindergarten age. The aim of this is to give their youth the best possible start so that they can compete globally in business and other walks of life.

I was very fortunate to have been an ESL teacher for over 2 years in South Korea, and see the great benefits of this in our smaller, more connected global community.

How many people in this country have the ability to speak another language fluently? It is remarkably few, I know I can't. We in the west have gotten by for too long expecting others to learn our language, our customs and methods, while showing little regard for theirs.

However, the world is changing, the Wests' power is diminishing, economically, politically and financially. As a result, our youth will be left behind.

There are in most schools now, after school clubs, which act as a child minding service after school until the adult working day has ended. This time is a great opportunity for investment in secondary language education.

I believe that this period should be used as a mandatory language hour, in which from the ages of 8 and upwards, students learn a language which will prove useful in their future, Such as Mandarin, Arabic or German.

I wish that as a child this had been available to me, as at that young age new languages can be absorbed like a sponge. Investing in this small step, would not have an immediate impact on our economy but rather a wise investment in our children that will reap rewards for years to come, helping them to compete globally in their future careers.

I realise that part 2 of this article, has been perhaps an angry manifesto of what is wrong with this country. I make no apologies for that. Recent events which have further damaged our economic plight should make us all angry.

We are in the midst of a double dip recession, an economy which is growing slower than the great depression, working families are struggling to make ends meet, jobs are being cut, wages are stagnant while living costs sky rocket. Yet this government does not seem to care.

If your reading this and you are not eligible for the 5% tax cut in income tax, ask yourself this. Does this government care about me? Does it understand the difficulties I, my family, my friends and colleagues face?

It's remarkable to me that at a time when the wealthiest in this country have so much, compared to the many; who face their bleakest time. Yet there has not been more done. In Russia, Germany, France, when this has occurred in the past there have been revolutionary uprisings. Yet never here in the U.K.

Well now is the time for our revolution, but it should not be one of violence but of protest, not on the battle field but in the ballot box.

I realise that not all my suggestions will be agreed with, and in this democratic society we are allowed to disagree with one another, but I hope that for anyone who reads this it will be a starting point. What can be done? What should be done? That power whether the wealthiest like to admit it; is in everyone s hands.

I will, after this rant return to commenting on topical issues. As always thoughtful comments regardless of opinion are welcome.

10 steps to get the U.K. moving. Part 1

The role of political commentary is often one of criticism and general mockery of ideas and policies. So for a change I thought I would offer some ideas in which if implemented could spark the U.K. out of the quagmire it finds itself in. So here are my 10 steps to get the country moving again.

1. Cut VAT to 15%

One of the most crucial facets in looking to improve GDP is to get the public spending money. This is one of the biggest arguments against wiping out jobs to save money.

If they have nothing; they will spend nothing!!

The same applies when VAT is set too high. This tax affects the poorest the hardest. Who do you think will feel the pinch of an extra £20 on a new tyre? Or when they shopping bill comes in £10 more than before? A reduction in VAT will give consumers confidence to purchase and thus GDP will grow through increased expenditure.

2. Invest in Renewable Energy.

For every reason imaginable; environmentally, economically,and security wise, we must discover and develop independently, eco-friendly energy resources. This would create a new innovative employment source and, cut our dependency on foreign oil, Particularly from an ever increasingly hostile environment.

We should be looking at ways in which wind, wave, solar and nuclear energy can be developed into effective, and durable energy sources which do less harm to our planet yet provide an vital source for our future and for generations to come.

3. Bankers bonuses to be paid/taxed into Green jobs fund.

For far too long this country has rewarded failure within the banking system with financial reward. Any independent banking/financial system who fails to make a profit should have their bonuses taxed separately at a 50% rate. Any publicly owned bank should have their bonuses paid into a green jobs fund, until they make a profit. It is quite ridiculous for executives to make £1 million pounds annual salary and receive that again through bonuses while still running the company at a loss.

These bonuses should be used to help fund renewable energy initiatives which would provide additional employment and allow for cheaper utility charges.

4. Toughen stance on benefit cheats/tax dodgers/drug users/knife crime.

As a developed nation, I feel it is one of our proudest achievements that we provide support for individuals and families who need it. There has however become a growing culture of idleness, drug abuse and violence. The benefit system should be in place for those who really need it. Be it;

• An individual actively seeking employment.
• An individual with a disability preventing them from employment.
• A family with parents in work but not making enough to pay the bills despite FT/PT employment.
• An individual who are suffering from long term diseases such as cancer which prevents them from work.

These are the people ours or any country should be proud to help in their hour of need. The benefits system is NOT in place for;

• Idle people who are fit enough to work but do not seek it or do the bare minimum to qualify for benefits.
• Drug addicts/abusers who would rather spend their days in a clouded daze than work and still have more money than some hard working families (through whatever means they accumulate this.)
• Individuals working cash in hand while still claiming payments.

We could continue this to include plasma TVs for prisoners but that is for another article.

Most people would agree the benefit system is far from perfect, however it seems the government is more interested in a blanket cut, which will also affect those who really need/deserve the help rather than attempting to root out the bad apples in the cart.

This is especially poignant for me, as the city I was born and raised has become riddled to the point of endemic with drug users. This has led to knife crime increasing (4 killings in 1 week within a 15 mile radius.) An elderly gentleman told me of his neighbour who was on methadone treatment but refused to walk 15 minutes to the clinic and so they have been paying his taxi fares there and back every week. People in my community and communities all over Britain are sick of it.

In addition to this those who have tax shelters abroad should be punished for not paying their share of tax. It is not fair to expect to make a profit from a country while putting nothing back in. It is also not fair for this government to claim that were all in this together and yet sit idly by while these millionaires live their lavish lives tax free.

These issues really will be a massive undertaking; yet it is the only way to making this a fairer,safer society.

5. Don't be afraid of bad businesses leaving.

This week,RBS chief Stephen Hestor warned against an anti-business culture in Britain, stating;

“ There is a real risk that this country forgets that job number one is to get the economy growing.”

Mr Hestor,along with many of the top business chiefs should consider themselves extremely fortunate to still be employed at all.

It has long been a British trait never to rock the apple cart. Very seldom will someone British complain about their food in a restaurant, while an American will shout across the room to voice his displeasure.

Can you imagine in Russia, or Italy, or Asia; a government/ institution/monarchy, that destroys the economy,which the public then pays for their errors, allows them to stay in such positions and then are told to appreciate what they have as it all falls apart again. The gates at the Winter Palace would have long been torn off their hinges.

Yet, in this country we are to feel privileged that they are doing so much damage with all our hard earned gains. This is not a call to mutiny or violent revolution. But changes have to be made and it may take a revolutionary effort to do this.

We should not be afraid of losing bad businesses, If they threaten to take their business elsewhere let them. How will we ever get by without a company making a £6 billion pound loss per annum?

These are the first 5 ideas to get Britain back on track. What are yours? Do you agree/disagree with these proposals. Do you have any of your own? Please comment and get involved. The 2^nd part of this article, coming soon!

What's So Wrong With Ed Miliband?

It's now been 18 months since Ed Miliband shocked the Labour party by usurping his brother to take the leadership. Since that time, instead of building a solid platform of support, his leadership has hit crisis point as his popularity has nosedived. So what's so wrong with Ed Miliband?

A recent Sunday times poll shows that over 70% of the public do not perceive him to be a viable Prime minister.

• 43% of Britons say that Ed Milliband's policies are 'wrong, and he does not look or sound like a possible Prime Minister'
• 27% say that although he doesn't look or sound like a PM, his policies are 'right'
• 4% say that although Ed's policies are 'wrong' he still 'looks and sounds like a PM'
• Only 7% say that Ed has both the 'right' policies AND 'looks and sounds like a Prime Minister'

Despite this more than 50% of those polled believed he had the right policies. This leads to issue number one for Ed.

Image.

Despite facing an opponent who looks embalmed and ready for the mausoleum. It's also doubtful that he could tell the price of a pint of milk. (The standard Average Joe test for politicians in America.) Ed Miliband still comes across as the weaker image. The reason is twofold. First the exterior look of someone whose had his head flushed down the toilet at school too many times. But perhaps more worrying is his voice, You can have excellent policies but if you ex pout them in a nasally grating tone then no one is going to listen. Idealistically we wish our debate was based on substance rather than style, realistically we know this isn't the case. If initial reactions count for much in todays 24 hour news cycle environment. Then Ed could be in trouble.

Where does he stand?

With the country facing economic ruin, unemployment rising, standard of living decreasing, you would think it would be an easy target for any opposition leader, especially with the amount of flip flopping the government has been performing. Yet Ed Miliband seems to be unable to land any substantive blows on Cameron or the government. Part of the reason for this is the constant change in policies of the opposition, particularly in regard to the economy and cutting the deficit. Politicians can change their policies due to events occurring but is difficult to place your trust in a leader who seems to change tact as soon as he realises it's not connecting with the public. He has at times seemed desperate to shift from supporting working class voters and working class values.

At times Ed has shown a willingness to move away from the trade unions and that Red Ed tag that has haunted him. This is to be applauded but supporting poor families struggling to make ends meet doesn't make you a communist. Fair treatment for public and private sector workers doesn't hold you under the thumb of the trade unions.

Miliband needs a clear concise message which appeals to the majority of hard working British people, A message of fairness, equality and a true vision for economic and social solutions to lead the country out of the mire and into the future. Once he has this he should not switch or tweak after every bad poll or article.

Legacy of New Labour.

One of the major difficulties for any opposition after a sustained period in office is to avoid being tarred by the mistakes, mishaps and fumbles of your party while in power. This has been a constant problem for Labour and Ed Miliband. Any political heavyweights left in the front-line of the party are a ex ministers or advisers of the former administration and any shift in political ideas will be tarnished by past failures.

What was vital for Labour to do was to admit mistakes had been made, apologise for their part in the economic crisis while still pointing to the improved situation that was occurring before the General Election. While they did this briefly they have laid it to bed while the opposition continue to spout the deficit, and the cost per day on almost every media appearance.

It's coming up to two years since the ConLib Coalition took office and it's now time for Labour to go on the offensive, let slip the dogs of war on media appearances. Have hard hitters do the dirty work on shows such as Question Time. Leave Miliband to look dignified and above it all.

This blog seems a damning verdict of Ed Milibands' leadership and his ability to lead Labour back into power. It isn't; I genuinely like the man, I feel he is the countries best bet for getting out of the troubled times we're in. But changes need to be made and fast. Else Ed will be the new Michael Foot in another long walk in the wilderness for Labour.