greenknight

I see our Prime Minister has asked Bill Wiggins for advice on farming...Well our North Herefordshire farmers love this guy but how supportive has he been to the Herefordshire Tenant farms or is it etiquette not to get involved on a brothers patch!

Well I don't bloody care about the economics of it all. I simply don't want to host millions of people who are here for the money and the free public services and don't care or love my Country.

But, if it is simple and straightforward economics that'll make you place your cross in the box that says, 'Out', then consider this and particularly the Nations of the former Soviet Bloc and the impact the EU economics have upon them.

Take poor Poland for example. Stripped of millions of their young people who've abandoned their homeland and invested themselves and their talents in the economy of our Country, they've got the huge advantage of not having to pay and care for their former citizens but their society, both socially and economically have become stagnant. Indeed, so heavily dependant upon pound sterling sent home to be recycled in their economy to prop up their fragile and ailing progress to attain some sort of near parity with the West, they've become hostages to the fortunes of the EU.

They are no longer able to develop themselves and modernise because their future, their bloody youngsters, have tipped up here to aid our economic aspirations. How can Poland possibly extricate themselves from this madness, create a better Poland when they've no manufacturing output or economic activity that doesn't involve Britsh Pound Sterlng or Euros earned and generated beyond their borders.

Since 2004 near on twenty one million have left the East region of Central and East Europe,flown the nest, abandoned their nations to work faster, cheaper and harder than everyone else. You tell me. Where's the economic sense inlosing their best and brightest to the West? How on earth does it benefit these Nations if all their youngsters leave and invest themselves in a foreign Country?

To be fare Bobby it does kind of work both ways. Many a western power pursued commercial greed in the far east only to dump a country at a moment's notice leaving thousands without work, I saw this in Jakarta. As for our people's well we've been known to wander,whether that's retirement abroad with our state pension or perhaps that 50+ male hunting the club's in the Philippines or Thailand and not necessarily looking for assistance whilst undertaking a jungle field trip!

 

This topic like the other on this site stimulate passionate responses from each end of the political spectrum however there are many many individuals reading these posts that are pitched in the middle and remain silent.It will be these people that will ultimately decide and correct me if I am wrong but is it a little difficult to exist in a democracy when you have extreme views be it left or right?

 

I personally want to remain in a democracy but fear opinion voiced from the edges of the seesaw be it lefty or rightly is pushing us away from that we used to hold so dear.

Fine. I've made my views on TTIP and ISDS very clear. But this topic is about in or out of the EU - how will Brexit , if it happens, make any difference to the numbers trying to enter the UK illegally?

It will make very little difference in my opinion because if people are desperate they will take risks so bodies on our beaches...Very likely.

Ok it's getting stupid now ....what is going on with the traffic in Hereford city centre this week. The evenings have been atrocious!

 

Scoot again Ragwert??

I've picked up on your comment about a third term for Obama Cambo.

There are rumblings, stories of such a premonition not helped by jittery financial markets, and that's not all about oil and China.

My understanding friends is that it makes little or no difference being in or out of the EU when it comes to TTIP. A brotherhood for the corporates started across the pond bigger than governments and countries alike.

Immigration affects our economics - the two are linked. All these services and handouts don't come out of thin air. Interesting to see some countries now wish to expel "refugees" in vast numbers. I can see while Cameron is fiddling around with the EU all these countries will have closed their borders and there is only one place they will be heading for.

Of course Megilleland but I don't believe the majority of people will look at the economic pro,s & cons.

 

Very shortly the numbers leaving the middle east and north Africa will pick up as t h e weather turns. The whole question will come down to immigration and the vote will be to leave. Will this stop people trying to reach our shores...nope. What will they do when they land up on Brighton beach...intern them ? At what cost? Will they be sent back by plane and to where,when they won't say where they are from?...at what cost? Are you honestly going to tell me that even now UK based criminal gangs aren't planning their business operations in channel people smuggling.Sure we will increase coastal security...at what cost?

 

We can make it difficult but we won't stop it because ultimately we still remain a democratic society (for now)..media reporting of refugees being being swooped up and interned on south coast beaches does make great reading in Blighty...however stand by its coming.

Well she engages with her community and that counts for a lot in my book.

Slightly off topic but I would be intrigued to find out how Herefordshire farms are split up...tenants, family owned, corporate and council run .that sort of thing.

Maybe it's because those poor souls haven't got any money for the thrift???

Yes it's funny that...Well it doesn't appear very Christian does it....but I guess we would not want to see a return of the Holy wars. Truth is I thought I'd seen the back of them centuries ago!

We have net migration ---> IN at + 300K per year at the moment. That's the equivalent of building a City the size of Nottingham this year, next year and the year after etc ... Then you populate it and install all the medical/educational/social infrastructure. Then you do it all over again every 365 days ... Hardly sustainable is it? Even with the new people paying their own way the rest of the fabric to support them just won't be there. And can't be there. That's why we need the net figure down to less than 100k per year. Definitely. And preferably a lot lower. Counting paper clips at the benefits office is just laughable when you look at the bigger picture ...

Ah..I think Roger is confirming that Osmosis

You make some very valid and important points. I absolutely agree with you about the common agricultural policy and TTIP, for a start. However, are these arguments for leaving the EU, or are they arguments for scrapping TTIP and CAP? I have certainly done what I can to bring about the latter. That £41bn a year should be trousered by farmers, with the biggest, richest landowners receiving the largest payments is a scandal that should be a source of disillusionment to all supporters of the EU. We are yet to see what happens with TTIP. I accept the principle of sharing sovereignty over issues of common concern but not the idea of the rich nations combining to crush the democratic will of the poorer nations, as they are seeking to do, and successfully, to Greece.

The EU has done much to the benefit of everybody on environmental matters, but the disastrous abandonment of the soil framework directive, at the behest of agricultural lobbyists and the British government, is outrageous. Now the same industries (Big Farmer & construction mainly) are attempting to demolish the other environmental directives which are the only things protecting wildlife in the UK.

But here's the thing. Do you really think that our government is going to stop representing corporate interests, to the benefit of the populace, after Brexit? You only need to look at the latest example of covert lobbying by the British government to try to weaken European air pollution rules on behalf of the coal industry.The only winners of a break up of the EU would be Putin, Farage, neo-liberals, the extreme right, bankers, hedge funds, fossil fuel companies, human traffickers, environmental vandals, and global corporations. Do you really think there would be any ban on, say, neonicotinoids, if there wasn't an EU? Do you really think a Conservative government would do anything whatsoever to protect the UK's environment if we weren't part of the European Union? Faced with the growing reality of climate change and the pressures that it is already bringing the whole world, we all have two choices: to work together to protect the common good, or to retreat into nationalism and blaming others.

Very balanced arguments for both sides however for the many the economics doesn't come into it!

Some say Brexit would harm the UK economy primarily by reducing trade with EU countries. Leaving the EU would also prevent the UK from benefiting from future free trade agreements negotiated by the EU, such as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership currently being negotiated with the United States. 

 

This alone is one reason for coming out and not being part of a great commercial stitch up. The problem is there are so many things going on the public can't focus on more than one issue a week - eg a tree leaning over in Belmont!

I could not agree more particularly the last sentence though this will change because forthcoming local tax rises and further cuts to services will up the anti a little.

Go on Colin let's take a new poll and see just how recent events might reflect a change in the vote!

Gotta admit this was crazy because it would not be done if you visited Tehran. That said I loved Iran, I made two trips back in the late 1990,s a beautiful diverse country where at the time everyone drove Hillmans. My Samavar sits proudly in the kitchen but I will admit arriving solo at the dead of night and taken off the plane separately to everyone else, directed to the CIP lounge was a little nervy!

I can't lie...I've kept away from this topic because the arguments are the same. I admit to being a little ashamed more because it exposes our fears and weaknesses. I'm not into religion, politics or commerce because sadly today these three phrases divide us all. In life I have worked for what I have, had no requirement for extravagancess..just enough to eat and support a little home and share it with someone very dear to me. I lost my children some years ago, a big decision at the time but one that was for their benefit ultimately not mine so in a crazy way I can relate to the absolute pain that sits within the hearts of those Syrian parents that part with their children pushing them away from the jaws of certain death to the possible arms of either the good or the bad but it's still 50/50 and that to them is better odds

 

It's Nimbyism on a continental scale but we created it at the end of the day and as Spring approaches the numbers will surely gather on the shoreline of our International neighbours driving the 'out' vote for sure and to be honest there are members that have contributed to this debate that oppose each other's ideas but unilaterally agree that an EU exit is best?

Hello Dave. I'm happily surprised. Let me tell you all this and I've no idea whether or not it's true of all GP Surgeries. One Surgery that I'm familiar with, all the Partner Doctors work a four day week and around five hours a day. No more!

Now, if this figure is typical of many other Surgeries within the County, and I've no idea whether it is, then the time has come to burst their bubble and force them to rejoin the real world and expect them to do more.

So preoccupied with areas of business that create a tick the box culture that generates Governmental payments, they've become lazy and only interested in taking your blood pressure, treating Diabetes and other in vogue money making excercises such as Dementia. This is the way the NHS now works. Extra payments for the narrow areas of illness that earn them a payment every single time they tick a box and say, 'pay me'.

The Greenknight will I'm sure be able to add to this.

Well we have commented before BobbyB, but what can I add that has not already been said. For now Taurus will get an extension whilst the GP brethren work out how to deliver a 7 day a week service! Tough when they can barely deliver 5. Bobby,s experience of practice working hours can be seen throughout the land. Personally I would rather see clinics like that at Asda staffed and maintained by those that have a genuine interest rather than established surgeries being forced to partake in something that there is little enthusiasm for. After all if the intent was there then the implementation of extended hours would have been voiced by BMA rather than being forced upon by government.

The minor injuries centres should be maintained and in fact better utilized offering GP access facilities and staffed by those that have a real interest in providing a not for profit service.....but what do I know.

The campaigners have secured more time for No.1 Ledbury Road and congratulations to them all. Now let's see proper consultation from all parties which ultimately creates the best fit for both those that use this facility and those that manage it.There is no doubt for those children that use this service there is a feeling of security when away from home as there is security of mind for the mum and dads who place their trust in those that look after all that is most precious...your own.

Well the LED,s work for me and now I can boast walking home each night which is around 35minutes I believe they deliver! I get a clearer night sky which is wondrous and it has a more positive impact on nature as studies show that certain birds like Robin,s suffer under traditional street lighting!

 

Jangos comment is true regarding dog mess as enforcement is sadly lacking in this county.

Massive rises - 20, 30, 40% and more. Except Plough Lane staff car park, which got off quite lightly - why ever would that be?

 

Didn't realise they took the revenue from Maylords Orchards car park - they flogged off the above ground leases years ago.

Ah.. but dont a lot of the Council staff actually use the 50p parking facility at the back of TPG Disable Aids which is a private facility?

Well that could be down to the time of day but trust me she is very busy, in fact she is looking for staff, if you know of any qualified hair stylists, get them to pop in.[/quote

 

To be honest it is after 5pm and before 6.

Because Wiggin already more or less confines himself to representing the interests of the NFU. If you look at his record in parliament, these are the topics he raises. As farmers already get a very good deal from the taxpayer, I think they may feel that they have been well represented by Wiggin.

 

Having previously lived in a Wiggins village I can easily endorse the comment made by Osmosis. The NFU and farmers in North Herefordshire love this guy...he ticks all their boxes, a posh bloke that loves tweed and avoids the city like the plague. Some while ago I followed his parliamentary questions..Well when there were any.These two Tory boys carry the same flag but as individuals are very different.

I'd better add that boots are very important to me.When me and the boys gather at the forge replacing our dented metal plates we discuss current fashion trends and consider all options on footware

I disagree, a friend of mine has just opened a new hair salon exactly there, she moved from the smaller shop in the same row to the new bigger shop. She has spent money and invested in her business and is very busy. The new salon looks beautiful, so a lot of these places just need money and someone with a vision. It is easy to walk away but I do think that the landlords could do a lot more. The footfall along this stretch of the road is more than you may think, this is the main walkway down to the subway into town and people walking from town to Sainsbury's and Whitecross

Well I wish her well chap.

The last few evenings I've walked past your friend has been sat at the back with her chairs empty.

Great boots though!

Agreed Dippy and I know it was acknowledged as a caring hospital however in my day that statement was treated as given. The NHS would never remove this hospital it can't afford to make such a decision as in Stafford but I would ask the question as to why the first element of special measures failed to resolve the issues.