IntenseDebate - Russell444

4 years ago @ http://www.conservativ... - WATCH: There's "a new ... · 1 reply · +1 points

I thought the Journalists were all pretty outrageous tonight. They seem to want to deliberately undermine the Government for no sensible purpose.

4 years ago @ http://www.conservativ... - Benedict McAleenan: Br... · 0 replies · +1 points

Naturally Batters wants to restrict competition and keep prices high for her members. I would prefer cheaper food and more choice for 65 million consumers.

4 years ago @ http://www.conservativ... - Andy Street: Yes to HS... · 0 replies · +1 points

HS2 has got the Tea Party frothing at the mouth. They fail to notice that this article is about transport investment in and around the West Midlands. All good as far as I am concerned.

4 years ago @ http://www.conservativ... - WATCH: The Prime Minis... · 0 replies · +1 points

Agreed, More rail capacity is badly needed and I for one believe that it will stimulate more investment in the Midlands.

4 years ago @ http://www.conservativ... - Jack Airey: If we want... · 0 replies · +1 points

Sadly no. I would like to see lower cost housing and greater rates of home ownership though. In the case of the green belt it is not a case of all or nothing.

4 years ago @ http://www.conservativ... - Jack Airey: If we want... · 2 replies · +1 points

This is an interesting report from Policy Exchange. I am of the view that the Planning Process is positively Byzantine and as such serves to stifle competition and innovation. Government is endlessly tinkering with it for no noticeable benefit. So, the idea of removing the consent process in urban areas has much merit. Developer contributions should be simplified and listed on a schedule so that developers can know in advance the cost and not be subject to negotiation. The more dubious contributions should be removed from the schedule. Finally reduce the size of the green belt and do not allow it to completely encircle our towns.

4 years ago @ http://www.conservativ... - Stephen Laws: Post-ele... · 0 replies · +1 points

Greater participation is definitely desirable.

4 years ago @ http://www.conservativ... - Stephen Laws: Post-ele... · 2 replies · +1 points

Simon, As Thomas Paine argued we should aspire to Government by election and representation. We have the elections but who do Parliamentarians represent? It should not be themselves, we should not have only 650 sovereign individuals in this country with the rest of us classed as glorified serfs by the laws of the land.

The views of millions will always be more representative than the views of say 330 making a Parliamentary majority.

4 years ago @ http://www.conservativ... - Stephen Laws: Post-ele... · 4 replies · +1 points

Interesting and probably worthwhile tinkering. Before that we need to have a few things done;
1, Clarify that the people are sovereign and that Parliament is accepting certain delegated responsibilities from them.
2, Normalise Referenda to better reflect the views of the demos and counter instances when Parliament cannot make a decision or is simply out of touch with the electorate.
3, Outlaw retrospective legislation such as that enacted by the Supreme Court and if laws are deemed necessary by the court allow sufficient time for Parliament to debate and amend them. Alternatively the people should elect the Supreme Court.
4, Close down the House of Lords. Elect a Senate and do not allow ex-ministers or senior Civil Servants to participate (reducing todays cronyism and apparent corruption).

Other than that it is ok.

4 years ago @ http://www.conservativ... - The poll which should ... · 2 replies · +1 points

Dave thanks for responding.
I hope you agree that technology costs tend to reduce over time and in this case can become more economical than fossil fuels.

news.mit.edu/2018/explaining-dropping-solar-cost-1120 https://www.windpowermonthly.com/.../energy-costs....

If we are proactive and get a piece of this pie then we can gain an income and export the benefits around the world from our small island.

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