Three Whole Entries!

Much like the cliché of waiting for a bus, and then three coming along, it seems Paul Uppal blogs are like that. He’s been a busy man. Well, that last statement isn’t true because although Paul has blogged three times I don’t think he has been really busy, as a PPC that is. So in summary [with comments as we go]

12 June 2007

Yesterday Francis Maude was in Wolverhampton…I’ve written before about the difficulties of raising children in today’s society and that equally applies to looking after those who did exactly that job for us when we were children. After the visit Francis, who is also the Shadow Minister for Wolverhampton [a meaningless position, just like PPC] said, “I was delighted to have been invited to see the good work undertaken by the Wolverhampton Asian Elder and Disabled Group. It is clear from my discussions with them that there is so much more that can be done to recognise and support the good work that voluntary groups in Wolverhampton provide. The Primary Care Trust and Wolverhampton City Council must do more”. [But no suggestion of what that "more" should be, and again Uppal is not saying anything but merely quoting someone else]

13 June 2007

When you take on the role of a PPC [I doubt anyone outside of anyone of the three party political parties would even know what those letters stand for, but do go on Paul] you very quickly find yourself surrounded by people who will just talk to you about politics. ["surrounded", I'm sure an exaggeration] Last weekend [and you waited this long to blog about this exciting happening] Kashmir and I attended a charity dinner with some friends, (our first night out since Zara arrived, and probably our last for the next few months). [Charity, check. Kids, check. Paul you are too subtle] It’s always refreshing to be with people who aren’t concerned about my role as a wannabe MP [you said it] but who just enjoy my company. Equally they’re all very quick to bring me down to earth if they think I’m getting carried away and always tell me the truth as they see it and not what they think I want to hear. [I'm sure they said something specific, give us a specific thing Paul. Wait, Tory, generalities, carry on] You do need to develop a thick skin in politics as you’re bound to be criticised, sometimes rightly but sometimes perniciously. [How about if I just call you a naive political crank?] The latter doesn’t affect you too much, but it does affect friends and family who know what kind of person you are and are protective towards you. Most important of all is to be as normal a person as you can be in Politics and surround yourself with likeminded(sic) people. [Was that an endorsement for cronies?] I like to think [Do you like to think? You're in the wrong party, Paul] that will always stand you in good stead, in any political maelstrom. [A "maelstrom", really for an un-elected person? Paul you are confused]

20 June 2007

This weekend we went shopping as a whole family (normally it’s just me, or me and the older children). Last weekend the children had been really impressed with the Italian market. [Where? If it was in Wolverhampton then I can see the point of talking about it] It was lovely to see the stalls overflowing with fresh Italian produce especially as all of us are big fans of all things Italian, be it fashion, cuisine, the cars or football [Italian produce, on an Italian Market!! What will they think of next?]. We should encourage as many of these markets as possible as they bring a splash of colour to the city [You may want to bring that up with the Labour run Wolverhampton City Council]. My sister lives in Germany and still regularly shops at a market and as a family we have visited southern Europe on a number of occasions. [OK, I'm assuming this is where you spell out your thoughts on Europe, I await with baited breath...] You can’t help avoid making the connection that markets are often like families, in that they are invariably the heartbeat and the centre of communities. [Really? Markets and family, that was where you were going, not even a mention of commerce, of how Europe have taken away all our rights? Nothing! Oh well, such is the life of a PPC I guess]

One Month On

After resting for a month Paul Uppal has finally decided to resume his busy life as a PPC, of course being a PPC is not really a job, it’s just a title given until the General Election is called, and it doesn’t really mean anything until the general election campaign starts (and in fact until an election is called there is no such thing as election expenses).

But let’s humour Uppal and see what he has been saying. {as ever italics are mine}

On the 1st June Paul comments about raising a new baby, “It’s a difficult balancing act and without a shadow of doubt in my mind I believe that raising children is perhaps the most demanding job that any individual faces, but equally the most rewarding. I think it’s important that politicians always remember the difficulties that families face not just in raising children but in maintaining a healthy worklife balance. Running a business, being a PPC and being a Dad is pretty demanding on your time, but coming home to the children helps keep your feet on the ground and really does put life in perspective.”

Of course “being a PPC” doesn’t really require much time.

Then today Paul tells us of his exploits last week in Tettenhall, “Last weekend I attended the opening of the newly refurbished Tettenhall pool along with Conservative Councillors Barry Findlay and Jonathan Yardley. We went along naively believing that we could have our photograph taken poolside with shoes and socks firmly kept on. Yes the water was cold, and yes we all caught a chill afterwards but that’s the price you pay when you get involved in politics (that and being ridiculed by friends, family and especially your children ! )”

The picture which accompanied this was as bad as you are imagining. Of course Paul neglects to mention where the funding for the refurbishment of the pool came from and who voted for it, I’m sure you don’t need to guess.

Of course I invite you to ridicule Uppal on his site, but if he won’t publish your comments then post here.

Ten Years of Fantastic Tony

In a thoughtful diatribe Vicky Ford has decided to assess Tony Blair’s legacy, as usual commentary is in brackets.

“The Blair Legacy – what has it given me?

10 years ago I walked into an election night party crammed full of my university friends. As I entered Sam, the host, took one look at me and declared to the crowd “You voted Tory didn’t you”. I was the only person in that room who had not voted for Tony Blair. [Apparently ten years ago Vicky Ford lived in Sedgefield, lucky her]

Having said that the next day, as I watched Tony [a bit pally for a Tory] arrive at number 10, I was caught up in the hope, hope for a new vision, for investment in trains that worked, hospitals and schools that we needed. I was prepared to pay Tony’s taxes if they rebuilt Britain. [A strange thought to have, as the first two years were done under Tory spending plans, so still Ken Clarke's taxes]

[Warning: Vicky goes off point, stick with her though, because a Tory can always be relied to turn personal suffering in to politics] This week I sorted out some papers and found my great-grandfather’s obituary. He had been involved in local government in Cambridge for 52 years from 1892-1944. He founded the school dental service that was then adopted nationally (today we fight to find NHS dentists), he worked to improve housing for young people and secured playing fields for schools. He fought to expand the hospital and give it sound finances. Today, 100 years on [Vicky is 100!], I am still fighting the same battles as my great grandfather. [No mention that the Tory Government of 79-97 didn't build a single new hospital preferring to close old hospitals and cut the NHS budget]

What has Tony given me personally? This week, this month, this year. [I'm not sure, do tell Vicky]

OK money has been spent on health – but not sensibly [how gracious to acknowledge the increased spending]. Today I’ve been discussing our council’s response to the proposals for “saving” one of our local hospitals. All of the proposals involved cuts – some of the “cuts” are spun as “restructurings” [well, surely this is a case of one man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist]. We are one of the fastest growing parts of the country, we need more health services not less [really, large wards full of sickness, the best way to handle health?]. Couple this with hearing that we are now the worst European country for Cancer care (my husband’s speciality) and that our doctors and nurses won’t receive the same training he did – I am let down [really, do you have cancer?]. 10 years ago I gave birth to my first child [I feel sorry for them]. I speak to midwives now and am glad that I am not testing the maternity services of today [this is a bit insulting to current midwives, is it Tory policy to insult NHS staff?].

Education 20 years ago as a student I used to go into classrooms as a volunteer to help with the gifted mathematicians in local primary schools [gifted mathematicians, must have been a thrilling time] . Back then the teachers had time to greet me with a plan for the lesson, had time to suggest activities, to get feedback, to plan the next week’s session. Today I still help as a volunteer and run a maths-games club at a local school – the teachers are wonderful but they are more stretched- they just don’t have the time [but they do have more money and there are actually more of them]. It is my view based on personal observations that the education of our nations best and brightest has gone backwards [gifted mathematicians? Don't worry I'm sure that Eton's standards haven't fallen].

Trains, Roads, Transport Tony, if you had told me you were going to build trains and roads that worked I would have happily given you all the tax you wanted. Instead I still sit in traffic jams [try the train then, train use is at a 50 year high]. Wasted years, wasted time, wasted chances [do you have a drug habit? only kidding, wasted in what sense, people just won't leave their cars at home, the VAT on petrol has been frozen for years because of fucking fuel protesters, what do you want? Flying jet packs?].

Northern Ireland Tony’s final glory – peace in our nation. I grew up in Northern Ireland [handy, which side though?]. I know what it is like to be in a classroom when a bomb blasts the glass through the windows [you've been in a bomb blast, really? That may explain the stupidity]. Omagh, my town, was ripped to pieces after the first peace agreement was supposedly settled [I'm guessing Unionist]. It is a wonderful hope that no child of today should have to face that fear [Well, fuck me, one point to Tony].

When I was a child if we drove across the border it was like stepping back in time, roads were dreadful, rural homes were lucky to have ropey electricity [electricity through a rope, maybe. I think un-reliable power is her point] and dodgy water. Even 20 years ago, as a student, Dublin showed the visitor the three Ds: Drugs, Drunks and Deprivation. There was a huge income differential between North and South. In my personal view, that differential caused much of the tension [right, so that whole Catholic vs Protestant thing, nothing to do with it. Oliver Cromwell, maybe? "Rev" Ian Paisley shouting NEVER over and over again, ad infinitum]. It has changed so much. The South is now the wealthy nation – economic tensions have been removed [it is in the Euro, but as they say in the Tory party, don't mention the Euro].

“Peace” in Northern Ireland was started by John Major but in war-torn areas history is hard to put behind you and a change of government and time from Tony did help [that's because SF hate the Tories because, I don't know, maybe because you're the Conservative and Unionist Party?]. However, I believe that the final “peace” has more to do with the booming economy of the South leapfrogging that of the complacent UK [way to build up the Union, although the Welsh hate you and the Scots hate you, so maybe the Tory's hate the UK].

I could go on……..{too many dots Vicky} crime [rose under Thatcher, down under Labour], interest rates [at half what they were under Thatcher], litter [I'm not sure, do you drop much litter, Vicky], industry [what about it?], Iraq [was supported by the Conservative party], defence [spending has been increased, your party backed Trident], but it’s enough of a rant already [OK, I agree].”

A comment by Ellee of elleeseymour.com notes that

“I have been told [by whom?] that it is Ed Miliband we should be watching, btw, not his brother David. He chould have his sights on the Labour leadership next time round.” I assume the word she was aiming for was ‘could’. And Ed Miliband was the head of Brown’s policy unit before becoming an MP, and is close friend’s with Ed Balls, the chancellor’s brains, this is not new news.

Ellee also notes “John Major’s role should not be forgotten with the Northern Ireland peace talks.” and of cousre they should not, however SF never talked to Major one twentieth of the amont of time they have talked to Blair, and if we want to keep history going Thatcher’s idiotic ban on Gerry Adam’s voice should not be forgotten.

I know there are some out there (may be Leftwinger?) who feel we should not comment on other Tories but Uppal is taking an age to post and there are so many dumb Tories it seems unfair not to take a pop.

Ooh, look, David Cameron!

Paul Uppal has spoken, finally. Well, we say “Paul Uppal” but most of his latest entry is just a quote from David Cameron. Good to see Paul speak his mind (actually, is he really saying anything).

And I quote [commentary in brackets]:-

“Last Thursday David Cameron visited Wolverhampton. He met with all our candidates who are standing in the local elections. Below he is in Park Ward with me and the Conservative Park candidate, Carl Husted.

(Insert smug picture here)

David then walked to the train station [not having the car follow him around this time].

(Insert photo op)

David’s message was clear:

The mission of the modern Conservative Party is to improve the quality of life for everyone [really?], and local councils have a leading role to play [kind of obvious]. Throughout the country, Conservative councils are delivering better services and lower council taxes [not strictly true, but whatever].

We’re also fighting crime and grime [nice bit of internal rhyming] at the local level – tackling anti-social behaviour that can devastate people’s quality of life [using Labour legislation, no doubt]. Official figures [what figure?] show that Conservative councils have the cleanest streets, with lower levels of litter, graffiti and fly-posting [and 83% of the time all statistics are made up].

That’s [what is?] why going green is not just good for the environment [are the Tories suggesting Labour are pro-graffiti?], but makes a real difference to their quality of life [not completely true, some 'green' measure require sacrifice, but why should facts get in the way of an asinine statement].

On May 3rd, people will have the chance to vote for change [as every year].

The Conservative Party’s message [like their party workers] is simple: Vote blue, Go green [say it often enough and it just might come true].

(Insert photo of bemused pedestrian trying to get away here)

It seemed to get a positive response [it could be worse, they could try to throw eggs at him, not that we would condone that]” {italics and bold are mine}

It’s a good job not everything is what it seems. What Uppal fails to say is that a number of people didn’t want to shake Cameron’s hand, and that the Tories have not done anything in Wolverhampton because they have only 15 out of 60 councillors (25% for all you maths fans), and so the most they can do is sit on the sidelines and complain about the good work that the Labour Council is doing.

On May 3rd people may very well have the “chance” to vote for a change, but that is true at every election, so I guess stating the obvious is now the new Tory policy.

In fact all Paul really said was (all in bold above) here we are in a photo, David went to a train station, this is what David thinks and “it seemed to get a positive response”. Not really earth shattering, in summation here is what Paul has let us know in his latest post.  The first paragraph is nothing more than a photo caption (no opinions there), the second a description of their movement (to the train station), the third an intro to a quote (by Cameron, not Uppal), and the last a vague statement. Good to know what Paul thinks.

Vicky Ford needs help

The birth of Paul Uppal’s latest child and the posting of the event on his blog has attracted some backslapping comments from fellow Tory bloggers. The usual suspects (Carl Husted, Praguetory) but also a woman called Vicky Ford.

She posts at vickyford.blogspot.com, but doesn’t seem to be getting much comment. It’s not really surprise as her entries are tedious, almost not worth addressing. However to help her out I am reprinting a post from the 18th April 2007 (I had to go back that far so find something interesting worth commenting on).  

Entitled “I met a Labour Voter tonight”:- At least he said he had always been a life long Labour voter …. errr… he paused… then he said “but it all depends on the candidates really”. So I sent our candidate along for a chat. He’s now found the face saving excuse he wanted and will be voting for us. Shame really. I would love to find someone on a doorstep who could tell me why Labour is so great for them. [Italics are mine]

First of all, Mrs Ford an ellipsis had three dots, not two, not four, just three. Your page header has seven, and after the word voter you have put 4. Three will do.  

Second, to address the last sentence (the main body is typical doorstep stuff, Labour voter wants to stop talking to a Tory…) , the correct English is “that”, find someone on the doorstep that could tell…, and just for you here are the reasons a Labour government is good for the British people (and I won’t even say that Cameron has no policies).  

Firstly, low inflation, the rate between 1997-2007 is lower than the average between 1945-1997, by nearly 2%.  

Secondly, the minimum wage, the Tories opposed it, and yet it has done more to lift people out of poverty than any benefit ever could.  

Thirdly, the record investment in the NHS, no one disputes the fact that the NHS has had record spending in the last ten years.  

And finally, the Tories have no policies, I’m sorry I said I wouldn’t mention it but I couldn’t resist. 

Dr Scott, I presume?

Paul visited Westminster with a Sikh delegation, and in reply to his post on the 30th March a man called “Johnathon M Scott” replied with the following:

“An often unrecognised impact of restrictions – on British Sikhs bringing proceeds from a property sale in India into the UK – is one on the British economy. Such proceeds are often invested into new businesses and enterprises in the UK. Therefore, restrictions on bringing currency into this country is inevitably having a negative impact on entrepreneurs’ wealth and job creation. I agree fully that having a British consulate in the Punjab would help to deal with these property disputes and hopefully the Government (whether the current one, or the incoming Conservative Government of which you will be an MP, Paul) will open such an office.” [Italics are mine]

First Mr Scott misuses the word “hopefully”, then he assumes that Paul is going to be elected, and both of them ignore the fact that the current Wolverhampton South West MP is well known in the Gurdwaras and sits on the all party Sikh committee, and is already in a position to address this matter.

On the previous entry Paul waxes lyrical about the NHS, apparently the Tories are going to do something about it, he never really goes any  further than vagueness but still Mr Scott is encouraged enough to add the following:

“To me, the NHS means everything — there is a real emotional attachment to an organisation that has been so important to my family members. A lot of people feel this way and David Cameron is striking the right tone with his speech (and other recent speeches) on the NHS. At last, the public recognise that the NHS is safe in the hands of Conservatives and I agree absolutely with what you and he say about giving NHS employees responsibility, power and choice.” [Italics mine]

I have no idea what Cameron is “striking the right tone” about because policy is never mentioned. And as for the outrageous claim that “the NHS is safe” should there be another Tory government. Well, I’ll leave you to comment on that.

Comments Welcome, makes a change.

This is the site that Pauluppal.wordpress.com cannot be. He wants his to to be sweetness and light, that he can post a politically contentious entry and have nothing but “Good Site” or “Well done Paul” as the only comments listed. Up until yesterday his site was actually interesting. An actual debate was happening, and then going off topic, which is the point of a blog. A blog with no comments is not worth reading, a blog with 38 comments is.

So this site will mirror Paul Uppal, and we will let you post what he won’t. So for a start let’s have yesterday’s blog.

“Statistics from the DWP reveal that the income of the bottom 10% of the population fell from £ 91 per week in 2004 -2005 to £ 89 per week in 2005-2006, a 2.2% drop. These figures also show that the incomes of the poorest 10% are actually lower today than they were in 2001-2002 when they also stood at £ 91 per week. All these figures are contained in Table A2 on page 100 of Households Below Average Incomes 2005-2006, an annual publication by the DWP. In contrast to this the chancellor points out that the economy has preformed relatively strongly in the last few years, but the reality now accepted by almost all economists is that the UK has actually unperformed in the global economic climate of the last ten years in comparison to the English speaking countries of the USA, Ireland and Australia. These findings will cause unease amongst left-wing backbenchers and the trade unions. They will also be disappointing for the Prime Minister. He has always been anxious to quote the rise in the minimum wage from £ 4.10 to £ 5.35 an hour over the last five years. The reality again is that these figures are a red herring. The poorest aren’t working, so a rise in the minimum wage is not going to help them. The poorest 20% of the population now relies on benefits and tax credits for 53% of their income. Data from the DWP shows that nearly 5.5 million adults of working age are recipients of one of many different kinds of out-of-work benefits, equivalent to one in six of the workforce. As well as being morally corrosive for the recipients, this way of life is expensive for the taxpayer. Politically there will be little impetus for change as there is a direct link between those dependent on the government and Labour votes. Mr Brown’s policies might not be doing much for the well being of the poor but they are useful for buying up and locking in Labour votes.

To illustrate this point perfectly you only have to look the last budget. The Chancellor chose not to raise the personal allowance to take the working poor out of the income tax band but to double the tax rate on low income families by claiming that he was abolishing the starting rate of tax. Anybody who knows the personal history of Gordon Brown will be aware that he came into politics from a noble and principled background. However, the reality and his legacy would not have been what he would have chosen when he was first elected to Westminster.

Paul“

So what do you think of that post?