A Pragmatic View on the UK Election 2015

Pragmatism is the key to this UK General Election, yet by very nature of the word it can stifle change and continue the status quo. All of us like to think we are pragmatic. It implies we are sensible, realistic, grounded and practical. That’s why most of us who will vote on May 7th will favour the established political parties – Conservative or Labour. It’s the comfort factor – idealism is all very well, and whilst many of us will have high ideals, and may even strive for them – the fear of instability will override them. Such loyalty, although commendable, invariably reduces risk, and risk is a factor for those who want to live stable lives – regardless.

Families require security – they know that the Socialists will tax more to pay for essential services. By contrast they know that the Conservatives will reduce tax, but the spending power of the individual will be increased and therefore essential services will be paid through a a growing healthy economy. Both are in essence ideals – they just differ on the method of delivery.

A sensible electorate will vote for one or the other. Not because they are the only choices, but because they are the established safe choices. Yet, for the second time in five years, a majority government seems unlikely. It is the age of coalition, and until 2010 this had never happened before except during a time of war – World War II. Then it was the right thing to do – when political differences were set aside to fight a common enemy. Today we don’t have a common enemy, we just have common differences and in the mix are small parties with specific agendas, and anyone of them could play politics and hold the balance of power.

A minority Labour or Conservative government could function, but they would have difficulty implementing policy without doing deals with undesirable bedfellows. The Scottish Nationalist Party, who seek an independent Scotland within the EU (a party which recently forced a referendum to leave the UK and lost) could have influence in the very Parliament they wanted to leave. The United Kingdom Independence Party which wants to leave the European Union and have strict immigration policies could have influence likewise. The Liberal Democrats – the party which formed a coalition with the Tories in 2010 have achieved little, but believe they are the party to keep a balance on an all powerful government. The Green Party which may catch votes, are unlikely to have any significance. Then there is the Democratic Union Party who power-share the Northern Ireland Assembly with the Irish Republican party Sinn Féin. Then there is Plaid Cymru the Welsh Nationalist Party who seek an independent Wales within the EU. All will attract votes, yet all in their own way will render impotent a UK Government holding a minority.

So when Nigel Farage, the leader of UKIP declares that “all bets are off” – he is quite right.

That’s why this election is probably the most significant in modern times. A minority Labour or Conservative victory will result in deals being done with the aforementioned. Labour will not contemplate leaving the EU unless it can change it from within. The Conservatives are committed to a referendum on EU membership in 2017. UKIP want categorical and unconditional removal from the EU. The SNP want Scottish Independence. The DUP wants greater control in Northern Ireland, and Plaid Cymru wants Welsh independence within the EU without influence from a UK parliament. Neither Labour or Conservative want a coalition with any, and for the next 38 days they will surely attempt to distance themselves from any potential scenario.

Meanwhile our country is being shoved and pulled in the world of international affairs. Our military is diminished, our economic power is questionable, our values are clouded, and our status in the world is opaque.

We are the repository of wealth from the global rich, yet our own people cannot afford to live in their own Capital. Our treasured jewel the National Health Service is under attack, our fundamental values which we imparted to the world of care for the elderly, sick, disabled and less fortunate have now – in a dramatic turnaround – become ideals, and our prided pragmatism is now seriously questionable.

The Stone Age Diet….

The Paleo Diet

Since I began this in earnest 10 factors have become apparent.

*1. Reducing salt in the diet is not difficult *2. Reducing bad fats is not difficult

*3. Reducing sugar is not difficult *4. Reducing wheat and carbohydrate is not difficult

*5. Protein and vitamin intake is natural *6. Sourcing fresh food is not difficult

*7. Reducing milk and dairy is not difficult *8. It is not expensive

*9. It reduces weight *10. It does not result in hunger pangs.

I decided to embark on this diet because I know that too much salt in our bodies is the biggest health problem today. Yet almost everything we buy if freshly sourced  meat, fish, vegetables or fruit, is laced with too much salt. I also know that if something is sold as low fat, it will generally have more salt. Anything sold as low salt will have more fat, and anything which says it is low in fat and salt, will have more sugar. The combination of all three, which is merely a merry-go-round, are just clever tools for the food manufacturers to play with.

Dot UK…..

…..Meanwhile The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) report for the same period (see last post) stated that 30 million overseas residents visited the United Kingdom.

In the same period (2010) 53 million UK residents went abroad.

The population of the UK is estimated at 60m. Soon a new census will be counted in March, and the likelihood is that it could be much greater. But the figures state that there are more British going overseas for recreation than those visiting.

UK airports are operating at full capacity.The British are not phased by politics, terrorism, weather, or industrial action. One wonders if this is a stoical approach built into their DNA?

Not a day goes by without some scare or heart-pounding event, indeed the Brits seem  colour-blind to the see-saw threat levels, and yet they methodically continue to make sure that they will get their holiday regardless. This spirit is unique. Recently British tourists were caught up in the Tunisian troubles, but the majority were more pissed off that their vacation was spoilt, and less bothered about the politics of the situation. It's really not cricket old chap! Why can't those countries get their act together? Carry on up the Khyber!

In the meantime, international sham diplomacy continues with depressing regularity. The USA loses their sense of humour, the European Union dwells on bureaucracy, the Arab world hiccups and burps, extreme islamic terrorists blow themselves up in Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. 24 hour news programmes perpetually broadcasts horror and destruction.

Yet, 53 million (that's right – 53 million!) British subjects, possibly the most educated people in the world, and if not, certainly the most potentially well educated, with free access to information, every minute of every day, chose to leave their homeland for a holiday.

These people cannot be broken or worried. They come from stock which was honed through empire, and a way of life which runs through their blood. The average Brit would more likely complain about a weak cup of tea served in a hotel, than worry about rampant disturbance and revolution on the streets outside. 

Overweight and over indulged, and better off then previous generations, they are beneficiaries of a unique legacy.

A French woman remarked one day that Paris was much more beautiful than London. Her English friend replied "That's because we didn't surrender."

That's right. The British didn't capitulate, they didn't surrender, and they were bombed to virtual oblivion. Yes Paris is more beautiful. But that's because they allowed Hitler to march in. The French know this, much to their shame.

And let's face it – the Brits don't wear their hearts on their sleeves, don't have a constitution, do not have a republic, but have a constitutional monarchy, a solid parliament, they sit on firm foundations, and for all their whinging pom mentality, can be confident in their multicultural skins. The Victorians believed that God was an Englishman.That is questionable. But surely he must drink tea!

The Marmite Election

My daughter (at university seeking a BA hons in Education) has been invited to shadow a prospective parliamentary candidate for our London constituency. Apparently she has been vociferous in her criticism of him on his website, remarking on his poor performance (in her opinion) as a ward councillor.

I wouldn't say he was ineffectual, its just that his priorities are at odds with hers. There has been some banter back and forth with emails, and now that he is his official party's candidate (no names no pack drill – but one of the big three) he is keen to demonstrate his policies and show her the hard work he will be doing on the hustings.

I think she baited him by implying that she intended to enter politics and could do a damn sight better job. This clearly riled him and he suggested that perhaps she should be a councillor first before she attempted to attain the lofty heights of Parliament.

I think he's got a fair chance of toppling the current incumbent, and I admire his bravery. Not because he's seeking election in a cutthroat business, but because he's prepared to be accompanied for two long days with a volatile and highly critical individual. He's taking a big risk.

My daughter is a bit like Marmite – you either love it or hate it. But I'm biased because I'm very fond of Marmite. But even I can only spread it thinly on toast in the mornings. Eating it all day, for all its packed with vitamins and goodness, could be very challenging.

It puts me in a quandary because he doesn't represent the party of my choice, and yet I think he would make a good MP. I've never been one for tactical voting, and I've only got one vote. There's a lot at stake in this UK election – I value my vote and my right to it has been achieved through the sweat and tears of my ancestors.

I abhor people who say they are not going to vote because they can't be bothered or say there is no point – to me it is the epitome of idle ignorance.

Eat Marmite, you may not like the taste, but you'll feel better afterwards. That's what voting is all about!