Wednesday 8 January 2012
The prime minister has rebuffed calls from Labour to axe the controversial Health and Social Care Bill.
The plans to overhaul the NHS in England are being debated in the Lords, amid a row over proposals to let hospitals raise more money privately.
The government has tabled 137 amendments to the Bill in recent days to try to head off a rebellion by Lib Dem peers.
On tonight's programme David Grossman looks at the troubled progress of the legislation and how important the NHS is to the perceived success of the coalition government.
We'll be joined by Health Minister Simon Burns and discussing in the studio.
Also, Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos is meeting coalition parties in an attempt to seal an austerity agreement to secure a new EU/IMF bailout.
The accord is likely to include a 20% minimum wage reduction, pension cuts and 15,000 civil service lay-offs.
Newsnight's Economics editor Paul Mason reports on why despite numerous fiscal measures the Greece crisis just won't go away.
And as tensions over the Falkland Islands increase ahead of this April's 30th anniversary of Argentina's invasion, we assess the impact of the recent war of words.
Finally, we have an interview with conceptual artist Yayoi Kusama, including a peek at her first British retrospective at Tate Modern.
Comment number 1.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:62.At 14:02 8th Feb 2012, You wrote:
WHAT DO YOU CALL A COUNTRY THAT TREATS 100.000 EXTRA PATIENTS PER M?
"Sick."
Should we be doing more to STOP MAKING PEOPLE ILL? Dave's Conservatives could forego the BONUS of cash from alcohol and tobacco, for a start. Not just the tax, but the election-winning bungs.
Nuff sed
Complain about this comment (Comment number 1)
Comment number 2.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:成人快手's NEW Mr HIGH-GROUND: ALASTAIR CAMPBELL
Nuff sed
Complain about this comment (Comment number 2)
Comment number 3.
At 8th Feb 2012, JohnConstable wrote:The NHS in England is totemic and from the political perspective, has to be handled very carefully indeed.
Even the 'interested bystander' can see that Andrew Lansley is not up to the political challenge that making progressive moves within the NHS in England demands.
The obvious answer is for Cameron to sack Lansley immediately and bring back Alan Milburn, who does have the requirements and experience to do the job.
Oftimes, those at the top have to make tough decisions - as it happens I do not think this particular decison is that tough but nevertheless Cameron must do what is right for the English people.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 3)
Comment number 4.
At 8th Feb 2012, JunkkMale wrote:2. At 14:21 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:
成人快手's NEW Mr HIGH-GROUND: ALASTAIR CAMPBELL
Leading on to the 成人快手 and the NHS, too..
I just had this in my twitter feed:
@成人快手Politics David Cameron attack on Welsh NHS bbc.in/xWGWbK
Clicking the link, I find out the actual story is this: /news/uk-wales-politics-16947484 'Prime Minister David Cameron has launched an attack on.... Labour's handling... of the health service in Wales.'
That.. is a fair discrepancy. One that suggests a whole other story; one hard to see as an 'error' for so-called professional, impartial news broadcasters of any integrity.
Without them resorting to now too familiar 'the truth wouldn't fit' reasons that are no excuse, I have asked for an explanation of how this transpired.
As to why such things keep happening in what appears a uniquely consistent ideological direction, we'll leave to another time.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 4)
Comment number 5.
At 8th Feb 2012, museV wrote:Will Iran Be Attacked?
"In addition to the massive military preparations, there is the propaganda war against Iran that has been ongoing since 1979 when Washington鈥檚 puppet, the Shah of Iran, was overthrown by the Iranian revolution. Iran is surrounded, but Washington and Israeli propaganda portray Iran as a threatening aggressor nation. In fact, the aggressors are the Washington and Tel Aviv governments which constantly threaten Iran with military attack.
Neocon warmongers, such as David Goldman, compare the Iranian president to Hitler and declare that only war can stop him."
Complain about this comment (Comment number 5)
Comment number 6.
At 8th Feb 2012, NollyPrott wrote:Given his corporate executive pedigree, it is perhaps hardly surprising to find that the German guy who co wrote The Cold Sun ( CO2 Lies ) is apparently still pushing Carbon Trading. This must prove that despite what environmental NGO's claim the promotion of the CO2 drives global warming theory was always a key part of the wider corporate big business agenda. Any excuse to allow City parasites to trade and profit from other peoples misery, either in lost jobs or simply being unable to afford winter energy bills !
( interview over two pages )
Complain about this comment (Comment number 6)
Comment number 7.
At 8th Feb 2012, JunkkMale wrote:6. At 15:47 8th Feb 2012, NollyPrott
One is sure the 成人快手's news expert head of science and enviro will soon put you right on what is, isn't and should be said.
Or not.
Time.. for another guideline!!!!!
/blogs/theeditors/2012/02/twitter_guidelines_for_bbc_jou.html
Aw, Shucks.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 7)
Comment number 8.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:"CAMERON MUST DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THE BRITISH PEOPLE" (#3)
Why? He is a stealth despot - he may please himself. AND, LIKE TONY BEFORE HIM, IS DOING JUST THAT.
D MOCK CRASS Y
Complain about this comment (Comment number 8)
Comment number 9.
At 8th Feb 2012, JohnConstable wrote:Let us rewrite the last sentence of Verity Murphys trailer to reflect reality:
"On tonight's programme we look at the troubled progress of the English NHS legislation and how important the NHS in England is to the perceived success of the coalition government in England."
By way of contrast :
Mr. Swinney told MSPs: "I have listened to views from across Scotland and this is a budget for growth that puts the interests of our economy, our public services and the people of Scotland first."
Anybody who still harbours some lingering doubt as to whether or not this is a politically United Kingdom must be completely deluded.
And from this Englishmans perspective, unfortunately, most of the deluded live in England.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 9)
Comment number 10.
At 8th Feb 2012, JohnConstable wrote:barriesingleton @ 8
Cameron must do what is right for the English, not British, people.
Cameron does primarily not represent people living in Scotland or Wales, they have their own representatives with their own Parliaments.
AFAIC, the 'British' are primarily a bunch of politicians at Westminster, with no intrinsic legitimacy to directly represent the people of England, and that will remain the case until we English have our own Parliament.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 10)
Comment number 11.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:CAMERON ATTACK (#4)
Since shortly before the last election, Calamity Cameron has attacked reality (his modified visage) legality (the Liar Flyer that my MP used to gain re-employment) and poor Numpty Nick (who, when all is said and done, asked for it).
Although Dodgy Dave did not actually attack the Welsh NHS, being a closet Silastic Armorfiend, it is only a matter of time . . . His pram-outings against Limited Ed today (PMQs) were indicative.
WE GOT OURSELVES ANOTHER ONE
Complain about this comment (Comment number 11)
Comment number 12.
At 8th Feb 2012, JohnConstable wrote:In his way, Ed Miliband is just as out-of-step with the zeitgeist as Michael Foot was back-in-the-donkey-jacket-day.
Poor Ed, his dreadful body language, weird speech, offputting wonkishness, Grommit looks, just about everything that really is wrong for a successful political leader in this age, unlike his brother, who did at least look and sound the part and had a Blair level of substance unpinning it all (faint praise).
Still, Labour have their Party back, so all is well.
But really, who amongst the English people gives a fig for three political parties (Lab, Lib and Cons) who, in terms of active support, all run on fresh air.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 12)
Comment number 13.
At 8th Feb 2012, JunkkMale wrote:I see Newsnight is not just in the news, but subject of it.
Luckily, it appears it still possible to to get it fixed.
The news, one means.
Moving on....
Complain about this comment (Comment number 13)
Comment number 14.
At 8th Feb 2012, nautonier wrote:Problem of NHS is in rising demand from immigrants & other free-loaders who have paid nowt into system.
Not a lot wrong with NHS as just needs managing properly - messing up NHS with reforms when all that is needed is HS with enough to say to immigrants - "You only get what British people entitled to free in your country i.e. 'NOWT"
Would sort out tens of 拢billions pa in costs to UK taxpayer at a 'stroke' (no pun intended).
Too many immigrants costing NHS billions a year by back door on e.g. sham marriages, students - many getting pregnant in UK for health and welfare benefits as then cannot ever be deported (under EU straight-jacket mess).
This is what is wrong with NHS - feeble, no government - free open NHS access to all global immigrants and all 'free-loaders' at any cost to taxpayer.
NHS has a demand management problem - NHS is not a must have a messy reform problem as is fudging the problem and the solution - and will lead to more problems/costs.
I don't dislike Lansley as I think he's a decent chap - but he needs sacking, IMHO, as he doesn't understand the difference between making policy and trying to get it implemented through a 'brodie-crat' infected Whitehall.
Can't write any more as would have to get rather blunt about it.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 14)
Comment number 15.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:MEA CULPA - I KNEEL CORRECTED AND RIGHTLY SO - WHERE DO I PAY? (#10)
"Someone had blundered" - me! Abject apologies JC.
Banged to rights
Complain about this comment (Comment number 15)
Comment number 16.
At 8th Feb 2012, JunkkMale wrote:?
Meanwhile, at the world's most trusted Wild West 'news' and personal opinion outfit... zzzzzzzz
I wonder which free spirit has what interesting views on which collection of folk/entities/topics... none of which are necessarily those of their employer, as linked and littered in their bios at the top. Uniquely.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 16)
Comment number 17.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:"ALL RUN ON FRESH AIR" (#12)
I think they run on Westminster Miasma JC. (:o)
Complain about this comment (Comment number 17)
Comment number 18.
At 8th Feb 2012, MaggieL wrote:It would be helpful if you could give an honest explanation of what has gone wrong with the NHS and why we can't afford it in its present form and what are the options for making it work. I expect what we'll get is yet another sterile, pointless, point-scoring argument that just leaves everybody angry.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 18)
Comment number 19.
At 8th Feb 2012, JohnConstable wrote:barriesingleton @ 15
We see 'British' and 'English' conflated so often, people do assume they must be one and the same, when, from the political perspective, they are absolutely not.
Some might think that naming somebody, for example, 'Health Secretary' is a harmless deception.
I mean, even the Times publishes it as such.
But really this harmless deception is not so harmless because it hides the fact that the remit of the 'Health Secretary' is England ONLY.
Ditto Education and some other ministerial posts at Westminster.
Thus the creaking facade of the so-called 'United Kingdom' is maintained (for the time being).
Complain about this comment (Comment number 19)
Comment number 20.
At 8th Feb 2012, Jupiter wrote:Now then, now then, what have you guys and gals at Newsnight been up to?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 20)
Comment number 21.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:WE SHOULD BE DAILY REMINDED (#19)
A point well made and well taken JC.
Lest we forget: Almost all 650 MPs are de facto duplicitous. They canvas as BOTH rosette and self; then it is flip flop all the way. My MP is currently sulking righteously. Whoever distils to the top in Westminster, gains close to absolute power by virtue of its configuration, and of the Alice in Wonderland qualities of monarchy. This was how Maggie got her Poll Tax and Tony his war.
"WE CAN'T GO ON LIKE THIS" (Cameron)
Complain about this comment (Comment number 21)
Comment number 22.
At 8th Feb 2012, JAperson wrote:Judging by the e-mails on today鈥檚 Today it would seem that there are others whom have a similar opinion to my post at 8. At 19:00 6th Feb 2012, but it鈥檚 a subject still kept very much under the radar.
The - strangely coincidental - announcement of the resignation of one when another potential walks free begs a question that will probably also sink without trace, namely:
What type of 鈥榬esignation鈥 package will he get?
Suggestions might include:
Hardship compensation?
Relocation allowance?
Psychotherapy fees?
Pension top-up?
Achievement award?
The list goes on 鈥..
Feel free to add your own 鈥.
But if you post them on here 鈥.
Consider that 400 words may not be enough!
115
Complain about this comment (Comment number 22)
Comment number 23.
At 8th Feb 2012, museV wrote:Report: British Special Forces Enter Syria To Aid Rebels
British Special Forces are on the ground in Syria directing rebel fighters in a repeat of how Libyan rebels were aided in the overthrow of Colonel Gaddafi, according to a report by Israeli intelligence outfit DebkaFile.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 23)
Comment number 24.
At 8th Feb 2012, Sasha Clarkson wrote:Successive Greek governments have been very naughty, helped by Goldman Sachs et al.
But the medicine isn't working and was never going to work. It threatens to kill the patient. Ordinary Greeks have been punished enough for the sins of their ruling class. Even some Germans realise this, though Frau M hasn't admitted it yet.
The Keynesian model was right all along!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 24)
Comment number 25.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:FORTUNATELY WE HAVE A PRIME MINISTER WHO KNOWS RIGHT FROM WRONG (#23)
Destiny Dave is manifestly the HEIR TO BLAIR. We can rest easy that Dave has an instinct for RIGHT (as did Tony). Was Dave not right to have his face altered for a pre-election poster campaign? Was he not right to deploy lies for votes, in a righteous drive to avoid a Coalition? Can his rightness be in doubt, regarding the AV campaign? Nick Clegg is unquestionably a threat to all that is good in UK, and Dave made sure it was shouted to all.
If this shining example of honour and integrity has seen fit to send Special Forces into 'The Naughty Nation' (Evil Empire's gone) of Syria, it can only be for the highest of humanitarian motives.
"DAVE ET SON DROIT" Hoorah!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 25)
Comment number 26.
At 8th Feb 2012, museV wrote:ABSOLUTE PROPAGANDA GARBAGE
Syria: three families 'murdered in their homes by Assad's forces' as tanks move towards Homs
The "journalist" studied PPE at Oxford.
"Blair graduated from Oxford University with a First Class degree in PPE."
It's obviously a finishing school for libertarians.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 26)
Comment number 27.
At 8th Feb 2012, museV wrote:#24 SC
Hear, hear!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 27)
Comment number 28.
At 8th Feb 2012, Mistress76uk wrote:"How come you have made such a mess of this bill?"
"So the bill was wrong on 100 points before its amendment?"
"And you honsetly believe that the 拢20billion can be saved...by putting this under semi paralysis?"
NHS bill discussion with a Minister
Complain about this comment (Comment number 28)
Comment number 29.
At 8th Feb 2012, museV wrote:Quotes from the link in #5
By the way, you have to bear in mind that Paul Craig Roberts is not just any old hack...he is an ex Assistant Secretary to the US Treasury. He is no light weight reporter.
He stated....
"The willingness of peoples around the world to be Washington鈥檚 puppets instead of loyal citizens of their own countries is why the West has been able to dominate the world during the modern era. There seems to be an infinite supply of foreign leaders who prefer Washington鈥檚 money and favor to loyalty to their own countries鈥 interests."
"As Karl Marx said, money turns everything into a commodity that can be bought and sold. All other values are defeated--honor, integrity, truth, justice, loyalty, even blood kin. Nothing remains but filthy lucre. Money certainly turned UK prime minister Tony Blair into a political commodity."
Complain about this comment (Comment number 29)
Comment number 30.
At 8th Feb 2012, Mistress76uk wrote:"Wales where Labour runs the NHS, the outcomes are worse [waiting lists]" - that's because of the money wasted on bureaucracy instead of patients.
Alessi is correct on the point on the NHS reforms, as "the doctors take responsibility for decisions"
"A stupid and ill informed comment" - Jeremy on Miliband's comment that the NHS will only last 3 more months.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 30)
Comment number 31.
At 8th Feb 2012, Mistress76uk wrote:Excellent discussion on The Falkland Islands - good points raised on the fact that Argentina is 290 miles away from Argentina, and yet they want to claim them - like the UK claiming Luxembourg!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 31)
Comment number 32.
At 8th Feb 2012, Mistress76uk wrote:"Where do they find these people?" - Redknapp can't use a computer and Capello didn't use a telephone......
Complain about this comment (Comment number 32)
Comment number 33.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:NOT MY FIELD BUT WASN'T THE HONG KONG COUNT-DOWN THE WAY TO GO?
If it were just a matter of sovereignty, we could do a deal with Argentina that we would give up supposed rights to the Falklands in - say - 100 years. But there was NO OIL AROUND HONG KONG. It always comes down to oil.
鈥淲ith black of Falklands' deep life's flame we fuel
As light of Honour fades from Arthur's Jewel.鈥
Complain about this comment (Comment number 33)
Comment number 34.
At 8th Feb 2012, museV wrote:Do the rest of you idiots realise what this is?
Bank of England poised to restart QE stimulus
Ple
Complain about this comment (Comment number 34)
Comment number 35.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:"HOW SHALL I ASSESS THEE - LET ME COUNT THE WAYS" (#32)
Or shall we check out all the things Archangel Jeremy can't do 76?
Leonardo couldn't ride a bike.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 35)
Comment number 36.
At 8th Feb 2012, kevseywevsey wrote:The problem with the NHS is...its full of Doctors and Nurses.
We are always told how wonderful the NHS is and its a sacred cow etc. Some Welsh fella takes credit for its birth sometime in the 40s..or was it the 50s. Anyhow, one thing thats always omitted when they wax lyrical about the birth of the NHS was the Doctors didn't want any part of it...doctors with their strange form of quackery were making loads of money on their dubious practices .."thank you very much but we'd like to continue charging our sick patients how we see fit". The then Govt (probably Labour, full of Marxists no doubt) met major resistance from these quack doctors. Anyroads, the doctors were bribed with promise of big bucks - like you have to do when you wanna win people over. And there you have it..nothings changed. Until recently, the Tories have spotted that the NHS is serving only its well paid and mostly useless people (self interested medical groups funded by big pharma no doubt...I'm getting cynical now but it wouldn't surprise me if that was the case)
Kevsewevseys alternative and costed NHS bill that should save money for the tax payer: reduce the salary of all...all the doctors by 40% ..same with the specialists, sack all the consultants..because they know nothing and show all nurses what a mop looks like. And stop buying expensive non-effective drugs..there's cheaper alternatives that don't work just as good and finally..this is a big one, take a deep breath now.. no gender alignment operations offered what!...so!...ever! by the NHS..go private if you want that. There you go. I've saved you billions already and you got all that for free. If this works for yer, can I have a peerage..a seat in the Lords or something similar.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 36)
Comment number 37.
At 8th Feb 2012, Sasha Clarkson wrote:@31 Just as well they don't want to claim Rockall then?
Whether they are right or wrong, would it be worth the life of your son? Last time more people died than lived on the islands. I agree with the late Robert Heinlein that those who vote for war should be the first ones called up!
Britain isn't a great power any more: we can't afford to be! We need to concentrate our defence on what's practically and affordably defensible! If might is right, we haven't got enough anymore. But if it's morality we are concerned with, we should set an example and give the Chagossians their islands back first.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 37)
Comment number 38.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:WHAT ABOUT THE ETHNIC FACTOR KEV? AND THE MANGLISH PROBLEM? (#6)
You are a marked man already - go for broke.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 38)
Comment number 39.
At 8th Feb 2012, ecolizzy wrote:Complain about this comment (Comment number 39)
Comment number 40.
At 8th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:I BAGSY HELIGOLAND AND SOUTH UTSIRA (#37)
Do you think silliness is viral and transferred by blog Sasha?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 40)
Comment number 41.
At 9th Feb 2012, museV wrote:#36 kev
You have obviously never been subjected to higher education....as someone else on here has mentioned before.... when you need and pray for a doctor...you will hope that it's a Jewish one!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 41)
Comment number 42.
At 9th Feb 2012, Sasha Clarkson wrote:Undoubtedly silliness is contagious at a distance Barrie!" But what IS silliness?
" "Mea baggazza el islandio!" "
"Once upon a time, down at the bottom of the world, there was a sad little island.
No one lived on the sad little island except for a few poor shepherds. These poor shepherds spend all their time counting their sheep and eating them. They had mutton for breakfast, mutton for dinner and mutton for tea. Next door to the sad little island was a great big kingdom, ruled over by a Wicked Foreign General......."
Complain about this comment (Comment number 42)
Comment number 43.
At 9th Feb 2012, kevseywevsey wrote:muse at 41
Pinch of salt buddy..and sea salt, not table salt, thats bad for you :)
and as for the Jewish doctor thing..I have no Jewish Doctor jokes. You have to be Jewish to do them. I've others though, here's one:
Did you hear about the single and ugly Jewish gynecologist who had a very large flat and house portfolio that made him a net income of 拢3.7 million a year in rent...he wasn't single for long.
Like I said, you have to be Jewish to tell that joke..and get it. Where's Jackie Mason when you need him?!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 43)
Comment number 44.
At 9th Feb 2012, ecolizzy wrote:#43 Substitute another religion in there and you'd have your head cut off Kev! ; )
Jackie Mason made me roll with laughter, but am I allowed to say that?!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 44)
Comment number 45.
At 9th Feb 2012, ecolizzy wrote:Comment, (although I don't think the english think it's free)
And (hopefully) an unbiased reply on 8th Feb 12
Complain about this comment (Comment number 45)
Comment number 46.
At 9th Feb 2012, JunkkMale wrote:41. At 00:07 9th Feb 2012, museV -
You have obviously never been subjected to higher education
Me either. I feel such an idiot sharing this, but the one I had was sought, fought for, embraced, enjoyed, appreciated and valued.
31. At 23:10 8th Feb 2012, Mistress76uk - Argentina is 290 miles away from Argentina, and yet they want to claim them - like the UK claiming Luxembourg!
Times. And places.
May I re-recall an essay I wrote at school entitled 'My great, great, great... great Grandad was a Roman comfort boy and I claim my 拢1m compo', that was designed to satirise the practice of choosing moments and places in history to get upset about for perhaps less than noble and rather dubiously selfish reasons on occasion.
Get Evita Palin to have a word first with our taxmen, they are always keen for a preemptive chat. Apparently.
20. At 18:13 8th Feb 2012, Murray -
Now then, now then, what have you guys and gals at Newsnight been up to?
In case of reticence, you could always ask this lady...
/blogs/aboutthebbc/2011/06/helen-boaden-director-of-bbc-news-at-the-lse.shtml
'Helen Boaden gave the keynote address - about 'holding power to account'
Of course, there is the small matter of what power is being held to what account, and when, if 'uniquely'.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 46)
Comment number 47.
At 9th Feb 2012, JunkkMale wrote:Hey, seen this?:
/news/uk-england-london-16951807
I wonder... when it gets to the 'it won't fit on twitter or the mobile app' edit, which two words below the line would be sacrificed, along with accuracy?
Even without, the practice of ['blatant tribal punt... says...'] hardly counts as 'news' really.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 47)
Comment number 48.
At 9th Feb 2012, Mistress76uk wrote:Is this the place Boris wanted to build and airport?
I'd say get rid of the marshes and build the airport pronto.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 48)
Comment number 49.
At 9th Feb 2012, kevseywevsey wrote:I love how the 成人快手 has been reporting these recent racist attacks...they are "hate crimes" so says 成人快手 looknorthwest. George warned us about you lot.
And will the 成人快手 stop taking sides in the Syrian uprising. You did that with Egypt and Libya. The 成人快手: the mouthpiece of the Muslim Brotherhood and other "peace loving" religious groups. There was a time when you could get away with your dis-information and machinations, times have changed, we know what your doing. There's been a global awakening don't you know.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 49)
Comment number 50.
At 9th Feb 2012, JohnConstable wrote:The discussion last night on the Falklands had almost no value whatsoever.
The dispute with Argentina hinges on 'sovereignty' and therefore at the outset, there should have been a brief outline for the viewers of what 'sovereignty' actually means in a modern context.
Ideally, as there are three party in this particular marriage, then there should also have been somebody representing the Government, specifically the Foreign Office in the discussion, alongside the Falklands chap and the Argentinian lady.
Ideas that could have been explored could have included some notion of shared sovereignty between this country and Argentina.
In diplomacy, there is nearly always a way to find a compromise but at this distance, it seems as if the Government would rather pour defence funds into this terrority than try to expore options with the Falklanders and the Argentines.
Another poor show, all around.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 50)
Comment number 51.
At 9th Feb 2012, JohnConstable wrote:On the other hand, Roger and Val Have Just Got In (成人快手2 last night) were superb.
I particularly liked Vals invention of 'four heads', which reminded you of countless politicians down the years.
Well done - script-writers and actors.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 51)
Comment number 52.
At 9th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:ELEVATED SCHIZOPHRENIA IN ONE IMMIGRANT GROUP - INCREASED IN CITIES. DOES DIFFERENCISM WORK IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS? (#49 link)
I have been trying to tell the ninny-cipher politicians - via this blog, for a long time - that 'Hate Crime', 'Racism' and all the other barmy fixations of 'Law n Order' ARE ALL DOWN TO DIFFERENCISM! Differencism is a male preserve (ignore copycat drunken girls). It is an Ape response to almost ANY DIFFERENCE.
I have spent a lot of time developing this hypothesis, and as new reports emerge I only find further confirmation. The terrible truth is: at the level of the Ape, the slave trade made more acceptable sense than today鈥檚 'multiculturalism'. Accelerated multiculturalism is doomed.
SUCH HYPOCRISY! We have banned judicial killing of our own people, but launch into JUDICIOUS killing of Johnnie Foreigner (if in his own land, and in the way) willy-nilly. Then we turn on those whom dumb governance has entrapped into expressed Differencism (either side) in England!
UNTIL WE ELEVATE THE WISE TO NATIONAL MANAGEMENT, WE ARE STUFFED. Westminster Creatureness is no qualification for government. Cipher-ninnies all.
SPOIL PARTY-GAMES - DISMANTLE WESTMINSTER - INSTALL INTEGRITY
Complain about this comment (Comment number 52)
Comment number 53.
At 9th Feb 2012, richard bunning wrote:Can we plese have an explanation of the relationship between QE, Gilts bought by the BoE and why the British economy is being sucked dry through auserity to pay of our national debt to our own national bank?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 53)
Comment number 54.
At 9th Feb 2012, Steve_London wrote:NHS England Reforms
So most of the profession's lobbyists and union lobbyists are still against the reform ?
Sounds like the reform bill is still basically intact then. Good.
In my opinion, the quicker the money decisions get closer to the patient actual needs the better.
I would have preferred the reforms to go further and required the patient or a chosen representative to have to approve their treatment payments to their service providers.
If we want public services to improve , then payment has to be conditional on patient health outcomes and actual standards of care received by the patient.
For now though I will accept that my GP(Nurse practitioner in my case) controls the purse strings. As letting the patient decide seems to annoy those with socialists tendency's.
Politics and the West Lothian Question -
As the national health service was broken up into four distinct governance's by devolution (2000 ?) , I find it very odd that the House of Lords has not accepted the electoral mandate from England for such NHS reforms.
As for Labour , they should have to explain how much they would cut from the NHS budget , as they did not propose to ring fence NHS spending during the 2010 general election and some English hospitals are already struggling with .
Greek Euro Experience -
It's the peoples will ?
Falklands -
Well compared to 1982 the Argentinians are not killing and torturing each other now, which has to be seen as an improvement . Did the Mothers of the 鈥淒isappeared鈥 ever find their loved ones graves ?
Strange that some people had the mindset at the time that the Falkland Islanders futures should have been left in the hands of such a Junta, while amazingly claiming to hold some moral right.
It is not only the Falkland Islands Argentina claims, but also , close to two thousand miles away from their shoreline.
The British have been on the Falklands since the 1700's, left a plaque declaring their claim, long before oil was ever suspected of being there or even before we knew what to do with the stuff.
Now it's the Falklands islanders decision and as long as they want to remain linked with the UK , I can not see why not.
Actually I quite like it , makes a change from all those who constantly seek to tell us how awful we all are.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 54)
Comment number 55.
At 9th Feb 2012, JunkkMale wrote:54. At 14:53 9th Feb 2012, Steve-London -
Actually I quite like it , makes a change from all those who constantly seek to tell us how awful we all are.
Imagine if such folk were given near 24/7 access to some form of hi-tech megaphone and were encouraged in their mission?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 55)
Comment number 56.
At 9th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:QUICK MONEY - SLOW WITTEDNESS - ZERO INTENT TO UPLIFT HEALTH (#54)
I assert we need governance whose INTENT is the health of the people; not a charade balancing sickness, employment, taxation, flamboyance and 100,000 more sick (treated) per month.
First we need our 'honourable ones' to admit the truth about alcohol, tobacco and all their other connivances, and then to put the money into HONOURABLE preventative measures, NOT DEVIOUS SMOKE AND MIRROR (bottom of glass) DECEIT.
THIS IS THE AGE OF PERVERSITY - WESTMINSTER IS ITS CATHEDRAL
Complain about this comment (Comment number 56)
Comment number 57.
At 9th Feb 2012, JohnConstable wrote:richard bunning @ 53
You request an explanation for of the relationship between QE, Gilts bought by the BoE ...
It seems to work roughly like this, the Governments Debt Management Office issues gilts, which are bought by banks using QE money that the BoE has created out-of-thin-air. The banks hand over the gilts to the BoE as 'security' for the QE money and so 'magically', the banks now have money on their balance sheets, the Government has money from the gilt sales and the BoE has lots of gilts on its balance sheet, which it could 'retire', if it so desired.
This is the Alice-in-Wonderland world of paper (in reality electronic) money that is not backed by a commodity currency e.g. gold.
Some economists will frown on this mechanism and mutter that it must cause inflationary pressures within the system, but hey, inflation is the best friend of profligate politicians and other debtors.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 57)
Comment number 58.
At 9th Feb 2012, JohnConstable wrote:QE continued.
Theoretically, when the economy has recovered, the Bank of England sells the gilts it has bought and destroys the cash it receives. That means in the long term there has been no extra cash created.
Well, that is the theory and you can believe it if you want to.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 58)
Comment number 59.
At 9th Feb 2012, barriesingleton wrote:I SUGGEST ADHERANTS TO IMAGINARY MONEY ARE NOW AT THE 'NUL' POINT SO FAMILIAR TO WILEY COYOTE - JUST BEFORE HE PLUMMETS (#57/58)
Nuff sed?
Complain about this comment (Comment number 59)