Was it his tired and emotional state that made Tory MEP Christopher Beazley vote in favour of the Lisbon Treaty yesterday in Strasbourg?

He clearly thinks that such a decision was in the interests of the country because he asked UKIP leader Nigel Farage if he could borrow the union flag which was on his desk.

I am also wondering why the Tory MEPs didn't vote in favour of referendums in individual countries. I know wankers like Richard Corbett say that to vote in favour of a referendum in a parliament would be hypocritial, but that's because he's willing to say anything that would make the likelihood of a referendum impossible.

Firmly believes that, since the choice involved will have a profound impact on the future, a European treaty should be ratified in all the Member States by means of a referendum, following a pluralist debate on the substance of the treaty and the issues at stake

Or perhaps, he's going to go back to his constituency and tell people how awful the Labour government are for their behaviour over this treaty? And we'll be treated to David Cameron and William Hague telling the public that the Tories would give a referendum whilst their MEPs don't seem to agree. I wonder when it comes to election time if they'll tell their voters what they did...

Who knows.

It does go without saying, however, that the Labour and Lib Dems voted for further integration without asking the people or honouring their parties manifesto pledges at every opportunity.

So quick to use violence

A few years ago I was pounced on by 5 security guards from the European Parliament for daring to protest at the EU Constitution vote in Strasbourg.

This year, as the EU Constitution is being voted upon, I was only roughly shoved by one person. I quite clearly told him to "keep his hands off me and don't lay a finger on me" which was caught on camera, and his senior jobsworths told him to get off me, but they are so quick to use violence. IT's the natural language they understand against people who don't agree with them.

The reason they decided to get rough with me was because I was wearing a jumper with this logo on it:

And I was leading three large chickens along towards the hemicycle.

It's a simple message to grasp: politicians are too chicken to let the people have a referendum as they will say NO, and then they have to go through the inconvenience of asking them again until they say yes or writing it up in different font and pretending that it's different.
Last month the Green group were allowed people dressed up on the bridges to the hemicycle. They were wearing tomato costumes and other assorted vegetables. If they're protesting at nuclear power they can wear death masks, but if you're asking for democracy, then you are forbidden from doing anything.

The Head of Security even tried to convince us that it was clearly written in the Rules and Regs that 'No person is allowed to wear a chicken outfit in the European Parlaiment'. When asked to show this regulation they declined.

There were about 15 security guards for three chickens and a few members of staff in chicken jumpers.

I was told I had to leave the European Parliament building and when they got around that one by me calling people and telling them they said if I wanted to walk anywhere else I would have to take off my jumper. I said I was quite happy to, but since I was wearing nothing underneath I am sure that would certainly break the rules. They weren't too bothered about that one.

Most of the British press weren't there as Brown is going to be in Brussels tomorrow to have a tête a tête with Barosso. I can only presume Brown will take a notepad so he can write down what he's going to do next. I am sure the timing of it was just a coincidence to make sure that this Constitutional Treaty is kept out of the media

I hate them, I really hate them.

As pro democracy figher Vladimir Bukovsky said to Nigel Farage

"I have seen your future and I don't like it."

Having seen yet again the actions today by the European Parliament and their hypocrisy and double standards, I really do fear for people who don't want to be part of the EU. Pro EU MEPs are allowed to call people who support a referendum 'like Adolf Hitler', 'mentally ill' and 'idiots' but anyone who is in favour of people sticking to their election promises and actually asking the people in a free and fair referendum rather than waffling on about 'getting closer to the people' and then completely ignoring them can just fuck right off.

They're being suspended anmd fined because they aren't in favour of the Treaty. That's the simple answer. And when you vote in general elections for Labour, Tory or Lib Dems, that is what you are voting in favour of.

On your own head be it.

UPDATE:

Team Chicken

The head of the European Parliament security refusing to let the peaceful protest anywhere near the hemicycle


The Three Little Chicks

The true costs

Democracy is not worth a bean in the European Parliament, but the President of the Parliament, Hans Gert Pottering has just told MEPs who voted for more transparency on the EU Constitution which has just been approved by MEPs that their parents should be ashamed of them.

Well, I'd rather a child of mine was a traffic warden than a Pro EU, anti democracy MEP.

Anyway, further to moans and whining from MEPs like Archbishop Richard Corbett, smuggly sitting in the hemicycle at the moment having played his part in handing over yet more of our sovereignty, here is why Roll Call Votes cost money:

1. Figures provided by the Printing Unit (printing of provisional version in hard copy):
Cost of paper plus cost of printing (one double-sided sheet (= two pages)):
€15.02 / 1000 sheets, i.e. €0.015 for a single copy
Printing: 935 copies
Total per roll-call vote: €0.015 x 935 = €14.025

2. Figures provided by the Official Journal Unit (publication in the OJ):
Total publishing costs (CD ROM, EurLex database, etc.)
1 page: €12
1 roll-call vote: 12 x 1.5 = €18 / 12 x 2 = €24. Reasonable average: €20
In 22 languages: 20 x 22, i.e. €440 per roll-call vote

3. Approximate total cost of a roll-call vote:
€440 + €14 = ± €454

So the cost, as I said before, comes from bits of paper being printed when they don't need to be. Just another excuse to avoid the people at home knowing what you're up to, eh, Richard? And by 'home' I mean where you are elected from, not where you actually live.

Dan Hannan kicked out of EPP

Well it had to happen soner or later, but Dan Hannan, the Telegraph columnist and Tory MEP has today been kicked out of the EPP and he said it was like removing the stone from a shoe and good for both parties. So now Dan won't be funding the 'Yes' campaign unlike his Tory colleagues. Who is left alphabetically? Heaton-Harris or perhaps Malcolm Harbour?

Another thought about the Northern Rock balls up. Not only are the Government now the lender of last resort - although one could say that was now brought into question - but they're also taking over mortgages, so what will happen when homes are repossesed?

Well, they become the possession of the Government, then they sell it, and the cash is a teeny drop in the ocean to be wasted on some latest IT system. Aren't you all so happy that our MPs are slavishly devoted to the economics of ignorance?

As I have written before, I do not think that the government's handling of the Northern Rock crisis is any good for this country.

We have a Chancellor of the Exchequer who has never had a job in the city and who clearly, along with the shadow Chancellor, has no real grasp of fiscal policy. Why else would they put forward these ridiculous proposals for charging non doms when they bring so much money into the country and the city of London provides a quarter of UK GDP. Really.

But to nationalise Northern Rock is, in the words of Professor Tim Congdon the UKIP economics spokesman, "robbery under the law."

Banks have liquidity ratios which allows them to, shock horror, make money. The money in deposits is not in liquid form because it should never be needed all at once, except in Mary Poppins and when the government and Bank of England can't deal with financial problems in a subtle and sensible way.

But Northern Rock took out a loan with the Bank of England, they weren't lent a load of cash. Even a bank like Barclays or Bank of Scotland couldn't pay back all their loans in six months if asked, so how could Northern Rock?

What credit rating does the UK Treasury/Tripartite Authority/Bank of England deserve? The answer is triple B: BBB.... for bungle, blunder and botch.

Leavin' on a jet plane

Words cannot describe the hate I feel towards people who think that they must control every aspect of our lives. Julian Le Grand, who is a professor at the London School of Economics and was Tony Blair's senior health adviser, thinks it would be a jolly jape to make people buy a permit for purchasing tobacco.

I am literally shaking with rage. It's not enough for them to force us all outside into the cold and to damage pubs with their fascist policies, but to have to buy a permit and for Le Grand to say that they should make the form sufficiently difficult so people couldn't fill them in is the product of a sick mind.

Hear that, Julian, you are a sick individual.

Such a view also seems to me to be saying that clever, richer people are allowed to smoke but you thickies down there aren't allowed to.

Also in his list of things to make our lives more miserable is the ban of salt in processed food.

Listen. If we don't want to eat salt, we won't. The packages are covered in blobs and circles filled with all sorts of information so we know if something has salt in, okay. And what's more, IT'S OUR CHOICE WHAT WE EAT, NOT YOURS.

And we're all to have an exercise hour. It's not too long before that daily diet plan sent to all of us to let us know what we are allowed to eat for the day is actually a reality.

I see that Adelaide are keen to get migration from the UK and I'm off to their website now to look, because I just cannot stand this country anymore.

Jasper suspended at last

Ha! Lee Jasper has been suspended so that the Metropolitan Police can undertake a full enquiry into the allegations made regarding dodgy grants to companies he and his friends were closely involved with. Mr Livingstone said a police investigation was now the only way to end a "disgraceful political charade".
"I believe this investigation will exonerate Lee Jasper and show this to be a shameful campaign."

I don't. I think there is a good chance he's as bent as a nine bob note and he's been spending lots of our money where he shouldn't be. Why else would someone as evil as Red Ken have him as such a close aide? I look forward to seeing what the Met find out.

Double Standards

Remember the story about Dan Hannan being expelled from the EPP for pointing out similarities to the action taken by Hans Gert Pottering, president of the European Parliament where somewhat similar to Hitler's Enabling Act of 1933?

There was uproar and calls from all over the place about how he should apologise unreservedly for his comments.

Well, now take a look at this video:


I seem to notice a comparison made by a europhile with regards to Jens Peter Bonde, co president of the Ind Dem group along with Nigel Farage MEP of a similar style. How come that is okay? Double standards, anyone?

Clegg the weasel

I have heard a rumour that Nick Clegg is going to sack MPs who have anything to do with the i want a referendum campaign.

So, if it's true, he's going to sack the MPs who actually have a backbone and an ounce of common decency by sticking to their manifesto pledge.

Why do people vote Lib Dem? Anybody?

Not so much out of the question for the European Union...

The busy little bees in the European Parliament website have been excelling themselves finding new bits of flannel to put on. Today they have gone for the theme of Love. And even with this topic, this chemical imbalance, they have managed to find the time for legislation...

1. If there was a European Charter for Love, what should be in it?

Genowefa Grabowska (PES, PL): There should be no age limit...nor should it contain any sanctions. It has to be based on persuasion and faith...Maybe the Slovenian presidency could introduce a Charter of Love.

Katalin Lévai (PES, HU), author of the bestseller "Pillow-book": Mutual understanding and respect. Love is not only about sensual pleasures, but it is also about a spiritual and intellectual togetherness, otherwise desire dwindles away.

Frédérique Ries (ALDE, BE): Please, no charter! Love is allergic to paragraphs and annexes.

Zita Pleštinská (EPP-ED, SK): Love never fails. If we managed to put this idea into practise, the world would become much nicer. Then the Charter could replace many EP resolutions.

Henrik Lax (ALDE, FI): Live with your loved one as if every day you are together could be your last.

Christofer Fjellner (EPP-ED, SV): Love should not be bound by any borders; any more than goods, services, capital or people.

Roberta Alma Anastase (EPP-ED, RO): Nowadays, people do not use the word love in public speeches, however, our existence is based on feelings, particularly on love. The European Union is a space where thoughts, feelings, attitudes are encouraged to flourish openly. I think this charter already exists and it is to be found in every one of us.


2. Would you like to share any good tips about romance and love?

Katalin Lévai: Be sincere from the very beginning. The one who acts a role will eventually fall.

Astrid Lulling (EPP-ED, LUX): You cannot organise or plan romance and love. It happens or it does not!

Frédérique Ries: For eternal love, admire and be admired and surprise, always. Boredom poisons love.

Genowefa Grabowska: The more you love the more you expose yourself to suffering. But suffering enriches us. Every grandmother has a drawer full of advice because she has been in love so many times. But her granddaughters will never listen to her, because they would prefer to learn from their own experience.

Henrik Lax: Enjoy the romance, but do not take any serious life decisions until you know whether it is love or something else.


3. What "says it best" on Valentine's Day: chocolate, flowers or something else?

Roberta Alma Anastase: Chocolate and flowers are good, especially if mixed. However, the most important thing is to be sure the person you love is there for you.

Katalin Lévai: A good book is the most valuable of all, if it is accompanied by a flower, then my heart warms.

Genowefa Grabowska: If I was cynical and materialistic I would expect my husband to give me a red car, because I like red cars. But I am not, so what I would like to get is a red rose.

Frédérique Ries: Give yourself, that's the real present and not only on 14 February. Give your time, your imagination and your heart - there are infinite possibilities for wonderful surprises.


4. Are you planning to do anything special for Valentine's day?

Astrid Lulling: Valentine's Day only became fashionable when I was already over 40. But one can always dream, so why not hope that a good friend will take the initiative for a lovely surprise.

Christofer Fjellner: Yes, I will spend it with my girlfriend. Since I spend so much time in Brussels, spending time with her is always special.

Henrik Lax: "No, I will be in Kiev, far from my wife whom I met 43 years ago. I will send my warmest thoughts and feelings to her and all my family.

Happy Valentine's Day Ladies

I'm quite angry today. Lots of things are happening which are really annoying me, and then I read about some stupid bitch who is going to sue London Underground because her wrist is sorely because she had to use a handle without getting training.

WHAT!

Latona Allison developed tenosynovitis in her right wrist and now cannot work as a driver.

I am squeemish so I can't really be a brain surgeon. Who do I sue? Where do I sign?
I hate people like this who use any excuse to get money so they can sit on their fat arses at the expense of the rest of us.

London Underground. That's you and I she's suing. We're paying because she can't use a handle without damaging herself. She had to sit there and hold something. Now, I have to type a lot and sit in chairs, and I developed a back injury. So I paid to go to an osteopath and then got a large swiss ball which once I have found the pump to will be my office chair. No suing required, just the reasonable thought that things are not always someone elses fault and the best thing to do is to get on with it.

Not her, though. Not these tedious people who want something for nothing and just really irritate me. I hope someone sues her for being a selfish cow and she's left with nothing and has to go get a job which, because she's a litigious cow, will be a crap one as no one would want to employ her.

I do sincerely hope that what goes around, comes around.

The FT reports today on the apparent climb down over the levy charged to non doms.

The cabbage which the Chancellor of the Exchequer appears to have in his skull in place of a brain led him to believe that charging rich people who make this country an awful lot of money so that they would leave and go abroad was a jolly good idea.

£30,000 levied on people who bring the exchequer about £7bn in taxes a year. WELL DONE YOU!

Here:
is where most of the business in the city of London would have gone. It may well still go there unless we get a government who aren't economic retards, or unless we leave the EU.

I'm still wondering why he hasn't scrapped the proposal altogether. It's like leaving the gates to the Tower of London open and allowing any Tom, Dick or Vaclav to pinch the crown jewels, because that is what the City of London is to our country.

The hypocrisy of George Osborne is also staggering: writing a letter to Darling and hoping that people didn't remember that this bloody fiscal fiasco was one of his ideas in the first place, because the Tories are too scared to promise tax cuts, preferring instead to play along with some ridiculous idea that the state spends your money better than you, invests it better than private businesses and that tax cuts necessarily mean less money spent on public services and thus a decline in service.

Why don't these people appear to understand anything about fiscal policy? Haven't they heard of the laffer curve? There is an optimum rate for tax revenue and it ain't going to be at a higher level of taxation, just as the minimum levels of tax revenue (i,e zero) are gained at taxation levels of 0% and 100%.

But this appears to be a huge problem with our career politicians, who haven't really had proper jobs and certainly don't know about taking risks and starting up small businesses. They can't grasp that what we need is less government, less tax and less fuck ups from state run organisations who don't have the desire to stream line and be efficient because it's not their money in the first place and they get paid no matter what. When did it become a requirement for MPs to be as pig ignorant as possible? A House for mensa rejects, if you will. The fact that we have two opposition parties who really need to be taken to the office of fair trading for that misleading description because they don't appear to oppose anything except wage cuts.

It's like Philip Green. His wife owns most of the shares in his company and lives in Monaco. Philip pays himself a small wage on which he pays tax. Lewis Hamilton will proably join the other mega rich F1 drivers and assorted sports stars and live there also, because there they won't see millions of pounds of their cash going to the government and wasted on crap. Or MPs wives.

It's like I said to the Inland Revenue when I was doing my tax return and they wouldn't be helpful and send me the account details so I could pay them. I asked "wouldn't it just be easier if I bypassed all this and just set fire to this money, because that's essentially what this government are going to do with it."

They chose not to comment.

I have just taken a look at the Bloggerheads site for the first time and am wondering why it is covered in phallic images. Concerning on its own, but the dear chap also seems to be obsessed with a number of bloggers all of the male variety.

Wondering if it's a case of 'sir, thou doth protest too much' because there appears to be some e-mail exchange which he has decided to publish (remind me never to send him an e-mail) and other such oddities which makes me wonder if perhaps his local village hall has closed down and he's lost for entertainment of an evening.

I think he would probably get a few more hits if he did actually post pictures of male genitalia on there rather than muppet cocks, but perhaps he doesn't want that sort of hardcore readership?

*Yawn* it's valentine's day

Well, it's not actually valentines day yet, obviously, but research done by Alpharooms shows that we britons are not too excited about Valentine's Day, because we think we'll get shit gifts.

Women anticipate getting tacky underwear, cheap perfume and flowers from the garden. Men expect "the usual meal at an overpriced restaurant - which they'll be expected to pay for".

Luckily, I am not getting or giving either. Hurrah.

The bit which tickled me, however, was the response from one chap which said his ideal valentine's day would be hitting the slopes whilst his partner stayed at home.
Love it.

woooosh!

To follow on from yesterday and the outrageous comments by Gordon Brown's barrister, there is a story even more outrageous.

Oh yes. A man from Cornwall has written a letter to his bus company after buses kept on driving past him. Bad enough in a built up area, but in the countryside where buses are infrequent and there aren't many alternatives?

The reply back said that he used the 'wrong kind of wave to flag them down.' erm. what?

The letter said that the driver was sorry,

"But she did not realise you wanted to use the bus as you were not indicating in the recognised manner,"

You can only get a bus to stop, it seems, but holding out one arm. Which isn't true because I sometimes flag down a bus by showing the driver a bit of ankle.

He said the "last straw" came last month when he waved both arms above his head, and yet the bus still did not stop.

Wonder if it was an ex driving? Or maybe it's because women drivers don't look around them? That's what my father will say. According to him I am one of the only good women drivers around and that's only because he taught me. Yes, daddy, and brought me up as a surrogate son....

Message to Dr Williams:

Bugger off.

That is all, thank you.

Did you think a manifesto pledge meant something?

I've always known that Brown was a lying fucker and at last he has admitted it. In the court case brought against him for breach of contract over a referendum on the EU Constitution, Brown's personal barrister has just told the court that "manifesto pledges are not subject to legitimate expectation".

Oh yes, Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, has just told an open court that we shouldn't expect him to be telling the truth with his promises, and that no manifesto pledge can be considered to be binding in anyway.

What is even worse is how large sections of the main stream media don't seem to think that this is a story or an outrage. Are they so bitter after spending so long in politics that they are surprised anyone would believe a manifesto pledge? It makes me sick thinking of what these politicians get away with. How much coverage on Tory hypocrisy over patio heaters? none. Major debates happening in the European Parliament? None. Official announcement that politicians can't be trusted? None. Britney Spears being taken into rehab again? Rolling news, baby!

It's nearly valentines day

The day we can all think about those in our lives we've loved and lost, those we are with, and lots of women can sit around sobbing over brief encounter. Possibly forcing male partners to do so.



Oh! Barbara, where are my tissues?