Bringing Classical Liberalism to South London
Always keen to support people in Croydon prepared to support democracy and Brexit. The Croydon Constitutionalists spoke with Croydon South Conservative Chris Philp.
He first became the MP for Croydon South in the May 2015 election. Chris has also served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Parliamentary Under Secretary for the Ministry of Justice.
Chris also spoke at the Croydon Constitutionalists first event in May 2018.
Thank-you for your time Chris.
What first got you involved in politics?
I spent 15 years setting up and running my own businesses before being first elected in 2015. I was used to making decisions and getting things done quickly. I thought we had too many career politicians in Parliament and I wanted to see more people there with real-world experience who can get things done. So I decided to run myself – first, as a local councillor and then for Parliament. MPs are able to make changes that impact the day to day lives of people throughout the United Kingdom and also help those who need it most in our society. But to achieve this, you need to be able to get things done.
You first ran for parliament against Glenda Jackson CBE in Hampstead and Kilburn any memories from that campaign?
The result in Hampstead was one of the closest election results in the country in 2010. I lost by just 42 votes, despite pretty much doubling the Conservative vote (accounting for boundary changes). Having lost by 42 votes, I’ve been trying hard to forget that election ever since…
“I remember going to Panto at the Fairfield Halls when I was growing up. I also remember using the 119 bus a lot and I remember sitting the Trinity entrance exam”
You grew up in West Wickham, what are your memories of neighbouring Croydon from then?
I remember going to Panto at the Fairfield Halls when I was growing up. I also remember using the 119 bus a lot and I remember sitting the Trinity entrance exam some time during the winter of 1986/7. I did not get a full scholarship which my parents were hoping for, so went to a Grammar School in a neighbouring Borough instead.
You campaigned for Remain in the referendum and your father has stood for UKIP. Can we ask how were relations at the Philp family Christmas?
There were some robust discussions, but in the end I believe in democracy and the Leave side won. So we must respect that result and get on with implementing it.
What are your hopes for Brexit now?
I believe that it is important to ensure that we deliver on the result of the 2016 referendum. The revised deal Boris has negotiated respects the referendum result, and also protects trade. We need to pass that as quickly as possible. The uncertainty has gone on for too long and we need to implement the referendum and all move on.
“Croydon’s Labour Council has shown that it has no interest in working for those in the South of the Borough… no regard for our already strained infrastructure or the character of our area”
What do you think are the big issues in Croydon Politics?
Croydon’s Labour Council has shown that it has no interest in working for those in the South of the Borough by the way in which it approves virtually every planning application put before the committee, with no regard for our already strained infrastructure or the character of our area. This is also why I am supporting the campaign for a Directly Elected Mayor of Croydon, who would then have to listen to the whole Borough in order to get (re)elected.
If returned to parliament what priorities would you like to take forward?
The NHS is a huge priority. We have just had a brand new A&E at Croydon Hospital (Mayday) and Purley Hospital Minor Injuries Unit / GP Hub opens in the morning 365 days a year, following a successful campaign I ran with residents. I want as many as possible of the 50,000 extra nurses and 6,000 GPs to come to Croydon. I fully support the 20,000 extra Police, and also want as many of these as possible to come to Croydon – I estimate that over 100 will. I will also campaign to end the persecution of Christians in many countries around the world, and to get more funding for Croydon schools – we are getting a huge 7% increase next year alone.
“The choice in all three Croydon seats is between the Conservatives and a Labour party that has been taken over by Marxists”
Any other thoughts you want to leave us with?
This election is the most important in a generation. We need to end the Brexit uncertainty by delivering on the referendum result as fast as possible. Labour and the Lib Dems (and a small number of former Conservatives) have been delaying us too long now. The choice in all three Croydon seats is between the Conservatives and a Labour party that has been taken over by Marxists. A vote for any other party – Brexit Party, Lib Dems, UKIP, Green – risks letting Corbyn and McDonnell into power. Only the Conservatives can stop him. I also hope my record as an active, energetic and above all effective local MP speaks for itself.
Chris thank-you for the interview.
Chris can be contact by Facebook, Twitter or email.
Always keen to support people in Croydon prepared to support Brexit. The Croydon Constitutionalists spoke to Candace Mitchell of the Christian Parties Alliance candidate in Croydon North.
Formed in 1999 the Christian Parties Alliance is a coming together of the Christian Party and the Christian Peoples Alliance. With members come from all backgrounds and church traditions. The 2017 Manifesto supported Brexit including “to be prepared to walk away from the EU”. They supported the end of fractional reserve banking to reduce debt and want to “rebuild favourable trading relationships with any country in the world that wants to join with us in doing so to our mutual benefit provided they do not have an unacceptable human rights record”. As you would expect from a Christian Party they have some more traditional policies including a plan to “Restore a pro-life ethic across the NHS so that every member of staff is doing their best to assist the healing of a patient and where life is coming to an end” and “to support marriage and family life to reverse the domestic de-population trend”.
The CPA support our proposal that in future no newly appointed council employee will earn more than the Prime Minister and the local campaign for a Democratically Elected Mayor of Croydon.
Candace thanks for your time.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what first got you involved in politics?
I am a local resident in the Croydon North constituency (which includes Thornton Heath, Upper Norwood, South Norwood, Selhurst Norbury), a former school teacher, a Youth & Charity Worker, founder of RevolutionChange, an international speaker and a professional transformational life coach who is passionate and has a heart to see positive change impact this great nation. Over the years, I served as a Community change agent representing the youth and also where I campaigned for the homeless and anti-trafficking; standing up for families, single parents, mentoring young people and children. I fought for Change and my core belief is that “To make a difference, you must BE the difference. So change begins with me.”
I host workshops, conferences and seminars for the young to elderly, and to dynamically empower women. Strategy is important and with the right effective plan of action, every one, young and old, can affect change in their personal worlds. This is the change that will inherently change a nation and we need you all. Since 2015, more politically I have been interested in and standing up for things that are important to our community and country and it has been and continues to be an honour to do so! I’ve seen many great successes of lives been turned around and this is just the beginning! I look forward to all that’s to come and intend on giving my very best to my constituency.
How did you find yourself selected as the candidate for Croydon North?
In recent years, since 2016, I have linked and connected with the CPA Party Leader, Sid Cordle, a dynamic key politician, author & strategist determined to restore Britain. I was delighted to be selected to stand for Croydon North, a constituency that bustles with the heart of this nation, diversity! This resonates so deeply with me as it is my passion to see many peoples come together as one to live as a thriving community. And I believe this is the heartbeat of Croydon North. When people come together, we can change a community, a city, a nation!
“Understandably the unknown is oftentimes scary. But we have come to a point in the political atmosphere where something’s got to give. A party that is brave and courageous enough to go against the political fear tactics and status quo!”
How do you find the experience of the campaign trail (have you run anywhere else)?
Walking around and getting to know one on one and hearing the hearts and views of you all in Croydon North has been such a great journey! We definitely are a people of diversity and a myriad of colours that bring culture and all things British into celebrating our nation. I’ve found many voters stick to conservative & labour because it’s the ones they know. Some don’t even know the underpinning views of the party or why they vote for them but because it’s the popular choice, they go with it. But look at the state of our nation being in the hands of these two parties. The time has come for a change. It’s going to take something different! Understandably the unknown is oftentimes scary. But we have come to a point in the political atmosphere where something’s got to give. A party that is brave and courageous enough to go against the political fear tactics and status quo! CPA is that party and I am that person to stand with you the people of Croydon North constituency. It’s time for change.
Any surprises you found running any stories from the campaign trail?
Many surprises, yes! But the best stories so far, have been in just spending time with residents and hearing your views. I’ve been pleasantly and warmly invited in your homes to have a chat and just share and exchange views. This community of Croydon North has so much to offer and give not only locally but even by wider impact. We have so much to learn from each other and put all our thoughts together to affect positive change. We would love for more people to join and support however you can. You don’t have to disqualify yourself from politics any longer. We need real people with real hearts, stories and passion. If you are passionate about making a difference then please get in touch with us or myself directly at [email protected]
Manpower is always welcomed. Let’s increase our reach and get involved Croydon North. We are a open community. So, Let’s unite and stand together, stronger!
What are your thoughts on Croydon Politics?
With the many diverse issues in the constituency, for critical focus, Croydon has always been a hub of bustling youth & It is known for the elevated young offenders and knife crime. This is at the forefront of our focus and aim in fighting crime. With many years experience working with youth personally, I believe we the CPA can start to implement from foundation level and work on the family construct to get to the root of the issue. Youth crime is a by-product of family breakdown and seeing to this issue will undoubtedly affect positive change, reduce the young offending statistics and turn things around systemically. Things aren’t getting better because we’re so busy fire-fighting when we should be getting to the root of things and implementing forward-focus, motivation, goal direction workshops and courses for young people to engage in to find their purpose and fulfilment. I will be strategising and implementing such transformational avenues for the youth of our constituency, as I believe this will bring tangible results and reduce the youth & knife crime rates significantly.
What’s next for the Christian Parties Alliance, how do you see them making a breakthrough?
We the CPA Party are committed and determined to be the voice for the voiceless. We fervently beleive that we have the best policies for the nation and that everyone in time will see this. Because we genuinely care about the wellbeing of a nation and not just fire-fighting issues but rather getting to the root of the problem, we are a party you can trust to have your best interest at heart. We are not a party of quick-fixes and minimal effort. We are a party that knows this is going to take hard work, strategic action, much heart, and incredible effort! We are ready! The good news is that as well as being committed, and determined, we are laser-focused in our mission and manifesto and most importantly, in what may seem a very bleak-looking atmosphere in our nation right now, we are filled with hope! Hope cannot be lost at this critical time. We are positive that with a solid, clear and strategically sound manifesto as ours, we will see breakthrough, positive change and a restoration of the heart and soul of Britain!
The issue of the day is Brexit. What are your personal thoughts on the subject that divides Britain?
Great Britain has always been exactly that – a GREAT country of immeasurable honour and heritage, and we want to bring respect and honour back to our very strong nation. Our stance on Brexit is an Honour Democracy.
We need to honour the democratic will of the British people and get Brexit done. That means we must honour the 2016 Referendum result and leave the EU completely. We will offer a second Brexit referendum five to ten years after we’ve left completely when there is evidence of what has happened. I believe we can make a success of leaving the EU. We can’t predict the future but we can plan for it. Time will tell how this unfolds, and if needs be, there must be a simple mechanism in place for returning (the referendum). This will unite the nation.
We have faith in Britain’s ability to thrive as an independent nation with new international trade deals. The referendum 5 – 10 years after we’ve left completely is to ensure the country can be brought back together when there is evidence of however performed outside the EU.
“Aside from the human cost, family breakdown has been estimated to cost the taxpayer £48 billion per year. No other party will address this issue’.”
If you introduce or repeal 3 laws (other than for Brexit) what would they be?
1. PROTECT UNBORN CHILDREN
We stand on strong pro-life platform and we pledge to restore full legal protection to unborn children while diverting more than £200 million of taxpayers’ money spent each year on funding abortions here and abroad into supporting any mother in a crisis pregnancy situation.
It is painful to note that within election campaign period alone an average of 598 babies will lose their lives to abortion in the UK, with over 9 million lives lost altogether as a result of the 1967 Abortion Act. This is a national tragedy — we have to have the courage to face this issue and look for compassionate alternatives.”
2. MAKE TAX FAIR AND CARE FOR THE POOR
We’d end the scandal of big multi-national companies (eg. Facebook, Google, Starbucks) sending their UK profits abroad in order to avoid paying their fair share of tax.By introducing a Turnover Tax (of 5%), offset against Corporation Tax, we’d address the disadvantage faced by British businesses. This would raise an estimated £32bn, which we’d use to halve commercial rates to revive our city centres (£11.5bn), pay for our family policies (£4bn) and restore the £12bn in Tory benefit cuts by properly funding Universal Credit. We would help everyone sleeping rough with a free night shelter, meal and the right support to get back into society.
3. SUPPORT MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY
The CPA will support marriage and the family with a £12,000 grant to first-time married couples and £6,000 upon the birth of their first child, provided they go for at last 5 marriage preparation sessions.
“Aside from the human cost, family breakdown has been estimated to cost the taxpayer £48 billion per year. No other party will address this issue’.” The CPA’s marriage and first-child grant (costing £4 billion) and other key policies would be funded by the introduction of a turnover tax of five per cent, offset against corporation tax, which is intended to stop big multinational companies sending their UK profits abroad in order to cut down their tax bill.This would raise an estimated £32 billion.
“CPA is NOT exclusively for Christians. This is a core value and moral-standing issue and I believe that many people from different faiths or none at all can unite with me in our solid values and stand for the good of a nation”
Any other thoughts you want to leave us with?
I am proudly British and a definition of diversity which is one of the striking characteristics of our constituency. I am approachable and a strong advocate for things I believe in. I want to continue fighting for our families and community as I did and continue to in London over the many years. I ask all residents to vote for me to be a strong voice for us all in Parliament.
I strongly believe that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. CPA is NOT exclusively for Christians. This is a core value and moral-standing issue and I believe that many people from different faiths or none at all can unite with me in our solid values and stand for the good of a nation. Thank you Croydon North! Align with the core values of our party and vote for us. We need you! There is HOPE, Britain! We can make a difference because we, Croydon north, are the difference!
Candace can be contact by Email: [email protected] and is on Instagram: @candace4cpa.
Always keen to support people in Croydon prepared to support democracy and Brexit. The Croydon Constitutionalists spoke with Donald Ekekhomen, the Conservative Party Candidate for Croydon North.
On Donald’s twitter account he describes himself as a Conservative, Pharmacist, Entrepreneur. Christian, keen on positive community action, and a Crystal Palace fan. He stood in Waddon for the Conservatives in the 2018 local elections in what was widely recognised as a hard fought campaign.
Croydon North is currently held by anti-democracy MP Steve Reed OBE.
Donald thank-you for your time.
What led to you being picked as the candidate for Croydon North?
After the disappointment of the last local elections, it’s terrible to see the devastation that Croydon’s Labour Council continues to do to our local communities. At the same time, there is the increase in stabbings in Croydon that’s very worrying. Everyone I talk to in church, work or at football are always talking about this. It’s causing a lot of uneasiness in the community with parents afraid for their teenage children. That prompted me to avail myself of the rigorous screening process to be the Conservative candidate for Croydon North.
“to someone who has lived through an authoritarian regime, that was exceptional by the MP and his office. It simply says the MP is concerned about the welfare of his constituents and cares enough to help them fulfil their aspirations”
What first got you into politics.
I am an immigrant who came to the UK to study and got a job on completion of my studies to provide NHS pharmaceutical services as a pharmacist. As one who works in a lot of pharmacies as a locum in and around Croydon, I get to participate in conversations about governance, taxes etc. In one of these conversations, a pharmacy owner explained to me activities that led her to open her pharmacy. She said that she was able to get the local MP at the time to help officially open the premises. Now that might seem normal but to someone who has lived through an authoritarian regime, that was exceptional by the MP and his office. It simply says the MP is concerned about the welfare of his constituents and cares enough to help them fulfil their aspirations. That MP was Gavin Barwell; the erstwhile Conservative MP for Croydon Central.
In my job and through voluntary activities, it is clear that there are lots of issues facing local people; education, school expulsion, NHS, housing, immigration, crime, jobs etc and I believe being part of a political party will help me try to resolve these issues by enacting laws and lobbying government in order to make a difference to the lives of these people and more.
“Having them believe that someone is there to help when they are challenged is a very powerful statement of confidence in our community and abilities”
Any story from Waddon or other campaign trails that have stuck in your memory?
While on the campaign trail, a lot of things really excited me, gave me a buzz. People are deeply concerned about their local environment and are willing to do what they can to protect it. However, a particular incident remains in my memory: during our campaign there was an old church hall that already had a planning application submitted to convert it to blocks of residential flats. However, this old church had provided valuable service to the community as it is used as a nursery space for young children and on weekends, used as a place for meetings and parties/celebrations for locals. It forms the nucleus of the community and also retains the old architecture which celebrates the history of the place and in consonance with other buildings in the area. When I went canvassing in the area, it was the most important issue for residents but they needed help and advice on how to oppose it. We sprung to action and helped the residents oppose the planning application using dexterity and with the knowledge of how to do this. Eventually, this was stopped and the building was saved. The joy on the faces of the residents when we went back was a sight to behold. I felt happy to have been a part of this process: making people smile, happy and comfortable in their local environment. Having them believe that someone is there to help when they are challenged is a very powerful statement of confidence in our community and abilities.
What is your favourite Crystal Palace memory?
I love sports especially football and know it is an important part of keeping our physical and mental health in the best shape especially now with how fast and complex our lives are. It is a tool for creating firm structure for young people to learn about discipline, respect and teamwork while improving their social skills, friendships and broadening their aspirations.
The FA cup final in 2016 is one I still think about today. The run to the final was exceptional and the team did this with real determination while scraping through some games. I felt that was a given and that gut feeling was consolidated when Jason Puncheon scored the first goal in the final. That was the most delirious I have ever been!!!
It was disappointing the team lost eventually but they showed really courage; working together, challenging every ball and giving it their all. I was very proud of the boys!!
Crystal Palace football club is involved in a lot of wonderful local projects for poor communities which help disadvantaged locals to get on in life. Some of these partnerships I am involved with as a trustee. This off the field activity is awesome.
What are your thoughts on Croydon politics?
Croydon politics is in a terrible state currently. Where do I start!
We have a group of Labour Party councillors running the council and not delivering on their last local election promises. The Labour council do not collect bins weekly as promised, they do not listen to residents’ complaints but rather make it difficult for residents to pass on their legitimate concerns. Council chamber question time is fraught with verbose replies, residents only have 30 minutes to ask questions during full council meetings that sit just a few times in the year!!! How is that listening to the residents?
This is your first time as a parliamentary candidate, has anything come as a surprise from making that step?
I always expected it to be intense, changing its course almost every other day with changing campaign priorities. However, the amount of energy needed to keep on the campaign trail and answer emails from a lot of people who expect responses very quickly, has been enormous. Regardless, I am enjoying every bit of it especially meeting people on their doorsteps and talking to them about their concerns and priorities.
“The current system of offenders getting up to five suspended sentences could be too lenient and doesn’t feel like justice for the victims of crime”
If you introduce or repeal three laws (other than Brexit), what would they be?
Reducing the number of suspended sentences given to people who commit serious crime to three and increasing the length of their stay in prison. I would go further to make serious offenders serve three quarters of their term before they are due for parole. The current system of offenders getting up to five suspended sentences could be too lenient and doesn’t feel like justice for the victims of crime. The Conservative government is investing in the prison services to train, educate and give ex-offenders the skills needed to be more productive in the wider society which is the duty of any responsible government.
More investment in schools in line with inflation to help recruit and train more teachers. Teachers that will spend more time with disruptive youngsters and help improve their chances at learning to attain a degree at university, get into apprenticeships or learn other job skillsets. This will help to reduce exclusions, foster cohesion and improve life chances of disadvantaged young people. On the societal scale it will help reduce crime, help with social mobility and improve positive community participation. Currently, the Government has promised increased funding per pupil in schools and has been doing that for over 10 years, incrementally. This is an indication that it is taking it seriously but much more will be greatly appreciated.
The Help to Buy scheme has seen record numbers of people and young families being able to afford a home. I want to see such schemes encouraged further and expanded to help a lot more people get onto the property ladder.
Any other thoughts you want to leave us with?
The UK is currently the second best country in Europe for business start-ups. I would want the current government fund provision for tech start-ups to continue into the post Brexit years ahead. It is vital that we encourage people with digital intelligence to continue to contribute to the digital space and create the next Facebook, Google or Amazon of this world.
Donald thank-you for the interview.
Donald can be found on Twitter at https://twitter.com/donaldekekhomen.
On Tuesday 19th November we held our latest free speech event –My Tuppenceworth in South Croydon.
A great night with speakers covering a wide variety of subjects. Thanks to all who spoke and all who came along on the night.
Speakers with links to the speeches where are able to reproduce:
Our Free Speech event, My tuppenceworth, on Tuesday 19th November gave lots of people the opportunity to speak. One of those speeches came from Gavin Palmer, we have reproduced the text below.
It needs the long title Shareholder Nomination to the AGM Committee (SNAC) as the long title explains what it is and does rather than being seen as just a shareholders committee meeting when all meetings must include the Chairman of the Board.
The committee by the nature of who attends it, are likely to have more than 5% of the companies shares so they could call an EGM within 14 days to vote on a resolution that they have just written. That resolution would also include up to 1000 words of explanation and be sent to every shareholder on the shareholders register.
The board would also likely have to rebutt the resolution which given that the petitioners are some of the very largest shareholders vs their servants the board of Directors would be interesting and most likely shareholders would favour the largest shareholders.
The committees cheap, simple formation would solve excessive pay, bonuses for failure, stop board infighting and politiciking over the top job of being a CEO, select truly the very best team leader for the job regardless of the commissions payable to the headhunters (related to high pay, high bonuses, high share awards) and the upping entire boardroom pay regardless of performance.
Also it enables the owners to smoothly replace bad CEOs or Chairman before they do too much damage without being ransomed or blackmailed. Also if the company needs a rights issue, the Chairman just asks those around the table if they would back the rights issue and job done 3 underwriters!
Opposition: The priveledged access given to the gatekeepers :- the big fund managers Blackrock, Legal & General, Norges Bank, Insight who don’t want to increase their costs or accountability to manage or be involved attending the committees and unable to trade on ‘insider hints/tips’ they gained.
Weak points of this opposition: public press embaressment of pension funds refusing or just not attending a short meeting with the chairman when they have £100million invested in them (It worked in Sweden!) – they then attended the next year!
Action
1) invite chairman and the largest beneficial chairman to a meeting with Sharesoc of many plcs
2) gather 140 activists, give them a single share plus add a large shareholder and submit a full shareholder resolution requisitions to plcs.
Option 1 is cheaper and easier
Option 2 is involved but gets wide coverage and attention.
Hmm thanks to this I think I should add a draft resolution to the wikipedia page and add SNAC.
Our Free Speech event, My tuppenceworth, on Tuesday 19th November gave lots of people the opportunity to speak. One of those speeches came from Malachy McDermott, London Group Leader of the Libertarian Party, we have reproduced the text below.
I am a libertarian, I believe that the free market is the last great hope for the economic survival of us all. Without it we are doomed to regressive socialist, communist, neo Keynesian, fascist and oligarichal forms of control over our economic lives.
However there is one place in which I believe Libertarians and free market advocates often fail it is in the area of applying their personal morality to their consumption. The example I am using here is free speech, but without too much imagination it could easily be applied to the myriad other moral failings of modern corporations.
Free speech is under constant attack, our right to offend and the acceptance of being offended have taken a back seat to a autocratic PC culture that limits language, thought and the flow of ideas. It especially limits discourse of repugnant or illogical ideas. Dangerously giving them legitimacy.
The perpetrators of this, have yes, been state and government actors. But more than that there has been a self regulation by social media companies. Facebook and Twitter especially.
The libertarian response has been to say “these are private companies, their house their rules.” But this is akin to saying “coca cola put arsenic in every 10th can, but that’s their company.” Its a abuse of the market position we would not accept in any other industry.
So why accept it? Being libertarian or being pro free market is the acceptance of freedom with responsibility. We do have a responsibility to our own morality. History shows that regulations and bans do not work, but consumer preference does, therefore we need to ask more of our companies. We need to speak to the better, responsible part of ourselves. If we cannot do this then we are coming ourselves to a life nanny corporatism. Where like in some free market east Germany, we will regulate ourselves, private individuals limiting each other. That is a future I choose not to live in and I hope you would agree with me that it is not one you would like to live in either.
Our Free Speech event, My tuppenceworth, on Tuesday 19th November gave lots of people the opportunity to speak. One of those speeches came from Peter Sonnex, Brexit Party Candidate for Croydon Central, we have reproduced the text below.
Decency, Democracy, Freedom and Freedoms… These have been hard won, but so easily taken for granted. Easy come, easy go can quickly lead to freedoms being expressed with no thought – the playground stuff – for the consequences and the damage they may do to those very freedoms
themselves…
The irony is not lost that we should be aware this evening of our location and that we are in the throes of another Brexit General Election… I shall, of course steer away from party politics in respect for our hosts. After all, I am not a politician!
The poster for this event shows Field Marshal Horatio Herbert Kitchener, late of the Corps of Royal Engineers – my very own Corps. The appalling waste of blood and treasure aside – if that were ever possible, as we shall never forget – it was his rallying call that galvanised the country’s resolve
against tyranny in Europe – standing up for democracy then – as I am now.
[As a young officer, it was Kitchener who was sent to rescue another former Royal Engineer – General Gordon of Khartoum. His plan to build a railway from the Red Sea to Khartoum, thwarted by the hubris of Field Marshal Wolseley who insisted on going up the Nile by boat. I wonder if he
used free speech to let him know how he felt…]
Only in my dotage have I really been able to put my own, rather less glorious military career in perspective: In the Falkland Islands defending the democratic will of the Falkland Islanders who had voted overwhelmingly to remain as a United Kingdom Overseas Territory; during the Cold War in Germany, defending our democracy and freedoms against the very real threat of the Warsaw Pact – winning as the Berlin Wall came down – sparking a fire of democracy to burn all the way through Eastern Europe. Long, long tours of the Former Yugoslavia were spent establishing a safe and secure environment for their first democratic elections; my time in Iraq spent establishing a safe and secure environment for – you’ve guessed it – democratic elections. I remain traumatised by our failure as the Occupying Power to deliver on their mandate for democracy and freedom. They do not have what we, the UK as the Occupying Power, promised them – at all…
At home, I find our future lies in the hands of people for whom entitlement is a right not earned and every demand is pandered to no matter the cost for their so-called ‘freedoms’. People who never learned that no means no or that our democracy came and comes at a price: selflessness, fairness, empathy, compassion, compromise, tolerance and respect.
I feel betrayed in my own country as our freedoms are taken away by a wedge of political correctness, a lack of trust and truth in politics, and incompetent legislators. I feel compelled to stand up again for democracy in my own country as our vote – and it is all you and I have – is counted, disrespected and fails to be acted upon.
Who do I trust in all this?
Easy. You! YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!
Our Free Speech event, My tuppenceworth, on Tuesday 19th November gave lots of people the opportunity to speak. One of those speeches came from Mike Swadling, we have reproduced the text below.
My tuppencyworth sets out to prove what former House of Representatives Speaker Tip O’Neill said “all Politics is local”.
For I would like to talk to you about a Democratically Elected Mayor of Croydon.
Now don’t let the title fool you, this merely reflects the title given in the legislation.
An elected mayor replaces the current council leader, and wow does that leader need replacing.
First some facts about the borough.
This numbers hide some huge disparities.
The London Borough of Croydon, was formed in 1965 from the Coulsdon and Purley Urban District and the County Borough of Croydon.
It is really 2 or 3 distinct areas thrown together as part of the Greater London sprawl.
The 60 bus coming into Norbury, travels through the typical inner London communities of Thornton Heath and Broad Green.
Croydon and South Croydon are more typical outer London suburbs.
Then somewhere travelling down from Purley the area turns into rural Surrey as the bus passes and eventually climbs the North Downs into Old Coulsdon.
Those differences exemplify why we need a mayor.
Today reflecting these differences, Croydon has a Conservative strong hold to the south, a Labour strong hold to the north. With swing seats in Parliament and on the Council in the centre.
The parties focus overwhelmingly on the swing wards, and frankly they admit this themselves.
But it gets worse….
The leader of the council is selected by the councillors of the winning party. This could be just 21 votes from councillors, all in safe seats.
This is compounded by over half the councillors being granted special allowances for additional roles, often given to them by the same leader they have just appointed.
An elected mayor will be for voted by all of the people of Croydon,
If they want to win election, and re-election they will need to win substantial numbers of votes from, and represent all of the borough.
We want an executive head we can vote for, someone to drive the town forward, and someone to blame.
Even in this illustrious group, few here will know who at the council is responsible for the potholes that litter the town, or who has responsibility for our 120 parks and open spaces.
Who do we hold accountable for the Children’s Services that continues to be rated as Inadequate by Ofsted?
With a Mayor we know who is responsible and who to hold accountable – it is, the Mayor.
We have a campaign.
It is the only show in town to improve the way Croydon is governed.
We are formed by, and have support from many local residents associations.
We also have support from the Conservatives, Croydon South Labour, The Brexit Party, the Libertarian party and the Christen Peoples Alliance Party.
We need 15,000 signatures and we can then put it to the people. If you are a Croydon resident sign the petition and give the people of Croydon a free choice.
We discuss the finalised list of nominated candidates for the 3 Croydon seats in the impending General Election and our upcoming free speech event “My Tuppenceworth“.
Special thanks to Tim Duce for our intro and outro music. https://timduce.bandcamp.com/
Croydon Central Hustings Tickets as discussed in this episode. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/spotlight-croydon-central-hustings-2019-tickets-82035900587
Official notices for Croydon Constituencies
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