In today’s political climate it is harder than ever for academics to defend open debate. Many academics are fearful of upsetting managers and politicians by expressing controversial opinions. Afraid to challenge mainstream thought, many pursue self-censorship.
Academics For Academic Freedom (AFAF) was founded in 2006 as a campaigning group for all lecturers, academic-related staff, students and researchers who wanted to defend unimpeded inquiry and expression. With Student Academics For Academic Freedom(SAFAF) formed in 2024. Membership is open to all students in the UK and Ireland who are committed to defending free speech and academic freedom.
Join us on Wednesday 15th January for our drinks and conversation with Heather McKee. Heather set up Student Academics for Academic Freedom (part of the AFAF network) to bring together students who felt free speech and academic freedom was dying out in our Universities and to push back. SAFAF, believes in free speech for all, no ifs or buts. SAFAF set out a challenge for 2025 to have at least one member in each UK and Irish University and a call to academics to help support those students. Strength in numbers! Heather McKee is completing a Master’s in Psychology at the University of Glasgow.
For drinks, a conversation and Q&A with Heather about Student Academics for Academic Freedom and the state of Free Speech in our Universities, come along Wednesday 15th January at 7pm.
This is part of our #ThirdWednesday drinks and events, we hold these in association with Dick Delingpole’s #ThirdWednesday Libertarian drinks club, and POLITICS in PUBS a group of people from across the political spectrum who value the freedom to question and to speak openly.
A missed flight, snow and an extra overnight stay meant our original plans for our November event went astray. Rapidly coming up with a plan B we sought inspiration from DOGE, the newly announced US Department of Government Efficiency.
“With UK government debt at about £2.7 trillion and a deficit of £120 billion, we decided to look at what a DOGE might do in the UK”
The idea of DOGE emerged in discussions between Elon Musk and Donald Trump and will be led by Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. It will function as an advisory body aiming to streamline the US federal government and reduce inefficiency. Musk has suggested that the commission could help to cut the US federal budget by up to $2 trillion.
This is no idle talk, when he first took over, Musk cut around 6,000 employees (80%) of Twitter’s workforce. This included the diversity and inclusion teams, product and design teams, and the content moderation team.
With UK government debt at about £2.7 trillion and a deficit of £120 billion, we decided to look at what a DOGE might do in the UK. After an initial brief discussion, we split into teams looking at UK government departments.
“No one saw the need for a Department of Culture, Media and Sport”
Each team was given the list of departments with their expenditure and asked to decide if they were in a UK DOGE which government departments they would want to keep and which ones they would abolish. Now of course in reality no one would decide government expenditure in quite this fashion, but this was an exercise in exploring how we would make decisions on expenditure. To make things more interesting each team was asked to keep half and abolish half the departments.
“We wondered why over a billion pounds needed to be spent on the Cabinet Office, and no one wanted to retain the £20 billion + spent on the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero”
Whilst teams came to different conclusions some areas of commonality existed. No one saw the need for a Department of Culture, Media and Sport, but at only 0.42% of government department expenditure cutting it whilst possibly worthwhile, would make little difference to the deficit.
Teams agreed to keep the Home Office, Justice and Defence departments, along with Business and Trade and perhaps surprisingly HM Revenue and Customs. We wondered why over a billion pounds needed to be spent on the Cabinet Office, and no one wanted to retain the £20 billion + spent on the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. We felt this is a department whose removal could revive the economy through less regulation. There was also general agreement that the services provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and The Scotland Office should be financed locally in the areas receiving the expenditure.
Following through on the exercise would have generally cut around 30% of government department expenditure. With Health and Social Care being a third of all department expenditure alone, in a real-life scenario any meaningful change would likely have to impact this area.
Our second scenario was to look at some of the 424 Agencies and other public bodies the government has, to decide which ones a UK DOGE might decide to keep or abolish. The 27 we assessed included a short blurb about their role from the government’s own website. The 27 represented just 6% of all government ‘Agencies and other public bodies’, and all being listed under the letter ‘C’ represented just 64% of the C’s!
See how many of these quango’s you recognise:
Cafcass
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) looks after the interests of children involved in family proceedings. It is independent of the courts and social services, but works under the rules of the Family Court and legislation to work with children and their families, and then advise the courts on what is considered to be in the best interests of individual children.
Cafcass is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice.
Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates all health and social care services in England. The commission ensures the quality and safety of care in hospitals, dentists, ambulances, and care homes, and the care given in people’s own homes.
CQC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Careers Wales
Careers Wales provides independent and impartial careers information, advice and guidance service for Wales.
Careers Wales works with the Welsh Government.
Central Advisory Committee on Compensation
The Central Advisory Committee on Compensation (CAC Compensation) gives advice on all service compensation schemes and on policy issues related to them.
CAC Compensation works with the Ministry of Defence.
Central Arbitration Committee
We encourage fair and efficient arrangements in the workplace by resolving collective disputes in England, Scotland and Wales, either by voluntary agreement or, if necessary, through a legal decision.
CAC is a tribunal of the Department for Business and Trade.
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
A world leader in marine science and technology, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) collects, manages and interprets data on the aquatic environment, biodiversity and fisheries.
Cefas is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.
Certification Officer
The Certification Officer (CO) and her team ensure that trade unions and employers’ associations carry out their statutory duties.
Certification Officer works with the Department for Business and Trade.
Chevening Scholarship Programme
Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarships programme. Established in 1983, these scholarships support study at UK universities – mostly one-year Masters’ degrees – for students with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers.
Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel
We are an independent panel commissioning reviews of serious child safeguarding cases. We want national and local reviews to focus on improving learning, professional practice and outcomes for children.
Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel works with the Department for Education.
Churches Conservation Trust
The Churches Conservation Trust is the national charity protecting churches at risk. It repairs damage and works with local communities to revive churches.
Churches Conservation Trust works with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Civil Justice Council
The Civil Justice Council (CJC) is responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating the modernisation of the civil justice system.
CJC is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice.
Civil Nuclear Police Authority
The Civil Nuclear Police Authority oversees the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) and must ensure that their policing meets the need of the nuclear operating companies.
CNPA is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Civil Procedure Rule Committee
The Civil Procedure Rule Committee was set up under the Civil Procedure Act 1997 to make rules of court for the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the County Court. The Civil Procedure Rules set out the practice and procedure to be followed.
CPRC is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Ministry of Justice.
Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission regulates recruitment into the Civil Service, ensuring that appointments are made on merit after fair and open competition. It also hears complaints under the Civil Service Code.
CSC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Cabinet Office.
Coal Authority
The Coal Authority makes a better future for people and the environment in mining areas.
Coal Authority is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
College of Policing
College of Policing works with the Home Office.
Commission for Countering Extremism
The Commission for Countering Extremism supports society to fight all forms of extremism.
Commission for Countering Extremism works with the Home Office.
Commission on Human Medicines
The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) advises ministers on the safety, efficacy and quality of medicinal products.
CHM is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Commissioner for Public Appointments
The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates the processes by which ministers make appointments to the boards of national and regional public bodies. The commissioner aims to ensure that such appointments are made on merit after a fair, open and transparent process.
Commissioner for Public Appointments works with the Cabinet Office.
Committee on Climate Change
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) advises the government on emissions targets and reports to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
CCC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Committee on Fuel Poverty
We advise on the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing fuel poverty, and encourage greater co-ordination across the organisations working to reduce fuel poverty.
CFP is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Committee on Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment
The Committee on Mutagenicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COM) assesses and advises on mutagenic risks to humans.
COM is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care and the Food Standards Agency.
Committee on Radioactive Waste Management
The Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) provides independent scrutiny and transparent advice to the UK governments on the long-term management of higher activity radioactive wastes.
CoRWM is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Committee on Standards in Public Life
The independent Committee on Standards in Public Life advises the Prime Minister on arrangements for upholding ethical standards of conduct across public life in England. We are not a regulator and cannot investigate individual complaints.
CSPL is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Cabinet Office.
Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment
The Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT) is an independent scientific committee that provides advice to the Food Standards Agency, the Department of Health and other government bodies on matters concerning the toxicity of chemicals.
COT is an advisory non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Food Standards Agency.
Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the main UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives.
CSC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Companies House
We incorporate and dissolve limited companies. We register company information and make it available to the public.
Companies House is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade.
“Agreement on getting rid of the ‘Committee on Climate Change’ included a belief that without their work, people might be able to afford to heat their homes”
There was conformity in teams deciding they would keep just over a third of the departments and abolishing the rest. However, what departments fell into each category varied greatly. Those of us who had used ‘Companies House’ felt it provided a good and useful service, and it should be kept. There was communality in the desire to remove ‘Careers Wales’ as it wasn’t clear why Wales needed its own Careers quango. It was felt that philanthropy might be the best route for taking forward the work of the ‘Chevening Scholarship Programme’ and that of the ‘Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK’ if they were needed.
“it was generally believed the ‘College of Policing’ was itself a non-crime hate incident and was best abolished”
Agreement on getting rid of the ‘Committee on Climate Change’ included a belief that without their work, people might be able to afford to heat their homes, as such there was also general agreement the ‘Committee on Fuel Poverty’ could go. The recent budget and changes to winter fuel payments suggested this committee wasn’t serving its purpose. Most people believed the ‘Committee on Standards in Public Life’ had clearly failed in its remit and as such it could also go. Lastly, it was generally believed the ‘College of Policing’ was itself a non-crime hate incident and was best abolished.
The discussion that followed underlined the purpose of the exercises. Many people wanted to cut chunks of expenditure out of different departments and agencies not necessarily the whole thing. As a general view to reduce government expenditure it was felt we should:
Disengage from foreign wars.
Cut or stop foreign aid.
Stop expenditure on ‘Climate Change’ and get rid of Net Zero targets.
Hold a real bonfire of the quangos.
Revamp government procurement.
Some discussion was held on using methods like cutting all departments expenditure by 10%, freezing all recruitment, or simply following Javier Milei in Argentina, who has reduced their the federal budget by 30%. We also considered making a start by simply paying no one in government more than the Prime Minister.
A lot of concern was raised over the constant overspend on government projects. We wondered how the Olympics and building Terminal 5 of Heathrow could happen on time when so little else does. Management of scope and planning reform were seen as a key element, and we did wonder if we needed a new department for ‘cutting planning obstacles’. It was also suggested Quangos be moved back into their respective government departments to improve accountability.
The evening led to some interesting discussions when people are forced to make choices, and it made people think about what criteria they would use and what they wanted from government.
It wasn’t all serious discussion, as some thought was given on additional government expenditure to retake Calais from the French and to introduce a fully funded ministry of silly walks.
What expenditure would you like to cut? Do get in touch with us at [email protected] with your ideas.
Sam Bidwell writes on Britain’s Overseas Territories.
“the UK hasn’t been self-sufficient in terms of food production since the 1750s – and in the 1930s, only about 30% of food consumed in the UK was produced domestically”
On the 4th October, the UK Government announced that it would hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius The handover puts our strategic interests at risk – but why? An overview of the Overseas Territories, and why they’re so crucial to our security and national interests.
Here is a map of Britain’s Overseas Territories Together, they form a network of staging posts that allows us to defend our interests abroad. But it doesn’t take a genius to notice that most of these territories are not close to the British Isles – so why do they matter?
For centuries now, Britain has been a trading nation, with commercial interests abroad. For example, the UK hasn’t been self-sufficient in terms of food production since the 1750s – and in the 1930s, only about 30% of food consumed in the UK was produced domestically.
Today, we import roughly 40% of our food and 37% of our primary energy sources. This means that we have an interest in the security of key trade routes and shipping lanes. Disruptions to these routes can drive up import costs, meaning higher prices for British consumers.
Even if Britain became more self-sufficient in food and energy production, we would still have overseas interests. Many of our largest businesses rely on their operations abroad to turn a profit. Also, we still need to collect military intelligence, to help us predict threats.
“The Overseas Territories are a crucial part of our efforts to keep trade flowing and exercise influence. For example, Gibraltar sits at the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, which accounts for about 15% of all global shipping”
Economic and military influence abroad also gives us a stronger hand when we deal with other countries – which brings us to the Overseas Territories.
The Overseas Territories are a crucial part of our efforts to keep trade flowing and exercise influence. For example, Gibraltar sits at the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea, which accounts for about 15% of all global shipping. The RAF and Royal Navy both have a presence here, allowing for quick deployment into the Mediterranean or out into the Atlantic.
If the Strait of Gibraltar were disrupted, this would be a disaster for the flow of global trade – and Gibraltar helps Britain to keep it open. The Rock of Gibraltar is also an outpost for intelligence gathering, perfect for transmitting and receiving intel over long distances.
At the other end of the Mediterranean are Britain’s two sovereign base areas on the island of Cyprus, Akrotiri and Dhekelia from the RAF Base at Akrotiri, Britain can maintain influence over the other entrance to the Mediterranean, namely the Suez Canal. Akrotiri also allows Britain to maintain oversight of the volatile Middle East, both in terms of intelligence gathering and in terms of forward military operations. Akrotiri has been crucial in joint US-UK efforts to keep the Red Sea shipping route open despite Houthi attacks.
Ascension Island in the South Atlantic is home to an RAF facility, which was critical to the success of the Falklands War in 1982 It serves as a refuelling point for Royal Navy ships, a signals intelligence hub, and hosts one of the four ground antennas that enables GPS.
Further south are the famous Falkland Islands, now home to RAF Mount Pleasant. While traditionally not of enormous strategic value, a number of companies are now drilling for oil and gas off the coast of the Falklands – which we should be taking advantage of.
“The British base on the islands, Diego Garcia, allows the British military to refuel and restock when travelling between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is also ideally located for intelligence gathering”
Of course, the world’s most important shipping lanes are not in the Mediterranean or the South Atlantic – but in Asia. This is precisely why the British presence in the Chagos Islands is so important – it is a staging post for our operations in East Asia and the Persian Gulf.
The British base on the islands, Diego Garcia, allows the British military to refuel and restock when travelling between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It is also ideally located for intelligence gathering, with easy access to some of the world’s most important theatres.
Diego Garcia complements British military instalments in the Persian Gulf, including our naval support facility in Bahrain, our military logistics centre in Duqm, Oman, and the RAF outpost at Al Udeid, Qatar. These instalments help us to ensure the free flow of oil.
Diego Garcia also complements British military instalments in Southeast Asia, such as naval facility in Sembawang, Singapore and our military base in Brunei. These instalments help us to ensure the free flow of goods from Asia to Europe and vice versa.
“What’s more, Mauritius regards China as a key ally – and is susceptible to Chinese economic influence”
Under the handover deal, Britain retains access to Diego Garcia for another 99 years – but this is a vulnerable position. After all, Mauritius promised that it would honour Britain’s ownership of the Chagos Islands in the 1960s, and reneged within a generation.
What’s more, Mauritius regards China as a key ally – and is susceptible to Chinese economic influence. Naturally, China has an interest in expanding its own ability to influence global trade routes from this key strategic position in the Indian Ocean.
The deal also removes Britain’s ability to use access to Diego Garcia as a bargaining chip when dealing with the United States. Allowing partners to use the Overseas Territories strengthened Britain’s negotiating hand – after all, we could always threaten to take it away.
Of course, not all of our Overseas Territories are of military importance. Caribbean territories like the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, and the Cayman Islands offer favourable tax treatment, and widen access to capital for our financial services sector.
What is certain is that our Overseas Territories are a key part of a self-interested UK foreign policy – giving us military flexibility and influence, leverage over our allies, and the ability to protect key shipping lanes. Handing over the Chagos Islands was a mistake.
Once again on the 19/20 October I attended the Battle of Ideas Festival from the Academy of Ideas in Church House near Westminster Abbey.
The event hosts almost 100 panels, interviews, and discussions on a range of topics with Free Speech and debate being are the core of it all.
The events started with an introduction from Baroness Fox of Buckley (Claire Fox) speaking about the importance of free speech and those who support it.
At a packed-out Battle of Ideas festival, @Fox_Claire opens the festival with a tribute to those brave enough to stand and support free speech and open debate.
The panels were as always excellent and were an opportunity to say hello to some people we’ve spoke with on Podcasts like Sam Bidwell and Dominic Frisby.
Good session today at #BattleFest talking about the importance of cash, & the dangers of a 'cashless society'.@DominicFrisby made an excellent case, which you can also read here: https://t.co/Z1sqg067ZK
But the battle isn’t just the debates, there are plenty of stalls around the events were stalls from the SDP, Reform UK, the Free Speech Union, Don’t Divide Us, #Together, The Freedom Association, and Politics in Pubs among many others.
The Battle of Ideas Festival is underway in London. It is one of the largest political-cultural free speech conferences in the world featuring dozens of simultaneous live debates.
Some of the controversial debate panels include topics on autism and transgenderism, immigration,… pic.twitter.com/an13H7XarH
In the hall I helped on our associates staff for Politics in Pubs.
We are delighted to have a stall again at the Battle of Ideas festival. So many great debates and speakers! If you're at #BattleFest this weekend and would like regular free-thinking discussions in your area come for at chat at our stall in the Assembly Hall. pic.twitter.com/fEQBa5UwW9
We happened to be placed next to the Communist Party of Britain Marxist-Leninist who despite our political differences were free speech believes and great chaps.
Just around the hall was our friends in the Freedom association accompanied by a leaflet we will soon be using to campaign for them in Redhill.
FIRE, The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression were also in the hall and we have a small goodie bag of their merchandise to give away at our Christmas drinks.
Paul Embery saw the irony of some of the groups together in the hall, but summed up the spirt of the event.
This is why the annual Battle of Ideas festival is such an excellent event. These two stalls literally within yards of each other! #BattleFest24pic.twitter.com/fzpOxtBh9U
The Freedom Association the non-partisan, centre-right, classically liberal campaign group, is holding a campaign day in Redhill on Saturday 23rd November. The plan for the day is to hand out leaflets (images below) in support of their campaign to challenge the erosion of civil liberties and in support of individual liberty and freedom of expression.
Join us meeting outside The Junction Pub (1 High Street, Redhill, Surrey. RH1 1RD) at 10:30am and we will break up into groups around the town depending on numbers, stay as long as you can but we are finishing no later than 1pm, and anyone is welcome to join us for a drink.
Come along Saturday 23rd November in Redhill for 10:30am outside The Junction Pub. We only ask that you wear no party colours or badges as The Freedom Association has cross-party support.
Come and meet-up with likeminded freedom lovers, at our Christmas #ThirdWednesday drinks at Whispers, 5 High St, Purley CR8 2AF, from 7pm.
Held as part of our regular #ThirdWednesday drinks, we hold these in association with Dick Delingpole’s #ThirdWednesday Libertarian drinks club, and POLITICS in PUBS a group of people from across the political spectrum who value the freedom to question and to speak openly.
“£billions on complying with EU laws imposed upon the UK and which have not been abolished by the Conservative Party 8 years after the referendum result”
This year the Labour government is committed to spending:
1) Over £200 billion on mainly totally, un-necessary, unwanted and useless quangos.
2) £billions on complying with EU laws imposed upon the UK and which have not been abolished by the Conservative Party 12 years after the referendum result, and after the UK officially left the EU 8 years ago. (NB Membership of the EU was costing the UK economy well over £200 billion/annum when we left the EU in 2020.)
3) £Billions on incredibly stupid net zero policies which are clearly ruining the UK economy.
4) £billions on illegal immigrants, which they, (and the Conservatives), have allegedly NO real intention of stopping or reducing!
5) £billions on the useless vanity HS2 project which has been severely cut and is costing well over budget.
6) £12 billion on foreign “aid”.
7) £millions on MP’s expenses, including heating their second homes. (NB. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced criticism after justifying her decision to claim £4,400 in taxpayer-funded expenses for heating her second home, a day after MPs voted to scrap winter fuel payments of up to £300 for millions of pensioners.)
“Chancellor Rachel Reeves has faced criticism after justifying her decision to claim £4,400 in taxpayer-funded expenses for heating her second home”
YET, the Labour government is totally committed to scrapping the winter fuel allowance for pensioners to save a measly £1.3 billion!
They are fully aware that this will apparently condemn 4,000 pensioners to a miserable death, from hypothermia and/or malnutrition this winter. This is probably a very low estimate, the facts of which are not being published for scrutiny by the public. So, did 9,708,716 people really vote for Labour to waste billions upon billions of pounds of taxpayer’s money and to condemn thousands of vulnerable people to save a pittance?
“did 9,708,716 people really vote for Labour to waste billions upon billions of pounds of taxpayer’s money”
My name is Vinayak Malhotra, and I had the honour of being the parliamentary candidate for the Croydon West constituency in the recent General Election, representing Reform UK. As I embarked on this journey, I was greeted with a wide array of public reactions and experiences that highlighted the spirit of our community. Alongside meaningful interactions with residents, I encountered some unexpectedly humorous moments that made my campaign truly memorable.
“The warmth and openness of the people, young and old (and even a few friendly animals), made the experience truly special”
I was met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the public during my canvassing efforts in Croydon West. The warmth and openness of the people, young and old (and even a few friendly animals), made the experience truly special. One of the more charming surprises was encountering the friendly cats of Croydon, who seemed just as curious about Reform UK as the residents!
A few interactions really stood out to me. There was a wonderful couple who not only supported me by signing my nomination form but went a step further and generously offered their office space for my use throughout the campaign. Their kindness was a reminder of the incredible community spirit that Croydon thrives on.
I also met a lovely elderly lady who reminded me of my late maternal grandmother. She was so sweet and welcoming, insisting on a chat over tea, making me feel right at home. Another older couple, captivated by my energy and enthusiasm, not only offered words of encouragement but also gave me some sweets, which lifted my spirits during a long day of canvassing.
“He told me he’d definitely vote for me, simply because he admired my dedication to going door to door all on my own”
One unexpected companion was a fluffy blonde cat who decided to keep me company while I went door to door. This little furball stuck by my side for hours, as if it were my personal campaign mascot! Even the local postmen were in good spirits, often handing me rubber bands to keep my leaflets organised.
Another moment that really touched me was when I met a friendly young man, around my age, who spotted me canvassing in the rain. He told me he’d definitely vote for me, simply because he admired my dedication to going door to door all on my own. His words meant a lot and reminded me that perseverance is always noticed.
I also began to be recognised by people throughout the constituency—surprisingly, most of them were women. Some had seen my photos in online interviews, while others remembered me from my campaign efforts across Croydon West. It was both humbling and heart-warming to know that my presence and message were reaching people in the community.
“some assumed I might be some sort of ghost candidate. The situation became even funnier when the journalist covering the election met me in person at the count. We had a good laugh when they finally realised, I did, in fact, exist!”
One of the more humorous moments during my campaign was when people online—and even a journalist—started questioning whether I was a real person! Since I’m not on social media and there wasn’t much information about me available online, some assumed I might be some sort of ghost candidate. The situation became even funnier when the journalist covering the election met me in person at the count. We had a good laugh when they finally realised, I did, in fact, exist!
One of the most pressing changes I want to see in Croydon West is an increase in affordable housing. It’s crucial that everyone in our community has access to safe and affordable places to live.
Additionally, addressing the rise in knife crime, drugs, anti-social behaviour, and crime in general is essential for creating a safer environment for all residents.
“Having dedicated local branches in various boroughs will significantly strengthen our presence and provide a solid foundation for future campaigns”
I also believe that fostering greater belief in and support for Reform UK will be pivotal. With increased community backing, we can work towards electing more Reform UK councillors and, ultimately, our own MP in the next general election.
This grassroots support is vital for driving the positive changes we all wish to see in our town.
Reform UK is rapidly expanding, with new branches being set up across the country, including here in London and Croydon. Having dedicated local branches in various boroughs will significantly strengthen our presence and provide a solid foundation for future campaigns. This structure will not only help us in the upcoming local councillor elections but also position us for greater success in future general elections. By establishing a stronger connection with local communities, we’ll be better equipped to address the issues that matter most to them and represent their voices on both a local and national level.
On a personal note, I’ve already made an application to stand in the upcoming councillor elections, though it’s still very early to know more about that. Additionally, I have been made the treasurer of my local branch.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Croydon Constitutionalists for this opportunity to share my experiences. I truly enjoyed doing these interviews and engaging with the community through this platform. Your support and encouragement mean a lot to me as we work together to drive positive change in Croydon West!
“Singapore was born – a poor city state, surrounded by enemies, and with no natural resources of its own. Yet today, Singapore is one of the world’s richest and most successful nations”
Today, Singapore is: – the safest city in the world – the world’s freest economy – #1 in the Ease of Doing Business Index But why has Singapore been so successful, and why is it such a great place for businesses? A on the reasons for the Lion City’s remarkable success.
First, some history. In 1819, Singapore was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles, a British official who believed that the site was perfect for a trading post. The city grew quickly, attracting traders from across the region who were drawn to the city’s ‘free port’ status.
Singapore was governed by the British until 1963, when the city became independent as part of the ‘Federation of Malaya’. However, the union was not a harmonious one. Due to political disputes – including race riots in 1964 -, Singapore was expelled from Malaya in 1965.
And so, Singapore was born – a poor city state, surrounded by enemies, and with no natural resources of its own. Yet today, Singapore is one of the world’s richest and most successful nations, thanks largely to the work of its visionary founding father, Lee Kuan Yew.
A graduate of the University of Cambridge, Lee had initially tried to make a success of Singapore’s position within Malaya. But with independence forced upon him, he worked to build the ideal “start-up” nation in Singapore, using the city’s natural strengths to his advantage.
“Over 99 percent of all imports to Singapore are duty free. Corporation tax is charged at a flat rate of 17%, and the city has no capital gains tax.”
He was ruthlessly pragmatic in pursuit of his vision. His decisions were guided by empiricism rather than ideology. As a result, Singapore grew from an obscure post-colonial backwater into a world-leading city. What exactly did Lee do?
First, he recognised that Singapore’s openness to business and trade could be one of its greatest strengths. Over 99 percent of all imports to Singapore are duty free. Corporation tax is charged at a flat rate of 17%, and the city has no capital gains tax.
Thanks to efficient processes, it takes an average of 1.5 days to set up a business in Singapore, and just 15 minutes to register a company online. That’s alongside strong IP protections and light-touch regulation – many businesses have their Asia-Pacific hub in Singapore.
In order to make Singapore attractive to global businesses, Lee Kuan Yew insisted that English would be the main language of administration in the city. Alongside English, Singaporeans also learn a ‘mother tongue’ – Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil – depending on their heritage.
But low taxes and English proficiency alone would not be enough to guarantee Singapore’s success. The city also has world-leading infrastructure, designed with comfort and ease in mind. Singapore’s port is the second busiest in the world in terms of total shipping tonnage.
Meanwhile the city’s airport, Changi, is consistently rated as one of the best in the world. Changi Airport serves more than 100 airlines flying to more than 400 cities worldwide. It is clean, comfortable, and modern, designed to ensure efficient layovers and speedy boarding.
“One of the tragic illusions that many countries of the Third World entertain is the notion that politicians and civil servants can perform entrepreneurial functions.”
Within the city itself, travellers can get around using the fully automated Mass Rapid Transit network – a clean and comprehensive urban transit system, complete with functional Wi-Fi. Meanwhile the city’s roads are rated as amongst the best in the world.
Much of this infrastructure is funded and maintained by Temasek, an investment firm owned by the Singapore Government. Alongside GIC, Singapore’s other sovereign wealth fund, Temasek operates like a private company, managing many of the Government’s assets.
Temasek uses private sector incentives in the public interest. “One of the tragic illusions that many countries of the Third World entertain is the notion that politicians and civil servants can perform entrepreneurial functions.” – Dr Goh Keng Swee, 1st Finance Minister
Singapore also has a zero-tolerance approach to crime, with impartial and efficient enforcement of strict laws. Chewing gum is banned in the country, and littering can result in an on-the-spot fine. Vandalism and drug use can result in harsh penalties, including caning.
These laws, alongside an efficient system of municipal government, makes Singapore the world’s cleanest and safest city. Singaporeans regularly leave their phones as placeholders in public places – a civic culture of cleanliness and orderliness is extolled at every level.
Singapore also invests in its people and maintains genuinely meritocratic systems for hiring and firing. The Government consistently invests in education. At schools, at universities, and in public life, Singaporeans venerate intellectual ability and promote those who succeed.
Its political system is meritocratic too, prizing stability and talent. Though Singapore holds free multiparty elections, the Government maintains control over the political process. Protest is strictly controlled, and the press is regulated to prevent seditious acts and speech.
“Stability, low taxes, an efficient state, and an uncompromising approach to public order. These are the roots of Singapore’s success”
The result is the most stable political system in Asia, and amongst the most stable countries in the world. The People’s Action Party, founded by Lee Kuan Yew, has led Singapore since 1965, ensuring stability and continuity across the decades.
Public figures – civil servants and politicians – are paid well, to ensure that the best and brightest are attracted into Government. The Prime Minister of Singapore earns about ten times more than the UK’s Prime Minister, and about four times as much as the US President.
But Singapore also has a zero-tolerance approach to corruption. Public officials who take bribes while in office are removed from their post, fined, and often jailed. Just this week, the country’s former Transport Minister has been convicted of receiving gifts while in office.
Stability, low taxes, an efficient state, and an uncompromising approach to public order. These are the roots of Singapore’s success. In building Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew was not guided by ideology, but by what works. He was a pragmatic empiricist through and through.
Lee’s story is a reminder that national success is largely the product of pragmatism, competence, and vision. By studying what works in practice and implementing it, we can change society for the better. No obstacle is too big if we set our minds to the task of national revival.
The great man himself puts it best: The lessons of Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew should inspire us all.
