Reform UK are in the process of setting up local branches across the country. Locally Scott Holman the Reform UK general election candidate in Croydon East, has become the chair the new Croydon & Sutton Branch.
Join us on Wednesday 16th October for our drinks and conversation and with Scott. We will discuss his new role, Reform’s plans locally and some of their ideas for Croydon and Sutton.
For drinks, a conversation and Q&A with Scott about the Reform UK local plans, come along Wednesday 16th October 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.
Julie Carter is an Independent candidate for South Acton ward in Ealing, in the council by-election to be held on 10th October. We spoke with Julie about her decision to stand.
“South Acton locals have come to me with problems they want solved; resident parking and speed limit signage near the local school, re-opening the long-promised recycling dump”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
I am putting myself forward to give the local residents an alternative to the tired old parties.
South Acton locals have come to me with problems they want solved; resident parking and speed limit signage near the local school, re-opening the long-promised recycling dump, and most importantly, a councillor who is present for them. One resident says he hasn’t ever seen his local councillor “where are they?”
“A lifelong resident of Ealing, I have demonstrated commitment to public service as past governor of Ealing Hospital and Chiswick School”
You’re the candidate for South Acton. What are the main concerns in the area?
South Acton is the hidden gem of Ealing, a vibrant, close-knit community, it deserves better representation, someone who will help them to access Ealing Council.
A lifelong resident of Ealing, I have demonstrated commitment to public service as past governor of Ealing Hospital and Chiswick School, and I am ready to serve South Acton’s residents.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
Marco Manassero is the Reform UK candidate for South Acton ward in Ealing, in the council by-election to be held on 10th October. We spoke with Marco about his decision to stand.
“In Ealing, Labour’s long-term control has led to complacency, and the issues facing our community have not been adequately addressed”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
My name is Marco Manassero, an Italian-born, British-naturalised insurance professional and entrepreneur. After graduating from a leading European business school, I relocated to the UK in 2012 and later founded my own company. I am married with two daughters. I’ve always had a keen interest in politics, but my career and family have taken up most of my time and energy. However, the recent moral and economic decline of our country has pushed me to take action. In Ealing, Labour’s long-term control has led to complacency, and the issues facing our community have not been adequately addressed. I am standing as the Reform UK candidate because I believe we need fresh leadership and accountability. A vote for the same old parties is a vote for more of the same failures. Only Reform UK will stand up for the people of Ealing and deliver real change.
“Overdevelopment is another serious concern. While new homes are necessary, development must be balanced with adequate infrastructure”
You’re the candidate for South Acton. What are the main concerns in the area?
In my view, the most pressing issues in South Acton are crime and overdevelopment. Residents are particularly concerned about the rise in violence against women, drug use and anti-social behaviour, all of which are linked to a lack of police presence on our streets. Labour’s leadership has clearly failed to address these serious issues and far too often crimes go uninvestigated.
Overdevelopment is another serious concern. While new homes are necessary, development must be balanced with adequate infrastructure, including schools, parking, GP services and public transport.
“If elected, I would prioritise holding the Labour-run Ealing Council to account, working closely with the local police to address increasing crime levels”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Ealing and if elected what do you hope to champion?
Ealing faces a variety of challenges, many of which are also present in South Acton: rising crime, limited access to health and social care services, overdevelopment, anti-motorist measures and a lack of local job opportunities. If elected, I would prioritise holding the Labour-run Ealing Council to account, working closely with the local police to address increasing crime levels and promoting neighbourhood watch initiatives. I would also ensure that property development is managed responsibly and aligned with necessary improvements in infrastructure.
Additionally, I would hold regular community meetings to listen to concerns and ensure transparency. By engaging with the community, we can work together to make South Acton a safer and more vibrant place to live.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
We welcome support from residents of South Acton and neighbouring areas. There are many ways to get involved, from leafleting to speaking with voters or sharing our message on social media. If you’d like to help, please contact us on Twitter/X @MgManassero or via email at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you and work together to make a difference.
Fabio Pukaj is the Reform UK candidate for Hanger Hill ward in Ealing, in the council by-election to be held on 10th October. We spoke with Fabio about his decision to stand.
“I’m driven by the hope of bringing that same spirit of possibility to Hanger Lane, with a vision of creating a community where everyone can reach their full potential”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
When I was 16, I took my first leap into running my own online business. It wasn’t just about making money; it was about learning how to truly connect with people and create meaningful opportunities. Alongside this, my summer job as a waiter taught me the grit and resilience needed to push through tough times.
These experiences have deeply shaped my understanding of how vital opportunities are and sparked a fire in me to help others find their own path to success. Now, at 21, I’m driven by the hope of bringing that same spirit of possibility to Hanger Lane, with a vision of creating a community where everyone can reach their full potential and live their best lives.
“Many residents are worried about crime, struggling with poverty, and feeling frustrated by too many rules that make life difficult”
You’re the candidate for Hanger Hill ward what are the main concerns in the area?
From a young age, I’ve been connected to Hanger Lane, not just geographically but through the relationships I’ve built and the time I’ve spent in the area. My experiences living close by have given me an understanding of what the community needs to thrive. Over the years, I’ve seen first hand how local issues like rising crime, limited opportunities, and unnecessary regulations have impacted the daily lives of residents.
These experiences have inspired me to run as a candidate with Reform UK, with a mission to create meaningful opportunities and build a safer, more prosperous Hanger Lane. I believe that together, we can unlock the full potential of our community, ensuring that it’s a place where everyone can feel secure, grow, and succeed.
Many residents are worried about crime, struggling with poverty, and feeling frustrated by too many rules that make life difficult. I’m running for you to help solve these problems on day one. I want to make Hanger Lane a place where people can walk home at night without looking over your shoulder, where you don’t have to worry about the threat of being harmed. A community where people feel secure, where children can play outside without fear, and where you’re not held back by unnecessary obstacles.
My goal is to build a Hanger Lane that supports you—where there are more opportunities, and where families can live peacefully and thrive without constant worry or fear.
“Ealing faces broader challenges, such as outdated infrastructure and limited access to essential resources. These issues affect all of us, and I am fully committed to tackling them head-on”
What do you see as the major issues more widely in Ealing and if elected what do you hope to champion?
The residents’ biggest concerns are mine too: rising crime, lack of support, and too many restrictions.
If I’m elected, I’ll work hard to reduce crime in our community, provide better support for those who need it, and get rid of rules that make life harder for residents and their families on day one. My focus is on listening to residents needs and delivering solutions that make a real difference in their everyday life.
Furthermore, Ealing faces broader challenges, such as outdated infrastructure and limited access to essential resources. These issues affect all of us, and I am fully committed to tackling them head-on. My vision is to breathe new life into our community, ensuring that everyone has the support and opportunities they deserve. Together, we can build the strongest, most united Ealing the world has ever seen, where every resident has the chance to succeed.
For those eager to help, how can they get involved in the campaign?
If you’d like to share your ideas or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. I’m here for you and ready to act on what matters most to you.
The UK’s economy has stagnated since 2008. In terms of GDP per capita – economic output divided by the number of people in a country – we’ve actually gone backwards. Sam Bidwell gives an overview of the countries that the UK was richer than in 2007, but which have since overtaken us…
“None of this was inevitable. Our economic stagnation was the result of policy choices made by successive governments”
UK GDP per Capita, 2007: $50,397
Singapore GDP per Capita, 2007: $39,432
UK GDP per Capita, 2023: $48,866
Singapore GDP per Capita, 2023: $84,734
In 2007, the UK was richer than Singapore, southeast Asia’s Lion City – today, it is much, much poorer.
UK GDP per Capita, 2007: $50,397
USA GDP per Capita, 2007: $48,050
UK GDP per Capita, 2023: $48,866
USA GDP per Capita, 2023: $81,695
In 2007, the UK was (slightly) richer than the United States, the world’s economic superpower. Today, it is far poorer.
UK GDP per Capita, 2007: $50,397
Australia GDP per Capita, 2007: $41,051
UK GDP per Capita, 2023: $48,866
Australia GDP per Capita, 2023: $64,711
In 2007, the UK was richer than Australia, a world-leading mining economy. Today, it is much poorer.
UK GDP per Capita, 2007: $50,397
Austria GDP per Capita, 2007: $46,915
UK GDP per Capita, 2023: $48,866
Austria GDP per Capita, 2023: $56,506
In 2007, the UK was richer than Austria, a highly developed social market economy. Today, it is poorer.
UK GDP per Capita, 2007: $50,397
Belgium GDP per Capita, 2007: $44,319
UK GDP per Capita, 2023: $48,866
Belgium GDP per Capita, 2023: $53,475
“When you see crumbling infrastructure, poor public services, or stagnant job opportunities, you’re seeing these two lost decades of growth”
In 2007, the UK was richer than Belgium, a developed services economy and home of the EU. Today, it is poorer. {Editors note: Taking money from hard working citizens of the EU does help}.
UK GDP per Capita, 2007: $50,397
Finland GDP per Capita, 2007: $48,467
UK GDP per Capita, 2023: $48,866
Finland GDP per Capita, 2023: $53,755
In 2007, the UK was richer than Finland, a powerhouse in electronics manufacturing. Today, it is poorer.
UK GDP per Capita, 2007: $50,397
Canada GDP per Capita, 2007: $44,659
UK GDP per Capita, 2023: $48,866
Canada GDP per Capita, 2023: $53,371
In 2007, the UK was richer than Canada, our oil-producing cousins across the Atlantic. Today, it is poorer.
UK GDP per Capita, 2007: $50,397
Germany GDP per Capita, 2007: $41,640
UK GDP per Capita, 2023: $48,866
Germany GDP per Capita, 2023: $52,745
In 2007, the UK was richer than Germany, Europe’s manufacturing powerhouse. Today, it is poorer.
UK GDP per Capita, 2007: $50,397
UAE GDP per Capita, 2007: $43,918
UK GDP per Capita, 2023: $48,866
UAE GDP per Capita, 2023: $52,976
In 2007, the UK was richer than the UAE, the Gulf state which plays host to futuristic cities like Dubai. Today, it is poorer.
UK GDP per Capita, 2007: $50,397
Hong Kong GDP per Capita, 2007: $30,593
UK GDP per Capita, 2023: $48,866
Hong Kong GDP per Capita, 2023: $50,696
“it doesn’t have to be this way. We were richer than these world-leading economies before, and we can do it again”
In 2007, the UK was much richer than Hong Kong, East Asia’s financial services superpower. Today, it is poorer.
UK GDP per Capita, 2007: $50,397
Israel GDP per Capita, 2007: $25,633
UK GDP per Capita, 2023: $48,866
Israel GDP per Capita, 2023: $52,261
In 2007, the UK was much richer than Israel, the Middle East’s high-tech hub. Today, it is poorer.
None of this was inevitable. Our economic stagnation was the result of policy choices made by successive governments since 2008. Our broken planning system, expensive energy, and a risk-averse regulatory culture have all contributed to nearly two lost decades of growth.
When you see crumbling infrastructure, poor public services, or stagnant job opportunities, you’re seeing these two lost decades of growth. The point is that it doesn’t have to be this way. We were richer than these world-leading economies before, and we can do it again.
Principally, this requires two things from our politicians. Honesty – about why we are where we are, and how we got here. And ambition – about what Britain can, and should, be. We deserve to be a high-tech, high-growth, high-powered economy again.
That means getting the basics right – housing, energy, infrastructure, public order, migration. Let’s start building things again and stop relying on low-skilled labour. Dare to dream. We built the modern world before, and we can do it again. Anglofuturism now.
The New Culture Forum believe that cultural issues are the defining ones of our time. They believe that too often our enemies and our opinion formers appear to agree that Western culture is indefensible or a source purely of shame. The New Culture Forum has been challenging the cultural orthodoxies dominant in the media, academia, education, and wider British culture.
Join us on Wednesday 20th November for our drinks and conversation with Stephen Balogh the New Culture Forum National Organiser and candidate for the SDP in Ealing Central & Acton. For drinks, a conversation and Q&A with Stephen about the New Culture Forum, cultural concerns and his experience running for parliament, come along Wednesday 20th November 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.
We are joined by Sam Bidwell, the Director of the Next Generation Centre at the Adam Smith Institute, as we discuss the challenges of selling economic liberty and free markets to younger people.
00:00 – Intro 01:40 – Next Generation Centre at the Adam Smith Institute 06:30 – Young people & free markets 15:00 – Selling economic liberty 19:40 – Policy ideas 24:10 – Thoughts on the new government 28:50 – Plans for the Next Generation Centre 31:16 – Website 33:30 – Events 35:08 – Outro
“Dubai’s remarkable growth is the product of shrewd investments, business-friendly tax and regulatory rules”
In just fifty years, Dubai has transformed from an obscure fishing village into a city of global significance.
Despite popular misconceptions, oil revenues contribute less than 1% of Dubai’s GDP today. You read that right – unlike nearby Abu Dhabi, Dubai’s economy is not powered by oil revenues. In fact, Dubai’s remarkable growth is the product of shrewd investments, business-friendly tax and regulatory rules, and an uncompromising approach to political stability.
Modern Dubai was founded as a fishing village on the Persian Gulf at some point in the 18th century. Throughout the early 19th century, Dubai – as well as other neighbouring Gulf states – fell under British influence. In 1820, these small Gulf states fell under a British protectorate.
“In 1901, Sheikh Makhtoum bin Hasher Al Makhtoum established Dubai as a free port, with no tariffs on imports or exports”
As early as 1900, Dubai began to emerge as an important port. Its location at the mouth of the Persian Gulf made it ideal for trading into the Middle East, India, and East Africa. This geographic advantage, and its openness to commerce, has been the secret to Dubai’s success.
In 1901, Sheikh Makhtoum bin Hasher Al Makhtoum established Dubai as a free port, with no tariffs on imports or exports. Merchants, particularly those working in the pearl industry, were given parcels of land, guarantees of protection, and religious toleration.
In the first half of the 20th century, Dubai grew in importance as a hub for trade with Persia and India. However, the city’s position was supercharged with the emergence of a new leader. In 1957, Rashid bin Saeed Al Makhtoum succeeded his father to become ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Rashid understood the young city’s potential. He set about transforming Dubai from a small coastal settlement into a modern port city. He also understood the keys to Dubai’s success – openness to trade, infrastructure investments, stability and order.
“In 1966, more gold was shipped from London to Dubai than almost anywhere in the world”
He set about creating private companies to build and operate infrastructure. In 1959, he established Dubai’s first telephone company; by 1961, it had rolled out an operational network. The city’s private water company established a regular supply of piped water by 1968.
By 1960, the city’s airport had opened, with flights operating across the Middle East. In 1963, the Sheikh opened the first bridge across Dubai Creek, paid for by tolls. The airport was expanded in 1965 to enable long-haul flights and was expanded again in 1970.
By the late 1960s, Dubai was also a hub for the global gold trade – much of which was based on the illegal sale of gold to India. In 1966, more gold was shipped from London to Dubai than almost anywhere in the world (only France and Switzerland took more).
And again, this is all before the discovery of oil. By the time that Dubai struck it rich in 1966, it was already a growing port, with a solid base of infrastructure and a low-tax, pro-business environment. Of course, the discovery of oil supercharged Sheikh Rashid’s vision.
“Roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools were constructed in a construction glut which propelled Dubai’s economy through the 1980s. As the old saying goes, build it and they will come”
But Sheikh Rashid had the foresight to know that one day, the oil would run out. He understood that one day, the city would need to survive without oil – and so set about making Dubai a world-leading hub for regional and international commerce.
In 1972, Port Rashid was constructed and in 1979, it was followed by the Port of Jebel Ali, today the busiest in the Middle East. In 1978, Sheikh Rashid opened the Dubai World Trade Centre. Dubai Creek was dredged and widened in the early 1970s. In 1983, Dubai Drydocks opened.
Meanwhile the city’s airport was expanded, and hotels were opened for business travellers. Roads, bridges, hospitals, and schools were constructed in a construction glut which propelled Dubai’s economy through the 1980s. As the old saying goes, build it and they will come.
This infrastructure-first approach was the foundational principle of Dubai’s pro-business policy environment. By leveraging the city’s geography and encouraging businesses to invest, Dubai made itself into one of the Middle East’s leading trade entrepôts.
The city sits at the mouth of the oil-rich Persian Gulf, with convenient maritime connections to Asia, Europe, and Africa. By air, more than 50% of the world’s population is 7 hours or less from Dubai – again, ideal geography for an international business hub.
“26 free trade zones, companies enjoy a 50-year corporation tax exemption, and no international tariffs. Many of these free trade zones use English common law”
However, it’s not just geography and infrastructure. Dubai has no income tax. Corporation tax is low at 9% – and in 26 free trade zones, companies enjoy a 50-year corporation tax exemption, and no international tariffs. Many of these free trade zones use English common law.
These zones create an extremely business-friendly environment – many international businesses have their regional or global HQs in Dubai. At the same time, the state invests in the infrastructure – roads, schools, hospitals – needed to keep business travellers coming.
And speaking of business travellers, Dubai – and the rest of the United Arab Emirates – is home to a large number of foreigners. In fact, 88% of the UAE’s population are expats. The territory’s tax-free status and world-leading infrastructure attracts high net-worth individuals.
However, unlike in Europe, immigrants in Dubai live under strict conditions. They do not benefit from state welfare and can be deported at any time. It is almost impossible to become a naturalised citizen. In return, migrants get to make far more money than they would at home.
This is particularly true for low-skilled migrants, often from South Asia, who come to the country under the so-called ‘kafala system’. Under the kafala system, all migrant workers need to have an Emirati sponsor – if their employment ends, so does their residence.
Which brings me onto the final aspect of Dubai’s success – law and order. The city has a zero-tolerance approach to crime and public disorder. The Dubai Police employs drones and has an average emergency response time of 2 minutes and 24 seconds, as of Q3 2023.
“Despite popular misconceptions, its rapid rise owes just as much to sensible policymaking as to oil. Not everybody can turn a patch of desert into a global megacity!”
Sheikh Rashid passed away in 1990. He was succeeded by his son, Maktoum, who ruled until 2006. In turn, Maktoum was succeeded by his brother Mohammed, who rules Dubai to this day. Though Dubai has grown considerably since Sheikh Rashid’s time, the basic principles are the same.
In many ways, the principles that built modern Dubai are the same as those that built Hong Kong, Singapore – or even, historically, London.
Openness to business
Ideal strategic positioning
Shrewd investments in infrastructure
Pragmatic governance
Law and order
Whatever you think of Dubai, the city’s growth is one of the most incredible stories of the 20th century. Despite popular misconceptions, its rapid rise owes just as much to sensible policymaking as to oil. Not everybody can turn a patch of desert into a global megacity!
Yes, it really is true – as of today, less than 1% of Dubai’s GDP is generated by oil revenues. In fact, it’s commerce, financial services, real estate, and transportation that are the biggest drivers. The ultimate service economy!
We recently held a public meeting in Purley and were joined by 2 local candidates from the recent General Election; Vinayak Malhotra, who stood for Reform UK in Croydon West and Damon Young, who stood for the SDP in Epsom & Ewell. We talked about their experiences of the campaign and their future plans.
