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My tuppenceworth – A Free Speech event

The Croydon Constitutionalists are hosting a Free Speech event on Tuesday 19th November at the South Croydon Conservative Club.

You are the star!
Your opportunity to speak to those assembled on an issue that really matters to you and give your tuppenceworth. 

Each speaker will have up to 3 minutes to speak about an issue dear to their heart, followed by a short Q&A.  The evening will include a drinks break.

Come prepared or do off the cuff, this is your opportunity to exercise some free speech, but we do remind you the laws of slander still apply!

If you would like to speak please register by emailing croydonConstitutionalists@gmail.com.

7pm for drinks and sharp 7:30pm start.

South Croydon Conservative Club.
60 Selsdon Road. South Croydon. CR2 6PE.

https://leaversofbritain.co.uk/events/croydon-a-free-speech-event/

Interview with Jayde Edwards the Conservative Party Candidate for the Council by-election in Fairfield Ward

Jayde was a candidate in 2018 in Broad Green for the Conservatives and has appeared on the Victoria Derbyshire show, supporting the party. Jayde is a member of the Spacnation church which as prevailed her to be a voice in her community and use her passion in politics to make a change.

Always keen to speak to people in Croydon who support Brexit, because we voted to leave and they support and respect democracy. The Croydon Constitutionalists spoke to Jayde Edwards the Conservative Party Candidate for the Council by-election in Fairfield Ward.

Jayde thanks for your time.

This is your second time standing what should we know about you as potentially Croydon’s next councillor?

From a very young age I have been extremely passionate, talking about the issues that most affect young people. I was brought up in a broken home, my dad left when I was 12 years old and my mum suffered with mental health for the majority of my life. This really pushed me to be vocal about changing not only my life but the lives around me. 

In 2015 aged 15 I gave birth to a baby boy which was extremely difficult whilst living in Croydon and moving to about 8 different houses.  I was constantly consumed with so many issues that I just wanted to change and be able to protect those around me. 

“I knocked on a door and a women in her mid 30s answered the door, we spoke for about an hour about the issues she is facing in her area. What inspired me the most is that she said “Never stop pushing in politics, because we need you”

Broad Green is a tough spot for a Conservative candidate. Any stories from this or previous campaign trails that have stuck in your memory?

Broad Green will always be a place that I am extremely passionate about because I lived there in temporary accommodation with my son. It was a small room with only a bed, table and TV.  I understand the struggles that people living within the ward face, hence why I was so passionate about standing although I knew it was almost impossible. My heart is still in Broad Green and I will always do everything in my power to create a positive change in the area. 

A really good experience whilst I was knocking on a door in Broad Green,  was canvassing, I knocked on a door and a women in her mid 30s answered the door, we spoke for about an hour about the issues she is facing in her area. What inspired me the most is that she said “Never stop pushing in politics, because we need you”. 

Fairfield ward is changing rapidly what do you think are the key issues in the ward?

I am extremely honoured to be selected to stand in Fairfield and I agree that there are so many things changing in Fairfield. The main issues I would say are: 
– Westfield and the promise that was given to residents. 
– Knife crime and the lack of opportunities.

“want to inspire young people, I also want to bring something new to Croydon – a new passion and a new energy”

What are your thoughts more broadly on Croydon Politics?

I have always been interested in Croydon Politics because I have lived here since I was 12. I do believe more young people need to get more involved in politics, but also more young people need to understand what politics means and how local politics can actually affect them. I think that is partly why I am standing as a candidate – I want to inspire young people, I also want to bring something new to Croydon – a new passion and a new energy. 

There’s a new campaign for a Democratically Elected Mayor of Croydon. What are your thoughts on this proposed change to the way Croydon is governed?

I think a council run by the Conservatives is the best way forward!  I do like that we have the opportunity to campaign for an elected mayor and I would love to see more young people going for these opportunities. 

Although you’re running for council the issue of the day is Brexit. What are your thoughts on the subject that divides Britain?

The main focus for me right now is the local issues in Croydon and how I can gain the trust of the residents in Fairfield. Although Brexit is important and I trust the government will ensure Britain is protected.  I choose focus on the local issues and how I can help change Fairfield. 

Jayde thank-you for the interview.

Jayde is on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JaydeTEdwards

The Fairfield by election is on the 7th November.  If you’re in the ward make sure you vote. 

Something Rotten in the Heart of Sutton

Philip Sheppard writes about our neighbours in Sutton.

Sutton, a leafy borough in South-West London, overshadowed by its larger neighbour to the East, Croydon, and often forgotten about by most people who do not know our capital city well. Politically, this is probably London’s most interesting borough. It was one of the few boroughs to have voted to leave the European Union in 2016, but since 1986 has been run effectively as a one-party state by the most liberal enlightened party currently in British politics (not).

The “Liberal Democrats”, scarred from the 2015 defeat of their darling Paul Burstow in Sutton and Cheam, are covering up one of the biggest scandals in Sutton politics during their rule of over thirty years, namely the construction of a huge refuse incinerator by Viridor in the Beddington North ward, close to the border with Croydon. Despite huge local opposition (the Lib Dems lost three councillors in Beddington North in the 2018 Local Elections to anti-incinerator independents) and a cost of £205 million to the taxpayers of four South London boroughs (including our native Croydon), the construction of the incinerator still went ahead in 2015.

Evidence had emerged of deals being done behind the scenes by a former Liberal Democrat councillor, who had a special relationship with the former Viridor CEO Colin Drummond, whose company landed the approximately £1 billion contract to build it. John Drage was a lifelong friend of Drummond’s and is also one of Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake’s main sponsors, along with his wife, Elaine. Incredibly, in order to encourage local support for the incinerator, Viridor donated around £275,000 to the Holy Trinity Church in Wallington in 2015, representing the third highest donation for any religious building in the country at the time. This obviously failed to garner the support of any local people, including fellow Lib Dem councillors. The then-Beddington North Councillor, Nick Mattey said: “Residents in my ward have been questioning why Holy Trinity Church in the middle of Wallington should get more money than any project in Beddington.”

This link, combined with Brake’s previous opposition to incinerators and the fact that the Sutton-based environmental charity Ecolocal remained strangely silent about the incinerator and its potential impact meant that the incinerator could be constructed without much scrutiny (apart from at the local election in 2018).

All in all, this shows the rot that goes on in the Sutton administration, which should not be surprising given the sly nature of the Liberal Democrats nationally. The sooner we can kick these charlatans out, the better.

By A P Monblat – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Leavers of Croydon Drinks at the Porter and Sorter

Another good night of drinks and conversation.  We even had a remoaner turn up who couldn’t take the pace…

Great to have a reporter from Canada in attendance written up at https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-the-faces-of-brexit-leave-and-remain-supporters-reflect-on-three/

If you don’t get details of all our events email us at croydonConstitutionalists@gmail.com to be added email updates which go out about once every other week.

Sputnik Radio Interview – Queen ‘Possibly Needs to Be More Active in Politics’ – Croydon Constitutionalists Member

Michael Swadling of the Croydon Constitutionalists spoke again with Sputnik Radio on the 14th October 2019.

“we have a parliament that is not interested in the people, that’s afraid of putting itself up to the people and is ignoring the people’s biggest vote in British history. If anything; going forward, we need somebody that will hold the role of the people against the executive, and possibly, the Queen needs to be more active”

on the role of the Monarchy

“it would be liberating for our economy. It would be a great opportunity for us to take flight in the world market fully, and the government is ready; they’ve done the preparations, the deals and the subcontracts that need to be in place”

on no DeaL

Interview article – https://sputniknews.com/analysis/201910141077047979-queen-possibly-needs-to-be-more-active-in-politics/

Audio :

Interview with Malachy McDermott, London Group Leader of the Libertarian Party

Always keen to support people prepared to support Brexit. The Croydon Constitutionalists spoke to Malachy McDermott, London Group Leader of the Libertarian Party.

He has also a published author who has written for Mises.org, with a Degree in Economics and English Literature from University College Dublin he currently works in Finance.

The Libertarian Party believe in limited government, personal freedom, support Brexit and pertinently a written constitution.

The Croydon Constitutionalists have previously interviewed the Libertarian Party’s Sean Finch and Mike made the personal sacrifice of travelling to their sister party in the US to interview the Libertarians of Orange County California.

Malachy thanks for your time.

Not everyone is fully familiar with your party. Can you tell us a bit about them?

The Libertarian Party is unique in British politics as it is the only party to truly speak for the rights of the individual. In an increasingly state controlled society, whether that be through crony capitalism or direct control of the economy, the individual is left by the wayside. From the Nanny State to the Victimisation of peaceful people are scope to exit without being licensed, taxed or otherwise infringed upon dwindles almost daily. The Libertarian party understands that free people able to make free decisions for which they accept the consequences is the best way for a society to function.

“An out of control central bank and increased social control by the state are issues that are not addressed by any party but the Libertarian Party”

How does the Libertarian Party differ from the Conservatives / The Brexit Party / UKIP?

Both socially and politically the Libertarian Party is trying to be an actual Libertarian voice in the UK. While the other 3 parties have attempted to be this, they, in my opinion, have cast their nets too far. In doing so they have tried to take on centrist or soft left positions. Especially from an economic and government spending point of view. Libertarianism involves a constant desire to reduce the size and scope of government and put power back in people’s hands. Although these parties attempt this, I think they lose their way a lot of the time. An out of control central bank and increased social control by the state are issues that are not addressed by any party but the Libertarian Party.

What was your personal journey to libertarianism and what made you get involved in the party?

I have come right from the other end of the political compass to get here! I started out in my teens as a full on Communist, going to university I mellowed somewhat into vaguely centrist or modern liberal perspective. Then about 3 or 4 years ago I began writing a blog. When analysing and fact checking, I came to more and more Libertarian conclusions, although I really didn’t know that there was a name for it. When I came across the term, I became a very active keyboard warrior! About a year ago I met Sean Finch from our Kent branch, he introduced me to the party and I haven’t looked back.

You’re the leader of the London Group of the party what does that involve?

At the moment it’s about getting established and getting the right team in place. To do this we have the Facebook page and the monthly meet ups. Both are free to all to have a look at. I have met so many great people and made a lot of connections which has made running this a lot easier. But we are always looking for new people and any help is hugely appreciated!

“I want to get some councillors elected. Getting names on ballot papers and getting the word out there is a must. A lot of my focus is letting people know that they do not have to be socially liberal and economically left wing or socially conservative and economically right wing. There is a space, a philosophy and a party that allows you to believe in economic AND individual freedom”

What are you ambitions for London? What tactics and policies do you see making a breakthrough for the party?

My ambitions are always high, there’s not much point in doing something if they are not! For the moment though I want to get some councillors elected. Getting names on ballot papers and getting the word out there is a must. A lot of my focus is letting people know that they do not have to be socially liberal and economically left wing or socially conservative and economically right wing. There is a space, a philosophy and a party that allows you to believe in economic AND individual freedom. If we can get people elected and show people what that will mean in their day to day lives, I don’t see why this movement could not spread throughout the capital.

What do you think might give the Libertarian Party UK the breakthrough the US party has?

Exposure. The more media coverage you get, the more people will check your social media, the more people will get involved. It’s cyclical and self-perpetuating, but a vital part of any political campaign.

Libertarian Party USA

What are your current views on politics in London and the big issues that need addressing?

Politics in London is a vastly overcomplicated with so many different organisations under state control and so many councils taking on projects that private industry could handle. Our Mayor has failed in so many areas and continues down a socialist problem solving (not that it ever solves any problems) route that will lead to chaos in a post Brexit Britain. Londoners need to be free from rent control (which has never worked), they need the right to defend themselves and they need to be able to trade freely; unburdened from ridiculous rates and fees. A freer, more responsible London, that allows communities to focus on themselves, with a sustainable package of free market solutions where once there were only monopolistic state interventions on offer is what I would like to see.

Libertarian Party UK

If you could introduce or repeal 3 laws (other than for Brexit) what would they be?

Self Defence items – Individuals are defenceless against criminals. Stabbings and sexual assaults seem to dominate the media, especially here in the capital. Allowing people to carry pepper spray for example would act as a huge deterrent to crime and give power and agency back to peaceful, law-abiding people.

Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (The Snooper’s Charter) – This and laws like it rarely lead to the catching of criminals, however they do the central government a massive database of personal data. Often the old adage of “If you’re doing nothing wrong then you have nothing to hide” is brought up here. To that I would reply that what is okay today may be criminal tomorrow. You do not know who will be elected or what direction politics will take, so take care with your data.

Compulsory purchase orders – If you own your property, then you own it. There is an ill feeling that hits the pit of my stomach when people are forced to give up their property to the state. There is an underlying idea in the UK of a great Liberal tradition in the original meaning of the word (John Locke etc.), an essential part of that is private property and not even the state is above that philosophy.

“Even better is if you write down where you are now and take a look at it in 6 months, again you will see that the negative changes are from government interference”

Any other thoughts you want to leave us with?

I would like everyone who is reading this to do two things. Think of where you are now, what you are free to do, what money you pay and what you get for it. Then try and think of a year or two years ago and think of what’s changed. I will bet that most of these changes are the result of government action and not for the better. Even better is if you write down where you are now and take a look at it in 6 months, again you will see that the negative changes are from government interference. Something must change, socialism and conservatism have tried and failed, let’s give Libertarianism a shot, the great thing about that is that is it’s not handing someone the reigns and waiting for them to fix it, but genuinely having the reigns given back to you, so the freedom to choose what to do and responsibility of how to act lies with you.

Malachy thank-you for the interview.

Malachy can be contact on Facebook.

The Libertarian Party can be found at https://libertarianparty.co.uk/

Executive Pay at Croydon Council

With budgets tight, and a constant demand for new and improved services, council spending is always under pressure. 

Following successful events held with the TaxPayers’ Alliance we have written to the leaders with responsibility for Croydon of the Labour, Conservative, The Brexit, Polish Pride, Christian Alliance, Unity, Democrats and Veterans, Libertarian, Foundation, UKIP, and Liberal Democratic Parties.  Asking them you to support our campaign to support local taxpayers, and keep control of executive pay at Croydon Council. 

In our campaign supported by local residents we have asked that they agree to our proposal that in future no newly appointed council employee will earn more than the Prime Minister.  Out letter to the parties is available here:

The responses in support of our proposal are below, for the others we await their responses and hope they choose to support the taxpayers of Croydon.

Thank-you all for your support for the hardworking families of Croydon.

Podcast Episode 11 – Freedom of Speech…Just Watch What You Say

In this episode we bring you the speeches from our recent event held at The Green Dragon in Croydon, Our speakers on the night were:

  • Harry Fone – Taxpayers Alliance
  • Sean Finch – Libertarian Party
  • Izzy Montague – Croydon Mother
  • David Kurten – GLA Member

More on the participants available here and photos from the night.

Podcast available on:

Debating Society: A small income tax increase is justified to fund social care

The Coulsdon and Purley Debating Society planned to hold two debates in September but ran out of time on the night.  One was planned on “A small income tax increase is justified to fund social care”.

The text below was originally written by Mike Swadling as a speech to be delivered to a live audience for the purpose of a debating society.  Join them for their next debate on Monday 4th November, where the subject will be “It is unrealistic nowadays to have an unarmed police force”.

Other details from debate club nights can be found in CR5 Magazine.

“To use the dreadful term many people are bed blocking what is say a £500 a day bed, because a roughly £500 a month social care package can’t be provided”

Yes pay more

We are at the start of a 25 year period of peak age.  The demographics mean for a generation we will have older people, often needing more care and fewer working age people to pay for it.  This will eventually ease away, but this a challenge facing us now.

I suspect I am not alone in having seen a loved one in hospital, not able to leave for a lack of social care.  To use the dreadful term many people are bed blocking what is say a £500 a day bed, because a roughly £500 a month social care package can’t be provided.

This doesn’t make sense for the patients’ mental or physical health, their family’s needs, costs to the NHS and taxpayers, or the needs of the person requiring that ‘blocked bed’.

That extra funding is needed few would doubt.  The question is how do you provide it?

Laffer Curve

Let me try a little thought experiment with you.

Which do you think would raise more revenue for the government?

An income tax rate of 100% or 0%?

(Answer: both the same £0 why would anyone work to pay 100% tax)

Ok which rate do you think would raise more money for the government?

An income tax rate of 99% or 1%?

(Answer: 1% why would anyone work to pay 99% tax, we all work at a tax rate of more than 1% tax)

An income tax rate of 75% or 25%?

(Answer: 25% why would anyone work to pay 75% tax)

This demonstrates higher tax rates do not necessarily mean higher tax takes.

Known as the Laffer curve after the Economist Arthur Laffer.  It predicts somewhere between 25% and 33% is the point where government income is maximised.

The disincentives in tax, do not outweigh the extra income from higher rates.

Broadly in income tax people are prepared to say two for me, and one for you.  But no more.

“the total tax take has never been lower than 32.5% of GDP and never higher that 37.5% of GDP.  Mostly these fluctuations are around the periods of recessions as the economy rapidly changes.  Higher tax rates don’t increase tax revenue.  People simply refuse to pay it”

Tax

On the UKs average income of about £30,000.

  • you pay about £6,000 in tax and national insurance
  • you are usually be responsible for let’s say half the average £1600 council tax
  • about £200 in car tax
  • you pay about another £200 in air tax for your holiday
  • and close to many of our hearts, 52p on a pint and about £3.5 on a £7 bottle of wine.

It’s not hard to see about a third of our income going in tax.

Total government tax revenue as a percentage of GDP is about 36%, whereas spending is about 37%.

Since the 1970s tax receipts have never exceed 38% of GDP, mostly that have hovered around 35%

  • In this time we have had governments of Labour, Conservative, LibLab Pacts, Conservative Liberal coalitions, the UUP prop up James Callahan, and the DUP prop up Theresa May.
  • In that time basic rate income has been as high as 35% and as low as 20%.
  • The top rate has been as high as    83%    and as low as 40%.
  • It’s not just income tax.  Corporation tax has been as high as 52% and as low as 28%

Yet the total tax take has never been lower than 32.5% of GDP and never higher that 37.5% of GDP.

Mostly these fluctuations are around the periods of recessions as the economy rapidly changes.

Higher tax rates don’t increase tax revenue.  People simply refuse to pay it.

They work less, more of off books, on in the case of the most highly skilled, simply move and work elsewhere to avoid overly burdensome tax rates.

High tax rates kill economic growth.

Savings

If you want to spend more on social care, find an existing poor use of money and reallocate it. You can also reduce the costs of providing the care itself. If I could ask your indulgence with a few suggestions:

  • Merge responsibilities and budgets of the NHS and Social Service.
  • As a result local managers can decide if the best service is provided by funding acute care or stopping bed blocking.
  • As I have said I firmly believe many £500 a day beds are being filled for lack of a £500 a month care package.
  • More money is pouring into the NHS.  You might not think it’s enough, but every year spending increases.  Form 3.7% of GDP in 1970 to 7.1% now, the trend is relentlessly up.
  • Rather than focus on building more and better hospitals for a National Hospital Service, let’s focus on a National Health Service.
  • Let’s see if there are more efficient ways to spend that money, that get better overall outcomes.
  • Let’s get creative.  Some people require a huge amount of care, but lots of fairly active able pensioners and others require a little bit of social care.  At the same time we have problems caring for special needs adults and children and a high cost of nursery care.
  • Let’s look at facilities where we can bring old and young together for both their benefits, and reduce the cost of staffing in the process.
  • Experiments like those carried out by the ExtraCare Charitable Trust or St Monica Trust show such operations reduce depression and improve general health in the elderly whilst increasing maturity and language skills in the young.
  • From 2013 all new Nurses need degrees.  Why?  Does it really require two years in college and 3 in University to empty a bed pan?
  • Are straight A’s needed to provide a good bedside manor?
  • Are these perhaps skills better learnt by doing, rather than by reading a book or sitting in a lecture theatre?
  • Some functions performed by nurses may need additional qualifications but clearly not all.  There is anecdotal evidence that Nurses with degrees are less focused on being a patient’s friend, providing basic comfort or even a clean environment and more on only the work requiring graduate studies.
  • A mixed ward with graduate, on the job highly trained, and new less skilled nurses providing basic care, will be cheaper, and frankly might be better at providing the full spectrum of care needed for patients.

Achieving the same level of care at a cheaper rate per a patient, means more care can be provided, or more money for life saving drugs, or simply a lower charge for those families paying for care.

Summing up

As I have said I think we do need to put more funding into social care.  But an income tax increase is simply the wrong way to provide it.

It may sound good, but it won’t do good. In fact it could have the opposite effect.

If you want more money to spend on social care, re balance government spending and make this a priority.

Vote against this motion, don’t reduce tax take and leave those most in need paying for a nice sounding, but wrong doing proposition.

Photo by The original uploader was Blakwolf at Italian Wikipedia. – Transferred from it.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY 2.5