John Swallow

12th July 2010 - Time To Make Change

2010-07-11T01:45:00.000-07:00

It is becoming clear what the Coalition Government has planned for the country. On the surface of it the government has found a situation far worse than they had imagined and is having to take emergency action. Deep down the Conservative Party is delighted beyond its wildest dreams.

The public has an expectation of spending cuts and the Conservatives have the Liberal Democrats signed up for a five year government. The Labour Party is listless and rudderless, following losing the May election, totally unable to oppose the Con-Lib Government. Even worse is the lack of vision of the candidates in the Labour Party’s leadership election. This then has given the Conservative Party its opportunity to go way beyond what Margaret Thatcher did in the 1980s.

This is about ideology. The people that have for years paid into the Conservative Party will now see a return on their investment. The factors I have already mentioned will reap them a rich harvest.

Michael Gove the softy spoken Education Minister had difficulty in getting his facts and figures right this week on what was being axed in the school building programme. To Mr. Gove’s inconvenience the Speaker of the House of Commons called him to Parliament to explain himself and apologise. This was done with fulsome apologies, offers to meet those aggrieved but no embarrassment shown by Mr. Gove. The school building cuts will still be made. Sure some Tory MPs will lose their new school and the opportunity to have a nice picture taken with the local press while they praise the Con-Lib Government.

To make my point clear its worth looking back over the years at what Michael Gove has said and written about on many issues. Mr. Gove isn’t making these cuts because he has to; he is making these cuts because he wants to. Like so many in the Conservative Party he wants to roll back the role of the state (which affects me and you!) and use the power of money to decide who has what in this world.

Peterborough is not immune too: This week Stewart Jackson (“community based MP”) is quoted in the Peterborough Evening Telegraph (10.7.2010) as saying, “We have too much social housing” and in Mr. Jackson’s “Westminster Life” Column (9.7.2010) he states, “So despite the area being a centre of crime and anti-social behaviour and multiple deprivation anyway, they thought it was a great idea to import even more benefit dependent workless individuals!”

A Bus driver in Peterborough on basic pay earns £8.50 per hour which is £17k per year. That would get them a mortgage of £59, 500. Assuming a property price of £90,000 which really is cheap in Peterborough that leaves the deposit of £39, 500 to find. Jobs in call centres and warehousing/distribution seem to have a salary of about £13.5k basic. You don’t have to be in Mr Jackson’s, “benefit dependent workless individuals” to need good quality reasonably priced housing.

Maybe the Tory answer to social housing is more slum landlords and we seem to have more than our fair share of those in Peterborough. Get rid of “red tape”, the inconvenient legislation that inhibits the private rental sector, put council enforcement officials under even more pressure by cuts in budgets and the rewards for entrepreneurs could be, well, quite rewarding.

It may well be that Stewart Jackson (“community based MP”) has been working very hard in his new Government role helping the peace process in Northern Ireland and he wrote and quoted while not at his best. We all make mistakes as Mr Gove proved earlier.

Having been on the same platform with Mr Jackson (“community based”....you get the picture!) during the 2010 election I don’t think it was any mistake. I believe we have an MP one of those Tory’s who delights in the opportunity they have to reward the Conservative Party donors for all their millions. Mr Jackson used to work for a bank too!

So that leaves us with problems. Some may call them issues, on the basis you have to deal with problems and issues just have to be recognised. Others may call them opportunities.

Some of us will no doubt take to the streets in protest. There may well be strikes to support various causes. Some of us will feel that we can change things by joining a political party and getting involved. Others will lead press campaigns or write letters. All this is good stuff, but we need to do more.

If Labour represented Broken Britain, the Conservatives represent Smashed-up Britain.

Time to make change!

If you have read this and it rings a bell, maybe a reminder, a call or an alarm then maybe you need to respond.

If you have a child in education or you work in education please get involved with your union, the Governors or Parent Teacher Association. If you’re a tenant join and participate in the tenants association.

At work join your trade union, not just as an insurance policy if you need representation. Get involved, go to meetings, listen and express your views, experiences and fears. We all have issues at work and by sharing them we come together and sort them.

Maybe you have a passion for helping those less fortunate, you don’t have to be a tramp to be homeless, or spendthrift to fall into debt issues. Just losing your job can be enough. If you can help, volunteer.

You might want to consider joining CAMRA, a campaigning organisation devoted to beer or help out at AA. By doing so you make a contribution you make your voice heard and meet like minded people.

You might have questions about Cristianity that you’ve done nothing about. Maybe you just don’t know. Sign up for the Alpha Course at your local church, meet similar people and exchange experiences, hopes and fears.

In the back pages of the Peterborough Evening telegraph there are the local pages. I’m amazed at what goes on in the local areas, useful meetings, consultations, groups being formed to promote various aims. They are an ideal starting place. If you don’t know how to get involved with something you have a passion for then by all means email me. If you do get involved as a result of this blog again please email me.

By making that move, by getting involved, having your say, listening and responding to others we will be bigger than any political party, bigger than any government. Politics doesn’t just happen at Westminster in fact I don’t think it really happens at Westminster it happens here, starting at home, goes to work or college with us, and its with us when we socialise or go online and it’s still with us wherever we lay our head at the end of the day.

We need to take control. Take control and you benefit and so will your community

Most British voters say political parties are corrupt

2010-05-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

Most British voters say political parties are corrupt
Submitted by Independent Network on Wed, 05/05/2010 - 08:43
Press Release
Most British voters (51%) say that political parties are corrupt.
Research by ICM, conducted the day after the final leaders’ debate, shows that trust in political parties remains low, even following four weeks of intense campaigning.
The ICM survey also revealed that almost one in three (30%) UK voters wanted their MP to be independent of a political party. This puts the level of support for independents close to that polled for each of the three main parties.
More than one in four (28%) also thought an independent MP would represent them better in parliament. 18 to 24 year old voters were the most likely to agree that political parties are corrupt, as well as the most supportive of independent MPs.
Many voters still can’t see the difference between the political parties at this late stage in the campaign. A new ComRes poll reveals that four in ten voters (38%) are still undecided about who to vote for. The figure was even higher in marginal seats where almost half of respondents (46%) told the final Reuters/Ipsos MORI poll that they are still undecided. Foreign Secretary David Miliband described the number as “unprecedented”. Independent candidates offer the only alternative to political party candidates.
The findings are supported by a survey for Transparency International across 69 countries last year that found political parties were viewed as the most corrupt institutions in society, ahead of the civil service, police, judiciary, parliament, media and private sector. Almost one in three (30%) British respondents selected political parties as the most corrupt institution in society, just ahead of the global average.
Former independent MP, Martin Bell, is looking to increase the number of independents elected by backing the Independent Network, a non-profit organisation that provides support to candidates who are not members of political parties.
“The swing voter is tired of monkeying around,” said Brian Ahearne, Director of the Independent Network. “A vote for the status quo is a wasted vote. The only alternative to political parties is to vote for an independent candidate. As they are not members of a political party, they can represent their constituency more effectively. Independent candidates are guided by considered evidence, their real world experience and expertise, their constituencies and their consciences, not a political party, pressure group or party whip.”
Mr Ahearne continued, “The electorate must not be confused into believing that their vote is for a leader or political party, when in fact on May 6th they will be voting for a local constituency MP.”
- Ends -

5th May 2010 – Nearly There

2010-05-04T23:58:00.000-07:00

5th May 2010 – Nearly There

It’s been a really exciting week so far. I am amazed at the amount of support being offered to me at the ballot box. In heady moments, I'm sure it’s a four horse race.

Stewart Jackson obviously looking to build his majority but he is fighting the questions over his expenses from last year. Talking to peopleon the doorstep, they are very sceptical about voting Tory this time, especially as they don't know where the cuts will fall.

Ed Murphy, as the Labour candidate, has to stand on Labour’s 13 year record. There is no appetite for another 5 years of a clapped out Labour government. A vote for Labour is a protest vote because people really fear conservative cuts.

The press locally has covered stories of the interaction between these two. It's just like the old Helen Clark days. Remember her?

Nationally the Liberal Democrats have done well from the Clegg effect, but I haven’t seen this on the doorstep. Traditionally in Peterborough the Liberals finish a wayward third and I think that’s likely this time.

So that leaves the bus-driving Independent, me!

Successfully launching my own manifesto, “Independent Agenda for Peterborough”, producing a business manifesto, “Peterborough Open for Business” and using this blog to comment on events and highlight issues on the agenda for Peterborough have all focussed me on the issues. The response has been terrific.

I have been able to listen to constituents and respond much more positively than the party politicians, because I don't have the dead hand of a political party behind me. The one size fits all approach to problem solving is not for me, because it doesn't work0.

I was really pleased when Martin Bell, the veteran war correspondent and campaigner for clean politics, endorsed my campaign. His recognition that I am promoting honesty and integrity in Politics is important. Recognition has come from many in Peterborough too. Those people offering support and help have inspired and driven me on.

I believe it’s important to vote and I may just be the “none of the above” candidate to you, but I believe I offer much more than just a protest against the three big parties. By voting John Swallow, Independent for Peterborough you are making the most positive choice for all our futures.

I am at the bottom of the ballot paper. To vote Independent you have to pass by all the others on the ballot paper. It is quite fitting really, that the strongest candidate should be holding all the others up!

If you are looking for vision, respect and values in your next MP, you need look no further. You may have to make a leap of faith to vote Independent, but in this election you can send a clear message by voting for John Swallow.

John

2nd May 2010 – Along the Way

2010-05-02T00:40:00.000-07:00

2nd May 2010 – Along the Way

It’s been a long time since I was involved with any political campaigning other than the occasional march or work related issue. Probably 1085 was the last time.

Of all the planning, designing, writing, interviews, leafleting, responding to email or telephone the most impacting thing is meeting people. The best way to meet people is on the street campaigning, be it with leafleting or setting up somewhere and just meeting and greeting.

Over the last three weeks I have met so many people and some have really impacted me. They have made me stop, listen and even after I have responded I find myself thinking about it later. Sometimes days afterwards I think about a particular meeting.

I met someone who worked for Hotpoint. Unemployed since he was made redundant along with his wife times are dreadfully hard. They have gone from a joint household income of around £800 per week to being about to lose their home. At their time of life there aren’t the opportunities to take highly paid skilled work, even if it was available. This is why we have to get skilled, well paid work into Peterborough. We cannot thrive, individually or as a community, on a diet of low paid distribution or food production related jobs. I know I want to make that positive impact on their lives.

While leafleting I met someone of my own age. I usually do the briefest of introductions and wait to see if the other person wants to engage. This guy did. I found out that he was a Falklands Island campaign veteran. While I was working in a supermarket this guy was giving everything for his country and the Falkland Islanders. Today he exists unrecognised, health issues unresolved, struggling on a daily basis. He feels that society has passed him and his comrades by. Even those who leave our armed forces today do not receive the care that they deserve. As part of their concerns they have formed an ex-serviceman’s group in Peterborough. He was keen that I get involved and come and meet them. It will be my absolute pleasure to meet them and elected or not, take up their cause and cases.

I had a phone message left on the answer phone this week. I often get those and it’s a great way of getting straight to the point. Finding out by message what the issue is and then conversing to better understand and show a way forward. This young lady has a disability and I was put on the spot about how I would respond to her needs and benefit her life. I believe I was able to understand her points and offer positive solutions. During the conversation it was becoming clear to me that this young person was able to communicate capably and speak passionately. The conversation moved on. I have invited her to contact me again after the election so we can discuss things more fully and I can give her my total support to stand as an Independent Candidate for the city council. Quite simply, she would be brilliant and shake up lots of things on the City Council.

I also met Di Newman who is standing as an Independent candidate in Central ward. Di read my Election Communication as delivered by the Royal Mail and got in touch. I’m really hoping we both get elected as Di is someone who is despite physical constraints is really motivated I would love to work with her. She gets around on a mobility scooter that has “tardis” like qualities for carrying everything with her that she needs for campaigning and supporting her huge commitment to voluntary work. Di has her work cut out in Central Ward but if it was down to effort, integrity and having the community at heart she would storm it! Di is totally involved in housing and homeless issues, disabled and older people concerns and is taking on the worries of the market Traders at Peterborough Market. Working with Di is inspirational stuff! Please support her in central ward.

In Werrington I found a couple, both in their mid seventies were cutting down branches from a tree next to their home. They were struggling to do this between them to stop the young people pulling the branches of blossom off and creating mischief. Both with mobility issues the council had refused them a dedicated parking space outside their home in the communal parking area. This was wrong but I was to find out worse. Their son lives with them and I met him briefly. Now in his thirties, he once ran a successful business but had had to deal with mental health issues. I could see his return to work was some time away, even given the proper support. Unbelievably he has been assessed as fit for work and told to find employment. His benefits will be cut and he will have no income. It is wrong that we have a dependency culture in this country where welfare is seen as a desirable alternative to work and a whole network of people use and abuse the safety net of the state. Others fall through the net just like this man. I cannot describe the love of these two elderly parents, who should be enjoying their retirement in peace and security, who said, “We will look after him somehow, he is our son.” This wonderful couple have only a basic state pension to do this. At no time when we talked about anti social behaviour, pensions, parking needs, health and society in general did they show any bitterness or anger just a reflective sadness. I have already been able to talk to the excellent Independent local councillors, John and Judy Fox who will take up their case. Elected or not I will also call again to see what needs to be done.

Being elected MP for Peterborough isn’t about disappearing off down to London for five years and popping back with updates. It isn’t about photo opportunities in the local press and back slapping dinner parties. It isn’t about claiming and making money out of your electors. It isn’t even about just representing those people who voted for you.

It is about serving everyone without exclusion. It is about changing society, improving community living , supporting families, however they are made up, and you do it because you belong to the community you serve. This is my community and I want to serve it, all of it and I want to serve you.

I have met lots of other people, but I want you to read this, not endure it! I hope it is as thought provoking for you as it is for me. I believe what I have written is a reflection of some of the problems in Peterborough. Another time I would really enjoy writing about the successes of lives in Peterborough. Maybe as your Independent MP I could be part of turning the problems into successes; it’s your choice on May 6th

PETERBOROUGH OPEN FOR BUSINESS - The business manifesto

2010-04-29T09:32:00.000-07:00

Peterborough - Open for Business

Business is good for Peterborough and Peterborough is good for business. The city’s fantastic transport links to London and other population centres, its long history of skilled manufacturing and untapped room for expansion make Peterborough an ideal place for new and established businesses. As MP it would be my job to promote Peterborough’s advantages, as well as continue to encourage measures to make the city and region even more attractive to business.

Peterborough has seen the decline of its manufacturing base over many governments. Only by having a substantial private sector creating wealth will it be possible to deliver the aspirations of all of us who live in Peterborough. It is essential to attract companies with the best, highly paid, skilled jobs to Peterborough. To prepare the city for attracting a big employer, small business in Peterborough needs every help it can get. Successful small and medium sized businesses create the right environment for our city to thrive. Significant obstacles are in the way of this.

As Peterborough’s MP I see my role in developing business opportunities, protecting workers and employers and being part of a team that creates an enterprise “effect” in our city.

No win, no fee claims cost business many millions of pounds every year. I believe that there must be a cheaper, quicker way to deal with compensation claims. The widespread compensation culture is wrong. I would support a full review of how we deal with compensation claims. There should be a broad range of defined amounts of compensation that would apply generally to a range of complaints. Access to compensation claims should be simple and cheap as it is with claims at County Court for smaller claims and the Industrial Tribunal Service.

Business energy users should be encouraged to bulk buy energy, giving them the opportunity to save money on their annual energy costs. Business should support the green energy revolution to make it even more viable. Our increasing use of green energy sources is a great opportunity for Peterborough to get involved in research, development and manufacture in a growing sector of the market.

Employers that interface with children and young people often find the cost of Criminal Records Bureaux checks and Protection of Vulnerable Adults checks are time consuming and expensive. Some employers, often in the care industry, make excessive charges to potential employees to apply for clearance. I believe a card based system which the individual pays for and holds would be better. The employer can then subscribe to a checking service, which would be a quicker and cheaper system. Individuals would be more aware of what checks reveal about them and would be able to take account of the potential impact on their status should they be convicted of a crime.

Revenue and Customs (HMRC) often take heavy handed action in winding up small and medium sized businesses that are, for various reasons, late payers of tax. Where the underlying business is sound but there is an outside factor, (i.e. bankruptcy of a customer) HMRC should be more sympathetic, providing the risk to the taxpayer does not increase. A mechanism should be in place to stop HMRC winding up companies that are basically sound going concerns. Companies which evade or refuse to pay their taxes must be wound up. This could be done with no risk of further losses to the tax payer, indeed the taxpayer would gain

Within sensible limits small business should be able to take advantage of protection against winding up where the business is sound but finance is withdrawn by a bank or finance house. Historically banks have been very narrow minded in supporting business. The recession was caused by the collapse of the banking system. It is a strange irony that the banks, rescued by billions of taxpayers’ money can only spare “buttons” for business. Many businesses have experienced arbitrary cuts in overdrafts and credit facilities. It may be a solution that an independent arbiter would review any foreclosure resulting in a company closure.

British banks have notoriously little sympathy with struggling businesses. Banks are often far too cautious and prefer short term gain in place of long term growth and this harms the British economy. If existing banks are not prepared to take the long term view, as happens already in many countries, then new entrants to the banking sector must be encouraged. An industry based co-operative model may be an ideal solution.

Businesses pay business rates. Often these are an expensive local tax with little direct benefit to the payer. Businesses should have representation at a local level. This would mean that they elect a small number of councillors who would have limited powers but would be able to make the case for business in local councils. There are a variety of ways that this could and should be done.

The way local councils spend their funds directly impacts on the business community. Councils should be regulated in such a way that they support competitive local businesses. This is not designed to undermine competition rules. For example, local newspapers provide a depth of communication and a valuable paid-for service to the communities they supply but the local public sector communications budget is often spent on bespoke expensive, glossy and exclusive publications. Not only do these give the impression of local public sector waste but they undermine the local press. By using the local press for editorial copy as well as advertising local public service providers can support and add to the quality of the local press.

Councils should identify unoccupied business premises with a view to ensuring they are available to market to potential customers. Where there is a shortage of suitable small industrial premises, ideal for start-up businesses, councils should provide basic easy-in, easy-out premises. These should be made readily available to first-timers and young entrepreneurs to encourage an enterprise culture.
Young people should be supported in new business ventures. Young people are often gifted in new technologies but have undeveloped business experience. Education should respond to this need. Government should provide grants in lieu of other payments, i.e. job seekers allowance. Councils should be able to provide premises to viable, well presented business propositions.

If the banks are unwilling to provide the funding essential to the running of sound businesses the government should encourage a new type of commercial bank. This could be a co-operative bank relative to the industry sector so it builds an expertise in understanding its customers and the challenges they face.

Where companies use the most environmentally friendly vehicles , excise tax rates should reflect the reduced impact on the environment.

While free trade is essential fair trade is also essential. Through the European Union Government should lead efforts to protect our industry and companies against unfair competition.

Abuse of smaller suppliers by very large customers is not fair. Several enquiries into supermarkets for example have uncovered evidence of unfair trading practices. Progress in this area has been too slow resulting in some smaller businesses ceasing trading. Often small businesses experience intimidation by larger customers which frustrates investigation. It should be for the customer to prove that they are fair in their dealings. Unwritten contracts are simply not acceptable as often offered by large customers like the supermarkets. The Office of Fair Trading should have enhanced powers to investigate unfair trade and deal severely with substantiated complaints.

Foreign takeovers of British companies in the global economy often result in job losses. Government should protect jobs and business in this country by taking decisions on an individual basis as to whether foreign ownership is problematic for British Interests.

Penalties for evading paying the national minimum wage, taxes, national insurance and business rates should be increased dramatically. Businesses that do not abide by the rules threaten the existence of properly run businesses that play their full part in the community.

Peterborough’s MP should be a leading figure in attracting investment into the city. The effort required is well worth the prize. A major manufacturer coming to Peterborough has to be the goal of the MP. This will provide well paid jobs, encourage local suppliers and in turn attract other major employers. The local economy would benefit and the tax revenue would enable high quality local services.

As Peterborough’s MP I will make myself open for business. I will always be willing to meet to members of the business community to improve my understanding of the issues so that I can make Peterborough’s case at Westminster. There will also be regular meetings at which I can be challenged on what is happening in government.

John Swallow
85 Donaldson Drive
Peterborough
PE4 7XJ

www.johnswallow.org.uk

07879 468468

Published and printed by John Brooks, Agent for John Swallow. 85 Donaldson Drive Peterborough PE4 7XJ

28th April 2010 – A Celebration of Diversity

2010-04-28T05:16:00.000-07:00

28th April 2010 – A Celebration of Diversity

This week I have met all the candidates that I’m standing against in this Election. Collectively, we are a very mixed bunch. I have now seen wide range of diverse views and the characters that are delivering them.

I had written an email to Francis Fox from UKIP a couple of weeks ago. I was concerned at the BBC’s obsession with covering the big three parties. Francis’ reply was quick and contained positive ideas on how we might be able to improve BBC coverage. Having been barred from the BBC East Politics Show debate myself I watched it like many (millions, thousands or hundreds I’m not so sure) and I first saw Francis on the telly. The feedback from others was that it was so shambolic it was better to have been barred than be present. The general comment was made that it made Peterborough look ridiculous.

Other media providers said the show coughed into some sort of action as Francis tackled the issue of the veil. Francis did indeed tackle the issue of the veil and the Burka. A friend of hers had very nearly been run down by someone wearing a Burka and of course you don’t know who could be behind the Burka. The point was made that it could be a man.

Having occasionally been involved in television interviews and programmes over the years the whole BBC show thing looked suspicious to me. I felt that Francis was being set up for ridicule by the BBC and the whole spectacle was unedifying.

I then met Francis in person at the PCS Union hustings debate the next evening. Francis is 77 and at a time when most 77 year olds are contemplating how good ten or more years of retirement have been, Francis has thrown herself into a political campaign. There are times I could quite easily give her a hug, just as you would a senior family member. You’re not sure why you do it, you just do it. I can’t say we agree on policy at all but I respect her courage and tenacity at making her point. Francis takes exception to my belief that UKIP is the beating heart of the Tory Party and I’m sure we will discuss that again. The campaign needs a Francis Fox.

Ed Murphy makes his points by engaging directly, he says it as he sees it. If Ed was the Labour Party, I don’t think this election would have the dynamics it currently does. The guy is straight. So straight that I wonder what policies Ed shares with Labour. Ed’s problem is that he has to represent a Party that has been in office for 13 years and the public want change. Not only did New Labour wipe out principles that had stood for decades, it cleared out the Labour Party membership. The destruction of the grass roots membership, the leafleters, doorknockers the Election Day tea-makers pretty much all gone. Heaven forbid in New Labour that a membership would want to shape policy, have democracy within the party and hold the leadership accountable. For me the other indictment is the amount of Labour MPs that trousered cash: They have absolutely no shame.

Sitting to my left on Monday’s debate was Fiona Radic from the Green Party. The debate was quite heated at times but Fiona remained calmly in control. When she wasn’t speaking, she was listening, taking notes and checking facts from her manifesto. When she did speak it was with knowledge and clarity. She was probably the quietest of the speakers on Monday night; however, the audience then quietened and listened to good points well made. The Greens are making the journey from single issue politics in a steady way. If Fiona’s presentation of the Green Party policy is the party standard, then I believe all Parties will end up being benchmarked by those standards. Their support will grow as policy development continues; maybe they’ll be the next force in politics?

Nick Sandford from the Liberal Democrats probably has the highest profile locally. I have only met Nick once. I’m sure the vast majority of people in Peterborough know Nick Sandford much better than I do, so I will keep listening and learning. But Nick, from my observations, gives very full answers, very, very full answers, probably the fullest answers of all of us.

I met Rob King from the English Democrats at BBC Radio Cambridgeshire on Monday. Rob wasn’t quite what I was prepared for. The English Democrats (EDP) have candidates like Steve Uncles, standing in Gravesham. If you google Mr Uncles the results are really very interesting. Similarly Mark Cotterill and Peter Ruston are leading lights in the English Democrats, all worthy of a quick google search. (While you’re googling, google me too please!) Rob didn’t seem at all like those chaps, he was altogether different. Maybe it’s just the party he keeps.

I would love to comment on Stewart Jackson but after hearing him threaten to sue one of the audience on Monday night at a hustings debate (covered by the Peterborough Evening Telegraph 28th April 2010)) and again hearing him making threatening legal noises at Ed Murphy at Kings School Q and A on Tuesday, I’m keeping quiet, for once. Stewart’s twitter page makes reference to his legal interest.

Conservatives have a long history of suing people who worry them. From Lord Boothby in the 1960s, Jonathon Aitken and Jeffrey Archer in the 1990s and just this March 2010, Lord Ashcroft likes British Courts for suing, (Independent Newspaper) and of course Theresa Gorman (remember her?) liked a dabble in libel law too.

As far as my own performance goes I would be happy for feedback from anyone. Comment is free, I might respond but I won’t sue!

I am enjoying the campaign and the momentum as it builds. With just over a week to go I think the campaign is getting very interesting. Immigration has quietened even if it hasn’t been resolved leaving the arena more open to other subjects. I am convinced that standards in public life will be a hot topic of the coming week. The focus will fall away from the big three national leaders to the fact that Peterborough people are electing their representative in parliament. They know that a party politician will always put their party first, a government minister will always put the government first and they know only an Independent will put them first.

Diversity rules!

25th April 2010 – Instant Messenger- johnswallow2010@live.co.uk

2010-04-25T01:04:00.000-07:00

25th April 2010 – Instant Messenger- johnswallow2010@live.co.uk

I’m often on the computer early and late doing bits and pieces, in fact at any time. When I’m online I will be putting “Windows Live Messenger” on. Time permitting, I can then answer questions and even hold mini debates using the group chat facility. Please do add me (johnswallow2010@live.co.uk) on whatever Instant Messenger program you’re using, i.e. Yahoo. I will be interested to see how this works.

25th April 2010 – Just This Last Week

2010-04-25T00:43:00.000-07:00

25th April 2010 – Just This Last Week

I have today, started my time off from work to campaign full time. I have to say work has been very fair and very helpful allowing me to fit in campaigning around my basic working week. Even at the last minute this week they went the extra mile for me so that I could get to the, Independent Network Media Event. This is where I did some media interviews, met Martin Bell and the rest of the team of the Independent Network. I also met the other candidates too. We really are a very disparate bunch but everyone was very interesting and we shared information on the campaign so far and what’s to come.

It’s been great getting out and about. I must acknowledge the support of those people who have been turning out and helping with the leafleting. Thank you all very very much. I am now starting to be recognised about the constituency too. One chap yelling out as I passed, “Come on Johnny Boy” which was funny and touching.

I have had several quotes in the Peterborough Evening Telegraph this week. The local paper is doing a really good job on covering the election. Before the campaign started I had mixed views about local press and how it relates to the online digital age. The truth is that it is an excellent communication medium. During this week I will be making proposals to safeguard this valuable local asset as I have found that it is under pressure from some unexpected places. If we lose this media platform it has wide ranging consequences. More of that this week.

So this week the roadshow starts. I will be out and about doing various events at various times engaging with the electorate. Look out for the timetable and do come along.

Usually after leafleting those that have come along for the evening all end up in a pub. Now I know our occasional custom won’t make the publicans day but it’s becoming difficult to find a pub in some places these days. Nothing slakes my thirst after a few hours leafleting like a pint of real ale. A reflection of our times I guess and the changing nature of our entertainment that pubs aren’t everywhere anymore.

Monday morning (26th April) I’m on the Paul Stainton breakfast show, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, joining the English Democrats guy, Rob King. In the evening the PCS Union is holding a debate at the John Clare Theatre, Central Library. None of the big three candidates have took the invitation issued a couple of weeks ago to debate anywhere anytime so far. I’m really looking forward to this opportunity.

Only a short rambling blog I’m afraid this week as I am a bit pushed for time, something to do with an election. There is another big subject of the week but that will wait for another time, maybe after the election.

Have a great week, whatever you’re up to and whoever you’re looking to vote for!

18th April 2010 – The X-Factor

2010-04-18T00:57:00.000-07:00

18th April 2010 – The X-Factor

The leaders’ television debate this week was not about how to build our democracy, to make our Parliament a place fit to rule over us or to understand the British people. It was all about three clapped out political parties arguing the toss over policies which are all very much the same. Trying to persuade us they love us. The past five years shows what they think!

The fact that voting figures decline every year shows we, the voters, don’t believe them, we are not inspired by them and they aren’t relevant to our daily lives. We know they don’t listen to us except at Election time and they don’t want us helping them formulate policies.

Because the big three parties have abused their position. fed up British people have formed all manner of political parties. Usually focussed on single issues or narrow groups there is now a plethora of choice. All quite exciting really. At least it could be if it were fair.

The big three parties demand from broadcasters and press equal coverage according to their votes previously etc etc. This means that the smaller parties and independents don’t get the same platform to tell people what they have to offer. I know from my own experience how difficult it is to get heard. I’m really grateful that I’ve had some excellent help with the web activity and the website. A massive thank you, Claire, you’re a star!

Other stars have been the small but growing leafleting team, thanks guys.

I did get some great coverage this week in the Peterborough Evening Telegraph so I’m grateful for their fairness.

It’s so sad to see our main political parties’ leaders playing some crazy television reality show. Never mind the lack of different policies; they want us to concern ourselves with how they perform. Maybe Simon Cowell wasn’t joking when he thought a political reality show would be an opportunity. If it was ever to be, Messrs Brown, Cameron and Clegg would have been voted off this week. Ok, maybe that’s a bit harsh, I’ll give Clegg another week.

Maybe the format could be, “Britain’s Got Talent” instead. In place of politicians we could have Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Public and Civil Servants, Train Drivers, (Bus Drivers too) Businessmen, Housewives in fact anyone with experience of living in the real world, all with their ideas on how to make Britain a better place. I bet our Westminster politicians would make that illegal.

If you cannot face the next debate and fancy an evening of light exercise, witty banter and debate instead, why not come with us leafleting? Last week the team even did a bit of litter picking too, just for the environment’s sake, of course. We finish our evenings with a glass of refreshment at a local pub and have a laugh and chat. You’d be welcome at our debate. Contact us through email or telephone.

18th April 2010 – Send Them All Back

2010-04-18T00:55:00.000-07:00

It was great being out on the campaign trail this week meeting real voters and trying to build the vote for Peterborough’s fist Independent MP.

Immigration was a very significant factor in people’s concerns and it is a subject which is worth spending some time on.

I met a man and his wife who had worked at Hotpoint for many years and they had both been made redundant. They were buying their own home and had a weekly income of about £800.00. He had been looking at retirement in the next few years. Now he was expecting the eviction notice at any time and had already made contact with the authorities on social housing. There have been very few jobs available that require his skills and the Job Centre had tried to place him in some unsuitable jobs. Anyone who has either been looking to take on workers or get a job will know the Job Centre struggles to match the candidates with the job on the basis of skills, experience and suitability. This man’s job had been taken by foreign workers in a foreign country in a factory owned by a foreign company. His job hadn’t been taken by anyone living in this country. He could not afford to take a job in food processing or farm field work, even if he was years younger. It’s all very sad. He has my details so if I can help in any way he can contact me anytime. I would love to be part of the effort that gets this man and his wife back to work, in a fulfilling job, for which he has the skills and knowledge.

The solution here is for more British manufacturing jobs, skilled work that pays good money. When the going gets tough economically, a locally-owned British company won’t simply close down and move its activities abroad. Although having said that, Tory supporter, Sir James Dyson, has moved his manufacturing abroad - to Malaysia. In my “Agenda for Peterborough”, I tackle the issues that support British manufacturing.

On the subject of the Job Centre, there is one thing which really riles me when I’m hard at work on the Citi1 or Citi2 routes I pass the Job Centre at the top of Broadway. Now that the nicer weather is here you will see some British lads in their designer gear or stripped to the waist swigging Stella, accompanied by their dogs, usually Staffies, or some other macho looking breed, right outside the Job Centre. So why aren’t these fit young men out in the fields working for £7 an hour, or working in a food factory on shift work? One BBC programme asked them and got the answer, “It’s a job for the Poles”. This is plain wrong. Years ago when there was a stigma at being, “on the dole”, self image and pressure from society would have insisted that you took any work available until a better job came up. It’s our British lads and lasses we should send back! Back to work!

Labour and the Tories if they get in will tell you unemployment isn’t that bad. That’s because huge numbers of people recorded as unfit to work, and as long term sick or incapacitated, they don’t show on the statistics. Probably every street has a family like this. They know the system they know how to claim every benefit going. Ask them why they don’t get a job and they will tell you, “We can’t afford to work”. In 2010 in the middle of a recession this is madness and those of us fortunate to be working are facing tax rises whichever party is in. We have got to tackle this dependency culture and get these people back to work. I’m tempted to argue, Labour isn’t working, just like the Tories did in 1979.

It is appalling what has been happening by the riverside in Peterborough with illegal fishing, the swans and ducks being taken and the environment spoiled by the rough sleepers. If, as I did, you look into what could be done, you find it’s more a case of what hasn’t been done. The powers to deal with these problems were there from day one. But from day one the council, the environment agency, police, UK Border Agency and MP Stewart Jackson, didn’t respond. Between them all they could have stopped this getting out of hand. The Tory council and Tory MP have used this as a political stunt, rather than applying the right pressure from day one. Now the unemployed migrants are being sent back where they came from because if you come here from the EU you have to support yourself, if you don’t then you can be sent back. The rules are quite clear. This isn’t a new law, it was always there. If economic migrants are not here working, paying their taxes and rent, send them back!

I’m back out on the campaign trail this week and looking forward to meeting more of you. Don’t wait to see me to ask what my views are, or to tell me what concerns you, get in touch, email is best, but feel free to phone or write.

12th April 2010 - MANIFESTO LAUNCHED - Independent Agenda for Peterborough 2010

2010-04-12T14:09:00.000-07:00

Launched in Cathedral Square this morning at 10.00 am

Click the link below to read it in full

http://johnswallow2010.blogspot.com/

10th April 2010 - Other Brands Are Also Available

2010-04-10T02:24:00.000-07:00

10th April 2010 - Other Brands Are Also Available

First General Election for five years was called this week and sadly it’s been a very dull week in politics. The media seem more interested in the leader’s wives than the choices available to voters. The leading politicians are all happy to shadow box rather than strike out and be bold. Nick Robinson, the BBC’s main politics guy, even picks it up on his newsblog, details below.

The main parties seem unable to come up with anything remotely inspiring or are afraid to, for fear of looking silly. No fear of looking silly when you have the leaders wives to fill those column inches. Is there a warehouse in Britain that Dave Cameron hasn’t visited and met all 25 employees? The only actual factory I spotted him in was a bread factory, the places that used to be bakeries. And that was Warburton’s, one of the whingers about paying national insurance.

The whole National Insurance tale rumbles on, it was a bit of an elephant trap for Gordon Brown. He shouldn’t have fallen in and once he fell in he definitely should have stopped digging. Now if Gordon wants a phone to throw at some idiot for it, I have an old Motorola DynaTac 8800x available. I’ve never thrown one myself, it’s too big, but I have seen one a bus ran over, and it still worked afterwards.

My take on National Insurance is as follows. The banks got us into this mess (I know we let them do it) and they won’t pay to get us out. Need to pay bonuses etc. We can get out of the mess in two ways, pay more or cut services, your call. I prefer a balanced approach, targeted cuts (although these will always hurt someone somewhere), and pay a bit more tax. If you earn a bit more, like a banker, you pay a bit more. Simples.

The Tories ended the week on a duff note too.

The Tories say Labour wastes £80 a second on benefit fraud. Their latest super wheeze to sort out scroungers and save us all loads of money is to stop benefit payments to claimants who have been convicted of three benefit frauds for up to three years. The Tories haven’t put a figure on how much that will save. The strange thing is that no one according to the DWP and BBC has ever been convicted of benefit fraud three times. In fact only 69 people have been convicted twice of benefit fraud. The Tories were unable to put a figure on it but the BBC have put a figure on it. Clever BBC - I knew I paid my licence fee for a reason. From the £80 per second claim that Labour is pouring away in benefit fraud it will reduce the waste to £79.99 per second. That’s an awful lot of pennies to find to pay £6billion for a national Insurance cut.

It is criminal that people commit benefit fraud and yes we need to be tough on those that commit it but I don’t see all the other frauds receiving as much attention. Dare I say, “Other frauds are available”, as well as tax dodging and various bank robberies.

The plain truth though is some people are experts at claiming benefits. That upsets many of us who have to work hard for every penny and worry about how to pay council tax and other bills. Often we find that when friends, family or colleagues fall on hard times, they don’t get the benefits we see “scroungers” getting. As your MP, it would be part of my duty to you to help get the benefits you’re entitled to and respond to information about fraud. In the course of my work I often find that people are entitled to a bus pass (you don’t have to be retired) don’t realise. I soon point them in the right direction.
I’m really excited that after a lot of work my manifesto is launched on Monday, 12th April, 2010 in Cathedral Square at 10.00 but I will be there informally from about 09.00. I’ll be the one with a coffee, black, in my hand. As always it would be a pleasure to meet you.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/nickrobinson/2010/04/back_to_the_fut_2.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/parties_and_issues/8611173.stm

10th April 2010-Other Brands Are Also Available 2

2010-04-10T02:22:00.000-07:00

10th April 2010-Other Brands Are Also Available 2

Yesterday a nice lady from BBC Radio Cambridgeshire called me an invited me onto the breakfast show at 7 o’clock on Monday, 12th April. (Quick plug there!)

As we confirmed the details she let slip, “we have to have you all in, we have another guy at 8’oclock too. We have to show balance.”. I didn’t tell her I thought I’d go down better at 8 o’clock any day.

“Show balance”?, never mind that we thought it would be interesting to have you on, we want to hear something unusual or that a locally produced manifesto really sounds different. I’m going along to provide “balance” apparently. I could be doing the nice lady a disservice and she probably meant no slight but I do have concerns.

The Electoral Reform Society says the election in Cambridgeshire could be, “2010’s most boring election venue”. They hadn’t counted on me I’m out there, trying to make a difference.

I sent out a press release to all the major media providers, I even, maybe unwisely, included the final draft of the manifesto to announce the manifesto’s launch.

The manifesto weighs in at just under 5000 words so there’s lots in it. The response to it? Nothing, no questions prior to launch, no “I’m from the Daily Planet I’ll be there, can I get you a coffee? (black!)”. All too busy with what shoes the leader’s wives are wearing.

It’s not just a one off. I was at the PCS rally during the strike in Peterborough the other week, offering support, listening to concerns and issues and introducing myself. I introduced myself to some of the press guys and did some quotes. I was the only Prospective Parliamentary Candidate there, no New Labour (happy to take union money though), no Tories (all foreign currency donations accepted there) no other politicians at all. It was the PCSs day and their struggle is actually our struggle to keep services, but you would have thought there’d be a mention for the one and only Independent?

In the campaign launch in the “Evening Telegraph” Wednesday 7thApril I did get a couple of lines, some kind of protest vote line. That didn’t even make it into the online version.

I read a letter to the Peterborough Evening Telegraph this week about the Tory adverts placed in the “ET”. Personally I would have majored on where were the facts, policy details and just how big are the Tory cuts going to be? But the guy made a point. At about £2000 a pop those adverts aren’t cheap, my campaign whole won’t cost that much, no dodgy money here.

I realise I sound a bit gripey on this, but it is significant. Every week in the “Evening Telegraph” we have had to put up with “Stewart Jackson’s Westminster Life” - I’m sure there’s something in that title but I’m not going there today. It is full of cut’n’pastes from the soundbites from Tory HQ and other mind numbing copy. Let alone an alternate column, “Someone’s Peterborough Life”. Mr Jackson never did answer the questions asked by the Evening Telegraph over his expenses. The link is below.

This may all look like someone who is having a strop and you are entitled to that view. The serious point though is not only do we have to sort out politics and democracy, we have to sort out the media too. For years now there’s been that horrible expression “dumbing down”. Never mind what’s in the package as long as it’s glitzy, sexy and got celebrity added?

I’m really fortunate that I have some techie friends who point me in the right direction with all this Facebook and twitter stuff. If I’m excluded from traditional media then I need all the help I can get to get the message across and open up the debate. The other campaigning which really works is getting out there and meeting people.

I’m still bus driving this week (bills to pay) but next week I start in earnest, leaflets, canvassing and meetings. If you want to get involved, get in touch I’d love to have you all on board - the pace is going to be hectic. So hectic that in two weeks on my campaign trail you will drop a dress size - promise!

Alternative media? Ask anyone of my bus driver colleagues a question. What’s John Swallow like? Do you trust him? What’s he like at supporting his colleagues? Does he do a good job? There are nearly 200 guys who will give it to you straight.

Some of the best debates I have are in the canteen at work. People who say what they think, people with real experience. Sometimes I win, that’s nice. Other times I lose that’s not so nice. Sometimes I learn something I never knew before, that’s really nice. We need to campaign for politics and democracy that works for everyone not just the established elite. Let’s take back politics and give it to the people. I trust people a whole lot more than I trust party politicians.

If you’re from another party standing in Peterborough I’d love to join you on a platform for a debate, head to head, toe to toe, let’s get the issues out and discussed. If you want to host such an event invite me, it would be my absolute pleasure to be there. Get in touch!

Let’s make sure the other brands, as available, survive and thrive!

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/opinion_2_1822/letters-and-emails/why_accept_adverts_from_the_tories_1_384713

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/environment/stewart_jackson_et_questions_will_not_be_answered_1_131233

6th April 2010-Time for Action

2010-04-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

6th April 2010-Time for Action

So now we know May 6th, 2010 will be the General Election. It’s time for the British people to deliver their verdict on our government and the way our MPs have conducted themselves. They have had their say for the past five years and now it’s our turn, possibly for the only time in the next five years.

The politicians who have let us all down in the past five years won’t want to give up their power and privilege easily. You can vote for the main political parties and encourage them or you can stay at home and not use your vote - they don’t mind that!

Or you could be part of something that changes Peterborough for the better.

We have been invited to exercise our democratic right to vote. In some countries people queue up to vote for days, others vote knowing that by placing their cross on a ballot paper in the wrong place can mean death. Please help us make government fairer, honest and relevant to all of us.

My campaign to become Peterborough’s Independent MP began last June. I have got to thank everyone, friends and family for their advice, support and practical help given so far. You’re brilliant, all of you.

As the campaign builds momentum there will be leaflets to deliver, canvassing to do and lots to do on polling day. Please get involved and help. You don’t have to live in Peterborough to help, we have teams of helpers from outside the city who don’t have their own Independent candidate to support. Please get in touch, offer help, ask questions and be part of the team. Contact details are at the bottom of this post.

If you have video, media or organisational skills, I would be interested in hearing from you. Even a couple hours of your valuable time could make a real difference to changing Peterborough for the better.

If you think politics isn’t for you, give it a chance - get involved, you might be surprised by the energy and enthusiasm of the people you meet. Let’s talk about what’s important to you and about how we can change things. Change the little things and the bigger picture changes too. Be part of that change.

johnswallow2010@live.co.uk
Facebook John Swallow
Twitter john_swallow
Mobile 07879 468468

5th April 2010-John Swallow endorsed by the Independent Network

2010-04-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, April 1st, I was endorsed by the Independent Network as a candidate in the upcoming General Election 2010.

The team put in lots of work for our submissions to the executive of the Independent Network and I'm grateful to everyone who played their part. It is a team success and thank-you all, and special thanks for John Brooks and Nicola Tuttle.

http://www.independentnetwork.org.uk/

5th April 2010 - Swallow Tweets!

2010-04-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

I have signed up to twitter.com. As John Swallow is such a popular name I have had to be the tiniest bit creative. So to keep up with my, "tweets", john_swallow, is the name you will need to look up. I'm not sure how I will manage to keep all my, "tweets" under 140 characters but I'm sure the system will control me admirably.

john_swallow

http://twitter.com/

5th April 2010-Peterborough offers Hope for the Homeless not a ‘Haven for Hobos’

2010-04-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

5th April 2010-Peterborough offers Hope for the Homeless not a ‘Haven for Hobos’

Homeless people are an easy target for politicians. When you have homeless people clogging up bushes and pavements it’s easier to get stuck into them, than get stuck into local solutions to local problems. In the Peterborough Evening Telegraph, Monday 5th April, the city is tagged as being “a haven for hobos” by its MP. Rather than supporting the UK Border Agency’s initiative or even St Theresa’s work with homeless people Mr Jackson is keen criticise. He even wants to move St.Theresa’s - probably somewhere far away, out of sight...

I recently visited St.Theresa’s and I was really deeply impressed by what I saw and heard. I have nothing but praise and admiration for the people who work there. As MP for Peterborough I have already promised part of my salary to support them. “Star Letter” writer, correspondent Kerry Simmons, hit the nail on the head in the, Peterborough Evening Telegraph of Monday 5th April. She rightly said that St. Theresa’s closure would have a huge impact and benefit no-one. In addition to the work St. Theresa’s does, we need a fully-funded night shelter, offering warmth and safety as well as a support program to help people move out of homelessness.

Shailesh Vara complains about “uncontrolled immigration” which is a line you expect from the fascist BNP, not from Cameron’s caring Conservatives. These negative views about immigration sit uncomfortably given Mr Vara has benefited from migration. Playing the race card is unacceptable. But then when you’re playing catch-up and have no policies of substance, perhaps you need to sound like UKIP.

Homeless people do actually have a vote and I will be visiting homeless people this week with the Electoral Commission’s posters and information to support them if they wish to vote in the Elections. I will be contacting the Town Hall to get their support to ensure everyone in Peterborough has their say in who represents us. Given Stewart Jackson’s views, they probably won’t vote Conservative, maybe they will consider their local Independent candidate? After all I want to represent everyone in Peterborough, not just the privileged.

4th April 2010 - Lighting the Fire

2010-04-04T10:45:00.000-07:00

4th April 2010 - Lighting the Fire
An old joke tells us, “If voting changed anything they would make it illegal”. Another old joke says, “Don’t vote it only encourages them” and finally, “the truths are taxes will rise, politicians will lie and you will die”. When those old jokes first saw the light of day when most people did vote and believed they were voting for something. When they probably thought politicians stood for something, when we had what people refer to as, “conviction politicians”. It looks like we will be having a few more of those quite soon.

You probably haven’t heard of Ashley Mote, Tom Wise and Clive Page. All of them are UKIP politicians, two were in the European Parliament and all convicted fraudsters. 25% of UKIP MEPs were convicted of fraud in the last European Parliament. UKIP refuses to publish the most basic expenses information and have an attendance record of a mere 60% in votes at the EU Parliament. Nigel Farage when he was leader of UKIP in the European Parliament had a salary of £64,000 and he admitted expenses in the area of £2 million. That was not a misprint.

It is understandable that people find UKIP an attractive option. They offer apparently quick fixes to what are actually complex problems. When you look more closely, the quick fixes have some very nasty side effects. The people attracted to parties like UKIP are voters who have turned away from mainstream political parties.

The Tories naturally represent people who have money. Money is very important to them, not just to pay for life’s expenses or little luxuries. This is the party of money, it is central to everything they do. If you don’t have any, then you really don’t count. If you think that statement is outrageous then read up on Conservative history from this last week to a hundred or so years ago.

Most of us feel let down by Labour, I certainly do. Labour didn’t just turn its back on voters; it pushed its members and activists aside too. New Labour didn’t need activists and certainly didn’t need a membership who wanted to shape policy. It did need cash, and lots of it. It was the Trades’ Unions and their millions of members who established the Labour Party about a hundred years ago. In the past few years, because it believed in the power of the media, the leadership went for the big donors. A few people, who had millions of pounds to give, gained a whole load of power and patronage. The Labour Party was never established for these people, but it was bought wholesale by those who could pay the asking price.

I belonged to the Labour Party in Norwich, joining when I was 15 in 1975. I left 10 years later when in the Norwich Labour Party I became aware of what others called the, “Kitchen Cabinet”. Strangely a lot of the politics which were being proposed then actually turned up in New Labour. A coincidence I’m sure.

It was the frustration I felt at MPs expenses that made me feel that I must get back into politics. No political party was relevant to me. As I looked around I saw no one leading a party with any charisma, in fact “leading” doesn’t seem to be in any of their blood. Policies shift depending on public opinion. It seems important not to be behind breaking news so policy is made, “on the hoof” which seems to usually lead to problems later. You just don’t know where you are with these guys and it’s really frustrating. I sometimes wonder if they believe in themselves at all. You can’t be all things to all people and in trying to, these guys end up winding us all up.

So that’s how I ended up as the Independent Candidate for the Peterborough Parliamentary Constituency. I might have run out fuel for my anger at the expenses scandal. But a fire has been lit. I am staggered by the people’s support, interest, and offers of help. When I’ve questioned something, there has been someone to help with finding an answer. When a problem arises, so often the solution comes from someone I really didn’t expect.

So why are these people doing this? Some are friends, workmates or neighbours and even people I engage with in meetings. These people are fed up with politics being used and abused by professional “politicians”. These people want to be heard, they want to part of something. If the Tories or Labour discover how easy it is to listen and engage with people, then I’m lost!

But here are the secrets! You have to listen to people; you have to ask them questions. That means you have to listen again when they answer. Then you tell them what you believe and you might even have to get a bit passionate about what you believe. If you’re right they get interested in you, they might even get a bit passionate themselves. That’s the bit I call engagement.

Then comes the tricky bit! They want to get involved, want to help so I have to sign them up, well at least get phone numbers and email addresses. The other thing that is happening is people, especially young people and some disaffected older people want to offer more. They have ideas about things, passions for something and solutions to problems. For me, it is one amazing experience, because you can see a light in their eyes as they want to know how to get involved. You can see that they have a vision and they want to do something about it. It might be in their community or district or in their workplace. I’m really frantically busy at the moment supporting but a couple of these guys, as they have already offered to serve their communities. I cannot let them down, that flame now lit must be nurtured, protected until it becomes a fire. In the campaign so far this is one of the most exciting parts.

That fire is people coming into politics. People who want to serve their communities, offer their time and talents because they know in their heart and soul it is the right thing to do. I believe that it’s time to take back politics and subject it to the refining fire of ordinary people’s opinions and ideas. You don’t need to belong to an established political party in fact they would extinguish that flame make you conform or reject you. They pay millions to consultants, focus groups and advertisers, they don’t want your input thank-you.

My manifesto is about to be launched. It’s what I believe in, it’s what I want to achieve for the electors of Peterborough. I know it’s different, I really hope it’s relevant too. I also hope it inspires people not just to vote for me but to take up politics in this City. I know there is talent out there, I’ve met it and listened with excitement to those who possess it.

Don’t be taken in by the appeal of the one issue, fringe parties, stick to your own beliefs – look for a candidate who shares them.

For the past few years I would have ticked a box on the ballot paper for, “None of the above” if it had been there. But this election is too important for that. I believe that I offer vision, values and respect for everyone living and working in Peterborough but if you really want to vote for, “None of the above”, you can vote for me as your personal, “None of the above candidate!” What I bring is a fresh voice, fresh vision and fresh ideas – I am certainly not like any of the above.

4th April, 2010 - The Usual Suspects

2010-04-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

4th April, 2010 - The Usual Suspects

I watched the three would be chancellors on the Channel 4 debate the other night singing for their suppers. The “three tenors” though my wife thinks they are not worth a tenner between them. Very harsh.

Saint Vince won, of course, as he could be bold and challenging because he is unlikely to have to implement his vision. Darling came a good second I thought, coming over as level-headed and genuine, seizing second place with his response to a worried student. His sincerity underlined by mentioning the conversation he had the previous night with his son who was concerned at finding a job when he leaves University this summer.

Poor old George Osbourne really didn’t get in on the act. His response to the student’s question was oily and showed how remote politicians can be. He had no real answer to the charge that, having banged on about cutting the deficit pronto, the £6,000,000,000 he had ‘saved’ he was going to award as tax cuts.

It looked as if Labour was right to target Osbourne as the weakling in the Tory pack. Looking sweaty on telly, unable to be confident with figures, which he should know inside out, and blatantly making policy on the hoof, Osbourne hasn’t been getting much support from David. But fear not, help is at hand!

Enter the usual suspects of the “business community”. Many are long term donors to the Tory party, they donate because it’s something they do, always have done and always will. Of course they expect to be rewarded in the usual ways - lower taxes, a knighthood or ennoblement and any little executive extras. But some of those who signed the letter are not the “usual suspects.” Having spotted that the recession caused by the banking crisis has got to be paid for, these guys are looking round for someone else to pay their share. Nice work - if you can pull it off.

Some of these representatives of the business community are threatening to take themselves and their companies out of the country for tax purposes anyway, so here today gone tomorrow applies. Others are treating paying tax as a negotiable and Osbourne looks like a negotiator.

Several of the companies who are whinging about National Insurance have already sold British workers’ jobs down the line, be it outsourcing production overseas or support functions. The argument goes that an increase in National Insurance would threaten recovery from recession; again many of the usual suspects were on the case. Although they said the national minimum wage would be the end of millions of jobs and that never happened. No doubt a Tory government would undermine workers’ rights to protect profits, at the expense of jobs.

Isn’t it ironic that the Tory’s selected Sir James Dyson to lead their task force to develop Britain’s hi-tech export drive? This is the guy who closed his factory in Britain in 2002 to make vacuum cleaners in Malaysia. So those backing the Torys don’t necessarily have Britain’s interests at heart. They will have their own interests at heart and I never even mentioned Lord Ashcroft!

Don’t for one second think that I am anti-business. One of my concerns for Peterborough is the lack of businesses starting and flourishing in our City, especially in manufacturing.

If National Insurance is to be cut it should be for businesses showing commitment to growing, not just to improve shareholder returns. I would like to see a policy where if you invest in Britain you get rebates on National Insurance. If you employ more people you pay more National Insurance, so a discount on for companies that are growing would encourage employment and support small businesses. There must be a way to make this work.

The same should be true for business rates. For expanding or start up businesses there should be a rebate in place to recognise the struggles of the early days. For the cost of a couple of years’ discount, the successful business able to flourish will repay the discount many times over and everyone will enjoy the success.

Councils should be able to support expanding businesses assisting with premises, being innovative on achieving discounts or provision. This would make sure any recovery doesn’t overwhelm business start-ups. Many businesses fail because of events beyond their control, so by putting a little bit more under their control, we support their initiative.

While the government backs some small business loans, the banks still act as a dragging anchor in this area. Banks have a short term view on lending which hinders long term business growth and holds the UK economy back. Some of the money offered to the banks during quantitive easing should be placed into new co-operative banks, relevant and answerable to the industry sector and available on longer terms and cheaper rates with innovative security. Amongst our young people I believe that there are great entrepreneurs who want to bring innovative goods and services to the market. These are the employers of the future who will help us all pay our taxes.

As an ethical shopper I try to avoid certain products and services. For many years I haven’t bought Nestle, Kraft, Kellogg or Heinz products. I don’t buy any Israeli products and try not to buy Chinese goods. I make a positive choice to buy British where ever I can. I try to ensure that businesses I deal with treat everyone with respect and demonstrate values. I was saddened when Cadbury took over Green and Blacks and McDonalds took over a large part of Pret a Manger. The fact that big businesses take over small ethical companies show being ethical makes money and sense. Thankfully there are new starters in many markets who trade with integrity and respect. I understand fully that some people are hard pressed: They have to make difficult spending decisions. Some people need to buy the cheapest goods they can to make their meagre incomes go as far as they can toward feeding and clothing their families. But where possible, by making ethical choices you frustrate the businesses that see price as the only factor in a purchasing decision, you hinder businesses who carelessly exploit our planet and its people and you change to our world for better.

I don’t actually buy JCBs but I have listed all of the business leaders who wrote the letter supporting the Tory view on National Insurance. Where possible I will be spending my pounds elsewhere, supporting businesses that want to pay their way in Britain. I guess I’d better dust off my Tesco ClubCard, although I like using my Co-operative card whenever I can. I invite you to give these guys a kick in the wallet because as the adverts tell you, “other service providers are available!”

Here is a link to the letter in the Daily telegraph

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/election-2010/7541734/Business-supports-George-Osbornes-national-insurance-cut.html

Sir Anthony Bamford, Chairman, JCB
Bill Bolsover, Chief Executive, Aggregate Industries
Dominic Burke, Chief Executive, Jardine Lloyd Thompson
Ian Cheshire, Chief Executive, Kingfisher plc
Neil Clifford, Chief Executive, Kurt Geiger
Mick Davis, Chief Executive, Xstrata plc
Aidan Heavey Chief Executive, Tullow Oil plc
Lord Harris of Peckham, Chairman and Chief Executive, Carpetright plc
Justin King, Chief Executive, J Sainsbury plc
Sir Christopher Gent, Chairman, GlaxoSmithKline plc
Ben Gordon, Chief Executive, Mothercare plc
Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Founder and Chairman, easyGroup
John Lovering, Chairman, Mitchells & Butlers plc
Graham Mackay, Chief Executive, SABMiller plc
Alistair McGeorge, Chief Executive, Matalan
Nicolas Moreau, Group Chief Executive, AXA UK
Stephen Murphy, Chief Executive, Virgin Group Ltd
Alan Parker, Chief Executive, Whitbread Plc
Sir Stuart Rose, Executive Chairman, Marks & Spencer plc
Paul Walsh, Chief Executive, Diageo Plc
Joseph Wan, Group Chief Executive, Harvey Nichols
Simon Wolfson, Chief Executive, Next plc
Zameer Choudrey, Chief Executive, Bestway Cash & Carry
Ron Dennis, Chairman, McLaren Group
Mark Elborne, Chief executive, GE UK
Brent Hoberman, co-founder of lastminute.com
Simon Fox, Chief executive, HMV Group
Richard Caring, Chairman, Soho House Group, and Caprice Group
Ted Tuppen, Chief executive, Enterprise Inns
John Griffin, founder of Addison Lee
Richard Warburton, Executive Director, Warburtons Ltd
Sir Nigel Rudd, Chairman, BAA
Paul Walker, Chief executive, Sage
Jamie Murray Wells, founder of Glasses Direct
Anya Hindmarch, handbag designer and entrepreneur
Gerald Corbett, Chairman, Britvic plc, SSL International
Philip Day, Chief executive, Edinburgh Woollen Mills

28th March 2010 - A Great Week In Politics

2010-03-28T00:51:00.000-07:00

28th March 2010 - A Great Week in Politics
I believe this last week was a great in politics. I’m not referring to the Messrs Hoon, Byers and Hewitt side show, even though their display of stupidity, or greed, or both, did catch the headlines. Even the other headline grabber, MPs getting caught with their “Speedos” down asking planted or biased questions in exchange for a free exotic holiday, didn’t detract from the great week in politics. And if you made perfect sense of the shouting and screaming of the budget debate, you deserve a medal. Anyone would think each side thought the other side were a deceitful rabble, who when they weren’t concealing the truth, were liars. No, all in all, last week was a great week in politics.
On Tuesday, John Brooks, my Election Agent and I were in Laxton Square in Peterborough at the PCS Union Rally in support of the Government workers strike. Most unions engaged in dispute with the government have settled. The PCS Union represents the biggest share of government employees. Being less high-ranking and less specialist they earn less than the other groups and are the most vulnerable group. Although we didn’t address the rally, we were there to offer support and introduce ourselves.
There was a lot of interest in meeting us and finding out what we were all about. The vast majority hadn’t heard about my bid to become Peterborough’s Independent MP and I was pleased that so many questions were asked about me and my agenda. Information packs were eagerly received, prompting even more questions and offers of support.
At one point a member of the PCS asked what my views on Europe are. I explained that I believe Europe in its current form is fundamentally flawed and we need to work hard to shape the EU into something dynamic yet stable. Evidence suggests that all British governments have over-complicated EU directives, making it more expensive and difficult to implement them properly. Other European governments do the basics. We are essentially a trading nation and our manufacturing base is now so weak it will be difficult to power Britain out of recession. As a youth I worked for the “Get Britain Out” campaign in the 1975 referendum but now I am convinced we need to be in Europe. We need to be tough, engaged and willing to find new partnerships for what we know to be right in Europe. By being faint-hearted, we leave ourselves at the disadvantage of those who seek ever more power and influence over our lives. It’s important to make Europe truly democratic , accountable and relevant.
At the end of this the lady announced, “we are UKIP” and her husband then sought to put me right about Europe. He formidably resisted any attempt by me to interject or address any of his points. I listened intently and couldn’t even get in a response as he drew breath. By the end, I had too many responses to even remember my first one. Thinking we needed to agree to differ, I then closed our discussion. I assured them both that, if, and it was a big if, I became their MP and they had any concerns, issues or worries, they would always be welcome to come and see me. I would always listen and try to help them, as I want to represent everyone in Peterborough and not just those who elected or support me. They both looked gobsmacked. They were quite silent. We moved on to chat to some more people. Just as we were about to leave, the UKIP lady came over to me. “I was wondering if we could take some of your leaflets?” she asked. As she took the leaflets, she said, “Well, if we agree to differ on Europe, I’m sure there’s much more we can agree on!” Fantastic!
Thursday found me calling into St Theresa’s Day Centre, where I met Doug Styles, the Centre Manager. I was keen to learn more about the problem of homelessness in Peterborough. St Theresa’s is the place where homeless people can go for some basic day facilities. There are a tiny amount of spaces for homeless people to shelter at night. Doug told me the council believes there are about 40 homeless people on the streets of our City every night. He thinks its nearer 80, but could be as high as 120. About 40% are migrant workers who have “slipped through the net,” sought work unsuccessfully and are unable to get back to wherever home is. They then fall into a depressing spiral of poverty and sickness.
Doug told me his main problem for the migrant workers was getting a bank account. You can’t open a bank account if you don’t have an address. Most employers these days only pay into a bank account. Often those that do pay cash are doing it to avoid paying tax and National insurance, they pay below the national minimum wage or provide illegal goods or services. Without money, you cannot get a house, so you don’t have an address. No address equals no bank account, no bank account equals no pay...you get the picture. The key to this is to get banks to open accounts for homeless people to enable them to get paid. If their reluctance to do so is because the banks are addressing money laundering concerns, then we all need to get onto the Government’s case. Surely a very limited account unable to process large amounts of cash and with limited access arrangements would address anti-terrorist and criminal activities concerns. I can think of a few politicians who need that sort of account for other reasons.
In the short time I spent at St Theresa’s, I was really impacted by the work that Doug and his team do. They are dedicated people, looking out for those to whom most of us show contempt. This valuable resource is under threat and I am determined to do my part to ensure St Theresa’s carries on and achieves even more for the most vulnerable in our City.
During the rest of the week I found myself reflecting on the faces there. If life had thrown me a couple of curve balls, that could so easily be me. It could so easily be any of us, we are all only human, and very frail at that.
By Friday, it was time to meet the biggest “small group” of the week. Some Afro-Caribbean colleagues invited me to meet with them and their family and friends at the Millennium Centre. The place was packed and so much was going on. I noticed that the only white faces there were youngsters, loads of them, and they were engaged with everyone in everything that was going on. Whether they were playing, chatting, taking part in activities or just chilling. Our young people are often criminalised and marginalised, but these guys were showed me how friendship and getting along should be done. Our discussions reinforced my belief that organised activities for young people, that they want to do, have really positive impacts on the community, enhancing all of our lives. Invest in the kids and we invest in ourselves.
Like many of the groups and individuals I’ve been meeting, they feel that politics is irrelevant to them. They don’t know any politicians and they only know about politicians from what is shown on TV and in the newspapers. They believe that their families don’t get the support they deserve and that good jobs don’t come their way. It was quickly apparent to me that several of these guys were really talented and would be a great asset to the community and any employer. In fact two of you would make good managers and another would make a great politician, speaking with clarity and vision. I promised to support you and help you in any way that I can. You can hold me to that promise guys.
By the end of the meeting I had a greater understanding of the issues in part of our community. I had made some useful contacts and had been able to offer support. We covered a huge range of topics. The big achievement was that they began to engage in politics, expressed their passion for what they believe - a seed was sown. For my part I need to deliver everything I offered. We would all be winners if these people rise up, offer to serve and take a lead in the community.
By simply listening and seeking to understand, I learned so much and that seemed to be the theme this week. I can’t wait to catch up with these groups again and find out what’s changing.
It was a great week in politics - don’t believe everything you read in the papers!

21st March 2010 - A First - A Blog Post!

2010-03-21T04:36:00.000-07:00

This is my first Blog Post. Welcome!

I intend to post at least weekly, so check back regularly. You can contact me at johnswallow2010@live.co.uk.

You can expect relevant, and sometimes irreverent, take on the world in general and the challenge of becoming an independent MP for Peterborough.

21st March 2010 Going No Where Fast

2010-03-21T04:35:00.000-07:00

It’s sad that the Strike at British Airways is happening this weekend for many reasons.

This is an industrial dispute between employees and the employer. It isn’t a political dispute but rather than work hard at resolving the dispute behind the scenes senior politicians grab the opportunity for cheap headlines making escalation of the dispute more likely.

The Conservatives, by trying to drag up memories of seventies industrial and political disputes, are avoiding the real issues. They must be even more Champagne-addled than is actually good for them, according to health guidelines. They have a vision vacuum, no inspirational policies and questionable sources of cash. No wonder they are seizing this golden opportunity to avoid the real issues.

As New Labours posh backers have all but dried up (no Champagne there!) Unite the Union is filling Gordon’s trousers with cash. Messrs Woodley and Simpson must have been less than happy, listening to Woman’s Hour on radio 4, when they heard Gordon’s exhortation. Was that a loud raspberry coming from the said cash filled trousers?

At a time when many of us are hoping to hoover up a cheaper seat for a spring getaway, this is very disappointing. It is more worrying for those who have family business to attend to overseas and frustrating for businessmen trying to take themselves, and Britain, out of recession.

The point has already been made but it’s worth looking at again. This industrial dispute involves Airline Cabin Crew, not a group of highly unionised manual workers with a reputation for industrial fisticuffs at ever opportunity. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet them on many occasions over the years and BA Cabin Crew are, I believe, the best! Whatever British Airways gets wrong, the cabin crew consistently get it right. They really are nice people and for them to be talking strikes I believe that there is something very deeply wrong at BA. Sorry Ryanair, but I will come to you later.

I have a vision that their picket line will be the most civilised ever. The World’s Favourite Picket Line!
Colleagues will be rushing about having changed from their heels into their “flatties” offering “tea” in the way that only cabin crew can enunciate it. No bacon butties dripping brown sauce here, but warm gruyere and goat’s cheese parcels, unless you’re chicken or fish, of course. And if you look like you’re flagging, a toasty warm blankie and tiny pillow will appear, as if by magic.

British Airways does seem to have got itself into a bit of a state and it does have a history of this. Remember Virgin Atlantic and “the bearded one’s” fights over dodgy business practices? Upsetting Margaret Thatcher by painting the planes crazy colours, prompting her to pop a handkerchief over a model airplane tail. Michael O’Leary (Ryanair, we will be coming to them later!) called BA a “flying pension deficit” and then of course we had the opening of Terminal 5. And they took our Concorde away, the aircraft our American cousins could only ever be jealous about. Provoking your loyal, hardworking employees to strike, doesn’t seem to me a logical way forward. But then “A reasonable man gets nowhere in negotiations.” At least that’s what Willie Walsh said when he was running Aer Lingus.

Equally sad, is the way Unite the Union has allowed itself to get into a mess over this. They failed to realise early on how determined and angry this genteel bunch of professionals are. The Unite leadership probably thought Willie Walsh didn’t mean what he said. As a Union they should have been leading, not playing catch up, like a half dressed rugby player rushing onto the croquet lawn. When you pay your subscriptions you expect your Union to respond as soon as you need them - Unite, 5/10 - must try harder.

I believe the BA Cabin Crew deserve our support. The Cabin Crew have shown an understanding of British Airways situation and they have themselves been prepared to make sacrifices. These are reasonable people, who make good decisions every day, looking after British Airways passengers. They are like the vast majority of people, they do not recklessly engage in militancy. They, like us, will be voting in the next election and have choices to make. The question is who can you trust to support you, when your pay and terms and conditions of employment, or even your job are on the line?

Now to Ryanair! I flew with them once. The Ryanair website for £1 flights really should be a game on facebook. Players grab their seat for one pound and see how many extras they can pile on to the cost. The winner is the one who gets the highest quote. You would think the extras would be all the same on all flights to all destinations, but they aren’t, so happy playing.

That awfully nice Mr O’Leary has lent three of his Yellow and Blue bomber aircraft to British Airways to help break the strike. If you have the time do a “Michael O’Leary Quotes” search online you’ll get the drift of the guy. So why would he be doing such a public-spirited, charitable thing? Well, his passenger figures are looking a little red and tired, so he has semi-retired some of his Yellow and Blue Bombers. But, and here’s the interesting thing - If he can get BA to crush its Cabin Crew and their terms and conditions, his staff won’t be so eager to parachute from Yellow and Blue Bombers. Another little way of whiling away a short haul flight is to talk to flight attendants about who they have worked for previously. Try it, The stories about Ryanair are well scary! So scary in fact that I haven’t the bottle to ask flight crews if they have ever took Mr O’Leary’s pound (I believe they are different to our pounds).

Seriously though, this industrial dispute has important implications for us all and I hope it isn’t coming your way soon unless you’re a banker (but that’s another thing). There will be no obvious winners to this dispute; everyone involved will lose to a greater or lesser degree.