Lib Dem's "Dirty" Call For An EU vote

Liberal Democrat leader, Ming Campbell has called for a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, despite refusing to comment on calls for a referendum on the new EU Treaty (which adopts around 80% of the rejected EU constitution).

He said, in this light of the EU treaty, British people deserved an "honest debate" on Europe - and "that means a referendum on Britain's membership of the EU".

 

Conservatives Launch "It's Time For Change" Platform

Conservative have launched their new "Its Time For Change" campaign, outlining the differences in approach to governing between how Labour has failed over the past 10 years, and how a Conservative Government would make changes, after the next election.

Vote Conservative

New Recruitment Drive Launched

Owen Meredith has launched a new recruitment drive to encourage people to join Staffordshire Conservative Future.

Local branches of CF will be attending a number of 'freshers weeks' at universities and sixth form colleges across the county delivering a message of positive and fresh politics. Owen launched the membership drive to co-inside with the launch of the new look Staffordshire Conservative Future website (www.staffordshirecf.co.uk) and all new joincf.co.uk, which offers visitors a clean and crisp design, with information on how to join Conservative Future.

Owen said, "This is an exciting time in Staffordshire. We have a lot going on in Conservative Future and this September will be attending more events than ever before. The Conservatives are very active in the county and Conservative Future is helping drive awareness of the Party."

 
 

NME Policy Centre-Piece Announced

Owen Meredith has unveiled the central message in his election manifesto for CF National Management Executive, ahead of his full manifesto release in September.  

His Manifesto "Conservative Future A Network Through Britain" will focus around developing a national network for Conservative Future, deliver "joined up thinking - locally through the regions to the NME."

Owen said, "Speaking with other CF area chairman, and members across the country the same issues often crop up: London-centred focus of CF, content on conservativefuture.com and a lack of information flow across the country. CF needs to move beyond these issues, and it is important that we get the organisation right, ready to be a fighting force fears by Labour and Lib Dems come the next election.

I believe that the 2007/8 can be the time we do this. That is why my manifesto will be focussed around viewing CF as a NATIONAL network, reaching out to every corner of the UK. There is great work going on in CF right across the country - and we need to be talking about it and sharing ideas, successes and failures in order to make CF the massive successes it should be, not only in London, but in every part of Britain."

If you are interested in getting involved with Owen's campaign, or want to learn more, please get in touch:

Email: owen@owenmeredith.co.uk
Phone: 07816 156925
Skype:
MSN: owenlm@hotmail.com

Conservative Future, The Future of Conservatism, The Future of Britain!

 

Owen Joins Charity Walk

Owen Meredith has joined with Jeremy Lefroy and Stafford Conservatives in a bid to walk across the width of the Stafford Constituency in August to raise funds for local charities.

The walk will take place on late August Bank Holiday Monday, and cover some 23 miles in a day across Stafford constituency from Hixon to the Shropshire border. Hixon has come into the constituency after the recent boundary changes.

They will be raising money for Katharine House Hospice, Staffordshire Air Ambulance and a fund which Jeremy is setting up to support social enterprises in the constituency.

Jeremy said: “I have been spurred on to do this by Janet, my wife, who recently did a walk around Edinburgh to raise funds for a medical school in Tanzania. She also kindly pointed out that I could be a lot fitter.”

“Anyone who would like to join us on the walk is welcome. Please contact Storm Barratt on 01785 252273 for details or if you would like to sponsor the walkers.”

Owen Meredith Backs Matthew Lewis for CF Area Chairman

Owen Meredith, currently Staffordshire CF Area Chairman, has announced he will be backing Matthew Lewis to succeed him when his term expires in September.

Owen said, "Matt has worked very closely with me in recent months as Area Chairman to understand the role and its challenges. The role is extremely challenging, but I think Matt has presented an interesting and achievable manifesto. We share commons goals for Staffordshire CF, and his manifesto builds firmly on the foundations I have put in place over the last 2 years. I wish him every success in the election, and I hope you can support him"

The date of the election is yet to be announced by Conservative Central Office, but is expected to be late September 2007.

Owen Due To Announce National Plans

Owen Meredith is expected to announce plans to stand for Conservative Future National Executive for 2007/8. The news comes following Owen's decision to stand down as Area Chairman for Staffordshire CF and branch chairman of Newcastle-under-Lyme and Keele University CF, early this year.

UPDATE: Elections have been delayed until November 2007

More coming soon....

 

Owen Retires as NKCF Chairman

Owen Meredith has retired as chairman of Newcastle-under-Lyme & Keele University Conservative Future, not seeking re-election after his second term in office ended in May.

In his final report to NKCF he said, "I stand down as chairman, hopefully leaving CF in a stronger position than I inherited it. And unlike Tony Blair who hung on too long and damaged not only his Party, but our County, I leave now, to stand by and offer support in the future if needed.

In standing down as chairman, I will still remaining involved with CF in Keele and the Party. But I felt
I have given as much as I could, and taken CF as far as I can. It is the right time for a new team to take over and for new ideas to evolve.

Good luck for the future – I’m sure the success will continue."

 

 Owen Meredith Pays Tribute To "dedicated" Councillor Deakin

Owen Meredith has paid tribute to "dedicated and hard working" Councillor Glennis Deakin, who died earlier this month following a short battle with cancer.

Owen commended the work of Glennis, who was the Borough councillor for Westlands ward on Newcastle Borough Council, and County Councillor for Keele, Westlands and Thistleberry on Staffordshire County Council.

Owen said, "Glennis was extremely hardworking for the people of Staffordshire, and will be sorely missed among friends and colleagues."

 

Cleaner, Greener Local Councils

Conservative local councils have a proven record of being cleaner, greener and more efficient with tax players money. David Cameron has recently launched a campaign, touring the country, to show what Conservatives can do. Watch this short video clip for more:

 

Owen Follows UP Residents Requests and Investigates Litter Problem in Pepper Street, Keele

Owen Meredith has begun investigating litter problems in Pepper Street, Keele; following complaints from residents about persistent litter and lack of action from the authorities.

Owen has today (Thursday 12th April) asked the Borough council to arrange a litter pick in the area to rectify the problem. He has also written to the council asking for a regular collections and inspections to be made while the problem persists, especially with the summer months fast approaching when  road side litter tends to increase.

UPDATE: The Council has agreed a 12 weekly cleansing cycle, and interim monitoring of the situation for more regular action if required.

 

Sustainable Communities Bill Supported

Owen Meredith has committed to support the Sustainable Communities Bill. The Bill’s aim is to halt the desolation of local communities; the loss of post offices and local shops, provide provision for transport, give power over local issues back to local people. The Bill enjoys cross-party support in Parliament, and many local councils have passed motions supporting the Bill. The Labour Government are however opposed to the Bill.

More Information: http://www.localworks.org/
Full Text of the Bill: Click here for PDF

Owen Writes in The Sentinel: "Britain's Roads Are Not Ashtrays!"

 

Senior Conservative, Greg Barker MP Visits Keele

Conservative shadow environment minister, Greg Barker MP, visited Keele University last week. The visit was to discuss energy efficiency and environmental practices on the University campus, with Conservative council hopeful Owen Meredith.

Owen Meredith said, “Mr Barker agreed with me that efficient energy use is definitely the way forward. He was very interested to learn of the Universities plans for ecological development on the phase three site.

Mr Meredith added, “I hope the University will look very carefully at bio energy in its development plans for phase three.”

First year Keele student Robert Griffiths said, “I was very pleased to see a senior Conservative minister in Keele. I think this demonstrates the Party’s commitment to Keele and determination to be a strong voice for Keele on both local and national stages.”

During his visit, MR Barker was shown the Horwood site where a new water heating solar panel will be installed, and told about the Universities efforts to reduce energy consumption on campus, including the installation of a wind turbine in Barnes Halls.

Keele Conservatives, Working for You:
Roads Swept Following Owen's Request

Following recent campaigning and requests by Owen Meredith, The Village road has now been swept (Wednesday 28th March).

Owen thanked the council for their  action over this matter that he raise with them over the weekend. Owen said, "The state of the roads was really appalling before the weekend. I am very pleased that the council has acted promptly to this request to clean the streets, but am disappointed that neither of the currently councillors for Keele (both of whom live in the village) had pointed this matter out to the council and requested the sweep themselves."

Owen Calls For Action Over Road Repairs

Owen Meredith has criticised Staffordshire Council Council for failing to invest in our road infrastructure.
He said "Staffordshire County Council has continuously cut money from the highways budget to plug gaps elsewhere in the Council's finances. The County Council need to improve the service they deliver to Staffordshire and urgently address the problem of our decaying road network."

Owen recently took this photograph (right) which shows the state of drain cover grids in Station Road, Keele.

Owen has launched a crack-down on road repairs and safety, visit the roads campaigns page: click here

 

Owen Announces 5 Key Priorities For Keele

In the week official campaigning begins for the May local elections, Owen Meredith has stated his 5 key priorities, if elected to be the councillor for Keele. He said, “I hope this allows voters to see clearly what I stand for, and what I will deliver if elected in May.”

Accountability: A commitment to being accountable to the residents and voters of Keele at all times, not just at election.

Building Communities: Developing relationships between the student and non-student populations to promote community in Keele.

Council Efficiency: A stronger council, with improved efficiency and less waste. Setting and meeting targets for council improvement, allowing us to deliver lower council tax.

Recycling & Environment: Delivering a expansion of recycling facilities in Keele and throughout the Borough.

Representation: Keeping you informed at all times, and listening to your views. Communicating through surveys, websites and surgeries to make your views know on your council.

Owen Criticised "Bad Brown Budget"

Owen has criticised Gordon Brown following his 11th Budget speech delivered to the House of Commons on 21st March.

Following the budget speech Owen said, "This was yet another typical Brown budget. The Chancellor has given with one hand, and taken away again with the other, seeking the headlines in the process.

Gordon Brown's budget hits the lowest earners hardest, abolishing the 10% tax band, and increase tax to 20% for those lowest earners. Very few will feel any reel reward from the 2p cut in basic tax.

"There was nothing green in this budget, it was all very definitely Brown. The Chancellor missed the opportunity to give tax relief on income to hard working families, and shift the burden to tax to pollution rather than earnings."

Owen later added, "Labour have yet again attacked small businesses. I welcome the cut to corporate tax rates that will improve Britain's competitiveness, but even this cut has be offset by cuts in allowances that will rake the money back in to the Treasury.

"Perhaps the most damaging news from this budget is a tax hike for small business. Business already crippled by Labour's Red Tape. Small businesses are the heart of many communities, employing millions of people in the UK. Brown's tax rises will undoubtedly force many small businesses to close their doors!"

"There was so much opportunity wasted by this budget, I am glad that this will be the last budget Mr Brown delivers."

 Click here for full breakdown analysis of the budget (PDF)
 Click here for Owen's letter to The Sentinel

 

Owen Defends 'Right To Buy'

In response to an letter published by The Sentinel newspaper on 06/03/07, Owen Meredith has defended the right of students to buy property, and to live in the area surrounding Keele University.

In a wide ranging letter written to The Sentinel, Owen has brandished the remarks "Highly offensive to students who settle in North Staffordshire from outside the area."  Saying "Many students choice to live in the area for many years after they graduate, and attitudes such as those displayed by the author will force students away - taking with them skills and training that could deliver much needed improvements to our local economy."

Owen later commented, "Students bring a lot to the economy of Newcastle and surrounding areas. Without the students populations of Keele and Staffordshire Universities, The Potteries would be a very different place to live.

"We should encourage students to get involved with the local community, by getting job, buying property and seeing North Staffordshire as their home, rather than simply a place of study."

 

Petition Gathers Pace

The petition organised by Owen Meredith against the 31.7% pay increase awarded to Keele University's Vice Chancellor Janet Finch has now received well over 250 signatures, and it rapidly gather pace as media interest in the petition grows.

BBC Radio Stoke covered the story on  Thursday (1st March) with a complementing story on the BBC news website (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/staffordshire/6409981.stm). The story will also be carried in local newspaper The Sentinel.

Owen Launches Petition

Owen Meredith has launched a petition online to demand an explanation from lay members of Keele University Council, as to why Vice Chancellor Janet Finch was awarded a 31.7% pay rise last year, taking her salary to £212,000.

The pay increase amounts to in excess of £50,000 extra a year in her pay packet!

Owen said, "In the year Keele begins charging students £3,000 a year to study here, it is unacceptable to award pay rises of this magnitude. The increase in fees was requested to allow the university to deliver a balanced budget and a high standard of education - yet Keele has slipped in University league tables, and the money is being squandered on pay rises that deliver nothing to the academic performance."

Sign the petition online: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/keele/petition.html

Carbon Policy Passes at UGM

The Union General Meeting of Keele Students Union has passed a motion, proposed by Owen Meredith to reduce the carbon footprint and investigate Carbon Offsetting.

Owen proposed the motion to mandate the officers to investigate the feasibility and cost of offsetting the carbon emissions of KUSU resulting from its day-to-day activities and adopt and environmental conscious in efforts to reduce its environmental impact through more direct measures.

Owen said, "While I accept carbon offsetting isn't the solution to environmental and climate change, i think it is a positive step forward. This motion will focus the minds of those in the Union to think about the carbon footprint and ways of reducing it.

"KUSU isn't a rich organisation and cannot afford to makes changes overnight that reduce its carbon by making the building more efficient. Carbon offsetting can help deal with that in the short term."

 

Official Launch of Campaign for Keele

Owen Meredith has officially launched his campaign to be the next councillor for Keele on Newcastle Borough Council. 

Owen, 20, launched the campaign by delivering leaflets and surveys to many residents around Keele Village and University. He said “It is a very exciting time in Keele, and I am very much looking forward to fighting both the election campaign, and hopefully fighting for Keele on the council after a successful election on May 3^rd” 

Twenty year old, Owen Meredith who is branch Chairman for Newcastle-under-Lyme and Keele University Conservative Future has announced his plans to join the Conservative group on Newcastle Borough Council before Christmas 

Mr Meredith was the campaign manger for Joel Foley’s local election campaign last year in Keele

Mr Foley commented on Owen’s selection saying “I am delighted that Owen has been selected to stand for Keele. I was unfortunately unable to put my own name forward again due to new work commitments, but can think of no-one better to fight the seat. Over the past few years Owen has been nothing but committed to Keele and raising Keele’s profile within the Party. He is an excellent candidate to deliver on the council.”

Owen Calls on Keele to be Carbon Neutral

Owen has today called for Keele residents to become carbon neutral. He said "While neutralising carbon emissions from road travel, flights and heating our homes is not the simple solution to climate change - it does offer a easy way to help the environment and reduce the effects of a modern lifestyle."

Visit sites like: www.targetnuetral.com and www.climatecare.org for more info and to go neutral

Living in Harmony Meeting

Owen Meredith attended the Keele Living in Harmony meeting held at the Village Hall on Monday, 20th November, which he described as "informative and extremely useful".

The meeting was well attended by Villagers, and delivered on its aim of beginning to develop relations between Keele village and Keele campus, while raising issues of concerns for both students and villagers and attempting to reach solutions.

The evening raised a number of issues, which Owen and other Conservative Party representatives will be taking away to discuss and develop solutions where possible.

 

£500 for Children in Need

Owen Meredith's sponsored leg waxing for Children in Need has raised around £500 for the charity.

After the waxing Owen commented "It hurt a lot" adding "It seemed like a good idea at the time, and now its over I'm pleased to have done so well in raising £500 for Children in Need. I'm not looking forward to the re-growth though."

Owen Meredith Selected for Keele

Twenty year old, Owen Meredith has been selected to stand for local council at the elections in May 2007 for Keele Ward. Mr Meredith, who is branch Chairman for Newcastle-under-Lyme and Keele University Conservative Future has announced his plans to join the Conservative group on Newcastle Borough Council, following his selection by Keele Conservative on November 3^rd.

Owen commented on his selection saying: “I am extremely pleased to have been selected by the Conservatives for Keele. I believe, at the next election, Keele has a real chance of becoming a Conservative seat and I am dedicated to making that happen.

“Keele is a dynamic seat with a massively diverse electorate. The councillor for Keele needs to represent both the villagers and students effectively. As a part-time student at Keele, I feel able to connect to the student voters, while working in Keele Village and having the experience of campaigning here allows me to connect with the village."

Owen Criticised Keele Labour for "Negative Approach"

Owen Meredith has today criticised the Keele Labour Students group for operating a "wholly negative" website that does nothing but criticise the attempts of fellow politicians, while offering no ideas or reasons to vote labour.

Owen said "Keele Labour students website is purely negative in its approach, which is damaging to all politics, not just their own.

NKCF Deputy Chairman, Matthew Lewis: " We are urging Labour to change their approach and promote themselves as a positive political force, rather than just attacking everyone who isn't Labour. Any good politician will appreciate the attempts of others to make changes they see for the better even when they disagree.

Owen summed up, saying: "I can conclude nothing from their website except that Labour is out of ideas and out of steam. They clearly have nothing positive left to contribute to the political scene."

Students Vote to Keep Smoking

Keele Students have voted against proposals for a partial smoking ban within the union, and a phased introduction of the ban passed by the House of Commons last February.

 In the Union General Meeting (UGM) held on Tuesday night, the motion proposed by Owen Meredith to “phase smoking out of the building, rather than switching on an overnight ban” failed to gain the backing on the UGM, despite being supported by the Student Council earlier this month.

 The meeting, which was poorly attended, threw out the motion following strong representation by the VP Finance, Rob Russell, that passing the motion would add “17-18% on the price of a pint”.

 In fierce debate, Mr Meredith defended the motion, saying it created “choice” and “redressed the balance of provision for smokers and non-smokers” also adding “Our union is here for student welfare, not to make profit!” He also attempted to discredit the financial argument stating “The VP Finance’s figures come from Scotland, where there is a forced total ban, these proposals only but a partial ban in place – and give students the choice of where to smoke. The 10% drop in sales projected would be very unlikely.” 

After the meeting Mr Meredith said “I am disappointed that the motion did not pass tonight, I think there was a real matter of student welfare here, and I am surprised the Union officers couldn’t support that.

Owen Meredith declares intention to stand for council

 Owen Meredith has declared his intention to stand for local council at the elections in May 2007. Mr Meredith, who is branch chairman for Newcastle-under-Lyme and Keele University Conservative Future and also Area Chairman for Staffordshire Conservative Future, announced his plans to join the Conservative group on Newcastle Borough Council.

 Owen has said “I will be putting my name forward to the Keele selection committee, with the intention of standing for election next May.” Mr Meredith was the campaign manger for Joel Foley’s local election campaign last year in Keele, as well as organising the Keele County Council and General Election campaigns in May 2005.

Mr Meredith commented “Keele is a dynamic seat with a massively diverse electorate. The councillor for Keele needs to represent both the villagers and students effectively. As a part-time student at Keele, I feel able to connect to the student voters, while working in Keele Village and having the experience of campaigning here allows me to connect with the village.”

He added “With the support I have from my girlfriend, family and friends I have no doubt I will be able to give 100% dedication needed to Keele if elected.”

 Third year Keele student Adam Cook welcomed the news saying “Owen is passionate about Keele and passionate about politics. He works hard for the students of Keele through his role as a Student Councillor and CF chairman.  He has also shown his commitment to the village, through his support for Joel Foley at last year's election. If Owen was elected, I know he would be an asset to the Council, providing a much-needed younger voice, and would also be a great representative for the people of Keele Village and University"

Owen Set to Wax Legs for Charity

Newcastle-under-Lyme and Keele University Conservative Future have announced their plans for fundraising for this years Children in Need campaign. Last year the group’s executive committee and Cllr Simon Tagg died their hair blue to raise funds for the charity.

 This year the group will be collecting sponsorship and donations for their chairman, Owen Meredith, to have his legs waxed on Friday 17^th November (the annual campaign day). The waxing has been kindly donated by “Moments of Beauty” in Newcastle.

 The leg waxing is scheduled to take place at Keele University on the Friday afternoon, and Owen will be collecting sponsorship between now and then.

 NKCF have set up an online page for sponsorship, that gives money direct to the BBC charity, You can sponsor Owen’s leg waxing challenge and donate directly to Children in Need by visiting : http://www.justgiving.com/owenmeredith. If you are a UK taxpayer, 28% can be added to your donation by the taxman too!

 Owen said “Children in Need is a great charity doing amazing work for throughout the UK. Although I am somewhat concerned about loosing my leg hair, my worries are nothing compared to what thousands of children and their carers face every day. I hope this challenge will help raise awareness and funds for a very good cause.”

Owen Assaulted in High Street

Owen Meredith was attacked on the High Street in Newcastle-under-Lyme, on Thursday 28th September by an unnamed attacker. Owen suffered the unprovoked attack as a result of what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity. The Police failed to respond to a 999 call made after the incident, and the attacker is still at large.

CF Elections Deliver Successful Results

The National Conservative future Elections have delivered successful results, with Mark Clarke being elected Chairman, with 5 out of the 6 elected executive members being supported by Owen.

Sadly Jonathon Ash-Edwards was not re-elected, Owen said "This is a great loss to Conservative Future's National team, and I hope Jonathon continues to be involved with CF and national politics."

Meredith: "Howells should Shut Up!"

Owen Meredith has today written to The Sentinel Newspaper commenting:

Labour’s Ashley Howells has recently criticized the green agenda of Newcastle Borough Council, stating on the record that the council should only act green to meet government targets.

Mr Howell's recent comments come in a long line of attacks on the Borough Councils new administration, which have picked up from Labours failing and begun to turn the council into an effective organisation.

While I am sure Ashley has the greatest intentions of sucking up to a Labour Government in Westminster who are loosing control, but I suggest he rethinks his approach, and thinks about what is best for the people of Madeley who he is supposed to represent!

If the Labour Party in Newcastle are taking the attitude that the green agenda should only be enacted in accordance with central government targets, and only be done to gain political points, then they have learned nothing since being throw into opposition in May.

This country faces one of the biggest threats in its history from environmental and climate change. We need to move faster and be more effective than central government wherever possible. Not pander to there ineffective demands. Newcastle Borough council’s plans to recycle plastics (that do not count towards some government recycling targets) will do far more to protect the environment than any centrally set targets. 

Recycling should not be a party political dividing line for Mr Howells and his colleagues to throw around; it is a serious issue, about protecting the environment for future generations!

Frankly, the hot air coming from the Labour benches and Mr Howells are doing unnecessary damage to accelerate global warming, and since they have nothing productive to add to the argument, shutting up would be the best help they can offer!

Keele Students Push for Smoking Ban

Keele Students are to present a policy to a Union General Meeting on October 24^th asking fellow students to ban smoking in the Students Union.

The policy has been brought forward in response to legislation passed by the House of Commons in February, banning smoking in all enclosed public spaces in England from summer 2007.

Owen Meredith, Conservative Future Chairman, is proposing the motion that would see smoking banned in the building before 7pm from November, and a complete ban in force by January.

Mr Meredith said “I feel it is vital that we act on this legislation now, rather than panicking when it comes into force next summer.

“I understand many smokers will be unhappy with the proposals, particularly the timetable, but the way in which I am proposing we deal with the ban allows smokers time to adapt and the Union time to develop a workable solution to smoking. Waiting until the government ban comes in does not do this and puts us a huge financial risk

“Bringing forward a policy now, gives us time to engage with the students and staff, and develop a workable and legal solution before the legislation is in force of how to allow smokers who wish to continue, to do so.”

The commercial management of KUSU have rejected the proposals, wishing to hold out until the ban is in force. The largely smoking management team fear for the financial interest of the union bars, sighting competition from other “smoking” bars on the campus.

Owen has “consulted widely” on the issue, and found a large number of students in favour of the motion. He commented “There may still be some adjustments to be made as we consult further through the unions political bodies. But essentially, students are overwhelmingly in favour of the action, and action now.”

For Full text of Motion Click Here

 

Meredith Criticises Labour for Damaging the Name of Politicians

 

Writing in The Sentinel, Owen Meredith has criticised Newcastle-under-Lyme's Labour group for being weak and opportunist in opposition, which is damaging politics and politicians as a whole.

 

 

Owen Meredith declares for Mark Clarke - CF National Chairman 2006/7

 

Owen Meredith, Area Chairman for Staffordshire Conservative Future, has today announced his support for Mark Clarke for CF National Chairman 2006/7.

 

There are three candidates for the post, Andrew Young, Caroline Hunt and Mark Clarke. Mr Meredith believes Mark Clarke is best placed to bring the organisation better integration with the Conservative Party, and deliver the keys needs of more members and more branches in target seats.

 

Owen shares Marks views that CF can make the all important difference between a Conservative Government or something else after the next election. Mr Clarke said "I don't believe that the stakes in CF are low. At the next general election the difference between David Cameron becoming Prime Minister with an outright majority, and being forced into a coalition could be as little as a handful of seats. CF can make the difference between losing those seats, and winning."

 

Owen Meredith announced his support saying "I am urging my fellow CF members to support Mark, if like us, they believe CF can make that important difference. We all want to see a Conservative Government after the next election, and I believe Mark can lead CF to help deliver that!"

"I notice the road-works on the Newcastle ring road round-a-bout have now been completed. But I ask myself what was the point of the 6 weeks of delays? The new layout has done very little to alter the flow of traffic, and although the new black and white block-work around the round-a-bout looks very nice, is it necessary?

 

Newcastle roads are crumbling under the strain of traffic, and have received very little investment from Labour run Staffordshire County Council over the past few years. I moved to the are in 2003, and have watched the potholes grown bigger, and the road surfaces wear out all across Newcastle.

 

So I ask our Labour County Councillors - Why have we spent so much money on what appears to be cosmetic road maintenance, rather than fixing the road problems that blight our lives everyday? Newcastle has hundreds of potholes that need repairing. Lets make some real investment that makes lives easier - not invest in what looks good.

 

Is this just another example of Labours gloss? Trying to present a an image of hard work and achievement, when in-fact all they are doing is papering over the cracks? Cracks that are growing every bigger with everyday they stay in power.

 

Labour have lost power in Newcastle, they need to wake up to the reality it won't be long before they loose it in Staffordshire and Westminster!"

Dear Sir,

 

Following the Turner review of pensions this week, I welcome the proposals, especially as a debate platform for a mature debate on the future of pensions in the UK. I myself have chaired a debate among students on Friday, where many interesting ides were put forward.

 

I find it horrifying that Gordon Brown has already dismissed the proposals as unaffordable, making the entire debate pointless if he stays at no.11, rather than moving next door! While I look forward to that day, he may have a point on affordability of the proposals in their entirety, but his deal with public sector unions, and his excessive borrowing and waste are the causes of that unaffordability!

 

In addition Brown has stolen £5bn a year from private pensions, which have a direct link to the demands on the state pension, and has simultaneously forced millions of pensioners into degrading and complicated means-testing.

 

I began saving for my pension at the age of 16, with the fear and expectation of not receiving a state pension at 65; while I hope this is not the case, I plan to be prepared for it.

 

The solution will not be simple, it will involve a combination of private saving, public saving, and later retirement. But we have to approach this sensibly - we cannot give Civil Servants (who earn on average 3% more than someone in the private sector in the same job) higher pensions, at a younger age; while forcing private sector workers to work till they die! For many (construction workers, manual labourers etc) this will be physically impossible, resulting in a every increasing dependency on incapacity benefit, which currently costs the tax payer in excess of £12bn a year!

 

We have to face the facts: we are living longer, and that the cost of living is increasing; we cannot continue to means-test - the basic state pension should be higher. At the same time, we cannot expect people of my generation, and our children, to pay higher taxes to pay for a growing number of pensioners, when we will receive a (proportionately) smaller state pension, if we receive one at all!

 

If we want the state to provide for us in retirement, we will have to put more into state pensions, we need a system of state investment, rather than the working population paying for the retired population"