Inconsideration from Cameron continues over NHS reform

News today that David Cameron has failed to consolidate with NHS experts opposing his plans, only highlights further the complete mess the coalition has made over NHS reform. The British Medical Association and the Royal College of Nursing, which want the bill to be withdrawn, say they have not been asked to attend Mondays event.

It strikes me that Cameron is only interested in negotiating with those who are already in favour of his proposed reforms. Despite widespread criticism, he is failing to take into consideration opinions of two major bodies representing health officials.

Furthermore, increasingly I wonder whether now is the right time at all to introduce NHS reforms, when the government instead should be focusing more upon issues such as welfare reform and unemployment. 

Thanks but no thanks Mr Hester

This week Question time was in Plymouth and as a first time voter, the most alarming story of the week concerned the ever talked about banker’s bonuses and in particular those of Stephen Hester’s.

What struck me as a first time voter, was how unified the panel seemed to be, all taking a strong view against Hester’s salary and bonus. It was however, David Lammy and Jeremy Browne who put forward the strongest cases against Hester.

Lammy immediately set a somewhat aggressive tone by saying ‘ This is a man who already has a salary of 1.2million, which then gets topped up taking it over 2 million – and we own this bank’. He ultimately condemned David Cameron’s dealing of the situation, hinting that he had good talk, but had simply done nothing about these excessive bonuses. For Hester to get a 900,000-pound top up on his salary is simply a disgrace, and is something which needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Jermemy Browne approached the topic from a different angle, and stated that he would love to see people starting up businesses, and creating wealth/jobs. If Hester did this, and made a lot of money he would have no problem. However, he reiterated that we must remember he is working for RBS, a company which is 5/6 owned by the taxpayer, and therefore Hester should act/think more like a public servant. He made the point that what Hester gets paid in 3 days, is what a solider in Afghanistan gets paid a year.

Did Stephen Hester really have to take this ridiculous bonus, or should it simply have been a matter of  ‘thanks but no thanks’? Action is most definitely needed from Cameron in the coming weeks to show the coalition won’t stand for these overly excessive banker’s bonus’s. 

Little hope for Labour with brother Ed in charge

This morning Ed Miliband appeared on the Andrew Marr show in an attempt to relaunch his party leadership for the New Year. As per usual, Marr gave a typical grilling to his interviewee, and as per usual, Miliband failed to excite or fill me with any optimism, as the leader of the Labour Party.

As a first time voter, I find it rather embarrassing and pose the question whether or not it’s only a matter of time before he is forced to step down as party leader. Every public appearance he makes, it results in an overwhelmingly, negative reaction from the general public. It strikes me he simply doesn’t have the persona or media savy skills necessary to be a leader; unlike David Cameron, who whether you agree with his views or not, can not deny that he delivers them with genuine passion as well as professionalism.

The term style over substance is usually used to highlight a somewhat negative feature of someone. However, it appears Miliband should maybe take influence from it. I believe he is suited far better to a role as cabinet minister instead of the role of leader.

With a new year ahead of us, certain questions are arising, possibly most interestingly, Is David Miliband going to make a shock return to frontline politics and attempt to overthrow his brother? As a first time voter, I wouldn’t be overly surprised if this was to be the case. 

Cracks widen within the coalition

The week ended with a rather dark shadow looming over the coalition government. This became evident after significant disagreements between David Cameron and Nick Clegg emerged, firstly over Europe, and today over Cameron’s support for marriage. Clegg has continuously been venting his frustration all week, firstly over Cameron’s veto of the EU treaty, and today he has ridiculed the Prime Minster’s support for marriage as a throw back to the fifties.

What worries me, as a first time voter, is the lack of optimism and reassurance from within this coalition government, especially regarding the future. Questions are certainly emerging over whether this is capable of being a fully functional government. Of course with the formation of a coalition, everyone realised the two parties would not always agree, and that compromise would be necessary. However, I fear that the political actions of the PM and deputy PM, may be fuelled by the wrong motivations, with Cameron attempting to satisfy the right wing eurosceptics, and Clegg determined to show the Liberal Democrat faithful he can stand up for his party.

Is there any reason to be optimistic going into 2012?   

Euro crisis remains hazy

The euro crisis came to a major crunch point this week and frankly, as a first time voter, I was left rather confused and concerned at the outcome. The week ended with David Cameron vetoing the proposed changes to the EU’s Lisbon treaty, arguing that they were simply not in the UK’s interest. This treaty would set out tougher budget rules aimed at preventing a repeat of the current eurozone crisis.

What I find unhelpful is the mixed reaction Cameron has received since his veto. His deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, as a liberal democrat, was ‘bitterly disappointed’ by the outcome of the summit, placing much of the blame on the pressure applied by Eurosceptic Conservatives. On the other hand, Boris Johnson championed David Cameron, stating that he had ‘played a blinder’ in Europe.

Most concerning of all, is the possibility of a referendum regarding Britain’s position in the EU, which now seems increasingly likely. With such a complex issue, and continuous converging opinions between leading politicians (including the Prime minister and deputy prime minister), how are we (the public) supposed to come a structured and well thought out decision. It seems to me it’s going to be impossible for the electorate to draw an informed conclusion over such an important issue.

Clegg's missed opportunity

Odd news to round off the week as I see both PM Dave and Deputy Clegg are planning to take their summer holidays at the same time, with Cameron to the Mediterranean and Clegg to Spain. 

What struck me as a First Time Voter was the missed opportunity by Clegg to man the ship and steer the country in Cameron's absence. Surely, with the flak Clegg's had to put up with over the past year this was his moment to seize control and come into the limelight, demonstrating his leadership and presentation skills which he showed us during the live television debates. 

William Hague will take charge while these two set off on their travels, but what I am wondering is: who signed off the holiday forms?