Karen Allen

Defend Us

2010-10-12T19:13:00.003Z

At the recent Conservative Conference in Birmingham I had the opportunity to ask Defense Secretary Liam Fox a question on how the cuts will affect our standing on world stage as well as at home:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX_qRotZ3Xw&feature=email

Full transcript of the question I asked as follows:

The past weeks have seen yet more headlines outlining deep cuts to our already severely depleted armed forces. We have also seen a loosening of our commitment to an independent
nuclear deterrent, the proposed reduction of the RAF to its smallest size ever and yet more reductions in the size and capability of the navy and the army. Since the Second World War each conflict our armed forces have been asked to fight in has been radically different to the previous one, each needing the very military capability our political leaders have told us is no longer required.
The primary duty of government is defence of the nation, yet for far too long successive governments have taken the professionalism of our armed forces for granted - and run them into the ground. It cannot be long before inadequate British forces suffer a military defeat; the negative effect on our national psyche and standing in the world would be incalculable. Secretary of State, can you reassure us you will fight for our defense budget?

PS If anyone can find the whole question on You Tube please can you let me know!

Conference 2010 - Birmingham

2010-08-22T09:48:00.002Z

Conservative Conference is being held in Birmingham from 3 - 6 October this year. Our first conference in Government for 14 years it is set to be well attended. If you are going and you haven't booked a ticket for our Conservative Way Forward Dinner on Monday 4th October, with guest speak, Education Secretary, Michael Gove, I would urge you to do book soon if you want to attend. Tickets can be purchased on line and are selling fast:

http://conwayfor.org/

Please note the dinner is within the secure zone, so you will need a conference pass to attend.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Miliband the biggest vote loser of Leadership Candidates

2010-07-08T20:09:00.004Z

In May David Miliband lost 8.8% of his vote share (which represented a 6.4% swing to the Conservatives). This was the largest % of votes lost by any of the Labour Leadership candidates - even Ed Balls, who almost lost his seat.

CANDIDATE SEAT * LAB ‘05 * LAB ‘10

Diane Abbott Hackney N & Stoke Newington * 49.0% * 55.0%
Ed Miliband Doncaster North * 51.1% * 47.3%
Andy Burnham Leigh * 57.8% * 51.3%
Ed Balls Morley & Outwood * 46.0% * 37.6%
David Miliband South Shields * 60.8% * 52.0%

I wonder will this go against him? It'll be interesting to see what happens in September. My bet would be Miliband, D will be ahead on the first ballot, but will not make it out of the second victorious. I'd say we have got a Star Trek Convention to look forward to - but let's see....

Listen to the Canadians

2010-05-19T00:21:00.003Z

It's almost six weeks until the G8 and G20 summits which are to be held in Toronto. I'm sitting in the airport lounge in Montreal after spending a week in Canada, reading the Business Section of the Montreal Gazette, when I come across an article on the Baking sector with strong advice from Canadian Conservative Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. He says:

"You can't tax an economy into prosperity. Rather than a bank levy improve the quality of capital reserves, strengthen liquidity standards and put a cap on the amount of debt banks can use as leverage when making investments...."

The Canadian's sensible, prudent attitude to the banking sector - keeping retail and investment banking separate being a fundamental - meant they did not have the same crisis as their cousins South of the border or their British brothers. Now Britain, France and Germany are supporting an international tax on banking (which will surely just serve to drive wealth overseas), wouldn't you be upset if you were a Canadian?

South Shields Redundancies

2010-05-18T21:29:00.003Z

I was sorry to read today about Garlands going into administration:

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Garlands-founder-39sick39-at-firm39s.6301754.jp

I recall originally 1,000 jobs were promised at the prime site on the River Tyne. I was intrigued as to how Garlands were making Call Centres work, as when you call a customer services line we mostly reach an operator in India or the Far East. Ultimately the strain of competing with these cheaper facilities proved to much for the North East business and TalkTalk and Vodafone have bailed on British workforces. It's a shame but not unexpected. I'm glad though when I call Orange I get to speak to someone on Tyneside.

The question now is what the building will be used for - it always looked more residential than business focused if you ask me.

David Cameron, Prime Minister

2010-05-12T10:11:00.001Z

After 13 years the Conservatives are back in government. We have seen the election of nearly 100 extra MPs, we have gained more seats than in any election since 1931 and we are now the party of government once again. No-one should underestimate the scale of our achievement in such a short space of time.

Message from David Cameron:

"I want to tell you what I can about the agreement we have made with our new partners in government, the Liberal Democrats. As I said after the election last week, more than anything else Britain needs strong, stable and decisive government at this point in our history. And it was in the national interest that we achieved this on a secure basis.

This is why I made a big, open and comprehensive offer to the Liberal Democrats last Friday. I signalled, from the very start of the negotiations, that we had to respect the verdict of the electorate and work together to find solutions to the profound problems facing our nation: the debt crisis, our deep social problems and our broken political system.

Today, we have achieved this much-needed agreement, overcoming political differences to forge a new government in the national interest. Of course, we must recognise that all coalitions are about compromise. This one is no different. And I want to take this opportunity to reassure about what was agreed.

The agreement commits the next government to a significantly accelerated reduction in the budget deficit, to cut £6 billion of government waste this financial year and to stop the jobs tax. The agreement also allows us to carry out key elements of the reform agenda we outlined in our manifesto - an agenda vital to turning our country round - including welfare and school reform. Moreover, we have protected our nuclear deterrent. And there will be no amnesty for illegal immigrants, nor the handover of any additional powers to the EU.

Of course, the agreement also reflects the key priorities and objectives of the Liberal Democrats. This includes fairer funding in education, a fairer tax system and political reform - including a referendum on changing the voting system to the alternative vote.

But the past few days have not just been about compromise. What was clear as talks progressed is the common ground between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. And that is displayed in this agreement, with our commitment to building a green economy, decentralising power and protecting civil liberties - including scrapping ID cards.

We campaigned on the belief that we're all in this together - and can only solve our problems together to build a stronger, more responsible society. I am confident that the coming together of two political parties to form one strong government marks a new era for Britain and for British politics. Now, let's get down to work."

The morning after

2010-05-07T16:21:00.006Z

After going to sleep at 5am midst so much uncertainty I awoke a few hours later with the country in much the same predicament. I'm sure many of us felt a little bit flat; robbed of the excitement of waking up with a new Prime Minister and the immediate hope and excitement for the future of the country. I hope and do believe we will be able to sort out the current Hung Parliament and David Cameron will lead the country as our Prime Minister - but I will watch with keen interest as to how this unfolds over the next few days.

I had a huge range of emotions last night. Of course in many ways I am sad, I am no longer the Conservative Candidate for South Shields. My 15 month campaign is now over and so is a chapter of my life - in the same way as when you leave any post or job. We did not return South Shields' first woman or Conservative MP and David Miliband won with 18,000 votes.

We did however achieve a 6.4% swing to the Conservatives and we went into second position, with a very respectable lead over the Lib Dems with 7,876 votes (which I'll tell you I was very concerned we wouldn't do a couple of weeks ago - although in the last week I did become less worried at this prospect from reactions on the doorstep). We increased our share of votes by over 50% which I think is a great achievement and we must remember that any swing is diluted the further north you go, so in national terms a 6.4% swing is more like a 12% swing.

I am pleased by what we achieved in South Shields, but only naturally I wish we had achieved more, but only in the way I always strive to achieve more and not with any disappointment or regret. I was joined on the campaign by seasoned supporters, estranged supporters and several new supporters. I would like to thank members of the Association for all of their help and guidance in the campaign as a first time parliamentary candidate. I would also like to say a special thank you to Julie & Steve McGowan, Julie Bora, Ross Huartt, Ali Hayden and Tony Nott - who all joined the campaign and gave a great deal of their time and resource. I would like to say a huge thank you to Graham Rigg for his continuous support throughout the 15 month campaign, both in the blogosphere and in pure man hours for all of the leaflets he delivered across the West Park Ward (I saw with my own eyes last night it did translate into votes in West Park). To those estranged supporters who helped me, you know who you are and I also thank you also tremendously. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my family, without whom my campaign would not have been possible - their guidance, inspiration and sheer work ethic not only made it shaped my whole life.

So now I guess I need to decide what I am going to do with this blog. I actually started this blog in 2006 when I ran for the Conservative Future National Executive - how long ago that now seems, although it's only four years. I will continue in my work within the Conservative Party and I look forward to working on new projects, which I plan to write about on this blog, as well as writing about South Shields. If I don't post as regularly hope you will still check in once in a while.

Many thanks for reading this blog, supporting this campaign and voting Conservative!

Ahead of David Cameron's Speech at 14.30

2010-05-07T10:56:00.002Z

Labour have clearly lost this election. These results are an utter rejection of Labour and an historic result for the Conservatives.

Labour have now lost more seats than in 1979, and the Conservatives have gained more than we did in 1979. We stand to gain more seats than in any election since 1931.

Labour can't possibly expect to continue in government with what some are already calling a coalition of the defeated. To do so would be an insult to the British voters.

David Cameron has made it clear that we will do everything we can to provide a stable government in the national interest.

Last night we have already gained more seats than at any time since the war when the Conservative party has formed an incoming Government.

In 1979, the Conservative party gained 63 seats and formed the new Government.

In 1970, the Conservative party gained 77 seats and formed the new Government.

In 1951, the Conservative party gained 24 seats and formed the new Government.

I've voted - have you?

2010-05-06T18:01:00.005Z

I'm curious what the turnout today has been in South Shields. The Westoe Crown polling station was pretty quiet when I was there, but I understand other stations have been very busy and certainly from talking to people today I've met many people have said this is the first time or the first time in a long while they have voted.

So how will it all translate? What will the result in South Shields be? With a record nine General Election candidates, what will this do to the current majority?

The South Shields Count is expected to be announced at 1.40am at Temple Park Leisure Centre. My next post will be with the results.

If you haven't voted yet, I'll leave you with Boris's message:

This is it. As I write these words Gordon Brown should be teetering on the edge of the political oblivion he so richly deserves.

One shove, one nudge, one tiny prod in the right place - and we will at last be rid of this bankrupt embarrassment of a Labour government. Just one last push and this great country will be spared another five years of Gordon Brown.

We will avoid the drift and dither of a hung parliament. We will give a Conservative government the chance to offer dynamic and energetic government and by tomorrow morning we will begin the work of undoing the damage done by Labour.

Who is there left to administer this final judicious kick to the Labour Party's ample posterior?

It could be you.

If you have yet to vote - and you have five minutes to spare - I urge you and all your family and friends to get down to the polling station and play your part in history.

In an election this tight, your vote could be decisive. The boot's on your foot. For the good of our country - I urge you to use it.

Boris Johnson

Support from the Blogosphere

2010-05-05T09:21:00.002Z

The internet and social networking has been played a significant role in this General Election or has it? I've had over 16,000 hits on my blog since I have been working for the Conservatives in South Shields. I've often wished I'd set up a better monitor for this traffic - so I could see who was reading my blog and how often. Is it just the politically interested who read our blogs or are we successfully engaging with the regular internet user who might be checking the news at the same time as he checks a blog in his local town? I wonder, but I know I would love to secure 16,000 votes.

I digress though. This is a blog written by a South Shields writer. Thanks, Peter for the support:

http://www.peterwrites.co.uk/blog/2010/05/voting-for-change/

Vote Local, Vote for Change, Vote Karen Allen tmrw!

Successful Nook Visit with Andrew Mitchell

2010-05-04T18:43:00.009Z

Andrew Mitchell, Shadow Secretary for International Development, joined me today for a walk around on Prince Edward Road at the Nook. We have a really good reception from shoppers, who very clearly wanted change.

As also reported in the Gazette (NB I recall saying some of the feelings towards the Conservatives in the 1980s and 1990s are starting to fade - rather than "all animosity has gone):

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Tory-candidate-hits-the-streets.6273071.jp

Vote for Change, Vote Local, Vote Karen Allen

Great campaign video here also on Curly's Corner Shop:
http://curly15.wordpress.com/2010/05/04/final-campaign-videos/

Photos courtesy of Graham Rigg - thanks very much, Graham!

Thinking of Voting Lib Dem?

2010-05-04T09:40:00.004Z

I haven't actually found that many people who are switching to Lib Dem in South Shields, but just in case you were tempted, check this out from the blog of one of my old friends, James Cleverly:

http://jamescleverly.blogspot.com/2010/05/thinking-of-voting-lib-dem.html

I'm confident X-Factor politics won't win through - after all Clegg's policies when you really look at them are far from what is best for this country. Did you see last night the break down of what the family tax credit would mean under the Lib Dem? The figures are based on total household income.

Currently under Labour:
Some tax credit removed at £50,000 and all credits removed at £58,000

Conservative Proposal:
Some tax credit removed at £40,000 and all credits removed at £48,000.
As much as we would have loved to keep the credit for the families earning £24,000 - £29,000 each we just can't afford it and I think people understand this. Also I think it's important to highlight that £24,000 is not the average salary in the NE (unlike other parts of the country) so this policy is particularly fair for people in the NE.

Lib Dem proposal
All credits removed at £30,000 (total household income). If two parents are earning £15,000 each I think they still deserve the tax credit, don't you?

Shadow Cabinet Visit to South Shields

2010-05-04T09:20:00.003Z

Andrew Mitchell, the Shadow Secretary for International Development will be in South Shields to help with the Conservative campaign this afternoon. Andrew is a friend of the North East, having fought a Sunderland seat a few years back. I also worked with Andrew in Rwanda in the summer on Project Umubano.

We'll be at the Nook, Prince Edward Road from 2pm. We're planning to start at the Sainsbury's, heading down the Nook to the Temple Park Road end.

Please feel free to stop us and say hello.

Whitburn Canvas

2010-05-03T13:41:00.003Z

We sent several hours knocking on doors in Whitburn today. Whitburn is of course a new ward in the constituency and was formerly in Jarrow. I've tried throughout the whole constituency to canvas streets which would be described as "marginal" rather than just visiting houses in streets we know have a lot of Conservative voters in them - although of course it is very important to visit your loyal supporters too. The purpose of visiting "marginal" streets to encourage discussion on the doorstep with people who genuinely have not decided which way they are going to vote. Often by dropping by to introduce yourself you'll win a vote because you've taken the time and made the effort to engage with your voters.

While we were in Whitburn there was a Labour car driving around blaring out lies about "Tory Cuts." These cowardly claims made from the comfort of their heated cars seats, while we pounded the streets on what was a very cold morning are doing them more damage than gain. People don't believe what Labour are saying, they see it as shameful scaremongering. People have seen David Cameron has come out and made the Pensioners Pledge, as well confronting Gordon Brown in the second debate about his disgraceful claims (which Brown told yet another one of his lies about: 'I didn't authorise any such claims' - really??? They were on his own leaflets):

http://www.conservatives.com/News/News_stories/2010/03/Conservatives_announce_pensioner_pledge.aspx

I have been keeping a tally of ex-miners who have told me they have / are voting Conservative for the first time and it's now at six. Remember though this is only six votes I know about, it's a cameo of the wider picture and it really encourages me to persevere in these last few days of the campaign.

Vote Local, Vote for Change, Vote Karen Allen.

Vote for Change!

2010-05-03T09:16:00.002Z

Message we're delivering on the doorstep in Whitburn today:

The only way Britain can make a fresh start with a new government on Friday is if you vote Conservative on Thursday. Any other vote could leave Gordon Brown in Downing Street.

Labour only offer more of the same and their desperate campaign is designed to scare families, older people and the vulnerable

The Liberal Democrats’ policies on immigration, crime and the economy would damage Britain.

From Friday, we will start to fulfil our contract with the British people – to get the economy moving, improve front line services and deliver change for the better.

We won’t leave the poorest and the vulnerable behind because we’re all in this together.

Betting Men and Women out there?

2010-05-01T12:48:00.003Z

So what do you think is going to happen on Thursday, here in South Shields and nationally?

Let's look as the voting record in South Shields. The elections in 1992 and 1997 have turnouts of around 70%, this plummeted down to 45-50% in both 2001 and 2005. Conservatives have roughly polled the same number of votes in 1997, 2001 and 2005 - the lower turnout was because previous Labour voters didn't turn out to vote.

It's 2010. We have the least popular Prime Minister of a generation (and possibly beyond). An MP who was parachuted into South Shields in 2001 - Miliband has never pulled the votes Dr David Clark did.

We are at a similar turning point to 1997. People want change, but I think in some parts of the country and I'll include South Shields in that, people are not sure of what change they want. That's why I've been knocking on doors and standing in King St and we've had over 150,000 leaflets delivered in South Shields - because I want to convince people it's Conservatives who can bring about this change.

If you are reading this and you're still unsure, I urge you to take the plunge. Put your faith in Cameron.

But back to the main subject of this post, here were the results in 2005 for the three main parties:

Labour 18,269
Lib Dem 5,957
Conservative 5,207

Here are the 2001 results:

Labour 19,230
Conservative 5,127
Labour 5,140

What's the result going to be in 2010? Please post your speculation as a comment! I'll be interested to hear your views.

Final King St Stall

2010-05-01T07:58:00.003Z

As we're in the last week and weekend before polling, we're doing the final King St stall this morning. I will be joined again by council candidate, Ross Huartt.

We estimate around a third of voters in South Shields have postal votes, so a lot of people have voted already (the postal voters seem to be a high percentage of Tory voters) so there's everything still to campaign for with the remaining two thirds either Labour or undecided. We've barely come across any Lib Dem supporters, so will be very interested to see what they poll on May 6th. Their candidate seems a decent enough chap but he's been invisible throughout the campaign from what I have seen.

New Voter Secured from Last Night's Debate

2010-04-30T08:15:00.001Z

I thought David Cameron was head and shoulders above the other two in the debate last night. He showed dignity but passion for this country. A Prime Minister in waiting for sure.

Here's an email I received this morning from a voter in South Shields:

"Thought you would enjoy some good news. I had previously emailed you with regard to the fact that I was unhappy about a comment in the Press made by Mr. Cameron. You did kindly say that you had forwarded my comments on to Mr. Cameron's office. Having told David Miliband, who I met in person recently, that he was assured of my vote...I have now changed my mind. Following last night's TV programme I have to say that I was highly impressed with Mr. Cameron and what he had to say. I will most definitely now be voting for the Conservative Party!"

Canvas Result

2010-04-29T16:45:00.003Z

An interesting day in Westoe and Horsely Hill today. I canvassed patches around Highfield Road, including Hemsley Road and the streets behind the Townhall off Hyde St. Although a lot of voters have already returned their postal vote, there are still many undecided voters - these were formerly Labour voters who are not not sure which way to plunge. I'm really pleased to report though there are many first time Conservative voters. There are lots of people in South Shields who want to give us a chance.

If you would like to suggest a street for us to canvas please post a comment. I'm very interested to visit a wide selection of streets in South Shields.

For those of you who are still undecided - Vote for Change, Vote Local, Vote Karen Allen!

The Thick of It

2010-04-28T17:04:00.002Z

I took a couple of hours out this afternoon to pop up to Newcastle with my Mother. I could tell when my Father picked us up at Chichester Metro he was bursting to ask something: "What you heard about Brown?" All sorts of things went through my mind - had he stood down? Had he found a secret weapon??

Listening to the radio what unfolded was the plot of an episode of "The Thick of It." I could almost hear Malcolm Tucker: "He's done what.....?! Get him back there. Get him into Mrs Duffy's house, apologising, having tea...."

There's really very little to comment on the whole episode - Brown's actions speak for themselves. Amateur. Spiteful. Out of touch.

Vote for Change. Vote for Conservative. The country cannot take five more years of Labour.

Hague Visit to the North East

2010-04-27T17:37:00.005Z

Ahead of his debate on the economy this evening, William Hague found time to visit Sunderland Central - a key marginal seat in the North East. It was nice to see William isn't only popular with Tory Party members. Shoppers were very keen to speak to Mr Hague when they saw him this afternoon and the response was very positive - many people saying they were voting for or already had voted for Lee Martin our candidate in Sunderland Central.

Sunderland Central Conservative Candidate, Lee Martin talking to a shopper in Pallion with William Hague.

Election Address

2010-04-26T16:56:00.001Z

Under Election rules as a Parliamentary Candidate you can apply to have Royal Mail deliver a copy of one of your leaflets to all addresses in your constituency. This leaflet is my election address which every voter in the South Shields constituency will receive. Hopefully you will receive this leaflet during this week or the early part of next week.

My Election Address is one of four leaflets for the Campaign, so I hope most of you in South Shields will have received at least one if not two or three of the other leaflets. I have tried to make my leaflets clear and to the point. I have not employed any scaremonger tactics as the disgraceful Labour leaflets.

Vote Local, Vote for Change, Vote Karen Allen!

Email from a First Time Voter

2010-04-26T09:06:00.002Z

I had to print this email I received, because I thought this young person really hits the nail on the head. I'm delighted that there are some first time voters out there who feel passionate about using their vote and I am really glad this young person has decided to vote Conservative because of the let downs and broken promises from the Labour Government.

Dear Karen,
I just wanted to let you know, you have my full support in this election. I am so sick of David Miliband, his smug "no one can touch me" attitude, his indifference to the people of this town and the lies he continually spouts. Nothing would make me happier than to see him lose his seat, and I believe that you are the right choice of candidate for this purpose and for South Shields.
I just wanted to ask you whether you are aware of the imminent job cuts at South Tyneside College and how you felt about it.
The College has had a budget cut over £1 million. Now, remind me again, which party was it that said "Education, Education, Education"? and which MP has been bragging about all the investment Labour has put into education in this town?(in the recent video on the Guardian website). Anyway, due to this budget cut, The college is making redundant 63 members of staff (The gazette article said over 50, but it was the college Union rep who told me 63). This is not only a very large number, but if you look deeper into the cuts... In Sixth Form, The IT and Computing department is going to be cut from 3 members of staff to 1, English from 4 members of staff to 2, Maths from 4 members to 3. I am not sure on the other departments but I know that in these departments, these staff could in no way be considered surplus, and I know that the main concern of many of the staff who have lost their jobs, is not about what they will do next, but of how students are going to cope next year. Already, as it is, if there is an absence in these departments there is a struggle to get those classes covered so often the classes either don't happen or only happen partially. I do not understand how the college can be expected (even with the expected drop in demand with Harton sixth form opening in Sept.) to run on so few staff. It will cause a tremendous strain on the remaining members of staff and overall the students will be the ones who will lose out.
I really wish there was a way I could get more people my age interested in voting. This is the first general election I am eligible to vote in and there is no way I would pass up on the opportunity to let my voice be heard.

Yours Faithfully
L

Turn South Shields Blue

2010-04-25T21:12:00.003Z

http://karen4southshields.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35&Itemid=16

Hague Visit to the North East

2010-04-25T16:46:00.002Z

William Hague will be in Sunderland (on Hylton St) at 1pm on Tuesday (27th). David and Pete - sorry it's not South Shields, but with 650 constituencies there's limited time available and hopefully it's close enough for people in South Shields who would like to meet him to pop along.

Hustings Round Up

2010-04-25T11:06:00.001Z

There were seven candidates speaking last night at St Hilda's Church at the Hustings organised by Faiths Together:

Labour David Miliband
Conservative Karen Allen
LibDem Stephen Psallidas
Green Shirley Ford
Independent Siamek Kaikavooski
Anti War Roger Nettleton
Independent Victor Thompson

Missing candidates were:

Sam Navabi Independent
Donna Watson BNP

I understand the above two were missing because no address was submitted on their nomination and organisers could not find anyway to contact the above candidates. A fairly interesting stance to occupy if you are standing for public office - that the electors are unable to contact you.

I enjoyed the evening on the whole, although due to the large number of candidates it was difficult to have enough time to say what you wanted to - my speech was cut down by more than three quarters to fit into the time frame available. We were given two minutes to address the audience and then a further one or two minutes question dependent to answer each question posed by members of the audience.

Needless to say the Anti War candidate and the Green candidate wanted out of Afghanistan immediately. One of the Independent candidates thought the war in Afghanistan was manufactured on CIA intelligence. Miliband boasted of how he represents South Shields internationally. I'm wondering exactly what this means. Did he perhaps tell Hilary about Coleman's Fish & Chips?

It was a shame the Hustings had not been widely promoted. There must have been 30 or 40 people present. I am not sure there was one person in that audience who was not closely affiliated with a political party already. Anyway, after the Hustings and over a glass of wine a member of the audience commented I had been "quite hard line" so I hope that I was able to give a snapshot of some of my beliefs and conviction and dispel the myth all politicians are about PR and fluff.

Elvis Brown - The Wonder of You?

2010-04-25T10:30:00.004Z

Oh Gordon, Gordon, Gordon. You used to have Tony as your front man. In previous General Election campaigns you'd be safely tucked away in Labour HQ. Now you're left exposed and vulnerable in front of the elector. Who sanctioned this?? Alastair would never have allowed it to happen. Makes you wonder if someone at Labour's Campaign HQ is having a laugh at the Prime Minister's expense:

"When no-one else can understand me
When everything I do is wrong[...]
And when you smile the world is brighter."

I'd personally prefer if Mr Brown restrained himself from smiling. It makes me very uncomfortable, but not as uncomfortable as he looks when he reminds himself to do it.

Watch highlights of the spectacle:

http://playpolitical.typepad.com/political_music/2010/04/the-ludicrous-spectacle-that-is-an-elvis-impersonator-performing-at-a-labour-campaign-event-.html

Winkball Campaign Video

2010-04-24T08:14:00.001Z

http://www.winkball.com/walls/Election2010/karenallen/

Weekend Campaigning

2010-04-23T20:20:00.003Z

Tomorrow (Saturday) morning, as usual I will be on King Street. Our regular Conservative stall will be running and we will be handing out our latest leaflet. I am being joined by Ross Huartt, our Council Candidate for Simonside & Rekendyke. Ross is completing his studies in Newcastle and will shortly be a qualified charter surveyor. Please feel free to drop by the stall. All welcome.

Also tomorrow I will be speaking at the Hustings organised by the Faiths Together Group at St Hilda's Church, starting at 7pm. Once again all welcome. Hope you can attend.

Dr Shobha Srivastavahas who has organised the evening has confirmed to me of the nine candidates standing on May 6th the following will speak at the Hustings:

Labour David Miliband
Conservative Karen Allen
LibDem Stephen Psallidas,
Green Shirley Ford
Independent Siamek Kaikavooski
Anti War Roger Nettleton

Hope to see you tomorrow night. Question Slips will be made available to attendees on arrival in order to address candidates.

Is there anybody there?

2010-04-21T06:24:00.003Z

I promised to post some of the constituency contact I am receiving during the campaign. A lot of the letter and emails I've received this week have involved sensitive issues, so I didn't think it would be appropriate to put much of it into the public domain. However I can share with you several of the correspondences started something like this:

"I would like to start off by saying I have e-mailed David Miliband twice with what I have written below and have not even had a 'thank you for your e-mail' response, I am hoping you will take more interest:....."

I'm curious since Parliament has been out how much time Mr Miliband has spent in his constituency? I know he's been in marginal seat Ealing yesterday - helping Labour fight to hold the seat. Yet another example of him taking his vote in South Shields for granted I think. Hopefully he can use some of his free time between campaigning in Labour's Southern marginal seats to catch up on his constituency emails and letters - he certainly hasn't been busy using his influence as Foreign Secretary to assist in the organisation of the European conference call over the volcano ash problems. Apparently it took us 5 days just to organise a conference call.....

More Labour Lies

2010-04-20T20:31:00.002Z

I suppose what can we expect when our Prime Minister is a liar? We couldn't really expect the Labour Party to show any moral fibre and just campaign on the campaign issues (which is exactly what David Cameron is doing) rather than making up a lot of lies and nonsense. But scaring pensioners into thinking "Conservatives will scrap Winter Fuel, bus passes...." is pretty much the lowest of the low. Con Home posted on this recently:

http://conservativehome.blogs.com/leftwatch/2010/03/labour-use-dishonest-leaflets-to-scare-pensioners-about-tory-plans.html

Scaremonger leaflets are doing the rounds in South Shields now. I've had several calls about leaflets being distributed in Whitburn. I've had calls from worried pensioners seeking reassurance the cuts are not Conservative policy and I have also had a number of calls from pensioners saying they know the leaflets are full lies and they don't believe them and will vote Conservative.

I actually know that the content of these leaflets is coming from the top in South Shields and Mr Miliband is peddling these precise lies. When I was on King Street two weekends ago, a shopper just moments before she came to speak to me had been told by Miliband himself (at the other end of King Street) "we got you your bus pass and the Tories are going to take them away." She was really quite upset and not surprisingly.

I can refer you to David Cameron's Pensioner Pledge which was released last month which I hope will reassure anyone reading:

http://www.conservatives.com/News/News_stories/2010/03/Conservatives_announce_pensioner_pledge.aspx

Week Two Leaflet

2010-04-19T21:49:00.002Z

This is our second General Election campaign leaflet making its way through your letterbox in South Shields sometime soon.

If you have any spare time and could deliver your own street, please do get in touch.

Marriage and Civil Partnerships Tax Credit

2010-04-18T21:22:00.000Z

We want to make Britain the most family friendly country in Europe. This policy will help us achieve that because it is:

- Progressive: because the lowest earners benefit the most

- Mainstream: because most European countries recognize marriage in the tax system

- Realistic: because it is affordable and fully funded

- Fair: because it is funded by a levy on risky borrowing by banks

Couples who make a commitment to each other are the building blocks of a strong society – whether in a marriage or a civil partnership.

Our policy will take the form of a partially transferable personal allowance for all married couples and civil partnerships.

- One member of an eligible couple will be able to transfer £750 of their tax free personal allowance to their partner in order to reduce their partner’s income tax bill. This will be limited to basic rate taxpayers and is therefore worth up to £150 a year per couple at the 20% rate of tax. In 1999, its final year before it was abolished for all but pensioner couples, the Married Couples Allowance was worth £197 per couple per year.

- The additional transferable allowance will be tapered away at incomes above £42,500 so that no higher rate taxpayer earning £44,000 or more will benefit.

- Eligible couples where one partner is not using all of their tax free personal allowance and the other earns between £6,600 and £44,000 will be up to £150 a year better off.

- The full benefit of £150 goes to eligible couples where the main earner earns between £7,300 and £42,500.

The independent Institute for Fiscal Studies estimate that this will cost about £550 million. This will paid for using some of the revenues from a levy on banks that will raise more than £1 billion. The remaining revenues will be used to reduce the deficit.

This is a progressive tax measure, with two thirds of the benefits going to families in the lower half of the income distribution. The biggest gains as a percentage of income go to households in the third decile of the income distribution.

4 million out of a total 12.3 million married couples will benefit.

All these gains will be additional to the gains from stopping Labour’s jobs tax.

The rest of this email gives you some examples of what our policy would mean in practice; how we will make Britain the most family friendly country in Europe; and the bank levy.

Examples

1) A married couple where one partner does not work and the other works full time earning £20,000 a year.

- The non working partner pays no tax but they can transfer £750 of their unused personal allowance to their partner.

- Their partner would pay £2,680 in income tax under the current tax system. Under our plans they would pay only £2,530, saving £150 a year.

2) A couple in a civil partnership where one partner works part time earning £5,000 a year and the other works full time earning £15,000 a year.

- The part time worker pays no tax because they earn less than the £6,600 personal allowance.

- They can transfer £750 of the unused part of their personal allowance to their partner.

- Their partner would pay £1,680 in income tax under the current tax system. Under our plans they would pay only £1,530, saving £150 a year.

3) A married couple where one partner does not work and the other works full time earning £70,000 a year.

- The non working partner pays no tax but they can transfer £750 of their unused personal allowance to their partner.

- However, this additional personal allowance is tapered away to zero for all higher rate taxpayers (all incomes above £44,000), so this couple do not gain from the policy.

Recognising marriage in the tax system

David Cameron has set out a clear ambition to make modern Britain the most family friendly society in Europe. We have proposed a range of reforms to achieve this, including:

· Ending the couple penalty in the tax credits system

· Supporting families with young children with 4,200 additional health visitors

· The right to request flexible working for every parent with a child under 18

· Improving Sure Start by focusing it on early intervention and increasing its focus on the neediest families

· A new system of flexible parental leave that will let parents share maternity leave between them, including taking some of the leave simultaneously

· Cracking down on manipulative marketing targeted at children

· Ending the culture of fear of litigation in children’s activities

Now we are setting out our plans for backing marriage and civil partnerships in the tax system. Each family is different and some marriages and civil partnerships fail. We are not passing judgement on individual circumstances. But as institutions, marriage and civil partnerships promote responsibility, commitment and family solidity, and backing them sends an important signal that as a society, we value the commitment people make when they get married or form a civil partnership.

It means more help for people on top of our pledges to stop Labour’s National Insurance rise and to help local authorities freeze council tax for two years.

Campaigning

2010-04-17T08:09:00.002Z

I will be under the Metro Bridge this morning on King Street - please pop down if you want to chat or pick up our new leaflet. Leaflets are also being delivered throughout the constituency too over the weekend.

Please get in touch if you can deliver you own street.

Leaders' Debate

2010-04-15T21:37:00.003Z

I'm curious what the viewing figures have been for this evening's Leaders' Debate on ITV. I sat down eagerly to watch the first ever televised UK Leaders' Debate. It had a few highlights but I did find in the last half particularly - maybe the fascination was wearing off - it all got a bit stilted and frankly a little boring.

David Cameron definitely came out on top. He came out looking like a Prime Minister in waiting - rather than a washed out, unelected clinger-on or a fuzzy Liberal who is prepared to put the security of the country at risk (by scrapping Trident) and can frankly say pretty much anything he wants, as he's nothing to loose.

Will be interesting to see initial responses and of course the rerun to come.

If you are reading, please do feel free to post a comment. I've been really pleased my blog has become more interactive recently, with more readers posting and I'm keen to hear your views and have more discussion. Of course I do operate a moderation policy on any comments posted, which is just as well! Although I am welcoming and encouraging your comment, please do refrain from posting anything inappropriate. Your IP address is obtainable and stored if you post a comment.

Recent Resident Contact

2010-04-14T15:05:00.002Z

I'm received a considerable volume of letters and emails from people in South Shields right now, I thought I would use this blog to share some of them with you:

Dear Karen

I was also born and bred in South Shields, and still live there as well as working in the town. I do feel that as long as you need a mobile phone or a birthday card you are catered for in King Street. King Street used to have a huge variety of Shops and personally I now find myself going to The Galleries in Washington to shop now where everyone is catered for and we even have 2 choices of supermarkets.

Mrs C

Dear Mrs C

Thanks for your email. We actually go up to Jarrow to shop at Morrisons these days - better parking and more choice in the supermarket - it was a sad day for me when we started to do this.

The closure of Binns was the catalyst of the downturn on King Street, then the likes of T G Allans and other shops which had been there for years meant there was less to go down to King Street for. Moving the stores off King Street and on to Coronation Street is only speeding up the further decline of the town centre.

If Stephen Hepburn has been so successful in regenerating Jarrow (I couldn't have imagined needing to go to the Viking Precinct instead of South Shields in the 1990s?) why can't David Miliband do the same for South Shields regeneration and investment? It's a disgrace how he has taken for granted South Shields.

If I am elected as the MP for South Shields the town will be my number one priority.

Karen Allen
Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for South Shields
www.karen4southshields.co.uk
www.karenallen.blogspot.com

Manifesto Launch

2010-04-14T13:37:00.005Z

I attended the Manifesto launch yesterday morning at Battersea Power Station (can you spot me in the pics wearing a "We're in this together" T-shirt!) A very apt setting I thought for the event - a landmark disused building on the brink of regeneration. It really was an exhilarating morning. There was a real buzz in the air in the hall and David Cameron was on his best form.

If you compare to previous leaders' manifestos we are actually saying and clearly laying out a lot. Our plans and vision for the next decade could truly transform this country. I believe people are ready to embrace our invitation to "Join the Government." People are sick and tired of a Government claiming it can do everything and is the body who can change things for the better - the only way this country can get back on track is if we give people the power to make changes and to do things for themselves. Together.

http://www.conservatives.com/Policy/Manifesto.aspx

Into the second campaign week

2010-04-12T18:27:00.003Z

After the newspapers resoundingly reporting the Conservatives were victors of week one of the GE campaign, lots going on again on the first day of the second week.

One of my colleagues, who although long since relinquished his Labour Party membership still reads the Guardian, shared this interesting piece with me this morning:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/video/2010/apr/12/south-shields-david-miliband-labour

You'll see I did post a couple of commments - I think whatever I posted (so long as I was the Tory standing South Shields) it would not have been what the readers of the Guardian wanted to read! Interesting though to note the tone of the Guardian's piece, which is a divergence from what you'd normally expect to read (I imagine, not being a frequent Guardian reader!) Incidentally, since posting comments on the piece I have had another constituent contact me for help after he'd failed to get a response from Mr Miliband.

This to me what the real shocker of the day though:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8614521.stm

Particularly disturbing the Labour Party are refusing to apologise for the postcards - "because it's the truth." The tactics they are stooping to and the farce they are making of supposedly data privacy is a disgrace.

Oh and the Labour Manifesto was released today. I don't count any of their regurgitations as news - just the same old tired recoils - so I won't comment any further.

Conservative GP Pledge

2010-04-11T14:44:00.003Z

A Conservative government will guarantee a GP in your area from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week

At present, many people cannot see a GP when they need to because Labour took responsibility for access to primary care outside normal working hours from family doctors and gave it to bureaucrats in Primary Care Trusts.

Nearly a quarter of GP practices are now closed beyond the normal surgery hours of 8am to 6:30pm, five days a week.

A Conservative government will give people the certainty they need: our 2010 manifesto (which is being rolled out on Tuesday in Westminster - I am attending so details to follow on a blog post) includes plans to change GPs’ contracts to ensure that everyone has access to a GP in their area from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. And responsibility for managing how patients access care outside of normal surgery opening hours will be given back to GPs.

Still on health, I was very shocked to hear about these Labour campaign tactics, I mean, how low can you stoop:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7094308.ece

First General Election Leaflet

2010-04-11T13:49:00.004Z

Thanks to a dedicated band of volunteers we are set to deliver our first Conservative General Election leaflet in South Shields over the next few days. We've already delivered a most of Horsley Hill and Whitburn. Harton, Westoe and West Park are due to be delivered imminently.

If you are reading this and have some time you can give to the campaign to deliver your own street, please get in touch:

karenallen@southshieldsconservatives.co.uk

Newcastle to London

2010-04-10T17:13:00.003Z

If you want to travel from Newcastle to London tomorrow, booking a ticket today, it will cost you £135 to travel by East Coast trains (you could get a cheaper ticket if you were prepared to change several times and travel from Sunderland) or it will cost you a total of £40 (£15 + £25 tax) to fly BA into Heathrow - how can this be possible???

I suppose Mr Miliband doesn't have this problem (I some how doubt he's using public transport these days) but even if he was taking the train he would charge the tax payer for his journey with his nice MP's expense account.

Weekend Campaigning

2010-04-10T13:11:00.003Z

I spent the morning on King Street talking to people and distributing our new Conservative leaflet. There were many people who said to me this morning they were going to vote Conservative for the first time and a few of them, as I gather, went to tell Miliband that too - when he turned up for a fleeting appearance at the bottom of King Street!

They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, so when the Labour team had their red balloons interspersed with my blue ones (there were definitely more blue balloons!) I had that in mind.

The Greens set up for the second time right next my stall, which I wouldn't mind if they concentrated on promoting their own policies (even if it is nonsense about a "Robin Hood tax") rather than pointing at me and talking about Conservative Policies they have misunderstood. But, hey, to coin another old saying, I guess all publicity is good publicity.

The people of South Shields, despite having been neglected by Labour for the last 13 years, are none the less riding high and spirits on King Street were high. First we had Joe McEldery, then we had Emily Femming and now we have Geordie Pantsman!

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/audio-video/Geordie-Pantsman-is-an-internet.6215724.jp

The publicity this guy has had is amazing! He got a mention on Have I Got News for You and in many national papers, as well as becoming an internet phenomenon.

Fundraising Appeal!

2010-04-05T20:02:00.000Z

I've had some excellent literature designed by local printers, Harlow Printing in Maxwell St, South Shields and over the course of this next month if you live in South Shields it'll hopefully be coming through your letter box.

Over the course of the year we (the Association) have been trying to raise funds to pay for the campaign. On line we have raised over £250 which I'm delighted with, but it's still a way from our target, so if you can possibly spare a couple of pounds, please visit my donation page "Turn South Shields Blue" on myconservatives.com

http://www.myconservatives.com/campaigns/turn-south-shields-blue

Serial Misleader

2010-04-04T12:03:00.006Z

There have been too many times recently where Gordon Brown has been shown as a serial offender in misleading the British people in the run-up to the election.

I have given some consideration to this. He bleats on about his honour and how he is a man of principle so the fact he has

a) given false information on defence spending to the Chilcot Inquiry
b) had his advertising campaign about policing was banned
c) been been caught red-handed using dodgy statistics on immigration.

Leads me to three possibilities:

a) he has a bad memory
b) he actually doesn't realise when he is lying*
c) he's a pathological liar

Which ever of these three are true (and one has to be) I don't want a Prime Minister with any of these "qualities." I don't think he can be trusted to use facts, not fiction, so how can he be trusted with Britain’s future?

* I toyed with the definition of psychopath i.e. one with a marked lack of conscience, one who is typically remorseless and inclined to blame others. However a key and fundamental characteristic is also "charm" so I decided to knock this definition on the head.

What is our position on Immigration?

2010-04-04T08:42:00.002Z

This is probably the issue I get asked the second most questions about in South Shields. It can be a charged issue, but I wanted to use this post as a means of laying out where we, the Conservatives stand on it.

Since 1997, Labour’s open–door immigration policy has seen the largest and most sustained rise in immigration in our history. In 1997 net migration – the number of people who come to settle here, minus the number who leave – was 48,000. In 2008 it was 163,000.

These figures help explain the pressure immigration is now placing on public services such as housing, health and schools. A Conservative government will reduce immigration to the levels of the 1990s – tens of thousands a year, instead of the hundreds of thousands a year under Labour.

I believe that Britain can benefit from immigration, but not uncontrolled immigration. We want to continue to attract the brightest and the best people to the UK – but with control on the overall numbers coming here.

Our immigration policy is based on three strands:

• an annual limit on the numbers of non-EU economic migrants allowed to work here, taking into consideration the effects a rising population has on our public services and local communities;
• preventing illegal migration, with important new rules to tighten up the student visa system – the biggest hole in our border controls - and a dedicated Border Police Force to crack down on illegal immigration and people trafficking; and
• promoting integration into British society, as we believe that everyone coming to this country must be ready to embrace the core values of British society and become a part of their local community. We will only allow people to come here to marry if they can speak English.

If you believe that we can’t go on with an immigration system that is out of control then vote for change. Five more years of Gordon Brown would make things even worse. David Cameron and the Conservatives have the energy, leadership and values to get our country moving again.

And on a lighter note......

The Tory Truth on Sure Start

2010-04-03T20:47:00.004Z

I have been asked by many people in South Shields, "Is it true the Tories are going to close down Sure Start Centres?" To stop this Labour lie I thought I would post a copy of the recent letter I sent to Sure Start staff in South Shields:

Dear Sure Start Staff

With a general election just weeks away, I thought it might be helpful for me, as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for South Shields, to let you know a bit more about my party's policies for strengthening Sure Start if we win the election.

I know that here in South Shields Sure Start staff and management work hard day in day out, doing all that they can to support families in our community. I can assure you that Sure Start Children's Centres will play a critical role in our vision of making Britain the most family-friendly country in Europe. As David Cameron said recently, we are absolutely committed to keeping Sure Start and helping it do more for families, not less.

It is a pity that Labour are concentrating on spreading scare stories about Conservative plans to cut Sure Start, rather than working to improve the service themselves. Ministers have claimed that our plans to refocus Sure Start spending are a ‘cut’ – but the small print of the Budget revealed that Labour are themselves planning to make up to £150m of ‘efficiencies’ in the Sure Start budget. False rumours about our plans have caused real anxiety and concern amongst parents, and risked distracting attention from the important task of improving Sure Start. Let me make it quite clear: the Conservatives have no plans to close any Children's Centres.

Now the Centres have been created, Labour thinks the job is done - Sure Start staff know the job is really only just starting. The National Audit Office, the Audit Commission and OFSTED have all criticised this Government's failure to help develop Sure Start, and in particular to support the poorest and most vulnerable families in our communities better. Our plans and vision for Sure Start will change that.

We will strengthen Sure Start by recruiting thousands of new Sure Start Health Visitors and introducing a universal Sure Start Health Visitor service - improving the support Sure Start is able to provide to every family. Currently, fewer than one in five Sure Start Children's Centres has a formal agreement with their local Primary Care trust to join together to provide the services families need. Our plans will change that, and put health back at the heart of Sure Start as it was when the programme was originally launched. Sure Start Health Visitors, working with outreach and other workers, will also help improve the effectiveness of support given to the most vulnerable families.

This will cost £200 million per year and will be paid for using money the Government has set aside for more Sure Start outreach workers and from the Department of Health, the budget of which the Conservative Party has promised to increase in real terms every year.

We want Britain to be the most family friendly country in Europe. A stronger Sure Start is at the heart of delivering on that vision. I look forward to working with you to make this change happen.

Yours sincerely,

Karen Allen
www.karenallen.blogspot.com
www.karen4southshields.co.uk

Speeches and Debates

2010-04-02T16:29:00.004Z

I've just been catching up on line with some footage of last week's political speeches and debates - as I was unable to watch most of it when it was originally broadcast.

I watched some of the Chancellor Live, the Darling-Obsorne-Cable debate. I'd already read and heard quite a few reviews, but I did think Osborne came across very well. Whenever I have encountered Osborne in the city and there have been quite a few events over the years where he has spoken, the response I have generally found is the city is very receptive to him and in the cases of skeptics, they have found him much more competent than they had expected. If you read the Mirror of course Darling came out of it looking more proficient and everyone seems to agree Mr Cable was certainly the most entertaining, but I struggle to find that a skill I would want my Chancellor to possess.

By far the most disturbing footage from last week was Tony Blair's speech in Trimdon Village. Let's not even bother to comment on his physical appearance (which was glowing!) why was he speaking with an American accent? Since bowing out of the Premiership Mr Blair was spent a considerable amount of his time in the USA, but in this short time span - only a few years - his accent has been affected to this extent? This must surely be indicative of the type of man he is - lacking conviction and easily pliable. If Labour think wheeling out this character is good for their campaign, then very good luck to them.

On the subject of my own public speaking, I have been invited to attend a hustings at St Hildas's Church at 7pm on Saturday 24th April, so looking forward to that and other opportunities over the course of the next five weeks. If you would like to invite me to speech at a meeting or event, please feel free to drop me a line.

Easter Weekend in South Shields

2010-04-01T20:33:00.002Z

I'm looking forward to spending Easter with my family in South Shields. Mixed in with campaigning I am hoping there will be some time to enjoy some of the events and concerts South Tyneside Council have organised. There's a great line up down at the Seafront. My old school friend, Iain Cunningham is playing with his band Shake Ya Feather Tail on Good Friday, so looking forward to seeing them play.

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Free-music-festival-will-make.6197996.jp

On Saturday I'm off to see the Sunderland vs Tottenham Hot Spurs match. An important game for Spurs as I understand.... so come on the Black Cats!!

Fingers crossed for the weather too - looks as though they will be some patches of sunshine. When the sun is shining on the coastline here in the North East I truly believe there is no where better.

Helpers, Deliverers, Volunteers wanted!

2010-03-31T21:34:00.002Z

Gordon Brown is likely to sound the election start gun in the next few days. If he does and doesn't drag his unelected Premiership out for a further month - the longest legal period he could - this means we will have a General Election on Thursday 6th May.

South Shields is ready for this. The Conservatives in South Shields are in the starting blocks, leaflets ready, ready to tell people out the Change the Conservatives can bring which the country so desperately needs.

We have thousands of leaflets to deliver in April and May, so I am looking for as many helpers as possible. If you have a couple of spare hours or you would be willing to deliver your own street or even if you'd just be willing to display an election poster - please let me know. Any help at all most welcomed.

karenallen@southshieldsconservatives.com

End Killer Red Tape

2010-03-18T12:48:00.005Z

In the light of the recent publicity surrounding mephedrone - the deaths it's been linked to, the easy slide into addiction and dependency it's associated with and its ease of availability which is reportedly causing hundreds of sick days at schools across the UK - why, why, why is this drug still legal and available for purchase on line?

The Government wants a full investigation into mephedrone. Until this investigation has been conducted the drug remains legal and widely available.

Why can't the Government use some common sense and take the premise of our judicial system, if they don't have the brains to take sensible, swift action in these sorts of situations.

Our courts deem the accused innocent until proven guilty - but if there is concern the accused poses risk, do you think that person would be left walking around on the streets of the North East. No, they would be on remand. So what I don't understand is why the Government can't put mephedrone on remand?

If Labour want to commission reports and investigations to supposedly make sure they know all of the facts and have "covered their backs" then fine if that's what their endless red tape procedures tell them - but temporarily ban mephedrone. Take this drug off the internet and streets.

Last night the Government gave the 29th March as the date they would have the report findings. If you read the Telegraph today though it suggests the report won't be ready by then, so the drug won't be banned until at least the summer - because of the sacking of Prof David Nutt - in yet another Government spin.

I understand people will stay take mephedrone, even if it is banned - we only need to look at usage of other illegal drugs. But I am sure making it illegal would remove it from the accessibility of many users, particularly school children - and combined with the decreased accessibility, I am sure there are many people who would think twice about taking this drug which as it stands is a "legal high."

Ingenious Britain

2010-03-17T19:34:00.003Z

I attended the South Tyneside Manufacturing Forum at Bede's World today. Geoff Ford, Chairman of Ford Component Manufacturing, chairs the monthly lunch meeting. Groups like the STMF are listening very carefully to what the political parties are saying about business and enterprise. James Dyson's "Ingenious Britain," which was commissioned by David Cameron, was released earlier this month and has attracted a lot of very positive attention.

I urge you to read the report which looks at education available to aspiring scientists and engineers, as well as the culture and climate for enterprise development. I sat in Manchester session where Dyson spoke at our last conference and was equally as impressed as I am with the findings of this report which I hope the Conservatives are able to start implementing from May:
http://www.conservatives.com/News/News_stories/2010/03/Dyson_sets_out_plans_to_boost_high_tech_industry.aspx

Are they getting worried??

2010-03-16T18:00:00.004Z

Shortly after I set up the Conservative Stall on King Street on Saturday this Police CCTV van pulled up opposite me. I wondered if perhaps Mr Miliband was becoming increasingly worried by the threat his Conservative opponents are posing and he wanted to keep a closer eye on us....

Alas, I suspect it's just another sign of the Big Brother Surveillance State we're living in. Wonder what they hoped to catch on candid camera at 10am on Saturday morning - a toddler discarding a sweetie wrapper perhaps?

Fighting Fit!

2010-03-15T14:01:00.004Z

On Saturday I popped in to meet members of Fighting Fit, the youth MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) group who meet four times a week at the Ocean Road Community Centre.

Head Coach, Feruz, set up the club in 2004 and it's gone from strength to strength. They have a very diverse membership, some boys are as young as 11, with the eldest member being 40 years old and there are 7 different faiths. Feruz's passion and commitment to the group - he's determined they will produce a UK champion out of Ocean Road - is clearly inspiring for members. The club also get involved with education and a drug & alcohol awareness course is soon to commence.

I wish the group all the best in the future and in the excellent work they are doing to inspire and education our young people. Next time I pop in though I think I'll decline the arm lock demonstration, which I didn't realise would be demonstrated on me!!

Manifestos

2010-03-14T17:02:00.005Z

I have always tried to respond to every piece of correspondence I receive. Maybe I'm a bit old fashioned and I think it's common courtesy to do this, but as well as courtesy I think it's vital to keep dialogue up - it's a key way to get your message out. If someone is taking the time to contact you, it's because they are interested in your response.

I recently received an email about the NSPCC manifesto. Very pleased to unexpectedly see my response on a blog and to win the support of that blogger for the Conservatives at the next General Election:

http://the-rogue-economist.blogspot.com/2010/03/conservative-reply-from-karen-allen.html

Labour Poodle on......

2010-03-14T12:16:00.004Z

Yet again we see the Government using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Yes, we need tougher laws against the growing problem of dangerous dogs being used in acts of violence - but the solution to the problem is NOT to tax every dog owner.

Mr Brown is proposing all dog owners - and that means the owner of poodles and other placid breeds - pay a tax levy. This tax will hit more than 20,000 law-abiding dog lovers in South Tyneside and more than 5.4m across the UK. Our dog owners will be penalised and nothing will be achieved to target irresponsible dog owners.

This tax is yet another example of Labour not understanding the problem and hitting the poorest homes hardest. Another example of how five more years of Gordon Brown will make things worse for struggling families in South Tyneside.

South Shields Youngest Conservative Voter

2010-03-13T15:36:00.003Z

We did another Conservative stall on King Street this morning. I'm a strong believer that we need to get our message across to as many people as possible and meeting people on the High Street on a Saturday morning makes up a fundamental part of this.

The Green Party seemed to temporarily share this philosophy. They turned up and set up their stall right next to me for 45 minutes. Conservatives are obviously a little more robust as we managed 4.5 hours on King Street in the cold!

Our new balloons seemed a firm favourite with the youngsters too!

95,000 manufacturing jobs lost under Labour in the North East

2010-03-12T17:25:00.000Z

New figures uncovered by the Conservative Party show that 94,857 manufacturing jobs were lost in the North East between June 1997 and November 2009. Additionally, the number of advanced manufacturing jobs in the region, a key medium to hi-tech sector for which figures are available, fell by 56 per cent in that time.

Recent figures have also shown 1.7 million manufacturing jobs have been lost in the UK since 1997 and that the industry declined by over 9.3 per cent of GDP between 1997 and 2009, the largest decline under any government on record.

This news comes after the Conservative Party welcomed a report from Sir James Dyson, providing advice to the Party on how to make Britain Europe’s leading hi-tech exporter.

Commenting, Shadow Business Secretary Ken Clarke said:

“Labour has devastated manufacturing in Britain. Gordon Brown once promised to revitalise the industry, but the figures show he failed. 95,000 jobs have gone and the sector has declined by a record level. This has been a tragedy for the North East, an area with a proud manufacturing tradition.

“We need to rebalance the economy away from Labour’s over-reliance on financial services towards high tech investment and exports. That is why we will cut corporation tax rates, simplify the tax system and support high tech innovation. British manufacturing cannot afford five more years of Gordon Brown making things worse. Only the Conservatives have the energy, leadership and the ideas to make Britain open for business again.”

Conservative RDA Policy

2010-03-08T21:15:00.001Z

Last year we set out our policy for strengthening local economic development in our paper Control Shift. In line with this commitment to review detailed aspects of implementation we wanted now to lay out key elements of our policy.

The Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are the remains of John Prescott’s failed experiment of regional government. Since they were formed in 1999 they have spent £17 billion, yet the gap between the greater south east and the rest of the English regions has widened. So, whilst we recognise the RDAs have had some local successes, we believe that the current arrangements can be improved. The Government has tacitly admitted this by deciding to cut RDA budgets by £300m last year.

We want to strengthen local economic development and urban regeneration. We need organisations involved in delivering economic growth to be at their most efficient and entirely focused on helping businesses, creating jobs and delivering regeneration.

We have already pledged to hand housing and planning powers back to local planning authorities.

We also want to see lines of accountability for development bodies going to local government and the local business communities, but equally we need to re-establish clear national leadership for key business policies. So, for example, we will overhaul small business support and we will end the counter-productive competition overseas between UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and English RDAs.

We intend to strengthen local economies by enabling business and elected local authorities to come forward with proposals for new local enterprise partnerships to replace the regional bodies.

The boundaries of local enterprise partnerships will reflect natural economic areas. If the local authorities and businesses in a given region decide that the current regional boundary reflects their local economic area and decide to form a regionally based local enterprise partnership, then, in line with our principle of localism, we will respect their view, under the new arrangements.

Business will have a strong voice under the new arrangements. At least fifty per cent of the boards of the new partnerships will be representatives from local commerce and industry and a leading local business person will chair each new partnership.

We are drawing up detailed plans which will ensure that the transition to local enterprise partnerships will be smooth, allowing for the appropriate fulfilment of ongoing projects, grants and contracts, including projects which also draw on EU Structural Funds.

In London, the LDA is different to other RDAs. It is funded centrally, but run by the elected Mayor. For this reason we believe it is for the Mayor and not Whitehall to determine the future of the LDA.

Alongside our proposals to provide new financial incentives, such as the Business Increase Bonus, we believe this policy will represent a new deal for local regeneration and economic development: namely locally-led agencies working in real economic areas, which bring business and civic leaders together in focused effective partnerships.

Royal British Legion Pledge

2010-03-07T19:14:00.005Z

Pictured with Legion staff member, Charlotte Tailby.

Last weekend I met with a delegation from The Royal British Legion at the Conservative Spring Forum in Brighton. I had an interesting discussion on their manifesto and the changes the Legion is calling for.

The manifesto sets out priorities for the next Government to improve conditions for the British Armed Forces past and present and their families. More information can be found at:

www.timetodoyourbit.org.uk

I know the work the Royal British Legion does matters for many families in South Shields. We need to ensure the support our soldiers and their families get is the best available. I fully pledge my support to the Legion.

What Conservatives will do for Britain

2010-03-02T22:04:00.002Z

The country faces a choice between five more years of Gordon Brown or change with the Conservatives. If you vote for change, we will:

1. Act now on debt and get the economy moving
We will deal with the deficit more quickly than Labour so that mortgage rates stay lower for longer

2. Get Britain working by boosting enterprise
Cut corporation tax, abolish taxes on the first ten jobs created by new businesses, promote green jobs and get people off welfare and into work

3. Make Britain the most family-friendly country in Europe
Freeze council tax and raise the basic state pension, recognise marriage in the tax system and back coupes in the benefits
system, support young families with extra health visitors and fight
back against crime

4. Back the NHS
Increase spending on health every year and make the NHS work for patients and managers

5. Raise standards in schools
Give teachers the power to restore discipline and create new smaller schools

6. Change politics
Reduce the number of MPs, cut Whitehall and quangos by a third and let texpayers see where their money is being spent

Conservatives in Brighton

2010-02-28T21:49:00.007Z

I've just got back from Conservative Spring Forum in Brighton. There was definitely a very different feel to the two day Conference in a very rainy Brighton. The thing I really noticed was there were lobbyists everywhere - of course there are always a lot of communications and PR people at political conferences, but I can't remember when I had been quite aware of so many and there were so keen to make a bunch of new contacts.

The polls were of course a big topic of conservation. Ken Clark spoke very well at the Gala dinner last night - he's not paying much attention to the current polling, which he's seen before in previous General Elections and then seen the exact opposite happen when it comes to the crunch on Election day.

David Cameron spoke well and without notes - which is pretty impressive for 45 minutes. You can watch the entire speech on Webcameron or highlights of the speech on play politics - see the links below. Can you spot me? I was sitting with the Shadow Cabinet on the stage, just behind Teresa Villiers. Maybe if I hadn't been quite so sociable the night before I wouldn't have looked quite as tired!

http://www.conservatives.com/Video/Webcameron.aspx

http://playpolitical.typepad.com/uk_conservative/2010/02/key-extracts-from-david-camerons-speech-to-the-tories-spring-forum-in-brighton.html

I also just missed Joe McEldery - who was last night performing with other X Factor finalists next door to the Hilton!

2.8m People Underemployed

2010-02-21T16:13:00.003Z

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has found that from July to September 2009, 2.8 million people were underemployed – that’s one in ten (9.9 per cent) of all people in employment. This figure is of course in addition to the 2.5m who are unemployed - who have no job at all.

This is an interesting statistic which has not generally been monitored or reported on previously - but it is of course very relevant to our current economic climate. The definition of "underemployment" used by the ONS is ‘where a person wants to work more hours than is usual or stated under their current employment contract.’ The count is made up of employed people who were looking for an additional job, people looking for a replacement job with longer hours and people who want to work longer hours in their current job.

The figure is, I suspect, mostly made up of part-time workers - of which there are more than ever. Of course flexibility in the work place is very important and I do welcome the increase of part time positions. Many Mothers wanting to go back to work, those in education or people with disabilities are specifically looking for part time work only and it's a good thing we have more part time positions available. But there are also many people who are taking part time jobs, because full time positions are not available. The increase in the number of people in part time positions (who may have previously been unemployed) but want full time positions then conveniently massages the unemployment figure - the underemployment figure being a much more accurate reflection of our current situation of unemployment.

Conservative Proposals for Public Sector Co-Operatives

2010-02-21T15:45:00.003Z

This week, George Osborne announced that a Conservative government will give public sector workers a powerful new right to form employee owned co-operatives to take over the services they deliver. This will empower millions of public sector workers to become their own boss and help them to deliver better services. With 40 per cent of staff in the public sector saying that morale is low in their organisation, compared to only 16 per cent in the private sector, empowering public sector workers to become their own boss will boost employee satisfaction and improve public sector productivity.

Despite record levels of spending on public services under Labour, all the targets, meddling and managerial oversight, the Government’s own figures show that public sector productivity has not risen, but actually fallen by over three percent since 1997. By contrast, private sector productivity has grown by around 1.5 per cent on average every year in the last ten years.

This Conservative proposal is potentially the most significant shift in power from the state to working people since the sale of council houses in the 1980s, which gave millions of people across Britain greater freedom, security and control over their lives.

Conservatives will:

o Create a powerful new right to become your own boss. Staff in the vast majority of front-line public service functions will be able to bid to transfer to independence by creating a co-operative enterprise – there are already legally-recognised organisational forms they can simply adopt ‘off the shelf’;

o Enable shared ownership. Staff in the new co-operative would be genuine owners of the enterprise. Like employees in co-owned businesses, they would all be able to benefit from its financial success and could vote on how things are run;

o Create the freedom to innovate. They would simply be contracted by a relevant government department to deliver the desired outcomes – no more bureaucratic government process targets dictating how to achieve them;

o Allow staff co-ops to bring in the best expertise. To help overcome the barriers to rapid progress that co-ops can experience, they will be able to go into joint-venture with outside organisations. Partners could be offered a share of the revenues in exchange for management and operational expertise;

o Give staff co-ops the freedom to grow. Once successful, staff co-ops will be able to bid for other areas of government activity, or merge with other co-ops if they wish;

o Ban profiteering. While staff will fully own their new organisation, they will not be able to sell off any of the state’s assets they continue to use, like land and buildings. And because we expect them to make big efficiencies and improvements to services, their contracts will ensure any big surpluses they make will be shared with the taxpayer.

Eight Benchmarks for Economic Growth

2010-02-20T15:27:00.003Z

Click on the link below to read full details of George Osborne's new model of economic growth with are based on the following eight benchmarks:

1 Ensure macroeconomic stability
2 Create a more balanced economy
3 Get Britain working
4 Make Britain open for business
5 Ensure the whole country shares in rising prosperity
6 Reform public services to deliver better value for money
7 Create a safer banking system that serves the needs of the economy
8 Build a greener economy

We need a private sector recovery driven by business investment and exports, instead of consumer borrowing and government debt.

http://www.conservatives.com/News/News_stories/2010/02/Osborne_outlines_eight_benchmarks_for_economic_growth.aspx

Join My Campaign

2010-02-16T11:42:00.001Z

I am trying to engage with as many people as possible in South Shields. I want to know and understand as many concerns and issues. We recently delivered a Residents Survey in the town - the survey is also available on my campaign website: www.karen4southshields.co.uk - to which we got a great response.

To follow up on the survey - as well as dealing with specific problems which have come to our attention as a result of the survey - I want to make sure people know as much as possible about the proposals and policies of the Conservative Party. To achieve this objective we are currently compiling our General Election literature. We need your help towards these costs. Any donation - even if only the cost of a cup of coffee - is very much welcomed and appreciated and will mean we can reach more people in South Shields. South Shields deserves true local representation and an MP who understands the town and will fight for it as her number one priority.

You can join my campaign on line:

http://www.myconservatives.com/campaigns/turn-south-shields-blue

Obama raised millions of dollars using this type of on line tool. I am not so ambitious!!, but any support you could give would be hugely appreciated and will be spent directly on campaign literature.

Gordon Brown's Death Tax

2010-02-11T18:09:00.009Z

It's certainly been an interesting few days both nationally and in South Tyneside if you look at the debates currently active on Care Homes and the Elderly..... I went to visit Connolly House today, as part of my continued support against the proposed closure of the facility. The staff at Connolly House are amazing and it's so obvious the residents there are being very well looked after. Connolly House should be a benchmark for care in the borough, not earmarked as part of a borough wide cost cutting exercise where vulnerable, elderly people will suffer as a result.

Older people must be given more support in their old age, especially the most vulnerable and that is why a Conservative Government will introduce a Home Protection Scheme, a voluntary insurance programme to allow people – for a one off £8,000 payment – to make sure they never have to sell their home to pay for residential care.

But Labour’s plans to extend free personal care and to introduce a National Care Service are in chaos. Gordon Brown is considering levying a death tax of up to £20,000 on every person in England, and new research says he’ll also need to increase council tax by £26 a year to pay for his plans for social care for the elderly. The Prime Minister needs to come clean about who will pay the price for these new services.

To read local council leaders’ warning about Gordon Brown’s plans

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7021299.ece

Another interesting Times piece from today:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7022706.ece

SuBo and Me!

2010-02-10T08:28:00.004Z

The sleet held off yesterday morning as I braced the cold temperatures on King St yesterday morning - I'll be wearing an extra pair of socks day!

It was great to have so many people stop by to ask questions, collect a residents survey or take a badge, fridge magnet or mug! We've been delighted with the response to the survey, both electronically and in hard copy. I've had lots of responses back and the information is both enlightening and I hope in many cases something I can act on.

So here's to another day with SuBo! Drop by and say hello. I'm doing the afternoon today, from around noon.

See you in King Street

2010-02-09T08:04:00.005Z

In these next few month I'm trying to meet as many people as possible and to this aim I am hosting a number of stalls in South Shields. As well as residents having the chance to ask me any questions about Conservative policy, you'll also be able to pick up some Conservative literature and merchandise.

The first stalls will be in King St, under the Metro Bridge today on Tuesday 9th February and tomorrow on Wednesday 10th February. Please drop by. If you require any further information please email me on: karen4southshields.co.uk

Conservative Broadband Pledge

2010-02-08T17:12:00.001Z

Conservative plans to deliver the roll out of superfast broadband at speeds of up to 100 Mbps by 2017 is great news for businesses and homes in South Tyneside and across the country. This stands in stark contrast to the Government’s new £7 per year ‘phone tax’ on every telephone line.

Gordon Brown’s Government wants to impose a new £6 + VAT tax which will be levied on every fixed telephone line in all homes and businesses across the country. Homes with multiple lines might pay multiple times. The tax would be levied on homes with and without broadband access.

Conservatives have unveiled alternative proposals to increase competition and introduce superfast broadband across the United Kingdom. The action plan will:
• Open up BT’s ‘local loop’ monopoly to other telecommunication operators, and review unfair business rate rules.
• Investigate the use of sewers and other utility infrastructure to lay broadband cables.
• Allow telegraph poles to be fitted with fibre optic cables, rather than old fashioned copper wire.
• Ensure that all new homes are capable of receiving superfast broadband through a fibre to the home network.
• Use money currently allocated to the digital TV national switchover to help establish a universal network, and after 2012, look at using this money to ensure superfast broadband reaches rural areas.

South Tyneside’s homes and businesses deserve access to the latest 21st Century technology. It’s time to end the digital divide and deliver superfast broadband to all parts of the country, including rural areas. Conservatives will open up the BT monopoly and increase competition, while Labour just want to hit homes with an unfair new phone tax. There is nothing that Gordon Brown won’t tax, which is why it’s time for change.

Worth a flutter?

2010-02-07T21:17:00.007Z

Not that I am really a betting person - other than the odd flutter at Ascot perhaps - but I couldn't help but notice Ladbrokes have released the odds on all constituencies in Great Britain at the next General Election on their website:

http://sports.ladbrokes.com/en-gb/Politics-c110000037?dispSortId=189&byocList=t110000405

So how are we looking in South Tyneside according to the bookies?

South Shields
Labour 1/500
Liberal Democrats 33/1
Conservatives 33/1
Green 100/1

Jarrow
Labour 1/500
Liberal Democrats 25/1
Conservatives 100/1
Green 100/1

Results in 2005 were as follows:

South Shields
David Miliband, Labour 18,269 60.5%
Stephen Psallidas, Liberal Democrat 5,957 19.7%
Richard Lewis, Conservative 5,207 17.2%
Nader Afshari-Naderi, Independent 773 2.6%

12,312 Labour Majority

Jarrow
Stephen Hepburn, Labour 20,554 60.5%
Bill Schardt, Liberal Democrat 6,650 19.6%
Linkson Jack, Conservative 4,807 14.1%
Alan Badger, UK Independence Party 1,567 4.6%
Rodger Nettleship, Save National Health Service 400 1.2%

13,904 Labour Majority

Conservative Council Tax Pledge

2010-01-31T02:20:00.003Z

The new figures out this week revealed the soaring use of court orders and bailiffs to collect council tax are somewhat startling - but perhaps can be equated to the fact council tax bills have more than doubled across the country under Labour.

In South Tyneside bills have risen by a staggering 85% since 1997 thanks to Labour Ministers. Based on a band D property which would have paid £763 in 1997, but now pays (or not as the case of many) £1,410 annually. Bailiffs knocked at 5,513 homes in South Tyneside in 2008-2009 and 5 bankruptcy orders were obtained as a direct result of non payment of council tax.

We can look back to Whitehall guidance issued by John Prescott in 2004 which encouraged the use of bailiffs by town halls. It even recommends that in-house town hall bailiffs remove the official council branding from their bailiff demands. A preparation for the clunking fist perhaps?

Conservatives have pledged to work with councils to freeze council tax bills in England and provide additional central funding to keep bills down for the next two years. Scotland has already benefited from a council tax freeze, making bills almost £300 a year less on a comparable home north of the border. Labour Ministers have ruled out introducing such a policy in England. Good old, Jock Gordon - he shows yet again how out of touch he is with the plight of hard working families and pensioners. Thanks to Gordon Brown doubling council tax bills, a record number of families in South Shields and across the country are struggling to make ends meet. More people now face the threat of menacing bailiffs knocking at their door and this is a crisis of Labour’s own making.

Only a Conservative Government will work with South Tyneside Council to help fund a council tax freeze and bring real help to low and middle income families. Only Conservatives can deliver the change our country needs.

Turning Japanese

2010-01-28T09:20:00.002Z

I arrived in Toyko this morning. I have worked with agents in South Korea and China before, but this is my first time in Japan. This is an incredible country. The tradition and courtesy is completely different to any other Asian country I have visited and the gadgets are something else! There's a selection of buttons to press for even the most basic of our daily routines it seems. Where ever I travel I am always interested in understanding more about the political system and the economy - but even more so with Japan - which is why I thought my visit was worth a blogspot.

For thirty years the Japanese economy was booming. As the 1990s dawned though stock slumped and real estate prices plummeted, marking an abrupt end to the Japanese asset price bubble. But the situation was exacerbated by domestic policies which had been intended to remove speculative excesses from the stock and real estate markets and the slump just went on and on and on. Interest rates were rock bottom, but nothing was really moving. Sound familiar?

The Spectator had this excellent article a couple of months ago, drawing comparisons between the UK recession and the early stages of the Japanese recession - it's a stark warning on how we could very well end up in the same long term trouble if our economy is left mismanaged and in the wrong hands:

Your views and input wanted!

2010-01-27T06:31:00.003Z

Hopefully if you live in South Shields you've had one of these through your door or you are about to receive one (thank you to my committed deliverers). If you haven't received a survey, however, this is a printable version and thanks to the capabilities of the more technically able (thanks, Phil!) the survey is also available online on my website:

http://karen4southshields.co.uk/index.php?option=com_survey&task=survey_page&survey=1&Itemid=13

I have had quite a few responses back already, but would love to hear your views.

Also, if you have any spare time and would be willing to spend some of it (even if it's only an hour) delivering campaign leaflets in the future please drop me a line:

karenallen@southshieldsconservatives.co.uk

Mending Our Broken Society

2010-01-23T09:32:00.001Z

Labour have presided over the longest and deepest economic recession since the war, but that is more than matched by the social recession we are stuck in today. Everyone hopes and expects we are out of economic recession, but unless we change the direction of government fundamentally, we will never find the path to social recovery. We can’t go out on like this. We need change to get this country back on its feet.

To mend our broken society, four areas of policy will be subject to our unremitting focus: fixing the criminal justice system, school reform, strengthening families and stimulating social action in our communities. Today, we published our full draft manifesto chapter that sets out how we will do that. For more information, please see:

http://www.conservatives.com

Unemployment Increases in South Shields

2010-01-22T05:41:00.003Z

It's really worrying to learn that unemployment has increased in South Tyneside for the third month in a row, as reported in the Shields Gazette:

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Jobless-figures-still-on-the.6001673.jp

We've now got 6,590 people claiming (JSA) last month - which is an extra 188 people from the previous month. This figure of course does not accurately reflect the true extent of unemployment in the borough - the long term unemployed, who may be on other types of benefit are not included in this figure. Nevertheless almost another 200 new claimants is really worrying.

Brown keeps banging on about how we're coming out of recession. As I think most people would agree, the real force of recession is felt when you loose your job. Even with credit less available and businesses failing around you, if you have your job and you are still being paid, then most of us seem to continue in a recession proof bubble. In fact many of us, who are working and have a mortgage are the best off we've ever been, what with tracker mortgages and our interest rate being 0.5%.

Nice to see Miliband is in touch with the issues in the town and is still boasting on his website:

"I am delighted that unemployment in South Tyneside has fallen consistently since 1997."

http://www.davidmiliband.info/constituency.htm

A bit of grit sticking

2010-01-18T09:31:00.002Z

I know that we're over it all now and back to positive temperatures, but what happened in our cold spell - directly as a result of Labour incompetence, really was shameful. It was clear after the cold snap in February 2009 that the country was almost wholly dependent on just two salt suppliers and that when salt imports dry up when harsh weather conditions hit Europe, the two domestic producers just cannot pull salt out of the ground quickly enough to meet demand, even with 24/7 working.

The direct result of Labour's failure to broaden the range of salt suppliers on which the nation depends led to stocks of salt continuing to dwindle and local authorities asking to make bigger and bigger cuts to the amount of salt they use.

As a result, many people were unable to set out on the street or roads and were effectively housebound for days. This is just not acceptable and is yet another example of Labour's failure to learn a lesson and their gross incompetence.

Education Pledges

2010-01-15T09:10:00.000Z

It’s somewhat ironic to hear Ed Balls banging on about a “class war.” We just need to look at the stark facts, after twelve years of Labour Government; we have an education system where there is an enormous gulf in achievement between independent schools and state run schools. It is Conservatives who want to close the educational gap between the fortunate few and everyone else. I have really strong views on this gap because I have seen both sides. I was educated at the local comprehensive until the age of 16 and then went to a Girls Public Day School Trust School from the age of 16 to 18. Also, working in the city I am alongside Eton and Harrow old boys and senior executives who barely scraped a CSE at their Secondary Modern School.

Michael Gove, Shadow Minister for Education, has outlined plans to improve the quality of teaching, give heads proper powers to crack down on bad behaviour and allow educational providers to open a new generation of independently run state schools. Only then can we reverse the widening gap which currently acts as a block on opportunity for the poorest.

Sure Start Pledge

2010-01-13T10:06:00.001Z

On Monday – which was my 31st birthday, so apologies for not blogging this then – David Cameron set out how Conservatives will help the poorest families in society. David explained how we will keep Sure Start, and how we will strengthen it by recruiting 4,200 new Sure Start health visitors to provide universal support to families with children under five and a more effective way of reaching out to the most vulnerable families.

We believe Sure Start needs to work better because the people who need it most – disadvantaged and dysfunctional families – are not getting enough of the benefit. We will improve Sure Start by taking it back to its original purpose of early intervention, increasing its focus on the neediest families, and better involving organisations with a track record in parenting interventions. Drawing on the key principles behind our wider public service reform programme – practicality, independence and accountability – we will create a new kind of Sure Start Children’s Centre to replace failing existing provision.

This is part of our mission to build the strong society based on the values of responsibility and aspiration. For that, we need responsible individuals. We can help people take more responsibility for themselves by focusing on the three areas where character is formed in our early lives – in the family, at school and through the influences of wider society – and take action to ingrain responsibility through each.

Council Care Homes Marked for Closure

2010-01-12T11:41:00.003Z

The Gazette has highlighted this, but after being contacted by the very concerned mother of a resident at Connelly House, I did also want to mention this. Connelly House in Whiteleas is the town's only dementia dedicated care home - across both the public and private sector - it, with another two council run care homes, are threatened with closure. This is despite Connelly winning three stars for service excellence and its residents being very settled and happy in the facility.

As I understand the threatened closures are as a result of cost saving analysis, which highlighted the high costs of goods and services procurement for the homes. As many private homes are run with considerable profits (although I do acknowledge there are 200 vacant places in South Shields' private homes), I do think this we can question the efficiency of the Council procurement for care homes. I have been told that food bills for supply of certain items - by council approved suppliers - are as much as three times that of the retail price in Asda.

If all three homes were to closed this would also mean the loss of more than 100 jobs. We are all living longer than ever before, so I would have expected more care homes in South Shields and not less.... Or is it the staff are expected to find employment in privately run homes instead? Interesting policy for a Labour Council I must say.....

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Tory-joins-fight-to-save.5999514.jp

General Election Start Gun Sounded

2010-01-04T10:26:00.001Z

The clock seemed to have barely stuck midnight when it seemed the General Election start gun had sounded. We really are becoming more and more American, as we now appear to emulate the US election campaign - which actually David Cameron didn't start on 2nd January 2010, but realistically long, long before this - as our old, once much envied four week election campaign will now become seemingly endless to many.

We're set to hear a lot of announcements over these next weeks and months. Not least of all David Cameron's pledges on the NHS which will be released later today.

I was reading recently an article in which Martin McTague, North East Policy Chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), had it spot on when he criticised Labour. Mr McTague pointed at the Pre-Budget Report and had it absolutely right when he said the National Insurance contribution increase is a tax on jobs - which will effect 85% of small businesses. Mr MacTague also reports that a staggering 95% of FSB members feel the Government has done nothing to help small businesses in the region.

Of course Conservatives strongly believe in encouraging small businesses, which will form a key part of our recovery from the economic crisis. I will listen keenly to our central messages on business over the next few months and hope very much there's some good news in there for the North East. There are many, many things we need to be talking about - our civil liberties and mindless political correctness manifested in our nanny state - after of course the economic recovery - being pretty high on my list. We need don't need more laws; endless, expensive new installations of CCTVs cameras and more red tape - people will take responsibility if we create an environment for them to be able to do so.

I must wrap up this post, as I'm at Heathrow and about to board a flight to Singapore. I always find Singapore fascinating, particularly in terms of its governance. Dan Hannan in "The Plan" draws several policy proposals from the Singaporean systems - will post more on this later.

Snowy Shields

2010-01-02T11:31:00.004Z

It was a scene from a Winter Wonderland waking up in South Shields on New Year's Day. As reported in the gazette today though the snow has brought a lot of services to a stand still in the town:

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Snow-joke--and-there39s.5951463.jp

What the Gazette doesn't mention is it's no wonder King St was deserted this morning - despite the metro being down and it being generally difficult to get into the town centre - even if you could get there, without any gritting at 9.30am (I don't know if this changed during the day) you'd be mad to try to negotiate the ice on King St.

With more snow set to be on the way, I hope the council does has plenty of grit....

Happy Boxing Day

2009-12-26T19:55:00.005Z

Christmas in South Shields has been crisp to say the least, but today has been much milder and lots of folks were out for a Boxing Day stroll after lunch, as the sun went down.

After my MacBook met a most untimely death yesterday, this is my first blogspot on my new MacBook Pro. I'm going to keep this post short - but include a couple of pics - and try to get up to speed with my new machine!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T10:43:00.004Z

It's a pretty slushy Christmas Eve in South Shields this morning. The ice, similar to many other parts of the country, was treacherous yesterday and is likely to become more so with the rain today. I was hoping to venture down to King St for a few last minute items, but I'm going to play it by ear - looking at the alternatives I don't fancy the Two Ronnies very much and the presents are already wrapped and under the tree.

I would like to wish everyone in South Shields a very Merry Christmas. Hope your day with is filled with joy and spent with your loved ones. For many people Christmas can be a difficult time, particularly where loved ones are missing and for some families were it's the first Christmas without a close family member and for those people a special prayer this Christmas.

In the Allen household, we'll have a very traditional day - turkey with all of the trimmings, followed by a very lethal homemade Christmas Pudding I picked up at a farmers market - with close family members in the Kingsway. As always I am looking forward to our post lunch stroll along the seafront and Marine Park, just hope the weather is OK for it. I last remember a white Christmas in South Shields in (what I recall as being) 1994. Although this has just sparked a mild debate and my father thinks it was 1995!

Tonight I'm going to pop along to the carol singing at 6pm in Westoe Village - which should be lovely, so long as you are wrapped up warm!

Merry Christmas.

Westoe Village Carols

Thoughts and Prayers with our Armed Forces

2009-12-22T15:09:00.002Z

As I was braving the ice and snow this morning I thought, just ahead of Christmas, about our soldiers who are serving in much harsher conditions in Afghanistan. There are many families in South Shields who will be without their loved ones this Christmas and Christmas will be really tough for these families. As David Cameron said this week, every single soldier and all their families should know that the whole country is right behind them and incredibly grateful for the work that they do.

As President Obama announced a big increase in American troops for Afghanistan last month, if you add in the extra soldiers Britain is sending over, we now have the best chance to ensure that our counter-insurgency campaign is successful, deliver a safer country to the Afghan authorities, and then bring our brave troops back home.

But in before that happens, thoughts, prayers and gratitude to our troops in Afghanistan. Merry Christmas.

Cruel Attack on Rare Birds

2009-12-21T18:26:00.004Z

Sickening to read about this in the Gazette. I'm sure it brought particular distress to the town's many twitchers and recent Eastern Warbler admirers:

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Cruel-pair-jailed-for-bird.5926098.jp

But glad to see that the pair were brought to justice and hope South Shields sea birds and rare birds continue to thrive.

No Number 1 for Joe

2009-12-21T10:20:00.002Z

Call me a cynic, but it looks clear to me there has been one winner of the Joe McElderry - Rage Against the Machine Christmas Number 1 battle and that is the record label.

Sony Music, the label for both Joe and RATM have surely enjoyed the soaring sales and even encouraged the fight between the two songs, then reaping the rewards.

Well done Joe, anyway on your Number 2 hit single and here's to your first Number 1 which I am sure will be in 2010 and Merry Christmas Sony.

Harton and Jarrow Schools Partnership

2009-12-20T20:27:00.002Z

Harton has always been an excellent school. Once the Boys Grammar School in South Shields former pupils include Malcolm Barbour, of Barbour clothing, Hollywood Director, Ridley Scott and my own father!

http://www.boyshighschool.co.uk/people/boys/index.htm

I was at Harton from 1990-1995 and I remember very clearly the dedication of the teachers, which was manifested in a variety of after school clubs and societies - drama, public speaking and various musical instruments were the activities I remember best, having been involved in them. When I left Harton to do my 'A' Levels, I remember my new music teacher being astonished my teacher at Harton had given up lunchtimes, without any sort of charge, to give me piano lessons and my form tutor gave up time after school to teach me German as an additional GCSE. Many of these truly dedicated teacher I know are still at the school and certainly have contributed to making it the success it is today.

Ken Gibson was my maths teacher and also my mentor for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Even as a teenager I remember his drive and flair for teaching, so when I read the Gazette on Friday:

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/High-hopes-for-schools-merger.5923847.jp

I thought if anyone can run two schools he can. What is also very important to remember is Ken has an excellent team around him. The SLT (the executive made up of Senior Leading Teachers) is made up of extremely talented and experienced teachers (many of whom have been at the school for 15+ years - I know because they were my teachers!) A good school is run by a strong head teacher who has respect and authority to make decisions with a team of equally strong staff supporting.

As Harton is now truly excelling - it's one of the best schools in the country - I would fully support the move for Harton to partner with Jarrow, a school which was deemed "indequate" and on "notice to improve" from OFSTED inspectors. Good governance, aspirational teaching and hard work from staff at Harton, I am sure will provide the support Jarrow needs to recover academically and to give the Borough another good school - we need to remember not all of the schools are as good as Harton and all of our children deserve the best education possible.

I wish Ken and Harton Technology College the very best for 2010.

Conservative Promise to Help the Elderly

2009-12-18T13:50:00.002Z

A Conservative government will introduce a new home protection scheme that will end the desperate situation whereby tens of thousands of older people are being forced to sell their homes each year to pay for residential care at the end of their lives.

Under our voluntary scheme, people reaching retirement will have the option to pay a one-off joining fee that we estimate will be around £8,000, in return for a guarantee that absolutely all fees for permanent residential care would be waived - for life.

The scale of Labour’s betrayal of pensioners was revealed as it emerged that every year at least 3,000 elderly people are forced to sell their homes to pay for residential care. The scandal of Britain’s crumbling care system has reached such proportions that a third of all those paying the cost of their care end up without their house. I know from visiting Care Homes in South Shields and speaking with a number of pensioners that people are very angry that after more than a decade of Labour promises, a record number of people who have saved all their lives are still having to put their houses up for sale, while those who have squandered their money get free care.

Youth Unemployment Hits Record High

2009-12-16T17:43:00.004Z

It's very worrying to learn that youth unemployment has reached a record high. The number of 16-to-24 year olds who are unemployed now stands at 952,000, the highest figure since records began in 1992.

This is yet more evidence of the devastating effect the recession is having on young people. Ministers need to stop trying to rewrite the unemployment figures and start tackling the problem. Almost two years after the recession began and unemployment began to rise, the Government's flagship guarantee for young people hasn't even started yet. Conservatives have put help for youth unemployment at the heart of our plans to get Britain working again. We have pledged more help for all young people unemployed for six months or more, backed up by hundreds of thousands of new apprenticeships and training opportunities to give Britain's young people the support they need during the recession.

I know The Sun are doing a feature on Youth Unemployment in the North East in the wake of Joe McElderry's X Factor success. I've been amazed at the attention and focus Joe's win has brought our region and particularly our town. I've been asked about South Shields by so many people this week - not just by journalists - and it's interesting majority of the questions are socio economic related and asked by people without much knowledge of the North East, but want to understandstand more of our region. If you're not an X Factor winner, what sort of career are you likely to follow if you grow up in South Shields? I had to leave South Shields to follow my career. How great it would be if we could encourage more industry; more maufacturing the South Tyneside, I fully endorse the work of John Wood and Geoff Ford with the Manufacturing Forum and truly hope a Conservative Government can help our young people get into viable and successful careers in the North East.

Meeting with Business Matters in the Market Place

Congratulations Joe!

2009-12-13T22:42:00.006Z

A thoroughly well deserved X Factor victory for Joe McElderry of Westoe, South Shields tonight. We had all been rooting for him from day one of the competition and maybe it was the Sand Dancer support that tipped it for him - although it was clear to see he had the best voice and was a clear winner from early on. Comparing the supporters in Temple Park to those in Colchester, I felt a little bit sorry for Olly - the Sand Dancers were out on mass and were bursting with enthusiasm and pride for young Joe - as picked up and commented on by Kimberley Walsh. Go Joe posters were everywhere - many of which I'm sure came from the Gazette, who had also followed him and supported him all the way too.

Our Mayor was extremely excited, but it's that sort of enthusiasm and support that makes me proud to be from South Shields. I'm doubly proud Joe is also an ex-Harton pupil. When I was at the school recently, one of the teachers told me Joe as Danny in art teacher Harry Lynch's production of Grease, was obviously a star in the making - my appearance under the same direction in the Christmas Carol in 1993 had none of the same merits alas!

Well done, Joe and wishing you all the best for the future and a long and successful musical career.

Tributes to Joe as reported in the Shields Gazette:
http://www.shieldsgazette.com/go-joe/Didn39t-he-do-well-Tributes.5909724.jp

Watch this space for South Tyneside CF Launch

2009-12-11T10:56:00.003Z

We're almost ready to launch South Tyneside Conservative Future - due to the hard work of members, in particular of Phil Thornton from South Shields. By pooling young members across both constituencies, we hope to attract more young members. We have successfully signed up new people in both South Shields and Jarrow over the last year - what we need to do is engage these members and encourage new members to join. In particular I'd like to see more female members too!

Our South Tyneside CF website will be released shortly.

The South Shields Football Divide

2009-11-28T16:28:00.004Z

I don't know the actual statistic, but I've always thought it was roughly 50-50; recalling my school days and friends in the town, I would say there is a pretty equal number of Sunderland to Newcastle fans, which is not surprising when you consider the geographical location of South Shields: South of the Tyne, from Newcastle, but North of the Wear, from Sunderland. My Dad and brother are both Sunderland fans, but I was actually born in Newcastle (moving to South Shields when I was two years old) and my mother is from Newcastle - but I would say my allegiance lies with that of my father and brother.

Nevertheless, when was contacted by Eddy who runs the Newcastle United Forum, asking if I would support the campaign to stop Mike Ashley from changing the name of St James Park, I had no hesitation to support the campaign. Mr Ashley's bid for additional advertising, by changing the name of the stadium to "sportsdirect@stjamespark" just doesn't sit rightly to me.

http://www.eddymarra.com/therealnewcastleunitedforum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4322&p=12753&hilit=karen#p12753

Back to School!

2009-11-27T11:19:00.008Z

It was a little strange going back to my old school to do an Assembly yesterday and this morning. It brought back vivid memories of my numerous attempts at the Public Speaking Competition - only minus the racing heart and sweaty palms which accompanied my teenage attempts to recite Shakespeare and D H Lawrence! I thoroughly enjoyed telling the pupils about my trip to Rwanda. I'd contacted headmaster, Ken Gibson, after I'd come back from my trip to Africa to inquire about a doing something to link Harton with Rwanda. Ken told me then that in fact my old French teacher, Virginia McConville, had already started a project to send books and computers to Rwanda. So after meeting with Virginia, we put together some outlines for assemblies to tell pupils more about the country. Hope that it encouraged a few of them to read more about the history of the country - I still find it incredible the progress the country is making just 15 years from the Genocide and fully support any projects to help the country.

As also reported in the Shields Gazette:

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/Wouldbe-MP-back-to-school.5886161.jp

Go Joe!

2009-11-26T23:08:00.005Z

Joe McElderry is everywhere you look in South Shields! Gazette support posters are proudly displayed in every other window, my mother was quick to put her's up in the porch. I have realised that Joe and I share two things in common - we were both pupils at Harton School and we both grew up in Westoe.

I watched the show last Saturday and once I realised contenstants were travelling back to their home towns, I eagerly waited for Joe to have his turn and for the clip of South Shields. I was wondering which of our many beauty spots they might pick to show the town in its splendor? The Pier, with the mouth of the Tyne and the North Sea? Trow Rocks? the Leas? South Marine Park? Oh no...... why show any of these wonderful things our town has to offer, when you could show a dumped sofa in the back lane of St Vincent St. I couldn't help but think ITV were poking fun at the North, I mean they even managed to make Dagenham look good for one of the other contestants!!

Anyway, judging by his performance on Saturday I think Joe is the clear favourite to win the show. I wish him all the best and who knows hopefully he can be persuaded to turn on the Christmas lights in South Shileds next year instead of the Cheeky Girls.

New Younger Members Drive for South Shields

2009-11-22T20:45:00.005Z

It's been more difficult than ever to engage people in politics in the light of the recent expense scandal, where many people felt their hunch that politicians are "only in it for themselves" was confirmed. Fewer people than ever are joining political parties and the number of young people joining up is at an all time low. As well as general disinterest in a process (the political system) they feel they cannot contribute to or affect, I think from speaking to many people, it has not always been possible to readily perceive differentials between the mainstream parties - which of course has also been attributed in recent media to the increased profile of the BNP.

Despite the often "shiny" New Labour image - although I think everyone concedes it's been much less shiny, in fact its been downright dour mostly in the last two years of the Brown premiership - there is a world of difference between the two main parties. These differences, in hope and aspiration for this country were all to visible to me at the David Miliband lecture with Peter Mandelson this year. Conservative proposals last week to give people the right to buy failing local authority community schemes to turn them back into a profitable business is a cornerstone Conservative value of empowering people and giving people the opportunity by hard work and conviction to turn things around ultimately for the benefit of the community.

I hope policies like this will attract younger and entrepreneurial people to the Conservative Party and by entrepreneurial I am not talking about the Richard BRansons of South Shields - but about people in the town who want to create a better life for themselves and their families. In the South Shields Conservative Association we are welcoming new members and would like to set up a branch of Conservative Future - which is the youth wing of the Party. If you join the Conservative party and you are aged 30 or under (I will only fall into that bracket for the next 6 weeks!) we would love to hear from you. Please email me:

karenallen@southshieldsconservatives.co.uk

New Conservative plans to help local people save and run community facilities - Conservatives to help protect post offices, pubs, libraries & parks

2009-11-21T18:27:00.003Z

Radical new powers will be given to local residents to protect community assets from closure and allow local people to take over the running of public buildings and community assets, Caroline Spelman announced in a Party Political Broadcast which coincided with the Queen’s Speech. New policies were unveiled to create a ‘Community Right to Buy’ and allow not-for-profit community groups to take over the running of struggling local facilities, from post offices to pubs to parks.

These new powers will help protect thousands of buildings owned by town halls and other public bodies, including libraries, lidos, playgrounds, parks, schools and sports facilities. And in a bold new step, community groups will be given first refusal to take over and run failing local pubs, shops or post offices, which would devastate the local community if they were to close their doors.

New Conservative analysis has revealed that under Labour there are 5,400 fewer post offices across England, 200 fewer libraries and 3,500 fewer pubs (in net terms). Gordon Brown promised to promote community ownership when he became Labour leader, yet his own town hall watchdog, the Audit Commission, has criticised the ‘limited’ transfer of assets to community groups and the failure to meet the Government’s ‘aspirations’. Under new Conservative plans:

· Community groups, such as schools, churches or voluntary groups, will be able to bid to take over the running of publicly owned community assets, if they can manage the facility more efficiently and effectively than the state.

· When a state-owned community asset faces closure or being sold, voluntary groups will have a right of first refusal to bid and buy that asset for a fair price and maintain it for community use. The rights to community ownership will extend across assets owned by central government and quangos, not just town halls.

· The radical ‘Community Right to Buy’ will also allow community group first refusal to take over and run commercially-owned community assets that are closing, for example those post offices, pubs and shops whose continued survival is of genuine importance to the local community.

Under Labour, local neighbourhoods have lost access to essential local services and facilities. Gordon Brown’s Government has closed post offices and driven local pubs into the ground. People feel powerless to stop their communities losing access to vital services and facilities. Conservatives will give bold new powers to local people to protect and improve their much-loved community assets and preserve the social fabric of their neighbourhoods.

Democratic Approach to Insurance

2009-11-11T05:56:00.005Z

I'm going to listen to Bill Clinton talk about Insurance later this afternoon. I'm in Chicago at one of my annual industry conferences - the Professional Liability Underwriting Society, or PLUS as we fondly know it - and none other than Bill Clinton will give the opening Key Note speech. With the near downfall of AIG last year and the 'tentacles' the insurance industry does undoubtedly extend in our global economy, I am looking forward to hearing his views.

I was wondering when I tried to connect to my wireless in the Ritz Carlton yesterday if he was already tucked away in his room writing his speech.....

To Europe or not to Europe?

2009-11-06T09:40:00.003Z

Gossip surrounding David Miliband's potential European role has been mounting for months and if you believe various blogs his resignation as MP for South Shields is imminent:

http://www.politics.co.uk/news/foreign-policy/miliband-heading-to-europe--$1338777.htm

I would welcome a By Election in South Shields. Miliband's departure would prove what many in the town have suspected for a long time. The traditionally safe Labour seat in the North East of England, which Miliband, a career politician, was parachuted into in 2001, was a mere stepping stone, a springboard to greater things. The departure of Mr Miliband, who has never had any true affinity with the town, could make way for a new MP with solid roots in South Shields.

The Foreign Office are denying all rumours related to Mr Miliband's resignation. So we must wait to see.....

Hague on Miliband

2009-11-01T11:03:00.003Z

Mr Hague has always of course been a true friend to the North - he was the guest speaker at Wendy Morton's, candidate for Tynemouth, recent fundraising dinner and I also got the chance to catch up with him in Manchester. An interesting piece on ConHome today, where William Hague lambasts David Miliband over his "dirty and and underhand tactics."

HagueSquare "The Foreign Secretary used his Labour Party conference speech – his moment to give a positive vision of Britain’s future in the world – to make appalling accusations against Polish MEP Michal Kaminski, the party of the President of Poland and one of the governing parties of Latvia. That was not the behaviour we have the right to expect from a Foreign Secretary... Before Mr Miliband began to throw around allegations of anti-semitism and the like, he should have looked at some of Labour’s allies in the European Parliament. He might have considered Labour’s allies the Romanian Social Democratic Party, whose honorary president has falsely claimed that there was no Holocaust on Romanian territory. He might have considered the Bulgarian Socialist Party, whose leader, as Prime Minister, condemned his country’s first gay pride parade. He might have looked at Labour’s ally in the Polish Self-Defence party, thankfully rejected by voters in June, whose party leader praised Adolf Hitler." - William Hague writing in the Mail on Sunday

"For months, Labour has been attacking the Conservatives' new, Eurosceptic coalition in the European Parliament, called the European Conservative and Reformist Group (ECRG). It has alleged that the group includes anti-Semites, homophobes etc. Such people, in fact, exist in the Europhile group which the Tories have left – Hungarians who denounce "Jewish capital", for example, and Italian ex-fascists. They also find a place in the Socialist group, which includes Labour – and Romanian Holocaust-deniers. But such extremism attracts no attention so long as it falls in a Europhile category. The real danger to the European Union, from the point of view of its leaders and bureaucrats, is an organised opposition to its basic, centralising direction. So the new ECRG is a threat which they must exterminate. In the case of Mr Miliband, this desire to destroy accords with his domestic political objective of trashing the Tories as they approach the threshold of power." - Charles Moore writing in the Sunday

Ready For Change - Get Britain Working

2009-10-31T18:26:00.000Z

To give people hope for the future, the country needs to change direction. Conservatives are honest, united, determined and ready to deliver the tough and radical change Britain needs to rebuild our broken economy, mend our broken society and fix our broken politics.

Conservatives have bold plans to deal with the big problems the country faces. To deal with Labour's Jobs Crisis we have published our detailed plan to Get Britain Working. Labour are now the party of unemployment - we are the party of new jobs and new opportunities. To deal with Labour's Debt Crisis we have been honest with the British people about the tough decisions we need to take. Unlike Gordon Brown, we won't duck them and treat the British people like fools.

UK economy shrunk by 0.4% in Q3
This is deeply, deeply disappointing news. Britain is now in the deepest and longest recession in its modern history. Britain's economy is still shrinking a full six months after France and Germany started growing.

We now know that Gordon Brown's recession plan has not worked, and this news has destroyed Labour's claim that Britain was better placed than other countries to weather the storms.

There is now no confidence in Gordon Brown's economic policies - he has no banking plan, no debt reduction plan and no growth plan. The whole country is suffering from this lack of leadership.

Britain urgently needs new economic leadership - and needs it now. We need a Conservative Government to Get Britain Working again.

Labour are now the party of unemployment. Two and a half million people are unemployed and one in five young people can't find a job. By launching our plan to Get Britain Working - a big, bold and radical scheme to get millions of people back to work - Conservatives are showing that we are now the party of jobs and opportunity.

As part of a package of measures designed to Get Britain Working, Conservatives will introduce The Work Programme which:

· Simplifies Labour's numerous and piecemeal programmes into one single back-to-work programme for everyone who is unemployed.

· Includes the 2.6 million people claiming Incapacity Benefits currently excluded by Labour's plans.
· Pays welfare-to-work providers according to whether they get jobseekers into sustainable employment of a year or more.

· Is funded by refocusing the Government's employment and training programmes, including the various New Deals and Train to Gain, and reducing the benefits of Incapacity Benefit claimants found to be fit to work.

To provide extra opportunities to those looking for work, we have also announced:

· Youth Action for Work - 100,000 additional apprenticeships and training places, 50,000 additional training places at FE colleges, and 50,000 work pairing places each year for two years.

· Work for Yourself - offering business mentors and loans to support self-employment and franchising as a route back into work.

· Work Together - a programme to connect people to volunteering opportunities in their area.
· Work Clubs - places where people can receive mentoring, skills training and help to find local job opportunities.

· 10,000 additional university places next year.
· New technical schools in England's largest cities, as part of our plans for radical school reform.