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Archive for September 2008
September 28th, 2008
This week’s Hero is….
…Dan Hannan MEP, for saying what we were all surely thinking about localism. In the excellent new book The Plan, Hannan and Douglas Carswell MP set out a blueprint for radical reform – returning power and decision making to the hands of those that it effects. An excellent example is the idea of directly electing police sheriffs. Hannan makes the point here, and I urge you read this book.
This week’s Zero is…
…David Milliband, for looking like an utter moron at every possible opportunity.
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September 27th, 2008
A couple of years ago Donal Blaney ran a weekly column on ConservativeHome entitled “The Laws of the Public Policy Process”. These 45 rules were devised by Morton Blackwell – the Godfather of the American conservative movement – and they come from his decades of experience in the policy process. Every Saturday YBF will discuss one of these laws in the context of some current political news.
Rule No. 5: In politics, you have your word and your friends; go back on either and you’re dead.
This is a lesson that Gordon Brown and the Labour Party are learning the hard way. The Labour Party has gone back on its word time and time again (Lisbon referendum anyone?) and the electorate will not forgive them for it. This will effect the Party’s long term health, but far more serious to its short term health are the effects of going back on their friends. The Cabinet is in disarray. Kelly quits, Miliiband worried about his ‘Heseltine moment’ and a desperate reshuffle on the cards. There is no unity, because they’re beginning to turn on each other. The public won’t forgive a Government that goes back on their words, and Cabinet ministers are no more likely to forgive a ‘friend’ for going back on them.
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September 25th, 2008
Conference can be confusing so we’ve listed some of the best events in Birmingham. Come and join us at one of them!
Saturday, 27 September 2008
CF Party Conference Workshop - Hall 6, ICC (12pm, followed by 7.45pm Drinks Reception at The O-Bar, 264 Broad Street)
Join Matthew Elliott, Douglas Carswell MP, Jonathan Isaby & Shane Greer for in-depth media training and much more.
Sunday, 28 September 2008
CF Party Conference Workshop – Hall 6, ICC (10am)
Review the Sunday papers with Jonathan Isaby and then finesse your media skills before the start of the Party Conference itself.
ALEC & Atlantic Bridge Reception – Radisson SAS Hotel (6pm)
Celebrate the Special Relationship between Britain and America with Liam Fox.
Birmingham University CF Drinks Reception – TBC (7.30pm)
A raucous welcome to Birmingham by the local CF branch – so raucous the venue is a secret!
CWF Midnight Reception – Sonata Bar, The Hyatt (11.30pm)
The soundest reception of the whole of the Party Conference – and the latest of the late-night receptions too.
Monday, 29 September
The Freedom Zone – Austin Court Kingston Theatre (all day)
The place to be at Conference: it should be the default location for all freedom-loving activists.
Can the Conservatives Engage Young People as Voters? – ICC, Executive Room 1 (12.30pm)
YBF Chief Executive Donal Blaney takes part in a debate on whether sixteen-year-olds should have the right to vote.
CF 10th Anniversary Reception – Symphony Hall Foyer, Level 4 (9.30pm)
Join William Hague to reminisce over the development of CF since it was launched by YBF Chief Executive Donal Blaney in 1998.
Tuesday, 30 September
The Freedom Zone - Austin Court Kingston Theatre (all day)
The place to be at Conference: it should be the default location for all freedom-loving activists.
Have We Got Seats for You? – ICC, Executive Room 1 (12.30pm)
Join YBF Chief Executive Donal Blaney and Jonathan Isaby of The Daily Telegraph for a satirical look at the British constitution.
Cigarettes & Civil Liberties Reception – The Freedom Zone (5.30pm)
Enjoy a smoke and a drink before both are made illegal!
YBF Fringe Debate & Reception – ICC, Hall 8A (7.30pm)
Debate, Food, Booze – but no Guns! Discuss how young people can access the housing ladder. Sponsored by Kilbride Group.
Tory Bear’s Conference Party – Britannia Hotel (9pm)
Join Guido Fawkes and Tory Bear to celebrate the culmination of the Conference. Just watch what you say..!
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September 25th, 2008
Each week, YBF interview a prominent activist from within the UK conservative movement. This week, we spoke to Liza Chantelle about social action, sexing up CF and her political aspirations.
Tell us about your first experience of CF and youth activism.
My first experience of CF was as a newbie to the conservatives. I had just spoken at the Conservative conference and realised that I was more a conservative at heart then a labour girl. I emailed as many people as I could that I had met at the conference and eventually my calls lead me to Conservative Future. I went to an event about women in politics and the rest is sweet political history.
I love Conservative Future it is a really dynamic way to get young people involved. Youth activism is all about the bigger picture, trying to ascertain where the party will be five years etc from now and saying perhaps I can hold the keys to the future or at least help out to ensure fellow conservatives are supported on their path. I loved the film Amazing Grace about conservative William Wilberforce one of the slavery abolitionists is poignant as it highlights the importance of voting and getting involved in a situation to change things.
Explain to us why you are a Conservative.
I am against ID Cards, very Euro-sceptic and believe in the onus being on the individual rather than a “nanny state” that gives with one hand and takes with the other. I was a Labour girl and then I met David Cameron at YCTV a youth centre that I do mentoring projects at. I had to show David around and at first I was hesitant as and was like “I’m a labour girl are you sure..?” but I did and I talked about my view on certain policies.
I thought nothing of it then got a phone call to speak at conference. I spoke about the fact that I had a degree yet knew it would not be an easy path for a career, what about those without shiny qualifications behind them. I ran upstairs after the conference and realised I would never be around such interesting people and ran back downstairs and chatted with everyone!
I think that’s an important point as I took a step back and assessed the situation and realised that I had fallen out of love with the labour government. I liken it to a relationship, at first they can do no wrong and then you slowly realise that it’s not all rosy. I ask my friends why they are Labour and they simply shrug their shoulders. It shocks me that people are just because they are following the status quo.
Tell us about your work in social action.
There is a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson that says “to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived…This is to have succeeded.” This is my take on social action. I am the Social Action Officer for North West London. Social action is amazing! It works on the principle that if your not part of the solution then you may indeed be part of the problem. The activities that we do include waking up at 7am before our normal day jobs to give breakfast to people who are homeless, projects in Birmingham to regenerate run down youth centres and recently, I was at Surya one of the world’s first Eco clubs to get people involved in a project called Prospex to give youngsters an opportunity to see that there is more to life.
You’ve been described as the Paris Hilton of young conservative politics. Do you think CF needs sexing up a bit?
Good question. As a former Miss Jamaica Finalist….. I did an article in the Financial Times recently where I was described as a Paris Hilton, well, It clearly works for Paris as she has a net worth of over $16 million dollars that she cultivated! Imagine some of that magic working for us! Seriously it’s not so much the sexiness of politics but the approachability factor. I am bubbly; down to earth, working class and admit I scrub up ok! In psychology this is called the “Halo effect” whereby people assume something positive about you due to these attributes. The Conservatives are seen by others as sometimes very unapproachable which really affects constituents attitudes to who they vote for and they see conservatives in terms of them or ”us” If we don’t reflect them they will not embrace us.
After I did the article (by virtue of the FT being in airport lounges and international distribution), I had mail from all over the world! From Australia to Italy it was crazy but they all said the same thing. They loved that it was “refreshing” to see someone who was not a stuffy stereotype. That’s not to say anything disparaging against anyone within the party, but we have to reflect the voters in all shapes, colours, views, and hues.
How do you think YBF and CF should work together?
Events are key. It’s great for networking and opening up the organisation to others. There is much urban myth surrounding YBF and this is what makes the links harder. I have recently arrived back from a conference in America which was amazing for strengthening our links with the US and was an amazing experience. From Airforce One to sitting on Ronald Regan’s ranch having dinner was phenomenal. There were many conservative future members who went and the feedback reflects the sentiment that YBF has a real place in providing support and guidance for young activists.
How would you describe the state of play of youth activism in this country, compared to America for example?
Americans are hardline when it comes to politics. They are very focused on policy and what maketh the man/woman who they vote for. Everything is make or break depending on their stance whether it be pro-life/pro-choice or any other morality issues. I think we have a more Laissez-faire approach and tend to focus more on the over all approach of the party and its history. They also pander to celebrity more although we are fast catching up with them after all more people voted for Big Brother than in recent elections which is a saddening statistic. Everyone remembers the infamous JFK versus Nixon debate where JFK was ahead due to presentation.
We need a bright young conservative waiting in the wings after David Cameron and that is where organisations such as YBF are amazing in terms of providing the sort of training e.g debate skill workshops and impetus that the Americans have benefited from for years..
Do you have any political aspirations?
Yes, definitely I feel blessed to be in a political environment. Eventually I want to become an MEP I worked for Daniel Hannan who I met at a YBF conference last year, and was utterly inspired and impressed. The dynamics of European policy fascinates me but first I want to train as a magistrate. The reasoning behind training as a magistrate first is partly as I have empathy for youngsters who have been on the wrong side of the tracks. I was lucky to have an amazing childhood but wonder what would have happened if I had not and want to ensure that those who have done wrong are sentenced but that there is a balance. I also want to understand the community and the issues they face as a whole. I think the maturity to deal with parliament comes with experience and insight and getting involved rather than sitting back.
Which three national policy areas are most important to you?
Crime, Education and the EU are of importance to me.
I believe that criminals are more savvy then any lawyer and are well versed in their human rights. The notion that if a burglar fell through a homeowner’s sky light the homeowner could be sued is one of those quirky facts that is upsetting to any law abiding person.
Education matters such as the Institute of Directors finding 71 per cent of its members now believed new recruits have worse writing skills and 60 per cent felt numeracy had also declined saddens me. Where is all the money going and why does a teacher have such a high level of bureaucracy to deal with? I definitely believe in the correlation of a good education and life opportunities in the social action work that I do. Education offers hope and that much coined phrase “a way out.” I also believe that entrepreneurial skills should be talked about more in schools as not everyone is academic but maybe amazing in another field. The cheeky one with the gift of the gab does not have to be expelled but maybe a future stock trader
The EU concerns me as the level of involvement in the British way of life is astonishing. The Lisbon Treaty is horrendous. We no longer have a say in matters such as the Fishing quota that allows fish to be thrown back and even Green peace has issue with, the Charter of Fundamental Rights, immigration, European jurisdiction over our criminal justice system, increased European control over energy policy, the introduction of an EU President to manage the political affairs of the 27 states within the bloc, a Foreign Minister assuming control over British foreign policy the list goes on. The Lisbon Treaty is so overwhelmingly unconstitutional Labour Government’s push of the Bill through Parliament without holding a national referendum is not democracy and is a shocking abuse of power.
What’s your advice to Gordon Brown?
Gordon Brown needs to realise that you can’t be complacent with the people around you who have been supportive with out facing a backlash. He should realise that he can not sell Gold reserves, unravel an economy and not allow for a referendum without those who had voted (not for him I may add), for the Labour party re-thinking and questioning his leadership.
What’s your advice to David Cameron?
My advice would be to maintain and engage the public interest. The “hug a Hoodie” approach may not seem to have worked for some but as a result he is a house hold name with those demographics who may not have even considered politics before.
I would also say he has to work on the aspect of loyalty in either party as many people are loyal to Labour because of the perception of the past and that has to be addressed. David Cameron also has to placid the hardcore “the big C” conservatives that he is not changing the party but adapting it.
For Labourites my advice would be keep reminding them over and over again that from a voter’s perspective Labour has taken them for granted.
He also has to address any misconceptions of the state of the country because of the Conservatives. I have heard Labour voters say all kinds of interesting renditions of the state of the economy under a conservative government.
The lack of referendum is a perfect example to use to remind disillusioned Labour voters. The onus should be on reminding the voter that the past is not the same as the future and reminding them of schemes such as being able to buy council homes under a conservative government. Some forget that John Major was a council worker and that council housing etc is not a labour invented concept.
I hear people talk about “what the Tories were like” years and years ago as though it were yesterday whilst ignoring the mistakes the Labour government has made. David Cameron should remind them that the “poll tax” has not ceased to exist and has merely changed name and is twice as high as poll tax ever was, even with taking into account inflation.
When I do Social Action work I am reminded over again by how astounded people that conservatives can care. It’s a carnal instinct but one that we forgot at our peril. If the voter does not feel like they are cared for they will only half listen to good policy. That has what has been Labours forte, a gentle wrap the voter in cotton wool approach and unfortunately for them their bad policy has been their undoing.
We have to ensure we get that balance of caring plus policy right.
Finally, if you could repeal one law, which would it be?
Other than an archaic law that says: It is illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament… I would have to say another law which I find archaic is the law on abortions. Its not a nice subject matter I know but as conservatives we support the ideology of from cradle to the grave. I back MP Nadine Dorries when it comes to her motion of limiting the legal time for abortions. According to Conservative MP Edward Leigh “In modern Britain the most dangerous place to be is in your mother’s womb. It should be a place of sanctity” and I agree. I really would prefer it if people would call it six months rather than 24 weeks as I find the week element misleading and sounds less harsh. David Cameron in line with new research voted for at most 22 weeks and I applaud him for that.
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September 25th, 2008
Richard Branson has written a superb piece in today’s Daily Mail defending capitalism.
As Branson himself says:
“Capitalism may be in some sort of a crisis at the moment, but I still know of no better way of increasing human wealth and happiness.”
He goes on:
“Entrepreneurs have made the world a better place, taking the risks involved in innovating products and services that make people’s lives easier, better and safer. In the West, they have largely destroyed poverty as the rest of the world knows it and as history knows it.”
Now that the Left is intent on campaigning for a return to bigger government and dances on the supposed grave of capitalism it’s up to all of us to defend free-markets and to pronounce proudly: Capitalism Works!
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September 18th, 2008
YBF is delighted to announce that the inaugural YBF Speech Writing and Public Speaking Workshop will be taking place on Saturday, 11 October 2008 from 9.30 until 5.00pm at 7 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3QS – thanks to the generosity of Matthew Richardson.
Places are priced at £50 (£35 for students in full-time education).
The format of the YBF Speech Writing and Public Speaking Workshop will consist of a formal lecture followed by over 5 hours of intensive and interactive tuition from Dr Shosky – former Speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan. The size of the workshop has been capped at 15 places to ensure that everyone will have the chance to read out a 3-4 minute speech that he/she will have written in advance (and which you will be asked to send in prior to the workshop as it will be circulated to fellow students). Not only will Dr Shosky critique the written speech that you produce, he will also again critique your delivery. The goal is to help you become as effective a speech writer and public speaker as you can be.
I have every confidence that the YBF Speech Writing and Public Speaking Workshop on Saturday, 11 October will be another over-subscribed and successful YBF event, so send your applications in now. I hope to welcome you to Lincoln’s Inn on Saturday, 11 October for this excellent and unique opportunity.
Places are strictly limited to 15.
Cheques should be sent ASAP to
Christian May
Director of Operations
50 Churchill Square
King’s Hill
West Malling
Kent ME19 4YU
PLACES NOT CONFIRMED UNTIL CHEQUE RECEIVED.
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September 16th, 2008
Each week, YBF profile a prominent member or group within the conservative movement. This week, we found out more about Anastasia Beaumont Bott and the Social Action Network within Conservative Future. Anastasia is a member of the CF NME and has responsibility for Social Action.
“Social action to me is so many things. It is a small initiative which can make big changes to ordinary people’s lives. It is the living, breathing testament to the changes that our party fights to make. It is out there, preserving our green spaces, transforming our communities and regenerating areas where the opposition seem to have all but given up. It is a non-political branch with which we can reach out to people with, who have lost all faith in the political system and who believe that things will never change. It is more than words on a leaflet, more than a knock at the door and more than a logo. It is exactly what it says on the tin – action. It is action which doesn’t wait for tomorrow, next month or the day after a general election. It is action today, and since being elected onto the Conservative Future NME last March and taking up the social action portfolio, it has become my focus. And I could not be more grateful – it has opened my eyes, changed the way I view politics and made me realise what truly matters.
Politics can be a funny business – we all know that. Someone very special once told me that the higher you go up the ladder, the less nice people you find. She warned me it wasn’t a game where the good guy always wins, and when I told her I was moving to London, she warned me of the perils of the seductive lifestyle that seems to go hand in hand with politics. Sure enough, I went through a period where all it was, was expensive dinners and champagne breakfasts. I now look back on those days and cringe. My friend was right. It is seductive. It drags you in and it is all too easy to become embroiled in inner party bickering and mud slinging and to ultimately forget why you came here in the first place. When you loose that focus and loose track of the reason you’re here, that’s when it all goes to pieces and you find yourself spending more time at dinners than you do out campaigning. Last month I went up to visit this years conference project for the first time in Birmingham – WE LOVE WHF, and I was completely blown away. The project is a joint partnership between the party and various local organisations and voluntary groups who are all working hard to help transform a local haven centre in to a hub for the community and the local children. The people I met on welsh house farm were just incredible. I was struck by their strong community spirit and how in spite of everything that had happened on the estate with gangs and knife crime, the community had come together to help make positive changes to the lives of the children growing up there.
I left WHF with a lot to think about. I’d seen the actual fruits of social action and it had had a profound effect on me. On returning to London, everything seemed to have changed. The free champagne had gone flat, the dinners weren’t as appealing and I think for the first time, I was completely focussed on the politics at hands. I didn’t want to wait for a general election to help make changes. I wanted to make them now. It took me a while but I have finally realised what politics should be about. And it’s not about free champagne! It’s about not waiting for tomorrow; it’s about doing it today. It’s about going out in to communities and working with people to help them make positive changes here and now and in doing so restoring their trust in politics and in our party. Politics is more than just words. You can stand up on all the podiums in the world and churn out words, but if they don’t mean anything to you deep down, and you aren’t passionate, it shows. Social Action is what keeps my passion going. It’s what makes it all worthwhile and it’s what gives me faith that you don’t need to be in government to make a difference. Don’t wait for the general election. Do it now.”
Inspirational stuff.
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September 14th, 2008
This week’s Hero is…
…the excellent John Redwood MP, for saying what we are all surely thinking about tax. John asks the question; “what do you get for the £10,000 that the government spends on each person per year?” Or, to put it another way, “what do you get for the £10,000 we each pay the government every year?”
“I don’t mind being asked to help pay for the neighbours children to go to school and I don’t begrudge my elderly neighbour a free knee op. I am not so sure about contributing to all the government’s wars, and become livid when I have to pay for regional government, an army of spin doctors, the rising number of civil servants, and the glossy brochure industry that is a substitute for government action. I dislike having to bail out the odd mortgage bank and railway company, and resent the ever expanding quango state regulating every feature of our lives, at our expense.”
Very sound Mr. Redwood, very sound. His blog must be a daily read.
This week’s Zero is….
….(for the second time) Polly Toynbee. Whereas last time she made it here for suggesting that children should not aspire to greatness, today she finds herself welcomed back after going a step too far with her views on class. I know what you’re thinking: “Did she have a go at the Toffs?” Well no, at least not that I’m aware of anyway. Toynbee’s class related nonsense was on display this week when she claimed that…
“…my most constant hate-swipes on Comment is Free and in rightwing political blogs is for being middle class.”
Hmm. Not sure about that one Polly. As Gudio astutely observes, you’re quite far from middle class. A villa in Tuscany, the London townhouse, descended from gentry and an income that puts her in the top 1% of earners. Now don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a problem with such success – but I do have a problem with Polly lecturing us about the evils of high earning executives (as she did on Radio 4 this week) whilst pretending that her ‘humble’ lifestyle is nice and middle class.
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September 13th, 2008
A couple of years ago Donal Blaney ran a weekly column on ConservativeHome entitled “The Laws of the Public Policy Process”. These 45 rules were devised by Morton Blackwell – the Godfather of the American conservative movement – and they come from his decades of experience in the policy process. Every Saturday YBF will discuss one of these laws in the context of some current political news.
Rule No. 4: Effort is admirable. Achievement is valuable.
Gordon Brown has announced a £1 billion package to help people with struggling fuel bills. The plan includes half-price insulation for all households and a freeze on this year’s bills for the poorest families. However, as even the BBC points out, the measures have been criticised as “flimsy” and “disappointing”. Indeed, as Guido points out, the National Insulation Association says that Brown’s insulating plans will take 10 years. This is hardly much help to those who are already choosing between heating and eating. Brown has also been mocked for offering energy saving tips such as “draw your curtains” and “put a balloon up your chimney.” Perhaps this is just the Scotsman in him…
The point of all this is that whilst effort is admirable, it is achievement that’s valuable. Of course, effort can cease to be admirable when it’s done for the wrong reasons – and this further compounds Brown’s problems. Not only is his recovery package not much more than ‘an effort’ but that effort is to win himself good headlines and favourable poll ratings – and not to govern the country well.
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September 11th, 2008
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