LOGGERHEAD DISPUTE AT PETITION PRESENTATION
An angry debate took place between patriotic members of the public and Mr. Paul Bevan, Chief Executive of the South-East of England Regional Assembly, when he was presented with a petition to abolish the Regional Assembly. The vast and arbitrary 'L' shaped South-East Region which the Regional Assembly area covers stretches westwards from Dover to the Isle of Wight and northwards up to Milton Keynes and North Bucks. It's HQ is at Guildford, Surrey.
Mr. Bevan disputed information contained in a leaflet that petitioners handed to many members of SEERA at their plenary meeting held at Le Meridien Hotel, Gatwick, on Wed 21st July. The Chief Executive denied that some Members from SEERA were paid £7,775 per annum for 2 days work per month as Committee Members sitting on the board of SEEDA (South East Development Agency). This was contested by producing a flier sent out to all Members in March advertising such posts.
Subsequently, the time slot of 5 mins allowed for the petition presentation expanded into 25 mins when the colossal waste of National/Council taxpayers’ money was aired, together with SEERA’S role in removing powers from Local and County Councils into the hands of central government bureaucrats located in each region. Ultimately the powers for all the planning and public services are intended to be transferred to Brussels.
The recently begun petition, containing approx 5,000 signatures, was the first instalment and is ongoing. Identical petitions are being raised in other regions.
The Petition was presented by retired Major John Gouriet and former airline pilot Delphine Gray-Fisk, who arrived in her vintage white Jaguar. “We do not need yet another tier of local government masquerading as a panacea for excellence and prosperity!” said Mr. Gouriet. “The reality is that these people are behaving like parasites, enriching themselves at taxpayers’ expense, preparing to dismember England into eight regions to be devoured irreversibly by the European Union. This is contrary to the British Constitution. They are merely a voluntary body, and are an unlawful assembly and should be abolished!”
OTHER PETITIONS ARE BEING ARRANGED TO ABOLISH THESE UNWANTED EXPENSIVE REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL RESISTANCE GROUP IF YOU CAN ASSIST IN ANY WAY. THANK YOU.
............................................................
UKIP Member Peter Martin-Kaye has kindly provided the following report on the South West Regional Assembly (SWRA)
What’s Cooking with the South West Regional Assembly?
Down in the South West we’ve been warily scrutinising ‘our’ Regional Assembly since the launch on the back of John Prescott’s 1998 RDA Act. Every plenary session has seen 30 to 60 demonstrators outside County Hall, Exeter, reminding attending assemblymen that the electorate neither asked for or wants them. Regulars come from as far as Salisbury, Plymouth, Exmouth, Glastonbury, Torquay, Liskeard, Bude, in fair weather or grim. The effort has been very much worthwhile. The SW has been left out of Prescott’s shortlist for elective assemblies, no counter demonstration has ever been raised by the Campaign for English Regions (CFER) or its local offspring, the SW Constitutional Convention, nobody speaks up for the Assembly in the local press and phone-ins; passing motorists always give a lively fanfare of support, the media has taken to being regularly present.
Aware people are, in fact, almost uniformly hostile to the Assembly. 9 out of 10 in the street say that they already have more government than they want or need. With Westminster, Whitehall, Brussels, Strasbourg, myriads of quangoes both here and in Europe, the RDA, the government Office SW, Unitary Authorities and the County, District and other local authorities, they see that bureaucracy has found an open door to endless expansion, and is in a kind of feeding frenzy. There seems no stopping it. EU figures show that British public service has burgeoned by 354,000 jobs since 1997. That costs something like £10 billion annually!
The Assembly was seized by ambitious politicos and factotums as a Regional Parliament-in-Waiting. Here were free tickets for a new gravy train signalled for chandeliered corridors of power, both here and, better still, in the glittering euroNirvana. Although a purely voluntary body with no legal powers or statutory responsibility, no time was lost in taking over as much of the roost as it could get hold of. . Many willing helpers were at hand. “Might miss out on something!” “Have to swim with the tide!” was the eager chorus from turkeys in local councils voting for Christmas. The determined County Hall demonstration cooled this enthusiasm noticeably.
The Assembly got up to all sorts of tricks to foster it’s ends. Immediately, the first Chairman, the LibDem Chris Clarke, was in Brussels, lauding the Commission. The secretarial support loaned by Exeter City was quickly not nearly enough. Fresh recruitment was soon initiated, even ahead of budget approvals; in the meantime local authority officials were engaged without troubling too much about permissions, time-keeping records or recompense. There are at least two audit queries in train on this issue. The Assembly CEO got the feeling that all local authority CEO’s were at beck and call. She had sharply to be reminded of the long established convention that public servants do not describe named political parties in insolent terms in letters to the press.
About 30 of the 100 or so Assembly members are “Social and Economic Partners”, selected by some opaque method, from “The Public Sector”. Politically correct activities are rather powerfully represented whilst such things as the fishing industry are not. Favoured political activists who have had the misfortune to lose elective qualification may somehow quickly return as SEPs. Originally this would have left them without voting powers, but this problem was quickly brushed aside. If one unelected person votes on public business, why not another?
Amongst this public business has been the business of taxing us. Of course as a voluntary unelected body this is something that the SWRA is not entitled to do but that has been no deterrent. The Assembly has been recruiting new public servants on permanent and pensionable terms which, of course, lays forward funding obligation on the taxpayer. Only elected bodies are allowed to tax. Or at least that’s how it has been up till now. Objections are brushed aside. It’s not easy to get anywhere with complaints to officialdom about maladministration. Nevertheless this is now with the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
The main problem with the Regional Assemblies is not that they attempt to bring better representation to regional needs but that they undermine Parliament. Very likely that is their true intent. A Europe of Regions places a buffer of fake democracy between the electorates and the then even more fireproofed “dictatorship of the secretariat” of Brussels and Strasbourg. Somehow we have to bring this better representation to a resurrected sovereign parliament in Westminster. That sounds as if it might perhaps be called Parliamentary democracy.
Peter Martin-Kaye
UKIP - Plymouth - 17 May 2004
.........................................................
Robert Theobald has kindly filed the following report:
PROTEST OUTSIDE SEERA 'WORKSHOP' ON 7 APRIL 2004
On the 7th April 2004 members of Campaign for an Independent Britain (CIB), the Democracy Movement, The Freedom Association and the United Kingdom Independence Party staged a lobby and protest outside a 'workshop' meeting of the South East of England Regional Assembly (SEERA) held at the Institute of Mechanical Engineers at Birdcage Walk, London. SEERA's meeting was called to discuss the huge and contentious demand for new housing in the South-East that John Prescott's minister, Lord Rooker has placed on Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, the counties which make up the new South-East Region.
Protest organiser Jenny Sleep had previously sent by post to all SEERA members an explanatory leaflet entitled. "Is this meeting prewired? Will you be Delphied today?" It explains how the Hegelian Dialectic, a favourite tool of Marx and Lenin, is now routinely used by various authorities with the express intention of leading a targeted group of people to a predetermined outcome, whilst giving the illusion of taking public input and under the pretext of being accountable to the public. Mention of a 'workshop' meeting is generally a good indication that the 'Delphi' manipulative technique, based on the Hegelian Dialectic, will be employed on participants. The Regional Assembly members voted electronically at this meeting. We have no indications of the reliability of the electronic voting system used.
Leaflets detailing Regional Assemblies (RA's) links with Brussels (to whom they are answerable) and the serious democratic deficit of RA's were handed out to SEERA members entering their meeting. These leaflets detailed how RA's effectively remove democracy from local communities.
The protest took place in the heart of Westminster on the corner of Great George Street and Horse Guards Road directly behind the Treasury building and was well supported by passers-by, motorists and taxi drivers who honked their approval. We gave out CIB's 'Divide and Conquer' and 'Real Danger of the European Constitution' leaflet. Many people engaged us in conversation including a large group of French students . We explained to them that the EU regionalisation (devolution) process stealthily being imposed in Britain is exactly the same as that presently taking place in France and all over the European Union including the eastern European applicant countries. Regionalisation will have the effect of weakening the Warsaw parliament's power at the expense of regional assemblies. German interests are keen to regain the old German provinces of Pomerania, Silesia and East Prussia which are now Polish territory. Half a dozen of the French students shook hands with protestor Robert Theobald of Luton, Beds.
Sandy Bruce-Lockhart the leader of Kent County Council came over the road to meet demonstrators, explaining his county's opposition to John Prescott's plans for massive new development in Kent. There are in fact very large question marks beside the number of dwellings demanded by John Prescott for London and the South-East. Keith Mitchell, Chairman of the SEERA's Planning Panel and Leader of Oxfordshire County Council observed that Prescott's demand for 930,000 dwelling could rise by 10%, 20% or even 42% because his panel has not been given true figures. Mr. Prescott additionally demands 460,000 new dwellings for the six counties which make up the East of England. It is not known how many of these proposed new homes are ear-marked for immigrants, but Sir Andrew Green, Chairman of Migrationwatch has estimated 1 in 4. The present crisis must be worsened if our Government signs up to the European Constitution because then the EU and the European Court would choose who will be granted asylum in the UK, and even who gets a passport. We would lose control of our borders and have no say in who enters the country. (Article III, 167)
In accordance with the EU requirements Mr. Prescott has granted Regional Assemblies power over all aspects of 'spatial planning' including housing,transport, ports, airports, and waste disposal. Thus the overseeing of the siting of the numerous giant propellors of windfarm sites form part of the Regional Assembly Planning Panel's powers. These costly machines which do not function in calm weather, are strongly promoted by the EU as providers of 'sustainable' energy. But they kill wildlife, are very noisy and each has a concrete base larger than an Olympic swimming pool. Final decisions on planning no longer rests with HM Planning Inspectorate but with Mr. Prescott's Inspector in the Regions. This was demonstrated recently at Bicester, Oxfordshire when HM Planning Inspector refused permission for a proposed asylum centre but was himself overuled.
We were very grateful for the assistance and tolerance of the Metropolitan Police, Charing Cross Division.
An explanation of the 'Delphi' system appears in Joan Veon's book 'United Nations., Global Straitjacket' which is available from St. Mathews Publishing on 01223 363545 or e-mail PF.SMP@dial.pipex.com
Campaign for an Independent Britain website www.cibhq.co.uk
Free Nations website www.freenations.freeuk.com
Democracy Movement www.democracymovement.org
Robert Theobald
...............................................................................
COUNTRYWIDE DEFENCE OF THE NORTH WEST
On Tuesday 10th December, a symposium titled “GO NORTH: Case for Elected Regional Government” was held by a high-level committee at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, on the edge of Parliament Square. The aim was to push for a referendum for an elected Regional Assembly in the North West at the earliest opportunity, to initiate the break up of England into 8 regions, London being the 9th.
The Panel felt secure convening this meeting many miles away from the North West, but were dumfounded when their aims were suddenly being broadcasted to thousands of Londoners, by protestors gathered opposite. These loyal people, from nearer localities, had recognised the plight of their northern friends, and in glacial conditions waved flags, flourished banners, raised petitions and displayed a huge banner (8ft x 4ft) with an appeal to Her Majesty not to ratify any future treasonous regionalisation Bills. Men appealed to the public by tannoy urging them to oppose the betrayal of politicians, and to stay loyal to England. A van with colourful banners attached to the roof, heralded its arrival with patriotic music, interspersed with elucidating broadcasts by loudhailer. Drivers responded by enthusiastically blasting their horns, which could be heard throughout the meeting opposite. The van toured Fleet Street, Waterloo Station, the London Eye, The Mall, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, the House of Commons, Law Courts, and stopped outside 10 Downing Street for 10 minutes, ceaselessly broadcasting.
Such was the impact that passers-by joined in, one being a worker from the House of Commons on lunch-break. Banners were also displayed at the request of Alliance for the Sovereignty of France, Danish Peoples Movement, Ireland and Poland. The latter drew Polish tourists who lingered to take photos holding their national banner and gathered information. Some from the North West gallantly travelled to attend the meeting or the protest.
Frederick Forsyth, who attended the meeting, joined the group and reported that it had been “just a lot of waffle”. Lord Pearson spent time with the throng adding his encouragement, whilst Robin Cook hastily walked past the colourful and noisy display, clutching a mobile to his ear, attempting not to notice.
A condemning letter addressed to each Member of the Panel was handed to the receptionist, who promised to distribute them. Towards the end of the meeting a group of protestors invaded the building wishing to add their views, but were ejected by agitated RICS bouncers.
After a buffet lunch at generous taxpayers’ expense, Members of the meeting emerged, not puffed-up with a European-inspired vision, but with agiation and averted eyes. That may have been due to only 18 people being present, with 3 of those against, compared to the near 50 demonstrators outside.
Later, a protestor entered the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s open day to celebrate ‘Human Rights’. To an officer from the European Union stand he queried whether there is a law against zenophobia, who confirmed that there is a law in place. However, when asked what ‘zenophobia’ is, it seems that discussions are taking place for a definition, and once clarified, they have in place a law to cover it!
The organisers would like to thank individuals for their superb initiatives and stalwart work.
..............................................................
PATRIOTIC WINDSOR DEMONSTRATION EXPOSES THE REAL AGENDA BEHIND A PRO BRUSSELS - EUROPEAN REGIONALISATION CONFERENCE
The demonstration held in Windsor was a very great success. A big thank you to organiser, Jenny Sleep and all who attended and helped highlight the hidden agenda behind a conference entitled 'European Regional Politics: A vision for Europe?' which was held at Cumberland Lodge on 20 November 2002. Full report follows:
..................................................................
DEFENDERS OF THE REALM DESCEND ON WINDSOR
On a damp November day, Wednesday 20th, an army of 75 honourable sceptics descended on Windsor to protest at a three-day meeting being held in Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park, to discuss the further break-up of Britain into regions. The conference is to progress the Atlantic area Interreg IIIB region, approved by the EU Commission, that envelopes the western areas of Scotland, England, France and Spain, with the region Poitou-Charentes, France, as authority managers.
With the cooperation of local police protesters encamped outside Windsor Castle, and what a wonderful backdrop it presented! The grey stone of the Castle walls enhanced to perfection the fluttering Union and St. George’s flags, intermingled with red white and blue umbrellas. Held aloft proudly were banners bearing varied anti-regional messages, mingling with French, Danish and Polish banners and flags. These created much enthusiasm and discussion with tourists – “The euro no good” remarked an Italian, and Polish students gleefully took a large quantity of leaflets to distribute in Poland. Added to this, various orators took up the tannoy to transmit the EU take-over of our country, aided by consecutive governments
At the centre of the protest was a trailer urging opposition to the serious threat of break-up of this country into regions and direct rule by Brussels. Tony Bennett (speaker) and Dave Capon (driver) interspersed their approach with patriotic music such as ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘I Vow to thee my Country’, creating great enthusiasm from pedestrians. A huge banner encasing the side of the trailer, constructed by Maurice Mitford Blackburn, bore this message to the Queen:
YOUR MAJESTY
IN YOUR OWN BACK GARDEN THERE ARE PEOPLE PLOTTING TO CARVE UP OUR COUNTRY INTO TWELVE REGIONS RULED DIRECTLY BY BRUSSELS
THAT IS TREASON
WE BEG YOU TO REFUSE YOUR ASSENT TO ANY FUTURE
REGIONALISATION BILLS!
One can only surmise the musings of the men taking part in the Changing of the Guards in the very midst of these activities! Later, great delight was taken in burning a paper EU flag, while Queen Victoria’s statute looked on with approval.
Over 4,000 leaflets were handed out in a very short time, as many people approached requesting literature, subsequently there have been telephone queries to join us. Before clearing the site at 1.45pm a letter to Her Majesty was handed to a policeman guarding the gate of the Castle who replied “That’s all right love. I’ll see she gets it. She’ll be here on Sunday”. One can only hope….
At 2.30pm 40 protesters parked cars and entered the Park at Bishopsgate. The security, for a park, was heavy and only flags were allowed, no banners. However, in anticipation, 6 banners had been secreted under bushes in the Park the previous evening. A long walk brought us to the Cumberland Lodge gate whereupon a second paper EU flag was set fire.
An envelope addressed to The Chairman was handed to security on the gate that prompted an appearance of the Deputy Principal (Martin Newlan) and Senior Fellow (Dr.Jutte Huesmann). Mr. Newlan instantly defended the conference by denying it was a political meeting, simply a ‘think tank’. Controversy instantly erupted, pointing out that the conference title is ‘European Regional Politics: A Vision for Europe?’, with all 40 seeming to have something to say. A list of meetings generated by the conference was swiftly produced.
Cumberland Lodge had been donated by the Queen Mother in 1947 for ‘academic and educational conferences’, and it was considered an abuse by St Catherine’s Foundation to hold a conference that will further the break-up of Britain. Lawrie Boxall and Mr. Newlan held a lengthy discussion to arrange a conference of sceptic academics in the Lodge to redress the imbalance. Finally, the valiant troopers returned, leaving anti-region banners conspicuously placed either side of the gate. Jenny Sleep, organiser, would like to express her heartfelt thanks to all participants for their initiatives and stalwart efforts.
|
