I received a personally addressed hand delivered
questionnaire from the Conservative’s general election candidate during
the afternoon of Sunday 7th February. I wonder why I am one of those chosen
for special attention? It asks me for my thoughts on the economy, the police,
health services,
the quality of life in Erith & Thamesmead and whether I think Labour has
made a total mess of things. A space is provided for me to comment on the
quality of life locally. In my opinion it would be improved enormously if we
didn’t suffer almost the highest council taxes in London which have
resulted from a succession of inept and wasteful councils that
have imposed higher than average tax increases year on year. Just think how much
we could improve our quality of life if council tax was in line with that of the best
councils and only half what it is.
The survey goes on to list eight national issues that I’m asked to put
in order of importance. Europe doesn’t get a mention. This is not the first
time that the Conservatives have sent me pre-election literature that ignores
Europe so one must assume it’s no accident. If they discourage me from
including Europe in my list of priorities when more than half of new laws and
regulations come from Brussels I think we have a massive clue as to how important
the independence of this country is to the Conservative party. After that they ask
about my past voting record and my intentions next time and they are not going to like my answer.
