Earwigo, earwigo, earwigo - more taxes!

Alessandro Torelli, Wall Street Journal, posts on the fact that the European Union are to propose a Carbon Tax on fuels - and Open Europe press summary today contains a link to a German source that states that the Commission’s upcoming Energy Tax Directive will seek to make diesel more expensive relative to gasoline by taxing not only the quantity of fuel used but also its energy content - diesel fuel contains more energy than gasoline.

The decision to agree this may be taken by unanimity, however it is noted that were there to be a 'problem' (ie, it gets thrown out) some countries might agree to proceed under 'enhanced co-operation'. What is the betting that Huhne is already 'pressing' Cameron to participate in enhanced co-operation, should it be necessary? Not that that apologist for a Prime Minister, one who's green credentials are not in doubt, will need much 'pressing'....... (never yet heard of a politician who would turn down another chance to ensure that his second home and general expenses can be guaranteed).

On a separate subject and the potential for £millions as our contribution towards the bail-out for Portugal, I note that Labour are stating that 'some help' should be given to Portugal. As we were 'liable' for a contribution under the Lisbon Treaty, so will we be liable for a contribution to Portugal - yet still the 'blame game' is played by our politicians. Disingeniousness seems to be the 'buzz-word' with George Osborne stating that we would not 'write a cheque' as we did for Ireland. He is, of course, referring to the 'additional' amount we provided, over and above the mandatory amount we had to pay under the Lisbon Treaty. Likewise Balls warning that the Treasury should 'limit' the UK's contribution; likewise Fallon for still attempting to pin the blame on Labour, when it is known that agreement to this 'policy' had cross-party support; likewise Carswell who is now blaming 'permanent officials', whereas previously he was holding the politicans to account; likewise Hague who is still maintaining it is all Labour's fault; likewise Callanan for suggesting that the UK should refuse to take part - we can't, you blithering idiot!

I am reminded of a statement by H.L. Mencken:

"Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule--and both commonly succeed,  and are right.....history is simply a record of vacillations between two gangs of frauds."