We are advised today that Dav il Cam, ('Dav il', as in the landlord of Hell) aka Dear Leader of Region UK in the People's Republic of Europe, is of a mind to increase the price of alcohol by one means or another. The Daily Telegraph editorial bemoans the fact that unless this 'measure' is fully thought through, problems may well arise. That comment prompts two immediate thoughts: when has any political policy ever been fully thought through - and come to that, when has any DT editorial ever been thought through, today's being the latest example; but I digress.
Today is also the day when it is announced by, amongst others, Politics Home that MPs are set for a survey on the facilities in the House of Commons for the third successive year at a cost of £27,790, making the point that in previous years many Parliamentarians have complained about the price of food in the the various eateries and bars on the Parliamentary Estate. Presumably, in consideration of his statement that we are all in it together, Dav il Cam will also decree that MPs will be paying the 'state price' for their alcohol.
Dav il Cam illustrates only too plainly that a skunk can easily get drunk; in his case from the power he 'assumes' under our system of governance - aka democratised dictatorship.
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10 comments:
"Dav il Cam aka Dear Leader of Region UK in the People's Republic of Europe"
Love it! :)
M: Thank you - glad it amused. Ahem, actually quite proud of that description......
And who are these sodding doctors who feel it is their job to tell us what is good for us and what isn't. The medical professions are notorious for alcohol related problems, so it would be instructive to learn about their own drinking habits. Perhaps the empty vessels who are currently making all the drang und sturm over alcohol could confirm if they are teetotal; in which case, they have no right to pass judgement, being irrational in their preferences; or are closet alcoholics; in which case, they are hypocrits.
The Politicians Republic of Europe.
Last time I looked Britain had some of the highest taxes on alcohol in the EU and rather like Sweden it is creating a race addicted to alcohol.
Doesn't Cameron realise it is like New Soviet Man who drank himself to an early grave as he couldn't keep pace with the dizzying success of the New Order around him and had to anaesthetise himself ?
From a crowd that wants to legalise narcotics this is the ultimate hypocrisy
The only reason Heath managed to trick Britain into the EU was the promise of cheap booze and fags. We were assured that it wouldn't cost anything, would not dimminish our sovereignty yaber yabber. On the plus side we were assured that as we were joining a Customs Union our excise duty rates would have to be reduced to the level of those pertaining in the EU.
Well what have we got? Massive payments to the EU, precious little " sovereignty" enormous bundles of Red Tape!! As for the promise of cheap booze and fags? I bet Cameron is so wet behind the ears he probably doesnt even realise that was the deal. In turn all his sychpohantic stooges probably haven't the guts to tell him that he is finally nailing down the coffin on yet another broken promise!!
This is just a case of the righteous putting up a straw man and our Dear Leader riding the bandwagon.
Dave cannot do it, as Scotland cannot, the EU have already ruled on it. EU competition law rules out a minimum price agreement.
This, from the Anglo Saxon Chronicle:
The European Court of Justice has already stated that: imposing a minimum price is incompatible with the current legal framework (Directive 95/59/EC), since the setting of a minimum price by public authorities inevitably has the effect of limiting the freedom of producers and importers to determine their selling price (see also, Case C-302/00 Commission/France) minimum prices are not necessary, since the health objectives may be attained by increased taxation of tobacco products. (Case C-216/98) Commission/Greece
jic: Fair point.
S: Like it!
TT: Agreed.
Anon: Agreed.
IPJ: Thanks for the info......
From what I've read at EURef IPJ, and via the link to this Reuters piece, the tax increase will be based on the number of units of alcohol which would get round the minimum price decision. More alcohol, higher price rather than a minimum per unit.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/28/britain-alcohol-idUSL6E7NS1OE20111228
So that's the Baileys off the shopping list for next Xmas then.
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