Debbi wrote: > Have you read Barry Gardiners load of cobblers to the EFRA enquiry on > 23rd April yet??? Same amount of spin, arrogant, lacking knowledge > and cooking the books for the umpteenth time. I'm getting so hacked > off. The fight has to go on, we're not taking no for an answer in > terms of realistic and sustainable funding for inland waterways that > means we at least keep what we've got already. We've got more stamina > than they have, haven't we????
Yes, I've read it and watched his performance in the adjournment debate today. He's busy creating smoke so that his performance (or lack of it) is covered up. He smirked frequently during the debate today, so much so that it was commented upon by one of the (Tory) MPs speaking on our behalf. Debbi, many thanks for your passionate support of the cause. We do need to fight on, we do need more stamina. It would be easy now that the initial push has died away and now that the cruising season is upon us to just let things slide. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT DEFRA ARE HOPING FOR AND BANKING UPON!!!! If we give up now we play into their hands and the cuts will not be eased, let alone reversed. It might focus peoples' minds to remember that Robin Evans of BW has stated in the public domain that, if the cuts are not reversed, licences will have to rise by 10% plus indexation for the years 2008 to 2010 inclusive. Although the indexation is very complicated you can all expect your boat licences to rise by about 45% (compounded annual rises) compared to the licence cost for 2007. Work it out, see what your going to pay in 2010 compared to now and weep. That's why we need you all to carry on fighting, writing letters, campaigning and keeping the heat on Defra,Gardiner, Miliband and the Treasury....please! Roger SOW steering committee member
