2009/11/26 Adrian Stott <[email protected]>: > However, if I were to place a bet, I would go for "much more unsafe > under Labour than under Conservative". >
I'm not sure that argument is sustainable. It's the Conservatives that want to slash the deficit quickly and say they will make big spending cuts. I wouldn't fancy BW's chances in that - though a good minister might spare some of the pain. The level of tax payer support remains the most important issue. BW didn't do very well last time they were in power. Many Conservatives instinctively dislike the state owning things - which is how they view BW. And I'm fairly sure that BW's desire to move to the third sector is mostly motivated by preparation for a possible new government. That's not to say I would be complacent about BW under any government after the recession has played havoc with the public finances. We were very lucky around the turn of the century with new sources of funding such as the lottery, growing public spending, a recognition of waterways as a source of regeneration, supportive ministers and David Fletcher at BW. It's unlikely to happen again. We will need to be very vigilant at all times. I agree with Adrian's scepticism about petitions, although a badly supported petition can actively do harm so I've signed it too. (That seems to be IWA's position). And of course asking people to sign something is an excellent way of making people aware of a campaign and drawing them into possible follow-up activities. > Remind me again - how long is it to the general election? > The longer the better - nasty surprises are always kept til after them! -- Nigel Stanley
