Loud applause for our Government

After nine years of government the Labour Party is able to claim full credit for its successes and, on the other hand, must accept blame for its failures.

We are well aware of the applause due to them from recent events:-

• Applaud the fact that the NHS has had its best year ever.
• Applaud the fact that the Family Credit system is generous with our taxes.
• Applaud the fact that over 1,000 wrongly released foreign nationals have the freedom of Britain.
• Applaud the undoubted success and efficiency of the CSA
• Applaud the fact that police are investigating possible cash for honours deals by government.
• Applaud the fact that Minister’s private lives are beyond reproach. John Prescott socialising with office staff and the distancing of Tessa Jowell from Italian corruption must be commended.

I’m proud to be British where freedom and tolerance are the cornerstone of Democracy. Britain is its people --------- all of its people with their individuality, strengths and weaknesses.

So what next? Britain is looking forward to a Total Smoking Ban in all Public Places. Despite a lack of overall approval and their manifesto promise of regulation the government insist on a total ban.

The total ban is a simplistic solution and, as such, fails to anticipate inevitable ramifications.

Politicians chose to take on a difficult job but can they learn from Ireland and Scotland

• Applaud the fact that there has been little trouble but as is well acknowledged, smokers are tolerant people.
• Applaud the fact that the Public House licensee has lost the freedom to choose what he offered and who his customers are.
• Applaud the fact that over 600 mainly rural pubs have closed in Ireland.
• Applaud the fact that some licensed premises are maintaining their trade but only because they change their identity to satisfy a new customer base.
• Applaud the fact that smokers stand outside licensed premises in full view of children.
• Applaud the fact that accommodating smokers in outside spaces will encourage increased energy usage.
• Applaud the fact that groups outside largely empty establishments will inconvenience pedestrians
• Applaud the fact that football fans, previously controlled indoors now spill out onto the streets in full view of rival fans.
• Applaud the fact that drink sales have risen in Ireland although wet sales have fallen. More drinking occurs away from the control of the public house.
• Applaud the fact that families will no longer enjoy beer gardens now filled with smokers no longer welcome indoors.
• Applaud the fact that venues will enjoy aromas never previously noticed. Aerosols and air fresheners will introduce a mass of new pollutants.
• Applaud the fact that in inclement weather smokers will be removed from view and remain at home imposing smoke upon children.
• Applaud the loss of a British tradition, the focus of social interaction and the subsequent damage to communities.
• Applaud the fact that the social comfort and camaraderie of the local will be removed for many lonely members of society.
• Applaud the fact that winter and inclement weather will exacerbate isolation in the community.
• Applaud the fact that increased loneliness will kill yet happiness is an essential for life.
• Applaud the fact that a further erosion of their heritage is the reward for those very people who created and supported a true Labour Party.
• Applaud the fact that smokers, in their own homes, might avoid smoking for hours while waiting for trades people to arrive in a smoke-free atmosphere.
• Applaud the fact that citizens are no longer trusted to make their own life decisions.
• Applaud the fact that sick and infirm old people must brave all weathers to struggle outside to smoke.

Applaud the fact that you have damaged Britain.

Government has ignored what smokers and tolerant non-smokers are. They are not violent. They are sociable. They are reasonable. They are an integral part of society.
They also think and, in the fullness of time, will ensure that their opinion is heard and truth revealed. The frailties of intransigent leadership and fear of open democracy will take their place in history alongside the demise of a party that grew upon the strength of the people you now persecute.