National Trust Gallery

 

The Department for integrated Government

Integrative Government

This is a new department focused on ensuring that all policies and actions fit well together.

There are numerous examples were strengthening one area of government involves weakening another.  The balance if often very challenging and controversial.  There are areas where governments have direct control, but most where they just have influence.  If a government introduces a new policy, this may result in some multinationals withdrawing investments.  A decision must be made as to whether a compromise can be struck, new legislation passed, or alternative plans are put in place.  An example is the speed at which the UK should Embrace the ‘net zero’ policy.  This involves changes in car manufacture, and the switch from petrol to electricity.  This should be happening right now, if the UK is to take the moral high ground and make it clear that we support more vulnerable countries.  However risking the crashing of the economy is not possible politically or humanitarianly.

Policy must be place at the edge of the collective comfort zone and pushed gently towards a ‘better’ desired position, using very clear and consensual ideas.  The move is to be incentivised through rewards.

This department will be allowed to stand back and take a grand overview.  Examples of it’s achievements will be,

To integrate transport to that anyone can travel freely without thinking or planning, in the same way that car owners have taken for granted.  The system in The Netherlands will be it’s model.  The cost of travel is very predictable, with the cost depended on the number of unit squares crossed.  In less populated areas, the squares are larger. The models of transport interconnect, similar to ‘Transport for London’, and ‘Transport for Wales’.  There will also be an array of local and national travelcards.  This transport will be integrated into the needs of a local community, considering the needs of school children, the elderly and people getting to work.

Public transport will be designed to be preferred to private transport.

Another example will be integrating the competing need for housing with the need to care for the environment.  This will include economic incentives to careful and protect the natural world.

Social care and health have long needed to integrate their budgets.  This government would integrate social care and health to ensure that the Japanese concept of ‘harmony’ was achieved, where the wellbeing of all is maximised.  This will help to get hospitals running smoothly, using manufacturing models on demand and capacity.  In this way waiting list will be eliminated, because accessible referrals will match the capacity of the service.

Many of the ideas behind successful integration will be lead by our universities. There will be international conventions where different academics are able to work together from different disciplines to facilitate new ideas. Previous examples of this way of working can be seen in the Macy Conferences  held in the USA in the 1960's. 

Cycling to Work

 What do you pass on your way to work?  This is the record of my journey

1) An Elm Tree.

2) An Islamic School.

3) A Congregational Church.

4) A brand new bandstand.

In Victoria Park- just because there used to be one.

5) The largest war memorial in the UK.

Designed by Lutyens- opened 1923.

6) An Art Gallery - Attenborough Centre for Arts and Disability.

Wonderful exhibition by Mohammed Barrangi 
"Playing in Wonderland"

7) A prison.

Yes there is talk of turning it into a hotel.

8) Wallis and Gromit- revealed.

8) A University engineering building that failed.

The Queen's Building. The chimneys are a natural cooling system.
The design did not work because the doors are constantly
 being opened and closed to let the students in and out.

9) A river

The River Soar, which flows into the Trent.

10) a terrifying children's slide.

a friend of mine's son once stood at the pinnacle.

11) My old place of work.

Westcotes House.
Pevsners comment on this building;-
"Purple and blue brink, large, varied,
 Gothic and gloomy."
Architect is Teulon

12) A Second Victorian Park. 

The Tram Shelter just outside the entrance to Western Park. 
It was the end of the line, and took people to a walk in the park.

Western Park

Finally New College.  My office is in the low
 building on the far right.

Connections in Art

 

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) painted 'The Plum Garden at Kameido' (1856-58).  This painting now resides in the Honolulu Academy of Art, Hawaai, USA.  The card was given to me by my Aunt Julia, after she saw it at a visiting exhibition where she worked at the Royal Academy of Art, London.  I liked it and kept the card safe.  The picture is a wood block print so there are other copies around the world, including in Japan. 

There is a story that Vincent Van Gogh, when residing with his 'art dealer' brother Theo, was left for hours on his own with stacks of painting about him.  Vincent very much liked the Japanese prints and copied a number of them.  we saw this picture below in the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. It was painted inn the autumn 0f 1887

The Department of Housing and Urban Development

Habitat 69, in Montreal, designed by Moshie Safie

 Here we find some rather obvious policies, but then extraordinarily difficulties and barriers.

The principles for housing are- Everyone has a right to a safe, healthy and peaceful place to live.

Property should be accessible, and affordable. People should be given as much access as possible to green spaces.  As with food, this is a basic need.

There is a shortage of good accommodation. Development starts by using existing buildings, and then redevelops  derelict areas.  Finally we preserve so called ‘green field sites’, as part of our environmental policy.  The only exception is if everyone see the necessity of development for the long term prosperity of a town or city.  New homes can only be built if infrastructure is also planned.  This demands the some of the most integrated policy making in government.  New houses mean larger sewers, planning for rainwater run-off, schools, health services, roads, transportation. This is why development is often held up and causes local frustration.  This government will provide the oversight, and legislative frameworks needed to make decisions on empty property, make sure that investment in infrastructure happens quickly and is appropriately incentivised.

There will be an assumption that no property should be left empty for over one year.  Systems will be designed to combat fraud and the rich paying their way out of compliance.

The government will both support home ownership and the rental sector.  Rents will be regulated to ensure that renting, or home ownership, does not unfairly discriminate against the resident.  These decisions will be made by an independent body, much as the Bank of England set the interest rate for the country.

In the past, housing departments looked at the number of people registered as homeless, and provided a solution which worked at the time.  Many cities have tower blocks from this period.  Many are now removing these tower blocks, seen as unhealthy and dangerous. Sustainable new housing will require three criteria for success.  The first they must be appealing to the average person. We ask eth e question "will the properties feel safe, and how will social problems such as anti-social behaviour, drug use and petty crime be prevented?"  Second, they must be accessible, and the third they must fit with low energy requirements. 

To prevent the terrible waste of builders constructing non-compliant buildings, and getting away with it due to their commercial power, planners will have direct control over the financing of all new building, and be able to control the priorities through the withholding of payments. If builder threaten to declare bankruptcy due to non-compliance, local councils will have the power to purchase the whole project and find new contractors.

Power over local development will be commissioned by council planners, drawing on the expertise of local and interested artists. Architects and social thinkers.

The social issues associated with planning require an integrated approach.  Every society will have a small group of people who offend in every way. All communities need to plan how to manage this.  The traditional approaches have involved deportation, incarceration and ghettoisation.  In a similar way to the methods used in school to tackle bullying, housing departments will operate social models to 

1) empower bystanders, and combat fear. 

2) have accommodation suitable for the most vulnerable which provides protection. 

3) have accommodation for people with significant behavioural problems that acknowledges and contains the problems associated with anti social behaviour, crime and violence.

All localities will have neighbourhood forums which will be run by the voluntary sector, but enforced by legislation, with statutory representation, similar to the role provided by school governors, which will provide accountability and oversee fast action in enforce this policy. 

The Department for Social Security

 

Some of the most creative societies are those that live just on the edge.  When your needs are met, but only just, and with no guarantee, societies produce the most amazing art and creativity, in order to survive.  Societies that are comfortable produce nothing much.  But we do not wish hardship on anyone.   We think that it is everyone’s right to know that their basic needs are met, no matter what. 

It was the Liberals who many years ago proposed a basis human wage.  It was a bit like ‘child benefit’, in that every person got the same allowance.  (The Conservative government recently limited child benefit to just two children.)  If every person in the country had a basis income, enough to keep them alive, there would be no need to provide unemployment benefit.  Would this be a prohibitively large cost to society?  Yes, but for most people, the bill would be cancelled (paid and then paid back in taxation) straight away.   The incentive to work would be that the allowance would meet the very minimum cost of living.  All other income earnt would therefore be in addition, and the ‘poverty plateau’ (where you need to earn a significant amount to be better off) would be eliminated.  The unemployed would not have to worry that they might not like the work, and then loose their benefits (and therefore not risk it). Work would be rewarded.  People would feel secure, and therefore more able to work.

This policy was rejected because the majority of the population struggled to see that this policy was fair and felt that it was rewarding fecklessness. 

Walk on the Wayside

 My morning walk always presents interesting sights.  Generally I do not carry a camera.  Invariably when I do, I see nothing.  Here is a staged compromise.  It's a bit like taking a portrait- generally them are more interesting and lively when taken in the moment without any posing.  This is the wayside because I cross the stream and all the road are called 'way' Romway, Trueway, Fairway, Broodway, Highway.

A garden arrives, and takes over, like the gypsy principle
 of "where was I when you invented the rules?" The following day
The gravel had been laid waste again.

Down in it's luck, but still trying to be hopeful. 

In Leicester this is called a Jitty.

I like the rather unique windows.

What an amazing hedge!

One has escaped into the neighbour's

A pile of pans, and roofing tiles.

Treasury

 

From long before Robin Hood had a go at righting wrongs, collecting the finances for government has been controversial.    

Once the people have the money, they really do not want to give it up, especially if in doing so, they disadvantage themselves compared to their neighbour who is corrupt.  Indeed, in a number of countries this has become institutionalised.  It becomes impossible to live without breaking the rules.  The government knows this and allows it.  It means every subject can be ‘taken out’, if necessary, by simply looking at their tax records.

The way western governments address non-payment of VAT is to try to get all transactions to go through the bank.  This is perhaps one reason why the ‘covid era’ concern about hygiene associated with paper money and coins has lead to a move towards a cashless society. 

How do we get around this? 

This government’s view is that we should create far more of a contract with the community over the financing of services.  These services should be accountable.  In the past there has been a ‘paternalistic’ relationship with the state, with perhaps resentment that services received are often poor.  We see this in poor housing, chaotic transport systems, long waiting lists, dysfunctional schools.

Just as the introduction of ‘student fees’ has galvanised students into demanding value for their money, so the government should be held to account in the provision of appropriate services.

Here are ideas to help improve the finances of government.

1)      As happens now, tax will be deducted from salaries before they are paid to the individual (wherever possible).

2)      For all professional groups that are not publicly financed there will be an assumed target for income generated.  If an individual says they have not reached that level, there will be an government agency who is able to over help to discover whether the income can be improved.

3)     The government will endeavour to control the flow of money coming in and out of the country. This will primarily be to address the vagaries of multinational ‘big business, which may use payments in one country to service debt in another country.

4)     The fiscal model used priorities the needs of the whole community above the individual.  This means that social research into effective societies will be closely monitored.  It is known that the countries where the populous reports to be the most content are societies where the disparity in incomes between people is kept in check.  If the mega rich choose to leave the country, this will be accepted as an acceptable consequence.                             An example of putting civil priorities over individual priorities is seen in the provision of public transport.  This is often caught in a catch 22 situation.  People do not use public transport because it’s not very good.  Because people do not use it, it’s not very good.  One way to get over this is to add a ‘voluntary’ tax of £20 to everyone.  This can be requested back, but with it, you also receive a free bus pass for the year. It this happened in an average sized city, the cost of running the bus service would be covered.  People from outside the city would still pay, but they would benefit from a health and functional service provided by the residents. 

5)      Taxation should be made as simple as possible, largely focused on incentivising work, and the responsible utility of property.  Past governments have introduced what was dubbed the ‘bedroom tax’ on social housing residents.  They were penalised for living in houses with empty room, with the mindset that ‘this is not your house;, and you need to move to somewhere smaller and give up that house for someone else.’  This principle could apply to everyone, with the idea that instead of building more homes, let’s use the ones we’ve got.   Closely allied to taxation comes the provision of social security.  This comes next.

Ministry of Defence

                       

It appears to be a sad fact that war is a reality in human existence.  Animals also fight, especially the males.  What can be done to minimise the chance of war, but also uphold justice and freedom? War now runs the risk of escalation into complete annihilation.  Brazil is a country that has a massive country, but its army is designed to be entirely defensive.  Current military challenges to Britain are:- 

• The use and risk of proxy wars (these are wars that could not take place without outside support). 
• The encroachment of 'hostile forces' into British airspace and territorial water.  
• The use of cyber attacks and threatening rhetoric (precursors to war.)
• Threats to allies, and commonwealth countries such as Guyana.

the ethics of 'proxy war' is very complex.  It appears that some wars may be happening for more than the headline title.   The fire is kept burning in order to create a stalemate which is actually the unsaid and obnoxious war aim. This creates slow torture for decades, and fuels instability and creates the need for migration.  The vulnerable are the innocent victims.

This government will take the long view, and argue for a pragmatic position involving 'strong' international consensus.  The aim is to defend human rights, and the rights of the innocent parties. This is not an appeasement position.  It upholds the concept that political solutions will need to be negotiated by the people affected, and exploitation and discrimination will be opposed by the majority of the membership of these international communities.  The value of weapons must he undermined at all times. The voice of peacemakers will be elevated through support given by the community of non belligerent nations, much as the power of the bully is largely provided by the crowd. 

No state is pure and innocent, even though its national consciousness likes to present this.  I is hoped that collectives can moderate the evil in each other, by making sure that evil remains a taboo.

Policy

Britain would not renew trident.  This is a weapon that is controlled by our ally USA.  Nuclear submarines are now detectable even in the deep ocean.  The security it offers is psychological. 

I am reminded of the CND cartoon of two boys in a cellar, up to their ankles in petrol.  One says to the other, “I am more powerful than you.  I have three matches and you only have one.”

This government would work with NATO to reduce and eventually remove the UK nuclear deterrent, using this as a bargaining chip to strengthen international communication and protocols and defence mechanisms. 

At no point would this be linked to a softening of resolve to defend the country, and defence spending will focus on defence. 

The principles of this change in defence policy mirror the idea that violence in parenting is not necessary or healthy.  Other ways of managing children are better, but they often have to be learnt.  Most people will learn them from their kind and loving parents.  In a similar way, this government is saying let us find more positive ways to control the evil intentions that riddle this world. The solution will not come from any one nation, but come from a combined effort, and always remain vigilant, just as anti-racism and sexism remains vulnerable to this day, and requires constant focus. 

Department for the Environment

 

The Monkey Trap-  Ah, I can't let go,
even though it will be the end of me!

Department for the Environment

Today the Greens launched their manifesto. It appears to be the only manifesto that promises that this will be harder and tougher under them.   It is easy for parties that will not become the next government to state things as they are.  Everyone who understands the science of climate change believes that humanity must do it’s bit to reduce global warming.  Although we can app play our part, this can only truly happen through concerted, collective political action.    The challenge is that we have our hands in ‘the monkey trap’.  In the West, have gripped riches and power, and do not want to let go.  In developing countries, such as China and India, there is no incentive to lessen the pace of development that has benefited so many.  What do we do?

The only way for nations to succeed is to work together.  This is what COP is about, but it needs to be held accountable.  While there is so much valuable oil in the ground, rich countries are not prepared to give up their wealth.  Consequently, it may be that we will have to rely on the amazing propensity of humans to adapt to adversity.  This may mean that nations must support the communities that are so at risk.  Bangladesh is at the forefront and is the most desiring, having produced little to no atmospheric pollutants compared to us. 

The prime ministers of several Caribbean countries have lead the moral crusade to change the legal framework of how the rights of nations are viewed internationally.  Mia Mottley,   president of Barbados, and a number of other leaders have made the case for a compensation based approach.  A bit like after a car crash, insurance brokers must work out who is responsible for the reparations, so Caribbean countries require help after devastating storms, far stronger than anything experienced previously, which act like bombs on fragile seaside communities.

This government see the necessity to address environmental issues at a global scale in order to protect Britain.  We are connected, morally, but also systemically. 

At home, the government would continue to help communities decide how the land will be split into three portions, or zones.  The first third of land is to preserve areas of outstanding natural beauty and national parks.  The second third is for land that can be exploited for food, timber and natural resources, but where the environment is still protected.  The last third is given over to towns and cities, including industry.  This land will increasingly also be preserved, but planning restrictions will be less strict. 

The three zone model is not new.  It remains  controversial.  As with Greenbelts, delineating land usage can push up prices, and create unstable planning environments.  This government is in favour of novel ways to create wonderful places to live.  This includes a law to allow local authorities to investigate why building are being left empty, and to put a greater expectation on communities that there is a moral obligation to provide accessible and affordable homes, where housing already exist.  On census day 2021, it was discovered that there were 1 ½ million empty homes in England alone.    This is a political issue.  Do we really want to built and build until we resemble the plant Coruscant, as features in the film 'Star Wars'. 

This government would start a conversation in local communities to address local housing need through the best use of existing housing, with clear responsibilities given to home owners to use property wisely and fairly. 

Department for Trade and Industry

 

Trade and Industry

All countries need to trade, but trade is very complex.  The simplest form of trade is perhaps the 'farmers market'.  But don't look too closely.  It is highly likely that all the components in, say, the cake, will have complex ingredients involving grants, subsidies and incentives.  What about quarrying sand?  There is nothing simple about this too, because the sand may have an elevated, or depressed price, dependent on world markets.  These world markets will also be dependent on the golden rule, “I will always sell to the highest bidder, not matter what that might do to me in the future.”

If we can work out a system of trade that is more intelligent than this, that would be great?  The world GAT agreement attempts to do that, but sadly there are always losers.  The Gambia produces peanuts as a major cash crop, but Europe is in league with the USA on peanuts, so even though Gambian peanuts are cheaper, they are not sold, and some of the crop is even turned into cheap soap.

This government will have another go, and will aim to create more equitable partnerships around the world.  The challenge is, that fairtrade is what the world needs more than anything.  Fair trade is likely to bring much high levels of equality, which means a transfer of power from countries in the North, to the South.  This government will sign up to that, and take that risk. 

Industry.  The key industries that Britain should be involved in should be ones which will benefit the whole world.  This does not mean that the defence industry should be disenfranchised.  Instead, the emphasis given to this industry should be ‘defence’. Sadly whenever there is war, as there is currently, the defence industry goes into overdrive, because weapons are actually being tested, and this horrendous research then turns into a gruesome form of development.  Britain must hold to the principle of not facilitating mass killings in order to turn a profit. 

Defence in the modern era is also focused on cyber protection, and security systems to reduce external threats.  An example of this would be to ensure that everyone who enters the country is checked against a data bank of known foreign agents.  In this way, the men who arrived from Russia to poison people in Salisbury may have been detected.  Who knows.

Industry in the UK can help to protect and promote wellbeing.  Tech companies can do far more to protect children and adults alike, and this government will ensure that this happens.

Department for Transport

 

Luxury car of the future.

Department for Transport

Here is one of our most controversial policies!  Car engine size is to be limited to 99cc or the electric equivalent.  Cars will become golf buggies, with a top speed of 40 mph, and an average speed of 20mph.

There are a few exceptions.  Taxi’s and commercial vehicles will continue to have larger engines.  Also emergency vehicles and accessible vehicles.

How do I get about at speed?  There will be a new network of roll on -roll off trains, just like the ones that go under the tunnel.  This will effectively provide for motorway travel.  An example of how this operate on land can be see if you want to take a car to the German island of Sylt.  To do this, you drive to Niebűll and board a car transporter or motorail, which takes you to Westerland on Styl.  

Using existing train networks, fast trains will mean that journey times are shorter, and less polluting. 

If we can get this policy through parliament, we will be very happy, because posh cars will now look very silly.

Department of Education

 

Department of Education

The conundrum for the education system is that by the age of 12 or 13, it appears that children are not in the best place to receive education as it is currently provided.  The social aspects of schools become problematic.  Secondary school become a battle ground where successful teachers are the ones who can manage crowds, rather that deliver education.   This government would open a discussion to look at ways in which the education of teenagers could become more of an enlightened experience.

Early Years

This government will support the foundations of health, and wellbeing by putting an emphasis on systems of support around children and parents/carers in their early years.  This is when education, knowledge and information meet social care policies.  The department for Education, Health and social care will share the same strategic leadership.  Budgets will also be considered to be strategically used, not in competition.

Parents and carers, both fathers and mothers, will be encouraged to work part-time with assurances that this will have a minimal impact on their pay and progression in work.

Education will be based on the Finish model where formal education begins at the age of seven, and education before this is encouraged though community participation, with a focus on family and community relationships (social and play based learning using methods from Montessori, and Sneider). 

Formal education will be delivered in small local schools up to the aged of 13.  This experience will be seen as an opportunity for all children to be able to explore the differences in society, such as ethnicity, culture and religion.  Languages will be taught throughout this period to a high level of expertise with the aim that all children should be bilingual.

From 13, young people will be able to specialise based on the ability levels and learning needs.

The emphasis will be on ensuring that every child has an age where they can excel. Core subjects will also be taught (if these are not already being majored in.)  The focus will be on.

1)      Outdoor and physical education (including organised societies, sports clubs, charities, and uniformed groups)

2)      Creative arts and expression.

3)      Social, Health and wellbeing education, including the social sciences.

4)      Science and engineering.

5)      Classical education including History, Philosophy and Religion.

Education will be considered to operate under a modular form, like pieces of a jigsaw.  Each area will be considered to be important, and a ‘rounded education’ will be an aspiration.

Three main principles will apply to education.

1)      For children with ‘barriers to learning’, the social model of disability will apply.  Education will aim to be ‘needs led’ rather than ‘provision lead’, and bespoke packages of provision will be applied to all children.

2)      A model where the emotional state of the child is recognised (Green Amber Red) will be used to ensure that children are only actively participating in education when they are emotionally and psychologically able to do so.  This will also aim to protect the needs and rights of other children who are able to learn.  Provisions will be made in all areas to provide appropriate therapeutic support to children who are living with trauma and deprivation.  This will also be addressed with access to appropriate services.

3)      Children and parents/carers who want to use educational facilities to a high level will be encouraged to use locally organised contacts universities.

Educational provision will be free to the age of 13.  Beyond this age it to will be paid for, but will be subsidised and means tested to the age of 18.  University education will be maintained with fees that are capped.

Young people from the age of 14 will be able to have part-time employment. 

Higher Education.

The financing of higher education will become part of a national consultation and debate.  Subjects with high cultural capital, but low direct  financial security will be identified and supported.  National strategic planning will occur to incentives students to enter fields of study that will support the wider prosperity of the nation.  This will fit with a cross-party strategic workforce plan, and ensure that levels of immigration and emigration remain at a functional level (both are seen as important for the development of the country.)

Life Long Learning

This department will support the on-going an education and training of the whole population.  The department will link with DWP to ensure that skills are available in a timely manner to developments around the country.  This will be a priority from the earliest stage. 

Department of Work and Pensions

 

Department of Work and Pensions

Evan Davis of the BBC wrote a book in 2011 called ‘Made in Britain.’

This is the fascinating story of why, when tangible signs of wealth, such as the car industry, appear to have left these shores, the county continue much the same.  This government will continue to encourage innovation and discovery linked to prosperity.  The answer Davis gives, it that Britain is involved in the manufacture of  parts that are very specialist, and of high value.  So the car does not say 'make in Britain', but it is made with British components.  Britain is also bit in the manufacture of nasty weapons, and financial shenanigans.

For this to happen, the government will support international collaboration, and help to foster the most suitable environment for  innovation to grow.  The government would like each sector to find a healthy balance with each other.  For example,

Food- maximise the production or artisan and high-quality food.

Tourism- regulate and encourage the development of local tourism (similar to that seen in countries like Poland).

Industry – focus on specialist designs and technologies

Education – work with international partners to continue to create an educational package that does not compromise on western values, but meets international needs.

Financial services – These will be dependent on a fiscal stability created through transparent regulator bodies.

Art and Design -  use the strength of the British legacy in design, using international influences to stimulate the manufacturing sector.

The link with pensions will be to encourage a tapering off paid employment in older age, with the opportunity for people to use the expertise they have built up over a life time though charitable and social enterprise.

The government will also ensure that levels of income at retirement are within an aggressed parameter.

The government will initiate a societal discussion about what levels of pay are considered appropriate.  Pay will be help in check through a social contract.  If rich people    wish to leave the UK because of this policy, the government will believe that there will be talented people who are prepared to take on these jobs.

The government will sponsor events that look at the wholistic nature of property, and attempt to find ways in which industry can created mutually reinforcing patterns of growth.  The government will ensure that industry is not in a position to exploit the market, for example phone companies issuing different charging sockets, or upgrade requiring all other components to be upgraded at the same time.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

 

The flag of the Commonwealth

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

“It is far easier to divide than to unite.”

“We spend more time and resources spying on our allies than on our enemies.”

This government believes that the challenges facing the world need to be tackled together.  For this reason the structures of the United Nations are seen as very important, and much attention is put to enfranchising the organisation, and ensuring that it works for the benefit of the poorer countries of the world.  This policy contains selfish interest, because in order to maintain prosperity and stability in the West, it is vital that poorer countries prosper also.

The challenge of poverty is seen as the degree to which rich countries are prepared to relinquish control to poorer countries.  The international rule of law should be strengthen to help poorer countries who have become indebted and tied to richer countries, to be free of debt, and to own their own resources. 

The challenge of eliminating hunger and poverty in the world requires this international approach, with an agreement that peaceful countries will be given a greater degree of power and control over their own destiny.  

The principle of Internationalisation will require a greater emphasis on partnerships and collaboration across borders, and a greater sharing of culture languages and planning.

This government believes that negotiating with enemies may be sensible, with the use of intermediaries, and peacemakers.  The pragmatic view of long-term outcomes will always be held in balance with a ‘just’ solution.  

This government will seek to have active roles in all international partnership including NATO, the UN and Europe.   A strong requirement for partnership is acknowledged to facilitate – international security, climate protection, and addressing world poverty and inequality

To some this might sound rather naïve.  Our thought is that there is not much option to this policy.

Cabinet Office

 

The Cabinet Office

The cabinet office supports the prime minister and the government to create the mechanisms needed to run the government.

Cabinet ministers lead on their portfolios.  To do this effectively, given that they are also not likely to be experts in the field they are working in, the cabinet office will support them to work effectively with the Civil Service.  Part of this will be to provide good administrative support.  The second part will be to ensure that the Cabinet has good access to very well qualified personnel across society.  These will largely be unpaid advisors, but where payment is likely to able poorer people to contribute, this will take place.  The key aspect of this function will be to bring people directly affected by policy in contact with politicians on a daily basis.   Representation will be gathered from all walks of civil society, from reputable charities and organisations.

The Home Office

Main tasks of the Home Office are managing-

• Immigration and emigration.
• Law and order.

An aim of this party is to maintain a stable population.  This will therefore require significant border controls  and clear conditions for requesting residence in the country.  The reason for this is that it is believed that population controls are important for the wellbeing of the country.  World population growth and the need to manage migration is seen as a significant in the control of pollution and climate control. International solutions are necessary to address these issues, rather than allowing unchecked migration, which runs the risk of 'sinking this boat too'. 

There are three main criteria for supporting immigration.  The first is to facilitate our international obligation to support and help refugees.  The second is to encourage movement of people to places of employment, and the third is to allow the compassionate patriation of family members (in particular, dependent family members) to live with their families. Where there are work deficits, the government will encourage movement around the country with retraining and relocation grants made available.  This will also support the redistribution of people away from places under considerable demographic pressure.  The government will work at an international level to address the global needs of migrating people, including at international ‘pinch points’. 

A maximum period of time will be defined based on a demand and capacity model, to allow refugees to receive the legal support they require, from a qualified and motivated practitioner of law. Points of entry to the country will be made available in embassies around the world to ensure that the process does not have to occur after journeys have been made.

A priority will be given to an international partnership to deter ‘people smuggling’, drug trafficking and other illicit trade.  This will be achieved through ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ approaches.  ‘Hard’ approaches require a strong security presence.  ‘Soft’ approaches undermine the economic models for illicit trade.  It is recognised that historically it has been ‘economic models’ that have facilitated or impeded illicit trade, rather than solely moral argument and force.

It is recognised that the maintenance of law and order is extraordinary complex.  Most crime goes undetected, and some serious areas of crime have a poor conviction rate.  Petty crime is often tolerated due to the expense required to bring a prosecution.  Often the punishment costs more than the crime itself.  A lot of crime is also perfectly legal (for example, extortion in the public sector, or the very high salaries awarded to CEOs of large companies). 

The policy of this government will be to engage communities in fighting crime using neighbourhood facilitators.  These people would be locally elected (like councillors)  to help communities address their own needs, both by tackling crime and fear, but also to provide alternatives to crime, such as youth work initiatives, employment and recreation.

These networks would be part of the local governance structures and relate to a range of community services including those for children and families, education and health.

Networks would also connect with local authorities, and feed into the bigger national picture.  The main issues addressed would be

•  Safety on the street and in the home.
• Drug and alcohol use.
• Antisocial behaviours and predatory behaviours.

The positive side of the agenda will be-

• ·       community support,
• ·       addressing employment,
• ·       monitoring carer needs,
• ·       tackling poverty,
• ·       providing training and education
• ·       and providing exciting and community enhancing recreation/sport.

Local networks will be part of the process to define how public money is spent to promote community safety and wellbeing.

A local law commissioner would also be responsible for examining the use of public money to prosecute crime, and ensure that legal aide monies are used effectively.  Ineffective routes would also be highlighted and addressed through national networks of good practice.