Politically Correct by Peter Anthony

When I was fighting the seat of Blackpool South in the General Election last year, the EU was one of the most talked about subjects on the doorstep.

Many people didn’t trust Cameron to carry through the promise of a referendum if he was to win.

I argued with many Conservative voters who were flirting with the idea of supporting UKIP.

I explained that under no circumstances was Nigel Farage going to be the next PM, so therefore if a referendum was dear to their hearts the only way this could be delivered was to elect a Conservative government.

Whatever your personal opinions are of our EU membership, no one can take it away from the Prime Minister, he has kept his word and has put the choice in the hands of the people.

I myself have some serious concerns and believe this organisation has got far too big and far too bossy.

I don’t believe it resembles the trading agreement that it set out to be four decades ago, and sometimes I fear it undermines democratically elected national government.

People have many different valid reasons for supporting IN or OUT, if you are undecided I urge you to weigh those arguments up carefully. This is one of the most important decisions of our generation.

I was shocked, although not surprised, to hear the US President telling the British people how to vote in the forthcoming referendum.

If this was another European leader I would expect them to voice their opinions about our membership and possible consequences should we leave. However this is not a matter he should wade in to.

His ‘get to the back of the queue’ comments have angered many, and certainly haven’t enhanced the close friendship we are led to believe we have.

Whilst I believe our relations with our US allies are of the utmost importance, I do not believe we should be interfering in each other’s democratic rights.

Monarchy is key to nation

I am often asked what I think is the greatest thing about Britain.

I immediately reply Queen Elizabeth the Second.

As governments and prime ministers come and go, as we go through changes and ups and downs, our Queen has been the glue that holds this nation together.

The British Monarchy is the envy of the world and I truly believe it puts this nation of ours on the tallest possible pedestal on the international stage.

This great British institution is the custodian of a tradition and pageantry that no other country on earth can match.

The Queen has not just been the longest serving monarch of all time, she has also been the greatest.

Her wealth of knowledge, experience and passion for this country is immense.

She has always performed her duties with total commitment and devotion, and still does so every day at the grand old age of 90.

She has experienced many prime ministers of varying political colours and has seen many leaders of UK political parties come and go, but never until now has she ever had her position threatened by a leader of her government or opposition.

Jeremy Corbyn has publicly refused to join in with our national anthem and has made no secret of his dislike for the role of our monarch.

I know it’s a matter of democracy and he is allowed to exercise his opinions, but not many people would publicly discredit the boss before they’ve even got the job!

Let’s hope he never gets the chance.

Long may she reign, and as long as our monarchy exists, Britain will always have the word Great in front of it.

Past mistakes mean cuts now

In 1997 the incoming Labour government set about the most irresponsible spending spree that would create no end of problems for the future.

They encouraged a ‘something for nothing’ culture. For 13 years households of jobless families were at an all-time high.

People were given a ‘hand out’ rather than a ‘hand up’.

Britain was living well above its means. We have a long way to go before our finances are fixed, but we are going about things in a far more responsible way.

It’s obvious that cuts are inevitable.

Councils across the Fylde coast have had to adjust their budgets, but although finances have been reduced, it’s up to the individual councils where they make those cuts.

Some councils handle it better than others.

Sustainability is the most important word in politics. If governments don’t understand this – it creates financial problems for years to come.