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LadyEllen -> RE: OMG - Dispatches, Channel 4 NOW (10/2/2007 5:29:10 AM)
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Agreed on that one Seeks - the welfare system needs serious overhaul; I recall one contributor last night saying that there are something like 3 million on incapacity benefit, but its known that 2/3 could work if they had the skills to do so.
But I think the first step has to be along the lines of constitutional reform - first of all, a written constitution would be good - "the rules of club UK" sort of thing, wherein is found not only what freedoms and rights are guaranteed but also one's duties and obligations are clearly set out. This should be a totally new document, drawing on not only the heritage of the UK but the traditions of all groups - it must be inclusive, and set out a clear work ethic. Since we will require a standard language for the interpretation not to say drafting of this document, English will be the standard. We would also hold referenda in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on independence, so that there can be no arguments about the matter - the new constitution will apply so long as the constituent nations agree to be in the UK.
We would also need to disenfranchise the Church of England from the state - this is an anachronism that has gone on for far too long - including the removal of bishops from the Lords, and involvement of the CofE in state occasions. I'd prefer to keep the Queen on as head of state, but only because I dont see a presidency meaning anything than alternative issues - change is not necessarily improvement.
We also need Proportional Representation for our electoral process for the Commons and local government; this leads to coalition government which is weak, some will say; I say the exact opposite - it makes a stronger nation in that more voices are heard and we all have some influence over things. Meanwhile, the Lords would comprise of worthy people - as judged by us the people, from all groups, pro rata.
And then, the welfare state. I would propose an end to paying people to sit around doing nothing - especially when we have more than enough work available (given we are importing people to work). I would give twelve months in which to find work - after that, people must turn up to perform whatever work they can (allocated through Job Centres and agencies) to get their benefits; we could even add a ten pounds per day sweetener to the deal so they'd be better off doing something than doing nothing. Dont turn up though - and dont get anything. Obviously, those who are incapacitated would not fall under such a programme, but given 2/3 of those supposedly incapacitated are not, we should be able to make quite an impact not only on attitudes but on productivity too.
We also know that there are a million unpaid carers in the UK - caring for elderly, infirm and disabled relatives and friends. This needs sorting out. Presto! An army of assistants by way of ten quid a day. And by getting more and more people into work in this way, we wont need so much immigration either.
E
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