Regional Battle Begins

SIR- The Governments plans for devolution for England consists of splitting this country into nine regions, each with its own regional assembly.

The Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent next week. This will set in motion procedures for referendums to be held throughout England for elected regional assemblies.

Following the so-called "sounding exercise" carried out by the Deputy Prime Minister's office, we can expect the North-East, North-West and Yorkshire and the Humber to be among those anxious to hold a referendum for elected regional assemblies. This could take place as early as this autumn.

Should this take place, the voters concerned should be aware that an elected regional assembly means the abolition of county and district councils, to be replaced by new unitary authorities under the elected regional assembly.

Bearing in mind the staggering recent rise in some people's council tax, can they imagine the colossal upheaval in their local government offices, to say nothing of the massive cost in establishing both elected regional assemblies and new unitary authorities with which, no doubt, the local taxpayer will be saddled?
Letter from Katie Davies to the Editor, The Daily Telegraph 2nd May, 2003

PHILLIP DAY'S COMMENT: Katie Davies' letter highlights the angst being caused by the EU's regionalisation policy, whereby the UK is being broken up into 12 EU regions, each locally governed, but centrally controlled from Brussels. The Scottish and Welsh devolution motions were a beard for this same regionalisation policy being implemented. This system is intended to marginalise national government, all the while the millions generated from the Council Tax goes towards promoting this new integration ideal. Darn smart thing to do, isn't it? Increase people's Council Tax by, in some cases, 13% overnight, and then use part of that money to brainwash the British into thinking the EU is doing them a favour by governing them.

Regionalisation is an effective way to destroy the concept of a nation with national boundaries. The EU has been very active for years in forging links at the local government level throughout the UK to bring this about. One method Brussels has used to get co-operation from local councils has been the promise of funds for development projects in their local communities. There's nothing like EU cash (which British taxpayers provided in the first place) to build useful things in the community to enhance a local or even a European politician's popularity with their public. Another forerunner program implemented to soften up the British to the idea of accepting closer ties with their Continental neighbours is the town and village twinning scheme.

I think the British people need to wake up… and rapidly. All they have to look forward to under the EU, especially its socialist regionalisation policy (which, incidentally, Westminster appears determined not to stop), is crippling taxation, endless and corrupt bureaucracy, and local council dignitaries lording it around on padded expense accounts and immunity from prosecution.

Can't wait.

Resources:
Ten Minutes to Midnight
Available from www.credence.org