The Pensioners Party Membership Page

The Pensioners Party

- for the young, middle aged and mature

For attention of Rt Hon Gordon Brown (Lab).

Media today is reporting your comments that the David Davis's resignation is a 'stunt' that has gone wrong. You are obviously well qualified to make this observation, given the election/non-election fiasco in the autumn 2007 as just one example. However, rather than spend time making this type of comment, let us see headlines that will really benefit people along the following lines:

State Pension to be raised above the official poverty threshold with immediate effect.
Means Testing to be abolished with immediate effect, thus removing a high-cost administration, hit and miss scheme, replacing it with a transparent system based on simplicity and fairness. Remember your words from the 1993 Labour conference - can provide a DVD if you have forgotten them.
Council Tax system to be changed with immediate effect to something based on ability to pay. The Lyons report that took 3 years to create at great expense has turned out to be another waste-of-money fiasco.
Wealth Gap to be positively reduced with increased taxation for those at the top end. As an example, it is a scandal that MP's basic salary in 2007/08 was £56,151 more than the Single State Pension compared to 1989/90 when the differential was £21,840. Recent reports tell us that MP's are clamouring for even more - what a despicable stance from those wanting to represent the interests of constituents in parliament. It is more akin to satisfying a greed for self-financial security at the expense of taxpayers, whilst keeping the majority of citizens in a state of flux, feeding them with crumbs from leftovers.
European (Constitution) Amending Treaty will be put to referendum vote - UK citizens to decide. Indications from Ireland is that there will be a NO vote, but you are being reported as saying this country will press ahead with ratification. So much for democracy - what is it that makes you want to deny people a chance to have their say? Quite obvious that local election results, combined with Crewe & Nantwich were just hiccups because it is quite apparent that since then you have reverted back to your original mode. Our grossly excessive contributions to Europe need radically reducing to a fair level, thus releasing more funds for essential services in the UK - not to increase MP and Executive salaries, expenses, bonuses and gold-plated pension rights.

There are many more issues, but these are enough for the immediate future. Currently, as the government of this country, you have the majority to make things happen. Let's see you use it to get away from a dogmatic, truncated stance that projects a 'pandering-to-the-rich' image.

Greed has no scruples, knows no limits and takes no prisoners - requirements above are for citizens to get a fair share of this country's prosperity, not to join those in our midst who think the majority owe them their fine lifestyles. The ball is in your court, so try hitting the back of the net for fairness instead of corner flags for division.

Points above have been made to senior members of your cabinet but, since I have not had any replies, possibility is they found issues raised too difficult to answer with a standard 'government achievements' response, knowing full well that it would not camouflage reality.

With no ties to ANY political party, my vote at the next election is there to be won by someone prepared to put its citizens first and then support others in need as resources allow. If current trends continue, it is only a matter of time before we become beggars and look for assistance from elsewhere. Just wonder who our allies will be if that happens?

Les Cooper

Member of National Pensioners' Convention, North Staffs Branch.