political commentator * author * publisher * bookseller * radio presenter * blogger * Conservative candidate * former lobbyist * Jack Russell owner * West Ham United fanatic * Email iain AT iaindale DOT com
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Y Viva Espana
I'm off to Spain tomorrow for 24 hours (!) to speak to the Fuengirola branch of Conservatives Abroad at a dinner in the evening. I'm about to start thinking about what I shall say to them. Any ideas?!
You could talk about how Sarkozy ahs become the NEW poodle to George Bush.
Old Sarkozy forgets that it will soon be Clinton/Obama in the WhiteHouse - and Cameron at No. 10. I think Sarkozy is making a BIG mistake sucking up to the war criminal.
Why not ask them about the Norman Tebbit comment.. only change cricket team to football team. See if they are trying to create an costa-del-england or if they are actually interested in integrating into the local community. Also you could ask why they thing they should vote in an election in a country in which they dont live and have made the decision to turn their back on 'their' country.
Well, if I were you, I'd hope that they don't read this site as I'm not sure if they will feel valued if you give a presentation thrown together at the last minute with help from a bunch of people you've never met!
Get them to come up with some suggestions for Britain's new "National Motto", as dreamt up by Gordon. Five or six words will do, apparently. I'm sure your other readers will have some jolly useful suggestions.
Seeing as they are probably paying you something for it, now that you are considered an entertaining speaker (and with tickets with you speaking costing more than for current MPs speaking...) perhaps you should be so good as to speak about any of the following themes:
"Nice work if you can get it" "Preparing in advance - Why Labour should not just go for a headline grabber at the last minute" "Rather than coming up with original ideas Labour stole other's ideas"
Please stress to them the importance of ensuring that every single one of them and their friends is registered to vote at the next GE if legally entitled.
Canvas - Sarkozy is cute. Also, Obama will not be in the White House. There's something weird about this fellow.
And it's not a done deal that the Dems will get in. Both their leading candidates are very unpleasant people and don't raise widespread enthusiasm.
Beach Hut Man - In my experience, the Brits abroad are good about learning the language of the country. To everyone's amazement, I am sure, Americans are also very good about getting stuck in and learning the language.
Anonymous - Gringos/gringas are Americans living in Mexico. Story, end of.
Gary Elsby of stoke-on-trent wants me to ask you if you are true blue, die hard,gung ho,ultral patriotic, stay away, tax dodgers, who give nothing for Queen, Country and health service! But........
I am sure they might like to ask "why has the price of our properties fallen so much so quickly, and is this likely to happen in England as well soon?"
Other then that I think they might ask you "what the bugger are you still doing living in the UK for, are you mad?"
Dont bother to learn any Spanish. The Brits there know about as much Spanish as the local Spanish know English. Which is very close to zero.
First: You could win them over by saying you will convince the party leadership to fully support those British (and other European) residents in Spain who are caught up in the disgraceful Land Grab laws. And that Messrs Cameron, Davis and Hague will support them all the way through the European human rights acts and courts.
second; that the Tory party will never campaign to leave the EU and so threaten the rights of British residents who live in the EU. Reform yes, leave never.
thirdly; that you support the policy that EU residents should be able to vote in national elections in the country they are resident.. . So that Brits in spain can vote in national elections in Spain as well as local elections (and of course that poles, Spaniards etc can vote in our general elections. no taxation without representation
I was born in the UK, hold a British passport (with a right of abode in the UK) and for the past twentytwo years have been resident and working in Spain, an EU member country, in the region of Catalonia.
I cannot vote in any UK elections. In Spain whilst I can vote in the elections for MEPs and local town hall councillors, all other elections such as national, autonomous and any referendum are barred to me. Most residents of other EU nations are free to vote in the national elections and referendums in their home countries, but not the British.
The British expatriates live in a community where the EU Commission (the only body that can initiate and implement law) is made up of commissioners appointed by the national governments but they are denied any say in the election of any national government.
I understand that there are ar least a million British nationals who live in the EU. It is a disgrace that so few of them are eligible to vote and it is about time that something was done to ensure that all British citizens living in EU member states are entitled to full voting rights.
I do not understand why it is not possible to introduce a system whereby the British nationals living in each EU member state could be represented by a Member of Parliament elected by them via their local British Consulate (not a complicated proxy arrangement) in each EU member state. With all the convoluted constitutional changes that have been rushed through in the UK over the past ten years this would be quite simple to introduce and would redress this glaring lack of democracy.
Iain, You could ask them what their comments would be about the number of Polish immigrants coming to live in England are, because there is, of course, no chance whatsoever that they would apply any kind of double standards to that, oh no sirree...
And ask them what they think of Nigel Hastilow's comments. And whether they think immigration is changing the character of Spain 'beyond recognition'...
Anon ... I understand that there are ar least a million British nationals who live in the EU. It is a disgrace that so few of them are eligible to vote and it is about time that something was done to ensure that all British citizens living in EU member states are entitled to full voting rights.
As Verity pointed out recently, expats can vote in UK general elections.
You simply have to register, supplying your last UK address. Most expats will be eligible providing they have been on a UK election register at some time in the last 15 years.
The venom, the nastiness, the spitting envy ... Britain didn't use to be such an angry, hate-filled country.
Anonymous 6:50 p.m. writes,with an air of clever revelation: "Ask them if they ever 'pop back' to use the facilities of the National Health Service in Blighty...".
Are you mad? That's why they left! It's the worst-run, most dangerous "health" service in the world. Are you honestly that naive that you think anyone would submit to it willingly?
To another wilfully blind anonymous, ask if immigration to Spain is changing the face of the country ... No point. Spain is a Christian country and Britons are largely Christian or were brought up on Christian principles.
Yet another anonymous - or perhaps it's all the same one - wants to redress the fact that we don't have full voting rights in one another's countries and wants to "redress this glaring lack of democracy". The "glaring lack of democracy" is the EU itself.
And to all the Gories out there, there is no such thing as a "carbon footprint". Don't be ridiculous.
Canvas - I don't agree that poodles are cute. Sarkozy, however, is mega cute.
Clinton and Obamarama - either one of them alone turns the stomach, but both together and people will stay away from the polls in droves. This campaign is a mess.
I understand that the Malaga local administrative district, of which Fuengirola is a part, had very lax planning laws. This has led to huge development. Possibly over development. This is to be contrasted with the Cadiz local district, which begins just past Marbella. The Cadiz local district had relatively severe planning laws. Soto Grande is within the Cadiz district. I suspect that your audience would probably be quite interested to hear about the housing crisis in U.K. and the possible revisions to planning law. You could ask them the effect of the massive development around Malaga.
I have been busy for the last few days, so please forgive me for delving into past postings but you should find the local District Probate Registry to be very helpful, in assisting you to deal with your godmother’s estate. I suggest you contact them as soon as possible.
aardvark And why should overseas voting be limited to 15 years? It was 20. I am sure you would agree the right to vote should depend on whether one is a citizen and have no time limit.
anon 3:33 Maybe it was the country that turned its back on some of its people.That's why we want to vote.
At last someone arrives into this blog who actually knows what they are on about, gives a perfect case to answer and sets a stall out that is near perfect.
At last, I am not alone.
You will, however, please note that the Spanish land grab issue is being firmly dealt with by the Labour MEP, Mike Cashman. Furthermore, to ask Tories to talk up Europe may be a plea too far.
The Tories are setting themselves up for a disater by pushing for a referendum (a dirty word in the Tory party) but this will DEFINITELY be hijacked into a pull out of Europe altogether vote.
Silly Tories, they never learn. The good thing to come out of all that will be a 'New' Conservative Party with a 'policy review' that will be totally pro European.
Gary has spoken and remember, when Gary has spoken, tidal waves hit Britain.
43 comments:
"Don't come back"
You could talk about how Sarkozy ahs become the NEW poodle to George Bush.
Old Sarkozy forgets that it will soon be Clinton/Obama in the WhiteHouse - and Cameron at No. 10. I think Sarkozy is making a BIG mistake sucking up to the war criminal.
How Enoch Powell has been proved right, and could that be why so many English people are moving to Spain?
'E' Viva Espana might be a start...
You could ask how many of them speak Spanish or even know the name of the Spanish Prime minister!
Hey Gringo, I know where you can get a goat for free!
Why not ask them about the Norman Tebbit comment.. only change cricket team to football team. See if they are trying to create an costa-del-england or if they are actually interested in integrating into the local community.
Also you could ask why they thing they should vote in an election in a country in which they dont live and have made the decision to turn their back on 'their' country.
Come back. Actually on second thoughts: stay where you are.
Well, if I were you, I'd hope that they don't read this site as I'm not sure if they will feel valued if you give a presentation thrown together at the last minute with help from a bunch of people you've never met!
Get them to come up with some suggestions for Britain's new "National Motto", as dreamt up by Gordon. Five or six words will do, apparently. I'm sure your other readers will have some jolly useful suggestions.
Are you all closest Co-Op members too? Well I never...
Seeing as they are probably paying you something for it, now that you are considered an entertaining speaker (and with tickets with you speaking costing more than for current MPs speaking...) perhaps you should be so good as to speak about any of the following themes:
"Nice work if you can get it"
"Preparing in advance - Why Labour should not just go for a headline grabber at the last minute"
"Rather than coming up with original ideas Labour stole other's ideas"
You should say Hola! Dos cervezas per favor
Tell them you are from the Team Cameron Movement; and you were hoping to recruit some sandal wearers to you new Co-Operative….Oh dear.
TimC, thought I'd just make clear that I NEVER charge Tory Associations for speaking.
what about your carbon footprint, why not do it via video/web link up?
Hasta la vista ?
Or you could tell them a joke :
My name is Miguel, I keel for maaney - but you, you my friend, I keel you for naathing.
Alan Douglas
You could ask them whether they have learnt Spanish and intergrated with the local culture.
Hola, buenos dios/tardes/natches (depending on what time you speak to them) senors and senioritas.
It is freezing in England right now. And Gordon Brown is now in charge.
Then end with "Muchos Gracias, Adios"
I think that'll do it...
Yes Iain
Please stress to them the importance of ensuring that every single one of them and their friends is registered to vote at the next GE if legally entitled.
Sorry to be so boring, but those votes matter!
Mike
Canvas - Sarkozy is cute. Also, Obama will not be in the White House. There's something weird about this fellow.
And it's not a done deal that the Dems will get in. Both their leading candidates are very unpleasant people and don't raise widespread enthusiasm.
Beach Hut Man - In my experience, the Brits abroad are good about learning the language of the country. To everyone's amazement, I am sure, Americans are also very good about getting stuck in and learning the language.
Anonymous - Gringos/gringas are Americans living in Mexico. Story, end of.
Sophie King - How about Viva Ingleterra!
Gary Elsby of stoke-on-trent wants me to ask you if you are true blue, die hard,gung ho,ultral patriotic, stay away, tax dodgers, who give nothing for Queen, Country
and health service!
But........
Want Gordon Brown out and Tony Blair convicted.
Take the free meal, Ian, and come away.
Do they charge you, Iain?
I think William Hague should be charged every time he speaks.
Breach of the peace, falsely impersonating a shadow Foreign Secretary or at least being bald without due care and attention.
Gary
If anyone wants an impartial view of Iain's performance then I will happily post mine as I will be in the audience tomorrow.
Whether he publishes it or not is out of my hands!
How much carbon will that trip take up then, eh?
I am sure they might like to ask "why has the price of our properties fallen so much so quickly, and is this likely to happen in England as well soon?"
Other then that I think they might ask you "what the bugger are you still doing living in the UK for, are you mad?"
Dont bother to learn any Spanish. The Brits there know about as much Spanish as the local Spanish know English. Which is very close to zero.
First: You could win them over by saying you will convince the party leadership to fully support those British (and other European) residents in Spain who are caught up in the disgraceful Land Grab laws. And that Messrs Cameron, Davis and Hague will support them all the way through the European human rights acts and courts.
second; that the Tory party will never campaign to leave the EU and so threaten the rights of British residents who live in the EU. Reform yes, leave never.
thirdly; that you support the policy that EU residents should be able to vote in national elections in the country they are resident.. . So that Brits in spain can vote in national elections in Spain as well as local elections (and of course that poles, Spaniards etc can vote in our general elections. no taxation without representation
Yeah,
My name is Iain Dale and I chastise Al Gore for flying but here I am flying short haul to Europe to speak to you, so I hope you appreciate this.
I was born in the UK, hold a British passport (with a right of abode in the UK) and for the past twentytwo years have been resident and working in Spain, an EU member country, in the region of Catalonia.
I cannot vote in any UK elections. In Spain whilst I can vote in the elections for MEPs and local town hall councillors, all other elections such as national, autonomous and any referendum are barred to me. Most residents of other EU nations are free to vote in the national elections and referendums in their home countries, but not the British.
The British expatriates live in a community where the EU Commission (the only body that can initiate and implement law) is made up of commissioners appointed by the national governments but they are denied any say in the election of any national government.
I understand that there are ar least a million British nationals who live in the EU. It is a disgrace that so few of them are eligible to vote and it is about time that something was done to ensure that all British citizens living in EU member states are entitled to full voting rights.
I do not understand why it is not possible to introduce a system whereby the British nationals living in each EU member state could be represented by a Member of Parliament elected by them via their local British Consulate (not a complicated proxy arrangement) in each EU member state. With all the convoluted constitutional changes that have been rushed through in the UK over the past ten years this would be quite simple to introduce and would redress this glaring lack of democracy.
Iain, You could ask them what their comments would be about the number of Polish immigrants coming to live in England are, because there is, of course, no chance whatsoever that they would apply any kind of double standards to that, oh no sirree...
And ask them what they think of Nigel Hastilow's comments. And whether they think immigration is changing the character of Spain 'beyond recognition'...
Ask them if they pay any UK taxes.
Ask them if they ever 'pop back' to use the facilities of the National Health Service in Blighty...
Or whether they slag off Britain, but reserve the right to return if they ever introduce free personal care for the elderly...
Shaddappaya facebooks!
Verity, poodles are cute too! :)
Sarkozy might be charming but he's got it all wrong...
I think Clinton will be P and Obama will be VP.
Winning ticket.
Ask them what attempts they are making to integrate into spanish society and how they avoid living in segregated english 'ghettos'.
Anon ... I understand that there are ar least a million British nationals who live in the EU. It is a disgrace that so few of them are eligible to vote and it is about time that something was done to ensure that all British citizens living in EU member states are entitled to full voting rights.
As Verity pointed out recently, expats can vote in UK general elections.
You simply have to register, supplying your last UK address. Most expats will be eligible providing they have been on a UK election register at some time in the last 15 years.
The venom, the nastiness, the spitting envy ... Britain didn't use to be such an angry, hate-filled country.
Anonymous 6:50 p.m. writes,with an air of clever revelation: "Ask them if they ever 'pop back' to use the facilities of the National Health Service in Blighty...".
Are you mad? That's why they left! It's the worst-run, most dangerous "health" service in the world. Are you honestly that naive that you think anyone would submit to it willingly?
To another wilfully blind anonymous, ask if immigration to Spain is changing the face of the country ... No point. Spain is a Christian country and Britons are largely Christian or were brought up on Christian principles.
Yet another anonymous - or perhaps it's all the same one - wants to redress the fact that we don't have full voting rights in one another's countries and wants to "redress this glaring lack of democracy". The "glaring lack of democracy" is the EU itself.
And to all the Gories out there, there is no such thing as a "carbon footprint". Don't be ridiculous.
Canvas - I don't agree that poodles are cute. Sarkozy, however, is mega cute.
Clinton and Obamarama - either one of them alone turns the stomach, but both together and people will stay away from the polls in droves. This campaign is a mess.
I understand that the Malaga local administrative district, of which Fuengirola is a part, had very lax planning laws. This has led to huge development. Possibly over development. This is to be contrasted with the Cadiz local district, which begins just past Marbella. The Cadiz local district had relatively severe planning laws. Soto Grande is within the Cadiz district. I suspect that your audience would probably be quite interested to hear about the housing crisis in U.K. and the possible revisions to planning law. You could ask them the effect of the massive development around Malaga.
I have been busy for the last few days, so please forgive me for delving into past postings but you should find the local District Probate Registry to be very helpful, in assisting you to deal with your godmother’s estate. I suggest you contact them as soon as possible.
Ask them where they stashed the money from the Brinks Mat job.
aardvark
And why should overseas voting be limited to 15 years? It was 20.
I am sure you would agree the right to vote should depend on whether one is a citizen and have no time limit.
anon 3:33
Maybe it was the country that turned its back on some of its people.That's why we want to vote.
Anonymous 5:33.
At last someone arrives into this blog who actually knows what they are on about, gives a perfect case to answer and sets a stall out that is near perfect.
At last, I am not alone.
You will, however, please note that the Spanish land grab issue is being firmly dealt with by the Labour MEP, Mike Cashman. Furthermore, to ask Tories to talk up Europe may be a plea too far.
The Tories are setting themselves up for a disater by pushing for a referendum (a dirty word in the Tory party) but this will DEFINITELY be hijacked into a pull out of Europe altogether vote.
Silly Tories, they never learn. The good thing to come out of all that will be a 'New' Conservative Party with a 'policy review' that will be totally pro European.
Gary has spoken and remember, when Gary has spoken, tidal waves hit Britain.
Gary
Manfarang - Agreed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL0861049120071108
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