It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like… a General Strike

The UK is now approaching mass strike action, which feels a lot like a General Strike. It’s not, but only because the various groups going on strike all have individual reasons for striking, which arguably is a lot worse than the concept of striking in solidarity with their fellow workers. It’s likely to be a miserable season for many of us, but it is vital that we do not fall into the trap of blaming the unions entirely for this – their job is to negotiate on behalf of their members, and in many case the government has refused or blocked such negotiations.

Calendar of strikes, courtesy of the BBC

It is important to remember that these workers want to work, because when they don’t work they don’t get paid. As such, it isn’t the case that they relish the opportunity to take some time off work, instead this is simply a way to remind those in charge how important they truly are. It’s fair to say that the workforces shown in the chart above are part of the lifeblood of the UK, both the economy and the society in general.

We are regularly told that the UK cannot afford to give these people well-deserved pay rises to match the cost of living, but this is a lie. We as a country found more than enough money to waste on a Test and Trace system that was utterly unfit for purpose. We had enough money to hand thousands of PPE contracts to firms with no track records but with strong connections to Tory politicians. In short, we seem to be able to find the money any time the Conservatives decide they want to splash out some cash to benefit themselves or their mates, but as soon as it comes to paying those that keep us going – literally – it seems the magic money tree withers and dies.

Remember that the UK has about £15tn of combined wealth. We are one of the richest countries in the world, and can apparently afford to waste some £70bn on stupid or selfish projects, so what would paying, for example, nurses cost?

According to the Mirror, a 1% pay rise across the board for nurses would cost £700 million. As such, a 15% pay rise would cost the country £10.5bn – only a fraction of the money that has been wasted by Tory mismanagement.

As an alternative, and one that might be easier to implement and fairer on everyone, it’s worth looking at my article on Universal Basic Income, which is a proposal designed to lift most income at the “cost” of fairly taxing capital gains and inheritances.

Hazeena A

Ian, thank you once again for your support. It means a lot.

Thank you so much for [creating this petition] and so amazingly quickly!!!

You did a brilliant job on both the blog and petition. Some of the NHS staff were even impressed with the speed at which you addressed this, and I have had varying positive comments from friends who have read your post.

Hazeena A – Ruislip, Northwood & Pinner Resident

Sheena Y

Having worked with Ian I can say that I found him incredibly transparent and honest which I think would be rare and much needed in today political arena. He is also very clever, direct and a great communicator.

Sheena Y, former co-worker

Andy H

Ian is a very smart individual, but more importantly is honest and truly cares about people.

He is an unselfish individual and would absolutely have the public’s best interests at heart.

Andy H, brother

Luca M

I met Ian a few months ago for the first time and straight away I felt confortable with him and I thought: ” Ok I would trust that guy”.

Luca M, fellow speakers’ club member

Francisco V

Throughout the 12 years I have known Ian, he has always demonstrated to be very bright, kind and upright. I’ve seen all of these attributes in his personal life, for instance, in our sport association he volunteered as treasurer where he improved the overall system and costs as well as championing charitable giving & generous donations. He’ll definitely make a difference in a bigger role in politics.

Francisco V, fellow jū jūtsu instructor and friend

Irene H

You have the moral integrity and high standards in all aspects of the requirements of your potential constituents. You will stand up to injustice and defend those deemed to have had injustice against them. You are committed to environmental change and to look after the less well off in society.

Irene H, mother

Graham C

First and foremost, your personal ethos of kindness and care for others is your top qualification. That you are also highly driven with a need to be productive, and understand very complex matters such as financial systems, makes you stand out.

Graham C, fellow jū jūtsu instructor and friend

Anonymous

You are one of the most principled people that I know. You are committed to making changes that support the most vulnerable in our society and you don’t give up when you know you’re fighting for what’s right.

Anonymous

Helen C

Integrity.
Unlike the rest of us who are disillusioned with the lack of honesty, morals, and the unfair and outdated ‘public schoolboy network’ displayed by this government, you have decided to stand up and make a difference.
Your constituents couldn’t have a better candidate.

Helen C, Aunt

Miles H

Having known Ian for a number of years during which we worked closely as Financial Advisers, I am confident that he would make an excellent MP. Ian is an intelligent man who has the ability to absorb, understand and manage complex information quickly; I have, on many occasions, witnessed him do this whilst retaining the ability to explain it, in a manner which is easy to understand.

I have seen Ian display the courage of his convictions on a professional level, where he has put the clients needs before that of the company and have no doubt he would carry this attitude into public life.

Ian and I have disagreed on politics in the past, but he has always listened carefully to any position and taken time to offer a thoughtful response. If he became an MP I am sure his constituents would benefit from an effective and hard working representative.

Miles H, former co-worker