RD or not RD? that is the question

[cliff]

The issue is more complex than "the decision has already been made, several years ago". Made by whom? - Brussels? Who are they to dictate to us what to do? We should tell them where to get off. If we had "harmonisation" then there could be some justification but NOT while we pay the highest rates of tax in Europe and I am not talking income tax or fuel tax but tax in general. While there is a discrepancy in the taxes throught europe hten we (the UK govt) can exploit it and do. The situation here is raise taxes then raise them more.

Why do we pay a TV licence? All of europe doesn't. Alcohol taxes, Tobacco taxes. rates (property taxes). My collegues in the head office (in Italy) now refuse to be assigned to the UK office unless on full expenses. No, I am afraid we are heading for a general strike in this country. Maybe that is what it will take to bring this and/or any subsequent Govt to their senses. How can the States sell fuel at, what? 23p per litre?. They don't have a money grabbing Govt. nor do they let foreign Govt's dictate to them what their taxes will be.

Rant over.

<hr width=100% size=1>

Stay put when I hit you!

 

[adarcy]

Re: Off topic but FYI

<<Why do we pay a TV licence? All of europe doesn't>>

Not true, you certainly have to pay for a licence in France and their way of gettting you is that any shop that sells a TV HAS to inform the authorities

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[cliff]

Re: Off topic but FYI

Some of europe pays but not all of europe so post is correct FYI. - there are differences throught the so called harmonised EU.

<hr width=100% size=1>

Stay put when I hit you!

 

[Aardee]

Part of the reason the US enjoys cheaper fuel is that they still have a powerful motor industry and therefore a powerful motor industry lobby.

If we still made cars in any kind of volume in the UK, the manufacturers would lobby government to ensure fuel was kept affordable so we'd all drive bigger cars & keep the UK motor industry in good health & fill the government coffers that way.

As with all these issues, the govenment is more likely to be influenced by business than by any group of individuals.

Begs the question, is there a marine industry lobby?? - Shouldn't be difficult, we have a number of bodies representing the marine industry & hiring a a firm of political lobbyists is no more challenging than finding, say, a good PR agency.

Before anyone points out that the RYA are making representations, they are representing their members i.e. you & I, not the UK marine industry.

<hr width=100% size=1>"I am a bear of very little brain and long words bother me" - A A Milne.

 

[cliff]

O.K. so that is part of the reason but it still does not fully explain the difference in fuel price.

IMHO it is more the motorist here is a soft target and now the powers that be have found another soft target. I still think only a general strike will stop the rape of Joe public.

MPs are generally a waste of time, all they want to do is line their own pockets and keep their jobs IE toe the party line.

The truck drivers have the right idea, perhaps we should all support them and blockade distribution depots and ports.

Having traveled the world extensively over the last 25 years, I am shocked at the costs in the UK. Compare ordinary items state side with the same item in the UK. Check prices in the far east with the UK price for same item. We are ripped off here and have been for so long we don't realize it.

<hr width=100% size=1>

Stay put when I hit you!

 

[TomIsitt]

The British Marine Federation is the body that represents the UK's boat-builders and associated companies. They have joined with the RYA and the IWA to generate a report on the likely effects of losing our derogation, so there is a concerted effort being made by all interested parties.

One of the problems is that something like 70% of UK-produced boats are sold abroad, so the loss of derogation will have minimal affect on the likes of Sunseeker or Fairline. That's not to say they're not concerned...it's just less likely to have a significant impact on them than on the smaller builders who sell their boats to the home market.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[adarcy]

Re: OK I\'m a pedant

Sorry Cliff but

<<Some of europe pays but not all of europe>>

is not the same as

<< All of europe doesn't >>

which means that no country anywhere in europe actually does pay

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[cliff]

Re: OK I\'m a pedant

English isn't my native language (thank god)

<hr width=100% size=1>

Stay put when I hit you!

 

[adarcy]

Re: I\'m sorry Cliff

Not trying to pick on you unfairly. You have my complete sympathy if you are not a native english speaker, I would hate to have to try and learn its endless oddities and shades of meaning.

I wouldn't have picked up on it if I had been able to work out your native tongue from your biography.

My humble apologies

Anthony

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[whisper]

Re: I\'m sorry Cliff

I reckon D'Arcy is Irish/forums/images/icons/smile.gif So no, English wouldn't be his native language!!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[adarcy]

Re: I\'m sorry Cliff

Originally from Normandy, the Count of the french town Arcy, came over with Willie the Conq and then sent to Ireland, with others, to pacify/rule on Willie's behalf.

Actually the was a D'Arcy who was king of Ireland. According to my aunt, RIP, there was a split and a bastard strain (likely to be the kingly one I think) and we are the other one but that's all I could get out of her!

No I don't speak Gaelic (other than a couple of toasts) but, obviously from deep seated genes, my french is semi-understandable

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[whisper]

Re: I\'m sorry Cliff

So why isn't all this in your Bio/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif
Bon soir

<hr width=100% size=1>