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Here is the latest blog from Rodney Willett in a debate on Planned Austerity. It’s well worth a read. Check it out!

A Devonian’s Political Blog.

In case you have not been following the thread, Rodney asked me on Twitter to share my views on planned versus unplanned austerity. After some thought, I responded and John Gemini shared his views as well. Here are the links:

Planned austerity or unplanned austerity? – Rodney Willett – A response from Dr Alf

Planned austerity or unplanned austerity? – Rodney Willett – A response from John A Gelmini

It seems that Rodney and I differ on possible causes for the current mess but we agree on the broad solution, namely:

• Strong leadership
• Overarching vision
• Coordinated and carefully analyzed strategy, and
• Fully risked assessed, properly costed  and effectively managed delivery plans

Both Rodney, John and myself are agreed that David Cameron is probably unable to provide the required strength of leadership. Although not specifically debated, I sense that we are also agreed that the current leaders of the Labour and Liberal parties too are unlikely to provide the necessary leadership?

At this point, I believe that our views diverge.

Rodney favours devolution of power from the centre to overcome the current crisis.

On the other hand, after some reflection, I favour exactly the opposite course to Rodney – namely an  emergency concentration of  power at the centre, in the short to medium term, possibly under the political mandate of a national coalition, supported by the three major political parties: Conservative, Liberal and Labour.

I envision a UK national coalition that is prepared to seek the views of the British people in referendums and to be ready to possibly withdraw power from Europe, defining a new national strategy after proper consultation with the UK people.

It is only with enormous power at the UK’s centre that the gross inefficiencies and waste in UK Local Government and in the EU bureaucracies can effectively be reversed – I concede that some progress has been made in cutting waste in Central Government but it is lightweight, lacking passion. Once real reforms have been achieved (in local and central government, plus possibly the EU bureaucracy), I would expect a return to competitive politics. In summary, a wartime-type coalition is required.

In conclusion, I would argue that a leader is required who is prepared to fight from the front and unite the people behind a national unity government.

What do you think?

Please share your views, whether you agree, disagree or have a different perspective.