GENERAL ELECTION NOW

From a human and historical perspective, some 14 million Ukrainians died during the 2^nd World War. How many more must be added to its fight for democracy and freedom? The Ukrainian people know a lot about dying; however, sadly, there are other matters to consider. The Russian peace keeping force as special military operation or outrageous brutal invasion, depending on your point of view (Putin.org or rest-of-the-world.com) has succeeded only in completely screwing us all. The spectre of a fresh world war looms discouragingly large.

 

The world was already sliding into an inflationary phase, causing much economic concern and increasing levels of poverty around the globe. This war has added to the existing complications, I hesitate to say how many-fold.  To make matters even worse, various governments and administrations are under some scrutiny, and the various nations’ foreign policy - in response to the war, which of necessity, must display some kind of cohesive approach - is obscuring the local issues that must be addressed by the people, come what may.  

 

That is to say: 1- The continuing problems of the pandemic, though improving in different ways in different countries, must be dealt with; 2- The current domestic affairs and economic recovery in the United States are a serious  simmering problem for Mr Biden and his recovery package legislation; 3- The coming national presidential election in France, and possible turn to the hard right,  is of concern;  4-  The future of the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom whose mendacity and misleading statements to the UK Parliament should force him to resign; and 5- Any number of other issues in the EU, in Myanmar, Yemen, China etc. In short there are enough conflicting matters to be going on with, which can do without a violent global eruption. 

 

My main concern, at present, is the United Kingdom, where choosing new leadership in the mists of a crisis may be an unwelcome prospect, but essential from every conceivable point of view. If the French can support a general election on the 10^th and 24^th of April this year, then this UK imperative should not be put off because of the fog of war.  I’m afraid, however, that it will be, despite the number of voices in the wilderness crying for it to happen.  

 

The incompetence of this government has been demonstrated to the world by its lack of focus or ability to deal with the humanitarian crisis of Ukrainian refugees who have to queue and travel to specific centres to apply for visas to join families already in the UK. The lack of forethought and ability to set up personnel at Calais, Dunkirk, Boulogne, the Gard du Nord in Paris or anywhere for that matter, is shameful, making refugees travel even greater distances to fill in forms. The bureaucrat shambles and hoops created by the Home Office and the Government is reprehensible.

 

This ham-fisted spectacle is on television screens throughout the world. The world now knows the United Kingdom cannot organise a pot to piss in. The lone voice of the UK is fading into the background and it has become a bystander on the world stage, without any purpose or credibility, like an observer clamouring for attention and being patted tolerantly on the head.

 

This is not a good look. There are attempts being made to clarify and simplify the process of entry by Ukrainian refugees to the UK, but frankly a bit late in the day, given the numbers that have already been accommodated by EU Member states.  Ms Priti Patel has stated that people can apply on line for visas and complete a biometric process once on the UK.  How many i-pads and laptops have you noticed being carried by Ukrainian refugees, let alone printers.  First thing you reach for when being bombed? What world does she live in?

 

What is now needed is for citizens to not let up on the demands for change at the top. To let the current government administration continue is inviting inevitable disaster for the future of this country. Incompetence and surreal notions are about all this lot can provide. It should be noted that since the relaxation and removal of enforced precautionary measures, infections are on the rise again.

 

I may be wildly wrong about all this but the grand guignol being played out by the UK government has surely gone on long enough. Never has an immediate change of leadership been more present than now.