Seriously though, a commitment to make these parasites invest some of their gargantuan profits in UK energy infrastructure would be a guaranteed election-winner. I would also suggest that the independent parliamentary watchdog should make it impossible for ministers' blind trusts to invest in privatised utilities. The purpose of blind trusts is to ensure disinterested decision-making - but any minister since the turn of the century must know that any trustee worth their salt would be failing in his or her duty if they didn't buy up these surefire money-spinners by the lorry-load. No tax, no investment, low wages, profits up ten per cent year on year, every year - the investors' dream.
I fully agree with you Roger - we do need to start ensuring that our long term infrastructure and production is secured. Back when we were in government preparations were being made to address the energy shortfall which could hit as soon as 2015.
ReplyDeleteThis Government is happier leaving it to the market - I wish I could be confident about the success of that - but as you point out instead of reinvesting the windfall the Energy companies have benefitted from - it has gone to shareholders.
It's another issue that we need to put to the good folk of South Leicestershire. There is a real ideological difference with the Tories and Lib Dems - and it matters - and unless action is taken, we will all be in the dark.