Northern Rock, better deals?

Rogue Elements within The EU

In March 2012 the European Commission said that it was to consider imposing duties on goods marked "Made In China". Today we learn that the EU has been possibly illegally subsidising Chinese companies. Niether the alleged Chinese companies or the EU has admitted that this is true. A Chinese official stated this however, "If the report is correct, China will not put up with such trade protectionism." Effectively saying that Europe's voyage of protectionism is void.
 For years China has been attempting to persuade elements of Europe to lift an arms embargo on China which was first established in 1975. China is hungry for advanced western weaponry and has since that date conducted a massive espionage effort to acquire some necessities. There are strong arguments in both corners of the arms embargo debate. The UK fighting the human rights ground of the argument along with the old communist bloc members are against lifting the ban, some remember just what regimes are capable of. Interestingly France has been a long time campaigner for lifting the ban. France is notorious for paying bribes to get it's weapons on the shelves of various nations. The French have a reputation of going places where countries like the UK would be scrutinised for. In 2011 France concluded a deal to sell Russia four Mistral amphibious assault ships. A deal that was questioned by France's allies in Nato and the United States.           Sarkozy in arms and corruption scandal.
China has taken a new stance on the embargo. Relaxing in its effort to lift the arms embargo and choosing instead to focus on high tech industries. Perhaps seeking to acquire components for military equipment that can be found in civilian industry. Whilst China and Europe both state they are against a trade war between the two superstates. You could argue the Chinese regime initiated a trade war when it embarked on its industrial espionage effort.  There are elements in the UK and the EU that would like to see a deeper co-operation with China. Whatever the future holds we should all remember one 'Sempill' rule.
Lord Sempill

Anger as the SNP rewrite history: New school curriculum downplays role of British Empire - One News Page [UK]

Alex Salmond standing with a bust of Robert Burns

Does haughty SNP invasion threaten?
Then let the rascals beware, Sir!
There is wooden walls (navy ships) upon our seas
And volunteers on shore, Sir!
The river Nith shall run to Corsican,
And Criffel sink in Solway,
Ere we permit a foreign foe
On British ground to rally!

O, let us not, like snarling dogs,
In wrangling be divided,
Till, slap! comes in a foreign rascal,
And with a cudgel decide it!
Be Britain still to Britain true,
Among ourselves united!
For never but by British hands
Must British wrongs be righted!

The kettle of the Church and State,
Perhaps a patch may fail in it;
But Devil a foreign tinker rascal
Shall ever knock a nail in it!
Our father's blood the kettle bought,
And who would dare to spoil it,
By Heavens! the sacrilegious dog
Shall fuel be to boil it!

The wretch that would a tyrant own,
And the wretch, his true-sworn brother,
Who would set the mob above the throne,
May they be damned together!
Who will not sing God save the King
Shall hang as high as the steeple;
But while we sing God save the King
We will never forget the People!


Robert Burns, Scottish poet