Matthew Steeples suggests though Zac Goldsmith MP proved himself a man of his word in standing down over the Heathrow decision, modern Britain actually needs yet more infrastructure improvements
Zac Goldsmith MP is undoubtedly a man of principle and in resigning over what he refers to as “the catastrophic decision” to build an additional runway at Heathrow Airport he’s proven he’s someone who sticks to his word.
As a Conservative Member of Parliament, Mr Goldsmith was one of the few to stick his neck out over historic VIP abuse in general and what went on at the Elm Guest House in particular. Unlike many of his lily-livered colleagues, he did what he could but whilst I salute him for that, he is wrong about the need to expand Heathrow.
If – especially if Brexit actually does proceed – Britain needs to have the very best facilities and communication links possible to help maintain our attractiveness to the outside world. We cannot stand still and, quite frankly, there should be additional runways at Gatwick and Stansted and HS2 and Crossrail should proceed apace too. Bring them all on!
‘ Nearly an Emperor but not quite a gentleman ‘ – Earl Lonsdale
Reminiscent of the Yellow Earl, whose cars were all painted yellow – what fun
If you earn your money ethically then spend it on what you like. As a piece of workmanship it’s stunning.
The Arabs do themselves no favours it is sad to say. It is not as if they were clever enough to exploit their natural resources themselves, if it weren’t for Western technology they would still be riding around on camels instead of gold plated Rolls Royces and better for it frankly if this puerile behaviour is anything to go by. If anyone is interested in acquiring a real insight into their mindset I can recommend ‘The Arabs’ by Eugene Rogan. I find their early history interesting but they were always an insecure race, constantly waring with each other’s tribes. Probably goes a long way to explain why they still act like spoilt children today.
I will get this: sounds interesting.
Charles is right….they let themselves down, especially in Knightsbridge where they seem to have no respect for residents.
The surprising is that they seem still to be hanging around London. Usually they are away by now.
Maybe the Arabist, Mrs M can explain.
I have to say I somehow except the Jordanians who always seem a good bunch.
King Hussain was a great friend of our country. Pity his grandson never got the FIFA job. He sounded intelligent and honest.
Bloody awful, but if he’s like to do a straight swap for my old Jag I’d consider it
Mark, so would I because you only have to peel the gold wrap off, hah!
He challenged a miner to a fight and beat him. A good old Englishman
I would imagine this would be the perfect motor for the flamboyant Ellis Jones!
Oh well, they are pouring enormous cash into the economy, vulgar or not. In years past,the Americans who were guilty of similar displays of wealth, were often seen as vulgar and insensitive, and doubtless many were and are.
Nevertheless, London is a glittering and highly regarded and highly sought after world city, which apart from its inherent appeal, is also, in part owing to the millions and millions of Pounds freely given from foreign patronage. The English attitude of “we reluctantly benefit from their money, but we still actually loath them” belongs to an earlier age of nostalgic imperialism… the tone and content of which one can imagine is more closely associated with Maggie Smith’s character in Downton Abbey. She was presented in the series as a relic of another era.
Mr. Steeples, I have high regard for you and your blog. However, do you not in some ways perpetuate, perhaps unconsciously, this most offensive British stereotype? Compare this stupid gold Roller to your own, English, examples of profligate vulargity like the Brighton Pavillion, and everything done by William Beckford.
I think contemporary Americans still carry on the traditions of believing that ‘money maketh the man’.
“we reluctantly benefit from their money, but we still actually loath them belongs to an earlier age of nostalgic imperialism”. Utter nonsense! London has always welcomed sophisticated and cultivated foreigners. What it loathes are these Middle Eastern vulgarians who block our pavements, create a vile stench with their disgusting shisha pipes and drive around our streets, at great speed and with an excess of noise.
Using examples, such as Brighton Pavilion and Beckford’s Folly is just risible. Those were created two hundred years ago….things do move on.
These Arabs would do well to move on to New York where crass vulgarity is still appreciated.
London got bored with that sort of behaviour centuries ago and whenever latterly it popped up its head it was sneered at….vide the Dockers.
Sorry chaps, it’s MINE actually……………………! (Just joking ….Te! He!)
Jack….laughing at your own ‘jokes’ is really quite sad, especially when they are very weak and unamusing
It was parked last night outside JAKS BAR in Walton Street with a gaggle of swarthy Middle-Eastern types clustered around it taking ‘selfies’. Could it be this is all a British Travel Association promotion? I think we should be told!
Welcome them all I say, from Syria, Iraq, Morocco, Yemen, Libya. Let them bring the childern and their MBOs. We generous and good hearted EU members look forward to seeing them in all our cities, towns, and villages. I am sure they will fully integrate with our way of life, walk the dog, go to church on Sundays, that sort of thing.
Why have you forgotten our friends from Somalia, Romania etc?
They have integrated very well into our prison system
Hah, hah! Nice one Peter!