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This newspaper's interview with David Cameron lays bare some of the tough choices that will face the Conservative leader if he forms the next Government.
With a refreshing openness, Mr Cameron refuses to rule out a rise in VAT, and warns of serious budget cuts, in addition to savings from scrapping ID cards and other projects.
He is right to emphasise the parlous state of the public finances and to prioritise putting them back on a firmer footing. However, one project which he backs unequivocally is Crossrail.
As Mr Cameron comments: "Crossrail has that transformational capability, to make London a more effective and economically successful city."
The Heathrow to Stratford rail link is indeed essential to London's economic future.
When the economy starts growing again, the stresses on the capital's creaking transport system will once again become glaring.
In order to maintain its economic position as a global business centre - and as the motor of the UK economy - London needs Crossrail, and so does the whole of the country.
Mr Cameron's candour over cuts and possible tax rises will doubtless provoke more anger if he becomes Prime Minister next year.
At that point, such painful choices will seem more real. Inevitably there will be infrastructure projects that are dropped.
But Crossrail is an investment in our future prosperity. As such, a Conservative government cannot afford not to see it through.
Keep the Met open
In the week that the family of Ian Tomlinson have been testifying about his death during April's G20 summit protests, it is ironic that the Metropolitan Police should be soft-pedalling over officers who remove or obscure their shoulder patches.
Some of those involved, more than one of whom stands accused of assaulting protesters, covered serial numbers to avoid identification.
This contravenes regulations; in the wake of G20, Denis O'Connor, Acting Chief Inspector of Constabulary, described the practice as "utterly unacceptable".
Yet an internal email leaked to this newspaper instructs recipients to destroy all pictures of officers not wearing their shoulder markings.
The email emphasised that officers being interviewed by media should wear their correct badges - a reminder that may be necessary given that in one poll by a police magazine, almost half of those responding admitted to doing frontline work without their numbers on display.
Nevertheless, to destroy what is potentially evidence in cases such as those thrown up at the G20 is extraordinary.
Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson has already distinguished himself with his openness and readiness to accept valid criticism: this policy on shoulder patch pictures hardly seems in tune with that.
The Met should make sure that its officers wear all their insignia as directed.
Where they do not, and where that leads to public complaints, it should retain the evidence.
Rain will stop play
Plans by Olympic chiefs to manage the weather during the 2012 Games are admirable - but quixotic.
A two-year Met Office study of micro-climates will culminate in a cunning plan for timing events, accompanied by minute-by-minute updates from a "command centre".
Impressive stuff - but this is England. Rain will occasionally stop play.
Competitors, officials and spectators will simply have to keep matters in perspective: a few showers are a small price to pay for three weeks in the greatest city in the world and a fabulous Games.
Reader views (3)
Tom, London, UK
VAT is exempt or applied at reduced rates to many essential items that would hurt poor people. For example, most items of food, medical, publications, utilities, children’s clothes, sport, culture, equipment for disabled people, domestic fuel are all zero rated or at the reduced rate of 5%.
Given that taxation is essential, VAT is one of the fairest systems. Those who spend most on luxury items pay the most tax.
- Percy Vere, Chipping Campden, Glos., 06/11/2009 16:48
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Well what a surprise. Cameron tells london Newspaper he is in favour of the Crossrail Link. Have you not noticed that Cameron says what his audience wants to hear regardless of whether it is possible. He is good at giving cast iron guarantees to anybody and everybody.
- B Slack, Acton England, 06/11/2009 13:50
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"With a refreshing openness, Mr Cameron refuses to rule out a rise in VAT"
Should read
"With a refreshing openness, Mr Cameron refuses to rule out a rise in regressive taxes that affect poor people who don't vote for him".
What's wrong with taxing people who can actually afford it, Davey boy?
- Tom, London, UK, 06/11/2009 11:04
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