Xinomorph

I've just been going through some unread e-mails in my inbox and came across this little gem, concerning the ridiculous Barnett Formula, under which, in short, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland get English taxes when they have declared economic 'sovereignty' (but don't get me started on what constitutes sovereignty).

Absolutely brilliant.

I've just read an excellent article from David Cameron, published at ConservativeHome.com today to mark his 100th day as leader of the Conservative party. I hope the message gets out to the electorate:

"One of the biggest challenges facing all of us in politics today is cynicism. Too many people think there's no point in voting because you can't believe a word that politicians say and, if elected, they'll ignore the wishes of the electorate and do whatever they like.

I want to change that. But I know that the only way to change the perception is to change the reality first. Britain can't afford another government that doesn't deliver on its promises. That's why I've been careful, in my first 100 days as Leader of the Opposition, not to promise the earth.

I'm an idealist but I'm also determined that every policy the Conservative Party creates will be hard-headed, practical and durable. We're not aiming to win a general election for the sake of grabbing power – we intend to govern well, make Britain a better place and leave office with the reputation of politics and politicians enhanced.

Some Tories are impatient for a comprehensive set of policies. I understand that. After all, no one is going to vote for a manifesto consisting of mood music. However, my aim is to build our platform on solid foundations. That's why I've set up a series of policy groups to examine the key issues in depth. The participants are people with real credibility and expertise in their fields and I'm confident that they will deliver ideas we can unite around and be proud of.

We're working on the details of policy but I've already set out a clear direction. There are a number of ways in which the next Conservative government will be different to – and better than – Labour.

Society will be fairer. Widening opportunity for those who need it most is a vital part of my Conservatism. Gordon Brown thinks it's enough to keep the disadvantaged on a drip feed of handouts. I don't. Of course those in poverty must have financial help but they deserve much more. Under Labour, social mobility has actually decreased. Our policies will be aimed at the least well off and will address the need to support vulnerable families, provide proper education, tackle the epidemic of debt, fight crime and drug abuse and give people a decent environment to live in.

Britain will be safer. Our security requires strong armed forces with high morale and a relentless determination to beat terrorism. We need practical steps - like proper border controls - to combat terror, rather than expensive and ineffective measures like ID cards. And so that's why we will be hard-nosed defenders of freedom and security. Crime must also be tackled. Labour's proposals to cut sentences for serious offences like rape will be rejected and reversed.

The environment will be greener. Climate change is the single biggest challenge facing our planet. As Britain's prime minister, I will work ceaselessly to gain international support to tackle it. On a smaller scale our policies will be directed at energy saving, locally produced food, better air quality and conserving our landscape.

Power will be closer to the people. I'm determined to bring decision making nearer to the people. That means reversing Labour's centralising, big government approach and an end to regionalisation by the back door and no EU constitution.

The economy will be richer. Britain's competitiveness has declined since 1997. As other countries have woken up to the need to win business, our companies are burdened by a growing mountain of red tape and regulation. Conservatives are proud to be the party of enterprise. And we won't put that at risk – which is why we've pledged to put stability before tax cuts.

People will be healthier. The National Health Service is underperforming under Labour. A wall of bureaucracy stands between patients and the treatment they need. We want our health service to be run by doctors, nurses and other professionals. Alongside this, a Tory government will promote a much greater awareness of the importance of good diet and exercise. We'll encourage but we won't nanny.

And all of this will be underpinned by my core belief of trusting people. If you trust people, then you also empower them and their communities. I know that I don't have all the answers – nobody can say that. I realise that we're all in this together – government, business, the voluntary sector, families and individuals. And by realising that we have a shared responsibility for our future then we can be much more positive about the challenges that we face.

Conservatism is not, and never has been, a dogma. Our values are enduring but our party has thrived for 200 years because we always evolve to meet the challenges of each new era. There's a new mood of confidence and optimism around and, when the moment comes, we'll be ready."

She really does THE most annoying voice in the history of anything. Ever.

A new fetish - the most shocking I have ever heard of - has surfaced on Chinese websites. In this new form of "snuff", live animals such as dogs, rabbits, toads, and even tiny kittens are stomped on, and ultimately crushed to death by "sexy" (I say 'sexy' in EXTREME quotation) women wearing "stockings and high heels". It's just absolutely fucking sickening.
I can't believe that this is allowed to carry on, especially with the amount of control which the Chinese authorities reign over their citizen's Internet access. It really needs to be stopped. In every form. Right now. Web, print, video, everything.
The people who make - and 'get off on' - this kind of sickeningly vile practice deserve much, MUCH worse than what they are dishing out. I cannot accurately describe my complete and utter hatred for them and contempt for their lives. Utter, utter cunts.

So, it would appear that the next United Kingdom census, due in 2011 (it is conducted every ten years), contains the following options for nationality: Welsh, Scottish, Irish and British. But no English (I would assume also 'Other', but this is not detailed in the article).
English is NOT interchangable with British, and so we, the English, are being subjected to mass, national discrimination once again. It is absolutely disgusting.

Don't get me wrong, I am British. I am proud to be British. But foremost, I am English, and if the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish can class themselves as so, we should be allowed to class ourselves British. It is blatant institutional racism, and I urge anyone with any decency and/or interest in politics and democracy to help campaign for the English to be properly represented.

There's a number of things you can do to help:

• Sign the pledge
• Contact census co-ordinator Joy Dobbs at the Office for National Statistics
• Make a complaint to the Commission for Racial Equality

...And of course spread the word. This is not something that will go away by itself. You CAN help make the difference.

Christ. God know what this makes me then. Super Uber Pro Mega Surfer, perhaps? No, that's probably still not strong enough...