This week in the news it has been like looking through a
comic book; the adventures of politicians saying ridiculous things – or
something more comic like and catchy, and not involving anyone with super
powers. So I should probably re-phrase what I just said. This week in the news
it’s been like flipping through the world’s worst comic book!
There has been photograph after photograph and short news
clip after short news clip showing the Prime Minister – Mr Cameron, looking
concerned but assuring us that all will be well in regards to the potential tanker
driver strikes which may lead to petrol shortages. Mostly this week though there
has been gaff after gaff made by MPs and the most stupid comment of the week
must surely go to Francis Maude, the Cabinet Office Minister.
You have to wonder why there wasn’t a memo issued to all MPs
that said something along the lines of; “don’t say anything that the AA or the
fire brigade are going to immediately rebut. Or that’s just plain stupid!”
Obviously there wasn’t though, or else Francis Maude didn’t get it!
Surely though there are certain things that are common sense
are there not? Why in your right mind would you make a comment that practically
advised people to stock up on petrol and store it in their homes, garages, or
cars? It doesn’t take a genius to realise the potential fire risk that this
poses, and I’m not at all surprised that we saw the AA and fire brigade quickly
advise against it.
Also I’d hazard a guess that if you’ve got house insurance
it may not cover you (entirely at least), if your house is completely
eviscerated in large part due to the five or more petrol canisters that you
were storing just in case there was a strike.
It seems that with a strike looming be are all becoming
potential, if not no harm intended accidental arsonists to the emergency
services. Out of fear of not being able to use our cars, and on the back of
nonsense being said by MPs – cough, cough, Francis Maude, we are all toting or
considering toting dangerous and highly flammable substances around.
I also can’t help finding it slightly amusing when the likes
of our PM tell us not to worry about petrol strikes. Firstly I wonder if
politicians ever tell us when we should worry. I’m fairly certain that the
Greek government is likely to still be telling its citizens not to worry, and I
think we can all see that that’s definitely doing the trick!
Secondly, I can’t imagine it will be that much of a hardship
for the PM or the Chancellor if there is a petrol strike – outside of opinion
polls obviously. How hard can that walk from Number 10 and 11 Downing Street to
Westminster be?
This is also not the first time that we’ve seen petrol
strikes, and I feel sure it won’t be the last. Yet with the Easter weekend
looming, and with people travelling around the country to take short breaks or
to visit family and friends, I think it’s likely that people will continue to
remain nervous about the likelihood of not being able to fill up their tank.
Remember though, it’s got to be safety first and never fear because
the AA, RAC, Green Flag and whoever else I haven’t mentioned that you might
have call out or breakdown policies with, are always here. Although if you get
into your car and you see you’re on empty, it might be best not to try and
chance it Jeremy Clarkson style on Top Gear to see how far you’re car will run
on empty!
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