Thursday, November 01, 2007

Links. Rechts. Vee ver only obeying targets!

Does the left hand know what the right is doing?

Now there's a question. I'm going for 'in your wildest dreams'.

We know that the Government is perfectly capable of dropping targets when they become inconvenient.

Unfortunately, we are still in the realm of ambitious rhetoric, rather than action, from the Government when it comes to climate change.

Ministers are still ducking hard choices that need to be made if we, as a nation, are to face up to the threat of global warming.


I'm also goingh with Janet Street Porter, who used not to rate on my radar but is now often a voice of soem insight (if not one I'd like to listen to): Convenience comes at a (very high) price

And as it is sort of related, though more yesterday's news, here's a bit more for the pot.

Not, perhaps the best news for local retailers whose main weapon seems to be the removal of plastic bags in 'a' town (I suspect the removal of same in all towns will not quite have the same PR/'get the punters in' impact, at least past day 1).

Indy - Fury and disbelief greets report's claim that Britain needs more supermarkets

Indy - Supermarkets: Big four off the hook

Many independent retailers have been hoping that an inquiry would eventually result in fewer supermarkets being given planning permission. However, a shake-up of the planning regulations which the commission proposes, could pave the way for more supermarkets to open.

Indy - Jeremy Warner's Outlook: Commission wants more supermarkets

It all rather leaves you wondering whether the whole investigation was not just another monumental waste of money. This is the third Competition Commission investigation of the supermarkets sector in seven years, and all of them have broadly ended up clearing the industry of "rip-off" practices.

Actually, no. Despite some confused thinking around the landbank issue, the findings are on the whole measured and proportionate. Britain's growing population means that there is a real need for more supermarkets, regardless of the competition issues. The planning laws have to be adjusted accordingly.

Guardian - Getting past the checkout is a breeze for Tesco

Gaurdian - The way we shop now

Gaurdian - Reality checkout

I don't know about left and right hands, but my RSI-ridden wrist is shot!

No comments: