“We pull out of Europe and we do it now. It's a political gravy train - nothing more - nothing less. Lord Salisbury had it right - splendid isolation. What we have just isn't working, except for the army of duplicate politicians and civil servants”

“Actually I don't think Europe is that bothered about this deal:
- and as European rules were not followed in giving Siemens preferred bidder status, Europe would probably be have to be fine about a review (if it got noticed at all in the Euro crisis)
- also Siemens is such a huge company that this deal isn't about the continued survival of its train making factory

So, is this a matter of the present govt not wanting to put right an incorrect process started by previous (when they were quick to stop the school building programme) or thinking they will lose face by ordering a review (whereas they look pretty dithery in the sloppy way they have handled this)
They should be decisive, order a review and get the correct decision.
And Mr Hammond should ASK what the implication of a document is BEFORE signing in future!!”

“I agree that looking at the political parties is enough to make anyone feel at least a little negative - but I do feel that it is important to realise that preferred bidder status is distinct from being awarded the contract, so it is too early to be negative.
Time and time agin, I read the contract has been awarded to Siemens - but it hasn't”

“For some reason cannot see first 17 posts so this might have already been said but the Bombardier Meridian train was built in Belgium not Derby. This should also act as warning as it shows that Bombardier could easily close Dreby and continue to supply GB from its European plants.”

“Mister Cameron doesn't want to upset Europe.
Our problem is that we have not had enough practise in blockading our own ports, shutting down our air traffic control zones, bringing Motorways to a standstill with striking truckers and generally not being French enough.
Our flag has all the right colours, our Government is sufficiently pompous and arrogant,so where are we going wrong?
I blame the national anthem.”

“Dianae.... I love Grey Old Grumpy's posts, but I don't always follow the detail as I don't have the background.

As for sounding negative.... Perhaps it comes across that way because what I do have a background in, is working in environments where people make mischief.

The Labour Party are making a big deal out of this, saying that it would not happen under them. (When actually, something similar did.)

The Conservatives are making a big deal out of this, saying that their hands were tied and it was the fault of the previous administration. (They could overturn this but don't want to upset Europe.)

The peripheral parties are having a field day, saying what they would do if they were in power, knowing full well they will never get there...

It's a mess. The common man would overturn the decision, but the common man never gets to being a Prime Minister, because he is a common man.

If I come across as being negative one this topic dianae....then hopefully the above might explain my thinking.”

“Thanks to 'Andy of London' (see comments beneath article) for the passengers' perspective on Bombardier's superior product - http://tinyurl.com/43j9dqy”

“by Objectionist
"John Smith..... Can you recall who the politician was?"


No. But it was on the politics show before PMs Question Time.”

“Objectionist

I think people who read through comments now realise that you have signed the petetion. If you read through greyold grumpy's comments, you would find a wealth of information (usually sourced) on not only Bombardier's record of winning contracts to pace their work through factory floor but also the mistakes made in the tendering process as well as Siemens' corruption record.

So, when questions you ask have been answered in detail already on DET articles, are you sounding so negative because you're naturally pessimistic?”

“@John Smith - I don't know the name of the politician to whom you are referring but I can give you the government's own stats on our balance of trade with Europe and they show a somewhat different picture: http://tinyurl.com/43s9p8o”