THE UK and THE EU

The UK and The EU - AN UPDATE

Earlier on my Blog I expressed my views on the Big Debate - should The UK stay in The EU or exit the EU.
Since The In Out Referendum is fast approaching, I would like to emphasise some key points - my opinion only.

The UK accepts the Treaty of Rome and subsequent Treaties principle of the Free Movement of Labour, Goods and Services and Capital throughout member states of The EU
However, citizens of member states visiting The UK must claim all Welfare Payments and Healthcare Costs from their country of origin.
These Citizens must have Medical Insurance, a Job and have no criminal record.
If a member state refuses to pay these costs, The UK has the right to deduct payments and interest from its contribution to the central budget of the EU.

EU Immigrants cannot be hired at wages below UK minimum standards or replace British Workers who have first choice on job vacancies for the first 3 months of advertising the vacancies.

The UK will have the right to determine how many Asylum seekers enter the UK. The cost of upkeep must be born by the EU.

The UK does not want to join the Eurozone.

The UK will have the right way in law to deport convicted criminals or fraudsters. The Human Rights Convention must be amended accordingly.

EU Laws must be approved by The British Parliament before becoming effective.

The UK supports the notion of all EU states being granted the same rights as the UK.

The UK is proud to be European. The UK will continue to vigorously support Free Trade within The EU, Joint Ventures, Cultural  and Social Exchanges, Law Enforcement, Detection of Criminals, Economic Growth and Peace throughout the EU and elsewhere.

The UK does not want to join an EU Army. It will remain a member of NATO.

The UK will advocate that the EU Budget is vetted and that the auditors sign off and approve the Annual Budget unlike at present.

There must be stronger Financial Management of EU affairs, transparency, verification and traceability of allocated funds.

If there are no fundamental changes in EU Legislation such as stated above, it is highly likely that The UK will vote OUT in The Referendum. In this case it is hoped that The UK will remain a strong Economic Trading Partner. If not, all of Europe will lose out and prosperity will be lost for a long time.

FOOTBALL - THE BEAUTIFUL GAME ?

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN THE BEAUTIFUL GAME OF FOOTBALL

As an Alumni of Henley Business School and a lifetime supporter of Football with Swansea City and Arsenal, it has amazed me and indeed shocked me that FIFA and so many Football Clubs such as Glasgow Rangers, do not seem to know the most elementary principles of Financial Management and Good Practice Management such as promoted by The Henley Business School Faculties.
I love the beautiful game of football but I do not love how the game is promoted and managed. It has become a gluttonous game where footballers can earn up to £250,000 per match for often just kicking a football twenty times in a match and scoring no goals. Transfer fees have become outrageous - how can any footballer be worth a £80 Millions transfer ? Agents fees have become ridiculous. Companies such as Sky and BT charge fans large amounts per month in order to watch their favourite team on Television. Sponsors pay £ Millions to football clubs - I wonder if they get value for their investment ? Worse trend of all is the cost to football supporters who have to pay high prices for their season tickets or seats on a Saturday afternoon. How long can this crazy situation go on ?
The whole system is skewed in favour of the clubs in the Premier League and the Championship and that needs to change.

Recent events concerning alleged mismanagement of funds within the Global FIFA Organisation has highlighted once again the need for the Financial Management of Football to be more Professional and where Due Diligence is practiced as a matter of daily life.
How can this become reality and Corruption buried forever in the Higher Levels of Football Regimes ?
Not all Managements in Football today are corrupt. It is the greedy minorities in high positions that give he Beautiful Game a bad press and poor reputation.
Ivan Gazidis Chief Executive of Arsenal FA is an exception. He was educated at Oxford University and he was Co- Founder of The Football League in the USA. He is a Beacon of Hope for the Football Industry. We need many more Chief Executives like him.

Here is my personal advice to Football Club Management and particularly FIFA. These are my personal recommendations after many years of Management practiced with integrity and dignity.
Financial Management is the Top Priority for the future success and respect of Football. May it flourish in the future
 managed by strong dedicated Financially astute people with impeccable characters and inspirational leadership.

KEY PRINCIPLES FOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN FOOTBALL

Funds allocated to any affiliated Association or cause must be Verified, Analysed, Checked and rechecked by a Financial Committee and Non Executive Directors before being signed off for Payment.
Traceability - all funded Projects,schemes or player transfers must be capable of traceability and inspection. For example, funds for a new stadium must be accounted for and verified and subject to physical inspection by members of the Main Board of Directors.
Commission payments,bonuses and any other payments to a third party must be checked and verified.
No payments should be made such as transfer fees which would put the borrowing to income ratios outside the long term repayment capability of the Club or Football Association.
Tax evasion should be strictly prohibited.
The Top Management and the Directors must have had training in Financial Management and Good Practice Management. An opportunity for Henley Business School and other Top Business Schools to offer short term seminars
 and qualifications. The Government should promote such professional courses. I wonder how many of our leading Chairmen and Chief Executives have had some sort of training in Financial Management ? How many senior positions in The Football World have been filled by Celebrities without training in Financial Management ? Just because a person has reached the heights of Corporate Management in one Sector does not mean he or she is the best candidate for a senior position in Football Management. Certainly a famous footballer, excellent on the football pitch may be a disaster in the Top Management of Football.

External Auditing should be regular practice with interim reviews. Auditors must share some of the blame for allowing corruption no misuse of funds to be allowed. No excuses !

Structural Changes should be considered. Perhaps the organisation is too big and lines of communication and accountability too extended -example of Sepp Blatter of FIFA. Avoid cliques and secret meetings which are not documented and recorded.

In many cases, I believe that the independent Auditors have not done a good job following my key principles of -

Authorisation

Verification

Traceability

Regular auditing

Physical checks on Projects

Identification of bad practise

Management Accountability

All functions performed by a skillful and well trained Management.

These Principles must apply to third party allocation of funds. This Is to prevent fraud and misuse of funds such as commissions, consultancy fee elevations, backhanders, hidden funds. Strict auditing is the key function - both internal auditing and independent external auditing.

The Inland Revenue should be more vigorous in vetting salaries of footballers, transfer fees and annual tax bills. Offshore accounts and third party concealments of funds need to be pursued more aggressively. How much annual tax does Wayne Rooney of Manchester United pay each year to the UK Tax Authorities?

Beware of the following words when analysing accounts -

Miscellaneous Expenditure
Consultancy Fees
Management Fees
Government fees
Government and Local Taxes
Expenditure brought forward
Introductory Commissions
No Receipts
Entertaining Expenditure
Past Tax payments

Beware of non authorised Offshore Bank Accounts and no funds should be channelled through personal accounts.

You may find some surprised loopholes in the accounts.

Finally, the difference between a CEO as Leader and a CEO as Figurehead is simply this -

The former accepts full responsibility for ensuring that all aspects of The Organisation functions in accordance with The Strategy, Policies, Objectives and Ethos of the Organisation.
The latter says - I did not know what was going on so that I cannot be held responsible !

Raymond Williams MA MPhil MBA DIPM
EUREKYS
Henley Business School Alumni

Ray Williams has 25 years experience as CEO in 3 Leading British Companies.
He is Past Winner of The National Marketing Award - for an Outstanding Achievement in British Marketing.
Awarded the Government Certificate of Excellence for Business Advisory Services.
Educated at Harvard Business School, Lancaster University, Brunel University and Henley Business School
Founder of EUREKYS Business Consultants.



For Debate and to reach a consensus Policy of Best Principles for Football Management.

Make the Beautiful Game managed by Beautiful People.

new book - BREATHE by Michael Townsend Williams

My son Michael Townsend Williams has just launched his new book in the United Kingdom entitled 
BREATHE

It is a compact book beautifully written and illustrated. Michael is one of the leading authorities on Yoga, Wellbeing and Mindfulness Coaching. This Book might change your life for the better.
It is highly recommended. It costs only £8.99 from AMAZON ONLINE

I am pleased to recommend this book - BREATHE.

When you get the right balance in life you can do amazing things…

... like create, perform, lead a team, build a great company, raise a family. But so often the scales tip and we feel overwhelmed and stressed. Michael Townsend Williams, an adman turned yoga teacher and mindfulness coach, is an advocate of ‘welldoing’ – leading a busy and productive life, but not at the expense of our health and wellbeing. And key to this? Our breath.
The crucial link between mind and body, our breath reflects what we’re dealing with at any given moment. It tells us when we’re out of our depth.

With simple breathing exercises and elements from yoga, meditation and mindfulness, Do Breathe will help you to:

Reduce stress and increase productivity
Improve focus and work flow
Cultivate new good habits and drop the bad
Build courage and resilience

Why not breathe yourself better?

Michael Townsend Williams website is - STILLWORKS.

He has many famous clients  in the United Kingdom and the USA. where he coaches online.

MANNERS - DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THEM ?

MANNERS – DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THEM ?

In Britain Today there seems to be a lack of manners amonst our youger and middle age citizens.

The Practice of Manners seems to have been forgotten. In fact, for some people they have never heard of Manners or practiced them. Why ? Because they have not been taught by their parents or heard of them in School.

Perhaps people with Manners will have suffered from Bad Manners in recent years. Here are some examples -

• You are walking along the pavement and you are approached by two young children. They walk straight at you forcing you to leave the pavement. There is no thought by them that they should give way to Adults. Often, they will utter some cheeky remarks if you do not get out of their way.

• You are in a restaurant. Some people on the table next to you are talking so loud that the whole restaurant can hear them. It can get worse. Thye recognise some friends on one of the tables and start a converation so loud that you can not hear your partner talk.

• Another table takes a Mobile Phone call. You can hear the converstion very clearly. It is a builder talking to his mate about the specifications and contract with his recent customer. There are many more examples of where a Mobile Phone disturbs your peace. The Mobile phone users do not care.

• You are at a swimming pool om holiday. Around the pool there are four large signs – Do not dive, Do not Bomb – Do not use inflatables. You look around and see dozens of children floating on their inflatables. Others diving, more bombing. The Parents are sitting near the pool and they take no notice of the signs or the danger to their children. They do not care about other swimmers unable to swim because the pool is so congested.

• Next we have the smokers who ignore signs and light up cigarettes and sometimes cigars. They do not care about other people in the restaurant or around the pool.

• Young children are allowed to run riot in the restaurant disturbing the other dinners. Do the parents stop them ? No. they do not care.

• You may be elderly and you are travelling by bus or train. No one will offer you their seat. Young children are sitting playing with their iPad and they are oblivious to you. They have not been taught to give way to an adult especially an elderly adult.

• We see bad manners in our schools. Pupils answer back to the teacher and are sometime aggressive. Often the pupils are roudy – but what can te teacher do with all the Rules and Regulations imposed on them.

Unfortunately, we live in a bad manners World. We need to teach our children good manners at home and in school. If they grow up knowing what is good and bad, Society might become more thoughtful in future.

Someone should draw up a Charter of Good Manners. We need to be a less selfish Me First Attitude Society for the better of Britain.

BRITISH FOREIGN AID POLICY 2016-2026

BRITISH FOREIGN AID

Britain in 2015 is a huge Debtor Nation. It has struggled to reduce the National Debt for some 7 years. In spite of this difficult economic climate, The British People have spent some £12 Billions on Overseas Aid and Development each year.

Britain signed up to the United Nations Plan to spend 0.7% of Gross Domestic Product ( GDP ) in future years.

Recently in 2015, the European Union have dcclared that Britain should pay an extra £1 Billions towards the EU Foreign Aid Budget. Aparently, Britain has not paid enough in previous years.

Britain is the second highest contributor to Foreign Aid in the World – after the USA.

Making a contribution to Foreign Aid and Development is an honourable thing to do. We must continue to help reduce Poverty, Improve Healthcare and Invest in improving the facilities for people in depressed Nations to live a better life.

The British People also donate some £60 Millions Plus via The Red Nose Charity and more through Save the Children Fund, Water Funds, OXFAM and through many other Worthwhile Charities. Britsih Volunteers also serve in many countries of the World.

Can Britain continue to contribute at the present levels ? My answer is NO.

What should British Oversaeas Aid Policy ne in the future 2016 – 2026 ?

• No British Aid should be channeled vis Foreign Governments. Too much Foreign Aid is lost via Corruption and the Black Market in the recipient countries. This must stop.Too many Government Officials in Foreign Countries have become Millionaires in office. Where does the money come from ?

• Britain should continue to channel Aid via Approved Charities who are already working in the countries concerned or Bona Fide United Nations Organisations.

• Any money spent via The European Union must be subject to external Audit. It is a disgrace that the Financial Accounts have not been ratified as correct by the External Auditors for more than 10 years . How do they get away with it ?

• Starting in 2016, Britain should reduce its contribution by 50% until Britain has reached equilibrium with its National Debt finances.

• Britain should withdraw from a 0.7% GDP formula until its finances are in Credit.

• The World Monetary Fund should continue to support worthwhile Projects in Development Countries.

• The Pharmaceutical Companies should continue their good work in supplying Drugs at reduced prices but once again these shipments must be closely monitored along the Supply Chain to stop Corruption and Black Marketing.

This seems a realistic Policy for Britain to pursue in the next 5 – 10 years. If the British Economy grows at a more rapid rate, this Policy can be reviewed. In the meantime, let us face up to reality -

stop wasting £Millions in Overseas Aid at rates which Britain cannot afford.

ISRAEL PALESTINE PEACE PROPOSAL

THE ISRAELI PALESTINIAN CONFLICT – ANOTHER SOLUTION ?

There has been so many atempts to solve the Israeli Palestinian Conflict. All attempts have failed.

There never will be a solution unless there is more give and take. There is fear on both sides. This mindset has to change but how ?

Here is another contribution to the debate. Probably this idea will be rejected too and so the violence goes on and on.

Here is another possible solution -

THE TREATY OF PEACE 2017 – THE 20 POINTS PEACE ACCORD

Signed in Jerusalem September 1^st 2017

1. A small piece of land surrounding The Dome on the Mount in Jerusalem will be designated The Capital Territory of Palestine in Jerusalem ( CTP ). The Parliament of Palestine and Administration Offices will remain located on the West Bank.
2. Palestine - that is the West bank and Gaza within its present boundaries will be a new sovereign State and admitted into the United Nations in its new form recognised by Israel. Later, Parts of the Sinai might be ceded to Palestine for development.
3. A new super highway will link the West bank and Gaza – funded by International Finance.
4. Israeli settlements on the West bank will remain but no more settlements will be built unless sanctioned by Palestine.
5. Subject to Israeli Planning Laws, Palestinians can build and invest in Housing Projects in Israel.
6. Palestine will renounce all violence against Israel.
7. Israel will renounce all violence against Palestine except in self defence.
8. Palestine will recognise Israel as a sovereign independent State.
9. Terrorism and Extremism of all kinds will be banned in both countries.
10. Palestine will not have an army but will be allowed a Police Force – in reasonable numbers to keep the peace. The Palestine Defence Force.
11. After 3 years of Peace, the Wall between Israel and Palestine will come down.
12. Free Trade will be allowed between the 2 countries but no materials of War or Violence.
13. Working Permits will be needed on both sides of the border.
14. Gaza will have more investment in a Port to encourage Trade.
15. Gaza / West Bank will have an Airport for non military use – to encourage Trade links.
16. There will be more International Investment in both counties – Tourism and Industry Projects and Farming.
17. Palestine will not support International Terrorism.
18. The United Nations will guarantee the Sovereign Independence of both counties.
19. A Non Aggression Pact will signed and ratified by all Religious Leaders – signed at The Dome on the Mount CTP in September 2017.
20. The United Nations Assembly will officially welcome the Peace Treaty signatories to a special meeting of the General Assembly in New York.

Fear can be banished forever if two Peoples demand Peace and the Extremists on both sides are overruled by the majority of peaceful and decent human beings

A new Attitude towards Peace must be born again. Let it be.

THE FUTURE OF BRITAIN

THE FUTURE OF BRITAIN

Do we the Citizens of Britain want to return to the Middle Ages ? Do we want to turn the clock back when England rivalled Scotland, Wales rivalled England, Ireland rivalled England. Yorkists fought Lancastrians ? Do we want to be so Nationalistic, Regionalistic with Religous Diviion and strife ? Do we want a Begger thy Neighbour attitude to prevail ?

For the Majority the answer is a resounding No.

So, what is the problem In Britain Today ? It is selfish Divsionism and the wish to break up Britain as a United Kingdom – spearheaded by The Scottish Nationals.

However, there is a mood of change in the Nation. People feel that Big Government makes them feel small, left out, unheard and ruled by Big Brother.

This must change but How ?

Here is my solution -

Britain becomes a Monarchial Federation.

Devolution of Powers is accelerated to -

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

and

England

These Powers will be as at present but also more Powers over Taxation, Education Policy, Welfare Policy within Federal Budget fiscal allocations.

The Federal Government based in London will have the Powers over -

• Defence
• Foreign Affairs
• Membership of NATO
• National Health Services Budget
• National Debt Repayment
• Fiscal Policies relation to Defence, National Health , Welfare & Social Services Budgets
• International Crime Prevention
• Safeguards against Terrorism

The Federal Government will have a reduced number of Federal MPs – to be agreed

Similarly the structure of Devolved Government needs a review. The Federal Government will neet in Westminster Hall in the Palace of Westminster.

The English Parliament will meet in the existing House of Commons.

The reduced number Upper House ( House of Lords ) will meet in the existing House of Lords Chamber.

The reduced numbers of the Cabinet will still meet at Number 10 Downing Street.

The Prime Minister will reside at Number 10 Downing Street.

There will be a continuing repsect for the Separation of Powers -

• The Queen – The Executive
• Independent Judiciary
• Federal Government - Legislature
• National Governments – Legislatures

Many tourists especially from the USA call our country -

• England
• United Kingdom
• Great Britain
• The British Isles.
• My suggestion is that we call our Federal Counry -

Great Britain ( GB )

This is how we are known at the Olympic games,

The National Flag will remain -

The Union Jack

The individual Nations Flags will remain as at present.

BRITISH VALUES

The Prime Minister The Rt,Hon. David Cameron MP has often referred to British Values.

What are British Values ?

Many people especially new Immigrants have no idea what is meant by British Values,

Many have come to Britain with the Values of their Country of Birth. They know no other set of Values. This is one of the big divisions in British Society today and leads directly to Immigrant separation from mainstream Britain. The creation of Immigrant Ghettos, Extremism and lack of integration with their British born neighbours is a major barrier to peace co-existence.

I believe that Multi Culturalism is leading to Multi – Divisionism. We need acceptance of British Values if we want to live in Britain and enjoy the great benefits of living in this country. We want to remain Britain and not to become a new country of Foreignism.

Here are my views about British Values -

1. Although I am Welsh and I love Wales, I am a British Citizen and I owe allegience to Her Majesty The Queen whom I respect and admire very much.
   I respect The Rule of Law
2. I want to live in peace with every citizen and visitor to Great Britain and the Rest of the peaceful World.
3. I believe in Tolerance – particularly in Religion and non Religious beliefs,
4. Democracy is my way of living and I respect our Democratic Institutions.
5. I would not hurt anyone or be violent towards any person or Institution.
6. Freedom of Speech – whether I like what I hear or not is a fundamental right of every citizen providing it is within the Law.
7. I believe in Free Healthcare
8. I believe in Free Education but I protect the right of anyone to pay for Private Healthcare or Education
9. I pay my Taxes which are due and I do not try to evade paying British taxes.
10. I am honest.
11. I do not support aggression for territorial again.
12. I want to live in peace with the rest of the World.
13. I respect British Heritage – our Countryside and wild life and National Trust Properties.
14. I accept Immigration but within controllable limitations set by the  British Government.
15. I reject Barbaric cruel behaviour, Terrorism and Extremism wherever it occurs in the World.

There are many more variations of my List of British Values but I think that the majority of decent loyal British Citizens would agree with me.

Does Britain want to become The Dis United Kingdom or The Dis United Great Britain ?

Does Britain want bad feeling, discontent and separation between the 4 Nations that make up Great Britain ?

No, No, No.

Let us live in peace and harmony in a more prosperous Great Britain for all.

Let our Politicians accept the reality that people want change for the better – less Big Government and more participation and respect at 4 Nations Levels who are united in their love for their joint home – GREAT BRITAIN.