Poor timing for EU debate

It is with bewilderment that I note today that whilst Medway residents are worried about simply staying in the black, about jobs, schools, hospitals and the economy our MP is once again banging on about Europe.

It's like one of those broken records... we have heard this all before... time and time again.

There are times and places for these things and a vote on whether we leave or stay in the EU, whilst we are embroiled in a full Eurozone crisis is not only baffling but also positively foolish.

It is a massive economic risk if politics were to be put before the economy at this crucial time - but dont let that stop the right wing opportunists - who sense an opportunity to rubbish Europe at a time when closer fiscal integration must be considered.

The focus for our local representatives should be stability and jobs. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports today that consumer price inflation in the UK was 5.2% in September, up from 4.5% in August. Increases in gas and electricity prices were largely to blame but - although these were well known about - the jump in inflation was bigger than anticipated.

The surge in inflation was driven by a rise in utility bills, with gas and electricity costs increasing by 13 and 7.5 per cent respectively following price hikes from Scottish & Southern Energy, E.ON, British Gas and Scottish Power. The retail prices index (RPI), which includes housing costs, rose from 5.2 to 5.6 per cent in September, while the consumer prices index (CPI), used to set benefit levels, increased from 4.5 to 5.2 per cent.

With unemployment hitting a 17-year high of 2.57 million in the three months to August, the benefits bill is increasing, which is putting further strain on the public finances as the chancellor wields his axe.

The people of Medway are really feeling the squeeze at the moment; but instead of articulating that concern we have another vote on Europe... and we all know it will be totally rejected by the same Conservatives who promised a referendum in the first place.

You think we should be talking about Europe?

Thought not.