government approves £800m Lochaber hydro scheme

[MyUserName]

The Bristol channel is a prime spot. The capacity is astonishing. We've lost the engineering capability and we're just too expensive to do these sorts of projects in our own country anymore. Banking is far cheaper.

In a nutshell our governments have never been able to focus and deliver on long-term investment. Instead they're preferring short term strategies that'll help them win the next general election.

Ah, so this the kind of project with a lot of up front cost whereas the tangible benefits would take a few years to appear?

[scooterscot]

Ah, so this the kind of project with a lot of up front cost whereas the tangible benefits would take a few years to appear?

It's the same with any big project, just ask the Germans. (Oh and before someone jumps in here with the euro project, blame the french, they started it).

Was watching the making of Merkel the other night. Never knew she was a scientist, PhD in quantum chemistry. It is interesting the snails pace that is German politics. It makes you wonder how anything is achieved, with everything negotiated to the nth degree. But then as you watch more and more you see this coming out of 'we're here to do for the country not for ourselves' attitude, ohhhh my goodness you feel so awful when you switch channels and see our own self serving MP's arguing over 11% salary increases.

[MyUserName]

It's the same with any big project, just ask the Germans.

I assumed you meant that the government never got behind this as it would involve a lot of money spent at the beginning without an vote gaining result before the election so they spent money on bread and circuses instead?

If it is the same with any big project why would any big project get started, or were there other big projects which took the budget which this one would have needed?

[scooterscot]

I assumed you meant that the government never got behind this as it would involve a lot of money spent at the beginning without an vote gaining result before the election so they spent money on bread and circuses instead?

My belief is our governments choose to tinker with accounts & numbers to create change. Take some from this group give to them and vice versa. We all chase those polices like a dog to car thinking it'll bring us riches but in truth very little changes. Take Osbourne's housing guarantee, what a crass error of judgement.

The state should be getting behind big projects like this in a massive way. Look at the new forth road bridge crossing that's going up at the minute. Marvellous. Creating numerous jobs in the process.

Queensferry Crossing estimated cost trimmed by £145m


Thames crossing option dropped by government

[Ticktock]

It's the same with any big project, just ask the Germans.

I'm not sure we can allow the Germans to have a series of large dams generating electricity.