Water is an emotive subject which at times of drought and shortage is uppermost in our minds. Generally we take water for granted as it reliably emerges from our taps, abundant and crystal clear, satisfying all our needs.
 
This week, water company bosses are waiting to see how Ofwat will influence their fate, over the next five years. They are aware they may need to prepare for an end to privatisation of the industry. If Mr Corbyn wins the next General Election, he has already threatened to re-nationalise water companies along with rail and other businesses.
 
Water companies are already under scrutiny. It is felt they prioritise shareholders above their customers and the environment. Some like Thames and SE Water, are privately owned by overseas investors, or UK pension funds.
 
Investing in infrastructure is crucial, including building new reservoirs. Here in the South East demand for water is rising, while rainfall is declining.
 
Discussion regarding water storage peaks at times of drought and hose pipe bans, but soon fades when it starts raining. Deciding whether to cease house building, or invest in additional water storage, should concern developers and planners, who must be held to account.
 
A subject rarely discussed, is investment in technology to improve the quality of water. Increased contamination with pollutants such as phenolic oestrogen, nitrates and acidification is critical.
 
Water treatment works do not currently have the technology to filter out damaging microorganisms and drugs, which make their way into the human body, domestic animals, farm livestock and wildlife, through drinking water, causing harmful effects leading to malfunctioning body organs.
 
We should be very worried when we see fish in some rivers, where there are now no males. This information is disturbingly kept under cover, which is unacceptable as the public must be made aware of the impact oestrogen is having on fish, and is clearly already affecting human male fertility and other related malfunctions.
 
Water contamination is not confined to the UK. Countries where crops, including fruit and vegetables rely heavily on irrigation are also a risk. Increasingly imported ‘fresh’ produce sold in supermarkets, is contaminated with nitrates and heavy metals. Surely investment in British water and healthy sustainable food production must be a priority.
 
Singapore is noted as a shining example of a good place to do business, and a safe place to live. This independent, democratic and dynamic country is thriving, without being tethered to the protectionist Malaysian Federation.
 
James Dyson is moving his HQ to Singapore, not to escape Brexit of which he is a vocal supporter. His market in expanding in Asia, and Singapore’s location, and business friendly tax arrangements no doubt count, as well being assured that Jeremy Corbyn will not become Prime Minister!
 
I have the utmost sympathy for the family of drug taking and pusher Ye Ming Yuen. Parents coping with offspring involved with drugs must live in despair. Jeremy Hunt’s criticism of Singapore’s harsh but effective drug laws, is unwarranted. This 29 year old repeatedly flaunted Singapore’s laws which are clear and concise. As I have mentioned before, enormous signs at all entrances to the country, inform travellers that if they are in possession of drugs they will face the death penalty, which Mr Ming Yuen chose  to ignore. He is fortunate, his sentence is 24 lashes and a prison sentence not the death penalty, he has been let off lightly.
 
For Jeremy Hunt to criticise Singapore, when the UK drug scene is out of control, causing untold misery, including death, slavery, knife crime, and kids as young as ten involved in drug taking and dealing, is absurd. The NHS, police and legal system are unable to cope with the criminals, and the thousands out of their tiny minds through drug taking. Dictating to a country whose streets are safe because drug taking and dealing is dealt with harshly, is unacceptable.

I think it is fair to say that a majority appreciate and indeed value the ‘environment’. It is defined variously, as our surroundings, the countryside, open areas around towns, and on the outskirts of ‘habitations’. It also refers to ‘nature’, and the natural world.
 
The word ‘environment’ is used increasingly strategically and politically, sometimes genuinely, but also by those wishing to be considered as being of a caring disposition.
 
Some are beginning to question why farming, house building, transport and industry, the ability to ‘manage’ our surroundings, make progress within our communities, create homes, jobs and produce food, all appear to take second place to the ‘environment’.
 
The shortage of housing and inability to build enough homes, is not unconnected to the planning system which now prioritises the ‘environment’ by protecting the wellbeing of the odd patch of moss, or the welfare of badgers, of which there are too many, or a few Greater Crested Newts, above common sense and the needs of local communities who require homes, and places of work.
 
Those in the best position to care for the ‘environment’, and who have done so for generations, indeed centuries, are farmers. Recent reports by so called experts, that livestock’s emissions are more damaging to the planet than CO2 from cars, should have been backed up with statistics illustrating the advantages and benefits of farming livestock, instead of allowing the ensuing hysteria.
 
Negativity sells newspapers, and excite those whose lives appear to revolve around what they read on Facebook. The Agriculture Bill focused upon public good and the environment, rather than promoting sustainable food production. A big mistake on Mr Gove’s part, who did little to endorse British agriculture and fishing. British agriculture and our fishing industry is suffering from the lack of a dedicated Minister. The management of rivers and waterways have deteriorated since the River Authority was replaced by the Environment Agency.
 
I rather think that if Mr Gove was less influenced by the deafening clamour emitting from environmental lobby groups, most of which are financed by processed food manufacturers, was renamed Minister of Agriculture & Fishing, farmers and fishermen would have a more positive public image.
 
Livestock production generates outputs such as meat, milk, skins and hides, fuel energy, and in many third world countries, essential draught power. They also increase the fertility of soil which enables the growing of the very crops so enthusiastically devoured by vegans and vegetarians.
 
They enhance the landscape, and promote species amenity values, waste assimilation, and ecological functions such as nutrient recycling.
 
The pressure will now increase upon the livestock sector to demonstrate its sustainability credentials in future. Surely not so difficult for the UK’s predominately grass-fed system.
 
It is understandable that the modern consumer demands food which impacts as little as possible on emissions and climate change. So it is important to promote British livestock farming, its advantages and opportunities to enhance the environment, and high welfare standards.
 
Talking about ‘positive’ messages, it is about time Mrs May and her collective government stopped the gloom and doom and start to promote the advantages and opportunities that leaving the Single Market, Customs Union, European Court of Justice, open borders, CAP and the Common Fisheries Policy, offers the UK.
 
The sight of senior MPs and ministers openly doing their best to rubbish Great Britain, our sovereignty, and our ability to govern as directed by the electorate is shocking.
 
Democracy is teetering on a knife edge, as those advocating a second referendum, stopping a no deal Brexit, and anything else they can think of to defy the will of the majority, by wrecking Brexit.
 
There are rumours that the Prime Minister, who is clearly enjoying her humiliation, will shortly call a General Election. If she remains leader of the Conservative Party, we shall without doubt end up with a Corbyn government.

It is revealing to know that those of us who are neither vegan nor vegetarians, take fewer days off for sick leave each year.
 
I dare say there is a moral in there somewhere but I shall resist the temptation to point out the obvious. It is encouraging to know the majority who eat a well-balanced diet in moderation, will not become a burden upon the NHS.
 
While on the subject of vegans, I noticed they are complaining that they receive a bad press. They argue they are peaceful individuals who mind their own business, keeping their beliefs to themselves.
 
I find this somewhat surprising following the regular invasion of abattoirs, butchers and farm shops, and more recent infiltration into steak houses in Brighton, by balaclava wearing ‘vegan’ thugs. They intimidate and insult individuals and families, and demand these premises are shut down.
 
The Channel 4 documentary Dispatches, shown on 2 January featured calls from vegan activists, for livestock farms to be burned down. One women likened eating lamb to eating babies; I presume she must have tried both, how else would she know!
 
A few years ago Ote Hall’s foul water system was brought from the 19th Century into the 21st Century. There was nothing wrong with the clinker based settling tanks built in 1880, which now deals with sewage from nine dwellings, business units and farm buildings, but the increase in volume of dirty water was beginning take its toll.
 
Having installed a state of the art system which included what appeared to be miles of pipe work, some sixteen feet below ground, to enable the correct ‘flow’, and new settling tanks and pumps, at eye watering cost, I now find the running costs horrendous.
 
For over a century the original system worked well at zero cost. Now that modern technology has been introduced the expenses have been huge. Why, because people put wet wipes down the loos. These bung up the pumps which burn out the motors, which then need replacing. Since installation replacement and labour costs have exceeded well over £10k.
 
It is reported that Water UK is currently trying to identify which wet wipes will break down without causing harm. Take it from me all wet wipes cause harm. Some may break down over a period of time, but not in the ten minutes it takes to travel from bathroom to pump. Nothing but paper should ever be flushed down any loo.
 
By the time the WSG is published on Wednesday, the much talked about vote on Mrs May’s Brexit deal with the disastrous backstop, will have taken place, and speculation will be replaced by reality.
 
MPs must, despite Mrs May’s unfounded threats, do the right thing. Hopefully they will have listened to the advice from the Attorney General, who with great clarity explained the legal position. And it is now clear the EU have ruled out an “escape clause” being added to the backstop.
 
The Prime minister will probably have resigned, some prima donna MPs will have walked off in a huff, and with any luck the UK will be on course to leave the EU on 29th March on WTO terms.
 
If on the contrary Mrs May remains in No 10, with no Plan B which she most likely planned all along, making No Brexit the only option, things could get ugly. It is possible her Plan C is to team up with the rump of the Remainers including Labour MPs, seek to extend Article 50, in the guise of “uniting to serve the national interest”, no doubt aided by Speaker Bercow, with the intention of kicking Brexit into the long grass.
 
As many have pointed out, why anyone considers it is acceptable to try and reverse the biggest democratic decision in our history, rather than embrace the opportunities which Independence offers, is beyond belief.

Looking for positive stories which will gladden the heart, raise expectations and generally leave readers with a sense of well-being, is my New Year resolution.
 
After what was a tricky year for agriculture, I believe we can look forward to some decent yields this coming harvest. The winter crops are looking healthy and strong, and unless they get hit by extreme weather or disease, they should do well. Mind you, everything balances out in the end, and a bumper crop will result in lower prices. It is hard to win in this game.
 
If Brexit goes as it should our fishing fleet should soon resume control over British waters. However this depends upon naval patrols, which currently are having trouble spotting boats with illegal immigrants. It remains questionable whether they will be more successful spotting EU fishermen making off with our fish.
 
It seems that at last the House of Commons is coming to its senses, and sooner rather than later Speaker Bercow will be given his marching orders.
 
Never has there been an occupant of the Speaker’s Chair more unsuitable, or one who has brought such shame and controversy to this former honourable position.
 
John Bercow is partisan and a bully. Having promised to go last year, he is now hanging on like the grim reaper. Regrettably Labour and Remoaners are supporting him, as they quite rightly consider he is on their side.
 
It is essential he goes before important votes and decisions regarding Brexit; he cannot be trusted to be objective. Deputy Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, the highly respected Chairman of Ways and Means, should replace him with immediate effect. Mr Hoyle is an honourable man, and has since his appointment in 2010, demonstrated his ability to remain fair and unbiased.  
 
It is tempting to believe my thoughts regarding Singapore had been shared with ministers in the Foreign Office! Perhaps not, but much of what Jeremy Hunt said before and during his recent trip, could have been plucked directly from my column.
 
The UK could do far worse than implement many of Singapore’s policies and laws. Plans should be in place to ensure that on 30th March they are applied with immediate effect.
 
On the same lines we will also have the opportunity to further boost our trade with Commonwealth countries, recognising they are our true friends, partners and equals.
 
Why does it take New Zealander and former High Commissioner to the UK, Sir Lockwood Smith, speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference, to point out the tremendous opportunities a no deal Brexit offers, including British agriculture?
 
He said a ‘halfway house’ is not going to work, we either stay in or get out. The UK has the opportunity to pick up where the USA, now weakened in global trade, has dropped out.
 
Sir Lockwood Smith spelt out the advantages of a ‘smart global strategy’, and free trade agreements. But he emphasised that this will depend upon a clean break with the EU, and full control over our own regulatory policy, which cannot happen if we remain under Brussel’s regulations.
 
In the 1980s New Zealand’s wine and sheep producers were in crises. Today wine is their second biggest export, and thriving sheep farmers produce more meat from 27.5m sheep than they did from 70m, and use 23% less land.
British farmers do not need to be propped up by stultifying EU subsidies. We are amongst the best farmers in the world, producing high quality and high welfare standard produce.
 
Worldwide markets want to buy British. We should listen to our friends who offer advice and view our great country from the outside, recognising the amazing opportunities Brexit offers. We must stop allowing those who wish us to remain a small cog in the diminishing and corrupt wheel which is the EU, to dominate the argument.

2019 is a ‘Red Letter’ year. A year we should approach with confidence and enthusiasm as the long awaited opportunities that Brexit brings to the UK, are within our grasp.
 
It is encouraging that the positive voices of those who recognise the benefits of gaining our independence, sovereignty and the ability to improve the lot of British citizens, commerce and businesses are being heard.
 
This includes agriculture which has for too long been relentlessly driven into the ground, shackled to the Common Agricultural Policy. The EU and its masters have since we joined, tried their best to decimate British Agriculture, and turn farmers into park keepers who do not compete with the less efficient farming practices in other EU countries.
 
Fortunately we are made of sterner stuff than they anticipated. Some did sadly fall by the wayside but most have survived despite reduced income, too many unhelpful rules, regulations and tariffs which suit only France and Germany.
 
Let us hope sanity prevails and the final countdown to Independence Day is managed appropriately, calmly and with dignity.
 
The reports before Christmas of EU ‘plans’ in the event of a clean break Brexit, for aviation, transport, travel, and the exports of goods, were insulting and ridiculous.
 
Mrs May should have immediately countered by saying the UK would in that case introduce similar regulations. More Europeans come to the UK than British travel to Europe, and the two way traffic of goods between Great Britain and the EU is heavily loaded towards their exports coming here. Of course they would not want to disrupt that flow, millions of European workers depend upon the UK buying their goods.
 
Should we forgive that minority of MPs, of all parties, for their bad behaviour, lack of respect and the shame they bring to Parliament? Hopefully they will recognise how their thoughtless actions are viewed, and they will mend their ways with the dawn of a New Year.
 
However, some need reminding it is a privilege to sit on those famous green benches, particularly the person who sits in the Speaker’s Chair. He should remain neutral be dignified and fair. Regrettably the current Speaker is neither and shows little respect for the traditions of the House.
 
Those who mistakenly believe they are more important than their office need reminding they are not.
 
The arrogance of MPs who have chosen to ignore the democratic decision of 17.4 million voters, by implying we are ignorant is offensive. They are going against the will of the people, and some verbally abuse fellow MPs who recognise the opportunities, and support the result of the Referendum. This coupled with the knowledge that both Conservative and Labour manifestos pledged that Parliament would deliver the Brexit we voted for.
 
Those who suggest a second referendum insult the public. Mostly Remainers, they see an opportunity to reverse the 2016 Referendum. No doubt they are influenced by Brussels who insist you keep voting until you reach the answer which suits the EU. 
 
The current mess is not the prospect of Brexit, it is the shambles and uncertainty that the Prime Minister has allowed to develop through her appeasement to her ‘friends’ in Brussels, and determination to deliver a ‘soft’ Brexit. Despite her words, it is clear she wishes the UK to remain tethered to the EU.
 
We need a leader who genuinely believes in Brexit and respects the democratic decision of the majority who voted Leave.
 
I trust she and her ministers will be held to account during these final days by the dignified, honourable and brave MPs who respect those who voted to allow the UK to look outwards and trade globally and independently. To control our borders, protect British jobs for British people, our schools, hospitals and supply of housing, currently under so much pressure.
 
The destiny of the UK is at stake.