Busy lines last night with a lot of reaction to the on going debate about cheque books and what might eventually replace them. They're due to go in 2018, but some charities have raised concerns that people will not be able to cope without them - especially the elderly, who might start putting money under the bed instead. If you have the internet then there seems to be numerous ways of sending cash to people without knowing their bank details. Paypal for one. E cash is another. You can also do these things on a iphone, and doubtless other smart phones are not far behind. By 2018 we have to hope that there will be enough easy to use alternatives for sending small amounts to organisations and methods that even 100 year old can cope with. I suspect everyone's phone will by then be capable of sending and accepting cash payments.
We also talked about the huge hike in petrol prices and why no one is complaining about it. Seems like we're not taking to the streets because we have given up. We've just accepted that is the way of things. Same goes for the high speed rail link which will cost tens of billions, has been chosen for us, but for which there is little enthusiasm. Last night - 80 per cent were against that and Crossrail.
Back tonight at ten