18th May 2012

The weather is always a topic of conversation with the English.

Dull is normal. 

Dry is unusual. 

Sunny days are scarce.

Winters are not warmer although summers are, it is universally agreed, wetter.

But this year May has seen some crazy weather even for England and even for Cumbria.

A couple of nights ago I was at a meeting in Little Salkeld.

The event was held outdoors.

Pizza was cooked in a wood fired oven outside (risky but brave).

In the space of two short hours we experienced, rain, sunshine and hailstones.

Eventually we left but not before experiencing the most amazing rain, so torrential that it forced its way through the car's sunroof, which was closed.

When we got home, twenty five miles north, the streets were dry.

May is wet and cold. It promises to be wet and cold for the family party planned for this weekend.

In the Euro zone it seems that Greece and Spain are both, despite their better, calmer and more predictable climates both catching an economic cold.

The Euro is now a will it, wont it currency.

Will it survive Greece withdrawing, will Spain revert to the Peseta, will the Euro itself survive the new anti austerity policies embraced now by both Greece and France.

The con-dem government has committed itself to a programme of continued austerity, but it is a programme that is both flawed and unimaginative.

Either, ways need to be found to raise funds from the wealthy that do not impact on demand, in order to invest in programmes that will stimulate growth by getting the economy moving again or the electorate should be given an opportunity to express their view on austerity versus investing in jobs, growth and a future for young people.

But again and again we are drawn back by the con-dem coalition to reducing welfare, it plays well with the conservatives traditional voter base, but an economic catastrophe designed and implemented within the financial services industry should not then be paid for by the poorest and most vulnerable, whilst the bonus culture continues and the canapes are washed down with fine wines.

And meanwhile even in the middle of May the rain continues to pour down.

Of course there is a reason for all this.

In Biblical times the prophets would have read the signs and prophesied.

In Tudor times the Court Jester might have whispered in the Kings ear and policies changed.

But in our scientifically and politically correct times, we just assume that it is raining.

Global warming we say, touching the side of our noses, knowingly.

But Herodotus would be warning us right now, Hubris is always inexorably followed by Nemesis.

Climate change is just one thing that is warning us and if the futurologists are correct in their prognostications many things will be at risk, not the least our democracy.

So whether we welcome, celebrate or ignore the Olympics and enjoy or avoid the street parties we will inevitably stand under our brollies in the amazing rain so as we do lets raise a toast to an amazing reign.