Obesity taxation. The new "fat tax" proposals

Britain is suffering from an obesity surge, with 1 in 3 adults now being classed as obese. Prospective Parliamentary candidate for Haltemprice and Howden Ken Mitchell proposes a solution to the obesity crisis through a new tax.

Ken explains "Being in a constituency bordering the City of Hull I can see for myself what the problems are in one of Britain's fattest cities. The likes of John Prescott are not only aesthetically damaging to our city but are a drain on public services such as the NHS. I originally proposed a more radical solution to this issue however I believe a more humane method can be achieved through the tax system"

Ken's proposals in essence add an additional tax to employees pay packets based upon a bi-annual "weigh in". If an employee is below the healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) maximum of 25 then no additional tax is levied. If however their BMI falls above this an incremental taxation will apply:

BMI 25 to 30 (overweight) 250 pound per annum fat tax

BMI 30 to 40 (obese) 750 pound per annum fat tax

BMI 40 + (morbidly obese) 1500 pound per annum fat tax

If elected Ken will launch the "fat tax" at the start of the 2009 tax year. "This is a very real and effective way to encourage people to shed the pounds and reduce the burden on the NHS. It is a carrot and stick approach, well I suppose pie and stick approach really. Who can argue with such a common sense policy? Give up the fatty treats and get off your backside and you won't pay a penny."

If you want to calculate your BMI and see which fat tax bracket you would fall into you can do so at: http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/magazine/interactive/bmi/index.aspx#

Mitchell proposes "It's a Knockout" contest to slash red tape

Ken Mitchell today announces his intentions to slash public sector red tape and bureaucracy. In a hard hitting speech later today to journalists and students at the Oxford Union, Ken Mitchell will outline plans to free the public sector from the "constricting waste of middle management and consultants".

We can reveal from extracts of the speech that Ken plans to introduce an "It's a Knockout" style of rationalisation to the public sector workforce. On a bi annual basis middle managers and "pen pushers" will be made to take on each other in competitions to see who prevails. Veteran presenter Stuart Hall has expressed an interest as MC for these events after discussion with Ken Mitchell, and is keen to incorporate the armed forces into the competition. "We can add extra incentive to managers to succeed over their contemporaries by introducing the armed forces to "target" failing managers. Clearly this will result in head loses, but that's precisely what we are looking for to reduce manager numbers. In addition we can offer HM armed forces invaluable live target and sniper practice which can not be better simulated outside of the field of conflict."

Ken countered accusations of inhumanity by stating "If these middle managers wish to resign their positions before the bi annual games then they are free to leave their positions, thus releasing valuable funds for more pressing public spending. However if they wish to remain in their positions I believe a Darwinian approach will enable us to pick the efficient and valuable managers from the ineffectual and frankly useless majority." He went on to state that "I believe we can cut such bureaucracy and associated red tape by seventy percent over five years. Stuart Hall is well experienced in such competitions and will make an excellent host. We are presently in negotiations with the BBC and ITV to secure a broadcast contract for these events. The revenue gained from the "save your favourite middle manager phone in" could offer a valuable addition to public coffers."

Mitchell outlines nitty gritty on kilowatt penal system

Speaking on the Radio 4's Today program this morning Ken Mitchell the radical independent candidate for the Haltemprice and Howden By-election gave further details on his plans for a Kilowatt hour Penal system. He highlighted asbo kids and the overweight as key targets saying "I think a minimum tariff of 50,000 kWh should be applied for carrying a knife. 25% increment for being clinically obese. This would keep a family in heat for a year and make a significant saving in fossil fuel consumption."He went on to say "Privileges should be awarded for keeping within 1% of 50Hz supply frequency at all times, whilst failure to do so will result in compulsory viewing of Bonny Langford / Mr Motivator whilst on grid. Some thought would have to be given on how to design the generator set to operate within target grid parameters!"Mr Mitchell also outlined a incentive scheme for good behaviour "The grid also pays a premium for quick starting plant (e.g. gas turbines) -maybe those inmates volunteering to scramble to the treadmill at a minute'snotice should be given fresh milk for their tea, rather than UHT."

Mitchell seeks solution to "nuclear waste timebomb"

Ken Mitchell recently visited the site of a proposed underground deep disposal facility for high to medium level nuclear waste (pictured). "We must take seriously the risk of this material getting into the wrong hands...you know who I mean".

Spokesman Olex Barroll of the British Nuclear Group warmly welcomed Ken's proposals "Ahh yes these plans would be a real boon to the local economy". Other politicians have been arguing for purpose made geological solutions but Ken believes the easiest, quickest and most cost effective solution is to dispose of it in the natural cave formations in the Yorkshire Dales. When questioned on his rationale Ken replied "Well it is relatively close to Sellafield and it saves a lot of bother having to dig a new system of caves. Lets face it if we were in Austria or Germany they would have this built and commissioned in the time it takes to make a cuppa. Sure their may be a few irradiated pot-holers and the locals may get a bit anxious when the plans are revealed, but isn't that what a dictatorship is for?"

Ken Mitchell calls time on 'Carling Morons'

Ken Mitchell delivered a hard hitting speech tonight in which he announced that if elected to 'the mother of all parliaments' he would campaign to abolish duty on real ale and cider, paid for by huge increases in duty on lager and alcopops. As Ken's manifesto continued to take shape he blamed the binge drinking culture on "tasteless fizzy lager" and condemned those who drink it as "carling morons". Ken also hinted at the introduction of a British Purity law (Ed: For alcohol!!) deriding the influx of branded bottled beers brewed under licence in the UK- "we could learn a thing or two from the Germans!" he said (Ed: again referring to alcohol).

The video below demonstrates Ken's commitment to support local pubs and showing that drinking proper beer need not lead to mindless violence on the streets:

Join Ken's campaign Facebook group

Yes, you can continue to show your support and engage in stimulating discussion and campaign ideas at Ken's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48164270721

Mitchell promises to "Go hell for leather" against terrorists

Ken Mitchell upped the ante today in his campaign to become the next member of Parliament for Haltemprice and Howden, speaking outside his constituency home he promised to "Go absolutely hell for leather against the terrorists". Mr Mitchell also rounded on the embattled Home Secretary Jacqui Smith "This government and the Home Office in particular has descended into an absolutely farce!" he went on to argue for his own far reaching solutions that would see terrorists work "night and day at Her Majesty's pleasure, for the good of the national grid".

The Great Kilowatt Hour Penal System Debate

"The first step towards penal reform in Britain" - The Daily Mail (10th June 2008)

"Is this man's name Adolf?" - The Guardian (11th June 2008)

"Totty Cons with Big Knockers produce more Kinetic Energy" - The Sun (10th June 2008)

It may be controversial but Ken Mitchell's proposal to sentence offenders to Kilowatt hours instead of traditional time is sparking lively debate. "Well we can put the power into the national grid, the loafers will be in porridge for the rest of their lives and there is a genuine incentive to work whilst at HM Pleasure" explained Ken Mitchell.

These are all part of radical new proposals aimed by Ken to shake up the judicial and penal system.

Ken Mitchell takes campaign to the top

Isn't it about time Gordon Brown saw sense? Ken Mitchell recently visited Downing Street to Lobby PM Gordon Brown (pictured) "What these yoofs need is a short sharp shock. I am inviting members of the public to tell me what they think is a suitable punishment for such persistent offenders. Clearly something needs to be done." Have your say and register your vote now on the interactive poll to the right hand side of the page.

Welcome to the campaign

Welcome to the blog of Ken Mitchell. Since the incumbent Tory MP David Davis threw open the seat to a Parliamentary by-election I am offering my canditature as an independent alternative. If you bookmark this page and revisit over the coming days and weeks I will offer you an insight to my vision for Haltemprice and Howden. A real alternative, together we can go hell for leather on the failings of the past.

Thankyou for your support, if you wish to join the campaign please email the campaign office at kenmitchell4haltempriceandhowden@hotmail.co.uk