Global Financial Strategy - Osborne parodied in sketch show campaign

Global Financial Strategy

Search the site >>Advanced search

First for financial regulatory news and views

Osborne parodied in sketch show campaign

Tuesday 22 November 2011 – by Regulation Mutters

UK chancellor George Osborne has become the victim of a light-hearted sketch series as the World Development Movement ups its pressure for the Etonian to relent over his opposition to regulating price speculation in food markets.

In a 14-part series airing between now and Christmas, the WDM promises to parody the chancellor in a series of ill-advised PR stunts promoting Osborne above Mayor of London Boris Johnson as the ‘most recognised Tory’ in the race to succeed David Cameron.

Starring Holy Flying Circus’s Rufus Jones, the three-minute season opener sees Osborne trying his hand at street dancing, with predictably comical results.

However the group – who have previously campaigned for worldwide position limits on commodities – has a much harder-hitting message this time round, calling for the chancellor to support proper regulation of food speculation.

As part of its revamp of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, the European Commission has proposed that the European Securities and Markets Authority and national regulators will be able to enact nation-wide position limits in commodities markets.

Related articles:

Osborne’s ‘nods and winks’ on FTT bid

Osborne’s rude comments at awards show

Osborne’s first line of defence? – Football

George Osborne – such stuff as dreams are made?

UK in campaign to land more EU roles

However, the World Development Movement is concerned that the UK’s opposition to the proposal would curtail the introduction of limits across Europe – making Osborne’s support vital.

“Chancellor George Osborne has the opportunity to ‘do the right thing’ supporting the vote for regulation,” says World Development Movement director Deborah Doane.

“Volatile prices only benefit a few very wealthy bankers, but wreak havoc on everyone else. This is a clear case where the chancellor should side with the 99 per cent.

“We know there’s a danger George might try to side with the banks and block the vote, so we’re asking the UK public to get behind us and keep the pressure up. We hope people will love our light-hearted version of behind-the-scenes in the chancellor’s office, and support us by calling on George to back the vote.”

The series, which will air four times a week in the lead up to Christmas, can be found here.

With the European Parliament and European Council set to vote on the measures in the coming months, campaigners can also send the chancellor an email backing the movement, found at the same address.

– Send your musings, rumours and links to The Mutterer at [email protected]

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Name:

Email:

Comment:

Post as	Anonymous
	Display name

Please, enter security code

No comments yet.

Login	Register	Most read	Most commented
Username Password >> Remember me >> Forgotten your password? >> Sign Up GFS is pleased to offer you a two-week free trial. You will receive a daily email bulletin of the latest regulatory news and analysis and a weekly email round-up. Please complete the free trial form. You will also receive full access to our online site.

EDITOR’S CHOICE

INTERVIEWS & FEATURES

STRAW POLL

Will markets in 2012 have a tougher time than 2011?

FIND A REGION world regions