Propa Politics

Harman Is Everything Thats Wrong With Politicians

2010-09-29T14:08:00.002+01:00

Sickly Harriet Harman yesterday produced a performance that encompassed everything that is wrong with politicians, whilst David Miliband, the better brother, better candidate and wrongful loser (Labour Union Pandering) at least showed honesty, and integrity along with other old guard faces who refused to clap for Ed Milibands speech on the wrongful invasion of Iraq.

Politicians have to make tough decisions, and then they have to stand by them, right or wrong as they may be. A U-Turn with such high stakes shows nothing but a complete lack of confidence and pedigree, especially in the manner conducted by Harman, who refuses to apologise for a War that she not only Voted for, but Argued for and yet claps when the party drifts from 'we were right' to 'the war in Iraq was wrong', like a sheep following the herd, clap clap clap it will all go away.

The stoney faced refusal to clap from David Miliband during his own brothers speech, shows that he stands by the decision, that he is willing to accept the criticism for that decision even in the hard face of adversity from his own Labour Colleagues. A man with balls.

Ed Miliband, in my opinion, lacks a certain air of authority, professionalism and enthusiasm that his brother has always shown. His voice is not only annoying, but the words he seems to reel off do not sound convincing, or inspiring, and we all know he played the 'war in Iraq' card purely for self preservation, nothing more. On Camera he looks little more than a rabbit in the headlights, he has no presence whatsoever. I'm sure many will disagree.

Harman's nauseating clap, has made me quite mad, and if i had been David Miliband, I probably would have spat in her face. If she thinks the public so easily forgive and forget, she has another thing coming. Being fickle doesn't work in politics, jumping ship when it suits.

Quote Of The Day

2010-09-28T19:32:00.002+01:00

Today's quote of the day goes to David Milibrother during a speech at the Labour party conference by his brother, the new Labour leader (as voted for by the unions) in which David refused to applaud his brothers attack on the War in Iraq.

David Miliband was seen to turn to sexist Harriet Harman and say:

''Why are you clapping? You voted for it''

A valid point I feel, as the numerous warlords in the Labour camp who voted for and backed the war now claim to be cleaner than clean and revel in the U-Turn.

David Miliband's partner, meanwhile, was sobbing backstage, apparently furious at the way Ed took the top job thanks to the unions (see previous post ''Another Unelected Labour Leader'') amidst controversy surrounding David's future in politics, who looks unlikely to serve under his little brother. I feel quite sorry for David Miliband, i genuinely think he would have made a better leader than his younger brother in all departments, and had it not been for the usual Labour pandering to unions, he would have been top dog. Ed's already making a hash of things with his lackluster speech, missed autocue's and a peculiar 'be gentle' message written on his hand during an interview with Andrew Marr. Nice.

Another Unelected Leader

2010-09-25T22:18:00.003+01:00

Out with one unelected leader, in with another. A new Labour leader that Labour, well, didn't actually vote for. Congratulations.

Simon Hughes Quote Of The Year

2010-09-21T20:15:00.005+01:00

Some quotes grab us for very different reasons. Inspiration, humour, wisdom. Simon Hughes made his keynote speech at the Libdem party conference today, having fast become the left wing's darling, and the highest seated critic of the Coalition Government descending from the yellow half, it was with much humour to witness his most ridiculous, falsified quote of his reign as deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats thus far.

"I am a rock solid supporter of the coalition." Hughes beamed. Yes Simon, of course you are, if rock is made from budget toilet paper. My beady little eye is on you Simon, I refuse to be fooled.

Small print:
(please note I have no personal vendetta, dislike or hard feeling towards the right (left) honourable Simon Hughes (who is actually a conspiring reptile from planet Zorg) who's only goal is to bring down the coalition and everything it stands for because he was too lefty, brash and scaly to be considered for a cabinet seat and now holds a extremely venomous grudge towards the Government and human kind (except the extreme left wing) in general, and believes to be higher and mighty than the lord our saviour himself.)

My Apologies

2010-09-19T17:31:00.002+01:00

I realise I have been absent for quite some time, as i forgot to inform everybody that I was taking my summer break (non-politicians need them also!) in Bulgaria, where i was so greatfully mugged, and upon return home, discovered that my bank account had been emptied via a cash machine in New South Wales, Australia!

I'm quite glad actually to arrive home, seeing my blog placed at 58 in the top 100 Conservative blogs on the web, as voted for by many of you, so my many thanks.

I see not much has changed in the political atmosphere since my departure, and look forward to getting back in the blogging swing of things, so stay tuned, because Gavin is back.

The Mandy Hate Train

2010-08-31T19:33:00.005+01:00

The prince of darkness today finds himself on the wrong end of a kick-in. As one of Labours leading figures for more years than I have probably been alive, he has fallen fast down the pecking order as he descends into what Neil Kinnock called a 'midlife crises'. Even that old spinster, Alistair Campbell described Mandelsons attack on Ed Miliband's centre-left message as ''as unwise as it was unwelcome".

Mandelson said "If you shut the door on New Labour you're effectively slamming the door in the faces of millions of voters who voted for our party." A rather short sighted attitude, this statement could just as well read: ''If you shut the door on New Labour you're effectively opening the door to millions of voters who kicked us out of Government.''

Those millions who fell for Tony Blair's smiley face have evidently turned their back on new Labour, personally I felt Tony Blair was at least half decent, until he had Dr Kelly murdered, its when he got slightly trigger happy in the middle east and the crazy Scotsman took the reigns that New-Labour really started to become Laborious. In the case of Mandy, oh high the mighty have fallen, he is clearly struggling more than we thought to get to grips with the new political climate and its voting public, and still hanging on to 'the good ol' days' isn't going to work, even less so in David Milibands favour to take the reigns at the top who will always be associated with New-Labour, and even he has took a hard lined and distanced himself from Mandy's nostalgic dribble.

David Miliband may be further left firmly in the lurch with the release of Blairs book this week, which we hear on the grapevine is going to be quite blunt in its opinion on Brown and drag up some more New-Labour manure to really turn the voter off to lies, war, spin and internal squabbles as a method of Governing a country.

Poor old Mandy though in his rush to squeeze a book out before Blair and pretty much slate anyone and everyone isn't Labours favourite prince anymore. The fall from grace has become rather amusing to watch, but whatever I say about Mandy, he did entertain the neutrals, and the not so neutrals in a way many other politicians can't. (see Ed Balls).

Post Of The Day

2010-08-26T18:41:00.002+01:00

I havn't read Guido's blog for quite a while, in fact ive been so busy doing not alot that I havn't read much politics at all. Silly season is however coming to an end, so thought i would have a snoop around and couldnt help but chuckle at Guido Fawkes post on Damian McBride. Oh how the mighty have fallen...You can read Guidos Post here: http://tinyurl.com/2uelzb6

Gaming a Tool For Terrorism?

2010-08-23T22:14:00.002+01:00

I am very liberal minded when it comes to censorship. I believe each individual should have the decision to view a film, or play a game to an extent where Governments should not be able to intervene. My own personal preference in films and previously video games means i have seen and played in the most horrific of circumstances, I've mugged old ladies, I've shot policemen and women, I've been complicit in torture, and seen violence people didn't think existed, I've glimpsed rape, murder and fascism. So it will come as a surprise that i side with Liam Fox on the issue of the new Medal of Honour video game.

The game in question enables the player to become the Taliban and fight against coalition forces, in the gaming world, instances of playing evil are no shocker, in fact it is probably more entertaining, we switch off from reality, and switch into that dark side we all possess in some way shape or form, we become the baddy. My issue with the new Medal of Honour is not based on any of these gaming experiences, my issue with Medal of Honour is that in the wrong hands, it could become a very effective brainwashing tool, playing into the hands of terrorists and terrorism.

We as normal civilised people can easily differentiate between the realms of the real and the false, we can play horrific games, commit mass violence and then go to work as charity workers or social carers, because for the average person, gaming is just that, it is a game. But we know that in the hands of certain Muslim clerics and leaders, the minds of young men and women can be accessed beyond this normal rationality. Men and women can be brainwashed into acts of violence on a false promise of martyrdom, fame and glory, with the right tools, men and women, can and have, be programmed to end their own lives. An experience, such as Medal of Honour, in the wrong hands, where this can be acted out, practiced, believed and indeed relished could lead to the programming of some very dangerous individuals in the comfort of their own homes on allied soil. That, is what i find threatening about this 'gaming' experience.

Guess Who!

2010-08-18T14:17:00.004+01:00

No, I don't know either. Apparently this deluded old man was spotted with his head up his own arse somewhere near Whitehall.

Spot The Difference

2010-08-17T23:08:00.031+01:00

Usually becoming leader means the stresses and pressure of the job have a detrimental effect on the body. Now that David Cameron is on his jollies, and Nick Clegg becomes our Prime Minister, Lets play spot the difference.

somebody is clearly enjoying the limelight a little more than his predecessors

Dr David Kelly - The Truth Will Out.

2010-08-13T12:04:00.003+01:00

Labours 70 year gagging order on medical records and scientific evidence from the Dr David Kelly inquiry can be reversed by Ken Clarke and the MoJ.
The secret blanket thrown over the surrounding case of Dr David Kelly’s death is a long and remarkable story of contradictions, cover-ups and failures.

According to Andrew Rawnsley’s book, Geoff Hoon, reportedly furious after being sacked by Blair as leader of the house was ready to issue a statement regarding Dr David Kelly which he promised could ‘trigger the instant downfall of the Prime Minister’

The anomalies surrounding the death certificate of Dr Kelly, the complete refusal to publish and the gagging order of evidence, the Group of top scientists and Doctors who say that the wounds inflicted on Kelly’s wrist were definitely not sufficient to end his life from loss of blood and their backing from Libdem MP Norman Baker. The secretive police search of Kelly’s home in which they removed wallpaper – possibly in the search for listening devices that has not been accepted or denied by police officials.

An extract from a recent issue of the Daily Mail reads:

The public was led to believe that the death of Dr Kelly would be investigated more rigorously by the Hutton Inquiry than by a coroner. Lord Hutton's inquiry ended while the judge was still taking evidence from witnesses. Coroner Nicholas Gardiner, right, refused to say whether he was ‘either happy or unhappy’ that an inquest he opened was indefinitely adjourned
But it is now clear that the opposite was in fact true - for Hutton lacked the powers of a coroner. He could not hear evidence under oath; he could not subpoena witnesses; he could not call a jury; and he could not aggressively cross-examine witnesses.

Read all of the overwhelming evidence of fowl play here:- http://tinyurl.com/33ftgdt and make your own minds up. I’m not usually a subscriber to conspiracy theories, but in this case, I have always believed there to be fowl play, and the sooner it is investigated and the truth brought into the public domain, the better.

Propa Question Time:- Iain Dale

2010-08-12T12:51:00.005+01:00

I don't want to sound overly infatuated, but when Iain Dale said yes to my interview proposal, I was pretty excited. Most people, me amongst them, count sporting heroes and rock stars amongst their childhood influences and role models, but as a young political blogger, Iain dale has become a role model for me. With fingers in many productive pie's including politics, TV, radio, blogging, publishing and writing he has carved out a career I can only dream about and yet he retains his charm, his vibrant opinion and a down-to-earth sensibility that many in politics have neglected. So, the interview...

Early Life / Media

Thus far, you have had an amazing and illustrious Career in politics, blogging, publishing, writing and radio, which do you enjoy the most and why?
I think amazing and illustrious is pushing it a bit, but thanks for the thought! I have spent ten years trying to get into radio presenting and now that I have achieved it, albeit possibly temporarily, I have to say I am loving every minute of it. I have always preferred radio to TV. It's a more genuine medium. I have never enjoyed writing, mainly because I have never believed myself to be a good writer. Indeed, I've never really felt I excelled at anything particularly. But I feel totally at home in front of a radio mic and for the first time in my life I have thought to myself: "I'm good at this". I've never felt that about anything else. Odd, eh?

You have achieved great success with 'Iain Dales Diary' now one of the most read political blogs in Britain, I know this first hand as when I make it into the 'Daley Dozen' my blog traffic goes through the roof, any tips for the bloggers out there (me included) for achieving these dizzy heights?

Write as often as you can, don't be afraid to be opinionated, don't try to be popular, just be you. And whore yourself around relentlessly!

Many political bloggers back their party no matter what, you are a True Blue Tory, but when you disagree, you are not afraid to say so and I think it shows good character but has it ever landed you in an awkward situation?
Yes, too often. Some politicians really take it personally when you criticise a policy they're responsible for. I remember having had a go at Theresa May once, saying she might be reshuffled, and as luck would have it we were both at the same party that evening. She made a beeline for me and asked why I didn't like her. I had always got on with her so I was a bit taken aback but I explained that I had been asked to give my tips for the reshuffle and I just felt she was at risk. She was fine afterwards. Chris Grayling is someone who almost seems to like it when you have a go at him. Several times I have written something critical and within ten minutes he's on the phone politely explaining his position. I have a lot of time for him. Someone said he and I sound identical if you shut your eyes.

You worked as a nursing assistant in West Germany during your gap-year, how has that affected your opinion of our National Health Service?
Not at all to be honest. It was a private spinal injuries unit. I was 18 at the time, had no medical training but ended up administering hydrotherapy to patients! It did teach me that you have to take emotion out of nursing. I spent the first two days wandering around in a daze feeling sorry for all these people who had become paraplegics and tetraplegics through motorcycle accidents etc. Once I stopped feeling sorry for them it was OK.

Politics

You became the first openly-gay Conservative candidate to contest a Parliamentary election in 2003, what was the reaction like at the time?
Well, that's not strictly true. I was the first candidate to be selected having told the selection committee in advance that I was gay. Although someone reckons David Gold did that in Brighton in 2001. I thought he came out afterwards. The reaction was bemusing in some ways. I remember a young guy coming up to at the party conference a few days later and he just said "thank you". I asked why he was thanking me. He said I had made it easier for everyone else. I can remember it bringing a tear to my eye. The trouble is that if you are the first to do something you have to wear it as a label. And I am afraid I then became known as "the openly gay candidate, Iain Dale". I hated it and knew it would be a millstone around my neck in many ways. And it was. I remember having a go at Gaby Hinsliff for using that phrase in The Observer in an article about next generation Tories. I asked her why she hadn't called one of the others "the openly straight candidate". She took the point. I never wanted to be defined by my sexuality but there came a point when I realised I couldn't fight it and had to just roll with it. I think Nick Herbert has experienced the same thing. Would I have made it if I had been straight? I think so. Because I wouldn't have waited until 40 to start a political career - I'd have been there in 1997. But I have no regrets. Some things are just not meant to be.

You have stood more than once as a Candidate in a general election, but have decided to jack it in now, is it the right decision and was it a tough decision to make?
Actually, I only stood once. I tried again in 2010 but didn't get selected. I actually only applied for a few seats but people out there seem to think I was in for dozens. I took 18 months out of the selection process when I set up my business. In the final stretch I tried for Bracknell, East Surrey and Beckenham. Before that I had been shortlisted in Witham, where I made a dreadful speech, North East Hants where I hated them and they hated me and Maidstone. That was a bit of a mystery. I made the speech of my life and thought I had answered all the questions well. But I was one of the first to be interviewed out of 22 and I was told afterwards that seven of the nine who through to the next round had all been on right at the end of the first round interviews. They seemed to have forgotten those who performed the previous day! On such vagaries do selections hang!

Quitting the candidates list wasn't a tough decision at all. I had decided way before the election that if I didn't get in this time that would be it. I almost sent in my resignation on May 7th, but I thought if there might be another election within a year I might have one last bash. When I saw David Cameron at a party in mid June he said he hoped I would have another go. I explained that I wouldn't be doing that and sent an email to Sayeeda Warsi that night. Within 30 seconds she was on the phone, which was nice of her. But I know I have done the right thing because since then I haven't had a moment's regret. Part of my decision was based on the fact that I would be 52 at the next election and constituency parties rarely pick people over 50. What's the point of going through all that effort again, and for it to be in vain? There are plenty of other things I can do, and to be honest, it's nice having a life back. I would love to have been an MP and I think I'd have been damned good at it, but I don't live my life thinking 'what if?'

You were chief of staff to David Davis when he stood against David Cameron for the Tory leadership, did you want David Davis to win?
Of course I did, otherwise I wouldn't have taken the job! David is a very good friend of mine and one of the few real friends I have made in politics. I didn't support him out of blind loyalty. I thought he had many of the qualities needed to be leader of the party. However, it was a very unhappy six months for me. Indeed, 2005 was a bit of a disaster all round. I was a square peg in a round hole and didn't enjoy it at all. I was used to making decisions but in this job that wasn't possible. I should have put my foot down a lot earlier but there were people on his campaign who felt that if you didn't have the letters MP after your name you were some sort of inferior being. I am not someone who likes confrontation, believe it or not, but in this case I should have confronted that issue very early on. Unfortunately I didn't and by the time I recognised what the problem was, the dye was cast.

What is your honest opinion of David Cameron, first as a man, secondly as a Prime Minister?
Had I not been on DD's team I would have undoubtedly supported Cameron. I knew him a bit as he had spent a day with me in North Norfolk. He drove all the way from London to Cromer in his beaten up Skoda! He said I had got him more media than any other candidate he had visited. The first time I came across him was after I had written something slightly disparaging about him in a magazine back in 2003. I had questioned what he had achieved in his first two years in parliament. And guess who I was sat next to at a Policy Exchange dinner a few nights later? Yup, got it in one. The way he handled what could have been a slightly awkward situation told me a lot about Cameron the man. I have never forgotten that. I think he has started off very well as PM, just as I always thought he would. He is one of those rare people who fit the job like a glove. A bit like me and radio!

What Conservative policies, if any, do you strongly disagree with and why?
Show me the Cornerstone manifesto and I'll tick them off for you! Seriously, I don't agree with elected police chiefs. It sounds a perfectly reasonable policy in theory but I have grave misgivings about how it might be implemented. You don't play politics with the Police. I also think the Tories need to embrace devolution fully and take up the cause of an English Parliament. It doesn't need to be an extra bureaucracy or involve more politicians, but it is an idea whose day is coming.

The Labour leadership contest is possibly one of the dullest events in my life-time, in my previous interview with Tom Harris, he stated that there were only 4 serious candidates; I hope you haven't got money on Diane Abbott?
No, although I think she's actually fought quite a feisty campaign. It has been dire. Totally the opposite to the 2005 Tory leadership contest, which really seemed to capture the imagination of both the party and the country. The trouble with Labour is that they still don't seem to realise they lost. They need to wake up and smell the coffee and start to analyse why they lost. It was deeper than just being about Gordon Brown yet they haven't made any attempt to understand it. They really are behaving like ostriches.

Who do you think is the best candidate, and who, as opposition would you most like to see leading the Labour Party?
I would most like to see Ed Balls leading the Labour Party. I don't think I need to explain why. Those over 40 will remember Alan B'Stard's sidekick in the New Statesman TV series, Piers Fletcher-Dervish. Ed Balls reminds me of him. He even looks like him. Nearly two years ago I wrote a profile of the Miliband brothers for GQ Magazine. I came to the conclusion that Ed Miliband ticked more boxes than his brother and for that reason would be the next leader of the Labour Party. I have to say that I think he has not shone in this contest so far, but he may just squeak through on second preferences.

You recently posted on your blog that Gordon Brown was the third worst PM of all time, but stated you thought he was probably worse than that, where did Gordon go wrong?
With everything. He had no vision for the country and no political strategy. But even worse than that he tried to micro manage the whole government. Prime Ministers need to be big picture merchants and be good delegators. Blair and Thatcher both fell into that mould. Thatcher was by instinct a control freak, but by and large she left her ministers to run their departments. She'd only intervene on big issues or if something went wrong. Brown didn't trust his ministers and tried to run the whole shebang from Number Ten. I hope Cameron doesn't fall into that trap because if he does he'll live to regret it. The Anne Milton episode was a case in point. Number Ten should never have intervened in the way that it did.

As a publisher, any advice for Gordon on his memoirs (he is currently writing at tax-payers expense)?
Don't blame your publisher when the book fails to trouble the cash registers too much.

West Ham

You are a passionate hammers fan, you even blog about them, How do you feel about Avram Grant?
Ambivalent, if I am honest. I liked Zola and Alan Pardew because they were so passionate. They experienced every kick of the game and were so expressive on the touchline. Grant seems to be very dour, but he has a good track record, so let's give the guy a chance. He's certainly buying some good players.

Where will West Ham finish this year?
In my more optimistic moments I think 8-10th, but realistically 12-14th. I don't see us fighting relegation with the team we have.

Upton Park has a fearsome reputation, I've been myself and it was quite intimidating, lots of working class male testosterone, as a Conservative and political figure, do you get a good reception there?
I don't tend to mix my football and politics. My West Ham blog readers know my politics, but they don't expect me to air my political views on the West Ham blog, and I don't.

Personal Life / General

What irritates you more than anything?
Where do I start? People who keep saying "do you know what I mean?" at the end of every sentence. Women who wear clothes which reveal their midriff. And they're normally exactly the women who should know better. Bare fat flesh is not nice. Cover it up. And finally, anyone who refers to me as "openly gay".

If you could have your pick of a man, other than John Simmons, who would it be?
For the uninitiated, John Simmons is my civil partner. And for that reason I shall avoid the question. I do keep getting emails from a 23 year old explaining how he'd like to have a threesome with us both. It was when he introduced Chris Grayling into the equation that my reaction turned from amusement to horror...

I see John banned you from your Blackberry for the duration of your holiday in Crete, What is John's most annoying habit?
I should know better than to answer this, but he is a 20 a day smoker. I never thought I could ever live with a smoker, but he does his best to smoke outside. And luckily he doesn't smell like most smokers do!

If you could go back in time, and change anything about your life, what would it be?
I don't really ever look back in anger or have many regrets. Buying a house in 1988 at the height of the property market proved to be a big mistake. I need no lessons about the pain of negative equity. I suppose selling my Audi Cabriolet in 1996 proved to be a big mistake. Why? Because its previous owner was Princess Diana. Had I hung onto it and sold it after August 1997, I could have made hundreds of thousands. But I needed to sell it when I did to raise some money to start Politico's Bookshop. So although it was a mistake, I don't regret it.

What would you have as your 'desert island disk'?
The Winner Takes It All. Because it's true. There are no prizes for coming second in any walk of life.

Favourite Place in Britain?
The North Norfolk coast. A great place to reflect and think.

Any future ambitions yet to be fulfilled?
I am never going to play for West Ham, win the Open or Wimbledon, or become PM. Actually, I never wanted to be PM, but I would like to have been a transport minister. That may show limited ambition, but it's a job where you can actually do things. My ambition now is to expand the Biteback publishing businesses and ensure financial security for me and my partner. When you approach fifty, things like that start to matter more and more. I'd also like to win a Sony Award!

You can read Iain Dale's Diary here http://www.iaindale.blogspot.com/

Iran and The Death Penalty

2010-08-11T16:08:00.006+01:00

The age old question remains, death penalty or no death penalty? I do, in fact, think that the death penalty should be considered for re-introduction under strict guidelines for certain serious offences, such as murder, depending on the circumstances. However I do join Green's leader Caroline Lucas in condemning the sentence of death handed to Ebrahim Hamidi, an 18-year-old Iranian facing imminent execution on charges of homosexuality, and Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, facing the death penalty for adultery.

Both have been handed the sentence under the ludicrous 'judge's knowledge', a legal loophole that allows for subjective judicial rulings where there is no conclusive evidence. Imagine that, for a second. The ability to sentence another human being to death for nothing more than hearsay. If we had the same loophole in English law, we would all be facing the noose by now.

Regardless of the evidence, or any system of faith, any such sentence invoked on a person for being gay, or having an affair represents a frankly backward country living beyond the dark ages. In this case Iran. Highlighted here is a clear argument against the death penalty, the question of where does the line get drawn, where do we stop and although i believe the death penalty may have a place in our country i wouldn't want to be tasked with drawing up the guidelines, and i still have a niggling thought, that in cases such as Ian Huntley, or other child killers, serial killers, serial rapists, such a sentence would be to easy on them, rotting away for 60 years with nothing but your own P*ss and Sh*t for company sounds much better.

Innocent until proven guilty? Apparently not.

Propa Question Time: Tom Harris Labour MP

2010-08-09T14:18:00.005+01:00

This is the first in a new series on what is hopefully going to be a regular. 'Propa Question Time' is a short, sharp, semi-serious interview with politicians and political bod's, topics ranging from politics to X-Factor. First up is Labour MP for Glasgow South, Tom Harris.

Hi Tom, You are a qualified Journalist, what made you turn to politics? Was it a good move?

To be honest, I fell in love with politics first, then decided that journalism was as good a way of getting into a political career as any other way.

You clearly still have the knack for writing, your blog is often winning awards and seems to be one of the most popular political blogs on the net, what made you start a blog and what do you get from it?

I suffer from a common condition among politicians - the need to let others know my opinions, and blogging just seemed the best way of doing that. Also, I wanted to convey the truth that politicians aren't just automatons who are interested in nothing outside politics. We're ordinary individuals with families and interests outside politics and - occasionally - senses of humour.

Right, onto politics, Blair or Brown? Be honest.

Blair.

Gordon Brown called you up, and told you that you would be returning to the backbenches, how did you feel about that?

Devastated. I was doing a good job and didn't deserve the sack. But that's politics for you.

How do you feel about Gordon Brown collecting his wages as an MP, but spending most of his time at home scribbling his memoirs rather than serving his constituents? he's been spotted in the Commons twice since the election.

I think anyone who's been Prime Minister and been sacked by the electorate has every right to express criticism of Gordon Brown for that.

Who are you tipping for next Labour Leader, and Why?

I was the first out of the trap to support David Miliband - even before he publicly declared himself! I've known David since 2001, when we came into the Commons together. He's a genuinely impressive performer in the Commons. Everyone talks about the four serious candidates all having been fast-tracked to the Cabinet by their patrons. There's no doubt in my mind that, even without Blair's and Brown's help, he would have made it to the Cabinet by now anyway.

Labour has faced criticism for pandering to the unions, you are a committed trade unionist, is this a flaw?

It's not a flaw to be a committed trade unionist - after all, it was the union link that managed to anchor the Labour Party to reality during its "funny turn" in the 1980s. But no government should "pander" to any vested interest, and that's not what the unions are looking for.

Are there any Labour policies that you strongly disagree with?

Support for a referendum on AV. Undoubtedly there are others, but it's difficult to say until we have a new leader and a new policy platform in place. I'll let you know.

You have been quite harsh on the Libdems on your blog, you may need them to gain a majority at future general elections, in fact Labour have been nastier to the liberals than the Tories, is this wise?

Wise? Probably not. Good fun? Absolutely. I really hope that we don't have a hung parliament next time, whoever wins. But if we do have to do a deal with the LibDems at some point, and they refuse to do so because we were a bit mean to them in the past, then they're hardly a political party worthy of the description, are they?

I hear that you are a big X-Factor fan, ever thought of auditioning?

You. Have. Got. To. Be. Joking.

It would probably be more exciting than the Labour Leadership race, talking of which do you see any dramatic twists or turns along the way, or has David Miliband already got it nailed?

David's in front but he hasn't got it in the bag yet, unfortunately. People aren't excited by the contest because it's been remarkably civilised so far. The media would much have preferred the party to implode in a bout of internal division, but I never expected that to happen. We're not the same party that lost in 1979, thank goodness.

You have spent a long time serving the Labour Party, and by all accounts have done a good job in your constituency, do you harbour any ambitions away from the Labour Party?

I often consider avenues outside politics, but then it always draws me back in. If I thought I had no role to play in helping rebuild the party and helping it prepare to get back into government, I would certainly consider my options outside parliament.

You have a reputation as a bit of a hell raiser and you say it how you see it, is that a good thing?Hell-raiser?

You mean, in an Oliver Reed sort of way? I don't think so. Politics need people who will say unpopular (though correct) things, but that has to be balanced with responsibility for the party. It doesn't always help for a politician to become a rent-a-quote on any subject.

If you could change one thing about your time serving Labour, what would it be?

I wouldn't have supported Gordon Brown for leader in 2007.

Finally if you could change one thing about the Labour Party, what would it be?

That we were sitting on the other side of the chamber.

You can catch up with Tom Harris at his blog 'And another thing...' here:- http://www.tomharris.org.uk/

Post Of The Day

2010-08-08T19:14:00.002+01:00

I often read Walaa Idris's blog purely because i like a good bit of straight talking now and again. Many of you will not be familiar with Walaa Idris, a true blue Tory, Entrepreneur and Public speaker she is, but an excellent and consistent blogger she is also. Her opinions are strong, but never unfair so on that note, today's Post of The Day goes to Walaa Idris on her view of today's 'Milk Fiasco' in which the free milk scheme was to be scrapped, and then in the next breath unscrapped by David Cameron himself, Walaa focuses less on the milk, and more on the breakdown in communication...You can read her post here: http://tinyurl.com/2uvwkl2

Criticism Of Cameron Far Too Strong.

2010-08-04T13:51:00.004+01:00

Since David Cameron's now infamous words on Pakistan i have read nothing but criticism, much of it deriving from Tory supporters as well as Labour and Lib Dem. This criticism is, in my opinion, completely ignorant to the facts.

For years our Government have pandered to anybody and everybody, we are America's Bitch, Israels puppy. Cameron is breaking this tradition, wisely or unwisely, he has stood up and spoken some home truths. First on Bloody Sunday, He spoke with Obama over BP crisis, He has rightly labelled Gaza a 'prison camp' as Israel get far to much support, backing and pandering from western Governments for what is really support of war crimes and unlawful invasion and he has told Pakistan a fact that everybody knows, but that everybody wants to keep zipped about and bow down as to not cause a fuss.

Those who believe Cameron's comments on Pakistan may be politically aggravating, then yes, there are concerns to be heard over international cooperation and unity, those who believe Cameron's comments on Pakistan were misjudged, untrue, whatever, are suffering hugely with denial.

One third, that's ONE THIRD of all terror plots against Britain, America and a wider International community are linked with Pakistan, in fact recent figures suggest its more like 60%, let alone the connections the Pakistan secret service may have with the Taliban and whatever deals may be being done. How can we, as a strong, independent Government turn a blind eye to this? Bow down and say ''yes Mr Pakistan, thanks for your help on fighting terror, oh, and thanks for the Terrorism you provide us with in order to give us something to do, very spiffing of you kind sirs.''

We cannot fight terrorism without fighting the root cause, as long as Pakistan is embroiled in such a high level of international terror plots and yet themselves 'helping in the war on terror' how will terrorism ever be defeated? It wont. We should be saying no to the pandering, sort your country out and then we can talk. In fact while we are on the subject, Afghanistan is an insignificant little dot when it comes to the threat from international terrorism. It is a technologically ill advanced ill governed state with a complete lack of communication facilities, we don't really need to worry about Afghanistan. A real war on terror would be a war against Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and a whole host of other terrorist harbouring countries, those who Govern know this, the Public knows this, but after all we are just a little puppy dog, we wouldn't want to upset anybody who has lots of money and power and political influence, lets just take it out on the little kids and make it look like we are doing something.

Pakistan cannot be on both sides of the line, they are friend or foe, they must decide, not bury their heads in pillows, not ACTIVELY support terrorism, which is evidently what they are doing, and not kick up a storm whenever anybody mentions any Pakistani involvement like they are the high and mighty of the peace loving world.

This is turning in to a rant now, it was never meant to be, but the ignorance of critics is pretty disgusting. Britain we are, and our own interests should be at heart, we should be strong, dominant and above all else have an opinion not influenced by our neighbours cousin's second wife's sister in law. We jibe at politicians for lying, and we write whole newspapers full of rash, ill considered criticism when they tell the truth. Pakistan cannot have it both ways, and neither can we.

Post Of The Day

2010-08-02T15:13:00.002+01:00

Iain Dale raises a good argument against the Governments decision to ban Job Centres from advertising Sex trade jobs, such as strippers and lap dancers sighting a fear of 'exploitation' as the main reason. Surely, as Iain states, if the concern was over the exploitation of people working in those positions, then surely the Government would take a firmer stance and ban strip clubs altogether (I doubt that would happen, to much money to be made in tax on alcohol and licencing, and business rates etc - like the ban on smoking, the Government ban us from smoking in establishments where smoking was part and parcel, but they wouldn't dare ban cigarettes, they would be made bankrupt!) You can read Iain Dales article here http://tinyurl.com/23gtn7q

Warsi Egg-Thrower Sentence Strangely Inconsistent

2010-07-29T13:48:00.003+01:00

Gavin Reid, who threw an egg at Tory Peer Sayeeda Warsi, has been jailed for 6 Weeks at a Magistrates Court. I smell some preferential treatment here...

Now don't get me wrong, the act of throwing an egg at another individual is pretty low, and should face a punishment, possibly even prison. That is not my argument. However from what i gather the individual was charged with either a Section 4, or 5 public order offence (don't quote me, i may be wrong) which i see every day in my line of work at the court service go relatively unpunished, and i have NEVER seen anybody charged with such an offence sent to prison. Ever. Unless they had a long history of previous offending, or the offence was aggravated racially or religiously.

Again i am unsure of Gavin Reid's background, and he may well have a negative criminal record, although by the nature of the incident, i doubt such an individual, protesting in the name of politics, would have faced punishment for a serious, or string of crimes in the past.

I feel for Sayeeda Warsi, the whole incident is very discouraging, and as for Mr Reid, he clearly went over the top in his form of protest, but i would be very interested to see the exact charges brought against him, and any underlying previous convictions as i feel he has been a little hard done to, possibly due to Sayeeda Warsi's political standing.

Everyday i see people walk away from the justice system unpunished for acts far worse (frighteningly much much worse) than chucking an egg. This calls for some digging...

Gordon Brown, The Taxpayer and Our Book.

2010-07-26T16:27:00.002+01:00

I have always wanted to write a good novel, a real book, not just a blog but a book to reach the masses and sit pretty on a shelf in Waterstones. And now I have! I have left it untitled at the minute, but its generally about the economy and the Financial crises. I m quite a busy chap, so naturally I used a ghost writer. His name is Gordon Brown.

Scenario sound slightly stretched? Well, we, the taxpayer, just gave Gordon Brown a £60,000+ advance to write his book, which he is reportedly scribbling away 10,000 words a day on from his home.

Gordon Brown gave his first interview today since standing down as PM, he has been spotted in the commons no more than twice since re-gaining his constituency seat as an MP. If I was a Brown constituent I would be pretty angry right now.

We pay Gordon that £60,000 to serve his constituents in the house of common’s, not to hide away in his house writing memoirs. If Brown intended to write the book, he should have quit as a politician, if anybody else went missing from the political circuit for this long, there would be repercussions, I'm sure.

Brown is donating profits from the book, to be released in November to charity, honourable, but maybe he should think about donating that money to his constituents, or his constituents interests, local charities or schemes, because right now he is letting them down. Badly.

Post Of The Day

2010-07-26T13:04:00.003+01:00

Post Of The Day Goes to Liam Rhodes over at 'One Nation Tory' for his sensible approach on Tim Farron and David Davis recent anti-coalition remarks and the formation of a 'Brokeback club'. Liam warns us not to take the comments out of context in the grand scheme of things, but calls for Clegg to take a tough stance on Farron, and Rightly so.

You can read the full article here: http://tinyurl.com/2vgem5o

David Davis Should Quit or Be Silenced.

2010-07-26T12:04:00.003+01:00

When ties between two parties trying to Govern the country are already strained and stretched, the last thing it needs is In-party fighting, slurs and frankly infantile comments bringing the bond into disarray.

Davis comments regarding the ‘Brokeback’ coalition, and his complete ridicule of Cameron’s big society as nothing more than a ‘blairite cover for spending cuts’ may be more damaging than meets the eye. If a man serving under Conservative who ran to lead the party cannot bring himself to accept conservative thinking on a level where he has to speak out so outrageously in public, then what hope does that leave the general public?

I cannot say I agree with everything Conservatives have to say, far from it, but in such times and measures personal opinion should be kept to oneself, or concerns raised through the appropriate channels.

If rumours of a sceptical ‘Tory Backbench’ group set up to criticise its own party is to be believed, then Davis should be given the boot. If Davis has no ambition or drive to see through the challenges that lay ahead, he should defect, or quit decently. Whether David Davis is still harbouring resentment at loosing out on the Conservative leadership to David Cameron, I'm unsure, but If this is his method of seeking retribution, then he is a very silly boy.

Its fine to harbour a differing opinion, even to raise it, but to mock and cause such unnecessary stress on an already fraught relationship, that is trying to serve the nation, as it was elected, to the best of its ability, in a time of financial crises where tough decisions have to be taken is ludicrous. It goes against everything that is trying to be achieved, it serves only to provide opposition ammunition and goes to stick the boot in further than any Labour Party member could possibly surpass.

And Then There Were Four...

2010-07-24T21:44:00.002+01:00

The Labour leadership is showing signs of hotting up, not because of the candidates policies, or fight for imminent change, unfortunately that hasn't featured yet, but because the brothers grim are now battling a real race for leadership in a move by Unite Union to back Ed Miliband, forcing the bookies to slash his odd's and giving Ed a credible chance of beating older brother, David.

Meanwhile Ed Balls awaited fingers crossed in the hope of gaining the backing of Unite to lift his somewhat poor campaign and put some meat behind the words. It was widely believe that Ball's would bag the Unite trophy with his strong Union and Brownite links, his closest ally was Charlie Whelan, Unites director of Politics, which makes the fact Balls got Beaten, Violently in a Unite vote, 24-4 in favour of little Miliband, slightly embarrassing, so much so that Ball's is said to be considering withdrawing from the race (that means he has withdrawn from the race) with both Milibands badgering him to quit and give them his backing.

Ed Miliband has featured tirelessly in the press while David has drifted somewhat, gaining powerful personal backing from ex-Leader Kinnock amongst others, he also now has the backing of 3 of the 4 major Unions (I'm not sure that is even a positive) after his spokesman said he had agreed to have a fresh look at arrangements for balloting in union disputes – but denied other claims he had offered to review the party's stance on secondary action in industrial disputes, which is currently illegal. (again im not quite sure that's a positive).

And with Ed Milibands recent adoption of David Cameron's winning 2005 motto 'Change to Win' surely he can smell the top spot...

Curve NHS Spending - How About A 'Fat-Tax'?

2010-07-22T21:29:00.002+01:00

A German MP has today called for a 'Fat-Tax' to help fund the German Health service, whereby those with obesity and self inposed weight problems pay a higher rate of tax than those who live a more healthy balanced lifestyle.

Junk food has often been up for debate in the UK as to weather it should carry higher taxes, this has also been discussed in Germany and all revenue made on the extra tax would go straight back into the health system. It seems to make sense to me, and with NHS spending coming under the spotlight just take a look at the figures from Germany, who's health service pays out a staggering £16 billion annually to cover the cost of care for those with obesity related illness.
The waste lines in the UK are definitely on the increase. Especially the younger generation who seem to be regularly eating more crap and doing less exercise, possibly a result of current education curriculum which i think could do with looking at.

Marco Wanderwitz, the German Conservative MP who proposed the Fat-tax has been blasted by those in opposition, but a study conducted by Bremen university suggest a majority of the German people would be happy to back a fat-tax against those who's unhealthy lifestyles landed them in hospital and costing the tax-payer hard earned money.

It sounds insane, but we have all seen them, the slobs who feed their children the same rubbish they feed themselves with little regard for their health. I see a need for re-education on diet issues in this country, and i must make it clear it is only those with self-imposed obesity who are in question here, and rightly so, i couldn't even begin to suggest how such a tax would be imposed and regulated, but in theory, and morally, this German MP gets my backing!

Post Of The Day

2010-07-21T14:14:00.003+01:00

Been a very busy man lately so not had time to churn out a decent blog post, so I'm sorry. But as ever i have been reading everybody Else's blogs and its a delight to see the return of Iain Dale, he's been sorely missed in my household, and today's Post Of The Day goes straight to him and his humiliation of Ken Livingstone on petitioning against his own Policy. Made me chuckle.

You can read it Here: http://tinyurl.com/3ak3oly

Should We Ban The Burka?

2010-07-17T20:19:00.002+01:00

This is not a debate I was very willing to enter, but with the media currently raining Burka's, I have not really been left much choice.

Tory MP Philip Hollobone has felt a fresh wave of anger from certain corners of the media spectrum and Islamic groups for refusing to meet with constituents wearing full face veils, and i think this raises important questions.

We live in a very tolerant country, but there comes a time where a line must be drawn and we must all remember, tolerant as we are, that we are a Christian country. My personal beliefs are atheist, and I see no issue with an integrated society, from all political, religious and racial backgrounds. In many ways it has proven Britain to be a country full of vibrant colour, exotic cuisine, endless culture, wide values and above all else choice. This can only be a good thing.

One thing I do agree with is that all of these come with a price, modern Britain should be tolerant, but it should be equal, we should expect of others what we expect of ourselves, we should treat people as we are treated, and as a country of free speech, we should allow ourselves to be open to debate and opinion - something i feel strongly about in an age where the extreme left throw extraordinary accusations at anyone who will refuse to comply and follow like sheep. The freedom loving left far to often take the time to brand anybody with an opinion a racist. Flying the national flag - racist, like a crew-cut? - racist, respect the queen? - racist. Our children can no longer sing baa baa black sheep or where Replica England football shirts on school non-uniform days, a Birmingham Christmas is now a 'Wintersville', Christmas in general is now considered a 'winter festival'. The BBC will no longer report on any racial, religious or provocative news stories unless it sympathises with ethnic minorities, we here all of the stories about racial crime perpetrated on ethnic minorities, but we do not hear of those perpetrated by ethnic minorities, in fact i think middle Britain thinks this doesn't even happen, I know personally that it does. We as a race have accepted so many changes, taken on so many challenges, but this should work both ways, surely?

For instance, many people take leave from work for Christmas including non Christians, do i get time off at Ramadan? Diwali? No. Islamic only schools are on the agenda, yet all schools now include religious studies of all world religions into the curriculum, without choice.

In my opinion, we are forced to accept the views of others, as a Christian nation, whilst others are not even invited to accept the views of the Christians who live in it. I could go on all day, and sure, there are loads of people who will disagree with me, I'm sure ill be branded a racist, or a thug for even writing this post. And if that is the case, it shows we live in saddened times. I have an opinion, this is free speech, accept it.

Now, Burka's, hmm. I do not discriminate against race, religion, etc, i have ties to people from all backgrounds, close Muslim friends even, i certainly do not discriminate against dress. BUT, i will not lie when i say that i do feel a degree of intimidation when i am faced with a Burka, the eyes are all powerful, even more so when the brain doesn't have any other facial feature to evaluate, in the case of a Burka. People see my face at all times when i talk, and this is important, for language and conversation are more than words, they are facial expressions. Without visual signs revealing emotions such as sadness, happiness, anger, then a conversation is nothing more than dialogue. Dehumanised dialogue. The Burka will not be banned, this is Britain, we have been over-humanised, our opinions sensationalised and our lips told to keep sealed. If the Burka was a religious requirement, my view would be wildly different. But it isn't. It is personal choice, and of course with a country of free speech, this is fine. Do i have to like it? No.

It isn't merely a case of yes or no, ban or no ban, the implication of such a ban is far beyond my imagination, but personally i find the wearing of the burka not offensive, but saddening. I believe in people, in community and in emotion and i think the Burka goes some way against this, it dehumanises interaction, it creates barriers, it makes us suspicious, it means we never really get to know the people beneath them who are more than likely caring, intelligent and accepting people but without a face, we cannot form a first impression, we cannot understand the emotion and we cannot share equality.

Can Ed Really Beat His Brother?

2010-07-15T18:29:00.003+01:00

For all Ed Miliband's youth and inexperience, today he got the backing of one of Britains biggest unions, the GMB union. This is a huge endorsement for Ed, one that may provide some financial relief for his campaign also. It clearly shows Ed taking control of the left of Labour, knocking Diane Abbott for six, and distancing himself from his brother pro-war stance, and the Left are a powerful bunch in the Labour Party.

Some however, see the backing of Unions as a weakness. Labour has been criticised for it's close ties with unions for making it difficult for Labour to mediate in industrial disputes. Gordon Brown made his reputation with this bond, Ed Ball's, Brown's coercer and Leadership candidate also has strong links with unions, and Ed Miliband still carries the 'Brownite' tag.

Many Labour party members see Ed as the most 'Human' brother with a good knack for listening and caring, He has taken popular swipes at hated Ed Balls with his 'forces of hell' quip, shown strength in standing against his brother and gained a growing reputation for being rather more 'ruthless' than he seems. He also took a firm stance on the war in Iraq, saying if he had been an MP he would have voted against it - although he had the advantage of not being an MP at the time the decision to invade was made. He's turning out to have some personality if nothing else.

I'm still betting on his older brother to take the reigns, but if things keep moving on as they are, the bookies odd's may just swing in Ed's favour.

Mandy More Than A Good Strategist.

2010-07-13T13:41:00.004+01:00

Revelations from Peter Mandelson's Diaries are provoking quite a reaction amongst the Labour contingent. All of the leadership candidates are out on the defensive, denying plotting against Blair (Ed Ball's putting the blinkers on, literally).

Mandelson is sticking the boot into new Labour much harder than David Cameron ever could, the popular and well respected insider, Mandy portrays a party with deep divides - never a good weight to carry on political party shoulders.

Lefty Feminist Harriet Harman said the election should have been fought on "future, family and fairness", to which Mandy replied "futile", "finished", and "f**ked". He clearly knew New Labours days were well and truly numbered, and now my new favourite Labourite is leaving with a bang!

Clearly Peter Mandelson's was much more than a very talented strategist, he could see into the future as well...

Labour Keep Digging a Deeper and Deeper Hole

2010-07-09T11:35:00.005+01:00

Ed Miliband has spoken out with disgust at what he perceives as 'Denial' from Liberal Democrat's "Some LibDems want to walk around in total denial of the reality by pretending that a referendum on AV is a compensation for the most vicious ideological assault on the welfare state I have known.''

He has joined the rest of the Labour party in digging their own graves. For a number of weeks now, the Tories have been sidelined by Labour who have brought constant attack on the Liberal Democrats, mainly for signing up with Conservatives, rather than Labour. Harriet Harman was at the forefront a few weeks back with a vicious attack on Vince Cable labelling him the 'treasury poodle', but i must point out that this attack is clearly very shortsighted.

Before the election Gordon Brown did his utmost to reach out to the Libdems, with all the 'i agree with Nicks' and the 'I think we are of the same opinion' talk from the now missing Scott. According the the Liberal Democrat negotiating team who spoke to Labour, they were not prepared to budge on practically any of their manifesto - no surprise there from the most stubborn Government and party in the last century.

Since the budget, the blame hasn't been left at George Osbourne's feet, why? because, simply, it was a good budget and Labour probably recognise this, so don't attack the Tories, attach their partners, go for the easy pickings, point out their manifesto backtracking and make the world right. The sterling is up, the budget respected clearly by markets and Businesses, so George got away unscathed.

What Labour do not understand is that a coalition has compromise, this clearly showed in the Labour-Libdem negotiations, so of course the Liberals will be backtracking, as will the Tories, they simply cannot both implement their manifestos in full, with disagreement across the board, this would be impossible and as the larger party, the Conservative manifesto will clearly take less backward steps than the Liberal Democrats, this is simple politics.

But why have Labour shot themselves in the foot? Well because in these changing times, a possible change in the voting system, if Labour intend to regain power in 2015, it is very likely they will need the help of the Liberal Democrats, who they have now spent several weeks slagging off systematically. It is an extremely shortsighted technique to attack the Liberal Democrats to score a few political brownie points, clearly in a time of desperation, when in five years time Labour will more than likely need the help, backing and trust of the Liberals to take back number 10.

Post Of The Day

2010-07-08T22:23:00.003+01:00

Whilst mindful that my blogging has been rather lackluster of late, i am on a week's holiday, and the sunshine is too hard to turn down! However i have not been void of reading the posts of others, so once again my contribution comes in the form of Post Of The Day. Today's post, chosen not for its Technical genius, written superiority, or its breaking news story, but for its simplicity, humour and providing an insight into why Ed Miliband is sailing far behind older brother David, not just politically or financially but his tender age is clearly showing, as young Ed appears to be shamelessly tapping in to the bank of Mum and Dad (sort of) to fund his campaign, clearly his lack of know how, backing and social networking are at question here, along with his maturity.

Read Guido Fawkes post here:- http://tinyurl.com/33457eo

The Guardian, Eric Pickles and Cheerleading Development Officers.

2010-07-06T13:17:00.003+01:00

Eric Pickles is rightly about to wage war on local Government 'non-jobs' in a speech this afternoon at the Local Government Association conference in Bournemouth.

In a bid to cut Local Government expenses on unnecessary jobs and job advertisements, such as 'Cheer leading Development Officer' and 'Audience Development Officers' of which Pickles will say "What does an audience development officer do? Is a 'cheer leading development officer' what taxpayers want? How many transformation officers and business development directors does one council need?

"One council was even advertising for someone to spin for their bins last week. I wonder whether their residents actually want a 'communications waste strategy officer.' Or whether they'd prefer a few more bin men."

Pickles will call for less advertising of posts in national newspapers, which can cost between £5000-£10,000 for a single advert, he will suggest posts should be put online on local authority websites, and listed in local newspapers, not only to cut costs, but so that local people can judge whether the jobs are needless.

"Putting jobs online not only shows local people where their money is going. It will mean they can question whether those jobs are really needed at all.''

All of which I agree with, wholly. So bearing in mind this is a speech about cost saving within Local Government, i wasn't surprised to see this Guardian headline:- 'Newspapers to suffer as Pickles calls for council job ads to go online' Unbelievable, the Guardian have taken to attacking common sense now, its any wonder anybody advertises at all at a well overpriced £10k a pop, and I'm sure The Guardian will not miss the revenue too much, besides, as they are so Anti-common sense, anti-Government and anti-Tory, surely advertising on behalf of the Government would be a little hypocritical? Me thinks the Grauniad doesn't really care when all they can see are pound signs flashing before their eyes.

40% Cuts? 60% Bullshit.

2010-07-04T19:12:00.004+01:00

So the biased BBC and every scaremongering, shit stirring newspaper in the country is full of talk of Government departments facing 40% cuts. The Guardian, clearly the most ill informed of even the leftest ''WE HATE TORIES BRING BACK MENTAL GORDON'' papers even goes so far as to say that Government Departments WILL face 40% cuts.

On who's authority? Because it wasn't anybody from the Co-Go. Osbourne said that the 25% cuts would be an average, which already implies some may face less, some may face more. Departments have actually been told to measure the effect of savings between 25% and 40%, hypothetically, to see what the impact would be of more drastic cuts. It is as simple as that.

Why the BBC and the rest of the media insist on manipulating the idea to frankly scare the public is beyond me. Labour and the unions I'm sure are having a ball, jumping on the ''look at the Tories making 40% cuts' bandwagon. I only hope that Joe public is not as stupid as clearly the opposition and the media would like to believe.

Post Of The Day

2010-07-03T21:18:00.003+01:00

This week has been a long and busy week for me. Heavy workload in the office (somewhere in the MOJ), Conservative association meeting and my Councillor candidate application, so i have neglected the blog a little this week, much to my own concern. Luckily for you, i now have a much deserved week away from the office, so i suspect the blog will take to the forefront again...

So kicking off, as i haven't been much use to you of late, you can read some other person's blog in 'Post Of The Day' which goes to Liam Rhodes over at One Nation Tory who take a pop at ConservativeHome for its increasing right-wing pandering. Something which i too have noticed, and although i find ConHome is a regular must-read for me, there is often a fair chunk of it which i do not tend to agree with as a Tory. You can read Liam's post here http://tinyurl.com/38cn4vb

Ken Clarke Asking The Right Questions.

2010-06-30T13:58:00.004+01:00

I used to be of the opinion that, commit a crime, go to prison, face the harsh reality, never re-offend. I do not believe this anymore, and neither do the analysts, the statistics, or Ken Clarke.

Ken Clarke has today said: ''just banging up more and more people for longer without actively seeking to change them is what you would expect of Victorian England." This will no doubt cause some controversy amongst the Conservative ranks. But its time we faced facts. Prison doesn't always work. Don't get me wrong, commit a grave crime, and expect to spend a long time in jail, that is how it should be. Short sentences for petty crime are widely believed to be a 'school for criminals', they go in, learn their trade from the old cons, go back out twice as willing, and twice the wiser. I do agree however that the justice system has it wrong at the opposite end of the scale also, with rapists and murderous only serving 10 years as 'life', frankly a joke and an insult. But that is a post for another day.

But the argument for finding other methods of punishment and education for petty criminals as appose to sending them to prison has to be backed up by statistics, not just opinions like mine. And it is:

According to recent figures, short-term prisoner re-offending costs the economy £10 billion each year.
Of all those in jail, prisoners serving less than a year have the highest re-offending rates and the most convictions, an average of 16.
60% of short-sentenced prisoners commit another crime within a year of getting out.

A report conducted by the National Audit Office concluded. During the study they found many prisoners were spending all day in their cells rather than being engaged in training and rehabilitation. The support may be there is prison, but its not compulsory, and is clearly being ignored. My old football manager spent time on remand, i have it from the horses mouth that he found the time 'a doddle'.

Add to this the implications of prison overcrowding, which is a big problem in the UK, and the cost of building more prisons, and in the long term it just makes zero sense to follow the short-sentence route.

Juliet Lyon, director of the Prison Reform Trust, was quoted earlier this year as saying: "The revolving door of prison and crime costs the taxpayer billions and does little or nothing to reduce offending.

"The evidence is clear that community penalties, treatment for addicts, mental healthcare and sorting out housing and employment all work better than a short prison sentence."

Jon Collins, of the Criminal Justice Alliance, said rather than spending money on a "futile attempt" to make short sentences work, the government should focus on keeping people out of jail to free up space and resources to better rehabilitate those who needed to be inside.

It would be a good time for the New Government to take a thorough look at the figures, consider more radical solutions and take action, and they do plan to produce a "rehabilitation revolution". I'm not saying that Prison doesn't have the answer, or that rehabilitation programmes and methods do. Its likely there are considerable failings in both, but after Labours complete prison failure, surely anything different is worth a go.

The Removal Of The IPC Can Only Be A Good Thing.

2010-06-29T13:55:00.002+01:00

Labour quango the 'IPC' is set to be abolished and its powers handed back to ministers. The IPC was designed to take control of of major planning decisions from Local Authorities, which caused controversy at the time, and its clear why.

Planning applications are notorious for taking time, in many cases far too much time, so the idea of creating a fast track system for large scale operations like airports and wind farms is a welcome one, but taking the decisions away from an elected body and handing them to an outside organisation was never going to be a good one. The problem is that the decision makers, without being democratically accountable, most likely wouldn't always serve the best interests of Local, and wider communities. The whole system surrounding planning applications can cause controversial decisions, and without an accountable body, they cannot be argued against efficiently.

Minsters are elected by us, the people. They hold a responsibility to their communities and its constituents, the very nature of the job means that listening is a key role (although this is not always apparent) for every politician. Democracy in any decision making is a must.

Although ministers will take back the powers given to the IPC, they have also promised to keep the system as a fast-track outlet, the final decisions made will take no longer than they would in the hands of the IPC, which can only be a good thing - speed and democracy.

Further Infrastructure in the UK is obviously a must to push us away from debt and rebuild the economy, and even the anti's too Labours IPC quango agree with this, but without accountability and a forum to voice opinion, the old system could clearly be fraught with disaster. I commend the decision to abolish the IPC.

The project developed under Labour began work in October 2009 and has since had 42 proposals, all of which remain in the pre-application stage. I cant imagine the cost's incurred by erecting the IPC, and it would be wrong to guess, but any savings made with the removal of the IPC must also be a welcome benefit.

Hunt Out Of Order

2010-06-28T13:40:00.003+01:00

You would have thought that to be Sports Secretary, you would need to know a little about sport, the historic events of sport, tragic and magnificent.

You would have thought that a Sports Secretary would have at least some knowledge of a Government inquiry into one of the most tragic days of British sporting history. Well apparently not.

Jeremy Hunt our very own sports secretary indirectly accused football 'hooliganism' as being a cause in the Hillsborough disaster, even though it is widely known that the official Government 'Taylor report' commissioned immediately following the disaster found that football related violence has squat to do with the tragic loss of life, instead it rightly blames the Police for lack of crowed control.

In an interview with Sky News, in which Hunt was to address the good behaviour of fans at the current world cup compared to their previous record, Sports Sec Hunt said: "The terrible problems that we had in Heysel and in Hillsborough in the 1980s seem now to be behind us" Inadvertently insinuating that the disaster, in his opinion, was attributed to lager louts.

Popular newspaper 'The Sun' suggested this was the case at the time, and as a result still has very low circulation of readership on Merseyside. Hunt deserves the same treatment in my opinion, for a very ill judged comment that upset me, a Leicester lad, so heavens knows how the scousers will take it. Badly i suspect. I doubt Hunt will be popular up north for a while.

He has since apologised on his blog: "I know that fan unrest played no part in the terrible events of April 1989 and I apologise to Liverpool fans and the families of those killed and injured in the Hillsborough disaster if my comments caused any offence," but this is just another case of, think before you speak, and if you truly do not believe it, why say it in the first place, inadvertently or directly.

Although the remark will seem tame to many, it only outlines for me concerns over Hunt's opinions, attitudes and commitment to the Sports Sec post. I suggest he does a little bit more reasearch, and a little less talking.

Hughes The Thorn In The Side Of The Coalition?

2010-06-25T13:47:00.014+01:00

As I predicted, the rising of Simon Hughes to the Libdem deputy leader has already caused belly ache amongst the Coalition. His comments yesterday may have been taken out of context in the press, but they were still deeply worrying in the eyes of a coalition looking for a strong and stable future.

About the budget, Simon Hughes said "where we can improve fairness, and make for a fairer Britain, then we will come forward with amendments to do that because that is where we make the difference". The assumption is that the ''we'' referred to the Liberal Democrats as a singular party, and that is generally how I believe it was meant, based on Hughes history and his strictly left attitude. However since taking the role of Deputy, he has pushed for proposals to adjust Libdems into further positions of authority, and still maintains that they need to 'keep their voices' but he has also surprisingly said he was satisfied by the budget and that he backed the coalition, although i imagine that has come after significant pressure from the powers that be, and has since said that the 'we' related to the coalition. Hmm.

Today however, the Libdems were quick to correct Hughes remarks, releasing a statement, referring to the comments made as a "a hypothetical situation". It read:-

"Simon Hughes made it clear in his speech that there would be no unpicking of the coalition deal.
His speech was about how both parties in the coalition would continue to do everything they could to ensure fairness.''

"He was referring to a hypothetical situation. Given that fairness has been built into the Budget there are no plans to lay any amendments." The ''Given that fairness has been built into the budget'' quote seems a pretty hard and blunt line to reverse the effects of Hughes comments. With Labour, the opposition, currently bullying Libdems as the nodding dogs, backtracking on manifesto promises and the knowledge that there are more than a few Lib's not satisfied by the Budget - particularly the VAT increase, it seems as though Hughes has been forced into submission, even though it plays into the hands of Labour. On the matter he himself said ''If there are other ways of improving fairness in the future, compatible with the coalition agreement, these should never be ruled out. But of course there are not any plans to change things now". which reads as a complete opposite to his previous statement, whether he was talking about 'we' as a coalition or as a Liberal.

If this is a sign of the future, and I'm sure it most likely is, then there could be a long struggle ahead. It appears to be worrying times not just for the coalition, but for the Liberal Democrats as a party, for the foreseeable future.

MP's Giving It Away.

2010-06-24T21:54:00.003+01:00

You may have read today that Tory MP John Baron is giving the £60k profit from the sale of his second home to charity. Some may say this is a little cheesy, or attention grabbing in the current climate of expenses scandal, but i think in this case, Baron has done it, and is proud of it.

As a veteran, Baron has pledged to give some of the money to help our ex-service men and women, always a good cause, and one clearly close to his heart. Even if it is a little attention grabbing, its a far better outcome than the case of Ruth Kelly, who recently sold her second home and pocketed the £80k profit, she also bagged £55k 'redundancy' taxpayers money for losing her seat in the general election to help her 'adjust to life outside Parliament' - like she needs help 'adjusting' with her new £200k job at HSBC.

Tim Farron Is Clearly In Denial.

2010-06-24T10:57:00.003+01:00

Farron who has lashed out at the Co-Go in a recent BBC interview, is clearly in denial over his parties permanent ties to the Tories.

After talking vividly about how 'different' Clegg and Cameron are, and how the ideology between both parties will 'jar' it is clear Farron is still upset at losing his parties Deputy Leadership race. During the budget speech Farron sat completely separate from his colleagues who clearly snubbed him to back Simon Hughes as deputy leader.

At the end of the interview Farron remarked "It's very very odd to be sitting amongst a group of people I spent 20-odd years fighting against." - Sorry Tim, but get used to it! How could it possibly be any other way, The Liberals cant have it all ways, they LOST the election in real terms, yet they keep demanding the earth, accept what you have and feel lucky to finally get your opinions heard. And thinking about his comment, Yes he did spend 20 years fighting against the Tories, but he also spent 20 years fighting against Labour - surely a coalition with Labour would still mean he would be sat 'with people he'd been fighting against for 20 years'.

I will never understand certain Libdem's refusal to accept this is how things are, this is what the electorate voted for, I'm sorry that you didn't get an outright majority - which would never EVER happen anyway, so there has to be a bit of give and take, well a lot of give and take, on both sides. Why Libdem's think they are entitled to everything, and above everybody else when they are a small, minority and losing party just goes beyond me.

Post Of The Day

2010-06-23T20:53:00.002+01:00

In all the hype and drama of the budget, its nice to escape for a little while. With 99% of the political blogosphere writing, bickering and probably talking rubbish about the little red box, I headed off to the Guido Fawkes blog to see what Guido does best, entertain and make me laugh. Even when the subject has a serious underbelly, Guido always makes it his own.

Today's post of the day goes to Guido's 'Wheres Gordon?' an expose into the murky world that is 'Gordon Brown', what he's been doing (or more importantly what he hasn't) and how much he is getting paid for it. Read it here: http://tinyurl.com/3396weh

Budget Was Always Going To Be Tough.

2010-06-22T13:50:00.007+01:00

I have been absent from the blog for health reasons (manflu) but i cannot avoid Budget day. So here is how i see it:

The budget was always going to be the toughie, you cannot please everybody all of the time, and there are sure to be a few disgruntled factions of society to say the least. The Tories were always going to come under attack over the budget, because it is their working, and it is aggressive. They already have from Labour leader Harriet Harman banding about suggestions like "This Budget is not driven by economics; it's driven by ideology - their commitment to a smaller state," "A reckless Budget which pulls the rug out from under the economy" and so on and so fourth, but Labour were always going to use the usual right wing ideology tactic, but it can't let them shy away from the fact that they contributed in putting us in the position we are in today, added to the fact that Labour would have made the same cuts, they would have just made them a year later, after another 12 months of pissing public cash down the proverbial drainpipe.
Before we attack George Osborne and co, lets remember this, lets remember where the money was spent, and lets remember how bad things did get.

Libdems are also bound to come under attack, Harman already stating Vince Cable has gone from 'national treasure too treasury poodle.' And there were disagreements between the two coalition parties in the build up to the election about the economy, the cuts, the spending, but for them to have come to an agreement over the budget, surely sends out a message that they did actually realise it was necessary, otherwise they were entitled to argue against the measures.

We also need to take the positives, Labour and the Press can put as much spin on the VAT rises, child benefits as they want, the stragglers and anti's are bound to pick out the worst over the best. But there are positives in this budget. Its there in black and white. The £10,000 tax threshold, No extra duty on tobacco and alcohol, and importantly fuel, per-plane levies - not per-passenger, VAT won't rise until January, new business outside the capital will be exempt on up to £5000 on NI contributions for employee's, the long overdue Bank Levi...I could go on.

The biggest positive though, is that we have had a chancellor, no matter what we thing ok him on a persoanl level, against all call's and pleas in the chance to win a popularity contest, has stood up for what he believes in, and had the ball's to assert measures no matter how unpopular, for the necessity of deficit reduction. In the interest of this country of ours.

Theresa May Is 100% Right

2010-06-18T13:36:00.003+01:00

Theresa May has had the balls to do what many others haven't and wouldn't. Banning radical preacher Zakir Naik from entering the United Kingdom is not only the right thing to do, it is the only sensible thing to do.

Naik, who i frankly find repulsive, was due to lecture at Wembley and Sheffield. Not any more. Anybody who says of Osama Bin Laden ''If he is terrorising the terrorists, if he is terrorising America the terrorist, the biggest terrorist, every Muslim should be a terrorist.' should be banned, for life, from ever entering the UK.

I have never understood why so many radicals want to visit 'the west', a place in which they want to destroy, let alone why so many radicals come to reside here, and though we are a country of free speech, we are not a country of free hatred, and why Abu Hamza and his chums are given the air time to stand in Hyde Park, in a Western Country and preach about destroying the very place they are standing upon, not only a massive contradiction and disgusting abuse of civil liberties but it should be an arrestable offence.

I have long awaited the words of Theresa May, which are more than a refusal, they are a perfectly blunt and powerful statement ''Coming to the UK is a privilege not a right, and I am not willing to allow those who might not be conducive to the public good to enter the UK.'' They make perfect and absolute sense.

I'm sure the Leftylefty human rights campaigner's are scuttling around looking for loopholes or frankly anything to moan about, as per usual.

Has this country not seen enough at the hands of radical Islam? banning Naik, who also said western women were susceptible to rape because their clothes were to revealing, should not just be a message or a warning, it should be a definitive statement to the rest of the world.

Confronting Coalition Tensions Is A Dangerous Game.

2010-06-16T13:55:00.003+01:00

I posted recently about my concerns with Simon Hughes taking the role of Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, and some Co-Go figureheads may begin to squirm tonight as the party gathers for a parliamentary Meeting tonight to confront growing concerns about maintaining the party's independent voice in Westminster.

Hughes had already stamped his authority this week during an interview on The Daily Politics in which he said 'I hope we don't have a VAT increase.' Today he is expected to rally Liberal backbenchers into backing his idea for a shadow team, in which Liberal MP's will shadow those role's on the cabinet that went to members of the Conservative contingent. Hughes also outlines plans in which he wants the speaker of the house to accept that Liberal Democrats will speak second in any commons debates. As i understand it, Nick Clegg is likely to endorse all of Hughes plans, although the Leader and his deputy clearly have differences.

Hughes springs into the limelight as a deputy because Clegg is effectively ties up with Co-Go business, which puts Hughes down as near enough the leader of the Lib-Dems, which i have already stated can only be bad news. He is outspoken, and borders on the far-left, he clearly has many disagreements with the Co-Go way of doing things, and is backed by a strong majority of the grassroots of the party. Opposing Liberals argue that any strain on the Co-Go could be disastrous, and i agree.

What have the Lib-Dem's been fighting for the most? Proportional representation, a change in the voting system that if put in place, would see coalition governments become increasingly common, and if this coalition fails, the strain will be felt on the calls for a new voting system that would see the argument completely undermined, and unworkable.

It comes down to the bare basics. The Lib-Dem's have a voice in a Coalition Government, if they used it to their advantage, it would be a louder voice than ever before, focus all they like on the independent voice of their own party, without the coalition the implementation of any of their manifesto would not be happening, and the point of having a voice that can't act upon what it says? There clearly isn't one. I get the feeling that because of Clegg Mania, Liberal Democrats assume that their party is listened too, highly respected, even foolproof. They do not seem to remember that after all of the Clegg Mania, it came down to a vote. A vote in which they did worse than the previous election!

Voicing concerns is one thing, but straining the coalition is another. Its a lose - lose situation for the wingers of the party, whinge to much and lose the coalition Government implementing some of their ideas and interests, which is better than none however you look at it, and lose all 'independent voice of the party' when the call for proportional representation backfires.

Ruth Kelly And Her 55K Redundency

2010-06-15T14:10:00.002+01:00

Ex Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly is in line for a massive £55,000 of tax-payers money to 'help her adjust to life outside parliament'. She is entitled to the 'settlement' grant after standing down last month. Can i just remind you that MP's should work to a fixed term contract, Kelly was voted out, she lost an election, she WAS NOT made redundant. Ill remind you that she also claimed thousands in expenses to pay for luxury furniture after a flood at her home, she clearly needed to replace it, but luxury? Hm.

Even more significant is the fact that she has just landed a £200,000 - a year job with HSBC, so the adjustment to life 'outside parliament' shouldn't be too difficult. Added to this the fact that Kelly and her husband just took an £80,000 profit from the sale of her constituency home, and things are looking quite rosy for a supposed loser.

Nick Harvey U-Turn On Deepcut Inquiry

2010-06-14T19:12:00.006+01:00

Nick Harvey, Armed Forces Minister has made an astonishing U-turn on a proposed Inquiry into the Deepcut barracks deaths which emerged between 1995 and 2002, something i have been increasingly interested in over the last couple of years.

Harvey, whilst in opposition had repeatedly called for an inquiry into the deaths after the shambolic report of Sir Nicholas Blake that lacked the thorough investigation promised when somebody dies in the care of the state, even gaining backing from Nick Clegg who had promised to investigate if Lib-dem gained power (coalition or no coalition) but has now said ''After coming into the office of Armed Forces Minister it is clear that officials have looked into this issue in depth, given the extensive investigations that have already taken place there is no public or service interest in pursuing a public enquiry.''

Me, Amongst others including many of those families who lost son's and daughter's at deepcut find this simply disgusting. After promising so much whilst in opposition, within days of getting into power, they dump the plan in the bin, hoping that what they clearly view as such a small issue will simply be swept under the carpet.

Private Eye recently wrote a remarkable expose of new evidence that has come to light in the Deepcut case where 4 soldiers lost their lives, and only one was deemed to be suicide. The other 3 cases were left with an open verdict. The article made for one of the best, but most disturbing articles i have read in recent times. The evidence pointing away from suicide, and uncovering internal efforts to cover the death's up is simply remarkable, and an inquiry in my opinion should be undertaken immediately.

The Eye focusing on the case of female soldier Cheryl James reported evidence provided by statement from the attending camp Doctor and medical officer, Dr Alexandra McClenahan who told surrey police that several things struck her about the death of Cheryl James.

1. It was extremely uncommon for women to commit suicide by shooting, and for someone said to be very depressed and anxious, enough to kill themselves, the shot seemed to be to accurately positioned.

2. The positioning of the body, the arms especially for someone who had shot themselves appeared extremely strange, and

3. The rifle was placed far to neatly beside the body, she also added that the practice nurse who also attended the scene, shared the same opinion.

You may ask why she hadn't mentioned something sooner, well, she did, he told police and commanding officers but said she came under pressure to suggest that Cheryl must have committed suicide.

The police files were kept secret from the families, and showed remarkable missing key features. Cheryl's clothes had been burnt, there were no tests of her hands or forehead for gunshot residue and most disturbing of all, no fingerprints were taken from the rifle. Deliberate, or otherwise extremely embarrassing. Dr Alexandra McClenahan was excluded from attending the post mortem and the internal inquiry.

Point number 4. By the way is this. Ex police ballistics expert Frank Swann was called in by the family who concluded that murder was the more likely scenario arguing that the black deposits seen in pictures were consistent with her trying to force the weapon away from her face. A POLICE BALLISTICS EXPERT.

Without doubt this is more than enough evidence to launch any inquiry. Immediately. this should be out in the wider press, getting the publicity it deserves.

And as for Nick Harvey, and the Lib-dem promise, what a disgrace! Armed Forces Minister? You have let down the servicemen and women of this country, prevented their families from finding the truth and closure, and the public for denying a thorough investigation into what has clearly been an extreme mishandling of evidence, and maybe even a miscarriage of justice.

Darling Just Another Balls Up.

2010-06-14T13:55:00.002+01:00

Alistair Darling has taken some harsh criticism from Leadership contender and irritating moron Ed Balls, who it appears is making his best attempts to distance himself from Gordon Brown (3 years too late!).

It appears nothing more than a tit for tat (emphasis on the 'tit') argument sparked when Alistair Darling publicly endorsed David Milibands campaign, but Ball's has attacked Alistair Darlings stance on VAT rises stating that ''I believed that if we made a principled case for ruling out a VAT rise, as well as against premature cuts in public spending, it would change the course of the election campaign.''

Ball's said he had badgered Gordon Brown to change his stance on VAT in the Labour manifesto but that 'others (Darling) had disagreed'. Basically Gordon didn't want to take the advice of Balls, opting instead to take the advice of a well respected chancellor.

Ball's can play the 'I'm not New Labour' card all he likes, but I'm not sure anybody is buying into it just yet.

Cameron's Cutie and Her ToyBoy Lover.

2010-06-13T19:51:00.004+01:00

So it's not often we get a bit of sauce to talk about in the world of political blogging, but today is an exception. It still politics, don't worry, I've not turned into the 'Daily Star'.

Caroline Nokes, known as the 'Cameron Cutie' is a 37 year old newbie MP, who personally helped her in her campaign? Yes, David Cameron himself. He's regretting that now. Nokes, married 15 years with an 11 year old daughter has been snapped letting a 27 year old, Conservative Future member and Tory Councillor into her hotel room wit a feisty grin. James Dinsdale, the suspected toyboy said today 'i can confirm that i had a sexual relationship with Caroline Nokes, but i have no further comment' whilst Nokes and her husband refused to comment. The key word is 'Relationship' because this wasn't a one night-stand, this apparently was a 4 year affair. Dinsdale was apparently snapped 'wearing a hoodie', but i doubt David Cameron will be giving him a hug any time soon.

Nokes who described herself as 'too pretty to be a politician' (I think that's open for debate) had recently endorsed a Christians group declaration that extra-marital sex is 'wrong'. A new MP in a world of democracy embroiled with hypocrisy. Nothing new. Wonder if she will put a claim in for the £130 a-night room she used with Dinsdale?

Expenses Four Face Seven Years

2010-06-11T14:16:00.002+01:00

Elliot Morley, David Chaytor, Jim Devine and Lord Hanningfield who tried to tunnel their way out of court proceedings ludicrously arguing that they could be saved by Parliamentary Privileges Have RIGHTLY been told by a Judge that they will stand trial and face a possible maximum of 7 years at her majesty's pleasure if found guilty.

The MP's tried to defend themselves using the Parliamentary Privilege rule designed to let MP's have their say in the commons without facing libel action, how they think a rule covering free speech covers them for expenses claims I'll never know, but it's nice to see they are not above the law, finally!

Stealing my taxes for their personal gain is an offence to me, the public, the taxpayer and every decent citizen in this country. Give them the 7 years.

Simon's Shadows

2010-06-10T22:04:00.005+01:00

Simon Hughes taking the reigns as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats may cause a headache. Hughes by his own admissions is on the radical far left of the party, his views will naturally conflict with those of many conservatives and the worrying thing is, no longer is the deputy leader just a man who sits twiddling his thumbs with a name badge, he has to actually fill Nick Cleggs boots.

There is sure to be a more visible aspect to the role now that Clegg is away on business, effectively, and i get the impression that the views of Nick Clegg are far from being shared by Simon Hughes who has promised to speak out and become, in his own words 'guardian of the soul of the party'. Although this may bode well for a substantial proportion of the party, i doubt it will do the same for the Co-Go or Nick Clegg, piling strain on the new relationship.

Hughes has said that he would like a shadow cabinet style set-up, where Liberal MP's will be put in place to shadow the role's of the five major cabinet positions held by Tories. I have an issue with this, although the idea sounds credible, and if it was any other party proposing the same, it would even be a good idea, i feel that picking 5 more MP's from a gene pool of only 57 will not provide the candidates made of stuff tough enough to fulfill the role.

Although i am in favour, as it stands, of a Co-Go, and some Liberals even feel more like friends than foes, we must still remember that the Libdems simply do not have the clout of Labour or Tory and find themselves in Government, so to speak, only under exceptional circumstances, and not by winning any election, or even coming close (under the current voting system, i remind you Nick).

Please Mr Hughes, don't get too power crazy and ruin it for the rest of us!

Post Of The Day

2010-06-10T14:02:00.002+01:00

Post of the day has to go to Iain Dale's 'Why Diane Abbotts Interpersonal Skills Need Honing' Purely because the thought of the whole scenario as described made me almost wet myself laughing.

As you can tell from previous posts, I am deffinately not a Diane Abbott fan, and if Iain's blogpost turns out to be true then it provides more than enough reasons why.

Read it here! http://tinyurl.com/3a28rku

Abbott Gets 33 Votes. Hmmm...

2010-06-09T14:47:00.002+01:00

Looks like I'm going to have to eat my own words after it appears Diane Abbott has actually got all 33 votes she needs to battle for the leadership race. However lets look at the circumstances behind it...

McDonnell finally stood down this morning after calls for his head over the Thatcher comments and practically donated his 16 miserable votes to Dianne Abbott so that 'a women could stand'. OK so that's 16 people who voted for somebody they didn't actually want to vote for. That bodes well for the rest of the race, 'I'm going to vote for Ed Milliband i think, i prefer David but what the hell, Ed will do'.

Also not sure how true this is but Guido Fawkes reckon there was a little sly keeping open of the voting for an extra 10 minutes so that Diane could quietly slip in a few extra votes. Interesting. Bet that was Harman's doing.

Oh well, nice to see what she has to say in the televised debates. zzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZ.

Harmans Abbott Vote, I Just New It.

2010-06-08T22:34:00.003+01:00

I commented earlier on my belief that Harriet Harman would vote for Diane Abbott, before i new anything of it, and well, she has. How did i know this? well because Harmans frankly sexist views and her current lets make everyone a women, even if they are not right for the job agenda was always going to make this pretty predictable. I'm still questioning why in Harmans lala land she didn't stand for the job herself and complete her own objectives.

I couldn't help but laugh just now as i read on http://www.politics.co.uk/ how they reported this development.

''The surprise development, which sees the acting leader of the party vote for the candidate with the smallest pool of support, has injected colour and surprise into what has been a drab and uninspiring process.'' Am i on another planet? 'Surprise', 'Injected Colour' hmm...righto. I do agree with the drab and uninspiring bit though.

PS. I googled for a picture of Harman and Abbott together, but it appears they havn't actually met.

Michael Gove Slip's Up - Literally

2010-06-08T14:00:00.002+01:00

Not really news, but its not often we get a cheap laugh like this....

Labour Losers and Slightly Less Losers.

2010-06-08T13:36:00.004+01:00

McDonnell has apologised for his rather anti-Thatcher comments (to put it politely) after stating he would 'assassinate' the poor old lady, not sure that would make his vote count surge. He has also said that he would stand down as a Labour Leader candidate if it meant dismal Diane Abbott would get the 33 votes she needs to secure this week, i don't quite see how that would help, i think its more of a guise to hide his own shame and try to bow out gracefully and Diane Abbott is only going to get 33 votes if she rig's it.

She doesn't seem very popular, although she does have 9 friends so far (i bet Harriet Harman is one of them!). I can't help thinking about how much of a drip she must feel right now, and Harmans calls for more Women in higher positions is looking pretty pathetic too.

Pretty boy Burnham looks as though he might cross the finish line with his dignity almost in tact and Ed Balls does seem to have had a surge in popularity after his speech about EU immigration control, on which i never thought i would have to say I agree.

I cant mention David Miliband, every time i think of him i see Private Eye's photo of a chimp and Guido waving bananas at him.

As i earlier reported, Little Ed Miliband got slagged off by that weasel Alastair Campbell this week which he later denied on his blog in a typical Alastair spin round-about way. Iccle Ed may be the dark horse in this race, I'd vote for him just to see the look on his brothers face when he won.

Alastair Campbell Stab's Ed Miliband.

2010-06-06T20:38:00.007+01:00

OK, so he didn't actually inflict knife wounds on poor little Ed but that drooling tool Alastair Campbell has certainly had more than his say on the runners in the leadership campaign.

Sticking the knife firmly into Ed Milibands back he said ''I think the thing with Ed is that he is a really nice guy, but you've got to differentiate between making the party feel OK about losing and then actually making the party face up to what it needs to do to get into shape again.''

My guess is any controversy will help publicise the release of his journals, whooptidoo, but what does worry me is the amount of airtime this practically nobody gets, he's just a sniping, lazy, all talk, know nothing, well, nobody with a habit of picking fights with everyone and anyone. Wish Adam Boulton had, excuse my french, twatted him while he had the chance. Maybe he's back on the bottle.

I don't know why I'm getting so irate, I couldn't really care less who leads the Labour party, they are all far to dull to make anybody excited about Labour again.

Harman's Fight for 'Equality' Scares Me.

2010-06-04T13:55:00.004+01:00

I have, of late, been having an argument with ex-Labour MP Hopi Sen on this subject, so i thought it only right to express my personal opinion on my own blog.

Harriet Harman has said that she will make shadow cabinet positions 50% male and 50% female in a proposal to level out the powerjobs within the labour party, spouting equality propaganda. We all know that Harman harbours very strong feminist attitudes, but this call clearly oversteps the line.

In the rules of common sense, we earn jobs by being the best candidates, we work hard, get noticed, get promoted and although i agree that equality is becoming a big, needy subject in this modern day, i also do not agree with positions being filled based around gender, race, colour, sexuality, this in itself is an equality. You cannot simply pick people to do jobs for these reasons, and neglect the best, most suitable candidates for the job. Most businesses would agree that in order to succeed they have to employ the very best, most qualified people to the job, and the Labour party should do the same. If they ever end up running the country again, it would be frightening to think that it is being run by people who are not necessarily the most qualified and best suited to do the job for the sake of equality. You wouldn't swap a neurosurgeon for a dustbin man to level out the inequality of intelligence (I'm not saying bin men are thick, but you catch my drift).

At the end of the day, jobs should go to the best candidates, and if that means fewer women get those jobs, or indeed fewer men because they are not the best candidates, then that is tough.

There Is NO Argument for Tougher Gun Laws

2010-06-03T22:48:00.003+01:00

I have tried very, very hard to refrain from entering this age old debate of UK gun law. Every time a madman goes on the rampage, the first questions asked are about why, and how these guns were here in the first place. As a licenced gun owner, this debate becomes a real grate on my life. The questions are pointless, there is no issue, there are far more illegal guns in the wrong hands than legal, so whats going to change if you ban the legal firearms. The truth? it will not stop the madman getting his hands on a gun. Also lets look at the ratio of deaths in Britain caused by Legal firearms compared to illegal firearms, well there isn't much to look at, there are barely any killings involving legal guns, those bad boy gansta's don't like stuffing 4 foot shotguns down their trousers, its far to uncomfortable, add to these statistics the number killed by knives which is way way higher than guns, and it renders the whole argument pointless. If you are going to ban guns, then surely there is a much higher call for banning kitchen utensils.

Cameron Pro Common Sense Not Pro Rape.

2010-06-02T21:23:00.004+01:00

Its been suggested that David Cameron is now Pro-rape because he has taken the LibDem approach to anonymity over the 'accused' rapists. He has said that the identity of rapists should remain anonymous until conviction, and when I first heard this I had the initial thought, 'rapists? anonymous? joking!' but on a moment's thought I have come to the conclusion that this approach is clearly the right one.

I work within the Ministry of Justice, and I see a lot of crime come through the doors, and whilst I am of the opinion that sentences for crimes are far too short, far far too short, I also know from experience that a substantial proportion of rape claims are falsified. It is word against word in many cases, especially when intercourse (not necessarily rape) has taken place and this does lead to a lack of conviction, on lack of evidence (for the guilty) as well as falsified claims.

I certainly do not want to demean genuine victims, my sympathies clearly lie with them, but what I am saying is that there are many cries of rape that turn out to be lies, for whatever reason - revenge, money (footballers come to mind) etc. and it is my understanding that you are innocent until proven guilty. Take the recent case with the young boys and the 8 year old girl, when it first came about talk was all 'those boys, those sick boys', but they remained anonymous, and when it was found the 8 year old girl falsified the claim for the sake of some sweets, everybody forgot about those 'nasty boys' and I can't help but think (and i know this doesn't apply because of their age) that if their identities had been revealed at the first instance, not only they, but the parents would have faced a substantial backlash from neighbours, the press and just about every parent in the country, but at the end of the day, it was a lie.

The moral of this story is that common sense has to prevail, and innocence until proven guilty should remain, because the wrong information in the wrong hands could lead to some life-altering, and possibly life-ending backlash, because once you gain that tag, you are often left stuck with it, even if you are not guilty.

Post Of The Day

2010-06-01T21:17:00.006+01:00

This is to be the start of an irregular regular. Ive decided i can't be bothered with the Israel debate at the minute, its to much like hard work, and until somebody takes a hard line on the matter, i won't bother expressing my opinion. The political blogosphere has been working overtime on the whole Israel thing, even Iain Dale joined in eventually, so today I'm going to commend Guido Fawkes on his 'whodunnit' post and rise above it. http://order-order.com/2010/06/01/whodunnit/ It takes a humorous but underlying serious look at who may have leaked the David Laws story to Holly Watt at the telegraph (not my favourite person right now) and some good alternate suggestions arise. My money is on that twat Alistair Campbell.

Milliband Calls For TV Debates.

2010-05-31T18:47:00.003+01:00

So David Milliband says he would like the Labour Leadership to be debated on television to 'engage the widest possible audience' and to get the public to 're-engage with Labour'. I don't think it will quite see the Millions tuning in like the election debates somehow! More of a drone-fest than anything, plus i get sick of seeing David Millibands face enough on TV and in the papers as it is, it still gives me the willies every time i see it, something very dracular'ish about it.

Saving grace may be that we would get to see the brothers bitch about each other on live TV, which means, as ill be tuning in anyway for the sake of PropaPolitics means it might not be totally void of entertainment.

The Loss of Laws Is Tragic

2010-05-29T21:45:00.003+01:00

I don't like Lib-Dems very much, but i think David Laws is one of the most genuine, honest, hard working and giving politicians, possibly ever. His attitude is always professional, yet relaxed, inviting. He could even have a laugh.

There is no doubt in my mind that he would have made one of the most effective Chief Sec's in recent history, there is also no question, that currently, there is nobody who is better suited to the job of chief sec, and that is a tragedy for the Co-Go. I am also convinced that Laws did what he did, purely to keep his privacy, and in no way for financial gain. Actually, if he had been open about his partner, being his partner, he would have been entitled to far more in terms of expenses, which is testament to the truth.

So I, a true blue, will confess that this is a very sad day for me, for the Co-Go and more importantly for the nation. David Laws worked his whole life to reach this position, and to see him leave in this way, is painful. I doubt I will ever show this much emotion over a government minister ever again, and that just shows the respect i have for him. I wish him the very best, and I hope it will not be too long until we see him in a more prominent position once again.

(keep it) All Quiet On The Eastern Front.

2010-05-28T21:39:00.002+01:00

If there is one thing i could wish for from the new Co-Go, it would simply be honesty. I can forgive a few white-lies, maybe, but when the real story of war, the deaths of many, far too many British soldiers, is lied about, covered up, brushed under the carpet, that is a step too far.

The Chilcott enquiry appears to have got its hands on a damning report commissioned by Lt Gen Chris Brown surrounding the invasion of Iraq, that was SUPPRESSED by the Ministry of Defence because it was too critical 'even for internal use'. The study is said to highlight the complete failure to fully, and properly prepare for the invasion and the aftermath.

I hope the report will be fully released into the general domain, and whats more i hope heads will roll. We have sat back for far to long, and now the truth should be heard. I was not against the war in Iraq, but i am against doing it without full government, financial and technological backing, and that is a crime the Labour government committed.

My message tonight is this, Ed, Ed and David, you can talk all you want, you can drop the 'the war was wrong' line all you want, but say it and MEAN it, because using it to gain support from the public to put yourselves into a more powerful position is quite frankly disrespectful, and had you believed your own statements at the time, more measures could have been taken, and more lives should have been saved.

Question Time Fiasco.

2010-05-27T22:15:00.006+01:00

A row is emerging after downing street said they would only allow a government minister on question time if Alistair Campbell was replaced on the panel by a shadow minister. The BBC rightly refused, as a point of 'fundamental principle', after all they are supposed to be free from political interference, (hmm, is that right Nick Robinson).

Alistair Campbell is a very confrontational figure, although he often appears to be an idiot, he will argue and argue for the sake of an argument (ask Boulton), and he definitely has that 'I'd love to smack him in the face' look about him (ask Boulton). However i must say fair play to the BBC, they definitely should not be taking orders from downing street, and its good to see them standing up for the viewer, but I just cant help but think, we all know the BBC was Labour (probably not by choice, hint hint), we know that they are very left and are far too scared to report the true details of anything that may appear politically incorrect (they never really touch on immigration, the arising problems and issues - although Ive noticed they will report a fair amount of white on black/ethnic crime, and not the other way round - they wouldn't want to frighten the public, and upset the lefty, human rights, you're all racists, let everyone live here for nothing and touch kids and then give them segregated cells away from the naughty armed robbers so they wont get beaten up, tossers) so it seems a little odd to be 'taking a stand' now that the Co-Go are in power.

McDonnell Joins The Race, Sort Of.

2010-05-26T20:23:00.004+01:00

The extremely exciting and unpredictable Labour Leadership contest is in full swing, and that regular fly in the Labour Ointment John McDonnell has bagged his first 4 backers. The BBC reminds us that although the number of MP's backing the candidates at this stage does matter, it isn't necessarily an accurate reading of support, although I'm wondering if Diane Abbott is bribing the beeb to talk it down, with her distinct lack of well, votes. Diane currently has a massive Zero and she has been dumped from the 'This Week' sofa, poor Diane, looks like her campaign might be bombing faster than Gordon's. Although she would be consoled by claiming that world record accolade. John McDonnell has stopped claiming its 'a fix' and just realised he isn't very popular, Burnhams killing it with his pro new-Labour, Gordon and Tony were better than sliced bread campaign, more surprisingly Ed Balls finally got the backing of his wife, and a few others, but if he keeps popping up on TV and looking like a complete idiot (see last night's Newsnight) then it could ground to a halt again, i blame his recent rise in support on Guido Fawkes and his 'Balls not Bananas' campaign, all at the expense of the current leader David Milliband (and his geeky smile) whilst iccle brother Ed slips back into second place.

Pick Of The Day: John Redwoods CGT Proposal.

2010-05-26T13:35:00.004+01:00

I must commend John Redwood MP on his blogpost, showing a letter to David Gauke of the treasury outlining proposals on Capital Gains Tax that seem completely appropriate, well thought out and above all sensible. Compiled with evidence to suggest his proposal can work, and indeed works well its a great read, and i hope the Co-Gov take heed and give it some serious thought. There has been a backlash on from tory MP's about the proposed rise if CGT to 40%, doubling the current rate, and Mr Redwoods proposals have been backed by over 60 MP's.

You can read the post / letter here http://www.johnredwoodsdiary.com/ and show you're support for what really is an excellent proposal.

Ed Leads The Race.

2010-05-25T14:02:00.004+01:00

The queens speech is old hat now since it was leaked over the weekend, so lets take a look at the Labour leadership race, and as the title suggest Ed leads the race. Not Ed Balls, don't be silly.

Ed Milliband is the first to reach the required 33 nominations, actually achieving 35 so far, ahead of his brother, the bookies favourite David Milliband. It has been suggested that David let Ed take the lead to take the pressure off being the favourite, i think its more likely that MP's got confused and backed the wrong brother by mistake.

Meanwhile Andy Burnham has an astounding 1 vote of confidence, hmm confidence.

And Ed Balls, well i think Guido has it right in Ed's campaign diary, he's looking like a bit of a reject at the minute, well in general. Perhaps people have realised that he is a limp horse. Amongst other things. My money is still on that geeky, sickly grin of David Millibands marching to the top of the Labour party, whichever way it goes, its going to be a very long, dull wait to find out.

George Outlines Cuts...And They Seem Realistic.

2010-05-24T13:42:00.005+01:00

George Osbourne and David Laws today outlined 6.2 billion in savings across the government, more than the original election manifesto. So are they shocking? Unworkable? Extensive? Ludicrously lala land? well..No. Not entirely. They all seem very workable to me, they have been a long time coming, and i don't think there is any aspect in the cuts that threatens a further collapse of the recovery effort, so i would like to hear Labour's argument now. http://iaindale.blogspot.com/ Iain Dale rightly points out, that some government departments face a tough challenge, but its not about the detail, its about the message. If the cuts are not met, heads will role. Its ruthless, but inspiring. The taxpayer will now have the chance to see exactly where their money is being spent, and why and i think this is going to be one of the most significant changes of all, no more cover-ups, no more lies. Hopefully. My message today, and my conclusion. Is that making these cuts now, its just, right, necessary and will not cause a major impact on economic recovery, which Labour touted about during the run up to the election. Good on you George.

That Nick BNP Bloke To Step Down.

2010-05-24T13:09:00.003+01:00

The fat repulsive one that leads the BNP is to step down in 2013 to focus on re-election to Europe. In the biggest political news of the decade, Nick Griffin said 'i will have lead the party for 15 years, that's long enough, its time for a new young leader with no baggage to hold against the political party to take over'. True Nick Griffin does have a lot of excess baggage, the dog shit through the letterbox scandal etc, but i think the BNP in general carries more baggage than any member within it...so good luck with that.

New MP? Not For Long!

2010-05-23T19:28:00.006+01:00

Welcome to your new job...and oh, here is your redundancy package. OK, ok so its not quite like that, but I'm sure some of those newly voted in MP's will be wondering if they still have a job if the government goes ahead with its plans to cut MP numbers and change constituency borders to level up the number of voters within them.

The bill being prepared as we speak will be presented to the Commons before the summer, and could cut the number of MP's from 650, to a still substantial 600. Labour have already condemned the plans, saying that evening out the constituencies would only serve to help conservatives in the future. Cabinet Office minister Mark Harper said the aim was 'for fairness' and to 'reduce the cost of politics' and fair enough, the scheduled 6 billion cuts have to come from somewhere, but I'm sure there will be some MP's feeling a little dismayed that it may be them who face the chop and join the dole queue.

Labour Stuck In 1997 Says Unions Boss.

2010-05-22T17:59:00.003+01:00

Trades Union Congress General Secretary Brendan Barber has said Labour lost the election because of their '1997 mindset' and a distinct lack of a 'compelling new vision'. I don't think anyone has hit the nail on the head quite like this. Mr Barber went on to say that Labour had not been bold and radical enough and that they were the least interested in financial regulation. Three of the Labour leadership candidates are attending the progress conference where Mr Barber made his speech, and as they have pledged to 'listen' so much during their campaigns I can only hope they are all listening very very closely right now.

Ed Milliband and Ed Balls have both recently said the war in Iraq was wrong, the timing of which has been put down to basic points scoring, and has been heavily criticised by one soldier's mother as being 'disrespectful', all i can say is, don't keep banging on about the past boys, whats done is done, take heed of Mr Barber's words and talk of a future, a different, positive future and make some of those bold statements that party leaders should be making not only with their heads but with their hearts and a complete passion that seems to have gone a miss lately, apart from David Cameron of course.

May Not Gay Hater.

2010-05-21T13:58:00.004+01:00

Home Sec and Equalities Minister Theresa May Has changed her opinion on Gay adoption days after activists criticised the Government for giving her the role. On last nights 'Newsnight' May was quizzed about her previous record of Voting on gay issues, which included voting against same sex adoptions, although she did vote in favour of Civil partnerships in 2004.

She said ''If those votes were today, yes, I have changed my view and I think I would take a different vote, On gay adoption I have changed my mind... because I have been persuaded that when you are looking at the future for a child, I think it's better for a child who is perhaps in an institutional environment, if they have an opportunity of being in a stable, family environment - be that a heterosexual couple or a gay couple - then I think it's more important that that child is in that stable and loving environment and I have genuinely changed my mind on that."

After such close scrutiny by activists, including a facebook group, since taking up her new role in government, it comes as no shock to me that she has gone from Gay-Hater to pro-homosexuality in such a short space of time. The real shock is, when looking into her views and previous votes on a wide nature of 'equality' issues, how did she manage to land the role in the first place?

A lot of opinions within the Conservative party seem to be changing drastically of late, including the manifesto, and some rather large promises from our new leader. I know it's a coalition, and compromise has to be made, but it seems we have sold a hell of a lot off in a deal to get the top job. Very Disappointing.

Leadership Nomination Deadline Extended

2010-05-20T16:36:00.002+01:00

The so far, frankly dull, leadership race to become next Labour Leader may have more clout now that the Nominations deadline has been extended to 9th June after calls from Ed M, Abbott and McDonnell who are all in need of extra time to canvass support. What i though was going to be a dull washout with the Milliband posse, since the declaration from surprise candidate Diane Abbott has hotted up, and with the extended deadline this may give other backbenchers a chance to get in for the fight.

If nothing else it will make it a more thorough race, more candidates, more competition, wider values and beliefs and if the backbenchers are to be listened to, possibly even a good old fashioned (old hat since the general election) TV Debate. I look forward to watching the candidates tear into their fellow Labour Colleagues. (especially Ed Balls, because he is an idiot.)

Cameron Clinches Victory as MP's Vote

2010-05-20T12:24:00.004+01:00

MP's voted in favour of the proposed changed to the 1922 committee. 168 voted for, and 118 voted against. Good news for David Cameron, but i suspect it may eventually come back to bite him in the arse.

The majority vote does seem to show, however, that the backlash was nowhere near what the press expected it to be (including me) Although Iain Dale reports that he received a message from one MP stating that ''the 2010 committee was formed today, initial membership 118'' which doesn't sound very promising, some clearly angry at the way the voting went. I'm not sure if this does mean that 168 voted in favour, or whether 168 newbies voted in favour because they didn't have the balls not to.

The vote gives Mr Cameron more control in the future, and he is showing, with his win and refusal to be drawn into an argument, that he may well be made of the tough stuff after all.

Report on Polling Station Chaos Released Today

2010-05-20T10:18:00.005+01:00

It should read:

The rules stated polling stations would close at 10pm on voting day.

You should have got there a bit earlier, didn't your parents ever tell you not to leave things untill the last minute.

''But we got there with plenty of time to spare''

Bullshit, it was the biggest election in decades. Expect queues.

The End.

Diane Adds Diversity to Leader Race

2010-05-20T09:45:00.003+01:00

First black MP Diane Abbott has declared herself firmly in the race for the Labour Leadership, saying she had backing of fellow women and far left colleagues. I think its good. It was unexpected, adds a new take on the race, a more diverse looking race not now down to which middle aged white man will become the next Gordon Brown, Literally.

However I have studied Diane on Telly for years, and a few traits of hers discourage me. She is very, VERY left, which isn't always a bad thing, but without being drawn into the 'Gavin Gamble is a racist debate' i think she may play a little on her heritage as a black women, still battling her demons from a bygone age of racism, slavery and unfair treatment. She has already said "We need a proper debate on immigration, where children of immigrants like me also have a voice." which is fair enough, but I know she will only bang on about what Immigration has added to this country over the years, and won't be willing to debate the Level of Crime, illegal immigration, and Benefit Scrounging that has come with all the good stuff.

Sorry Diane, but yes we do need a serious political debate, but we don't need anyone telling us to let in all and sundry. Labour tried that, it hasn't worked.

oh no, here comes the ultra left racist abuse...

Labour MP's Hate God.

2010-05-19T18:12:00.006+01:00

I think that is what Politics.co.uk are trying to spin with an article outlining the 'Religious Divide' between Tory and Labour. Apparently during today's swearing in, a huge majority of the conservative MP's swore on a religious oath, whilst the majority of Labour's chose to simply affirm.

I think divide is a strong word, i think there are probably as few, or as many, depending how you look at it on both sides who are religious. Nick Clegg chose to affirm, so this divide will clearly effect our PM and his deputy. Yeah right. I think people swear upon religion more as a tradition than a belief, after all we live in a country with a judicial system that requires, upon giving evidence, to swear upon the bible, or other such religious text. I don't think that made Mira Hindley a Christian.

Worry Of The Week

2010-05-19T13:48:00.002+01:00

This weeks worry of the week is as follows: ''A special immigration court said Mr Naseer was an al-Qaeda operative, but neither man should be deported under the terms of the act. They argued that they faced torture or death in their home country.''

I read this statement with some sadness, it wasn't suggested that Mr Naseer was an al-Qaeda operative, it was CONCLUDED that Mr Naseer was an al-Qaeda operative. Now some, including myself would say that this is Lefty Human Rights gone mad, now don't get me wrong, there is obviously a place for human rights, it effects us all on a daily basis, but i think (and I'm going to get blasted for this) that any man who chooses to become a terrorist, and this is found to be true in a court of law, loses his human rights at that instance. Does this make us a country harbouring terrorists? and what about my Human Rights? Far better he be flew home and tortured, than risk the lives of many innocent men, women and children.

Another Labour Scalp

2010-05-19T13:28:00.004+01:00

A 4th Labour MP is facing Charges from the CPS for allegedly dishonestly claiming over £20,000 in Council tax and other bills on his London home. MP Eric Illsley has been suspended from the Labour Party and becomes another scalp to the collection of Labour Disgraced MP's in recent weeks (aside from the expenses scandal, several Labour candidates were ousted in the run up to elections for derogatory comments on social networking sites. I cannot claim the Tories are squeaky clean, as the expenses scandal rocked boats in all 3 of the major parties, but those Labour bod's do seem to be set in their ways amidst claims that MP's spent money that the Civil Servant Accountants opposed strongly, in what could be the icing on the cake revelation for the ex-government.

Surely this re-affirms all the reasons the public voted Labour out in the general election, and it doesn't look like the faith will be restored on the red side of the commons any time soon. They say if you are going to leave, and give up the game, at least leave in style.

Nick's Pledge Of 178 Year Shake-Up

2010-05-19T09:28:00.004+01:00

Deputy PM Nick Clegg will hold a speech at 11:00am today to announce the ‘biggest shake-up of our democracy in 178 years’’. He will comment that ‘’this government is going to persuade you to put your faith in politics once again’’, which is a tough pledge, as most of joe public haven’t had faith in any politicians since Winston Churchill.
Mr Clegg said "I'm talking about the most significant programme of empowerment by a British government since the great enfranchisement of the 19th Century.''
"The biggest shake up of our democracy since 1832, when the Great Reform Act redrew the boundaries of British democracy, for the first time extending the franchise beyond the landed classes."
He will tackle the issue of the DNA database, Scrapping ID Cards (hurrah!) and "transform our politics so the state has far less control over you, and you have far more control over the state". He described Labours previous government as ‘obsessive law-making’ and said he will ask the public which laws they think should be scrapped. (depending on different parts of Britain, I imagine this could range from dropping litter, to burglary)

I have to say, good on you Nick, politicians often say things that sound good, but that they don’t really mean, but I think Clegg genuinely means what he says here, and for that alone he gets my thumbs up, anyone that still shows passion in politics can only be a good thing. I better keep shtum now until after 11:00am!

Labour MP Blasts His Own Leadership Race

2010-05-18T18:23:00.003+01:00

Left-wing Labour MP John Mcdonnell says changes in the rules, at short notice, means he cannot stand as a candidate in the leadership race. He told the BBC that Labour officials had organised a 'discredited' leadership race. Under new rules, Candidates must get backing from 33 fellow MP's by 27th May, which makes it almost impossible for the many backbenchers who say change should come from other areas than those who have held the power for years. Mr Mcdonnell said measures would Exclude Applications from the 'rank and file' members of the party and ruin and chance of a 'fresh start'

The leadership race is not exactly hotting up, with the brothers grim being the only candidates to come forward so far, they both worked under Gordon Brown, both share the same views as Gordon Brown, and David Milliband was an advisor for Gordon Brown. You can't get a 'fresher start' than that, can you John?

''The Oldest Trick In The Book'' or Had Gordon Hung Us Out To Dry?

2010-05-18T14:13:00.000+01:00

I wonder if ex-Chief-Sec to the Treasury Liam Byrne new he would cause such a stir when he was writing his leaving note. It read simply, "I'm afraid to tell you there's no money left."

Since the letter, new Chief-sec and LibDem MP David Laws, along with George Osbourne have told the BBC and Newsnight have said that (Labour) ministers had ignored the accountants and Civil Servants and spent money that simply did not exist. Ex chancellor Alistair Darling declared this 'The oldest trick in the book'' blaming the previous government for the state of the economy, which, last time I checked, did seem to be a Labour impairment. The oldest trick in the book may actually be; spend spend spend on the way out, and leave those coming in, in a right old mess.