The Sun is at it’s most vitriolic this morning, labelling the MPs who defeated the government as “traitors” on its front page. It goes on to claim that they ignored the wishes of the vast majority of Britons and humiliated Tony Blair. In a bizarre piece of reporting, it also says the “the limit was… Continue reading “Traitors”
Category: politics
On Further Reflection
Let’s look at it another way. Yes, we saw Tony Blair defeated for the first time. But they’ve managed to push through a doubling of the time that a suspect can be held without charge. That’s still pretty disgusting. Are there any “democratic” countries with a longer period? If I was feeling paranoid, I might… Continue reading On Further Reflection
A Good Day
It’s been a good day in politics. First I woke up to another email from that nice Charles Clarke about the Terrorism Bill. In it he said: Finally, I would like to apologise for the questionnaire which was attached to the message that I sent out to party supporters on Friday. It was not intended… Continue reading A Good Day
Terrorism Bill
Parliament will vote on the new Terrorism Bill this evening. If you want your MP to know how you feel on the issue then can I remind you of the very wonderful WriteToThem.com. And if you think your MP is likely to be swayed by the ridiculous claims made in the populist press then you… Continue reading Terrorism Bill
Rigging the Poll
Obviously running a bit scared following their one vote win in the recent terrorism bill debate, the government have decided to ask us for our views on fighting terrorism. Except, being “New Labour” they can’t bring themselves to ask a straight question that might get an answer that they don’t like. The key point in… Continue reading Rigging the Poll
Blunkett Resigns… Again
David Blunkett has resigned from the cabinet for the second time in twelve months. You’d think that someone would learn a lesson somewhere along the line. Either he should learn to stop abusing positions of power or Blair should stop appointing him to them. But no. I’ve no doubt he’ll be back again within six… Continue reading Blunkett Resigns… Again
Sky Pixies Made Bush Do It
The White House has denied that George Bush invaded Iraq because god told him to. These allegations will be broadcast in the forthcoming BBC programme Israel and the Arabs: Elusive Peace. Is just me, or is anyone else slightly bothered that we’re living in a world where a story claiming that the “leader of the… Continue reading Sky Pixies Made Bush Do It
Taxing
We’ll no doubt here a lot about the Tory flat tax proposals during their conference next week. Here are a few alternative suggestions. A Fat Tax Your rate of tax is the percentage that you are over the average weight for your height. I’m still debating whether that should really be both over or under.… Continue reading Taxing
Suspicious Behaviour on the Tube
Today’s Guardian has an interesting account by David Mery of the day he was arrested by the metropolitan police for acting suspiciously on the tube. This took place the day after the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes in Stockwell station. Mery has a web page where he is keeping a record of the incident… Continue reading Suspicious Behaviour on the Tube
Political Weblogs
Tim Ireland launches the Political Weblog Project where he aims to get as many elected representatives as possible using weblogs to encourage two-way communication with the people they represent. I think this is a great idea. And not just because he has nice things to say about my own political weblog.