ONE LAST ALTERNATIVE LOOK AT BLAIRS LAST WEEK IN POWER
Friday, 29 June 2007
TONY AND ARNIE "TO WORK TOGETHER"
One of Downing Street’s final announcements concerning Tony Blair related to the news that the former PM is going to embark on an acting career. Staring in a series of Arnold Schwarzenegger film remakes, Blair is determined to follow a career in Hollywood.
Interviewed outside of Downing Street, Blair said that he had always been a good actor, and had been an admirer of Arnies films for some time “I have always loved his films, particularly their ability to earn pots of money”. Standing next to him, Mr Schwarzenegger also made a comment, but nobody understood what he said.
Here’s the Blair remake roster in full:
NO RECALL
Scientists remove memories from Tony’s mind, leaving him with no knowledge of the cash for honours affair, why he went to war with Iraq and the BAE scandal. His also wakes up thinking he is a world leader. Unfortunately, he can still remember who Cheri is.
TWINS
The story of two unlikely twins, completely different in every way but sharing the same test tube. Twin one played by Tony Blair, twin two by Gordon Brown.
TONY THE BARBARIAN
After watching his family wiped out by the evil wizard Sadam Longbeard, Tony the Barbarian invades Iraq single headedly to seek revenge and free oil.
6th DAY
BLAIRS MIDDLE EAST ENVOY CV
Rise Like Lions has managed to obtain a copy of Blair’s “Middle Eastern Envoy Job Application Form” and some of it makes interesting reading.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE/ATTRIBUTES
Bombed Iraq
Sold arms to Israel
Well known in Iran
Doesn’t like pork
Likes Kebabs
My wife should wear a Burka but wont
Prepared to convert to any religion
Sense of Humour
KNOWLEDGE OF MIDDLE EASTERN CUSTOMS
All Arab’s can be bribed, especially the Saudis
Pass wind after every meal, or have somebody else pass wind for you
They must play a lot of bingo as they all go to Mecca once a year
Camping is a national past time as most Arab’s live in tents
PREVIOUS JOBS
Guitar player, actor, international terrorist, President of the World
DO YOU HAVE A CRIMINAL RECORD
Not yet
REFERENCES
George Bush, Idiot.
Sadam Hussain, Dead.
FAVOURITE MIDDLE EASTERN JOKES
Newsflash: Dixons have had to close their stores in Afghanistan because of the telly ban.
Newsflash: Dyslexic troops have surrounded Marks and Spencers in Basra.
They'd been tipped off that Bed Linen was on the second floor
POLICE TRY TO REMOVE SQUATTERS
Inspector McBribe was today called to a London address in an attempt to remove squatters from a government building. Admiralty House, an upmarket building run by the home group ”TaxPayersAreUs”, is currently illegally occupied by a group of known public scroungers called the “Prescotts”.
“This group of people are well known to the police for scrounging from the public purse. Not only do they fool the public into paying for free holidays abroad, but they also take over properties which they have no right to live in”.
Questioned through his letter box, the groups leader who chose not to be named, but wanted to be known as “John”, said that he had been ill lately and was unable to leave the flat. When asked about his illness, he claimed to be suffering from a bad case of “over indulgence” and blamed the public for giving him to many free trips abroad.
We managed to speak to “Johns” medical advisor, a Doctor Spin, who issued the following statement;
“I have advised my patient to take things easy and not work to hard. That was why he took the job of Deputy Prime Minister. Lately however, he snapped a nail playing croquet so I recommend complete rest at a well known rehabilitation clinic called “The Commons”. John has recently been released but on examination was found to be suffering from “over indulgitytus”, which can be caused by s******g your secretary too much. I wrote him a prescription for a holiday abroad under the pretext of work, and also advised him not to look for somewhere else to live as this would be to expensive and could lead to his bank account bleeding to death”.
THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS
AN ALTERNATIVE TAKE ON THE WEEKS NEWS
A WEEKLY LETTER FROM GORDON BROWNS CLEANER ETHEL, TO HER COUSIN EDITH
Dear Ethel
Mrs B rang last night and asked if I could do a little bit of spring cleaning on top of what I normally do as Mr B is going to pick his cabinet today (he must have some Ikea vouchers) which means more furniture for me to clean. She says he’s going have one hell of a clear out and get rid of the rubbish the other fella had. I hope he puts it all in the right bins. But never mind, I only hope the extra wages don’t muck up the family tax credit. Billy says ask her for cash on the nod, but she didn’t seem to keen, something about “the black economy ruining Britain”. Bloody racist!
Despite already getting the job, I had to have an interview with some one from MI6, some rubbish about “getting clearance”. What I waste of time. Was I a Muslim, could I speak English, did I go abroad much and what did I think of Hamas? Well, I said Billy once had it in when we were in Greece, but I didn’t go much for veggie food! Anyway, I must have passed because I got a special new national ID card with my photo on, plus 10% off at B and Q on Tuesdays.
What a day, people in and out all the time. This little girl came in, Hazel something or other. Blears, thats it. I said does your mam know you’re not at school? What a look of death I got. Kids these days eh! Then this lovely silver haired Scotsman came in, oh the double of Sean Connery, but younger. I could fancy him! Mind you, so does Mr B, he kept referring to him as Alistair, Darling. I think they must be old cricketing friends, because when I mentioned this to the policeman on the door he said perhaps Mr B bats for both sides!
Mind you, I was cleaning the “bathroom” when Mr B came in and started talking on his mobile. He must have just topped it up because he was on for ages. But I overheard some of the conversation and you know what, there going to have one of those “kinky” parties because one of his mates is a chief whip, and he wants him to make sure somebody called Cameron gets a good thrashing at some club called the Commons. It must be his birthday or something and Mr B’s ordered him one of those thrasha grams. He also mentioned something about two brothers as well, Miliband or something, and how “he needs them close to stop them causing bother”. They must be just like Phil and Grant from Eastenders, a right couple of troublemakers those two are. Any way, Mr B says he’s going to give one of them a job that keeps him out of the country all the time and away from bother. I wonder if he’s got him a job on the rigs or as a bricky in Germany. The other one is being sent to Lancaster. He must really hate him, it always rains in Lancaster! Mind you, did you see Sheffield this week? Talk about water. Mr Prescott who used to live near here (but still does but we aren’t supposed to mention it especially to his wife, or anybody’s wife come to mention it) said they might as well grow rice, and he should know, he’s had enough Chinese takeaways!
Well, that’s it for this letter. Mrs B says the work really starts next week, but I don’t know, Mr B said he started planning this ten years ago. The way he swans around the place you’d think he’d been here before.
Love Edith
CAR SEEN IN EAST BOLDON
Police were called to East Boldon today when a distraught shopkeeper reported seeing a “car”.
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Peter Shaw, owner of FoI Stores. “I just glanced out of the window and this car drove past, well under the speed limit and creating no congestion problems. Would you believe it? This type of recklessness could cost millions of people their lives.”
Unable to contain his disgust, Mr Shaw has written 17,000 letters to every paper on the planet. He is also calling on South Tyneside Council to ban the “wheel” from the Borough in an attempt to reduce the carnage currently blighting the region.
“I shall be forced to bring this up at the local CAF,” claimed Mr Shaw “But only if they will lift my ASBO and restraining order”.
Inspector McBribe was non-committal as to Mr Shaw’s claims. “He’s always on the phone claiming to have seen a car in the area. Green ones, blue ones, red ones, you name it, he’s seen it. He once even said that a bus drove by, but we had no collaborating evidence. The best claim he made was last week when he reported that a parking attendant was seen near the Metro Station. How stupid can you get? A Parking attendant outside of Shield’s Town Centre? Ridiculous!”
Thursday, 28 June 2007
STEP AWARDS
Good luck tonight to Ahmed Khan and his business Simply Workwear who are nominated for “Retailer of the Year” at the Gazette backed South Tyneside Enterprise Partnership (Step) awards.
If I could just give a bit of advise to the judges, Mr Khan does NOT like finishing second!
If I could just give a bit of advise to the judges, Mr Khan does NOT like finishing second!
3RD TIME LUCKY
The BBC’s news service is very busy today with all things legal. It has announced that Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister (that was so good to type I think I’ll do it again, the former Prime Minister) has been questioned by the police for a third time over the cash for honours scandal. We surely must be moving closer to formal charges. In what vain then, was Tony approached? A witness for the prosecution or as a name on the charge sheet? I am sure Gordon Brown is as equally eager to find out as I am. The timing may be an indication of the severity of the interview. Has Inspector Yates bowed to political pressure and not embarrassed Blair whilst in office? Or has he kept his best till last? Poor old Gordon, what have you taken over?
GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY?
The BBC’s news email service is reporting that Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi, the convicted Libyan Lockerbie bomber, has been granted a second appeal. Nobody will ever forget the dreadful scenes of the bomb aftermath, and the decision to allow another appeal is going to have a profound effect on Scotland. Long associated with conspiracy theories, the December 1988 bombing outrage will open up many wounds for the families and friends of the 270 people killed. An acquittal would also be highly embarrassing for the British government, with accusations of evidence with holding and manipulation being rife.
A NEW APPROACH
With the dawning of a new political era, Gordon Brown’s first day at the office will have been tainted with the news that three more British soldiers have been killed in Basra, with a fourth seriously hurt. If ever the new PM needed a reminder as to his priorities, this is it. With Blair in charge, the public knew they were burdened with a continued presence in Iraq; the war was his issue and he would see it out. With Brown in control, the attitude will change. Seen as a sweeping new broom, the public will expect a different approach to the conflict, but will he deliver? A good indication will be how quickly the new administration meets with the Americans and at what level. If Brown intends to withdraw or set a long-term schedule for pulling out, I would expect a face to face meeting with Bush very soon. If Miliband however, as the new Foreign Secretary, is the first Labour official to venture across the Atlantic, then we can expect “more of the same”.
CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME
With yesterday’s media Brownfest dominating the news, David Miliband’s common’s announcement (despite probably being his last as head of environmental affairs) on the recent flooding problems went largely unnoticed. Television coverage of northern areas, whilst being sensationalist, revealed a level of devastation and destruction never seen before in modern times. Footage showed scenes that had more in common with Bangladesh and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans than the leafy countryside and retail metropolis that was Yorkshire and The Meadowhall Centre respectively.
Both the commercial and personal cost of this devastation will run into millions, if not billions. Such is the level of destruction that it has not proved possible to arrive at a stable estimate. Clearly, the rebuilding and reconstruction process cannot begin until the floodwaters have subsided, but who will pay for it? This is where the detail of Miliband’s speech becomes very interesting.
“Emergency financial assistance is available to local authorities under the Bellwin scheme to help with non-insurable clear-up costs incurred in taking immediate action to safeguard life and property following a disaster or emergency in their area. Local authorities have one month from the end of an incident to notify the Department for Communities and Local Government that they intend to apply for activation of a Bellwin scheme. If approved, that Department will usually reimburse an authority for 85 per cent of its eligible costs above a threshold related to the authority's annual budget.”
In simple terms, the Bellwin scheme is like an insurance policy. The council will have to pay an access, and the government will give them some money back but not all of it. The problem here is that these areas haven’t suffered the normal run of the mill insurance scenario; they haven’t had there cars scratched, they haven’t had there home’s broken into and they haven’t had their mobile phones pinched. What has happened is that they have had their lives ruined and the infrastructure around them destroyed. Roads, buildings and homes will now be structurally unsafe. Street lighting, sewerage systems, road bridges and all other municipal concerns controlled by the council will either need replacing or rebuilding. The bill will be extortionate and will continue to rise for months if not years.
Yet Miliband will only refund 85% of costs above a thresh hold. Faced by such a disaster, the likes of Sheffield should not have to pay for reconstruction and rebuilding work. This is not a third world country faced with a non existent infrastructure, we are one of the richest industrial countries in the world, yet we leave areas faced with such problems to face financial rack and ruin.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
GOOD RIDDANCE
Today may be a good time not to actually buy any newspapers. Instead, dig out old copies from the 11th May and re read them because this mornings editions are mere a reprint and re hash of previous articles: Blair’s Legacy, How Will He Be Remembered, What Type of Leader Will Brown Be? These are all phrases and views that we have heard and read about many times over the last six weeks and ones which, to be honest, no longer stimulate. We all have our views on Blair’s regime, and we all have an inkling as to how we feel Brown will continue. Personally, I can’t wait for the new cabinet announcements. We desperately need to get away from asinine questions like “will Brown change the wallpaper in No 10” and “will he get on with the Queen” and move on to real issues such as the NHS, crime, government corruption, European expansion and the war in Iraq.
THE LEGACY
So after today that’s it, it’s all over. After years of ups and downs, high’s and lows, at about 2 p.m. this afternoon it all ends. Who knows what the future holds, there will be changes, there has to be. Could things have been done differently, could more work have been done? Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but you are only as good as the people around you. After today people go in different directions, new careers etc. Friendships have been made, and friendships have been broken. But was it all worth it? In the long run, probably……………………………….
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
10 OUT OF 10, BUT DON’T TELL THE COUNCIL………
When social historians look back on the age that we currently live in, two areas will stand out with regards to democracy. The first will be the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act, a piece of legislation that has opened the door to every Whitehall government department and every public body that exists in this country. It has given journalists the key to every filing cabinet in which those who govern us hide their secrets, but more importantly, it has empowered the public when they find themselves up against corporate bodies and national organisations. The second area will be the internet, which has unleashed billions of items of information that we would never have been able to access, from the free expression of ideas to the dissemination of news that would otherwise have never reached our ears. It is no exaggeration to say that the combination of these two elements will be the downfall of many a public figure, politician and multi national company.
I therefore take great pleasure in including South Tyneside Council in this information revolution. The internet site recently under went some design changes, and whilst the section I use on a regular basis (surprise, surprise Councillors and Committees) was always very easy to use, it is now even better. Not only does it outline committee structures, remits, dates of meetings and memberships, it has added the very interesting feature of publishing councillor attendance rates for all full and sub committee meetings. Not only can we now find out who can and cannot be bothered to go to meetings and represent us, but we can also see whether we are getting value for money when it comes to allowances and expenses claims etc. The site also contains an excellent archive section for minutes etc, going back in some cases to 2003.
A quick perusal of attendance rates for the new 2007/2008 session has revealed the usual list of malingerers and non attendees, but lets give them a little bit more time to shoot themselves in the foot (or wallets in some cases). You never know, some may buy themselves a diary with their allowances, but I wouldn’t hold your breath: a quick look back at past records shows that some have been absent without leave on may occasions!
Anybody who has followed my postings on this site, read my letters in the Gazette or seen various articles in the press, will know that the Council’s hierarchy and I will not be exchanging Christmas cards this year. However, from a varied list of Freedom of Information requests I have made, only one has ever been refused and the rationale behind the stance was reasonable. It’s web site and availability of data must also be commended, its all there for all to see.
BROWNS FIRST SCALP
Not only does Labour have a new leader and deputy leader, but it also has a new MP. Tory MP Quentin Davies has confirmed that he will be joining the Labour ranks immediately. In a letter to leader David Cameron he wrote;
"Under your leadership the Conservative Party appears to me to have ceased collectively to believe in anything, or to stand for anything. It has no bedrock. It exists on shifting sands. A sense of mission has been replaced by a PR agenda….Although you (Cameron) have many positive qualities you have three, superficiality, unreliability and an apparent lack of any clear convictions, which in my view ought to exclude you from the position of national leadership to which you aspire and which it is the presumed purpose of the Conservative Party to achieve”.
All these problems, and he wants to join Labour!
These are very harsh and critical words and extremely embarrassing and damaging for Cameron as Mr Davies is not an unknown in Parliamentary circles.
He does not say whether he will call a bye-election; history shows that defectors never really take the honourable route; his constituency voted for a Conservative candidate, not a Labour one.
THE LONG AND THE SHORT
The news that palaeontologists have found the 36 million year old bones of a giant 5 ft penguin in Peru, whilst interesting, will not set the world alight. What really grabbed my intention re this Times article though, was that whoever did the graphics for the piece has a scaled picture of the penguin standing next to a 4ft 7in Hazel Blears, splendidly dressed in red and black. Cruel, but very funny.
PHILES AND PHOBES
Whilst the debate over the new European treaty elements is still going on behind closed doors, the media has given it little coverage due to the pending Blair/Brown hand over. David Aaronovitch’s piece in the Times today then, comes as a good little resume of the situation we find ourselves in. Not to highbrow, and certainly never lowbrow, I like his summary of the two opposing camps. On one hand we have the government, who need to convince us that the changes don’t warrant a referendum they know they will loose, but also need to let us know that they negotiated their way out of a fate worse than invasion. The anti’s however, need to convince us that there should be a vote that they know they will win, but are not to sure if they have enough material to go on.
He also does a pretty succinct critique of the lack of tradition on referendums in this country, his reference to the public voting more for Big Brother type programmes cruel, embossing but very true.
I can’t agree with his conclusion that this Treaty does not warrant a vote. We have reached the point of no return with regards to Europe, if it doesn’t happen now we might as well hand the country over immediately and be done with it. The problem is however, that the Phobes and the Phibes are in a minority. Once upon a time these treaty amendments would have ripped the Tory and Labour party apart; your lucky if the “rebels” now get page four coverage in the tabloids. The only hope lies with the British public, who don’t like being told what to do, particularly by other foreign countries.
Will they ever get their chance? Probably not, unless of course we can have the issue raised on Richard and Judy or the treaty elements up for eviction on Big Brother. At least then the votes might flood in.
THE TERMINATOR MEETS THE TERMINATED
Let me be the first to try and post a headline about Blair’s final Prime Ministerial meeting. With Iraq in turmoil, the middle east on the brink of war, BAE under investigation in America for the same fraudulent activity he condoned in this country, two of his closest allies under investigation for peerage corruption and swathes of his own nation under 3 feet of flood water, Blair decides to spend his last day in office with Arnold Schwarzenegger, a man who at the best of times can barely string a sentence together. Obsessed with celebrity, what better way for Blair to end his tenure than in the company of a man better known for being a dreadful actor and whose acting performances had more wood in them than Sherwood Forest. The two are ideally matched.
Monday, 25 June 2007
UNSUNG HEROES
Today’s Shields Gazette has a couple of interesting items, each with a historical slant. The first concerns Veterans Day, which will be celebrated this Wednesday. The day aims to “highlight the role played by former members of the armed service”, and more than 250 events will be held across the country as part of a national celebration throughout the summer. Stephen Hepburn MP has pledged his support, and has also endorsed the announcement that the “Bevan Boys”, coal miners that worked across the country during the Second World War, will receive special honour. It is this piece of news that I am particularly glad to here about. A close friend of mine told me how his father had been a miner during the war and was not allowed to enlist due to the protected nature of his job. He tried on several occasions, even going to the degree of lying about his name and job; each time he was sent home. What was upsetting was that he and his wife received criticism and abuse from the local community because he was not in uniform and came home every night. An understandable sentiment in very troubled times, but none the less shortsighted and ignorant of the full issue. Similar tribulations were experienced by workers in the Tyne and Wear shipbuilding industry, with riveters, joiners and metal workers all restricted from joining up. However, it was the north east’s coal that kept industry going and it was naval ships that protected our convoys. Their honour is therefore long overdue, and should really have been rewarded long ago. Mr Hepburn has called for all veterans and Bevan Boys (plus any widows in receipt of a war widow’s pension) in his constituency to contact him directly so that he can make representations to the Ministry of Defence and obtain any outstanding veteran badges. David Miliband MP has also offered his support and assistance for his constituents. Well done to them both for highlighting this issue and offering their assistance.
The second item concerns an interesting submission on the letters page from a Gazette reader concerning the ship builder and industrialist Charles Mark Palmer. The author offers an alternative view to the mans perceived heritage and legacy. This debate has been triggered by the movement of Palmer’s statue earlier this month to Jarrow Riverside Park. The tone of the letter is clear “What did this man ever do for us?” and “Charles Mark Palmer sold out … and retired to the leafy lanes of Surrey”. Not a tribute to the industrialist, it goes on to accuse Palmer of selling out to National Shipbuilders Securities which then shut down the yard. It also mentions Ellen Wilkinson’s book “The Town That Was Murdered”, a classic account of north east industrial turmoil whatever your political stance. What stood out from the letter and what stimulated my interest was the scathing comment:
“He took the money and ran without a thought for those of his workers who had served him so loyally for years”
This is not the first time I have come across this view point, and never has a subject been more divided on class lines. Palmer took the money and ran, the workers were left destitute or Palmer took the money, cleared his debts and retired, the workers at least had enjoyed a period of good employment. You can see how the issue is perceived.
Without the likes of Palmer, the north east would not have been the richest region of the richest country in the world. Nor would the area be what it is today, with an industrial history rich in achievement and innovation. However, where would labour history also be without the workers who educated themselves, fought for health and safety protection and a fair wage for a fair days work? The two sides could not have existed without each other, so when I see coverage of Charles Mark Palmer, I don’t see a capitalist who deserted his workforce, nor do I see a man who on his own built an industry without any outside help.
THE ENEMY WITHIN
Has Gordon Brown made his first administrative mistake in not appointing Harriet Harman deputy Prime Minister? My money is on the “yes” vote and here’s why. By not making her his second in command, he has freed her to become an alternative leader for the Party. Unshackled by the burden of government, Harman will see her self as able to criticise, attack and condemn any Brown policy or decision either she, or the membership, don’t like. Browns desire to reduce the role of the trade union block vote at conference is an ideal example of this. The new deputy developed strong links with the unions on the run up to her election; some commentators see this relationship as the root of her surprise victory. Being outside of the decision making process, she will be free to fight any planned changes.
Browns saving grace however, may come in Harman’s inability to lead effectively. Leo McKinstry, commentating in today’s Telegraph, does not create the picture of a typical Labour deputy leader. Whilst congratulating her on a remarkable comeback (she was sacked as Social Security Secretary nine years ago) he describes her as being “remarkably free of the deviousness that characterises so many other politicians”; if there’s one thing Labour deputies need, it’s deviousness, and by the bucket full! More importantly, as an ex colleague, he describes her as “poor at administration…had little grasp of economics” and in true George Bush style, she once asked McKinstry “Leo, remind me again, who’s Yasser Arafat?” I think we should also add lack of world history or general knowledge to the pot as well.
CRIME
With 6 people murdered this weekend, 5 as a result of knife attacks, the weekend stabbing of a marine engineer in Westoe this weekend at least did not add to this death toll.
My visit to Shields hospital yesterday to see a close friend revealed that the gentleman in question had just been discharged from the ward a few hours before. Whilst admittedly lucky to be alive, his story was sickening. Approached by two men late and night, he was ordered to hand over all his money and mobile phone. This was done without delay or comment. Despite the fact that the “transaction” was now complete and no further violence was required, the perpetrators still decided to stab and slash the gentleman concerned. Why? Through shear evilness and for the hell of it, no more, no less.
For every crime like this that is committed, the “fear” of crime increases correspondingly. Are our streets safer? Not only do they not “feel” safer, I would say that in reality, they are also not safer!
SPEND IT WISELY
That old little pet hate of mine, the sheer financial burden that is the 2012 Olympic Games, raises it’s very expensive head again today. As I have outlined in the past, thousands of community and social programmes are going to see funding curtailed as the National Lottery diverts more and more money to the sporting equivalent of The Dome. It came as some surprise then, to read that the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee has proposed a novel but very good idea as to how the games should be funded. Its approach revolves around loans from the Lottery funds, repayable through the corporate and media sales that the event will inevitably generate. Secure in the knowledge that money (at least some if not all) will be returned as the games progress, the Lottery’s organisers would still be able to allocate funding to existing but unrelated causes.
IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?
Despite the fact that Gordon Brown isn’t even in the hot seat yet, he is faced with his first medical outbreak, that of “election fever”. Radio Five together with many tabloids, has been giving concerted coverage to the rumour that Brown intends to call an election within 12 months of being in office, despite the fact he could legally continue to June 2010. Why the move then to an election footing? Deep down it will trouble Brown that unlike Tony, he has no election mandate from the country. In a desire to outdo his former boss, he may be tempted to seek a victory and move quickly ahead with his own programme. With cracks stating to appear in Cameron’s veneer and trailing Labour by 3 points in a recent Ipsos Mori poll, Gordon might just fancy his chances against his Tory rival. For me though, I think Brown has a feeling there’s something round the corner. With inflation rate fluctuations, debt and bankruptcy levels on the rise and China and India approaching production overdrive, the ingredients for an economic and property market recession are all present. Brown’s policy will be to seek re election now, rather than when the odds are stacked against him.
Sunday, 24 June 2007
A DAY OF REST
After a pretty hectic week I am going to have a quite day today, plus I have to squeeze in a long overdue hospital visit to see a good friend who thanks to a Council bin wagon still has a leg suspend in mid air!
There was still time to have a quick look at the papers however, and it’s The Sunday Times that has the best spread this week. Lord Goldsmith, the current but “on his way out” Attorney General, has confirmed my feelings yesterday when he confided in a friend that “I jumped before I was pushed”. I hope he has a good life jacket, because the sea he finds himself in is going to get pretty rough!
Blair’s claims that the new European Treaty he has signed on behalf of the entire country wont really effect us looks pretty flimsy if the analysis of the paper proves correct. Blair has happily given up Britain’s veto on over 70 issues, the most important being:
- The Choice of the new “high representative” for foreign policy.
- Who takes part in European military operations.
- The rules which govern the European Court of Justice
- Policies on sport and tourism
- The adopting and auditing of accounts re the community budget of £87 billion per year.
Not worthy of a referendum apparently. Wrong, it’s the treaty we all dreaded, and it’s being introduced via the back door in dribs and drabs.
Saturday, 23 June 2007
WATCH THE LANGUAGE!
Far be it for me to urge restraint, but I have decided to operate “Bloggers” comment moderator for the next couple of days due to some “negative” posts that have been attached to the “Moving On” article. I know people are angry, and I know that frustration has also crept in. My message to you people is clear; there is an electoral system where every year you get to vote. If you don’t like these people, vote them out.
Please feel free to pass comments on the issues and people involved in general, but please don’t insult them with bad language. I wholeheartedly agree with the overall sentiment, but lets just make sure our side maintains a degree of moderation.
I hate having to do this, but it leaves me with a dilemma. Do I let free speech reign supreme, or do I leave myself open to allegations of dragging this issue into the gutter? I have to air on the side of caution and go with the former.
If you are so irate that you want to post comments on this site, why not instead write to the Gazette, the Council or even our MP? I know I have your support, so lets channel the energy in a more constructive direction.
THAT WASNT THE WEEK THAT WAS, BUT WHAT A WEEK IT WAS!
In response to a couple of emails, there will be no “That Was The Week That Was”. I was going to do a little skit on the Metro affair and the meeting on Thursday, but to draw any humour or sarcasm from the affair is impossible!
Back next week.
MAN THE LIFEBOATS.......
With the news today that the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, is to leave office next week the ship that was once HMS Blair is virtually without a crew. Poor Goldsmith will always be remembered for his advice to government over the Iraq war. His final view on the matter was that any conflict would be legal under international law, but rumours persist that his initial draft cast doubts on Blair’s desire to fight.
Not unused to controversy, Lord Goldsmith’s initial appointment drew furrowed brows; as a member of the Lords the tradition of the General coming from the Commons was not one that other MP’s wanted altered. Recently, his involvement in the BAE scandal has drawn less than complimentary attention.
With a new captain coming on board, the sweeping brush of Brown is clearly at play here. Did Goldsmith jump ship or was he made to walk the plank? Taken from Captain Gordon’s perspective, who would want Goldsmith as a member of the crew. As a close colleague of Tony, if his pals are going to be charged over the cash for honours scandal, the paperwork will have to land of the Attorney General’s desk to be signed off. Will he do it or not? There is also the issue of Iraq; if Brown wants to set a time table for withdrawal, but more importantly, distance himself from the whole sorry mess in case there is an enquiry, then would you still want in charge the Attorney General who ostensibly said that the war was legal? The same argument applies to BAE.
Friday, 22 June 2007
MOVING ON...........
Who ever said that Council meetings were boring has obviously never been to a Boldon Cleadon and Whitburn Community Area Forum. Last night’s meeting at Boldon Community Centre was interesting to say the least. Most visitors to this site will know the problems faced by the community of East Boldon, that of the issue of parking congestion. Residents considered the get together last night as the last chance to persuade the Council to create control measures before the years end. So what was achieved? Despite another massive public turn out (80+) nothing was really done. The Council once again fell back on its plans to place a pedestrian refuge in the vicinity of the shops to enable safe crossing of the road. Whilst this is not unwelcome, it is in the wrong place (people will have to cross other roads to get to it) and it will remove three parking bays in an area blighted by the lack of parking spaces. There will be no yellow lines on the approach to the crossing until at least the middle of next year, if at all. Residents parking schemes will take a similar amount of time to research, and then we will be placed in a “melting pot” with another hundred such hopefuls (a rise of 52 from March’s meeting).
So after three years of hard work and coherent arguments, the Council still refuses to address the concerns of residents in this area. I only hope that between now and next year nobody is killed in this area as a result of parking congestion. If they are, residents will be very clear as who is to blame.
As to the actual meeting, what a raucous event. The issue of Metro congestion was strictly not on the agenda, and despite being aware of the depth of feeling, local councillors had not ensured that it was not included. An item covering parking enforcement statistics for the area was included however, and this was the way in to tackle the overall problem. One after another, worried parents and angry residents vented their concerns on councillors. Despite attempts to curtail the debate, the Forum hierarchy was swamped with outcries and mayhem ensued. With full time officials ridiculed for their attempts to explain why safety measures could not be introduced due to red tape procedures that would take us into next year, it was left to Councillor David Potts to really raise the temperature. Launching into a venomous and personal attack against me, he called into question the whole idea of parking congestion and tried to portray me as incompetent. His claims that businesses were not suffering were ridiculed when one after another businessmen and women at the meeting attacked his claims and embarrassed him. The public were equally shocked to hear their own councillor attack both the area and myself. Mr Potts no longer represents the people of East Boldon and his actions have gone along way to seeing him loose his seat at the next election. I didn’t dignify him with a reply; he had already done enough damage to his own credibility.
So where do we go from here? I had intended to take a somewhat less involved role after last nights meeting, but the Council’s intransigence has ruined all plans for a quieter life. We also have a legal source involved now who is prepared to do some free work on our behalf. After a quick get together last night with active residents the following approach was adopted;
- The establishment of a residents action group
EAST BOLDON RESIDENTS METRO ACTION GROUP
- A legal claim against South Tyneside Council on disability access grounds/legislation. This is based on the fact that wheel chair and electric mobility scooter users cannot use pavements due to cars parked half on/half off pavements.
- A referral to the Local Government Ombudsman on the Council’s failure re duty of care.
- If the issue has not been resolved by May 2008, then an independent candidate will stand for regional election.
Long shots? Possibly, but surely this is the whole point of legal community protest; when faced with an intransigent body every possible means to achieve success must be used.
Thursday, 21 June 2007
ONE FOR THE ROAD
Regrettably (though some will think otherwise) you wont see to much posting on this site due to tonight’s Community Area Forum meeting (I have to press my “Gladiator” outfit). This will be the last chance this year for residents in East Boldon to try and achieve a solution to traffic congestion. It will also be my last involvement at the head of the campaign, as I will be unfortunately moving out of the area. Whatever happens tonight, I have made some good friends by being involved with this issue. I also feel that not only has this fight been resident driven, it has also been dignified and honest.
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
WATCHING THEM WATCHING US
Those of you who have been round the block a few more times than me will probably already know this site, but I have had great fun trawling the archives of www.labour-watch.com, an easy to use resource centre for every thing that is bad, corrupt or inept about Tony’s ten years in office. It also looks promising for Brown’s future attempts to govern the country. If you haven’t already looked at it, give it a go, if only to refresh your mind as why the last ten years have been such a waste.
GO TO WORK ON AN EGG, AN VODKA AND A PINT OF CIDER
Not that it’s remotely interesting, but tonight for tea I shall be having a cheese omelette, salad and home made coleslaw. Why? Because the Broadcasting Advertising Clearance Centre (BACC) says I shouldn’t be. It’s fifty years since the immortal advertising phrase “Go To Work On An Egg” hit newspapers, magazines, radio and finally TV screens. Plans to celebrate the anniversary and also to re launch the good old British egg however, have been scrambled by the BACC as they feel it doesn’t reflect a “balanced diet”. Once again the food fascists have deemed it necessary to interfere in our lives. It seems strange that adverts for vodkas drinks and cider, the sponsoring of TV programmes by foreign wine concerns and even the good old “Carling Cup” are deemed by their advertising prevalence good for a “balanced diet”, but the old egg is not.
PRISONER EARLY RELEASE
The criminal world must be in raptures today with the news that 25,000 of their fraternity will be leaving prison early not just this year, but every year for the foreseeable future. That’s fraudsters, persistent car thieves, burglars and every other little toe rag who hasn’t committed a sex or violent crime. Rather than deliver the news himself, John Reid let Lord Falconer take the flack. Perhaps this had something to do with Reid’s previous vehement denials that any early release scheme would be needed.
Whilst the release of such numbers may relieve the pressure on prison beds and cells, it won’t take long for the problem to build up again. Due to the rate we are committing people to custodial sentences, only 1200 places will be created each year. With violent crime rising, we could see this figure quickly disappear leading to an increase in the early release rate.
There will also be increased pressure on probation services and police forces. With 25,000 ex prisoners back on the streets, many habitual offenders, many of them will be back inside within months.
This sad affair makes a mockery of Labour’s crime statistics and smacks of pure panic and desperation. Without doubt sentences will become more lenient and magistrates will find themselves becoming tools of government ad hoc policy.
The solution to this problem can only be to build more prisons. Forget about old ships, army camps and moth balled old Butlins resorts; if we can entice the private building industry into PFI school and hospital schemes, let them loose on the creation of prison centres as well.
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