In my Inbox today... An ode to politics

An ode to politics

I want a floating duck house,
I want to clear my moat,
I need to mend my tennis court,
That’s why I need your vote.

I have to build a portico,
My swimming pool needs mending,
My lovely plants need horse manure,
And the Aga needs much tending.

A chandelier is vital,
Mock Tudor boards are great,
My hanging baskets won awards,
And I’ve earned a tax rebate.

I need a glitter toilet seat,
My piano so needs tuning,
Maltesers help me stay awake,
And my orchard must need pruning.

I could have said the rules were wrong,
And often thought I should,
But somehow it was easier,
To profit all I could.

The public really have to see,
That the rules are there to test
And by defrauding taxpayers,
We were just doing our best.

The Speaker of the House has gone,
Our sacrificial beast,
But the public are still praying,
For our corpses at the feast.

What do the public want from us,
Those vote-wielding ingrates?
They really should be grateful
to be financing our estates.

The message is so very clear,
(we’re merely learning late)
That the British way of living well
Is to screw the bloody state.

I take my hat off to... Joanna Lumley the Gurkha's 'Goddess'

Following the wonderful news today of the government's U-turn on the Gurkhas, I really have to take my hat off to this remarkable lady, Joanna Lumley who led the Gurkha Justice Campaign to ultimate success, after a long battle, with Government.

Joanna Lumley, seen on the right with David Cameron, Bob Russel and the Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg celebrating the Gurkha vote against the government two weeks ago, has won the hearts of so many of us across the country in the process of this campaign.

Speaking on behalf of the Gurkha Justice earlier today, Joanna said:

"We simply would not have won this fight without the massive, overwhelming support of all those who have supported our campaign.

To the hundreds of thousands of people who have signed Gurkha Justice petitions, lobbied their MP, campaigned, attended rallies and marches - thank you so much to you all. This is your victory. It would not have happened without you.

The whole campaign has been based on the belief that those who have fought and been prepared to die for our country should have the the right to live in our country. We owe them a debt of honour - a debt that will now be paid.

I am delighted, and humbled, at what has been achieved by our remarkable team."

Joanna Lumley's words, as always are very dignified, modest and humble. I think we all know that had it not been for her leadership and aplomb in the handling of such an effective campaign, the Gurkhas would have been waiting for their rightful justice for a very long time to come... if ever!

Whilst I have no doubts, many in the Gurkha Justice Campaign team have put a great and valiant effort into bringing about a successful conclusion to the Gurkha cause, I'm sure I echo the sentiments of most of the British people, in thinking that they would not have been able to swing it, without this amazing woman's charismatic leadership.

In Admiration of our Purdey

Purdey
Originally uploaded by Hilly_Blue

I'm sure like many of you, I have been a long time admirer of Joanna Lumley, long before she ever came to prominence with the Gurkha Justice Campaign... or indeed with 'AbFab' (Absolutely Fabulous)!

Joanna Lamond Lumley, OBE (born 1 May 1946) is an English actress, best known for her roles in the British television series The New Avengers, Sapphire and Steel, Absolutely Fabulous and Sensitive Skin. She is also a former model, a human rights activist (best known for her support for the Gurkhas and the exiled Tibetan people and government) and an animal welfare activist.

As Purdey, Joanna was a character in the British TV series The New Avengers screened in 1976-77. She was the delicious bob-cut haired spy working for British intelligence, partnering John Steed (Patrick Macnee) and Mike Gambit (Gareth Hunt).

Gurkha Justice Campaign

In 2008 she became the public face of a campaign to provide all Gurkha veterans who served in the British Army before 1997 the right to settle in Britain. Those serving after 1997 had already been granted permission but the UK Government had not extended the offer to all of the Gurkhas, who are natives of Nepal.

Gurkhas have served Britain for more than 200 years with over 50,000 dying in service, and 13 have been awarded the Victoria Cross. On 20th November 2008, Joanna Lumley led a large all party group including Gurkhas starting from Parliament Square to 10 Downing Street with a petition signed by 250,000 people (including yours truly).

In her support of the Gurkha Justice Campaign, on 24th April 2009, she stated that she was 'ashamed' of the UK administration's decision to affix five criteria to the Gurkhas' right to settle in the UK. With the support of both Opposition parties and Labour rebel MPs on 29th April 2009 a Liberal Democrat motion that all Gurkhas be offered an equal right of residence was passed by Parliament, thereby forcing the resistance of Ministers like Phil Woolas and the Prime Minister's hand, to have to rethink their earlier decisions and with the event, make a spectacular U-turn, as announced today by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

When asked by a BBC reporter, why she had fronted the Gurkha Justice Campaign, she replied, with her usual humility and great dignity:

"I did it in memory of my beloved father, for my love and respect of the Gurkha and for the people of Britain, who wanted this to happen!"

The amazing and at times humourous (unintentionally I'm sure) campaign Joanna Lumley has run on the Gurkha's behalves has won the esteem and respect of many across Britain. Some are even calling for her to run for Parliament, though as far as I know, she has not commented on this possibility.

One wag on my Facebook home page called for her to be elected Prime Minister (not the only place I have heard this call). I replied, reminding my friend that there will shortly be a vacancy for Speaker of the House of Commons:

"She's done pretty well, leading these naughty boys by the nose so far... she only just stopped short of pulling Minister Phil Woolas' ear the other day! I'd certainly give her my vote if I could."

I am full of admiration for this Lady, who has shown such dignity, humility and sheer panache, bringing much badly needed integrity and pride back into British homes and public life... and I take my hat off to her! I hope she is made a Dame now... she thoroughly deserves it and we could well do with people like her in the 'Lords'!

AAYO GURKHALI!!!!

As I said in my earlie post today... I do also hope the BNP are listening... and squirming!!

More information about Joanna Lumley @ Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Victory for Gurkha Justice campaign restores a little pride in British democracy

Following weeks when we've seen the pride in our democracy dragged through the streets of Westminster... today a little of that pride has been restored in our democracy and in Great Britain!

At midday today, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith made an announcement to the House of Commons that the Gurkha Justice Campaign have been fighting for for years. All ex-Gurkhas who have served more than 4 years in the British Army will have the right to settle in the UK if they wish.

After such a long fight, with huge ups and downs, "this is a superb announcement", said the Gurkha Justice Campaign.

The Government has now responded to that campaign after court cases, votes in Parliament, a huge media campaign and, most importantly, massive public support.

Speaking on behalf of the Gurkha Justice Campaign, Joanna Lumley, who has led this remarkable campaign and won the hearts of so many of us across the country in the process, said:

"We simply would not have won this fight without the massive, overwhelming support of all those who have supported our campaign.

To the hundreds of thousands of people who have signed Gurkha Justice petitions, lobbied their MP, campaigned, attended rallies and marches - thank you so much to you all. This is your victory. It would not have happened without you.

The whole campaign has been based on the belief that those who have fought and been prepared to die for our country should have the the right to live in our country. We owe them a debt of honour - a debt that will now be paid.

I am delighted, and humbled, at what has been achieved by our remarkable team."

Joanna Lumley's words will echo the sentiments of most of the British people, I'm sure and I for one congratulate the Gurkha Justice Campaign team and everyone who supported this very worthwhile cause.

I think the most important point is this... that in this campaign it is democracy that has ultimately triumphed... albeit it with a Government having to be dragged kicking and screaming... (with some Ministers even being pulled by the nose) to finally be shamed into doing the right thing... something rare in Parliament in this day and age!

My best wishes to all Gurkhas and their families who will now be able to enjoy a life in the United Kingdom, without hindrance and who have been embraced by the affection and gratitude of the British public!

AAYO GURKHALI!!!!

As a little footnote... I do hope the BNP are listening!!

Onwards and upwards....moving on from MPs and constitutional crisis

Over the last couple of weeks, I've been rather focused on the issues surrounding the MPs abuse of privileges in the House of Commons and the conduct of Speaker Martin.

I suspect I bored many of my regular readers a little bit (possibly a lot), by banging on about Speaker Martin (a very important issue for me)... for which I apologise... but I'm afraid the whole issue, not least MPs expenses abuses, has quite incensed me.

With the resignation of the Speaker yesterday and the reforms that have been announced, I'm glad to say I am feeling a little calmer today... but I can't promise I will not return to these issues as there is still much to do and to be said in this regard, particularly on my strong belief that the electorate must be given the opportunity to have our say on these issues.

On these, not least is the opportunity we have with the forthcoming European Elections, where I hope you will be supporting the Liberal Democrats lists in your constituencies... especially those of you in Gibraltar (and the South West Region of the UK of course) who I hope will join me in support of our very own Gibraltarian candidate, Jonathan Stagnetto.

Other News to Focus On

Whilst all this has been going on, a number of other news has caught my attention and normally, I would have commented on with a blog post... but I haven't, because my energies and my eyesight, which sadly seems to have taken a turn for the worst recently (could be due to the rise in blood pressure... just kidding), has only allowed me to concentrate on the most important issue... and that was the brink of a possible constitutional crisis that the issue of MPs expenses brought us to, in the House of Commons. Thankfully... I think we have seen the worse on this, at least for now.

Amongst the other items of news that have caught my eye, which have concerned me (by no means the only ones) are these:

Gibraltar's Sovereign Territorial Waters

Firstly, the apparent escalation of incidents concerning Gibraltar's sovereign territorial waters where one more incident was reported this week.

This is worrying and I very much hope Spain can be 'encouraged' by the UK's Foreign Office and of course the Gibraltar authorities, to reign in whatever agenda they are now manipulating, before these incidents become more serious and someone is hurt through some 'trigger-happy' blunder. So far, all concerned have been able to show restraint... but I can see how these could easily go awry. Let's hope this can be resolved soon... before someone is hurt and we are having to deal with a much more serious 'international incident'!

Action Require on Child Porn Laws in Gibraltar

This issue touches on issues which I have been concerned about for a very long time... and not just in the context of Gibraltar.

But in the context of Gibraltar, the remarkably anachronistic legislation that exists in Gibraltar, as my colleague Brian Reyes writes about in his blog, Action on child porn laws…finally « Letters From Gibraltar is long overdue for reform, as he rightly points out.

"A few days ago I wrote about a glaring gap in Gibraltar’s legislation. Possession of child pornography, it appeared, was not a crime on the Rock. It wasn’t me who said this, but the judge."

In this, I also very much agree with John Baw, a fellow Gibraltar blogger, who said the resulting sentence in this case, was "Nothing short of outrageous" (WildOx Blog!

Age of Consent Bill in Gibraltar

Not before time, a Bill to equalise the age of consent for homosexuals and heterosexuals, by setting this at 16, the age that already applies for heterosexuals and lesbians, was heard in the Gibraltar Parliament.

Daniel Feetham, the Minister for Justice, took the unusual step of bringing a motion asking for leave to introduce a Private Members’ Bill for an Act to amend the Criminal Offences Act.

There is overwhelming international legal and local constitutional pressure to implement equalisation although the issue is untested in the local courts.

The Equality Rights Group GGR welcomed the Bill:

"After nine years of GGR raising the public debate on sexual minorities in Gibraltar, we are pleased to see that Parliament has finally considered the question of age of consent inequality currently in force."

I was pleased to see the Bill has been passed to proceed to a formal reading of a Bill in Parliament.

As GGR Chairman Felix Alvarez said:

"Whilst Government has failed to introduce the debate as a public Bill on what, after all, is a public issue and instead, preferred to rely on one of its own members in a purely private capacity, it has, nonetheless passed the motion to proceed on the formal reading of a Bill to equalise the legislation. This, in effect, falls short of Government’s legal requirement to comply with what is unarguably an international law obligation and not, as they have argued, a mere question of ‘conscience'."

As Brian Reyes concluded when referring to the 'Child Porn' case, "Time for the legislators to get moving on this…swiftly, methinks", there's much to be done to bring legislation in these and other matters concerning human rights and anti-discrimination in Gibraltar, to international and European law standards!

On a Lighter Note...

I was very interested to see this article, in the Telegraph, about the fact that Bright women are brilliant in bed.

This is something that perhaps many men take a little while in finding out for themselves. Personally, I found this out quite early in life and as a consequence, feel very blessed in how my early realisation of this simple and logical fact has much enhanced my... errr lifetime.

On a similar note... speaking of 'bright women' and how attractive that may be... any investor out there looking for some good ideas, might well do a lot worse than to listen to Peter Daily's report on the BBC World Service - Business - Does the crisis need a feminine touch? The ideas and investment opportunity offered by this investment company run by a couple of Icelandic ladies... who offer the slightly extreme proposition that men got us into this current economic mess, maybe women can get us out of it... sounds very interesting to me!

I hope to focus more on all these and no doubt, other issues that will arise, in the foreseeable future.... energy and eyes notwithstanding.

So Speaker Martin resigns.. now we need to go after proper reform

In a rather short curt speech, completely lacking in any apology, explanation or leadership and sadly rather true to form, undignified and ungraceful, the House of Commons speaker Michael Martin announced his resignation this afternoon.

Speaker Martin said he will be stepping down on Sunday the 21st June.

It is right that he should go. Having called for his resignation consistenly for the last couple of weeks now... and I gave my reason in a post early this week, I take no satisfaction from his resignation. It is always sad to see someone losing his job and blotting an otherwise distinguished career.

Speaker Martin got it badly wrong over the MPs abuse of expenses fiasco. Under his stewardship, the House of Commons has been brought into disrepute. His departments have approved claims for expenses from MPs, that quite clearly breached the guidelines and even in some cases, may well prove to have colluded in fraud. Furthermore, his department, the 'Fees Office' misguided MPs about their false claims, claims that according to The Green Book (A Guide to Members Allowances), should never have been accepted never mind passed for payment!

Footnote on Scapegoat Excuses and Bigotry

Speaker Martin is NO scapegoat. He is just the first of many that have to take responsibility (other than the MPs who have already had to stand down from various party positions) and must go... culpable for their own actions, in this whole disgraceful fiasco!

I keep hearing many people, particularly from Scotland, saying how honest Speaker Martin is and that he is a good 'Christian' etc. Well this is as may be... but what has this got to do with anything? Sectarianism and bigotry may still be important and an issue in Glasgow... but this has nothing whatever to do with why Speaker Martin had to go... NOR should it! Certainly not as far as I'm concerned and neither have I heard any other critic from any source, justify any reason as to why he had to go as being due to his religion!

Dissolving Parliament should be the next step

The 'Kelly Review' which is currently looking into reforming MPs expenses will not be reporting back to the House for a long time. At the very earliest, some expect it to be sometime in the early Autumn. Sources close to the committee say it is "unrealistic" to think could report back any earlier and its chairman, Sir Christopher Kelly, quite rightly, should not be rushed and he says he will not be "boxed in".

Therefore, in my humble opinion, in the first instance, I believe dissolving Parliament and calling for a General Election, should be the next step in trying to bring back some semblance of confidence in Parliament and the House of Commons. The Electorate would then have the opportunity to de-select wrongdoing MPs and be canvassed and persuaded to back whoever Constituents feel they can put their trust in for the future.

I fear however, that it will be a very long time before the Electorate can regain its trust in our most valued and important of institutions for our democracy!

Do you agree?

Should Parliament be dissolved and a General Election be called now?
	Yes
	No
	Don't know
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Four reasons why Speaker Martin should go now

I just watched the House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin make his statement to the House over the fiasco and crisis with MPs' expenses.

The moment had quite historic overtones and one could feel a palpable tension across the whole House with some honourable MPs clearly very angry, reflecting the mood in the country at large.

Mr Martin told a packed chamber that he was "profoundly sorry" for his failure to prevent abuses of the allowances system, which is all very well and right that he should do, but he failed to respond to repeated demands by MPs to give a date for his departure or indeed to either discuss his future or give the House the opportunity to debate the 'motion of no confidence' against him.

The Speaker scolded some members who interrupted his address to challenge his position. He refused to discuss his own future and stopped the House from doing so too.

As I have been arguing over the last week, Speaker Martin must go. He should go for the following reasons:

• For being instrumental in stopping reform of expenses over the last 3 years at least.


• For his disgraceful treatement of at least two MPs in a statement on MPs expenses last week, when he was clearly NOT non-partisan... as the Speaker should always be and for completely misreading the public mood on the issue.


• For being responsible ultimately for the Department of Resources, otherwise known as the 'Fees Office'... who are, to my mind, responsible for this whole fiasco, jointly with all the MPs who have abused their expenses claims... but who were guided or should one say misguided by this office... and who had their false claims for expenses approved, (some which are bound to be proved as fraudulent).


• Lastly, for allowing the House of Commons system to bring the whole structure, MPs and the administration of the House, to fall into disrepute in this sad and disgracefull manner!

Tell your MP

I think it is important that our MPs have absolutely no doubt how we, the electorate feel about these very important issues. In this light, I have emailed my MP Bob Blizzard (MP for Waveney) urging him to support the motion of no confidence against Speaker Martin. If you agree with my argument here, and feel that Speaker Martin should go as soon as possible, I would suggest you do the same as me and let your own MP know!

Cameron calls for dissolution of Parliament

Meanwhile, at a press conference opening the Conservative campaign in the forthcoming European elections, David Cameron, the Opposition leader called for the immediate dissolution of Parliament and for a General Election to be held, "to let the public help solve the political crisis caused by the row over MPs' expenses".

David Cameron said the scale of the problems facing Britain, including the recession, the debt crisis and the expenses scandal, all suggested a vote was needed sooner rather than later.... and I think the country at large, agrees. I certainly do!

Do you agree?

House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin: Should he resign?
	Yes
	No
	Don't know
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Speaker Martin to make expenses statement to the House of Commons tomorrow

Commons Speaker Michael Martin will make a statement to MPs tomorrow amid rapidly mounting calls for him to quit over his handling of the MPs' expenses crisis.

Tonight, The Independent is reporting his spokeswoman as saying "the statement will be focused on how to resolve the problem of allowances as swiftly as possible".

The House of Commons Speaker's intervention will come as a 'motion of no confidence' is tabled against him by a cross-party group of MPs and after Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg joined calls for him to resign.

The spokeswoman would not be drawn on whether Mr Martin would tackle his own position in the statement, amid reports he was set to announce he would step down before the next General Election.

As the latest group of MPs targeted by leaked claim revelations sought to defend their demands on taxpayers' cash, Mr Clegg said Mr Martin had dragged his feet in reforming the system.

A brave and bold call by Nick Clegg... and well done to him!

I have emailed my MP and urged him to back the motion of no confidence. If you are as disgusted as I am with Speaker Martin and agree with Nick Clegg and others, I would suggest you do the same!

Read more...

Oh and you might want to see The Speaker's Reply to Nick Clegg - Ye're deid man!

Guardian says Commons Speaker Martin to go before election

Nicholas Watt, the chief political correspondent for the Guardian is reporting tonight that Michael Martin, the Speaker of the House of Commons, will be standing down as by the next general election, after senior Labour figures warned his position was becoming 'not tenable'.

As MPs prepare to table a 'motion of no confidence' against him next week, friends of Martin say he is making plans for his resignation and wants to go on his own terms.

Some of us however, argue that there's no reason for him to wait... and should go now!

Who is responsible for approving MPs abusive expenses claims?

Amidst all this MPs abuse of privileges and expenses fiasco... one thing I cannot understand is... how did they get away with these abuses?

Over the last few days the Daily Telegraph has, quite rightly, exposed an amazing plethora of systemic abuse of expenses by many MPs. This has understandably caused a great deal of anger up and down the country, delivered a massive blow to voters' confidence in our political system and brought our Houses of Parliament into disrepute, all unprecedented, certainly in my lifetime.

The Telegraph and the media's focus, has up to now, largely been on individual MPs and the political parties reactions and handling of these events. However, what I cannot understand, and what I believe is a far more important question is... why were these MPs allowed to transgress the system in this way?

If, as we are led to believe (and the facts seem pretty clear) that many MPs have indeed broken the rules, (some even possibly having committed fraud) as stated in The Green Book (A Guide to Members Allowances), why were they allowed to do so?

The majority of MPs that have been 'fingered' by the Telegraph's exposes, have consistently said they believe their expense claim was 'within the rules'. Many are even alleging that they sought guidance before or during the process of their expense claim. If MPs put expenses claims in for approval, and these expenses have subsequently been seen to have broken the rules or been an abuse of privilege of the expenses system... who approved this? Who is ultimately responsible for this fiasco?

Whilst I think all MPs who have been shown to have abused the expenses system should take personal responsibility... and many are doing so... I think by far more important is for the system that allowed this to happen to also take responsibility. I am amazed that, as far as I can see, no one in the media is focusing on this much more important point... in any significant manner. All the peripheral debate surrounding this fiasco talks about how the system was developed, how we got to be here... how reform of the system has been too slow (no doubt about that) and how to put the system right as a matter of urgency... and of course, this is absolutely right that this should be done.

But... WHO is responsible for having approved the expenses of these MPs who are now having to apologise, resign... and even (rightly) facing the possibility of criminal charges brought against them... WHO approved these expenses??

As far as I can see, the Members Estimate Committee, which has the same membership as the House of Commons Commission considers matters relating to MPs’ pay and allowances on behalf of the House of Commons.

More directly concerned in this instance however, is The Committee on Members' Allowances. The role of the Committee on Members' Allowances is to advise the Members Estimate Committee on the exercise of its functions (which relate to charges on the Members Estimate).

The Committee advises the Speaker, the Members Estimate Committee and the Leader of the House on the potential development of the arrangements for Members’ allowances.

The Committee was nominated on 9 February 2009, and has eight members. Rt Hon Don Touhig MP was elected Chairman on 10 February 2009.

General information and the rules governing Members’ Salaries, Allowances and Pensions is published on the Parliament website. This includes the ‘Green Book’, which is the guide to Members' allowances, and 'Practice Notes', which provide more detailed information.

The work of actually approving and supervising MPs claims and expenses is carried out by The Department of Resources, which I believe is more commonly known as the 'Fees Office', is responsible to the Committee on Members' Allowances.

In my opinion, everyone involved in these committees and in the Department of Resources, the 'Fees Office', should seriously be considering their position. I also have to go back to my contention the other day, when I said the Speaker of the House of Commons should resign.

The Speaker of the House of Commons, Michael Martin, is ultimately responsible for these House Committees and for the department that has been supervising and approving these expenses claims and has been guiding (in may cases allegedly misguiding) MPs on their expenses claims.

In the light of the fiasco the abuse by MPs over their expenses has caused and for the gross inefficiency shown by the departments under his responsibility, I have to reiterate, to my mind, Speaker Martin has NO recourse... he too should take personal responsibilty for these shortcomngs... and has to go... he has to resign forthwith!

Do you agree?

House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin: Should he resign?
	Yes
	No
	Don't know
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There's nothing British about the BNP

Acknowledging the huge public anger there is currently about MPs abuse of the expenses system and the massive loss of confidence in the political system that the electorate has suffered... many are warning that this could turn voters to the smaller parties, especially the BNP.

This is very worrying and voters must hear the truth about the BNP before it's too late!

There is nothing British about suggesting to a black child who was born in Britain and loves this country that he's not welcome here, writes Tim Montgomerie in today's Telegraph.

"

'Nothing British' is a campaign against the politics of discrimination, segregation and racial supremacy started by Tim Montgomerie and James Bethell.

House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin: Should he resign?

House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin: Should he resign?

House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin: Should he resign?
	Yes
	No
	Don't know
pollcode.com free polls

MPs' expenses: Vote of 'no confidence' tabled on Speaker Martin

Following my rant yesterday about my disgust with House of Commons Speaker Michael Martin, I am pleased to see support is growing for a 'no confidence' motion against him.

I'm glad some Backbenchers agree with me and have now drafted a Commons motion calling for the Speaker to step down for approving the allowances system that MPs have exploited with questionable claims, damaging parliament's authority.

Douglas Carswell, the Tory MP behind the campaign, said he was confident of securing cross-party support and believed that the 'dishonourable' Mr Martin could be removed before the next election.

Good riddance... the sooner the better!

I have emailed my MP and urged him to back the motion. I would suggest you do the same!

On MP's Expenses

I just heard Tony McNulty pathetically sidestepping some, surprisingly very polite, questioning by Kay Burley on SKY News.

McNulty, who is the employment minister, is today being urged to consider repaying money to the parliamentary authorities as pressure grows for an investigation into the way he claimed £60,000 in allowances on the constituency home where his parents live.

His arrogance in the interview, still insisting that he was entitled to make these claims and that it was within the rules... is just enough to drive me to apoplexy!

He's not alone of course. I watched Douglas Hogg and others... making the same claims. They just don't get it!

The question is not whether their abusive claims were within the rules... the question is and should have been in their minds when they considered making these claims... is it right? The answer... in the vast majority of cases is an emphatic NO! No it was not right for them to make claims for expenses that go far beyond what the MPs expenses system was originally set up to deal with.... a system which in principle, I have no problem with. But I do have a very BIG problem with the way they have abused it.

I've got an even bigger problem with the way they are now going around trying to defend the indefensible... apologising, hypocritically banging on saying they agree the system is wrong and that it should be put right as a matter of urgency.

The fact IS... that in the vast majority of cases that has been exposed by the Daily Telegraph... and bloody good for them... these expenses should NEVER have been claimed for in the first place!!

But... they did make the claims... and now the they are responsible, individually... and whether they pay these back or not... (of course they should)... the electorate will be holding them responsible. That is for sure... and rest assured, this post is NOT a partisan party whip!

House of Commons Speaker Martin should resign

I am absolutely incensed and disgusted with Speaker Michael Martin, over his statement to the House of Commons this afternoon!

With a startling disregard for how strong feelings are running in the country over the spectacular and systemic abuse of expenses by MPs, exposed over the last few days by the Daily Telegraph, the Speaker proceeded to castigate the media and MPs (the very few) who have had the gall to criticise the Westminster Parliament's MP's expenses system!

With outstanding disregard for what clearly is worrying and incensing the public, the Speaker instead, bleated on about 'disregard for important data' being passed to the media! What world is this idiot living in??

The abuse of priveleges by MPs, that is now in the public domain, thanks to the information that has been given to the Daily Telegraph by I don't care whom... to my mind, is not just abuse of expenses, (within the rules according to many MPs)... but in many instances, it is tantamount to... if not actually, criminal offences and fraud!

I gather that Speaker Martin has also called in the Police to investigate the leak to the Telegraph! Shades of the Greengate-Galleygate affair again? Quite frankly, it seems to me the only 'interest' the Speaker is interested in or serving is politicians’ personal interests in protecting themselves from embarrassment. The police should certainly not be abused in this way again. Their resources are much better employed investigating the abuses by the MPs!

I am disgusted by the increasing list of MPs who actually have the gall to come onto our TV screens, and excuse their abuse by saying "oh well, but it's within the rules"!! What a load of bollocks!

I am reminded of the days after the second world war... and during the Nuremberg Trials... where an endless procession of Nazis, claimed they were "only obeying orders". They may have been 'obeying orders' but the question always was... was it right?

I make no apology for this comparison. The claims by MPs... that their flagrant abuse of the Parliamentary system of expenses, is within the rules... is actually just NOT so! Not only have they become morally defunct... they also seem to have lost all sense of right and wrong... and of simple literacy!

The rules as stated in the The Green Book - A Guide to Members Allowances, the principles governing Members allowances are as follows:

Members of Parliament are provided with financial support in the form of allowances to enable them to work effectively in Parliament and in their constituencies.

Parliamentary allowances are designed to ensure that Members are reimbursed for costs properly incurred in the performance of their duties.

Many of the expenses that have been disclosed that MPs have claimed for, defy these simple guidelines... and really makes our eyes boggle!

It's all very well for the Prime Minister, the leader of the Conservative opposition and many MP's to now come out and apologise... and say the system is wrong (as Speaker Martin also did today) and is now being put right. What a nerve! It's the least these tossers can do frankly! Of course it needs to be put right. It should never have been allowed to develop in the way it did... as many other honourable MPs such as the Liberal Democrat Norman Baker, who has long campaigned for greater transparency on MPs' expenses, has been saying for years. Today, in his statement in Parliament, Speaker Martin instead of congratulating Mr Baker for his steadfastness and honesty, criticised him, calling him "another member who is keen to say to the press what the press wants to hear"!

I'll tell Speaker Martin what I want to hear... I want to hear his resignation!

Speaker Martin is ultimately responsible for the Committee on Members’ Allowances, who oversees and guides Members in all the claims which they make. The Department of Resources, also under Speaker Martin's responsibility, has the task of administering the rules, of ensuring compliance with them and of giving help and advice to Members. These systems should have protected the taxpayer and the voting electorate from MPs abuse of privileges. It clearly has not... and the Speaker of the House, Michael Martin, is responsible as are these departments under him. They passed these abusive claims and allowed these abuses to go on without restraint!

Speaker Martin along with the heads of the department and the whole of the Committee on Members’ Allowances should do the honourable thing... and resign... en masse!!

They and the MPs abusing the system, have brought our once proud Parliament into disrepute, not only in the eyes of the Electorate but also in the eyes of the World! Disgraceful!

Those MPs who HAVE transgressed the rules should be investigated and prosecuted if evidence of fraud or criminal wrongdoing is proven. They should be prosecuted and of course made to resign from Parliament.... as they are no longer 'the right honourables'... and they are certainly not fit to represent anyone in Parliament!

The rumbles, hardly surprisingly following Speaker Martins statement to the House this afternoon, are already starting.

Douglas Carswell MP is, as I write, preparing a 'Motion of no confidence in the Speaker'. He too believes, "Enough is enough":

"I've drafted the text of a motion for the Speaker to quit, and to be replaced by a new Speaker with a mandate to clean up the Commons. I'm consulting the Commons Table Office for advice on it.

I'm also starting to canvass for support for it from colleagues."

The latest news is that the House of Commons 'Table Office' has just approved some text for a suitable motion!

I have emailed my MP and urged him to back the motion. If you are as disgusted as I am with Speaker Martin, I would suggest you do the same!

Neil Sedaka's 'Going Nowhere'... a song for our time perhaps

Not that I want to bring a depressive note to your Sunday!

Lord knows there is enough to thoroughly depress us out there in our news media today... what with MPs reducing the 'mother of parliaments' to morally defunct disrepute, continuing conflicts across the world, concerns over climate change and how best to deal with it... the hysteria about swine flu... thankfully now calming down to more sensible proportions!

But... that's the news... and I guess it's 'business as usual'. Not too many positive stories are ever published and they're rarely 'breaking news'.

But... taking all this into account, it did strike me today, that Neil Sedaka's wonderful song... 'Going Nowhere' IS a song for our time.

My thoughts turned to this song last night, when a friend on Facebook posted a video (as we do) of 'Laughter in the Rain', which was a hit from the album of the same name for Neil Sedaka back in 1974. I bought this album at the time and Sedaka has always been a favourite ever since. That album was packed full of some wonderful songs from this (to my mind) highly underrated composer.

One of the best songs, at least for me, in the album was 'Going Nowhere', a powerful song full of paradoxes. A mixture of despair, with some very depressive sentiments... and, curiously, at the same time, full of hope!

The song always brings a tear to my eye! Have a listen and see what you think:



Powerful... thought provoking stuff eh?

In case you missed anything, here's the lyrics:

'Going Nowhere' Lyrics

Considering...
So many folks, dissatisfied with everything,
Who need someone to understand they're lonely, they're lonely,
And they're not alone.

And everywhere
They shrug their shoulders, tell themselves that they don't care,
And all the while they make believe they're happy, oh they're happy,
But not really.

And they're asked to hold the world together,
Make it happen, give it children,
Who in turn are turning on to going nowhere.

And all the strength they'd ever need to help them
Has been wasted, remains hidden,
In the confusion of going nowhere.

And who am I...
To criticize the world that I have grown up in.
Most of you would tell me that I'm crazy, yes I'm crazy,
I can't help it.

I understand
That where you are is where you've been so many years,
And things that tend to change you, tend to hurt you, yes they hurt you,
Very deeply.

And still you try to hold the world together,
Make it happen, give it children
Who in turn are turning on to going nowhere.

And all the strength they'd ever need to help them
Has been wasted, remains hidden,
In the confusion of going nowhere,
Going nowhere,
Going, going, going nowhere,
Going nowhere.

Other versions

Whilst for me... this song will always be Sedaka's own (well he did write it and sings it rather well), another version which I really like, strangely, is the Lena Zavaroni version.

Lena Zavaroni was a Scottish child singer and a television show host... and a bit of a sensation in the mid 70's following an appearance on Hughie Green’s Opportunity Knocks.... much like Susan Boyle on 'Britain's Got Talent' recently.

With her album 'Mama! He's Making Eyes At Me' at ten years of age, she is the youngest person in history to have an album in UK album chart top ten.

Later in life she hosted tv shows and appeared on stage, often with Bonnie Langford. Sadly, Lena died at the age of 35 after a long battle with anorexia nervosa.

Here's Lena in 1981, aged only 18 years old singing 'Going Nowhere' live. A very powerful performance... and one that, in the light of what was to take her from us so soon... is all the stronger for it. Very sad!



Related Links

More information on Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

Neil Sedaka

Lena Zavaroni

Jacqui Smith shoots us all in the foot again... over freedom of speech

Last month I tried to answer a question posed on a google search query (which strangely arrived on my blog), asking Why don't Gibraltarians want to be Spanish?.

In my rather long winded answer (nothing new there and it was an interesting question), I explained that amongst the reasons why I valued my British nationality and heritage was freedom of speech.

"I strongly value the long established British values of freedom, democracy, justice, freedom of speech, human rights and the embracing of mixed cultures, creeds and religions within our society."

All well and good and I hope you'll agree with me, quite as things should be. Except until today, when I was surprised to find out that our Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has decided, in her wisdom... to do away with the great tradition of tolerance and freedom of speech in Great Britain!

Yesterday, Jacqui Smith decided to publish a list of 16 people banned since October to "show the type of behavior Britain will not tolerate"!

This list, which includes people barred from entering the UK for fostering extremism or hatred, has been published for the first time ever in this country. Islamic extremists, white supremacists and a US radio host are among the 16 of 22 excluded in the five months to March to have been named by the Home Office.

According to the BBC, the UK has been able to ban people who promote hatred, terrorist violence or serious criminal activity since 2005.

Explaining her reasons for publishing this list, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said "coming to the UK should be a privilege" and I wouldn't disagree. But banning people, who have not committed any crime, purely because they hold views that most of us, I'm sure, disagree with?? That doesn't sound right to me!

Ms Smith said "the public interest was against naming" the remaining six, for example on the grounds it could reveal the type of information being held about them. So... that's 'innocent until proven guilty' out of the window too!

The Muslim Council of Britain says the government should not act against people, "whatever their views, unless they have broken the law". They've got a point... and I for one have always thought that is how our laws work!

'Against our values'

However, Ms Smith said granting free speech did not provide a licence to preach hatred and that those banned had "clearly overstepped the mark" with the attitudes they had expressed.

Maybe so... but again, that is no reason to break with our much valued tradition of tolerance in this country... or of course, the right to freedom of speech and ban people, who have not committed any crime... as yet. That's just plain wrong and totally contrary to our British values!

In any case, as in the US radio host, Michael Savage's case today, his real name is Michael Alan Weiner by the way... (I say nothing ) ... this idiot's views, who delights in taunting gays, environmentalists, Roman Catholics and Muslims, are now receiving widespread publicity across our media. Ms Smith's barring order, has given this pathetic racist a megaphone and allowed him a platform which he would never have had, had he been dealt with differently.

To his credit, Inayat Bunglawala, of the Muslim Council of Britain, told BBC Radio 5 Live that people should be free to enter the country, regardless of their views.

"If they step over the line and break the law, it's at that moment the law should be enacted, not beforehand.

If people are keeping their odious views to themselves, that's their business. We should not be in the business of policing people's minds.

Quite so Mr Bunglawala... that's exactly what I think too!

I believe the people of the United Kingdom are wise enough to be able to make up our own minds about this sort of claptrap from people like Savage. We would have maybe raised an eyebrow or two, when reading reports of his views, put him down immediately as another racist radical idiot... and promptly ignored him (maybe enjoyed a rant or two on our blogs too). Instead, thanks to the unwise Ms Smith... his views are reaching far and wide... and possibly into corners of this country, where unfortunately, they may be more welcome and fostered! So... well done Ms Smith!

By the way, you might be pleased to hear that Savage has said that the last time he was in Britain was about 20 years ago, and he has "no immediate plans to return"... so good bloody riddance I say!

But... this is yet another example of how this Minister and this Government, continue to erode our country's great traditions... and continues to shoot themselves in the foot with crass decisions and policies... one after another.

In today's Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) Gordon Brown was actually accused by LibDem's leader Nick Clegg as "stupid", and added that the PM's recent speeches were "vacuous"!

The BBC's political correspondent Ben Wright said:

"Deference to the prime minister has never been a feature of the weekly Commons grilling but today's session was striking for the confidence with which the PM's political opponents were prepared to mock Gordon Brown."

It is clear to me, that Gordon Brown has lost any authority he ever had... aided and abetted by his Ministers... not least Jacqui Smith with her constant trip ups... and the 'mocking' blast by Hazel Blears at the weekend... about the "YouTube if you want to" editorial in the press.

Downing Street Petition

If you too are fed up with all this nonsense, you might like to give your support to this Downing Street petition asking Brown to resign. Here's your chance to ask him (and hopefully this useless Government) to go... NOW!

Oh and you'll be in good company... as over 52,000 people have already signed!

Jacqui Smith at the GrumpyOldTwat

Not that I condone much of what our eccentric and extremely irreverent blogging colleague often has to say (I do find him quite amusing at times though), but in Jacqui Smith's case... I do think the GrumpyOldTwat has got her number! I have to warn you though... this link is not for those of a sensitive disposition!!

Jacqui Smith to be sued

As a footnote... not only is Ms Smith corroding our rights to freedom of speech... and handing Michael Savage a PR coup which he is relishing, as the Guardian said but it's also looking like it's going to cost her dearly!

Savage is now threatening to sue Smith ‑ who he repeatedly taunts as a witch and a lunatic in this radio clip – and says he wants top first amendment attorneys to represent him "in a major international case". He claims to have seven lawyers working on the case.

Again, quoting the Guardian, at the very least, Savage is milking his run-in with Smith for all it's worth. This is publicity that Savage, who was fired by MSNBC for telling a prank caller to "get Aids and die", can only dream of.

As I say, it looks like Smith has scored an own goal, the latest in a series of Labour self-inflicted wounds in recent weeks. Apart from threatening legal action, Savage is also urging his 10 million listeners to boycott the UK and to stop buying British goods.

Thanks a bunch Ms Smith!! D'uh!! I hope Savage takes her to the cleaners... the dumb broad deserves it... oh and this time, unlike with her husband's porn account... she should pick up this damn bill... for legal costs and damages which are sure to come... personally!!

Clegg accuses Brown as 'deeply evasive' and 'shameful' over Gurkha ruling

The Liberal Democrats leader Nick Clegg is calling on MPs of all parties to join Liberal Democrats in a vote against the Labour Government's shameful ruling on the Gurkhas.

Gordon Brown and Ministers face a Liberal Democrat led cross-party showdown in Parliament this afternoon, over the shameful Government decision that will see thousands of retired Gurkhas forcibly deported.

In a Liberal Democrat Opposition Day Debate in the House of Commons, MPs will have the opportunity to vote on last week's decision to limit the number of retired Gurkhas who can stay in Britain.

Joanna Lumley and a large group of Gurkha Justice Campaigners demonstrated outside the House of Commons at lunchtime, while the Liberal Democrats continued the fight inside Parliament during PMQs.

Commenting on the Government's Gurkha ruling, Nick Clegg said:

"People who are prepared to fight and die for our country should be entitled to live here. Yet even this basic principle is broken by this out of touch and morally bankrupt Government."

During Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons at midday today, Nick Clegg, who can rightly claim to have done much of the running on the Gurkha issue in recent months, was pulling no punches when he described the PM's position as "deeply evasive" and "shameful".

There's a good deal of support on the Labour backbenches for the plight of the Gurkhas and the Lib Dems are hoping to flush that out into solid votes later when they use their opposition debate to put pressure on ministers.

How is it that the Gurkhas, who have paid a debt in blood and have fought and died for this country, are not allowed to settle in the UK. It makes one livid, especially when one considers the way this government seems to bend over backwards at times, to allow terror suspects and people who are violently opposed to our way of life... to enter this country and live and work in the UK. There are no words base enough to describe what Brown and this morally defunct government is doing to these people!

The British people, I am sure, believe the government should be less restrictive in dealing with the Gurkha settlement claims... and that's putting it mildly. In my opinion, any and ALL Gurkhas who have served in the British Armed Forces... should have the automatic right to reside in the UK... and yes... their immediate families too... however many that is!

Breaking News Update

The Lib Dem motion on Gurkha residence rights was passed by 267 votes to 246 in the House of Commons! Read more... BBC NEWS | Politics | Brown defeated over Gurkha rules

Who are the Gurkhas?

You can find out more about Gurkhas here:

Gurkha Justice

The Gurkhas @ Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia

BBC NEWS | UK | Who are the Gurkhas?

BBC reports Lib Dems will challenge Gurkha ruling

I am delighted to read a BBC New report tonight, saying that the government decision to limit the number of Gurkha veterans allowed to settle in the UK last week will now face a parliamentary challenge from the Liberal Democrats.

The BBC reports the Lib Dems have secured a debate on the issue in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

Gurkha Justice Campaigners claim fewer than 100 of the Nepalese soldiers will benefit from the Home Office's offer of UK residency to Gurkhas who meet certain conditions.

The government insisted that changes to residency rules would allow an extra 4,300 former Gurkhas to settle.

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg held talks with actress Joanna Lumley, who has spoken out on behalf of 36,000 Gurkhas denied residency because they served in the British Army before 1997.

Ms Lumley, whose father served in a Gurkha regiment, will join other campaigners for a demonstration outside Parliament when the debate is held.

'Not betrayed'

Mr Clegg said the debate meant that a minister would have to "come and explain the government's insulting decision to turn their back on these brave soldiers".

"This is our best chance to force Gordon Brown to back down, even at this late stage," he said.

"People who are prepared to fight and die for this country should be entitled to live here.

"Yet even this basic principle is broken by a government desperate to cover its back and wriggle out of its commitments."

On Friday, immigration Minister Phil Woolas denied the government had "betrayed" the Gurkhas, claiming the new rules would improve their situation.

Read the full BBC News report

'Moody' encouragement for Brown... to Go Now!

Following my post last night telling Gordon Brown... For God's sake go... I thought I would give him a little 'moody' encouragement...



In just a little over 24 hours, the petition has reached 6,916 (as I write). Come Monday morning... when people start emailing it around offices, this figure will soon spiral into the tens of thousands!

If you haven't yet voted on the Downing Street online petition asking Brown to resign... here's your chance to ask him to go... NOW!

Now you too can tell Brown... For God's sake go!

It has been said before and now you and I can say it... and tell Gordon Brown... for God's sake GO!

He never gave us the chance to elect him... and I know he'll have to go sooner or later. In any case, he does have to 'go to the country' (no I don't mean to hide in Southwold again) and call an election sometime between now and May 5th next year.

Frankly, this Government is in such a state (no pun intended) and the country in such a crisis that I really don't think there's any time to waste. So... it really would be best if Brown resigned sooner rather than later... and NOW would be good to my mind!

Many others agree with my train of thought and now someone has set up a Downing Street online petition asking the Prime Minister to resign... so here's our chance to ask him to go!

Not that he'll pay any attention I know... don't think I am kidding myself for one moment. He and his Government NEVER listen to anyone!

I'm also aware that these petitions never really achieve very much... as Guido also agrees, he never links to Downing Street online petitions "because they never achieve anything". But he added:

"However dozens of people have emailed about this petition. Guido has spoken to Civil Service types who confirm that under the rules of the petition service this petition is valid and permissable (sic) since it is non-partisan."

This petition has already attracted hundreds of petitioners in support, including yours truly (and am waiting for the 'Black Marias' to arrive any moment now). As I write, the petition has already reached 3,102!

Guido asks... Will a Million Voters Tell Gordon to Go? He thinks "this could be big, really big"... and I think so too... and if at the end of the day the petition manages to attract some headlines and make a point... then at least Brown will hear it... and hopefully get the point!

Over two million people watched Dan Hannan on YouTube crush Gordon in a speech when he said he was "pathologically incapable". I wasn't sure then... I am now!

Here's what Hannan said to Gordon at the time... see whether you too agree with him now:



If half of the people that watched Daniel Hannan on YouTube can be bothered to tell Gordon to go, it will be a huge symbolic protest against the unelected Prime Minister.

If you too now want Gordon to go... tell him so via his own website: Click here and vote!

Home Office treatment of Gurkhas shames us alll

The UK Border Agency has this morning announced new criteria which it will use to consider applications from former members of the Brigade of Gurkhas to settle in the United Kingdom.

In September 2008, the High Court ruled that immigration rules denying Gurkhas who retired before 1997 - about 36,000 - an automatic right to stay in the UK were unlawful. As a consequence, the Home Office were made to review their criteria.

Following the announcement from the Home Office's Border Agency this morning, Gurkha Justice Campaigners have reacted with anger to the new rules on the eligibility of Gurkha veterans to live in the UK.

The Home Office announcement this morning said that new rules would allow about 4,300 more to settle, but the Gurkha Justice Campaign said it would be just 100.

Actress Joanna Lumley, a campaigner for the Gurkhas, said the announcement made her "ashamed of our administration". Other members of Gurkha Justice called the announcement a betrayal".

Immigration Minister Phil Woolas denied he had betrayed the Gurkhas:

This improves the situation.

It has never been the case that all Gurkhas pre-1997 were to be allowed to stay in the country. With their dependents you could be looking at 100,000 people.

It's simply not true that we have betrayed the Gurkhas. When people read the guidelines they will see the sense of them."

However, Peter Carroll, from the Gurkha Justice Campaign, said the fight to allow the Gurkhas to stay in this country would continue with renewed vigour, and added:

"The one group of people that has never let this country down has been let down today in a manner which is truly appalling."

David Enwright, a solicitor representing the Gurkhas, said:

"This government, Mr Woolas, should hang their head in shame so low that their forehead should touch their boots.

This is a disgrace and a betrayal of our armed forces and our veterans."

I wholeheartedly agree. The treatment these loyal and dignified Gurkhas are receiving from this government is shameful!

To my mind... ALL Gurkhas that have served in the British Army... should, as an automatic right be allowed to live in the United Kingdom if they wish to do so, in the same way as other people from the Commonwealth who serve in the British Armed Forces are allowed to do!

When one considers the hundreds of thousands of highly dubious people that the Home Office allows to remain in the UK, for one idiotic reason or other, it makes one's blood boil to see how the Gurkhas, a hugely more deserving people by anyone's yardstick, are having ridiculous and restrictive obstacles continually placed in their way.

This is another nail in this Government's coffin! They continue to cause the country embarassment and their petty decisions shame us all... worst of all, they are out of step with the wishes of the country at large! The vast majority of people in the UK would have absolutely no problem in accepting ALL Gurkhas who have served, and their families if necessary, to live and work in the UK... without restriction!

You can support the Gurkha Justice Campaign here.