It is just as well that Iain Dale for the Nasty Party did not win Norfolk North in the 1995 general election losing to the Lib Dem candidate Norman Lamb. Because as a front bench Lib Dem MP, Norman Lamb, has asked the Minister of Defence, Stephen Twigg, a rather embarrassing question in relation to MoD security passes being given to employees of BAE Systems. The firm was the subject of a government investigation into corruption, which was mysteriously shelved, but the US Department of Justice has opened its own corruption investigation into BAE Systems and the MoD.
"The disclosure has triggered accusations that the relationship between the MoD and BAE is too close and allows the arms company to exert too much political influence over the government". An example of such accusations can be found in Hansard. In a so-called liberal democracy the only people who should exert political influence over the government is the electorate. The whole purpose of providing balances and checks is to ensure abuse is detected and to ensure open government. Therefore, it is an unacceptable cop out that "The MoD is refusing to disclose the names of the BAE employees with the official passes, or why they were given them, saying the information would breach their privacy and security". Since when did the privacy of individuals who's conduct is questionable override the public's right to know? Whilst there is a need for security, the government's use of the term as a shield to hide wrong doing is not a legitimate excuse.
Whilst Julian Scopes has a vote, he is lobbying for the commercial interests of BAE Systems which does not have a vote, and getting the ears of Ministers and civil servants in the corridors of power, which is denied the remainder of the electorate. Such favoured treatment requires justification. I don't want to hear "defence of the realm". This is obtainable without the sacrifice to corrupt practices.
It is not for the corrupt US to investigate our corruption. They can tidy up their own house and we will tidy up ours.
A mixture of law, politics, autobiography and humour. Once described as "The Devilish Advocate" (Guardian), I do have the ability to provoke a response. Sometimes it comes from someone who uses a thought process, and sometimes from jerks usually associated with the knee.
1 comment:
The more that is uncovered of the corrupt practices of NuLabor the more I wonder at how much TB managed to poison the party.
To transform it from a socialist policy to a selfish platform.
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