US security exposed as a joke
This Observer on the Gary McKinnon saga and the real reason the Yanks want to extradite him.
Related content:
The imbalance at the heart of a McKinnon extradition
Hat-Tip To Iain Dale's Diary
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.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Week in wildlife
Week in wildlife
Mature azure damselflies are frequently seen mating and laying eggs. They usually stay close to the vegetation around ponds or lakes, and fly from May to September
Photograph: Andy Thompson
A four-day young South American sea lion cub lies in its enclosure in the Schönbrunn zoo in Vienna
Photograph: HO/REUTERS
A male Royal Bengal tiger leaps into the water after it was released from a boat on the river Harikhali in the Sunderbans delta forest, some 100 miles south of Kolkata. The tiger was captured by forest officials in March, after straying close to the village of Samshernagar. Prior to release the tiger was tagged with a microchip to enable its movements to be tracked
Photograph: STR/AFP/Getty Images
A 'bald' bird newly discovered in Savannakhet province in Laos. The bird is Asia's first new species of bulbul, or songbird, in more than 100 years, said the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Photograph: Iain Woxvold/AFP/Getty Images
Wildebeests (connochaetes taurinus) prepare to cross the Mara river during a migration in Masaai Mara game reserve, 165 miles south-west of Nairobi. The annual zebra and wildebeest migration is expected to attract a large number of tourists but there are fears on the dropping water levels due to the deforestation in the Mau forest complex; the largest indigenous forest in East Africa. The migration is the world's greatest wildlife spectacle taking place between the open plains of the Serengeti and the Masaai Mara as the animals migrate to greener pastures as the seasons change
Photograph: Thomas Mukoya/Reuters
Mature azure damselflies are frequently seen mating and laying eggs. They usually stay close to the vegetation around ponds or lakes, and fly from May to September
Photograph: Andy Thompson
A four-day young South American sea lion cub lies in its enclosure in the Schönbrunn zoo in Vienna
Photograph: HO/REUTERS
A male Royal Bengal tiger leaps into the water after it was released from a boat on the river Harikhali in the Sunderbans delta forest, some 100 miles south of Kolkata. The tiger was captured by forest officials in March, after straying close to the village of Samshernagar. Prior to release the tiger was tagged with a microchip to enable its movements to be tracked
Photograph: STR/AFP/Getty Images
A 'bald' bird newly discovered in Savannakhet province in Laos. The bird is Asia's first new species of bulbul, or songbird, in more than 100 years, said the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
Photograph: Iain Woxvold/AFP/Getty Images
Wildebeests (connochaetes taurinus) prepare to cross the Mara river during a migration in Masaai Mara game reserve, 165 miles south-west of Nairobi. The annual zebra and wildebeest migration is expected to attract a large number of tourists but there are fears on the dropping water levels due to the deforestation in the Mau forest complex; the largest indigenous forest in East Africa. The migration is the world's greatest wildlife spectacle taking place between the open plains of the Serengeti and the Masaai Mara as the animals migrate to greener pastures as the seasons change
Photograph: Thomas Mukoya/Reuters
High court revokes control order of terror suspect
High court revokes control order of terror suspect
Decision follows ruling by law lords against use of secret evidence
"The high court revoked the control order of a terror suspect today , after a landmark ruling by law lords on the use of secret evidence.
A judge said the order against the suspect known as AN, which relied on secret evidence, could not stand in light of the law lords' decision, which said suspects had to be given sufficient information about the allegations against them.
The home secretary, Alan Johnson, is preparing to replace the old order on AN.
Human rights groups said the case exposed the "Kafka-esque" nature of control orders.
Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, said: "Today's farcical proceedings highlight the nightmare of control orders and the 'heads we win, tails you lose' Home Office idea of justice.
"A handful of officials and specially vetted lawyers have outlasted dozens of ministers and built their careers on punishment without trial – leaving Britain less safe and less free."".
Decision follows ruling by law lords against use of secret evidence
"The high court revoked the control order of a terror suspect today , after a landmark ruling by law lords on the use of secret evidence.
A judge said the order against the suspect known as AN, which relied on secret evidence, could not stand in light of the law lords' decision, which said suspects had to be given sufficient information about the allegations against them.
The home secretary, Alan Johnson, is preparing to replace the old order on AN.
Human rights groups said the case exposed the "Kafka-esque" nature of control orders.
Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, said: "Today's farcical proceedings highlight the nightmare of control orders and the 'heads we win, tails you lose' Home Office idea of justice.
"A handful of officials and specially vetted lawyers have outlasted dozens of ministers and built their careers on punishment without trial – leaving Britain less safe and less free."".
Labour to blame for violent crime - it's official
Labour to blame for violent crime - it's official
Criminals on probation commit a murder and rape a week
Criminals are committing a murder and rape every week while supposedly under the supervision of the Probation Service, figures show.
"And a separate report blamed the sharp rise in the overall prison population on increases in the number of violent criminals and drug offenders, reflecting the growing trend of violence under Labour".
And would that be a Tory party report by any chance?
If the Daily Telegraph is going to scream and shout hysterically about the death tolls how about the more shocking figures below?
There were almost 3,000 road deaths last year. That's almost 58 per week.
Criminals on probation commit a murder and rape a week
Criminals are committing a murder and rape every week while supposedly under the supervision of the Probation Service, figures show.
"And a separate report blamed the sharp rise in the overall prison population on increases in the number of violent criminals and drug offenders, reflecting the growing trend of violence under Labour".
And would that be a Tory party report by any chance?
If the Daily Telegraph is going to scream and shout hysterically about the death tolls how about the more shocking figures below?
There were almost 3,000 road deaths last year. That's almost 58 per week.
Bloody Scandalous Methinks
Bloody Scandalous Methinks
Director of driving school BSM avoids car ban despite 17 points
Abu-Haris Shafi, the director of Britain's largest driving school, has avoided a car ban despite 'totting up' 17 points.
Shafi, joint managing director of the British School of Motoring (BSM), faced court action after his car was caught breaking a 50mph limit by speed cameras.
Mr Shafi, 47, declined to reveal who was driving the Volvo and received six points on top of a previous 11 points already on his licence.
Drivers who build up 12 or more penalty points within a certain period are likely to be disqualified under the 'totting-up' system.
Mr Shafi's solicitor told Bournemouth Magistrates court that a driving disqualification would risk his job and stop him taking his mother to the GP.
Mr Shafi, from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, received a £750 fine.
Road safety campaigners expressed concern at the decision.
I know I live in Hull, but there is a fishy smell about this. Abu-Haris Shafi worried about the risk to his job if he was disqualified? What about the hundreds he made redundant in his windscreen business? He can get a taxi to take his mother to the doctor's. It is a bad example to set for L Drivers when the Managing Director of the driving school has 17 points on his driving licence.
Director of driving school BSM avoids car ban despite 17 points
Abu-Haris Shafi, the director of Britain's largest driving school, has avoided a car ban despite 'totting up' 17 points.
Shafi, joint managing director of the British School of Motoring (BSM), faced court action after his car was caught breaking a 50mph limit by speed cameras.
Mr Shafi, 47, declined to reveal who was driving the Volvo and received six points on top of a previous 11 points already on his licence.
Drivers who build up 12 or more penalty points within a certain period are likely to be disqualified under the 'totting-up' system.
Mr Shafi's solicitor told Bournemouth Magistrates court that a driving disqualification would risk his job and stop him taking his mother to the GP.
Mr Shafi, from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, received a £750 fine.
Road safety campaigners expressed concern at the decision.
I know I live in Hull, but there is a fishy smell about this. Abu-Haris Shafi worried about the risk to his job if he was disqualified? What about the hundreds he made redundant in his windscreen business? He can get a taxi to take his mother to the doctor's. It is a bad example to set for L Drivers when the Managing Director of the driving school has 17 points on his driving licence.
Gary McKinnon: British hacker to be extradited
Gary McKinnon: British hacker to be extradited
Gary McKinnon, the British hacker who infiltrated American military websites searching for proof of alien life, has lost his High Court appeal against extradition to the US.
Mr Spock not Mr Spook!
In a 41-page ruling, the judges said extradition was "a lawful and proportionate response to his offending".
His mother, Janis Sharp, said outside court: "We are heartbroken. If the law says it's fair to destroy someone's life in this way then it's a bad law."
The way the Americans are acting in this case, you would think that he singlehandedly brought down the Twin Towers on 9/11!
Gary McKinnon, the British hacker who infiltrated American military websites searching for proof of alien life, has lost his High Court appeal against extradition to the US.
Mr Spock not Mr Spook!In a 41-page ruling, the judges said extradition was "a lawful and proportionate response to his offending".
His mother, Janis Sharp, said outside court: "We are heartbroken. If the law says it's fair to destroy someone's life in this way then it's a bad law."
The way the Americans are acting in this case, you would think that he singlehandedly brought down the Twin Towers on 9/11!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
U.S. District Judge Orders Release of Kuwaiti Detainee from Guantanamo
U.S. District Judge Orders Release of Kuwaiti Detainee from Guantanamo
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly rules there is insufficient evidence to continue the detention of Kuwaiti citizen Khaled Al-Mutairi
WASHINGTON, DC – A federal judge today ordered the release of Kuwaiti citizen Khaled Al-Mutairi from the Guantanamo Bay prison, where he has been held for nearly eight years without any charges being filed against him. The U.S. government had its chance under the rule of law to demonstrate the basis for Al-Mutairi’s detention during his habeas corpus hearing, but a judge ruled that the government lacks sufficient evidence to continue his detention. Al-Mutairi was taken into U.S. custody in Pakistan in 2001.
“The Government is directed to take all necessary and appropriate diplomatic steps to facilitate the release of Petitioner Al Mutairi forthwith,” U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly wrote in her order.
“Since his imprisonment, all that Khaled Al-Mutairi and his family have asked for is a fair hearing before an independent, impartial court to test the evidence against him. After more than seven long years of imprisonment, justice has finally been served for Khaled,” said David Cynamon, lead attorney for the Kuwaiti detainees and a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. “We now want the U.S. Government to follow the court order and promptly return Khaled to Kuwait. That is what the rule of law is all about.”
“While he will never regain the years he has lost, we look forward to his return to his family and his country with open arms,” said Khalid Al-Odah, head of the Kuwaiti Family Committee and father of Guantanamo detainee Fawzi Al-Odah. “But we cannot forget Kuwait’s three remaining sons who await their fair hearings that the U.S. Supreme Court has promised.”
Al-Mutairi was taken into custody in Pakistan in 2001 after he traveled to Afghanistan to build a mosque and to provide funds for schools and orphans. His family has long been actively engaged in charitable works.
“We must remember that Khaled Al-Mutairi is just one of the four Kuwaitis remaining in Guantanamo. Our work is not done until all of these men receive the fair hearings to which the Supreme Court held they are entitled more than a year ago,” Cynamon added.
There were originally 12 Kuwaitis in Guantanamo Bay. In 2005 and 2006, the United States returned eight of them to Kuwait, where that country’s courts charged, tried and cleared them of wrongdoing.
Three additional Kuwaitis remain in Guantanamo, where they, like Khaled al Mutairi, have been imprisoned for nearly eight years. The court has scheduled habeas corpus hearings for Fawzi Al-Odah and Fouad Al Rabiah to take place in August. Fayiz al-Kandari’s habeas corpus hearing is scheduled for September 2009.
A copy of Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s order is attached to this release. An unclassified version of Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s opinion is expected to be available within a few days.
This press release is distributed by Levick Strategic Communications on behalf of the International Counsel Bureau. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly rules there is insufficient evidence to continue the detention of Kuwaiti citizen Khaled Al-Mutairi
WASHINGTON, DC – A federal judge today ordered the release of Kuwaiti citizen Khaled Al-Mutairi from the Guantanamo Bay prison, where he has been held for nearly eight years without any charges being filed against him. The U.S. government had its chance under the rule of law to demonstrate the basis for Al-Mutairi’s detention during his habeas corpus hearing, but a judge ruled that the government lacks sufficient evidence to continue his detention. Al-Mutairi was taken into U.S. custody in Pakistan in 2001.
“The Government is directed to take all necessary and appropriate diplomatic steps to facilitate the release of Petitioner Al Mutairi forthwith,” U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly wrote in her order.
“Since his imprisonment, all that Khaled Al-Mutairi and his family have asked for is a fair hearing before an independent, impartial court to test the evidence against him. After more than seven long years of imprisonment, justice has finally been served for Khaled,” said David Cynamon, lead attorney for the Kuwaiti detainees and a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman. “We now want the U.S. Government to follow the court order and promptly return Khaled to Kuwait. That is what the rule of law is all about.”
“While he will never regain the years he has lost, we look forward to his return to his family and his country with open arms,” said Khalid Al-Odah, head of the Kuwaiti Family Committee and father of Guantanamo detainee Fawzi Al-Odah. “But we cannot forget Kuwait’s three remaining sons who await their fair hearings that the U.S. Supreme Court has promised.”
Al-Mutairi was taken into custody in Pakistan in 2001 after he traveled to Afghanistan to build a mosque and to provide funds for schools and orphans. His family has long been actively engaged in charitable works.
“We must remember that Khaled Al-Mutairi is just one of the four Kuwaitis remaining in Guantanamo. Our work is not done until all of these men receive the fair hearings to which the Supreme Court held they are entitled more than a year ago,” Cynamon added.
There were originally 12 Kuwaitis in Guantanamo Bay. In 2005 and 2006, the United States returned eight of them to Kuwait, where that country’s courts charged, tried and cleared them of wrongdoing.
Three additional Kuwaitis remain in Guantanamo, where they, like Khaled al Mutairi, have been imprisoned for nearly eight years. The court has scheduled habeas corpus hearings for Fawzi Al-Odah and Fouad Al Rabiah to take place in August. Fayiz al-Kandari’s habeas corpus hearing is scheduled for September 2009.
A copy of Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s order is attached to this release. An unclassified version of Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s opinion is expected to be available within a few days.
This press release is distributed by Levick Strategic Communications on behalf of the International Counsel Bureau. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.
Quote of the day: Debbie Purdy
Quote of the day: Debbie Purdy
"It's like getting your life back" says Debbie Purdy after winning the right to die. (Heard on the radio)
"It's like getting your life back" says Debbie Purdy after winning the right to die. (Heard on the radio)
Ancient animal ancestors: historical portraits of cats and dogs
Ancient animal ancestors: historical portraits of cats and dogs
Pets are always special to their owners, but these furry friends are real works of art
Picture: REX FEATURES\VALERIE LEONARD
...like so. Valerie creates the portraits for people who want to give a novel gift or remember a dearly departed pet Picture: REX FEATURES\VALERIE LEONARD
Valerie doesn't simply paste pictures together, her work involves painstaking attention to detail Picture: REX FEATURES\VALERIE LEONARD
Pets are always special to their owners, but these furry friends are real works of art
Picture: REX FEATURES\VALERIE LEONARD
...like so. Valerie creates the portraits for people who want to give a novel gift or remember a dearly departed pet Picture: REX FEATURES\VALERIE LEONARD
Valerie doesn't simply paste pictures together, her work involves painstaking attention to detail Picture: REX FEATURES\VALERIE LEONARD
High Court to review Straw decision in Biggs case
High Court to review Straw decision in Biggs case
Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs to challenge parole decision
Ronnie Biggs, the Great Train Robber, has been given permission to challenge the decision to refuse him parole, his legal adviser said.
"Earlier this month Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, refused to release the 79-year-old from prison on the grounds that he was "wholly unrepentant" about his crimes.
But Biggs's legal adviser, Giovanni di Stefano, said on Thursday the High Court had granted his client permission to launch a judicial review of the decision.
"I am very pleased and proud to confirm that the High Court of Justice have granted us leave and permission to challenge the decision of Jack Straw MP refusing to accept the decision of the Parole Board to release Ronnie Biggs," he said".
Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs to challenge parole decision
Ronnie Biggs, the Great Train Robber, has been given permission to challenge the decision to refuse him parole, his legal adviser said.
"Earlier this month Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, refused to release the 79-year-old from prison on the grounds that he was "wholly unrepentant" about his crimes.
But Biggs's legal adviser, Giovanni di Stefano, said on Thursday the High Court had granted his client permission to launch a judicial review of the decision.
"I am very pleased and proud to confirm that the High Court of Justice have granted us leave and permission to challenge the decision of Jack Straw MP refusing to accept the decision of the Parole Board to release Ronnie Biggs," he said".
Sign language
Sign language
Another selection of strange signs sent in by readers on their travels.
Biology for the insane Spotted by: Neil Barton Location: unknown
Strictly business Spotted by: Tina Gandell Location: Cornwall
Bottom feeder Spotted by: Martin Peers Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Anyone for seconds? Spotted by: Mike Leibling Location: Finchley Road, London
Another selection of strange signs sent in by readers on their travels.
Biology for the insane Spotted by: Neil Barton Location: unknown
Strictly business Spotted by: Tina Gandell Location: Cornwall
Bottom feeder Spotted by: Martin Peers Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Anyone for seconds? Spotted by: Mike Leibling Location: Finchley Road, London
Ex-Guantanamo Bay detainees launch Gitmo rights group
Ex-Guantanamo Bay detainees launch Gitmo rights group
Whatever should have been a response to 9/11, locking people up without charge and trial for 7 or 8 years and subjecting them to torture was the legally and morally wrong response.
GENEVA — Former Guantanamo Bay detainees have launched an organization to help released inmates return to normal life and to lobby for the release or trial of those still held at the U.S. military prison, one of the founders said Wednesday.
Whatever should have been a response to 9/11, locking people up without charge and trial for 7 or 8 years and subjecting them to torture was the legally and morally wrong response.
GENEVA — Former Guantanamo Bay detainees have launched an organization to help released inmates return to normal life and to lobby for the release or trial of those still held at the U.S. military prison, one of the founders said Wednesday.
Crocodile snaps at photographer
Crocodile snaps at photographer
A crocodile lunged out of the water at a terrified German tourist on the Tempiski River in Costa Rica with its jaws open to expose its razor-sharp teeth.
Crocodile attack on tourist boat in Costa Rica Photo: PAUL STODOLNY / BNPS
Pet cat catches the daily bus for four years
A pet cat has caught the same bus regularly for four years.
Muffy the Campfire Slayer?
Dog goes for 9 year and 1,200 mile walk in Australian outback
A crocodile lunged out of the water at a terrified German tourist on the Tempiski River in Costa Rica with its jaws open to expose its razor-sharp teeth.
Crocodile attack on tourist boat in Costa Rica Photo: PAUL STODOLNY / BNPSPet cat catches the daily bus for four years
A pet cat has caught the same bus regularly for four years.
Muffy the Campfire Slayer?
Dog goes for 9 year and 1,200 mile walk in Australian outback
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
And now for the weather forecast...
And now for the weather forecast...
A heavy thunderstorm over the city of Zurich, Switzerland, Picture: EPA
Anak Krakatoa: volcano reawakes and erupts
A sheet of rain falls while a bolt of lightning hits the volcano Anak Krakatoa...
Picture: Marco Fulle / GB / Barcroft Media
Anak Krakatoa - translated as 'Child of Krakatoa' - is the offspring of the well-known giant cone which snuffed out over 36,000 lives in a single super-eruption over 100 years ago, Picture: Marco Fulle / GB / Barcroft Media
UPDATE: It is monsoon season in Hull.
A heavy thunderstorm over the city of Zurich, Switzerland, Picture: EPA
Anak Krakatoa: volcano reawakes and erupts
A sheet of rain falls while a bolt of lightning hits the volcano Anak Krakatoa...
Picture: Marco Fulle / GB / Barcroft Media
Anak Krakatoa - translated as 'Child of Krakatoa' - is the offspring of the well-known giant cone which snuffed out over 36,000 lives in a single super-eruption over 100 years ago, Picture: Marco Fulle / GB / Barcroft Media
UPDATE: It is monsoon season in Hull.
The high price of police informers
The high price of police informers
They are expensive, risky and can encourage corruption, but we have little choice but to rely on police informers
In the good old days of a "force within a force", when corruption was rife in the Met police, paid informers were just part of the scene. They helped "solve" crimes and were an excuse for a great deal of drinking on the job by detectives to "consult a source". Ethical issues abounded, especially in regard to informers who took part in serious bank jobs that were often allowed to happen, so "a pavement job" could take place – an arrest on the pavement by coppers alerted to the crime. That some ended up sharing the spoils, and/or letting the crime happen uninterrupted was all part of the game. One detective wryly told me at the time that "we were all bent – one third took money, one third did favours, and the rest of us knew what was happening but looked the other way".
Police informant payouts top £6m
UK police forces paid more than £6m in the past financial year to people with information on criminal activity, BBC Radio 5 live has discovered...most informers earned between £50 and £2,000 for information - though a select few had been paid more than £100,000 a year, for vital intelligence.
UPDATE:
Informant cash details withheld
"HUMBERSIDE Police have refused to provide the Mail with details of how much money they have paid out to informants.
We asked the force to give us details about how much money they had paid for information after the BBC revealed more than £6m had been spent nationally in the last financial year.
Matthew Wright, a spokesman for Humberside Police, told the Mail: "We are not going to just release the information to everyone now because it's out on a national level,"
Mr Wright told the Mail the force had guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and would provide a statement later today".
Comment: Why is Humberside Police being guided by a private company (ACPO)?
They are expensive, risky and can encourage corruption, but we have little choice but to rely on police informers
In the good old days of a "force within a force", when corruption was rife in the Met police, paid informers were just part of the scene. They helped "solve" crimes and were an excuse for a great deal of drinking on the job by detectives to "consult a source". Ethical issues abounded, especially in regard to informers who took part in serious bank jobs that were often allowed to happen, so "a pavement job" could take place – an arrest on the pavement by coppers alerted to the crime. That some ended up sharing the spoils, and/or letting the crime happen uninterrupted was all part of the game. One detective wryly told me at the time that "we were all bent – one third took money, one third did favours, and the rest of us knew what was happening but looked the other way".
Police informant payouts top £6m
UK police forces paid more than £6m in the past financial year to people with information on criminal activity, BBC Radio 5 live has discovered...most informers earned between £50 and £2,000 for information - though a select few had been paid more than £100,000 a year, for vital intelligence.
UPDATE:
Informant cash details withheld
"HUMBERSIDE Police have refused to provide the Mail with details of how much money they have paid out to informants.
We asked the force to give us details about how much money they had paid for information after the BBC revealed more than £6m had been spent nationally in the last financial year.
Matthew Wright, a spokesman for Humberside Police, told the Mail: "We are not going to just release the information to everyone now because it's out on a national level,"
Mr Wright told the Mail the force had guidance from the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and would provide a statement later today".
Comment: Why is Humberside Police being guided by a private company (ACPO)?
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Why did the dormice cross the road?
Why did the dormice cross the road?
Endangered dormice 'thrive on central reservation'
Endangered dormice are thriving on the central reservation of a busy road in Cornwall, and are even able to regularly cross safely to the other side, according to ecologists.
Dormice asleep in the middle of the A30 in Cornwall. Photo: EPICNEWS.CO.UK
"The mice, which snooze all day and hibernate for seven months of the year, usually live in quiet woodland areas or the margins of fields.
However, a year-long study, commissioned by the Highways Agency, found that a population has built up on the central reservation of the A30 at Penlan, Cornwall".
Endangered dormice 'thrive on central reservation'
Endangered dormice are thriving on the central reservation of a busy road in Cornwall, and are even able to regularly cross safely to the other side, according to ecologists.
Dormice asleep in the middle of the A30 in Cornwall. Photo: EPICNEWS.CO.UK "The mice, which snooze all day and hibernate for seven months of the year, usually live in quiet woodland areas or the margins of fields.
However, a year-long study, commissioned by the Highways Agency, found that a population has built up on the central reservation of the A30 at Penlan, Cornwall".
MPs expenses fiddles: They are at it again
MPs expenses fiddles: They are at it again
John Bercow, Harriet Harman,Alan Duncan and Nick Harvey have been caught in a conspiracy which allows MPs to claim up to £9,125 per year (double the previous amount), in subsistence payments without the need to provide receipts. Furthermore, they have allowed MPs to decide themselves what they will spend the money on.
This is not cleaning up the expenses system. Given that both Harman and Duncan have publicly stated that it is wrong for MPs to claim without providing receipts, why have they now in secret gone against what they publicly stated?
The only system which will give the public confidence is one where every penny of public funds has to be accounted for, and is not open to abuse. What this corrupt bunch have done is give dishonest MPs the green light to continue fiddling unchecked.
Guardian story here. From £400 per month without receipts to £700 per month without receipts!
How do you clean up a system by making it dirtier?
UPDATE: Dizzy Thinks that the Telegraph story is not quite what it seems. Whatever, it remains totally unacceptable for MPs to allow themselves to dip into the public purse unchecked.
John Bercow, Harriet Harman,Alan Duncan and Nick Harvey have been caught in a conspiracy which allows MPs to claim up to £9,125 per year (double the previous amount), in subsistence payments without the need to provide receipts. Furthermore, they have allowed MPs to decide themselves what they will spend the money on.
This is not cleaning up the expenses system. Given that both Harman and Duncan have publicly stated that it is wrong for MPs to claim without providing receipts, why have they now in secret gone against what they publicly stated?
The only system which will give the public confidence is one where every penny of public funds has to be accounted for, and is not open to abuse. What this corrupt bunch have done is give dishonest MPs the green light to continue fiddling unchecked.
Guardian story here. From £400 per month without receipts to £700 per month without receipts!
How do you clean up a system by making it dirtier?
UPDATE: Dizzy Thinks that the Telegraph story is not quite what it seems. Whatever, it remains totally unacceptable for MPs to allow themselves to dip into the public purse unchecked.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Mr Barack Obama is British therefore not the President
Barack Obama is British therefore not the President
Cooks letter from America
The answer to why the chicken didn't cross the road to Afghanistan, is that a US Major in the Reserves who did not mind playing soldiers, swearing the oath, and wearing the uniform, suddenly got his marching orders to go into battle and instead waved a white feather.
The so-called toy Major launched a law suit claiming that for the President to order troops into battle, he had to prove that he had the necessary authority under the Constitution. This requires that the President not only be a US citizen, but also a natural born citizen. That is, that his father is also American.
The problem is that Barack Obama's father is British from the days when Britain ruled Kenya.
The Army withdrew its order and the toy Major withdrew his court action.
Why did America go to war with Britain to declare its independence, only to let a Brit assume the Office of the President?
Cooks letter from America
The answer to why the chicken didn't cross the road to Afghanistan, is that a US Major in the Reserves who did not mind playing soldiers, swearing the oath, and wearing the uniform, suddenly got his marching orders to go into battle and instead waved a white feather.
The so-called toy Major launched a law suit claiming that for the President to order troops into battle, he had to prove that he had the necessary authority under the Constitution. This requires that the President not only be a US citizen, but also a natural born citizen. That is, that his father is also American.
The problem is that Barack Obama's father is British from the days when Britain ruled Kenya.
The Army withdrew its order and the toy Major withdrew his court action.
Why did America go to war with Britain to declare its independence, only to let a Brit assume the Office of the President?
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Uncle Tom Trevor Phillips urged to go
Uncle Tom Trevor Phillips urged to go
Trevor Phillips who is a waste of time as Chair of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission should do the honourable thing and resign. He has lost the vote of confidence.
Activists call for human rights chief to stand down
After yet another resignation, peer says Trevor Phillips is not up to running the Equality Commission
Trevor Phillips who is a waste of time as Chair of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission should do the honourable thing and resign. He has lost the vote of confidence.
Activists call for human rights chief to stand down
After yet another resignation, peer says Trevor Phillips is not up to running the Equality Commission
Government to cut wounded soldiers’ awards
Government to cut wounded soldiers’ awards
The government will this week launch an attempt to deny soldiers crippled in battle full compensation for their injuries.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will go to the Court of Appeal on Tuesday to try to slash the compensation awarded to two injured soldiers by up to 70%. If the government wins, it will fuel the mounting disquiet over the relatively paltry payments some soldiers are receiving for lifelong injuries.
The legal action comes as British troops are suffering their heaviest casualties since the beginning of the conflict in Afghanistan in 2001.
Of course we cannot afford both paying damages to injured soldiers, and MPs fiddled expenses claims. Something has to give. Soldiers provide a front line service while MPs...while MPs...while MPs...
I'll try and think of a good reason why we have MPs who are a drain on our resources.
The government will this week launch an attempt to deny soldiers crippled in battle full compensation for their injuries.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will go to the Court of Appeal on Tuesday to try to slash the compensation awarded to two injured soldiers by up to 70%. If the government wins, it will fuel the mounting disquiet over the relatively paltry payments some soldiers are receiving for lifelong injuries.
The legal action comes as British troops are suffering their heaviest casualties since the beginning of the conflict in Afghanistan in 2001.
Of course we cannot afford both paying damages to injured soldiers, and MPs fiddled expenses claims. Something has to give. Soldiers provide a front line service while MPs...while MPs...while MPs...
I'll try and think of a good reason why we have MPs who are a drain on our resources.
Can we stop kissing the arse of America?
Can we stop kissing the arse of America?
Hacker Gary McKinnon will receive no pity, insists US
Gary McKinnon, the Briton accused of hacking Pentagon and Nasa computer networks, faces an increasingly hostile climate on cyber security in the US if his extradition is approved this week.
Mr Spock?
Justice should be tempered with mercy. There is no way the UK should accede to the US request to extradite Gary McKinnon on legislation designed to tackle terrorism. His offence was not terrorist related. All he has done is expose a weakness in the US security and this has led to red faces and a seeking revenge for causing such embarrassment.
Hacker Gary McKinnon will receive no pity, insists US
Gary McKinnon, the Briton accused of hacking Pentagon and Nasa computer networks, faces an increasingly hostile climate on cyber security in the US if his extradition is approved this week.
Mr Spock?Justice should be tempered with mercy. There is no way the UK should accede to the US request to extradite Gary McKinnon on legislation designed to tackle terrorism. His offence was not terrorist related. All he has done is expose a weakness in the US security and this has led to red faces and a seeking revenge for causing such embarrassment.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Animal pictures of the week: 24 July 2009
Animal pictures of the week: 24 July 2009
Umka, the 65-day-old Ussuri tiger cub, is seen in a zoo in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent. The Ussuri tiger is one of the local names for the rare Siberian tiger
Picture: AP
Leo the Lamb meets one of his new friends, Alice the kitten, at Lort Smith Animal Hospital, Melbourne. The stray lamb turned up unexpectedly at the inner-city animal hospital, Picture: REX FEATURES
A panther scratches itself at Troja Zoo in Prague, Picture: AFP/GETTY
Cherrypie will remember this ...
Parakeets feed from a bird feeder in a domestic back garden in Charshalton Beeches in London, England, Picture: GETTY
Only Cherrypie could love me...
A snowy owl hatchling swallows a mouse at the Geiselwind leisure park in Germany
More photos here.
Umka, the 65-day-old Ussuri tiger cub, is seen in a zoo in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent. The Ussuri tiger is one of the local names for the rare Siberian tiger
Picture: AP
Leo the Lamb meets one of his new friends, Alice the kitten, at Lort Smith Animal Hospital, Melbourne. The stray lamb turned up unexpectedly at the inner-city animal hospital, Picture: REX FEATURES
A panther scratches itself at Troja Zoo in Prague, Picture: AFP/GETTY
Cherrypie will remember this ...
Parakeets feed from a bird feeder in a domestic back garden in Charshalton Beeches in London, England, Picture: GETTY
Only Cherrypie could love me...
A snowy owl hatchling swallows a mouse at the Geiselwind leisure park in Germany
More photos here.
Jailhouse lawyers: Prisoners Defending Prisoners v The USA
Jailhouse lawyers: Prisoners Defending Prisoners v The USA
Jailhouse Lawyers: Prisoners Defending Prisoners v The USA
Jailhouse Lawyers: Prisoners Defending Prisoners v The USA
Leopard savaging a crocodile caught on camera
Leopard savaging a crocodile caught on camera
The astonishing spectacle of a leopard savaging a crocodile has been captured for the first time on camera.
The astonishing spectacle of a leopard savaging a crocodile has been captured for the first time on camera.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Dangerous Dogs Act bites rottweilers owners?
Dangerous Dogs Act bites rottweilers owners?
Couple facing court after rottweilers attacked postman
A couple whose rottweiler guard dogs allegedly almost tore off a postman's arm at their £1.5 million home are facing court in a landmark case.
I am interested in this case, because it was alleged my dog was dangerously out of control under the 1991 Act. The prosecution offered no evidence. Case dismissed. Then I am arrested again alleging public order offence, and not being in control of my dog under the 1871 Dogs Act.
"The strength of the 1871 Act is that as it is not part of the criminal law, it operates on a lower standard of proof and proceedings can be taken even when a criminal offence has not been committed. It provides a remedy in a wide range of circumstances for the destruction, or imposition of controls, on dangerous dogs. A particular advantage of the 1871 Act is the fact that it applies everywhere, even in and around a private house which is why it is particularly appropriate for action on behalf of people such as postmen and women who are regularly at risk from dogs in front gardens".
Why prosecute under the DDA 1991 trying to make a case fit the law, when a remedy is already available under the 1871 Dogs Act?
Couple facing court after rottweilers attacked postman
A couple whose rottweiler guard dogs allegedly almost tore off a postman's arm at their £1.5 million home are facing court in a landmark case.
I am interested in this case, because it was alleged my dog was dangerously out of control under the 1991 Act. The prosecution offered no evidence. Case dismissed. Then I am arrested again alleging public order offence, and not being in control of my dog under the 1871 Dogs Act.
"The strength of the 1871 Act is that as it is not part of the criminal law, it operates on a lower standard of proof and proceedings can be taken even when a criminal offence has not been committed. It provides a remedy in a wide range of circumstances for the destruction, or imposition of controls, on dangerous dogs. A particular advantage of the 1871 Act is the fact that it applies everywhere, even in and around a private house which is why it is particularly appropriate for action on behalf of people such as postmen and women who are regularly at risk from dogs in front gardens".
Why prosecute under the DDA 1991 trying to make a case fit the law, when a remedy is already available under the 1871 Dogs Act?
Willie waving aspersions no wonder MPs got greedy
Willie waving aspersions no wonder MPs got greedy
"The Cat, the Rat and Lovel our Dog, Rule all England under a Hog".
"The Cat, the Rat and Lovel our Dog, Rule all England under a Hog".
Pervert headmaster at special needs school hangs himself during sex act
Pervert headmaster at special needs school hangs himself during sex act
I didn't know he was like that said his wife. Poor dear, he fooled a lot of people.
More shocking news...
Hospice man on child porn charge
A volunteer for a children's hospice in the West Midlands has appeared in court charged with possessing indecent images of children.
Even abulance staff are now at it!
Two ambulance workers in Hertfordshire have been suspended after they were arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children.
UPDATE: Now the Old Bill are at it...
Police Officer in indecent images arrest
A Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) officer has been arrested by police in Surrey as part of an inquiry relating to indecent images of children.
I didn't know he was like that said his wife. Poor dear, he fooled a lot of people.
More shocking news...
Hospice man on child porn charge
A volunteer for a children's hospice in the West Midlands has appeared in court charged with possessing indecent images of children.
Even abulance staff are now at it!
Two ambulance workers in Hertfordshire have been suspended after they were arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children.
UPDATE: Now the Old Bill are at it...
Police Officer in indecent images arrest
A Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) officer has been arrested by police in Surrey as part of an inquiry relating to indecent images of children.
Gerrard blinds jury with stardom
Gerrard blinds jury with stardom
Steven Gerrard was well on his way to being very drunk when he decided to spit his dummy out of the pram and demanded to be in control of the music being played. Upon being refused, one of Gerrard's friends then elbowed the temporary DJ, Marcus McGee, in the face. As he reeled backwards from the blow, the cowardly Gerrard then piled into the injured man. Foul ref!
Gerrard argued self defence. The CCTV footage should have meant that the jury found him guilty.
How is reeling backwards coming forwards?
Perhaps, Marcus McGee should consider suing Gerrard in private law in the County Court for assault and battery? It is a lower standard of proof, and on the balance of probabilities Gerrard was the aggressor rather than the aggrieved.
Being a star is not a licence to demand his own way or else.
It's not just blind referees, here the jury was blinded by stardom.
Steven Gerrard was well on his way to being very drunk when he decided to spit his dummy out of the pram and demanded to be in control of the music being played. Upon being refused, one of Gerrard's friends then elbowed the temporary DJ, Marcus McGee, in the face. As he reeled backwards from the blow, the cowardly Gerrard then piled into the injured man. Foul ref!
Gerrard argued self defence. The CCTV footage should have meant that the jury found him guilty.
How is reeling backwards coming forwards?
Perhaps, Marcus McGee should consider suing Gerrard in private law in the County Court for assault and battery? It is a lower standard of proof, and on the balance of probabilities Gerrard was the aggressor rather than the aggrieved.
Being a star is not a licence to demand his own way or else.
It's not just blind referees, here the jury was blinded by stardom.
Prison Chat UK Numer Ten petition
Prison Chat UK Numer Ten petition
Prisoners Families Voices
Children are our most precious commodity. They are our future. Every year approx. 160,000 children are affected by a parent in prison every year. . A Government funded report entitled Inside Fatherhood, which was commissioned by the DfES' Offenders' Learning and Skills Unit and is published by Fathers Direct states "that many children find it difficult to cope when dad is jailed, facing bullying, stigmatisation, confusion, insecurity, poverty and loneliness in the absence of their dads. One in three witness their fathers' arrest. More than half of sons go on to be convicted of offences by the age of 32." There are no national guidelines to acknowledge, let alone support these children and they remain a silent minority. I would like to see provision for these children in the form of support where needed in schools and the HMP establishments that they may visit funded by the Government. Please sign this petition to stop these children becoming just more statistics and help them receive the care and support they need.
You can support this by signing the petition here.
Prisoners Families Voices
Children are our most precious commodity. They are our future. Every year approx. 160,000 children are affected by a parent in prison every year. . A Government funded report entitled Inside Fatherhood, which was commissioned by the DfES' Offenders' Learning and Skills Unit and is published by Fathers Direct states "that many children find it difficult to cope when dad is jailed, facing bullying, stigmatisation, confusion, insecurity, poverty and loneliness in the absence of their dads. One in three witness their fathers' arrest. More than half of sons go on to be convicted of offences by the age of 32." There are no national guidelines to acknowledge, let alone support these children and they remain a silent minority. I would like to see provision for these children in the form of support where needed in schools and the HMP establishments that they may visit funded by the Government. Please sign this petition to stop these children becoming just more statistics and help them receive the care and support they need.
You can support this by signing the petition here.
Porno publisher Dirty Desmond loses libel action
Porno publisher Dirty Desmond loses libel action
What a plonker! What a idiot! What a whimp! Dirty Desmond with all his millions got upset when a author wrote the truth about his dirty dealings, and attempted to bully him into silence.
Dirty Desmond's famous last words: "His biggest mistake was in thinking I would not go to court to uphold my reputation and the resulting action has cost many hundreds of thousands of pounds to defend a few ill-thought-out remarks that were not even essential to his book. It was worth it to stand up in court and set the record straight."
Surely, it was Dirty Desmond's biggest mistake because he lost! As for setting the record straight, being the loser the record remains unchanged. The clown obviously lives on another planet. As for the author, Tom Bower, getting the name of one of Dirty Desmond's newspapers wrong, Oh dear, is that all? Next!
What a plonker! What a idiot! What a whimp! Dirty Desmond with all his millions got upset when a author wrote the truth about his dirty dealings, and attempted to bully him into silence.
Dirty Desmond's famous last words: "His biggest mistake was in thinking I would not go to court to uphold my reputation and the resulting action has cost many hundreds of thousands of pounds to defend a few ill-thought-out remarks that were not even essential to his book. It was worth it to stand up in court and set the record straight."
Surely, it was Dirty Desmond's biggest mistake because he lost! As for setting the record straight, being the loser the record remains unchanged. The clown obviously lives on another planet. As for the author, Tom Bower, getting the name of one of Dirty Desmond's newspapers wrong, Oh dear, is that all? Next!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Is Branston Community College a racist institution?
Is Branston Community College a racist institution?
A BNP supporting 15 year old school boy, who's father is a member of the BNP, has been convicted of racist harassment of a 14 year old mixed-race girl. The young thug is a pupil of Branston Community College a comprehensive school for 11-18 year old students on Station Road in Branston, Lincolnshire, England, LN4 1LH.
According to the Daily Telegraph report the school cannot be named. However, it only took 2 minutes on Google Search not only to name the school but shame the school!
It is not surprising that the school was unable to see what was going on under their nose for 6 months, given that the pupil numbers has risen from 350 to over 1,000.
More on the story here.
Civitas? Silly arse more like!
A BNP supporting 15 year old school boy, who's father is a member of the BNP, has been convicted of racist harassment of a 14 year old mixed-race girl. The young thug is a pupil of Branston Community College a comprehensive school for 11-18 year old students on Station Road in Branston, Lincolnshire, England, LN4 1LH.
According to the Daily Telegraph report the school cannot be named. However, it only took 2 minutes on Google Search not only to name the school but shame the school!
It is not surprising that the school was unable to see what was going on under their nose for 6 months, given that the pupil numbers has risen from 350 to over 1,000.
More on the story here.
Civitas? Silly arse more like!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Foreign prisoners paid a half million pounds in compensation for extra detention
Foreign prisoners paid a half million pounds in compensation for extra detention
Foreign criminals awaiting deportation have been handed about £500,000 in compensation since April last year, it has been revealed.
Today is a good day to release bad news...
Foreign criminals awaiting deportation have been handed about £500,000 in compensation since April last year, it has been revealed.
Today is a good day to release bad news...
Brawl breaks out in South Korean parliament
Brawl breaks out in South Korean parliament
Hundreds of MPs screamed and wrestled in South Korea's parliament as a rivalry over a contentious law descended into a brawl.
Schools out. Parliament in recess. Meanwhile in South Korea its business as usual...
Hundreds of MPs screamed and wrestled in South Korea's parliament as a rivalry over a contentious law descended into a brawl.
Schools out. Parliament in recess. Meanwhile in South Korea its business as usual...
Saudi Arabia: There are no human rights only oil rights
Saudi Arabia: There are no human rights only oil rights
Amnesty criticises Saudi Arabia's 'shocking' human rights violations
Saudi Arabia is exploiting counter-terrorism efforts to violate human rights with thousands having been detained on security grounds since 2001, Amnesty International reported on Wednesday.
That the USA is Saudi Arabia's closest ally also means that America does not care about human rights only filling its gas guzzlers with oil.
Amnesty criticises Saudi Arabia's 'shocking' human rights violations
Saudi Arabia is exploiting counter-terrorism efforts to violate human rights with thousands having been detained on security grounds since 2001, Amnesty International reported on Wednesday.
That the USA is Saudi Arabia's closest ally also means that America does not care about human rights only filling its gas guzzlers with oil.
Chris Ostrowski Labour byelection candidate for Norwich North has swine flu
Chris Ostrowski Labour byelection candidate for Norwich North has swine flu
Chris Ostrowski
Mr Chris Ostrowski when asked how he was feeling was only able to make this comment "Oink!".
Photo pinched from Cherrypie.
Chris Ostrowski
Mr Chris Ostrowski when asked how he was feeling was only able to make this comment "Oink!".
Photo pinched from Cherrypie.
United breaks guitars
United breaks guitars
Revenge is best served cold – on YouTube. How a broken guitar became a smash hit
United Airlines penny pinching over a $3,500 repair bill for a broken guitar cost their shareholders $180 million! That's what you call payback with interest!
Revenge is best served cold – on YouTube. How a broken guitar became a smash hit
United Airlines penny pinching over a $3,500 repair bill for a broken guitar cost their shareholders $180 million! That's what you call payback with interest!
Don't do as we do but as we say
Don't do as we do but as we say
In less than a month the Parliamentary Standards Bill that makes it a criminal offence punishable by up to 12 months in prison for MPs to file false expenses claims was passed into law last night.
Meanwhile, prisoners have been waiting 5 years for the law to be changed to allow them the vote.
How is it that when it is in the MPs own interests they are able to move like greased lightning, but when it comes to prisoners interests they move as fast as a dead tortoise?
Given that some MPs have fiddled as much as tens and in some cases hundreds of thousands of pounds, why is it that they have only decided to punish miscreants with a prison sentence of up to 12 months? In my view, that should have been the minimum sentence and not the maximum! Tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime is just for the proletariat, our so-called betters are to receive a tickle with a feather rather than lashes of the whip.
In less than a month the Parliamentary Standards Bill that makes it a criminal offence punishable by up to 12 months in prison for MPs to file false expenses claims was passed into law last night.
Meanwhile, prisoners have been waiting 5 years for the law to be changed to allow them the vote.
How is it that when it is in the MPs own interests they are able to move like greased lightning, but when it comes to prisoners interests they move as fast as a dead tortoise?
Given that some MPs have fiddled as much as tens and in some cases hundreds of thousands of pounds, why is it that they have only decided to punish miscreants with a prison sentence of up to 12 months? In my view, that should have been the minimum sentence and not the maximum! Tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime is just for the proletariat, our so-called betters are to receive a tickle with a feather rather than lashes of the whip.
Citroen 2CV crossed with Ferrari to create 180mph hybrid
Citroen 2CV crossed with Ferrari to create 180mph hybrid
Two friends have crossed a Citroen 2CV with a Ferrari – and produced a bread van which can travel at 180mph.
What a waste of a Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, however, it is a marked improvement on the Citroen 2CV.
Two friends have crossed a Citroen 2CV with a Ferrari – and produced a bread van which can travel at 180mph.
What a waste of a Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, however, it is a marked improvement on the Citroen 2CV.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The strange encounter with a mad woman
The strange encounter with a mad woman
This morning as I took Rocky for his usual walk in Pearson Park, this mad woman approached me screaming and shouting that Rocky should be on a lead. I noted that her dog, a boxer, was not on a lead as it cocked a leg up and pissed over a little Yorkshire Terrier.
"Don't talk daft", I said to her.
"That's rocky, he's got an ASBO out on him!". She claimed.
That's a new one on me. I wonder when the law changed from imposing ASBO's on people to animals? No doubt the authorities will be informing me in due course, once they have informed every busybody who walks in the park first? Last I heard was that the authorities had failed in their attempt to prosecute me for a dangerous dog and impose a ASBO on me.
This morning as I took Rocky for his usual walk in Pearson Park, this mad woman approached me screaming and shouting that Rocky should be on a lead. I noted that her dog, a boxer, was not on a lead as it cocked a leg up and pissed over a little Yorkshire Terrier.
"Don't talk daft", I said to her.
"That's rocky, he's got an ASBO out on him!". She claimed.
That's a new one on me. I wonder when the law changed from imposing ASBO's on people to animals? No doubt the authorities will be informing me in due course, once they have informed every busybody who walks in the park first? Last I heard was that the authorities had failed in their attempt to prosecute me for a dangerous dog and impose a ASBO on me.
Broadmoor's heritage status blamed for high suicide rate
Broadmoor's heritage status blamed for high suicide rate
Broadmoor hospital, Britain's best-known high-security mental institution, was forbidden from removing windows bars used by patients to hang themselves because it was felt it would damage the nation's architectural heritage, a report reveals today. Between 2001 and 2008, there were eight suicides, five by hanging, at the former Victorian asylum in Crowthrone, Berkshire, that houses about 260 of England's most dangerous and violent psychiatric patients. At the country's two other high-security mental hospitals – Rampton in Nottinghamshire and Ashworth in Liverpool – there was only one suicide over the same period.
"Plans to refurbish Broadmoor were drawn up in 2003 but are still awaiting final approval. The provisional completion date of 2016 could slip back to 2023 because of the credit crunch and public spending squeeze".
Broadmoor hospital, Britain's best-known high-security mental institution, was forbidden from removing windows bars used by patients to hang themselves because it was felt it would damage the nation's architectural heritage, a report reveals today. Between 2001 and 2008, there were eight suicides, five by hanging, at the former Victorian asylum in Crowthrone, Berkshire, that houses about 260 of England's most dangerous and violent psychiatric patients. At the country's two other high-security mental hospitals – Rampton in Nottinghamshire and Ashworth in Liverpool – there was only one suicide over the same period.
"Plans to refurbish Broadmoor were drawn up in 2003 but are still awaiting final approval. The provisional completion date of 2016 could slip back to 2023 because of the credit crunch and public spending squeeze".
Hospital sentenced 22 year old alcholic to death
Hospital sentenced 22 year old alcholic to death
Gary Reinbach, of Dagenham, Essex, died in hospital on Monday after he was refused a transplant unless he could prove he not drunk alcohol for at least six months.
Mr Reinbach's family said he had started drinking aged 11 when his parents split up and drank heavily from the age of 13.
Meanwhile...
Free health care for failed asylum seekers
Tens of thousands of failed asylum seekers will be able to obtain free health care following a Government rethink, it has been announced.
Gary Reinbach, of Dagenham, Essex, died in hospital on Monday after he was refused a transplant unless he could prove he not drunk alcohol for at least six months.
Mr Reinbach's family said he had started drinking aged 11 when his parents split up and drank heavily from the age of 13.
Meanwhile...
Free health care for failed asylum seekers
Tens of thousands of failed asylum seekers will be able to obtain free health care following a Government rethink, it has been announced.
Children investigated for laughing too loudly
Children investigated for laughing too loudly
School pupils have been accused of laughing too loudly during playtime.
Council inspectors are investigating a Roman Catholic primary school after complaints about the noise levels.
Officials from a noise pollution team were brought in after neighbours claimed they were being confined inside their homes due to the "unbearable" screams of laughter from the youngsters.
Haven't those nosy neighbours heard that laughter is the best medicine? What are they suggesting "Off with their heads"?
School pupils have been accused of laughing too loudly during playtime.
Council inspectors are investigating a Roman Catholic primary school after complaints about the noise levels.
Officials from a noise pollution team were brought in after neighbours claimed they were being confined inside their homes due to the "unbearable" screams of laughter from the youngsters.
Haven't those nosy neighbours heard that laughter is the best medicine? What are they suggesting "Off with their heads"?
Monday, July 20, 2009
COMMUNITIES OF RESISTANCE FILM AND DISCUSSION NIGHT
COMMUNITIES OF RESISTANCE FILM & DISCUSSION NIGHT
for International Prisoners Justice Day
with speakers from the Inside Film Project, Justice for SOAS Cleaners Campaign, and Communities of Resistance
Friday August 7, 2009
Doors open 6:30pm, prompt start 7pm, runs to 10pm
Location: Khalili Lecture Theatre SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies)
Thornhaugh St. Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG
Wheelchair accessible venue.
Maps: http://www.soas.ac.uk/visitors/location/maps/
Film Screenings include:
Excerpts from INJUSTICE (Ken Faro & Tariq Mehmood, UK, 2001)
A film about struggles for justice by the families of people who have died in police custody. [If you would like to see the entire film, there will be an optional pre-event screening of Injustice from 5:00-6:30pm in the Khalili Theatre.] http://www.injusticefilm.co.uk/
Shorts from the INSIDE FILM PROJECT (UK, 2006)
Inside Film began in August 2006 in HMP Wandsworth with the aim of using film as a means of creative expression and as an educational tool. Out of the project emerged 5 exciting short films created and produced by prisoners, which use their own voices to tell their stories. http://www.insidefilm.org/
THIS BLACK SOIL (Teresa Konechne, USA, 2004) 58 minutes
This award-winning film chronicles the inspiring struggle of Bayview, Virginia, USA, a small and impoverished rural African-American community, which successfully defeated a state plan to build a maximum-security prison in their backyard and instead pursued a new vision of economic justice. www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/this.html
Prisoners Justice Day is an international event started by prisoners to acknowledge and remember all those who have died in prison and police custody. Since 1995, more than 2000 people have died in custody in Britain. This year alone, there have been 118 deaths in custody in England and Wales. As the British government currently embarks on a massive prison expansion project to create 20,000 new prison spaces, even more people will be vulnerable to such violence. This film event will provide an opportunity to reflect on organizing against deaths in custody and to link with current struggles against prison expansion, immigration and psychiatric detention and state violence both at home and abroad.
This event is free.
If you need accessibility support, help with transportation costs or more info:
communities.of.resistance@gmail.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Communities of Resistance (CoRe) is a new grassroots initiative that aims to stop prison expansion in Britain. We oppose building new prisons, because prisons do not make our communities safe. Our long-term aim is to build a vibrant and broad-based movement to end the violence of incarceration. We support and believe in developing effective, community-based solutions to social problems that do not rely on models of imprisonment. www.co-re.org
for International Prisoners Justice Day
with speakers from the Inside Film Project, Justice for SOAS Cleaners Campaign, and Communities of Resistance
Friday August 7, 2009
Doors open 6:30pm, prompt start 7pm, runs to 10pm
Location: Khalili Lecture Theatre SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies)
Thornhaugh St. Russell Square, London, WC1H 0XG
Wheelchair accessible venue.
Maps: http://www.soas.ac.uk/visitors/location/maps/
Film Screenings include:
Excerpts from INJUSTICE (Ken Faro & Tariq Mehmood, UK, 2001)
A film about struggles for justice by the families of people who have died in police custody. [If you would like to see the entire film, there will be an optional pre-event screening of Injustice from 5:00-6:30pm in the Khalili Theatre.] http://www.injusticefilm.co.uk/
Shorts from the INSIDE FILM PROJECT (UK, 2006)
Inside Film began in August 2006 in HMP Wandsworth with the aim of using film as a means of creative expression and as an educational tool. Out of the project emerged 5 exciting short films created and produced by prisoners, which use their own voices to tell their stories. http://www.insidefilm.org/
THIS BLACK SOIL (Teresa Konechne, USA, 2004) 58 minutes
This award-winning film chronicles the inspiring struggle of Bayview, Virginia, USA, a small and impoverished rural African-American community, which successfully defeated a state plan to build a maximum-security prison in their backyard and instead pursued a new vision of economic justice. www.bullfrogfilms.com/catalog/this.html
Prisoners Justice Day is an international event started by prisoners to acknowledge and remember all those who have died in prison and police custody. Since 1995, more than 2000 people have died in custody in Britain. This year alone, there have been 118 deaths in custody in England and Wales. As the British government currently embarks on a massive prison expansion project to create 20,000 new prison spaces, even more people will be vulnerable to such violence. This film event will provide an opportunity to reflect on organizing against deaths in custody and to link with current struggles against prison expansion, immigration and psychiatric detention and state violence both at home and abroad.
This event is free.
If you need accessibility support, help with transportation costs or more info:
communities.of.resistance@gmail.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Communities of Resistance (CoRe) is a new grassroots initiative that aims to stop prison expansion in Britain. We oppose building new prisons, because prisons do not make our communities safe. Our long-term aim is to build a vibrant and broad-based movement to end the violence of incarceration. We support and believe in developing effective, community-based solutions to social problems that do not rely on models of imprisonment. www.co-re.org
God speed nun in mercy dash to aid the Pope
God speed nun in mercy dash to aid the Pope
Hallo, hallo, hallo, what have we got here then? I am having nun of that...
In a country where speeding is a national sport, Italian traffic police are used to hearing the most colourful of excuses from drivers.
But the patrol that pulled over a Ford Fiesta on Friday doing 112mph was surprised to find at the wheel a 56-year-old nun who claimed she needed to be at the pope's side after the pontiff lost his balance in the bathroom and broke his wrist.
In the back were two fellow Salesian nuns, aged 65 and 78, who had jumped in the car in Turin when news broke of Pope Benedict's fall near Aosta, where he is spending his summer holiday.
"The police chose not to forgive the nun, pointing out that she was 30mph over the limit. They suspended her licence for a month and issued a €375 (£323) fine. But AM is a "determined sort", said her lawyer, Anna Orecchioni.
"She is planning to appeal and we think we can invoke the 'state of necessity' in the law that allows speeding," Orecchioni said".
The lawyer is also defending a priest who claims that communion wine pushed him over the drink drive limit, and she convinced a court that a Muslim imam's asthma medicine had given him twice the legal limit of alcohol!
The Lord and the law works in mysterious ways...
Hallo, hallo, hallo, what have we got here then? I am having nun of that...
In a country where speeding is a national sport, Italian traffic police are used to hearing the most colourful of excuses from drivers.
But the patrol that pulled over a Ford Fiesta on Friday doing 112mph was surprised to find at the wheel a 56-year-old nun who claimed she needed to be at the pope's side after the pontiff lost his balance in the bathroom and broke his wrist.
In the back were two fellow Salesian nuns, aged 65 and 78, who had jumped in the car in Turin when news broke of Pope Benedict's fall near Aosta, where he is spending his summer holiday.
"The police chose not to forgive the nun, pointing out that she was 30mph over the limit. They suspended her licence for a month and issued a €375 (£323) fine. But AM is a "determined sort", said her lawyer, Anna Orecchioni.
"She is planning to appeal and we think we can invoke the 'state of necessity' in the law that allows speeding," Orecchioni said".
The lawyer is also defending a priest who claims that communion wine pushed him over the drink drive limit, and she convinced a court that a Muslim imam's asthma medicine had given him twice the legal limit of alcohol!
The Lord and the law works in mysterious ways...
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Labour unveils its General Election battle bus
Labour unveils its General Election battle bus
Click on photo to enlarge
1965 Dodge A100 "LIttle Red Wagon" Wheelstander, Picture: BARCROFT MEDIA
Click on photo to enlarge1965 Dodge A100 "LIttle Red Wagon" Wheelstander, Picture: BARCROFT MEDIA
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Alan Johnson says he condones the use of torture by MI5
Alan Johnson says he condones the use of torture by MI5
In just 6 short weeks it would appear that power has already gone to the new Home Secretary Alan Johnson's head. Apparently, in an interview in the Daily Telegraph, he condones and supports the use of torture by MI5 on suspected terrorists. Worse still, he claims that exposing MI5's illegal activity in court could jeopardise Britain's national security. Therefore, he may pervert the course of justice by intervening to prevent key evidence being heard in court.
Incredibly, Alan Johnson has stated that he has nothing but admiration for the torturers within MI5. Claiming that their torture was done to a very high professional and ethical standard, and that he would defend the perpetrators.
It has emerged from the US that Department of Justice memoes suggested how the Bush regime could twist national and international law to accomodate the use of torture. However, the European Convention is clear that the human right not to be tortured is absolute.
In just 6 short weeks it would appear that power has already gone to the new Home Secretary Alan Johnson's head. Apparently, in an interview in the Daily Telegraph, he condones and supports the use of torture by MI5 on suspected terrorists. Worse still, he claims that exposing MI5's illegal activity in court could jeopardise Britain's national security. Therefore, he may pervert the course of justice by intervening to prevent key evidence being heard in court.
Incredibly, Alan Johnson has stated that he has nothing but admiration for the torturers within MI5. Claiming that their torture was done to a very high professional and ethical standard, and that he would defend the perpetrators.
It has emerged from the US that Department of Justice memoes suggested how the Bush regime could twist national and international law to accomodate the use of torture. However, the European Convention is clear that the human right not to be tortured is absolute.