William Hague's hypocrisy on human rights at home and abroad
Human rights are key to our foreign policy
We must harness Britain's generosity and compassion to help the rest of the world, says William Hague.
William Hague has chosen the example of the floods in Pakistan, and the amount of government aid and public donations to claim that the nation should feel proud. He states that we acted quicker and and gave more than some other countries. Conveniently, he ignores the UK's failure to act in 5 years on the issue of convicted prisoners human right to the vote and on this we lag behind most other countries in Europe.
William Hague continues: "It also confirms something fundamental about our society's attitude to the suffering of others, whether that distress is caused by natural disaster, state oppression, or conflict. It is not in our character as a nation to stand by while others are in need, or to be unmoved when they are denied the hard-won freedoms and protections that we enjoy in Britain as a result of centuries of striving for individual rights within a democratic society".
What belies William Hague's claim is that our society's attitude to the suffering of prisoners exposes that we are really less civilised than we like to pretend. They simply buried their collective head in the sand when prisoners were denied their hard-won human right to the vote by state oppression.
William Hague continues: "It is a sad fact that there are scores of countries in the world where human rights are severely curtailed. Somalia, Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo and North Korea are just some of the many countries where people endure war, want or political oppression. There is no single country that has the power to transform this situation alone. In the end, strong institutions and the rule of law are the only lasting guarantee of freedoms, and we all know that these things take a long time to build and must be constantly nurtured".
Instead of looking out, lets look in at the UK. We have 75,000 convicted prisoners whose human right to vote is severely curtailed by political oppression. The institutions of the Council of Europe, Committee of Ministers and European Convention and European Court of Human Rights, and the rule of law are being ignored therby not guaranteeing basic human rights to the most vulnerable group in society.
William Hague waffles on: "But this does not diminish the centrality of human rights in the core values of our foreign policy. We cannot have a foreign policy without a conscience. Foreign policy is domestic policy written large. The values we live by at home do not stop at our shores. Human rights are not the only issue that informs the making of foreign policy, but they are indivisible from it, not least because the consequences of foreign policy failure are human. When ceasefires break down or unchecked climate change takes hold, ordinary people suffer. Where there is lawlessness, human rights abuses inevitably follow, affecting our security in the UK as well as affronting our common humanity".
It would be laudable for a country which guaranteed human rights at home to put human rights at the centre of its foreign policy. However, it is embarrassingly hypocritical to be caught out saying "Don't do as we do, do as we say!". All that produces is 'pot calling kettle black'. In all conscience it is wrong to commit evil at home and state we are committed to doing good abroad. It is because of the lawlessness of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Justice that convicted prisoners human rights abuse inevitably followed.
William Hague continues: "In our first 100 days we have brought the energy of a new government to bear on the promotion of human rights. We have enacted in weeks what the previous government failed to do over several years by announcing an inquiry into whether Britain was implicated in the improper treatment of detainees, and publishing the guidance given to intelligence services personnel in the interviewing of detainees held by other countries".
What belies this statement is that the coalition is well aware that Labour did nothing in 5 years on the issue of convicted prisoners and their human right to vote, and the coalition has deliberately done nothing to remedy this situation in its first 100 days!
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.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tories no change from Labour sacrificing human rights for trade links!
Tories no change from Labour sacrificing human rights for trade links!
Following on from the revelations last week that William Hague, Foreign Secretary, intends to sacrifice human rights for trade links, it has now emerged that the Tories are really offering no change from Labour under Tony Blair's leadership.
Blair secretly courted Robert Mugabe to boost trade
Following on from the revelations last week that William Hague, Foreign Secretary, intends to sacrifice human rights for trade links, it has now emerged that the Tories are really offering no change from Labour under Tony Blair's leadership.
Blair secretly courted Robert Mugabe to boost trade
Foreign diplomats abusing immunity to keep domestic slaves in Britain
Foreign diplomats abusing immunity to keep domestic slaves in Britain
Foreign diplomats are abusing their immunity from prosecution to keep domestic workers as slaves in Britain, an investigation has found.
The workers, most of whom come from poor countries in Africa and Asia, are forced to work for up to 20 hours a day for as little as 10p an hour.
Their employers routinely confiscate their passports so they cannot run away, make them sleep on the floor and ban them from leaving the house, the investigation disclosed.
Police said that they are often unable to investigate foreign diplomats, or members of often extensive royal families, who are mistreating their household staff because they have immunity from prosecution and the workers they bring to the country have no protection under British law.
Comment: If everybody is equal under the eyes of the law and nobody is above the law then this could not happen. It is one thing to give diplomats immunity from prosecution if they are doing their jobs, and quite another to give them immunity from prosecution for outright criminal behaviour.
Foreign diplomats are abusing their immunity from prosecution to keep domestic workers as slaves in Britain, an investigation has found.
The workers, most of whom come from poor countries in Africa and Asia, are forced to work for up to 20 hours a day for as little as 10p an hour.
Their employers routinely confiscate their passports so they cannot run away, make them sleep on the floor and ban them from leaving the house, the investigation disclosed.
Police said that they are often unable to investigate foreign diplomats, or members of often extensive royal families, who are mistreating their household staff because they have immunity from prosecution and the workers they bring to the country have no protection under British law.
Comment: If everybody is equal under the eyes of the law and nobody is above the law then this could not happen. It is one thing to give diplomats immunity from prosecution if they are doing their jobs, and quite another to give them immunity from prosecution for outright criminal behaviour.
Buffoon Boris confuses Mrs Dale with Mary Bale
Buffoon Boris confuses Mrs Dale with Mary Bale
Africa could teach the wheelie-bin lady a thing or two
In Tanzania, Boris Johnson rediscovers a wilderness worthy of deep and lasting respect.
Africa could teach the wheelie-bin lady a thing or two
In Tanzania, Boris Johnson rediscovers a wilderness worthy of deep and lasting respect.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
The morally bankrupt but finanically secure Mr Asil Nadir
The morally bankrupt but finanically secure Mr Asil Nadir
Under English law Mr Asil Nadir to escape creditors declared himself to be bankrupt. Now that the fugitive from justice has flown back to the UK, it remains the case that his status is that of an undischarged bankrupt because "he was never discharged of his bankruptcy status".
How is it then that this penniless person can afford to post a £250,000 bail surety to the court, and afford to rent a £20,000 per month Mayfair town house? If the trial takes 2 year to get to court that's £480,000 just in rent money. Almost three quarters of a million pounds in loose change hardly makes this man a genuine bankrupt.
Under English law Mr Asil Nadir to escape creditors declared himself to be bankrupt. Now that the fugitive from justice has flown back to the UK, it remains the case that his status is that of an undischarged bankrupt because "he was never discharged of his bankruptcy status".
How is it then that this penniless person can afford to post a £250,000 bail surety to the court, and afford to rent a £20,000 per month Mayfair town house? If the trial takes 2 year to get to court that's £480,000 just in rent money. Almost three quarters of a million pounds in loose change hardly makes this man a genuine bankrupt.
An artic wolf ponders its fate as oil companies move in
An artic wolf ponders its fate as oil companies move in
An arctic wolf tries to escape from a fragment of melting ice floe. Greenpeace fear the region is gravely threatened by oil companies. Photograph: Jim Brandenburg/Getty Images/Minden Pictures RM
An arctic wolf tries to escape from a fragment of melting ice floe. Greenpeace fear the region is gravely threatened by oil companies. Photograph: Jim Brandenburg/Getty Images/Minden Pictures RM
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Imprisoning fewer 'will not work'
Imprisoning fewer 'will not work'
Cutting short jail sentences 'will not reduce crime'
Government plans to lock up fewer criminals would not reduce offending or cut costs, a report says.
Ex-Home Office criminologist Professor Ken Pease said community sentences have no evident effect on reconviction rates in their current form.
His report, Prison, Community Sentencing and Crime, has been released by the think-tank Civitas.
It follows Justice Secretary Ken Clarke's call for alternatives to jail to be developed.
Comment: Given that Civitas claims to be a think tank, I can only summise that with crap like this that there is brain damage...
Cutting short jail sentences 'will not reduce crime'
Government plans to lock up fewer criminals would not reduce offending or cut costs, a report says.
Ex-Home Office criminologist Professor Ken Pease said community sentences have no evident effect on reconviction rates in their current form.
His report, Prison, Community Sentencing and Crime, has been released by the think-tank Civitas.
It follows Justice Secretary Ken Clarke's call for alternatives to jail to be developed.
Comment: Given that Civitas claims to be a think tank, I can only summise that with crap like this that there is brain damage...
Unlucky 7 inmates shot in Folsom Prison riot
Unlucky 7 inmates shot in Folsom Prison riot
Seven injured as guards open fire in US jail riot
Seven inmates at Folsom prison in California have been taken to hospital after guards opened fire during a riot, authorities say.
None of the prisoners' injuries are believed to be life-threatening, prison spokesman Luis Patino said.
The riot, involving about 200 inmates, broke out on Friday night. No guards were injured, reports said.
Three of the wounded inmates were reportedly taken to local hospitals, while others were treated at the jail.
Seven injured as guards open fire in US jail riot
Seven inmates at Folsom prison in California have been taken to hospital after guards opened fire during a riot, authorities say.
None of the prisoners' injuries are believed to be life-threatening, prison spokesman Luis Patino said.
The riot, involving about 200 inmates, broke out on Friday night. No guards were injured, reports said.
Three of the wounded inmates were reportedly taken to local hospitals, while others were treated at the jail.
Lawyer's £5m sex abuse claim is taking the piss!
Lawyer's £5m sex abuse claim is taking the piss!
Patrick Raggett says his school ordeal affected his personal and professional life. Photograph: Johnny Green/PA
"In earlier court appearances, Raggett said the ordeal had severely affected his personal relationships and his career as a City lawyer. He had suffered years of under-achievement at work, a failed marriage, binge-drinking and a breakdown. The £5m he is seeking includes past and future loss of earnings".
Whilst I do not condone sexual abuse of children, and feel that victims should be able to claim monetary damages, I think that this disreputable lawyer is bringing the whole thing into disrepute by submitting a claim for £5m. I have come across several incompetent lawyers over the years. I have also been blamed by my victim's daughter for everything that has gone wrong in her life since the killing. It would appear from what Raggett has described, that the sexual abuse is at the lower end of the scale. And that he is just using this as an excuse to try to cash in. I suspect that he has deliberately set the figure too high, with the intention of settling for less but is still hoping to become a millionaire. In my view, at most, he should get £20,000.
Patrick Raggett says his school ordeal affected his personal and professional life. Photograph: Johnny Green/PA"In earlier court appearances, Raggett said the ordeal had severely affected his personal relationships and his career as a City lawyer. He had suffered years of under-achievement at work, a failed marriage, binge-drinking and a breakdown. The £5m he is seeking includes past and future loss of earnings".
Whilst I do not condone sexual abuse of children, and feel that victims should be able to claim monetary damages, I think that this disreputable lawyer is bringing the whole thing into disrepute by submitting a claim for £5m. I have come across several incompetent lawyers over the years. I have also been blamed by my victim's daughter for everything that has gone wrong in her life since the killing. It would appear from what Raggett has described, that the sexual abuse is at the lower end of the scale. And that he is just using this as an excuse to try to cash in. I suspect that he has deliberately set the figure too high, with the intention of settling for less but is still hoping to become a millionaire. In my view, at most, he should get £20,000.
Public Enemies: The UK's 'Most Hated' list
Public Enemies: The UK's 'Most Hated' list
Mass hostility towards the woman who put a cat in a wheelie-bin is an example of a wider phenomenon. Rhodri Marsden reports
The UK's Most Hated
Mary Bale
A Coventry bank clerk, variously described as "grey-haired spinster" and "worse than Hitler", supposedly became Britain's most hated woman this week after putting a cat in a wheelie-bin during what she described as a "split second of misjudgement". There were immediate calls online for her to be "sprayed with BBQ sauce and thrown into a den of lions at the zoo", to which Bale responded: "To be honest I think everyone is overreacting a bit." The RSPCA is considering a prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Mass hostility towards the woman who put a cat in a wheelie-bin is an example of a wider phenomenon. Rhodri Marsden reports
The UK's Most Hated
Mary Bale
A Coventry bank clerk, variously described as "grey-haired spinster" and "worse than Hitler", supposedly became Britain's most hated woman this week after putting a cat in a wheelie-bin during what she described as a "split second of misjudgement". There were immediate calls online for her to be "sprayed with BBQ sauce and thrown into a den of lions at the zoo", to which Bale responded: "To be honest I think everyone is overreacting a bit." The RSPCA is considering a prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Victorian ladies and gents to walk again in Pearson Park to mark its 150th anniversary
Victorian ladies and gents to walk again in Pearson Park to mark its 150th anniversary
Pearson Park in Edwardian times.
FOR 150 years it has been a haven for west Hull residents who have had picnics, fed the ducks and taken Sunday walks there.
Now Pearson Park is celebrating the landmark anniversary with a Victorian-themed fun day.
A tree will also be planted to mark the birthday of the city's oldest public park.
The event will prove particularly special for one woman.
Marian Shaw is a descendant of the park's creator Zachariah Pearson.
She said: "We are thrilled with the way the council has entered the spirit of the occasion, and particularly grateful for all the support we have received over the years.
"The tree that is being planted to mark the occasion is a Wellingtonia gigantea – the same species that Zachariah planted in 1860."
The fun day, organised by Hull City Council's area team, will be opened by the Lord Mayor Councillor David Gemmell.
Visitors can meet people in Victorian costumes, enjoy a period fairground, and watch St John Ambulance deal with fake war wounds.
There will also be a range of stalls and activities for all the family.
To commemorate the anniversary, the Pearson family will be planting the Wellington tree at 3pm.
The event takes place in the park on Saturday from noon until 4pm.
Comment: I watched the Wellingtonia gigantea tree being planted a couple of days ago, and Rocky ensured he was the first dog to water it in the park. I think I will take a look around today as a couple of Lithuania kids have adopted me as their grandfather and they have expressed an interest in the event.
Wellingtonia gigantea not a very clear photo I am afraid, I will try again later...
Pearson Park in Edwardian times.FOR 150 years it has been a haven for west Hull residents who have had picnics, fed the ducks and taken Sunday walks there.
Now Pearson Park is celebrating the landmark anniversary with a Victorian-themed fun day.
A tree will also be planted to mark the birthday of the city's oldest public park.
The event will prove particularly special for one woman.
Marian Shaw is a descendant of the park's creator Zachariah Pearson.
She said: "We are thrilled with the way the council has entered the spirit of the occasion, and particularly grateful for all the support we have received over the years.
"The tree that is being planted to mark the occasion is a Wellingtonia gigantea – the same species that Zachariah planted in 1860."
The fun day, organised by Hull City Council's area team, will be opened by the Lord Mayor Councillor David Gemmell.
Visitors can meet people in Victorian costumes, enjoy a period fairground, and watch St John Ambulance deal with fake war wounds.
There will also be a range of stalls and activities for all the family.
To commemorate the anniversary, the Pearson family will be planting the Wellington tree at 3pm.
The event takes place in the park on Saturday from noon until 4pm.
Comment: I watched the Wellingtonia gigantea tree being planted a couple of days ago, and Rocky ensured he was the first dog to water it in the park. I think I will take a look around today as a couple of Lithuania kids have adopted me as their grandfather and they have expressed an interest in the event.
Wellingtonia gigantea not a very clear photo I am afraid, I will try again later...
Friday, August 27, 2010
Britain faces new terror wave
Britain faces new terror wave
Britain faces a new wave of home grown terrorists as 800 radicalised Islamist prisoners are released from jail, a leading security expert warns.
Michael Clarke, a former government adviser and the head of the Royal United Services Institute, says he believes the security services could struggle to cope with a new generation of extremists seeking to carry out "lone wolf" attacks.
In a report published today, Prof Clarke says that, over the next five to 10 years, about 800 prisoners – in jail for non-terrorism offences – are due to be released on to the streets having been radicalised in jail.
They will be joined by convicted terrorists serving short sentences who, once freed, are likely to be just as committed to the cause of jihad as before they were jailed, the report claims.
Prof Clarke, who advised Gordon Brown as a member of the National Security Forum and is a visiting professor at King's College London, warns that this "new wave" will pose a significant challenge to the security services responsible for identifying and monitoring them.
While previous al-Qaeda tactics involved so-called "spectacular" attacks, the report warns that the terrorist group's leaders, such as Yemeni preacher and US citizen Anwar al-Awlaki, are encouraging individuals to launch less sophisticated but equally deadly attacks on crowded places.
Their targets have also changed from concentrating on aircraft to including attacks on trains, hotels and sporting events. The report will serve as a stark reminder to the Government and public that the threat from Islamist terrorism remains severe, even though there has not been a fatal attack on British soil since 2005.
The current government threat level stands at "severe", indicating a terrorist attack is considered "highly likely". The level was raised from "substantial" in January.
In the Western world, Britain has the "greatest to fear" from home grown terrorists, the report says.
One of the major threats in Britain, according to Prof Clarke, is from released prisoners who may have been convicted of terrorist offences or may have been radicalised while in jail. "British prisons still house more terrorists than in any other European country, though not for very long periods," he warns.
He points out that just 23 people, around 19 per cent of those convicted of terrorism offences, have been given life or indeterminate sentences. Twenty per cent have been sentenced to more than 10 years, and the largest single proportion, 32 per cent, received between eight months and four years. "It raises immediate questions about the motivations of those now released, or soon to be released: are they more or less inclined to reoffend?" he says.
"From previous experience in Northern Ireland, it is more likely that the majority of those released will remain as committed to their cause as before, and may serve as a source of motivation to others, albeit in clandestine ways."
Prison authorities have become increasingly concerned about radicalisation behind bars, especially in the eight high-security jails where most terrorist prisoners are kept.
Probation officers have warned that about one in 10 of the 8,000 Muslim prisoners in high-security institutions in England and Wales is successfully targeted.
This amounts to "around 800 potentially violent radicals, not previously guilty of terrorism charges, [who] will be back in society over the coming five to 10 years," Prof Clarke says.
These radicals are ideal candidates to form a "new wave" of terrorists threatening Britain, the report says.
The release of 800 prisoners would see an increase by nearly a half of the 2,000 radicalised individuals MI5 is currently said to be watching.
Large, well co-ordinated terrorist attacks have become more difficult to carry out and instead attacks have evolved into “more individual efforts” warns the report by Prof Clarke and co-author Valentina Soria in the Royal United Services Institute Journal.
They point to attacks such as that of Umar Farouk Abulmutallab, a former student in London, who tried to blow himself up in an aircraft coming into land in Detroit on Christmas Day last year and also the Times Square attack by Faisal Shahzad in May.
“Rather than sending out trained 'cell leaders’ to conduct preparation for sophisticated operations, AQAP
(al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) and other related organisations have recently been content to send out a higher number of lone individuals (or at least lightly supported ones) whose chances of success are considerably lower but whose number and presence raise similar public anxieties,” the report says.
“Eventually, it is reasoned, one of them will be lucky enough to succeed in a major way against high profile targets in western countries.”
Britain’s “globalised society” makes it more vulnerable, says Prof Clarke. “In an open society there is only so much that any government can do to protect the public."
Comment: Prison is not called the "University of Crime" for nothing. If prison works then it follows that the 800 radicalised Islamic prisoners to be released would come out better than they went in. Because prison does not work then it follows that that they come out worse for the experience. It has long been known that the lone assassin can get through where an army will fail. It is obvious that this will pose a problem for the security services. As security increases in one particular area, it makes common sense that the terrorists change tactics and targets. I don't agree that Britain has the greatest to fear from terrorist attacks, in my view Europe and the USA are more at risk. Moreover, prison Islamism is more extreme than Islamism taught outside prison. Professor Clarke is creating a climate of fear, then states that the public are more likely to become fearful, duh! As the IRA pubicly stated, the security services have to be lucky all the time whereas the terrorist only has to be lucky once. In the face of this threat, the government is helpless. Therefore, why worry? Be happy.
Britain faces a new wave of home grown terrorists as 800 radicalised Islamist prisoners are released from jail, a leading security expert warns.
Michael Clarke, a former government adviser and the head of the Royal United Services Institute, says he believes the security services could struggle to cope with a new generation of extremists seeking to carry out "lone wolf" attacks.
In a report published today, Prof Clarke says that, over the next five to 10 years, about 800 prisoners – in jail for non-terrorism offences – are due to be released on to the streets having been radicalised in jail.
They will be joined by convicted terrorists serving short sentences who, once freed, are likely to be just as committed to the cause of jihad as before they were jailed, the report claims.
Prof Clarke, who advised Gordon Brown as a member of the National Security Forum and is a visiting professor at King's College London, warns that this "new wave" will pose a significant challenge to the security services responsible for identifying and monitoring them.
While previous al-Qaeda tactics involved so-called "spectacular" attacks, the report warns that the terrorist group's leaders, such as Yemeni preacher and US citizen Anwar al-Awlaki, are encouraging individuals to launch less sophisticated but equally deadly attacks on crowded places.
Their targets have also changed from concentrating on aircraft to including attacks on trains, hotels and sporting events. The report will serve as a stark reminder to the Government and public that the threat from Islamist terrorism remains severe, even though there has not been a fatal attack on British soil since 2005.
The current government threat level stands at "severe", indicating a terrorist attack is considered "highly likely". The level was raised from "substantial" in January.
In the Western world, Britain has the "greatest to fear" from home grown terrorists, the report says.
One of the major threats in Britain, according to Prof Clarke, is from released prisoners who may have been convicted of terrorist offences or may have been radicalised while in jail. "British prisons still house more terrorists than in any other European country, though not for very long periods," he warns.
He points out that just 23 people, around 19 per cent of those convicted of terrorism offences, have been given life or indeterminate sentences. Twenty per cent have been sentenced to more than 10 years, and the largest single proportion, 32 per cent, received between eight months and four years. "It raises immediate questions about the motivations of those now released, or soon to be released: are they more or less inclined to reoffend?" he says.
"From previous experience in Northern Ireland, it is more likely that the majority of those released will remain as committed to their cause as before, and may serve as a source of motivation to others, albeit in clandestine ways."
Prison authorities have become increasingly concerned about radicalisation behind bars, especially in the eight high-security jails where most terrorist prisoners are kept.
Probation officers have warned that about one in 10 of the 8,000 Muslim prisoners in high-security institutions in England and Wales is successfully targeted.
This amounts to "around 800 potentially violent radicals, not previously guilty of terrorism charges, [who] will be back in society over the coming five to 10 years," Prof Clarke says.
These radicals are ideal candidates to form a "new wave" of terrorists threatening Britain, the report says.
The release of 800 prisoners would see an increase by nearly a half of the 2,000 radicalised individuals MI5 is currently said to be watching.
Large, well co-ordinated terrorist attacks have become more difficult to carry out and instead attacks have evolved into “more individual efforts” warns the report by Prof Clarke and co-author Valentina Soria in the Royal United Services Institute Journal.
They point to attacks such as that of Umar Farouk Abulmutallab, a former student in London, who tried to blow himself up in an aircraft coming into land in Detroit on Christmas Day last year and also the Times Square attack by Faisal Shahzad in May.
“Rather than sending out trained 'cell leaders’ to conduct preparation for sophisticated operations, AQAP
(al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) and other related organisations have recently been content to send out a higher number of lone individuals (or at least lightly supported ones) whose chances of success are considerably lower but whose number and presence raise similar public anxieties,” the report says.
“Eventually, it is reasoned, one of them will be lucky enough to succeed in a major way against high profile targets in western countries.”
Britain’s “globalised society” makes it more vulnerable, says Prof Clarke. “In an open society there is only so much that any government can do to protect the public."
Comment: Prison is not called the "University of Crime" for nothing. If prison works then it follows that the 800 radicalised Islamic prisoners to be released would come out better than they went in. Because prison does not work then it follows that that they come out worse for the experience. It has long been known that the lone assassin can get through where an army will fail. It is obvious that this will pose a problem for the security services. As security increases in one particular area, it makes common sense that the terrorists change tactics and targets. I don't agree that Britain has the greatest to fear from terrorist attacks, in my view Europe and the USA are more at risk. Moreover, prison Islamism is more extreme than Islamism taught outside prison. Professor Clarke is creating a climate of fear, then states that the public are more likely to become fearful, duh! As the IRA pubicly stated, the security services have to be lucky all the time whereas the terrorist only has to be lucky once. In the face of this threat, the government is helpless. Therefore, why worry? Be happy.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Asil Nadir in bribery allegation
Asil Nadir in bribery allegation
Asil Nadir attempts to bribe the coalition to interfere with justice...
Lock him up and throw away the key :-)
Asil Nadir attempts to bribe the coalition to interfere with justice...
Lock him up and throw away the key :-)
The curse of the victimisation of gypsies
The curse of the victimisation of gypsies
When I received a 5 year sentence for arson, burglary and deception, I was transfered from Armley Prison in Leeds, West Yorkshire, to Walton Prison in Liverpool, Merseyside, only to be transferred to Wakefield Prison in West Yorkshire. There I met Henry, a gypsy/traveller, serving 12 years for allegedly raping a police superintendent's daughter. I say allegedly because Henry claimed that it was consensual, but when her father discovered who she had been with it could not have been consensual. In any event, I instantly took a liking to Henry and did not feel disposed to judge a fellow prisoner for a matter dealt with by the court. Nor am I prejudiced against gypsies/travellers/Roma, because they used to pass through our village when I was a young child and the fair would be in the field next to our house.
Henry was largely unable to read and write, I did teach him, but he could make very good match stick models of vardos. When we both separately ended up in Albany Prison, IoW, a prison visitor, a draughtsman by trade, saw Henry's models and asked if he could look at the blueprints. When I explained that he made them purely from memory the draughtsman was sceptical because of their accuracy measurement-wise.
The reason why I relate this little tale is because of this and this.
When I received a 5 year sentence for arson, burglary and deception, I was transfered from Armley Prison in Leeds, West Yorkshire, to Walton Prison in Liverpool, Merseyside, only to be transferred to Wakefield Prison in West Yorkshire. There I met Henry, a gypsy/traveller, serving 12 years for allegedly raping a police superintendent's daughter. I say allegedly because Henry claimed that it was consensual, but when her father discovered who she had been with it could not have been consensual. In any event, I instantly took a liking to Henry and did not feel disposed to judge a fellow prisoner for a matter dealt with by the court. Nor am I prejudiced against gypsies/travellers/Roma, because they used to pass through our village when I was a young child and the fair would be in the field next to our house.
Henry was largely unable to read and write, I did teach him, but he could make very good match stick models of vardos. When we both separately ended up in Albany Prison, IoW, a prison visitor, a draughtsman by trade, saw Henry's models and asked if he could look at the blueprints. When I explained that he made them purely from memory the draughtsman was sceptical because of their accuracy measurement-wise.
The reason why I relate this little tale is because of this and this.
We have a Human Rights Act and yet know very little about the subject
We have a Human Rights Act and yet know very little about the subject
UK Human Rights Blog has an interesting post here.
And, draws attention to a fascinating essay on the history of human rights.
"In a fascinating new essay, Samuel Moyn, a history professor at Columbia University, examines the history of human rights. He concentrates on the concept of international human rights from a U.S. perspective, but many of his observations are highly relevant to those with an interest in UK human rights. As is often the case, examining the movement’s history provides interesting clues as to its future".
UK Human Rights Blog has an interesting post here.
And, draws attention to a fascinating essay on the history of human rights.
"In a fascinating new essay, Samuel Moyn, a history professor at Columbia University, examines the history of human rights. He concentrates on the concept of international human rights from a U.S. perspective, but many of his observations are highly relevant to those with an interest in UK human rights. As is often the case, examining the movement’s history provides interesting clues as to its future".
How can British justice be the best in the world if...
How can British justice be the best in the world if...
It beggars belief that in the UK it is being claimed that we do not know what the meaning of miscarriage of justice means!
Because the MoJ does not understand the English language Barry George, who has already suffered 8 years in jail for a crime he did not commit, must wait another year to see if he is eligible for compensation for being stitched up!
"The highest court in the land is due to hear three appeals in February concerning the meaning of the phrase "miscarriage of justice" in relation to compensation claims".
It beggars belief that in the UK it is being claimed that we do not know what the meaning of miscarriage of justice means!
Because the MoJ does not understand the English language Barry George, who has already suffered 8 years in jail for a crime he did not commit, must wait another year to see if he is eligible for compensation for being stitched up!
"The highest court in the land is due to hear three appeals in February concerning the meaning of the phrase "miscarriage of justice" in relation to compensation claims".
Why has a fugitive from justice been granted bail?
Why has a fugitive from justice been granted bail?
Polly Peck tycoon Asil Nadir returns to Britain to face fraud charges
Asil Nadir who fled Britain in 1993 rather than stand trial has already breached bail conditions. However, because he has blackmailed a judge he has been granted bail a second time! Surrending his British passport and being electronically tagged will not prevent him fleeing a second time, simply because he has the power to fly out of the country at any time on private aircraft. Any other criminal in this position would be remanded into custody and would be subjected to Category A status.
Whilst on bail, it is believed that Asil Nadir will cost the taxpayers £20,000-a-month for a rented house in Mayfair!
Polly Peck tycoon Asil Nadir returns to Britain to face fraud charges
Asil Nadir who fled Britain in 1993 rather than stand trial has already breached bail conditions. However, because he has blackmailed a judge he has been granted bail a second time! Surrending his British passport and being electronically tagged will not prevent him fleeing a second time, simply because he has the power to fly out of the country at any time on private aircraft. Any other criminal in this position would be remanded into custody and would be subjected to Category A status.
Whilst on bail, it is believed that Asil Nadir will cost the taxpayers £20,000-a-month for a rented house in Mayfair!
Tories sell access to ministers for £1,000 a head
Tories sell access to ministers for £1,000 a head
The Conservatives are offering business leaders access to government ministers in exchange for money, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.
Executives who buy £1,000-a-plate tickets to a fund-raising dinner at the Conservative Party conference will get to sit with ministers. Despite David Cameron's pledges to bring transparency to party funding, the identities of the businessmen will be kept secret.
The Conservative fund-raising operation has led to accusations of cash for access, and drawn comparisons with controversial fund-raising methods employed by Labour under Tony Blair.
The inaugural Conservative Party Business Dinner is being marketed as "an exclusive networking event" where guests will "enjoy fine wines and superb food with fellow business leaders".
It will be held inside the "secure zone" of the Conservative conference at Birmingham's International Conference Centre. Before the dinner, on Oct 5, guests can attend a drinks reception hosted by members of the Cabinet.
The Conservatives are offering business leaders access to government ministers in exchange for money, The Daily Telegraph can disclose.
Executives who buy £1,000-a-plate tickets to a fund-raising dinner at the Conservative Party conference will get to sit with ministers. Despite David Cameron's pledges to bring transparency to party funding, the identities of the businessmen will be kept secret.
The Conservative fund-raising operation has led to accusations of cash for access, and drawn comparisons with controversial fund-raising methods employed by Labour under Tony Blair.
The inaugural Conservative Party Business Dinner is being marketed as "an exclusive networking event" where guests will "enjoy fine wines and superb food with fellow business leaders".
It will be held inside the "secure zone" of the Conservative conference at Birmingham's International Conference Centre. Before the dinner, on Oct 5, guests can attend a drinks reception hosted by members of the Cabinet.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
A tale of two cats...
A tale of two cats...
A monkey treats a cat better than...
A long tailed macaque monkey adopts a kitten in the forests of Bali, Indonesia
A young long tailed macaque monkey has been spotted in a forest protectively nuzzling and grooming a ginger kitten and making sure no harm came to it. The extraordinary sight was captured by amateur photographer Anne Young while on holiday at the Monkey Forest Park, in the Ubud region of Bali, Indonesia
Picture: Anne Young/Solent News
...this evil Cunt who thinks animal cruelty is a funny joke!
"I did it as a joke because I thought it would be funny. I never thought it would be trapped. I expected it to wriggle out of the bin."
"I really don't see what everyone is getting so excited about - it's just a cat".
Why does the Royal Bank of Scotland think that this is acceptable behaviour from one of it's employees?
A monkey treats a cat better than...
A long tailed macaque monkey adopts a kitten in the forests of Bali, Indonesia
A young long tailed macaque monkey has been spotted in a forest protectively nuzzling and grooming a ginger kitten and making sure no harm came to it. The extraordinary sight was captured by amateur photographer Anne Young while on holiday at the Monkey Forest Park, in the Ubud region of Bali, IndonesiaPicture: Anne Young/Solent News
...this evil Cunt who thinks animal cruelty is a funny joke!
"I did it as a joke because I thought it would be funny. I never thought it would be trapped. I expected it to wriggle out of the bin."
"I really don't see what everyone is getting so excited about - it's just a cat".
Why does the Royal Bank of Scotland think that this is acceptable behaviour from one of it's employees?
Sex pervert not charged with sex crime!
Sex pervert not charged with sex crime!
Classroom lab technician knocked out schoolgirl he tricked into wearing chloroform mask
"The reason for Shreeve's plot to drug the sixth-former remains a mystery but there was no known sexual motive, Snaresbrook Crown Court in East London heard".
Why was this pervert not charged with a sex crime? As a result of not charging and convicting him of indecent assault, it means he will not be on any Sex Offender Register when released and will be free to strike again!
Judge William Kennedy said "This was a truly appalling, senseless and unfathomable risk to take with the life of a young woman".
Senseless? Unfathomable? Your Honour, you really do need to get out more...
Photo: sleepingland
I suspect with a name like Jared Shreeve that he is a Muslim. It is an anomaly in prison that Muslims are exempt from Sex Offender Treatment Programmes (SOTP), which other non-Muslim perverts must undergo, on the grounds that it offends against their religion. Er? What about their sex offending against girls and women?
Classroom lab technician knocked out schoolgirl he tricked into wearing chloroform mask
"The reason for Shreeve's plot to drug the sixth-former remains a mystery but there was no known sexual motive, Snaresbrook Crown Court in East London heard".
Why was this pervert not charged with a sex crime? As a result of not charging and convicting him of indecent assault, it means he will not be on any Sex Offender Register when released and will be free to strike again!
Judge William Kennedy said "This was a truly appalling, senseless and unfathomable risk to take with the life of a young woman".
Senseless? Unfathomable? Your Honour, you really do need to get out more...
Photo: sleepingland
I suspect with a name like Jared Shreeve that he is a Muslim. It is an anomaly in prison that Muslims are exempt from Sex Offender Treatment Programmes (SOTP), which other non-Muslim perverts must undergo, on the grounds that it offends against their religion. Er? What about their sex offending against girls and women?
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
David Brent Cameron and the Monty Pythonesque Telegraph report about Sam Cam dropping a baby
David Brent Cameron and the Monty Pythonesque Telegraph report about Sam Cam dropping a baby
David Cameron 'thrilled' at birth of baby girl
David Cameron said today the birth of his fourth child, a baby girl born early and delivered by Caesarean section, was "absolutely thrilling, really exciting".
By James Kirkup, Political Correspondent
Published: 3:47PM BST 24 Aug 2010
The Prime Minister's wife Samantha went into labour this morning and gave birth at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro at about midday.
The baby, weighing 6lb 1oz, had been due next month but took the Camerons by surprise while they were holidaying in Cornwall.
A beaming Mr Cameron told reporters the "unbelievably beautiful girl" did not have a name yet, but said it would "have to have something Cornish in the middle".
"It was very exciting, we were on holiday, thought we were going to get through the holiday and then have a baby, and then it just seemed to kick off a bit quickly," the Prime Minister said.
"We woke up this morning and thought she was having contractions and it was all beginning to get going, so we thought we would come to the hospital just to get everything checked out, and then things sort of sped up and it all happened very very quickly and the baby popped out out at about 12 o'clock.
"They seemed to be doing fine and my job was to make the toast and the tea, things like that, but it's absolutely thrilling, really exciting and it's just lovely they are both doing so well."
A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister and Mrs Cameron are delighted to announce the birth of their fourth child, a baby girl. Both the baby - who was born weighing 6lbs 1oz - and Mrs Cameron are doing very well.
"The PM and Mrs Cameron would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the hospital for their help and kindness."
Mr Cameron said the early birth had been "a bit of a shock".
He said: "It was a bit of a shock. I always thought it was possible because Samantha's have tended to come a bit early
"She had been having contractions for the last couple of days on and off and just sort of thought this was time to come to the hospital and check out, see if everything was fine, and the next thing we knew we were all getting into the gear and baby was coming out."
Mr Cameron said he was "in for suggestions" for names with a Cornish link.
"It was very exciting having a baby in Cornwall, we'll have to have something Cornish in there somewhere.
"I've got the book out, Samantha's having a look through and she'll decide, I'm sure, before long."
Tamara was suggested to the Prime Minister as a possible name - a reference to the River Tamar which forms Cornwall's border with Devon.
"Well obviously we're the right side of the Tamar, that's right," he said.
The child is only the second born to a serving prime minister in 150 years. The other child was Leo Blair, the son of Tony and Cherie Blair, born in May 2000.
The Camerons' first child, Ivan, died last January aged six. The couple have two surviving children, Nancy, 6, and Arthur Elwyn, 4. Both were "thrilled, bouncing up and down, and dying to say hello to the new baby", Mr Cameron said.
In May 2000, Leo Blair became the first child to be born to a serving prime minister.
Shadow foreign secretary and Labour leadership favourite David Miliband said: "I'd like to offer many congratulations to Samantha and David Cameron on the birth of their baby girl."
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who was holding the fort in Downing Street during the Camerons' holiday, sent his congratulations to the Prime Minister.
He said: "Miriam and I are absolutely delighted by the fantastic news.
"All our best wishes are with David and Samantha at this special time for them and their family."
David Cameron 'thrilled' at birth of baby girl
David Cameron said today the birth of his fourth child, a baby girl born early and delivered by Caesarean section, was "absolutely thrilling, really exciting".
By James Kirkup, Political Correspondent
Published: 3:47PM BST 24 Aug 2010
The Prime Minister's wife Samantha went into labour this morning and gave birth at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro at about midday.
The baby, weighing 6lb 1oz, had been due next month but took the Camerons by surprise while they were holidaying in Cornwall.
A beaming Mr Cameron told reporters the "unbelievably beautiful girl" did not have a name yet, but said it would "have to have something Cornish in the middle".
"It was very exciting, we were on holiday, thought we were going to get through the holiday and then have a baby, and then it just seemed to kick off a bit quickly," the Prime Minister said.
"We woke up this morning and thought she was having contractions and it was all beginning to get going, so we thought we would come to the hospital just to get everything checked out, and then things sort of sped up and it all happened very very quickly and the baby popped out out at about 12 o'clock.
"They seemed to be doing fine and my job was to make the toast and the tea, things like that, but it's absolutely thrilling, really exciting and it's just lovely they are both doing so well."
A Downing Street spokesman said: "The Prime Minister and Mrs Cameron are delighted to announce the birth of their fourth child, a baby girl. Both the baby - who was born weighing 6lbs 1oz - and Mrs Cameron are doing very well.
"The PM and Mrs Cameron would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the hospital for their help and kindness."
Mr Cameron said the early birth had been "a bit of a shock".
He said: "It was a bit of a shock. I always thought it was possible because Samantha's have tended to come a bit early
"She had been having contractions for the last couple of days on and off and just sort of thought this was time to come to the hospital and check out, see if everything was fine, and the next thing we knew we were all getting into the gear and baby was coming out."
Mr Cameron said he was "in for suggestions" for names with a Cornish link.
"It was very exciting having a baby in Cornwall, we'll have to have something Cornish in there somewhere.
"I've got the book out, Samantha's having a look through and she'll decide, I'm sure, before long."
Tamara was suggested to the Prime Minister as a possible name - a reference to the River Tamar which forms Cornwall's border with Devon.
"Well obviously we're the right side of the Tamar, that's right," he said.
The child is only the second born to a serving prime minister in 150 years. The other child was Leo Blair, the son of Tony and Cherie Blair, born in May 2000.
The Camerons' first child, Ivan, died last January aged six. The couple have two surviving children, Nancy, 6, and Arthur Elwyn, 4. Both were "thrilled, bouncing up and down, and dying to say hello to the new baby", Mr Cameron said.
In May 2000, Leo Blair became the first child to be born to a serving prime minister.
Shadow foreign secretary and Labour leadership favourite David Miliband said: "I'd like to offer many congratulations to Samantha and David Cameron on the birth of their baby girl."
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, who was holding the fort in Downing Street during the Camerons' holiday, sent his congratulations to the Prime Minister.
He said: "Miriam and I are absolutely delighted by the fantastic news.
"All our best wishes are with David and Samantha at this special time for them and their family."
Monday, August 23, 2010
The postman and the knockback twice
The postman and the knockback twice
New evidence may clear postman of sex attack after 14 years in jail
Lawyer for Victor Nealon says crucial forensic evidence was left untested as surgeon insists wrong man was convicted
I don't know whether Victor Nealon did or did not commit the attempted rape for which he received a discretionary life sentence with a 7 year tariff. His lawyer claims that there has been a miscarriage of justice. What does concern me though about this case is that I am aware of cases where actual rape occured and the offenders received a less severe sentence. Then there is the Parole Board claiming that it does not penalise anybody for protesting their innocence. Once an offender is deemed to be a minimum risk to the public they are released on life licence. In this case it would appear that the Parole Board has resentenced Victor Nealon behind closed doors, giving him another 7 years for protesting his innocence on the ground that it poses an unacceptable risk to the public.
New evidence may clear postman of sex attack after 14 years in jail
Lawyer for Victor Nealon says crucial forensic evidence was left untested as surgeon insists wrong man was convicted
I don't know whether Victor Nealon did or did not commit the attempted rape for which he received a discretionary life sentence with a 7 year tariff. His lawyer claims that there has been a miscarriage of justice. What does concern me though about this case is that I am aware of cases where actual rape occured and the offenders received a less severe sentence. Then there is the Parole Board claiming that it does not penalise anybody for protesting their innocence. Once an offender is deemed to be a minimum risk to the public they are released on life licence. In this case it would appear that the Parole Board has resentenced Victor Nealon behind closed doors, giving him another 7 years for protesting his innocence on the ground that it poses an unacceptable risk to the public.
William Hague gives gay lover £30,000 job
William Hague gives gay lover £30,000 job
Hague takes on £30,000 new special adviser
William Hague has appointed a new special adviser despite a Coalition pledge to reduce spending on ministerial aides.
Update:
Why the Daily Telegraph doesn't go down the same route today can only be out of deference to that minister. Let's say, purely hypothetically, that the minister in question is William Hague; there's no reason why they could not have written the following:
" HAGUE VOWS ACTION OVER 'GAY AFFAIR' LIES
William Hague last night vowed to take action to stop lurid rumours about his sexuality sweeping Westminster. It comes after year-old photographs of the Foreign Secretary and his aide Christopher Myers were published by newspapers.
The senior minister, who has been married to Ffion since 1997, is said to be furious at the baseless allegations which have surfaced on the internet.
One source said: "William is happily married and is not gay, it is as simple as that. He will not hesitate before taking the necessary action should someone overstep the mark and suggest something which is not true."
Now, what's wrong with that?
Updated update...
Even Guido was a day behind on this one!
Hague takes on £30,000 new special adviser
William Hague has appointed a new special adviser despite a Coalition pledge to reduce spending on ministerial aides.
Update:
Why the Daily Telegraph doesn't go down the same route today can only be out of deference to that minister. Let's say, purely hypothetically, that the minister in question is William Hague; there's no reason why they could not have written the following:
" HAGUE VOWS ACTION OVER 'GAY AFFAIR' LIES
William Hague last night vowed to take action to stop lurid rumours about his sexuality sweeping Westminster. It comes after year-old photographs of the Foreign Secretary and his aide Christopher Myers were published by newspapers.
The senior minister, who has been married to Ffion since 1997, is said to be furious at the baseless allegations which have surfaced on the internet.
One source said: "William is happily married and is not gay, it is as simple as that. He will not hesitate before taking the necessary action should someone overstep the mark and suggest something which is not true."
Now, what's wrong with that?
Updated update...
Even Guido was a day behind on this one!
20th century fox
20th century fox
Pictured: remarkable moment fox frames photographer's shot
A cub outfoxed a professional photographer to take her own picture as he was snapping away at her, producing a series of remarkable shots.
The inquisitive five month old vixen, named Jessie after the Toy Story film's cowgirl, was so intrigued by the camera equipment she clambered right on top of it.
And although she was supposed to be the subject of the shoot, she became the photographer when she stood on the shutter release button and took her own frames.
Pictured: remarkable moment fox frames photographer's shot
A cub outfoxed a professional photographer to take her own picture as he was snapping away at her, producing a series of remarkable shots.
The inquisitive five month old vixen, named Jessie after the Toy Story film's cowgirl, was so intrigued by the camera equipment she clambered right on top of it.
And although she was supposed to be the subject of the shoot, she became the photographer when she stood on the shutter release button and took her own frames.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
UK puts trade before human rights!
UK puts trade before human rights!
Britain scraps annual assessment of human rights abuses across the world
NGOs concerned that ministers are 'blindly' pursuing commercial interests in countries where atrocities are taking place
Billy Liar
"The coalition government is plunged into a major row today over its commitment to human rights amid claims that it will scrap the Foreign Office's landmark annual assessment of abuses across the world.
The Observer has learned that civil servants have been told to stop working on the next edition of the FCO Annual Report on Human Rights, which highlights incidents of torture and oppression, monitors use of the death penalty and aims to expose the illegal arms trade. The report also acts as a guide to MPs and businesses over which countries it is ethical to trade with".
William Hague announced that the UK would put human rights at the forefront of foreign policy. So, why ignore human rights abuse abroad in the interests of trade?
David Miliband Liar, liar, pants on fire...
"David Miliband, the shadow foreign secretary and Labour leadership candidate, said: "Britain has led the world in standing up for human rights and the coalition is taking a serious step back,"".
Has Miliband forgotten that he authorised and supported CIA torture flights? Then there is his failure to act in the Prisoners Votes Case...
I am sick of politicians saying one thing and doing another!
Related content...
Ukraine is failing the democracy test
A new election law that protects the ruling elite is undemocratic and raises fresh doubts about Ukraine's suitability to join the EU
The UK failed the democracy test in Hirst v UK (No2).
Britain scraps annual assessment of human rights abuses across the world
NGOs concerned that ministers are 'blindly' pursuing commercial interests in countries where atrocities are taking place
Billy Liar"The coalition government is plunged into a major row today over its commitment to human rights amid claims that it will scrap the Foreign Office's landmark annual assessment of abuses across the world.
The Observer has learned that civil servants have been told to stop working on the next edition of the FCO Annual Report on Human Rights, which highlights incidents of torture and oppression, monitors use of the death penalty and aims to expose the illegal arms trade. The report also acts as a guide to MPs and businesses over which countries it is ethical to trade with".
William Hague announced that the UK would put human rights at the forefront of foreign policy. So, why ignore human rights abuse abroad in the interests of trade?
David Miliband Liar, liar, pants on fire..."David Miliband, the shadow foreign secretary and Labour leadership candidate, said: "Britain has led the world in standing up for human rights and the coalition is taking a serious step back,"".
Has Miliband forgotten that he authorised and supported CIA torture flights? Then there is his failure to act in the Prisoners Votes Case...
I am sick of politicians saying one thing and doing another!
Related content...
Ukraine is failing the democracy test
A new election law that protects the ruling elite is undemocratic and raises fresh doubts about Ukraine's suitability to join the EU
The UK failed the democracy test in Hirst v UK (No2).
Saturday, August 21, 2010
We were right to let Megrahi go home
We were right to let Megrahi go home
Americans who have complained about Megrahi's release need to move on, writes Bruce Anderson.
The Megrahi affair is a shambles. It made the last government – and the Scottish executive – look weak and shifty. The new Government has failed to eradicate that impression. As a result, Britain's reputation has suffered.
This is all so unnecessary. To bring the matter under control would require only the assertion of two simple principles: truth and realism. First, truth, and some history. In the late 1980s, the UK was in a state of undeclared war with Libya. For years, the Libyans had been sponsoring terrorists, including the IRA. In retaliation, rightly and bravely, Margaret Thatcher allowed the Americans to launch a bombing raid on Tripoli from British bases. In their turn, the Libyans blew up the plane which crashed in Lockerbie.
The years passed and the world changed. The Libyans agreed to negotiate with the West and to abandon their nuclear programme. In response, we became friendly to the Libyan leadership. There were trade talks; there was a limited amount of military co-operation. But no one should be under any illusions. Lockerbie was planned and authorised at the highest level. Megrahi was not an autonomous murderer. He was a servant of the state. When ministers shook hands with important Libyans, they were shaking hands stained with the blood of innocent victims.
They were right to do so. This is where the realism comes in. It was important to persuade the Libyans to renounce the attempt to develop nuclear weapons. It was sensible to use trade and investment deals to lock them into a co-operative frame of mind. Given Libya's vast raw materials, it was desirable that British firms should be involved in the efforts to exploit them. If we did not take the chance to create jobs and earn profits, others would.
Admittedly, it was the Libyan hierarchy which handed Megrahi over for trial, sacrificing a pawn to secure bigger objectives in the diplomatic chess game. But we are not obliged to acquiesce in their cynicism and ruthlessness. Once we were making friends with the organ-grinders, it would have been hypocritical to go on punishing the monkey. The question of mercy was irrelevant. If Megrahi had been acting on his own, he would have already received all the mercy which he deserved, in that he was not put to death by torture. As he was merely a Libyan agent, he was entitled to benefit from our rapprochement with his country.
The phrase "move on" has become a cliché, usually to provide cover for sub-Blairite slop. But it has its uses. IRA men are serving in the Northern Ireland government, because the province has moved on to a peace process. As we have moved on with Libya, it was right to allow Megrahi to move out. The Americans were upset: tough. We are a sovereign country, as are they. If some British MPs demanded the right to question Congressmen from Massachusetts about their links with the IRA, they would be told to mind their own business. So should the Americans who have complained about Megrahi.
Even so, the Government should make one concession. It ought to give a frank account of the decision-making process that led to the release. If it did so, not everyone would agree. But people would at least feel that the politicians were levelling with them and explaining the tough-minded decisions which governments have to take in a difficult world.
There is a final point. According to British doctors, Megrahi had only a few heavily sedated weeks left. He is still alive. Would someone please reassure us that Libyan medicine has not yet surpassed the NHS?
Lockerbie bombing: US calls for Megrahi to be returned to jail
The United States has made an impassioned plea for Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi, the only man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, to be returned to jail.
Comment: I wish America would stop trying to be the world's policeman!
Americans who have complained about Megrahi's release need to move on, writes Bruce Anderson.
The Megrahi affair is a shambles. It made the last government – and the Scottish executive – look weak and shifty. The new Government has failed to eradicate that impression. As a result, Britain's reputation has suffered.
This is all so unnecessary. To bring the matter under control would require only the assertion of two simple principles: truth and realism. First, truth, and some history. In the late 1980s, the UK was in a state of undeclared war with Libya. For years, the Libyans had been sponsoring terrorists, including the IRA. In retaliation, rightly and bravely, Margaret Thatcher allowed the Americans to launch a bombing raid on Tripoli from British bases. In their turn, the Libyans blew up the plane which crashed in Lockerbie.
The years passed and the world changed. The Libyans agreed to negotiate with the West and to abandon their nuclear programme. In response, we became friendly to the Libyan leadership. There were trade talks; there was a limited amount of military co-operation. But no one should be under any illusions. Lockerbie was planned and authorised at the highest level. Megrahi was not an autonomous murderer. He was a servant of the state. When ministers shook hands with important Libyans, they were shaking hands stained with the blood of innocent victims.
They were right to do so. This is where the realism comes in. It was important to persuade the Libyans to renounce the attempt to develop nuclear weapons. It was sensible to use trade and investment deals to lock them into a co-operative frame of mind. Given Libya's vast raw materials, it was desirable that British firms should be involved in the efforts to exploit them. If we did not take the chance to create jobs and earn profits, others would.
Admittedly, it was the Libyan hierarchy which handed Megrahi over for trial, sacrificing a pawn to secure bigger objectives in the diplomatic chess game. But we are not obliged to acquiesce in their cynicism and ruthlessness. Once we were making friends with the organ-grinders, it would have been hypocritical to go on punishing the monkey. The question of mercy was irrelevant. If Megrahi had been acting on his own, he would have already received all the mercy which he deserved, in that he was not put to death by torture. As he was merely a Libyan agent, he was entitled to benefit from our rapprochement with his country.
The phrase "move on" has become a cliché, usually to provide cover for sub-Blairite slop. But it has its uses. IRA men are serving in the Northern Ireland government, because the province has moved on to a peace process. As we have moved on with Libya, it was right to allow Megrahi to move out. The Americans were upset: tough. We are a sovereign country, as are they. If some British MPs demanded the right to question Congressmen from Massachusetts about their links with the IRA, they would be told to mind their own business. So should the Americans who have complained about Megrahi.
Even so, the Government should make one concession. It ought to give a frank account of the decision-making process that led to the release. If it did so, not everyone would agree. But people would at least feel that the politicians were levelling with them and explaining the tough-minded decisions which governments have to take in a difficult world.
There is a final point. According to British doctors, Megrahi had only a few heavily sedated weeks left. He is still alive. Would someone please reassure us that Libyan medicine has not yet surpassed the NHS?
Lockerbie bombing: US calls for Megrahi to be returned to jail
The United States has made an impassioned plea for Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi, the only man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, to be returned to jail.
Comment: I wish America would stop trying to be the world's policeman!
Friday, August 20, 2010
Abdel Baset Ali al-Megrahi: Times seeks explanation into the wrong aspect of the case
Abdel Baset Ali al-Megrahi: Times seeks explanation into the wrong aspect of the case
The Times reports "Still no explanation of the events surrounding al-Megrahi’s release".
My understanding is that an explanation has been given, and that it involved release on compassionate grounds because al-Megrahi is suffering from terminal cancer.
Ont the other hand, "in June 2007, the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission issued an 800-page report, which has never been made public, claiming there had potentially been a miscarriage of justice on at least six counts. Prime among them were serious doubts over the identification of al-Megrahi by a Maltese shopkeeper, Tony Gauci, which had been central to the Crown’s case, and the discovery that Gauci had been paid $2 million by the US for his evidence — a fact not revealed at al-Megrahi’s original trial".
If any explanation is warranted, I would contend it should come from whoever made the decision to withhold this report from the public and the media. The public have paid for it to be written, the public should now be allowed to read the report for themselves. If for no other reason, it should be published just to shut up them damned Yanks!
The Times reports "Still no explanation of the events surrounding al-Megrahi’s release".
My understanding is that an explanation has been given, and that it involved release on compassionate grounds because al-Megrahi is suffering from terminal cancer.
Ont the other hand, "in June 2007, the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission issued an 800-page report, which has never been made public, claiming there had potentially been a miscarriage of justice on at least six counts. Prime among them were serious doubts over the identification of al-Megrahi by a Maltese shopkeeper, Tony Gauci, which had been central to the Crown’s case, and the discovery that Gauci had been paid $2 million by the US for his evidence — a fact not revealed at al-Megrahi’s original trial".
If any explanation is warranted, I would contend it should come from whoever made the decision to withhold this report from the public and the media. The public have paid for it to be written, the public should now be allowed to read the report for themselves. If for no other reason, it should be published just to shut up them damned Yanks!
Police make fools of themselves!
Police make fools of themselves!
There is no statute of limitations in this country which means a person may be prosecuted many years after an offence was committed if information later comes to light and the police become involved. Which is why I won't go into too much detail about Gangland in the 1960s. However there was one occasion when I was arrested in London and rather than face the beaks down South, I chose to falsely confess to a crime up North so I would be taken back to familiar territory. There I informed the police that I had not committed the offence. A deal was struck whereby I would only receive a £40 fine and a 2 years probation order if I went through with the game.
The Times reports: "BBC presenter ‘wasted police time’ with confession to killing".
"A veteran BBC presenter is to be told today that he will face trial for wasting police time after “confessing” on screen that he had killed his lover".
The police decided to waste 6 months and taxpayers money investigating what amounts to no more than a staged false confession for the benefit of the BBC and TV viewers. A dull programme needed spicing up a bit, just like the film industry throws in a bit of sex and violence into a boring plot.
"Ray Gosling was presenting a BBC documentary on “mercy killings” when he claimed to have used a pillow to smother a lover who was dying of Aids in hospital". Anybody remember the scene in One flew over the cuckoo's nest, where Chief smothers Randall P. McMurphy with a pillow in the hospital?
Apparently, the police are disappointed that the BBC did not do their work for them "Officers are dismayed by the failure of the BBC to attempt to verify Mr Gosling’s confession before the broadcast of the Inside Out programme in February".
"Keir Starmer, the Director of Public Prosecutions, has approved the decision to charge Mr Gosling for wasting police time. The maximum sentence is six months in jail".
And, how much is all this going to cost the taxpayer? This strikes me as vindictiveness. Neither the police not Keir Starmer bothered to investigate when Dominic Grieve admitted to the crimes of assault and criminal damage in the film The Fear Factory.
"It is an offence to waste police time by “knowingly making to any person a false report orally or in writing to show that an offence has been committed”.
Proceedings can be instituted only with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Examples of wasting police time include “false reports that a crime has been committed, which initiates a police investigation”".
It is one thing for an attention seeker to walk into a police station and confess to a high profile case, and quite another for the police to initiate the investigation themselves.
Of course, the police and CIA would never seek false confessions when it suits them would they!
There is no statute of limitations in this country which means a person may be prosecuted many years after an offence was committed if information later comes to light and the police become involved. Which is why I won't go into too much detail about Gangland in the 1960s. However there was one occasion when I was arrested in London and rather than face the beaks down South, I chose to falsely confess to a crime up North so I would be taken back to familiar territory. There I informed the police that I had not committed the offence. A deal was struck whereby I would only receive a £40 fine and a 2 years probation order if I went through with the game.
The Times reports: "BBC presenter ‘wasted police time’ with confession to killing".
"A veteran BBC presenter is to be told today that he will face trial for wasting police time after “confessing” on screen that he had killed his lover".
The police decided to waste 6 months and taxpayers money investigating what amounts to no more than a staged false confession for the benefit of the BBC and TV viewers. A dull programme needed spicing up a bit, just like the film industry throws in a bit of sex and violence into a boring plot.
"Ray Gosling was presenting a BBC documentary on “mercy killings” when he claimed to have used a pillow to smother a lover who was dying of Aids in hospital". Anybody remember the scene in One flew over the cuckoo's nest, where Chief smothers Randall P. McMurphy with a pillow in the hospital?
Apparently, the police are disappointed that the BBC did not do their work for them "Officers are dismayed by the failure of the BBC to attempt to verify Mr Gosling’s confession before the broadcast of the Inside Out programme in February".
"Keir Starmer, the Director of Public Prosecutions, has approved the decision to charge Mr Gosling for wasting police time. The maximum sentence is six months in jail".
And, how much is all this going to cost the taxpayer? This strikes me as vindictiveness. Neither the police not Keir Starmer bothered to investigate when Dominic Grieve admitted to the crimes of assault and criminal damage in the film The Fear Factory.
"It is an offence to waste police time by “knowingly making to any person a false report orally or in writing to show that an offence has been committed”.
Proceedings can be instituted only with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Examples of wasting police time include “false reports that a crime has been committed, which initiates a police investigation”".
It is one thing for an attention seeker to walk into a police station and confess to a high profile case, and quite another for the police to initiate the investigation themselves.
Of course, the police and CIA would never seek false confessions when it suits them would they!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi: What's another year?
Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi: What's another year?
The Telegraph's view:
Lockerbie bomber: MacAskill should resign
The Scottish Justice Secretary has grievously embarrassed his country and there is only one honourable step left for him to take.
"A year ago today, the only man convicted of the Lockerbie terrorist attack – the worst on British territory – was released from a Scottish prison and sent home to Libya “to die”. As the world knows, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi is still very much alive and a party is to be held in Tripoli to celebrate his longevity. For the families of the 270 people who died on PanAm flight 103, blown out of the skies just before Christmas in 1988, this is an affront for which one man in particular is to blame: Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Secretary".
There is doubt that Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi actually is the so-called Lockerbie bomber. In my view, there is no legitimate reason why Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Secretary, should resign for ordering the release from prison of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds.
The Telegraph piece is deliberately being emotive. This is unprofessional journalism, because it clouds dispassionate objectivity and only serves to produce a biased report.
I don't give a toss if some of the families of the 270 people who died on PanAm flight 103 are affronted by a planned party to be held in Tripoli to celebrate the fact that Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi is still alive. It is cause for celebration for anyone battling terminal cancer to live that bit longer. Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Secretary, is not to blame for the families who feel affronted, the families have only themselves to blame.
Kenny MacAskill is innocent. This is not a resigning matter. He did what is right, and for that he can feel proud.
The Telegraph's view:
Lockerbie bomber: MacAskill should resign
The Scottish Justice Secretary has grievously embarrassed his country and there is only one honourable step left for him to take.
"A year ago today, the only man convicted of the Lockerbie terrorist attack – the worst on British territory – was released from a Scottish prison and sent home to Libya “to die”. As the world knows, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi is still very much alive and a party is to be held in Tripoli to celebrate his longevity. For the families of the 270 people who died on PanAm flight 103, blown out of the skies just before Christmas in 1988, this is an affront for which one man in particular is to blame: Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Secretary".
There is doubt that Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi actually is the so-called Lockerbie bomber. In my view, there is no legitimate reason why Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Secretary, should resign for ordering the release from prison of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds.
The Telegraph piece is deliberately being emotive. This is unprofessional journalism, because it clouds dispassionate objectivity and only serves to produce a biased report.
I don't give a toss if some of the families of the 270 people who died on PanAm flight 103 are affronted by a planned party to be held in Tripoli to celebrate the fact that Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi is still alive. It is cause for celebration for anyone battling terminal cancer to live that bit longer. Kenny MacAskill, the Scottish Justice Secretary, is not to blame for the families who feel affronted, the families have only themselves to blame.
Kenny MacAskill is innocent. This is not a resigning matter. He did what is right, and for that he can feel proud.
A cross too much to bear?
A cross too much to bear?
Utah highway patrol crosses violate US Constitution
Fourteen crosses erected along roads in memory of fallen highway patrol officers in Utah have been declared in violation of the US Constitution.
Comment: For what it's worth, I think the court decided wrongly.
Utah highway patrol crosses violate US Constitution
Fourteen crosses erected along roads in memory of fallen highway patrol officers in Utah have been declared in violation of the US Constitution.
Comment: For what it's worth, I think the court decided wrongly.
Identitty parade: Observers wanted
Identitty parade: Observers wanted
Police catch thieves who flash victims their breasts
Police in France have arrested two teenage girls who allegedly stole hundreds of euros from cash machine users after distracting them by baring their breasts.
Form an orderly queue all those who wish to attend the identitty parade as witnesses
If you get arrested by a gendarme in France would you be frog marched to le commissariat?
Police catch thieves who flash victims their breasts
Police in France have arrested two teenage girls who allegedly stole hundreds of euros from cash machine users after distracting them by baring their breasts.
Form an orderly queue all those who wish to attend the identitty parade as witnesses
If you get arrested by a gendarme in France would you be frog marched to le commissariat?
BBC involved in cover up
BBC involved in cover up
BBC facing human rights battle with Top Gear's The Stig
The BBC is facing a human rights battle with “The Stig”, the mystery stunt driver on Top Gear, in an effort to stop him disclosing his identity.
and...
BBC lawyers fight to keep Top Gear's The Stig secret
The BBC is locked in a legal dispute with Top Gear's mystery driver, The Stig, over an autobiography that could reveal his true identity.
Aliah Varsity lecturer wins fight against burqa diktat
BBC facing human rights battle with Top Gear's The Stig
The BBC is facing a human rights battle with “The Stig”, the mystery stunt driver on Top Gear, in an effort to stop him disclosing his identity.
and...
BBC lawyers fight to keep Top Gear's The Stig secret
The BBC is locked in a legal dispute with Top Gear's mystery driver, The Stig, over an autobiography that could reveal his true identity.
Aliah Varsity lecturer wins fight against burqa diktat
The Italian Job in Hull
The Italian Job in Hull
"Raiders with Mafia links jailed for cash point plot – gang was caught in the act"
Detective Sergeant Darren Rose said: "They were just trying to blow the doors off when the police walked in".
You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!
"Raiders with Mafia links jailed for cash point plot – gang was caught in the act"
Detective Sergeant Darren Rose said: "They were just trying to blow the doors off when the police walked in".
You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Lincolnshire 'sausage 'tax' is introduced
Lincolnshire 'sausage 'tax' is introduced
A voluntary "sausage tax" has been introduced to help fund a campaign to secure protected status for Lincolnshire's famous bangers.
Participating butchers in the county are asking customers to pay an extra five pence when they buy the sausages.
Lincolnshire Sausage Association, which wants to secure Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), is behind the scheme.
If approved, only bangers made in the county using the correct recipe could be called Lincolnshire sausages.
According to the association, a Lincolnshire sausage should contain a minimum 70% of coarse ground or minced pork, packed in natural casings and flavoured with sage.
Chairman Janet Godfrey claims the description is currently being misapplied.
A voluntary "sausage tax" has been introduced to help fund a campaign to secure protected status for Lincolnshire's famous bangers.
Participating butchers in the county are asking customers to pay an extra five pence when they buy the sausages.
Lincolnshire Sausage Association, which wants to secure Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), is behind the scheme.
If approved, only bangers made in the county using the correct recipe could be called Lincolnshire sausages.
According to the association, a Lincolnshire sausage should contain a minimum 70% of coarse ground or minced pork, packed in natural casings and flavoured with sage.
Chairman Janet Godfrey claims the description is currently being misapplied.
'Armed police surrounded my house': Shock for man who had chased away youths
'Armed police surrounded my house': Shock for man who had chased away youths
Lee Playle found himself a wanted man when police swarmed on his house, off Beverley Road, Hull.
ARMED police surrounded the home of a man after he chased a gang of youths away from his property.
Lee Playle, 24, claims he charged at a group of nuisance youths to defend himself and his property in Beverley Road.
The 10-strong gang of 18 to 20-year-olds had robbed Mr Playle of his bike after throwing bricks at him as he made his way home from work.
But when he challenged them, instead of getting the backing of the police, he found himself a wanted man.
Mr Playle said: "Every night as I cycled home, they gave me abuse.
"They threw bricks and stones at me, they caused so much hassle for everyone, but the police never came.
"I was protecting myself, I just chased them to scare them off."
Mr Playle chased the youths who fled and went looking for them at the basketball courts near to his house.
Later, after a long search for them, he returned to his house to be told by his neighbours that armed police had arrived and circled his house.
Mr Playle said: "I'm told there were about 12 or 13 police cars, my house was surrounded at the back and at the front. They had Tasers and guns and all sorts. I knew nothing about it."
Neighbour John Hirst, who recorded a video of the officers outside and has since uploaded it to the You Tube website, said: "They could have sent a couple of PCSOs round to find out what was going on. It hardly needed such a big police presence."
A Humberside Police spokesman told the Mail they sent armed officers to the scene on the evening of Saturday, August 7, after they were told Mr Playle was carrying a "bladed" instrument.
No arrests were made.
More on the story here including video links.
Lee Playle found himself a wanted man when police swarmed on his house, off Beverley Road, Hull.ARMED police surrounded the home of a man after he chased a gang of youths away from his property.
Lee Playle, 24, claims he charged at a group of nuisance youths to defend himself and his property in Beverley Road.
The 10-strong gang of 18 to 20-year-olds had robbed Mr Playle of his bike after throwing bricks at him as he made his way home from work.
But when he challenged them, instead of getting the backing of the police, he found himself a wanted man.
Mr Playle said: "Every night as I cycled home, they gave me abuse.
"They threw bricks and stones at me, they caused so much hassle for everyone, but the police never came.
"I was protecting myself, I just chased them to scare them off."
Mr Playle chased the youths who fled and went looking for them at the basketball courts near to his house.
Later, after a long search for them, he returned to his house to be told by his neighbours that armed police had arrived and circled his house.
Mr Playle said: "I'm told there were about 12 or 13 police cars, my house was surrounded at the back and at the front. They had Tasers and guns and all sorts. I knew nothing about it."
Neighbour John Hirst, who recorded a video of the officers outside and has since uploaded it to the You Tube website, said: "They could have sent a couple of PCSOs round to find out what was going on. It hardly needed such a big police presence."
A Humberside Police spokesman told the Mail they sent armed officers to the scene on the evening of Saturday, August 7, after they were told Mr Playle was carrying a "bladed" instrument.
No arrests were made.
More on the story here including video links.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tony Blair: Blood Money
Tony Blair: Blood Money
Almost 500 British military killed in Iraq and Afghanistan (not to mention the wounded), no wonder Tony Blair felt the need to offer the British Legion a £6m bribe in an attempt to whitewash his war crimes!
Almost 500 British military killed in Iraq and Afghanistan (not to mention the wounded), no wonder Tony Blair felt the need to offer the British Legion a £6m bribe in an attempt to whitewash his war crimes!
Surely this isn't our old friend from Canada?
Surely this isn't our old friend from Canada?
Photo: Hat-Tip to Prisoners Families Voices
Related content...
Squirrel popping up in Canada holiday photo
Photo: Hat-Tip to Prisoners Families Voices
Related content...
Squirrel popping up in Canada holiday photo
British justice for sale, only the rich need apply!
British justice for sale, only the rich need apply!
Asylum seekers face legal aid axe
Richard Ford, Francis Elliott
Last updated August 17 2010 12:01AM
Tens of thousands of asylum seekers and immigrants will no longer receive legal aid to challenge decisions to deport them under plans to slash billions from the Ministry of Justice budget.
Kenneth Clarke, the Justice Secretary, wants to end repeated challenges to decisions to turn down claims for asylum and last-minute challenges to deportation orders. “We cannot go on allowing judicial reviews of every decision. We are just going round and round on a merry-go-round,” a Whitehall source said.
A tenth of the £900 million civil legal aid budget was spent on asylum and immigration cases last year.
The Ministry of Justice wants to reduce legal aid spending on immigration cases as part of an overhaul of help for individuals involved in court action.
Another area where savings are to be made is in medical negligence cases. Victims of botched operations will no longer receive legal aid to sue the NHS under the proposals being prepared within the ministry.
In the past three years legal aid costs for cases of medical negligence came to £82 million, but in future ministers will expect people to make their own private arrangements if they wish to sue doctors. “There are plenty of no-win, no-fee lawyers. They can take on this work,” one Whitehall source said.
Mr Clarke’s plans to restrict legal aid for immigration cases provoked outrage among lawyers and charities, who accused the Justice Secretary of denying legal assistance to some of the most vulnerable people.
Donna Covey, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: “Further slashing legal aid for asylum seekers will result in people being wrongly refused protection here and returned to countries where their lives will be in danger. This is unacceptable.”
She added: “We understand these are hard times for everyone, but the UK must remember its proud tradition of giving shelter to those escaping conflict and persecution.”
Nick Green, QC, chairman of the Bar Council, said: “Individuals suffering serious injury through medical neglect need to obtain compensation to cater for their future care. If legal aid is withdrawn this must coincide with the development of alternative means for those injured to obtain proper funding for claims.”
The plans to restrict legal aid are part of Mr Clarke’s proposals to cut 25 per cent from the Justice Ministry’s £9 billion-a-year budget. He has said that he cannot cut the £2.4 billion budget for running prisons by 25 per cent and that he is looking for big savings from legal aid and courts’ administration.
Mr Clarke wants to move away from “salami slicing” the £2.1 billion a year spent on legal aid in England and Wales and favours more radical options. The bulk of the savings will come from the £900 million a year spent on civil legal aid rather than on the cash spent on legal aid for criminal cases.
Other areas that may be targeted are the legal aid provided for prisoners, which has soared in the past three years to reach a record £21 million in 2008-09. Nine years ago the figure was only £1 million.
Taxpayer help for separating couples may also be at risk in the hunt for savings. Last year 89,000 people received legal aid totalling £25 million for divorce proceedings.
Mr Clarke has suggested that people should expect to take out private insurance against legal action. Two months ago he said that big changes must be made to the 60-year-old legal system and raised the question of the public taking more responsibility for legal action. “When is it reasonable to say to someone, you really can afford to pay for that yourself, or you really should have insured yourself against that unlikely legal event?” he asked.
The legal aid budget has soared by £500 million since 1997 but has stabilised at about £2 billion a year after cost-cutting imposed after projections that the annual bill would hit £2.6 billion by 2008-09.
Mr Clarke said that current spending on legal aid in England and Wales was higher than almost anywhere else in the world. France spends £3 per head of population, Germany £5, New Zealand £8 and England and Wales £38, he said.
Comment: The poor can get British injustice for free!
Asylum seekers face legal aid axe
Richard Ford, Francis Elliott
Last updated August 17 2010 12:01AM
Tens of thousands of asylum seekers and immigrants will no longer receive legal aid to challenge decisions to deport them under plans to slash billions from the Ministry of Justice budget.
Kenneth Clarke, the Justice Secretary, wants to end repeated challenges to decisions to turn down claims for asylum and last-minute challenges to deportation orders. “We cannot go on allowing judicial reviews of every decision. We are just going round and round on a merry-go-round,” a Whitehall source said.
A tenth of the £900 million civil legal aid budget was spent on asylum and immigration cases last year.
The Ministry of Justice wants to reduce legal aid spending on immigration cases as part of an overhaul of help for individuals involved in court action.
Another area where savings are to be made is in medical negligence cases. Victims of botched operations will no longer receive legal aid to sue the NHS under the proposals being prepared within the ministry.
In the past three years legal aid costs for cases of medical negligence came to £82 million, but in future ministers will expect people to make their own private arrangements if they wish to sue doctors. “There are plenty of no-win, no-fee lawyers. They can take on this work,” one Whitehall source said.
Mr Clarke’s plans to restrict legal aid for immigration cases provoked outrage among lawyers and charities, who accused the Justice Secretary of denying legal assistance to some of the most vulnerable people.
Donna Covey, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: “Further slashing legal aid for asylum seekers will result in people being wrongly refused protection here and returned to countries where their lives will be in danger. This is unacceptable.”
She added: “We understand these are hard times for everyone, but the UK must remember its proud tradition of giving shelter to those escaping conflict and persecution.”
Nick Green, QC, chairman of the Bar Council, said: “Individuals suffering serious injury through medical neglect need to obtain compensation to cater for their future care. If legal aid is withdrawn this must coincide with the development of alternative means for those injured to obtain proper funding for claims.”
The plans to restrict legal aid are part of Mr Clarke’s proposals to cut 25 per cent from the Justice Ministry’s £9 billion-a-year budget. He has said that he cannot cut the £2.4 billion budget for running prisons by 25 per cent and that he is looking for big savings from legal aid and courts’ administration.
Mr Clarke wants to move away from “salami slicing” the £2.1 billion a year spent on legal aid in England and Wales and favours more radical options. The bulk of the savings will come from the £900 million a year spent on civil legal aid rather than on the cash spent on legal aid for criminal cases.
Other areas that may be targeted are the legal aid provided for prisoners, which has soared in the past three years to reach a record £21 million in 2008-09. Nine years ago the figure was only £1 million.
Taxpayer help for separating couples may also be at risk in the hunt for savings. Last year 89,000 people received legal aid totalling £25 million for divorce proceedings.
Mr Clarke has suggested that people should expect to take out private insurance against legal action. Two months ago he said that big changes must be made to the 60-year-old legal system and raised the question of the public taking more responsibility for legal action. “When is it reasonable to say to someone, you really can afford to pay for that yourself, or you really should have insured yourself against that unlikely legal event?” he asked.
The legal aid budget has soared by £500 million since 1997 but has stabilised at about £2 billion a year after cost-cutting imposed after projections that the annual bill would hit £2.6 billion by 2008-09.
Mr Clarke said that current spending on legal aid in England and Wales was higher than almost anywhere else in the world. France spends £3 per head of population, Germany £5, New Zealand £8 and England and Wales £38, he said.
Comment: The poor can get British injustice for free!
Pensioner allowed to walk owls after public outcry
Pensioner allowed to walk owls after public outcry
The decision to ban a pensioner from taking his pet owls for a walk on a city street has been reprieved after fierce public outcry.
Russell Burt, aged 74, was banned from taking his owls outside after his local council in Plymouth told him the daily walks were a safety risk.
But growing support for Mr Burt and his pet birds from around the world has forced Plymouth City Council to back track re-think the move.
Mr Burt said he was over-the-moon told be told there was no ban on Monday and promptly took his pet owls out in public again.
Mr Burt has walked his birds around his home town for nearly 10 years - without incident.
But officials said he could no longer take the owls out on the grounds that they could be ''spooked'' by traffic and ''run amok'' and attack someone.
The decision to ban a pensioner from taking his pet owls for a walk on a city street has been reprieved after fierce public outcry.
Russell Burt, aged 74, was banned from taking his owls outside after his local council in Plymouth told him the daily walks were a safety risk.
But growing support for Mr Burt and his pet birds from around the world has forced Plymouth City Council to back track re-think the move.
Mr Burt said he was over-the-moon told be told there was no ban on Monday and promptly took his pet owls out in public again.
Mr Burt has walked his birds around his home town for nearly 10 years - without incident.
But officials said he could no longer take the owls out on the grounds that they could be ''spooked'' by traffic and ''run amok'' and attack someone.
