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.
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Sunday, November 09, 2008
Jack Straw and Nick Herbert should themselves take responsibilities
Jack Straw and Nick Herbert should themselves take responsibilities
Nick Herbert, the Shadow Justice Secretary, is wrong to claim that "Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Human Rights Act - legislation that was meant to embody the values that our servicemen, who we honour today, have fought and died to defend". The Human Rights Act 1998 came into force on 2 October 2000. Moreover, the legislation has sweet FA to do with servicemen and any values they may hold. Not a good start for Nick Herbert not only getting his dates mixed up but also being mistaken about the nature of the Human Rights Act. It is a pathetic attempt to tie his political argument into Remembrance Sunday. He should be ashamed of trying to make cheap political capital out of such an occasion.
As pointed out, Nick Herbert, is the Shadow Justice Secretary in Her Majesty's Opposition, and yet he has failed to oppose the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, on this issue. As Jamie Doward points out "Being hauled before the European Court of Human Rights for failing to comply with the convention is an unpalatable prospect for the government". How does Nick Herbert address this issue, does he attack Jack Straw and the government for the failing? No. Instead he jumps into bed with both Jack Straw and the government: 'The idea that our entire democratic process could be overturned in this way is ludicrous,' said shadow justice secretary Nick Herbert. 'Claiming sweeping new entitlements for prisoners is a classic example of over-reaching human rights laws which have lost sight of the importance of balancing responsibilities. Parliament should make these decisions, not European judges'.
What is ludicrous is Nick Herbert's statements based upon his ludicrous thinking.
The democratic process is based upon the principle of the universal franchise, ie, one person one vote. The Prisoners Votes Case exposed the fact that prisoners had been denied the right to vote and yet the issue had not been first debated in Parliament. At the High Court stage of the legal challenge Lord Justice Kennedy attempted to abdicate responsibility by ruling that this was a matter for Parliament to decide. However, the issue was whether the Representation of the People's Act was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. The European Court of Human Rights decided that the UK was guilty of violating convicted prisoners human right to the vote.
In my view, the ECtHR acted responsibly with its decision. Jack Straw and Nick Herbert are both making noises abouts rights being balanced with responsibilities. Before either of these two speak about the responsibilities of others, surely they should take responsibility themselves on the issue of convicted prisoners and their human rights to the vote.
Nick Herbert, the Shadow Justice Secretary, is wrong to claim that "Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Human Rights Act - legislation that was meant to embody the values that our servicemen, who we honour today, have fought and died to defend". The Human Rights Act 1998 came into force on 2 October 2000. Moreover, the legislation has sweet FA to do with servicemen and any values they may hold. Not a good start for Nick Herbert not only getting his dates mixed up but also being mistaken about the nature of the Human Rights Act. It is a pathetic attempt to tie his political argument into Remembrance Sunday. He should be ashamed of trying to make cheap political capital out of such an occasion.
As pointed out, Nick Herbert, is the Shadow Justice Secretary in Her Majesty's Opposition, and yet he has failed to oppose the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, on this issue. As Jamie Doward points out "Being hauled before the European Court of Human Rights for failing to comply with the convention is an unpalatable prospect for the government". How does Nick Herbert address this issue, does he attack Jack Straw and the government for the failing? No. Instead he jumps into bed with both Jack Straw and the government: 'The idea that our entire democratic process could be overturned in this way is ludicrous,' said shadow justice secretary Nick Herbert. 'Claiming sweeping new entitlements for prisoners is a classic example of over-reaching human rights laws which have lost sight of the importance of balancing responsibilities. Parliament should make these decisions, not European judges'.
What is ludicrous is Nick Herbert's statements based upon his ludicrous thinking.
The democratic process is based upon the principle of the universal franchise, ie, one person one vote. The Prisoners Votes Case exposed the fact that prisoners had been denied the right to vote and yet the issue had not been first debated in Parliament. At the High Court stage of the legal challenge Lord Justice Kennedy attempted to abdicate responsibility by ruling that this was a matter for Parliament to decide. However, the issue was whether the Representation of the People's Act was incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. The European Court of Human Rights decided that the UK was guilty of violating convicted prisoners human right to the vote.
In my view, the ECtHR acted responsibly with its decision. Jack Straw and Nick Herbert are both making noises abouts rights being balanced with responsibilities. Before either of these two speak about the responsibilities of others, surely they should take responsibility themselves on the issue of convicted prisoners and their human rights to the vote.
Ban on votes for prisoners is illegal, says EU
Ban on votes for prisoners is illegal, says EU
Human rights group warns that without a change in the law, Britain's next election could be invalid
The government must give prisoners the right to vote or the next general election will be illegal under European law, ministers have been warned by parliament's influential Joint Committee on Human Rights.
The committee's conclusion threatens a constitutional crisis for Labour, which has tried to bury the issue ever since the European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2005 that inmates should have the vote. The committee, comprising six MPs and six peers, has written to the Ministry of Justice saying the government must urgently change the law so that the majority of Britain's 84,000 prisoners are given the right before the country next goes to the polls.
'A legislative solution can and should be introduced during the next parliamentary session,' it states. 'If the government fails to meet this timetable, there is a significant risk that the next general election will take place in a way that fails to comply with the convention and at least part of the prison population will be unlawfully disenfranchised.'
In addition to convicted prisoners, those banned from voting include members of the Lords, anyone found guilty of election corruption within the past five years and people with learning disabilities or a mental illness deemed incapable of making a reasoned judgment.
Being hauled before the European Court of Human Rights for failing to comply with the convention is an unpalatable prospect for the government. But introducing a law allowing jailed offenders to vote is likely to spark a furious row that the government's opponents could exploit to their political advantage.
'The idea that our entire democratic process could be overturned in this way is ludicrous,' said shadow justice secretary Nick Herbert. 'Claiming sweeping new entitlements for prisoners is a classic example of over-reaching human rights laws which have lost sight of the importance of balancing responsibilities. Parliament should make these decisions, not European judges.'
The government originally said it would consider the issue of prisoners' voting rights in a two-stage consultation that was supposed to have been completed in January 2008. Ministers said a new law would follow after May 2008.
But a joint committee member attacked the Justice Ministry for dithering on the issue. 'The government cannot pick and choose which human rights treaty obligations it fulfils for party political reasons or just because it feels an issue is not populist enough,' said Evan Harris, a Liberal Democrat MP. 'Gordon Brown is going soft on human rights. There is every chance that this country may be in breach of international law if the government doesn't have the courage to act before the next general election.'
The Prison Reform Trust, which campaigns on behalf of prisoners, has written to the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, asking why the government was delaying the legislation. 'This mean-minded, foot-dragging approach... calls into question the government's commitment to social inclusion, citizenship and human rights,' said Juliet Lyon, the trust's director.
The European ruling stipulates only that a blanket ban on prisoner voting is unlawful, suggesting that certain segments of the prison population - such as murderers Ian Huntley and Rosemary West - will still not be entitled to vote. Legal experts believe the government may seek to limit the prisoners who can vote to those who have been rehabilitated and are considered 'good citizens'. But the judgment, made in response to a case brought before the European Court of Human Rights by a British prisoner called John Hirst, suggests imposing this qualification may be difficult.
Following the Hirst ruling, several states passed laws giving prisoners the right to vote. In 2006 Ireland passed legislation allowing all prisoners to vote by post in the constituency where they would live if they were not in prison.
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Justice said: 'Prisoner voting rights is a sensitive and complex issue, and we need to look very carefully at what the right approach to prisoner enfranchisement in the UK is and at how it would be implemented.'
Human rights group warns that without a change in the law, Britain's next election could be invalid
The government must give prisoners the right to vote or the next general election will be illegal under European law, ministers have been warned by parliament's influential Joint Committee on Human Rights.
The committee's conclusion threatens a constitutional crisis for Labour, which has tried to bury the issue ever since the European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2005 that inmates should have the vote. The committee, comprising six MPs and six peers, has written to the Ministry of Justice saying the government must urgently change the law so that the majority of Britain's 84,000 prisoners are given the right before the country next goes to the polls.
'A legislative solution can and should be introduced during the next parliamentary session,' it states. 'If the government fails to meet this timetable, there is a significant risk that the next general election will take place in a way that fails to comply with the convention and at least part of the prison population will be unlawfully disenfranchised.'
In addition to convicted prisoners, those banned from voting include members of the Lords, anyone found guilty of election corruption within the past five years and people with learning disabilities or a mental illness deemed incapable of making a reasoned judgment.
Being hauled before the European Court of Human Rights for failing to comply with the convention is an unpalatable prospect for the government. But introducing a law allowing jailed offenders to vote is likely to spark a furious row that the government's opponents could exploit to their political advantage.
'The idea that our entire democratic process could be overturned in this way is ludicrous,' said shadow justice secretary Nick Herbert. 'Claiming sweeping new entitlements for prisoners is a classic example of over-reaching human rights laws which have lost sight of the importance of balancing responsibilities. Parliament should make these decisions, not European judges.'
The government originally said it would consider the issue of prisoners' voting rights in a two-stage consultation that was supposed to have been completed in January 2008. Ministers said a new law would follow after May 2008.
But a joint committee member attacked the Justice Ministry for dithering on the issue. 'The government cannot pick and choose which human rights treaty obligations it fulfils for party political reasons or just because it feels an issue is not populist enough,' said Evan Harris, a Liberal Democrat MP. 'Gordon Brown is going soft on human rights. There is every chance that this country may be in breach of international law if the government doesn't have the courage to act before the next general election.'
The Prison Reform Trust, which campaigns on behalf of prisoners, has written to the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, asking why the government was delaying the legislation. 'This mean-minded, foot-dragging approach... calls into question the government's commitment to social inclusion, citizenship and human rights,' said Juliet Lyon, the trust's director.
The European ruling stipulates only that a blanket ban on prisoner voting is unlawful, suggesting that certain segments of the prison population - such as murderers Ian Huntley and Rosemary West - will still not be entitled to vote. Legal experts believe the government may seek to limit the prisoners who can vote to those who have been rehabilitated and are considered 'good citizens'. But the judgment, made in response to a case brought before the European Court of Human Rights by a British prisoner called John Hirst, suggests imposing this qualification may be difficult.
Following the Hirst ruling, several states passed laws giving prisoners the right to vote. In 2006 Ireland passed legislation allowing all prisoners to vote by post in the constituency where they would live if they were not in prison.
A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Justice said: 'Prisoner voting rights is a sensitive and complex issue, and we need to look very carefully at what the right approach to prisoner enfranchisement in the UK is and at how it would be implemented.'
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Judge asks media whether to release Guantanamo Bay 'torture' evidence
Judge asks media whether to release Guantanamo Bay 'torture' evidence
A High Court judge has invited the media for advice about publishing legal evidence in a case concerning a British terror suspect held at Guantanamo Bay
Binyam Mohamed, 30, an Ethiopian national and British resident, was held in Pakistan in 2002, when he was questioned by an MI5 officer.
He was later secretly rendered to Morocco, where he says he was tortured by having his penis cut with a razor blade. The US subsequently flew him to Afghanistan and he was transferred to Guantanamo Bay in September 2004.
Charges against Mohamed, including that he was involved in a "dirty bomb" plot, have been dropped, but the US authorities are now considering further charges.
Mr Mohamed wants access to documents held by the British Government he believes support his claim that he was subjected to extraordinary rendition and ill-treatment.
"It is believed to be legally unprecedented. All media submissions must be received this month". It may be the first time that a judge has asked the media for submissions, however, in the case I took to court which granted prisoners rights of phone access to the media, the judge relied heavily upon the statements of those in the media such as Jonathan Dimbleby and Simon Israel.
A High Court judge has invited the media for advice about publishing legal evidence in a case concerning a British terror suspect held at Guantanamo Bay
Binyam Mohamed, 30, an Ethiopian national and British resident, was held in Pakistan in 2002, when he was questioned by an MI5 officer.
He was later secretly rendered to Morocco, where he says he was tortured by having his penis cut with a razor blade. The US subsequently flew him to Afghanistan and he was transferred to Guantanamo Bay in September 2004.
Charges against Mohamed, including that he was involved in a "dirty bomb" plot, have been dropped, but the US authorities are now considering further charges.
Mr Mohamed wants access to documents held by the British Government he believes support his claim that he was subjected to extraordinary rendition and ill-treatment.
"It is believed to be legally unprecedented. All media submissions must be received this month". It may be the first time that a judge has asked the media for submissions, however, in the case I took to court which granted prisoners rights of phone access to the media, the judge relied heavily upon the statements of those in the media such as Jonathan Dimbleby and Simon Israel.
Friday, November 07, 2008
About Vodafone UK and the unfair contract terms
About Vodafone UK and the unfair contract terms
The other day my friend Victor tried to call my mobile phone number and could not get through.
I knew my credit had recently run out and went to buy a £10 top up, even though I know people have called me before when I do not have credit on my mobile phone, and the PayPoint failed to register a connection. I thought the top up card had been damaged, but when I went to the shop where I bought the mobile phone I was informed that Vodafone had disconnected my sim card and recycled my phone number. The shop assistant stated that if I bought another sim card for £5, they will allocate me another number.
I was informed I should have read the small print:
"6. Suspension, Disconnection and Termination
6.1 We can suspend (i.e. bar), restrict or end the provision of the Services (in whole or in part) if:
(c) you choose not to use the Service for a period of 180 days (‘use of this service’ means (i) making any chargeable outbound calls (excluding calls to 191, see your price plan for charges) or (ii) any topping up of your account);".
As a lawyer I am aware about the need to read the small print. However, given the amount of printed text in the two supplied booklets, if everybody had to read all of this first before making a purchase it is doubtful anybody would wait in a queue to buy a mobile phone whilst the small print was read. Vodafone's profits would very soon walk out of the door.
My argument is, this information should have clearly been displayed in the shop window and in the store and on the box and the shop assistant should draw the customer's attention to this penalty clause.
The other day my friend Victor tried to call my mobile phone number and could not get through.
I knew my credit had recently run out and went to buy a £10 top up, even though I know people have called me before when I do not have credit on my mobile phone, and the PayPoint failed to register a connection. I thought the top up card had been damaged, but when I went to the shop where I bought the mobile phone I was informed that Vodafone had disconnected my sim card and recycled my phone number. The shop assistant stated that if I bought another sim card for £5, they will allocate me another number.
I was informed I should have read the small print:
"6. Suspension, Disconnection and Termination
6.1 We can suspend (i.e. bar), restrict or end the provision of the Services (in whole or in part) if:
(c) you choose not to use the Service for a period of 180 days (‘use of this service’ means (i) making any chargeable outbound calls (excluding calls to 191, see your price plan for charges) or (ii) any topping up of your account);".
As a lawyer I am aware about the need to read the small print. However, given the amount of printed text in the two supplied booklets, if everybody had to read all of this first before making a purchase it is doubtful anybody would wait in a queue to buy a mobile phone whilst the small print was read. Vodafone's profits would very soon walk out of the door.
My argument is, this information should have clearly been displayed in the shop window and in the store and on the box and the shop assistant should draw the customer's attention to this penalty clause.
MPs should only have inside interests and no outside interests
MPs should only have inside interests and no outside interests
The Independent reports "David Cameron may be forced to shelve plans to curb the outside earnings of his Shadow Cabinet after a revolt by frontbenchers who do not want to give up their lucrative jobs outside politics".
In my view, no MP can serve two masters. No MP should have any outside interests whatsoever which clashes with their roles as a MP. Those MPs who desire to have outside interests should resign to allow themselves to pursue those outside interests, and leave the full-time job of being an MP to those committed to serving the electorate rather than serving themselves.
The Independent reports "David Cameron may be forced to shelve plans to curb the outside earnings of his Shadow Cabinet after a revolt by frontbenchers who do not want to give up their lucrative jobs outside politics".
In my view, no MP can serve two masters. No MP should have any outside interests whatsoever which clashes with their roles as a MP. Those MPs who desire to have outside interests should resign to allow themselves to pursue those outside interests, and leave the full-time job of being an MP to those committed to serving the electorate rather than serving themselves.
The Man In The Mirror: I’m Gonna Make A Change
The Man In The Mirror: I’m Gonna Make A Change
I’m Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It’s Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right
As I Turn Up The Collar On
My Favorite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin’ My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind
Pretending Not To See Their Needs?
A Summer’s Disregard,
A Broken Bottle Top,
And One Man’s Soul.
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya’ Know
‘Cause They Got Nowhere To Go
That’s Why I Want You To Know
I’m Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I’m Asking Him To Change His Ways.
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer:
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself
And Then Make A Change
I’ve Been A Victim Of A Selfish Kind Of Love
It’s Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With No Home,
Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me,
Pretending That They’re Not Alone?
A Willow Deeply Scarred,
Somebody’s Broken Heart
And A Washed-Out Dream
They Follow The Pattern Of
The Wind, Ya’ See
‘Cause They Got No Place To Be
That’s Why I’m Starting With Me
I’m Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I’m Asking Him To Change His Ways.
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer:
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself
And Then Make A Change
You Gotta Get It Right, While You Got The Time
‘Cause When You Close Your Heart
Then You Close Your Mind
Make That Change.
–Songwriters: Glen Ballard; Siedah Garrett
Hat-Tip to Gingersnaps
I’m Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It’s Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right
As I Turn Up The Collar On
My Favorite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin’ My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind
Pretending Not To See Their Needs?
A Summer’s Disregard,
A Broken Bottle Top,
And One Man’s Soul.
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya’ Know
‘Cause They Got Nowhere To Go
That’s Why I Want You To Know
I’m Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I’m Asking Him To Change His Ways.
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer:
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself
And Then Make A Change
I’ve Been A Victim Of A Selfish Kind Of Love
It’s Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With No Home,
Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me,
Pretending That They’re Not Alone?
A Willow Deeply Scarred,
Somebody’s Broken Heart
And A Washed-Out Dream
They Follow The Pattern Of
The Wind, Ya’ See
‘Cause They Got No Place To Be
That’s Why I’m Starting With Me
I’m Starting With The Man In The Mirror
I’m Asking Him To Change His Ways.
And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer:
If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself
And Then Make A Change
You Gotta Get It Right, While You Got The Time
‘Cause When You Close Your Heart
Then You Close Your Mind
Make That Change.
–Songwriters: Glen Ballard; Siedah Garrett
Hat-Tip to Gingersnaps
Prison plan for former hospital
Prison plan for former hospital
A former psychiatric hospital could become a prison under new proposals.
A meeting involving the owners of the North Wales Hospital site in Denbigh and a Ministry of Justice minister has taken place to discuss the plans.
I fail to see how Denbigh Hospital which was built in 1844 and closed in 1995, could become a new prison. Before you even start it is out of date. New prisons should be designed and built for the specific purpose. This has all the hallmarks of sticking a plaster on a broken leg.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Barack Obama: It was the internet wot won it
Barack Obama: It was the internet wot won it
How many times has the Sun claimed the victory at an election, ie, "The Sun Wot Won It", etc? Last night on Newsnight there was an interesting claim made by Arianna Huffington that two factors are responsible for Barack Obama's victory; first Bush; second the internet.
Then we have Hazel Blears attacking political bloggers...
The Big Question: Is Hazel Blears right to accuse political bloggers of undermining democracy?
And political blogger Bob Piper coming to the rescue...
Is Hazel Blears talking cobblers?
The short answer is YES!
Unity at the Ministry of Truth has joined the affray...
The Demented Ginger Weeble Squeaks
How many times has the Sun claimed the victory at an election, ie, "The Sun Wot Won It", etc? Last night on Newsnight there was an interesting claim made by Arianna Huffington that two factors are responsible for Barack Obama's victory; first Bush; second the internet.
Then we have Hazel Blears attacking political bloggers...
The Big Question: Is Hazel Blears right to accuse political bloggers of undermining democracy?
And political blogger Bob Piper coming to the rescue...
Is Hazel Blears talking cobblers?
The short answer is YES!
Unity at the Ministry of Truth has joined the affray...
The Demented Ginger Weeble Squeaks
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Troublemaker's turnaround
Troublemaker's turnaround
A self-confessed troublemaker is to receive an award in Leeds for being one of the country's most inspirational achievers.
Video link.
It is heartwarming to see a success story like this. If the lock 'em up and throw away the key lobby are allowed to prevail then stories like this would never see the light.
A self-confessed troublemaker is to receive an award in Leeds for being one of the country's most inspirational achievers.
Video link.
It is heartwarming to see a success story like this. If the lock 'em up and throw away the key lobby are allowed to prevail then stories like this would never see the light.
Children 'should not be jailed'
Children 'should not be jailed'
The prisons inspector has called for an end to the incarceration of children, after an "unprecedented rise" in the number of inmates under the age of 16.
I am confused by this report because Scotland's justice secretary, Kenny MacAskill, said there were currently no under-16s in prison. And yet, Scotland's Prison Inspector, Dr Andrew McLellan, claimed that there was "an unprecedented rise in the number of imprisoned children".
The prisons inspector has called for an end to the incarceration of children, after an "unprecedented rise" in the number of inmates under the age of 16.
I am confused by this report because Scotland's justice secretary, Kenny MacAskill, said there were currently no under-16s in prison. And yet, Scotland's Prison Inspector, Dr Andrew McLellan, claimed that there was "an unprecedented rise in the number of imprisoned children".
Arts behind bars
Arts behind bars
By David Ramsbotham
If we believe in rehabilitating offenders, then we must recognise the role cultural activities can play in rebuilding self-esteem
"I doubt that there is anyone who disagrees that the aim of the penal system should be to protect the public by preventing re-offending. Translated into a direct statement of purpose, namely to help offenders to live useful and law-abiding lives in prison and on release, it gives clear guidance to those responsible for the rehabilitation of offenders.
To succeed this requires three separate phases. First, an assessment of what it is that has prevented a person from leading a useful and law-abiding life thus far, followed by a further assessment of what must be done to put that right. Those assessments must then be turned into separate programmes for each person, based on the severity of the symptom and the time available. Second, that programme must be carried out. Third, a plan must be made for the person's transition back into society, which may well include continuation of the recommended treatment".
By David Ramsbotham
If we believe in rehabilitating offenders, then we must recognise the role cultural activities can play in rebuilding self-esteem
"I doubt that there is anyone who disagrees that the aim of the penal system should be to protect the public by preventing re-offending. Translated into a direct statement of purpose, namely to help offenders to live useful and law-abiding lives in prison and on release, it gives clear guidance to those responsible for the rehabilitation of offenders.
To succeed this requires three separate phases. First, an assessment of what it is that has prevented a person from leading a useful and law-abiding life thus far, followed by a further assessment of what must be done to put that right. Those assessments must then be turned into separate programmes for each person, based on the severity of the symptom and the time available. Second, that programme must be carried out. Third, a plan must be made for the person's transition back into society, which may well include continuation of the recommended treatment".
So tragic
So tragic
I am not talking about Iain Dale here when I refer to the dangers of having a sly puff in the toilets, rather it concerns 20 die as cigarette sets fire to coach in Germany. There is no mention whether the man who caused the blaze was amongst the number of fatalities or seriously burned. I find it incredible that the fire took hold and spread so quickly with such disastrous results. I thought in this day and age that things were less flammable. And, surely the toilet was fitted with a smoke detector which should have alerted the bus driver?
I am not talking about Iain Dale here when I refer to the dangers of having a sly puff in the toilets, rather it concerns 20 die as cigarette sets fire to coach in Germany. There is no mention whether the man who caused the blaze was amongst the number of fatalities or seriously burned. I find it incredible that the fire took hold and spread so quickly with such disastrous results. I thought in this day and age that things were less flammable. And, surely the toilet was fitted with a smoke detector which should have alerted the bus driver?
Smokers banned from fostering childrern
Smokers banned from fostering childrern
A controversial new policy to ban smokers from fostering children has been passed by a council.
The ban, which was passed unanimously at a cabinet meeting of Redbridge Council last night, means that children in the east London borough will not be placed with foster carers who smoke after January 2010.
Councillors say the move is crucial in protecting children from the harmful effects of passive smoking, but concerns have been raised that the ban could reduce the number of loving foster homes available to vulnerable children.
I know for a fact that the people who live either side of my house, who have young children, do not smoke in the house but instead have a smoke in their gardens. I fail to see what being a smoker has to do with fostering children if the fosterers take as much care to protect the children from passive smoking as do my neighbours.
A controversial new policy to ban smokers from fostering children has been passed by a council.
The ban, which was passed unanimously at a cabinet meeting of Redbridge Council last night, means that children in the east London borough will not be placed with foster carers who smoke after January 2010.
Councillors say the move is crucial in protecting children from the harmful effects of passive smoking, but concerns have been raised that the ban could reduce the number of loving foster homes available to vulnerable children.
I know for a fact that the people who live either side of my house, who have young children, do not smoke in the house but instead have a smoke in their gardens. I fail to see what being a smoker has to do with fostering children if the fosterers take as much care to protect the children from passive smoking as do my neighbours.
King's dream becomes Obama's reality
King's dream becomes Obama's reality
Whilst I was watching the US election unfold, I heard someone say she has not been so excited since JFK was elected as President. And we know what happened to him. I was amused by the comment saying colour did not matter, and concluding that it is great to have the first black President. I watched most of the coverage on BBC 1, save for when the rather wooden Jeremy Whine came on and then I switched over to ITV until it came back to Jonathan Dimbleby. Whilst on ITV, the announcer was just mentioning the fact that there was a very large black turn out to vote for a change when all the screens blacked out. I hope it all works out for them and the rest of the world.
Whilst I was watching the US election unfold, I heard someone say she has not been so excited since JFK was elected as President. And we know what happened to him. I was amused by the comment saying colour did not matter, and concluding that it is great to have the first black President. I watched most of the coverage on BBC 1, save for when the rather wooden Jeremy Whine came on and then I switched over to ITV until it came back to Jonathan Dimbleby. Whilst on ITV, the announcer was just mentioning the fact that there was a very large black turn out to vote for a change when all the screens blacked out. I hope it all works out for them and the rest of the world.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Poppycock: Guido's fake exclusive
Poppycock: Guido's fake exclusive
It would appear that Paul Staines aka Guido Fawkes, the BNP/Tory blogger, is still sore about making a complete ass of himself on Newsnight. Lest we forget, the closest Staines comes to the poppy appeal is his fondness for smoking lines of heroin on silver foil. When Staines claimed on Newsnight to break stories on his blog, he was challenged by Michael White, and it transpired that the only thing Staines breaks is wind.
In this post, Staines accuses The Man of Peace of hypocrisy and fakery. However, the so-called "evidence" provided by Staines does not stand up to scrutiny. Staines has photoshopped the image below to "prove" his point.
The original image is from here and displayed below.
The so-called "evidence" Staines asks us to examine is a head and shoulders photo shown below and published by the Mail on line.
It may be that a different image was shown in the actual newspaper edition, and that a poppy was added by a photo editor. Or, the online photo has since been cropped. In any event, in my view, this is an unprovoked attack upon Paxo, a genuine journalist, by a fake wannabe.
It would appear that Paul Staines aka Guido Fawkes, the BNP/Tory blogger, is still sore about making a complete ass of himself on Newsnight. Lest we forget, the closest Staines comes to the poppy appeal is his fondness for smoking lines of heroin on silver foil. When Staines claimed on Newsnight to break stories on his blog, he was challenged by Michael White, and it transpired that the only thing Staines breaks is wind.
In this post, Staines accuses The Man of Peace of hypocrisy and fakery. However, the so-called "evidence" provided by Staines does not stand up to scrutiny. Staines has photoshopped the image below to "prove" his point.
The original image is from here and displayed below.
The so-called "evidence" Staines asks us to examine is a head and shoulders photo shown below and published by the Mail on line.
It may be that a different image was shown in the actual newspaper edition, and that a poppy was added by a photo editor. Or, the online photo has since been cropped. In any event, in my view, this is an unprovoked attack upon Paxo, a genuine journalist, by a fake wannabe.
Blue tits?
Blue tits?
"An inventor from Gedney in Lincolnshire has come up with the ideal solution for ladies who hate cold mornings".
I don't know if this will catch on and appeal to the ladies...
"An inventor from Gedney in Lincolnshire has come up with the ideal solution for ladies who hate cold mornings".
I don't know if this will catch on and appeal to the ladies...
Homophobic GP banned for a year
Homophobic GP banned for a year
The head of the Islamic Medical Association (IMA) has been suspended from medical practice after sending an "offensive and homophobic" letter.
Dr Muhammad Siddiq has been suspended for 12 months over the letter he sent to the GPs' magazine Pulse last July.
He wrote gay people needed the "stick of law to put them on the right path", the General Medical Council was told.
When confronted by Walsall Primary Care Trust, he apologised at first but later wrongly blamed his son, the GMC heard.
I am reminded of Jonathan Aitken and Jeffery Archer who also tried to blame others for their wrongdoings.
The head of the Islamic Medical Association (IMA) has been suspended from medical practice after sending an "offensive and homophobic" letter.
Dr Muhammad Siddiq has been suspended for 12 months over the letter he sent to the GPs' magazine Pulse last July.
He wrote gay people needed the "stick of law to put them on the right path", the General Medical Council was told.
When confronted by Walsall Primary Care Trust, he apologised at first but later wrongly blamed his son, the GMC heard.
I am reminded of Jonathan Aitken and Jeffery Archer who also tried to blame others for their wrongdoings.
Police officers kicked pet dogs
Police officers kicked pet dogs
Two police officers have been told they face possible jail sentences for causing suffering and "mental terror" to their two pet dogs.
Magistrates in Denbigh heard how Anja Mason, 29 and Craig Macleod, 34, who lived together in Prestatyn, now also face losing their jobs.
A neighbour filmed them hitting and kicking the pets and called the RSPCA.
Both admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a collie pup called Tess and Macleod to a rottweiler, Snoopy.
Both officers, who will be sentenced on 25 November, have been removed from frontline duties until the end of the case, said North Wales Police.
I am surprised that these two are still working as police officers even if they are only doing administrative work. They have pleaded guilty, that should be the end of it and face instant dismissal. Or, at the very least, be suspended without pay until the disciplinary hearing. If they are like this to their pet dogs, what chance have the public got?
Two police officers have been told they face possible jail sentences for causing suffering and "mental terror" to their two pet dogs.
Magistrates in Denbigh heard how Anja Mason, 29 and Craig Macleod, 34, who lived together in Prestatyn, now also face losing their jobs.
A neighbour filmed them hitting and kicking the pets and called the RSPCA.
Both admitted causing unnecessary suffering to a collie pup called Tess and Macleod to a rottweiler, Snoopy.
Both officers, who will be sentenced on 25 November, have been removed from frontline duties until the end of the case, said North Wales Police.
I am surprised that these two are still working as police officers even if they are only doing administrative work. They have pleaded guilty, that should be the end of it and face instant dismissal. Or, at the very least, be suspended without pay until the disciplinary hearing. If they are like this to their pet dogs, what chance have the public got?
Married inmates' suicide analysed
Married inmates' suicide analysed
Being married makes you more likely to commit suicide in prison, according to an Oxford University study.
Well, I must say, that is a turn up for the books.
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