Archive for the 'Politics' Category

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The BNP leaker – the magistrate’s verdict

Published on 1 September 2009 in Civil Liberties and Politics. 0 Comments Tags: , .

Perusing through news I came across the article on the fining of the “BNP leaker”. The whole affair has been somewhat surreal with members of an organisation associated with thuggery claiming fear of reprisal attacks. (This is not to say that BNP members are not entitled to data protection rights as citizens – of course they are, it’s just that it’s deliciously ironic.)

What caught my eye was the magistrate’s amusing summing up which pretty much captured the essence of what might be described as “council estate xenophobia”.

It comes as no surprise to me that somebody to do with an organisation that prides itself on Britishness is in fact living off the British people on Job Seeker’s Allowance and that is why the fine is so low as to be ridiculous.

Source: Ex-BNP man fined over names leak [BBC News]

This really ought to have been a tweet but I just couldn’t get it in 140 characters – and truncation simply would not have done Mr Stobart’s comments justice (no pun intended!)

European Parliament: Independent candidates for London

Published on 3 June 2009 in Politics. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , .

It’s relatively easy to find information on political parties for this election, but somewhat harder for independents. So I thought I’d do a round-up.

Normally, in a first-past-the-post election, I would vote tactically based on the two main candidates in a constituency. However, these elections take place via closed list PR where you place just one vote against either a party list or an independent. The 8 seats for London will be allocated in accordance with the percentage of votes gained by each list. So I’m happy to vote expressively, and encourage others to do so.

The closed list PR voting system puts power in the hands of political parties: you cannot vote for individual candidates from a party you can only vote for the whole list. On principle I’m therefore going to be voting for someone who is standing independent of any party list.

UPDATE 03 June 2009 16:04 – I’m endorsing Jan Jananayagam. Remember polls close 10pm tonight.

Brussels: Hannan sticks some home truths in Brown’s face

Published on 24 March 2009 in Politics. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Daniel Hannan has been a colourful MEP – successfully managing to get himself expelled from the EPP [Source: BBC News].

I’ve not paid much attention to him before but shall be doing so in future after a memorable, and scorching performance today in the European Parliament, speaking in reply to Gordon Brown.

Hannan succinctly, yet clearly, highlighted the hypocrisy of Brown’s lecturing whilst also underlining the UK’s very serious economic predicament. Priceless!

Source: Hannan Tells Gordon He Is “Pathologically Incapable” [Guido]

C4 Political Awards – why the negativity?

Published on 29 December 2008 in Journal and Politics. 1 Comment Tags: , , .

I encourage everyone to make a nomination in the Channel 4 / Hansard Society Political Impact Awards 2009. Follow the link to submit yours.

Channel 4 include a short video at the foot of the above web page to act as a reminder of the political events of 2008. Curiously it’s all full of negativity. Now I can understand why Damian Green being arrested would be on there. But what was the point of Nick Clegg thinking the basic state pension was £30 a week being on there? Or indeed Peter Hain resigning from the government? They’re looking for nominations for people who have made an impact – not failed!

My nomination was for David Davis.