tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post2351831831123311038..comments2024-03-04T17:54:32.559+00:00Comments on Iain Dale's Diary: MPs Told to Queue BargeIain Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270146219458384372noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-37286846251397084642007-10-11T22:04:00.000+01:002007-10-11T22:04:00.000+01:00KlaxonYou have summed them up perfectly!Meanwhile,...Klaxon<BR/><BR/>You have summed them up perfectly!<BR/><BR/>Meanwhile, employees still persist in taking guests in between 12 and 2, while others sat at tables reading or chatting long after their lunch was finished. We saw one table with four guests. Sorry, but when space is at such a premium you eat and go and certainly don't have a gaggle of guests. It is just this sort of behaviour that makes those jumped up morons on the Admin Committee think their petty rules are justified. PCH has become like on big student union with people who just don't know how to behave.<BR/><BR/>The only upside is that quite a few MPs are going out of their way to be polite as if to compensates for their colleagues. Still, I won't rest until those ridiculous rules are rescinded - you have no idea how I long to tear down the signs which state that Members have priority access at all times and I just may do. What are they going to do - arrest me? Go ahead, make my day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-76164530885999225482007-10-11T14:59:00.000+01:002007-10-11T14:59:00.000+01:00Thursday 11th October ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEM...Thursday 11th October <BR/><BR/>ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEMBER WISHART COMMENTS ON MP PRIORITY ACCESS ROW <BR/><BR/>House of Commons Administration Committee member, SNP MP Pete Wishart today (Thursday) said that the Committee has been made to look ridiculous by the ongoing row on Priority Access for Services for Members of Parliament. Mr Wishart will now ensure that this issue is discussed and reassessed at a future Administration Committee meeting.<BR/><BR/>Mr Wishart said: <BR/><BR/>“I could not believe when I saw the dictat from the Serjeant at Arms concerning priority access, seemingly made at the behest of the Administration Committee. A more incendiary and heavy handed form of words could surely not be found, and it has had the almost unprecedented effect of uniting all Commons staff in opposition.<BR/><BR/>“Where at previous committees there have been concerns about the use of lifts during divisions and complaints from some members about difficulties in securing access to some services, there was never any move to introduce or entrench a 2 tier House of Commons.<BR/><BR/>“Because of Parliamentary business I was unable to attend the last meeting of the Committee, but I want this considered again. I know that there are other Members of the Committee who believe that this is heavy handed and unnecessary. What we now need is a proper discussion about how we all share common services in the House, in the interests of all who work here.”<BR/><BR/>ENDS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-62602537451549275112007-10-11T01:42:00.000+01:002007-10-11T01:42:00.000+01:00I am afraid that I agree with those who have been ...I am afraid that I agree with those who have been critical of this move.<BR/><BR/>I have worked in the HoC for a number of years, and been treated with both extreme courtesy and unbelievable discourtesy by MPs - who I feel should be regularly reminded are paid from our taxes, and are our 'servants'!<BR/><BR/>Whilst the most are professional and courteous (I think particularly of people like Hugh Robertson, Brooks Newmark, Francis Maude and many others, who are models of courtesy and fairness) some are utter pigs!<BR/><BR/>Sadly, the worst offenders seem to be some of those young Tory MPs (which as a party member and employee of an older Tory MP, saddens me greatly), who after successful careers in the city or the military, seem to bring their unique style of ‘man management’ with them!<BR/><BR/>In particular, one MP – a ‘young turk’ who represents a seat in Dorset has to be the rudest man I have ever met. He shouts, swears and has simply the foulest temper. You only have to disagree with him on the slightest matter and he has a temper tantrum right in front of you, totally uncaring about the way he is perceived - and I often wonder if he would actually become aggressive if pushed too far. He is quite immature and most unprofessional in my opinion. He certainly seems unable to control is temper, and he sulks like a baby. I know from trustworthy (and thankfully discreet) friends who have worked for this man that he is an utter bully, and anywhere outside of the Commons would have been disciplined for the way he treats his ‘colleagues’. Sadly, as an MP he is accountable to no-one save the electorate, and the whips tend to wash their dirty laundry in private. I personally would like to see David Cameron have strong words with him, as he has been complained about several times!<BR/><BR/>And sadly, the second rudest man is a member of the shadow cabinet, who is universally disliked precisely because he has a superiority complex, cannot countenance anyone questioning him, has a foul temper, and it seems that the MP above is modeling himself on the Shadow Cabinet member. One of his staff members I know socially described him as ‘part fantasist, part psychopath, and entirely without a redeeming feature’! He like the ‘honourbale’ member mentioned above, is rude, arrogant, dismissive, lofty, smarmy, and thoroughly disagreeable and should be taken aside. Sadly, he is great friends with both Lord Ashcroft and David Davies – and as such is fairly untouchable! People I know in the lobby also say the lobby as a whole have a thoroughly negative view of this particular individual, which is bound to affect his performance in the media.<BR/><BR/>So, with ‘public servants’ such as this, it is hardly surprising that we have institutionalized superiority, and the us tax payers being lorded over by the ‘commoners’ we elect to represent us!<BR/><BR/>I am sure the same is true for the other party’s but I don’t know many on the other benches, except Tony Benn, who was always an absolute gent!<BR/><BR/>But why do MPs tolerate standards of behaviour amongst their own that they would never accept from others?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-41589753300202245452007-10-10T22:40:00.000+01:002007-10-10T22:40:00.000+01:00It's a big deal, Helen, because we are no longer a...It's a big deal, Helen, because we are no longer a society that bows down to their 'betters'. At the risk of repeating myself - they have their own restaurants - 3 of them - plus the Members' Tea Room and their own post office. If they choose to get a coffee from the Despatch Box or get lunch at the Debate then they had better take it as they find it. If they choose to go to the post office in Portcullis House rather than their own post office and have to wait then it is tough titty. How dare they be so arrogant as to think that we should arrange our day around them. Next we'll be told we have to give way to their wives.<BR/><BR/>Of course I blame the Catering Department for refusing to take a firm line on guests - despite the pleas of myself and my colleagues. We have long complained about table hogging by interns, researchers and their guests but were told the no guest rule between 12 and 2 couldn't be enforced. So how are they going to enforce this - are the going to arrest us?!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-875695822012754422007-10-10T18:49:00.000+01:002007-10-10T18:49:00.000+01:00MPs have always have had priority access to facili...MPs have always have had priority access to facilities. Remember the story of the police officer on the corner of Bridge Street who was supposed to stop the traffic whenever he saw an MP wanting to cross the road. What's the big deal? It has ever been thus.Helenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13799545178433498944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-63673916032418263042007-10-10T18:40:00.000+01:002007-10-10T18:40:00.000+01:00Just the sort of information we need; I see my MP'...Just the sort of information we need; I see my MP's name is listed and how else would I know how cosy he is after ten years in the club.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-34355587845275575192007-10-10T15:31:00.000+01:002007-10-10T15:31:00.000+01:00With all this going on, I've just this minute hear...With all this going on, I've just this minute heard one longstanding senior Member complain that they've rearranged the Members' Tea Room. Apparently the counters have been moved.<BR/><BR/>How dreadful. This really is the end of civilisation as we know it!!!<BR/><BR/>It's time the public knew the TRUTH about the people they send to represent them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-16255952636126455032007-10-10T15:26:00.000+01:002007-10-10T15:26:00.000+01:00Lady Finchley is right. MPs' staff are ALWAYS la...Lady Finchley is right. MPs' staff are ALWAYS last in the queue... for pay and conditions and other rights. I can understand why many Members' staff feel this is a kick in the teeth after all their years of loyal service.<BR/><BR/>The 'pigs' are finally taking over the Westminster farm.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-82304571885662252832007-10-10T15:25:00.000+01:002007-10-10T15:25:00.000+01:00Liam Fox is always a perfect gentleman I am please...Liam Fox is always a perfect gentleman I am pleased to say.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-10509351158048040562007-10-10T15:23:00.000+01:002007-10-10T15:23:00.000+01:00Have decided to keep and publish a list of Queue b...Have decided to keep and publish a list of Queue barging and non-queue barging MPs. First on the list Dr Liam Fox did NOT queue barge this morning. Please let me know who has queue barged by emailing b0vinem00@yahoo.co.uk. They are zeros instead of o. I like the idea of a name and shame list.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-61273228217011697002007-10-10T15:04:00.000+01:002007-10-10T15:04:00.000+01:00Orwell's Animal Farm as I live and breathe!!!Orwell's Animal Farm as I live and breathe!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-52063403803025670712007-10-10T15:02:00.001+01:002007-10-10T15:02:00.001+01:00Anon 2:35Very interesting but what you might like ...Anon 2:35<BR/><BR/>Very interesting but what you might like to keep in mind is that MP's staff are NOT considered employees of the House and we are not afforded the same rights - in fact they have a great deal more in the way of rights than do Members' staff.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-7068473495503020352007-10-10T15:02:00.000+01:002007-10-10T15:02:00.000+01:00Respect has to be earned... and such matters were ...Respect has to be earned... and such matters were always down to common courtesy working in the House. <BR/><BR/>To have this official edict sent out says a lot about the standing of our MPs and the state of Britain as a whole! <BR/><BR/>I certainly shan't conform now that it's in black and white.<BR/><BR/>This has really got my back up!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-32280568048467207912007-10-10T14:46:00.000+01:002007-10-10T14:46:00.000+01:00This new ruling is as objectionable as it is unnec...This new ruling is as objectionable as it is unnecessary! And for Mr Speaker to approve it shows how quickly these people forget their roots.<BR/><BR/>MPs should remember they are in the House to serve, assisted by their lowly paid staff who are just as busy.<BR/><BR/>The signs have gone up all over the Commons already. So much for consultation. The place has gone to the dogs!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-68075472880341393522007-10-10T14:37:00.000+01:002007-10-10T14:37:00.000+01:00Well, remittance man it is very true that very few...Well, remittance man it is very true that very few have challenged me and lived to tell the tale. Lol.<BR/><BR/>On a serious note there is now a notice pasted outside the Debate which is the general canteen -'Priority given to Members at all Times'. Utterly disgusting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-4724450467437016762007-10-10T14:35:00.000+01:002007-10-10T14:35:00.000+01:00http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/AdminPN0...http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/AdminPN03121206.pdf<BR/>ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE<BR/>PUBLIC NOTE OF THE MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 12 DECEMBER 2006 AT 3.30 PM<BR/>IN COMMITTEE ROOM 16<BR/><BR/>......<BR/>6. CLERK OF THE HOUSE<BR/>The Committee held a general discussion with Dr Malcolm Jack, Clerk of the House of<BR/>Commons and Chief Executive of the House of Commons Service.<BR/>Dr Jack told the Committee that he had two priority areas in terms of relations with Members<BR/>on which he wanted to focus as Chief Executive:<BR/>· improving channels of communication between the House Service and Members, and<BR/>· focusing the House Service on direct delivery of services, while streamlining structures<BR/>and apparatus.<BR/>The following were among the issues raised in the ensuing discussion:<BR/>· Not all staff in contact with Members treated Members as they wished to be treated.<BR/>Part of the problem might be that many staff in the House Service had little direct<BR/>contact with Members. Despite all staff receiving equal opportunities training, female<BR/>Members did not always feel that they were treated with the same respect as male Members.<BR/>· Members felt that the House Service did not always behave as if they were its central<BR/>concern. It sometimes seemed to have other objectives to which Members were apparently an obstruction.<BR/>Members did not like having to explain their activities to junior staff of the House<BR/>Service, for example when drawing on the parliamentary allowances to furnish a home.<BR/>· Rules on access were sometimes contravened by House staff and Members’ staff.<BR/>Members did not always meet with a civil response when they challenged this.<BR/>· The large, and growing, number of passholders on the Estate was seen as having an adverse impact on the service provided to Members. This was largely down to sheer pressure on facilities, for example at the Despatch Box coffee shop in Portcullis House.<BR/><BR/>= = = = = = =<BR/>http://www.houseofcommons-careers.org.uk/hoc/index.asp<BR/><BR/>The House of Commons Service seeks to achieve high ethical standards, value for money and professional excellence in all that it does. As an employer, the House of Commons Commission recognises and values the diversity of its staff and is committed to fairness and best practice.<BR/><BR/>As an employer we value integrity, professionalism, teamwork, recognition and commitment.....<BR/>= = = = =<BR/>Our Benefits<BR/>..<BR/>As a recognised Investors in People (IiP) organisation we offer excellent training and development opportunities <BR/><BR/>...<BR/>Valuing Diversity, Equality and Fairness<BR/><BR/>= = = = = = = = = = <BR/><BR/>http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199899/cmselect/cmhccom/745/part14.htm#14.8h<BR/>House of Commons Commission<BR/>Review of Management and Services (1999)<BR/>....<BR/>The House as employer<BR/>14.8 Both because of its national prominence, and for reasons of self–interest, the House should value its staff; and its treatment of them should reflect that. Any well–managed private or public sector organisation recognises that its key asset is well–trained, well–motivated and loyal staff. The complex Parliamentary environment requires a high degree of professionalism and performance, in which the House is well served.<BR/><BR/>= = = = = = = = = = <BR/><BR/>http://www.parliament.uk/documents/upload/HofCHandBk.pdf<BR/>House of Commons Staff Handbook - July 2007<BR/>...<BR/>4.8 Valuing Others<BR/>The Board of Management is committed to providing a work environment that is fair to all and where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Each of us<BR/>is responsible for sustaining this environment through how we behave towards each other and what we do every day.<BR/>In such an environment where people’s contribution is recognised and acknowledged, staff, whatever their background and level, will feel encouraged to realise their full potential and support the House in achieving its objectives.<BR/>All staff deserve and should expect to be treated with respect for who they are and what they do. This treatment should be consistent and inclusive.<BR/><BR/>4.8.2 Rights and responsibilities of staff<BR/>Rights<BR/>All staff are entitled to:<BR/>● be treated with dignity, respect and courtesy by managers, colleagues,<BR/>Members of Parliament and their staff, contractors, visitors and members of the public<BR/>● be valued for the work that they do<BR/>● be free from any form of discrimination, victimisation, harassment or bullying<BR/>when on the Parliamentary Estate or on Parliamentary business<BR/>● work in an environment free from unwelcome behaviour and language....<BR/>All staff are responsible for ensuring they understand what behaviour is required<BR/>of them and that their conduct does not cause offence. Everyone shares a<BR/>responsibility for understanding the sensitivities and feelings of others and avoiding behaviour that could cause offence or distress. Equally, all staff should<BR/>be free to carry out their duties free from unfounded allegations of harassment or bullying.<BR/>= = = = = =Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-13140065174703758882007-10-10T14:03:00.000+01:002007-10-10T14:03:00.000+01:00Lady Finchely,Well that's scuppered the plan then....Lady Finchely,<BR/><BR/>Well that's scuppered the plan then. In my experience there are two types of lady one doesn't fight:<BR/><BR/>The first is the old style colonial governor's wife who could quell a native uprising with a single glare and the command: "Stop being silly and go home. All of you." <BR/><BR/>The other is the senior manager's secretary. A breed before whom even the most roughtie of toughtie engineers tremble.<BR/><BR/>The MP's haven't got a chance.The Remittance Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13104149259707414863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-56946884094496489982007-10-10T13:36:00.000+01:002007-10-10T13:36:00.000+01:00The Union and the Secretaries and Assistants Counc...The Union and the Secretaries and Assistants Council have called an emergency meeting next week and have issued a press release which the BBC have picked up. It isn't going to die.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-70628066909088743692007-10-10T13:32:00.000+01:002007-10-10T13:32:00.000+01:00Does this mean the MPs can also jump the queue for...Does this mean the MPs can also jump the queue for the toilet cubicles when they feel a "moment of madness" coming on again?Julian the Wonderhorsehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13549466750020561144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-69902131775630739262007-10-10T10:57:00.000+01:002007-10-10T10:57:00.000+01:00Judith said...I believe Richard lll was far too po...Judith said...<I>I believe Richard lll was far too polite to have ever queue-jumped.</I><BR/><BR/>I think there might be an element of rhyming slang in the Remittance Man's comment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-18753047558099018112007-10-10T10:38:00.000+01:002007-10-10T10:38:00.000+01:00I believe Richard lll was far too polite to have e...I believe Richard lll was far too polite to have ever queue-jumped - isn't he referred to as the last gentleman to have sat on the throne of England?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-41401692025625379042007-10-10T09:50:00.000+01:002007-10-10T09:50:00.000+01:00To impede, or delay, an MP in his work is a servic...To impede, or delay, an MP in his work is a service to the people and deserves recognition.<BR/>There is no government that is not improved by immobilisation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-62096491086562879082007-10-10T09:37:00.000+01:002007-10-10T09:37:00.000+01:00@ Anon 3:28.Good Grief. I'll not have enough time...@ Anon 3:28.<BR/><BR/>Good Grief. I'll not have enough time left on this earth to apologise to all those I have castigated over the years, so I won't actually bother. These self-serving grandees are big enough to answer for themselves without your intervention from behind a pathetic anonymity, and if they are not, then tough.<BR/><BR/>You're obviously of the view that absence from a committee meeting equals dissent, or, at the very least, neutrality. Well, maybe those of moral fibre on that committee who disagree will be raising the matter for reconsideration, then.<BR/><BR/>Equally you'll note from the report published here that there was apparently no dissent at all. Members who did not attend could quite easily have made their views on this important (agenda) matter known to the Chairman prior to the meeting. Clearly - from the report - they did not. Sometimes deliberately saying or doing nothing leads to personal gain - how very strange.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, give yourself a name and we can then have a sensible dialogue, otherwise - at the profound risk of causing personal offence - you know what to do, that is if you are physically capable.Unsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08307116169498533047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-60996735300885688332007-10-10T09:29:00.000+01:002007-10-10T09:29:00.000+01:00Of course if they really are so busy they could re...Of course if they really are so busy they could reduce the length of the summer recess.<BR/>Or it that applying to much common sense?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-83012181397644350532007-10-10T08:04:00.000+01:002007-10-10T08:04:00.000+01:00Queue Jumping MP: "Do you know who I am?"Minion: "...Queue Jumping MP: "Do you know who I am?"<BR/><BR/>Minion: "Yes, but do you know who I am?"<BR/><BR/>QJ MP: "Of course not"<BR/><BR/>Minion: "Good. Take that!" [proceeds do deliver well deserved beating to said MP]<BR/><BR/>I'm prepared to stand a bottle of champers for the first employee of the house who thumps some arrogant queue barging Richard the Third of an MP. Anybody else willing to join a pledge fund and help make it a case?The Remittance Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13104149259707414863noreply@blogger.com