tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post7559991553086465448..comments2024-03-04T17:54:32.559+00:00Comments on Iain Dale's Diary: Speaker Refuses Meeting With Daniel KawzcynskiIain Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270146219458384372noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-82653124830170325722009-01-26T01:25:00.000+00:002009-01-26T01:25:00.000+00:00I would have said something stronger about Daniel'...I would have said something stronger about Daniel's MPship. But I don't know how Iain thinks of swearing, so I limited myself to "damn good."<BR/><BR/>The previous MP was the delightful (not!) Paul Marsden, who was Labour, no, Liberal, oops, no, pardon me, Labour, again, MP.Martin Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04148241391183658112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-51152673996671236362009-01-26T01:16:00.000+00:002009-01-26T01:16:00.000+00:00Thanks for the link Iain, not sure what it has to ...Thanks for the link Iain, not sure what it has to do with this post though...Oranjepanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-21749887257273566802009-01-25T23:27:00.000+00:002009-01-25T23:27:00.000+00:00None of this makes any difference to my view: it's...None of this makes any difference to my view: it's a fuss and nonsense about nothing. The only minor question here is whether what the policewoman said, about having the power to seize the letter, was correct - I can't track down what power she might have thought she could exercise, but there may be one. She may have thought she could seize it under Part 2 of the <A HREF="http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=Act+(UK+Public+General)&title=criminal+justice%2c+police&searchEnacted=0&extentMatchOnly=0&confersPower=0&blanketAmendment=0&sortAlpha=0&TYPE=QS&PageNumber=1&NavFrom=0&parentActiveTextDocId=1471349&ActiveTextDocId=1471419&filesize=116845" REL="nofollow">Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001</A>, though I'm not sure that power was available. <BR/><BR/>It's only a minor point though because she did not in fact seize the letter. As people rightly keep pointing out, she asked for it and was given it. I fail to see how that's an oppressive use of police power.<BR/><BR/>Oh, and Michael Crick is wrong to say the letter is subject to Parliamentary privilege - it's not.Carl Gardner, Head of Legalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11623620299558039098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-15615521752557503352009-01-24T23:44:00.000+00:002009-01-24T23:44:00.000+00:00I wondered whether I was being harsh and insensiti...I wondered whether I was being harsh and insensitive re Mr K, especially when someone says 'he is damn good MP'<BR/><BR/>I first suspected that the expression itself suggested that somebody was taking the piss - but perhaps that was just me being hard and insensitive all over again.<BR/><BR/>Well, I could not find any mention of Mr K on the news section of the Conservative Party website, nor on DC's, nor any sympathetic media campaign crying 'shock horror'.<BR/><BR/>My hero DD has not offered to resign his seat over the issue.<BR/><BR/>It would seem that, as far as the party is concerned, Mr K is an embarrassment and the sooner he shuts up the better.<BR/><BR/>I'm sure DC was delighted [not] that some would like to give the episode 'more legs'.<BR/><BR/>From my perspective, he's a 'damn fool' not a 'damn good MP'.Weygandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11359751090279735138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-71792673277988015412009-01-24T22:24:00.000+00:002009-01-24T22:24:00.000+00:00Daniel is a damn good MP from what I have heard fr...Daniel is a damn good MP from what I have heard from his constituents.Martin Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04148241391183658112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-23763270404694045682009-01-24T19:10:00.000+00:002009-01-24T19:10:00.000+00:00I'm not surprised he won't meet with him. Daniel'...I'm not surprised he won't meet with him. Daniel's normally very placid but he's enormous - I wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of him in a bad mood!wonkotsanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04896256040598397497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-56926972086579859582009-01-24T18:48:00.000+00:002009-01-24T18:48:00.000+00:00We know Martin is useless whats new, this statemen...We know Martin is useless whats new, this statement is on the same level as a member of the Upper Sixth whining he has badly treated by the beastly fourth form. At the end of the day he just cravenly handed over the letter. Get out of my office immediately would have been the correct response. Having handed over the letter he consented- story over.Guthrumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17499979740864497256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-3299004125794883822009-01-24T18:44:00.000+00:002009-01-24T18:44:00.000+00:00"It also seems to me that Mr Plod tried to pull a ...<I>"It also seems to me that Mr Plod tried to pull a fast one and succeeded."</I><BR/><BR/>Indeed. Not down to the young assistant with 'very limited experience of working in the Commons', though. <BR/><BR/><I>Entirely</I> down to the gutlessness of the MP. So please excuse me if I don't join in the chorus of exoneration...<BR/><BR/>Turing word: ballsi. What he needed to be....and wasn't.JuliaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07844126589712842477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-14868117066830150202009-01-24T18:31:00.001+00:002009-01-24T18:31:00.001+00:00Seems to me that mr speaker was more prepared to b...Seems to me that mr speaker was more prepared to believe Mr plod than Mr conservative MP. It also seems to me that Mr Plod tried to pull a fast one and succeeded.Mr Mrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05606310204997824787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-2429383428724420092009-01-24T18:31:00.000+00:002009-01-24T18:31:00.000+00:00My outrage-ometer is fizzing.Next time this happen...My outrage-ometer is fizzing.<BR/><BR/>Next time this happens, and there will be a next time, the MP or researcher should send an emergency email to mobilise support from colleagues and the media. The cops should be physically prevented from seizing material or individuals, using force if required. The prospect of cops being sent in to Parliament to back up their colleagues in the full view of TV and real-time reportage is unthinkable.Jess The Doghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01694805454982688213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-66070065216074832572009-01-24T18:17:00.000+00:002009-01-24T18:17:00.000+00:00This is very worrying. There needs to be a fight ...This is very worrying. There needs to be a fight back.<BR/><BR/>The Tories should change the subject of a scheduled Opposition Day debate, and replace it with the theme of the police state, the rights and liberties of the individual, and the privileges of Parliament. <BR/><BR/>Mr Kawzcynski and Mr Green should turn up and reveal all. They should name the police officers involved (that should screw their promotion prospects) and as much details of the ongoing investigation as they know - under Parliamentary privilege. <B>This would wreck the prosecution chances of two cases.</B> If the police want to play sharp then so should Parliament.<BR/><BR/>They should put the spotlight firmly on the Speaker, the Home Secretary and lay blame where it is deserved.<BR/><BR/>Are there any Parliamentary committees that can put the boot in?<BR/><BR/>Ideal if it the Deputy Speaker in the chair on the day!Jess The Doghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01694805454982688213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-22076687557386298712009-01-24T17:51:00.000+00:002009-01-24T17:51:00.000+00:00So the Police have to be wary of contacting the of...So the Police have to be wary of contacting the office of an MP during his absence, because despite the huge allowances provided for office staff, it may be that those running it may not have the experience to be approached without supervision?<BR/><BR/>In this case, those concerned appear to have been up to the task and referred the matter to the MP; and it was he who handed over the document - as he has admitted.<BR/><BR/>Frankly, if someone cannot deal with the pressure from a police officer pushing her luck (while apparently wanting nothing but evidence of practices that the MP would abhor) then that person has not got the resilience needed to be an MP.<BR/><BR/>The added information does show the police in a different light but hardly helps save the MP.<BR/><BR/>I still don't see (and have not so far seen) senior Tories rushing to the barricades.Weygandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11359751090279735138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-10966047647976602372009-01-24T17:47:00.000+00:002009-01-24T17:47:00.000+00:00Iain, it's a pity you have decided to ignore the s...Iain, it's a pity you have decided to ignore the story about the Disaster Emergency Committee's appeal to donate to victims of the Gaza conflict. <BR/><BR/>Anyone who wants to donate to this important cause can visit:<BR/><BR/>http://www.dec.org.uk/<BR/><BR/>and follow the linkWelsh Ramblingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17585109264200933570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-79881219071656410032009-01-24T17:35:00.000+00:002009-01-24T17:35:00.000+00:00Averse to divisive Welsh and Scottish Nationalism,...Averse to divisive Welsh and Scottish Nationalism, favour fairness and social justice. I have many phobia which include, obfuscation, hypocrisy, Lies, and ..... Hen Ferchetan (Amlwch to Magor)calls me bigot, we keep different company, her words of wisdom have become my ciliceScottish Unionisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01349256080122114023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-55910583288532022372009-01-24T17:18:00.000+00:002009-01-24T17:18:00.000+00:00So - with PC Plod back in the Palace of Westminste...So - with PC Plod back in the Palace of Westminster, and the Speaker up to his usual tricks. . .<BR/><BR/>. . .I think I'd like to resurrect a little spot of Gilbert & Sullivan I wrote back in December.<BR/><BR/>"<A HREF="http://dungeekin.blogspot.com/2008/12/song-for-gorbals-mick.html" REL="nofollow">Mister Speaker's Lot Is Not A Happy One</A>"<BR/><BR/>Still relevant.<BR/><BR/>Enjoy - DDungeekinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09181585428709956991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-9162716279966047052009-01-24T17:06:00.000+00:002009-01-24T17:06:00.000+00:00"..I can't help feeling that if the MP's staff cou...<I>"..I can't help feeling that if the MP's staff could not handle this then they are not fit to do their jobs."</I><BR/><BR/>Indeed. 'My staff didn't know what they were doing' is not much of an excuse. If <I>they'd</I> handed over the letter, though, that would be understandable.<BR/><BR/><I>"My researcher took exactly the correct course of action in refusing to hand over the letter..."</I><BR/><BR/>But <I>you</I> then handed it over, Daniel. So who's the fool here?JuliaMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07844126589712842477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-29050606660507363152009-01-24T16:47:00.000+00:002009-01-24T16:47:00.000+00:00And its news that Martin is a disgrace to parliame...And its news that Martin is a disgrace to parliament?<BR/><BR/>Not picked up on Denis healeys interview in the telegragh this morning dale....dynamite<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/financetopics/recession/4324774/Gordon-Brown-is-using-tax-on-wealthy-for-purely-political-reasons-says-Denis-Healey.html" REL="nofollow">Gordon Brown is using tax on wealthy for purely political reasons, says Denis Healey </A>Seanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04362169593902131947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-80713121675879628722009-01-24T16:45:00.000+00:002009-01-24T16:45:00.000+00:00It does make you wonder if the timing of the visit...It does make you wonder if the timing of the visit by the plod was coincidental. It seems very convenient that the MP was in commons and a vote was imminent. Presumably a plod based at Westminster would know how to check whether a MP was in the chamber and whether a vote was due.JMBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13862227988978988383noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-44430902639042040632009-01-24T16:30:00.000+00:002009-01-24T16:30:00.000+00:00Being a cynic, one supposes that the timing of the...Being a cynic, one supposes that the timing of the visit - when the MP was actively involved in a debate on the floor of the House - was no concidence.<BR/><BR/>R56Rexel No 56https://www.blogger.com/profile/04373798558370513635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-73780486406981649672009-01-24T16:06:00.000+00:002009-01-24T16:06:00.000+00:00Having read this, I now withdraw entirely and unre...Having read this, I now withdraw entirely and unreservedly any and all crap I threw at the MP based on earlier reports.<BR/><BR/>Instead, it is redoubled and soaked with camel piss and tipped on Speaker Martin's useless head.<BR/><BR/>The PenguinHacked Offhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08016667577546745576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-39973301689406222002009-01-24T16:01:00.000+00:002009-01-24T16:01:00.000+00:00John, competent staff would cost a lot more and th...John, competent staff would cost a lot more and then MPs would be getting flak for paying out too much in wage bills. In addition, there is a tradition in the House that young bright people interested in politics and with some time on their hands can work as voluntary or semi-voluntary interns. This MP was quite right to challenge the police's method in taking a route they knew to be easy, eg, going to the junior staff rather than the MP.DespairingLiberalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02903904463236135611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-79705277585065728362009-01-24T15:58:00.000+00:002009-01-24T15:58:00.000+00:00When this first started happening (eg, with Damian...When this first started happening (eg, with Damian Green), I suspected the underlying cause to be inexperience amongst younger police commanders with the regime of Parliamentary privilege, combined with confusion amongst senior officers about the role of anti-terror legislation, plus a managerialist and functionary attitude amongst the H of C management, mistaking their role for being part of the Executive rather than that of an independent Parliament.<BR/><BR/>Having read through that extremely interesting letter and Michael Crick's, I am now becoming more and more convinced that some sort of deliberate campaign of government harassment using the police against opposition MPs is now under way.<BR/><BR/>If the Speaker does not apologise to this MP and if things do not change and if this happens again, I think Iain that many of us, including many Tories, are going to have to start to accept that New Labour appear to be conspiring with the police and the civil service to create a de-facto one party police state.<BR/><BR/>I am not given to exaggeration and I think that severe civil disobediance, public protest and refusal to co-operate with government and the police may soon be needed.<BR/><BR/>I believe that all opposition MPs should now and immediately walk out of the House until this is resolved to their satisfaction and the public's.DespairingLiberalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02903904463236135611noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-69988736453912143332009-01-24T15:44:00.000+00:002009-01-24T15:44:00.000+00:00I think you make a very valid point Iain about Spe...I think you make a very valid point Iain about Speaker Martin.<BR/><BR/>How many more times are we to 'overlook' his gaffs; let alone the allegations of sleaze relating to his family members and their payment from the public purse.<BR/><BR/>The man is a disgrace and should resign.Silent Hunterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12586061220673855660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-82562366561842277652009-01-24T15:37:00.000+00:002009-01-24T15:37:00.000+00:00Although I agree with many that Michael Martin is ...Although I agree with many that Michael Martin is a complete waste of space, I can't help feeling that if the MP's staff could not handle this then they are not fit to do their jobs.<BR/><BR/>When they were first called by the police about arriving 5 mins later they should have refused and instead insisted on an appointment to see the MP. If the call was different, and more of a "the police are on their way in about 5 mins", then when the police arrived they should have told them to make an appointment to see the MP to deal with this and that they were unable to help them.<BR/><BR/>As for threats, and then running down to get the MP urgently etc.... again it shows how inept the MP's staff were. <BR/><BR/>The lesson from this is to appoint competent individuals as your staff members.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11900834283869111242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-35651157767698761672009-01-24T15:32:00.000+00:002009-01-24T15:32:00.000+00:00So the Green affair was not an aberration but a cl...So the Green affair was not an aberration but a clear sign of how MPs are to be policed in the future.<BR/><BR/>Constituents with complainants against the police would be advised to think very carefully before writing to their MP.Martin Shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04148241391183658112noreply@blogger.com