Bob Piper has been a Labour Councillor for the Abbey
Ward in Sandwell, West Midlands, for 10 years. He is a lifelong supporter of Aston Villa Football Club and a follower of Yorkshire County Cricket Club.
The views expressed here are mine in a personal capacity, not those of the Labour Party, Sandwell MBC, Aston Villa or Yorkshire County Cricket Club. Get it! Mine... just mine!
Promoted by Bob Piper of 115 Barclay Rd, B67 5JZ on behalf of the Labour Party, care of 39 Victoria Street London, SW1H 0HA . Hosted (printed) by Swaithe Internet Solutions who are not responsible for any of the contents of these posts.
Please note however, that The Labour Party is not responsible for the content of this website or individual posts as, unless specifically stated, I am writing solely in a personal and individual capacity.
Promoted by Bob Piper of 115 Barclay Rd, B67 5JZ on behalf of the Labour Party, care of 39 Victoria Street London, SW1H 0HA . Hosted (printed) by Swaithe Internet Solutions who are not responsible for any of the contents of these posts.
Please note however, that The Labour Party is not responsible for the content of this website or individual posts as, unless specifically stated, I am writing solely in a personal and individual capacity.
If the Tory Shadow Immigration Minister had received leaked information "in the public interest" why didn't he use his Parliamentary immunity to reveal the information in the House? Why the newspapers? Surely there couldn't be some other form of inducement? I think we should be told.
Robert said:
November 28, 2008 8:12 AM | permalink
Sadly Labour did it when they were on the other side of the table the Lib Dem's do it. Being told that a few hundred people are working within security at the house of commons and Parliament, that a few more are actually working at Heathrow airport, has to be released it was shocking, it was news and it was hidden.
Snapper said:
November 28, 2008 8:46 AM | permalink
More worryingly Bob, why were 9 anti-terrorist officers involved in the raids? You've made your views about Broon & Co pretty clear on this blog on many occaisions. Clear out your filing cabinets; your You could be next!
I think there are a lot of things that we need to be told about this outrageous arrest.
Bob, aren't you slightly suspicious of the timing of this arrest - it happens just as Parliament rises for a short break, meaning that the government cannot be quizzed or held to account about this incident?
Good to see you standing up for the liberty of parliament and parliamentarians - not! Am I to assume that you approve of the police entering parliament to search an MP's office? And at this particular time can you think of anything better for nine - repeat, nine - counter-terrorist officers to be doing? And finally, when did the Home Secretary know about this raid and arrest? And if she didn't know, why is she still in her job since she is so obviously out of touch and her department out of control?
David.... what information did the police get from the Home Office official arrested last week who leaked the information. I'm only asking you because you obviously have an inside track to these things so you will be able to tell us.
The liberty of parliament and parliamentarians... don't talk bloody guff. The history of the last century will give you details of parliamentarians, as well as other members of the establishment, who were spying for the Russians, for heaven's sake.
Also, you appear to be confused. If the Home Secretary knew... it was a political plot, if she didn't she is out of touch. Perhaps dipping her in a pond and seeing if she drowns is still Tory justice.
Liam Murray said:
November 28, 2008 1:09 PM | permalink
The 'Stalinist' jibes and desparate attempts to lay this at Ministers doors deserve your contempt Bob but so too surely does the police action?
Nine anti-terror police in the home of an opposition politician? If that doesn't worry you just a little then your judgement really is awry...
That it is a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation for the Home Secretary does not invalidate it.
There is a matter of inconsistency here; the current government have leaked like sieves and given plenty of stories to the press that should have been announced to Parliament first. The government suddenly believing in this point of constitutional principle is something of a U-turn, or at least remarkable timing.
Bob Gom said:
November 28, 2008 2:42 PM | permalink
It seems very unlikely this was a conspiracy by the government to 'silence the opposition' simply because there is no way they would ever look good out of it. And it is hardly scary enough to cower them. So why would it be in the government's interest to orchestrate it?
Liam, I'm perfectly prepared to condemn the police action.... but I would prefer to know what it was first. Yes, members of the anti-terrorist squad seems well OTT, but I have no idea what evidence they were acting on.
November 28, 2008 8:12 AM | permalink
Sadly Labour did it when they were on the other side of the table the Lib Dem's do it. Being told that a few hundred people are working within security at the house of commons and Parliament, that a few more are actually working at Heathrow airport, has to be released it was shocking, it was news and it was hidden.