The Speaker's inaction does not make him unaccountable

jan

Is not the major problem in a significant number of labour politicians (whether at national or local government level) simply the fact that they are incompetent? A number would appear to struggle to hold down a demanding job in the private sector yet they are happily given (and accept) serious responsibility in government.

Andy Leeds

Speaker Martin has to go. This whole sorry affair is the last straw.

geoff

Cassius goes back to Plato to help us find a way forward:-

http://cassiuswrites.blogspot.com/2008/12/gordons-noble-lie.html

Tim Adams

Jan, it isn't just incompetence. It stems from Blair's and Nulab's wanton destruction of our traditions with no appreciation of the checks and balances which they brought about.
If he had any honour our useless speaker would resign and his sergeant at arms could go back to making the tea.

strapworld.

Martin is a tool of government. Government thought that this arrest would end with Green being charged with conspiracy!

Hence the incompetent Woollas on the Today programme, the morning after the affair broke, proudly stating that Green HAD been charged! before being corected!

They all thought, all believed Green would be charged! IF there was any conspiracy it was this rotten government conspiring to have Green charged.

So when informed that there may be an arrest of an MP...which I for one find most odd. If you are going to arrest someone you get on with it. So one question must be WHO notified Martin that there would be an arrest? where did that information come from?

I suspect that Martin will have spoke to someone in Government who obviously told hom not to worry about anything go back to sleep, effectively.

Through police incompetence and the non cooperation of Green -who they obviously thought would put his hands up and plead guilty!- and LIES, not only did one wheel fall of their wagon but all four!

I suspect that the trail will lead right back to Brown!

That is why Green should immediately ask his solicitors to start civil proceedings against the police for wrongful arrest etc. THEN call, amongst others, BROWN as a witness. He would be on oath and would it not be wonderful to see him HAVE to tell the truth. Even, answer a question!!

What utter joy.

Tankus

Just how long has this been in the planning ?....

.... The employment of a jumped up secretary in a former ex soldiers position.
.... The convenience of the speaker being so "plausibly" out of the loop of authorizations and accountability.
.... Police ready to roll without an arse covering warrant and a commissioner happy to give the mission the thumbs up.

Its like a plan written out big in crayons on the back of a cornflakes box , with an eye ONLY to short term political advantage. Followed through without any check's ,balances, consideration or even any glimmer of understanding of possible longer term consequences.... and blowing up in your face potential.

Just who could be that "irresponsible" ?

Can't think !

Chuck Unsworth

Sloping shoulders are de rigueur amongst the NuLab classes.

Despite all the garbage being spoken about responsibility, the only responsibility that interests these people is that of others. Integrity? What is that?

golfwidow

It's heartening to see that this story is not being allowed to disappear in the aftermath of Brown's blatantly cynical attempt to secure favourable headlines with his announcement on repossessions.

Apart from the shameful manner of the announcement - by glory-seeking Brown himself rather than in either the PBR or the Queen's Speech - I wonder how many responsible homeowners will be appalled at the thought of bailing out both people who have borrowed recklessly and banks which have loaned equally recklessly.

Many years ago I secured a mortgage which I could afford and subsequently made many sacrifices to keep up payments when interest rates soared. To now see this incompetent government squander my taxes in this way is nothing short of scandalous.

mac

Andy,

he should go, but he won't. The PLP will close ranks to protect its own creature (did you hear Stephen Pound sanctifying his friend Martin on Today this morning?)

Tankus: Spot on!
The House won't sack him and AirMiles won't resign.

Ian C

Martin and his regime have to go. He is the most inept Speaker in many, many years.

And hats off to Paxman - he did a very thorough job on Harman who was visibly and audibly uncomfortable and knew she needed to be. Having watched that I would be amazed if Martin survives but it will probably wait until this stink is over and be seen as an 'ill health' retirement.

Bocephus

Strapworld

You are correct all this focus on the Speaker, while not without merit, is taking everyones eye off the big picture. The government set the hounds on Green in the belief he would be charged with something, allowing them to hammer the Tories with "sleaze" stories etc.

Nobody stopped to think of the utter stupidity of all this as it would mean when they are in opposition they would never be able to publish a leak without being arrested. Harperson seems to be the only Cabinet minister who has worked this out.

Johan

Is anyone old enough to remember the BBC radio programme 'Toytown' on Childrens' Hour and especially Larry the lamb?
Hearing the Speaker's statement yesterday brought back happy memories, but saddened me to realise what an utter mess NuLabour has made of our country.

The Bellman

Johan: I seem to remember in the television version the Mayor of Toytown repeatedly crying "This whole affair is a disgrace to the town!"

Insert a few swear-words, and that would be a not unfair summary of this week's activity.

Ian C

Bocephus/strapworld

Yep, but the last time this particular bunch of plods allow themselves to be sucked into political games. At least until the next Commisioner is lining up for the job...!

Robert Williams

The contempt shown in the House today by Ms Smith towards Conservative MPs (re Quick's letter, re charge against Green, re ignoring Hogg's claims of illegal police action etc) suggests either that she still expects some prosecution to follow the Met's investigtion, or all the Government are under orders from Mc Loon to continue to claim that black is white until it is proved otherwise.At which time they will ignore anyone pointing out their errors.

strapworld

Robert Williams. That is their direction, for sure!

Ian C..well two have now been ruled out of the Commissioner's job. I hope they appoint a woman. (AND I hope it is not the Cambridgeshire Chief Constable for no other reason is that the other did work in the Met and so knows how they operate and I know she is no patsy!! I hope I have not ruled her out now.

She would not take much from Boris either, I can tell you!!

Tankus

@ golfwidow
Browns diversionary headline grabber is already unraveling ,only taken a few hours ..is this a record? ....anyone see Mandy on the daily politics clam up and walk away when asked exactly which banks had actually signed up to Gordons 2 year mortgage default repayment holiday wheeze ...

In a bombing market at the end of it , you will owe even more to the bank , and your house will be worth even less should a forced sale happen...

There are so many things timed to go off in two years ... that will ensure that we are financially stuffed as a country for a decade !

It seems all so deliberate ...

King Prawn

So if Martin knew about the 'possible' arrest the night before, are you telling us that he never consultated anyone in the Labour Party about it?

You think that he did not consult at least the Chief Whip about it?

And who told him about the possible arrest?

This story is getting closer and closer to Brown.

Wilhelm

Gorbals thick Mick in his frilly frock a beggar on horse back.

''the saying means that if one gives an
undeserving person an advantage, he will
misuse it. A little later, it was shortened to the
idiom a beggar on horseback, meaning a
person, originally poor, who has been made
arrogant or corrupt through achieving wealth and luxury.''

Thomas

The defiant manner in which the government ordered the arrest/intimidation of an opposition MP makes me wonder what else the Labour Party are prepared to do to remain in power, and whether the next general elections will be really free.