Paid to breed

Read the story yourself and wonder at how the UK benefits system is so abused. The article's title says it all

"'I've had SEVEN kids since I was 15,' says mother, 24, raking in £24,000 a year in benefits"

The UK economy is still in terrible shape

Not my view but that of the IMF who are reported to have warned that public debt 'could wreck economy'. Apparently:

" Britain is vulnerable to a 'severe shock' that could destabilise the country because of its vast public debts and fractured banking system, the International Monetary Fund has warned.

In a hard-hitting assessment, the IMF called on the Government to take urgent and draconian steps to rein in national debt.

The Treasury needs to adopt 'credible and consistent policies' to ensure the markets do not lose faith in government debt, the IMF concluded in its annual health check on Britain.

'Notwithstanding recent signs of stabilisation, the UK economy remains susceptible to potential shocks,' says the Washington-based fund's report.

'The sharp increase in public sector borrowing and contingent government liabilities, together with continued financial sector fragility, are significant vulnerabilities.

'In these circumstances, a severe shock has the potential to disrupt domestic and external stability.' "

I await the BBC's coverage of this report.

Hazel Blears' cheque to HMRC

We are told that Hazel Blears has sent a cheque to HMRC for the amount of CGT she might/should have paid. However if there was no CGT bill what is that cheque being paid against? Is it in fact going "on account" to be offset against future tax liabilities?

Hazel Blears needs to make it clear whether she has agreed a CGT liability with HMRC and that her cheque settled this liability or if her cheque is sitting in her tax account to be offset against future tax liabilities (less the interest accruing on her "overpayment".

If the cheque was in settlement of an agreed CGT liability, what happened to the interest and penalties that HMRC would normally demand on late notification and payment of a CGT liability?

This story is not as dead and buried as Hazel Blears and the BBC might hope.

The BNP at the Palace

Amidst all the furore over two members of the BNP, one an elected local councillor, being invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party; it struck me that nobody has asked how often a communist supporter of the Soviet Union had been invited to past garden parties or even how often people who overtly or covertly support the ending of freedom for millions of Britons had been invited to such garden parties. It intrigues me how the BNP is the focus of so much hatred and detestation, are they really the most evil presence in British society.

Once again I feel I should point out that I am not a supporter of the BNP, indeed myself and Mrs NotaSheep would be unlikely to be too popular with most BNP members.

BBC waste

From Digital Spy comes the story that the BBC spent £2,000 in Scotland on a one hour lecture on how to use Twitter. Money well spent?

The BBC "reporting" the news fairly

BBC Radio 4 news at 07:30 leads with the latest Daily Telegraph expenses claims. Four MPs are mentioned: Conservatives Bill Wiggin and Sir Peter Viggers have their claims dealt with in detail whilst the claims of James Purnell and Geoff Hoon are mentioned purely by the statement that they have both disputed the accusations. The BBC might claim that the two Labour Ministers' claims are old news and so the denials are the news element, whereas the claims about the two Conservatives are new news. If we accept that then why was there no mention of the claims surrounding Ruth Kelly?

Compare and contrast

Hazel Blears on what Gordon Brown said and Gordon Brown talking about what he thinks of her and then going on to show that he has no understanding that the problem has something to do with him.

Nick Robinson - an interesting choice of words

The BBC's Nick Robinson has an interesting choice of words in his latest piece entitled "Back-slapping". The article begins:

"There will be much back-slapping in David Cameron's office this afternoon.

The Tory leader has struggled to get much attention for his call for a general election to elect a new Parliament to go along with a new Speaker. This, despite the fact that he is working in partnership with the Sun. "

"Working in partnership with the Sun"? I Assume he means "The Sun" newspaper rather than the Sun (the star at the centre of our solar system) but if so that is an interesting accusation to make - "in partnership". Why does Nick Robinson think this? Who has told him this is the case? Is it true or is it another case of Number 10 paranoia?

Sharia law in action

Could Lord Phillips, Rowan Williams and Stephen Hockman please note the following from the BBC:

"The dusty streets of Kismayo in Somalia echoed to the sound of a vehicle with loud speakers summoning residents to a new form of public "entertainment" earlier this month.

People were being invited to see a man have his hand chopped off in a public park in the city.

The young man, Mohamed Omar Ismail, had been found guilty of stealing goods from another man's house.

That afternoon, hundreds of local people flocked to Freedom Park in order to see the amputation.

After a long wait, Mr Ismail was brought out in front the people and an official started to read out the court decision from piece of paper.

Clothes theft

"The Islamic Sharia court of Kismayo district confirms that Mohamed Omar Ismail has been found guilty of stealing," the official announced.

"Mr Ismail stole 10 pairs of trousers, 10 shirts, 8 other items and a bag. The value all the items are estimated to be $90."

The official quoted a chapter from the Koran known as Surah Maida, verse 38, which is about stealing and relevant punishment.

He said that the verse decreed that punishment for stealing was that the right hand of the thief should be cut off.

A local journalist who witnessed the events unfold saw a shocked looking Mr Ismail brought into the park.

His right hand was held up to the crowds.

It was then laid on a table and severed immediately and without ceremony at the wrist.

The eyewitness told of his horror as the bloody body part was dangled by its index finger in front of the crowd to prove that punishment had been meted out. "

Still think we should incorporate parts of Sharia law into British law?

"Damian McBride is NOT being expelled from Labour"

Paul Waugh reports that:

"Gordon's former Downing Street aide and spinner Damian McBride is NOT being expelled from the Labour Party.

I can reveal that the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) discussed his membership during its long meeting yesterday. McBride's "smeargate" emails attempted to spread stories about the private lives of several senior Tories including David Cameron and he was sacked as a result.

His local CLP in Finchley has decided not to take any action, despite grumbling from MP Rudi Vis, and the NEC decided that the matter should rest there, my source tells me. "The NEC are going to leave it at that," I'm told.

Vis said last month that McBride’s actions had been scandalous and he had been disgusted by it. "He has damaged the Labour party and I do not think we have even heard the whole story of what he planned to do. A person who damages the Labour government should not be party to that party he has damaged."

But Andrew McNeil, Finchley branch chairman, says there are no plans to discuss any individual’s membership. Suggestions that there would be an executive meeting and then a general committee meeting locally to discuss it are inaccurate, he is telling friends."

Sleaze at the heart of the Labour Party?

July General Election?

Tory Bear has the news that Nick Brown may have let the cat out of the bag on Twitter:

"The new speaker will only have a few weeks to get settled in before the election is called"

Really? Somehow I doubt that Gordon Brown has the courage to call an election now or at any point.

The BBC love affair with wind-power - detailed analysis to follow

The BBC are pushing for wind power and ignoring any issues over reliability of generation, cost, damage to the environment or balance of CO2. I will examine all of these factors and report back next week...

"Complete independence from political influence"

Sir Michael Lyons on the Today programme made the laughable claim that the BBC currently enjoys "complete independence from political and commercial influence". Does he live in the real world, does he listen or look at the bias that drips from the BBC every day? Has he ever read the articles at Biased-BBC or those on here dealing at length with the BBC's clear bias? You can hear Sir Michael Lyons' out of touch waffle here and his laughable claim near the end of that extract.

The thirty eighth weekly "NO shit, Sherlock" award

This week's award goes to the Cambridge University academic David Farrington for the Campbell Collaboration study group, funded by the Home Office, which has concluded that as The daily Mail puts it:

"The millions of CCTV cameras on Britain's streets have done virtually nothing to cut crime... Cameras in town centres, housing estates and on public transport 'did not have a significant effect'"

"No shit, Sherlock"

The next Speaker of the House of Commons

Now that Michael Martin has finally noticed that he is about as popular as his mate Gordon Brown and announced his resignation for just over a month's time, the race is on the be the new Speaker. What could be finer than luxurious Westminster apartments, a large entertainment budget and lots of foreign jaunts.

Already the just about Conservative MP, John Bercow, who seems to have spent much of the last few years buttering up Labour MPs, possibly for just this opportunity, looks like jumping into the fray and the BBC seem like they might look favourably upon him. He would meet the "fairness" doctrine of being a Conservative but so loosely that the Labour/BBC alliance could support him.

Other possible candidates include Sir Alan Haselhurst, one of the deputy Speakers, who the BBC carefully talk down in their "Speaker: Runners and riders". In fact the whole BBC list is a fine example of how the BBC try and set the agenda, so here it is with my comments:

"ALAN BEITH - CONFIRMED CANDIDATE

Veteran Lib Dem MP, with more than 30 years experience. Former party leadership contender. Chairman of the constitutional affairs committee. Respected figure who was in the running for the job in 2000. Has told his local newspaper, the Newcastle Journal, he plans to stand again this time: "This is a crucial time for the House of Commons and if I have enough support across the parties, I am willing to take on the task of leading reform as Speaker. But it is a matter for the House to decide.""
Lib Dem and therefore preferable, in the BBC's mind, to a Tory


SIR GEORGE YOUNG - YET TO CONFIRM

Conservative grandee and widely-respected chairman of the Standards and Privileges Committee. One of the bookmakers' favourites to land the job of Speaker after missing out in 2000. But Eton-educated background may count against him in the eyes of Labour MPs. Ladbrokes make him 8/1.
After all the "class war" accusations made by and on behalf of Michael Martin, the BBC have to try and start another one. I presume if the BBC can get it out there that having gone to Eton disbars one from becoming Speaker then maybe they could do the same for putative Prime Ministers. Is there a Labour equivalent of "Conservative Grandee"? There must be a phrase to describe the sort of long-serving Labour MP who is part of the Labour establishment...


SIR ALAN HASELHURST -YET TO CONFIRM

Conservative MP and deputy speaker. Widely-respected figure who also served as deputy to former Speaker Betty Boothroyd. Another favourite at the bookmakers but being singled out by The Daily Telegraph for claiming £142,119 in second homes allowances since 2001, despite having no mortgage on the property, will not help his chances. Joint favourite at 4/1 with Frank Field, according to Ladbrokes.
"Widely-respected" at the moment but let's see if the BBC can change that with mention of his expenses.


SIR MENZIES CAMPBELL - YET TO CONFIRM

Former Liberal Democrat leader. Respected for his integrity on all sides of the house and was one of the favourites to land the job last time. But chances may be hampered by criticism of his second home allowance claim.
A real BBC favourite and not a Tory... Odd how Alan Hazelhursts second home allowance figure is detailed but Sir Menzies' is just alluded to.


FRANK FIELD -YET TO CONFIRM

Maverick former Labour minister who sometimes seem more respected on Opposition side of the house - which may count against him if he decides to run. Led successful campaign to reverse 10p tax band cut. Has also led calls for wholesale reform of the Commons.
Nice choice of words here; "maverick" I presume because he did "think the unthinkable" and not back down. I also like the fact that the sucessful candidate must be acceptable to Labour which seems to mean be a loyal Labour MP, do the BBC understand the history of the Speaker's role?


JOHN BERCOW - YET TO CONFIRM

Backbench Tory MP. Former right winger, who has moved towards the centre in recent years. Thought to have the backing of several Labour MPs for the Speaker's job but may not be popular enough with his own side to stand a realistic chance. Ladbrokes have him at 8/1.
"Moved towards the centre", surely moved right through the centre and heading left. No mention of Jhn Bercow's expenses, why?


SIR PATRICK CORMACK -YET TO CONFIRM

Veteran Tory backbencher who was in the running for the job last time. Chairman of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. Expert on constitutional affairs but may be seen as too much of a traditionalist to lead changes demanded by most MPs.
I wouldn't disagree but again a Conservative MP with negative points.


CHRIS MULLIN - YET TO CONFIRM

Former Labour minister and diarist, with an independent-minded streak. Standing down at the next election but has been talked of as a possible interim candidate for Speaker, who might gain the necessary cross-party support.
An interesting choice, again positively spoken of as he is a Labour MP.


TONY WRIGHT - YET TO CONFIRM

Widely-respected chairman of the public administration committee, who has led a number of investigations into the conduct of MPs and civil servants. Has been talked of by some as a possible contender from the Labour benches.
More positive coverage of a Labour candidate.


VINCE CABLE -YET TO CONFIRM

Well-known figure with the public who would also be respected on all sides of the house. May wish to stick with the Lib Dem Treasury brief with which he has made his name.
The BBC's favourite economics expert, often the only opposition MP allowed to voice his opinions on the BBC. The BBC would be loathe to lose him as then they might have to interview a Tory.


SYLVIA HEAL - YET TO CONFIRM

Labour MP and deputy speaker. Sister of Labour MP Ann Keen, who organised Michael Martin's successful campaign for the Speakership in 2000.
No mention of Ann Keen's troughing exploits?


RICHARD SHEPHERD - YET TO CONFIRM

Independent-minded veteran Tory MP, first elected in 1979. Has led criticism of Speaker Martin. Stood unsuccessfully for the Speakership in October 2000. Ladbrokes makes him 14/1.
I think the BBC are unsure about this one as this one is in note form, maybe still waiting for No 10's steer.


ANN WIDDECOMBE - RULED HERSELF OUT

The former shadow home secretary is one of Parliament's best-known and most respected figures. Has said she is definitely standing down at the next general election and appeared to pour cold water on the idea of doing the Speaker's job on an interim basis in a BBC interview, after allies on the Tory benches talked up her chances of landing it.
The BBC don't agree with much of Ann Widecombe's views and would hate to see her as Speaker, hence the talking down of the chances of her standing as an interim candidate. Of course an interim candidate is the Labour/BBC's nightmare scenario as that means that the new Parliament, a Parliament likely to have a large Conservative majority, might elect as Speaker someone who the opposition benches might think unsuitable, rather as the 1997 Labour Party did. This is not how the Speaker should be elected but by deviating from the convention of alternating Speakers (in 1997) the Labour party have likely brought this into happening.

The "racist state"

The BBC held a debate yesterday in "The Big Questions" series part of the debate was "Is Israel a racist state or a country under threat?". You can guess the points made; the usual nonsense and rubbish about Israel from people whose knowledge of Israel comes from their Iman, the likes of George Galloway, The Independent, The Guardian or the BBC.

I have pointed out that there are racist states in the world and one is called Saudi Arabia. Today I had a look at the Foreign Offices travel advice for people visiting Saudi Arabia and look what I found:

"On occasion, Saudi visas have been refused when passports have reflected travel to Israel or indicated an Israeli birthplace."

Any chance of a debate on the BBC about racism in Saudi Arabia or is that just not of interest?

Taking the initiative

Whilst Gordon Brown hunkers down in his bunker, too slow witted to react to events without first sleeping on the matter; I note that David Cameron has urged people to sign a petition calling on Gordon Brown to dissolve Parliament and hold a poll.

"I want as many people as possible, whether you support Labour or the Lib Dems or no party at all to join in... Write to your local paper, write to a national newspaper - start your own petition. From the power of our collective pressure we can force Gordon Brown to act."

I wonder when Gordon Brown will rouse himself to respond, maybe for Wednesday's PMQs.

Talking of PMQs I wonder how respectful MPs will be of the other Scottish incompetent at the heart of Westminster, I refer of course to Michael Martin who managed to make a statement on the expenses scandal without referring to his future as Speaker. He then tried every trick he could think of to shut down debate on his future and to deny debate on a motion of no confidence in him. I will be reading through Hansard tomorrow to see what the "official version" says was said and I will be paying particular attention to the exchange with Mark Field who was told to watch his words when he suggested that some MPs had made fraudulent expenses claims.

The Sun catches the zeitgeist

The Sun newspaper will never be behind the curve if it can help it so today's article entitled "Give Britain an election... now" is a real end of the line for Gordon Brown and the Labour Party. The piece is not a long one so I have reproduced it in its entirety:

"POLITICIANS finally got the message yesterday.

Voters have had enough of this Government, enough of greedy MPs, enough of a Commons Speaker who has turned the Mother of Parliaments into the mother of all shyster politicians.

The word on the street was loud and clear: We want an election and we want one now.

That message was hammered home as voters across the land slammed doors in the face of any MP who dared set foot on their doorsteps.

Nobody — Labour, Tory or Lib Dem — was spared.

Woe betide Gordon Brown if he ignores these angry voices.

The revelations of recent days have changed the weather.

We are rudderless and adrift in dangerous seas with nobody at the helm, a crew of discredited MPs and a Speaker who has lost all authority.

The Government is paralysed in the face of urgent and momentous challenges.

We cannot risk delay. We cannot wait another year.

There is only one way to save our debauched parliamentary democracy.

Useless Speaker Michael Martin must step down — now, not at the next election.

Every Member of Parliament must face the jury of public opinion, win the support of their constituency and put their case to the voters.

Honest ones have little to fear. Cheats deserve what is coming.

Tory leader David Cameron has consistently called for an early election.

Let’s hear that again, David.

Time is running out. In a year’s time, the EU will have signed and sealed the wretched Constitution.

A general election is your last chance to stop it. Eight out of 10 voters want a referendum. Labour promised one and then betrayed us.

If your candidate won’t support a vote, don’t give him yours.

Oliver Cromwell was a bloodthirsty tyrant, but he got it right in 1653.

He told the discredited Rump Parliament: “It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice.

“Ye are enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.

“Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors. In the name of God, go!”

The rest is history."

I think this Rupert Murdoch owned newspaper has decided who will be the next Prime Minister and will throw its weight behind David Cameron.

Michael Martin - the promised piece

I am holding fire until I know whether Michael Martin does the decent thing today. When I say the decent thing, I mean he resigns immediately, announces that he will forgo his ridiculously generous taxpayer funded pension and will not accept any elevation to the House of Lords. Anything less than that is not the decent thing.

Is it true that voters are deserting the big political parties equally

The BBC keep pushing the idea that voters are deserting Labour and Conservative parties and lending their votes to the smaller parties - Greens & UKIP being the two usually mentioned.

Daniel Hannan reports the situation in his EU constituency is somewhat at variance to this:

"what my focus group is telling me is very different from what Westminster pundits are telling each other. You might think - I certainly thought when I started - that all the main parties would be suffering equally from the revelations in this newspaper's "Expenses Files". But they're not. Yes, some people will cast protest votes (overwhelmingly, in my patch, for UKIP or the Greens). A few say they won't vote at all - which, of course, is the most common response to Euro-elections, even in normal times. But huge numbers are switching directly from Labour to the Conservatives.

...

What do I conclude from all this? I'm sticking to my prediction, first made a week ago: the Conservatives will win big, Labour may well be pushed into fourth place - or even, in my patch, fifth place."

Interesting... I wonder why the BBC are pushing the idea that Tories and Labour will suffer equally?