Any excuse

I Hazel Blears has decided to try and turn the Damian McBride/Derek Draper attack blog story into an excuse to attack the "Tory blogs".

"Political blogs are fuelling a culture of cynicism about politics, communities secretary Hazel Blears has claimed.

...

In her speech, Ms Blears also complained about a "spreading corrosive cynicism" in political discussion.

She turned her fire on political "bloggers" - accusing them of fuelling disengagement by focusing on "unearthing scandals, conspiracies and perceived hypocrisy" and of being written by "people with disdain for the political system and politicians".

"The most popular blogs are right-wing, ranging from the considered Tory views of Iain Dale, to the vicious nihilism of Guido Fawkes," she said.

But she added: "Unless and until political blogging 'adds value' to our political culture, by allowing new and disparate voices, ideas and legitimate protest and challenge, and until the mainstream media reports politics in a calmer, more responsible manner, it will continue to fuel a culture of cynicism and pessimism." "

Just another warning shot across the bows of us right-of-centre bloggers. So if/when Labour manage to steal or indefinitely postpone the next election, do not be surprised when the Labour government ban all "undesirable" blogs so as to ensure the voices of dissent are silenced forever. Maybe afterwards Iain Dale, Guido Fawkes, Devils Kitchen and myself will be in the same cell at a re-education institution, I wonder if they play bridge...