Sunday Morning update what the press say. Looks bleak for Labour

Things are not looking good for Gordon or Darling... or Labour, for that matter. But it doesn't matter if Darling has 'got his fingers in the till' (Vince Cable's comment) because, as Darling pointed out, 'all MPs are at it.' Read Vince Cable's comment on this. I think Darling just lost an ally in Vince Cable.

http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/labour-cabinet-minister-warns-of-poll-wipeout-1756586.html

“Labour cabinet minister warns of poll wipe-out”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8075558.stm

“MP 'claimed for church donation'”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6396042.ece

“Gordon Brown wants Ed Balls as chancellor”

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/banking_and_finance/article6395766.ece

STAFF at the Financial Services Authority (FSA) who presided over the near failure of the banking system were last month awarded bonuses of £19.7m – a 40% increase on the previous year.

(EDITOR: That's the Gordon Brown way. Reward failures.)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/5412679/Disaster-for-Gordon-Brown-as-Labour-falls-below-Lib-Dems-in-new-poll.html

“Disaster for Gordon Brown as Labour falls below Lib Dems in new poll”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1189799/Move-topple-Gordon-Brown-UKIP-beat-Labour-Euro-poll.html

“Move to topple Gordon Brown if UKIP beat Labour in Euro poll”

(EDITOR: This is too late. It should have happened at least six months ago...)

http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Brown-plans-major-reshuffle-as.5319278.jp

“Brown plans major reshuffle as poll shows Labour faces election disaster”

(EDITOR: Brown still cannot see that he is the real problem, not his ministers)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/31/european-elections-labour-gordon-brown

“Labour loses out in people's revolt: All the mainstream parties have been hit by the expenses scandal but Labour is in freefall.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6395942.ece

“Tories need 250 gains in council elections”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/labour-set-to-suffer-a-total-meltdown-in-council-elections-1693486.html

“Labour set to suffer a total meltdown in council elections: Fresh allegations about Chancellor's expenses expected as Vince Cable calls for him to resign By Jane Merrick, Political Editor”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/after-the-fiddles-come-the-freebies-1693494.html

“After the fiddles come the freebies”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1189798/Fingers-till-Darling-says-Vince-Cable.html

“'Fingers in the till' Darling must go, says furious Vince Cable”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1189087/EDWARD-HEATHCOAT-AMORY-How-Alistair-Darling-declare-war-tax-evasion-hes-guilty-evading-tax-himself.html

How can Alistair Darling declare war on tax evasion when he's guilty of evading tax himself?

(EDITOR: That's a very good question. Hello, Darling? Got an answer?)

That's it for this morning's update. Expect more revelations tonight. But for now it is time to get ready for a trip to the Welsh coast. Thankfully, my wife is a fluent Welsh speaker.)

Saturday Evening Update

After visiting Burford House Gardens, and stopping off for a meal at the Church Inn, Ludlow, here is the Saturday Evening Update!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6395942.ece

“Tories need 250 gains in council elections”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5410743/MPs-expenses-scandal-wont-be-forgotten-by-voters.html

“MPs expenses scandal won't be forgotten by voters”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8074151.stm

“End MPs' golden goodbyes – Clegg”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5413894/MPs-expenses-Labours-Frank-Cook-claimed-5-for-church-collection.html

“MPs' expenses: Labour's Frank Cook claimed £5 for church collection

An MP used his expenses to claim for a £5 donation he made during a church service to commemorate the Battle of Britain”

(EDITOR: Several words come to mind to describe Frank Cook. I am sure you will identify them all. And perhaps more, besides...)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6396064.ece

“Remorseful peer says he fiddled expenses: A LABOUR peer and former chairman of the party has admitted that he “fiddled” his expenses to make up for not being paid a salary. He had even claimed for overnight stays in London when, in fact, he drove home”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5412674/MPs-expenses-Information-commissioner-performed-U-turn-over-publication.html

“MPs' expenses: Information commissioner performed U-turn over publication”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5410887/MPs-expenses-13-received-payments-to-give-up-cheap-rent-deals.html

“MPs' expenses: 13 received payments to give up cheap rent deals”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/30/harriet-harman-takes-hard-line-on-mps-expenses-115875-21400226/

“Labour MPs who have done wrong "have got to pay the price", maintains Harriet Harman”

(EDITOR: Ah, yes! The Harman Court of Public Opinion, I have no doubt...)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1189408/Labour-MPs-seeking-peerages-escape-expenses-fallout-warned-blocked.html

“Labour MPs seeking peerages to escape expenses fallout warned they will be blocked”

http://www.birminghammail.net/news/top-stories/2009/05/29/erdington-voters-view-of-mps-expenses-scandal-97319-23737961/

“Erdington voters' view of MPs expenses scandal”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5413111/MPs-expenses-At-least-Ann-Winterton-stood-up-for-our-troops-in-Iraq.html

“MPs' expenses: At least Ann Winterton stood up for our troops in Iraq”

(EDITOR: What's this? Cold feet at the Telegraph? Surely not!)

Saturday Morning Update

Good morning on Saturday 30^th of May. Looks like the weather is hotting-up or today, as is the political climate for Mr Brown...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1189677/Brown-faces-humiliation-Labour-trails-UKip-pre-election-poll.html

“Brown faces humiliation as Labour trails behind UKIP in pre-election poll”

(EDITOR: That would certainly cause a political storm, should Labour finish behind UKIP in the European Elections of next week.)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6391037.ece

“Labour on red alert as Derbyshire Tories scent victory at county council”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8074908.stm

“Morley resignation: statement in full”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/29/bill-cash-conservatives-mps-expenses

“Bill Cash battles for political life as expenses row threatens more MPs”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8074935.stm

“Tory leader David Cameron has said MPs who claimed for "phantom" mortgages on expenses should be investigated by the police, and prosecuted if warranted”

(EDITOR: A much further-reaching enquiry is required, I think. It is no use hanging MPs out to dry. It needs to be established exactly what advice was given to MPs on what they could or should claim for, who gave them this advice and on whose authority this advice was given. It could be argued that the MPs might have been victims of a deliberate policy to corrupt them. If so, then this needs to be exposed. In fact, the need to establish the truth is greater than the need to prosecute MPs. In fact, it might be that certain shadowy figures at the highest levels of the government are the ones requiring and deserving prosecution.)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5408188/MPs-expenses-How-David-Cameron-can-now-shame-Labour.html

“MPs' expenses: How David Cameron can now shame Labour: A series of by-elections, which the Tories would probably win, would be very good for the party, argues Simon Heffer”

(EDITOR: A series of by-elections at a time when a General Election might be only a matter of weeks away? Oh, for gods' sake, Heffer Grow up!)

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/privy-counsellor-becomes-13th-expenses-victim-1693147.html

“Privy counsellor becomes 13th expenses victim”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1189611/Fifteen-members-Scottish-Parliament-claimed-Remembrance-Day-wreaths-expenses.html

“Fifteen members of Scottish Parliament claimed Remembrance Day wreaths on expenses”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5409300/MPs-expenses-Humfrey-Malins-claimed-58000-for-flat-in-which-his-children-lived.html

“MPs' expenses: Humfrey Malins claimed £58,000 for flat in which his children lived”

(EDITOR: Actually, his defence sounds reasonable. Though of course the Hefferlump and his Daily Telegraph colleagues are trying to pretend otherwise...)

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/29/mp-faces-voters-wrath-over-expenses-scandal-91466-23746302/

“MP faces voters' wrath over expenses scandal”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2009/may/29/concern-over-commons-expenses-plan

“Concern over plan to publish censored MPs' expenses

MP to call for review of plan by Commons to release redacted version of claims amid fears it breach court order”

http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-images/Politics/Pix/pictures/2009/05/29/robinsonletter.jpg

(The letter warning Harman that redaction plans are possibly illegal)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5408241/MPs-expenses-We-await-an-apology-in-Saffron-Walden.html

(I have been very touched by the overwhelming response from readers to my promise that I would stand for election in my home seat of Saffron Walden)

(EITOR, No, Heffer, you are just touched if you think that the public was fooled by your ridiculous posturing over this matter. (Iain Dale (www.iandale.com) has exposed you for the preening and posturing fool that you are. “The game is still on...” Heffer, you are a Moron. This is not a game. Perhaps one of your colleagues could point this out to you. I wonder if Heffer understands that as he has declared himself as a candidate he would have to resign his position as an employee of The Telegraph?)

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/29/mp-brennan-expected-criticism-over-expenses-91466-23738786/

“MP Brennan ‘expected criticism over expenses’”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5408594/MPs-expenses-America-admired-the-Commons---no-longer.html

“US reverence for Parliament has collapsed over the past month, says Christopher Hitchens”

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/29/conservative-am-jonathan-morgan-calls-for-checks-on-ams-expenses-91466-23738966/

“Conservative AM Jonathan Morgan calls for checks on AMs’ expenses”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5403055/MPs-expenses-The-taxman-doesnt-like-collusion---what-will-he-make-of-MPs-identical-explanations.html

MPs' expenses: 'The taxman doesn't like collusion – what will he make of MPs' identical explanations?'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/25/mps-expenses-personal-tax-advice

“MPs' expenses: Ministers defend use of taxpayer's money to pay for help with tax returns”

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/MP39s-financial-advice-was-claimed.5304542.jp

“Taxpayers paid two bills worth more than £800 each for Northampton North MP Sally Keeble to receive expert financial advice for her own private tax returns”

http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/4398163.South_Dorset_MP_Jim_Knight_put_tax_advice_on_his_expenses/

“SOUTH Dorset MP Jim Knight has insisted he sought tax advice from the husband of a Labour Party colleague in a bid to save the taxpayer money”

(EDITOR: I hope you don't mind me saying this Mr Knight, but that is a load of old bollocks. Because a more effective way of saving us, the taxpayer, money, would have been for MPs not to claim for bath plugs, porn films, payments of mortgages that did not exist, etc.)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5408060/MPs-expenses-minor-celebrities-take-over-Parliament.html

“As Eighties celebrities such as Esther Rantzen, Lynn Faulds Wood and David van Day consider standing for Parliament, Jim White imagines the BBC's next 'Election Night Special'”

(EDITOR: Is this what Hefferlump and his colleagues at The Telegraph want? A parliament filled with hasbeens, neverweres, past their read by date hack columnists and nonentities culled from the world of entertainment and journalism?)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5402830/MPs-expenses-Commons-can-expel-dishonourable-MPs.html

“The last MP to be expelled was a former journalist punished for making allegations of corruption.

Garry Allighan, the Labour MP for Gravesend, was expelled after an unusual vote in 1947”

(EDITOR: It is without any sense of self-awareness that the Telegraph publish the story of a journalist being expelled from The House of Commons for breaching the standards of the House...)

http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2511413.0.MEPs_expenses_exposed_as_worse_than_Westminster.php

“MEPs’ expenses exposed as worse than Westminster”

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/8430250c-4c7a-11de-a6c5-00144feabdc0.html

“MPs’ expenses: a view from the US”

That's it for today's morning update. I suspect that The Sunday Papers will try to out do each other with expenses stories tomorrow. Well, we shall see what the rest of Saturday brings before that!

Election team-up

www.Independent.co.uk and political website MiCandidate.co.uk have today, 29 May 2009, announced that they have teamed up. From today, profiles of all candidates standing for election in the United Kingdom for the European Parliament will appear on The Independent's website, as well as a further 11,000 candidates standing all across Europe.

Jimmy Leach, Editorial Director for Digital at The Independent, said "The Independent is delighted to partner with MiCandidate as its online candidate resource for the European elections. MiCandidate fills an obvious gap in the online political space: "where can I find out who I can vote for?". Their coverage of UK MEP candidates is an excellent service, especially considering this is the first campaign MiCandidate has covered in the UK."

Leach added "We hope to develop the relationship with MiCandidate further and look forward to engaging with them as they make the service more interactive. As a 14 week old start up, they are beginning to make waves and we are excited to be working with them."

Paddy Cosgrave, Founder of MiCandidate, said "We're organising elections online in a way that's never been done before. We're putting every candidate standing for election in one place. It's very early days, but in 14 weeks we've come a long way. We're thrilled to be working with The Independent."

Oisin Hanrahan, Founding Director, MiCandidate added, "We are delighted to be present on the website of one of the largest newspapers in the UK. MiCandidate provides a revolutionary platform for political candidates and voters alike."

MiCandidate is available in seven languages: English, Polish, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Romanian.

Friday Afternoon Update: Where's Gordon?

Here we are. Friday afternoon. Gordon still seems to be missing in inaction and he is now under attack from not only Roy Hattersley but also the Commonwealth. (Yes, that Commonwealth)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8073531.stm

"Bill cash not intending to quit"

(EDITOR: But he had repaid the money)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/29/elliot-morley-mps-expenses

"Elliot Morley expected to stand down as MP)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5403069/MPs-expenses-Hazel-Blears-should-be-thrown-out-of-Cabinet-says-Roy-Hattersley.html

"MPs' expenses: Hazel Blears should be thrown out of Cabinet, says Roy Hattersley"

(EDITOR Hattersley speaks against Blears… But where’s Gordon?)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8073990.stm

"Mandelson fears expenses 'haste'"

(EDITOR: That’s not something Gordon Brown could be accused of. Haste….)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/28/gordon-brown-labour-crisis

"Gordon Brown facing crisis as Labour MPs head for the lifeboats"

(EDITOR: When the ship is sinking and the Captain is nowhere to be seen, heading to the lifeboats would be a sensible option)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1189429/Revealed-Joanna-Lumley-beg-Gordon-Brown-allow-Gurkhas-settle-country.html

"Revealed: Joanna Lumley on how she had to 'beg' Gordon Brown to allow the Gurkhas to settle in the country"

(Yes, there’s nothing like a Gentleman. And Gordon Brown is nothing like a gentleman. What’s that you say? Gordon Brown is more like a mentalman? I can’t possibly comment!)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1189057/Veterans-blame-Gordon-Brown-Buckingham-Palace-says-late-ANY-royals-attend-D-Day-anniversary-France.html

"What a shambles: Veterans blame Brown as Palace says it's too late for ANY royals to attend D-Day anniversary in France"

(EDITOR: Another reason why Gordon has gone missing?)

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/29/gordon-brown-gives-pessimistic-world-trade-outlook-115875-21397413/

"Gordon Brown gives pessimistic world trade outlook"

(EDITOR: Let me guess… It all started in America, did it?)

http://www.clickgreen.org.uk/news/national-news/12210-pm-gordon-brown-hails-%E2%80%9Chistoric-day%E2%80%9D-as-uks-first-carbon-capture-goes-live.html

"PM Gordon Brown hails "historic day" as UK's first carbon capture goes live"

(EDITOR: "In a message of support to ScottishPower, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said…" Ah. So all this is, is a press release with a quote for Gordon invented by some feisty PR person! Again, we ask the question, "Where’s’ Gordon?")

http://www.financialdirector.co.uk/accountancyage/news/2243167/brown-feels-tax-haven-pressure

"Brown feels tax haven pressure from Commonwealth"

(EDITOR: Even the Commonwealth has it in for Brown. And with good cause, too! Gordon isn’t there, either, before you ask)

Where’s Gordon? Why hasn’t he addressed the nation, along with Clegg and Cameron? More later.

Friday Morning Update

Good grief?! Is it Friday, already? Yes, it is. And As I said yesterday morning “Doubtless there will be more, later.” I was right, though I did not expect yesterday to include the retirement of three MPs, by yesterday evening.

But now, on with the show:-

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mps-1631m-payoff-and-another-163125m-for-pensions-1692548.html

“MPs' £1m payoff (and another £12.5m for pensions) As the expenses scandal claims three more casualties, we reveal the golden goodbyes that the 12 MPs giving up their seats will receive from the taxpayer”

http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Three-more-heads-roll-over.5314231.jp

“Three more heads roll over expenses scandal”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mothers-will-shun-the-house-without-extra-help-warn-mps-1692551.html

“Mothers will shun the House without extra help, warn MPs”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/29/letters-expenses-reform

“Letters: Expenses are easy, reform takes longer” Clegg... seems strangely unaware that we have a bicameral system and that he would need the co-operation of the House of Lords for his proposed laws to become acts”

(EDITOR: Does Clegg often seem 'strangely unaware?”)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5399251/MPs-expenses-Tory-MP-Sir-John-Butterfill-to-pay-back-60000.html

“MPs' expenses: Tory MP Sir John Butterfill to pay back £60,000”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6382831.ece

“A third of British MEPs employ family members on expenses”

(EDITOR: Is this such a bad thing? I know a Labour MP who employs no members of his family in his offices. Instead he employs a bunch of -otherwise unemployable- 'freaks and weirdos' culled from the local Labour Party branch.)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8071731.stm

“Michael Martin was pressured by "very senior political sources" into fighting a legal battle to keep MPs' expenses secret, a senior Labour MP claims”

(EDITOR: No s**t! Really? Wow. We never would have guessed. Harriet “used to believe in Civil Liberties” Harman denies this. But is being fingered as one who leaned on poor Speaker Martin.)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8070739.stm

“A former head of the Commons Fees Office has criticised the paying of expense claims for MPs under the controversial second home allowance”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5401593/MPs-expenses-How-to-fix-parliament-Stop-MPs-being-ministers.html

“MPs' expenses: How to fix parliament? Stop MPs being ministers”

(EDITOR: On the face of it, an interesting idea. Defended by the author on the sometimes specious grounds: “Well, it works in various foreign countries.” But it can also lead to charges of nepotism, when an old mate of the president/prime minister is miraculously found to have just the right qualifications for the job...)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gaRfByWfHhxsEsnWlBj5_Cr4JJMw

“MSPs' expenses total revealed” (PA story)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5402669/MPs-expenses-Nigel-Griffithss-3600-claim-for-help-listening-to-Scottish-TV-and-radio.html

“MPs' expenses: Nigel Griffiths's (SIC) £3,600 claim for help listening to 'Scottish TV and radio'”

(EDITOR: Mr Griffith has obviously not heard of Internet radio and TV broadcasting. By the way, the illiterate 'apostrophication' is in the Telegraph's original copy...)

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/29/cash-cashes-in-with-15k-rent-for-daughter-115875-21397424/

“Cash cashes in with £15k rent for daughter”

(EDITOR: Phew! Thank goodness no Labour MP has done anything worthy of the Daily Mirror reporting on! Partisan? The Daily Mirror? Good Heavens, what ever gave you that idea?)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5402890/MPs-expenses-Rosie-Winterton-claimed-for-soundproofing-bedroom.html

"Rosie Winterton claims for soundproofing bedroom"

(EDITOR: Why? Oh, no! Surely not? http://www.thestar.com/news/insight/article/635490

"Inalienable right to 'excessively noisy sex'" Rosie and John Prescott? Excessively noisy sex? Ewww...)

Well, that's it for the moment. What on Earth will the rest of Friday bring?

Vandalism could have derailed train

British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for witnesses after rail passengers were endangered and a train disabled by vandals at Pattersons occupational crossing near Oakham station, Rutland.

At 22:22 last night, Wednesday 27 May, a train driver reported striking an object at the crossing. The train is believed to have then struck a further obstruction down the line near Egleton occupational crossing, where metal drainage covers had been wedged into the track.
The 2100 hours Spalding to Nottingham service struck a metal gate on the line at Pattersons crossing and then failed after striking a further obstruction at Egleton.

‘This was a dangerous act of vandalism that could have resulted in a train being derailed,’ said Inspector Mark Clements from BTP Nottingham. ‘These vandals have put people’s lives at risk and I would appeal for anyone who knows anything about this attack to contact us.’

Mark Tarry, Area General Manager for Network Rail said: ‘This was an extremely dangerous act. The vandals responsible not only risked their own lives but also those of other people. The actions of these people could have resulted in an extremely serious accident and loss of life. We are working closely with BTP to catch these criminals and prevent crime across Britain’s rail network.’

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP on Freefone 0800 40 50 40. Rail crime can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Chris Fraser to stand down

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8072666.stm

(EDITOR: Whilst the Daily Telegraph is crowing that it was their expose of the fact that he bought trees to make a security screen round his property, it seems that the truth is that his wife is in poor health and he wants to spend more time with her.)

Sound advice: Get back into work, faster

John Lees, leading Career Transition Coach and Working Lives Expert - offers sound advice to help people get back into work

Recent news reports that 2.2 million people are now unemployed and that 280,000 people have lost their jobs this year so far. Accordingly to leading work expert, John Lees, people need smarter, doable strategies for navigating the job search game. Here he shares some of his tried and tested strategies for finding meaningful work, even in tough times.

DON'T PLAY THE IDEAL/REAL GAME: You don't need a perfect job, just one you enjoy 3.5 days out of five - hunt for a 70% overlap between your work satisfaction and the true needs of an organisation.

GET HELP TO BOUNCE BACK: Ignore corporate spin - redundancy is personal. Take rejection seriously - it takes time to rescue self-esteem, and it's easy to allow knock-backs to convince you that you have nothing to offer. Recruit positive-minded friends who'll remind you what you're good at and will keep you making connections.

TIME THINGS SENSIBLY: Panic thrusts people into an over-eager and unfocused job search. Use the first month or so to take any bitterness out of your leaving story, learn how to give short, upbeat answers, and stay away from top recruiters or killer contacts until you have a very clear sense of what you want next.

Don't follow the herd. Only applying for advertised positions is a safe way of prolonging the agony, as will chasing jobs in declining industries. Look for organisations that are swimming against the tide, or niche sectors that are doing well.

DON'T REFRESH YOUR CV - RETHINK IT: There are too many undifferentiated CVs out there, so look again at the first 20 words. If you find you're being offered the same tired old jobs you're trying to escape, it's probably your doing. If you want to change career path, your CV needs to be very clear about why you want a change of direction. The opening section should communicate the explanations you would give when handing the document over to someone in person.

GET OUT THERE: A job search conducted sitting at a screen in your bedroom will always be low-energy. Jobsites will occupy your time, but unless you have a technical specialism, are unlikely to get results more than 5% of the time. Better to boost your confidence by wearing good business clothes and meeting people at least once a week. Success in the hidden job market comes when someone remembers you when you're not in the room so make an impression by meeting people in person.

Finally, think your job search backwards. As recruitment advertising continues to shrink it becomes even more likely that you'll only find interesting roles through connections and chance encounters. Push the law of averages in your direction and you start to create your own luck - make direct approaches to target organisations, and keep talking to people in real jobs rather than conducting your job search on the internet.

John Lees is author of Britain's best selling careers title written by a British author - How To Get A Job You'll Love, McGraw-Hill.
For FREE careers tips visit www.johnleescareers.com

Third MP goes

Conservative MP Chris Fraser has decided to quit. More later.

Joanna Lumley’s ‘Forgotten’ British Gurkhas still have to live in Squalor

How small firm Verbatim is attempting to raise big money for our valiant heroes.

The Gurkhas may have won the battle in parliament but they may still have to face months of living in desperately poor conditions. With some men and their families having to share one room with up ten men, Verbatim, a Newbury based call centre has teamed up with the Forgotten British Gurkha charity in an attempt to put a stop to it.

The Forgotten British Gurkha foundation is aiming to raise half a million pounds to purchase a residential centre where the Gurkhas and their families can live in dignity before settling in the UK.

Verbatim are supplying a telephone reception service and a credit card donation line, as they "do their bit" for some of our nation's most loyal soldiers.

Graham Hill, director of Verbatim said “We are delighted to offer our services to support these brave men and their families who served our nation with great honour. We take calls on behalf of a variety of different companies, from one man bands to large blue chip corporations so we are fully equipped to take donation calls for the Gurkha charity. The charity can now have peace of mind that every call will be answered, to ensure they don’t miss a donation.”

Paul Keddie, the director of the charity comments “The Gurkhas and their families have to live in appalling conditions. The money we are trying to raise will enable us to give them better living conditions until all the red tape is completed.”

To support this charity and help build a suitable residential centre, please call the Verbatim donation line on 0845 003 9958 and donate whatever you can. Every £20 pledged will help towards the £500,000 target."

More languages in demand as organisations try to beat recession

As UK companies look to overseas markets to maximise on business during the downturn, there has been a boost in demand for more exotic language skills, especially within the finance and sales sectors. That’s according to a new hiring trends report from multilingual recruitment consultancy Euro London Appointments

Dutch, German, Japanese and Russian remain popular languages within finance, but more generally there has been increased demand for Arabic, Gujerati, Polish, Czech, Cantonese and Korean as companies look to develop in new and alternative markets.

Although finance and banking recruitment, particularly within hedge funds and trading, has been badly affected by the economic problems, the report shows that demand in areas such as risk and compliance and relationship management has grown as these aspects of finance become increasingly important.

Demand for experienced candidates in digital media has also increased, as has requests for multilingual sales staff, as organisations look for ways to boost sales both at home and abroad. The online gaming sector continues to boom and is seeing continuing demand for linguists too. In the North West of the UK particularly, companies are facing a lack of IT and engineering professionals with language ability, mostly driven by a drop in the number of foreign nationals coming here.

“With the economic picture and the recruitment market varying so much across the globe, organisations in the UK are realising the importance of maximising on relationships with their customers overseas” comments Steve Shacklock from Euro London. “This is not only in Europe but increasingly across Asia too, making language ability an even more valuable skill than ever. It’s reassuring to see that despite the doom and gloom that we hear about the jobs market, that there is still demand out there for skilled and experienced candidates.”

The report highlighted similar market trends across Europe, with France seeing an increased demand for sales professionals and the online sector also expanding in Germany. Although their financial markets have been substantially affected, Luxembourg and Switzerland are still seeing demand for finance professionals, with Luxembourg seeing growth in accountancy and Switzerland experiencing a continued demand for risk and tax specialists.

Euro London’s Spring 2009 hiring trends report covers the job markets in the UK, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland and France. The report can be downloaded from the Euro London website by clicking on http://bit.ly/jjk3z

Kirkbridge and Moran: Both quit

Margarat Moran and Julie Kirdbride have both announced that they plan to quit as MPs. Kirkbride played it straight, Moran blamed the stress and the impact on her health.

 

More later.

Why ordinary people are turning to UKIP

Many people, ordinary members of the public, are turning to UKIP for the European Elections. "Ah, yes," opine the political pundits. "This is merely a protest vote. A shot across the bows of traditional political parties."

But is this correct? Many people I have spoken to have told me that they are going to vote for UKIP because they do not see that membership of the European Union has any positive benefits. All the main parties are, to a greater or lesser extent, in favour of continued membership of the European Union. Members of the public do not believe that the major parties are interested in looking after the best interests of Britain or its inhabitants.

They know that a vast sum of money is being paid to the EU by British taxpayers (£39M a day, according to UKIP figures I have seen) they know we are being bounced into the Lisbon treaty which is illegally being enforced throughout Europe, even though some member have voted not to accept it.

So how do British voters register their protest? BNP? Hardly" Libertas? Jury Team? Unknown quantities. What about the various ‘Christian’ Parties that have sprung up? A Christian that I know was very empathetic about NOT voting for one of these Christian parties. It was her opinion that too many Christians are hypocrites or too eager to intrude into the lives of other people. (EDITOR: The claims by Derek Draper to be a ‘practising Christian’ would seem to verify the point about possible allegations of hypocrisy)

Green Party? The problem with the Green Party is that it tries to be all things to all people. Against large corporations and in favour of "small is beautiful" economics, yet in favour of the corporatist megalithic European Union? How can this be? How can they square this circle? Quit e simply, they can’t. (http://thatsnews.blogspot.com/2009/04/open-challenge-to-green-party-members.html)

So how do people register their disapproval of the European Union? Logically it would seem that the only viable option is to vote for UKIP.

Committed members of other so-called mainstream political parties who are concerned about the continued membership of the European Union under the current or proposed regimen who are critical of UKIP need to understand that non-members of any political party do not hold their tribal loyalty to the Liberal Democrat Party, the Conservative Party or the Labour Party so do not have the: "my party, right or wrong" feelings that they have.

Many so-called floating voters float because they cast their vote according to a wide variety of varying factors: Important issues of the day, the policies promoted by the various parties, the local representative, etc., etc. They do not feel they must hold their nose and vote for someone they personally know to be utterly unsuitable as an MP or an MEP, merely on the grounds of party political tribal loyalty.

So, at least as far as the European Elections are concerned, many of floating voters will be swimming, rather than floating, toward UKIP.

Are our MPs at risk of hefty fines and costs?

New rules designed to simplify employment tribunals leave employers at risk of having to pay out huge sums, according to an industry expert. And they could hit MPs attempting to cut their expenses claims by shedding office and support staff.

While the new Code of Conduct is supposed to encourage early resolution of disputes in the workplace, there is a sting in the tail.

Phil Brown, Managing Director of Youmanage, explained: "Tribunals now have the power to increase payouts by up to 25 per cent if they find an employer has ‘unreasonably’ failed to follow the Code.

"In a sex or race discrimination case, where payouts are unlimited, an extra 25 per cent could prove to be very expensive indeed!

"The Code of Conduct sets out guidelines as to how disputes should be handled from the outset and it is vital that managers are familiar with it.

"Particularly in a recession, no business ever wants to incur totally avoidable costs like these, just because managers are unaware of the law."

The guidance came into force on April 6 and applies to cases which start on or after that date.

A simple method of ensuring front-line managers are up-to-date with current legislation and guidance is through the Youmanage online HR toolkit which guides them through every step of the employee’s time with a company, from initial interview through to managing someone out of the business.

At the click of a mouse managers can call up all an employee’s vital records, from basic information such as start date and salary, through to holidays, sickness, training, annual performance review, targets, absenteeism, and any disciplinary matters or time-keeping issues.

The package comes with up-to-date guidance on current employment law and health and safety regulations, which can also be tailored to incorporate advice on an individual company’s own policies and procedures.

Accessible from anywhere that a manager can reach the internet, it is highly flexible and ideally suited for companies with split site working, or where the manager is often travelling between offices.

Mr Brown said: "By spending a little money now, employers can avoid potentially huge costs later. Youmanage will help them to avoid the pitfalls which can lead to expensive employment tribunals.

"But that is just the start – the You manage online tools can give a company a competitive advantage by enabling managers to bring the best out of their staff and to focus them on key objectives.

"By equipping front-line managers with easy access to vital information, the online You manage system helps them both to motivate employees and to monitor their performance."

The new Code of Conduct, drawn up by ACAS, came into force on April 6 2009. Disputes which began before that date come under the previous ACAS guidance.

Constantly Furious: Summoning up the courage to chicken out?

Constantly Furious: Summoning up the courage to chicken out?

Could not have put it better myself!

Thursday Morning update

Heffer acts the fool. Mirror acts partisan, Derek Draper acts as if not much has happened and re-appears. Oh, God. Thursday is looking interesting and it is not yet 7.30am.

Derek Bloody Draper is back. Now he is a practising Christian. (Pass the sick bag, Martha.)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/may/27/hay-festival-derek-draper?commentpage=1

(EDITOR: The problem with Derek Draper....What is his problem? He seems to believe that he should be allowed to get away with whatever he wants to. And if he is caught, why, he offers a fulsome apology and then moves on to commit his next act of gross folly. Derek isn't a practising Christian. Or a practising psychotherapist, either. For no practising Christian or a practising psychotherapist would have thought targeting the mental health of the wife of an opposition politician was an excellent idea.)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5397146/MPs-expenses-No-holiday-for-MPs-until-crisis-is-resolved-says-Clegg.html

“MPs should be stopped from taking their summer holidays until the expenses crisis is resolved and the political system is reformed, according to Nick Clegg, leader of the Liberal Democrats”

(EDITOR: How very schoolteacherly! “Right, class! Until the person who wrote the rude words on the blackboard owns up, you'll ALL be in detention!”)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6371483.ece

“Julie Kirkbride: husband gave me bad advice on expenses”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5396790/MPs-expenses-Five-out-of-40-ministers-admit-paying-tax-on-accountants.html

“Just five of the 40 ministers who have been reimbursed for the cost of employing private accountants have explicitly confirmed paying tax on the amounts they received”

(EDITOR: Oddly enough the only important story in the Daily Mirror is Julie Kirkbride, not the troughing Labour Ministers...)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/28/john-butterfill-mps-expenses

John Butterfill claimed £17,000 MPs' expenses for servants' … er, staff quarters

(EDITOR: How curious. Workers being provided with accommodation and the Guardian complaining about this? Oh, of course. The little 'Filipino treasure' employed by the average Guardian Hampsteadista lives in the cupboard under the stairs, so would need no separate accommodation...)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5394947/MPs-expenses-Simon-Heffer-still-considering-opposing-Alan-Haselhurst.html

“MPs' expenses: Simon Heffer still considering opposing Alan Haselhurst: Mr Heffer said he had received dozens of messages of support from voters in Sir Alan’s Saffron Walden constituency in Essex urging him to stand”

(EDITOR: So all twelve readers of The Guardian in the constituency have sent in a sycophantic e-mail to Simon Heffer. Memo to Simon Heffer: In order to stop self looking even more stupid, grow a pair of testicles, be man enough to admit your mistake and move on.)

Doubtless there will be more, later.

Wednesday afternoon update

In this update we see that Jack "Justice" Smith wants to take away your right to acctually appear in court. Nice one, Jack... The unions are calling for Labour MPs to go and David Cameron gets tough with Julie.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/justice-secretary-jack-straw-backs-virtual-courts-for-uk-14315586.html

"Justice Secretary Jack Straw today defended plans for "virtual courts" which could see thousands of defendants losing their right to appear in court"

(EDITOR: Great idea, Jack. How very Civil Libertarian of you)

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23699830-details/Go+and+face+your+public,+Cameron+orders+Julie+Kirkbride/article.do

"LATEST: Go and face your public, Tory leader Cameron orders Julie Kirkbride"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/27/labour-party-funding-conservatives

"Donations to Labour party fall again"

(EDITOR: No! Really?)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1188651/ANDREW-ALEXANDER-Does-Cameron-guts-big-change.html

"Does Cameron have the guts for big change?"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/27/labour-expenses-deselection-panel

"At least 50 Labour MPs should stand down, says union leader: GMB general secretary Paul Kenny says Labour investigation into MPs accused of abusing the expenses system does not go far enough"

(EDITOR: That sounds interesting. Paymasters kicking off?)

http://www.teletext.co.uk/regionalnews/yorkshire/a9c83c9840e7fc1b1c8a449a0fa66f52/MP's+expense+claims+probed.aspx

"A panel set up by Labour chiefs is examining the expenses claims of Scunthorpe MP Elliot Morley"

More later in this evenings' update.

Wednesday's update:

It seems that the electorate and business are both turning against the Labour project. The silence of the majority of the Labour Party's beloved “Meejar generation” (aka the Hampstead dinner party set) is somewhat puzzling, one would have thought. But then again, perhaps not...)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/27/house-of-commons-electoral-reform3

“Reform without PR is a fantasy”

(EDITOR: A letter from a Guardian reader who believes that, as David Cameron does not agree with them, then David Cameron must be wrong.)

http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Tory-MP-will-pay-back.5304723.jp

“COMMONS deputy speaker Sir Alan Haselhurst last night said he would repay £12,000 in expenses "out of respect to my constituents"”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/dorset/8068225.stm

“Minister defends tax advice claim: Jim Knight, MP for Dorset South, is among at least five MPs who paid a total of £5,000 to the tax adviser husband of Labour MP Meg Munn”

(EDITOR: What a lovely, cosy little arrangement!)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6361919.ece

“MPs claimed for tax advice from husband of backbencher Meg Munn”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/labour/5377739/David-Blunketts-secret-Chequers-dinner-sparks-talk-of-Cabinet-return.html

“David Blunkett's secret Chequers dinner sparks talk of Cabinet return”

http://www.fundstrategy.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=187001&d=560&h=527&f=518

“S&P’s negative outlook on UK puts pressure on Brown”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5389463/MPs-expenses-Cameron-must-follow-bold-words-with-action.html

“MPs' expenses: Cameron must follow bold words with action”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/27/family-fortune-115875-21392215/

“Tory whose brother lived rent-free employs sister miles away from London”

(EDITOR: Apparently it is the considered opinion of The Daily Mirror that in order to answer a letter that someone must live next door to the person who wrote it...)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5388822/Thinking-of-standing-as-an-independent-over-MPs-expenses-Send-us-your-manifesto.html

“Thinking of standing as an independent over MPs' expenses? Send us your manifesto: Dozens of independent parliamentary candidates are set to stand at the next election, in response to public anger at the findings of the Telegraph's investigation into MPs' expenses.”

(EDITOR: “I had a very minor hit 25 years ago and am currently working on the checkout at the local Sainstescorose supermarket. In order to raise my moribund public profile, I am going to stand as am MP. Err. I mean, I am standing as an MP in order to challenge the sitting MP who once charged for postage of 3/6d in order to expose the system of...” cont. page 94)

http://www.politics.co.uk/news/elections/expenses-overshadow-manifesto-launch-$1298588.htm

“Expenses overshadow manifesto launch: Gordon Brown today launched the Labour Party's European manifesto – Winning the Fight for Britain's Future – amid controversy over MP's expenses”

(EDITOR: This story was published 14^th May. But Mr Brown seems to have gone into hiding, since then...)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/wales_politics/8063870.stm

“Parties' hope over expenses anger: For some smaller parties standing in the European elections in Wales the row over MPs expenses is a chance to get across their sceptical message on the EU”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/letters/article6367393.ece

“Darling’s tax return: The Chancellor of the Exchequer's troubles with tax”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5384435/MPs-expenses-Tax-clawback-angers-business.html

“MPs' expenses: tax clawback angers business: Small businesses have reacted angrily to the disclosure that MPs including the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, used taxpayer-funded expenses to hire accountants to complete their tax returns”

Overcast, humid, and that's only what it will feel like for parliament! We are midway through the week and there' rather a lot that can happen by the weekend. It remains to be seen what will happen before the day is over, let alone the week. Let's see what the next update later today will bring. Incidentally, where's Gordon?

It is getting worse for Jacqui Smith (EDIT... Even more worse!)

http://u.tv/News/MI5-face-fresh-torture-allegations-over-Jamil-Rahman/ae12a765-5870-47d0-8817-11adc4aa2139

“MI5 face fresh torture allegations over Jamil Rahman

Ex-civil servant to sue home secretary over alleged complicity in beatings

Tuesday, 26 May 2009

The home secretary Jacqui Smith faces legal action over allegations that MI5 agents colluded in the torture of a British former civil servant by Bangladeshi intelligence officers.

“Lawyers for the British man, Jamil Rahman, are to file a damages claim alleging that Smith was complicit in assault, unlawful arrest, false imprisonment and breaches of human rights legislation over his alleged ill-treatment while detained in Bangladesh”

And there's something equally worrying for Jacqui Smith at the Guido Fawkes Blog:

http://www.order-order.com/2009/05/jacqui-smith-fraud-hearing-scheduled-for-26-june-at-westminster-magistrates/

Fraud hearing? In court? Four weeks time? Whatever next?

Well, as Guido points out on his blog: “More follows…”

UPDATE...

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/07/shock-jock-in-uk-ban-i-ll-sue-smith-115875-21338345/

“Shock jock Michael Savage: I'll sue Jacqui Smith over UK ban”

(EDITOR: This is Britain, mate! Form an orderly queue behind all the other people who are suing Jacqui...)

Rorting councils skewered

Town hall staff and councillors spent more than £3m on overseas trips in just one year, research by More4 News reveals.

The globe-trotting included a £20,000 trip by Coventry City Council staff to a real estate show in Cannes, France; and a £14,000 visit by Edinburgh City Council officers to Tartan Week in New York.

The highest spending town hall was the Scottish island authority Orkney Islands Council; which paid out £318,898 in air fares in 2007/8. It's most expensive trip was a £1,795 visit to Easter Island, in the south east Pacific Ocean.

Other destinations visited by Orkney officials, whose island has a population of 19,900, included the USA, Denmark, Canada, Italy and Iceland.

A spokeswoman for Orkney Islands Council said the figure of £318,898 related to the total cost of all air travel, not just overseas trips.

She said the trip to the USA had been essential for the profile of the island's cruise industry - which is worth 3m Euros a year to the island - while the trip to Easter Island was related to the work of Orkney College's archaeology department.

She added: "Orkney Islands Council reviews all its spending, including that for overseas travel, on an ongoing basis to ensure it is cost effective and to the benefit of Orkney."

In total, £2,017,404 was spent by British local councils on foreign trips in 2007/8; with a further £1,003,650 on extra expenses such as hotel bills, taxis and food. More than 330 councils replied to the More 4 News survey.

Aside from the costs, the research also reveals that local councils visited a total of 73 different countries in 12 months.

From single visits to exotic locations such as Tanzania, Mozambique and Barbados; to 109 trips to Germany. France was the next popular destination for officials, with 104 visits in the year.

How many times were countries visited?

For a list of overall destinations, and how many times they were visited (in brackets), below.

1. ALBANIA
2. ANGOLA
3. AUSTRALIA (9)
4. AUSTRIA (13)
5. AUSTRIA
6. BANGLADESH
7. BARBADOS
8. BELARUS
9. BELGIUM (79)
10. BOSNIA
11. BRAZIL (3)
12. BULGARIA
13. CANADA (16)
14. CHINA (19)
15. CROATIA (3)
16. CYPRUS (6)
17. CZECH (10)
18. DENMARK (35)
19. EIRE (57)
20. ESTONIA (7)
21. ETHIOPIA
22. FINLAND (14)
23. FRANCE (104)
24. GAMBIA (3)
25. GERMANY (109)
26. GHANA (2)
27. GREECE (6)
28. HONG KONG (3)
29. HUNGARY (10)
30. ICELAND (4)
31. INDIA (5)
32. INDONESIA
33. ITALY (45)
34. JAMAICA (4)
35. JAPAN (4)
36. KOREA
37. LATVIA (3)
38. LITHUANIA (4)
39. LUXEMBOURG (2)
40. MALAWI (4)
41. MALAYSIA (3)
42. MALTA (3)
43. MEXICO
44. MONACO
45. MOROCCO
46. MOZAMBIQUE
47. NETHERLANDS (43)
48. NEW ZEALAND (3)
49. NIGERIA (2)
50. NORWAY (22)
51. PAKISTAN (3)
52. PALESTINE
53. POLAND (37)
54. PORTUGAL (10)
55. ROMANIA (6)
56. RUSSIA (9)
57. SERBIA (3)
58. SINGAPORE (2)
59. SLOVAKIA (4)
60. SLOVENIA (8)
61. SOUTH AFRICA (13)
62. SOUTH KOREA (2)
63. SPAIN (44)
64. SWEDEN (32)
65. SWITZERLAND (7)
66. TANZANIA
67. THAILAND (2)
68. TURKEY (5)
69. UAE (3)
70. UGANDA
71. UKRAINE (3)
72. USA (64)
73. ZAMBIA

Is your MP a rorter? Find out with the That’s News Afternoon Update

That naughty David Cameron! He WILL keep coming up with initiatives and new ideas, and policies and evil stuff like cross-party talks. What on eart can gordon Brown do? Nothing, it seems, because nothing is what he is doing. "Labour: The Genuine Do Nothing Party. Accept no imitations!" could well be his slogan…

Meanwhile, on with the afternoon updates for Tuesday 27th of May:-
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5387077/MPs-expenses-David-Cameron-pledges-to-give-disgusted-public-more-power.html
"David Cameron has promised to give Britain’s "powerless" people – who have been "disgusted" by the MPs' expenses scandal – more say in how they are governed"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/26/david-cameron-parliament-reform-jack-straw
"Cameron agrees to cross-party talks on constitutional reform"
(EDITOR: As the offer came from Jack "Man of" Straw, David Cameron would be advised to take this offer with a good supply of salt.)

http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Tory-leader-promises-radical-political.5301466.jp
"Tory leader promises radical political reform"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8068735.stm
"Is Cameron a revolutionary?"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/wales_politics/8068027.stm
"Conservative leader David Cameron has been facing questions from politics students in north Wales in the European election campaign"

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/26/gordon-brown-given-2-weeks-to-ease-sleaze-or-risk-leadership-challenge-115875-21389261/
"Gordon Brown given 2 weeks to ease sleaze or risk leadership challenge"

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hTXUWzD2RXmfrE6jeXMj60qWv1tA
"Blunkett denies rumours of comeback"

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/daniel_hannan/blog/2009/05/26/if_gordon_brown_wont_ask_for_a_dissolution_the_queen_should_summon_a_new_parliament
"If Gordon won’t ask for a dissolution, the Queen should summon a new parliament."
(EDITOR: Nice one from Dan Hannan)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1187508/RICHARD-LITTLEJOHN-If-caught-stealing-work-wed-arrested-So-Alistair-Darling.html
"If any of us were caught stealing at work we'd be arrested. So why not Alistair Darling?"

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=71801
"Counting the cost of the UK’s parliamentary expenses scandal"
(EDITOR: A South African take)

http://www.paherald.sk.ca/index.cfm?sid=254683&sc=12
"British scandal highlights need for transparency"
(EDITOR: The Kamloops Daily News, Canada, view)

http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/05-26--a-familiar--editorial
"A familiar scandal envelops Britain"
(EDITOR: How it looks from Washington. Washington, PA, that is…)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/26/mps-expenses-mps-quitting-parliament
"MPs' expenses: who is stepping down?"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/weekinreview/24burns.html?hp
"Beneath a British Scandal, Deeper Furies"

And finally for the moment
http://www.watoday.com.au/world/more-rorts-of-uk-mps-revealed-20090524-bjfr.html
"More rorts of UK MPs revealed"
(EDITOR: That’s the Australiam view. The Strine word 'Rort' means to rip off, or to scam, or cheat or steal or defraud
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rort)
Doubtless there will be more news of the rorters in later updates from That’s News

Update for Tuesday 26th May

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/may/25/mps-expenses-democracy

“I am sick of my country and this hysteria over MPs”

(EDITOR: Joan Smith (the partner of an MP) is allowed to publish some gushing nonsense about how terribly, terribly unfair it all is. As a Guardian reader commented: “Why did the Guardian print this?”)

http://uk.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKTRE54O4JJ20090525

“Cameron urges overhaul of government”

(EDITOR Reuters Report)

http://itn.co.uk/70709216ab80c8111539061de4dd71c8.html

“Tories promise radical reform of system”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5384031/MPs-expenses-and-you-thought-British-MPs-were-bad-.-.-..html

“MPs' expenses: and you thought British MPs were bad . . . The antics of our MPs are shocking, but some countries' representatives make the British look like amateurs, says Adrian Michaels”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/veteran-tory-couple-stand-down-after-expenses-row-1690621.html

“Veteran Tory couple stand down after expenses row”

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/05/25/MPs-resign-over-expense-claims/UPI-69311243279447/

“MPs resign over expense claims”

(EDITOR: How UPI reported the problem)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5380035/MPs-expenses-Special-tax-rules-for-MPs.html

“MPs' expenses: Special tax rules for MPs. While Cabinet ministers have been allowed to claim taxpayers’ money for the cost of accountancy advice, hardly anyone outside the Palace of Westminster is able to recoup the costs of minimising their tax bill”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6350646.ece

“Duck island MP says his birds never liked it”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/van-day--may-stand-as-mp-after-expense-row-1690569.html

“Van Day 'may stand as MP' after expense row”

(EDITOR: Was that the sound of someone leaping on to a passing bandwagon, I wonder?)

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/richard-askwith-peoples-peers-can-rescue-politics-1690423.html

“Richard Askwith: People's peers can rescue politics: There is a simple solution to the crisis of trust that is crippling the House of Commons: reform the House of Lords. Illogical? Not if the reform is daring enough. For example: let's replace the hereditary peers– and ideally the life peers as well – with ordinary members of the public, selected at random like jurors and compelled to serve for fixed but well-paid terms of, say, four years”

(EDITOR: So, let's see, Richard Askwith wants people to be subject to a compulsory call up and compelled to serve for four years. And how does Mr Askwith propose that people be guaranteed work in the chosen profession after they had completed their (for example) four year sentence? Not thought through, this idea, is it?)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/8066186.stm

“An Oxford MP who claimed more than £30,000 on his London home says his expenses were "in line with the spirit as well as the letter of the rules".

http://uk.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUKTRE54O2LH20090526

“Brown urged to call referendum”

(EDITOR: Reuters story)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/5383310/RAF-officers-face-blackmail-over-missing-vice-files.html

“RAF officers face 'blackmail over missing vice files' Hundreds of RAF staff have been wracked by "considerable worry" and exposed to the risk of blackmail following the theft of highly sensitive information on extra-marital affairs, use of prostitutes and drug-taking”

(EDITOR: More on another disgraceful story of poor security)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6361175.ece

“Alan Johnson’s proposals to reform voting system win Cabinet support”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/26/pm-warned-to-clean-up-the-sleaze-115875-21389348/

“PM warned to clean up the sleaze”

It is to be wondered what today will bring, let alone the rest of the week. At one time the missing RAF personnel record would have been the big 'government' story. But not under the present circumstances. That's just part of the running tap of sleaze, waste and horror facing Gordon Brown. No longer a drip, this is now a running torrent. Let's see what the rest of the day brings, shall we?

Make Poverty History. A spoof.

Tony Blair sings Should I Stay, or Should I Go?

Bank Holiday morning update: Gordon Brown's plea: "Get your tanks off my lawn!"

Because Mrs Thats News is working today, it is business as usual for Thats News. Including another stolen data story to embarrass the government

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/defence/5380330/Blackmail-fears-over-stolen-RAF-data-files.html

“Blackmail fears over stolen RAF data files. Sensitive data files stolen from an RAF base detailed the extra marital affairs, drug taking and use of prostitutes by senior officers, it has been disclosed.

The unencrypted data was stored on three computer hard drives that went missing from RAF Innsworth, Gloucestershire, last September. Up to 500 senior staff have been warned by the MoD about the possible consequences to them and their families, amid concerns they could be targets for blackmail”

(EDITOR: Plus the 50.000 sets of RAF personnel records that went missing, complete with bank details, etc...)

Now back to Scamalot...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5381509/MPs-expenses-Why-I-want-to-open-up-Tory-candidate-selection.html

“MPs' expenses: Why I want to open up Tory candidate selection”

(EDITOR: Where's Gordon? Anyone seen Gordon?)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5379913/MPs-expenses-The-inside-story-of-an-exhaustive-expose.html

“MPs' expenses: The inside story of an exhaustive exposé. As the Telegraph’s investigation passes halfway, we reveal the work going on behind the scenes”

(EDITOR Boasts the Daily Telegraph. Sorry! No, I mean 'reports' the Daily Telegraph! After all, why shouldn't they boost what is potentially one of the biggest stories in the paper's history in recent years?)

http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/news/display.var.2510157.0.Westminsters_redacting_system_means_crucial_details_will_remain_secret.php

“But what the returns also show is that the problem with the Westminster system of "redacting" information is so thorough it would be impossible to check”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/letters/5379509/MPs-in-a-renewed-Parliament-must-have-experience-of-the-real-world.html

“MPs in a renewed Parliament must have experience of the real world”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5375258/MPs-expenses-The-saints-Part-iii.html

“MPs' expenses: The saints (Part iii)”

http://financialadvice.co.uk/news/11/tax/10727/Why-do-MPs-receive-tax-free-expenses.html

“Why do MPs receive tax-free expenses?”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5380748/MPs-expenses-Alan-Johnson-and-Ed-Miliband-heap-more-pressure-on-Gordon-Brown.html

“MP's expenses: Alan Johnson and Ed Miliband heap more pressure on Gordon Brown”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8066663.stm

“Gordon Brown should hold a national referendum on electoral reform, the Health Secretary Alan Johnson has said”

(EDITOR: Tanks on your lawn, Mr Brown. And I do not think they are there to guard your rosebeds...)

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/3f6b23d0-4898-11de-8870-00144feabdc0.html

“Cameron steps nimbly on to Brown’s toes”

(EDITOR: It is possible Mr Brown was distracted by the tanks that have suddenly rumbled on to his lawn...)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/may/25/sun-newspaper-politics

“Has the Sun lost its clout?”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/columnists/kavanagh/2446402/Trevor-Kavanagh-Dont-dither-Brown-just-name-the-day.html

“Don't dither Brown ...just name the day”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/24/mps-expenses-commons-reform

“MPs' expenses: artists and activists join in call for electoral reform”

(EDITOR: Oh, God! That's all Gordon needs! Painted tanks on his lawn!)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5380073/MPs-expenses-How-ministers-saved-tax-at-taxpayers-expense.html

“MPs' expenses: How ministers saved tax at taxpayers' expense”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/25/tory-julie-kirkbride-facing-teh-axe-after-hanging-up-on-expenses-phone-in-115875-21387046/

“Tory Julie Kirkbride facing the axe after hanging up on expenses phone-in”

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/leading-articles/leading-article-the-honourable-exceptions-1690012.html

“Leading article: The honourable exceptions”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/24/mps-expenses-second-homes-allowance

“MPs' expenses: second homes, sofas and a pair of glasses for the wife”

(EDITOR: This could be a case of an employer buying glasses for an employee, as he would have been legally obliged to under health and safety at work legislation regarding use of computers and computer monitors. So The Grauniad (usually defenders of the rights of employees) might have got this one wrong)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5379962/MPs-expenses-Jacqui-Smith-put-husbands-iPhone-on-expenses.html

“MPs' expenses: Jacqui Smith put husband’s iPhone on expenses”

(EDITOR: This is hardly a surprise. After all, he clearly needs a web browsing phone to enable him to write letters to the press, etc. Incidentally I think the Telegraph is in danger of starting to look a little stupid, now. They'll be reporting claims for cartridges and printer paper, next!)

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/25/expenses-scandal-325-mps-may-go-in-largest-poll-shake-up-since-1945-115875-21387044/

“Expenses scandal: '325 MPs may go in largest poll shake-up since 1945'”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5379782/MPs-expenses-MPs-who-refused-to-take-advantage-of-second-home-allowances.html

“MPs' expenses: MPs who refused to take advantage of second home allowances”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1187145/MPs-Expenses-Cabinet-ministers-spend-2-5m-running-constituency-offices.html

“MPs' Expenses: Cabinet ministers spend £2.5m running constituency offices”

(EDITOR: Like many Daily Mail stories this is not as exciting as it sounds. After all, it is cabinet ministers, plural...)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5380079/MPs-expenses-Public-paid-for-Cabinet-ministers-to-have-media-makeovers.html

“Three Cabinet ministers claimed the cost of hiring a “media trainer” on their office expenses”

(EDITOR: Don't they have any PR experts employed by the government who could have provided this type of training as part of their salaried position? But it seems she is a safe pair of hands, known for praising up Labour and being less-than-friendly to the Conservatives...)

Well, that's it for the moment. Perhaps Mr Brown is hoping for a quiet Bank Holiday Monday. So long as the tanks on his lawn don't start to rev their engines, who knows? Perhaps he will get his wish. But, as they say, tomorrow is another day. And Monday isn't over, yet...)

Sunday Evening update

Gordon still does nothing. Allows Cameron to show Labour up as the “do nothing” party...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1187094/Cameron-rip-candidates-rule-book-offers-seats-clean-Tories-following-expenses-row.html

“Cameron to rip up candidates rule book as he offers seats for anyone to clean up Tories following expenses row”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/may/24/youth-unemployment-uk-benefits-jobmarket

“Young, jobless a stain on Labour”

(EDITOR: There's Gordon and his “do nothing” party again...

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/24/former-labour-party-chairman-ian-mccartney-to-quit-115875-21384254/

“Former Labour Party chairman Ian McCartney said yesterday he will quit at the General Election due to poor health”

(EDITOR. Oh. OK, then.)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5375368/MPs-expenses-Labour-backbencher-too-busy-to-shop-around.html

“An MP who used his expenses to claim almost £2,000 for a double bed and more than £1,000 for a television said he did not have time to shop around for good deals”

(EDITOR: Balls! You should have asked Ed Balls for help...)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1186818/Labour-MP-spent-2-575-staying-riot-gold-marble-silk-hotel-girlfriend.html

“Labour MP spent £2,575 staying in 'riot of gold, marble and silk' hotel with girlfriend”

(EDITOR: As you do...)

Well, that's it for the moment. There could be more updates, later.

Capitalists@Work: Brownadder's Bunker

Capitalists@Work: Brownadder's Bunker

Guy Fawkes and his protest 2009 style

Book Worms Short Story Competition

The Book Worms website (a sister site to That's News) has decided to launch a Book Worms short Story Competition. Here's how to enter:-

All Short stories must be up to 800 in length.

All entries must be the work of the author. By entering the story the person submitting the story states that the work they are submitting is entirely their own work.

There is no set theme or subject for the competition. Entries must be in English or Welsh/Cymraeg. Offensive language is not permitted in either language(!).

Entries must be emailed to afj_uk@yahoo.com with the subjectline Short Story Competition Entry. The entry fee is £2.00 (or $3.00US) payable via Paypal. All entries must be within the body of the email. Attachments are not acceptable. (Payments are to be made via the donate button on the Bookworms website)

Entries must be submitted by October 1^st 2009.

The decision by the editor/s is final. Correspondence will not be entered in to.

Prizes consist of First, Second and Third. 50% of the revenue of the competition will be set aside for distribution as prize money and publication of the story on Bookworms.

Any suitable submission may be published at the discretion of Bookworms and the editor/s as part of the first three prizes or if the entry is considered to be of suitable merit. No further payment would be made under those circumstances. But the author would still retain copyright of the work subsequent to the publication in Book Worms online magazine/website.

To see the original posting of this story at Book Worms, please use the following link:-

http://thatsbooks.blogspot.com/2009/05/book-worms-short-story-competition.html

Sunday morning update 24th May

Here we are, Sunday morning and some people still don't 'get it', do they? (Yes, I am thinking of Julie Kirbride and of Gordon “Do Nothing” Brown. More on Brown later in this article)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8065511.stm

“Expenses row MP faces more claims”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5375135/MPs-expenses-Cash-secrets-of-the-politicians-who-keep-it-in-the-family.html

“MPs' expenses: Cash secrets of the politicians who keep it in the family”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1186940/Mole-blew-whistle-MP-expenses-swashbuckler-7million-trail-debt.html

“Mole who blew whistle on MP expenses is a 'swashbuckler' with a £7million trail of debt”

(EDITOR: A glass of a tart little Daily Mail w(h)ine, made with the bitterest of sour grapes, anyone?)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1186981/ANN-WIDDECOMBE-I-hardly-believe-number-thieves-liars-tax-fiddlers-post-We-clear-mess.html

“I can hardly believe the number of thieves, liars and tax fiddlers still in post. We must clear up this mess”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1186960/Forced-The-Commons-official-kept-MPs-check.html

“Forced out: The Commons official who kept MPs in check”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/may/24/editorial-mps-democratic-reform

“A new democracy must emerge from this mire”

http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/uk/Expenses-39Parliament-will-be-a.5297662.jp

“Expenses: 'Parliament will be a better place, society will be a better place'”

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/05/23/Brit-Parliament-roils-in-expenses-scandal/UPI-11841243128972/

“Brit Parliament roils in expenses scandal”

(EDITOR: How UPI see the story)

http://aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=3&id=16824

“Trouble in the Mother of Parliaments”

(EDITOR the view from Asharq Al-Awsat)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/weekinreview/24burns.html?ref=global-home

“Beneath a Scandal in British Parliament, Deeper Furies”

(EDITOR Further coverage from the New York Times)

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/5/24/focus/3958279&sec=focus

“Baying for blood”

(EDITOR: From the Star, Malaya)

http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=United+Kingdom+%26+Europe&month=May2009&file=World_News2009052413726.xml

“Former government minister stepping down as lawmaker”

(EDITOR: The Peninsula's view)

And still this is the gift -to newspapers, broadcasters and bloggers- that keeps on giving:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5h2dVcha2CGF1cRm0ObC2ycv9Vj9w

“The MPs' expenses row took a new twist as it was disclosed that some were using the system to claim on both of their homes out of their taxpayer-funded allowances”

(EDITOR: Yes, every time you think there can be no more, some enterprising journalist or blogger comes up with a new twist on this sorry saga of betrayal, dodgy accounting and theft)

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/24/david-cameron-fires-aide-andrew-mackay-over-expenses-scandal-115875-21384259/

“David Cameron fires aide Andrew Mackay over expenses scandal”

(EDITOR: And how many has Gordon Brown fired? The answer is close to bugger-all...)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hUrRG7AC8B2eHk1x8WKYGsX16TzQ

“LONDON (AFP) — Some MPs who employed family members have been able to claim extra expenses, according to fresh reports, amid claims that half of MPs could be wiped out at the next election”

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090524/cleisure/cleisure5.html

“Thirty seconds! That's all it took for the Speaker of the British House of Commons, Michael Martin, to announce his resignation. It is said that there are two things that are certain in life: taxation and death. But in fact, there is a third: political scandals”

(EDITOR: That's the view of the Jamaica Gleaner on this whole sordid situation)

http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/05/430911.html

“Government of the Dead (MPs expenses fraud), Parliament – pictures”

(EDITOR: The Indymedia view of it all)

http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/news/322191/Lib-Dem-Lembit-Opik-rented-out-his-taxpayer-funded-home-plus-more-MPs-expense-claims-including-Peter-Atkinsons-garden-shed-and-Roger-Berrys-pound169-toaster.html

“LIB DEM Lembit Opik rented out his taxpayer-funded home-despite Parliamentary rules which "strongly advise" MPs NOT to sub-let their second homes”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6350604.ece

“325 MPs to be swept away at next election”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/cameron-opens-tory-candidate-list-1690216.html

“Cameron opens Tory candidate list”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5375138/MPs-expenses-Derek-Conway-claimed-for-office-270-miles-from-constituency.html

“MPs' expenses: Derek Conway claimed for office 270 miles from constituency”

Incidentally, when will Brown go? “Brown will not quit!” Opined the Brown Boosters, stridently. But weren't the same people claiming that Speaker Michael Martin would not go? And that he would then gift his seat to his son, rather like some potentate? Well, that all very suddenly changed, didn't it? Rumour has it that Brown got someone to tell Martin to resign.

So, who will tell Brown he has to resign? And when will Brown resign? Just before the Euro-Elections? Unlikely. Unless something big is revealed that makes his position utterly impossible.

Just after the Euro-Elections? That is possible, depending on the results.

Or will Gordon Brown continue to limp on, leading this lamest of lame duck governments, hurling bigger and heavier office equipment, until there is nothing left for him to throw about in his bunker? Will he take it right up to the last possible moment, until some even openly speculate that he might try to take it beyond that point? Some are of the opinion that Gordon Brown could yet become a very dangerous man, if he is allowed to by his colleagues. Only time will tell.

Saturday Morning Update

Sorry about the delay in publishing this story this is due to a problem with broadband and the fact that Open Office has issues with being used for anything important.

On with the show. We now know who acted as a conduit in the leaking of the expenses information and why they claim they did it...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8064868.stm

Ex-SAS officer John Wick says: “I leaked the expenses information”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1186829/Disgraced-Tory-MP-faces-jeers-furious-constituents-demand-pays-expenses.html

“Disgraced Tory MP faces jeers from furious constituents as they demand he pays back expenses”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/23/tory-mp-andrew-mackay-will-stand-for-re-selection-despite-claiming-for-second-home-115875-21382015/

“Tory MP Andrew MacKay told a meeting last night he would stand for re-selection”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/lsquoi-have-no-wish-to-be-represented-by-a-thiefrsquo-1689834.html

“I have no wish to be represented by a thief”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5371119/MPs-expenses-Members-who-try-to-cut-their-costs.html

“MPs' expenses: Members who try to cut their costs. As Members of Parliament go back to their constituencies for the Whitsun break, some will be able to do so knowing they have tried to keep the cost of their second home claims to a minimum”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5371067/MPs-expenses-analysis-a-tough-time-for-tough-leadership-decisions.html

“MPs' expenses analysis: a tough time for tough leadership decisions”

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jnl6or1o_HMRoAC77YwX9yr9Hu8w

“Expenses anger 'helps independents'”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/22/ukip-green-small-political-parties-poll

“MPs' expenses: voters turn away from mainstream parties”

It seems likely that more revelations will come out with the Sunday papers. We wqill just have to wait and see.

But this show, “Scamalot, will run and run.”

Armed robber convicted of shooting at train station

An armed robber who shot a 26-year-old man in the chest during a raid on a security van in Essex has been found guilty of wounding with intent, following an investigation by British Transport Police.

Brian Wall, 62, was found guilty after a three-month trial at Chelmsford Crown Court in which a jury heard how IT technician Adam Mapleson was shot after he came to the aid of a female security guard during a robbery at Rayleigh railway station on 25 May 2007.

Wall was also found guilty of conspiracy to rob between September 2006 and April 2008 and conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to commit robberies at Beckton, Witham, Rayleigh, Pitsea, Basildon, Chadwell St Mary and Vange.

Wall, of Dagenham, was also charged with another robbery and possessing a firearm in relation to a raid on a cash in transit van in February 2000 in Beckton, London. He was found not guilty of the offence.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Michael Field, welcomed the verdict. "Brian Wall is a career criminal who was prepared to go to frightening ends to ensure that his demands were met.

"During the raid at Rayleigh station this resulted in a brave young man almost losing his life.”

The Rayleigh heist happened just after 7am when the security guard, who was delivering £20,000 cash to a cash-point, had a gun thrust into her stomach.

Adam Mapleson, a local resident who was on his way to work at the time, stepped in to help her.

As a result of his intervention he was shot by Wall and suffered huge blood loss. Detectives working on the case have praised him for his heroism.

“Adam Mapleson is a hero in the truest sense of the word,” said Det Supt Field.

“He saw a robbery taking place and intervened to try to stop it. For doing so he was turned upon by a cynical and violent individual and shot in cold blood.”

In a statement released through British Transport Police, Adam Mapleson said: "Although I am pleased with the outcome, nothing can alter everything that my family and I have been through during the past two years.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the British Transport Police for their support during this ordeal."

Wall's DNA recovered from a discarded baseball cap was found yards away from the burnt out car used in the Rayleigh robbery.

BTP fingerprint experts uncovered prints linking Wall to the purchase of the Rayleigh getaway vehicle - obtained from a car dealer’s purchase and receipt book.

He was also positively identified by the female security guard who was threatened during the Rayleigh raid.

The jury were unable to reach verdicts on Wall's co-defendants, Lenny Smith and Terry Smith.

Both were in court following charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to commit robberies between September 2006 and April 2008.

A retrial is scheduled to take place early in the new year.

Friday night in the shirkhouse. Or posting with a baby African Grey on my shoulder

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1186715/Stop-systematic-humiliation-MPs-warns-Archbishop-Canterbury.html

“The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned that the ‘systematic humiliation’ of MPs is threatening democracy”

(EDITOR: Well, Bish, what about the 'systematic humiliation' of the electorate by stealing from us? Or doesn't that show up on your moral radar?)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8063000/8063002.stm

“Commons life 'like a slasher movie'”

(EDITOR The only slashing being done is by the MPs who pissed in the faces of their electorate)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gdL5CbDc3UAAPtOY_msQdWQusrpQ

“Telegraph in spotlight” says AFP

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5365819/MPs-expenses-Why-should-MPs-retain-risk-free-pensions-while-the-rest-of-us-face-an-uncertain-future.html

“MPs' expenses: Why should MPs retain risk-free pensions while the rest of us face an uncertain future?”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5362697/MPs-expenses-Gordon-Brown-is-pursuing-political-vendetta-against-Hazel-Blears.html

“Gordon Brown is pursuing a political vendetta against Hazel Blears rather than being concerned about her expenses, friends of the Communities Secretary have claimed”

(EDITOR: What's that? Gordon being vindictive? You'll be telling us next that he is surly and throws stuff around a lot...)

But meanwhile!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/22/gordon-brown-hazel-blears-expenses

“MPs' expenses: PM seeks to mend relations with Hazel Blears Gordon Brown has privately told Hazel Blears, the communities secretary, that he went too far earlier this week when he described her conduct in relation to the sale of a second home as "completely unacceptable", it emerged today”

(EDITOR: Great. That's just what we need in a crisis! A prime minister who become hysterical with rage and can't be relied upon not to say the first stupid thing that comes into his cavernous head...)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5369056/MPs-expenses-Gordon-Brown-under-pressure-for-early-election.html

“Gordon Brown is coming under mounting pressure from the public for an early general election where voters could pass judgement on MPs over their expenses”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/berkshire/8063501.stm

Conservative MP Andrew MacKay who quit as an aide to David Cameron over an "unacceptable" “expenses claim is set for a grilling from constituents”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/mediatechnologyandtelecoms/media/5363873/BBC-to-publish-its-top-level-executive-expenses-to-boost-accountability.html

“BBC to publish its top level executive expenses 'to boost accountability'”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5364720/MPs-expenses-Frank-Field-the-maverick-but-modest-MP.html

“Frank Field, the maverick Labour MP who has been installed as an early front-runner to become the next Speaker, is one of the few members to emerge unscathed from the expenses row”

And that's it for this evening. Try Iain's show Www.iaindale.blogspot.com and follow the link.

Friday Afternoon update. With corpse warning

Well, yes, it is getting interesting, isn’t it? Nadine has been told to shut it, for one thing:-

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6343601.ece

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/22/mps-expenses-conservatives

"David Cameron today rebuked the Tory backbencher Nadine Dorries after she accused the Telegraph of coming close to a "McCarthyite witch-hunt" with its disclosures of MPs' expenses claims"

http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/politics/devastated-mps-on-suicide-watch--$1297656.htm

"MPs are making regular checks on their colleagues amid fears they could commit suicide over public anger at their expenses claims, a backbencher has claimed"

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/mps-expenses-rebuilding-politic/5367934/MPs-expenses-Cleanse-the-House-with-a-general-election.html

"Telegraph View: What is needed above all is for the House to be cleansed of those who no longer merit a place in it"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_a6jTmdGaE&feature=player_embedded

ITN video link

Doubtless there will be more later. I have a feeling this could be a long, long weekend. Corpse-strewn, if Nadine is right…

Friday Morning Update for 22 May

We are, no doubt, living in extraordinary times. And we must doff our hats to Gordon Brown. After all, he has done what Napoleon and Hitler were never able to do. Gordon Brown has been able to destroy 300 years of tradition and parliamentary democracy. Yet with Gordon Brown there must remain the hint of a suspicion that he didn't really mean it to happen, that it was all just an unfortunate by-product of his overwhelming desire to remain in power at whatever the cost.

And now, on with the update!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8062786.stm

“Voters can demand I go, says MP”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5364417/MPs-expenses-Ian-Gibsons-flat-for-daughter-and-boyfriend-courtesy-of-the-taxpayer.htm

“MPs' expenses: Ian Gibson's flat for daughter and boyfriend, courtesy of the taxpayer”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/phantom-mortgage-mp-to-leave-commons-at-election-1689217.htm

“Phantom mortgage MP to leave Commons at election”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/5363695/Joanna-Lumley-is-coming-the-Gurkhas-traditional-battle-cry.html

“For centuries the Gurkha battle cry "Ayo Joanna Lumley", meaning "Joanna Lumley is coming", has struck terror into this country's foes, and yesterday it was Gordon Brown's turn to fling himself at her feet and plead for his political life.”

(EDITOR: Ah. The laboured and unfunny Daily Telegraph 'joke'. A centuries-old tradition in its own right... an interesting article, however)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1184560/Far-reaching-expense-reforms-reputation-Parliament-reproach-says-Harman.html

“Far-reaching expense reforms will put reputation of Parliament 'beyond reproach', says Harman”

(EDITOR: Ms Harman is thought to be setting up a new company called: “Platitudes R Us...)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2009/may/21/mps-parliament-recess-blogging

“Ministers were criticised last night for not giving the House of Commons enough to do as MPs left Westminster for the start of a 10-day recess”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5362296/MPs-expenses-how-would-you-reform-the-system.html

“MPs' expenses: how would you reform the system? Send in your top three suggestions on how to overhaul British politics, and Telegraph.co.uk will showcase the best.”

That's it for the moment. Doubtless there will be more, later today.

Only 2% of people trust politicians

According to a new survey by global research specialists Hall & Partners, just over 2% of people believe that politicians are the most ‘trusted professionals’, lagging behind estate agents (6%), used-car salespeople (5%) and bankers (21%). Lawyers come out top (55%) followed by builders (21%). The latest findings are from ukNOW, Hall & Partners’ nationally representative survey of 2000 people, hot on the heels of the explosive ‘expenses-gate’ scandal.

The survey also reveals more people trust US President Barack Obama (24%) to run the country than Prime Minister Gordon Brown (6%), Conservative leader David Cameron (14%) or Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg (3%).

Celebrity culture is far from dead with over half the people polled saying that a celebrity would do as good a job as a politician in running the country; Sir Alan Sugar is the clear frontrunner (25%) followed by actress Joanna Lumley (17%). Esther Rantzen, the TV presenter proposing to stand as an independent ‘anti-sleaze’ candidate - polled 6% of the vote.

In light of these findings, Hall & Partners European CEO, Deborah Mills, said: “The results suggest that a dark shadow continues to loom over Westminster. Thanks to ukNOW, Hall & Partners can give a valuable insight and illuminating snapshot of what people think of the popular culture and political issues of the day.”

How the Americans saw 'Scamalot'

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Scamalot
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

Thursday Afternoon update. Or: "Look, mum, no talents!

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6333308.ece

"Beckett set for comeback as Brown plans purge of tainted ministers"

(EDITOR: Great! The criteria is now not if you are any good, but if you are not tainted with the suspicion of corruption!)

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23696574-details/Blears+left+in+the+cold+as+Prime+Minister+defends+Hoon+and+Purnell+on+tax/article.do

"Blears left in the cold as Prime Minister defends Hoon and Purnell on tax"

(EDITOR: Either untainted, or you happen to be a special friend of the prime minister)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5358109/MPs-expenses-James-Purnell-and-Geoff-Hoon-avoided-tax-on-home-sales.html

"MPs' expenses: James Purnell and Geoff Hoon avoided tax on home sales"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2009/may/21/blears-purnell-hoon-expenses

"What's the difference between Hazel Blears and James Purnell?"

(EDITOR: Oh, one's a girl and the other isn't?)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hvjdoMgBUgKW3TMUUMlPd0SY4-WA

"Brown defends MPs over expenses" (The PA view)

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23696339-details/Three+ministers+face+the+sack+in+reshuffle/article.do

"Three ministers face the sack in reshuffle"

http://www.moneymarketing.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=186907&d=340&h=341&f=342

"Question marks over Purnell's future after CGT allegations"

http://www.tamesideadvertiser.co.uk/news/s/1116628_mp_denies_wrongdoing_on_expenses_

"MP denies wrongdoing on expenses"

(EDITOR: No, S**t, Mr Purnell?!)

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/gerald_warner/blog/2009/05/20/the_lords_power_ended_in_1911_the_commons_ends_in_2009

("The Lords' power ended in 1911, the Commons;' ends in 2009)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/18/ben-chapman-refuses-expenses-repay

"Ben Chapman refuses to 'repay a penny' of £15,000 claim on paid-off mortgage: Labour MP 'extremely distressed' over investigation into agreed 2002-2003 arrangement that may not be unique to him"

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6329495.ece

"An earl has high hopes of becoming a UKIP MEP after Commons scandal"

Captain Gordon Brown of the SS (Socialist Ship) Crytanic is dealing with the iceberg situation in two, unique, ways. Putting half of his offcers into a Deck Chair Re-Arrangement Committee. And throwing the other half overboard. Interesting to see who, if any, complain of splinters from the deckchairs, or attempt to take Captain Brown over the side of the SS Crytanic with them.

Thursday Morning Update

Here we are, with the Thursday Morning update for Thursday 21 May

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8060518.stm

“Michael Martin has "categorically" declared he will give up his seat as an MP on the same day he resigns as Speaker of the House of Commons”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/peter_riddell/article6330046.ece

“After the MPs’ expenses turmoil: seven ways to bring about change”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5355262/MPs-expenses-Leaders-pay-tribute-to-Speaker-Michael-Martin.html

“Speaker Michael Martin retires: Leaders pay tribute at PMQs”

(EDITOR: Is it possible that Speaker Martin was a 'terribly nice fellow', until someone questioned him? And then let rip, as he felt he was inadequate for the role? If so, he'd have been right...)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/gordon-brown/5356791/Gordon-Brown-pledges-to-honour-our-commitments-to-Gurkhas.html

“Gordon Brown pledges to 'honour our commitments' to Gurkhas”

(EDITOR: Only because Joanna Lumley blind sided you, Mr Brown)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/21/michael-martin-resignation-speech

“The Speaker's farewell - and other very short speeches”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/20/commons-speaker-michael-martin-john-bercow

“John Bercow says he is ready for the Speaker's role”

(EDITOR: Oh, good...)

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2509458.0.Paul_Martin_rules_himself_out_of_race_to_replace_his_Speaker_father_as_an_MP.php

“Paul Martin, the Glasgow Springburn MSP, has ruled himself out of replacing his father, Michael, as MP for Glasgow North East”

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/philip_johnston/blog/2009/05/20/kate_hoey_for_speaker

“Kate Hoey for Speaker?”

Well, that is it for this update. I am certain that more will follow. Let's watch as the great, the good, the venal and the vacuous jockey for position in the Race to be Speaker.

New role for Draper?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1184656/Now-MPs-psychiatrist-deal-stress-expenses-furore.html

“Now MPs call in a psychiatrist to deal with the 'stress' of the expenses furore”

(EDITOR: Surely they would not call in Derek Draper for this role? Well, they wouldn't, would they?)

94% of people think 'fiddling' MPs should face criminal proceedings

According to a new survey by global research specialists Hall & Partners, 94%* of people believe that MPs caught in ‘expenses-gate’ – the abuse of expenses scandal - should face criminal proceedings. The survey, released today, also reveals that 40% of people think a General Election should take place in the next three months.

Findings from the nationally representative survey by Hall & Partners of 2000 people also shows that faith in politicians is low; 24% of people believe Alan Sugar would do the 'best job of running the country', followed by US President Barack Obama (23%) and actress Joanna Lumley (17%). Esther Rantzen – the TV presenter proposing to stand as an independent ‘anti-sleaze’ candidate - polled 6% of the vote. Meanwhile Conservative party leader David Cameron received 16% of the vote and beleaguered Prime Minister Gordon Brown just 7%.

In light of these findings, Hall & Partners European CEO, Deborah Mills, said: “The results suggest that a dark shadow is looming over Westminster. Thanks to ukNOW, Hall & Partners can give a valuable insight and illuminating snapshot of what people think of the popular culture and political issues of the day.”

Hall & Partners new polling tool UKNow keeps its finger on the pulse of the social and cultural context we live in, right now.

94% of people think 'fiddling' MPsvshould face criminal proceedings

According to a new survey by global research specialists Hall & Partners, 94%* of people believe that MPs caught in ‘expenses-gate’ – the abuse of expenses scandal - should face criminal proceedings. The survey, released today, also reveals that 40% of people think a General Election should take place in the next three months.

Findings from the nationally representative survey by Hall & Partners of 2000 people also shows that faith in politicians is low; 24% of people believe Alan Sugar would do the 'best job of running the country', followed by US President Barack Obama (23%) and actress Joanna Lumley (17%). Esther Rantzen – the TV presenter proposing to stand as an independent ‘anti-sleaze’ candidate - polled 6% of the vote. Meanwhile Conservative party leader David Cameron received 16% of the vote and beleaguered Prime Minister Gordon Brown just 7%.

In light of these findings, Hall & Partners European CEO, Deborah Mills, said: “The results suggest that a dark shadow is looming over Westminster. Thanks to ukNOW, Hall & Partners can give a valuable insight and illuminating snapshot of what people think of the popular culture and political issues of the day.”

Hall & Partners new polling tool UKNow keeps its finger on the pulse of the social and cultural context we live in, right now.

Is the election to be this summer?

Tory Bear and Guido have mentioned that Nick Brown has apparently let the cat out of the bag and that the election will be very, very soon. Only weeks after the new speaker is selected!

 

http://www.torybear.com/2009/05/woops.html

http://www.order-order.com/2009/05/has-nick-brown-just-twittered-the-election-date/

 

As Nick Brown's twitter account has been deleted this could mean one of several things:-

 

1) It was a hoax.

2) It was a genuine -but foolish- twitter from a real twit.

3) It was genuine, but an attempt to bounce Gordon Brown in to hold an election sooner, rather than later.

 

Well, more later, I am thinking...

 

Morning update Wednesday

Here we are, Wednesday 20 May, and the ongoing car crash that is our government continues. Various minor bangs lead to Drapergate and then on to expensesgate. However, Drapergate is still not over. Iain Dale has continued (www.iaindale.com) -and with good reason- to investigate claims that there was a deliberate plot to target him and others, including Paul Staines (www.order-order.com) with various false allegations such as racism. To those who claimed that Iain was wrong and that no such plot existed, you have been proven to be wrong. So do the decent thing and apologise to Iain and Paul. Because as sure as eggs are eggs, Iain has only scratched the surface of this case so far. There will, I feel, be more interesting developments over the next several months.

Meanwhile...

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/20/order-andout-115875-21373462/

“Brown tells the Speaker to resign”

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/20/speaker-forced-to-quit-over-handling-of-mps-expenses-scandal-91466-23666771/

“Speaker forced to quit over handling of MPs’ expenses scandal”

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/20/chance-for-new-speaker-to-make-a-fresh-start-91466-23666726/

“Chance for new Speaker to make a fresh start”

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/20/end-of-the-gentlemen-s-club-says-brown-as-speaker-quits-91466-23666709/

“End of the Gentlemen’s Club, says Brown as Speaker quits”

(EDITOR: Brown heads back into his comfort zone. Soon we will hear about “Tory toffs” and “effete Liberal Democrats.”)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8058736.stm

“MPs to debate changes to expenses”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8058751.stm

“Papers review Speaker's resignation”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/20/paul-routledge-115875-21373401/

“I fear who'll step in when this lot vanish It will not end here. The blood lust gripping public life will claim many more victims after the downfall of Speaker Martin. Chief among them will be sitting MPs and possibly Gordon Brown. Four hundred years of tradition and history was destroyed in a single afternoon yesterday, without a thought as to what might come.”

(EDITOR: Don't tell us, Paul Routledge. Tell Kevin Maguire. He seems to know a good deal about some of wht happened re Drapergate...)

And that's it for this update. Doubtless there will be more sleaze and corruption to report on later.

Incidentally, when does the PLP oust Brown? If they dare...

How the rest of the world sees the Michael Martin situation

http://newsbreak.com.au/topic/Michael-Martin

The Melbourne Age/Newsbreak

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/world/europe/20britain.html?ref=world

NewYork Times

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124274126953034647.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Wall Street Journal

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/notion/437018?rel=hp_picks

The Nation

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10573402

New Zealand Herald

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/05/20/2575419.htm

ABC Australia

Gordon Brown, you broke parliament. For God's sake do not try to repair it yourself.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5352005/MPs-expenses-even-as-a-scapegoat-Michael-Martin-is-a-failure.html

“Even as a scapegoat Michael Martin is a failure”

(EDITOR: Anthony King makes a good point)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/5352181/MPs-expenses-Speaker-announces-tough-new-rules.html

“MPs' expenses: Speaker announces tough new rules”

(EDITOR: Nothing he could not have done four or five years ago)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5351956/Speaker-Michael-Martins-downfall-Only-the-start-of-a-very-British-revolution.html

“Speaker Michael Martin's downfall: Only the start of a very British revolution”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/19/michael-martin-glasgow

“In Glasgow, even his admirers want Michael Martin out Locals disgusted by expenses scandal and disposed to blame outgoing Speaker”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/19/brown-parliament-regulation

“Gordon Brown pledges to end self-regulation for parliament Centuries of tradition to be swept away with new parliamentary standards regulator made responsible for pay and allowances”

(EDITOR: Gordon Brown is like the office idiot who decides to open up a complicated item of very expensive equipment and starts pulling random parts out of it. When he is left with a pile of useless junk he says: “It's time to get a replacement. Someone must have broken this.” Gordon Brown, you broke parliament. For God's sake do not try to repair it yourself. Send for an expert. There's a nice man called David Cameron. He is shaking his head and carrying a large toolkit. Be a good chap, Gordon. Let him in and then bugger off.")

There may well be more updates, later this evening.

Injured man airlifted from Iona

Clyde Coastguard co-ordinated assistance this afternoon to a 61 year old walker who suffered a severe leg and ankle injury on Iona, above the marble quarry. The man was in an 80 foot gully at the time.

The man suffered the injury to his right leg near the Abbey on the Island, a popular site for visitors, and a member of his party called the Coastguard looking for assistance. The man was conscious throughout and was being kept warm. Two Coastguard teams and a rescue helicopter R 177 from the Royal Naval Air Station at Prestwick were then called in to assist.

The Coastguard Team from the Ross of Mull were transported from Fionnphort to Iona to prepare the man for winching after discussion with an on call doctor in a joint connect call between Clyde Coastguard and the local team. This call discussed the rough terrain and the ability of the local team to get the injured man out by stretcher.

Richard Morgans, Watch Manager At Clyde Coastguard said "Fortunately the weather on scene today is fair, with good visibility, force 4 winds and no cloud cover. Initially the man was going to be flown to the Lorne and Isles hospital but due to the severity of his injuries the aircraft was diverted to the Southern General hospital in Glasgow. We wish him well in his recovery and our thanks are due to the rescue teams who attended so promptly."

That's all, folks! The speaker has spoken

In a short statement minutes ago, Speaker Michael Martin told the House of Commons that he is to resign as speaker of the House of Commons. He will cease being Speaker on 21 June, and a new Speaker will be elected the next day.

 

Some people might argue that it would have been better had he decided to step down on May 21, in two days time, rather than to allow the situation to drag on for a further month.

 

This is not over. Not by a long chalk.

"Goodbye, Speaker You Must Leave us

Though it breaks your heart to go"

 

Well, it looks as if things are going on a pace, as they say.

 

Michael Martin, it is widely reported, is going to resign this afternoon.

 

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6318255.ece

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1183897/Michael-Martin-jumps-pushed-Speaker-resign-later-today.html

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5346452/MPs-expenses-A-gruesome-disaster-as-Michael-Martin-speaker-of-the-House-of-Commons-tries-to-save-his-own-job.html

 

http://uk.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUKTRE54I23D20090519

 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/19/speaker-michael-martin-david-cameron

 

Now, this might sound cruel, but I do not think that Michael Martin should be allowed the undoubted luxury of resignation. He has presided over the deliberate and wholesale corruption of the House of Commons. He set the gold-plated standards for troughing.

 

Rather than being allowed to resign (with a golden ****-off, no doubt) it is the view of many (including myself) that Speaker Michael Martin should suffer the ignominy of impeachment.

 

And that is not all. Brown was part of the government who allowed this to happen. Indeed form his lofty perch as Chancellor, then Prime Minister, Brown could be said to have orchestrated the events, or at least, ignored what was happening.

 

So is it time for Brown to be impeached, too?

Fatality after boat hits island in darkness

At 11.30 pm yesterday evening, Clyde Coastguard were alerted by members of the public to a speedboat which had gone out from Tobermory and a loud bang had been heard with a light flashing afterwards in the darkness.

Immediately the Coastguard put an emergency response into action and contacted nearby vessels to see if they could spot or hear anything on the emergency VHF Channel 16 locally.

The Coastguard were then alerted by the boat's occupants that the 6.5 metre blue rigid hulled inflatable boat had hit the north end of Calve Island, and that one of the four individuals on board was seriously injured with head injuries. He was not conscious. Two other men on board the boat were reported to have suffered minor head injuries. All of the four were on holiday in the area at the time.

The weather on scene was flat calm and some light rain.

All of the men on board were wearing dry suits but no lifejackets. The vessel was by this time on rocks in Tobermory Bay and had lost all electrics. No other vessel could be seen around them. A rescue helicopter - R177 - from the Royal Naval Air Station at Prestwick was scrambled and the Tobermory lifeboat was also requested to launch. The Tobermory Coastguard Rescue Team were also sent to the area.

The Coastguard then instructed the boats occupants to use a torch to shine towards lifeboat to direct them onto the wrecked boat. An ambulance had also been directed towards the lifeboat station. All of the men were then brought ashore by lifeboat.

Once ashore, paramedics and a doctor continued to work on the middle aged man but to no avail, and he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards. The remaining men were taken by ambulance to hospital on Mull for further treatment.

Tarilk Yassin, Watch Manager at Clyde Coastguard said "The Police have been informed and are currently on scene investigating the incident."

Tuesday Morning update from That's News

The situation staggers on and on. It is almost like a government that is set in aspic.

These are the latest takes on the story.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/19/welsh-mps-join-growing-calls-for-speaker-to-quit-91466-23654284/

“Welsh MPs join growing calls for Speaker to quit”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8056747.stm

“The Commons Speaker will convene an urgent meeting of party leaders later to discuss reforming MPs' expenses, as he battles to hold onto his position”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1184345/MAX-HASTINGS-Hes-contemptible-incompetent-But-Speaker-worries.html

“He's contemptible and incompetent. But the Speaker is the least of our worries” argues Max Hastings

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/latestnews/39Sorry39-Speaker-snubs-MPs39-fury.5278848.jp

“'Sorry' Speaker snubs MPs' fury to cling on”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6315343.ece

“MPs on all sides tell the Speaker Michael Martin he must go”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/humiliated-michael-martin-told-to-resign-by-mps-and-is-now-set-to-be-first-speaker-forced-out-of-office-since-1695-1687193.html

“Humiliated: Michael Martin told to resign by MPs and is now set to be first Speaker forced out of office since 1695”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6315164.ece

“The Speaker of the House of Commons should be a unifying figure, keeping order and keeping calm, but instead of bringing consensus, Michael Martin brought out the most visceral, tribal instincts in British politics”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1184352/PETER-OBORNE-If-goes-Brown-him.html

“If he goes down, will he take Brown down with him?” muses Peter Oborne.

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/news/display.var.2508981.0.Jostles_and_jeers_as_the_clock_ticks_for_the_Speaker.php

“The spectacle was mortifying - The Speaker, the symbol of British democracy, was heckled and jeered by MPs, who made clear they had lost all confidence in him.

"What," noted one MP, "will the public make of such an almighty parliamentary car crash? It was truly awful."”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6315009.ece

“Disorder! Disorder! The moment the Speaker, Michael Martin, finished his statement, his assassins sprang to their feet. His few friends stayed seated. At this moment, the Prime Minister — a living wreck, eyes hollow, mouth slack — slipped out of the chamber, leaving his fellow Scot on his own”

(EDITOR: Left the chamber? Might seem a bit Macavity's the Mystery Cat...)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1184343/QUENTIN-LETTS-Gorbals-Mick-gulped-air-like-winded-welterweight.html

“Well, that went jolly well. Up stands the Speaker to bring clarity to proceedings and within minutes the Commons is bickering and a-boil, MPs shouting at the old purple proboscis, urging him for God's sake to go. Another triumph” writes Quentin Letts

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/18/gordon-brown-michael-martin-speaker

“Gordon Brown was warned tonight by senior Labour MPs that the government must not be seen to be standing in the way of an unprecedented no-confidence vote to oust the Commons Speaker, Michael Martin, over his handling of the expenses scandal”

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Speaker_Martin_has_signed_his_own_death_warrant&in_article_id=666725&in_page_id=34&in_a_source=

“Speaker Martin 'has signed his own death warrant'”

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?Speaker_Michael_Martins_full_statement&in_article_id=666292&in_page_id=34

(EDITOR: His full statement. Which translates to: “It wasnae me! A big boy did it, then he ran away.”)

http://www.metro.co.uk/video/videoPlayer.html?inMediaId=39023&in_page_id=1

Video news from The Metro re MP Ben Chapman

Well, as expected Speaker Martin decided the sword he was proffered would make a nice wall hanging, the pistol a talking point paperweight and as for the bottle of Scotch? He doesn't drink! So Speaker Martin is not going anywhere. For the moment. Smart money is on him being ousted by Friday. But since when has smartness ever had anything to do with cases like expenses?

There could well be an afternoon update, today.

Monday Evening update. Or “Can't go, won't go!”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/18/michael-martin-commons-mps-call-resignation

“Furious MPs tell Speaker Martin: go now or suffer 'death by thousand cuts'

Unprecedented scenes in Commons after Martin's apology over expenses row fails to quell calls for resignation”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8054148.stm

“Clegg calls for Speaker to quit”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6308137.ece

“Michael Martin tries to save job with reforms on MPs’ expenses”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6313482.ece

“Speaker Michael Martin on the brink as defiance angers MPs”

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gHaV9BN3ZmZOF_sTFNsQmFYRaxhw

“Speaker rebuffs no-confidence bid”

(EDITOR: The AFP take on this)

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d6bd27c6-43dc-11de-a9be-00144feabdc0.html

“Martin drags out battle to stay on”

http://www.birminghampost.net/news/politics-news/2009/05/19/west-midlands-mps-attempts-to-see-off-speaker-drift-into-farce-65233-23654206/

“West Midlands MPs' attempts to see off Speaker drift into farce”

(EDITOR: More like a Panto, with Gordon Brown as Widow McTwanky, Michael Martin as Sir Charge-a-Lot and Alastair Campbell as nobody in particular. Has anyone seen Ally-Pally lately? Seems to have vanished.)

More later from this mother of all... I mean, mother of parliaments)

Could Michael Martin not help himself from helping himself? (COMMENT PIECE)

There is, sadly, a long and dishonourable tradition amongst trade unionists. When their lowly paid members are being expected to work longer hours for substantially less pay the officers of their union (people such as the likes of Michael Martin) will talk about their plight over lunch. Not, as one might expect, a pint and a Ploughman, it is more likely to be a very expensive meal of gourmet French food washed down with a bottle (or three) of Yquem or some other expensive vintage wine. Perhaps with a room at The Ritz.

Why do they do this? Why do they spend the funds gathered from the individual membership fees from the pittance wages their membership have to survive on? Because they know their rights as trade union officers. As Michael Martin is claimed to have said: “I didn't become involved in politics not to take what I am entitled to.” And that, sadly, is the attitude most of them express.

A low-paid worker of my acquaintance was asked by a colleague why they declined to join the union. “Because you pay your membership fee every week, but can you tell me one improvement your union membership has gained for you?” They couldn't. And furthermore they hadn't noticed that the trade union official (middle-ranking, nothing special) drove such a very expensive luxury car as his 'company' car whenever he made visits to his membership.

It is also interesting to note what appallingly and notoriously dreadful bosses trade unionists make. I worked for a former trade union boss once. He had been in Fleet Street, had served as Father of Chapel and had lost his job during a protracted print industry dispute that had been badly handled by the union.

He set up his own business and acted like a 19th century mill owner of the worst possible type. His attitude to his staff reminds me of Speaker Martin. Bullying, hectoring, threatening, and those were only his good points. He also paid himself and his family exceptionally high wages and his staff exceptionally low wages. And operated several lucrative, yet illegal fiddles, rather like those worked out by some Labour MPs.

And it is worth noting that far too many trade unions treat their own staff at union offices in ways that are both shabby, despicable and hypocritical. Just keep your eyes open for reports of court and industrial tribunals detailing the rather vile employment practices of many of trade unions.

As predicted, Speaker Martin weaselled his way out of resigning

As predicted, Speaker Martin weaselled his way out of resigning

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5344495/Speaker-Michael-Martin-sorry-but-refuses-to-resign.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8055970.stm

"Cameron starts election petition"

EDITOR: Let’s see what else happens throughout the day…

Speaker bottles it.

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23693945-details/Michael+Martin:+'I+am+profoundly+sorry'+for+expenses+scandal/article.do

"Michael Martin: 'I am profoundly sorry' for expenses scandal"

(EDITOR: It seems that Mr Martin is not all that sorry. If he had been really, genuinely profoundly sorry, then he would have resigned. His: "Och, let’s do a meeting," approach is, as I suspected, his attempt to enact a "with one bound he was free" defence. There will be more updates later, especially on how the Government and Speaker Martin deal with the motion of no confidence.)

Afternoon update. Is speaker Martin doomed?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5342942/Gordon-Brown-leaves-Speaker-Michael-Martins-future-in-doubt-MPs-expenses.html

"Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, has distanced himself from Michael Martin over MPs' expenses, leaving the future of the Commons Speaker in grave doubt"

"The Speaker is due to deliver his statement shortly after the tabling of a no-confidence motion in him that could see Mr Martin become the first Speaker to be ousted from office in more than 300 years"

(EDITOR: Delivering his statement just after the motion of no-confidence rather than two weeks ago when he should have might be seen as too little, too late. Unless, of course, he intends to resign with immediate effect? Perhaps taking the famed Chiltern Hundreds option? Or ,as I posed earlier, will it be a "with one bound he was free" moment? But with Gordon Brown’s distancing himself from Speaker Martin, it is difficult to know what will happen, for certain. At least, for the moment.)

Monday morning update

This is going to be an interesting day. It remains to be seen exactly what will happen. Will Speaker Martin be forced to resign? Or will there be yet another: “with one bound, he was free” moment? Only time will tell.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5340354/Commons-Speaker-Michael-Martin-faces-MPs-expenses-revolt.html

“Commons Speaker Michael Martin faces MPs' expenses revolt

Michael Martin, the Speaker of the Commons faces a revolt from MPs after his handling of the expenses scandal reached “crisis point”.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5341739/MPs-expenses-the-Queen-has-a-role-to-play-in-stabilising-government.html

“MPs' expenses: the Queen has a role to play in stabilising government”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1183970/PETER-MCKAY-Crown-sits-uneasy-crisis.html

“Crown sits uneasy in this crisis”

(EDITOR: Peter McKay witters, err, writes, on this vital topic...)

http://turnerradionetwork.blogspot.com/2009/05/queen-may-dissolve-parliament-in-two.html

“London -- A well placed source in Buckingham Palace has told the Turner Radio Network that Her Majesty, The Queen, may dissolve the British Parliament within two days; ordering a "snap election" after a corruption scandal has rocked England.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6307048.ece

“Anger over expenses could push voters into arms of BNP and UKIP”

(EDITOR This implies that BNP and UKIP are the same type of party. Amazing what passes for copy in The Times, sometimes...)

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/bnps-british-builders-are-american-1686785.html

BNP's British builders are American

(EDITOR More on the 'BNP uses stock images for its 'honest' campaign)

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/18/he-must-go-now-115875-21368101/

“He must go now”

That's all for now. There will be updates as and when required. Meanwhile, here is ITN's take on it:

Mistake or breach of security?

It is possible that the error alleged by Nadine Dorries with regards to the hotel receipt was an honest mistake. "Sorry! Although that was logged against the name of N. Dorries, it was intended for the account of William Smith."

Or is it possible that someone saw the inherent problems with the system that the Fees Office was manfully trying to operate under and decided to work the system.

Generate false receipts in the name of a number of MPs and syphon money from the Fees Office bank account to the value of the faked receipts. And without the controversy of the Expensesgate affair, who would have thought it possible? After all, how many MPs would keep 100% accurate records of their finances? And how many, like Nadine Dorries, would be lucky enough to show an electronic records of what were doing instead...

Late update Sunday 11.49 pm. Speaker will speak. Not much expected.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6308137.ece

“Michael Martin will make a last desperate attempt to save his job as Speaker today after both main opposition parties declared his position untenable” Says The Times.

The Times adds: “If Mr Martin is ousted, it will be the first time that a Speaker has been forced out by a formal challenge since Sir John Trevor was dismissed for taking bribes during the reign of William of Orange”

(EDITOR So if Michael Martin is deposed, he will be in some truly illustrious company. The speaker's position might be potentially saved if he publicly apologised for his unparliamentary behaviour towards MPs Kate Hoey and Norman Baker. He should have the deputy speaker suspend him for his behaviour. But he wont. His statement will be equal levels of cant, self-pity and humbug.)

Has the Daily Telegraph got it wrong?

Firstly there is the difference meted out to two types of MP. One type of MP is hauled over the coals for claiming for a bath plug or a cheese sandwich, whilst others seem able to get away with just about anything: I really can't put it better that Iain Dale:
Did the Telegraph Go Soft on Ed Balls?

And then there was the Nadine Dorries incident:

http://blog.dorries.org/Blogs/2009/May/15#15

According to Nadine Dorries, the Telegraph got it's facts wrong and the became somewhat hysterical when Nadine told the world what they had written to her. (Daily Telegraph as Big Brother? Note to Daily Telegraph: 'Get over yourself'.)

The post on Nadine's blog includes this part of the exchange:

“1. In 2006 you claimed for the cost of a hotel stay on New Year's Eve and another just a few days before Christmas, when the House was not sitting. Please can you explain why you felt this was an appropriate use of public funds.

“I have never spent a New Years Eve away from my daughters and I have never spent it in a hotel, ever. In fact, New Years Eve 2006 is when I held a party and cooked a 12 bird roast and I blogged the entire evening. Anyone reading this can check it out.”

This set me thinking. The official release of the MP receipts is not due for a couple of months, yet. Several months ago an MP was reported as being critical of the records kept by the Fees Office. He revealed that a large number of MPs had cause to complain as large numbers of receipts that were not related to them had been recorded against their names.

In short, it might be possible for an MP to be listed down as having claimed for a bath plug or a cheese sandwich that was not related to them. Or for perhaps a hotel stay to be erroneously attributed to the wrong MP?

It is possible that in buying the raw data -before the erroneous, mistaken attributions were removed- the Daily Telegraph bought a pig in a bag. A little bit like some wealthy geek paying hundreds of thousands of Pounds to buy a pirate version of a new film before release, only to discover that the illegal copy he had bought was an unfinished rush version, with neither sound nor special effects added.

If the Telegraph bought raw data that contained errors of the nature of wrongly attributing expenses to an MP other than the MP who charged the expenses, what defence could the Telegraph raise following being potentially summonsed for libel, defamation of character and the like?

The “We didn't know the evidence was in error” defence might not work. After all, it was common knowledge that at least some MPs doubted the integrity of the original raw data. And as “ignorance of the law is no defence” the victory of the Daily Telegraph over the publication of the expenses of our MPs might be somewhat pyrrhic.

It remains to be seen what happens.

Sunday Update

Things are still getting worse for Labour. “Let's tough this out” is not working. As evidenced by these snippets of what might be described in a future book as: “The last days of the nightmare premiership of Gordon 'Do nothing' Brown.”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1183463/Pressure-mounts-Michael-Martin-Clegg-breaks-ranks-calls-go.html

“Pressure mounts on Michael Martin as Lib-Dem leader breaks ranks and calls on him to go”

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ghdK3XgS5a8AEioywvuIZUhbjNKQD988413O0

(How the AP sees the situation)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8054410.stm

“Scots MPs split over Martin calls”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5309949/MPs-expenses-Regrets-they-have-a-few-but-no-hint-of-contrition.html

“MPs' expenses: Regrets, they have a few, but no hint of contrition”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5320503/MPs-expenses-MPs-first-job-must-be-to-remove-Speaker-Martin.html

“MPs' expenses: MPs' first job must be to remove Speaker Martin”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/17/martin-accused-of-terror-reign-over-expenses-115875-21365359/

“MARTIN ACCUSED OF TERROR REIGN OVER EXPENSES”

(EDITOR: This Mirror headline says it all. Even the Mirror has turned against him)

http://uk.reuters.com/article/UKNews1/idUKTRE54G19M20090517

“Expenses scandal prompts backlash”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6301723.ece

“Expenses scandal: House of frauds”

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/2009/05/16/police-set-to-probe-mps-expenses-as-calls-grow-for-general-election-86908-21363689/

“Police set to probe MPs' expenses as calls grow for general election”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8054214.stm

“Brunstrom 'may probe' MP expenses”

(EDITOR: So it is true. There is nothing that Brunstrom can't or won't use to promote himself)

http://www.northantset.co.uk/news/MP-expenses-row-Phil-Hope.5274058.jp

“Corby MP Phil Hope pledged to get back to the business of serving his constituents yesterday as the row over his expenses showed no signs of abating”

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/101360/MPs-could-face-criminal-charges

“POLICE and prosecutors will meet next week to discuss what action to take against MPs accused of fiddling their expenses.”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1183456/CPS-charge-MPs-fraud.html

“CPS may charge MPs with fraud”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5336521/MPs-expenses-the-great-gravy-train-quiz.html

“Gravy Train”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5336271/MPs-expenses-Hazel-Blears-is-out-of-control-Gordon-Brown-is-warned.html

“Gordon Brown has been warned that Hazel Blears, the Communities Secretary, has become “dangerously out of control” after featuring in the MPs’ expenses scandal and facing reports she will be sacked from the Cabinet”

(EDITOR: Pot, Kettle, comes to mind...And "A Cabinet-level source..." Who does the Telegraph think they are kidding? This is a Brown henchman at their slimy work...)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1183028/PETER-OBORNE-If-Saint-Vince-PM.html

“He claimed next to nothing, bought no flats, stole none of your money (and got it dead right on the economy). If only we could have the Lib Dems' Vince Cable to replace Gordon Brown”

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/benedict_brogan/blog/2009/05/16/gordon_brown_prepares_to_strike

“Patrick Wintour reveals in the Guardian that Gordon Brown is preparing to deselect Labour MPs who have improperly claimed expenses”

(EDITOR: Surely he should -in fairness- sack himself? No? Oh, silly, silly me!)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5335334/MPs-expenses-how-can-Parliament-detoxify-its-brand.html

“How can Parliament detoxify its brand?”

(EDITOR: How about calling for an election, now?)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hereford/worcs/8054310.stm

“An Independent Worcestershire MP has published his Parliamentary expenses claims from 2004 to 2008 and called on other MPs to follow his lead”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8053264.stm

“MP expenses: A triumph of journalism?”

There will be more, later

Coasteer airlifted to hospital

A group of friends were Coasteering near Newquay, Ceridigion, Cymru, where they got into difficulty this afternoon, after jumping from cliffs into the sea. One member of the group was taken to hospital in a critical condition and another was treated for symptoms of mild hypothermia.

At 1:25pm, Milford Haven Coastguard received several 999 calls from numerous members of the Coasteering group and other members of the public, stating that there was a person in distress in the water. This was quickly followed by further information indicating that there was at least one other Coasteerer, who after trying to assist the first, was now also in difficulty.

Newquay Coastguard Rescue team were tasked to the scene and Rescue Helicopter 169 from RAF Chivenor was scrambled. The Newquay all weather and inshore RNLI lifeboats were also requested to launch and subsequently found and recovered both casualties from the water. Helimed Air Ambulance and a land Ambulance were tasked, in addition to Dyfed Powys Police.

Kate John, Coastguard Watch Officer, Milford Haven Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, said: "The group, who were not locals and were not part of an organised Coasteering tour, they were very distressed and initially unable to give us their exact location. The two casualties were separated due to the rough sea conditions after the initial casualty had fallen unconscious. Both casualties then drifted away from shore. Several of the group attempted to re-enter the water to assist but were told to return to the safety of the shore by Milford Haven Coastguard.

Rescue Helicopter 169 winched the unconscious casualty and evacuated him to the Bronglais Hospital at Aberystwyth. The second casualty, thought to be suffering with symptoms of hypothermia, was recovered by the lifeboat and taken ashore. After being assessed by paramedics from the land ambulance, he discharged himself from their care.

We would like to remind the public how dangerous jumping from cliffs is especially if you have no local knowledge, as the water depth alters with the tide, there may be submerged objects such as rocks that are not visible, you may suffer shock from the water temperature and strong currents may sweep you away. For more guidance visit http://www.mcga.gov.uk and view 'Leisure and the Seaside', or contact your local Coastguard station."

Saturday update

Good evening! The morning update was not possible today owing to having to be in two places at once. But after a Eurovision Song Party, Thats News is back on the case! Thnigs are still looking bad for Labour, it has to be said!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1183449/Labour-suspends-second-MP-13-000-phantom-mortgage-claims.html

“Labour suspends second MP over £13,000 phantom mortgage claims”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/16/mps-expenses-donors-party-funding

“Party funding: Top donors turn against Labour over MPs' expenses”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/16/mps-expenses-david-mclean-fraser-kemp

“Tory whip David Maclean and Labour MP Fraser Kemp have expenses scrutinised”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/may/16/protest-march-unite-union-jobs

“Thousands march in call to government to halt tide of job losses in industry

Former CBI boss Lord Jones joins Unite's Birmingham protest aimed at pushing ministers to rescue manufacturing”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/mps-expenses

“MP's expenses”

http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/politics/domestic_politics/expenses+scandal+claims+new+victim/3150372

“Expenses scandal claims new victim”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8053680.stm

“A Labour selection contest that was stopped after allegations of vote tampering has resumed”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6301844.ece

“Michael Martin ‘waged reign of terror’ over expenses MPs prepare vote of no confidence”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6301845.ece

“MPs on £3,000 a day claim Commons perks”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6301734.ece

“Baroness Uddin has a marble mansion in Bangladesh”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5336230/MPs-expenses-cash-secrets-of-MPs-who-tried-to-stop-you-seeing-their-expenses.html

“MPs who tried to stop you seeing their expenses”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5330882/Tam-Dalyell-claimed-18000-for-bookshelves-two-months-before-retiring-MPs-expenses.html

“Tam Dalyell, the former Father of the House of Commons, attempted to claim £18,000 for bookcases two months before he retired as an MP”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5330816/Sir-Gerald-Kaufmans-1800-rug-and-an-8865-claim-for-a-television-MPs-expenses.html

“Sir Gerald Kaufman charged the taxpayer £1,851 for a rug he imported from a New York antiques centre and tried to claim £8,865 for a television”

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/latestnews/-Expenses-scandal-39could-tear.5273633.jp

“CONSERVATIVE leader David Cameron issued a stark warning yesterday that the MPs' expenses scandal could tear the United Kingdom apart”

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/latestnews/140-families--a-day.5273669.jp

“140 families a day losing their homes in recession”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1183468/The-Queen-tells-Brown-grave-concern-MPs-expenses.html

“The Queen has told Gordon Brown she is worried that the scandalous revelations about MPs' expenses could damage Parliament. She discussed the explosion of public outrage over the scandal in what is understood to have been a candid exchange of views when she met the Prime Minister for their weekly audience at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1183461/Gordon-Brown-neck-neck-Euro-elections--UKIP.html

“Gordon Brown is neck and neck in Euro elections... with UKIP”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1183463/Michael-Martin-quit-Election-install-son-hereditary-seat-claim-100-000-golden-parachute.html

“Michael Martin to quit, but not until after next Election to install son in 'hereditary' seat and claim £100,000 golden parachute”

David Cameron PPB

Friday evening update. Or oh, dear!

Well, here we are at 11pm on Friday evening and here is the Thats News update:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/15/shahid-malik-mps-expenses-resignation

“Gordon Brown yesterday lost his first government minister in the fallout from the expenses scandal after Shahid Malik was forced to stand down over claims that his living arrangements broke the ministerial code of conduct”

(EDITOR: Gordon Brown still playing catchup with David Cameron?)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5330495/MPs-expenses-story-leads-to-biggest-ever-viewing-figures-for-Question-Time.html

“Disclosures about MPs' expenses, made by the Daily Telegraph, have led to the biggest ever viewing figures for Question Time, the BBC political debate programme”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1182603/Jack-straw-makes-U-turn-plans-hold-secret-inquests-sensitive-cases.html

“Jack Straw in embarrassing U-turn over secret inquests”

(EDITOR: Oh, man of Straw!)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/15/michael-martin-speaker-commons-election

“Speaker Michael Martin to go before election”

(EDITOR: Many will see this as being totally unacceptable. They want Martin to go before the end of the week, not before the next general election)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/scotland_politics/8053014.stm

“At his party's Scottish conference, the Tory leader said no Tory MP would be allowed to serve in two parliaments”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8052709.stm

“Police to look at MP allegations”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1182868/MPs-expenses-Tory-MP-Nadine-Dorries-refutes-latest-accusations-perks-row.html

“Tory MP Nadine Dorries rejected a string of allegations about her expenses tonight, ahead of the latest set of disclosures about Westminster perks. In an angry public retort to The Daily Telegraph on her blog, she denied claiming for a New Year's Eve hotel room or claiming second home allowance while only having one home”

(EDITOR: As I have said before, I hope the Daily Telegraph are 100% certain of their facts)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/15/mps-expenses-labour-deselected

“Labour MPs who cheat on expenses will be deselected”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5332053/David-Chaytor-and-the-phantom-13000-mortgage-claim-MPs-expenses.html

“A Labour backbencher admitted last night that he had claimed almost £13,000 in interest payments for a mortgage that he had already repaid”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8052176.stm

“Members of the public have reacted strongly to the MPs' expenses row, with thousands contributing to the BBC's Have Your Say debate and many others calling in to the morning phone-in on BBC Radio Five Live”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5331589/MPs-expenses-The-House-of-Commons-is-ours-not-theirs.-Dont-ruin-it-reclaim-it.html

“MPs' expenses: The House of Commons is ours, not theirs. Don't ruin it, reclaim it”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8052868.stm

“I am sure the intention was not to hide away from voters during the expenses row. But holding Labour's European and English local elections launch at the very edge of a housing estate in Ilkeston, Derbyshire - around half an hour from mainline rail stations - in an anonymous but functional sixth form college that could only be accessed via a tarmac moat across an extensive pond didn't exactly scream: "Pop in and see us."”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/15/michael-gove-mps-expenses

“MPs' expenses scandal has dealt devastating blow to politics, says Gove”

Well, that's it for this evening's look at what the media is saying about Expensesgate. I have no doubt that more will be revealed over the weekend. Thats News will be here to see what is happening to whom...

Friday morning update

Happy birthday to me! Yes, it is your editor's birthday today. 52 years old and I am off to have some birthday fun, so there may be limited or sporadic updates today.

Meanwhile, let's have a look at what came in overnight:

http://dizzythinks.net/2009/05/airbrushing-expenses.html

“The following screenshots were taken a few moments ago. Isn't it interesting that the only political party website from the three main parties that even makes a mention of expenses and the "cost of politics" is the Tory one?”

(EDITOR: Dizzy makes a good point, there...)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/greenslade/2009/may/14/mps-expenses-thetimes

“Money for old rope and other exaggerated tales of journalists' expenses”

http://jockcoats.me/mps_expenses_while_councillors_fiddle

“While we're all having fun over MPs' expenses (by the way, sack the lot I say, and don't replace them - turn the building into a nice hotel and destroy the state apparatus as much as possible) space a thought for poor old Oxfordshire County Councillor Olive Steadman...”

http://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2009/05/14/mps-expenses/

“I was in the environs of Westminster last evening. I had to leave the event I was at early: if I’d stayed after 9.45 I could not have caught the last train home. And as I did not wish to stay in London overnight that was the end of the matter: leave I did. Why mention it? Because it shows that if we want MP’s to work late (and we do, it seems – and they do so, as a matter of fact, then second homes are necessary even for those who live 90 miles from London. Indeed, that will be true for those who live somewhat closer too”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/mediamonkeyblog/2009/may/14/media-monkey-mps-expenses

“The MPs who slipped through the Telegraph's expenses net”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2009/may/14/freedom-of-information-mps-expenses/

“The government insisted freedom of information would not be 'a research arm for the media'. So just how useful is it for news?”

http://aljahom.wordpress.com/2009/05/14/mps-expenses-round-up

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/15/justice-mp-tops-claims-115875-21360446/

“Junior justice minister Shahid Malik has the highest expenses claims of any MP. Since elected in 2005 he has claimed the maximum amount allowable for a second home, £66,827 over three years. Last year he claimed £23,083 for his London house”

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/15/expenses-scandal-claims-first-victims-91466-23628722/

“A SENIOR MP was sacked and another stood down as one of David Cameron’s closest aides yesterday as party leaders struggled to put a lid on the still-frothing expenses scandal.”

(EDITOR: So says Wales On Line. I shall be in Wales later today, all being well, visiting the CAT in Mid Wales. Incidentally Mid Wales is the home of my ancestors on my mother's side of the family)

http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/news/090515mackay.shtml

“A local free newspaper found itself making national headlines yesterday after Tory MP Andrew Mackay was forced to resign over his expense claims. Mr Mackay had told the Bracknell Forest Standard on Wednesday that there was "nothing unreasonable" in his expenses claims over the past four years”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8050540.stm

“MP suspended over expense error”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2430604.ece

“SHAMED MPs faced a backlash from furious members of the public yesterday.

A window was smashed at Tory JULIE KIRKBRIDE'S constituency office in Bromsgrove, Worcs, as her husband — fellow MP ANDREW MACKAY — quit as leader David Cameron’s aide yesterday”

(EDITOR: Either that or it was a drunken thug...)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5326972/Labour-slumps-to-lowest-ever-poll-rating-amid-MPs-expenses-revelations.html

“Labour has slumped to its lowest ever poll rating in history in the wake of the revelations about MPs' expenses by the Daily Telegraph”

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iVxBH9-Tmg7GFVNnsF1lJh3frtCA

“Poll gloom for Brown as expenses row rumbles on”

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/daniel_hannan/blog/2009/05/14/european_elections_what_if_ukip_beats_labour

“European elections: what if UKIP beats Labour?”

(EDITOR: Dan Hannan poses an interesting question)

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article2430063.ece

“Sun Poll hell for Labour”

http://www.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/3619333/labour-below-20-and-tories-below-30-in-europoll.thtml

“Labour below 20%”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/telegraph-view/5325927/MPs-expenses-the-taxman-should-go-through-the-claims.html

“MPs' expenses: the taxman should go through the claims”

http://www.edp24.co.uk/content/edp24/news/story.aspx?brand=EDPOnline&category=News&tBrand=EDPOnline&tCategory=xDefault&itemid=NOED14%20May%202009%2021%3A21%3A30%3A153

“Norfolk MPs from all three main parties are being urged to publish details of their expenses themselves in a bid to restore public confidence in politicians”

www.order-order.com

www.iaindale.com

(The above two sites will keep you up-to-date with all the expenses gate news and gossip as the Editor of That's News disports himself in the Welsh sunshine. Well, torrential downpour, to be more accurate!)

Hazel Blears on the box

Evening all! When will the police be called in?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/14/simon-hoggart-sketch-mps-expenses

“You cannot overestimate the mood of paranoia, hilarity and madness that pervades Westminster. Normal looking MPs seem to have messages branded on their foreheads: "tennis court repairs", "wife's tampons", like Hawthorne's scarlet letter”

http://www.birminghampost.net/news/politics-news/2009/05/15/julie-kirkbride-i-understand-anger-over-expenses-claims-65233-23627916/

“Bromsgrove MP Julie Kirkbride, at the centre of a fresh expenses scandal, insisted she understood “the public anger” after her husband was forced to resign as a senior aide to David Cameron”

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23691896-details/Profile:+Mr+and+Mrs+Expenses/article.do

“Profile: Mr and Mrs Expenses”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/may/14/lords-corruption-truscott-taylor

“The not-so-noble Lords”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/14/gordon-brown-election-launch

“Tory government would betray Britain's future, says Brown at election launch”

(EDITOR: And this would be different from Labour's betrayal; in what way, exactly?)

http://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13649500

“The great shaming of Parliament”

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601102&sid=atg_S2PY.PtU&refer=uk

“Brown Attacked By Own Lawmakers on Handling of Expenses Scandal”

http://news.scotsman.com/politics/Rift-emerges-between-Lib-Dem.5267411.jp

“Rift emerges between Lib Dem MSPs and MPs over expenses”

http://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/MP-Douglas-Hogg-to-hand.5270386.jp

“MP Douglas Hogg to hand back £2,200 of his expenses”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8049834.stm

Rhodri Morgan has appealed to voters in the European elections to concentrate on fighting the recession rather than the "surface ephemera" of MPs expenses”

(EDITOR: Rhodri Morgan = pendew and hoon, too)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5325042/Clare-Short-makes-excessive-claim-for-mortgage-payment-MPs-expenses.html

“Clare Short, the former international development secretary, admitted claiming thousand of pounds of taxpayers’ money to which she was not entitled within months of standing down as a Cabinet minister.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/5320506/Don-Touhig-helped-foil-curbs-on-expenses-MPs-expenses.html

“Don Touhig, who chairs the committee on members’ allowances (MAC), played a central role in MPs’ decision to reject moves to tighten the expenses system”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/14/let-s-pan-fry-s-expenses-jibe-115875-21356655/

“Bravo, Stephen, for leading the fightback of the Islington dinner party classes. For defending your New Labour chums, and denouncing outrage over the property portfolios and the repaired swimming pools as "a tedious, bourgeois obsession", whipped up by Fleet Street hypocrites”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/5320307/Judge-compares-case-of-couple-accused-of-theft-to-MPs-expenses-debacle.html

“Judge compares case of couple accused of theft to MPs expenses 'debacle' “

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5326333/Shahid-Malik-his-house-and-the-slum-landlord-MPs-expenses.html

“The controversial way in which Justice Minister Shahid Malik was able to run up the highest expenses claim of any MP can be disclosed by The Telegraph”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2009/may/14/mps-expenses-criminal-charges

“MPs' expenses: could some of these cases end up in court?”

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/iain_martin/blog/2009/05/14/mps_expenses_gordon_browns_politics_of_fear_film_looks_silly_not_scary

“MPs' expenses: Gordon Brown’s politics of fear film looks silly, not scary”

(EDITOR: I saw it at lunchtime. It was scripted by someone who hasn't seen the news for several years...)

Well, that's it for the moment. Though updates are sure to follow as gardeners look to parliament for a supply of manure for the roses.

Thats News afternoon update Thursday 14th May

Well, things are getting as interesting as I thought they might this morning.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8049412.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8050027.stm

"Two Labour peers face suspension from Parliament for six months after being found guilty of misconduct.

Ex-trade minister Lord Truscott and Lord Taylor of Blackburn were accused by the Sunday Times of being willing to change laws in exchange for cash"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8049592.stm

"Former minister Elliot Morley has been suspended by the Labour Party after admitting he claimed £16,000 in House of Commons expenses for a mortgage which had been paid off"

"Mr Morley was said by sources to be "distraught and heartbroken" over the affair."

(EDITOR: "Oh dear, how sad, never mind.")

Top Cameron Aide resigns

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8049614.stm

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8049918.stm

 

 

"Conservative MP Andrew MacKay has quit as parliamentary aide to David Cameron over what the party said was an "unacceptable" expenses claim."

 

This is more than has happened with Labour. It seems David Cameron has stolen a march on Gordon 'Ditherer' Brown, again. Tell us, Mr Brown, which party is the 'Do nothing Party," please?

 

 

Morley update. A question

Is it possible that Mr Morley was trousering so much in expenses that he failed to notice that he was claiming for a mortgage that had been paid back in full nearly two years previously? If this is the case, then one could argue that this makes the situation Morley is in worse, rather than better than a 'deliberate' fraud.

Thats News Morning Update for Thursday 14th May

Oh, dear! It's not getting any better, is it?

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6283871.ece

“Chief Whip summons Elliot Morley who claimed for non-existent mortgage “

(EDITOR: Surely, this should be a matter for the Police Fraud Squad and not an old mate of Morley?)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/13/speaker-michael-martin-mps-expenses

“MPs' expenses row: Speaker of the Commons will be told to quit: New evidence emerges of moves to block requests for information”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1181436/MPs-EXPENSES-100-MPs-cash-tax-dodge-Speaker-Martin-failed-end.html

“MPs' EXPENSES: 100 MPs cash in on tax dodge that Speaker Martin failed to end”

http://news.scotsman.com/politics/-39Don39t-stab-Speaker-in.5265073.jp

“'Don't stab Speaker in back, do it to his face'”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/pressure-grows-on-speaker-to-step-down-1684571.html

“Pressure grows on Speaker to step down”

http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/letters/display.var.2507941.0.MPs_are_offering_to_pay_back_money_only_because_they_were_caught.php

“MPs are offering to pay back money only because they were caught”

(EDITOR: The view of a Herald reader)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5318591/Speaker-Michael-Martin-will-face-no-confidence-motion.html

“Speaker Michael Martin will face 'no confidence' motion”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/13/labour-mps-call-michael-martin-resign

“Labour MPs join Tory to call for Speaker to resign”

(EDITOR: Two at the time of writing, Paul Flynn and Gordon Prentice. Will there be others? Thats News will report later!)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2009/may/13/michael-martin-commons-speaker

“An exit strategy for Michael Martin? There is an interesting theory floating around Westminster about how the Commons Speaker could be allowed to step down with dignity”

(EDITOR: But does he deserve this option?)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5320512/MPs-expenses-As-Gordon-Brown-blusters-David-Cameron-shows-the-mark-of-leadership.html

MPs' expenses: As Gordon Brown blusters, David Cameron shows the mark of leadership”

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/05/13/f-rfa-parry.html

“Political scandals usually roll out in a rather predictable fashion. A government gets fat and spoiled after years in power. Its members dip their hands ever deeper into the cookie jar of public finances.

Eventually, allegations of abuse and misspending are exposed and the opposition pounces, points an accusing finger at a tired, bloated regime while promising things will be different once it comes to power.

“But the scandal that has been unfolding in Britain all this week over MPs' expense accounts has followed a different script and may well veer into uncharted terrain.”

(EDITOR: The CBC view of the situation)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1180801/HARRY-PHIBBS-Flip-flopping-Pollys-love-affair-Gordon-Viking--again.html

“HARRY PHIBBS: Flip-flopping Polly's love affair with Gordon the Viking is over...again”

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/mp-lsquoclaimed-for-a-pound16000-mortgage-that-didnrsquot-existrsquo-14300555.html

“Elliot Morley, a long serving environment minister in Tony Blair's government, claimed £16,000 for a mortgage that did not exist, it was alleged last night”

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/latestnews/Expenses-row-Worst-offenders-are.5265079.jp

“Expenses row: Worst offenders are exposed”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6282916.ece

“Corby voters 'fuming' over Phil Hope's expenses claims”

http://richardspring.mpblogs.com/2009/05/13/expensive-expenses/

“The Daily Telegraph, obtaining the information by fair means or foul, has undoubtedly lanced a boil. It has been a very tense last few days for Members of Parliament. But the public has every right to be appalled”

http://iaindale.blogspot.com/2009/05/evening-expenses-snippets.html

“Evening expenses snippets”

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/2410077/Redfaced-British-MPs-repay-expenses

“Redfaced British MPs repay expenses”

(EDITOR:How New Zealand read about the story)

http://www.order-order.com/2009/05/met-police-gearing-up-for-investigations

“On Tuesday Guido saw confirmation that the Metropolitan Police were preparing to make enquiries into MP’s expenses. Separately the Serious Fraud Office was referring enquiries to the Committee on Public Standards - who as far as Guido knows do not have powers of arrest”

And that is it for the moment. More is expected later and Thats News will cover any further developments.

Crime will bite harder. Protect yourself

Thinking Money announces that many of the best credit cards are becoming those that provide greater customer service, fraud prevention and plain-English terms and conditions.

It appears that the UK credit card industry, following the shock to the system of the credit crunch, may well see a restructuring of the markets’ marketing emphasis, with customer service and innovation being at the centre.

Credit Crunch and White Collar Credit Card Fraud on the Rise

Historically petty and serious crime levels have risen as a result of a recession, which is true of today’s crime figures too. This trend is also translating in to white collar crime too. Increasing credit card fraud levels may well be attributed to the suffering economy.

"Growing levels of fraud and increasing media coverage to the topic is raising consumers’ interest in fraud prevention and insurance."

Fraud and Consumer Protection

Following dramatic increases in UK credit card fraud from 2007 to 2008 of 14% (as reported by APACS – the UK’s Payment Association), fraud / identity theft protection has never been more important.

This 14% increase equates to a further £170m in credit cards fraud.

Best practice credit card protection, Thinking Money believes, will be a factor that we see more on consumers’ agenda.

Best Practice Credit Card Fraud Prevention

Best practice credit card management relies on more than special credit card deals, and a comprehensive, clearly communicated credit card fraud advice can be USP for credit card companies.

An example of best practice credit card fraud advice:

- When you receive a new card, sign it straight away.
- Never leave your card unattended in public places or "behind the bar".
- During a transaction, never let your card out of your sight. In a restaurant or bar, ask the staff to bring the Chip & PIN terminal to you or go with them, rather than letting them take your card.
- Keep all credit card cheques in a safe place.
- Do not discard receipts or correspondence that contains personal information or details of your financial affairs in general household waste. Small modestly priced domestic shredders are readily available and their use is recommended.
- Destroy or shred any unused credit cards and cheques when new ones are received.

Information sourced from MBNA Credit Cards and Ireland’s MBNA Credit Card website, where more information can be found on their credit card fraud advice page.

Thinking Money states that as the recession continue to bite, we will see more financial businesses marketing their softer assets. These might include their business values, the strength of their balance sheet, and even things like a continued push on the year that they were established and those.

For more information on Credit Card Protection visit the Thinking Money or APAC website.
http://www.thinkingmoney.org/
http://www.apacs.org.uk/

For further information on best practice credit card fraud prevention:
http://www.mbna.co.uk/fraud-protect.html
http://www.mbna.co.uk/
http://www.mbna.ie/

New Consumer Shopping Site Records 500,000 Price Cuts as Retailers Continue to Discount Online

April 2009 saw a milestone of over 500,000 price cuts and 700,000 new products added to a growing consumer shopping website (pricecuts.co.uk) 20% up on the previous Month.

The latest consumer shopping website, specialising in Price Cuts, Voucher Codes and Printable Vouchers, has today announced record highs of recorded product price cuts & new product entries for the month of April.

Price Cuts is a fast growing consumer website, that records up to the minute price cuts from thousands of well known online & high street retailers, including Currys, Firebox, John Lewis and B&Q. The site adds value to the shopper by displaying the latest Retailer Voucher Codes available for use with these discounted retailer products, ensuring a maximum online discount for its savvy customers.

The latest big selling products on PriceCuts.co.uk have been largely in the Clothing, Electronics and Home & Garden Categories.

Statistics for April have shown a 200% rise in traffic to the PriceCuts Printable Vouchers section, showing that consumers are progressively searching for more discounts at their favourite restaurants as well as online stores.

Other interesting statistics have shown more than 200 extra voucher codes have been made available to consumers from online retailers, where competition for the online pound remains high.

Chris Johnson Retail Analyst for www.pricecuts.co.uk speaking about the latest milestone: "From analysing the monthly statistics since we launched PriceCuts, it’s evident that savvy shoppers are now, more than ever, hunting for Voucher Codes and bargains online.

"The sheer number of new Voucher Codes being submitted to the site by the retailers themselves in April and May demonstrates that retailers are still looking to catch the attention of the price conscious consumer.

"The site currently monitors real time price changes across thousands of online retailers; however our system is prepared to record the increasing number of price cuts and are looking forward to reaching our next milestone of over 1,000,000 Price Cuts in the next month."

For more information, visit www.pricecuts.co.uk

Nice 'n' sleazy does it! The Wednesday Evening Expensesgate update

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/e48a0804-3ff6-11de-9ced-00144feabdc0.html

“David Cameron on Wednesday called for a cut in the number of MPs and further reductions in members’ allowances, as he attempted to turn the furore over Westminster expenses into a question of Gordon Brown’s leadership”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5319505/Expenses-scandal-MPs-pledge-to-pay-back-100000.html

“Ministers and MPs have pledged to return more than £100,000 of taxpayers' money, as politicians of all parties admit to widespread abuse of the expenses system”

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/13/mps-discuss-their-own-expenses-91466-23617042/

“Wales News: MPs had a chance to discuss a favourite subject yesterday – their own expenses. If only they could agree on what to do about them, says Political Editor Tomos Livingstone”

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1898074,00.html

“Expenses Scandal Only Adds to Brown's Woes”

(EDITOR: How Time sees this story)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5315269/MPs-expenses-Labour-MPs-fear-their-leader-has-been-outmanoeuvred.html

“MPs' expenses: Labour MPs fear their leader has been outmanoeuvred

Does Gordon Brown have a plan? Labour MPs watching David Cameron order his shadow Cabinet to get the chequebook out despair that the Prime Minister is losing the race to stay ahead of an enraged public”

(EDITOR: In order to have a plan, one needs first to have a clue. That's News can see no evidence of the former or the latter in the case of Gordon Brown...)

http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-39606520090513

“UK's Brown under fire as lawmakers repay expenses”

(EDITOR: How India saw the story)

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23690863-details/There+sat+Blears,+the+brazen+hussy,+as+her+boss+said+avoiding+tax+wasn%E2%80%99t+on/article.do

There sat Blears, the brazen hussy, as her boss said avoiding tax wasn’t on... Dark suit, dark tie, dark hair, dark mood. While Gordon Brown did his best Mr Glum performance, succeeding in looking thoroughly miserable, those whipper-snappers opposite had him in knots.

Three times David Cameron used the word "leadership" in relation to MPs expenses. Not once was it a reference to the skills of the Prime Minister. Oh no. This was young, bright, sharp-suited "can do" versus older, measured "can't". “

http://www.birminghampost.net/news/politics-news/2009/05/13/cameron-s-pledge-to-scrap-publicity-allowance-for-mps-65233-23617075/

“David Cameron vowed to scrap a publicity allowance used by West Midlands MPs to claim £400,000 a year, as he branded it “a gigantic waste of money” in the latest row over expenses”

(EDITOR: How Brummies saw the story in their Birmingham Post. Incidentally, did you know there are more miles of canals in Birmingham than there are in Venice? I just thought that some of the Birmingham Labour MPs like Sion YouTube Simon might like some trivial facts like that to use when they are chatting about when they used to be an MP down the workingmen's club...)

http://www.eadt.co.uk/content/eadt/blogs/dines_days.aspx?PostURL=http%3A//www.eadt.co.uk/cs_eadt/cs/blogs/dines_days/archive/2009/05/13/1684445.aspx

“Cameron gets it, so does Clegg, so why not Brown?”

(EDITOR: Graham Dines, EADT Editor raises an important question)

Well, that's it for now. Which could well be the epitaph for Gordon Brown's leadership of the Labour Party and the country...

Doubtless there will be more tomorrow. Such as Mr and Mrs Balls expenses, for example!

Healey confirms action to protect council taxpayers

Local Government Minister John Healey has today confirmed the Government will take action to tackle excessive council tax increases set this year by two police authorities.

Subject to approval of an order laid before the House of Commons, Surrey Police Authority will be capped this year. It will be required to set a lower council tax in 2009-10 and arrange for residents to be re-billed. This is the first time under current legislation that the Government has had to take action twice against the same authority.

Action is also being taken against Derbyshire Police Authority to restrict its scope for council tax increases in future years.

John Healey said: "In this tough economic climate council taxpayers are rightly looking to their local authorities to provide good value for money and keep council tax bills down.

"Thanks to a £2.9 billion funding increase this year and greater financial flexibility and predictability the overwhelming majority of authorities have done just that. The average household council tax bill will rise by 2.6 per cent this year - the lowest increase since council tax was introduced in 1993. There is simply no excuse for excessive council tax increases.

"The action we are taking today should send a message loud and clear to all authorities - that the Government will take tough action to protect council taxpayers, including requiring authorities to rebill where necessary."

Local authorities have been helped to deliver the lowest-ever increase in household council tax bills by the stability that the first-ever three-year finance settlement provides - including a 4.2 per cent increase in funding this year alone.

Local authorities have already made £1.6billion efficiency savings since 2008 and the extra £600million savings expected in 2010-11 will be recycled back into their own frontline services, or used to keep council tax down.

While council tax levels for 2009-10 will remain unchanged in Derbyshire, a notional budget requirement has been proposed against which the police authority's budget and council tax levels will be measured for future comparisons. They now have 21 days in which to exercise their right to challenge their proposed notional amounts before a final decision is taken.

Post PMQ Update. Brown gets it wrong, again

The general view is that Brown did not do at all well. In fact, Michael White accussed Brown of blowing it. Again.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1180696/Cameron-dares-Brown-match-crackdown-MPs-lavish-expenses.html

"David Cameron challenged Gordon Brown over MPs' expenses today as he demanded yet more reforms to clean up the system"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8047818.stm

"David Cameron has called for a wider crackdown on MP's allowances as he and Gordon Brown clashed on the issue at prime minister's questions"

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5318280/David-Cameron-accuses-Gordon-Brown-of-lacking-leadership-over-MPs-expenses-PMQs.html

"David Cameron, the Tory leader, has clashed with Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, over the Commons MPs' expenses scandal that has engulfed Westminster, accusing him of lacking leadership"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/13/cameron-brown-mps-expenses-pmqs

"David Cameron today challenged Gordon Brown to "show some leadership" over MPs' expenses and axe the £10,000 communications allowance available to all MPs.

In a calculated attack on the prime minister's authority, the Conservative leader said the people rightly felt "angry" about extravagant claims made by MPs and that urgent action was needed."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/blog/2009/may/13/mps-expenses-gordon-brown-blows-it-again

"For the second time in 24 hours Gordon Brown had a chance to show assertive leadership in the row over MPs' expenses. For the second time he blew it" (says Michael White)

More later!

Morning update, 7.30am, Wednesday: MPs speak out on speaker, Brown does a Cameron and more this morning

A week is a long time in politics, as Harold Wilson once observed. And in the current situation, over night can be a long time, too!

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/13/repay-day-115875-21354304/

“Shamed MPs of all parties to hand back thousands in dodgy expenses”

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/13/cameron-we-re-sorry-and-we-will-pay-it-back-91466-23609424/

“Cameron: We’re sorry and we will pay it back”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/13/house-of-cards-has-collapsed-now-for-a-new-deal-115875-21354151/

“House of cards has collapsed ..now for a new deal?”

(EDITOR: The above story contains its own warning. It is bylined Kevin Maguire...)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2009/may/13/mps-expenses-david-cameron

"MPs' expenses: 'Suddenly David Cameron looked grown up'"

(EDITOR: By Michael White, who looks to have suddenly woken up, rather than grew up...)

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/13/pay-it-back-or-face-the-sack-cameron-tells-tories-who-claimed-for-pools-and-gardening-91466-23609407/

“Pay it back or face the sack, Cameron tells Tories who claimed for pools and gardening”

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8046287.stm

“Brown wants all claims reviewed”

(EDITOR: Nothing to do with David Cameron's earlier, decisive action, however. No, of course not!)

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5314991/MPs-expenses-pressure-grows-on-Speaker-Michael-Martin-to-stand-down.html

“MPs' expenses: pressure grows on Speaker Michael Martin to stand down”

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/13/85-in-call-for-martin-to-quit-as-mr-speaker-115875-21354303/

“85% call for Martin to quit as Mr Speaker”

(EDITOR: What? Only 85%?)

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/simon-carr/the-sketch-brains-fair-play-and-decency-the-trinity-this-speaker-lacks-1684031.html

“...there are bitter words being spoken of him, from MPs up to and including the Cabinet. Two points of order brought it all up again – his monstrous unsuitability for this high office”

It is early yet on Wednesday morning. Let us see what today brings.

Be part of your own Marine Reef

Review of the day's expensesgate news

And here we are with the evening update on what the media has had to say about Expensesgate, today:-

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article6276869.ece

“David Cameron rewrites Conservative rules on expenses”

(EDITOR: Good for David Cameron. Let's see how Labour and the LibDems play their game)

http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Even-his-own-party-wants.5259768.jp

“Even his own party wants him out as clamour grows for the Speaker's head”

http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Lib-Dems-swept-into-scandal.5260017.jp

“Lib Dems swept into scandal as Sir Ming's £10,000 bill for flat is revealed”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/12/speaker-michael-martin-mps-expenses-row

“Michael Martin was last night facing growing pressure to stand down as Commons Speaker after Nick Clegg became the first party leader to question his handling of the row over MPs' allowances and expenses.

As Martin refused to apologise – and once again upbraided an MP who confronted him in the Commons – the Liberal Democrat leader broke ranks to accuse the Speaker of misjudging the public mood.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5313922/Kate-Hoey-My-battle-with-Speaker-Martin-over-MPs-expenses.html

“Why did the Speaker lash out at me rather than focussing on the unprecedented mess that is MPs' expenses, asks Kate Hoey.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/the-big-question-what-is-the-speakers-role-and-does-michael-martin-deserve-such-criticism-1684003.html

“Michael Martin could be first Speaker of the House of Commons since the reign of William of Orange to be sacked by MPs”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5313486/Telegraph-TV-gives-MPs-right-of-reply-on-expenses.html

“All MPs are to be given the chance to explain their conduct in the growing scandal over MPs' expenses, courtesy of Telegraph TV”

(EDITOR: Unless, of course, an MP feels libelled by The Telegraph, in which case a few minutes of a newspaper's own TV channel might not be quite what the MP in question is looking for...)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1181009/Lib-Dem-MP-Andrew-George-claimed-expenses-300-000-flat-used-bolt-hole-model-daughter.html

“A Liberal Democrat MP is accused of claiming expenses on a £300,000 London flat used mainly by his daughter”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article2425500.ece

“BBC star in TV expenses row”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1181008/7-7-terror-probe-detectives-arrested-expenses-fiddle.html

“7/7 terror probe detectives are arrested over 'expenses fiddle'”

(EDITOR: And why have the Met not been brought in to investigate the inflated expenses claims of MPs? On rule for us, another rule for them?)

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/12/mps-expenses-harriet-harman

“Harman asks committee to consider whether 'excessive' expenses claims should be repaid”

(EDITOR: Known as playing the ball into the long grass, I believe. Well done, Harriet)

http://www.hellmail.co.uk/postalnews/templates/feature_stories.asp?articleid=1520&zoneid=10

“MP Expenses Should Not Obscure Parliamentary Business”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1180981/MPs-EXPENSES-Lembit-Opiks-2-500-expenses-claim-new-TV-rejected-expensive.html

“MPs' EXPENSES: Lembit Opik's £2,500 expenses claim for new TV (which was rejected for being too expensive)”

(EDITOR: What a cheeky boy!)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1180229/The-100-000-reason-stay-Speaker-lose-golden-goodbye-quits.html

“Commons Speaker Michael Martin is resisting calls to resign because his friends say he will lose a £100,000 'golden goodbye' if he quits before the next election”

(EDITOR: Is that so? Let's organise a whip round for the poor dear thing. Gosh, it must suck to be as poor as Speaker Michael Martin...)

Plato Says: Sherlock's deduction...

Plato Says: Sherlock's deduction...

Quite right, Plato!

How will you vote? A bit of fun

Find out how you will vote by taking the Vote Match test at http://votematch.co.uk

 

(Thanks to Iain Dale for pointing this out on his blog)

Clegg says Tories will sell your children to child traffickers or something like that...

http://www.politics.co.uk/news/legal-and-constitutional/clegg-tories-make-your-family-less-safe-$1294982.htm

Oh, great. Just when you thought things couldn't get any worse, Clegg decides to mud wrestle with himself.

 

The tears they are a fallin' Tears before bedtime as predicted

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2009/may/12/expenses-speaker-clegg

"Expenses: Speaker 'misjudged it spectacularly' in criticising MPs, says Clegg

Lib Dem leader speaks out as Tory MP canvasses for signatures for first no-confidence motion in Speaker for 300 years"

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1180229/Ministers-march-Downing-Street-tell-Brown-Speaker-go.html

"Ministers march to Downing Street to tell Brown the Speaker has to go"

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Prime-Minister-Gordon-Brown-Fully-Supports-The-House-Of-Commons-Speaker-Michael-Martin/Article/200905215280004?lpos=Politics_Top_Stories_Header_2&lid=ARTICLE_15280004_Prime_Minister_Gordon_Brown_Fully_Supports_The_House_Of_Commons_Speaker_Michael_Martin

"Gordon Brown "fully supports" Commons speaker Michael Martin, according to the Prime Minister's spokesman."

(EDITOR: Oh… dear)

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/janet_daley/blog/2009/05/12/mps_expenses_if_gordon_brown_supports_speaker_martin_what_was_the_point_of_his_apology

"Gordon Brown has declared his "full support" for Michael Martin, the shop steward (sorry,Speaker) of the House of Commons who yesterday surpassed his own spectacular record for crass political ineptness. Mr Brown does not itemise the reasons for this unequivocal support or suggest what splendid qualities Mr Martin may possess which might offset his patent liabilities.

Nor does he explain how this "full support" (which presumably encompasses Mr Speaker's extraordinary slapping-down of a truly honourable member of the House, Kate Hoey) is consistent with his own blanket apology to the nation yesterday in which he seemed to acknowledge the gross offence which the expenses scandal had caused. What on earth are we to make of this?"

(EDITOR: Janet Daley gives no quarter)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jR9U8z6ng6jPKvsUAlI9cYdrhRYQ

"Speaker is 'very wrong' says Clegg"

More updates later.

ex-drug dealer says: "I can help MPs with their expenses!

As voters react furiously to the details of MPs expenses Prince's Trust backed Duane Jackson, a former East London drug dealer has developed online accountancy software called 'The Ministry of Accounting – by Kashflow' to assist MPs manage their expenses. Kashflow was backed by The Prince's Trust in 2003 with a grant and start up loan. Today, it is the largest provider of SaaS (Software as a Service) online accountancy software for small to medium size businesses in the UK, which means it is based online rather than coming in a box. The Chairman and significant stakeholder of Kashflow is Lord Young, the Former Conservative Party Trade Minister. Kashflow is valued at £10m.

Mr. Jackson believes the special version of his software, 'The Ministry of Accounting - by Kashflow' will become vital for MPs to easily manage their expenses. "It is imperative that all MPs use this system to create complete transparency in their expense accounts. Because it is online, MPs can access their accounts anywhere, whether it is a laptop at an airport, constituency office, London home or on the road, and with shared access possible, it will be impossible for MPs to get away with these ridiculous expenses claims."

"MPs are generally not business people," says Mr. Jackson. "This software empowers them rather than weighing them down with cumbersome paperwork and allows them to get on with the job of running the country."

"It looks and feels much like the traditional Kashflow product, but with added dimensions. The colour scheme is green and grey. The green is intended to be reminiscent of the House of Commons. So that it is customised and personalised for MPs we're compiling a list of the various categories of expenses MPs are allowed to claim for so that they can easily record and classify all of their expenses. There won't be categories for dog food, swimming pools or gardeners, however much the MPs might like there to be! "

The Ministry of Accounting – by Kashflow is targeted at MPs on both sides of the political divide. "Despite our Chairman being a Tory, it has become clear that the issue of MPs managing their expenses is one that effects MP from all parties, whether they be Conservative, Labour, Lib Dem or Green." 

Visit http://www.kashflow.co.uk for details.

That's News Morning Update 7.30am, Tuesday

When Mr Brown presumably thought thing could only get better (to coin an expression) it seems that he was wrong. Things could, in fact, only get worser. (To coin another expression.)

Speaker Martin went mad and began using unparliamentary language and behaviour against other Mps (any other MP acting like this would have been booted out of the House) more expensesgate problems surfaced and David Cameron proved what a perfect beast he is by actually saying 'sorry' first! Oh dear. More tears before bedtime I think. And it is only 7.30am on Tuesday as I write this Morning Update!

http://www.spectator.co.uk/coffeehouse/3608466/the-campaign-to-ditch-speaker-martin-gathers-pace.thtml

“The campaign to ditch Speaker Martin gathers pace”

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/may/11/mps-expenses-deselection

“Expenses abuses make deselection the natural choice”

http://blogs.news.sky.com/stateandfaith/Post:5c788985-eb07-4cff-80e7-e6e44a7b46bd

“Speaker Spits Dummy At Kate Hoey”

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/simon-carr/simon-carr-the-blame-game-ends-with-this-vindictive-angry-secretive-speaker-1683117.html

“Simon Carr: The blame game ends with this vindictive, angry, secretive Speaker

“When he was trying to identify Ann Widdecombe, the Speaker called her "The Hon Gentleman. The Hon Lady. The Rt Hon Lady", and inevitably the term "booby" came to mind again. I must apologise for saying that so often about Michael Martin”

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/iain_martin/blog/2009/05/11/mp_prepares_motion_to_depose_the_speaker

“MP prepares motion to depose the Speaker”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1180225/I-didnt-come-politics-whats-owed--What-Speaker-allegedly-told-MP.html

“MPs' EXPENSES: 'I didn't come into politics not to take what's owed to me' - What the Speaker allegedly told an MP”

http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/editorial/display.var.2507478.0.Scandal_of_expenses.php

“Scandal of expenses”

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/05/12/mps-need-to-end-their-easy-expenses-culture-91466-23597384/

“MPs need to end their easy expenses culture”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5309626/Gordon-Brown-cant-shake-off-the-MPs-expenses-scandal-when-public-life-has-sunk-so-low.html

“Gordon Brown can't shake off the MPs' expenses scandal when public life has sunk so