Guy Fawkes' blog of parliamentary plots, rumours and conspiracy: Blair Was Interviewed a Second Time on Friday

Blair Was Interviewed a Second Time on Friday

199 comments:

Anonymous said...: You're slipping, a minute behind the BBC.; February 1, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Anonymous said...: Under caution or not Guido??; February 1, 2007 at 11:33 AM
Anonymous said...: This is what the Lobby will hear today; February 1, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Anonymous said...: He has nothing to hide. He's not a suspect.; February 1, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Anonymous said...: Nine minutes behind the Press Association too, who normally couldn't be trusted to report themselves missing; February 1, 2007 at 11:35 AM
Anonymous said...: Oh what a lovely day

Nu Lab Death by a thousnd C(un)ts

There is a God after all

Takes the heat of soiled Brown nappies for the moment; February 1, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Anonymous said...: Caution?; February 1, 2007 at 11:39 AM
Anonymous said...: And the snowball gets bigger ,but Guido your late stop going to the supermarket; February 1, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Anonymous said...: "Downing Street disclosed that the 45 minute questioning took place in Number 10 last Friday, but was kept secret at the request of the Metropolitan Police."

Could it be that they were tapping Levy's phones to see if he was tipped off by No 10?; February 1, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Anonymous said...: Hey Up Guid.You on the piss for the past week? How come BBC Pravda are breaking the story?; February 1, 2007 at 11:41 AM
Tuscan Tony said...: If you want to know something, ask a policeman they say, - so why shouldn't the police get a go at asking quetions of us on the odd occasion - and why not the PM - he is human, after all and they know where he lives, it's a handy place to get to, Downing Street. This is all perfectly normal.; February 1, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Anonymous said...: Wasn't arrested, wasn't under caution.; February 1, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Anonymous said...: Anonymous said...

Wasn't arrested, wasn't under caution.

11:48 AM

So it's not a story then?

Read the sign. No astroturfing!; February 1, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Old BE said...: This is all perfectly normal.

Unfortunately it is. Welcome to New Britain.; February 1, 2007 at 11:52 AM
Anonymous said...: Forewarned, forearmed. said...
Under caution or not Guido??

Anonymous said...
Wasn't arrested, wasn't under caution.

How can answering a question be either (a) denying it is a story or (b) astroturfing?; February 1, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Anonymous said...: This could be the tipping point for Blair. Maybe Chippendale was right and ate too soon?; February 1, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Anonymous said...: Looks like astroturfing when the question isn't cited. I stand by my accusation.; February 1, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Anonymous said...: 'Nonymush said "Wasn't arrested, wasn't under caution."

Now call me optimistic, but if there was no caution I'd think the Downing St statement would have made damned sure we all knew it. The lack of any mention strikes me as indicative.

We'll know soon enough, either way.; February 1, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Anonymous said...: Yes Chirac does seem to be barking mad.

Theses are the interviews making headlines in USA. But not mentioned in UK

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/01/world/europe/01france.html?hp&ex=1170392400&en=41a193031cb1461e&ei=5094&partner=homepage; February 1, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Anonymous said...: It is inconceivable to me that a serving Prime Minister will EVER be cautioned/arrested whilst in office. IF there were to be any charges laid, I am sure any PM in that situation would resign first or be forced to resign by his Party morelike..; February 1, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Anonymous said...: I have just read the New York Times interview with Chirac. Astonishing. He has lost it.; February 1, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Powell squawked and dropped them all in it so last Friday Blair tried to pin it on Levy hence his arrest again this week.

Levy won't take the rap and deflected attention back to Blair so expect Blair to be interviewed again, probably under caution this time, in the near future.

Meanwhile Gordon's depression has lifted.; February 1, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Anonymous said...: all these anonymongs ! Does TIm Ireland live here? He's become a kind of remora.; February 1, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Anonymous said...: I have seen the front page of the New York Times . I agree Chirac must have been drunk.

President Jacques Chirac said that if Iran had one or two nuclear weapons, it would not pose a big danger, and that if Iran were to launch a nuclear weapon against a country like Israel, it would lead to the immediate destruction of Tehran.

Or Mad.; February 1, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Anonymous said...: Looks like astroturfing when the question isn't cited. I stand by my accusation.

looks like you are a total twat; February 1, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Anonymous said...: No surprises then that he refused to be drawn at PMQ's yesterday by DC. He's a legal eagle he knows he's under caution and it's all sub judice.
Ah schadenfreude, don't you just love it when a wanker like B-Liar gets his comeuppance.
Lets hope that its Levy who'se sold him down the river.; February 1, 2007 at 12:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Anonymous said...

Looks like astroturfing when the question isn't cited. I stand by my accusation.

looks like you are a total twat

12:04 PM

I refuse to rise to your bait.; February 1, 2007 at 12:08 PM
Anonymous said...: Isn't this more about knocking Sinn Fein off the top of the news?; February 1, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Anonymous said...: Scotland Yard won't confirm the blackout was requested by them. Poor Tony.; February 1, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Anonymous said...: Sir Michael White's been wheeled out onto Sky News to defend the Government... now we know they're really in the shit!; February 1, 2007 at 12:12 PM
Anonymous said...: Doesn't that mean he was interviewed prior to Lord Levy being rearrested?

Does this mean Blair was singing like the proverbial canary?; February 1, 2007 at 12:13 PM
Anonymous said...: Cue Frank:

"And now, the end is near...."; February 1, 2007 at 12:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Any odds on impending use of the Royal Prerogative?; February 1, 2007 at 12:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Actually, Tony was questioning the police over their progress in the case. He wanted to make sure they've been doing the job properly. Nothing story, just our friendly Tone being sweet.

He has nothing to suspect, he's not a hide.; February 1, 2007 at 12:14 PM
Anonymous said...: According to the BBC:

"Mr Blair's official spokesman said ... he did not know whether Mr Blair would face further questions, saying that was a matter entirely for the police."

So will Frank Field and David Blunkett keep their mouths shut this time?; February 1, 2007 at 12:18 PM
Anonymous said...: Sky are reporting the PMOS saying no caution and no lawyer present.; February 1, 2007 at 12:18 PM
Anonymous said...: Scotland Yard confirm the questioning but not the blackout request.; February 1, 2007 at 12:18 PM
Anonymous said...: I reckon that almost as serious as the allegations is the fact that No.10 is briefing, officially and otherwise, against an ongoing police investigation, with the obvious inference that they want to put what could only be improper pressure on those conducting the investigation. The BBC (quelle shock) hasn't remarked on this aspect at all, which is disgussting; indeed, MSM seem to think it's quite appropriate for 'sources close to the PM' to say how disgusting it is that 'elected politicians' are being 'besmirched', bullshit bullshit.; February 1, 2007 at 12:19 PM
Anonymous said...: Peed off Tom Kelly to resign and smell the roses?; February 1, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Anonymous said...: All this cloak and dagger from everyone concerned.

Sir Laurence Olivier in the film "Marathon Man" comes to mind.

"Is it safe? Is it safe?"

Boy I hope after all this intrigue it is not an anti climax. Am I the only person left in Great Britain not arrested or at least questioned on this matter? Not questioned knowingly that is. But I mistrust every phone call I receive.

"Is it safe, Tony? Is it safe?"; February 1, 2007 at 12:21 PM
Anonymous said...: "If it keep on rainin', the levee gonna break,
If it keep on rainin', the levee gonna break,
Everybody saying this is a day only the Lord could make" Bob Dylan

Thank you Lord; February 1, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Anonymous said...: http://www.williamhillmedia.com/index_template.asp?file=7382

Odds on Blair arrest down to 7/1; February 1, 2007 at 12:23 PM
Anonymous said...: Genius.

I'm looking forward to it all going shit shaped for Blair, Brown and Cameron in quick succession. Charles Kennedy for PM anyone? At least he could honestly say he was too drunk to remember doing anything.; February 1, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Anonymous said...: All jump into the big bath together, champagne in hand, and sing lustily...

The Profiteer's Song

A profiteer told me before he died ahum, ahum
A profiteer told me before he died
And I’ve no reason to believe he lied ahum

He knew a Party with debt so vast ahum
He knew a Party with debt so vast
They needed cash, and they needed it fast ahum

So they hatched a nice little deal ahum
So they hatched a nice little deal
A seat in the Lords for just one mill ahum

“City Academy? Step right in!” ahum
“City Academy? Step right in!”
And the whole bloody issue was covered in spin ahum

In went the skulking profiteers ahum
In went the skulking profiteers
Out came the newly-minted peers ahum

The House of Lords they filled with jerks ahum
The House of Lords they filled with jerks
And M*****l L**y ran the works ahum

Up and up went the level of sleaze ahum
Up and up went the level of sleaze
On and on came the flow of fees ahum

Then at last the nation cried ahum
Then at last the nation cried
"Enough, enough, we’re horrified!" ahum

So they ordered PC Yates ahum
So they ordered PC Yates
To round up all the reprobates ahum

Spin poured forth from Downing Street ahum
Spin poured forth from Downing Street
“A joke’s a joke – get back to your beat” ahum

Now we come to the magic bit ahum
Now we come to the magic bit
There is no way of stopping it! ahum

Yates ploughs on with his campaign ahum
Yates ploughs on with his campaign
And the whole bloody nation buys champagne ahum; February 1, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Anonymous said...: Poor Tony? Poor Tony.

In the words of Oscar Wilde, "you'd have to have a heart of stone not to laugh out loud!"

Sorry - low on tolerance this afternoon; February 1, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Anonymous said...: this is the end, my only friend the end...; February 1, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Anonymous said...: I don't know - Comrade Yates is "trying to make a revolution wearing white gloves" as the Bolshevik criticism used to go. This calls for special measures. If you'd given Beria 45 minutes with Blair and I am confident he'd have extracted a full confession (and denunciations). Mind you, give the Old bastard an hour and he could probably have got Bliar to admit to starting the Reichstag fire.; February 1, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Anonymous said...: Think big - the real corruption in this story is at a higher level.

Why did Blair & Co. resist doing further Lords reform - after they kicked out most of the heriditaries, suddenly their desire to chage things stopped. Was it because selling hundreds of peerages was becoming a nice little earner? Given that a Bernie buys you a policy, with this lot...

Note that now that the cash is cut off, Lords reform has suddenly re-animated itself....; February 1, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Anonymous said...: What is interesting is that Levy was arrested for "conspiracy" - now Ruth Turner was not arrested for conspiracy - but straight forward perversion.

When there is a conspiracy TWO people should be arrested. If the other one is not Turner then it must be Blair.

If Blair sought to hide his interview - has he also sought to hide his arrest??

If Blair was not arrested why was Levy arrested for conspiracy and not Turner?

Maybe Iain was right about Blair resigning this week.; February 1, 2007 at 12:32 PM
The Empty Suit said...: Chekist - if The Reverend Blair thought that admitting torching the Reichstag would garner some votes, he'd have done it already; remember his anecdotes about seeing Jackie Milburn play and stowing away on an airliner?; February 1, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Anonymous said...: "If you'd given Beria 45 minutes with Blair and I am confident he'd have extracted a full confession."

Yes, Blair does seem to have that effect on otherwise sturdy individuals.; February 1, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Anonymous said...: The parade of spokespersons lined up to rubbish the police investigation with a set script (My Lord Puttnam, you of all people cannot find a decent script writer perhaps? - "theatrical" was used last July by Lord Levy - the English language is huge") and decry the arrest of Ruth Turner - said, at least to me, in letters 200 metres high "THE GAME IS UP"; February 1, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Anonymous said...: Where is Jonners Powell in all this?

Dog not barking!!!!; February 1, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Tha Daily mail says "The Prime Minister was not under caution and was not accompanied by a lawyer for Friday's interview, said his official spokesman."

Ah, yes he was not under caution - but was he under arrest.

This question needs to be asked to the Prime Minister

Were you arrested; February 1, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Remember years ago when non stick pans first came out. Fantastic! The scrambled egg just rinsed away. Soon, however, little black flakes started to appear in the food as the TEFLON wore away and we were left with a rubbish saucepan.

Plus ca change! He's not called Teflon Tony for nothing.; February 1, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Anonymous said...: An assignment for Gordo's No 10 moles.

Any of the usual No 10 cautionees/@witnesses' missing from their usual haunts?

Your boss says we should be fully informed.....; February 1, 2007 at 12:41 PM
Anonymous said...: The bloodsoaked lying madman cannot now be arrested in this case.
His lawyers would argue each charge out of court claming their client was duped by the polis into giving evidence believing he was merely a witness.
No Blair is not to face any charge, but why would the dwarf white headed Yid, & roof want to go down for him?
No point in any further fantasies of the wretch being arrested.

However the pressure will be on to get baloney out of office quicker than July.
Unfortunately this could help Neo Labour in the May elections which is not on the agenda at all.
The way to turn a party into a rump, ie the tories from 92 to '05, is to remove local councillors/party footsoldiers; February 1, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Anonymous said...: Now the police admit they did keep it confidential for "operational reasons" ie it was their choice. Blair wasn't arrested, wasn't under caution. Probably means Yates fucked up first time round and didn't ask one question, so he had to come back.

What this means is:

Please welcome the new traffic cop who will take over when the lights go on the blink, John Yates.; February 1, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Anonymous said...: Posted this on Iain's site. No apologies for repeating my fantasies here.

Nice one, Mr Plod.

Bit disappointed at the end of last week. Yates nearly always invites folk to drop in for a chat on Fridays, and last week it didn't happen - except it did.

As for the news blackout, what I really, really, really hope has happened is that despite police requests to keep stum, dear Toni tipped the wink to Mikey - and the boys in blue knew he would, watched him do it and can prove it.

Then they can both practice their tennis strokes in a secure location.; February 1, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Anonymous said...: mitch said...

Sky are reporting the PMOS saying no caution and no lawyer present.

Speaks volumes about Sky's opinion of Blair's "qualifications". He couldn't havwe been arrested otherwise he would have been escorted down to the nick, fingerprinted, strip searched(!) etc.

Incidentally, has any Prime Minister previously ever been questioned by the police?; February 1, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Anonymous said...: Ol' Man Bliar,
Dat Ol' Man Bliar,
He mus' know sumpin',
But don' say nothin';
He jes' keeps lyin',
He keeps on lyin' along.; February 1, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Praguetory said...: What about Commons lunches, the Policy Institute and I'm sure there's some nasty emails from Tory activists doing the rounds? Concentrate on the big issues, Guido.; February 1, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Old BE said...: Incidentally, has any Prime Minister previously ever been questioned by the police?

Blair is the first, and he surely will soon be the first to be arrested while in office!

Missing you already!; February 1, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Anonymous said...: 5 Days delay for Operational Reasons = Plop of 57 Varieties of Spilled Beans on top of Cashpoints Rug.; February 1, 2007 at 12:51 PM
Anonymous said...: "Ruth Turner was not arrested for conspiracy - but straight forward perversion"
Amusing to consider that Ruth Turner is probably the sole member of this sorry band that could plead not guilty of perversion with a straight face.; February 1, 2007 at 12:55 PM
Anonymous said...: Tom Kelly will go.; February 1, 2007 at 12:55 PM
Trubes said...: Things can only get better ! "Tra la la".The champagne`s "on ice" !; February 1, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Anonymous said...: Sky News highlight the fact that after each police interview Blair left the country.

Getting some practice in, obviously.; February 1, 2007 at 12:58 PM
Anonymous said...: Guido

Shergar - what an amazingly insightful & articulate Equestrian - is he a Longhorse ?

Don'tcha love his Poems; February 1, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Anonymous said...: The questioning lasted '45 minutes' - and who says the cops don't have a sense of humour !..; February 1, 2007 at 1:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Key question:

Was he interviewed in connection with cash-for-honours or in connection with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice?

Not bad - the first and the second PM to be interviewed in connection with a criminal investigation; also the first PM to be interviewed twice! What a legacy...so far!; February 1, 2007 at 1:02 PM
Anonymous said...: If the interview (I think arrest) was kept quite for operational reasons - why did Tony Blair not say anything after Levy's arrest.

Tony Blair was clearly shaken at the weekend and couldn't keep his mind on the interview.

John Prescot was "demob happy" this week. As the DPM he would have been told if Blair was going to resign.

Iain Dale reported the BBC were preparing a resignation interview.

The Number 10 spokesperson said he was not cautioned - but have NOT denied he was arrested.

Finally, Guido carried a picture on his Friday caption of Blair and Levy up to their necks in it.

Has Tony Blair been given a weeks grace to pack his bags?; February 1, 2007 at 1:03 PM
Anonymous said...: Anyone hear or see news that Powell was questioned. RTE had it in their report of Blair's interview. Another blackout perhaps>; February 1, 2007 at 1:08 PM
Anonymous said...: This is becoming the best saga to be read about for years, can't wait for the next episode to be played out in PMQ's.

Will Bliar take heed of Cameron's chant to GO NOW?; February 1, 2007 at 1:12 PM
Old BE said...: RTE had it in their report of Blair's interview.

Do we have to go to the Republic for the facts now? Remind me why we pay our Licence Fee?!; February 1, 2007 at 1:15 PM
Anonymous said...: "the public has been misled " Adam Boulton on the news blackout; February 1, 2007 at 1:19 PM
Anonymous said...: javelin - if you're arrested you MUST be cautioned. No caution = no arrest.; February 1, 2007 at 1:19 PM
Newmania said...: John boy- don`t be foolish nothing was done without Blair`s say so the cover up included .
Domyou think Blair is scared of lying , you are judging him by human standards he is a chancer and always has been. he thinks he can do anything
I doubt his tracks are even well covered.

NICK DREW- You rhymes are an offence against man and god . You are a foul corruption of the soul and I shall have to wash my eyes now they are polluted with your offensive material. Desist with your nonsense

OR ELSE !; February 1, 2007 at 1:23 PM
Praguetory said...: Blair is clearing his desk, whilst Cherie is clearing her throat.; February 1, 2007 at 1:25 PM
Anonymous said...: Is not the key to all this Ruth Turner, if she is "singing like a canary" maybe the end game is closer than we think!!!; February 1, 2007 at 1:31 PM
Anonymous said...: Maybe they'll just send Blair a 'Notice of Intended Prosecution'. Then he really will be 'one of us'.; February 1, 2007 at 1:31 PM
Anonymous said...: "The BBC has learned that Lord Levy - Labour's chief fund-raiser - was asked by police about notes of meetings at which he's believed to have discussed honours with senior staff at Downing St. The notes of meetings, which the BBC understands were obtained by police from within No 10, were put to Lord Levy on Tuesday for the first time."
Nick Robinson
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/nickrobinson/; February 1, 2007 at 1:31 PM
Anonymous said...: Goldsmith getting hammered, in a way only possible in the HOL, calling for him to explain the different answers he has given. One old duffer questioned his staement- " 'balancing the rule of law with the wider public interest' said Attorney General. I find that wholly unacceptable". The public think he is a politician so he must clarify his position as guardian of teh rule of law.

Nasty; February 1, 2007 at 1:41 PM
Anonymous said...: hmmmm -

Would these be the notes with 'Toni - his mark' scrawled in the margins?; February 1, 2007 at 1:44 PM
Anonymous said...: Just seen mr ginger top the welshman on news24 he's seems to be saying we have a saint tone in our midst , due you think europe has affected is mind ?; February 1, 2007 at 1:44 PM
Anonymous said...: Sky News website has a fucking story about Shilpa Shitty as top story! FFS! Bliar comes second.

At least BBC and ITN have it as top story.; February 1, 2007 at 1:45 PM
Anonymous said...: hey where can i get odds on the date of blair resignation ?? please help as i couldn`t think of anything more amusing than making money off his demise !; February 1, 2007 at 1:48 PM
Anonymous said...: Turner, Levy and Blair have all been seen by the Police in quick succession following Powell's latest chat with them. It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to figure it out does it?; February 1, 2007 at 1:49 PM
Anonymous said...: What motivates those who feel the need to defend New Labour? If they had some clear ideology like Old Labour socialism one might understand the ideological troops rallying round but they don't. They're just a bunch of opportunist bunglers.; February 1, 2007 at 1:58 PM
Anonymous said...: Mr Mania - feigning lunacy long enough can be a self-fulfilling conceit.

If you had chosen the moniker newageofreason, how different might life be for you? For us all?

As it is, we must all carry earplugs...; February 1, 2007 at 2:00 PM
Anonymous said...: With apologies to John Betjeman:

A thump and a murmur of voices

Oh why must they make such a din?

As the door of the bedroom swung open

And TWO PLAIN CLOTHES POLICEMEN came in!

"Mr Blair we 'ave come for to take you

Where felons and criminals dwell:

We must ask you to leave with us quietly

For this is the main Davos hotel."; February 1, 2007 at 2:02 PM
Peter Briffa said...: Blair's doing a live interview tomorrow with John Humphreys on the Today programme. He must be desperate. Do you think he'll announce his resignation there and then? It would be a touch theatrical, but he can't just go on and say "I can't talk about that, as you know, John", and babble on about schoolsnhospitals, can he?; February 1, 2007 at 2:03 PM
Anonymous said...: Yeah, Kinnock says all this strung-out investigation could lead to politicians being mistrusted by the public!

No!!!!

And how many hundreds of thousands of my money is this twat being paid?; February 1, 2007 at 2:06 PM
The Scoffer said...: Stop worring all of you. Soon, we WILL have the party list system for the Lords:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6319671.stm

I say WILL with confidence because the Commons vote is being engineered (via the alternative vote system) to select the least unpopular option, regardless of whether it can approach a majority.; February 1, 2007 at 2:09 PM
Anonymous said...: Blair is reported by the BBC as having a civil service note taker with him at the interview rather than a solicitor. I suppose that us the tax payer footing his defence costs; February 1, 2007 at 2:09 PM
Anonymous said...: 'no longer anonymous said...
What motivates those who feel the need to defend New Labour? '

Good point , it's baffling isn't it?; February 1, 2007 at 2:11 PM
Anonymous said...: Ruth Turner donesn't look tough enough..she'll turn queens unless of course she make the mistake of going for a solitary walk near some woodland......like Dr Kelly; February 1, 2007 at 2:11 PM
Anonymous said...: you have to applaud nu lab's luck though.

They always seem to have governmental issues very shortly before major "front page grabbing" anti-terrorism operations occur.; February 1, 2007 at 2:13 PM
Anonymous said...: tweet...tweet...tweet; February 1, 2007 at 2:24 PM
Anonymous said...: Shame we no longer have Spitting Image.....they would be having a field day.
Let's not split semantics over the caution, he was questioned again, an unheard of thing in the history of No 10.
He doesn't need a lawyer, he is one, (and he certianly wouldn't want the bitch there to hear all the dirt), though i hear he was pretty well crap.
He is oily and eel-like, and no doubt Knacker of the Yard had a second go, having found some contradictions (these Sandinista's get everywhere) in his earlier comments.
Good interrogators look for the contradictions, the dissembling, the outright lies, Knacker has a hard job, as B-Liar is a master of all the arts. The other route is that of Beria and the NKVD, but its a bit messy on the carpet and under PACE, etc rather inadmissable, unfortunately.
A lost opportunity in me view me lords.; February 1, 2007 at 2:27 PM
Anonymous said...: johnse18
not really Betjemanesque but it would go well if sung to the Eton boat song (if that's the one I think it is about syphilis and buggering hedgehogs).; February 1, 2007 at 2:28 PM
Anonymous said...: Watch out for the wholesale burying of bad news today.
There's so much to bury given this incompetent lot's performance that they'll need plague pits.

Des Browne announces another 800 troops for Afghanistan...; February 1, 2007 at 2:29 PM
Anonymous said...: 800 troops for Afghanistan.
Looks like Brown has agreed to going for the attack on Iran then, part of the New World Order..; February 1, 2007 at 2:35 PM
Anonymous said...: If things are moving fast then Tony and henchpersons will been preparing the exit strategy over the weekend. "Managing the crisis" being a New Labour buzz phrase. Pity not with a trusty service revolver and a whisky in the library. The loose cannon is presumably Powell, is he the persons with all the documents Nick mentioned on Newsnight? My guess is Tony will go on Friday night after 7 so everyone will be in pub and miss the 10 o'clock news. Gordon on Monday morning will be acting as new PM - "seamless change over", "lets move on", "put this behind us", "win in May".; February 1, 2007 at 2:37 PM
Anonymous said...: BBC News 24 just announced that the Charity Commissioners are to investigate the Sith!

May the Force be with them. The Police Force, that is.

Hats off to you, Sir!; February 1, 2007 at 2:39 PM
Anonymous said...: I see Michael Meacher is saying on CiF that 'the prime minister still has the absolute power to ignore the result of the vote and to commit the nation to war'.

Does that mean he is personally liable if the war is decided by a commons vote to be illegal? Or by the UN, or by Europe?

Maybe C4 'The Trial of Tony Blair' could yet come to pass..; February 1, 2007 at 2:40 PM
Anonymous said...: Waiter - a bucket of cold water for Ms Critchley, please.; February 1, 2007 at 2:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Under the NuLab consitution we get Fatty Prescott in the hot seat until there has been an election for leader.; February 1, 2007 at 2:43 PM
Anonymous said...: Oh this is a great day for sleaze-busters everywhere. Blair interviewed again and Browns 'charity' being investigated.; February 1, 2007 at 2:44 PM
Anonymous said...: In the words of Paul weller 'walls come tumblin' down'

Gordo and Bliar in the same weekend is too much to expect right?; February 1, 2007 at 2:46 PM
Anonymous said...: To be irrational now; it no longer matters what, if anything comes out of all this. The critical and central factor is a complete loss of trust, credibility legitimacy and authority. Presumably this is a Bad Thing? The critical and central question is does this loss only apply to Blair, or the 'Blair team', the Labour Government... or 'Labour'? Whichever permutation it is will decide the consequences (surely?).; February 1, 2007 at 2:46 PM
The Scoffer said...: Eileen "You do want to please me, don't you Michael (Levy)"?; February 1, 2007 at 2:46 PM
Anonymous said...: Goldsmith got hammered today in teh Lords, they questioned everything from his public standing, the legal right bliar has to intervene and the fact that it would be hard for the public to accept him deciding over peerages.

Falconer has gone for teh exit already, will Goldsmith? Or is he in too deep and will cause a constitutional crisis rather than allow Bliar to go down.; February 1, 2007 at 2:49 PM
Anonymous said...: Blair, Brown, Falconer and Goldsmith !!

Whats the odds on getting 4 out in one weekend...

I'd be happy with 3 out of 4.; February 1, 2007 at 2:54 PM
Anonymous said...: He will need to be on top form to survive John Humphreys tomorrow morning.If he hashes it up,then if the Labour backbenchers don't act ,they will be dragged down with him.; February 1, 2007 at 2:59 PM
Anonymous said...: 'no longer anonymous said...
What motivates those who feel the need to defend New Labour? '

As one who often defends New Labour, I have been asking myself the same question recently.

A serious question deserves a serious answer.

Basically it boils down to different things for different people.

For activists, the time and energy invested in stuffing envelopes and knocking on doors - and the camaraderie/bitching that accompanies that in most CLPs means that activism is socialising for many supporters. Same as in every other party.

*Huw Edwards voice* "Normal Tory bitching follows this post, so if you don't want to read Labourspeak, look away now"

There are a set of values that many Labour supporters have in common. There is a belief in the NHS and Public Services, a belief in helping the weakest members of society and a rejection of out and out Free Marketeerism. Tories sneer at it, but it's true.

Added to that, most Labour supporters can point to real improvements that have been made in their neighbourhoods by the Labour party - and feel proud of it.

Most people are fed up to the gills with Blair but realise he's going to go soon. And base tribalism means that, no matter what happens, he'll always be remembered fondly for 1/1/97.

Personally, I think New Labour have altered the way people talk about politics in the UK - partially for the worse (spin etc), but mainly for the better (rejection of Thatcherite values). Cameroon Tories' complete volte face on just about any issue you care to mention demostrates this.

The current leadership may be clapped out, but the party is not... in much the same way that the Tory grassroots has held a firm rump (oo-er) since 1997.

*looks at post*
*dons flak jacket*
*publishes*; February 1, 2007 at 2:59 PM
Anonymous said...: All together, now ...

THINGS -- CAN ONLY GET -- BETTER!; February 1, 2007 at 3:05 PM
Anonymous said...: the 800 extra troops to Afghanistan is a non story.
They are part of a normal rotational deployment, but the return of the relieved troops has been delayed slightly. So no NEW troops.

this announcement was designed to deflect attention.; February 1, 2007 at 3:05 PM
Anonymous said...: "Getting 3 out of 4 out. "Who is the ODD 1 in? Sounds dangerous leaving him in, unless it is in the Nick.; February 1, 2007 at 3:05 PM
Anonymous said...: I wouldn't hold out much hope of Blair resigning on Today tomorrow (if you see what i mean...)

"We will be interviewing the Prime Minister Tony Blair tomorrow about health, public services and other issues"

In other words, part of his "crowds wanting more" effort...; February 1, 2007 at 3:07 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Guido,

Looks like some of your posters are catching on a lot quicker than you. Spook Central's little sleeper at Number 10 has finally woken up after 10 long years and is finally scuttling tramp steamer NuLab.

I'm just wondering whether there's another scion of family Powell (a long lost brother of Charlie and Jonny perhaps sweating it out as 'Commercial Attache' in Pyongyang?)ready to be appointed Chief Mole to the Cabinet by a sudden 'Order in Council.'

Of course he won't wait ten years to light the fuse to sink HMS Gordo (it's already been lit).

Tee hee!

Spook Buster; February 1, 2007 at 3:08 PM
Anonymous said...: 3 out of 4.
I reckon Brown could get away with for the time being.

Where is he today by the way? Is he available for comment ? or has he managed to arrange another non essential essential trip somewhere ?

funny he never around when there is an SFI (Shit Fan Interface).; February 1, 2007 at 3:11 PM
Anonymous said...: 'no longer anonymous said...
What motivates those who feel the need to defend New Labour?

Naked self interest, of course, be it a cushy public sector job, invalidity benefit ot tax credits.

By the way, if I lived in Tehran, I would be worried......; February 1, 2007 at 3:14 PM
Anonymous said...: Blair has nothing to hide. He is open and above suspicion.; February 1, 2007 at 3:15 PM
Anonymous said...: were you just at the dworkin thing?; February 1, 2007 at 3:17 PM
Anonymous said...: The answer to all this is blindingly obvious.
Extraodinary rendition of Bliar, Levy, Turner et al to some obscure Eastern European area. We'd soon get the truth out of 'em.
This method seems to be perfectly acceptable to the Neo-con Bliar regime when National security is involved.
I would like to volunteer my services in this as I have some interesting new methods which I would like to evaluate.
I await your orders Sir.; February 1, 2007 at 3:19 PM
Anonymous said...: Pete
What pisses a lot of us Tories off is the assumption that only labour have a monopoly of caring about the NHS or public services. you don't now and never have done. Have you heard of one-nation toryism? Now it went out of favour for a time but there always has been a social conscience in a large section the party going back to Disraeli. Cameron is returning to one-nation toryism.; February 1, 2007 at 3:20 PM
Hedgy said...: Best to keep Blair where he is and watch him slowly rot.....meanwhile Brown will go more paranoid and the bad news in the economy will continue to surface....Brown is in a race to get into number 10 before it all goes tits up...; February 1, 2007 at 3:21 PM
dearieme said...: Cassandra, it was old Betj, on the subject of the arrest of Oscar Wilde in the Cadogan Hotel. The difference is that Wilde brought the whole thing on himself by his foolish, dishonest and reckless behaviour. Oh!; February 1, 2007 at 3:22 PM
Anonymous said...: hedgy,

FATTY PRESCOTT gets the job if Blair suddenly resigns....

Gordo cannot get into No10 without a leadership election.

although come to think of it, not sure which is likely to be worse...; February 1, 2007 at 3:24 PM
Anonymous said...: Forget the Labour Party constitution.The Queen is not bound by it.If she invites Brown to form a government,he will do so and I doubt if his backbenchers will reject her choice.; February 1, 2007 at 3:30 PM
Scary Biscuits said...: aPete, Nice to see an intelligent comment. However, if these are the reasons you are in politics you really should consider joining the Conservatives.

Most Conservative "supporters can point to real improvements that have been made in their neighbourhoods by their party - and feel proud of it". In fact, across the country these achievements on behalf of ordinary people are considerably greater due to the fact that many Conservatives have experience or running their own businesses as so run the council more efficiently.

We also have a strong "belief in helping the weakest members of society", as evidenced by selling council houses to their occupants or providing a ladder for social mobility such as grammar schools (something that Labour has kicked away even as relative poverty and social mobility has dramatically worsened under Labour). The Tories even introduced the universal franchise, which gave the poorest in society the right to vote, something that Labour and the unions bizarrely fought against.

Today Ian Duncan Smith's work on the worsening horror of Britain's neglected estates shows imaginative thinking that contrasts horribly with Brown's apparent belief that the solution is merely to chuck money at them without really caring how it works.

On the health, the Tories don't suffer from this psuedo religious belief in the NHS. They instead prefer to concentrate on outcomes and the needs of the sick rather than the needs of health workers.

Overall, if you want a better local environment you should vote Conservative because these areas have better social fabric. This isn't just because rich people vote Conservative; it's because voting Conservative makes everybody better off.; February 1, 2007 at 3:34 PM
Trubes said...: praguetory ::Cherie`s more likely to be "clearing the silver" whilst Tone`s clearing his desk ! Oops I did mean "cleaning"!One can`t be too
careful with all these lawyers around !
Am checking front driveway for tanks as we speak ! Pip Pip !; February 1, 2007 at 3:41 PM
Anonymous said...: Unixman

Cameron has been one-nation tory since he realised that was what was needed to win the tory election campaign. There wasn't much one-nation toryism in the '05 manifesto (author: D Cameron) or in anything he said prior to that. I don't remember him ever using the phrase.

Cameron's problem is that his own side don't trust him to move right when he gets into power and floating voters don't trust him not to. He has no constituency.

Cameron's image as a philosophical, thoughtful politician is like a first year undergraduate - it's never goinna wash.; February 1, 2007 at 3:41 PM
AntiCitizenOne said...: Correction

There are a set of wrong values that many Labour supporters have in common. There is a false belief in the extortion funded treatment rationing and rewarding irresponsible people, a belief in punishing the most succesful members of society and a rejection of out and out choice for others. Tories laugh at it, but it's true.

Basically jealousy and envy.; February 1, 2007 at 3:43 PM
Anonymous said...: @2:59 pete said (amongst other nonsense)

of Blair "...he'll always be remembered fondly for 1/1/97."

Which is one of the few points he makes that attracts my sympathy. It was the last time we started a year without his simpering, moronic face staring at us from the TV screens.
As for the rest of it, I thank you for reminding me why I should kick socialists hard in the crotch whenever the opportunity presents.; February 1, 2007 at 3:47 PM
Anonymous said...: Does anyone know if Bliar get a much bigger pension if he manages to hold out till his tenth anniversary in May? If he is found guilty of a crime will he be able to cross the pond to make a fortune out of lecturing; February 1, 2007 at 3:52 PM
Anonymous said...: An earlier poster asked what the significance of Ruth Turner being arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and Lord Levy being arrested on suspicion of conspiracy of the same.

One explanation (allegedly) would be that Levy asked (conspired with) Turner to destroy some evidence. Turner then did it. In those circumstances plod wouldn't arrest Turner for the lesser crime of conspiracy.

Champagne on ice chez Karswell (allegedly).; February 1, 2007 at 3:54 PM
Anonymous said...: Blair will endeavour to cling on until the Israeli/US attack on Iran which will happen within months, after that all bets are off.; February 1, 2007 at 3:57 PM
Anonymous said...: scary biscuits

The sale of Council Housing is a disaster.

Where I live (North London), the sale of council houses has had the effect that only the worst housing is left in public hands - creating sink estates that the poor find it very difficult to get out of. Estates into which Labour has pumped millions of pounds to improve, usually with success.

But those that who have moved out find themselves detached from the intangible lifelines that a close-knit community provides.

One example is childcare - single mums in a strong community are able to rely on aunties, cousins, uncles, friends etc to look after Junior while they go out to work.

Where they have sold their council house and moved out, they have none of these easily accessible support networks and find themselves trapped on benefits.

The effects of Council House sales are incredibly wide ranging and for the most part have yet to be identified.

Speak to Health Visitors (my mum is one) and they'll tell you that even areas that were previously comfortable are collapsing because local and national government are unable to recognise or support these networks.

It also has the effect of bolstering resentment of immigrants, who often have far stronger support networks both formal and informal.

It is nice to see IDS addressing this problem - its particularly stong in his constituency so he has some knowledge.

But its depressing to see him come up with the old Tory solution: the family unit.

The family unit simply does not exist in these areas and instead of throwing up our hands and preaching, we need to understand how we can work around this problem.

(Getting a bit heavy here - that'll teach me for forgetting to add a tory insult in my original post); February 1, 2007 at 4:00 PM
Anonymous said...: Capt Skidmark

Though not properly qualified I volunteer medical services should any of your 'new methods' cause accidental bleeding or bruising.

Yours etc

Dr Crackers (waiting GMC registration)

Ps I could also check your plumbing to mitigate effects of chronic skidmark syndrome. I had that Mr Brown on the table once but refused the commission.Beyond help.; February 1, 2007 at 4:00 PM
Serf said...: I thought I would join in the spirit of the discussion

http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/astroturf-thumb.jpg; February 1, 2007 at 4:04 PM
Anonymous said...: Compare and contrast, over a nice cuppa.
[Slightly surreal, written before news of last Friday's 'interview' was released]

Simon Hoggart, today's 'Guardian'.
What must really have hurt was the parade of Labour MPs who also wanted to mock and revile him. Tony Wright, usually the least smart-alecky of all, asked silkily "can it be true that we had to pay GPs a lot more money to do a lot less work, and now we have to pay them a lot more money to do the work that we paid them to stop doing?"

All sides collapsed at this carefully crafted jibe. It was the equivalent of the small boy saying that the emperor was not only naked, but pot-bellied, flabby and criss-crossed with varicose veins.

Michael White, Today's Guardian.
The cerebral Awkward Squad MP, Tony Wright, argued on BBC Newsnight that, either way, the Yates probe had been a good thing because it had been " terrific shock to the system" which would force all three parties to reform honours, party funding and the House of Lords.

'Cerebral awkward squad MP' or 'the least smart-alecky of all' ? Or indeed working for Rory Bremner undercover ?

You be the judge..?; February 1, 2007 at 4:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Still betting on July, Guido?

As I responded on one of your other pieces before the news broke - no chance, "Events, dear boy. Events."; February 1, 2007 at 4:07 PM
Anonymous said...: anticitizenone

"a belief in punishing the most succesful members of society"

Well you'll be alright then.

jocko homo...
"one of the few points he makes that attracts my sympathy"

Does jocko homo=gay scotsman? If so, as a gay scots tory you have *my* sympathy.

Jesus, I bet you're popular down the bowls club...; February 1, 2007 at 4:07 PM
Anonymous said...: maggie thatcher fan - your premise about there not being arrest is predicated on Blair taking the heavy hint to jump and not wait to be pushed by the rozzers.

But I'm not convinced he's smart enough to take the hint. I could like foolish if he resigns tomorrow, but he does show all signs of hanging on until he is forced out in tears, like Mrs Thatcher.; February 1, 2007 at 4:10 PM
Anonymous said...: Hedgy 3.21pm...Absolutely spot on Hedgy. The boy Dave is playing into Brown's hands by attacking Blair. Brown would like nothing more than for all the problems to be laid at Blair's door. This would mean that as soon as Blair goes Brown can claim to be starting with a clean slate. Cameron should forget about Blair, who's dead in the water anyway, and start attacking Brown's so called 'economic miracle'. I just hope that the deluded egotist Blair hangs on in there until the bitter end.; February 1, 2007 at 4:11 PM
Anonymous said...: Tony Blair is finished! I'm going to be the next Prim Minister; February 1, 2007 at 4:13 PM
Anonymous said...: The Sith Institute investigation by the Charity Commisioner has just merited a mention on Radio 5.; February 1, 2007 at 4:14 PM
Anonymous said...: this got me pondering as I got my zimmer frame painted with go faster stripes ,the families used to send their thickos to university then into the church ,now they appear to be sending them to university then into politics and the police ,I can see what's happened to the church.; February 1, 2007 at 4:18 PM
Anonymous said...: "Does jocko homo=gay scotsman?"

In this context it would seem so, although as I recall it was originally a song title by Devo. Was probably a dig at athletic US high school types e.g. the sort who play American Football.; February 1, 2007 at 4:20 PM
Anonymous said...: BLAIR ARRESTED.

It says so on the cover of Private Eye so it must be true.; February 1, 2007 at 4:20 PM
Scary Biscuits said...: Pete, Council house sale is irrelevant to the state of sink estates today just as overcrowding on the trains is irrelevant to how badly Major messed up privatisation. Labour has been in power for 10 years now and they need to take responsibility for what they have done: look at the people of poor areas of Essex or Liverpool who have voted Labour for ever and see their estates just getting worse.

Anyway, back on topic, what's this in the Daily Mail saying that Blair thinks that the enquiry will wind down soon, even though we now know that he had already been interviewed by the police again? Does he know something we don't or is he just mad?; February 1, 2007 at 4:22 PM
Anonymous said...: Is it too bleeding obvious? The snitch, the supergrass, the deepthroat, has got to be Blair. The thought of having to do time, even somewhere (only relatively) benign like Ford must be making him soil his boxers at least twice an hour. And the indignity of having to get on a local bus, go into town, and work at something like making seat-belts (I kid you not) for a pittance, probably raises the frequency to every 15 minutes.

Whenever it happens can't come too soon.; February 1, 2007 at 4:23 PM
Anonymous said...: Don't forget - I pay tax at 40%. What more evidence of personal success could you require.; February 1, 2007 at 4:23 PM
Anonymous said...: Scary

Gonna have to disagree with you on the council house issue - not for party political reasons, just because of personal experience.

The Mail thing? Blair's actual quote was:
"because anyway, in the weeks to come it will finish as an inquiry and why don’t we just wait for that time?"

I think its pretty clear that it will finish, one way or another, in "the weeks to come". Nothing in the quote about winding down.

I know how much Tories hate the Guardian, but the Mail really is the most pernicious rag going...

Take, for example, today's front page splash: "Al Qaeda was behind plot to kill British soldier".

Those Who Know agree that AQ hasn't existed as a coherent entity since 2002... but it suits the Mail to keep putting the shits up the sheeple, so they spin this crap.

If Cameron really wanted to take on Labour he'd throw every penny he could at Dacre to run his spin machine. They'd be in No.10 before easter.; February 1, 2007 at 4:36 PM
Anonymous said...: I feel genuinely sorry for "Pete" - who has left several comments here this afternoon.

Tony Blair has sold you and the Labour party out. Those of us (who have never voted Labour) expected very little from Tony Blair and he has performed exactly in line with our expectations.

But the people of Britain all deserved better...; February 1, 2007 at 4:39 PM
Praguetory said...: Pete - are you lost or something?; February 1, 2007 at 4:39 PM
Anonymous said...: Man of Steel

I realise how frustrating the last decade must have been.

After three recessions in a little over ten years, 15% inflation and 3 million unemployed, this boring Government couldn't run an economic collapse if they tried!

They're shit!

Where are the striking miners, the burning inner cities, you know, all the stuff that makes politics so *exciting*?

Of course, the real frustration is that despite Blair's woes, we're *still* not going to get a decent Tory government to inject a nice bit of boom and bust. Grr!; February 1, 2007 at 4:51 PM
Anonymous said...: Any of you Tory nutters seen A Very British Coup??? If Gordon goes pear-shaped thanks to your efforts, ( and as John Reid already has) you just MIGHT end up with a socialist Prime Minister. Wouldn't that be jolly!; February 1, 2007 at 4:52 PM
Anonymous said...: John Reid a socialist!!!!; February 1, 2007 at 4:54 PM
Anonymous said...: Don't expect the military to step in to save you comrade. The top brass want to see the back of New Labour even more than the rest of us.; February 1, 2007 at 4:54 PM
Anonymous said...: pete - I think the point of the Daily Mail AQ article was more to soften up public opinion for Reid's 90 day detention proposal.

It may stick in the craw of the 'Hate' Mail to support Reid, but anything which zaps civil liberties, and rescues a potential 'Anyone But Gordon' candidate has to be worth holding the 'nose peg'..; February 1, 2007 at 4:57 PM
AntiCitizenOne said...: > Don't forget - I pay tax at 40%. What more evidence of personal success could you require.

It's more accurate to say your are a 40% state slave.

Leftists fail to understand that the only output of government is FORCE. Anything above this is a transfer, what it gives to one it has to extort from another. As the government is inneficient it's transfers create a net loss; Also due to the immoral effects as what the goernment tends to reward, i.e. sloth and irresponsibility this tends to destroy society. The state has already almost destroyed real charity in this country.; February 1, 2007 at 4:58 PM
Anonymous said...: anticitizenone said

i.e. sloth and irresponsibility this tends to destroy society.

AHA! So there *is* such a thing as society! I KNEW IT.

Also, abstract economic theories tend to be taken more seriously if the author can use an apostrophe. Just a thought.; February 1, 2007 at 5:07 PM
Anonymous said...: Crick on PM now talking about the Sith.; February 1, 2007 at 5:11 PM
Anonymous said...: according to John Rentoul on 5 Live 5:10pm - tomorrows headlines should be "Blair Cleared" as, having been interviewed twice and not arrested he is obviously innocent.; February 1, 2007 at 5:15 PM
Anonymous said...: Pete 4.51pm wants to know where are the striking miners?
You've had 9 years of your beloved Labour Government. Shouldn't you be asking where are the working miners?
And where's my fuc*ing pension fund gone?; February 1, 2007 at 5:22 PM
Anonymous said...: Try again Pete. Use facts next time. Since 1980 when has inflation been at 15% (go on give us the year). When boasting about unemployment falls can you explain why incapacity benefit claimants have risen from 700,000 to 2.7 million as society has got richer and healthier?; February 1, 2007 at 5:23 PM
Anonymous said...: If Gordon goes pear shaped, it will be due to the small fact that he has done something wrong.

I know right and wrong is only supposed to apply to the proles. But we is REVOLTING!

Oh, and if the Labour types think that everyone is going to forget that Blair and Brown were the *Leaders* of their party, and just carry on as before... Well, as a trick cyclist friend of mine put it "There's living in denial. And there's owning a houseboat on Lake Victora"; February 1, 2007 at 5:27 PM
Anonymous said...: Got to agree with Pete about Council Housing. Right to buy means nothing now when a London leasehold is now £160 000 to £200 000. The only ones buying are speculators not tenants. If you have that kind of money you do not need a Council house, you can afford to buy in Ludlow. If Camerone promises new Council housing, good local government managment and local rather than regional planning he will get my vote.
Unfortunately too many rotten Conservative Councils stuffed with the undead, following Labour planning guidelines dictated by officers and a few lining pockets at expence of majority.
Dave needs a night of the long knives to get rid of the obvious rotters. That will put some blue-water between New Conservatives and New Labour.; February 1, 2007 at 5:30 PM
Anonymous said...: Pete

if you are a genuine Socialist, I disagree with you, but respect you.

This Govt is neither Socialist, nor competent. There's nothing clever about being able to legally steal citizens' money and spend it on buying votes. There's nothing clever about being able to run up massive debts.

I'll shut up now, cos Uncle Guido doesn't like serious posts.; February 1, 2007 at 5:30 PM
Anonymous said...: As any fule kno was not referring to John Reid but you got the first name right. John Rentoul is a very sad man.As a fellow journalist I must say he's a disgrace to the profession.Think tomorrow's headlines may not be to his liking.; February 1, 2007 at 5:30 PM
Anonymous said...: Goldsmith is currently squirming on Radio 4; February 1, 2007 at 5:40 PM
Anonymous said...: Ivan, друг, well spotted. DEVO it is indeed - although currently a reference to a cyclopean, rocking-horse riding, Chancellor. Appropriately it was played on a film titled "The Truth About DeEvolution" but I think we know all about that now.
The flip side's good as well.; February 1, 2007 at 5:42 PM
Anonymous said...: Turner, nicked and interviewed as a suspect,
Levy ditto
Tony, spoken to as a witness, who's stitching who up, I know who won't be left holding the baby.; February 1, 2007 at 5:44 PM
Anonymous said...: Praguetory

You are of course correct. Should have read "interest rates" - the month at September 1990. Inflation was a piddling 11% at the same time. That was probably the best of the Tory recessions, but they'd had the practice by then and got it *spot on*. Lovely stuff.

Apologies for the mistake but in my defence, I was very busy in September 1990 - lots of mates were moving house and the vogue at the time was for saving costs on unnecessary expenses like removals men. And freehold property, come to that.

And Well Done You for defending Tory economic policy! Got to respect a man who likes a challenge.; February 1, 2007 at 5:49 PM
Anonymous said...: 45 minute questioning...
45 minutes...

I know that number somewhere. Remind me why I know that number...

oh yes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_Dossier

someone's got a good sense of humour, eh?

And why did't Guido release this days ago then. Don't tell me he agreed with the gentlemen's agreement? Didn't think he "did" D-notices.; February 1, 2007 at 5:49 PM
Anonymous said...: Pete, you are forgetting Denis Healey and his 25% inflation in the mid-70s. No party has a monopoly on incompetence: they're all wankers, and I'm surprised that anyone can be gulled into giving them support or -- heaven forfend -- money.

I also remember the 1960s and 1970s when the trades unions ran the country. Non members were completely disenfranchised. In 1971 hospital cleaners were deciding who should get operations in the NHS. To her eternal credit, Margaret Thatcher smashed the militants, starting with the chief, and most treasonous, rats'-nest of them, the miners. (That sacred cow of the hard left!); February 1, 2007 at 6:07 PM
AntiCitizenOne said...: Pete,

I see you subscribe to the misleading soundbite view of Mrs Thatchers famous quote. Look up the full version.

Society is formed by VOLUNTARY association, not extortion and threats. This is why socialist specturm governments where the most lethal thing in the last century.; February 1, 2007 at 6:29 PM
Anonymous said...: "Don't forget - I pay tax at 40%. What more evidence of personal success could you require."

Paying no taxes because you've shoved it into a tax haven where the government can't get its grubby little paws on it?

"Any of you Tory nutters seen A Very British Coup???"

Yes and I prefer the book version where MI5 (or DI5 as they're called) are victorious. Any lefty nutter who takes power in place of Gordon will quickly find himself shafted by the international financial markets.

Pete, do you think this country would have been better off if Labour had won in 1983?; February 1, 2007 at 6:37 PM
Anonymous said...: Anyone else think the Radio 4 interview with Tone tomorrow might be a resignation special. He's talking about "the NHS, domestic policy." Yeah, right.That's the smokescreen. I think he's about to FALL ON HIS SWORD .
OK, possibly wishful thinking.But can't be long now - whatever that stupid poodle Nick Robinson says; February 1, 2007 at 6:53 PM
Anonymous said...: Pete:..Whilst we are dragging up the past in order to cloud the present (how very NuLab) could you remind me which government had to go ,begging bowl in hand, to the IMF because they'd bankrupted the country (how very Nulab)?; February 1, 2007 at 7:16 PM
VUK said...: Its time for Gordon Brown to show some political savy, he should be the man to tell Tony is time to go or else, the Cabinet will force his hand, aka Lady Thatcher, not a Labour Supporter, but all this police investigations and PM helping police with their investigation, well not very British, time for Gordon to act, if wont act then he might be the wrong man to be the next PM.; February 1, 2007 at 7:23 PM
Anonymous said...: Message to Pete

Fuck off you ignorant bore. Try your luck at Bloggerheads or down the student union.; February 1, 2007 at 7:33 PM
Anonymous said...: blairistoast - worth putting a shilling on, I think. English saying, bad luck comes in threes..

Welsh saying 'Does dim dau heb dri'..
Rough translation, 'There's not two without a third'..

So he may want to preclude the inevitable third bite at the cherry from Yates & Co.

What time is the interview tomorrow, by the way ? Is it the 8.10 special ?; February 1, 2007 at 7:39 PM
Anonymous said...: 'views from the uk...' Gordon has been telling Blair to 'go forth and multiply' and much more for a long, long time.

It is because Blair comprehensively welched on the 'Granita' deal and has ignored Brown's requests to honour the deal that the air between them is so poisonous. The idea that Brown could say
'Time's up now' and that Blair could stop hanging on by his fingenails and say 'Of course, Gordon, anything you say' is, I'm sorry to say, laughable.; February 1, 2007 at 7:43 PM
Anonymous said...: All credit to Angus McNeill, interestingly absent from most television debats on the subject.

Catalan Cava chilling in the fridge.

Saor Alba

Gus @ www.1820.org.uk; February 1, 2007 at 9:08 PM
Anonymous said...: Pete the economic collapse is racing rapidly over the hill towards us, just in time for its creator, Gordon "Burglar" Brown, to reap the rich rewards of his profligacy, incompetence and theft. Now if Yates and co can just ensure that Phony Bliar gets his just desserts as well then that'll be any form of Labour out of power for atleast another 18 heavenly years thankfully.; February 1, 2007 at 9:25 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Pete,

I admire the fact that you have been prepared to engage with "the enemy" on several fronts simultaneously today. As a military tactic, it's never been a particularly successful approach but it makes for some entertaining reading. I hope you've not been scared off. It's good to see healthy debate going on here.

I still feel genuinely sorry for you and all the other idealistic Labour supporters who believed that Tony Blair would deliver on all the promises he had made this country.

He sold the likes of you out much more than he sold the likes of me. I never believed in him in the first place, so I have no need to feel disappointed or betrayed.

So, Pete, who are you going to pin your colours to next?

Gordon Brown?; February 1, 2007 at 9:45 PM
Anonymous said...: Dr. Crackers.

Your most generous offer of almost qualified medical help on the proposed Extraordinary Rendition of these suspects humbles me and is gratefully accepted. Although you will have to supply your own balaclava please be assured that I have sufficient orange jump suits to complete the job.

If you are able to procure a suitably unqualified proctologist that would be a great help as my methods have been known to produce the occasional skidmark. Hence the name so lovingly bestowed upon me by my previous clients.

I look forward to our imminent co-operation.; February 1, 2007 at 10:30 PM
Anonymous said...: Right - time to get an early night I think - important interview to listen to tomorrow morning !; February 1, 2007 at 11:08 PM
Anonymous said...: We're going to win the SuperBowl & Blair's going to resign - what a super Sunday this is going to be! Oh, was it very heaven to be alive in that bright dawn!; February 2, 2007 at 12:43 AM
Anonymous said...: Just for clarity - it'll be the Colts what win on Sunday - but Blair's toast - even us in the US are wising up to the fact that Bush & Blair (Shrub & Poodle) are going down together - woops, unfortunate image.; February 2, 2007 at 12:46 AM
Anonymous said...: Capt Skidmark

Have applied WD2 to instruments, fitted new blades where appropiate, greased the proctoscope(we don't need an expert, I can learn as I go) and had a quick scan of "How to treat unusual injuries" manual. Will also pack the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book to give our guests a quick once over to ensure peak condition prior to their 'treatment'. Have also packed industrial quantities of Super Pampers.; February 2, 2007 at 7:44 AM
Anonymous said...: Crackers - Humphrys may reach the parts you can only dream of...

Just out of interest, how many proctologists does it take to change a light bulb ?; February 2, 2007 at 8:06 AM
Anonymous said...: Anon - As an aspirant proctologist the only light bulbs I come across are those I find in the odd alimentary canal but the patient rarely asks me to change same. I shall better be able to answer the question after completing my forthcoming rendition expedition with Capt Skidmark. Humphreys is good at what he does but he couldn't do my job.; February 2, 2007 at 9:06 AM
Anonymous said...: Think you mean Humphrys ? By the way, there was a very good article in the Eye recently in 'Funny Old World' about a man who had 'discovered' a light bulb up his bottom - he had 'no idea' how it got there.

p.s. if you put some wires up there to get it to light up, would the effect be the same as when, as a child, one would a shine a torch through one's hand to see the red glow ?...Just a thought..; February 2, 2007 at 10:47 AM
Anonymous said...: Anon 1047

Yes Humphrys.

Following your note, Capt Skidmark and I will try the 'lightbulb/some wires test'. I can assure you the fellow with the lightbulb in his rectum is not one of my patients. Check Lancet in a month or two for results.; February 2, 2007 at 1:05 PM

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