Monday, 23rd February 2015

pk1 · Post by **pk1** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 5:04 pm

James Doleman @jamesdoleman · 14m 14 minutes ago
Breaking: Andy Coulson will stand trial in Scotland on charges of perjury on 21 April 2015

James Doleman @jamesdoleman · 14m 14 minutes ago
Coulson has pleaded Not Guilty to charges of perjury at the trial of Scottish politician Tommy Sheridan in 2010.

Post by **letsskiptotheleft** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 5:10 pm

It would be a refreshing change, for Leanne Wood if for once she had an original thought, rather than aping everything Nicola Sturgeon does.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales ... ks-8703164" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 5:15 pm

letsskiptotheleft wrote:It would be a refreshing change, for Leanne Wood if for once she had an original thought, rather than aping everything Nicola Sturgeon does.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales ... ks-8703164" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yeah, civil service talks. With a party likely to have 3 MPs.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:01 pm

Left wing SNP!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/t ... -1-3697919" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ONE of the few trade unions to formally campaign for a Yes vote has signed a controversial “no-strike” deal with SNP ministers in the first arrangement of its kind since devolution.

The leaders of the Prison Officers Association (POA) Scotland have signed away their members’ right to strike for two years in exchange for a £2,000 bonus payment – a move that has infuriated other trade unionists.

The bonus was announced by ministers last week and is the only enhanced pay deal offered to public sector workers, who are subject to a wage freeze.

At the time of the announcement, the no-strike aspect of the pact was not made public.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:05 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:Left wing SNP!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/t ... -1-3697919" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ONE of the few trade unions to formally campaign for a Yes vote has signed a controversial “no-strike” deal with SNP ministers in the first arrangement of its kind since devolution.

The leaders of the Prison Officers Association (POA) Scotland have signed away their members’ right to strike for two years in exchange for a £2,000 bonus payment – a move that has infuriated other trade unionists.

The bonus was announced by ministers last week and is the only enhanced pay deal offered to public sector workers, who are subject to a wage freeze.

At the time of the announcement, the no-strike aspect of the pact was not made public.

That's straight out of the Beecroft / Tory manual. Not surprised other unions are furious.

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:06 pm

Just seen a tweet that says:
37% of Tory MPs have second jobs. 26% of Lib Dems do. And 17% of Labour MPs do.

So, if Reckless & Carswell have second jobs then that would mean 100% of UKIP MPs do.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:07 pm

The Scottish TUC aren't very keen on the SNP. That could be a factor in May, though of course the SNP must have more trade unionist members than any other party.

Fair play to Jim Murphy for putting Neil Findlay in charge of the work brief.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:09 pm

yahyah wrote:Just seen a tweet that says:
37% of Tory MPs have second jobs. 26% of Lib Dems do. And 17% of Labour MPs do.

So, if Reckless & Carswell have second jobs then that would mean 100% of UKIP MPs do.

Lots of Tory and Lib Dem MPs are in the government- is that all MPs or just backbenchers?

Looked up Carswell before. I think he only had his DT blog. Say what you like about him, he is hard working and seems to be popular locally.

RogerOThornhill · Post by **RogerOThornhill** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:17 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:
Looked up Carswell before. I think he only had his DT blog. Say what you like about him, he is hard working and seems to be popular locally.

Talking of which did you see that piss-poor effort from Toady today?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politic ... ccess.html

I didn’t take Ed Miliband long to weaponise the latest cash-for-access scandal.
He’s written to the Prime Minister this morning to tell him that, if elected, he will pass a law banning all MPs from holding paid directorships or consultancies and placing a cap on all outside earnings.

This follows hot on the heels of Miliband’s latest vote-winning wheeze, announced yesterday, that he’s appointed John Prescott as a special advisor on climate change. Is that the same John Prescott who writes a weekly column for the Mirror? The same John Prescott who became a rapporteur for the Council of Europe after leaving the government in 2007? The same John Prescott who became famous for driving two Jaguars?

Even by Miliband’s standards, this is breath-taking hypocrisy. How can he demand the House of Commons pass legislation to prevent any more scandals breaking about “conflicts of interest” the day after appointing a paid employee of a large newspaper group as his special advisor?

That's the entire article!

Boris, Carswell, Hannan

All politicians - unlike Prescott now - and all write/or wrote for the Telegraph!

No wonder they didn't allow comments.

RogerOThornhill · Post by **RogerOThornhill** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:17 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:
Looked up Carswell before. I think he only had his DT blog. Say what you like about him, he is hard working and seems to be popular locally.

Talking of which did you see that piss-poor effort from Toady today?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politic ... ccess.html

I didn’t take Ed Miliband long to weaponise the latest cash-for-access scandal.
He’s written to the Prime Minister this morning to tell him that, if elected, he will pass a law banning all MPs from holding paid directorships or consultancies and placing a cap on all outside earnings.

This follows hot on the heels of Miliband’s latest vote-winning wheeze, announced yesterday, that he’s appointed John Prescott as a special advisor on climate change. Is that the same John Prescott who writes a weekly column for the Mirror? The same John Prescott who became a rapporteur for the Council of Europe after leaving the government in 2007? The same John Prescott who became famous for driving two Jaguars?

Even by Miliband’s standards, this is breath-taking hypocrisy. How can he demand the House of Commons pass legislation to prevent any more scandals breaking about “conflicts of interest” the day after appointing a paid employee of a large newspaper group as his special advisor?

That's the entire article!

Boris, Carswell, Hannan

All politicians - unlike Prescott now - and all write/or wrote for the Telegraph!

No wonder they didn't allow comments.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:25 pm

He can't appoint any advisors that have any jobs anywhere else?

This is the line now. Anything Miliband says, go (however tenuously) for "hypocrite". Useless BBC will run with it (like they did with that donation by shares, where they didn't tell anyone you get taxed on shares when you sell them) and think they're doing their job if they have Miliband on to explain the distinction. Papers won't feature Miliband's explanation at all.

Says something about how they're in the shit. Completely cynical plan.

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:33 pm

Apologies if someone's already posted this.

Top Welsh Tory under fire after telling bankers furious about the EU bonus cap to be 'innovative... to get around it'
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales ... re-8696757" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:35 pm

RogerOThornhill wrote:
Tubby Isaacs wrote:
Looked up Carswell before. I think he only had his DT blog. Say what you like about him, he is hard working and seems to be popular locally.
Talking of which did you see that piss-poor effort from Toady today?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politic ... ccess.html

I didn’t take Ed Miliband long to weaponise the latest cash-for-access scandal.
He’s written to the Prime Minister this morning to tell him that, if elected, he will pass a law banning all MPs from holding paid directorships or consultancies and placing a cap on all outside earnings.

This follows hot on the heels of Miliband’s latest vote-winning wheeze, announced yesterday, that he’s appointed John Prescott as a special advisor on climate change. Is that the same John Prescott who writes a weekly column for the Mirror? The same John Prescott who became a rapporteur for the Council of Europe after leaving the government in 2007? The same John Prescott who became famous for driving two Jaguars?

Even by Miliband’s standards, this is breath-taking hypocrisy. How can he demand the House of Commons pass legislation to prevent any more scandals breaking about “conflicts of interest” the day after appointing a paid employee of a large newspaper group as his special advisor?
That's the entire article!

Boris, Carswell, Hannan

All politicians - unlike Prescott now - and all write/or wrote for the Telegraph!

No wonder they didn't allow comments.

Didn't I read that Prescott wouldn't be getting paid for the new post?

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:39 pm

Rapporteur for Council of Europe seems to be unpaid.

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/Pag ... achEN.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Fuck me, what a shit article. Pure innuendo.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:41 pm

No comments allowed on Young's "article".

This is how it's going to be.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:43 pm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-31570861" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

John Prescott is returning to front-line politics as an unpaid adviser to Ed Miliband with responsibility for climate change.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:47 pm

Did we ever stand on the brink of an election with quite so much scandal hitting from all directions?
I remember John Major's lot were frequently being called out over sleaze, but I can't recall that it was every week and sometimes less!

And getting your leg over pales into insignificance compared to what this lot are up to. Makes you realise how low standards have slipped.

Eric_WLothian · Post by **Eric_WLothian** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 6:59 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:The Scottish TUC aren't very keen on the SNP. That could be a factor in May, though of course the SNP must have more trade unionist members than any other party.

Fair play to Jim Murphy for putting Neil Findlay in charge of the work brief.

Can't help thinking that the members of other unions (eg PCS) working in prisons are going to be p*ssed off. Not all prison officers work in the cell blocks, many work alongside civilian staff!
Interesting that they will get the cash up front and that the SG will try to claw it back if there's a strike (a condition seemingly limited to strikes over pay) within two years - ie after the next Scottish election. Any sensible employer would surely have paid up after the two years.

You have to admit that the SNP look after their own. Remember the small shipyard that went bust just before the referendum? Bought up cheaply by an SNP donor (resident in, iirc, Monaco). Immediately after the referendum it was awarded an SG ferry contract.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:04 pm

You have to admit that the SNP look after their own. Remember the small shipyard that went bust just before the referendum? Bought up cheaply by an SNP donor (resident in, iirc, Monaco). Immediately after the referendum it was awarded an SG ferry contract.

Heck. Got a link?
How's the contract?

Everything will go through Holyrood in the future.

RogerOThornhill · Post by **RogerOThornhill** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:08 pm

I hadn't seen the clips with Rifkind and Straw. The differences are profound:

1. Rifkind says "I'm self employed. No-One pays me a salary".
2. Straw says "I wouldn't take this on as long as I was a member of Parliament".

Rifkind is far deeper in the poo than Straw given those.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:12 pm

Matt Chorley ‏@MattChorley 2m2 minutes ago
Contrast Malcolm Rifkind saying £60,000 is not enough for the lifestyle he's entitled to, with news the minimum wage is to rise to £6.70

Eric_WLothian · Post by **Eric_WLothian** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:15 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:
You have to admit that the SNP look after their own. Remember the small shipyard that went bust just before the referendum? Bought up cheaply by an SNP donor (resident in, iirc, Monaco). Immediately after the referendum it was awarded an SG ferry contract.
Heck. Got a link?
How's the contract?

Everything will go through Holyrood in the future.

http://forargyll.com/2014/08/why-has-sc ... d-go-down/

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/business/b ... 2m-4344735

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-s ... s-29408021

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/t ... -1-3451197

RogerOThornhill · Post by **RogerOThornhill** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:21 pm

Remember Stephen Dorrell?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politic ... erest.html

Stephen Dorrell, the veteran Conservative MP, has been accused of a conflict of interest after taking a job as an adviser with a private firm targeting a £1billion NHS contract.

The MP for Charnwood, a cabinet minister in John Major’s government, announced last week that he would be stepping down at the General Election as he had accepted a job as a health policy consultant with accountancy firm KPMG, which he said would be “incompatible” with his role as an MP.

However, it is claimed that he is starting his new three-days-a-week job on Monday, meaning that he will be in both positions for six months.

KPMG are considering bidding for a £1 billion deal to manage the patient’s medical records.

How is that any different from Straw? If that's true about him doing the job now, then it's worse surely?

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:22 pm

Eric_WLothian wrote:
Tubby Isaacs wrote:
You have to admit that the SNP look after their own. Remember the small shipyard that went bust just before the referendum? Bought up cheaply by an SNP donor (resident in, iirc, Monaco). Immediately after the referendum it was awarded an SG ferry contract.
Heck. Got a link?
How's the contract?

Everything will go through Holyrood in the future.

http://forargyll.com/2014/08/why-has-sc ... d-go-down/

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/business/b ... 2m-4344735

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-s ... s-29408021

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/t ... -1-3451197

That's all a bit neat, isn't it? From administration to winning government contracts, in a months?

And anyone questioning it is a champagne liberal who hates shipbuilding on the Clyde.

They're- edit- very clever.

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:25 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:
citizenJA wrote:
Labour’s Helen Goodman asks Osborne if he ever discussed tax avoidance at HSBC with Lord Green.

Osborne says the proper procedures were followed for the appointment of a minister. He is not privy to the tax affairs of any citizen. It would be an abuse if he were, he says.

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/blo ... 4d47774c6a" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

"Green headed the bank until 2010 before serving as the coalition's trade minister and as part of Cameron's Cabinet Committee for Banking Reform, and also as an adviser to George Osborne on banking."

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/02 ... 83530.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I feel indignant, overwhelmed, by the Tory Chancellor Osborne, in a position of responsibility, power & authority, responding with evasions & outright lies when asked straightforward, appropriate questions on the floor of the House of Commons.
Hang on, it's the position of Green as a manager of a business, not his personal tax affairs.

His job description included advising Chancellor George Osborne on banking &~~tax matters~~.

edited for accuracy

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:26 pm

RogerOThornhill wrote:Remember Stephen Dorrell?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politic ... erest.html

Stephen Dorrell, the veteran Conservative MP, has been accused of a conflict of interest after taking a job as an adviser with a private firm targeting a £1billion NHS contract.

The MP for Charnwood, a cabinet minister in John Major’s government, announced last week that he would be stepping down at the General Election as he had accepted a job as a health policy consultant with accountancy firm KPMG, which he said would be “incompatible” with his role as an MP.

However, it is claimed that he is starting his new three-days-a-week job on Monday, meaning that he will be in both positions for six months.

KPMG are considering bidding for a £1 billion deal to manage the patient’s medical records.
How is that any different from Straw? If that's true about him doing the job now, then it's worse surely?

It's worse. The whole point is to get "all as bad as each other, but that Miliband is sanctimonious so worse" as the narrative.

Thinking about it, wasn't Byers and all about work after they stepped down?

HindleA · Post by **HindleA** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:27 pm

TheGrimSqueaker wrote:
ohsocynical wrote:In an interview the other week Dennis Skinner said @BeastofBolsover is nothing to do with him. He doesn't even do email.
I know, but I like to maintain the illusion!

I was having a sort out at the week-end and found some correspondence from Tony Benn(well dictated to his secretary) when he was the MP for Chesterfield via something called a typewriter .It was about MP's remuneration ,as it happens.

Eric_WLothian · Post by **Eric_WLothian** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:30 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:
Eric_WLothian wrote:
Tubby Isaacs wrote: Heck. Got a link?
How's the contract?

Everything will go through Holyrood in the future.

http://forargyll.com/2014/08/why-has-sc ... d-go-down/

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/business/b ... 2m-4344735

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-s ... s-29408021

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/t ... -1-3451197
That's all a bit neat, isn't it? From administration to winning government contracts, in a months?

And anyone questioning it is a champagne liberal who hates shipbuilding on the Clyde.

They're- edit- very clever.

Let's just say I've worked on several government procurements (nothing as big as this) and it's impossible to go through the EU hoops in much less than a year. The contract must (imo) have been near enough complete to save the yard if the will had been there.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:31 pm

So the donor got a whisper that there was a nice contract waiting if he bought the company?

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:40 pm

Interesting. Lots of loopholes re lobbying that could be closed.

http://www.transparency.org.uk/our-work ... liftthelid" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:41 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:
RogerOThornhill wrote:Remember Stephen Dorrell?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politic ... erest.html

Stephen Dorrell, the veteran Conservative MP, has been accused of a conflict of interest after taking a job as an adviser with a private firm targeting a £1billion NHS contract.

The MP for Charnwood, a cabinet minister in John Major’s government, announced last week that he would be stepping down at the General Election as he had accepted a job as a health policy consultant with accountancy firm KPMG, which he said would be “incompatible” with his role as an MP.

However, it is claimed that he is starting his new three-days-a-week job on Monday, meaning that he will be in both positions for six months.

KPMG are considering bidding for a £1 billion deal to manage the patient’s medical records.
How is that any different from Straw? If that's true about him doing the job now, then it's worse surely?
It's worse. The whole point is to get "all as bad as each other, but that Miliband is sanctimonious so worse" as the narrative.

Thinking about it, wasn't Byers and all about work after they stepped down?

(my bold)

Serious question - what is the wisest course of action, what is best to do, what is the best strategy to combat this wretched tactic? Please, from anyone, thoughts are welcome. It's frustrating.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:41 pm

ohsocynical wrote:Interesting. Lots of loopholes re lobbying that could be closed.

http://www.transparency.org.uk/our-work ... liftthelid" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Be fair though, the loophole whereby charities could criticize the government, that's been closed.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:48 pm

citizenJA wrote:
Tubby Isaacs wrote:
RogerOThornhill wrote:Remember Stephen Dorrell?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politic ... erest.html
How is that any different from Straw? If that's true about him doing the job now, then it's worse surely?
It's worse. The whole point is to get "all as bad as each other, but that Miliband is sanctimonious so worse" as the narrative.

Thinking about it, wasn't Byers and all about work after they stepped down?
(my bold)

Serious question - what is the wisest course of action, what is best to do, what is the best strategy to combat this wretched tactic? Please, from anyone, thoughts are welcome. It's frustrating.

It's a hard one.

I always thought the "champagne socialist" stuff was easy to respond too, because such a person believes in raising taxes on themselves. But it doesn't seem to work like that always.

Just keep having positive ideas, I guess. And keep up the pressure on Cameron to debate.

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:48 pm

TheGrimSqueaker wrote:Well, well, well .....

Lord Ashcroft @LordAshcroft
· 4m 4 minutes ago
Ashcroft National Poll, 20-22 Feb: CON 32%, LAB 36%, LDEM 7%, UKIP 11%, GRN 8%. Full details on @ConHome, 4pm.
http://www2.politicalbetting.com/index. ... ost-seats/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mike Smithson ‏@MSmithsonPB · 5m5 minutes ago
ENGLAND ONLY shares @LordAshcroft poll
LAB 38
CON 32
UKIP 13
GRN 8
LD 6
At GE 10 CON had 11.4% lead

That's a real eye opener if it's accurate. My word. Clearly, me going out door knocking in Ramsbottom's had the desired effect.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:53 pm

: Tory Fridge Magnets.jpg (36.2 KiB) Viewed 11072 times

Matt Chorley ‏@MattChorley 6m6 minutes ago
Tories selling fridge magnets for £10. TEN POUNDS. Will Miliband promise a price freeze? He'd be the fridges freezer

Well - if we're in the realm of weaponising household objects now .... I can think of a few choice products Labour - or SNP, Green, Plaid might like to flog ...

No 1 - Pooper scooper / shit shovel with face of Tory politician of your choice on it - Hamface, Ian Dung Can Smith, Failing Grayling, Paterson the Persecutor ....

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:55 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:Left wing SNP!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/t ... -1-3697919" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ONE of the few trade unions to formally campaign for a Yes vote has signed a controversial “no-strike” deal with SNP ministers in the first arrangement of its kind since devolution.

The leaders of the Prison Officers Association (POA) Scotland have signed away their members’ right to strike for two years in exchange for a £2,000 bonus payment – a move that has infuriated other trade unionists.

The bonus was announced by ministers last week and is the only enhanced pay deal offered to public sector workers, who are subject to a wage freeze.

At the time of the announcement, the no-strike aspect of the pact was not made public.

Both the POA and the SNP deserve crucifying over that. You DO NOT give away the right to strike. Ever. For any reason. Without it you walk into negotiations with the management laughing at you.

Shameful stuff from both sides, and for a mere 30 pieces of silver.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:58 pm

From 2011

When power elites in the Middle East looked for somewhere to send their money during the "Arab Spring" uprisings this year, wealth managers told Reuters London was the prime beneficiary. Much may have been legitimately earned, some almost certainly not.

Both Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak's son Gamal and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son Saif owned property in London through complex trusts and front companies in Panama and the British Virgin Islands.

Through its close links with tax haven satellites such as the Channel Islands, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man, experts say Britain is at the center of many such schemes.

"London has become the money launderers' destination of choice,"

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/ ... 5L20110720

tinyclanger2 · Post by **tinyclanger2** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 7:59 pm

Lonewolfie wrote:It's been a bit odd here in Hope for the last couple of weeks so only been lurking...expected to be back to normal now so lots of unintelligible claptrap to come!!

So...following, what was, apparently, a real eye-opener about Ukippers on BBC2, R4 Toady runs with....you've guessed it - UKIP ARE ANNOUNCING THEIR NEW SHINY NHS POLICY TODAY - THEY'VE DECIDED ST NIGE OF FARRIDGEDOM IS WRONG ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE AND THEY'LL STICK WITH AN NHS FUNDED FROM TAXATION. (Apologies for shouting, but it's required, to give the correct intonation)

This will be paid for by 'abolishing health tourism' - to his credit, the interviewer did point out that estimates as to how much is actually lost to 'health tourism' (according to the very accurate HMG figures (accurate in an 'Imminently Detained-at-HM-pleasure Sh1thead' 'believe(TM)' kind of way)) vary from £100m to £2bn - but of course, we don't need to know any more about that....because.......YOU HAVE TO ADMIT THAT WE'LL ALL BE GOING BACK TO DISCUSSING THE INSURANCE MODEL SUGGESTED BY ST NIGE OF FARRIDGEDOM AND YOU CAN'T SAY YOU WON'T, BECAUSE EVERYONE'S GETTING OLDER AND THE PRESSURES ON THE NHS - WELL, EVERYONE KNOWS THAT DON'T THEY.

...and is the new timeless greeting 'Mornterning all'? Saw the chat and couldn't quite work it out

To my mind you can't beat the odd bit of unintelligible claptrap. Or a decent shout.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 8:03 pm

ErnstRemarx wrote:
Tubby Isaacs wrote:Left wing SNP!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/t ... -1-3697919" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ONE of the few trade unions to formally campaign for a Yes vote has signed a controversial “no-strike” deal with SNP ministers in the first arrangement of its kind since devolution.

The leaders of the Prison Officers Association (POA) Scotland have signed away their members’ right to strike for two years in exchange for a £2,000 bonus payment – a move that has infuriated other trade unionists.

The bonus was announced by ministers last week and is the only enhanced pay deal offered to public sector workers, who are subject to a wage freeze.

At the time of the announcement, the no-strike aspect of the pact was not made public.
Both the POA and the SNP deserve crucifying over that. You DO NOT give away the right to strike. Ever. For any reason. Without it you walk into negotiations with the management laughing at you.

Shameful stuff from both sides, and for a mere 30 pieces of silver.

The POA had no strike agreements in England, but I don't know how long they've been about. This is the first ever in devolved Scotland, which rather makes the point that Scottish Labour did have differences with England. See also how they abolished the internal market in the Scottish NHS in 2004 (with the Lib Dems).

It's just a shame that Johann Lamont overlooked all this when shitting on Ed Miliband.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 8:09 pm

From 2011

Even recent gains are not always what they seem. For example Transparency International points to the UK Bribery Act.
The law's introduction was delayed after frantic lobbying by companies who said it would make them uncompetitive, prompting officials to effectively water down some of the guidance on how rigorously it would be enforced.
The institution responsible for enforcing it, the Serious Fraud Office, is also suffering budget cuts -- as are other bodies aimed at tackling grassroots corruption in prisons, police, local government, and taxation.

The previous government halted bribery investigations into arms sales to Saudi Arabia, citing the national interest.

It's rife. And not new. Ed needs to have a damn good house clean if he gets in.

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 8:12 pm

Front Row : Ed Miliband on the arts; Pinter premieres
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05372sv" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

tinyclanger2 · Post by **tinyclanger2** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 8:12 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:Left wing SNP!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/t ... -1-3697919" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ONE of the few trade unions to formally campaign for a Yes vote has signed a controversial “no-strike” deal with SNP ministers in the first arrangement of its kind since devolution.

The leaders of the Prison Officers Association (POA) Scotland have signed away their members’ right to strike for two years in exchange for a £2,000 bonus payment – a move that has infuriated other trade unionists.

The bonus was announced by ministers last week and is the only enhanced pay deal offered to public sector workers, who are subject to a wage freeze.

At the time of the announcement, the no-strike aspect of the pact was not made public.

Wow. No wonder the Scots don't bother voting Tory.

Spacedone · Post by **Spacedone** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 8:18 pm

tinyclanger2 wrote:
Tubby Isaacs wrote:Left wing SNP!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/t ... -1-3697919" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ONE of the few trade unions to formally campaign for a Yes vote has signed a controversial “no-strike” deal with SNP ministers in the first arrangement of its kind since devolution.

The leaders of the Prison Officers Association (POA) Scotland have signed away their members’ right to strike for two years in exchange for a £2,000 bonus payment – a move that has infuriated other trade unionists.

The bonus was announced by ministers last week and is the only enhanced pay deal offered to public sector workers, who are subject to a wage freeze.

At the time of the announcement, the no-strike aspect of the pact was not made public.
Wow. No wonder the Scots don't bother voting Tory.

Appears to be right out of George Osborne's 'Rights for Cash' playbook.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 8:29 pm

Sophy Ridge ‏@SophyRidgeSky 13m13 minutes ago
Undercover #C4Dispatches reporter: "When can you start?" Sir Malcolm Rifkind: "Oh, not before Friday..."

Sophy Ridge ‏@SophyRidgeSky 1m1 minute ago
Jack Straw: "I wouldn't take this on as long as I was a Member of Parliament, alright" #c4dispatches

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 8:34 pm

AngryAsWell wrote:Front Row : Ed Miliband on the arts; Pinter premieres
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05372sv" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A good interview with Ed about Labour polices to encourage the arts & music in schools, that ties in nicely with this
" Creativity, culture and the arts are being systematically removed from the education system, with dramatic falls in the number of pupils taking GCSEs in design, drama and other craft-related subjects, a new report has revealed."
http://www.theguardian.com/education/20 ... ion-system" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Eric_WLothian · Post by **Eric_WLothian** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 8:35 pm

Spacedone wrote:
tinyclanger2 wrote:
Tubby Isaacs wrote:Left wing SNP!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/t ... -1-3697919" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Wow. No wonder the Scots don't bother voting Tory.
Appears to be right out of George Osborne's 'Rights for Cash' playbook.

And Pickles' council tax freeze is right out of Alex Salmond's 'control local authorities' playbook!

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 8:36 pm

Seems this week Labour are back on Education

"Labour unveils plans to aid training and recruitment of headteachers
Shadow education secretary Tristram Hunt to announce proposals for new schools training body and partnerships with business."

http://www.theguardian.com/education/20 ... adteachers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Eric_WLothian · Post by **Eric_WLothian** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 8:49 pm

Tubby Isaacs wrote:
ErnstRemarx wrote:
Tubby Isaacs wrote:Left wing SNP!

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/t ... -1-3697919" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Both the POA and the SNP deserve crucifying over that. You DO NOT give away the right to strike. Ever. For any reason. Without it you walk into negotiations with the management laughing at you.

Shameful stuff from both sides, and for a mere 30 pieces of silver.
The POA had no strike agreements in England, but I don't know how long they've been about. This is the first ever in devolved Scotland, which rather makes the point that Scottish Labour did have differences with England. See also how they abolished the internal market in the Scottish NHS in 2004 (with the Lib Dems).

It's just a shame that Johann Lamont overlooked all this when shitting on Ed Miliband.

The Scottish Prison Service was re-organised at least a decade ago. This resulted in two tiers of uniformed officers (those with direct contact with prisoners and those without) on separate pay scales. I was trying to find out whether the right to strike was given as part of the deal when I came on this (from 2011):

Denial of both these essential elements (free collective bargaining and the right to strike) necessarily constitutes a breach of Article 11. The POA application then goes on to produce a wide, varied evidenced-based argument that has accumulated over a period since 1994 when the Criminal Justice Public order act and Section 127 and 126 were applied.

http://www.poauk.org.uk/index.php?gener ... ion-rights

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 9:04 pm

Ouch.

Would be interested to know if they balloted the member on independence.

AngryAsWell · Post by **AngryAsWell** » Mon 23 Feb, 2015 9:05 pm

AngryAsWell wrote:
AngryAsWell wrote:Front Row : Ed Miliband on the arts; Pinter premieres
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05372sv" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
A good interview with Ed about Labour polices to encourage the arts & music in schools, that ties in nicely with this
" Creativity, culture and the arts are being systematically removed from the education system, with dramatic falls in the number of pupils taking GCSEs in design, drama and other craft-related subjects, a new report has revealed."
http://www.theguardian.com/education/20 ... ion-system" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The policy up on Labour press now
Miliband: “Labour will move arts to the heart of government and improve access for young people to the creative education they – and Britain – need to succeed.”

http://press.labour.org.uk/post/1118795 ... e-heart-of" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks good to me, I totally support art and culture in education.