From an Independent Bench

Frustrating day in the Commons. So much so, I crossed the floor at one point.

I stood throughout Prime Minister Questions. David Cameron (Hair parted on the left today – possibly indicating an end to the middle way) produces a few hints of criticism on Afghanistan. Gordon Brown repeated the Blair pitch including the claim that two fewer provinces of the country are drug free. True. But the big picture is still dire with of record high production after spending £250 million of United Kingdom taxpayers’ money on eradication.

The question I wanted to ask was whether Gordon would re-assess the purpose of the Helmand mission. The government were hopelessly wrong in 2006. Surely the possibility of war without end with mounting British and Afghan causalities cannot be sustained for more than a year or two.

That is probably what Cameron has in mind. A public backlash is certain against the continuing loss of life for no good purpose. Alas I was not called but I had a chance to ventilate later.

But my frustration continued in the 42 days debate. I tried to intervene from the start of Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary’s speech. She was deaf to my requests although she gave way to about 16 other MPs. From the Labour side she allowed friendly cuddling questions from Keith Vaz and Mohammed Sarwar. She even gave way to Tony Lloyd who was not even standing. This was all part of the script. In PM's question the ever lap-dog loyal George Howarth was called even though his name was not chosen in the shuffle. Yes, it’s a fiddle controlled by the executive.

Jacqui still refused to give way to my question although she was repeatedly allowing opposition members to question her. I crossed to the other side of the Chamber and sat next to the Independent member Richard Taylor. There was some alarm on my side. Chief Whip Geoff Hoon was in a state of visible consternation. He appeared to be on the brink of apoplexy.  I made three further courteous requests at full volume for the ‘Hon Lady to give way.’ For some mysterious reason she still could not hear me.

The question I would have asked is a simple one that puzzles me. As the Government insisted last time that 90 days was essential, what has changed since to make 42 days adequate?’

Now, we will never now.

Mike and Janet

It was a wonderful day yesterday with a visit from friends from the distant past.

I took some cine film of the wedding of Mike and Janet Colbert. A month ago he wrote to me and said they would like to see it. Next month they are celebrating their golden wedding. 50 years, four daughters and eight grandchildren later Mike and Janet visited Westminster for the first time. Neither has changed from the good humoured good friends I remembered from the fifties. We were in school together in St Illtyds Cardiff. Mike brought me up to date with news of many of our mutual friends. One of the perks of the job of MP is that previous acquaintances can easily contact us. Any else out there, that I have not seen for decades?

More money please

Unusual visitors in parliament today from the heart of Afghanistan.

They were the turbaned leader and three other members of the Council of Helmand Province.  It was fascinating to hear at first hand their views. The other three MPs who asked questions have all visited Afghanistan – although LibDem Bob Russell confessed that he was not allowed to leave the military barracks when he went. What was the point in going then? He could have found as many facts in London as he could have found in the barracks.

The delegation was polite to us but depressingly fluent in the jargon of political non-speak. All the problems were put down to a lack of consultation, coordination, cooperation and cash. Money was particularly required to rebuild the homes that American bombs had destroyed.  No remedy for those who lost their lives in the bombing raids. They promised that tackling corruption and getting rid of drugs were on their wish lists.

It was a depressing unconvincing rosy picture that they thought we wanted to see. It was charm offensive from the hell of the battlefield.

 Left out was the chaos, bloodshed, corruption, tribal hatreds and the prospect of war without end.

Comments

[John]

Good on you Paul re your response to being ignored by J Smith.
I don't want to sound like a member of your fan club but in my opinion it is Politicians like you rather than the clones we see on both sides that are the only glimmer of hope from westminster.

Keep on going Paul.