Not so simple Jack

Internment

Jack Straw’s soothing words on the 42 days detention this morning need decoding. "The overwhelming majority of Labour Members of Parliament want to support the government on this," he said. Of course. But it’s the 50 who intend to vote against that are the problem.

Jack talked about ‘winning over MPs.’ The only name mentioned was Keith Vaz. He’s a very reluctant rebel. I noticed no movement two weeks ago among the 20 MPs that are close friends of mine.

There is sympathy for Gordon Brown’s dilemma. The 42 days proposal was partly a piece of political opportunism designed to wrong foot the Tories as soft on terror. It’s dangerous because it is seen an anti-Muslim measure that could be as counter-productive as internment in Northern Ireland. It is likely to increase the threat of terrorism by acting as a recruiting stimulus for those who are already aggrieved.

The intellectual case for 42 days has collapsed. It is now political gamesmanship. I have heard some details of the ‘compromise’ and I am not persuaded. I suspect enough of my friends feel the same to scupper the proposal.

Gordon has the unenviable decision of facing more accusations of dithering by withdrawing the proposal or facing the difficulty of an honorable defeat. I believe he will choose the latter.

Tories for Traffic Chaos

Cardiff Bay Tories have had a go at the police. To the relief of thousands of Motorway users, the police refused permission for 150 slow moving lorries to jam Cardiff at the rush hour.

A sensible compromise had been agreed earlier for a token five lorries to drive to Cardiff Bay.  Nick Bourne burbles about the democratic rights of people in Wales and their legitimate expectation to be able to present petitions at the National Assembly,"

In a robust defence, Assistant chief constable Dave Morris said, "At no time did South Wales Police aim to prevent the protesters from submitting their petition to the Senedd".

Quite rightly he reminded Nick Bourne of the police’s responsibility to ensure that disruption to the general public and other road users is kept to an absolute minimum. Strange Nick did not thank the police for ensuring that thousands of gallons of fuel were not wasted in a futile journey to Cardiff Bay. The protesters have threatened blockades for this week.

Will the Assembly Tories be collaborating with law breaking? The Police did well last week under very trying provocation.

Cut the carping, Nick.

Ingratitude

Analysis of Labour losses in the council elections reveals a dispiriting picture. Voters unjustly kicked councillors for the 10p tax and other parliamentary gripes.

Councils with great records of achievement were treated the same as poorly performing ones. Newport lost fine councillors, even though their record includes: -

•    The greenest, most environmentally friendly, city in the UK.
•    Second lowest Council tax in Wales.
•    Massive growth with £2billion investment.
•    6000 new jobs, plus 5000 in the pipeline
•    Estyn acclaimed as best education in Wales.
•    New University under construction in city centre.
•    £220 million city centre regeneration.

Comments

[Evidently Chickentown]

Well said Paul. I am glad you do not subscribe to the Peter Hain line of blaming Welsh Labour for our current woes. Sadly, the policy failings of our Party in Westminster have led to this sad state of affairs. It is a shame we didn't have the chance to have real contest for the Leadership of our Party last year. If we had, whilst the outcome may have not been any different, we would at least have had the opportunity to see how our next Leader shaped up under pressure.

[paulflynn]

Thanks Chickentown. Last year I did not nominate Gordon Brown because I wanted the party to have the same chance to select that we MPs had.
It's thinks it's a nonsense to blame organisational problems - big as they are. We have won for many years with a pretty shambolic organisation.
Eveyone seems to be giving Gordon the same advice. You have two years, forget about trying to please everyone and make some real progress.

[John A]

Well done Paul! Don't let them get away with 42 days!

[Tony]

I'm not convinced either. If it was opportunism, then its backfired and he (he is now completely associated with this) will just suffer a bit more loss of credibility as and when the 42 days is rejected.
There is no credible case and it all to your credit Paul that you are prepared to say so.
We have had a steady erosion of civil lberties over the last few years - enough and no further ..
I really hope you win the vote on this. And all I would say is that most of the electorate are more concerned about fuel and food price increases right now - Bill Clinton did have that bit right ..

[David Walters]

On the council losses, it's just a thought but doesn't blaming it on Whitehall just contribute to dragging it out rather than drawing a line under it?

All incumbents tend to take a knock. Why not write it off in that way rather than have Gordon Brown & Co carry the can for months on end?

Labour's gains in other councils in Wales belie the suggestion that it's all 'national issues', and of course it suits councillors in Wales to wash their hands of responsibilty.

Losses in B Gwent and Torfaen were on the cards anyway with the Independent/People's Voice/People's Independents who have been gearing up for these elections for years

Labour's presence in Merthyr Tydfil has declined steadily over the last three elections - not just this year.

The truth is - people don't fear Labour these days - the fear factor isn't there any more.

[Paul Flynn]

I cannot speak for Blaenau Gwent or Torfaen. But canvassing has continued in Newport west beacuse of our by-election. The voters choice swill be based on 95% national issues, perhaps 5% the brilliant record on Labour on Newport City Council