Congratulations to Tory John Baron, Labour's Bob Ainsworth and Plaid's Elfyn Llwyd in sponsoring tomorrow's backbench debate on Iran.
I have put in to speak. I would have been very happy to sponsor the debate because I have kept pounding away at the subject in oral questions, select committees and EDMs. I can anticipate what the ever sensible John Barron and Elfyn Llwyd will say. They will sound the alarms on another dreadful war and how we can avoid it.
Bob Ainsworth's views may be fascinating. After years of defending conventional drugs policy as a minister in the Home Office he has done a volte face and now supports legalisation. He was an equally loyal defender of the continuing human and military disaster of Afghanistan when a Defence minister. Will the freedom of the backbenches encourage him to talk sense on the avoidable war in Iran?
Nothing becomes a former Minister so much as repentance for past sins.
The warmongers will be out in force. I expect to hear from Robert Halfon. His advocacy of cheap petrol has come un-stuck by his advocacy of increased tension between Iran and the West. Prices haves risen and will continue to rise - partly due to Robert. Well done, Comrade!
Review from yesterday's Western Mail
The Unusual Suspect by Paul Flynn (Biteback)
Paul Flynn MP has never achieved government office, yet is held in high regard as one of the most distinguished Parliamentarians of his generation.
Born and brought up in Cardiff, he has represented Newport West since 1987 and is a proud Ambassador for this less fashionable Welsh city as he is for fundamental working-class Labour values and aspirations.
Foregoing the greasy pole of political advancement, Paul Flynn rather established a formidable reputation as a ‘backbencher’. Indeed, his earlier volume, Commons Knowledge: How To Be A Backbencher (1992) is required reading for all new MPs, irrespective of party.
Being the conscience of the Party however, is not an easy or always popular role. Furthermore it is easier to exercise one’s principles in Opposition than when one’s Party is in Government. Latterly Paul Flynn has been a persistent critic of the British government’s involvement in firstly, the conflict in Iraq then in Afghanistan. He has never succumbed however, to crude populism but has retained a more principled detachment.
His fascinating autobiography provides an insight to the life of a committed politician with local concerns but a global, universal vision.
Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/showbiz/2012/02/18/the-politics-of-world-book-day-91466-30344936/2/#ixzz1mrALCQU4
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