Is That The Sweet Smell Of Integrity?

Amid the stench of the expenses row comes this.

Network Rail's chief executive is to give up his annual bonus for this year, saying he does not want it to cloud discussion of the firm's performance.

A spokesman for Network Rail said Mr Coucher regarded bonuses as "toxic", and that the "well of public opinion had been poisoned by the criticism of big executive payments".

Are you taking notes, Westmonster?

May The 4th Be With You

I'm certainly not going to argue with him. Nice pun, too.

Actor David Prowse MBE, who played Darth Vader in the original Star Wars triology, has announced his support for UKIP in the coming June 4 elections.

"I've looked right and left and right again and the only party I can safely vote for is UKIP," said Prowse, pictured right.

"And I have two messages for those considering how to vote. Firstly, stop, look and listen to what is being said. Only UKIP is actually telling us the truth about the European Union** and why we need to leave it. Secondly, may June the fourth be with you."

** Not entirely correct. So are LPUK.

A Bit Of A Stunt?

Barnsley council's Simon Frow, putting on his benign face when the BBC came to call (he'll don the jackboots later), dubs it "a bit of a stunt", but considering the government have not once bothered asking pub-goers what they think, this research has as much value as any of the rigged nonsense emanating from Labour and their paid-for 'stakeholders'.



H/T Witterings from Witney

Well, They Did Open The Stable Door

That was quick! One of my musings on Monday evening carried this prediction regarding the BBPA and CAMRA.

They will continue to lobby a government which is pre-disposed to ignoring their every word (the budget should have shown them that), in the faint hope that they might be listened to. Unfortunately, it's too late.

And today, as if by magic ...

Pubs bars and off-licences face a crackdown on alcohol sales today under new rules aimed at tackling binge drinking.

Breaches of the code could be punished with a fine of up to £20,000. Landlords could lose their licence and face up to six months in prison.

Labour hate pubs, and it must be becoming increasingly clear to the BBPA that they are viewed by this government as about as threatening as a nervous kitten. Perhaps if they hadn't bravely turned tail and fled the last time a threat to their members' interests was proposed, they would be taken more seriously now.

Just a thought.

Peer-Reviewed Hypocrisy

As the rock of expenses is lifted, the odious worms are slithering out at an alarming rate. This, from Labour peer Lord Foulkes, is quite simply staggering.

[Lord Foulkes] added that BBC presenters such as John Humphrys and Jeremy Paxman were paid hundreds of thousands of pounds "to come on TV and sneer at democracy and undermine democracy. The vast majority of MPs are being undermined by you."

How dare you talk of democracy, Foulkes. You are partly right that the MSM have not been doing their job, that being of inspecting the grotty, devious machinations of your profession. But when they turn on you instead of acting as simpering toadies, to which you have become accustomed, you squeal like a worn-out fan belt?

Listen, you disgusting maggot, your party have no fucking concept of democracy. You lie with every part of your worthless beings. Just last week, one of your fellow Lords lied to the house to help heap financial hardship on 50,000 corner shop owners. He knew the truth, as it was conveyed to him prior to the vote, but chose not to pass the information on. That is the epitome of lying. All following a consultation which would have made even Mugabe blush crimson at its mendacity.

This is how Labour have operated since taking office. Thousands of lie-riddled laws have been passed without even the slightest nod to the electorate. Manifesto pledges have been fed to the shredder, and all protestations ignored and ridiculed.

BBC reporters can't possibly undermine democracy because you and your goat-fellating friends have already dispensed with the entire concept of listening to the public. An intrinsic part of a democratic system of government which you have evidently forgotten. You are fucking fraudulent even to mention the word democracy, you arrogant, slimy cunt.

We, your employers, are sick of you and your corrupt method of governing. Do the decent thing, Foulkes, buy some twine and a chair (we won't mind you claiming it on expenses), and dangle yourself from the nearest tree.

Double-Take Radio

It was one of those times when you wish you could rewind the radio, but yes, he really did say it.

Lord Tebbit told Today: "What I am advising people is to show the major parties that it is the electors who are masters and the electors are extremely upset with their employees in the House of Commons and I said don't vote for the major parties."

Sage advice, mind.

The Speaker Is Unspeakeable Blog Round-Up

It's not just me then. After a swift morning read-around, it seems that Michael Martin truly is a piece of shit.

Doug Carswell has called for his head, and might be making headway. The story is taken up at the Coffeehouse.

Ben Wallace has just called for the Speaker to resign, joining Douglas Carswell’s call. This doubles the number of MPs who have broken the parliamentary protocol and are openly calling for the Speaker to go.

Swiss Bob has extracted the coverage of Mick being a turd.



Mr E thinks he is unfit for office.

And Dan Hannan has the perfect solution.

MPs' expenses: Sack the Speaker and call fresh elections - and that's just a start

At the very least, MPs must sack the man who has been the chief obstacle to reform: Speaker Martin. But I'm starting to wonder whether something stronger might be called for. Lord Naseby, a former Deputy Speaker, suggests that an immediate dissolution is the only way to restore public confidence.

I'm glad I'm not alone.

It might also be the only way for Labour to avoid obliteration.

Hey! Steady on, Dan. Isn't that going a bit far?

Please don't resign Mick, just another year, eh?