Carry on playing, Prescott

The Mail on Sunday is upset to discover that, rather than running the country in Tony Blair's absence, dear old John Prescott has been passing the time playing croquet.

I am elated. I would rather Prescott did nothing at all, than executed some ham-fisted attempt at 'governing'. Especially given the latest news about how the bumbling one ruined an area of outstanding natural beauty, killing lots of endangered birds in the process.

Adieu, Eric Forth

Eric Forth was the MP for Bromley and Chislehurst, a neighbour constituency to Lewisham West, where I live.

He died last night, after suffering from bone cancer.

He will be sadly missed. I will remember especially his time as Shadow Leader of the House under Iain Duncan Smith. I will also remember his wonderful dress sense. Always nice to see a man take care of his appearance.

My condolences to his family and friends.

'Let's talk?' No, you listen, Mr Blair

Tony Blair has conceded that the criminal justice system has failed the British people. Launching the Government's 'Let's Talk' consultation exercise with the public, he bewailed the decline of respect in society.

All well and good, but listening to his speech, it seemed to me the sort of speech a new leader might make. It was a speech setting out a better vision of Britain, complete with all the rhetoric about reform. Above all, it was what I would expect from a man seeking a public mandate, and not one who has been in power for the past nine years.

At this stage in Blair's leadership, we should be expecting a valedictory speech, complete with a list of verifiable achievements. We should not be subjected to yet more meaningless consultation, complete with grand plans for the future. He should be telling us what he has done with the nine years we have given him. The tragedy of Blair is that, with a substantial Labour majority and the goodwill of the British public, he could have done so much. Instead, he has wasted his time and ours, and has now resorted to his favourite technique of soundbites and gimmicks. This time around, he is fooling no-one but himself.

Lord Goldsmith has woken up

The Attorney General has called for Guantanamo Bay to be closed down.

Good start, but why now?

Opus Dei members have rights, too

Ruth Kelly is being attacked for her views on homosexuality. The argument is that she should not be the minister in charge of equality, because as a member of the Opus Dei catholic sect, she believes that homosexuality is a sin. For starters, not only Opus Dei members believe this. Many Christians do as well. More importantly, her private views should not bar her from doing the job.

I wonder: is there a prescribed set of views public servants should hold? Would someone care to draw up a list?

I dread the sort of society we are becoming if we see nothing wrong in policing people to ensure that they think the right sort of thoughts. Where will this end?

If Ruth Kelly had taken up a post as head of Stonewall, the gay rights campaigning organisation, her critics may have a point. However, as a Government minister, Ruth Kelly is there to implement legislation, and not as a champion of gay rights.

Equality works all ways. Gay people have a right to equality, as do the rest of society. I fear for a society where people with views that do not accord with the prevailing morality are forced into silence, or treated with scorn for daring to think outside the new consciousness.

Am I to understand that in the hierarchy of rights, the right to belong to Opus Dei ranks significantly lower than gay rights?

In a way, Ruth Kelly is a victim of her own Government's desire to control every aspect of our lives; what we eat, what we drink, how we think. This insidious form of control has crept into every aspect of life to the point that people now see nothing wrong in condemning someone whose private views have never interfered with her job. If ever Ruth Kelly expresses any bias in her job, then by all means, condemn her. Until then, please leave her alone.

More hypocrisy from Prescott

John Prescott has appealed to the Labour Party to unite around Tony Blair. The man's delusion is complete. It amazes me how he can preach loyalty to his party members, when his serial disloyalty to his wife has just been exposed for all to see.

Poor Charles Clarke

I never thought I would ever say this, but I feel really sorry for Charles Clarke. He looks crushed.

Barking brigade gunning for Hodge

If the Barking and Dagenham local Labour Party had their way, Margaret Hodge would be in the stocks by now. They are intending to take disciplinary action against her because of her comments, which they blame for the BNP's victory in eleven seats. The BNP have already thanked her for her services.

Why is the local Labour Party blaming Margaret Hodge? That implies that those who voted BNP rushed out and did so because of what she said. As if they lacked the ability to form their own judgement. Is that really what they think of the electorate? While they are busy looking for scapegoats, the local Labour Party could do no worse than shine the torch of introspection on themselves. Could the result have had something to do with voters feeling increasingly disaffected, disenfranchised and disillusioned by local events? Just one possibility.

Charlie Clarke wants more power

Charles Clarke wants greater powers to deport foreign criminals. One might reasonably ask how well he has used his existing powers. I presume he has never heard that Biblical saying, 'if you are not faithful over little, you cannot be trusted with much'. Go ponder, Charlie.

The Little Red Book of New Labour Sleaze

Keep your eyes open for this little book which will be available soon. It is a list of the top 100 (yes, you read right) sleaze stories of this Government. It is written by bloggers and edited by Iain Dale and Guido Fawkes. I will be posting details of how to get copies once the book is available.

Vote or else ...

The IPPR has published a report calling for voting to be made compulsory. That right? I may back it on one condition: that the ballot paper be amended to include a 'None of the above' option.