Sunday 24 April 2011

This is most definitely not a Good Sunday

Having been relatively silent on this blog for the past two days, mainly because there seemed nothing of interest about which to write, with political commentators such as Tim Montgomerie it follows quiet days will be few and far between. Likewise one can always rely on our MPs to open their mouths and similarly insert foot.

To say that both political commentators and MPs live in the 'Westminster Bubble' is, I know, stating the obvious and articles in today's Sunday Telegraph by Melissa Kite and Tim Montgomerie are prime examples; although it has to be pointed out that on this occasion Melissa Kite is not the subject of my ire.

Kite reports that negotiations are proceeding between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats about the thorny question of the House of Lords reform, with the Conservatives considering admitting Imams. The religious aspect of this matter is possibly more suited to a post by Cranmer, but it is a statement by a 'senior Tory source' in Melissa Kite's article that really incensed me:
"One senior Tory insider said: "It is inconceivable that we continue with a faith element to the Lords without Catholic bishops being represented. It is also high time black Pentecostal leaders were better represented. As such we are going to have to consider whether other faiths are represented as well. "The idea of imams in the House of Lords may upset some people but that is better than not having anything spiritual at all. "We must have a spiritual element to the Lords. Britain is Christian but not solely Christian, so this would seem a natural solution."
And the reason Britain is no longer solely Christian is? And those that caused this problem are? When, oh when, will politicians pause and think of the possible ramifications that may evolve, when tinkering and fiddling with our constitution; if past form is any guide then the response must be never. On the related matter of having Lords Spiritual, if Rowan Williams is an example of this then perhaps his latest suggestion (within a coruscating article by Misanthrope Girl, her views which I entirely endorse) shows his complete lack of understanding about life today. We have had quite enough of 'gesture' politics, along with 'gesture' journalism, thank you very much Archbishop Bean - oh, wrong Rowan? So sorry! As for dragging bankers into this argument......... Ye Gods!

Tim Montgomerie prattles on about reform of the House of Lords in his article - as if whatever changes that are made to either Houses of Parliament will make a blind bit of difference. With both the Commons and Lords becoming increasingly irrelevant through our membership of the European Union and with the introduction of totally unprincipled people into both houses; I believe we may as well dispense with both and all their inhabitants. Until such time as personal freedom is restored at all levels we will continue to be governed by wicked laws which, like cancer, destroys all it touches.

On the question of spiritual lords and the relevance of Parliament, what has either got to do with politics bearing in mind the fact that whatever they may say, it matters not whilst edicts from Brussels cannot be changed, amended, nor ignored.

4 comments:

john in cheshire said...

All I can say is, again, I hope someone is keeping a record of the people who are advocating these detrimental changes. For they are surely part of the problem. As far as I am concerned, I don't want any, any muslims in our parliament. None at all, anywhere in the governmental body. They are not a force for good in our country and shouldn't be given any level of legitimacy.

WitteringsfromWitney said...

jic: Go along with that and would include Muslims and other ethnicities.

Bet that upsets a few...... :)

Tarka the Rotter said...

I for one believe any tinkering with the constitutional settlement should be agreed by the people - in fact, I believe we have reached a point in our history where we need a fundamental reconnection with the people, where true sovereignty lies. I too am sick of gesture politics...

WitteringsfromWitney said...

TtR: Agreed and Seconded! This is why I have said for yonks now that our entire system of democracy needs to be scrapped and re-written. Come the revolution, it hopefully will be......