Clarke’s Statement

I have just been watching on BBC Parliament, the statement by Home Secretary Charles Clarke. Clarke is of course defending reports that foreign nationals, having been convicted and imprisoned here in the UK, have been released back into society, not, as is policy, deported to their country of origin.

Clarke’s prepared statement was the usual offering of muddled rhetoric and non-information. Clarke offered little, if anything, new. The response from David Davis, however, was loaded with dates, statements, concerns, and errors. He capably highlighted the grave concerns about this issue, repeatedly voiced, by various Members of Parliament, during Clarke’s tenure. Davis closed by stating that the Home Secretary’s position is untenable.

Clarke’s rebuttal included a reaffirmation of his acceptance of responsibility, which belies the overnight mutterings from the government that blamed civil servants; a point rammed home by a defiant Nick Clegg. Clegg was sat next to an inert Ming Campbell, whose motionlessness was in contrast to Dave ‘The Chameleon” Cameron, who was nodding like he’d been denied his medication.

Further criticisms and calls for his resignations continued, as the main frontbench movers and shakers, shuffled from the house.

I don’t believe that Clarke should resign. Not because he’s innocent of blame, quite the opposite, Clarke is absolutely culpable. The reason I believe Clarke should remain is that the Home Office brief is a huge responsibility, and demands a heavyweight politician. Clarke is a strong player, and the abject weakness of talent within the Parliamentary Labour Party, suggests that we would be left with an even more incompetent Secretary. Any cabinet that suffers ‘Ma’ Becket and Patricia “Best year ever” Hewitt, is clearly in need of an injection of new able blood.

This news couldn’t have been of more help to the BNP, who will use this ignominy, to further their local election push next month.