Candid Cameron in a (lime) pickle over India comments

Yesterday I touched briefly on David Cameron's controversial comments regarding Pakistan, which he made during his trip to India.  Having made similarly controversial comments, describing Gaza as a "prison camp", just the previous day, commentators are suggesting that Mr. Cameron might be lacking a little tact in his style.


Could it be that David Cameron needs to think more before opening his mouth, or does this show a refreshing change in the style of UK politics?

Currying favour on the sub-continent

David Cameron has, this week, taken a large group of Government ministers and British businessmen on a visit to India in order to strengthen ties with the former British colony.  The visit has come in for criticism in light of the UK's current financial plight; but is this actually a shrewd move on the part of the British Prime Minister?

Buildings or Brains?

Yesterday I posted my reaction to the media-frenzy surrounding Michael Gove's mistake about school funding and his subsequent apology.  Today, I would like to focus on my thoughts surrounding the original plan itself; the plan to renovate or rebuild every secondary school in the UK.

Labour MP tired and emotional in Commons

In my other article today I made reference to the unparliamentary behaviour of the Labour MP for West Bromwich East, Tom Watson.  I really do have to wonder whether the gentleman was 'tired and emotional' at the time.  Anyway, here's the video:

Labour MP, Tom Watson, losing his cool in the chamber - tired and emotional, perhaps?

One thing you might notice here is that Mr. Watson doesn't even see fit to apologise to the Education Secretary for his outburst, choosing instead to withdraw the word 'pipsqueak' because he had to.

And as for Mr. Gove's response?

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his question; it gives me the opportunity once again to apologise to his constituents and to other parents and teachers in Sandwell for the confusion that was caused by the mistake that I made on Monday. I understand the passion that he brings to the issue, and I understand how hard he fights for his constituents. I shall be very happy to go to West Bromwich and apologise to those who have been misled by the mistake that has been made. I am more than happy to do so. As I said earlier, the mistake was mine and mine alone, and I am happy to acknowledge it.

Rather restrained, don't you think?

Michael Gove's mistake - what's the big deal?

The news today has been full of the story of the Education Secretary, Michael Gove, apologising for having announced incorrect information regarding the Government's plans to cancel a number of building projects for schools nationwide.  As a result, 25 school were incorrectly told that their own plans were to be given the go-ahead.  What I'm wondering, though, is what all the fuss is about.

Cutting the NHS? You're doing it wrong!

Despite the manifesto pledge to protect the NHS budget, and confirmation of that promise in the recent emergency budget, the National Health Service has still been asked to make £20bn worth of savings by 2014.  Such savings are intended to ensure it is fit to cope with the pressures of an ageing population, the rising price of drugs, and lifestyle changes such as obesity.  The problem is, they're doing it wrong.

Nice work if you can get it

Last weekend saw the revelation that £250,000 is spent every year on bodyguards for former Prime Minister, Tony Blair.  Whilst I cannot deny that there is unfortunately a need for such protection for any former PM, I do have to wonder if the cost is not a little excessive.

Here comes the satire

Over the last few years, political satire appears to have been a dying art; gone are the days of programmes such as Spitting Image and Not The Nine O'Clock News.  These were the kind of programmes from which no politician was safe.  Now the BBC have suggested that, with the new Lib/Con Coalition, political satire may well be making a return to our screens...

The invisible man

It is now 62 days since Gordon Brown received an overwhelming vote of confidence from his constituents, who have asked him to continue serving them for another five years.  In fact, they are so confident in his abilities that they returned him with an increased majority.  However, it would appear that Mr. Brown doesn't seem too bothered by the wishes of his constituents.