Neil Parish MP: I'm Resigning after Porn Moment of Madness

Read the article here.

Britischer Abgeordneter tritt wegen Pornokonsum zurück: Was er getan habe, sei „absolut falsch“ gewesen, sagt der Tory-Abgeordnete Neil Parish. Er habe im Unterhaus nach Videos über Traktoren gesucht und sei dabei auf Pornos gestoßen, sagt er. »

Royaume-Uni : accusé d'avoir regardé du porno au Parlement, un député britannique avoue et démissionne : L'élu de 65 ans a assuré à la BBC avoir d'abord cherché «des tracteurs» avant de tomber sur «un autre site». «Mais mon crime c'est que j'y suis retourné une seconde fois et c'était délibéré», a-t-il avoué au bord des larmes. »

Zelenskiy Invokes Churchill as He Calls on UK to Do More to Help Ukraine

THE GUARDIAN: President tells Commons Ukraine will fight Russia ‘in the forests, the fields, the shores and in the streets’

Ukraine will not lose to Russia, vowed Zelenskiy. Photograph: Jessica Taylor/UK Parliament
The president of Ukraine echoed Winston Churchill and invoked the fight against Nazism as he made a direct plea to Britain to do more to help protect his country in the fight against the Russian invasion.

In an unprecedented and emotional speech broadcast live to the House of Commons, Volodymyr Zelenskiy channelled Churchill when he told a packed chamber: “We will continue fighting for our land, whatever the cost. We will fight in the forests, the fields, the shores and in the streets.”

Ukraine “will not lose” to Russia, he vowed. Zelenskiy, who received long ovations from MPs before and after his speech, also cited Shakespeare to describe the plight of his country under Russian invasion, saying it was a question of “to be or not to be”.

“For 13 days this question could have been asked but now I can give you a definitive answer. It’s definitely yes, to be,” he said, according to a translation of his speech, which was delivered in Ukrainian and broadcast live from Kyiv.

“And I would like to remind you the words that the United Kingdom has already heard, which are important again. We will not give up and we will not lose.” » | Peter Walker, Political correspondent | Tuesday, March 8, 2022


Zelenskiy brings down the house with his speech to the Commons: Looking tired, determined and painfully human, Ukraine’s president carefully makes the case for his country »

MPs Ignore May's Pleas and Defeat Her Brexit Deal by 149 Votes

THE GUARDIAN: Despite late concessions in Strasbourg, PM’s plan voted down for second time

Theresa May has suffered a second humiliating defeat on her Brexit deal, as MPs rejected the last-minute reassurances she won from the EU27 on Monday, and voted it down by a majority of 149.

With just 17 days to go until the UK is due to leave the EU, MPs ignored the prime minister’s pleas to “get the deal done”, after the Democratic Unionist party (DUP) said it could not support the agreement.

With her voice cracked and fading, the prime minister had earlier pleaded with the House of Commons: “This is the moment and this is the time – time for us to come together, back this motion and get the deal done. Because only then can we can get on with what we need to do, what we were sent here to do.” » | Heather Stewart, Political editor | Tuesday, March 12, 2019

David Cameron Savages Boris Johnson in Astonishing Commons Speech Accusing Him of Backing Brexit in Bid for Tory Leadership

David Cameron launches astonishing attack on the Mayor of London after he defies Prime Minister by backing Leave campaign

Hilary Benn Speech in Full: 'We Must Now Confront This Evil'

Wednesday’s Commons debate will be remembered for Hilary Benn’s extraordinary wind-up speech, in which he powerfully (but politely) challenged his own leader and asserted Labour’s claim to be the party of activist, hard-edged internationalism. Towards the end, he compared the imperative to bomb Isis in Syria to ‘why this entire House stood up against Hitler and Mussolini’

David Cameron Avoids Humiliating Defeat over European Arrest Warrant

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: House of Commons debate over the European Arrest Warrant descends into chaos, acrimony and bitter recriminations as Government narrowly avoids defeat

David Cameron has narrowly avoided a humiliating defeat over the European Arrest Warrant in unprecedented Commons scenes which saw Tory ministers accused of “tricking” their own MPs.

The debate on the arrest warrant descended into bitter acrimony as MPs from all parties reacted with fury when it emerged that they would not be given an individual vote on the justice measure.

Mr Cameron was forced to return to the Commons dressed in white tie from a speech he was giving at the Lord Mayor's banquet as Government whips found themselves scrambling to shore up support and prevent Labour delaying the vote by a day.

MPs described it as the most “disorderly debate” seen in the Commons for 20 years.

The Government victory, which will mean Britain opts back into the European Arrest Warrant, was followed by an immediate blame-game from all parties. » | Peter Dominiczak and David Barrett | Monday, November 10, 2014

Vanity Art: UK MPs Splash £250k of Public Cash on Portraits

At a time of economic unease and deep welfare cuts - British politicians haven't been holding back when it comes to immortalizing their colleagues on canvas and in sculpture while leaving taxpayers to pick up the tab. RT's Polly Boyko reports.

Britisches Parlament: 300.000 Klicks zu Pornoseiten

DIE PRESSE: In rund einem Jahr haben Parlamentsmitarbeiter Tausende Male versucht, Pornoseiten aufzurufen. Erst Anfang des Jahres wurde bekannt, dass die Mitarbeiter öfter Facebook anklicken als Nachrichtenseiten.

Zwischen Mai 2012 und Juli 2013 ist von Computern im britischen Parlament aus knapp 300.000 Mal versucht worden, Internetseiten mit pornografischem Inhalt aufzurufen. Diese amtlichen Zahlen teilte das Parlament auf Anfrage der britischen Online-Ausgabe der "Huffington Post" mit, wie am Mittwoch bekannt wurde. Demnach gab es zwischen Jänner und Juli 2013 auch 52.000 Klicks auf sogenannte Seitensprung-Seiten im Web. Das Parlament zählt 5000 Beschäftigte. » | APA/AFP/Red. | Mittwoch, 04. September 2013

Margaret Thatcher Was 'Not a Woman On My Terms', Claims Labour MP Glenda Jackson in Bitter Attack on Former Premier's Memory
MAIL ONLINE: Oscar-winning actress launches astonishing assault on Lady Thatcher / Accuses her of 'wreaking heinous social and economic damage' / Good-natured debate started by Cameron and Miliband blown apart / Left-wing MPs use recall of Parliament to condemn Thatcher's Britain

Labour MP Glenda Jackson tonight launched an extraordinary attack on Baroness Thatcher, barely 48 hours after former Prime Minister’s death.

Ms Jackson, an Oscar-winning actress turned politician, suggested Lady Thatcher was ‘a woman but not on my terms’.

And she accused the former Tory Premier of ‘wreaking the most heinous social and economic damage on this country’.

The bitter outburst from the left-winger came during a Commons debate to pay tribute to Baroness Thatcher, who died on Monday aged 97.

It sparked furious complaints from Tory MPs, accusing Ms Jackson of using the recall of Parliament to attack the memory of the person who has been deceased'.

Labour leader Ed Miliband and predecessor Tony Blair had urged the party's MPs to show respect to Baroness Thatcher when discussing her legacy.

But the unprecedented occasion of a seven-hour debate to pay cross-party tribute was marred when Ms Jackson launched into a devastating attack on the three-times election winner.

To cries of 'shame!' form Tory benches, Ms Jackson finished her speech remarking how women who helped run the country during the war would not have recognised the idea of 'womanliness' embodied in Baroness Thatcher.

She added: 'The first prime minister of female gender, ok. But a woman? Not on my terms.'

With the Labour benches almost deserted behind her, she told MPs: 'When I made my maiden speech in this chamber a little over two decades ago, Margaret Thatcher had been elevated to the [House of Lords].

'But Thatcherism was still wreaking - as it had wreaked for the whole decade - the most heinous social and economic damage on this country, on my constituency and my constituents.' Read on and comment » | Matt Chorley, MailOnline Political Editor | Wednesday, April 10, 2013

John Bercow: More MPs Seeking Help for Alcoholism

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Commons Speaker John Bercow said more MPs are seeking help for alcoholism as Parliament attempts to crack down on Westminster's drinking culture.

Mr Bercow also suggested there may be politicians with "other addiction issues" as he insisted the House reflects wider society.

Last week it emerged Commons staff are to be told to top up MPs' glasses fewer times at Parliamentary receptions to encourage "responsible alcohol use".

The move comes in the wake of the fight in the Commons Strangers Bar that saw Eric Joyce attack fellow MPs.

Mr Bercow said there is no longer a heavy subsidy on alcohol served in Parliament's bars.

In an interview for Sky News' Murnaghan programme he said: "I think that there are a number of other factors. I think there are issues relating to members who have had too much to drink.

"I think it is important that the medical service in the House is aware as it can be of members with problems.

"There is some evidence now that more members and staff who have got drink-related issues are seeking help and that's a positive.

"I think we are a reflection of society and just as there are people in every walk of life who have got issues to do with alcohol, and possibly other addiction issues, there can be problems in this place." » | Sunday, May 06, 2012

Labour Suspends MP Over ‘Assault’

SHROPSHIRE STAR: Labour MP Eric Joyce has been suspended from the party following allegations of an assault in a House of Commons bar on Wednesday night.

Mr Joyce remains MP for Falkirk, but cannot take the Labour whip in the Commons until the completion of a police investigation into the affair.

Scotland Yard confirmed that officers detained a man in his 50s after being called to reports of an incident at a bar within the Palace of Westminster at around 10.50pm. He was taken into custody at a central London police station.

A Labour Party spokesman said: “This is an extremely serious incident. We have suspended Eric Joyce pending the results of the police investigation.” » | Thursday, February 23, 2012

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: MP Eric Joyce arrested and suspended from Labour party over House of Commons brawl: Eric Joyce, the Labour MP for Falkirk, has been arrested by police and suspended from the Labour Party allegedly headbutting another MP in a row over chairs in a bar of the House of Commons. » | Donna Bowater, and Matthew Holehouse | Thursday, February 23, 2012

Reckless by Name, Reckless by Nature!
THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: A Tory MP was so drunk during a late night debate about the Budget in the Commons that he was unable to vote, it has emerged.

Mark Reckless was one of a number of MPs accused of being “well-refreshed” and “convivial” during the late night sitting which finished at 2.48am on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old new MP for Rochester and Strood had been drinking alongside scores of MPs on the Commons Terrace and was not the only one said to be worse for wear.

John Randall, the deputy chief whip, was accused by Angela Eagle – the shadow Treasury minister – of having indulged in “rather a liquid evening”.

Stephen Pound, the Labour MP, said Miss Eagle could not be heard in the Commons “because of the well-refreshed ejaculations from the benches opposite”.

Mr Reckless, who became an MP at the general election in May, was understood to have had difficulty standing and has scant recollection of the night. Tory MP 'too drunk to vote in Commons debate' >>> Caroline Gammell | Sunday, July 11, 2010

Coalition Government: Conservative Anger at 'Anti-democratic' No-confidence Rule
THE TELEGRAPH: Conservative MPs might rebel against “profoundly anti-democratic” moves to keep the new coalition in power by increasing the threshold for a vote of no confidence.

Under the terms of a deal struck between the two parties, ministers plan to introduce a law that would require the votes of 55 per cent of the Commons – 358 MPs – before the Government could be thrown out.

David Cameron said this was to ensure that the coalition survived the five-year fixed term over which he intends to govern.

However, MPs of all parties are concerned that the move amounts to a radical change in the constitution, which was not put to the electorate at the general election. Labour MPs will vote against the move and may be joined by several Conservative backbenchers, who are lobbying for the measure to be dropped.

At present, a simple majority of MPs can vote down a government. >>> Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent | Friday, May 14, 2010

Female? Black? Gay? All Three? Then You're More Likely to Become an MP Under Controversial New Plans
MAIL ONLINE: Controversial plans were unveiled yesterday to force political parties to make Parliament less white, male, middle-class and heterosexual.

Under proposals backed by Commons Speaker John Bercow, but labelled as 'insulting' by former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe, parties will be made to declare publicly how many women, ethnic minority, gay and disabled applicants they reject as potential Parliamentary candidates.

Parties also face demands to ensure at least half the MPs leaving Parliament at the next election - in what is expected to be the biggest exodus since 1945 - are replaced by women.

The proposals have emerged from a crossparty review set up by former Commons Speaker Michael Martin - and taken forward by his successor, Mr Bercow - on how to make the chamber more representative.

In an interim report published yesterday, the panel said parties must be made to be more transparent about the people putting themselves forward as would-be MPs.

The report said: 'The fact remains that, at present, the House of Commons continues to be largely white, male, middle-aged and middle-class: people from under-represented groups who are putting themselves forward for selection are still proportionately less likely to be selected.' >>> | Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Alan Duncan: MPs Are Treated Like '****' and Have to Survive on Rations
THE TELEGRAPH: Alan Duncan, the accident-prone Tory frontbencher, has said that MPs are being treated like "****" and forced to live on “rations” following the expenses scandal.

Alan Duncan, the accident-prone Tory frontbencher, has said that MPs are being treated like **** and forced to live on “rations” following the expenses scandal.

The shadow leader of the House was caught on camera complaining about the public’s response to The Daily Telegraph’s disclosures about the widespread abuse of Parliamentary second home allowances.

He rejected criticism of his decision to claim thousands of pounds for gardening bills at his second home in his constituency of Rutland, saying that “the world has gone mad”.

Mr Duncan repaid £5,000 after The Daily Telegraph revealed that the Commons fees office questioned whether his claims “could be considered excessive.”

He was captured on video by campaigner Heydon Prowse, who previously filmed himself digging a pound sign into the MP’s lawn, during a visit to the House of Commons in June.

Asked why people no longer wanted to stand for Parliament, Mr Duncan said: "No-one who has done anything in the outside world, or is capable of doing such a thing, will ever come into this place ever again, the way we are going.

“Basically, it’s being nationalised, you have to live on rations and are treated like ****.

“I spend my money on my garden and claim a tiny fraction on what is proper. And I could claim the whole bloody lot, but I don’t.”

Questioned over how much he paid from his own pocket for his garden, he said: “About £2,000 a year and this was £1,000 a year on expenses, you know. It’s just, I’m afraid, the world has gone mad.”

Mr Duncan has gained a reputation for being gaffe-prone, particularly in his response to the expenses scandal. >>> Rosa Prince, Political Correspondent | Wednesday, August 12, 2009

MPs' Expenses: Politicians Used to Be Better, Wiser - and Older
THE TELEGRAPH: Only those who have worked outside politics can truly represent the people, says David Young.

It was at my fifth Cabinet meeting that, sitting back and idly glancing around the table, a thought struck me. Of the 21 of us in attendance, 11 had at one time started their own business. In today's House, it is hard to find Members with much outside experience at all, let alone that of working for themselves.

When Gordon Brown introduced Members' outside earnings into his review of expenses, he was continuing the process of discouraging MPs from having other interests. Politics is increasingly described as a full-time occupation, even a profession. Today, the traditional route to the House has become school, university political society, think tank and then Member; this achieves an almost total insulation from the life of their constituents.

The hours of the Commons have changed so that, instead of starting after lunch and sitting into the night, they sit in the day, finishing most days at 7pm. Politics has gone from a vocation to just another occupation. How did this come about and why?

More than 100 years ago, Parliament was a part-time affair, sitting from February to mid- August. The vast majority of Members had outside interests, there were no women and they were unpaid. That seemingly amateurish arrangement sufficed for running the largest empire the world has known.

After the First World War, the widening of suffrage allowed the entry of women and Labour replaced the Liberals. At the time of the post-war Labour government of 1945, Parliament was still part-time. Senior silks who were MPs would finish in the courts at 4pm and go down to the House. Many others were leading lights in the City or industry, in management and the unions. The Commons commanded vast experience, much of it disinterested. >>> By David Young* | Friday, May 22, 2009

*Lord Young was a minister in Margaret Thatcher's government

Very Honourable Indeed, M’Lords!
THE TELEGRAPH: Two Labour peers have been suspended from the House of Lords after they were found guilty of offering to change the law in return for money.

The Lords Committee for Privileges found the pair had broken rules . Photos courtesy of The Telegraph
Lord Truscott and Lord Taylor of Blackburn were unanimously found to have breached the Upper House's code of conduct which requires members to "always act on their personal honour". It is the first time in 350 years that peers have been banned in this way.

Four peers were caught speaking to undercover journalists posing as lobbyists and appeared willing to amend a Bill in return for cash.

The other peers implicated in the affair, Lord Moonie and Lord Snape, were cleared of wrongdoing but ordered to apologise to the Lords.

Lord Brabazon of Tara, Chairman of Committees, said: "This episode has done serious damage to the reputation of the House. We all have responsibility individually and collectively to uphold that reputation.

"That is why personal honour remains the cornerstone of the House's code of conduct. Lord Truscott and Lord Taylor of Blackburn Suspended from the House of Lords >>> By Andrew Porter Political Editor | Wednesday, May 20, 2009

THE HOUSE OF COMMONS:
MPs’ Expenses: 20 Most Bizarre Claims >>>

Fat Speaker, Fat Pension!
Photo of Michael Martin courtesy of MailOnline
MAIL Online: Michael Martin will get a peerage and a £1.4million pension pot, despite being the first Commons Speaker to be ousted in more than 300 years.

He finally fell on his sword after Gordon Brown intervened to tell him the game was up.

Mr Martin will stand down as Speaker and quit as an MP on June 21 after presiding over the Commons for eight years which have brought Parliament to its lowest ebb in centuries. Arise, Lord Gorbals: Peerage and £1.4m Pension for Shamed Speaker Who Quit in 34 Seconds >>> Tim Shipman | Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Parliamentarians Take Leave of Their Senses!
THE INDEPENDENT: Plans to end the dominance of the Anglican faith at the daily opening of Parliament and have multi-faith prayers modelled on BBC Radio 4's Thought for the Day are to be considered by the House of Lords' procedure committee.

The change could lead to a rotational approach to daily prayers, where different faiths are represented on a particular day, in the way the Today programme gives a voice to different religions throughout the week. Multi-faith Prayers to Be Considered for Parliament >>> By Robert Verkaik, Law Editor | November 1, 2008

The Dawning of a New Dark Age – Dust Jacket Hardcover, direct from the publishers (UK) >>>
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Muhammad’s Birthday Celebrations: Dhimmitude par Excellence from the House of Commons


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