How Westminster Reacted to Boris Johnson Stepping Down as MP

Jun 10, 2023 | Boris Johnson has stood down as a Conservative MP after an investigation into the Partygate scandal found he misled parliament and recommended a lengthy suspension from the House of Commons. The former prime minister angrily accused the investigation of trying to drive him out, and claimed there was a 'witch-hunt under way'. MPs from both major political parties have attacked Johnson – Labour's Angela Rayner called him a 'coward', while former Conservative MP Anna Soubry described his 1,000-word statement as 'shameful'

BoJo is a dangerous clown. This country is well rid of him. He has done immense damage to this country. – © Mark Alexander

Sunak Government Threatens to Block Scottish Gender Recognition law

THE GUARDIAN: UK ministers considering ‘nuclear option’ after MSPs overwhelmingly back bill on transgender rights

Nicola Sturgeon during first minister's questions on Thursday before the vote on the gender recognition reform (Scotland) bill. Photograph: Ken Jack/Getty Images
Rishi Sunak’s government is threatening to block a new law that would make Scotland the first part of the UK to introduce a self-identification system for people who want to change gender.

In a significant escalation that brings tensions around transgender rights into the constitutional arena, Westminster made clear it would consider a “nuclear option” of blocking the bill from going for royal assent, a move that would enrage supporters of the changes and nationalists.

The Scottish government pledged to “vigorously contest” any such intervention.

The first minister and SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, called Sunak and his cabinet “democracy deniers” after the supreme court ruled in October that Holyrood could not legally hold another independence referendum without Westminster’s approval. The ruling has resulted in a polling boost for independence over the last month.

The Scottish government hailed what it called “a historic day for equality” after a vote on Thursday afternoon in which MSPs overwhelmingly backed plans to make it easier and less intrusive for individuals to legally change their gender, and to extend the streamlined system for obtaining a gender recognition certificate (GRC) to 16- and 17-year-olds. » | Libby Brooks and Peter Walker | Thursday, December 22, 2022

Related articles here.

My goodness! Don’t we live in interesting times! If Westminster denies the Scots the right to choose their own destiny, then maybe the time has come to cut the umbilical cord. Surely, the Scots will not be able to tolerate Westminster determining their future for them. Surely to do so would be deplorable. – © Mark Alexander

ÜBER DIESE GESCHICHTE AUF DEUTSCH LESEN:

Schottland führt einfache Änderung des Geschlechtseintrags ein: Transmenschen sollen ohne medizinisches Gutachten ihr Geschlecht ändern können. Trotz Protesten unter anderem von J.K. Rowling nahm das schottische Parlament ein entsprechendes Gesetz mit großer Mehrheit an. »

Extraordinary ITV News Broadcast Yesterday: There’s Chaos in Westminster as Liz Truss Hangs On as PM

Check it out here
Krishnan Guru-Murthy taken off air for swearing about Steve Baker: Channel 4 News anchor used offensive word off air to describe Northern Ireland minister »

'I May Have Fallen below High Standards We Require,' Says Michael Fallon as He Resigns

Michael Fallon has resigned as defence secretary, admitting his behaviour towards women in the past has 'fallen short', as the Conservatives struggle to contain the growing scandal about sexual harassment at Westminster. In her reply to Fallon’s letter, the prime minister said, 'I appreciate the characteristically serious manner in which you have considered your position, and the particular example you wish to set to servicemen and women and others.' Fallon apologised earlier this week over an incident 15 years ago in which he made unwanted advances to the journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer, placing his hand on her knee Michael Fallon quits as defence secretary, saying his behaviour has 'fallen short'

Saudi Arabia’s Web of Hate Is Spreading One of the Worst Forms of Islam – and This Is Where It Leads

THE SUN: WHAT would make someone mow down pedestrians and then stab a policeman to death? One cause is clear.

Its roots lie in the Middle East and its web of hate spreads across the globe. But it is also here in Britain — and growing.

Since Wednesday’s carnage we have learned that 52-year-old Khalid Masood is believed to have converted to one of the worst forms of Islam.

Whether during his time in prison, or the years he spent in Saudi Arabia, Masood adopted Wahhabism. » | Douglas Murray, Associate Director of the Henry Jackson Society | Saturday, March 25, 2017

UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall Defends Extremism Comments After Westminster Attack | Good Morning Britain

Westminster Attack: What Response to Parliament Rampage? (Parts 1 & 2)

May Reveals Details about British-born Westminster Attacker

Next Stop, Westminster: Supreme Court Orders Brexit Parliament Vote (Parts 1 & 2)

Scotland Warned It Could Lose the Pound and Be Forced to Join Euro as Price of Independence
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Scotland may be forced to join the Euro as the price of independence from the United Kingdom, Downing Street warned today.


A spokesman for David Cameron said there were no guarantees that the Scots could keep sterling if they voted against remaining affiliated with the rest of the union.

Mr Cameron’s spokesman said: “Once you start asking the question about independence, one part of that is what currency to have. Would Scotland retain the pound, and if so, how does that work? Or does it join the euro? That’s one part of the independence question.”

Other issues which Downing Street said would need ironing out are shared defence capabilities, the national debt and border security.

A carve up of assets between England and Scotland could leave both countries facing years of legal wrangling. » | James Kirkup, and Simon Johnson | Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Related audio »

Big Donors 'Buying Policy'
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Wealthy donors appear to be buying Government policy by securing “preferential” access to ministers and senior politicians, the standards watchdog has warned.


Sir Christopher Kelly said the perceived influence of rich businessmen over politicians is undermining public trust in Westminster. He cited the Coalition’s planning reforms as an example of a policy that raised suspicions after The Daily Telegraph disclosed that property developers were paying thousands of pounds for access to senior Tories.

Such preferential treatment leads to increasing concerns that there is “no smoke without fire”, the chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life said in an interview with The Daily Telegraph.

“There is no doubt that significant donors do have preferential access to political decision makers,” he said. “The thought that anyone would give such a large sum of money to a party solely for altruistic reasons is quite a difficult one. The risk is policy being influenced in other, more subtle, ways because some people have access because they have given donations.

“There is a risk of it [influencing of policy by donors] happening and more importantly there is a public perception that it does happen.”

The comments by Sir Christopher amount to one of the most strident warnings yet that Britain’s political system is at risk of being corrupted by wealthy individuals. » | Christopher Hope, Senior Political Correspondent | Friday, January 06, 2012

We Won't Eat Halal Meat, Say MPs and Peers Who Reject Demands to Serve It at Westminster
MAIL ON SUNDAY: Some parliamentarians have eaten meat at Westminster having been assured it was halal

The Palace of Westminster has rejected demands to serve halal meat in its restaurants.

Muslim MPs and peers have been told they cannot have meat slaughtered in line with Islamic tradition because the method – slitting an animal’s throat without first stunning it – is offensive to many of their non-Muslim colleagues.

The stance has infuriated some parliamentarians who have eaten meat in the Palace’s 23 restaurants and cafes, having been assured that it was halal.

Lord Ahmed of Rotherham said: ‘I did feel misled. I think a halal option should be made available.’

In 2010, the Mail on Sunday revealed schools, hospitals and restaurants were serving halal meat to unwitting customers. Read on and comment » | Chris Hastings | Sunday, January 01, 2012

Pope Benedict XVI at Westminster Abbey (September 17, 2010)
Part 1:



Part 2:

BNP Leader Nick Griffin to Stand in Barking at General Election
THE TELEGRAPH: Nick Griffin, the leader of the British National Party, has confirmed he will stand in Barking at the next General Election.

According to the BNP leader, for the first time ever, the party has really serious challengers in a number of seats. Photo: The Telegraph
Speaking shortly before he addressed the BNP's annual conference in Hindley Green, Wigan, he also set out the key topics on which the party will fight for seats in the House of Commons.

He said: ''For the first time ever, we are really serious challengers in a number of seats. We're looking at half a dozen really seriously with big amounts of resources.

''And on top of that we will be fighting, I'm sure, our largest number ever - so I guess in excess of 200.''

The BNP's annual conference began on Saturday and finished with a key-note speech by Mr Griffin, in which he spelt out the future of the party to delegates.

He explained why he has chosen to fight in Margaret Hodge MP's Essex constituency in his campaign to get to Westminster.

''I am going to stand in Barking,'' he said. ''The thrust of that campaign will be the housing and education problems in the borough, and the way that the Labour party has let that borough down in a catastrophic way.''

The MEP for the north-west said bringing home British troops for Afghanistan is a key policy for the party and one that he believes has wide support across the country.

He said: ''It is the issue that everyone in the public wants a party to take the lead on. The three main parties are completely out of kilter with public opinion.'' >>> | Sunday, November 15, 2009

Armistice Day Memorial Service: Nation Falls Silent to Honour War Dead
THE TELEGRAPH: The nation fell silent at 11am today as the passing of the First World War generation was marked at a moving Westminster Abbey memorial service for Armistice Day.



The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, senior politicians and the heads of the Armed Forces gathered for the ceremony in central London.

Former and serving military personnel joined members of the public in standing for the traditional two-minute silence to remember the sacrifice of those who have died for their country. >>> | Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Silence Marks Passing of WWI Generation
THE INDEPENDENT: The nation fell silent on Armistice Day as the passing of the First World War generation was marked at a moving memorial service today.

The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, senior politicians and the heads of the armed forces gathered for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, in central London.

Former and serving military personnel joined members of the public in standing for the traditional two-minute silence to remember the sacrifice of those who have died for their country. >>> Sam Marsden and Laura Elston, Press Association | Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Sarkozy et Merkel commémorent ensemble l’armistice
TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: PARIS | "Profondément émue" par la cérémonie, Angela Merkel a insisté sur le rôle déterminant de l’Europe et de l’amitié franco-allemande en Europe pour maintenir la paix et la prospérité.

Nicolas Sarkozy et Angela Merkel ont ravivé mercredi matin la flamme du soldat inconnu sous l’Arc de Triomphe. Crédits photo : Tribune de Genève
Nicolas Sarkozy et Angela Merkel ont ravivé mercredi matin la flamme du soldat inconnu sous l’Arc de Triomphe: un "geste historique" salué par le président français qui a voulu transformer les commémorations de l’armistice de la guerre 1914-1918 en journée de l’amitié franco-allemande avec la présence, pour la première fois, d’un chef de gouvernement allemand.

"En ranimant ensemble la flamme du souvenir, nous avons exprimé symboliquement, Madame la Chancelière, la volonté commune de nos deux peuples de garder à jamais vivant ce souvenir dans leur coeur", a déclaré ensuite Nicolas Sarkozy devant des soldats français et allemands, d’anciens combattants et des élèves des deux pays, ainsi que devant le Premier ministre, François Fillon, l’ancien président Valéry Giscard d’Estaing ou encore son épouse Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

"En ce 11 novembre, nous ne commémorons pas la victoire d’un peuple contre un autre, mais une épreuve qui fut aussi terrible pour l’un comme pour l’autre", a souligné le président de la République, regrettant que les deux pays n’aient pas su faire la paix en 1918, "non seulement parce que les vainqueurs manquèrent de générosité, mais aussi parce qu’ils refusèrent de voir le destin tragique qui les liait aux vaincus et que l’indicible horreur de la guerre venait de révéler". >>> AP | Mercredi, 11. Novembre 2009

LE FIGARO: «Un geste exceptional d’amitie» >>> Constance Jamet, lefigaro.fr | Mercredi 11 Novembre 2009

LE FIGARO: Sarkozy-Merkel, la nouvelle entente >>> Charles Jaigu | Mercredi 11 November 2009

Gaddafi Plans Party with Abdelbaset al-Megrahi as His Trophy
THE GUARDIAN: Prince Andrew is set to pull out of Libya visit for the anniversary of military coup, as claims grow louder that Westminster 'cut a business deal' with Tripoli over the release from a life prison sentence for the Lockerbie bomber on compassionate grounds

If Gordon Brown is hoping that the furore over Abdelbaset al-Megrahi's release will die down now that the only man convicted of bombing Pan Am Flight 103 is back in Libya, he will be disappointed.

According to reports in the Arabic press, Megrahi will be at the centre of next month's celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the military coup that swept Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi to power.

The event, to be attended by politicians, leaders and royalty, will be held in the full glare of the world's media. And, unfortunately for Brown and the many people left incensed by the decision to release terminally ill Megrahi on compassionate grounds, the former Libyan intelligence officer will be prominent.

Indeed, one Libyan official, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Asharq Alawsat newspaper that Megrahi will be "the main guest". This may explain why Prince Andrew, a regular visitor in recent years, is now unlikely to attend.

Seasoned diplomats believe the timing of the event, in effect Gaddafi's chance to showcase himself to the world, and Megrahi's release, are more than coincidental. Despite Libya having shaken off its pariah status since it turned its back on terrorism and renounced weapons of mass destruction in 2003, Gaddafi has little to celebrate at the moment.

Libya's economy is dependent on oil, and its falling price has hit hard. And the country has only recently emerged from a period of double-digit inflation that saw large increases in housing costs and food prices. Megrahi is a good news story at a time when Gaddafi badly needs one.

It was always unlikely, then, that the Libyan leader would respect Brown's request, made in a letter, to handle Megrahi's return "with sensitivity". But questions are now being asked about what role, if any, Brown and his government played in co-ordinating the release. The official line from the Foreign Office is that it was a matter for the Scottish government and there were no backroom deals. >>> Jamie Doward, home affairs editor | Sunday, August 23, 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

Telegraph View – Speaker Michael Martin's Downfall: Only the Start of a Very British Revolution
My view: This parliament needs more than just a new Speaker. It needs a radical shake-up. These people – 'our representatives' – don’t so much represent the people, but themselves; it’s not so much a case of ‘of the people, by the people, for the people’, but of the toffs, by the toffs, for the toffs! . ‘Our representatives’ don’t listen to the concerns of the electorate; rather, they treat the electorate with contempt. But then, isn’t this typical of the snobby British way? The mentality that dictates that only the toffs' opinions are worth anything.

Westminster has been shown to be rotten; it is rotten to the core. We need far more than a new Speaker. That is but one change that is needed. As the old saying goes: One swallow a summer does not make. Likewise, one change in parliament hardly constitutes a ‘revolution’. Perhaps we ought to ask our French brothers and sisters about the true nature of revolution. They have far more experience in such matters than we.

And while we’re at it… Where’s that written Constitution? It’s high time we had one. It’s more than overdue. – ©Mark

THE TELEGRAPH: The resignation of Michael Martin as Speaker marks the latest stage of a very British revolution. While his departure has been precipitated by his fumbling and inadequate response to this newspaper's disclosures about MPs' expenses, it reflects a collapse of public faith in the political system that has been evident for some time. Over the past 12 years we have seen a Government with an overwhelming parliamentary majority turn the Commons into a cipher for often perverse decisions. It has burdened the Commons and the country with pointless and even dangerous legislation. People feel their political representatives are aloof and arrogant. Now, in addition, they think they are venal, too. In a characteristically British way, we have all put up with this for far too long – there have been no marches, no riots, no clashes with the police. The public has now decided it is time for change: its fury has forced apologies, repayments, suspensions and resignations; constituency parties are threatening deselections; MPs are voluntarily deciding to stand down; the Speaker has been forced out, for the first time in 
300 years.

When he was elected on October 23, 2000, Mr Martin said: "I thank the House for its confidence in me. I pray that I shall prove worthy of that confidence and that all of us will maintain the high tradition of this place." He was living proof of Thomas Rainsborough's dictum during the Putney Debates in 1647 that "the poorest he hath a life to live as the greatest he". Born into poverty in a Glasgow tenement, Mr Martin had risen to become the First Commoner of the Land. It is his tragedy, and that of Parliament, that he could not live up to the expectations placed in him. Indeed, the manner of his election contained the seeds of his downfall: it was, in essence, a political stitch-up whereby an MP for the governing party was installed in the chair through the mechanism of a massive Labour majority, when parliamentary convention suggested that an Opposition MP would have been more appropriate.

Not only was Mr Martin the wrong choice; he turned out to be a catastrophic one as well. His fate is symbolic of the rottenness of a political system that was once the envy of the world. That system now lies broken and demoralised. With its sovereignty already dissipated by the power of the European Union, the role of the House in scrutinising legislation has been further undermined by the placing of time limits on all debates; the hours it sits have shrunk, the chamber is often virtually empty, and MPs routinely fail to articulate the concerns and aspirations of the people who elect them. Westminster has sunk into a slough of despond. The dwindling turnout at successive elections is testament to what the country thinks of the system. Mr Martin, as Speaker, has presided over this sorry shambles. >>> Telegraph View | Tuesday, May 19, 2009