A SOUND AND PRACTICAL JUDGMENT

Many have asked me why I have not written during the past week given that we have had so many revelations that, to put it plainly, has shocked the Nation far more than the MPs Expenses Scandal.

A week ago my mind was more concerned with the loss of another soldier in Afghanistan, bringing the total number of men and women killed in action to 375. But I was watching events regarding the News of the World, BSkyB and of course the outrage of a private detective in the employ of the NoW hacking into the phone of a murder victim whilst the police investigation is still trying to establish whether or not the victim is still alive. Furthermore, that it was likely that over 4,000 victims had had their phones hacked into, and moreover, that there were corrupt police officers within the Metropolitan Police who had been paid large sums of money for allowing this to happen.

Then we learned of the same tactic being used with the families of those killed on active service. On top of that, another family, whose twin daughters had been murdered. It became clear to the public that which still seemed to be escaping the minds of those involved, the owners, the editors, the journalists, the protagonists, - that the News of the World had to go - and to go immediately.

This morning we now learn that emails handed to the Police by News International Corp revealed a corrupt royalty protection officer providing the NoW with detailed information regarding members of the Royal Family and, as the BBC News soberly pointed out an hour ago, bringing into question the security even of the Head of State.

The General Public have shown their disdain, a fact not lost on most politicians. Can the Government really now expect the public to endorse the Secretary of State's decision to allow Rupert Murdoch to buy BSkyB?

It matters not whether the niceties have been covered; that the Secretary of State is following due process of law. The public are in no mood to watch politicians make a botch of such an important decision. For too long, politicians at all levels have been in the thrall of the media and at times seem to act like rabbits caught in the headlights of a car.

The public do not wish to see politicians appearing on celebrity shows, secretaries of state and other MPs making an absolute fool of themselves and then getting above themselves because they think they have somehow become celebrities. Yes they have. Media Celebrities. And every politician should ask themselves one simple question: Have I become a media celebrity? Which in lay terms read as "Have I become a media stooge?"

I have been brought up to have respect for Parliament, our Institutions and the people who govern us, on both sides of the House.

But I will leave readers with this one sobering thought.

The House was packed last Wednesday for Prime Minister's Questions. The PM had returned from Afghanistan in the early hours. At 10.29am the BBC interjected to advise viewers that with PMQ about to finish, in one minute the Prime Minister would be making a very important statement to the House on Afghanistan and "so we ask you to please stay with us". I did. The House was packed of course. The camera went straight back to the House. The Speaker announced the Statement and the Prime Minister stood up and began to address Parliament.

Quite a few MPs also stood up. More than a hundred I would say from all parties and promptly walked out. Their demeanour and body language was clear. "This doesn't involve me. I'm not interested."

Anger? Is that an adequate description of how I felt? We are a Nation at war. Our troops from all four nations within our Kingdom are paying the ultimate sacrifice. As an ex serviceman I can assure readers that our troops do follow events back home very closely; not a few do watch PMQ. This ability to stay in touch with home is vital and essential, and something that in earlier wars, was well nigh impossible except for letters and food parcels through the Red Cross.

So if there are any Whips reading this, may I respectfully suggest Ladies and Gentlemen that you consider the impact upon the general public and upon service families in particular of MPs showing such blatant disinterest.

Blatant? Yes. Blatant! For how else can such behaviour be looked upon when the camera not only catches this episode, but also shows us MPs sending texts or tweets even as the prime minister or the opposition leader are speaking, when, even 5 years ago we would have been laughed out to suggest that there would be phones on the Floor of the House even when the House is in Session?

Let us hope that somehow the Government can hold things together; that the Prime Minister can stay in office, that an adequate explanation be given on the employment of chiefs of staff and that, just as the Nation does, Parliament reflects the mood of the People with sound, practical judgment.

Ian Bradley Marshall
LIVERPOOL
11 July 2011