I have just watched the first public parliamentary questioning of the bosses of our three intelligence agencies. I confess to being impressed - with them, that is, not with some of the donkeys on the committee. That red-haired chipmunk, Heather Blears, chirruped away to absolutely no point or purpose and George Howarth proved that he is as thick as he looks! Who votes for these people?
George Howarth Heather Blears
Mind you, for the purposes of informing the public I am delighted to say that it was a complete waste of oxygen because the whole thing was a PR exercise but exactly whose public relations were really involved I do not know. However, the spooks had their opportunity - and took it! - to lambast 'The Graun', a non-newspaper that would have difficulty spelling the words 'national interest' let alone understanding them.
Actually, I shall sleep a little easier in my bed tonight - not that I have much difficulty anyway - knowing that those three quietly impressive and rather tough-looking men were running organisations dedicated to keeping me and mine (and you and yours) safe. Not the least of their virtues on display today was their impassioned defence of, and high praise for, not themselves but for their dedicated staff. So, well done the spooks and spookettes, keep up your good work.
Alan Rusbridger A muppet
I have to correct you, Duffers. 'The Graun' has a keen understanding of the concept of 'national interest'; it's just that the nation concerned is never ours.
Posted by: dearieme | Thursday, 07 November 2013 at 21:13
I found it a most enjoyable experience to watch (I wonder on what planet these MPs live at times - and you forgot to include Rifkind).
The 'tourist terrorism' question was particularly vague though. As you may, or may not, remember my last job was in a small, regional hospital. From just that hospital eight (8!!!) doctors have traveled to Syria 'to help the opposition' (claiming first aid and medical treatment only of course). It is interesting to note that one of them was captured by government forces apparently, rather than bandages and sticking plasters, carrying 'weapons and explosives'.
Aren't you glad that afterwards such sterling fellows will be welcomed back with open arms to deliver your health care by the likes of Blears?
Posted by: Able | Thursday, 07 November 2013 at 22:43
As always, DM, spot on!
Oh God, Able, can you imagine coming round from an op and seeing Heather Blears leaning over you? I'd rather see 'Nurse Ratchett'!
Posted by: David Duff | Friday, 08 November 2013 at 08:40
The next thing is is the press and those that hate Britain will want to give out the home addresses of our agents and maybe the pubs they drink in.
And meanwhile the government admits that terrorists are leaving Britain to fight for Islam and they allow them to return battle hardened and the taxpayer has to foot the bill to watch them. There seems to be no return since Churchill died and we joined the Common Market.
Posted by: Glesga | Saturday, 09 November 2013 at 20:02