Our Forces and the selling of stories

Another week spent delivering leaflets and knocking on doors. With the weather being so nice it was a great week to be outside walking the streets.

On the doorstep the disillusion with Labour is palpable. Last weeks decision by the Minister of Defence, Des Browne, to approve the selling of their stories to the tabloid newspapers by two of the sailors released by Iran has disgusted the general public who feel cheapened and humiliated by the whole affair. I can talk knowledgeably about this because I share their disgust.

The Labour Party’s obsession with appearances over substance reached a new low.

The fact that they decided within a couple of days that this decision was wrong and that it would not be allowed to happen again confirmed only that this is a Party whose only concern is public perception. Having realised that their cheap public relations stunt had backfired in their faces they did a complete turnaround without taking the time to evaluate the international repercussions of their indecision and dithering. To the rest of the world we must look like a nation without scruples led by “would be celebrities” instead of serious politicians.

For a Labour Minister to sanction the selling of stories, by serving military personnel, to tabloid newspapers is beneath contempt. How previous Labour Ministers must be squirming with embarrassment or turning in their graves.

At this time of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan our servicemen and women deserve support and encouragement and our politicians have a duty to show that leadership. I am not a great one for advocating that “heads must roll” or for seeking retribution, life is too short and there are too many causes that need our attention. In this case however, I am sorely tempted to sign up to the petition lodged on the Downing Street website, by a former naval serviceman demanding that “heads should roll”. The Prime Minister’s response that he was not interested in conducting “a witchhunt against people who acted honourably and in good faith in very difficult circumstances” just does not wash. Des Browne acted dishonourably as well as incompetently and his response to his failures will speak volumes about both his and the Prime Minister’s integrity.

If you feel strongly enough about this and want to sign up to the petition then it can be found at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Navy-media/

I look forward to posting next week's musings and promise that it will not be another rant, although who knows what will happen in the coming week.