Howard's Other Mistake

My immediate reaction to Michael Howard's response to the Hutton Report in Parliament 'strongish', highlighted one major error, in that he stated Lord Hutton had not read the transcript of the in flight press briefing en route to Hong Kong.

Another then unremarked by myself, that he apparently accepted the conclusions of the report, now seems even more disastrous. This report, 'Howard's 'blunder' in accepting report will be exploited by Blair' from icWales, linked here seems likely to cause greater difficulties for the Tories in the long run.

Blair's lying is fully explored in a post today on our sister blog Ironies, which is linked from here.

Charles Moore on the Conservatives

An interesting analysis of a few of the Tory party's problems by Charle Moore, former editor of The Daily Telegraph may be read from this link. A few quotes follow:-

The assumption ...... is that there is something defective, even almost perverted, about being Conservative, or indeed conservative. You are therefore guilty of racism, homophobia, selfishness etc. until proved innocent.

It seems to me that the BBC today is the enemy of conservative culture in Britain.

We must find a way of abolishing or hugely reducing the (BBC) licence fee while reviving the core of public service broadcasting. How half-witted of Tory Britain to hand this chance to Tony Blair, instead of claiming it for itself.

Howard on Hutton

To this viewer Michael Howard gave a strongish performance in difficult circumstances in responding to the Prime Minister over the Hutton Report. One glaring error was in claiming that Lord Hutton had not read the transcript of the PM's aeroplane press conference in the Far East, whereas in following the statement carefully I felt sure his Lordship clearly stated that he HAD done so.

Another bad day for Britain and democracy, with more reputation's marred by Dr Kelly's death, in my view these being the methods by which so called 'independent enquiries' are:

1.)Established;
2.)made-up and
3.) provided with their remits.

A much more detailed study of the whole Hutton Report than I am prepared to apply would be necessary to still the many, many worrying questions that it leaves within me, which now also include the very impartiality of the senior law lord appointed by the prime minister to conduct this lengthy and expensive waste of time.

Where are the Tories at present on Europe

We found this explanation taken from a much circulated internet e-mail exchange today most illuminating:

'There is a difference between the view of Bill Cash (who under Michael Howard is no longer Shadow Attorney General and elected to go back to the backbenches, the better to oppose the EU) and the view of Michael Howard.

What that difference is exactly we do not know.

Michael says he will never leave the EU. But he is opposed to the constitution.

IDS had a clever phrase that the EU will leave us and we all understood. Michael has not said that.

Some Conservative MPs say that never leaving does not mean we do not renegotiate. The only policy, which the present leadership continues to put on the renegotiate list, is the CFP to which the Party is opposed has been for some years.

Overall the party is eurosceptic but that means different things to different people.'

As the Daily Telegraph today ups the value to each elected MEP to 300,000 pounds, and given the huge number of paid party hacks UKIP manages to employ with just three such MEPs, is there ever any real likelihood of the Conservatives or any other major Party sending MEPs to Brussels, ever again putting their country's interests first? Ambrose Evans-Pritchard article is linked here.

Tory Doubter?

If you hold doubts, like this writer, that the Tories under Michael Howard will do nothing to resist, let alone roll back the encroachments of the EU; then give some thought to the idea put out on the new blogspot linked below. If you would like to help or have different or further ideas drop us an e-mail over the next week or two.

CLICK HERE FOR A NEW IDEA

Howard Boost

A Populus poll for The Times shows that the Tories have recorded a rise in popularity from 33 to 35 per cent. This report from Sky News, linked here, ascribed the gain to Michael Howard!

Were Howard's 'Beliefs' pinched from John D Rockefeller Jnr?

The Guardian poses this fascinating question in an article on yesterday's extraordinary seld-advertisinf campaign launched yesterday in The Times.

Take the first example; the 1941 original was as follows:-

"I believe in the supreme worth of the individual and in his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,"

Howards 2004 lead-off:-

"I believe it is natural for men and women to want health, wealth and happiness for their families and themselves."

The article then goes on top say that the Tories were AWARE OF THE SIMILARITIES:-

The Tories admitted last night the declaration had been influenced by Rockefeller. A spokesman said: "These are Michael Howard's own personal and distinct beliefs. But the specific layout chosen to present them in a striking way was partly influenced by the design of a commemorative plaque to John D Rockefeller Jnr."

Read the entire article from this link.

Howard Claims Beliefs!

According to a report from Sky News today's The Times carries a two page advertisement proclaiming the Conservative Party leader's beliefs. As can be read here here and the full unbelievable list here.

More convincing would have been an accompanying statement or list of actions or policies he has pursued to advance these causes he now claims to have held since entering politics. During the intervening years, many spent in the higher reaches of government, he seems to have done little to promote the principles he now proclaims.

Perhaps Conservative Central Office can supply details of actual accomplishments for each of Howard's newly stated aims!