Lord Dannatt is, of course, entitled to his political views.
And he has been remarkably consistent. From working for Cameron in a Shadow Cabinet, to writing an autobiography almost entirely attacking 2 previous Labour PMs, to being ennobled by Lord Cameron.
But the Daily Mail and the like really need to stop just referring to him as "ex Army Chief". He has a political agenda. Which is fine. Just be honest about it. The Conservative Party talked about increasing Defence spending from 2010-24. Just didn't get around to actually doing it. I don't recall Lord Dannatt consigning those various Tory PMs to "the dustbin of history"...
Lord Dannatt is, of course, entitled to his political views.
And he has been remarkably consistent. From working for Cameron in a Shadow Cabinet, to writing an autobiography almost entirely attacking 2 previous Labour PMs, to being ennobled by Lord Cameron.
But the Daily Mail and the like really need to stop just referring to him as "ex Army Chief". He has a political agenda. Which is fine. Just be honest about it. The Conservative Party talked about increasing Defence spending from 2010-24. Just didn't get around to actually doing it. I don't recall Lord Dannatt consigning those various Tory PMs to "the dustbin of history"...
Has fairness been consigned to the dustbin of history?
The USA wants to reduce its contributions to NATO. And wants Europe, including the UK, to make up for that shortfall.
In the first 6 months of this Govt, there have been plenty of things that have not gone well. One of the few diplomatic "wins" is our cheerleader role for the US in persuading all of Europe (including us) to increase defence spending. There are all sorts of easy targets to attack Labour-this just isn't 1 of them.
And every extra £1million on defence spending is £1 million less spent elsewhere. Or an extra £1 million raised from the taxpayer.
The USA wants to reduce its contributions to NATO. And wants Europe, including the UK, to make up for that shortfall.
In the first 6 months of this Govt, there have been plenty of things that have not gone well. One of the few diplomatic "wins" is our cheerleader role for the US in persuading all of Europe (including us) to increase defence spending. There are all sorts of easy targets to attack Labour-this just isn't 1 of them.
And every extra £1million on defence spending is £1 million less spent elsewhere. Or an extra £1 million raised from the taxpayer.
I thought this was a row over how much each NATO member spends as a percentage of their GDP on defence, rather than a contibution to NATO. I thought that Trump was demanding that rest of the members paid there way, and not necessarily reducing their own defence spending. And that he had the hump over some of the members not spending what has previously been agreed.
As you rightly say increasing defence spending will mean savings elsewhere, or more taxes.
Suspended Labour MP Mike Amesbury has been jailed for 10 weeks after punching a man in the street.
The Runcorn and Helsby MP pleaded guilty in January to assault by beating of 45-year-old Paul Fellows in Main Street, Frodsham, Cheshire, in the early hours of 26 October.
As well as a 10-week jail sentence, Amesbury must pay £200 compensation to Mr Fellows.
His future as an MP remains under question as his lawyer indicated he will appeal the sentence. Otherwise, MPs who receive a custodial sentence, even if it is suspended, automatically trigger a recall petition which could result in a by-election if 10% of constituents sign it.
Sentencing Amesbury, deputy senior district judge Tan Ikram said: "In this case, an immediate custodial sentence is, in my judgment, necessary as a punishment and a deterrent."
The judge added that Amesbury, who has been an MP since 2017, would serve 40% of his sentence in custody.
Amesbury's lawyer requested the judge return to the court moments after sentencing as he wanted to make a bail application while they appeal his sentence.
The judge returned to court, sat down, paused briefly and said: "Application refused."
Mike Amesbury: MP jailed for punching constituent in street walks free after appealing against prison sentence.
The 55-year-old punched his constituent several times and was heard shouting: "You won't threaten your MP again will you, you f****** soft lad?"
Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury will walk free after winning an appeal against his 10-week jail sentence for punching a man in the street.
The sentence handed to him on Monday will now be suspended for two years.
It means the Runcorn and Helsby MP will not be jailed, unless he commits any more crimes within that time.
Honorary Recorder of Chester Judge Steven Everett also ordered Amesbury to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, undertake a 120-day alcohol monitoring requirement, go on an anger management course and carry out 20 days of rehabilitation work.
Amesbury, 55, pleaded guilty in January to beating by assault after punching Paul Fellows, 45, in Main Street, Frodsham, Cheshire, in the early hours of 26 October after his constituent asked him about a bridge closure.
He had been set to serve 40% of his sentence - four weeks - in prison followed by a year on licence.
However, his lawyer launched an appeal shortly after he was sentenced and after the appeal was heard at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, the judge said his jail time should be suspended.
Amesbury arrived at the court in a prison van, having spent three nights in prison, and was led into the building in handcuffs by an officer.
The judge initially ordered a 12-month alcohol monitoring requirement, but changed his mind and said it should be 120 days.
Amesbury came out of the court three hours after the decision and said he "sincerely" apologises to Mr Fellow and his family, however would not answer whether he would resign.
He added: "I'm now going to go and see my family and go home."
Comments
And he has been remarkably consistent. From working for Cameron in a Shadow Cabinet, to writing an autobiography almost entirely attacking 2 previous Labour PMs, to being ennobled by Lord Cameron.
But the Daily Mail and the like really need to stop just referring to him as "ex Army Chief". He has a political agenda. Which is fine. Just be honest about it. The Conservative Party talked about increasing Defence spending from 2010-24. Just didn't get around to actually doing it. I don't recall Lord Dannatt consigning those various Tory PMs to "the dustbin of history"...
The USA wants to reduce its contributions to NATO. And wants Europe, including the UK, to make up for that shortfall.
In the first 6 months of this Govt, there have been plenty of things that have not gone well. One of the few diplomatic "wins" is our cheerleader role for the US in persuading all of Europe (including us) to increase defence spending. There are all sorts of easy targets to attack Labour-this just isn't 1 of them.
And every extra £1million on defence spending is £1 million less spent elsewhere. Or an extra £1 million raised from the taxpayer.
I thought that Trump was demanding that rest of the members paid there way, and not necessarily reducing their own defence spending.
And that he had the hump over some of the members not spending what has previously been agreed.
As you rightly say increasing defence spending will mean savings elsewhere, or more taxes.
The Runcorn and Helsby MP pleaded guilty in January to assault by beating of 45-year-old Paul Fellows in Main Street, Frodsham, Cheshire, in the early hours of 26 October.
As well as a 10-week jail sentence, Amesbury must pay £200 compensation to Mr Fellows.
His future as an MP remains under question as his lawyer indicated he will appeal the sentence. Otherwise, MPs who receive a custodial sentence, even if it is suspended, automatically trigger a recall petition which could result in a by-election if 10% of constituents sign it.
Sentencing Amesbury, deputy senior district judge Tan Ikram said: "In this case, an immediate custodial sentence is, in my judgment, necessary as a punishment and a deterrent."
The judge added that Amesbury, who has been an MP since 2017, would serve 40% of his sentence in custody.
Amesbury's lawyer requested the judge return to the court moments after sentencing as he wanted to make a bail application while they appeal his sentence.
The judge returned to court, sat down, paused briefly and said: "Application refused."
https://news.sky.com/story/suspended-labour-mp-mike-amesbury-jailed-after-punching-man-in-street-13316113
Ha, I could not help but laugh...
"The judge returned to court, sat down, paused briefly and said: "Application refused."
The 55-year-old punched his constituent several times and was heard shouting: "You won't threaten your MP again will you, you f****** soft lad?"
Former Labour MP Mike Amesbury will walk free after winning an appeal against his 10-week jail sentence for punching a man in the street.
The sentence handed to him on Monday will now be suspended for two years.
It means the Runcorn and Helsby MP will not be jailed, unless he commits any more crimes within that time.
Honorary Recorder of Chester Judge Steven Everett also ordered Amesbury to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, undertake a 120-day alcohol monitoring requirement, go on an anger management course and carry out 20 days of rehabilitation work.
Amesbury, 55, pleaded guilty in January to beating by assault after punching Paul Fellows, 45, in Main Street, Frodsham, Cheshire, in the early hours of 26 October after his constituent asked him about a bridge closure.
He had been set to serve 40% of his sentence - four weeks - in prison followed by a year on licence.
However, his lawyer launched an appeal shortly after he was sentenced and after the appeal was heard at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, the judge said his jail time should be suspended.
Amesbury arrived at the court in a prison van, having spent three nights in prison, and was led into the building in handcuffs by an officer.
The judge initially ordered a 12-month alcohol monitoring requirement, but changed his mind and said it should be 120 days.
Amesbury came out of the court three hours after the decision and said he "sincerely" apologises to Mr Fellow and his family, however would not answer whether he would resign.
He added: "I'm now going to go and see my family and go home."