A Bad Combination: The MoD and Cheque Book Journalism

I cannot help but think that the decision to allow the marines and sailors who were kidnapped by the Iranians to sell their story to the press is a stupid, ill-thought idea.

There are huge concerns about the power of cheque book journalism ; combining it with an organisation where careless talk really does cost lives can only do harm.

Why is it different here than it is in Iran?

I am chuffed to bits that our troops have been returned by the Iranians. However, I want to know why it was wrong for the Iranians to show interviews and pictures of these individuals, but it is right for the British Government to parade them in front of the media?

It seems extremely hypocritical to me.

UN puts politics above peace

The decision by the Security Council to allow the text of its Press Release about the hostage situation in Iran to be watered down must have been a clear sign to the west that it is no longer fit for purpose.

They have effectively handed Iran a massive PR victory. Basically, rewarding the offending Nation.

Shame on them.

No doubt as the protests develop the UN will rebrand itself. Can I suggest "League of Nations II"?

Why we need proper Foreign Secretaries

During my feeble attempt at getting on the A List I was interviewed by Nick Hurd MP. I was asked if I could name any Conservative heroes and someone jokingly said "mentioning Douglas Hurd at this point would be a good thing." I replied quite honestly by saying that Douglas Hurd would not have been one of my political heroes, but that he was a real statesman and diplomat, something that we genuinely need as Foreign Secretary and that we have been lacking since New Labour came to power (Straw, Cook and Beckett, whatever other qualities they have are definitely not Statesmen).

The news that 15 British sailors have been abducted by the Iranians brings that issue to the fore. It's at times like this that a really Statesmanlike and diplomatic Foreign Secretary comes into their own.

I have concerns.