Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Damian Green the Conservative immigration minister was arrested for 9 hours when anti-terrorism police burst into his home and parliamentary office. His crime? Allegedly passing on information to the public which has leaked from the home office.

Information including:

• A leaked e-mail from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith's private secretary in July 2007 showed she had chosen not to publicise the fact that licences had been granted to security guards who were illegal immigrants.
• A memo to Home Office minister Liam Byrne was leaked to reveal in February this year that an illegal immigrant had been employed as a cleaner in the House of Commons.
• A draft Home Office letter to Downing Street was then leaked in August, in which Jacqui Smith warned that a recession could lead to a rise in crime.

His computer, containing confidential correspondence of the constituents that elected him, has been seized. His parliamentary e-mail account, suspended, preventing him from replying to their concerns electronically.

What a day for democracy when counter terrorist police can raid the home and office of an MP, for the crime of embarrassing the government.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

when n if the truth ever comes out, is the time to make judgements on this i feel,

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Yes I must say my post is based on what we know to be the case currently, if it turns out there is something more sinister afoot then that is a completely different matter.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Would he (if he has) have leaked this information if the tories had been in power? Not a chance is my guess! If any party ever concentrates on the job at hand, without excess personal gain or interest, and without spending too much time trying to bring the government of the time down, then they will have my vote. Untill then, I view them as greedy, hypocritical parasites.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

What a bleedin' (loss of civil) liberty!

If I was an opposition M.P. I'd resign my seat in protest, and force a costly by-election, in protest.:rolleyes:

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

The fact is derek that from the time Tony Blair became leader of the Labour Party up until they were elected there was virtually a leek a day from every Government Department for the whole time leading up to 1st May 1997, The ten Tory Government had to grin and bare it. At a time when our country is under constant threat from terrorist, 9 anti terror police spend hours ransacking a front bench opposition spokesman's house, constituency office and parliamentary office, for leaking information to the press which embrace the Government. He wasn't arrested under anti-terror laws, or breach of the official secrets act, but under an archaic law which hasn't been used for donkeys years and all for doing the job he was elected to do, hold the government to account, and expose things the British people have every right to know, the failed immigration policy of this Government. But whats more galling is he fact that Gormless Gordon and Jackboots Jacqui didn't know a thing about it, ya reght. If this is the case I think the the question must be asked that when the Speaker, the London Mayor and the Tory Leader were aware what was going on before hand, what the hell was going on. When the Home Secretary doesn't know what is happening in her own department one has to ask if she's fit for purpose and as for the PM not knowing well, the old cherry the buck stops her comes to mind. I actually think its was an exercise in trying to discredit the opposition which was ill thought out and has now come back to bit this beleaguered government on the bum big time

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Perhaps the question at hand is how he got hold of the information? One can only wonder whether he or his source has been illegally intercepting private emails and what other information he could have!

Should you be able to pursue the truth by using illegal methods? Just a thought!

Of course, if he's completely in the right and he had all of that information by the right and proper channels then I'd be happy to admit I'm wrong.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Gayle, the leaking of government information has been going on through every parliament, of every colour since politics began, but the fact that this has been condemned by not only the Tories but by both Labour and Liberal/Dems MPs too, if you, as an opposition are investigated for showing up government incomptance were on the way to a police state

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

A very heavy handed action by the police. Why was he not asked to come to the police station rather than be arrested?

According to Tony Benn, this could be construed as contempt of parliament, a most undemocratic act.

To search an MP's office requires permission from The Speaker. If Martin knew then you can be sure the PM knew all about it. This stinks to high heaven of abuse of power.

It seems that the current speaker knows not of the integrity of previous incumbents - On January 4, 1642 when King Charles 1st entered the House of Commons to seize the five disruptive members, The Speaker, William Lenthall behaved with great prudence and dignity. Having taken the speaker's chair and looked round in vain to discover the offending members, Charles turned to Lenthall standing below, and demanded of him whether any of those persons were in the House, whether he saw any of them and where they were. Lenthall fell on his knees and replied: "May it please your Majesty, I have neither eyes to see nor tongue to speak in this place but as the House is pleased to direct me, whose servant I am here."

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

I wonder, and I'm just playing devil's advocate here, whether it hasn't done far more good to Damian Green to be arrested than if he'd just tried to leak the info out.

He's managed to get a huge amount of publicity out of it and highlighted the Labour government's hypocrisy etc. Without the arrest he would merely have been bleating on about the government, now he's the hero of the hour having been wrongly arrested and people are prepared to listen to him bleating on about the government.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

I don't think your playing devils advocate at all Gayle, I think your spot on actually, but that's not the way it started out. I actually think there will be one or two red faces at Labour H. Q. Its alright Jackboots Jacqui going on about a police investigation, but into what, showing this government up for lying on their immigration policies, and highlighting what a mitigated disaster it has been over the last few years, we're the only country with an open door policy and it stinks

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Could this be another cover up for data discs and laptop computers lost by over the past year by our trusted Government?
This latest 'Media Blast' smells of Labour Bullshine in order to discredit a shadow minister.
If, when in in business, I was to try and 'Slag Off' a competitor, sooner or later my customers would ask the question? 'What is this Guy trying to prove?'
I think that this latest saga puts the Police above the law.
For the first time in my life I agree with Tony Benn.
This is contempt of Parliament and democracy.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

funny roy how you think this latest saga puts the police above the law.:rolleyes:they were above the law during the "Miners Strike" didn't notice many torys saying that at the time.:rolleyes:

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Politics is a funny animal, MT used it, now it seems the Govenment are using the same animal.?

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

it seems likely to me, but as i said earlier, i will wait fer the full S.P. on this n then if it turns out to be true i will slag em to burn, unlike MTs sheep when the truth was outed.;)

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Who loves ya baby? ;)

If it turns out not to be true...........duck the flack. :p

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

I think cashy that the police must always be allowed to do their job, but 9 anti-terrorist officers, seems a little like overkill to me and have I have said before he was arrested, not under anti terror laws or official secrets act, but some archaic law not used for donkeys years. What was wrong with asking Damian Green to attend a police station, just like Blair and company were asked to do on the cash for honours whitewash:rolleyes:

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

It appears that the Stazi entered Parliament to search Damian Greens Office without a warrant, Gorbals Mick has apologized to the house for allowing this to happen and has referred the matter to a committee of senior MPs to be looked into, wonderful:(

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Well if you think this incident is bad what about this.....a neighbour of mine was selling fake £10 notes for 3 quid and the Police knocked on his door waking him at HALF PAST SIX in the morning!!!!!:eek:...talk about heavy handed ;):D

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

well now theres more meat on the bones (Chief Constable on TV this morning) they were NOT anti - terrorist officers, which makes Cameron n his cronies- at best mistaken, or my view a down right liar, who has attempted to con the british public to score political points.:rolleyes:

its also come out they were given permission NOT by gorbals mick as you call him. i know the police are prone to porkies occasionally, but christ, politicions do it fer a living as everyone knows, yet you saddos believe everything the tories say, i know who i would rather believe.:tongueout

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

His cronies presumably being the BBC?

"The Met said some counter-terrorism officers were involved because they were the most "appropriate" to carry out such an operation." from BBC NEWS | Politics | Cross-party fury over MP's arrest (note cross party fury)

No warrant, what a disgrace. Yet some senior politicians still refuse to condemn it!

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

the acting boss of the met did NOT say that,he said NO anti terrorism officers were involved, but that special branch was now amalgamated with the anti terror squad, making them under the same umbrella, but they are NOT terror officers. also he said the police asked to search the office n were NOT told by the LADY to get a warrant, making the LADY incompetent and the police culpable in my book. of coarse those facts are neatly omitted by you n yer ilk.:rolleyes:

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

I actually watched Newsnight last night and the Howard/paxoesk interview with Happlass Herriet, when Paxo asked time after time if she, as Leader of the House, supported the Speaker, and time after time she jumped through hoops trying to avoid the question:rolleyes:

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Ilk cashy, no I'm quite well really today for a change:D

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

I know this may come like the shock of a car storming past your side when your blinkers are off, but nobody is omitting anything. Counter terrorist officers were used. Direct quote from Paul Stephenson (acting commissioner of the MET): "He was arrested by counter-terrorism officers". To use the excuse that they are now all part of special branch means nothing. It is like saying you were served by PC World when you were in Currys, on the basis that they're part of the same group.

Who exactly are you trying to defend? I see no reason for attacks, who exactly are supposed to be my ilk.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

aint attacking you, just stating what i heard the guy say on sky, your ilk is not insulting, its just my term fer blinkered tories.:)

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Perhaps he doesn't even know what's going on if he said that on Sky News! It is in the guardian that I got the quote from. :D

Jacqui Smith to make statement on Damian Green arrest | Politics | guardian.co.uk

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

the point is i know as well as you n everyone else, when n incident (High Profile) happens, all sides spout crap to cover their own backs, as i said earlier i will wait fer the truth to out, before i slag who needs to be slagged,whichever body is responsible n if its warranted. unlike the cameron clones who continue to spout crap without knowing the real truth of the matter.:D

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

The Bloody Guardian Andrew, wash your mouth out with soapy water:D

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

i think the sensible thing would be to wait fer the D.P.P.to decide what if anything needs to be brought before the courts.:rolleyes: after all its now down to them.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Hadn't realized Socialists like David Winnock were Cameron clones. He must have more support in the commons than I thought. :laugh8:

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

hey mate theres pillocks in every party, difference is in spotting em n not thinking all are great.:rolleyes:

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Been saying that about Denis Skinner for years cashy:D

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

It is likely that one of the 'heads to roll' in this affair will be that young woman Sargeant at Arms, who let the police search without a warrant.
She is a civil servant on the security staff of the House of Commons.
When she was appointed her suitability was in serious doubt - so much so that the Queen refused to grant her the usual 'ceremonial audience' upon appointment.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

it occured to me, that ANYONE who leaks goverment information, has got to be more susceptible to blackmail, n theres some very nasty agencies around the world.:rolleyes:

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

looking like Boris Johson.. mayor of london, may well have "tipped off" David Cameron before Mr Green offices were visited by the police... at a commons select commitee Boris said he did not recall speaking to Mr Cameron on the day of the event... but later admited he had spoken to Cameron twice on that day.. ummm ..looks a bit dodgy.. or as Boris would say.. the kak may hit the fan.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Dodgy? If Brown can leak home office information in 1985, then so can the Conservatives. Its in the public interest to be informed.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Boris did not inform the public.. he informed David Carmeron... he didn't even inform the select commitee.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Sorry are you saying, Mr Green is dodgy for leaking information relevant to the public, and when Brown did it, it was okay?

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

I'm saying that Boris informed Cameron of the arrest of Mr Green... before the event.. which is illegal ..and if this action was done in a normal arrest would be deemed as a "tip off"

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

If this is true, and illegal, then he should and will be prosecuted. As what Green did was not illegal, to show the public what a mess labour have made, and embarrass them, then I don't think the police will pursue it.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

of course it is illegal to distribute information under the secrets act.. it is written in stone..no matter ..the elected Mayor of London..therefore the head of the police in london..has tipped off someone about an lawful arrest of a citizen.. are you saying that a because that citizan is an MP then restrictions should be made?

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

There was no breach of the official secrets act, Labour back in the 90s were pushing out leaks on a daily basis, but there again Labour were saying a lot of things in the 90s which they haven't actually backed up with action, can't remember them say that they were going to plunge Britain into debt that will take 30 to 40 years to pay off:rolleyes:

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

YouTube - Gordon Brown on Leaks

Arrest that man! Oh wait, he's leaking in the interests of the public. Rightly so. Why should governments cover up failings that do not put national security at risk! The people have a right to know.

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Nice one Andrew, nice one:rolleyes:

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

What I love about you Andrew is your dogged determination to prove that the Conservatives can't be blamed for doing something now because Labour did exactly the same thing some years ago and got away with it.

Two wrongs don't make a right!

Re: Shadow Immigration Minister Arrested
 

Apparently they do when you're wearing two blinkers.

:rolleyes::D