David Blunkett
Discuss issues related to the politics of the UK, such as the actions of any MP, any current or potential law, or any other factor affecting the British political system.
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David BlunkettShould he be sacked?
I think he should, however with Tony Blair behind him i doubt he shall be.
I just think it's bad on poor old Boris Johnson, although i guess thats
the Conservatives problem, considering he's practically the only interesting MP they've got. -
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why judge now...just wait until the narrow remitted inquiry finds its results
then our home secreatary can go back to trying to pass about 30 bills in three months and taking his pregnant adulterous lover to court for rights on the baby ALL in one go!
who says we need a committed person at the top handling our immigration system at a time when people want to come and bomb our country to smitherines!? - sarcasm obviously -
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If it turns out he lied then definately. Personally i dont see why theyve allowed this fuss to happen. I dont see anything wrong with him fast tracking an application for someone he knows - i would only consider it abuse of his position if he made sure an application which would otherwise have been rejected is accepted because of him.(Original post by Enola)
Should he be sacked? -
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If theyd just come out and stated that he had done what he has been accused of (if indeed he did) then i wouldnt have a problem with that at all. But now that theyve denied it hel have to resign if it turns out he was either lying or misleading.(Original post by lessthanthree)
I don't think there's a single working person that's never once abused their position in some way. -
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A bit similiar to the Boris dilemma. While ive lost a deal of respect for him over his promiscuity if he had just admitted to his extra marital affair that would have been that imo - his private life is his own and should not infringe upon his position as a shadow minister but he(Original post by lessthanthree)
Yes, I know, and that's pretty sad, really. I kind of pity him if he's just digging himself into a hole with the whole issue.
ed himself when he lied about it.
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Ministers are supposed to uphold a higher standard. If he abused his position in the manner described then he should fall on his sword.(Original post by lessthanthree)
I don't think there's a single working person that's never once abused their position in some way.
Either way, no. -
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I don't understand why so many people think politicians should be sacked for having affairs
It's not that I approve of affairs or anything, but surely what they choose to get up to in their private life is up to them? If someone in an ordinary, low-profile job got the sack because thir boss found out they'd been screwing around, they'd sue for unfair dismissal because the reason has nothing to do with work. So why should it be any different for politicians? Strictly speaking, it was Kimberley Fortier/Quinn having the afair rather than David Blunkett; being single, he can have a relationship with whoever he wants. And even if he did fast-track a visa application, so what? I don't think anyone can honestly say they wouldn't use their job to help a family member, lover or friend if they had the chance.
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Politicians aren't sacked for having affairs. Boris Johnson wasn't sacked for having an affair but for denying it and later being exposed as a liar. Someone who is seen as a liar is not someone who a political party wants as a cabinet minister (even though the lie was pretty trivial in this instance)(Original post by kellywood_5)
I don't understand why so many people think politicians should be sacked for having affairs It's not that I approve of affairs or anything, but surely what they choose to get up to in their private life is up to them? If someone in an ordinary, low-profile job got the sack because thir boss found out they'd been screwing around, they'd sue for unfair dismissal because the reason has nothing to do with work. So why should it be any different for politicians? Strictly speaking, it was Kimberley Fortier/Quinn having the afair rather than David Blunkett; being single, he can have a relationship with whoever he wants. And even if he did fast-track a visa application, so what? I don't think anyone can honestly say they wouldn't use their job to help a family member, lover or friend if they had the chance.
"And even if he did fast-track a visa application, so what? I don't think anyone can honestly say they wouldn't use their job to help a family member, lover or friend if they had the chance"
I'm afraid I don't agree with this. Would you find it acceptable if a JP gave a drunk driver who happenned to be a personal friend a lesser punishment than someone he didn't know? That's the sort of corruption you find in Banana Republics. -
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I wouldn't find that acceptable, but that's completely different. The nanny would probably have been granted a visa anyway- it was just a question of time. Also her staying here isn't hurting anyone.(Original post by Howard)
I'm afraid I don't agree with this. Would you find it acceptable if a JP gave a drunk driver who happenned to be a personal friend a lesser punishment than someone he didn't know? That's the sort of corruption you find in Banana Republics. -
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What if the whole thing was caused by some civil servant or junior minister fast-tracking the application without Blunkett's knowledge, because he knew the application was for a personal friend of Blunkett? I know there is no evidence to suggest that, but it's possible surely...
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Then Blunkett will not be forced to resign and there will be some fall guy further down the line. That presumably is what the report is supposed to find out (the provost - head - of my college is leading the report!)(Original post by Dr_Death)
What if the whole thing was caused by some civil servant or junior minister fast-tracking the application without Blunkett's knowledge, because he knew the application was for a personal friend of Blunkett? I know there is no evidence to suggest that, but it's possible surely... -
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No, it's not completely different. It's about people who hold public office abusing their powers, bypassing the law, and doing favors for friends. That my friend is corruption.(Original post by kellywood_5)
I wouldn't find that acceptable, but that's completely different. The nanny would probably have been granted a visa anyway- it was just a question of time. Also her staying here isn't hurting anyone.
The fact that nanny would/may have been granted a visa anyway and isn't hurting anyone is absolutely irrelevent. -
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That seems rather illogical to me.(Original post by Dr_Death)
What if the whole thing was caused by some civil servant or junior minister fast-tracking the application without Blunkett's knowledge, because he knew the application was for a personal friend of Blunkett? I know there is no evidence to suggest that, but it's possible surely... -
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To give Blunkett the benefit of the doubt it could be that the Home Office arranged for a 'task force' to go in to the department and clear up arrears of work - coincidentally at the same time as the so-called 'fast tracking' of his lover's nanny.
If Blunkett is sacked it should be for his failure to cope with all the portfolios he has held, in an efficient manner. I don't think he is a capable cabinet minister for the Labour Party. He should be in the Tory party as his policies are very right-wing.
