David Cameron's presence in the Commons highlights the shamefulness of Gordon Brown's absence

MARCH 21ST, 2011 19:27
David Cameron's presence in the Commons highlights the shamefulness of Gordon Brown's absence



I caught the first two hours of the Libya debate in the Chamber and when I left David Cameron was still there, on the front bench next to William Hague (Ed Miliband was still there too). His opening speech was notable for his willingness to take every intervention put to him, from all sides of the House, even those hostile to his policy. By embracing all opinion, and then offering himself to the House as a witness to the debate, he was making a potent statement about the importance of Parliament which defused the accusation that the debate – and vote – should have taken place before our forces went into action. At the start the House was packed, the Conservative benches in particular were heaving. More than 62 MPs had indicated to Mr Speaker a desire to take part. According to Andrew Sparrow, the Prime Minister left the Chamber for a bit, but returned for more, and intervened shortly before 7. On the Labour side Bob Ainsworth and Jack Straw were the senior members of the previous administration who spoke. But of Gordon Brown there was no sign. The former Prime Minister is still AWOL, refusing to attend or take part in the business of the House. I say refusing, because we are long past the time when his vanishing could be explained by the transition from government to backbench. Mr Brown has experience and insight to contribute to the debates of the nation, in particular those that concern war and our part in it. He is paid to represent his constituents in Parliament. By staying away he diminishes himself, in particular if he can find time to appear on Comic Relief. Mr Cameron’s engagement with the Commons today highlights the shamefulness of Mr Brown’s parliamentary absence. Surely, the Chiltern Hundreds beckon.

Lioned wrote:I would like to see gordon brown thrown into a pen of very hungry angry pigs,like in that tv film !!

malena stool wrote:

Lioned wrote:I would like to see gordon brown thrown into a pen of very hungry angry pigs,like in that tv film !!

Would the pigs eat him, Lioned? I didn't know they were cannibalistic animals.

The Famous Grouse wrote:

malena stool wrote:

Lioned wrote:I would like to see gordon brown thrown into a pen of very hungry angry pigs,like in that tv film !!

Would the pigs eat him, Lioned? I didn't know they were cannibalistic animals.

What a horrid thing to say, Malena. Pigs are actually very intelligent and sensitive creatures.

Lioned wrote:I would like to see gordon brown thrown into a pen of very hungry angry pigs,like in that tv film !!

malena stool wrote:There is such a thing as cruelty to animals, the RSPCA would descend like a ton of bricks....What right do we have to inflict torment and suffering on pigs?

The Famous Grouse wrote:

malena stool wrote:There is such a thing as cruelty to animals, the RSPCA would descend like a ton of bricks....What right do we have to inflict torment and suffering on pigs?

Well, we already inflicted the McCanns on some of the PIIGS.

(That's Eurospeak for the poorest economic performers - Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain)