Comments
So far so good in campaign to remove discriminatory law
2010-01-11 09:48:15
As Gordon Brown explains to Labour MPs how he believes they can still fight and win the next election, can I report the outcome of another less high profile - but ultimately successful - campaign.
It was the campaign to get the Speaker's Conference on access to politics and Parliament to recommend removing a discriminatory piece of legislation which states that MPs cannot be barred from office on grounds of physical health, but can be so barred if they are detained under the Mental Health Act.
64. We believe that s141 of the 1983 Mental Health Act is unnecessary and damaging. It embodies attitudes which stigmatise and sap the confidence of people with mental illness. Section 141 should be repealed as soon as practicable. (Paragraph 327)
Amen to that. As the law stands, an MP could be a coma, incapable of speech or thought, after a stroke or accident say, and with no likelihood of recovery. But there is nothing in law that bars that person from continuing to be an MP. But if the same MP undergoes sustained treatment for a serious mental illness, they can be booted out of the Commons.
It won't surprise you to know that this piece of legislation has never been used. Which is why when, along with Rethink, I gave evidence to the Speaker's Conference, we argued that its removal from the Statute Book would be a symbolic but important anti-discriminatory move. I am pleased that they have called for it to be made in such clear terms, and now hope the government takes the relatively simple step of making it happen, again as recommended by the Conference. If there is no time between now and an election, then Labour and the other parties ought also to be able to find a line in their manifestoes to make this pledge.
If one in four of us will at some time struggle with mental illness, why should our MPs be any different? It is simply wrong to assume that someone who had a mental health problem can't get better and still do a demanding job, like the former Norwegian PM who had serious depression, took time off, came back and got re-elected.
Sometimes symbolic change can be emblematic of deeper change taking place and I hope that this shift on Section 141 signals a deeper change going on in British society about attitudes to mental health, the talent stifled, and the opportunities denied as a result of discrimination caused by stigma and taboo.
The election of course will be fought on issues other than this. Despite last week's kerfuffle over the Hoon-Hewitt letter, I agree with the analysis being put to MPs today that the election is not over, and that whilst the Tories are still ahead in the polls, with a lot of political and economic factors to their advantage, they can still be beaten.
It requires however all ministers and MPs to believe that, act like they believe it, then get on with the fight.
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Farewell to Henry HodgePublish date: 2009-06-29 20:41:12
Honouring the power of sport to do goodPublish date: 2009-06-29 14:49:42
Andy Murray is a winner. Is that why some Brits don't like him?Publish date: 2009-06-28 09:19:20
New Parliament will look very different. The younger the betterPublish date: 2009-06-27 17:34:26
Two nice surprises, sad end to dayPublish date: 2009-06-26 09:16:33
Apology from the Spectator on Iraq boosts Henry Hodge fundPublish date: 2009-06-25 19:57:26
Thanks to Mr Harper on mental health, rebuttal of Mr Hague on IraqPublish date: 2009-06-24 23:47:54
Glad to find Eric Cantona in a quiet cinema ...Publish date: 2009-06-24 00:46:23
By Dave's friends shall we know him?Publish date: 2009-06-23 11:30:20
The Speaker has to balance tradition and change - but defend ParliamentPublish date: 2009-06-22 11:58:44
Less a blog than an apology for not having done onePublish date: 2009-06-21 20:07:43
The day Lions skipper Paul O'Connell took my trousers downPublish date: 2009-06-20 11:48:28
On the Iraq inquiry, Independent article wrongPublish date: 2009-06-19 20:28:24
Thank you to three readers, now please get involvedPublish date: 2009-06-19 09:13:35
A tribute to a lovely manPublish date: 2009-06-18 17:19:40
Bad times in Belfast, great day for Burnley, odd statement from Ed BallsPublish date: 2009-06-18 10:04:47
A plea for five-figure cyber-donationsPublish date: 2009-06-17 07:40:42
On two inquiriesPublish date: 2009-06-16 08:57:39
From India to Iran to Labour witPublish date: 2009-06-15 10:13:17
Memories of Princess DianaPublish date: 2009-06-14 09:54:55
A House Divided?Publish date: 2009-06-13 02:53:47
A humbling NHS experience, a media row and a good GB speechPublish date: 2009-06-12 10:48:46
Psychiatrists heading for relegation in 'disease prestige' league tablePublish date: 2009-06-11 10:25:35
The shrinks awaitPublish date: 2009-06-10 09:44:16
As Obama fights for healthcare, let's celebrate the record herePublish date: 2009-06-09 12:52:55
Anger at BNP seats must be turned into activismPublish date: 2009-06-08 14:11:10
Can today be as frenzied as Friday?Publish date: 2009-06-07 10:31:04
Take heart from a win in LambethPublish date: 2009-06-06 18:46:40
JP is right there was no proper campaign but Tories still weakPublish date: 2009-06-05 13:47:20
Do we care more about the NHS or moats?Publish date: 2009-06-04 00:21:23
Guardian of social justice or attention-seeker?Publish date: 2009-06-03 10:19:33
Who says Britain can't deliver the best?Publish date: 2009-06-02 08:08:38
Mainstream has a duty to vote against BNPPublish date: 2009-06-01 11:03:29
Let Diversity inspire a vote against the hate-filled BNPPublish date: 2009-05-31 12:24:20
White House whack at UK media well-timed but sure to be ignoredPublish date: 2009-05-30 13:41:00
Elvis has a plan to make MPs King againPublish date: 2009-05-29 12:09:44
At least there's a campaign on in ItalyPublish date: 2009-05-28 09:04:32
A blow to gay rights and a boost for Cameron's short-termismPublish date: 2009-05-27 11:27:41
It's my blog and I'll be a big kid if I want toPublish date: 2009-05-26 23:25:58
Highs feel better after so many lowsPublish date: 2009-05-26 10:13:12
Only one present countsPublish date: 2009-05-25 11:05:46
Contrast Cheney and BushPublish date: 2009-05-24 12:11:45
Sex (or at least the female form) obsessed BritainPublish date: 2009-05-23 20:49:57
Sport at both ends of the financial spectrumPublish date: 2009-05-23 09:57:23
Stronger together - whether Scotland or expensesPublish date: 2009-05-22 10:22:36
Back to Number 10, familiar faces, familiar argumentsPublish date: 2009-05-21 10:14:34
Speaking up for ParliamentPublish date: 2009-05-20 11:44:17
Peace in the Middle East - yes he canPublish date: 2009-05-19 09:37:35
Breaking news - one frenzy at a timePublish date: 2009-05-18 10:34:30
Getting a good look at Vince CablePublish date: 2009-05-17 09:36:55
How do you solve a problem like Silvio?Publish date: 2009-05-16 09:32:21
It was the internet wot won itPublish date: 2009-05-15 10:04:57
There now follows ... a good whack at CameronPublish date: 2009-05-14 17:21:28
They got their kit off - so you get your cash outPublish date: 2009-05-14 07:41:11
Expenses row must not obscure Tory intentions on minimum wagePublish date: 2009-05-13 16:12:08
We love you Burnley, we do ... what a nightPublish date: 2009-05-13 02:37:17
A tweet cannot express the wonders of TGVPublish date: 2009-05-12 08:48:31
It's Mind week - Get it off your Chest with me and Stephen FryPublish date: 2009-05-11 06:29:15
Hate the Mail, love ObamaPublish date: 2009-05-10 10:04:00
Burnley 1 Reading 0 - a biased reportPublish date: 2009-05-09 21:26:32
MPs expenses - time for party leaders to meet againPublish date: 2009-05-09 09:50:19
Should happiness replace prosperity as national goal?Publish date: 2009-05-08 08:43:23
Musings from a sleepless nightPublish date: 2009-05-07 07:33:49
Darren Fletcher - an injustice that has to be rightedPublish date: 2009-05-06 09:52:29
Maggie's legacy not as great as she thinksPublish date: 2009-05-05 08:33:02
Here's hoping Cardiff is metaphor for CameronPublish date: 2009-05-04 09:38:30
More Mr Benn and Co pleasePublish date: 2009-05-03 10:03:00
Going Fourth with JPPublish date: 2009-05-02 18:25:41
Journalism - print first, think laterPublish date: 2009-05-02 09:10:01
In praise of two poetsPublish date: 2009-05-01 10:26:36
JP hits the road againPublish date: 2009-04-29 18:52:11
My night with Eddie IzzardPublish date: 2009-04-29 10:53:25
Explaining the 50p top tax ratePublish date: 2009-04-28 09:22:53
George Best and Martin McGuinnessPublish date: 2009-04-27 09:02:35
Cameron confused over indepdendence and impartialityPublish date: 2009-04-26 12:20:56
Guide ro Marathon running part 2Publish date: 2009-04-25 11:01:34
Good signals on coal and the OlympicsPublish date: 2009-04-24 10:45:28
Tips for the London MarathonPublish date: 2009-04-23 17:29:27
Missed the Budget, saw why it matteredPublish date: 2009-04-22 23:09:31
Football good, politics bad. AllegedlyPublish date: 2009-04-22 00:00:24
The Great Wall gets greaterPublish date: 2009-04-21 09:55:22
Two sides to police storyPublish date: 2009-04-20 11:39:54
Budgets, Balls, billionaires and Susan BoylePublish date: 2009-04-19 12:31:45
Do muscles have memories?Publish date: 2009-04-18 09:44:44
Bring back standing at footballPublish date: 2009-04-17 14:50:22
When Facebook friends fall outPublish date: 2009-04-16 12:29:16
Guardian sightings and the email and bath plug agendaPublish date: 2009-04-15 11:32:16
The spin is all in the prismPublish date: 2009-04-14 09:22:41
A setback, not a crisisPublish date: 2009-04-13 12:55:19
The real lessons from Damian McBridePublish date: 2009-04-12 10:49:47
Will English always be the dominant language?Publish date: 2009-04-11 10:02:02
On the pipes and what makes a ScotPublish date: 2009-04-10 11:06:20
John Prescott lazy? NO WAYPublish date: 2009-04-09 09:11:31
David Frost is seventyPublish date: 2009-04-08 08:48:38
The Speaker, BBC2, tonight and tomorrow 8pmPublish date: 2009-04-07 14:25:31
Obama, colds and being woken by Korean missilesPublish date: 2009-04-06 11:59:24
When a call matters more than protocolPublish date: 2009-04-05 11:33:42
Green Cities Champions LeaguePublish date: 2009-04-04 10:19:53
Could Cameron have delivered the G20 deal?Publish date: 2009-04-03 10:11:59
Of Benn and BonoPublish date: 2009-04-02 08:21:16
Memo to Sarko - allez vite a LondresPublish date: 2009-04-01 08:46:17
Happy April Fool's DayPublish date: 2009-04-01 01:44:05
Eurostar, Le Monde and a thought for the G20 sherpasPublish date: 2009-03-31 09:17:22
Why Kevin Rudd made an impactPublish date: 2009-03-30 10:24:41
Pre-G20 hype matters less than post-G20 processPublish date: 2009-03-29 13:17:28
The Damned UnitedPublish date: 2009-03-28 10:37:04
A hobby horse, a plug and a bit of sportPublish date: 2009-03-27 10:22:23
Cloughie - he had a lot to be big-headed aboutPublish date: 2009-03-26 09:38:36
A sad sight of the old fearing the youngPublish date: 2009-03-25 17:03:07
Post-modern, post-structural, or bullshit?Publish date: 2009-03-25 08:18:02
Learning the right lessons from ObamaPublish date: 2009-03-24 08:53:15
Lazy Dave needs to keep an eye on lazy KenPublish date: 2009-03-23 11:16:14
Farewell favourite restaurant, hello hometownPublish date: 2009-03-22 08:18:09
Dave, Danny and have the Tories really changed?Publish date: 2009-03-21 08:55:13
Life beyond Dover ...Publish date: 2009-03-20 10:11:21
My friends in The New Statesman - Fergie, Fiona, Tony, Sarah, Kevin, 'Dacre,' and a great GB idea for the G20Publish date: 2009-03-18 10:38:22
Iraq, Iran, GB, Obama and diplomatic chessPublish date: 2009-03-17 10:07:13
The Age of StupidPublish date: 2009-03-16 08:27:13
Is all change good?Publish date: 2009-03-15 10:00:06
The pressure of being a post-modern sex godPublish date: 2009-03-14 10:00:55
Cameron still hasn't sealed the deal with businessPublish date: 2009-03-13 09:21:49
Stand up for social workersPublish date: 2009-03-12 08:31:17
Surely Malcolm Tucker could have told Armando Ianucci ... You can't spin a spinnerPublish date: 2009-03-11 10:58:25
Start of a new approach from Labour?Publish date: 2009-03-10 09:54:12
A peace process still strongPublish date: 2009-03-09 08:21:05
Day of destiny for the real footballer of the yearPublish date: 2009-03-08 09:21:06
Private advice to Peggy Mitchell - the leaked note in fullPublish date: 2009-03-07 08:17:21
Boris, the Tories and the tummy-tickling poodle pressPublish date: 2009-03-06 09:49:37
A day in the life of the self-obsessed TV reporterPublish date: 2009-03-05 07:55:47
GB - good speech, well deliveredPublish date: 2009-03-04 19:31:05
Notes on the environment, a role in EastEndersPublish date: 2009-03-04 10:58:56
She may be my 'wife' but it is time to rebut!Publish date: 2009-03-03 10:52:59
Some speeches matter more than othersPublish date: 2009-03-02 12:04:45
Mental health and the Carling Cup FinalPublish date: 2009-03-01 09:08:17
Inside the chocolate factoryPublish date: 2009-02-28 10:23:59
GB on the G20, JP on Jeremy KylePublish date: 2009-02-27 09:14:36
Charity and the credit crunch, please give generously!Publish date: 2009-02-26 08:55:12
Why oh why are the Tories not home and dry?Publish date: 2009-02-24 09:44:59
Me, Dermot and ten top songsPublish date: 2009-02-23 10:02:19
Names round-upPublish date: 2009-02-22 08:43:39
What's in a name?Publish date: 2009-02-21 09:58:14
Editing the New StatesmanPublish date: 2009-02-20 11:42:36
Salute Peter M’s proper use of the F wordPublish date: 2009-02-19 09:58:58
Labour's communications challenge for the NHSPublish date: 2009-02-18 10:34:39
In praise of KeighleyPublish date: 2009-02-17 14:33:57
A night at the EmiratesPublish date: 2009-02-17 00:06:51
When marriage is testedPublish date: 2009-02-16 13:36:35
Spare me the myths and the whiningPublish date: 2009-02-15 13:29:50
Dave Cameron - is that all there is?Publish date: 2009-02-14 11:11:55
Boris Johnson: F is for ...Publish date: 2009-02-13 07:55:10
The Cameron vacuumPublish date: 2009-02-12 14:48:33
Lincoln, Obama, Blair and the 24 hour media culturePublish date: 2009-02-11 10:28:47
Eighteen interviews later ...Publish date: 2009-02-10 19:24:45
Time to talk about Time to Change on NewsnightPublish date: 2009-02-09 22:47:49
So that’s what they mean by online community?Publish date: 2009-02-08 12:12:51
First blogPublish date: 2009-02-05 15:23:57
Lila
2010-01-13 02:17:32Thank you. I worked in Iraq. I saw brave people getting their lives back and brave people helping them. I know we did the right thing. Whatever I or others may think, selective memory does not help us make better decisions. Thanks for reminding us all of what actually happened. In a non-classified kind of way, I remember, too.
Stan Rosenthal
2010-01-12 21:44:35Re the previous red card verdict on Alastair's performance at the Iraq inquiry, let me say that there are others who nominate him as man of the match.
Djunfitforwork
2010-01-12 21:20:33Moving on -why is the media and the "me-too left" so obsessed with wmd s. If Germany had been invaded -as it should have been -in the mid 1930s -probably no Zyklon B would have turned up either. Fascist regimes need to be overthrown by willing democratic states -the rest is just trivia.
Adam Rose
2010-01-12 19:48:01Alastair, from the bits I saw of the Inquiry today: well done, great stuff, don't let them knock you down.
may
2010-01-12 19:29:17Congratulations. I have always had the contrary view from the majority and will not change my mind until I am told of someone who believed before the invasion that Iraq had no WMD. As you mentioned today President Chirac did not and Robin Cook did not, Dr Kelly did not I'm sure I could go on.
How foolish would it have been to withdraw our forces( without whose presence the Inspectors would not have been allowed back in ) and give Saddam Hussein carte blanche to use his dangerous knowledge with a free hand.
Anyone who paid attention to the evidence of the Hutton Inquiry and did not take their knowledge from newspapers etc. must agree.
Richard Brearley
2010-01-12 17:25:31I just want to say that I am appalled that you say to the iraq inquiry that you are proud of our role as a nation in the war in Iraq. There is no doubt that the war was illegal and no doubt that the basis upon which it was waged involved a wholesale misleading of parliament and the British people. Your role in this disgrace will never be forgotten.
TheE17Tory
2010-01-12 16:55:03So far not good in attempt to get people who deliberately misled the public and Parlaiment in a disastrous and costly war to face proper punishments
John Bell
2010-01-12 13:04:34I wonder how I would feel if I had to read about me the kind of blogs that are prevalent about you? Does it not bother you that people think you are a liar with blood on your hands and share the responsibility for the deaths of women and children? Or that you are, along with brown, one of the most loathed individuals in the UK?
Stephen Jack
2010-01-12 11:58:15surely the poster campaign for the tories with cameron then a comment should read: We will add at least another 15% to your next fuel bill, Bring back Vat at the full rate on fuel bills!!! we need to remind people that he will screw the normal man in the street while lining the pockets of his rich friends
Calum, Aberdeen
2010-01-11 18:08:14Cameron McWhat's a plumber is still oozing by with far too much lube. I want to see the class war dry him up a notch, his contacts with Murdoch exploited and his beef with ofcom stewed out far and wide. Irate principals crying, "Think of the children!" Brown needs to grow a pair instead of posting Maggie on his wall. Crivens.
Nick
2010-01-11 16:16:47"It requires however all ministers and MPs to believe that, act like they believe it, then get on with the fight"
------------------------------------------------------
One missing ingredient here - the electorate. Try, like I have, canvassing over a number of weeks and months in London and the South.
Then come back and report on the widespread view about Labour in general, and the Prime Minister in particular.
Chris lancashire
2010-01-11 12:10:53Trudi: The only public concern is that Labour just might scrape in and complete the national bankruptcy it is well on the way to achieving.
Chris O'Sullivan
2010-01-11 10:52:27It's good to see. Kjeil Magne Bondeveik is so genuine and matter of fact in discussiong his depression, it really makes a difference to see political leaders talk about mental ill health. Interestingly I note the facebook campaing to get 'Mrs.Robinson' into the charts, in realtion to Iris Robinson, now receiving acute psychiatric treatment. Will be interesting to see how the story pans out. Nevertheless, this is an important step, along with that allowing people with MHPs to serve on juries, which are small, but in terms of civil rights massive in reducing enforced social exclusion.
John
2010-01-11 10:46:18I nearly choked on my cornflakes in finding myself in agreement with part of that crusty old Tory William Rees-Moggs article in todays times.
Reading past his negative spin about Gordon, he talks about the appeal of Harriet Harman as a centrist with much of the John Smith middle class appeal. I hope that she will be allowed to front the campaign and will not be too heavily curtailed by the other triumvarists.
Her appeal to the silver vote is manifest and her easy swatting of bluebottle Haig in PMQ has been a delight. My only concern is whether she can deliver the killer humourous Dave put-downs. To this end possibly the Times photo showing him resting his head on Harriets shoulder is a good indication. I hope we can also anticipate image labels of the 'tucks his underpants...'character from the master ?
Labour are allowing the Tories to quote the Wilson economic days - a fading (or non-memory) for most.However the 'head' of the 80s Tory tyrany, to many, should be dug up and hung on the Tory gate'.'Nicey' Heath soon gave way to the harsh broom sweeper. Dont let 'em forget !
Trudi Stiles
2010-01-11 10:44:45You have given a lot of impetus to this campaign with your public stance and your book and films and so forth. Please now put all that energy into helping Labour keep the Tories out. I sense the public concern about a Tory government growing but we need people with real experience of campaigning to get involved. I know you do a lot for Labour but they really need people like you more than ever now.
Paula Martin
2010-01-11 10:42:37Good news as you say, and such an easy hit for the parties all to put in their manifestoes. I have just read their report and I think they have good ideas on women too, which should be embraced. Politics has taken a big knock in recent months with expenses etc but we need good people going into Parliament and we need a broad range of them. I hope the government and opposition both embrace this report
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