Backing for MacAskill in police row
Alex Salmond yesterday joined the fierce war of words between Westminster and Holyrood ministers over the use of stop-and-search powers by British Transport Police.
The First Minister backed his Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill, who came under criticism from the UK transport minister who has responsibility for the force that polices the rail network in Britain.
Last weekend, Mr MacAskill complained that the British Transport Police (BTP) threaten community relations with extensive use of the stop and search powers since the terror attack on Glasgow Airport in June, saying they were following a "diktat from London".
Nearly 15,000 checks have been carried out at rail stations, while the eight Scottish-based forces have chosen to use the powers fewer than 150 times in nearly a year. Of the BTP checks, the police believe 12% were on people from ethnic minorities, compared with a 2% share of the population.
That provoked the strongest attack on the SNP government from a Whitehall minister. Tom Harris, who is Labour MP for Glasgow South, said the Scottish Justice Secretary had been "cynical and irresponsible".
In a letter to Mr MacAskill, he said it was "unacceptable" to base his comments on hearsay without discussing it with the BTP.
"Kenny MacAskill is playing politics with anti-terrorism operations," Mr Harris said.
The SNP came under attack from Conservatives and LibDems for making a political controversy out of policing. David McLetchie, the former Scottish Tory leader, said the SNP should give "full support to all police forces rather than sitting, carping and undermining them from the sidelines".
Mr Salmond told MSPs: "It is entirely appropriate that the Cabinet Secretary should question these matters in terms of the public interest." He turned on Mr Harris for responding through a press release: "It is inappropriate to conduct debates in that fashion."
Today, Mr Harris is scheduled to be in Glasgow on patrol with the BTP.
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Posted by: doonhamer on 12:32am Fri 21 Dec 07
Is Harris training for another job? He will need to do something after the next election.
Is Harris training for another job? He will need to do something after the next election.
Posted by: Gr8 on 12:38am Fri 21 Dec 07
[quote]the police believe 12% were on people from ethnic minorities, compared with a 2% share of the population.[/quote]
It is not the other 98% of the population that pose a possible threat now, is it?... PC nonsense again. When it is a certain section or minority in society that pose a possible threat then of course they should and will, be scrutinised more closely, it's called logic, I'm sure they stopped the other 88% either to make up the numbers so this kind of PC protest wouldn't hit the headlines or to search for knives and illegal substances.
I say let them keep the streets safe.
Please note I said possible threat as I do realise that not all pose a threat.
the police believe 12% were on people from ethnic minorities, compared with a 2% share of the population.
It is not the other 98% of the population that pose a possible threat now, is it?... PC nonsense again. When it is a certain section or minority in society that pose a possible threat then of course they should and will, be scrutinised more closely, it's called logic, I'm sure they stopped the other 88% either to make up the numbers so this kind of PC protest wouldn't hit the headlines or to search for knives and illegal substances.
I say let them keep the streets safe.
Please note I said possible threat as I do realise that not all pose a threat.
Posted by: iain morrison, nairn on 1:11am Fri 21 Dec 07
"Today, Mr Harris is scheduled to be in Glasgow on patrol with the BTP." - Eh thought he was meant to be an MP, is he qualified to Police, has he got the bottle to arrest Bendy?
"Today, Mr Harris is scheduled to be in Glasgow on patrol with the BTP." - Eh thought he was meant to be an MP, is he qualified to Police, has he got the bottle to arrest Bendy?
Posted by: Tam, 391-668 on 4:54am Fri 21 Dec 07
Tom not really a journalist or anything else Harris is just a bufoon playing fool for Wendy's sake. Unfortunately MacAaskill is a political accident waiting to happen, again. Hope Alex can keep him under control.
Tom not really a journalist or anything else Harris is just a bufoon playing fool for Wendy's sake. Unfortunately MacAaskill is a political accident waiting to happen, again. Hope Alex can keep him under control.
Posted by: donald, glasgow on 6:57am Fri 21 Dec 07
Labour Terrorists create backlash.
Labour Terrorists create backlash.
Posted by: Olive Morrison, EDINBURGH on 8:20am Fri 21 Dec 07
...and the unionist parties of this government shall be known as CRITICAL since all they have done since the SNP came to power is criticise. Not constructively merely vindictively.Indicat
ive of how much they value their country. Too many have been in the job too long and are only interested in their own self aggrandisment
...and the unionist parties of this government shall be known as CRITICAL since all they have done since the SNP came to power is criticise. Not constructively merely vindictively.Indicat
ive of how much they value their country. Too many have been in the job too long and are only interested in their own self aggrandisment
Posted by: bairn, falkirk on 9:01am Fri 21 Dec 07
it is time that the power given to the railway police was reviewed they
are based on a body founded as a private police force and security firm and should be controlled under the same hierarchy as the normal police. if they have manpower to carry out stop and search on
such a scale get them on to some of the housing estates that could improve with better policing
it is time that the power given to the railway police was reviewed they
are based on a body founded as a private police force and security firm and should be controlled under the same hierarchy as the normal police. if they have manpower to carry out stop and search on
such a scale get them on to some of the housing estates that could improve with better policing
Posted by: JohnMcDonald, London on 9:19am Fri 21 Dec 07
The statistics speak for themselves. The BTP is way out of line with other police forces. The Minister was absolutely correct to point this out and also to seek an explanation.
The Glasgow Labour MP and Whitehall minister, Tom Harris, is clearly only doing his job in attacking the SNP Government. But when you get to the Pearly Gates Tom, will "I was only carrying out orders!" suffice?
The statistics speak for themselves. The BTP is way out of line with other police forces. The Minister was absolutely correct to point this out and also to seek an explanation.
The Glasgow Labour MP and Whitehall minister, Tom Harris, is clearly only doing his job in attacking the SNP Government. But when you get to the Pearly Gates Tom, will "I was only carrying out orders!" suffice?
Posted by: Joe on 10:19am Fri 21 Dec 07
[quote][bold]doonhamer[/bold] wrote:
Is Harris training for another job? He will need to do something after the next election.[/quote] Another 4/5 years as an MP, perhaps as a government minister. The Nats really are delusional if they think they can take Glasgow South in a Westminster election.
doonhamer wrote:
Is Harris training for another job? He will need to do something after the next election.
Another 4/5 years as an MP, perhaps as a government minister. The Nats really are delusional if they think they can take Glasgow South in a Westminster election.
Posted by: Observer on 10:57am Fri 21 Dec 07
Joe, I wouldn't be so sure about that, the ground is shifting very rapidly.
Personally I think it is an utter disgrace that Mr Harris accepts the implication that it is acceptable to target Asians as all being potential suspects in terrorism.
Previous coverage of this issue in The Evening Times made it clear that these stop and searches were not intelligence led, they are entirely random.
No arrests for terrorist related activity have been made. This is a monumental waste of BTP resources that could otherwise be engaged in ensuring that passengers on the Railway network can travel without fear of harrassment from drunks and neds.
Kenny McCaskill is correct to question why the BTP are adopting an entirely different policy from every other force in the country. Especially as these tactics are not producing any results.
If there is a credible threat to the passenger network, why do we not see stop and search at Underground Stations, Bus Stations, or on the bus network.
The BTP are sending out the message that none of us are safe and that Asians cannot be trusted, that is what the Westminster Government want us to believe to justify their policies. The BTP should be removed from the control of Westminster and be made answerable to Holyrood. That way there would be a consistency of approach throughout the country, and they would be accountable to Scottish politicians for their activities, rather than being a law unto themselves.
Joe, I wouldn't be so sure about that, the ground is shifting very rapidly.
Personally I think it is an utter disgrace that Mr Harris accepts the implication that it is acceptable to target Asians as all being potential suspects in terrorism.
Previous coverage of this issue in The Evening Times made it clear that these stop and searches were not intelligence led, they are entirely random.
No arrests for terrorist related activity have been made. This is a monumental waste of BTP resources that could otherwise be engaged in ensuring that passengers on the Railway network can travel without fear of harrassment from drunks and neds.
Kenny McCaskill is correct to question why the BTP are adopting an entirely different policy from every other force in the country. Especially as these tactics are not producing any results.
If there is a credible threat to the passenger network, why do we not see stop and search at Underground Stations, Bus Stations, or on the bus network.
The BTP are sending out the message that none of us are safe and that Asians cannot be trusted, that is what the Westminster Government want us to believe to justify their policies. The BTP should be removed from the control of Westminster and be made answerable to Holyrood. That way there would be a consistency of approach throughout the country, and they would be accountable to Scottish politicians for their activities, rather than being a law unto themselves.
Posted by: iang on 1:10pm Fri 21 Dec 07
[quote][bold]Gr8[/bold] wrote:
[quote]the police believe 12% were on people from ethnic minorities, compared with a 2% share of the population.[/quote]
It is not the other 98% of the population that pose a possible threat now, is it?... PC nonsense again. When it is a certain section or minority in society that pose a possible threat then of course they should and will, be scrutinised more closely, it's called logic, I'm sure they stopped the other 88% either to make up the numbers so this kind of PC protest wouldn't hit the headlines or to search for knives and illegal substances.
I say let them keep the streets safe.
Please note I said possible threat as I do realise that not all pose a threat.[/quote] There are many individuals who are born in non asian or middle-eastern countries (chechnia, the balkans, indonesia etc) not to mention the many converts to islam that would simply walk past these checks because they do not fit your, or it seems the BTPs, profile.
If you simple base it on race or skin colour then you are not protecting the public but increasing the chances of unrest within communities.
Gr8 wrote:
the police believe 12% were on people from ethnic minorities, compared with a 2% share of the population.
It is not the other 98% of the population that pose a possible threat now, is it?... PC nonsense again. When it is a certain section or minority in society that pose a possible threat then of course they should and will, be scrutinised more closely, it's called logic, I'm sure they stopped the other 88% either to make up the numbers so this kind of PC protest wouldn't hit the headlines or to search for knives and illegal substances.
I say let them keep the streets safe.
Please note I said possible threat as I do realise that not all pose a threat.
There are many individuals who are born in non asian or middle-eastern countries (chechnia, the balkans, indonesia etc) not to mention the many converts to islam that would simply walk past these checks because they do not fit your, or it seems the BTPs, profile.
If you simple base it on race or skin colour then you are not protecting the public but increasing the chances of unrest within communities.
Posted by: Economic Migrant, Darkest Oxfordshire on 1:10pm Fri 21 Dec 07
[quote][bold]Gr8[/bold] wrote:
[quote]the police believe 12% were on people from ethnic minorities, compared with a 2% share of the population.[/quote]
It is not the other 98% of the population that pose a possible threat now, is it?... PC nonsense again. When it is a certain section or minority in society that pose a possible threat then of course they should and will, be scrutinised more closely, it's called logic, I'm sure they stopped the other 88% either to make up the numbers so this kind of PC protest wouldn't hit the headlines or to search for knives and illegal substances.
I say let them keep the streets safe.
Please note I said possible threat as I do realise that not all pose a threat.[/quote] So you admit the Police are liars then when they say the stops are random?
Gr8 wrote:
the police believe 12% were on people from ethnic minorities, compared with a 2% share of the population.
It is not the other 98% of the population that pose a possible threat now, is it?... PC nonsense again. When it is a certain section or minority in society that pose a possible threat then of course they should and will, be scrutinised more closely, it's called logic, I'm sure they stopped the other 88% either to make up the numbers so this kind of PC protest wouldn't hit the headlines or to search for knives and illegal substances.
I say let them keep the streets safe.
Please note I said possible threat as I do realise that not all pose a threat.
So you admit the Police are liars then when they say the stops are random?
Posted by: iang on 1:12pm Fri 21 Dec 07
[quote][bold]iang[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Gr8[/bold] wrote:
[quote]the police believe 12% were on people from ethnic minorities, compared with a 2% share of the population.[/quote]
It is not the other 98% of the population that pose a possible threat now, is it?... PC nonsense again. When it is a certain section or minority in society that pose a possible threat then of course they should and will, be scrutinised more closely, it's called logic, I'm sure they stopped the other 88% either to make up the numbers so this kind of PC protest wouldn't hit the headlines or to search for knives and illegal substances.
I say let them keep the streets safe.
Please note I said possible threat as I do realise that not all pose a threat.[/quote] There are many individuals who are born in non asian or middle-eastern countries (chechnia, the balkans, indonesia etc) not to mention the many converts to islam that would simply walk past these checks because they do not fit your, or it seems the BTPs, profile.
If you simple base it on race or skin colour then you are not protecting the public but increasing the chances of unrest within communities.[/quote] sorry I forgot....that is simple Logic!
iang wrote:
Gr8 wrote:
the police believe 12% were on people from ethnic minorities, compared with a 2% share of the population.
It is not the other 98% of the population that pose a possible threat now, is it?... PC nonsense again. When it is a certain section or minority in society that pose a possible threat then of course they should and will, be scrutinised more closely, it's called logic, I'm sure they stopped the other 88% either to make up the numbers so this kind of PC protest wouldn't hit the headlines or to search for knives and illegal substances.
I say let them keep the streets safe.
Please note I said possible threat as I do realise that not all pose a threat.
There are many individuals who are born in non asian or middle-eastern countries (chechnia, the balkans, indonesia etc) not to mention the many converts to islam that would simply walk past these checks because they do not fit your, or it seems the BTPs, profile.
If you simple base it on race or skin colour then you are not protecting the public but increasing the chances of unrest within communities.
sorry I forgot....that is simple Logic!
Posted by: Gr8 on 2:08pm Fri 21 Dec 07
Have any previous suicide bombers or terrorist attacks been carried out by white Muslim converts on Western civilisation... no.
Have any previous suicide bombers or terrorist attacks been carried out by white Muslim converts on Western civilisation... no.
Posted by: Gr8 on 2:09pm Fri 21 Dec 07
Have any previous suicide bombers or terrorist attacks been carried out by white Muslim converts on Western civilisation... no. Therefore we can assume that they are not likely to fall into the "Extremist" category of the religion. Until that changes and a white convert blows himself and others up I don't think the tactic will or should change.
Have any previous suicide bombers or terrorist attacks been carried out by white Muslim converts on Western civilisation... no. Therefore we can assume that they are not likely to fall into the "Extremist" category of the religion. Until that changes and a white convert blows himself and others up I don't think the tactic will or should change.
Posted by: Gr8 on 2:11pm Fri 21 Dec 07
PS - I realise assumption can be the mother of all f*ups...
PS - I realise assumption can be the mother of all f*ups...
Posted by: Observer on 2:34pm Fri 21 Dec 07
[quote][bold]Gr8[/bold] wrote:
Have any previous suicide bombers or terrorist attacks been carried out by white Muslim converts on Western civilisation... no. [/quote] Well you have the Chechyen suicide female bombers, don't know if they count. And of course the PLO have got form using white women as fronts, althought they didn't blow themselves up. But Gr8 do you really think that terrorists will stick to the same modus operandi all the time ? I think the chances of that are zero. If they know the profile the Police are looking for, they will be careful not to match it. So it really is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Gr8 wrote:
Have any previous suicide bombers or terrorist attacks been carried out by white Muslim converts on Western civilisation... no.
Well you have the Chechyen suicide female bombers, don't know if they count. And of course the PLO have got form using white women as fronts, althought they didn't blow themselves up. But Gr8 do you really think that terrorists will stick to the same modus operandi all the time ? I think the chances of that are zero. If they know the profile the Police are looking for, they will be careful not to match it. So it really is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Posted by: Gr8 on 2:41pm Fri 21 Dec 07
Lets just ban all forms of religion and be done with it...
Lets just ban all forms of religion and be done with it...
Posted by: iang on 2:46pm Fri 21 Dec 07
[quote][bold]Gr8[/bold] wrote:
Have any previous suicide bombers or terrorist attacks been carried out by white Muslim converts on Western civilisation... no. Therefore we can assume that they are not likely to fall into the "Extremist" category of the religion. Until that changes and a white convert blows himself and others up I don't think the tactic will or should change.[/quote] actually the answer is YES. the infamous "Shoe" bomber was a british convert who failed in his attempt to set off an explosive during a transatlantic flight. There were also bombing in bali carried out by local muslims.
Gr8 wrote:
Have any previous suicide bombers or terrorist attacks been carried out by white Muslim converts on Western civilisation... no. Therefore we can assume that they are not likely to fall into the "Extremist" category of the religion. Until that changes and a white convert blows himself and others up I don't think the tactic will or should change.
actually the answer is YES. the infamous "Shoe" bomber was a british convert who failed in his attempt to set off an explosive during a transatlantic flight. There were also bombing in bali carried out by local muslims.
Posted by: iang on 3:13pm Fri 21 Dec 07
[quote][bold]Gr8[/bold] wrote:
Have any previous suicide bombers or terrorist attacks been carried out by white Muslim converts on Western civilisation... no. Therefore we can assume that they are not likely to fall into the "Extremist" category of the religion. Until that changes and a white convert blows himself and others up I don't think the tactic will or should change.[/quote] sorry Gr8 but I just did a quick search and here is another report from Dec 5th. A converted White Female Roman Catholic suicide bomber.
"MONCEAU-SUR-SAMBRE, Belgium, Dec. 5 - Muriel Degauque, believed to be the first European Muslim woman to stage a suicide attack, started out life as a good Roman Catholic girl in this coal mining corner of Belgium known as the black country. She ended it in a grisly blast deep inside Iraq last month.
Ms. Degauque, 38, detonated her explosive vest amid an American military patrol in the town of Baquba on Nov. 9, wounding one American soldier, according to an account received from the State Department and given to the Federal Police in Belgium."
Gr8 wrote:
Have any previous suicide bombers or terrorist attacks been carried out by white Muslim converts on Western civilisation... no. Therefore we can assume that they are not likely to fall into the "Extremist" category of the religion. Until that changes and a white convert blows himself and others up I don't think the tactic will or should change.
sorry Gr8 but I just did a quick search and here is another report from Dec 5th. A converted White Female Roman Catholic suicide bomber.
"MONCEAU-SUR-SAMBRE, Belgium, Dec. 5 - Muriel Degauque, believed to be the first European Muslim woman to stage a suicide attack, started out life as a good Roman Catholic girl in this coal mining corner of Belgium known as the black country. She ended it in a grisly blast deep inside Iraq last month.
Ms. Degauque, 38, detonated her explosive vest amid an American military patrol in the town of Baquba on Nov. 9, wounding one American soldier, according to an account received from the State Department and given to the Federal Police in Belgium."
Posted by: iang on 3:18pm Fri 21 Dec 07
you may want to read the entire article as it mentions a growing belief around Europe that caucasian women where more and more being used to either provide support to, plan or even carry out terrorist acts in the name of islam.
http://www.militanti
slammonitor.org/arti
cle/id/1353
you may want to read the entire article as it mentions a growing belief around Europe that caucasian women where more and more being used to either provide support to, plan or even carry out terrorist acts in the name of islam.
http://www.militanti
slammonitor.org/arti
cle/id/1353
Posted by: Graeme, Outside the EU and contemplating staying on 4:39pm Fri 21 Dec 07
So stop and search everyone getting on the trains and planes. Even the buses where I am at the moment, everyone has their bag searched before entering the bus system by the police, in case of bombs. When you park your car at a shopping centre or private car park they go round with a sniffer dog, mirror (for under the cars) and look in the boot for bombs. I know you will all say "that sounds awful" but actually it makes you feel a heck of a lot safer. I actually feel safer walking around here than I do back home. Needless to say, at the moment, I am working outside the EU. In a country where I have not seen one shoplifter and no drunken fights, makes a nice change from home...
As long as the victim culture continues in the UK the police will have their hands tied by PC nonsense and red tape. It's time they had the power to stop and search for knives, drugs and bombs without law suits for discrimination or breach of privacy...
So stop and search everyone getting on the trains and planes. Even the buses where I am at the moment, everyone has their bag searched before entering the bus system by the police, in case of bombs. When you park your car at a shopping centre or private car park they go round with a sniffer dog, mirror (for under the cars) and look in the boot for bombs. I know you will all say "that sounds awful" but actually it makes you feel a heck of a lot safer. I actually feel safer walking around here than I do back home. Needless to say, at the moment, I am working outside the EU. In a country where I have not seen one shoplifter and no drunken fights, makes a nice change from home...
As long as the victim culture continues in the UK the police will have their hands tied by PC nonsense and red tape. It's time they had the power to stop and search for knives, drugs and bombs without law suits for discrimination or breach of privacy...
Posted by: observer on 5:11pm Fri 21 Dec 07
I don't think that most people would welcome that level of seciruty, but if it was agreed and applied across the board then the argument would be totally different. We would be debating about living in a Police state. This issue is about one part of the Police force, not answerable to the Scottish Government, operating a completely independent policy from every other force, stopping and searching a disproportionately high number of Asian people, with no results, and with no explanation.
I don't think that most people would welcome that level of seciruty, but if it was agreed and applied across the board then the argument would be totally different. We would be debating about living in a Police state. This issue is about one part of the Police force, not answerable to the Scottish Government, operating a completely independent policy from every other force, stopping and searching a disproportionately high number of Asian people, with no results, and with no explanation.
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 8:01pm Fri 21 Dec 07
Doonhammer Wears Black Armband[quote]Is Harris training for another job? He will need to do something after the next election.[/quote] True.
His is a suicide statement if I ever read one.
Doonhammer Wears Black Armband
Is Harris training for another job? He will need to do something after the next election.
True.
His is a suicide statement if I ever read one.
Posted by: jim mitchell, Sauchie, Clack's on 12:20am Sat 22 Dec 07
joe, thats been said at some time or tother about every seat the SNP has ever one, they still went on to win them.
joe, thats been said at some time or tother about every seat the SNP has ever one, they still went on to win them.
Posted by: Ally Dignan, Castlemilk, Glasgow on 4:10am Sat 22 Dec 07
Tom Harris? Labour MP for Glasgow South? Never heard of him. I live in Castlemilk. Am I paying his wages?
Tom Harris? Labour MP for Glasgow South? Never heard of him. I live in Castlemilk. Am I paying his wages?
Posted by: Michael Dunn, Kings Park, Glasgow on 4:14am Sat 22 Dec 07
Good point from Ally Dignan of Castlemilk. I live on the south side of Glasgow and I have never heard of Tom Harris, MP. Note to the editor of the Herald: Get your facts right - there aint no such person! You've been jackassed!!
Good point from Ally Dignan of Castlemilk. I live on the south side of Glasgow and I have never heard of Tom Harris, MP. Note to the editor of the Herald: Get your facts right - there aint no such person! You've been jackassed!!
Posted by: Tired of excuses, Galashiels on 5:25am Sat 22 Dec 07
" "Kenny MacAskill is playing politics with anti-terrorism operations," Mr Harris said. "
So Scottish Govt has no right to ask what the "ahem" anti -terrorist operations involve ?
I do not think that is right somehow.
Too many of our civil liberties have evaporated in the wake of "anti-terrorist" scaremongering.
We no longer have the right to remain silent, we no longer have a right to a trial before detention, we no longer have a right to protest.
How many times has Labour tried to extend detention without trial ? And i see they are at it again.
Well done Kenny MacAskill for taking a first step in holding these cowboys to account for their actions.
" "Kenny MacAskill is playing politics with anti-terrorism operations," Mr Harris said. "
So Scottish Govt has no right to ask what the "ahem" anti -terrorist operations involve ?
I do not think that is right somehow.
Too many of our civil liberties have evaporated in the wake of "anti-terrorist" scaremongering.
We no longer have the right to remain silent, we no longer have a right to a trial before detention, we no longer have a right to protest.
How many times has Labour tried to extend detention without trial ? And i see they are at it again.
Well done Kenny MacAskill for taking a first step in holding these cowboys to account for their actions.
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 6:22am Sat 22 Dec 07
Michael Dun [quote]Note to the editor of the Herald: Get your facts right - there aint no such person! I(As Tom Harris MP.) You've been jackassed!![/quote] Oh Dear. So, who is telling the ralway police to arrest anybody doodling on railway posters or carrying a prayer mat?
Michael Dun
Note to the editor of the Herald: Get your facts right - there aint no such person! I(As Tom Harris MP.) You've been jackassed!!
Oh Dear. So, who is telling the ralway police to arrest anybody doodling on railway posters or carrying a prayer mat?
Posted by: Disgusted Dorothy, Glasgow on 9:51am Sat 22 Dec 07
Apparently he is MP for Cathcart,I'd never heard of him either so I Googled.
Apparently he is MP for Cathcart,I'd never heard of him either so I Googled.
Posted by: Wullie on 11:25am Sat 22 Dec 07
Tom Harris - who is he?
Don't know but if he thinks 15,000 stop and search by 235 transport police in 4 months is Ok, then what does he think about the 16,000 regional police who only managed 135 stop and searches.
Is this nobody really saying that to be safe our regional police should be undertaking similar levels of stop and search - because if he is then he is saying that we need some 3.2 million anti terrorist searches anually in Scotland.
[bold]15,000 searches[/bold] / 235 BTPolice X 3 = 191 searches per year.
Thus, pro-rata
191 searches X 16735 police ( BT & regional) = [bold]3.2 Million searches[/bold] .
Oh and what about the Nuclear defence Police for nuclear sations refineries and the Royal parks Police too.
Yes Mr Harris whoever you are, is this what you are saying as you run off at mouth foaming about a valid criticism that the Scottish Minister made.
Another New Labour waste of space on the gravy train of the public payroll. Back to sleep boy, just keep picking up the paypacket,
Tom Harris - who is he?
Don't know but if he thinks 15,000 stop and search by 235 transport police in 4 months is Ok, then what does he think about the 16,000 regional police who only managed 135 stop and searches.
Is this nobody really saying that to be safe our regional police should be undertaking similar levels of stop and search - because if he is then he is saying that we need some 3.2 million anti terrorist searches anually in Scotland.
15,000 searches / 235 BTPolice X 3 = 191 searches per year.
Thus, pro-rata
191 searches X 16735 police ( BT & regional) =
3.2 Million searches .
Oh and what about the Nuclear defence Police for nuclear sations refineries and the Royal parks Police too.
Yes Mr Harris whoever you are, is this what you are saying as you run off at mouth foaming about a valid criticism that the Scottish Minister made.
Another New Labour waste of space on the gravy train of the public payroll. Back to sleep boy, just keep picking up the paypacket,
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 6:49pm Sat 22 Dec 07
Wullie Worries[quote]Yes Mr Harris whoever you are, is this what you are saying as you run off at mouth foaming about a valid criticism that the Scottish Minister made.[/quote] You make good points, Wullie, only they come across a littlde too like Harry Enfield's pub character, Mr Self-Righteous.
[bold]"If that Mister "Arris walked into my house, I'd say, NO! STOP! You can't search me in me own home. I'll search you! Coz you is a bleedin' burgular, aint ya?.!! - That's wha' I'd say."[/bold]
Wullie Worries
Yes Mr Harris whoever you are, is this what you are saying as you run off at mouth foaming about a valid criticism that the Scottish Minister made.
You make good points, Wullie, only they come across a littlde too like Harry Enfield's pub character, Mr Self-Righteous.
"If that Mister "Arris walked into my house, I'd say, NO! STOP! You can't search me in me own home. I'll search you! Coz you is a bleedin' burgular, aint ya?.!! - That's wha' I'd say."
Posted by: allymax, upvinesass, scotland. on 5:15pm Wed 26 Dec 07
The btp are power mad coppers, just like any other copper. Bliar has born the 'climate of fear' to propogate his totlaitarian ethics on society. The cops love it; they've never had so much power. It's just like giving a kid the keys to the sweet shop.
The only fear Scottish citizens have are power mad coppers. Just how easy is it to get a criminal record in Scotland now. Rhetorical of-course; 1 in every 250 Scottish men will go to prison in 2008, and 1 in every 14 will get a criminal record.
Mr MacAskill was absolutely right to be very concerned at this 'serious' breach of public service. The word 'serious' is all too often used by the courts, prosecutors, and judges now. A Breach of the Peace, serious? No of course not, but you can go to prison for it. A 'minor' assault (push), serious? No but you can go to prison for it. Not speaking english, (recent case where the cops charged a chinese student in edinburgh with resisting arrest because he didn't answer their interogating questions; he couldn't speak english), serious. No, but this was forced into the sheriff court by prosecutors; the judge duly threw it out and questioned whether the cops and prosecutors had nothing better to do.
Scotland is in the grip of police totalitarian power, Mr MacAskill has to do something about these fascists.
The btp are power mad coppers, just like any other copper. Bliar has born the 'climate of fear' to propogate his totlaitarian ethics on society. The cops love it; they've never had so much power. It's just like giving a kid the keys to the sweet shop.
The only fear Scottish citizens have are power mad coppers. Just how easy is it to get a criminal record in Scotland now. Rhetorical of-course; 1 in every 250 Scottish men will go to prison in 2008, and 1 in every 14 will get a criminal record.
Mr MacAskill was absolutely right to be very concerned at this 'serious' breach of public service. The word 'serious' is all too often used by the courts, prosecutors, and judges now. A Breach of the Peace, serious? No of course not, but you can go to prison for it. A 'minor' assault (push), serious? No but you can go to prison for it. Not speaking english, (recent case where the cops charged a chinese student in edinburgh with resisting arrest because he didn't answer their interogating questions; he couldn't speak english), serious. No, but this was forced into the sheriff court by prosecutors; the judge duly threw it out and questioned whether the cops and prosecutors had nothing better to do.
Scotland is in the grip of police totalitarian power, Mr MacAskill has to do something about these fascists.
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