SNP BACKS CRIMINAL SANCTIONS AGAINST WAYWARD MPS

The Scottish National Party (SNP) is backing legal moves which would introduce new criminal penalties against MPs that break the rules.

Westminster SNP Leader Angus Robertson MP spoke up for the changes at a meeting of all parties chaired by Justice Secretary Jack Straw this morning (Thursday). He said that the House of Commons must at least introduce the legal sanctions which are already operating in the Scottish Parliament.

Higher standards at Holyrood have already been emulated with Westminster today publishing all MPs expense claims. At a recent meeting with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and other party leaders Mr Robertson suggested that the House of Commons must match the higher transparency standards of the Scottish Parliament with quarterly updates of expenses on the internet.

Speaking about the proposals for legal sanctions against wayward MPs Westminster SNP Leader Angus Robertson said:

“ Westminster must introduce new legal sanctions against MPs that break the rules. The public are quite right when they say that MPs should not be exempt from serious consequences if they break the rules.

“The Scottish Parliament has shown the way with legal sanctions that can be applied against wayward parliamentarians.

“The SNP strongly supports the early introduction of Westminster legislation including sanctions and I have spoken in favour of this option to Justice Secretary Jack Straw and all other parties involved in reform talks.

“Hopefully firm proposals will be published in the days ahead.”

Madonna will need to flash the cash a bit bigger to win the baby

I have to say that I'm not too displeased that Madonna has been turned down in her application to adopt a little girl from Malawi.

The whole thing reminds me of going to the local dog shelter and choosing a pet. The local law insists that anyone wishing to adopt should be living in the country and as far as I can make out, married and in a stable relationship.

Madonna is a 50 year old woman, who if had become pregnant under her own steam would've sparked debate about her long term ability to parent any child born to maturity and independence.

She is also a divorcee two or three times which puts her in a different situation to that which she was in when she adopted her first Malawian baby (when she was a wife) and a different situation to that which African baby snatch rival Angelina Jolie is in.

She is also a celebrity with a penchant for sexual promiscuity, deviance, perversion and exhibitionism. Is that really a good thing as far as raising children is concerned? I don't think so.

The thing that makes me angry is that she will appeal the decision with a bit of cash on or under the table and she will win in the end whether it is in Malawi or the next impoverished African state. TIA!!!