Losing the plot

Perhaps choosing to let this news out on budget day when the media's attention is somewhat focused on matters fiscal,it has been announced that the 12 men arrested under the prevention of terrorism act were not in fact planning to bomb the Trafford Centre,St Anne's square or anywhere else in the North West.

Instead 11 are to be deported presumably under misuse of their student visas?

Another severe embarrassment to the anti terrorist unit who were forced to move quick after Mr Quick let the proverbial rabbit of the hat outside No 10.

It has been announced that Lord Carlile of Berriew will conduct a review into the events of the last couple of weeks.

Although the police seem to think that it is perfectly reasonable to hold these men for nearly two weeks and then release them without charge,citing as the chief constable of Manchester Mr Fahy says is simply carrying out our duty.

Questions have to be asked about the due process of the arrests and the comments made by certain politicians over the seriousness of the inquiry.

On Bob Quick's departure

There is very little left to be said about the stupid mistake that Bob Quick made yesterday as he stumbled out of the 4 by 4 outside No 10.

Not realising that it was so very easy for the media to home in on whatever documents he was carrying may well hace led to the jeopordisation of a security operation.

We won't know the outcome or consequences of that for some time but there was little doubt that he had to go

Attacks in Mumbai have all the hallmarks of Al Qaeda operation

This morning's news from Bombay brings the harsh realities of the continuing conflict between the Western world and a minority of the Muslim population.

It seems the attacks which have left over 100 dead were meant to target Western interests in the Indian city with hoders of US and British passports singled out.

Hostages were taken at both the Taj Mahal Palace and Oberoi Trident hotels as well as at an office block in the city's financial district.

The Deccan Mujahideen group ahve claimed responsibilty.Their actions seem to have all the hallmarks of an Al Qaeda operation

According to the Independent

The attacks were bound to spook investors in one of Asia's largest and fastest-growing economies. Mumbai has seen several major bomb attacks in the past, but never anything so obviously targeted at foreigners.

Jacqui in trouble-but isn't this just electioneering?

I find it quite difficult to get my head around the news that the Conservatives have complained to the cabinet secretary over remarks made by the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

On this morning's today progamme the Home Secretary announced that 300 additional officers will be deployed as part of an anti terrorism initiative to prevent radicalisation.

Foul!!! cry the Tories who say that she has broken electoral rules.Eric Pickles speaking on Radio 4's One O' clock news say this is politically motivated and centred on areas where the Labour party is in trouble.

But is a national anouncement like this a local issue?Again Pickles says yes because police policy is a local issue.He accuses the Labour party of using precious resources to help their local campaign.

The guidence says

"Particular care should be taken over official support, and the use of
public resources, including publicity, for ministerial announcements which could
have a bearing on matters relevant to the local elections.
"In some cases it
may be better to defer an announcement until after the elections, but this would
need to be balanced carefully against any implication that deferral could itself
influence the political outcome."

Could a terrorism announcement be construed as this and could be delayed until after the 1st of May?