Eric Joyce, the Labour representative for Falkirk and Britain's most expensive MP, expressed his views regarding the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) in the Scotland on Sunday.
As he is PPS to the Defence secretary Bob Ainsworth, he is fully aware of the inadequacies highlighted in the recent legal case. His view is that the appeal should be dropped.
'For our part, politicians have to recognise that while the public will give us a lot of rope at times, where we get the moral call profoundly wrong on a matter of how we treat our astonishingly brave service personnel, we'll find ourselves dangling at the end of it.'
Eric Joyce is known for being an ultra-loyal labourite who has never voted against the government in 8 years. What are his reasons behind this sudden attack on government policy? Could it be he is aware he has done nothing for his ex-colleagues in the army and his conscience has pushed him into speaking out? (He retired as a major in the Black Watch). Could it be he senses the public mood is very against this appeal continuing and he is looking to salvage votes at the next election?
With no proof whatsoever but with a liberal dose of cynicism, I suggest that the 'outburst' was planned and approved by his bosses. Somehow the heat had to be taken off Bob Ainsworth and this is rather a neat way of doing just that. Also, with Mr Joyce's military background, more credibility is given to his opinion on this issue and results in the public being much less sceptical. Some commentators suggested he should lose his job as PPS for 'breaking ranks' but it seems he is still in post. Of course he is, there was never any question he would be sacked.
One thing is certain though, Mr Joyce will be keeping a close eye on the AFCS review Bob Ainsworth called forward last week. After all, MoD funding also includes military pensions and Mr Joyce will be sure to want to protect his own.
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19 comments:
Subrosa, this is all quite confusing to one steeped in the life of Lettres Belles.
Is this Joyce fellow then, a relative of James?
Not that I know of Percy. Does his article convey he has great literary skills?
I know where you're coming from because I asked the same questions of myself but even if he is acting under orders and this is a carefully spun Government U-Turn, if it works, does it really matter? The important thing is surely that the appeal is withdrawn.
I'm sure you're right to be cynical, sr. The idea that Joyce would ever do anything other than obey orders is quite unthinkable. Of course it's a ploy.
Morning Caron. Whilst I agree the most important thing is that the appeal is withdrawn, I think it's also important we know why Eric Joyce decided to go against the 'party line'. The road you take to achieve an end is just as important as the achievement.
I'm not saying it is the case this is spin, it's only a suggestion. :)
From what I hear, the appeal will still go ahead. Interesting.
SR,
Great post, sad man and I thought no MP had served in the AF in Parliament, I stand corrected.
Pensions = good, although I feel guilty when others don't have the same cushion, however I pay my taxes and risk my life; daily on occasion!
While other public servants just shine their arses....
In Alicante 35 degs and hot! Almost bought a Republic of Scotland t-shirt off Facebook!
Crazy D
You have a very loose interpretation of "retired" there SR. Try "Sacked", "Dismissed", "Cashiered", "Told To Sling His Hook".
He was an Education Officer who, after his demise, squealed about sexism in the Army. He then joined the Race Relations board in Scotland to whinge and moan some more.
Joyce is doing the bidding of his paymasters, as usual.
Thanks Vronsky, now I don't feel like the only conspirator. :)
CD, it's around 16 here, wet, wet, wet. Surely you mean Ebay?
Ah Allan, I do try to be kind at times you know. I have mentioned several times he wasn't well respected by his colleagues which is very unusual for a good officer.
It's also well know he did no leading in his job and was promoted purely on years of service.
Thankfully the army get rid of his type which is more than can be said of the civil service.
I rather think that with Bill Rammell (ex-trainee (what else!!) manager British Rail) and Eric Joyce (ex- Jack-of-all-Trades qualifications, careers and relationships)- thrown into the limelight, Bob a Jobsworth must be away on a 'How to Fight The Skin off a Rice Pudding ' module?
Mr Joyce only appears to be doing what comes naturally - "insubordination". He was allegedly dismissed from the army as "unemployable" so they must be absolutely thrilled that he's proved them wrong and making lots of dosh - £1 million plus in expenses so far it is reported. He hasn't had an epiphany at all here - he's just doing what comes naturally - being an empty barrel?
Could it be he senses the public mood is very against this appeal continuing and he is looking to salvage votes at the next election?
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Er, yes!
Given his family circumstances he should be relieved of his post at the next election. And then he can spend more time with his family in ENGLAND.
I am genuinely puzzled that this intervention does not seem to have been followed by a scripted climb-down on the MoD's part.
He would appear to have broken ranks although he was trotting out the governments line on this a few days ago. Reasons:
- his own views (probably unlikely)
- electoral survival
- participation in factional infighting (on whose side?)
Oh Clarinda, I'm sure there's a college somewhere which runs that module. There's something for everyone in our new super duper higher education system.
Being an empty barrel and attempting to show he's 'listening' perhaps.
He's spent most of his time in England for the past few years Niko hasn't he?
Ah Jess, another theory with your third reason. I will have to give that some thought. Will a Brownite or Blairite answer suffice?
It reminds me somewhat of past 'interview' rooms when I had the 'encouragement' from Mr Nice or from Mr Nasty.
When actually, they were both Mr Nasties out to persuade me to co-operate ...and collaborate with themselves.
... and so satify themselves of another job well done.
But those two self serving New Labour cretins, Ainsworth and Joyce differ from the objectivity of the those folk in the 'interview' room in almost every way.
... and in particular, those two cretinous b@stards along with the rest of their comrades who share and participate in their obnoxious creed. Are only objective when about burying the truth or bad news.
Joyce only does what's good for Joyce and that also applies to Ainsworth.
This little stramash by Joyce is merely finger stirring in a shite house bowl overflowing with New Labour filth. It's only a diversion, really; away from those that are worthy of consideration and compensation to those, who most of us would gladly assist in helping them to succeed in their journey to he11 in a hand cart.
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Thanks for that wisnaeme. I no longer feel like a conspiracy theorist but a speaker of the truth. You said it better though.
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