Dundee University's Shame

Tower Building

University of Dundee

Sometimes it's the small things in life which anger most.  This is one of them.

Most Dundonians are proud of 'their' university even though, back in my youth, it seemed another world.  These days there is another university in Dundee - Abertay - which turned itself from one of Scotland's best technical colleges to a run-of-the-mill modern day base for further education, but the university of Dundee however, with its long history, has gained local and global respect as a centre of excellent.

But politics and academia aren't strange bedfellows.  Dundee was, until the last few years, a Labour city. Labour governed it, destroyed it, yet accepted no responsibility. The Labour party rewarded their faithful - particularly those who were faithful enough to contribute financially to its coffers. One of the rewards was a place within the senate. Local people knew the university was not particularly interested in them as over the years night classes, which attracted the more mature students, were slowly eradicated.

All that changed when Craig Murray arrived as rector in 2007 as he made it known he intended to do his best to ensure the university provided for all. Yes, he made enemies but all independent and perceptive thinkers do, especially when they act too.  Craig did that. He fought hard to have part-time courses kept available too all, even when the boundaries were repeatedly changed by management.

The university of Dundee shows its appreciation of past rectors' contributions by way of an honorary doctorate, but the elite claim that Craig is not 'distinguished' or 'respectable' enough to be awarded the honour.  His predecessors, Lorraine Kelly and Fred McAuley (two broadcasting luvvies), had no such 'inadequacies'.

This decision by the senate beggars belief. Shame on them. I certainly will be informing them and many others of my disapproval.  They do not speak for the good people of Dundee.

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Craig Murray to Stand Down

Craig Murray, better known to most as a former ambassador to Uzbekistan and now a prominent blogger, is stepping down from his role as Rector of Dundee University, his alma mater, after only one term in office. He was elected rector in 2007.

I know Craig brought an independent mind to the position and never conformed to any party line. This caused clashes with the university management but highlighted the labour party placemen within this centre of learning. He will be sadly missed by many in Dundee who greatly appreciate the dedication, understanding and knowledge he has brought to the post.

Earlier this week it emerged actor Brian Cox has been nominated to stand in next month's election in which he will compete against Green MSP Robin Harper.

Update: Craig is addressing the plenary of the Scottish Independence Convention at the Scottish Parliament next Thursday 4 February at 6.30pm. Details here.

Update: (thanks to Vronsky) Craig has written a thought-provoking post about the law, the Attorney General and the Advocate General. You can read it here.

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Craig Murray, Democracy and the University and College Union

The photograph is of Matt Waddup, Head of Campaigns, Organising, Recruitment and Training at the newly merged University and College Union (UCU). Impressive title for such a small-minded individual isn't it.

Craig Murray is standing as an Independent in the Norwich North by-election yet he has been denied a place at the hustings which take place this Thursday evening.

The little man with the big title Mark Waddup decided that Craig had not polled enough interest to be invited, although he knew full well that the poll was taken before Craig started campaigning. Not to be invited to a hustings, especially as it is a debate on the future of education, is undemocratic and illegal. Craig Murray is presently rector of Dundee University, one of Scotland's oldest centres of further education.

Mike Smithson also has a post entitled ' Are the rules stacked against any indy challenge' which you may find of interest.

It does seem the establishment is quite determined to keep out those who do not belong to the main parties, aided and abetted by the media of course. Another stain on our democracy.

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Petition to the Queen

Craig Murray has organised a petition to the Queen asking her to dissolve Parliament.  Please sign it here.

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CRAIG MURRAY'S APPEAL FOR HELP

As my regular readers know I seldom quote other blogs without comment.  This post from Craig Murray requires no comment apart from the fact that we are a democracy and each citizen is entitled to freedom of speech.  It starts:

'March 4, 2009

Your Help Needed - Reveal Torture to Stop It

On Tuesday 10 March the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights will discuss whether or not to hear my evidence on the UK government's policy of using intelligence from torture. They discussed whether to hear my evidence on 3 March but failed to reach a conclusion.

The government is lobbying hard for my exclusion. I need everybody to send an email to jchr@parliament.uk to urge that I should be allowed to give evidence. Just a one-liner would be fine. If you are able to add some comment on the import of my evidence, or indicate that you have heard me speak or read my work, that may help. Please copy your email to craigjmurray@tiscali.co.uk.

Please also pass on this plea to anyone you can and urge them to act. Help from other bloggers in posting this appeal would be much appreciated.' 

'I was British Ambassador in Uzbekistan from 2002 to 2004. '

The remainder of the post outlines the key points he wishes to make.  Do consider sending an email to jchr@parliament.uk.

Note:  This post is not because I necessarily agree with Craig's opinions but I do believe in British citizens having rights.

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