Downing Street

  • Hamas is not recognised here

    While a recognition in principle of a second state is admirable for those who follow the news, at this time only Hamas stands to gain from the announcement to Palestinians by the Prime Minister yesterday.

    The fierce war Israel is having to fight is similar to the one on our doorsteps. The surfacing of terrorists here to bomb us is only the tip of an iceberg. There’s a lot more to it than meets the eye. The work of counter terrorism policing is so vast it’s now a separate discipline.

    There is still further fear about its manifest effects elsewhere. Lord Goldsmith is a frequent spokesperson for the position that Islam is being riled by the false activism of the violent few. He writes on X to this effect.

    However, his fear of “radical Islamist” MP’s is unfounded. The real threat is terrorism that can get anywhere. The spread of Hamas’ propaganda – and operatives – has come at a price while its claims are fraudulent and harm the peace process itself.

  • Long Report: Failures in No. 10 security

    The existence of a Prime Minister shouldn’t incite hatred in the same way it excites opposition. It doesn’t follow a newly elected politician is necessarily unpopular. They have to be tested first.

    It takes time for an MP to settle in, for instance, before they’re considered to have made a mistake. A few here, or a few there, and it’s time to reconsider their position, perhaps.

    The types of people we see in Number 10 aren’t bad people. They haven’t been accused of serious crime – seriously, that is – and all have exited with a clean record on that front.

    However, in recent times there’s a heightened sense of fear for the safety of our foremost political leader. As a world leader, they also have speeches to make, and may invite trouble by it.

    The trouble is, it isn’t the only threat that circles Number 10. There are others, such as staff hired to keep a Prime Minister safe. They enter and exit Number 10 too, but may cause trouble.

    Truths be told

    In recent years the situation has deteriorated. It’s because of special armed officers who try to protect the Prime Minister but have put lives at risk as a result.

    I’ve witnessed it myself – and been a target – and it’s relentless. They carry guns but have no sense of self-control at times. They marshal eyewitnesses but don’t know what to challenge.

    I’ve had guards run at me, and I’ve seen them looked confused at others. They don’t know what a threat is at times, and police officers have stepped in to fill a gap in knowledge.

    Furthermore, agents allegedly working for the Prime Minister’s office have been particularly guilty of mismanagement. I’ve witnessed close shaves where lives are put at risk.

    It’s not acceptable

    There’s clearly no tolerance for it, but the public have encouraged it at times. I’ve seen insanity in people’s eyes. It isn’t pleasant and a lot of discontent has bred over it.

    The trouble is getting it across to people who don’t seem to understand, or want to hear concerns. It’s also difficult to get in contact with a key figure if needs be.

    The safety and survival of a Prime Minister is paramount, but too many incidents like it and questions have to be asked. It’s high time a review is conducted into all of it.

    The matter is crucial. As more funding, better public services, and increased participation takes place, we must consider our basic duties toward each other.