On Wednesday, Lord Falconer called what's happening at Guantanamo Bay "intolerable and wrong". He said that he was making clear the "government's position".
How much media coverage did this, the strongest statement of condemnation by a UK government minister, get? Well, according to google news, essentially none. The Guardian, ABC Australia, Middle East Online and Gulf Daily News appear to be the only media outlets who bothered to mention it as I write this two days later.
It isn't greatly surprising. I doubt many people outside the UK have the faintest idea who Lord Falconer is so his words have had little impact. If Blair made the same statement however, it could not but be headline news. This would greatly increase the chances of the US government paying attention.
So why won't he? Is it because Falconer's protestations are empty words intended for the UK domestic political audience only? If the government is serious, Blair needs to make the statement. Sadly, but unsurprisingly, it seems highly unlikely that they are or that he will.
Go on Tony. Prove me wrong. Like Darth Vader, there must surely still be a tiny shred of humanity hidden away under that black mask.
Search your feelings, Tony, you can do this. I feel the conflict within you. Let go of your hate.
Tags: News, Politics, Guantanamo Bay, Media, Tony Blair
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1 comment:
OK who said 'There is no point waiting/hoping for a better Blair' It was somebody who would quietly know this. Now we ALL know.
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