In all our sanctuaries we sit at risk

Category: abuse of free speech

  • The Parrot Falls off his Perch

    Posted:

    This stanza refers to the Tory leadership contest following Theresa May’s resignation as UK Prime Minister. At present, Boris Johnson is far ahead of his rivals. The stanza’s warning, that in his career he has been sacked twice for lying, is a matter of public record. So is much else that is disreputable. In a…

  • The Parrot Speaks of the Democratic Covenant

    Posted:

    A private prosecution has been taken out against Boris Johnson MP, for claims he made during the 2016 EU referendum. After 3 years of preparation, it had its first hearing in private a few days ago. For an example of the Press coverage, see https://www.theguardian.com/…/boris-johnson-could-be-challenged-in-court… Essentially, if the judge agrees that there is a case…

  • He Overhears some Afterthoughts

    Posted:

    In the UK, the local elections have just taken place, and the Tories did very badly and Labour just did badly. But that’s serious for Labour and for the rest of us. Labour should surely be a coming force by now, after month upon month of this worst of governments. Maybot and the Boy Jez…

  • The Parrot is Very Clear

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  • The Parrot Meets the Grotesque

    Posted:

    This stanza was written just after Theresa May had accused the Commons of merely obstructing her and the “will of the people” and just before she headed back to the EU to beg for an extension. The thought occurred that it is possible to have no pride and no humility, both at once.… continue reading

  • The Parrot Still Amazed

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  • The Parrot Takes New Bearings

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    I’m thinking here of our sleek new Foreign Secretary’s recent comment, saying – as reported in the Guardian – that “relations with the EU will be ‘poisoned for many years to come’ if Brussels fails to budge in the Brexit talks.” In other words, says Mr Hunt, he of the bell which keeps breaking in…