Political Week on Twitter: April 2nd – 5th
Snooping, the Falklands and a foul-mouthed tirade are among the biggest topics being tweeted about in politics this week.
SNOOPING
This was the biggest story of the last week before Easter. It emerged on Sunday the government plans on legislating to modernise its powers to monitor email and other online communications. Civil libertarians were, understandably, shocked.
These snooping laws are genius. To stop terrorists who want to destroy the freedoms we enjoy, we simply destroy the freedoms we enjoy.
Featured Rally outside Parliament as MPs to debate assisted dying
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— Frankie Boyle (@frankieboyle) April 5, 2012
if it turns out the snooping plan is neither workable nor affordable will be another "competence" question – like the fuel crisis
— Krishnan Guru-Murthy (@krishgm) April 2, 2012
Government proposals for mass communications snooping are an utter outrage, and must be fought.
— Mark Wallace (@wallaceme) April 1, 2012
Nick Clegg eventually intervened to make clear he would downgrade the planned legislation to draft status. But it was too late for many.
No getting Lib Dems to budge from Home Office position on internet snooping. For civil liberties people, this is our tuition fees moment.
— Ian Dunt (@IanDunt) April 2, 2012
As Nick Clegg says he is "relaxed" about outlandish government snooping plans, am forced to ask, what is the point of the Liberal Democrats?
— James Macintyre (@James_Macintyre) April 3, 2012
FALKLANDS
April 2nd was the 30th anniversary of the start of the Falklands War. It came amid renewed tensions between Britain and Argentina over the fate of the South Atlantic archipelago. Twitter, naturally, was alive was very predictable jingoism from both sides on the day…
The British landed first in Falklands in 1690 & claimed it ever since. Throughout history, Argentina has controlled it for 4 months in total
— Andrew Lilico (@AndrewLilico) April 2, 2012
Guerra das Malvinas, 30 anos. Resolve no par ou ímpar! Se der Argentina, leva as Malvinas. Se der Inglaterra, fica com a Argentina inteira!
— José Simão (@jose_simao) April 4, 2012
Kirchner calls the Falklands a 'colonial enclave'. Says Britain owns 10 of the world's 16 remaining outposts. Good. They want to be British.
— Tim Shipman (Mail) (@ShippersUnbound) April 2, 2012
At least someone had a sense of perspective…
Biggest threat to the UK at present? Terrorism, Falklands issues, piracy? None of these, biggest threat is financial meltdown #greedybritain
— Doug Beattie (@BeattieDoug) April 5, 2012
LONDON
Tempers have been flaring in the London mayoral election. In what could well be the most memorable moment of the 2012 campaign, Boris Johnson saw red against Ken Livingstone's jibes:
Boris to Ken Livingstone: "You're a f**king liar, you're a f**king liar, you're a f**king liar." conho.me/HSNlG6 via @AndrewSparrow
— Tim Montgomerie (@TimMontgomerie) April 3, 2012
The level of political debate varies on Twitter, of course, but this tweet has to be praised for its originality…
I conclude that Boris Johnson is what happens when breaded gammon gains sentience.
— Vi$hnu Strangeways (@feministpirate) April 5, 2012
Meanwhile, the London mayor was attracting flak from all sides.
Boris Johnson a very bad sport at @Stonewall reception! Walked away & wldn't have his photo taken with me, @ken4london & @BrianPaddick
— Jenny Jones (@GreenJennyJones) March 30, 2012
Wait, Jenny Jones is a former Archaeologist. It was her who dug up Ken Livingstone then?
— RtHonJon (@RtHonJon) April 5, 2012
But observers outside the capital were less than impressed by the standard of politics in the race for City Hall…
People of London not exactly spoilt for choice in Mayor elections – surely such a huge city can produce better
— Richard Lochhead(@RichardLochhead) April 4, 2012
The #Newsnight London mayor debate probably just helped boost the 'no' vote in the 10 cities with mayoral referendums on 3 May.
— Stuart Wilks-Heeg (@StuartWilksHeeg) April 4, 2012
LOCAL ELECTIONS
This week the party leaders all made speeches setting out their stalls for May 3rd's local elections – to differing reactions…
Nick Clegg attacks "blunderbuss Tories". On a matter of principle of course, and definitely not because the local elections are next month.
— Chris Ward (@christopherward) April 4, 2012
#NickClegg attacks #blunderbuss Tories. Before retrieving his pearl handled lady pistol and firing a few more rounds into his own feet.
— Orbiston Parva (@hoodedman1187) April 4, 2012
Ed Miliband "only Labour can make good on 'we're all in it together' claim". Hahahaha … I guess by it, he means debt. ind.pn/HU4YWA
— Rafë Stephenson (@jesuisRafe) April 4, 2012
Some conclusions could already be drawn, ahead of polling day…
Local election nominations confirm BNP collapsing. Stood in 593 wards in equivalent elections 2008; this year 73ish. hopenothate.org.uk/blog/nick
— Lewis Baston (@lewis_baston) April 5, 2012
… while others were in the mood for making some rather bold predictions.
I think Nick Clegg, David Cameron and Ed Miliband will resign soon. Disasterous results in May's elections will be pretext. I predict…
— Derek Thomas (@derekrootboy) April 3, 2012
ABORTION
The week is ending with a real controversy over health secretary Andrew Lansley's decision to instigate snap inspections of abortion clinics, prompting a massive political row.
Shocking that Andrew Lansley ordered investigation into criminality in Britain's abortion clinics. At least @BBCr4today seems to think so.
— Tim Montgomerie (@TimMontgomerie) April 5, 2012
Many felt that Tory right-wingers like Nadine Dorries were being placated by Lansley. Dorries, meanwhile, was ploughing straight into the debate.
CQC are there to uphold and enforce the law, They cannot pick and choose which politicaly correct health providers they prefer do that with
— Nadine Dorries MP (@NadineDorriesMP) April 5, 2012
The debate is growing momentum…
#CQC has worked hard to restore confidence in its work.Crucial it is not distracted by kneejerk priorities.
— Paul Jenkins (@PaulJRethink) April 5, 2012
This issue of Lansley instructing CQC to inspect is important. Compromises independence of regulator. Bad for all concerned.
— diana smith(@mulberrybush) April 5, 2012
Meanwhile, Britain's own abortion hang-ups were put in sharp perspective on the other side of the Atlantic.
An abortion clinic got bombed in Wisconsin. Nothing says "pro-life" like throwing a bunch of bombs in a building full of people.
— Cherry (@Cherrym_1982) April 2, 2012
