Torture appeal lost by UK government

[Peter Presland]

Well, well, well, what's all this then? Amen.

The Bill investigating the Box? Unheard of in my lifetime. Does this suggest that the Brown government and the Mandarins are at war?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/feb/19...CMP=AFCYAH

Division close to the top of our hidden powers structures that's for sure. Not so sure about it being between the Brown Government and Mandarins though.

My take on the current Met Commissioner (which may be wrong) is that he is a Lancashire Lad and a tad less susceptible to political direction from elected politicians - especially politicians nearing their 'sell-by' date - than his predecessor. Looks to me more like division among the Mandarins themselves - at any rate to the extent that the Met Commissioner can be properly numbered among them, which of course is questionable.

Anyway - division at the top over an issue like this is indeed a positive sign. I won't hold my breath over a real breakthrough but it will be fascinating to watch how things develop.

Of course it could just be a 'higher-powered-than-normally-required' damage limitation exercise, dictated by the gravity of the issue and current public disquiet about it. You know the sort of thing - thorough investigation by senior and independent policemen exonerates our wonderful SIS's, or at most hangs a couple of minions out to dry; public reassured; so that's OK then - and back to business as usual.