08-03-2010, 07:59 PM
The concept that public servants cannot speak on "politically sensitive" matters in the run-up to a general election is a classic Sir Humphrey-esque civil service convention.
Rather bizarrely, it is formally known as "purdah".
Gilligan is correct though that "purdah" has never before been used to exclude journalists from combat zones. To exclude even "embedded" journalists (ie hacks working under extreme control from the MoD) is ridiculous.
Especially after Gordon Brown jetted off for a photo-op in front of British soldiers directly after his Iraq Inquiry testimony was called "disengenous" by former military top brass.
Rather bizarrely, it is formally known as "purdah".
Gilligan is correct though that "purdah" has never before been used to exclude journalists from combat zones. To exclude even "embedded" journalists (ie hacks working under extreme control from the MoD) is ridiculous.
Especially after Gordon Brown jetted off for a photo-op in front of British soldiers directly after his Iraq Inquiry testimony was called "disengenous" by former military top brass.
"It means this War was never political at all, the politics was all theatre, all just to keep the people distracted...."
"Proverbs for Paranoids 4: You hide, They seek."
"They are in Love. Fuck the War."
Gravity's Rainbow, Thomas Pynchon
"Ccollanan Pachacamac ricuy auccacunac yahuarniy hichascancuta."
The last words of the last Inka, Tupac Amaru, led to the gallows by men of god & dogs of war
"Proverbs for Paranoids 4: You hide, They seek."
"They are in Love. Fuck the War."
Gravity's Rainbow, Thomas Pynchon
"Ccollanan Pachacamac ricuy auccacunac yahuarniy hichascancuta."
The last words of the last Inka, Tupac Amaru, led to the gallows by men of god & dogs of war