TO see ourselves as others see us is often a salutary experience. Take this description of Britain from the Irish Times: “Only a dysfunctional political culture could conclude that a showman, a proven liar, a fraudster with such limited ability, with such disqualifying flaws and such a meagre track record is the one to lead any government at such a dangerous time.”
Very few would take issue with this description, except perhaps to add that Boris Johnson and his administration are also bullies and cowards. They run from confrontation even when it may be in their interest to stick around, and they are utterly devoid of even the smallest degree of self-awareness.
I give you the following and leave you to reach your own conclusions. Here is a recent statement from a government that claims to be dedicated to combatting corruption.
“The Government is committed to tackling serious corruption, upholding good governance and the rule of law, and promoting open societies.
READ MORE: Scots attitudes to Union, Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon revealed in new poll
“Serious corruption has a range of corrosive effects on states, markets, and societies wherever it occurs. It fuels national security threats; is linked to terrorism, serious and organised crime, and instability; impedes international trade and investment; undermines sustainable development; threatens democracy and deprives citizens of vital public resources.
“Our 2021 Review prioritises working with partners to protect democratic values and promote effective governance, including through the use of anti-corruption sanctions. This sanctions regime will be a significant additional instrument to complement wider government action to counter corruption under our Anti-Corruption Strategy.
“Our Sanctions Act enables the Government to introduce sanctions regimes for the purposes of compliance with UN obligations and other international obligations, as well as for a number of other purposes which include: furthering the prevention of terrorism; national security; promoting international peace and security; promoting compliance with international human rights law and respect for human rights; furthering foreign policy objectives; and promoting respect for democracy, the rule of law and good governance.”
Who could fail to be impressed by the above declaration? Here is a government that recognises that dealing with corruption promotes international peace and security, and human rights. And here is a government standing up defiantly for respect for democracy, the rule of law and good governance.
UK Foriegn Secretary Dominic Raab
Astonishingly, the above is an extract from the UK Foreign Office’s recent declaration on tackling corruption abroad.
If it were true to its word, then Britain would bar all dealings with itself. It fails all the tests that it seeks to apply to others. In fact, there is not enough space in this column, or perhaps in this whole paper, to list the corruption and crookery in which this government is presently involved.
Just think about this; the UK Government has the temerity to say it will introduce sanctions for regimes that do not have a “respect for democracy”. How the world must look on amazed when the same government denies Scots the right to even ask the people what sort of rule they prefer.
The British Government also threatens to implement sanctions against states that do not promote the “rule of law”. All the while, they are tearing up constitutional conventions and contesting the role of courts across the UK.
As if they had not sufficiently increased the merriment of the nations with these preposterous claims, they add yet another. They menace countries that do not promote “good governance”. To that, the world might say “good grief!”. Of all the regimes in the world, the one least likely to practice “good governance” is that led by Boris Johnson and his cronies.
And as if all of this were not farcical enough, the British government now adds “respect for human rights” to the mix of qualities required of other countries. These nations must shake their heads in disbelief as they watch the odious way the UK treats migrants and asylum seekers.
It is another manifestation of the British disease. Quite oblivious to the mote in its own eye, the British state takes to the world stage once more to lecture others. The world shrugs. It has heard all this nonsense before.
Other nations stand astonished when the UK lectures them on democracy, while its constitution espouses the world’s second greatest unelected chamber making laws. The House of Lords is stuffed to the rafters with a truly enormous collection of political has-beens, misfits, malcontents, clerics, and purchasers of titles. And they have the unmitigated gall to lecture others on democracy.
Scotland can and should do better, but we need a written codified constitution to do so. Otherwise, a new Scottish state may be tempted down the same corrupt Westminster path.
Wednesday’s TNT show guest is Professor Paul Middleton. Join us at 7pm live on August 11 on IndyLive
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