This last week though I have had a health scare.  Still do, NHS = waiting.  If I had the money, Bupa would have found out by now whether I have a problem or not.  A lack of money in Britain means you are a 2nd class person, even when your health is on the line.

I want to write something about the deaths of Neil Puttick, his wife Kazumi and their child Sam.

Beachy Head has had a place in my life since my brother ended his life there in 1993.  Whenever I see the place on the news, time stands still for just a moment.  The pain and despair people must feel in there lives to commit suicide in such a violent way is beyond imagination.

Some people say that those who choose suicide are selfish and cowards.  I could not disagree more.  When I think of the pain and disruption my brothers death caused , I admit, sometimes I too think he was selfish.  Imagine though the inner turmoil he felt, how sad, lonely and depressed he must have felt, that he thought ending his life was the answer to his problems.  As for cowards, I have stood atop Beachy Head.  I can not imagine having the inner strength, the guts, the bravery to step off the edge.  My brother was not a coward, he was not selfish.  He was desperate.

My son also died, as did poor Sam.  For Neil and Kazumi, I feel pain at the death of their son.  However kind and compassionate people are, no one can ever understand the pain and grief losing a child causes.  It’s different for every family, so the pain is unique.  It is 6 years since my son died and I think of him every day.  As I do my brother.

When I think of that last Saturday and Sunday Neil and Kazumi lived, after the death of Sam, I cry thinking of what pain they must have been suffering.  It must have been horrific.  I hope there is an afterlife, where the family have been united and they are happy together, all pain gone.  RIP Neil, Kazumi and Sam.  

“Police are trying to track down a man who has been taking photographs of people on the streets of Ilkley.”

OK, why?

“Members of the public complained to police after two early morning incidents close to Ilkley Railway Station and on The Grove The photographer has been at work between around 7.50am and 8.20am, say police, and they would like to hear from anyone else who has seen him.”

Is there more than this?  Why would anybody report someone to the police for taking there picture? 

“Sergeant Jo Beecroft said: “There was a bit of concern and we’re just appealing for anyone else who was there at the time to come forward.”

I’m confused!  So far we have a story where someone has taken some pictures and consequently has been reported to the police.  Why?  There is no mention or indication of illegal activity.  Do we now live in a society where photography in public will soon become a crime? 

“They do not believe he has been targeting any particular individuals or group of people.”

So this photographer is not taking pictures of anyone in particular!  Just some guy taking pictures of people in public, as people have done for many years.

“The man was described as olive-skinned, aged in his 20s, about 5ft 10ins tall, of proportionate build, clean shaven, with short, clean, black straight hair.

Anyone who has seen the man, or has witnessed any similar incidents, is asked to contact the Ilkley NPT office at Ilkley Police Station, Riddings Road, on (01274) 475301. “

Interesting, does this include cabinet ministers with decidedly ‘dodgy’ claims?

Also in the news, PoliticsHome reports strong public scepticism in response to David Cameron’s call for reform, click here .  Hardly surprising, much of what was said was good, but no real firm commitment to anything.

Local and Euro elections coming up, will be interesting to see what happens.  If Labour get trounced, as expected, will Gordon go?  I think he will hold on for dear life, but have to leave if (when) they lose the next election.

Newcastle have paid the price for countless mistakes both off the field and on.  They need some real work to bounce back.  Sunderland’s manager has stood down, he looked on TV like the pressure had been too much.

Hull’s chairman needs now to make a brave decision.  Does he stand by Phil Brown and hope he has learnt from mistakes made?  Or does he bring in an experienced manager, someone who has built a side capable of Premiership survival?  Yes Phil Brown has survived, this year, but was that a fluke?

Hulls record in the 2nd half of the season has been dreadful, the transfer signings questionable.  Paying £5million for Jimmy Bullard, a player plagued by injuries, went disastrously wrong when  he was injured soon after signing.

Whatever happens, I hope Hull can build over the summer and survive another year in The Premiership.  I really hope Phil Brown stays and proves himself.  My fear though is that they will do a Bradford City.

We have David Cameron distancing himself from her, click here, then her blog being pulled for comments relating to The Barclay Brothers.  Although thanks to Google Cache, as highlighted by Guido, click here, the relevant information can still be obtained.

So much can be said, so much has been said. 

I do not think anyone can be shocked anymore by MP revelations, or comments MPs make in relation to expenses.  This situation needs to end and can end in one way and one way alone.  An election.  An election that seems highly unlikely since Gordon Brown himself seems to concede defeat already.

From Sky News

“Commons Speaker Michael Martin will resign over the MPs’ expenses scandal this afternoon, according to Sky sources.  He is expected to make an announcement at 2:30pm.” 

Heres the text

“There are some decent Labour MPs there who don’t bilk the public purse and we should celebrate them

Kelvin Hopkins Labour Luton north – no second home, he commutes. He didn’t even realise he could claim for food and has claimed a grand total of £36.45 in food for the last four years.

Martin Salter – labour Reading West. Lives 50 miles from Westminster, but commutes and doesn’t ahve a second home. His total cost allowance (including the cost of commuting) was ZERO.

Geoffrey Robinson – Labour Coventry north west (and pal of Mandelson). Has several homes but claims ZERO as he says he can afford to keep himself due to being a millionaire (David Cameron take note)

Ed Miliband Labour Doncaster. Has second home in Doncaster and claims £7500 pa for rent and utility bills (but no furniture)

Dennis Skinner – Labour bolsover. His total costs including staff make him the third-cheapest MP in the house of commons

If anyone has any more, please post in the comments”

Seriously are they taking the pi**???  Here is the first line again

“There are some decent Labour MPs there who don’t bilk the public purse and we should celebrate them “

What utter bollo**s!!!  we should NOT celebrate any MP who does not milk the system, that is what we should expect from all MPs!!!  I just can not believe that ridiculous post.  Fare enough, if they said do not judge all MPs the same, here are some honest ones but actually suggesting we should celebrate Labour have some honest MPs???