The Steeple Times

Category: EDITORIAL

Editorial comment from Matthew Steeples.

Our editor tells it like it is and he rarely minces his words

  • Vanquish The Vagrancy Act

    Vanquish The Vagrancy Act

    Matthew Steeples joins those calling for the Vagrancy Act to be urgently repealed; homeless people need help and not hate

     

    News that a 31-year-old homeless man was found dead in sub-zero temperatures last week in Birmingham is shocking enough, but that 34% of local authorities in England and Wales are continuing to use the outdated Vagrancy Act is nothing but disgraceful.

     

    Made law in 1824 and designed to punish “idle and disorderly persons,” the Vagrancy Act makes it an offence to sleep rough. Around 2,000 people per year are prosecuted as a result of it and responding to calls for its abolition, Jake Berry, a minister at the Department of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recently told the House of Commons: “The Government do not believe that anyone should be criminalised for simply sleeping rough, but equally we should not rush to a wholesale repeal of the 1824 Act without proper consideration of the consequences.”

     

    He unsympathetically added: “[It is] sometimes the only option to get someone off the street when they have become dependent on begging income to support their drug or alcohol dependency.”

     

    In response, Paul Noblet, head of public affairs at Centrepoint, remarked: “The act does nothing to end homelessness and contributes to the shame and stigma associated with it.”

     

    With nearly 600 people having died whilst homeless last year and Labour rightly calling for the repeal of this unjust law, it is time Theresa May also joined those supporting Layla Moran MP’s private member’s bill to repeal this Dickensian legislation. Genuinely homeless people need help and not hatefulness.

     

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  • A Terrible Ticket

    A Terrible Ticket

    Matthew Steeples suggests the jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP over her lies over a speeding ticket is quite absurd

     

    They say: “Don’t kick a dog when it’s down,” but plainly that doesn’t apply in the case of Fiona Onasanya, jailed yesterday for three months for lying to avoid a speeding ticket.

     

    Yes, Onasanya commited an offence and yes, she should be punished but is it really necessary to lock her up? Undoubtedly named and shamed – though not yet forced to resign from her position as Member of Parliament for Peterborough – the cost alone of incarcerating this woman will be ludicrous.

     

    Whilst the likes of the Arron Banks funded joke sheet Westmonster smugly ‘celebrated’ this news and condom campaigner and petulant child Tom Harwood described it as “such fun” on Twitter, I beg to differ.

     

    If the forces of the law want to make examples of Members of Parliament, they should do more to stop the many that are still abusing their expenses and put right the damage done by the likes of the paedo politicians Lord Boothby and Sir Cyril Smith. As for Onasanya, a stint of litter picking and community service would have been quite enough.

     

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    A Terrible Ticket – Jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP is ludicrous – Matthew Steeples suggests the jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP over her lies over a speeding ticket is quite absurd.A Terrible Ticket – Jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP is ludicrous – Matthew Steeples suggests the jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP over her lies over a speeding ticket is quite absurd.A Terrible Ticket – Jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP is ludicrous – Matthew Steeples suggests the jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP over her lies over a speeding ticket is quite absurd. A Terrible Ticket – Jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP is ludicrous – Matthew Steeples suggests the jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP over her lies over a speeding ticket is quite absurd. A Terrible Ticket – Jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP is ludicrous – Matthew Steeples suggests the jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP over her lies over a speeding ticket is quite absurd. A Terrible Ticket – Jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP is ludicrous – Matthew Steeples suggests the jailing of Fiona Onasanya MP over her lies over a speeding ticket is quite absurd.

  • The DisUnitedKingdom

    The DisUnitedKingdom

    Matthew Steeples suggests Britain has descended into chaos as a result of Brexit and whether you’re a Brexiteer or Remainer, it is time we stopped hating one another

     

    One in six of us have fallen out with a family member over Brexit according to a survey published today. The figure, we’d suggest, would likely be higher if it were for friends. People now, well and truly, are nothing but hateful.

     

    Brexit has both divided and bored Britain to death, but here we stand with a Prime Minister repeating the words “my deal” over and over again like a rat up a drainpipe. Her actions will take us nowhere and instead what we truly need is a plan of action.

     

    Unfortunately, until her and Jeremy Corbyn also are gone, we’re on the road to bloody nowhere. This is a country that stands in limbo and it is one that is seeing businesses flee our shores. We are in crisis and with a rudderless moron clinging to the helm and a useless man who once shagged Diane Abbott propping her up, we’ll never get ourselves out of this mighty fine mess.

     

    Civil disobedience is supposedly headed our way if we don’t get a deal but now we urge the populous to do one thing: Stop hating one another.

     

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  • Bercow’s Brilliance

    Bercow’s Brilliance

    Matthew Steeples does a U-turn and salutes John Bercow

     

    John Bercow is a truly repugnant specimen. Aside from being married to a vile woman – and one that is most definitely not a lady – who had an affair with his very own cousin, this dwarf in a cheap tie from Brexit lovers’ favourite store Next is hated by most of his fellow Members of Parliament.

     

    Bercow, however, pulled a great move last week in usurping “the Lady Macbeth of our times” Theresa May. He showed that not the nonsensical power of “the will of the people” that our dreadful harpy of a Prime Minister May continually bangs on about controls us, but instead that there could be a brighter future ahead. This funny little man genuinely “took back control” and showed an alternative to the deranged path that we’re currently being taken down.

     

    Now, if backbench MPs genuinely get the ability to guide what is debated in the centre of democracy, all the better. We need just such and we need it now. Bring it on; let’s rock.

     

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  • Arise The Gavinator

    Arise The Gavinator

    Gavin Newsom brings hope to America and we expect him to great things as 40th Governor of California; we also urge him to do what he can to free the victims of parental abuse, the Menendez brothers

     

    Gavin Newsom, as the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco, achieved much. This spirited businessman brought in same-sex marriage in violation of the then state law, implemented a programme that provided permanent housing with support for 7,000 homeless people and did much to support workers’ rights.

     

    Awarded the title of “America’s Most Social Mayor” based on his prominence on social media in 2010, here is a politician who has thrived because he does things differently. Charismatic and forward thinking, Newsom’s first book, Citizenville, explored how technology can transform democracy and in 2014, by then the 49th Lieutenant Governor of California, he became the only statewide politician to endorse the legalisation of cannabis.

     

    More importantly, illustrating his thoroughly decent personality, in 2012, Newsom supported a sadly failed measure that sought to end the death penalty in California. He cited that California had spent $5 billion since 1978 to execute just 13 people and also stated that the death penalty was “immoral” and “did not deter crime.”

     

    Yesterday, Newsom – a possible future President we’d go as far to say – was sworn in as the 40th Governor of California. Walking in the shoes of Arnold Schwarzenegger will undoubtedly be a new challenge for him and presiding over the most populous and prosperous state in the United States will certainly bring with it great challenges. With 39.6 million residents and a $2.9 trillion economy that is larger than that of the United Kingdom, he plans to work to reform healthcare, has already stood up to Donald Trump over his ridiculous wall and described it as a “monument of stupidity” and boldy taken on the NRA and stated: “We need comprehensive gun reform. NOW.”

     

    All at The Steeple Times today salute ‘The Gavinator’ – as he once joked he would be known – but today, on his second day in office, we make a more heartfelt plea to him. Given the increasing amount of support and increasing amount of information about their case finally now being in the public domain, we urge the 40th Governor to take up the mantle of the permanently incarcerated victims of the most abhorrent of parental abuse, Erik and Lyle Menenendez. These boys received the most harsh of sentences simply because of who they were and have been locked up in Californian jails for 27 years without any chance of release ever. It is, we’d argue, now damn well time they were let out and it would be a fine thing if Gavin Newsom could do what he can to ensure the day when these brothers again walk free comes sooner rather than later.

     

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  • The Flaws of Fat Cat Friday

    The Flaws of Fat Cat Friday

    Matthew Steeples suggests that ‘Fat Cat Friday’ is actually not such a bad thing

     

    Today is branded ‘Fat Cat Friday’ by some in the UK. They moan that business chief executives of the top FTSE 100 companies will have received pay matching what an average worker will receive in the whole of 2019 and groan that this is “excessive.”

     

    In the past, there was a time when business leaders were celebrated and saluted for creating jobs and generating wealth for our country but this morning on Sky News, Dr Faiza Shaheen of the Centre for Labour and Social Studies remarked: “All that is happening is that we are getting more and more angry… And nothing is done.”

     

    This busybody then continued: “There is no one saying wait a minute and this is a group effort and money should be spread across all workers… Bosses have too much power and we need to put workers on boards… There is a huge amount of support to tax the rich more.”

     

    Dr Shaheen – who pompously describes herself on Twitter as an “inequality geek… aiming to redesign the economic system to work for the many” – is entirely wrong and now, at a time when Britain is perilously at risk from Brexit, we need to encourage companies to recruit the best management possible and to celebrate their contribution to our economy. We will not achieve success by slashing the pay of those at the top just as we will not achieve success by slashing the pay of those at the bottom.

     

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  • Punish Pavement Pests

    Punish Pavement Pests

    In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned from spaces meant for pedestrians

     

    ‘Pavement pests’ – adults on both pavements and roads on such things as children’s pavement scooters and rollerblades and people capable of walking on ‘body snatcher’ mobility scooters – truly get my goat.

     

    Having spent a considerable period of the year with my arm in a sling, I was naturally cautious as I wandered about. People with rucksacks were naturally a hazard to keep clear of, but what truly became a danger were those I mentioned above. Each and every time I was bashed into by one, I came to realise what a menace these contraptions and those that use them truly are to anyone who gets in their way.

     

    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    The author, Matthew Steeples, tries out a mobility scooter with a lady who genuinely needs one; they do have their place.

     

    This week, proof of the true impact of such was provided when a French-born male model, Patrick Nodanche, 28, received a suspended prison sentence of fifteen months. He caused severe head injuries to an investment expert, Jean Hu, 35, when he smashed into her at high speed on rollerblades in Haymarket, London. The consequences for Ms Hu were severe: Since the incident in October last year, she has spent eight days in hospital, has needed specialist home care and has had to abandon her six-figure job at Goldman Sachs as “her injuries make long-distance travel impossible.”

     

    It is now time that the government tightened up legislation in this area. Whilst Nodanche was rightly prosecuted, nothing can currently be done about adults knocking over old ladies on pavement scooters. Whilst one could argue, the populous should just behave responsibly, the images below prove many simply don’t. It is time to push pavement pests into the gutter and it is time to remember pavements are for pedestrians.

    #PavementsAreForPedestrians #PunishPavementPests

     

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    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    The face says it all – This grimacing brat plainly knows she’s doing wrong; I’d send her off to pick litter.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    A woman with an electric pavement scooter and a dog in a harness: A danger both to humans and animals.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    Headphones, rollerblades and sunglasses – What a truly stupid creature.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    A middle aged man who simply looks like a dunce.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    Katie Price may be capable of “getting her tits out” but she’s also capable of using her legs; she does not need a mobility scooter and should get off and walk.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    This chubby man should follow the lead of the lady on the left and ride the bicycle he has hired on the road; pavements are for pedestrians.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    A body snatcher and a bum – This woman should act her age, not her knicker size.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    This woman not only is a plague on the pavement because of her pavement scooter, she also has headphones on and thus is an even greater danger.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    A prat scoots on.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    This woman should remember that the Kings Road is a shopping street; it is not a scooting destination.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    At least this fool is wearing a helmet but readers should remember that if you injure him in your car, he’ll still no doubt try and blame you. Get him off the road.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    Two electric pavement pests in a cemetery – If they carry on this conduct, there could indeed be further bodies headed there.
    Punish Pavement Pests – Ban rollerblades and pavement scooters – In the wake of a rollerblader causing a woman severe head injuries, Matthew Steeples demands ‘pavement pests’ – including those blessed scooters – be banned.
    Snapped in Walton Street, Knightsbridge – Where does this bozo think he’s headed? Heathrow Airport?
  • Stupid People

    Stupid People

    The behaviour of Jeremy Corbyn yesterday is indicative of a new low in the conduct of British politicians suggests Matthew Steeples

     

    Yesterday in the House of Commons, yah-boo politics reared its ugly head when Jeremy Corbyn allegedly called Theresa May “a stupid woman.”

     

    In spite of Corbyn now claiming he simply referenced “stupid people,” this storm-in-a-teacup is indicative of the low level British politics have reached. As we face an impasse on May’s completely fudged handling of the disaster that is Brexit, do we need to have to witness this kind of behaviour by a man meant to be the leader of Her Majesty’s  Official Opposition?

     

    Elsewhere, Amber Rudd was sent on Sky News this morning to proclaim “the public don’t want another election and Brenda from Bristol especially doesn’t.” What does she want instead? She was not at all clear and later, on Adam Boulton’s All Out Politics, Lord Lamont suggested we’re headed for a second referendum or a “managed no deal.” The man who sang in the bathtub as the pound crashed on Black Wednesday in 1992 made out “all will likely be fine,” but the public rightly see something else: An almighty bloody mess.

     

    It is time for a change: We need a plan and we need solutions. We do not need yet more excuses.

     

    #BringHerDown #MakeDecemberTheEndOfMay

     

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  • Trashbag Theresa

    Trashbag Theresa

    Theresa May will likely win today, but, argues Matthew Steeples, the country will be ever poorer as a result

     

    Theresa May is rather like a binbag: Something you want to throw out, but something that once you run out of, you wish you’d crammed in a little more. Equally, like the Duracell Bunny, she’s somebody who just keeps on going: Tell her a meteorite has landed in her garden and she’d deny it, tell her that her that wandering in wheatfields isn’t a wise idea and she’d argue to the contrary.

     

    With odds of 4/6 at Coral of her retaining a mandate of leadership of the Conservative Party this evening, it’s all but certain she’ll win, but that will almost certainly lead to something else: Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP, the DUP and others uniting in an effort to overthrow her by other means.

     

    Mrs May may find solace in the fact that there doesn’t appear to be any other person in her party in a position to take her job, but she should remember this ultimately: All political careers end in failure.

    #BringHerDown #GetHerGone #MakeDecemberTheEndOfMay

     

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  • When Shall We Three Meet Again?

    When Shall We Three Meet Again?

    As Theresa May hangs on in spite of revolts and defeats, Matthew Steeples asks: ‘How much longer can this kitten heeled harbinger of disaster hang on?’

     

    When shall we three meet again

    In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

    Macbeth (I, i, 1-2)

     

    For Theresa May, like buses, defeats come in threes. In spite of wheeling out Andrea ‘Loathsome’ Leadsom – dressed yet again in her pink dominatrix studded leather jacket – to claim that the lousy non-deal the government had negotiated could still proceed, it has now become utterly clear that most MPs and more importantly the public have had enough.

     

    When Shall We Three Meet Again? Theresa May must go now – As Theresa May hangs on in spite of yesterday’s defeats, we ask: ‘How much longer can this kitten heeled harbinger of disaster hang on?’
    Andrea Leadsom’s bizarre outfit choice was yet again inspired by both Barbie and Katie Price, whilst Geoffrey Cox simply failed in his quest for divine intervention

     

    Staggering on is all very well, but as Isobel Oakeshott pointed out on the BBC’s Politics Live this morning, Theresa May lost control many months ago. In fact, the minute this delusional woman called a General Election that was neither wanted or required, her cards became marked and her path to failure was confirmed.

     

    Failing to respect the sovereignty of Parliament, however, was truly a stupid move and now, even in the highly, highly unlikely event that she wins on 11th December, Theresa May’s own party is obliged to ditch her. This hectoring vicar’s daughter yesterday failed as a Prime Minister as, in just a couple of hours, thrice she failed in the job’s key role – that of commanding a majority. Now, as the vultures, circle I again suggest it is time for a change of tack: Mrs May must go and she must go now.

     

    #BringHerDown #MakeDecemberTheEndOfMay

     

    Outside contenders to replace May

     

    Ruth Davidson

    When Shall We Three Meet Again? Theresa May must go now – As Theresa May hangs on in spite of yesterday’s defeats, we ask: ‘How much longer can this kitten heeled harbinger of disaster hang on?’In spite of the fact that she would need to become an MP in order to govern effectively, Ruth Davidson is extremely popular within the party. She speaks a lot of sense and reflects the modern age well.

     

    Johnny Mercer MP

    When Shall We Three Meet Again? Theresa May must go now – As Theresa May hangs on in spite of yesterday’s defeats, we ask: ‘How much longer can this kitten heeled harbinger of disaster hang on?’Sensible and pragmatic, Johnny Mercer could be the Conservatives’ Justin Trudeau. A former army officer and pin-up, here is a man who is a breath of fresh air.

     

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