[jaxie]

A few facts. The Rochdale grooming case first came to light investigation wise in 2008 but Manchester police failed to investigate them properly for which they have apologised and it wasn't until 2012 and 2015 that there were convictions.

Ann was home secretary between 1995 and 1997. She was minister for prisons so was involved more in prisoners after conviction. She did not hold any government office after this, except in shadow as Labour were in power and was a regular back bench MP from 2001 until 2010 when she retired completely.

I like Ann as a housemate and think she is fascinating to watch. I feel she is being quite unfairly tarnished in this instance. I feel a bit sorry for her in regard never having had the opportunity to have children or love as she would have wished but as an atheist I hardly share her views which are mostly based on her religious beliefs.

Though in some cases I understand her argument and think the intention is sometimes misunderstood.

Like when she said with regard an equal age of consent for homosexuals: "I do not believe that issues of equality should override the imperatives of protecting the young." I don't agree but I can see where she is coming from.

After the murder of the two ten year olds from Soham in 2002 Ann spoke of her support for reintroducing the death penalty in cases of murder as it might be a deterrent. I think many people feel hanging wouldn't be a bad idea for child murderers. Within five years of the death penalty being abolished, the amount of murders doubled.

Apart from fox hunting, she has my support that she was a strong advocate for banning it.

[jaxie]

I am actually wondering if Maggie could face libel over what she said.

[Livia]

Originally Posted by jaxie

I am actually wondering if Maggie could face libel over what she said.

Slander...

Sorry, couldn't resist x

[jaxie]

Originally Posted by Livia

Slander...

Sorry, couldn't resist x

Ah thank you! I should have said legal action.