UPDATE: Surprise surprise. The latest smears are also from a member of the rival anti-Corbyn faction fighting for control of Labour NEC. They really want to get rid of Hopkins.
A lot of people in the public eye – particularly journalists and politicians – seem to be afraid to say this at the moment for fear it could damage their career or their party.
But I’m not a journalist or a politician so I will.
It would be extremely naive indeed to think there aren’t people cynical enough in politics to use the current appalling sex scandals engulfing Westminster for their own nefarious political ends.
Truth is never black and white. It is always complicated.
And so it is with the Westminster sexual harassment cases coming out at the moment.
Some of the accusations are appalling, particularly the accusations that serious crimes been covered up by both the Tory, Lib Dem and Labour leaderships. I hope in these cases the perpetrators are named and shamed and justice is served:
It was also absolutely right in my view to call out supposedly less serious behaviour by politicians – such as Labour MP Jared O’Mara’s horrible homophobic and misogynist comments.
But it’s becoming increasingly hard to differentiate between the very real and appalling cases being reported – including accusations of serious assault and rape – and cases which are simply attempts to smear political opponents under cover of the scandal.
Which brings me to the case of Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins.
But before I continue, a disclaimer.
I’m not a Corbynite or a Blairite. I’m not even a member of the Labour Party. I’m also an arch-Remainer, and was even before it became fashionable, so I have no axe to grind or political reasons whatsoever to support a Brexit campaigning MP.
But sometimes the truth needs to be told.
So here it is.
There was a lot of genuine head-scratching in and around Westminster when Hopkins – the 76-year old left-wing MP for Luton North – was accused of sexual harassment by a young Labour activist.
Unlike other MPs accused in the current sex scandals – where serial cases of similar behaviour are quite rightly offered as proof of guilt – during Hopkins’ decades-long political career, there have been no other previous suspicions, gossip or accusations of this kind against him.
Quite the opposite in fact. Even some of Hopkins’ opponents have been surprised by the allegations against him:
“As a former Conservative Chairman I was often in the presence of both Kelvin & Margaret Moran. She was hard and hostile to political opponents, whereas he would always say hello, chat, sometimes (at counts) about our respective campaigns, he was always full of cheer and thoroughly decent. I have always liked him and wished he was the Luton South MP as he lives near me, rather than Luton North.
I cannot believe these allegations. They don’t make sense, and things that don’t make sense usually aren’t true. Last time I checked we still have a presumption of innocence until proven guilty in this country, so let’s stop this trial by media. Kelvin has my full support.”
Of course, just because a case of harassment is a one-off complaint and seemingly out of character from previous behaviour, it doesn’t necessarily mean the person accused is not-guilty.
But looking at the evidence, it seems clear to me that Brexit campaigning, pro-Corbyn Hopkins is the victim of a campaign to smear and discredit him by a small faction of hard-line Blairite Remainers, who know full-well it would take a brave person indeed in the current climate to defend him.
The problem is confounded by the fact that the gentlemanly Hopkins refuses to say anything that could be seen as an attempt to smear his accuser. Apart from an official statement released by Hopkins’ solicitors, Hopkins’ only comment so far when questioned about his accuser has been this:
“I have always wished and still do wish, Ava the very best of luck in pursuing the career in politics that she wants to follow. I am happy to fully cooperate with the Labour Party to bring to a swift conclusion the investigation that is now being carried out into my conduct.” – Kelvin Hopkins MP
In my opinion, the only thing Hopkins is guilty of, is being too nice for today’s politics.
Because looking at the details of the case, it’s clear he is the victim of an attempt to cynically use the harassment scandal to smear him as a Corbyn and Brexit supporter, as well as an attempt to smear the Labour leader himself.
That’s my opinion. Here’s a summary of the evidence. Make your own mind up.
There are just two accusations against Hopkins from the same accuser. The first accusation was first made in 2015, soon after Jeremy Corbyn became Labour leader. Hopkins was one of the few MPs who nominated Corbyn. The complaint related to a text message Hopkins had sent to his accuser, but contrary to some press reports it did not include the second more serious accusation that in 2014, Hopkins had rubbed himself against her. This more serious accusation only appeared in the last few days in an interview with the Daily Telegraph.
What we do know is that Hopkins was reprimanded by the then Labour whip Rosie Winterton (more about her later) for sending this text:
While this message might be considered to be inappropriate, it’s not exactly the crime of the century. But there is something very odd about it. It is clearly in reply to a previous message or conversation. Hopkins’ accuser – through her Daily Telegraph minders – has not responded to requests to reveal what communication the text is in reply to. And as mentioned before, Hopkins refuses to discuss anything connected with his accuser. Without any context, it’s hard to judge just how inappropriate the message is. To me, it looks like he could be letting her down gently for some reason, but who knows?
The second only recently-made accusation – which contrary to press reports was not part of the original complaint that Hopkins was given a reprimand for – is that in 2014 Hopkins ‘ground his groin’ against his accuser while saying goodbye to her after a talk at her university. This allegation is completely refuted by Hopkins:
“I absolutely and categorically deny that I in any way engaged in any such inappropriate conduct. I simply put an arm around her shoulder to give her a brief, slight hug just before getting in to my car. I did not hold her tight. I did not rub any part of my body, let alone my crotch, against Ava. She waved me off as I drove away and did not say anything whatsoever to suggest that anything had occurred that upset her let alone revolted her.”
But the real problem with this new accusation is that when it was alleged to have taken place doesn’t make any sense at all in the timeline of known messages.
On the 12.11.2014 after an Essex University talk, the alleged groin grind was supposed to have taken place.
But later that same evening, after the alleged event, Hopkins’ accuser sent this text to him:
‘Thank you so much Kelvin for coming tonight!! We had a fantastic time. My members loved you! 🙂 You’re a star! x Ava.’
And just a month later, on the 15.12.2014 Hopkins received this message from his accuser:
‘Hi Kelvin, how are you? Could you please send me your post address? I’d like to send you a Christmas card. x Ava.’
In 2016, Hopkins’ accuser also contacted the MP to enquire about getting a job in Westminster. After a ‘friendly’ conversation, Hopkins told her he had no vacancies.
It was only after all of this that the groin grind complaint was made to the Daily Telegraph.
When looked at closely, the allegations look very odd and weak indeed.
But why would anyone bother to accuse Hopkins in the first place? This is where it gets very interesting.
Understanding this means we have to go into the very complex – and extremely boring – machinations relating to the bitter fight for control of the Labour Party National Executive Committee between a Corbynite faction and a Blairite faction at the top of the party. The NEC is very important because it can decide everything – from who can stand as leader to how party policy is made.
Fortunately, we know the identity of many of the core members of the two opposing groups because in March 2016, a document was leaked to the press showing which Labour MPs belong to which faction:
Leaked list ranks Labour MPs by “hostility” to Corbyn
According to the leaked list, Hopkins is one of just 18 MPs belonging to the ‘core group’ of Corbyn supporters.
And in the much longer list of MPs belonging to the opposing anti-Corbyn Blairite faction are Michael Dugher, Gareth Thomas and Rosie Winterton – none other than the very same Labour whip who reprimanded Hopkins.
In recent days, it seems attempts have been made to hide connections between Hopkins’ accuser and leading members of the Blairite faction.
Here are screen shots of her Linked in page, which showed she has worked as an intern for Blairite faction leader Michael Dugher:
And the Linked in page also showed she worked on Blairite faction MP Gareth Thomas’ re-election campaign:
Amazingly, Hopkins’ accuser was also directly involved in one of the dirtiest battles between Hopkins’ faction and the Blairites over seats on the NEC – the disputed dirty tricks election of Blairite Jasmine Beckett to the NEC in June 2016:
For some strange reason, her Twitter handle has also been changed from @avablair0890 to one which no longer includes the word ‘blair’.
You don’t have to be a detective to understand why it would serve the case against Hopkins much better if these connections were kept hidden.
It seems I’m not the only person to have serious doubts about the Hopkins accusations. Some of the MP’s constituents have started a Facebook group campaigning for his innocence.
Real sexual abuse – even rape – has been taking place in Westminster and in my opinion, these weak accusations being used for point scoring against political rivals only serve to devalue genuine abuse.
Sadly, I’m told Hopkins is “totally broken” over the accusations.
.
What do you think? As I said above, the truth is never black and white and is always complicated. Please feel free to comment below.
.
Here’s a timeline of relevant events:
July 2013 – Aug 2013 Hopkins’ accuser had internship with Gavin Shuker MP (Luton south)…. Progress
June 2014 – Aug 2014 Hopkins’ accuser had internship with Michael Dugher MP … Labour First
Sept. 2014 meets Hopkins at supper with Gavin Shuker and others … Manchester LP conference
Oct 2014 Canvassing in Clacton
12.11.2014 Essex University talk and alleged groin grind
15.12.2014 Hopkins’ accuser asks for Hopkins’ address for a christmas card
2.02.2015 Hopkins’ accuser had lunch with Hopkins at HoC
16.02.2015 Hopkins sent the text.
08.05.2015 Cameron won majority and Ed Miliband resigned.
June 2015 Jeremy Corbyn was nominated by Hopkins and co
Sept. 2015 Jeremy Corbyn elected
Dec. 2015 Syria vote and 67 PLP rebelled … Michael Dugher being a prominent and outspoken critic of Corbyn
Dec 2015 Hopkins’ accuser made a complaint about the text to Labour Whips office. Hopkins given a warning from Blairite Rosie Winterton
05.01.2016 Michael Dugher sacked from shadow cabinet by Corbyn.
20.02.2016 Cameron announces EU referendum. Hopkins begins campaigning for leaving.
29.02.2016 Jasmine Beckett elected to NEC as youth delegate in disputed contest …. narrow win of 1 vote + anti-semitism smears against Left wing candidate. Hopkins’ accuser boasts of success in getting Jasmine elected.
28.04.2016 Naz Shah suspended for anti-semitism. John Mann et al on BBC attacking Ken Livingstone and saying that he shouldn’t be on NEC. Livingstone removed from NEC.
22.06.2016 nominations for NEC constituency delegates excluding Ken Livingstone. Attempt by Jim Murphy to prevent Rhea Wolfson from standing.
23.06.2016 EU Referendum. Hopkins supports Brexit campaign.
25.06.2016 Hilary Benn sacked, start of PLP coup and second leadership campaign.
End of June, Hopkins appointed to Corbyn’s shadow cabinet
Attempt to stop Corbyn standing … narrowly voted against by NEC after court cases. Purge, suspensions and exclusion of LP members during second leadership contest with Owen Smith.
End of September, Corbyn re-elected. Hopkins steps down from shadow cabinet because he wanted to be free to vote as a backbencher.
Sometime in Autumn 2016, Hopkins’ accuser contacts Hopkins for advice and help finding a job in parliament.
May 2017 – June 2017 Hopkins’ accuser works on Blairite MP Gareth Thomas’ re-election campaign
08.06.2017 May loses majority in HoC. To dismay of LPHQ and right wing Labour MPs Corbyn wins biggest % vote for Labour since 1945. Michael Dugher steps down from Parliament.
29.06.2017 50+ Labour MPs rebel and vote for UK to stay in single market.
From then to date, increasing campaign for second referendum and overturning Brexit from prominent right wingers. Hopkins’ accuser is ardent remainer.
01.11.2017 Announcement that NEC is to take control of Young Labour Youth Rep elections and introduce OMOV. Thus removing Blairite faction’s control, making re-election of Jasmine Beckett unlikely and increasing likelihood of another Corbyn supporter on NEC.
02.11.2017 Hopkins’ accuser gives interview to Telegraph making new allegations of groin grinding previously not mentioned. ..
More reading:
Left take strong lead in election for Labour’s national executive
Statement from Kelvin Hopkins MP on allegations of harassment – ignored by most mainstream press
Leaked list ranks Labour MPs by “hostility” to Corbyn
Labour launches inquiry into smear allegations over youth rep election to NEC
MP admits sending ‘inappropriate’ texts to activist but denies sexually harassing her
Do the accusations against Kelvin Hopkins spell trouble for Jeremy Corbyn?
Leadsom ‘knew about rape allegation’
Labour activist says she was raped at party event and told not to report it
Liberal Democrats refer rape allegation to police and suspend party member pending investigation
Pride's Purge 
Reblogged this on nearlydead.
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Reblogged this on MAL's MURMURINGS.
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The thing which immediately sprang to mind here was that it is the ‘right wing’ of the Labour party that appears to be causing trouble Right Wing seems to be a uniting factor in these goings on . . .
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Wow! She campaigned for Jasmine Beckett and her LinkedIn Account has been deleted? It must be all those Russian bots!
Why would an ambitious activist with trenchant hard right views invite a leading and highly respected Corbynite Brexiteer to that event in Essex in the first place?
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Reblogged this on David's Blog.
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So you’re saying that Labour are fighting like rats in a sack over Brexit and don’t have a coherent policy, and the Tories are fighting like rats in a sack over Brexit and don’t have a coherent policy.
Come back when you’ve got something that isn’t totally obvious.
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I really hope the truth will out regarding Mr Hopkins, i agree that the ‘if i were younger’ text appears to be without context and does look like a gentle let down. We can only hope the full exchange of texts can be released. The strangest thing i have read in relation to the entire scandal was the Laura Kuenssberg interview in The Jewish Chronicle, where LK stated that she ‘worked to convince’ Bex Bailey to go public. I tweeted the article at the time and it appears the JC. have edited the piece, though this is still available on the Daily Mail (apologies) site.
“Miss Kuenssberg said she had worked to convince Bex Bailey, a Labour activist, to waive her anonymity and tell her story of being raped at a Labour event when she was 19.”
I find it absolutely incredible that a journalist took it upon herself to do this. Ms Bailey should have been encouraged to go to the police and get specific support given the horrendous nature of the alleged crime against her.
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The PR spin of the press conference thing she gave was a dead give away in my opinion. Someone chose clothes for her that invoked strong parallels to school girl style, even down to the hair style. It really made her look a lot younger. Of course people can wear whatever the fuck they want but I know spin when I see it and to me it looked like carefully constructed spin and a very low blow
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It’s totally obvious we all need to push that building into the Thames with them all in it ,the scourge of politics today is they all think their bloody entitled rather than responsible.
Still I would still like to see how this one pans out in a him v her case. One of them is lying and someone else knows the truth….and I want to knows who that somebody is.
On my disclaimer I dislike the lot of them ,but most of all it’s the Blairites (plus a special mention for IDS) Bliars are the most poisonous slime to ever walk amongst us …Thatcher may have started (caused ) all this but even she had some morals,these fkers have non and the fact they ARE the EU crew forces me to want a brexit when I actually want no such thing,I just want them gone from all politics .What a nightmare scenario we all may plunder thanks to a handful of demonic malevolents who know how to blackmail perverts.
1 2 3 Heave everybody 🙂
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Thank you for this Tom. I have, in the last few days had twitter discussions where I up held the young woman’s assertions to be right, & argued that because she wasn’t seriously assaulted this didn’t negate the upset and incremental damage that such texts could cause. However, after reading your article, I feel that you have made a convincing case that this may well be a smear campaign, using the umbrella of the sex allegations
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Yes, thanks Tom. The Timeline was particularly helpful as it convinces me that I was probably right to be sceptical – never an easy thing when it involves accusations by a woman against a man.
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I think your right to Tom in the fact its the Blairites vs Corby and its a smear..in my head I am wishing hard the blairs lose but my gut is saying this is going to fall on her side and hes gonna have to go (I think there is more evidence )
I just want it to fall on the honest ones side,whichever one that is.
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Reblogged this on sdbast.
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You forgot to mention her election to the Fabian executive committee 5 days before the story hit the media. I see the MP’s listed here would be more than capable of advising her like she claimed. Sad the Fabians are very anti-Corbyn but they will learn http://www.fabians.org.uk/executive-committee-2017-19/
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Reblogged this on Guy Debord's Cat and commented:
The Blairite irredentists will stop at nothing to wrest back control of the party they damned near destroyed. Kelvin Hopkins’s accuser, from what I’ve been able to deduce, is a Blairite and possibly also a member of Progress. As Tom Pride points out, she’s taken steps to cover her tracks, but hasn’t been entirely successful. Watch this space.
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So this was a massive conspiracy lasting several years, with the sole objective of bringing down one unimportant backbencher, and the success of the whole conspiracy depended on him sending the right texts at the right times, which by astonishing luck he did.
…or it was the age-old story of a sad, dirty old man who lost his head over a young and pretty woman.
I know which I would put my bet on.
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Good article. I clicked on the links to Ava’s Linked in Profile and they seem to be still working. I blogged on this two days ago at http://azvsas.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/the-framing-of-kelvin-hopkins-mp-lies.html and like you I didn’t think the story stacked up.
[Interesting. Perhaps she’s just blocked me from viewing it.] – TOM
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sandra…yes ,yes,no ,no, no,possibly.
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Hi Tom,
One of the first things I did when these allegations surfaced was to check her LinkdIn page. The fact she worked for Michael Dugher screamed out at me. This is a monumental stitch up and this young woman has undoubtably been coached by persons who know all about how to manipulate the media and this story.
It’s so blatantly obvious from the timeline of events that it’s a crock of shite from beginning to end (10 months before she made the complaint about the ‘crotch grind’?? Really?).
Apparently the accuser is also ‘distraught’ because people are being ‘mean’ to her. Well what about Kelvin Hopkins? I wonder how he must be feeling about being destroyed like this by someone operating in concert with a truly insidious, malevolent bunch of Blairite creeps? It looks very much to me like she has cried wolf in order to ‘frame’ an MP with no previous and insodoing attempt to undermine Corbyn. She should suspended from the Labour party and to be honest, not permitted anywhere near our MPs or party ever again.
I’m seething about this, especially in light of the suicide of Carl Sargeant today.
Utterly disgusted. She’s not only damaged Karl Hopkins but other women who have been raped or seriously sexually assaulted are now going to find it even more difficult to be believed.
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I’m the cousin of the “victim” and i was shocked to read it in the press. We didn’t know of this story in my family. Indeed, there are things not clear in what she claimed. But i will be ready to change my point of view if i discover that she lied. It would be a shame for her and our family
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I wondered if someone from the local party wants to get rid of him. Kelvin is aged 76,and it is a safe labour seat. Is there someone locally or a faction who want to encourage him to step down at the next election so they can get in?
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Reblogged this on Worldtruth.
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Just reading Tony’s Blog she gives good blog herself. http://www.youngfabians.org.uk/labour_has_been_framed_for_a_crime_it_did_not_commit
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@ la ritournelle The groin grind was not alleged in the original complaint. The reprimand was solely for the text. All other allegations have only been made in the last few days. The last contact, was when the young woman asked Kelvin Hopkins for career advice.
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Kelvin is INNOCENT – I KNEW this even before reading this Blog, Ava is a prostituting herself for political gain, WHEN her lies are proven & her links to the Blairites exposed they will dump her like used loo paper & she will NEVER be heard of again, chin up Kelvin, sorry you are being abused, stay strong & sing “I WILL SURVIVE at the top of your voice, GOOD LUCK XXX
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Reblogged this on sideshowtog.
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Pingback: Did rival faction use sex scandal to target pro-Brexit MP Kelvin Hopkins | sideshowtog
I felt uneasy about her and said so to the mrs. The tv interview seemed very contrived in both looks and content… it’s difficult.
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Interesting, to see both Instagram and essexstudent.com pages are now deleted/locked.
The latter listed her work with Labour Luton South MP.
Also odd that Twitter shows ‘shares’ on her page, of Labour Luton South MP’s tweets, yet they do not ‘follow’ each other on Twitter.
https://www.essexstudent.com/login/?redirect=/elections/manifesto/2991/
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Who keeps text messages from years ago?
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Why was she asking for a job in parliament with Hopkins, as if that would be a new thing, when she had already worked for right wing MPs? Sounds like a honey pot plot against him that he refused. Hence the email that he was reprimanded for, refusing her advances in as gentle a manner as possible. Also sounds like he might be shielding her. Whatever the truth it stinks of underhand nastiness.
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You have just provided evidence of what I had suspected all along. I believe he is innocent and this is a set up.
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The media isn’t usually so stupid though,the bbc especially rarely make such monumental mistakes as letting a person dress like a student and blatantly lie to the viewers when its easily debunked,and with a repected members job and marriage possibly on the line …
I don’t class the msn rags as media by the way so daily vile ,the rest, etc are not included,but the BBC running with it ? They may be biased but they generally do their homework first,and this is bugging me…if it is just a straightforward hack job (kuen’ss’berge anyone ) then that bit alone will make me get my rowing boat out for a polish and mot,,just in case.
Definate Blairite set up,,but did they get what they wanted ?
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If the texts from Ava are verified, then the second more serious accusation has no credibility.
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Ava is saying the same but with opposite meanings..like ”he requested the trip to essex” but Kelvin says ” she invited him” ,so yes ,its the one with the proof and I agree its all who varifies what.
(soooo a somebody actually knows the truth) and I want them exposed and myself is thinking its kuenssberg who’s the blarite plot leader/co plotter, which is scary unless it plays out on his side and we demand she quits (if it is her) for such blatant propaganda with lies attached and failing success in that, at least we know another manipulator from shadows to ignore.
Ava being coerced is pretty bad news as well as Ava is revolted .
Gawd what a thought ‘the bbc as low as murdoch’ …mr cameron forgot to add to ”he cant captain our ship anymore” ‘there is a giant hole in it from the blindside.’
.
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You know what Tom ,its such a pleasure to read an article that states ‘this is my opinion on what possibly is going on’ …after going through loads of articles on this ,all (the supposed respected with huge reader bases) read as if the writer knows as fact and they are presenting hard evidence,,it also depends on who writes as to which side they are trying to manipulate a person on to with their wording and presentation (and omissions)…earlier on the other blog I was responded to with ”it all seems pretty balanced reporting” …well balanced is if people read all versions ,not balanced as in the articles (more like biased garbage there).
Anyway my take on this now and final word until we see is… if they cannot get a fact proof truth that one is lying A) to side with her or look to ruin all womens chances for justice (again) or B) side with him and make all the real perverts in that building cheer ‘get out clause’ (again) …my point is the media incuding bbc have pulled off yet another piss poor show and the police should have been and only be the ones making statements of facts and then we can watch it or read it ‘as is’ after that…unless it was stated like you did ..”here’s what I think” In that respect you win Tom 🙂
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Reblogged this on Declaration Of Opinion.
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That is a response to a previous text, or conversation with “the victim” no doubt about it. In view of the timeline; her accusation relating to an alleged incident in 2014 is fantastic.
Why aren’t the police investigating it?
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Do you think Kerry McCarthy MP is part of the conspiracy too? Come on Tom, how many more women have to come forward before you’ll admit that you’re wrong, and Kelvin Hopkins is just a dirty old man?
[Kerry is a member of the same anti-Corbyn faction. Look at the link. She even ran Owen Smith’s campaign against Corbyn. Again, these notes are inappropriate but they are trivialising real sexual abuse and rape which is occurring in Westminster, in order to smear a political rival. And they were released to the press on a Friday evening. It’s a clear attempt to smear by the same faction.] – TOM
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So this anti-Corbyn conspiracy now goes all the way back to 1994? Wow! That’s some pretty impressive advanced planning!!!
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Seems obvious that the facts are getting in the way of a good telegraph story.
Why go to the telegraph? Surely only to achieve maximum damage.
The right wing of the Labour party are bitter and twisted and resentful of Corbyns progress.
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you need to read what your saying Sandra …if you think bringing something up now from 1994 isn’t for a purpose you really are being blindsided or blindsiding ,it’s just confirming there is an agenda.(yours ,toms ,mine etc) so why bring things up ? …back to Kelvin and Ava….
No one has said it’s ok to act in the way of either of these ways ‘lecherous or liar’…proof and truth is all,isn’t it ?
Speculating is great on a satire blog …pounding it out on the MSN is not so great without said truth proof.
Is Kelvin ? is Ava ? is fuel but it still needs a police investigation now the accusation has been made.It also need ‘who’ and their motive decided to ruin a police investigation .
(My bit ) IMO, Kuenssberg is a working EU blarite and the cause of all this attention to be ‘now’ (the agenda)…,Gordon Brown is back with a brexit stop plan with Little missy laura, smiling and promting and nodding ,TB is back on looking like he hasn’t long left with his ‘isms’ ….good thing or bad thing is self opinion but propaganda is just plain sht whichever side your on.
Have a bucket load of fun people ,I enjoy reading this blog and the opinions of (mainly) good folk…off for a few months now to try and ask New Zealand for residency ,its crap there as well but hey no class wars if you live in a cave 🙂
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The messages from KH to Kerry McCarthy (five over 20 years?) hardly constitute bombardment or harassment. McCarthy’s intervention is just evidence that KH has a proclivity to send soppy messages to younger women. She doesn’t suggest that he indecently assaulted her or asked her up to his room.
Her evidence tends to support KH’s account of the dealings between him and AE rather than hers. Really a witness for the defence rather than the prosecution
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Reblogged this on The Night Owl and commented:
I know myself to be quite naive where politics is concerned, although I am trying to learn as much as I can, but I was shocked over the allegations made about Labour MP Kelvin Hopkins, by a young Blairite member, known as Ava.
From everything I’ve read, Kelvin has a stirling reputation, and everyone was shocked when the accusations were made, as they seem totally against everything known about the man and the way he has always behaved.
I couldn’t make much sense of it all, until I read the following post by Tom Pride, of Pride’s Purge and, after reading it, I’m convinced that this is yet another way that the Blairite faction are trying to smear anyone who supports Jeremy Corbyn, and the ideas he’s trying to get implemented!
I really have no idea whether the accuser is doing this off her own bat, in order to get attention – and, presumably, a job – with one of the Blairite team still clinging on to power within the Labour Party, or whether she was duped into making these allegations against Kelvin Hopkins, but I really hope something can be done, to stop this smear campaign being fought by a group of Has-Beens, in order to keep what little power they still have, in the face of such a stalwart opposition in Jeremy Corbyn and his amazing team.
If we have a choice as to who leads the Labour Party, my choice will always be Corbyn and Co., who look to a better future for us all, rather than the Blairites, who may as well call themselves Red Conservatives!
And as for the accuser – I really hope that this was something made up, rather than yet another bit of the sleaze that has recently come to light in Westminster!
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It’s clear that just like countless dirty old men, Kelvin Hopkins HAS been pestering women over many years. That he sent creepy unwanted messages is not in doubt. Whether or not he rubbed his crotch against Ava Etemadzadeh can never be proved. The real point is, what are all these women supposed to do, stay quiet and put up with it? Across politics and the media, and hopefully elsewhere, women and men victims are now rightly coming forward and saying that this must stop, and I give them my full support. It’s sickening that blogs like this do not say that loudly and clearly, and even seek to portray one sex pest as a victim.
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I am leaving in 5 mins but had to answer you sandra…
Of course your right that in all cases women should come forward and expose creeps….but shouting guilty when you agree yourself ‘no proof’ is such a dangerous thought pattern and an extreemly damaging one to all except the creeps.
This blog has certainly not sided with known creeps ,it’s promoting the truth of a matter as the way . That’s a very healthy standpoint to take in all aspects.
Toms blogs are in general a delve for that insight.. (no not all as some posts are satire and some are political bias) but in no way shape or form should he be shouting guilty because of an accusation that ‘can’t be proved’ (your words) .Surely you see that is what the MSN have done .why have they done that you should be asking and what damage can that kind of reporting do to the innocent in any particular case.
If Ava is telling the truth I wholeheartedly support her but going to the media instead of the police is such a bad way forward …let the police investigate and let them go to the media or let them come to you after it’s all known facts…if they don’t handle it properly then you as a person go mainstream screaming ‘look what this system is doing” and present your evidence .
If Kelvin is telling the truth I wholeheartedly support him also.
All my opinion and I just want justice for all honest people, which is like banging your head on a wall these days thanks mainly to the MSN and agenda’s.
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