A Word of Comfort from Jack Straw!

Why do I find Jack's statement yesterday less than calming? "Unless we all start to believe in conspiracy theories and that the officials are lying, I'm lying and that behind this there is some kind of secret state in league with some dark forces in the US, and we believe Secretary [of State Condoleezza] Rice is lying, there is simply no truth in claims that the UK has been involved in rendition."

Okay then, we believe you!

The govts response to the public horror at the international torture-trade that is 'Rendition' (characterised by today's Independent as 'See No Evil, Hear No Evil,Speak No Evil') is facing a collapse of credibility as specific cases mount-up.

The Independent writes confusingly: "The Foreign Secretary's own integrity is not on the line, but the approach of the Government as a whole has been brought under severe question by the affair."

Er, hang on a minute here. Jack Straw's integrity has never been in any doubt!!!

Last week, you'll remember, challenged by the embattled Charles Kennedy at Prime Minister's Questions about the CIA flights, Mr Blair said, perhaps less than convincingly: "I don't know what you are referring to." which sits rather uncomfortably with this story about MI6 involvement in capture and torture (sorry rendition!).

Or this story 'Rendition victim was handed over to the US by MI6'

Surely Blair's response to the hapless Kennedy must be more evidence for Blair's impeachment?

More on the cost of war here...and in a closely related matter...in case your wondering who's making all the money? "Why the U.S. and UK will stay in Iraq: British Petroleum, Shell and Chevron Win Iraqi Oil Contracts"