Prison release rot stops with Blair

This story was always going to run and run but now it just defies belief. Charles Clarke knew about the more than 1,000 prisoners released into the British community who should have been deported before Christmas and the news of it has only just been released now. It says it all about Blair's Britain that prisoners are being released into society more lightly than adverse information, doesn't it?

More than this though, Clarke offered Blair his resignation but Blair refused it. This is truly unbelievable. It's clear more than ever how deep the rot and lack of honour within this Government goes. Blair should have accepted it. And I'm coming to the view that deep down the Home Secretary knows this which is why he did the right thing and offered to reason - and also why he's so nervous and unassertive with the media over it. If this wasn't such a cock-up it's enough to make you almost feel sorry for him.