We were made aware of a debate going on in a local newspaper here . What soon became apparent was a certain 'Jack Higgins' did not like us to the point he started accusing us of many things including being 'criminally negligent'. He also soon established that he was a 'champion' (whether self-imposed is open to question) of the UKBA. He is 100% behind their current tactics and policies. We had our defenders but Mr Higgins took it upon himself to complain to the newspaper and have posts removed that were defending us and our view of the UKBA. Now, Mr Higgins likes to talk in legal terminology and no doubt the newspapers comment team were taken in by this. So, seeing that free speech and debate was being gagged over at the newspaper we decided to invite Mr Higgins over here to put forward his views.
(Note:- the person who had his post removed at the request of Mr Higgins, complained to the newspapers comment team which resulted in a post of Mr Higgins being removed. So much for journalism!)
This was our invite:-
"by SmokingHot Tuesday, February 28 2012, 2:38PM
One of his views was that the UKBA should ban ALL recordings of interviews made by cross-border shoppers. He believes we are violating their rights, leaving them open to abuse and intimidation away from the job, recordings would be useful to terrorists and so on.
What he fails to mention is that if UKBA arrest you over a criminal offence, not only do you get the interview recorded but you get a copy of said interview when it ends.
Please pop over and have a read whilst we await the arrival of Mr Higgins. One point at a time, if you please Mr Higgins so lets start with recording UKBA Civil interviews. We'll get to the criminally negligent later on, no doubt.
(Note:- the person who had his post removed at the request of Mr Higgins, complained to the newspapers comment team which resulted in a post of Mr Higgins being removed. So much for journalism!)
This was our invite:-
"by SmokingHot Tuesday, February 28 2012, 2:38PM
“Dear Mr J Higgins, it has come to our attention that you have made a number of allegations against ourselves, N2D. You should be made aware that, according to our lawyers, everything we publish is scrutinised by the UKBA Legal Team in London. You've also made statements about the UKBA that we totally disagree with. You are therefore invited over to null (my edit.. had to put up another post because it did not accept link) where we shall be doing a post about your views. We have no moderation and, unlike some, believe in free speech and debate. The post should be up by 6pm tonight. We'll be expecting you. SH”
One of his views was that the UKBA should ban ALL recordings of interviews made by cross-border shoppers. He believes we are violating their rights, leaving them open to abuse and intimidation away from the job, recordings would be useful to terrorists and so on.
What he fails to mention is that if UKBA arrest you over a criminal offence, not only do you get the interview recorded but you get a copy of said interview when it ends.
Please pop over and have a read whilst we await the arrival of Mr Higgins. One point at a time, if you please Mr Higgins so lets start with recording UKBA Civil interviews. We'll get to the criminally negligent later on, no doubt.
He's quoting straight out of the UKBA handbook. Bloody obvious he's been sent there by his masters.
ReplyDeletehe's trying to scare people going abroad to buy their baccy cos they got to stay here and pay through the nose for it. typicle goonie
Deletelmao, doncha know x-border shoppers are far more dangerous than criminals
ReplyDeleteNice one SH...you've got them over a barrel - and they should already be aware of this, if not then quite clearly they aren't doing their job - oops sorry, they don't do their job properly anyway do they?
ReplyDeleteN2D has worked too hard at this over time not to have covered the legal implications of its actions. One only has to look at your site to fully understand that.
Couldn't agree more, JJ
DeleteWell I'm here and waiting...where is Mr. Higgins?
ReplyDeleteFor some reason my comment says 10.33 am. For the record it's now 18.35 pm UK time. Maybe California time? But I'm still waiting...
DeleteThis is stupid blogger again! Settings are fine but it still comes up approx 8hrs out. Duh!
DeleteS'ok. We don't sweat the small stuff.
DeleteI don't care if it says Silicon Valley time. Really I don't, we have more important stuff to worry about.
But I'm still sitting here with my rolling pin for when Mr Higgins replies.
At whatever time he chooses.
l have no doubt whatsoever about that ... none at all. :) xx
DeleteWot? No Higgins?
ReplyDeleteLook on the bright side - quite a bit of useful publicity there!
ReplyDeleteI know we look like a bunch of pirates, but (and it's easy to forget this), we only advocate full observance of the law! (Especially by Customs!)
ReplyDeleteKinda embarrassing, but it is true.
The trick is to KNOW the law. Customs would rather that we didn't.
Jack Muggins is more than just an apologist for Customs, I reckon. He seems to have some vested interest in supporting the Big Lie.
Pass me my tinfoil hat!
Mr Higgins? Where are you?
ReplyDeleteNice to see him play the "terrorist" card, surprised he also didn't go for the "think of the children" one.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me started on the bogeyman terrorist RT. I've had enough of the farce about that guy Tippin being charged under terrorism laws and extradited for supplying missile parts to lran ... which turns out to be batteries! l think every tech in the world heard that and said WTF?
DeleteI wonder if your "Mr Higgins" is also "The Capt" and Beetlejuice (I dare not say the name once let alone thrice in case it unleashes yet more micheif for you).
ReplyDeleteThanks for all you do for innocent cross border shoppers who don't want hassle and just want to be left alone.
No, it's not him Pat. l actually know exactly who he is now.
DeleteThanks for all your help too x
Ah - just a regular knob-head then - not a dangerous nutter - phew :)
ReplyDeleteFor a journalist you have such a wonderful way with words. :) xx
DeleteI was always taught to say it like it is - plain English pure and simple :)
DeleteThere's been a few attempts to put up Mr Higgin's personal details and all of them have been posted anonymously. Whilst we don't do moderation we do draw the line at such actions.
ReplyDeletePlease bear that in mind in future. SH
Higgins doesn't want to debate with SH then? l wonder why? :) xxx
ReplyDeleteHiggins may have lorded it over them at HDM but he knows he'd get shot down in frickin flames if he tried it with N2D.
ReplyDeleteIf the Officers stick to the rules ,why should they
ReplyDeleteworry about recordings.
Anyway why do we take these types seriously,according to BBC(yes the BBC) 10,000 households in West London
are sheltering up to 100,000 illegal immigrants and where are UKBA,basking themselves in the Calais sunshine,getting all hot and bothered about Golden Virginia..Just how low can a Government Agency sink.
In the shadow of a Dark Satanic Mill
Yeah, l think l saw that. Aerial shots and then reporters visiting them expressing worry about the loss of jobs they were doing due to the economy and what poor conditions they were living in. WTF?
DeleteLMAO that shut this Higgins prat up didnt it. Well done Smokey.
ReplyDelete