Likewise with people who jump straight on to the 'blaming the club' bandwagon.

WTF

So you think it is acceptable that we have not sought intervention/clarification from the relevant minister? Then fair enough.



Has the cuddle crew died, only to be replaced by the Sycophant Seven?

Sutcliffe is not the relevant minister.

So, it's not relevant to the Sports Minister?



Whilst he isn't responsible for the Immigration service, it is in his remit to investigate the impact of the service on sport.

Apparently he didn't think it was until he was contacted by the press, since he was blissfully unaware of the havoc being wreaked by his colleagues. This despite numerous stories in all forms of media and the impact on his 'local' RL club, Bradford.



Just how much help do you expect this numbnuts to be?





Nevertheless, the relevant minister is the one responsible for Immigration. His department has been talking to the RFL and the clubs about this situation. So to state that the relevant minister has not been contacted is misleading IMO.



There is also the consideration to be made about when to go over the heads of the officials concerned. Bringing in another minister early on in the proceedings could actually jeopardise Crocker's chances by putting noses out of joint.



Bear in mind that Sutcliffe has no authority to directly affect decisions by UKBA. All he can do is make some enquiries and then sit back and see what happens.

If i were the RFL i would be demanding an audience with both and get them both in the same room to work through a solution.

Personally I am quite happy that the Minister for Sport is dealing with the major sports and events (you know, like the Olympics in 2012 etc.) and not being diverted by a minority sport like RL.







I have no idea, but he'd be a lot more help had we actively engaged him as soon as it was relevant.









That is your opinion, which is wrong, there is no single relevant minister, when the actions of one department impact on the responsibilities of another then TWO ministers become relevant. You're just sticking up for the club, as is your right.









You might want to try talking down to other posters Kosh, but it doesn't work with me, I am well aware of the workings of Government thanks.

Him and the local MP should have been involved as soon as the first application was refused IMO.



The one thing the UKBA don't like is extra work and if a decision involves them having to do ministerial briefings and replies to official letters, they would probably just decide that at the end of it all, the visa can be issued.

I think he would have been a last resort as I don't really know what power he has to help or how interested he would be.



I was never a memeber of any club or crew, I have just have my opinion, sometimes its pro FC and sometimes is not.



You just can't go around telling people they are always sticking up for the club when you and others often do nothing but slag the club off for what they do/don't do.

Read that again, and see the irony Paul.



He would be very interested, he's the Minister for Spor, it's kind of what he does for a living.

There is no irony, I was not the one who made the initial attack on someone, I just pointed out how ironic your post was. Anyway I am bored of it already and certainly am not interested in making up names of clubs and crews.



Well then maybe he would be able to help out and maybe Hull should have thought about speaking to him sooner, even if it was for some general guidance? Hull/Crocker and his agent seem to have tried to cover all basis and put in as much as evidence as they can second time around and I can't see how speaking to this guy would not have helped in some way.