234 Pieter Lawrence demands on the Department’s communication systems and its facilities for processing information. As they worked on, Blake was conscious of the time. He should get to the House of Commons. It was important to keep the All Party Group fully informed but as the evening closed in and Janet left the office he abandoned any idea of getting to the House. Eventually he called a halt, right, Jack,” he said, ‘All not going to settle all the problems at once.” “we’re Brightwell’s enthusiasm was undiminished. there’s “Yes. always another day,” he said. I believe you were up all “Minister, night, so why don’t you go home and get some rest. I’ll carry on.” looked at him, I sometimes think you live in this “Jack, Department.” continue to clarify the problems. Once we’ve done that, “I’ll things should go smoothly.” don’t believe it,” said ever goes smoothly” “I “Nothing He stood up and put on his coat, leaving Brightwell surrounded by paper. It was clear that his senior bureaucrat was intent on keeping a close grip on every new development. As he left, Blake was suddenly aware of being engaged in useful work. There was a great deal to do and the frustrating barriers which normally prevented action seemed to be falling away. Accompanied by bodyguards, his car took him to the edge of the security zone groups of demonstrators still remained in Trafalgar Square. He was disappointed. It had been some time since Laurie had agreed to disperse the crowds. He found a police inspector. happening?” he asked. expecting “What’s “I’m these people to leave.” gradually sir. The square was packed after the “They’re violence of last night. They seem reluctant but they are moving
234 Pieter Lawrence demands on the Department’s communication systems and its facilities for processing information. As they worked on, Blake was conscious of the time. He should get to the House of Commons. It was important to keep the All Party Group fully informed but as the evening closed in and Janet left the office he abandoned any idea of getting to the House. Eventually he called a halt, ‘All right, Jack,” he said, “we’re not going to settle all the problems at once.” Brightwell’s enthusiasm was undiminished. “Yes. there’s always another day,” he said. “Minister, I believe you were up all night, so why don’t you go home and get some rest. I’ll carry on.” looked at him, “Jack, I sometimes think you live in this Department.” “I’ll continue to clarify the problems. Once we’ve done that, things should go smoothly.” “I don’t believe it,” said “Nothing ever goes smoothly” He stood up and put on his coat, leaving Brightwell surrounded by paper. It was clear that his senior bureaucrat was intent on keeping a close grip on every new development. As he left, Blake was suddenly aware of being engaged in useful work. There was a great deal to do and the frustrating barriers which normally prevented action seemed to be falling away. Accompanied by bodyguards, his car took him to the edge of the security zone groups of demonstrators still remained in Trafalgar Square. He was disappointed. It had been some time since Laurie had agreed to disperse the crowds. He found a police inspector. “What’s happening?” he asked. “I’m expecting these people to leave.” “They’re gradually sir. The square was packed after the violence of last night. They seem reluctant but they are moving
the-last-conflict-pieter-lawrence.docx