Sound advice from @Cyclefree . Never accept a caution from or fly solo with the Old Bill.
This story from May 2020 (note the date) - https://barry-walsh.co.uk/lockdown-blues/ - about the police and those who stay silent on wrongdoing when they should speak up neatly combines both this header and the other main news story of today.
Not sure these proposals are all that radical. As a Wiganer I distinctly remember being subject to random stop and search on suspicion of intention to attend a protest based purely on my starting location. Then we were told which parts of the country we could and couldn't travel to. But that was during the Strike and we weren't middle class. I don't remember a great deal of libertarian outrage at the time.
Not sure how proletarian one had to be. I remember one of the better political reminiscences on PB - alas I forget the name; about being a drinks company representative at that time, being stopped and encouraged to donate the contents of his boot to refresh the plod.
No. Alas. Basically. Where you from? (And numberplates were a pretty big tell in those days). Turn around. You aren't free to travel around the country. Regardless of your intentions. Quite stunning it has been erased from the collective memory. Was just a tad more intrusive than having to wear a mask in Asda. And cheered to the rafters by the Right.
The police behaved pretty disgracefully during the miner's strike. No reason to give them even more powers now.
I really hope this Bill dies a death. Having another leader but keeping the same bad laws is - to me - no better than putting lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig.
Maybe one or two of you will read the header. The stuff in the Bill may be dull compared to the No 10 comedy act but it is important.
Sigh......
Anecdote Alert.
When my son was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum aged around 8 years old, my wife asked the consultant for a single piece of advice that we should take away from the diagnosis. His advice was never ever allow him to be interviewed by the police, particularly under caution, without legal representation, which was rather telling. He quoted Stefan Kishko.
When I was very, very young, during the Miner's strike, I was a Sales Rep for Courage the Brewers. I called mainly at Co-ops and off-licences in West Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, South Lincs. and Rutland. Rutland was covered by the Leicestershire Constabulary area, and West Leicestershire had a number of mines. On crossing into Rutland on one occasion I was stopped by Officers from the Met Police (yes the Met Police). They cleaned me out of the cases of samples I had in the boot- no point arguing I thought. I even had to help load the beer into their bus from my car. A year or two later I went to a wedding in Bolton. The groom worked for Greater Manchester Police and I regaled my story. He told me his. He said he made a fortune in overtime patroling the Warwickshire coalfields. On one occasion they were staying in a hostel recently vacated by the Met. He said somewhere along the M1 the Met bus was stopped and the hostel tellys were recovered.
I have told my children to be very polite to, but very cautious of the police. My youngest son detests them. I would limit rather than increase their power!
I can't agree more. I remember seeing pictures of the police in the miners strike waving wads of cash in the faces of the picket line, their overtime money.
Never help the police with their enquiries. Remember, the only reason they ask you questions is because they don't have the evidence to charge until you give it to them.
Never ever talk to the police without a lawyer present.
Never ever accept a caution.
My mother-in-law had a neighbour who was bat***t crazy and who kept writing letters to people accusing them of slighting her over weird stuff. One day two police officers turned up and told my incredulous mother-in-law that she had been reported for attempting to run over her neighbour's dogs and that they intended to caution her. She refused to accept a caution on the basis that the only evidence supplied was by the neighbour with no corroboration. She suggested that the Police were welcome to investigate further, and recommended that they contact a well known local judge who had also been on the receiving end of the neighbour who would provide information regarding the reliability (or lack of) of the her character. They left.
Were these two clowns working on the quota system? Like with traffic tickets (in some/many jurisdictions)?
Sound advice from @Cyclefree . Never accept a caution from or fly solo with the Old Bill.
This story from May 2020 (note the date) - https://barry-walsh.co.uk/lockdown-blues/ - about the police and those who stay silent on wrongdoing when they should speak up neatly combines both this header and the other main news story of today.
I'm 60 next month, an old man, and I am still as wary of the b******* as I was half a century ago, so i play by the rules.
It really ***** me off that Boris Johnson is protected from his outrageous behaviour by his connections, his super injunctions, and his...well, whatever influence he has over Cressida Dick.
Not sure these proposals are all that radical. As a Wiganer I distinctly remember being subject to random stop and search on suspicion of intention to attend a protest based purely on my starting location. Then we were told which parts of the country we could and couldn't travel to. But that was during the Strike and we weren't middle class. I don't remember a great deal of libertarian outrage at the time.
Not sure how proletarian one had to be. I remember one of the better political reminiscences on PB - alas I forget the name; about being a drinks company representative at that time, being stopped and encouraged to donate the contents of his boot to refresh the plod.
No. Alas. Basically. Where you from? (And numberplates were a pretty big tell in those days). Turn around. You aren't free to travel around the country. Regardless of your intentions. Quite stunning it has been erased from the collective memory. Was just a tad more intrusive than having to wear a mask in Asda. And cheered to the rafters by the Right.
The police behaved pretty disgracefully during the miner's strike. No reason to give them even more powers now.
I really hope this Bill dies a death. Having another leader but keeping the same bad laws is - to me - no better than putting lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig.
Maybe one or two of you will read the header. The stuff in the Bill may be dull compared to the No 10 comedy act but it is important.
Sigh......
Anecdote Alert.
When my son was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum aged around 8 years old, my wife asked the consultant for a single piece of advice that we should take away from the diagnosis. His advice was never ever allow him to be interviewed by the police, particularly under caution, without legal representation, which was rather telling. He quoted Stefan Kishko.
Ironically Stefan Kishko's lawyer during his trial was David Waddington, who was Mrs Thatcher's last Home Secretary.
He was also a supporter of the death penalty despite the fact his own inept defense of Kishko would have likely led to a capital sentence had it been legal at the time.
Not sure these proposals are all that radical. As a Wiganer I distinctly remember being subject to random stop and search on suspicion of intention to attend a protest based purely on my starting location. Then we were told which parts of the country we could and couldn't travel to. But that was during the Strike and we weren't middle class. I don't remember a great deal of libertarian outrage at the time.
Not sure how proletarian one had to be. I remember one of the better political reminiscences on PB - alas I forget the name; about being a drinks company representative at that time, being stopped and encouraged to donate the contents of his boot to refresh the plod.
No. Alas. Basically. Where you from? (And numberplates were a pretty big tell in those days). Turn around. You aren't free to travel around the country. Regardless of your intentions. Quite stunning it has been erased from the collective memory. Was just a tad more intrusive than having to wear a mask in Asda. And cheered to the rafters by the Right.
The police behaved pretty disgracefully during the miner's strike. No reason to give them even more powers now.
I really hope this Bill dies a death. Having another leader but keeping the same bad laws is - to me - no better than putting lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig.
Maybe one or two of you will read the header. The stuff in the Bill may be dull compared to the No 10 comedy act but it is important.
Sigh......
Anecdote Alert.
When my son was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum aged around 8 years old, my wife asked the consultant for a single piece of advice that we should take away from the diagnosis. His advice was never ever allow him to be interviewed by the police, particularly under caution, without legal representation, which was rather telling. He quoted Stefan Kishko.
Ironically Stefan Kishko's lawyer during his trial was David Waddington, who was Mrs Thatcher's last Home Secretary.
He was also a supporter of the death penalty despite the fact his own inept defense of Kishko would have likely led to a capital sentence had it been legal at the time.
Indeed, well remembered. Were it not for the tenacity of a local journalist Kishko would have died in jail, as it was justice was hardly served and he passed away soon after his release. A truly disgraceful case.
Not sure these proposals are all that radical. As a Wiganer I distinctly remember being subject to random stop and search on suspicion of intention to attend a protest based purely on my starting location. Then we were told which parts of the country we could and couldn't travel to. But that was during the Strike and we weren't middle class. I don't remember a great deal of libertarian outrage at the time.
Not sure how proletarian one had to be. I remember one of the better political reminiscences on PB - alas I forget the name; about being a drinks company representative at that time, being stopped and encouraged to donate the contents of his boot to refresh the plod.
No. Alas. Basically. Where you from? (And numberplates were a pretty big tell in those days). Turn around. You aren't free to travel around the country. Regardless of your intentions. Quite stunning it has been erased from the collective memory. Was just a tad more intrusive than having to wear a mask in Asda. And cheered to the rafters by the Right.
The police behaved pretty disgracefully during the miner's strike. No reason to give them even more powers now.
I really hope this Bill dies a death. Having another leader but keeping the same bad laws is - to me - no better than putting lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig.
Maybe one or two of you will read the header. The stuff in the Bill may be dull compared to the No 10 comedy act but it is important.
Sigh......
Anecdote Alert.
When my son was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum aged around 8 years old, my wife asked the consultant for a single piece of advice that we should take away from the diagnosis. His advice was never ever allow him to be interviewed by the police, particularly under caution, without legal representation, which was rather telling. He quoted Stefan Kishko.
Ironically Stefan Kishko's lawyer during his trial was David Waddington, who was Mrs Thatcher's last Home Secretary.
He was also a supporter of the death penalty despite the fact his own inept defense of Kishko would have likely led to a capital sentence had it been legal at the time.
Indeed, well remembered. Were it not for the tenacity of a local journalist Kishko would have died in jail, as it was justice was hardly served and he passed away soon after his release. A truly disgraceful case.
I have just read that story, and it's utterly horrific.
For some reason "RAF in Kiev" made me think of "Tiger prawns in garlic butter". Getting my moths and prawns mixed up. Time for bed. Tomorrow could be a big day.
Not sure these proposals are all that radical. As a Wiganer I distinctly remember being subject to random stop and search on suspicion of intention to attend a protest based purely on my starting location. Then we were told which parts of the country we could and couldn't travel to. But that was during the Strike and we weren't middle class. I don't remember a great deal of libertarian outrage at the time.
Not sure how proletarian one had to be. I remember one of the better political reminiscences on PB - alas I forget the name; about being a drinks company representative at that time, being stopped and encouraged to donate the contents of his boot to refresh the plod.
No. Alas. Basically. Where you from? (And numberplates were a pretty big tell in those days). Turn around. You aren't free to travel around the country. Regardless of your intentions. Quite stunning it has been erased from the collective memory. Was just a tad more intrusive than having to wear a mask in Asda. And cheered to the rafters by the Right.
The police behaved pretty disgracefully during the miner's strike. No reason to give them even more powers now.
I really hope this Bill dies a death. Having another leader but keeping the same bad laws is - to me - no better than putting lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig.
Maybe one or two of you will read the header. The stuff in the Bill may be dull compared to the No 10 comedy act but it is important.
Sigh......
Anecdote Alert.
When my son was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum aged around 8 years old, my wife asked the consultant for a single piece of advice that we should take away from the diagnosis. His advice was never ever allow him to be interviewed by the police, particularly under caution, without legal representation, which was rather telling. He quoted Stefan Kishko.
Ironically Stefan Kishko's lawyer during his trial was David Waddington, who was Mrs Thatcher's last Home Secretary.
He was also a supporter of the death penalty despite the fact his own inept defense of Kishko would have likely led to a capital sentence had it been legal at the time.
Indeed, well remembered. Were it not for the tenacity of a local journalist Kishko would have died in jail, as it was justice was hardly served and he passed away soon after his release. A truly disgraceful case.
I have just read that story, and it's utterly horrific.
A terrible and tragic salutory tale for those like Priti Patel who advocate state sponsored revenge killings.
One of the reasons I find Johnson's political causality so offensive is that I could imagine, without the constraints of Brussels, he is free to throw any old red meat at voters to absorb their vote. Now he is no more an advocate of capital punishment than I am, but then he was no more a Leaver than I was...
Not sure these proposals are all that radical. As a Wiganer I distinctly remember being subject to random stop and search on suspicion of intention to attend a protest based purely on my starting location. Then we were told which parts of the country we could and couldn't travel to. But that was during the Strike and we weren't middle class. I don't remember a great deal of libertarian outrage at the time.
Not sure how proletarian one had to be. I remember one of the better political reminiscences on PB - alas I forget the name; about being a drinks company representative at that time, being stopped and encouraged to donate the contents of his boot to refresh the plod.
No. Alas. Basically. Where you from? (And numberplates were a pretty big tell in those days). Turn around. You aren't free to travel around the country. Regardless of your intentions. Quite stunning it has been erased from the collective memory. Was just a tad more intrusive than having to wear a mask in Asda. And cheered to the rafters by the Right.
The police behaved pretty disgracefully during the miner's strike. No reason to give them even more powers now.
I really hope this Bill dies a death. Having another leader but keeping the same bad laws is - to me - no better than putting lipstick on a pig. It's still a pig.
Maybe one or two of you will read the header. The stuff in the Bill may be dull compared to the No 10 comedy act but it is important.
Sigh......
Anecdote Alert.
When my son was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum aged around 8 years old, my wife asked the consultant for a single piece of advice that we should take away from the diagnosis. His advice was never ever allow him to be interviewed by the police, particularly under caution, without legal representation, which was rather telling. He quoted Stefan Kishko.
Ironically Stefan Kishko's lawyer during his trial was David Waddington, who was Mrs Thatcher's last Home Secretary.
He was also a supporter of the death penalty despite the fact his own inept defense of Kishko would have likely led to a capital sentence had it been legal at the time.
Indeed, well remembered. Were it not for the tenacity of a local journalist Kishko would have died in jail, as it was justice was hardly served and he passed away soon after his release. A truly disgraceful case.
I have just read that story, and it's utterly horrific.
A terrible and tragic salutory tale for those like Priti Patel who advocate state sponsored revenge killings.
One of the reasons I find Johnson's political causality so offensive is that I could imagine, without the constraints of Brussels, he is free to throw any old red meat at voters to absorb their vote. Now he is no more an advocate of capital punishment than I am, but then he was no more a Leaver than I was...
On the subject of the Crime Bill, wasnt it BJ who promised to lie down in front of the bulldozers to stop Heathrow's expansion... well he might have a bit more time to carry this out this Summer (but he'd better do it quietly and not `attach' himself to anything.
An essential header, on which I agree with almost every word.
A couple of signs of pushback from some Johnson loyalists in this article. This talk of the "pork pie plot" again seems to hint at a class issue between part of the red wall group and some of the Johnson loyalists.
Sunak will be praying Russia doesn't invade Ukraine before Gray releases her report. Otherwise we may be stuck with the liar-in-chief for months to come, if not longer.
"‘We failed’: Danish newspaper apologises for not questioning government Covid-19 numbers A major newspaper has published a stunning apology to readers, saying it had “failed” in its coverage of Covid-19.
A Danish newspaper has apologised to its readers for not being critical enough in its reporting of government coronavirus case numbers. In an article in the Ekstra Bladet tabloid last week headlined “We Failed”, journalist Brian Weichardt issued a mea culpa to the public on behalf of the media for not doing more to interrogate Covid-19 statistics. Weichardt wrote that for nearly two years, both the press and the public had been “almost hypnotically preoccupied” with authorities’ daily coronavirus updates, obsessing over infections, hospitalisations and deaths, as the significance of the “smallest movements” was “laid out by experts, politicians and authorities, who have constantly warned us about the dormant corona monster under our beds”. “The constant mental alertness has worn out tremendously on all of us,” he wrote. “That is why we – the press – must also take stock of our own efforts. And we have failed.”"
The issue isn't protest. Or at least it shouldn't be. The issue ought to be disruption. We can all be high-minded about rights to free expression and assembly but extinction rebellion and insulate Britain DID cause major disruption i.e harm. People have a right to be angry about that. The Supreme Court might have exploded a legal grenade with its verdict that a certain level of disruption had to be tolerated in a free society. Well what does that mean exactly?
Many liberty lovers would have applauded that but what if the consequence is the government introducing more draconian laws as a counter measure? Activists judges might actually be their own worst enemy in this. Of course I don't have any confidence in Patel who seems like a minister playing to the gallery in search of favourable tabloid headlines. But one has to understand why she has found such fertile territory.
Yes but ER and IB protests could have already (and were) dealt with by existing powers. New laws are no substitute for enforcement of existing ones.
These laws are so draconian that any freedom loving person should make them unenforceable.
Whilst I agree these laws go too far, you yourself have mentioned how groups of protestors are trained to subvert and use the current laws to their advantage.
Which may be fine when the protestors are protesting about causes you agree with. Less fine when they'll be, say, the Alpha Men Assemble twunts.
some speculation overnight that the 1922 Committee Chair Graham Brady (majority 6000 v. Lab in his NW seat) might have got the required number of letters... personally I am not so sure, but the Kuwait crisis didnt stop Mrs T getting the push in 1990 so Ukraine not that important in my opinion.
some speculation overnight that the 1922 Committee Chair Graham Brady (majority 6000 v. Lab in his NW seat) might have got the required number of letters... personally I am not so sure, but the Kuwait crisis didnt stop Mrs T getting the push in 1990 so Ukraine not that important in my opinion.
No - I think at a time of international crisis it's vital to keep a stupid, lying, reckless chancer in place in Downing Sreet,
"‘We failed’: Danish newspaper apologises for not questioning government Covid-19 numbers A major newspaper has published a stunning apology to readers, saying it had “failed” in its coverage of Covid-19.
A Danish newspaper has apologised to its readers for not being critical enough in its reporting of government coronavirus case numbers. In an article in the Ekstra Bladet tabloid last week headlined “We Failed”, journalist Brian Weichardt issued a mea culpa to the public on behalf of the media for not doing more to interrogate Covid-19 statistics. Weichardt wrote that for nearly two years, both the press and the public had been “almost hypnotically preoccupied” with authorities’ daily coronavirus updates, obsessing over infections, hospitalisations and deaths, as the significance of the “smallest movements” was “laid out by experts, politicians and authorities, who have constantly warned us about the dormant corona monster under our beds”. “The constant mental alertness has worn out tremendously on all of us,” he wrote. “That is why we – the press – must also take stock of our own efforts. And we have failed.”"
On topic, I don’t envy those trying to work out where to draw the line where a protest becomes a riot.
Hopefully a bit of ping-pong between the Commons and Lords will come to a sensible compromise, between freedom of speech, and blocking ambulances from motorways while police share their tea and biscuits with those responsible.
All ready for a monster inflation number ? The cat food yesterday was up to £27.98, was around £24 at the start of lockdown. At least fuel was off its high - but over a tonne for 45 litres of fuel and 88 doubly delicious, the times we live in.... At least this one gives me some more cash through solar...
The mad decision to restrict the Euston road to a single lane at various points has caused more disruption than any XR protests.
Pretty much impossible to drive east/west through London now.
From what I remember trying to drive east / west along the Euston Road 20 years ago it was usually disrupted and restricted by traffic jams.
A few decades ago I got told a story - I don't know its veracity. A newspaper helped fund London's first air ambulance. It was a large helicopter, larger than the ones they use now, and larger than the service wanted - but as it was free, they took it. One day during trials it landed at a junction outside King's Cross, and whilst landing its rotors hit some traffic or street lights. The 'copter landed safely, but it was too damaged to take off again. Cue much traffic chaos until it could be taken out by road, and the newspaper replacing it with a smaller 'copter.
(Told to me by an air ambulanceman when a group I was involved with was fundraising for them.)
The mad decision to restrict the Euston road to a single lane at various points has caused more disruption than any XR protests.
Pretty much impossible to drive east/west through London now.
From what I remember trying to drive east / west along the Euston Road 20 years ago it was usually disrupted and restricted by traffic jams.
A few decades ago I got told a story - I don't know its veracity. A newspaper helped fund London's first air ambulance. It was a large helicopter, larger than the ones they use now, and larger than the service wanted - but as it was free, they took it. One day during trials it landed at a junction outside King's Cross, and whilst landing its rotors hit some traffic or street lights. The 'copter landed safely, but it was too damaged to take off again. Cue much traffic chaos until it could be taken out by road, and the newspaper replacing it with a smaller 'copter.
(Told to me by an air ambulanceman when a group I was involved with was fundraising for them.)
It’s much easier when you don’t have an existing city. Where I live, they design junctions specifically with enough room to land a big helicopter in the middle of them!
Good morning everyone. Pleased to see that the local MP's flagship bill has been severely damaged. Fractionally warmer here this morning but I suspect there are some chill winds in the Downing St/Chequers areas.
The mad decision to restrict the Euston road to a single lane at various points has caused more disruption than any XR protests.
Pretty much impossible to drive east/west through London now.
From what I remember trying to drive east / west along the Euston Road 20 years ago it was usually disrupted and restricted by traffic jams.
A few decades ago I got told a story - I don't know its veracity. A newspaper helped fund London's first air ambulance. It was a large helicopter, larger than the ones they use now, and larger than the service wanted - but as it was free, they took it. One day during trials it landed at a junction outside King's Cross, and whilst landing its rotors hit some traffic or street lights. The 'copter landed safely, but it was too damaged to take off again. Cue much traffic chaos until it could be taken out by road, and the newspaper replacing it with a smaller 'copter.
(Told to me by an air ambulanceman when a group I was involved with was fundraising for them.)
It’s much easier when you don’t have an existing city. Where I live, they design junctions specifically with enough room to land a big helicopter in the middle of them!
RAF mates (once) operated a Harrier from 'RAF St. Pancras'. For the 1969 Trans Atlantic Air Race.
They should have another go at the East to West record in an F-35.
The mad decision to restrict the Euston road to a single lane at various points has caused more disruption than any XR protests.
Pretty much impossible to drive east/west through London now.
From what I remember trying to drive east / west along the Euston Road 20 years ago it was usually disrupted and restricted by traffic jams.
A few decades ago I got told a story - I don't know its veracity. A newspaper helped fund London's first air ambulance. It was a large helicopter, larger than the ones they use now, and larger than the service wanted - but as it was free, they took it. One day during trials it landed at a junction outside King's Cross, and whilst landing its rotors hit some traffic or street lights. The 'copter landed safely, but it was too damaged to take off again. Cue much traffic chaos until it could be taken out by road, and the newspaper replacing it with a smaller 'copter.
(Told to me by an air ambulanceman when a group I was involved with was fundraising for them.)
It’s much easier when you don’t have an existing city. Where I live, they design junctions specifically with enough room to land a big helicopter in the middle of them!
RAF mates (once) operated a Harrier from 'RAF St. Pancras'. For the 1969 Trans Atlantic Air Race.
They should have another go at the East to West record in an F-35.
That’s awesome, I have learned something already today!
The mad decision to restrict the Euston road to a single lane at various points has caused more disruption than any XR protests.
Pretty much impossible to drive east/west through London now.
From what I remember trying to drive east / west along the Euston Road 20 years ago it was usually disrupted and restricted by traffic jams.
A few decades ago I got told a story - I don't know its veracity. A newspaper helped fund London's first air ambulance. It was a large helicopter, larger than the ones they use now, and larger than the service wanted - but as it was free, they took it. One day during trials it landed at a junction outside King's Cross, and whilst landing its rotors hit some traffic or street lights. The 'copter landed safely, but it was too damaged to take off again. Cue much traffic chaos until it could be taken out by road, and the newspaper replacing it with a smaller 'copter.
(Told to me by an air ambulanceman when a group I was involved with was fundraising for them.)
It’s much easier when you don’t have an existing city. Where I live, they design junctions specifically with enough room to land a big helicopter in the middle of them!
RAF mates (once) operated a Harrier from 'RAF St. Pancras'. For the 1969 Trans Atlantic Air Race.
They should have another go at the East to West record in an F-35.
The other day that famous piccie of someone flying a Hunter under Tower Bridge came onto my FB feed.
I thought of you, then thought the stunt was a bit too tame for you.
Good morning everyone. Pleased to see that the local MP's flagship bill has been severely damaged. Fractionally warmer here this morning but I suspect there are some chill winds in the Downing St/Chequers areas.
Morning. 6 more weeks of winter!
As @Cyclefree says, perhaps the government will still be claiming victory in relation to all the other stuff it snuck through as 'amendments' to the bill to avoid proper scrutiny.
On the other hand, taking photos or filming breastfeeding without permission will be criminalised. Hard to argue with that one.
Here’s a thought - he may not turn up for PMQs as he tries to rally support in individual meetings and so has no time to prepare. It would be stupid, but most times when given a choice he’s made the wrong choice.
BoZo's political obituaries are already being written
Strip away Johnson’s famous boosterism, and you are left with a series of hit jobs on things. All very well for a newspaper columnist – indeed, it is the stock in trade – but he is the prime minister. Even allowing for the pandemic, it is becoming unavoidably clear: Johnson has been unable to make the leap from critic to artist.
Destroying the BBC, forcibly repelling migrants, voter suppression when we don’t have a problem with voter fraud, a war on judges, unpicking his own Brexit deal … Johnson is really a wrecker disguised as a builder. I know he occasionally floats the idea of a sea-bridge or an estuary airport, but we all know those never happen. He knows how to break things, but not how to make things. The policies that will actually be his legacy are sunderings and squanderings and underminings, in whose ruins he has failed to make something new and positive. In recent weeks, we’ve seen even plenty of diehard Brexiteers turning on Johnson, and lamenting that the guy who promised them sunlit uplands has failed to capitalise or deliver on any of it.
Have just been sent the interview of Boris Johnson by AC-12. Astonishing how fictional coppers having to do the job real coppers refuse to do.
God bless those edgy, middle class centrist Dads. They’ll be patting each other on the back and telling each other how great they are for weeks to come.
Good morning everyone. Pleased to see that the local MP's flagship bill has been severely damaged. Fractionally warmer here this morning but I suspect there are some chill winds in the Downing St/Chequers areas.
Morning. 6 more weeks of winter!
As @Cyclefree says, perhaps the government will still be claiming victory in relation to all the other stuff it snuck through as 'amendments' to the bill to avoid proper scrutiny.
On the other hand, taking photos or filming breastfeeding without permission will be criminalised. Hard to argue with that one.
Agree with your last para. Some people have very strange minds.
Underlines the fact, of course, that most things in life are various shades of grey. Some are lighter, of course, than others.
The question is, is this the start of sustained inflation, or a blip? If the latter, it can be contained although it will be painful for all of us in the short term. If the former...
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
On topic, I don’t envy those trying to work out where to draw the line where a protest becomes a riot.
Hopefully a bit of ping-pong between the Commons and Lords will come to a sensible compromise, between freedom of speech, and blocking ambulances from motorways while police share their tea and biscuits with those responsible.
The ping pong is over as far as the amendments are concerned. If they want to pursue them, the government will have to start over.
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
Yes, as pointed out in the header.
Patel doesn't just disrespect the right to protest, but democracy itself.
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
I don't understand that. Unless they were new proposed amendments first introduced in the HoL? Which is a disgrace for a bill that started in the Commons. A Home Secretary cannot simply change the bill of her own accord. She needs the approval of Parliament to do so.
The UCL researchers are among 250 signatories to a letter which has been sent to education secretary Nadhim Zahawi, calling on the government to allow for a wider range of approaches to teaching reading, which would allow teachers to use their own judgment about which is best for their pupils...
Given that we're heading into such a fiscal mire I'm still not entirely sure how a multimillionaire hedge fund banker is going to go down with the electorate.
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
I don't understand that. Unless they were new proposed amendments first introduced in the HoL? Which is a disgrace for a bill that started in the Commons. A Home Secretary cannot simply change the bill of her own accord. She needs the approval of Parliament to do so.
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
I don't understand that. Unless they were new proposed amendments first introduced in the HoL? Which is a disgrace for a bill that started in the Commons. A Home Secretary cannot simply change the bill of her own accord. She needs the approval of Parliament to do so.
Indeed, both Houses need to pass the same Bill, so it makes no sense for the government to amend it between the Commons and the Lords.
The question is, is this the start of sustained inflation, or a blip? If the latter, it can be contained although it will be painful for all of us in the short term. If the former...
The financial press says it's the latter, so it's definitely the former.
Another thought - our resident Johnsonian keeps telling us that under current rules if Johnson gets 183 votes he's safe for a year. Leaving aside the fact that this is untrue, I wonder if that rule might actually hinder Johnson. If a vote is called today, a waverer has to decide, 'now, or in 12 months.' Are they really going to be willing to risk another twelve months of this?
Given that we're heading into such a fiscal mire I'm still not entirely sure how a multimillionaire hedge fund banker is going to go down with the electorate.
This won't be fixed in two years.
Would you rather a penniless pauper who had spent all his money on wine, women and song?
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
I don't understand that. Unless they were new proposed amendments first introduced in the HoL? Which is a disgrace for a bill that started in the Commons. A Home Secretary cannot simply change the bill of her own accord. She needs the approval of Parliament to do so.
They were indeed first introduced in the HoL.
Ms Patel's concept of democracy appears different to ours!
The question is, is this the start of sustained inflation, or a blip? If the latter, it can be contained although it will be painful for all of us in the short term. If the former...
The financial press says it's the latter, so it's definitely the former.
Then I am relieved on a personal level that I have just fixed my mortgage at 1.6% for five years.
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
I don't understand that. Unless they were new proposed amendments first introduced in the HoL? Which is a disgrace for a bill that started in the Commons. A Home Secretary cannot simply change the bill of her own accord. She needs the approval of Parliament to do so.
That is exactly what they were; introduced with zero consultation Hence the outrage and subsequent rejection.
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Perhaps the real issue is that when even a bunch of undemocratic, disreputable beens can see the problems with the Home Secretary's bill, you have to wonder is she merely stupid or is she actively malevolent?
Given that we're heading into such a fiscal mire I'm still not entirely sure how a multimillionaire hedge fund banker is going to go down with the electorate.
This won't be fixed in two years.
Would you rather a penniless pauper who had spent all his money on wine, women and song?
Well, that's what we have now and it's not ending well.
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Perhaps the real issue is that when even a bunch of undemocratic, disreputable beens can see the problems with the Home Secretary's bill, you have to wonder is she merely stupid or is she actively malevolent?
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
I don't understand that. Unless they were new proposed amendments first introduced in the HoL? Which is a disgrace for a bill that started in the Commons. A Home Secretary cannot simply change the bill of her own accord. She needs the approval of Parliament to do so.
Indeed, both Houses need to pass the same Bill, so it makes no sense for the government to amend it between the Commons and the Lords.
They can't amend it. They can propose amendments which is what Patel seems to have done but both Houses would have to agree any proposed changes. But proposals like this should (a) never have been made and (b) should have been debated at Committee in the elected chamber first.
The UCL researchers are among 250 signatories to a letter which has been sent to education secretary Nadhim Zahawi, calling on the government to allow for a wider range of approaches to teaching reading, which would allow teachers to use their own judgment about which is best for their pupils...
Synthetic phonics are probably the best system for about 60% of children. The troubles is that for the remaining 40% synthetic phonics are anywhere from useless to actively harmful to children's ability to learn to read. Teachers already knew this. The mistake is that Gove insisted schools be tested on children's ability at synthetic phonics.
Which is insane and, as a central diktat, goes directly against what his reforms were supposedly about (descentralising education)
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
I don't understand that. Unless they were new proposed amendments first introduced in the HoL? Which is a disgrace for a bill that started in the Commons. A Home Secretary cannot simply change the bill of her own accord. She needs the approval of Parliament to do so.
They were indeed first introduced in the HoL.
Ms Patel's concept of democracy appears different to ours!
Starmer should concentrate on this and inflation at #PMQs, just one or two on Partygate.
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
Yes, as pointed out in the header.
Patel doesn't just disrespect the right to protest, but democracy itself.
And that latter point just highlights just how shameful this bill is. It undermines everything that our society is built upon whilst claiming to do the opposite.
Have heard a few voices say that opposition to the bill means support for XR protestors glued to the floor - far from it! Existing laws cover what we should do to them. No need to have the police free to ban protest
NY AG James @NewYorkStateAG We are taking legal action to force Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump to comply with our investigation into the Trump Organization’s financial dealings.
No one in this country can pick and choose if and how the law applies to them.
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
I don't understand that. Unless they were new proposed amendments first introduced in the HoL? Which is a disgrace for a bill that started in the Commons. A Home Secretary cannot simply change the bill of her own accord. She needs the approval of Parliament to do so.
They were indeed first introduced in the HoL.
Ms Patel's concept of democracy appears different to ours!
Starmer should concentrate on this and inflation at #PMQs, just one or two on Partygate.
Not sure about that - keep hammering on about rulebreaking, that's what has got him in the lead. Supporting the rights of protesters doesn't win you votes. Also - Starmer should be talking about energy/food bills, not inflation.
NY AG James @NewYorkStateAG We are taking legal action to force Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump to comply with our investigation into the Trump Organization’s financial dealings.
No one in this country can pick and choose if and how the law applies to them.
All ready for a monster inflation number ? The cat food yesterday was up to £27.98, was around £24 at the start of lockdown. At least fuel was off its high - but over a tonne for 45 litres of fuel and 88 doubly delicious, the times we live in.... At least this one gives me some more cash through solar...
I just ordered a new 𝒟𝒰𝑅𝒜 𝒜𝒞𝐸 groupset for the upcoming season's race bike and it was over 4 grand! Rotors and pedals not included.
The last time I bought one in late 2019 (I had too many broken bones to race in 2021) it was £2,900! Almost all Shimano stuff comes in via the Netherlands so it's a Big Beautiful Brexity Bonus.
Bah, every time you satisfy yourself that the Lords are an undemocratic, disreputable bunch of has beens, never was's, churchmen for goodness sake and corrupt donors who have wrongly bought their way into our legislature with legalised bribes something like this happens.
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Indeed, however, to be fair to the MP's some of the worst features of the Bill were added AFTER it had been in the Commons.
I don't understand that. Unless they were new proposed amendments first introduced in the HoL? Which is a disgrace for a bill that started in the Commons. A Home Secretary cannot simply change the bill of her own accord. She needs the approval of Parliament to do so.
They were indeed first introduced in the HoL.
Ms Patel's concept of democracy appears different to ours!
Starmer should concentrate on this and inflation at #PMQs, just one or two on Partygate.
Not sure about that - keep hammering on about rulebreaking, that's what has got him in the lead. Supporting the rights of protesters doesn't win you votes. Also - Starmer should be talking about energy/food bills, not inflation.
Energy and Food bills alongside Partygate are the topics to discuss - the former attacks the next PM, the latter this one.
The home secretary's amendments are best handled when they try and get inserted in Parliament.
Sunak will be praying Russia doesn't invade Ukraine before Gray releases her report. Otherwise we may be stuck with the liar-in-chief for months to come, if not longer.
Do you think Johnson would actually run a war well? It's pretty essential to have a good PM during a war, and indeed we replaced one at the start of WWII. A war in Ukraine might actually accelerate his departure.
As a long time admirer of Churchill, Johnson would no doubt find it galling to be cast in the role of Chamberlain, but that could well happen.
‘If 54 MPs submit letters, it would trigger a leadership contest.’
I'm still not convinced. Didn't we have this malarkey with Theresa May when everyone speculated that the threshold for the VONC had been reached when in fact it was nowhere near?
A question for you political anorakniks: is the VONC vote definitely completely confidential? Or might the whips make it less than confidential and therefore help secure BoJo another 12 months of lame duck premiership? Cabinet ministers must be bricking it, knowing that the ship is sinking and, with it, their whole political careers.
A question: is Anne Morris still counted as a Conservative MP and able to vote?
The UCL researchers are among 250 signatories to a letter which has been sent to education secretary Nadhim Zahawi, calling on the government to allow for a wider range of approaches to teaching reading, which would allow teachers to use their own judgment about which is best for their pupils...
Synthetic phonics are probably the best system for about 60% of children. The troubles is that for the remaining 40% synthetic phonics are anywhere from useless to actively harmful to children's ability to learn to read. Teachers already knew this. The mistake is that Gove insisted schools be tested on children's ability at synthetic phonics.
Which is insane and, as a central diktat, goes directly against what his reforms were supposedly about (descentralising education)
It was a bl**dy stupid idea. I had to reteach my kids to read and to this day, one of them still feels the after-effects of phonics. Considering she is doing a PhD in chemistry, intelligence and ability to learn are not in question, but she never reads for pleasure.
TBF to Gove, when my daughter was learning to read it was under a Labour govt in the early 2000s but her school had latched on to phonics. I knew something was up when she recited the alphabet as "Ahh, Baa, Cuh, Duh, Eay,...."
‘If 54 MPs submit letters, it would trigger a leadership contest.’
I'm still not convinced. Didn't we have this malarkey with Theresa May when everyone speculated that the threshold for the VONC had been reached when in fact it was nowhere near?
A question for you political anorakniks: is the VONC vote definitely completely confidential? Or might the whips make it less than confidential and therefore help secure BoJo another 12 months of lame duck premiership? Cabinet ministers must be bricking it, knowing that the ship is sinking and, with it, their whole political careers.
A question: is Anne Morris still counted as a Conservative MP and able to vote?
No, which is why its currently 54 letters required and no longer 55 letters.
Sunak will be praying Russia doesn't invade Ukraine before Gray releases her report. Otherwise we may be stuck with the liar-in-chief for months to come, if not longer.
Do you think Johnson would actually run a war well? It's pretty essential to have a good PM during a war, and indeed we replaced one at the start of WWII. A war in Ukraine might actually accelerate his departure.
As a long time admirer of Churchill, Johnson would no doubt find it galling to be cast in the role of Chamberlain, but that could well happen.
It won't really matter how good he would or would not be (spoiler: he'd be shit) because if NATO gets in a shooting war with Russia over Ukraine it'll go nuclear within a week.
It will be interesting to see if the PB Tories "big up" Boris afterwards! "I thought he did rather well. Starmer was rubbish..."
Graham Brady has a rather tricky seat (6k majority) to defend on the edge of Greater Manchester (or Cheshire if you are posh).... I siuspect he may be the 54th....
Can anyone answer my question as to whether a VONC conducted by the 1922 is DEFINITELY confidential?
If it isn't, he may yet survive. As we've just witnessed from the pathetic armed forces minister, cabinet troughers aren't going to be dragged away without a fight.
NY AG James @NewYorkStateAG We are taking legal action to force Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump to comply with our investigation into the Trump Organization’s financial dealings.
No one in this country can pick and choose if and how the law applies to them.
People seem to be assuming that once Johnson is booted out, he will be gone. What if he follows his role models Berlusconi and Trump and tries to come back? Probably unlikely given: a) both Berlusconi and Trump have a much bigger personal power base. b) Johnson doesn't have quite the same need for legal cover for his crimes.
But who knows? He's about the right age to follow Churchill into some wilderness years about now, I'm sure he would be dreaming of a comeback.
What if he's replaced by someone who abandons the "green crap" for a short term boost, Starmer's Labour goes along with this because they are useless. Johnson becomes a prophet of doom on the Right, warning about impending environmental catastrophe. In about 10 years time he's proven right, and a desperate electorate turn to him as the saviour, as head of a Green Nationalist movement.
Can anyone answer my question as to whether a VONC conducted by the 1922 is DEFINITELY confidential?
If it isn't, he may yet survive. As we've just witnessed from the pathetic armed forces minister, cabinet troughers aren't going to be dragged away without a fight.
The critical thing about the thumbs up 👍 thumbs down 👎 leadership vote is it’s a secret ballot. Anyone - cab ministers, supposed allies - can vote against PM anonymously.
That’s why it is so dangerous if the 54 letters are hit. No one can predict what happens next.
Comments
https://twitter.com/defenceu/status/1483511225455681538?s=21
It really ***** me off that Boris Johnson is protected from his outrageous behaviour by his connections, his super injunctions, and his...well, whatever influence he has over Cressida Dick.
He was also a supporter of the death penalty despite the fact his own inept defense of Kishko would have likely led to a capital sentence had it been legal at the time.
One of the reasons I find Johnson's political causality so offensive is that I could imagine, without the constraints of Brussels, he is free to throw any old red meat at voters to absorb their vote. Now he is no more an advocate of capital punishment than I am, but then he was no more a Leaver than I was...
Graham Majin
18 Jan 2022 15 min read"
https://quillette.com/2022/01/18/bitter-fruit-is-marshall-mcluhan-responsible-for-the-rise-of-fake-news/
A couple of signs of pushback from some Johnson loyalists in this article. This talk of the "pork pie plot" again seems to hint at a class issue between part of the red wall group and some of the Johnson loyalists.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10415969/Dozens-new-intake-Red-Wall-Tory-MPs-launch-pork-pie-plot-bring-Boris-Johnson.html
Sunak will be praying Russia doesn't invade Ukraine before Gray releases her report. Otherwise we may be stuck with the liar-in-chief for months to come, if not longer.
A major newspaper has published a stunning apology to readers, saying it had “failed” in its coverage of Covid-19.
A Danish newspaper has apologised to its readers for not being critical enough in its reporting of government coronavirus case numbers. In an article in the Ekstra Bladet tabloid last week headlined “We Failed”, journalist Brian Weichardt issued a mea culpa to the public on behalf of the media for not doing more to interrogate Covid-19 statistics. Weichardt wrote that for nearly two years, both the press and the public had been “almost hypnotically preoccupied” with authorities’ daily coronavirus updates, obsessing over infections, hospitalisations and deaths, as the significance of the “smallest movements” was “laid out by experts, politicians and authorities, who have constantly warned us about the dormant corona monster under our beds”. “The constant mental alertness has worn out tremendously on all of us,” he wrote. “That is why we – the press – must also take stock of our own efforts. And we have failed.”"
https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/media/we-failed-danish-newspaper-apologises-for-not-questioning-government-covid19-numbers/news-story/5f360ab5764cf9bcfb0d8edae7160658
Which may be fine when the protestors are protesting about causes you agree with. Less fine when they'll be, say, the Alpha Men Assemble twunts.
Hopefully a bit of ping-pong between the Commons and Lords will come to a sensible compromise, between freedom of speech, and blocking ambulances from motorways while police share their tea and biscuits with those responsible.
The cat food yesterday was up to £27.98, was around £24 at the start of lockdown.
At least fuel was off its high - but over a tonne for 45 litres of fuel and 88 doubly delicious, the times we live in....
At least this one gives me some more cash through solar...
(Told to me by an air ambulanceman when a group I was involved with was fundraising for them.)
Fractionally warmer here this morning but I suspect there are some chill winds in the Downing St/Chequers areas.
They should have another go at the East to West record in an F-35.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6989763/Daily-Mail-Great-Transatlantic-Air-Race-images-commemorate-50th-anniversary-event.html
Yes, of course they should do it again, and of course the RAF should have a go in an F35. What are records for, if not to be broken?
I thought of you, then thought the stunt was a bit too tame for you.
As @Cyclefree says, perhaps the government will still be claiming victory in relation to all the other stuff it snuck through as 'amendments' to the bill to avoid proper scrutiny.
On the other hand, taking photos or filming breastfeeding without permission will be criminalised. Hard to argue with that one.
‘If 54 MPs submit letters, it would trigger a leadership contest.’
Downing Street party: Johnson to face MPs as Tories discuss his future
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60047606
I don’t think I need to explain to PB why that’s not the case.
My Year 10 Citizenship students could get that right - how come a presumably paid journalist at the country’s premier news organisation can’t?
If Sunak gets it, if there is a contest, then we might* have the site's second 250/1 winning tip.
Edited extra but: *shade sleepy, if that happens then we will have it. No might about it.
Edited extra bit2: weird, the italic took shoved in a line break with no related formatting.
Edited extra bit3: weirder still, adding the previous extra bit removed the line break!
But possibly not at 9pm.
Here’s a thought - he may not turn up for PMQs as he tries to rally support in individual meetings and so has no time to prepare. It would be stupid, but most times when given a choice he’s made the wrong choice.
Strip away Johnson’s famous boosterism, and you are left with a series of hit jobs on things. All very well for a newspaper columnist – indeed, it is the stock in trade – but he is the prime minister. Even allowing for the pandemic, it is becoming unavoidably clear: Johnson has been unable to make the leap from critic to artist.
Destroying the BBC, forcibly repelling migrants, voter suppression when we don’t have a problem with voter fraud, a war on judges, unpicking his own Brexit deal … Johnson is really a wrecker disguised as a builder. I know he occasionally floats the idea of a sea-bridge or an estuary airport, but we all know those never happen. He knows how to break things, but not how to make things. The policies that will actually be his legacy are sunderings and squanderings and underminings, in whose ruins he has failed to make something new and positive. In recent weeks, we’ve seen even plenty of diehard Brexiteers turning on Johnson, and lamenting that the guy who promised them sunlit uplands has failed to capitalise or deliver on any of it.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/jan/18/great-wrecker-boris-johnson-hole-sunlit-uplands-failed
Underlines the fact, of course, that most things in life are various shades of grey. Some are lighter, of course, than others.
https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/averageweeklyearningsingreatbritain/january2022
The question is, is this the start of sustained inflation, or a blip? If the latter, it can be contained although it will be painful for all of us in the short term. If the former...
The real shame, of course, is on our snivelling or uninterested MPs who let it happen in the first place because they did not do their jobs whilst no doubt pontificating on their virtues or civil servants having a drink after work. And a Home Secretary who is simply not fit for purpose with no concept of the careful balance between the rights of protest in a democratic state and public order, even if it causes irritation and delay for the rest of us from time to time.
JRM and Nadine are the 2 most obvious departures along with Boris but surely, surely Patel is a third.
Patel doesn't just disrespect the right to protest, but democracy itself.
Sunak needs to get out of No.11 as fast as his legs can carry him.
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2022/jan/19/focus-on-phonics-to-teach-reading-is-failing-children-says-landmark-study
...analysis of multiple systematic reviews, experimental trials and data from international assessment tests such as Pisa suggests that teaching reading in England may have been less successful since the adoption of the synthetic phonics approach rather than more.
The UCL researchers are among 250 signatories to a letter which has been sent to education secretary Nadhim Zahawi, calling on the government to allow for a wider range of approaches to teaching reading, which would allow teachers to use their own judgment about which is best for their pupils...
Protest: lots of people and noise, probably a lot of litter
Riot: Things being broken, wrecked or burnt, people with injuries
This won't be fixed in two years.
Ms Patel's concept of democracy appears different to ours!
But it's not going to be pretty.
Hence the outrage and subsequent rejection.
IMO, Patel as PM could be far worse than Trump
John Bull
@garius
Imagine looking around for your strongest remaining allies and finding only Nadine Dorries and Oliver Dowden.
Which is insane and, as a central diktat, goes directly against what his reforms were supposedly about (descentralising education)
Have heard a few voices say that opposition to the bill means support for XR protestors glued to the floor - far from it! Existing laws cover what we should do to them. No need to have the police free to ban protest
NY AG James
@NewYorkStateAG
We are taking legal action to force Donald Trump, Donald Trump, Jr., and Ivanka Trump to comply with our investigation into the Trump Organization’s financial dealings.
No one in this country can pick and choose if and how the law applies to them.
https://twitter.com/NewYorkStateAG/status/1483652354398429184
Supporting the rights of protesters doesn't win you votes. Also - Starmer should be talking about energy/food bills, not inflation.
gets to the heart of the dilemma facing Tory MPs: if the PM lacks honesty and integrity, Britain's democratic safeguards that they claim to cherish and are supposed to protect are imperilled. A Trumpian moment for the party.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/2d5b92ea-787a-11ec-a9ac-7b4ca33c4cb4?shareToken=dfbff81f5058d533db4c54dc69da36a6
The last time I bought one in late 2019 (I had too many broken bones to race in 2021) it was £2,900! Almost all Shimano stuff comes in via the Netherlands so it's a Big Beautiful Brexity Bonus.
The home secretary's amendments are best handled when they try and get inserted in Parliament.
At some point surely it stops being the fault of Gordon Brown.
As a long time admirer of Churchill, Johnson would no doubt find it galling to be cast in the role of Chamberlain, but that could well happen.
Rebels excitable, but possible they are talking up prospects / relying on colleagues who are bluffing.
Either way today’s PMQs is one to watch.
https://twitter.com/PaulBrandITV/status/1483706768001839105
A question for you political anorakniks: is the VONC vote definitely completely confidential? Or might the whips make it less than confidential and therefore help secure BoJo another 12 months of lame duck premiership? Cabinet ministers must be bricking it, knowing that the ship is sinking and, with it, their whole political careers.
A question: is Anne Morris still counted as a Conservative MP and able to vote?
TBF to Gove, when my daughter was learning to read it was under a Labour govt in the early 2000s but her school had latched on to phonics. I knew something was up when she recited the alphabet as "Ahh, Baa, Cuh, Duh, Eay,...."
Tristan Kirk
@kirkkorner
A woman prosecuted for breaking lockdown rules told a court she had inadvertently attended an illegal gathering.
"It was not intentional...I didn't realise there would be others present".
She was convicted and fined £250
https://twitter.com/DmitryOpines/status/1483707784533262338
Wonder where they got the idea from?
Ha ha, ha ha, ha, ha, ha ha...
Who are we discussing here
If it isn't, he may yet survive. As we've just witnessed from the pathetic armed forces minister, cabinet troughers aren't going to be dragged away without a fight.
a) both Berlusconi and Trump have a much bigger personal power base.
b) Johnson doesn't have quite the same need for legal cover for his crimes.
But who knows? He's about the right age to follow Churchill into some wilderness years about now, I'm sure he would be dreaming of a comeback.
What if he's replaced by someone who abandons the "green crap" for a short term boost, Starmer's Labour goes along with this because they are useless. Johnson becomes a prophet of doom on the Right, warning about impending environmental catastrophe. In about 10 years time he's proven right, and a desperate electorate turn to him as the saviour, as head of a Green Nationalist movement.
That’s why it is so dangerous if the 54 letters are hit. No one can predict what happens next.
https://twitter.com/benrileysmith/status/1483558032281853958