How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Jonny Diamond on WATO having a good old go at Starmer. Jonny is bigging up Corbyn. He's also trying to get Sharon Graham to back Corbyn, and she's just cut Corbyn adrift. Jonny seemed disappointed.
BBC News seems to be generating rather than reporting news.
Well since we are all assuming its a nailed on result, testing the fissures in Labour is about the only fun to be had.
I suspect you have a point, and even some who are more sympathetic to Starmer than Sunak are nonetheless desperate to level the playing field in the interests of making them and their jobs more relevant.
I still remember 1992, and I still believe Sunak might win a majority.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Also, how about reducing the insane levels of immigration? Young people are noticing
I'd quite like to avoid the point where these views become widespread
Jonny Diamond on WATO having a good old go at Starmer. Jonny is bigging up Corbyn. He's also trying to get Sharon Graham to back Corbyn, and she's just cut Corbyn adrift. Jonny seemed disappointed.
BBC News seems to be generating rather than reporting news.
Well since we are all assuming its a nailed on result, testing the fissures in Labour is about the only fun to be had.
I suspect you have a point, and even some who sre more sympathetic to Starmer than Sunak are nonetheless desperate to level the playing field in the interests of making them and their jobs more relevant.
I still remember 1992, and I still believe Sunak might win a majority.
Cant see it myself, hes all about containing the damage.
Regarding yesterdays IDF library burning photo. Seems there will be an investigation.
Translation from Israeli newspaper:
"A photo of an IDF soldier inside Al-Aqsa University in Gaza City, with books burning behind him, was published in recent hours on networks around the world and caused a stir. Originally, we note, the photo was published without blurring the soldier's face - and it seems that it was originally distributed by the soldiers. A similar case, of burning a Koran book, also happened yesterday in Rafah.
The IDF stated that "this is a serious incident that is not consistent with the values of the IDF and its orders. For the incident, an investigation was opened by the investigating military police, at the end of which the findings will be forwarded to the military attorney's office for examination"
Regarding yesterdays IDF library burning photo. Seems there will be an investigation.
Translation from Israeli newspaper:
"A photo of an IDF soldier inside Al-Aqsa University in Gaza City, with books burning behind him, was published in recent hours on networks around the world and caused a stir. Originally, we note, the photo was published without blurring the soldier's face - and it seems that it was originally distributed by the soldiers. A similar case, of burning a Koran book, also happened yesterday in Rafah.
The IDF stated that "this is a serious incident that is not consistent with the values of the IDF and its orders. For the incident, an investigation was opened by the investigating military police, at the end of which the findings will be forwarded to the military attorney's office for examination"
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
@christopherhope ** Exclusive ** Boris Johnson ally David Frost has been banned from standing as Tory candidate in the general election, I understand. Lord Frost was told yesterday that he cannot apply for any of the 93 vacant seats where the party is yet to nominate a candidate for the July 4 general election, according to his friends. Frost is a low tax Tory who was one of the architects of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit deal. He was described as "the great Frost" by Johnson for his work on the deal.
This has had me scratching my head for ages. If he wanted to be an MP, why did he take a life peerage. He really is thick as mince.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Anyone can read about ancient Rome too. Just because you can read about it, doesn't stop it feeling distant in time.
While we know a GE precipitates a lot of MPs standing down voluntarily, I'd be interested in seeing some numbers on the rate of this prior to a change in government. IIRC 2010 saw a lot, as did 97. There does seem to be more than usual this time.
Of course, correlation/causation applies but still.
Looks like Craig Mackinley is to stand down. It was probably inevitable when you return to work after a life threatening illness and the first thing your boss does is tell you you’re going to have to reapply for your job.
I think a kindness. Mackinnley would certainly lose his seat, although they can't admit it. This way it removes any obligation on him for a gruelling campaign for no purpose, when he should be rehabilitating.
Another Tory flees the battlefield. Greg Clark standing down. Just how many disgusteds are there in his seat?
Will Boris be tempted?
Its probably about the only chance they've got.
Yes, Boris should Bruce Ismay himself onto a seat. Last second. Then the remaining weeks of the campaign can be all about HIM which is only fitting for the world king and people's PM.
Missed you earlier this morning as Mrs B dragged me out shopping.
Though we often disagree can I wish you the best of luck in the coming campaign and hope you get elected.
Oh no, how awful this whole process must be for Mrs Vennells…
F**k off you bitch, you’re looking at serious prison time.
Hold on, as we learnt from Rogerdamus the other day, she is the real victim here.
Show some sympathy.
Funnily enough I've just received a reply from Ch4 News. As you'll remember my complaint was that Alex Thompson had gone too far by lifting her umbrella as she was leaving the tribuneral and despite her being clearly upset showed no compassion whatsoever. So for your interest.........
"Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries regarding Channel 4 News.
In response to your comments regarding the interview by Alex Thompson, Channel 4 news have responded with the following: We have requested interviews with all the key Post Office Executives to ask questions about their knowledge of the scandal that unfolded. All the executives have been elusive or refused to be held to account publicly. Channel 4 News has been at the forefront of revealing the high level knowledge of miscarriages of justice. It is a matter of the highest public interest to hear from Post Office executives as to why sub postmasters were still being sent to prison when there was senior management knowledge that the Horizon system had computer bugs and there may have been miscarriages of justice. This remains a matter of the highest public interest.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate all feedback from our viewers; complimentary or otherwise. "
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Anyone can read about ancient Rome too. Just because you can read about it, doesn't stop it feeling distant in time.
Fun fact: George III was born closer to the time that the Roman Empire existed, than to today.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Anyone can read about anything. Do the Punic Wars loom large in the public consciousness?
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
No, these things do fade. Young Germans - under 30 - have zero guilt about the war. I’ve noticed it (and I don’t blame them)
It’s a human universal. At some point even the greatest atrocity becomes a quaint or eye raising passage in history books. Some fade away very quickly - the Armenian genocide. Some last much longer like WW2, Nazism and the Holocaust - but they too are now losing emotional force, even in Germany itself
I read a tweet the other day about young people knowing F all about Anne Frank, for instance
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Will the government help deliver Casement Park? Here’s some of what I put to the PM @RishiSunak who insisted there will be “significant contribution” from the government… but no clarity on how much or crucially, when
Another Tory flees the battlefield. Greg Clark standing down. Just how many disgusteds are there in his seat?
Will Boris be tempted?
Its probably about the only chance they've got.
Yes, Boris should Bruce Ismay himself onto a seat. Last second. Then the remaining weeks of the campaign can be all about HIM which is only fitting for the world king and people's PM.
Missed you earlier this morning as Mrs B dragged me out shopping.
Though we often disagree can I wish you the best of luck in the coming campaign and hope you get elected.
Very kind of you.
Had no idea you believed in miracles!
Well if nothing else RP it keeps us in touch with politics. People like myself can play armchair generals but you have at least got off your butt and gone full in. That merits a degree of respect.
Regarding yesterdays IDF library burning photo. Seems there will be an investigation.
Translation from Israeli newspaper:
"A photo of an IDF soldier inside Al-Aqsa University in Gaza City, with books burning behind him, was published in recent hours on networks around the world and caused a stir. Originally, we note, the photo was published without blurring the soldier's face - and it seems that it was originally distributed by the soldiers. A similar case, of burning a Koran book, also happened yesterday in Rafah.
The IDF stated that "this is a serious incident that is not consistent with the values of the IDF and its orders. For the incident, an investigation was opened by the investigating military police, at the end of which the findings will be forwarded to the military attorney's office for examination"
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
No, these things do fade. Young Germans - under 30 - have zero guilt about the war. I’ve noticed it (and I don’t blame them)
It’s a human universal. At some point even the greatest atrocity becomes a quaint or eye raising passage in history books. Some fade away very quickly - the Armenian genocide. Some last much longer like WW2, Nazism and the Holocaust - but they too are now losing emotional force, even in Germany itself
I read a tweet the other day about young people knowing F all about Anne Frank, for instance
Yes theyve given up on war guilt. Ive had them crack Auschwitz jokes and not worry in the slightest.
While we know a GE precipitates a lot of MPs standing down voluntarily, I'd be interested in seeing some numbers on the rate of this prior to a change in government. IIRC 2010 saw a lot, as did 97. There does seem to be more than usual this time.
Of course, correlation/causation applies but still.
For how long will we be getting these announcements?
Candidate papers need to be in by Friday 7th June, so not sure how long Labour / Conservatives have given their MPs to announce (Labour do also have this to some extent, I note Holly Lynch standing down in Halifax, I'm sure a trickle of announcements in other places).
For the Green party, I note the deadline for standing aside is 5th July, at least for Sian Berry.
Just going back to the title of the thread, YouGov constituency polling in April said the following: Exmouth Cons 34, L:abour 31, Lib Dems 6 Reform 19 Honiton: Cons 36, Labour 24, Lib Dem 16 Reform 16
Betting on Lib Dems seems a waste of time?
Was this an MRP study? Not sure it can properly account for local factors wrt LD support.
"Vladimir Putin ready to 'freeze' war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say
Putin reportedly views recent gains in the war as enough to sell a victory to the Russian people, saving him from making unpopular decisions like spending more money and mobilising more people."
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
No, these things do fade. Young Germans - under 30 - have zero guilt about the war. I’ve noticed it (and I don’t blame them)
It’s a human universal. At some point even the greatest atrocity becomes a quaint or eye raising passage in history books. Some fade away very quickly - the Armenian genocide. Some last much longer like WW2, Nazism and the Holocaust - but they too are now losing emotional force, even in Germany itself
I read a tweet the other day about young people knowing F all about Anne Frank, for instance
Yet the German government seems obsessed about causing no offence to Israel, more so than any other European government afaIcs. I can’t think that isn’t connected to Holocaust guilt.
@christopherhope ** Exclusive ** Boris Johnson ally David Frost has been banned from standing as Tory candidate in the general election, I understand. Lord Frost was told yesterday that he cannot apply for any of the 93 vacant seats where the party is yet to nominate a candidate for the July 4 general election, according to his friends. Frost is a low tax Tory who was one of the architects of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Brexit deal. He was described as "the great Frost" by Johnson for his work on the deal.
This has had me scratching my head for ages. If he wanted to be an MP, why did he take a life peerage. He really is thick as mince.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
No, these things do fade. Young Germans - under 30 - have zero guilt about the war. I’ve noticed it (and I don’t blame them)
It’s a human universal. At some point even the greatest atrocity becomes a quaint or eye raising passage in history books. Some fade away very quickly - the Armenian genocide. Some last much longer like WW2, Nazism and the Holocaust - but they too are now losing emotional force, even in Germany itself
I read a tweet the other day about young people knowing F all about Anne Frank, for instance
I’m probably part of the last age cohort who grew up thinking of WWII as part of a common experience, rather than as history.
To be really disturbed by the Nazis, I think you have to think yourself into the mindset of a Nazi. I could see myself as Major Trapp, hating the vile task of carrying out mass killings, but thinking it my patriotic duty.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
No, these things do fade. Young Germans - under 30 - have zero guilt about the war. I’ve noticed it (and I don’t blame them)
It’s a human universal. At some point even the greatest atrocity becomes a quaint or eye raising passage in history books. Some fade away very quickly - the Armenian genocide. Some last much longer like WW2, Nazism and the Holocaust - but they too are now losing emotional force, even in Germany itself
I read a tweet the other day about young people knowing F all about Anne Frank, for instance
Yet the German government seems obsessed about causing no offence to Israel, more so than any other European government afaIcs. I can’t think that isn’t connected to Holocaust guilt.
"Vladimir Putin ready to 'freeze' war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say
Putin reportedly views recent gains in the war as enough to sell a victory to the Russian people, saving him from making unpopular decisions like spending more money and mobilising more people."
Until he's ready to unfreeze it. why should we trust him?
The thing is, they've made very minor 'gains' over the recent months at terrible cost. It would have been easier for him to 'propose' this at the beginning of the year.
"Vladimir Putin ready to 'freeze' war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say
Putin reportedly views recent gains in the war as enough to sell a victory to the Russian people, saving him from making unpopular decisions like spending more money and mobilising more people."
- Figen Murray, the mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett, walked 200 miles to London to meet Rishi Sunak in Downing St
- the prime minister promised her he would introduce Martyn’s Law to Parliament before summer recess
(but could not guarantee the legislation would be passed before the next election)
- he already knew he was about to a general election, meaning this was impossible
- she now says: “We shook hands and he looked me straight me in the eyes...he could have maybe handled it slightly differently. I feel a bit misled rather than lied to”
This story is in the Telegraph, which prompts this question
I had wondered how ultrapartisan Tory press would play campaign that their side likely to lose. Wild Starmer-bashing anyway taken as read, but I maybe underpriced gleeful amplification of hapless Sunak, he's-a-loser narrative, make him fall guy for the whole legacy.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Anyone can read about ancient Rome too. Just because you can read about it, doesn't stop it feeling distant in time.
Fun fact: George III was born closer to the time that the Roman Empire existed, than to today.
You need to define your terms.
The Classical Empire fell in the West in AD 476 when Romulus Agustulus was overthrown by Odacer. The Byzantine Empire, which spoke Greek, not Latin and was a radical change from Classical Rome, even though it claimed continuity, fell with the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Meanwhile the Holy Roman Empire, which claimed descent from the Western Empire, despite being founded in AD 800 by Frankish barbarians, did not formally dissolve until 1806. So George III, who lived from 1738 until 1820, that is 204 years from our own time, either lived 1262 years from the fall of the Western Empire, or he lived 286 years after the fall of Constantinople (so still lived closer to our own time), or he was actually contemporary with the Holy Roman Empire.
Oh no, how awful this whole process must be for Mrs Vennells…
F**k off you bitch, you’re looking at serious prison time.
Hold on, as we learnt from Rogerdamus the other day, she is the real victim here.
Show some sympathy.
Funnily enough I've just received a reply from Ch4 News. As you'll remember my complaint was that Alex Thompson had gone too far by lifting her umbrella as she was leaving the tribuneral and despite her being clearly upset showed no compassion whatsoever. So for your interest.........
"Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries regarding Channel 4 News.
In response to your comments regarding the interview by Alex Thompson, Channel 4 news have responded with the following: We have requested interviews with all the key Post Office Executives to ask questions about their knowledge of the scandal that unfolded. All the executives have been elusive or refused to be held to account publicly. Channel 4 News has been at the forefront of revealing the high level knowledge of miscarriages of justice. It is a matter of the highest public interest to hear from Post Office executives as to why sub postmasters were still being sent to prison when there was senior management knowledge that the Horizon system had computer bugs and there may have been miscarriages of justice. This remains a matter of the highest public interest.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate all feedback from our viewers; complimentary or otherwise. "
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Anyone can read about ancient Rome too. Just because you can read about it, doesn't stop it feeling distant in time.
Fun fact: George III was born closer to the time that the Roman Empire existed, than to today.
You need to define your terms.
The Classical Empire fell in the West in AD 476 when Romulus Agustulus was overthrown by Odacer. The Byzantine Empire, which spoke Greek, not Latin and was a radical change from Classical Rome, even though it claimed continuity, fell with the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Meanwhile the Holy Roman Empire, which claimed descent from the Western Empire, despite being founded in AD 800 by Frankish barbarians, did not formally dissolve until 1806. So George III, who lived from 1738 until 1820, that is 204 years from our own time, either lived 1262 years from the fall of the Western Empire, or he lived 286 years after the fall of Constantinople (so still lived closer to our own time), or he was actually contemporary with the Holy Roman Empire.
I think my definition is implicitly clear to anyone, like you, who knows the history: I'm regarding the fall of Constantinople as the end point. I recognise other schools of thought exist and I don't mind if people disagree. The purpose was only to bring the idea of Rome a little closer to the present than it seems at first glance. The idea that the Roman Empire (in my terms) lasted longer than England has existed by hundreds of years is pretty cool.
"Vladimir Putin ready to 'freeze' war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say
Putin reportedly views recent gains in the war as enough to sell a victory to the Russian people, saving him from making unpopular decisions like spending more money and mobilising more people."
Until he's ready to unfreeze it. why should we trust him?
The thing is, they've made very minor 'gains' over the recent months at terrible cost. It would have been easier for him to 'propose' this at the beginning of the year.
More to the point, a 'freeze' with the Russian army in artillery range of Ukraine's second largest city is going to be less stable than the 'freeze' in the Donbas, where regular fighting continued for over half a decade before the current full scale invasion in 2022.
- Figen Murray, the mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett, walked 200 miles to London to meet Rishi Sunak in Downing St
- the prime minister promised her he would introduce Martyn’s Law to Parliament before summer recess
(but could not guarantee the legislation would be passed before the next election)
- he already knew he was about to a general election, meaning this was impossible
- she now says: “We shook hands and he looked me straight me in the eyes...he could have maybe handled it slightly differently. I feel a bit misled rather than lied to”
This story is in the Telegraph, which prompts this question
I had wondered how ultrapartisan Tory press would play campaign that their side likely to lose. Wild Starmer-bashing anyway taken as read, but I maybe underpriced gleeful amplification of hapless Sunak, he's-a-loser narrative, make him fall guy for the whole legacy.
Interesting. There is already some evidence from that Conhome article that this kind of thinking is already taking root.
The question is whether they frame Sunak as too right wing or too left wing. If the former, they have a chance in 2029.
"Vladimir Putin ready to 'freeze' war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say
Putin reportedly views recent gains in the war as enough to sell a victory to the Russian people, saving him from making unpopular decisions like spending more money and mobilising more people."
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Anyone can read about ancient Rome too. Just because you can read about it, doesn't stop it feeling distant in time.
Fun fact: George III was born closer to the time that the Roman Empire existed, than to today.
You need to define your terms.
The Classical Empire fell in the West in AD 476 when Romulus Agustulus was overthrown by Odacer. The Byzantine Empire, which spoke Greek, not Latin and was a radical change from Classical Rome, even though it claimed continuity, fell with the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Meanwhile the Holy Roman Empire, which claimed descent from the Western Empire, despite being founded in AD 800 by Frankish barbarians, did not formally dissolve until 1806. So George III, who lived from 1738 until 1820, that is 204 years from our own time, either lived 1262 years from the fall of the Western Empire, or he lived 286 years after the fall of Constantinople (so still lived closer to our own time), or he was actually contemporary with the Holy Roman Empire.
Oh, and one minor point, I did say "was born", not "lived". I was maximising the effect by choosing someone famous who was born just before the half way point.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Also, how about reducing the insane levels of immigration? Young people are noticing
I'd quite like to avoid the point where these views become widespread
It might help or it might not. Young people are generally more positive on immigration than older people, and more tolerant in areas of high immigration than in areas of low immigration. I'm not convinced that London is swarming with young white men who are violently opposed to multiculturalism - they all speak with a Jamaican accent for a start. But my kids aren't white so I'm not an expert on young white people and their cultural practices.
"Vladimir Putin ready to 'freeze' war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say
Putin reportedly views recent gains in the war as enough to sell a victory to the Russian people, saving him from making unpopular decisions like spending more money and mobilising more people."
The Russians are brutal realists and use words accordingly: not as a mean to communicate information, but as tools to achieve a goal. If Putin says he wants peace, that doesn't mean he wants peace, it means he wants you to behave as if he does.
A specific example of this were treaty negotiations about protecting food ships early in the 2022-present war. It was discussed and signed, the books were bound and a drinks reception was held. And the next day the Russians broke it and carried on as before.
He'll stop fighting when he's stopped. Until then it's at best a pause.
"Vladimir Putin ready to 'freeze' war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say
Putin reportedly views recent gains in the war as enough to sell a victory to the Russian people, saving him from making unpopular decisions like spending more money and mobilising more people."
"The Gherkin transformed London’s skyline – but now is set to disappear from view It started a building boom in the heart of the City – but is now increasingly being crowded out"
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
No, these things do fade. Young Germans - under 30 - have zero guilt about the war. I’ve noticed it (and I don’t blame them)
It’s a human universal. At some point even the greatest atrocity becomes a quaint or eye raising passage in history books. Some fade away very quickly - the Armenian genocide. Some last much longer like WW2, Nazism and the Holocaust - but they too are now losing emotional force, even in Germany itself
I read a tweet the other day about young people knowing F all about Anne Frank, for instance
Yet the German government seems obsessed about causing no offence to Israel, more so than any other European government afaIcs. I can’t think that isn’t connected to Holocaust guilt.
They finally managed to get over one taboo from the last war - that of being seen as enemies of Russia. Perhaps they'll eventually realise that criticism of Israel also doesn't have to remain a taboo subject.
"Vladimir Putin ready to 'freeze' war in Ukraine with ceasefire recognising recent Russian gains, sources say
Putin reportedly views recent gains in the war as enough to sell a victory to the Russian people, saving him from making unpopular decisions like spending more money and mobilising more people."
The Russians are brutal realists and use words accordingly: not as a mean to communicate information, but as tools to achieve a goal. If Putin says he wants peace, that doesn't mean he wants peace, it means he wants you to behave as if he does.
A specific example of this were treaty negotiations about protecting food ships early in the 2022-present war. It was discussed and signed, the books were bound and a drinks reception was held. And the next day the Russians broke it and carried on as before.
He'll stop fighting when he's stopped. Until then it's at best a pause.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Surely lesson number one is not to recreate the conditions of the Weimar republic.
Keir Starmer twists the knife on Rishi Sunak’s rain-sodden election speech.
“The image of a man who says ‘I’m the only one with a plan’ standing in the rain without an umbrella is, to put it politely, pretty farcical.”
I think he’s nailed it though, hasn’t he?
You had to feel sorry for him. Well, I did, anyway.
But where are his Spads? Surely one of them would have thought to provide an umbrella, and do something about that noxious narcissist playing music to drown out the PM.
Is there much worse for a PM than people starting to feel sorry for them?
Confession time, None. I've always quite liked him, and have occasionally stuck up for him here, although I can he doesn't seem to be very good at politics, which is a bit of a handicap if you are in his position.
He's the Tory's Ed Miliband. Decent, impossible to hate, very good in the right job, leaden footed, wooden in delivery, slightly anxious to please, unspontaneous, nowhere close to being PM material, when watching him perform always slightly anxious that your toes will curl - as all ten toes did in the rain on Wednesday.
I very genuinely liked the Rishi Sunak I chatted to on one of CalMac's few functional ferries in 2020. Have said so repeatedly. He seemed like a genuine guy planted in reality.
Whatever happened to him and why did they replace him with the current model?
I guess that when you become CofTE and PM you are surrounded by a huge team of SPADS, civil servants, representations from CCHQ all telling you “let us take care of x and y as you have lots of other things to do and you need to present a face to the public of being in charge”.
This then stops you actually being you as you have been assured by all and sundry that you need to behave a certain way but also your actual abilities are not being used because all the competing pillars are pushing or blocking because they want different results.
You have to be a certain character to rise above that and it probably requires a spell as opposition leader or a long period in politics to get there which Sunak didn’t have. He was likely ten years and two crises early to use any ability he has.
Far too many twenty and thirty somethings with no experience outside politics and media being listened to by PMs these days ahead of their cabinet colleagues, not to mention their predecessors who are viewed as dinosaurs rather than wise counsellors.
One of Sunak's main problems was timing. He could have been a better PM at the head of a Conservative Party that hadn't been purged by Boris.
I keep saying, Boris Johnson is the root of all this. The Conservative Party 2024 is the product of his energetic sociopathy. Nothing but vines and ivy grows there any more. He reduced the party to a sort of drunken pageantry, an elaborate chaos with a nasty streak.
Someone like Sunak could have taken over from a defeated Cameron in 2015 and in 2024 be nearing the end of his first term as PM, with a strong chance of re-election. Instead, he rides a party stampeding uncontrollably to a cliff edge.
Covid derailed everything political in 2020, it seems to be completely forgoten. Without Covid we could be in a completely different political position.
Boris started his shenanigans before the virus emerged from that wet market. We would have lurched from disaster to embarrassing disaster anyway. Covid changed the nature of them, that's all.
I wouldn't say covid was forgotten. Every Tory politician I've heard since the election was announced refers to it as an explanation or excuse.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Anyone can read about ancient Rome too. Just because you can read about it, doesn't stop it feeling distant in time.
Fun fact: George III was born closer to the time that the Roman Empire existed, than to today.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Also, how about reducing the insane levels of immigration? Young people are noticing
I'd quite like to avoid the point where these views become widespread
It might help or it might not. Young people are generally more positive on immigration than older people, and more tolerant in areas of high immigration than in areas of low immigration. I'm not convinced that London is swarming with young white men who are violently opposed to multiculturalism - they all speak with a Jamaican accent for a start. But my kids aren't white so I'm not an expert on young white people and their cultural practices.
Young people are overwhelmingly the ones who pay the price for mass immigration, in a literal sense, in the form of competition for housing and suppression of wages.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Surely lesson number one is not to recreate the conditions of the Weimar republic.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Anyone can read about ancient Rome too. Just because you can read about it, doesn't stop it feeling distant in time.
Fun fact: George III was born closer to the time that the Roman Empire existed, than to today.
Depends on your definition of Roman Empire.
Cicero, of all people, has already been over this point in excellent detail.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Surely lesson number one is not to recreate the conditions of the Weimar republic.
Sexual deviancy?
Hyperinflation?
Capital in a pretty little spa town?
A strict taboo against advocating proportional representation.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Surely lesson number one is not to recreate the conditions of the Weimar republic.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Surely lesson number one is not to recreate the conditions of the Weimar republic.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Meh... Chicken Licken stuff... Russian Astroturfing more like.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Anyone can read about ancient Rome too. Just because you can read about it, doesn't stop it feeling distant in time.
Fun fact: George III was born closer to the time that the Roman Empire existed, than to today.
Lives are long. He lived into the lifetime of Dickens, who in turn lived into the lifetime of Hardy, who was alive when HM Queen Elizabeth was born in 1926.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Also, how about reducing the insane levels of immigration? Young people are noticing
I'd quite like to avoid the point where these views become widespread
It might help or it might not. Young people are generally more positive on immigration than older people, and more tolerant in areas of high immigration than in areas of low immigration. I'm not convinced that London is swarming with young white men who are violently opposed to multiculturalism - they all speak with a Jamaican accent for a start. But my kids aren't white so I'm not an expert on young white people and their cultural practices.
Young people are overwhelmingly the ones who pay the price for mass immigration, in a literal sense, in the form of competition for housing and suppression of wages.
Perhaps young people are more immune to easy scapegoating exercises than you give them credit for?
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Anyone can read about ancient Rome too. Just because you can read about it, doesn't stop it feeling distant in time.
Fun fact: George III was born closer to the time that the Roman Empire existed, than to today.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Also, how about reducing the insane levels of immigration? Young people are noticing
I'd quite like to avoid the point where these views become widespread
It might help or it might not. Young people are generally more positive on immigration than older people, and more tolerant in areas of high immigration than in areas of low immigration. I'm not convinced that London is swarming with young white men who are violently opposed to multiculturalism - they all speak with a Jamaican accent for a start. But my kids aren't white so I'm not an expert on young white people and their cultural practices.
It's quite gratifying that my own (white) lad appears to be completely colour blind with regard to his friends. Those that I've met or seen seem to cover the entire spectrum of ethnicity. And my partner's daughter's two best friends from school days are black and of mixed Turkish/Scottish heritage. They both seem genuinely baffled by racism.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Also, how about reducing the insane levels of immigration? Young people are noticing
I'd quite like to avoid the point where these views become widespread
Another issue is that, separated from the history we all grew up with, and therefore viewed in isolation with the moral disgust for both, fascists have a lot more fun than communists.
We saw a tiny bit of this in Brexit. Remain foolishly let Leave be the “Brexiteers” and linked them to boozing and parties. (Not for a second saying brexiteers are fascists - I voted Leave and don’t regret it).
Another Tory flees the battlefield. Greg Clark standing down. Just how many disgusteds are there in his seat?
Thats about 75 of them now and oddly they wont let David Frost stand.
Sounds completely correct - he's an attention seeking primadonna troubkemaker with nothing special about him, and they'll get plenty of those standing without picking him as a certain one.
How widespread is this? Dunno. But it is certainly surprising to see apparently affluent white Germans openly doing Hitler moustache-and-salute moves while dancing
Young people are increasingly distant from WW2. Growing up, the war was an ever present reference point in my life, as it had shaped my grandparents' lives, and hung over my parents'. For my kids it's ancient history, like the Boer war was for me. As memories of the war fade I think a lot of the taboos around the far right are fading with them. Perhaps we have to relearn the lessons of where this kind of politics leads.
Anyone can read about WW2. This "distant in time" thing doesn't wash for me.
Anyone can read about ancient Rome too. Just because you can read about it, doesn't stop it feeling distant in time.
Fun fact: George III was born closer to the time that the Roman Empire existed, than to today.
You need to define your terms.
The Classical Empire fell in the West in AD 476 when Romulus Agustulus was overthrown by Odacer. The Byzantine Empire, which spoke Greek, not Latin and was a radical change from Classical Rome, even though it claimed continuity, fell with the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Meanwhile the Holy Roman Empire, which claimed descent from the Western Empire, despite being founded in AD 800 by Frankish barbarians, did not formally dissolve until 1806. So George III, who lived from 1738 until 1820, that is 204 years from our own time, either lived 1262 years from the fall of the Western Empire, or he lived 286 years after the fall of Constantinople (so still lived closer to our own time), or he was actually contemporary with the Holy Roman Empire.
Oh, and one minor point, I did say "was born", not "lived". I was maximising the effect by choosing someone famous who was born just before the half way point.
You did, I was just making the point that the Roman Empire with togas really was a long time ago. The Byzantine Empire was only Roman in name, and quite a lot of places called themselves heirs to the Romans, including the HRE and even definitively barbarian Muscovy.
Comments
The BBC have photographic evidence of this event.
gravy trainHoL, which he hasn't done...I still remember 1992, and I still believe Sunak might win a majority.
I'd quite like to avoid the point where these views become widespread
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjrr9wqjnveo
Of course, correlation/causation applies but still.
Thats two of your own tweets in a day. Keep them coming.
Had no idea you believed in miracles!
"Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries regarding Channel 4 News.
In response to your comments regarding the interview by Alex Thompson, Channel 4 news have responded with the following: We have requested interviews with all the key Post Office Executives to ask questions about their knowledge of the scandal that unfolded. All the executives have been elusive or refused to be held to account publicly. Channel 4 News has been at the forefront of revealing the high level knowledge of miscarriages of justice. It is a matter of the highest public interest to hear from Post Office executives as to why sub postmasters were still being sent to prison when there was senior management knowledge that the Horizon system had computer bugs and there may have been miscarriages of justice. This remains a matter of the highest public interest.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate all feedback from our viewers; complimentary or otherwise. "
The Tories currently look to be having around 80 odd stand down out of 346 - so around 23%. This is not unusual churn after so long in power.
It’s a human universal. At some point even the greatest atrocity becomes a quaint or eye raising passage in history books. Some fade away very quickly - the Armenian genocide. Some last much longer like WW2, Nazism and the Holocaust - but they too are now losing emotional force, even in
Germany itself
I read a tweet the other day about young people knowing F all about Anne Frank, for instance
@RishiSunak
who insisted there will be “significant contribution” from the government… but no clarity on how much or crucially, when
https://x.com/BBCJayneMcC/status/1793968165908799590
The MayBot returns?
Is this the most moral army in the world version of this meme?
@EmporersNewC
Apparently 'making our own laws' isn't as an appealing proposition to some sitting MPs as they thought it would be.
The reason for the decision was not made public."
https://news.sky.com/story/lucy-letby-denied-permission-to-appeal-against-convictions-for-murdering-seven-babies-13141830
announcements?
Candidate papers need to be in by Friday 7th
June, so not sure how long Labour / Conservatives have given their MPs to announce (Labour do also have this to some extent, I note Holly Lynch standing down in Halifax, I'm sure a trickle of announcements in other places).
For the Green party, I note the deadline for standing aside is 5th July, at least for Sian Berry.
Putin reportedly views recent gains in the war as enough to sell a victory to the Russian people, saving him from making unpopular decisions like spending more money and mobilising more people."
https://news.sky.com/story/vladimir-putin-ready-to-freeze-war-in-ukraine-with-ceasefire-recognising-recent-russian-gains-sources-say-13142402
To be really disturbed by the Nazis, I think you have to think yourself into the mindset of a Nazi. I could see myself as Major Trapp, hating the vile task of carrying out mass killings, but thinking it my patriotic duty.
The thing is, they've made very minor 'gains' over the recent months at terrible cost. It would have been easier for him to 'propose' this at the beginning of the year.
He must be worried about the US kit finally arriving.
to sum up:
- Figen Murray, the mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett, walked 200 miles to London to meet Rishi Sunak in Downing St
- the prime minister promised her he would introduce Martyn’s Law to Parliament before summer recess
(but could not guarantee the legislation would be passed before the next election)
- he already knew he was about to a general election, meaning this was impossible
- she now says: “We shook hands and he looked me straight me in the eyes...he could have maybe handled it slightly differently. I feel a bit misled rather than lied to”
This story is in the Telegraph, which prompts this question
@rafaelbehr
I had wondered how ultrapartisan Tory press would play campaign that their side likely to lose. Wild Starmer-bashing anyway taken as read, but I maybe underpriced gleeful amplification of hapless Sunak, he's-a-loser narrative, make him fall guy for the whole legacy.
The Classical Empire fell in the West in AD 476 when Romulus Agustulus was overthrown by Odacer. The Byzantine Empire, which spoke Greek, not Latin and was a radical change from Classical Rome, even though it claimed continuity, fell with the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Meanwhile the Holy Roman Empire, which claimed descent from the Western Empire, despite being founded in AD 800 by Frankish barbarians, did not formally dissolve until 1806. So George III, who lived from 1738 until 1820, that is 204 years from our own time, either lived 1262 years from the fall of the Western Empire, or he lived 286 years after the fall of Constantinople (so still lived closer to our own time), or he was actually contemporary with the Holy Roman Empire.
That’s my one image for the day.
The question is whether they frame Sunak as too right wing or too left wing. If the former, they have a chance in 2029.
@HackneyAbbott
Just heard @Keir_Starmer on @BBCr4today claiming that the decision about whether to let @HackneyAbbott back into @UKLabour has “nothing to with him” It has EVERYTHING to do with him"
https://x.com/HackneyAbbott/status/1793931847191457818
A specific example of this were treaty negotiations about protecting food ships early in the 2022-present war. It was discussed and signed, the books were bound and a drinks reception was held. And the next day the Russians broke it and carried on as before.
He'll stop fighting when he's stopped. Until then it's at best a pause.
[Edit. It's almost as if somebody wrote an article about why he won't stop: https://www1.politicalbetting.com/index.php/archives/2022/05/02/why-ukraine-was-particularly-vulnerable/ ]
"The Gherkin transformed London’s skyline – but now is set to disappear from view
It started a building boom in the heart of the City – but is now increasingly being crowded out"
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/05/24/gherkin-london-skyline-disappearing-view-architecture-city/
@skydavidblevins
In a bid to move on from the drenching in Downing Street, the PM's comms team brings him to the site where they built Titanic. Mmm...
@JamesMcCarthy97
On a visit to the Titanic Quarter today, I asked the Prime Minister if he is captaining a sinking ship going into this election
@BelfastLive
(I'm all for GB politicians heading over to NI but it's not exactly the most focussed campaign yet)
Hyperinflation?
Capital in a pretty little spa town?
Sounds apt for the SKS Party to pick such a person.
My view: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wveW9Tw2JKE
We all know the old clichés about trying to get to every voter possible on the campaign trail.
Rishi Sunak could comfortably meet every single Tory voter in Northern Ireland (there were 254 at the Assembly election) in one room in a morning
Can't fault that for efficiency.
We saw a tiny bit of this in Brexit. Remain foolishly let Leave be the “Brexiteers” and linked them to boozing and parties. (Not for a second saying brexiteers are fascists - I voted Leave and don’t regret it).
Sorry. I’m going to hell.