It predicts a near repeat of 2010 on seats and ends with the vainglorious forecast: Ed Miliband will never be Prime Minister.
We don't need to wait 25 hours for it, thankfully.
Coming from a poster who doesn't know his arse from his elbow I'm unsurprised that you are confusing the Scottish Referendum and the General Election projections.
Think poor Porky was hoping for better numbers from TNS no sign of an Eck speech bump - fire up the panelbase !
It would be my usual comment to say that Yes is toast
Whereas it will be my usual response to ask you just how big a triumph you predicted Clegg's Farage debate would be? Not a good day from Clegg's inept ostrich faction to pretend they aren't hopelessly out of touch with public opinion. But then again, when is it?
Sometimes it is right to put forward a minority view even though the majority of the public does not agree with it . Clegg did this in the Farage debates , the SNP and you are doing it re the Independence debate . Is Salmond facing a probe over his hotel troughing ?
It predicts a near repeat of 2010 on seats and ends with the vainglorious forecast: Ed Miliband will never be Prime Minister.
We don't need to wait 25 hours for it, thankfully.
Coming from a poster who doesn't know his arse from his elbow I'm unsurprised that you are confusing the Scottish Referendum and the General Election projections.
Today is the anniversary of the last land battle in Great Britain, when in 1746 the forces loyal to George II and the Protestant branch of the House of Stewart beat shit out of the misguided fools who supported the Italian upstart and his father James representing the Roman Catholic branch of the House of Stewart. Like most Scots, I had ancestors standing on both sides of the battlefield just to the east of Inverness at Culloden. Almost 120 years later the great grandsons of many of the protagonists on that battlefield faced up to each at such places as Shiloh and Gettysburg. Civil Wars are always nasty and ultimately pointless.
Those who would wish to replace the current representative of the Germano-Scottish royal house currently called Windsor with a Jacobite alternative seek only to replace Saxe-Coburg with Wittelsbach and a representative from the Bavarian branch of the family, Prince Franz, recognised as Francis II of Great Britain within Jacobite circles.
How many of them are potty enough to constantly announce them bumptiously with a countdown while trying to pretend they can be couched in the same terms as a actual BPC pollster like YouGov or Mori? Particularly when it's evidential basis and 'methodology' is indeed just some old geezers farts as he has to admit.
...there is nothing new about Panelbase recording a 47% Yes vote (once Don’t Knows are excluded). The figure is exactly the same as it was in the Wings over Scotland poll published on Sunday and the newsnetscotland.com poll conducted four weeks ago. It thus adds to the evidence from recent polls that in fact the progress that the Yes side made during the winter may, for the time being at least, have come to a halt.
It predicts a near repeat of 2010 on seats and ends with the vainglorious forecast: Ed Miliband will never be Prime Minister.
We don't need to wait 25 hours for it, thankfully.
Coming from a poster who doesn't know his arse from his elbow I'm unsurprised that you are confusing the Scottish Referendum and the General Election projections.
Tsk ....
It will still be valid when the GE Arse comes out
You certainly don't lack front ....
However you lack the bottle to give your own detailed forecasts and simply snipe from the wings, whereas I've let it all hang out there since PB started and a mighty fine and profitable site and sight it has been.
Think poor Porky was hoping for better numbers from TNS no sign of an Eck speech bump - fire up the panelbase !
It would be my usual comment to say that Yes is toast
Whereas it will be my usual response to ask you just how big a triumph you predicted Clegg's Farage debate would be? Not a good day from Clegg's inept ostrich faction to pretend they aren't hopelessly out of touch with public opinion. But then again, when is it?
Sometimes it is right to put forward a minority view even though the majority of the public does not agree with it . Clegg did this in the Farage debates
That's the best spin Clegg's inept ostrich faction can come up with? It's fault of the current differential between IN and OUT that Clegg couldn't debate his way out of a paper bag? Even if that was the case then it was more than a bit stupid to have a debate on that in the first place then, wasn't it? Or didn't that occur to Clegg's incompetent supporters?
I thought they were getting truly desperate when they used the excuse that Farage was "telling the voters what they want to hear" to try and deflect attention away from calamity Clegg's excerable debate performance. It must be quite difficult to keep living in that bubble pathetically trying to pretend that Clegg isn't toxic.
I'd just like to point out that I've been saying this for months - that after a YES Cameron would have to resign (perhaps after hanging on for a few months to ensure some bogus "stability").
My claim was much pooh-poohed by pb-ers.
Where's yer pooh-pooh now, eh??
Correction: Cameron (IMO) would have to _offer_ to resign. HoC should then overwhelmingly refuse to accept his resignation.
He would still be damaged, however, by being the PM who lost the United Kingdom.
Think poor Porky was hoping for better numbers from TNS no sign of an Eck speech bump - fire up the panelbase !
It would be my usual comment to say that Yes is toast
Whereas it will be my usual response to ask you just how big a triumph you predicted Clegg's Farage debate would be? Not a good day from Clegg's inept ostrich faction to pretend they aren't hopelessly out of touch with public opinion. But then again, when is it?
Sometimes it is right to put forward a minority view even though the majority of the public does not agree with it . Clegg did this in the Farage debates
That's the best spin Clegg's inept ostrich faction can come up with? It's fault of the current differential between IN and OUT that Clegg couldn't debate his way out of a paper bag? Even if that was the case then it was more than a bit stupid to have a debate on that in the first place then, wasn't it? Or didn't that occur to Clegg's incompetent supporters?
I thought they were getting truly desperate when they used the excuse that Farage was "telling the voters what they want to hear" to try and deflect attention away from calamity Clegg's excerable debate performance. It must be quite difficult to keep living in that bubble pathetically trying to pretend that Clegg isn't toxic.
Is the failure of the Yes campaign down to Salmond being toxic , Yes supporters being unable to debate their position out of a paper bag or the Yes position being a lost cause from the start ?
Think poor Porky was hoping for better numbers from TNS no sign of an Eck speech bump - fire up the panelbase !
It would be my usual comment to say that Yes is toast
Whereas it will be my usual response to ask you just how big a triumph you predicted Clegg's Farage debate would be? Not a good day from Clegg's inept ostrich faction to pretend they aren't hopelessly out of touch with public opinion. But then again, when is it?
Sometimes it is right to put forward a minority view even though the majority of the public does not agree with it . Clegg did this in the Farage debates
That's the best spin Clegg's inept ostrich faction can come up with? It's fault of the current differential between IN and OUT that Clegg couldn't debate his way out of a paper bag? Even if that was the case then it was more than a bit stupid to have a debate on that in the first place then, wasn't it? Or didn't that occur to Clegg's incompetent supporters?
I thought they were getting truly desperate when they used the excuse that Farage was "telling the voters what they want to hear" to try and deflect attention away from calamity Clegg's excerable debate performance. It must be quite difficult to keep living in that bubble pathetically trying to pretend that Clegg isn't toxic.
Is the failure of the Yes campaign down to Salmond being toxic
No 'stuart truth', because all the polling says otherwise and it could hardly be more clear for calamity Clegg's toxicity either.
Mega unemployment figures. Shame there isn't a PMQs today. Dave would have handily whooped Ed, especially now that wage growth is higher than inflation.
Key points:
Unemployment down by 77k QoQ, 320k YoY.
Employment up 239k QoQ, 691k YoY.
Total wages up by 1.7%. Private sector wage growth up by 2.0%, outstripping inflation pretty handily
Unemployment rate drops to 6.9% from 7.1% in the previous quarter and from 7.9% last year.
Absolute employment is now 72.6%.
Inactivity drops by 86k QoQ, 104k YoY.
Youth unemployment down to 19.1%, and below 900k.
Overall, a very strong set of figures for the government.
Think poor Porky was hoping for better numbers from TNS no sign of an Eck speech bump - fire up the panelbase !
It would be my usual comment to say that Yes is toast
Whereas it will be my usual response to ask you just how big a triumph you predicted Clegg's Farage debate would be? Not a good day from Clegg's inept ostrich faction to pretend they aren't hopelessly out of touch with public opinion. But then again, when is it?
Sometimes it is right to put forward a minority view even though the majority of the public does not agree with it . Clegg did this in the Farage debates
That's the best spin Clegg's inept ostrich faction can come up with? It's fault of the current differential between IN and OUT that Clegg couldn't debate his way out of a paper bag? Even if that was the case then it was more than a bit stupid to have a debate on that in the first place then, wasn't it? Or didn't that occur to Clegg's incompetent supporters?
I thought they were getting truly desperate when they used the excuse that Farage was "telling the voters what they want to hear" to try and deflect attention away from calamity Clegg's excerable debate performance. It must be quite difficult to keep living in that bubble pathetically trying to pretend that Clegg isn't toxic.
Is the failure of the Yes campaign down to Salmond being toxic , Yes supporters being unable to debate their position out of a paper bag or the Yes position being a lost cause from the start ?
Sky News - ONS - Unemployment now 6.9% .. Wage Inflation 1.7%
We have crossover. Happy days are here again....
Decent news certainly. However I'd like to see the unemployment numbers accelerate further and faster but it'd be churlish not to raise a glass or three to the progress that's been made.
Think poor Porky was hoping for better numbers from TNS no sign of an Eck speech bump - fire up the panelbase !
It would be my usual comment to say that Yes is toast
Whereas it will be my usual response to ask you just how big a triumph you predicted Clegg's Farage debate would be? Not a good day from Clegg's inept ostrich faction to pretend they aren't hopelessly out of touch with public opinion. But then again, when is it?
Sometimes it is right to put forward a minority view even though the majority of the public does not agree with it . Clegg did this in the Farage debates
That's the best spin Clegg's inept ostrich faction can come up with? It's fault of the current differential between IN and OUT that Clegg couldn't debate his way out of a paper bag? Even if that was the case then it was more than a bit stupid to have a debate on that in the first place then, wasn't it? Or didn't that occur to Clegg's incompetent supporters?
I thought they were getting truly desperate when they used the excuse that Farage was "telling the voters what they want to hear" to try and deflect attention away from calamity Clegg's excerable debate performance. It must be quite difficult to keep living in that bubble pathetically trying to pretend that Clegg isn't toxic.
Is the failure of the Yes campaign down to Salmond being toxic
No 'stuart truth', because all the polling says otherwise and it could hardly be more clear for calamity Clegg's toxicity either.
So you agree that it is down to Yes supporters being unable to debate their position out of a paper bag and Yes being a lost cause from the start .
Think poor Porky was hoping for better numbers from TNS no sign of an Eck speech bump - fire up the panelbase !
It would be my usual comment to say that Yes is toast
Whereas it will be my usual response to ask you just how big a triumph you predicted Clegg's Farage debate would be? Not a good day from Clegg's inept ostrich faction to pretend they aren't hopelessly out of touch with public opinion. But then again, when is it?
Sometimes it is right to put forward a minority view even though the majority of the public does not agree with it . Clegg did this in the Farage debates
That's the best spin Clegg's inept ostrich faction can come up with? It's fault of the current differential between IN and OUT that Clegg couldn't debate his way out of a paper bag? Even if that was the case then it was more than a bit stupid to have a debate on that in the first place then, wasn't it? Or didn't that occur to Clegg's incompetent supporters?
I thought they were getting truly desperate when they used the excuse that Farage was "telling the voters what they want to hear" to try and deflect attention away from calamity Clegg's excerable debate performance. It must be quite difficult to keep living in that bubble pathetically trying to pretend that Clegg isn't toxic.
Is the failure of the Yes campaign down to Salmond being toxic
No 'stuart truth', because all the polling says otherwise and it could hardly be more clear for calamity Clegg's toxicity either.
So you agree
So you agree that Clegg is toxic and that his ostrich faction of spinners are incompetent fools?
Oh look, I have actual evidence to back it up instead of the petulant whining assertions of a Clegg loyalist.
I'd just like to point out that I've been saying this for months - that after a YES Cameron would have to resign (perhaps after hanging on for a few months to ensure some bogus "stability").
My claim was much pooh-poohed by pb-ers.
Where's yer pooh-pooh now, eh??
Correction: Cameron (IMO) would have to _offer_ to resign. HoC should then overwhelmingly refuse to accept his resignation.
He would still be damaged, however, by being the PM who lost the United Kingdom.
Cameron can only offer his resignation as PM to Her Majesty - he is her Prime Minster. He can resign as Tory leader without referring to her and he can offer Parliament a vote of no confidence. They are all different. The likeliest scenario, I'd have thought, is that he will go to the Palace, offer to resign and be told that he can't as there is a fixed term Parliament, it will take a while to find his replacement, there is a GE just a few months off and the electorate can make its decision then.
How many of them are potty enough to constantly announce them bumptiously with a countdown while trying to pretend they can be couched in the same terms as a actual BPC pollster like YouGov or Mori? Particularly when it's evidential basis and 'methodology' is indeed just some old geezers farts as he has to admit.
It's not a poll, it's a prediction. And his methology is whatever he wants it to be
Far more than a fortnight. You're getting this from now until polling day in May since CCHQ are as incompetent as SLAB in thinking if something hasn't worked before you just do far more of the same and then it will definitely work. They learned nothing from last May just like labour learned nothing from 2011.
With every week that passes, the No campaign’s once lavish and seemingly impregnable lead evaporates. And as it dwindles, its scare stories continue to deluge the debate in the curious belief a) that Scotland, a proud and bellicose nation, is a wee, timorous beastie; and b) that if you double down on a tactic of transparently counterproductive idiocy for long enough, it will metamorphose into one of purest genius.”
Think poor Porky was hoping for better numbers from TNS no sign of an Eck speech bump - fire up the panelbase !
Is there a gender breakdown of the TNS poll? Any sign that Eck is coming to terms with his woman problem?
It's becoming yet another sign of the terminally gormless on here that they consider women's reluctance to vote Yes in the referendum is entirely down to the Salmond factor.
In the most recent Holyrood VI poll about which parties women would actually vote for, guess where the SNP (led by, guess who, Salmond) come?
Survation
Q6. In the next Scottish Parliament election you will be given two votes. Your first vote will be for a single person to represent your constituency in the Scottish Parliament. If the election were tomorrow, which party would you be most likely to vote for with your first, constituency vote? Base : Respondents likely to vote in Scottish Parliament election and Excluding DK/Refused/Undecided
I'd just like to point out that I've been saying this for months - that after a YES Cameron would have to resign (perhaps after hanging on for a few months to ensure some bogus "stability").
My claim was much pooh-poohed by pb-ers.
Where's yer pooh-pooh now, eh??
Correction: Cameron (IMO) would have to _offer_ to resign. HoC should then overwhelmingly refuse to accept his resignation.
He would still be damaged, however, by being the PM who lost the United Kingdom.
Cameron can only offer his resignation as PM to Her Majesty - he is her Prime Minster. He can resign as Tory leader without referring to her and he can offer Parliament a vote of no confidence. They are all different. The likeliest scenario, I'd have thought, is that he will go to the Palace, offer to resign and be told that he can't as there is a fixed term Parliament, it will take a while to find his replacement, there is a GE just a few months off and the electorate can make its decision then.
I very much doubt the Crown will be in any way involved and certainly not be seen to 'refusing' a PM's offer to resign.
SeanT is talking pooh-pooh in any event. Cameron will not resign or even offer to quit if there is a yes vote (which there won't be). Sorted.
In my opinion Cameron should only resign if he has not done all in his power to persuade the people of Scotland that they are wanted and welcome in the most successful union in world history. If, despite his best efforts, the people of Scotland are so deluded as to vote for independence in those circumstances I do not think he can be held responsible.
The question is whether he is indeed meeting that test. I think he is not. The PM of the UK needs to fight for the Union, make the positive case for it and explain why it is in Scotland's interest to keep it. It is not acceptable for the PM of the UK to make a show of indifference or say it is a matter for the Scots.
There is a perception in Scotland at the moment that the English don't really care all that much, that even the Welsh care more. This is a very dangerous perception, a bit like a spouse saying well it is your choice as to whether you leave or not, nothing to do with me. I am very anxious that not only Cameron but the UK government makes it very clear over the next 5 months that this really does matter and whilst it is for Scots to make the choice the rUK is very keen for the result to be no.
Standing on the sidelines leaving matters to Darling and expecting Miliband to show an interest is a dereliction of duty, a dereliction so serious that if the result was yes he should indeed resign.
Given that by common consent among Yes supporters Better Together is the worst political campaign ever fought on these islands, if there is a No vote what would that say about Project Fib?
BBC Politics @BBCPolitics · 4 mins Senior Labour politician Ed Balls is being investigated by police after his car hit a parked vehicle. http://bbc.in/1mbCx9p
It's becoming yet another sign of the terminally gormless on here that they consider women's reluctance to vote Yes in the referendum is entirely down to the Salmond factor.
In the most recent Holyrood VI poll about which parties women would actually vote for, guess where the SNP (led by, guess who, Salmond) come?
To be fair you can hardly expect the PB tories and bubble dwellers to know that Labour were also trumpeting the gender gap when they were well ahead months before the 2011 election. That turned out well for them, didn't it?
Given that by common consent among almost everyone AV was the previous worst political campaign ever fought on these islands, since there was a No vote what would that say about Project 'I'm not really a lib dem, honest!'
So on the other side - should NO win - which looks likely going by every poll ever then he should be lauded as the man who saved the Union for the next 40 years ?
Pooh poohers can't have it both ways.
Not surprised the Scots don't want to lose access to genius George running their economy.
If, despite his best efforts, the people of Scotland are so deluded as to vote for independence in those circumstances I do not think he can be held responsible.
Given that by common consent among Yes supporters Better Together is the worst political campaign ever fought on these islands, if there is a No vote what would that say about Project Fib?
That by your own reductive if somewhat cock-eyed analysis, Project Fib & Fear will have beaten Project Fib?
I've said several times that if No wins it will be in spite of Bettertogether's efforts. That's why we're now getting panicky squeaks from Unionists who realise they have almost no control over events.
In my opinion Cameron should only resign if he has not done all in his power to persuade the people of Scotland that they are wanted and welcome in the most successful union in world history. If, despite his best efforts, the people of Scotland are so deluded as to vote for independence in those circumstances I do not think he can be held responsible.
The question is whether he is indeed meeting that test. I think he is not. The PM of the UK needs to fight for the Union, make the positive case for it and explain why it is in Scotland's interest to keep it. It is not acceptable for the PM of the UK to make a show of indifference or say it is a matter for the Scots.
There is a perception in Scotland at the moment that the English don't really care all that much, that even the Welsh care more. This is a very dangerous perception, a bit like a spouse saying well it is your choice as to whether you leave or not, nothing to do with me. I am very anxious that not only Cameron but the UK government makes it very clear over the next 5 months that this really does matter and whilst it is for Scots to make the choice the rUK is very keen for the result to be no.
Standing on the sidelines leaving matters to Darling and expecting Miliband to show an interest is a dereliction of duty, a dereliction so serious that if the result was yes he should indeed resign.
Even the Welsh!!
I'd expect the Welsh to be very focused on the result of the referendum as the likelihood is that it will have a profound effect on them. If the UK disappears in its current form, the English will be even more dominant in what remains. You also have to throw in the fact that should there be a divorce many in England may begin to wonder about the sense in the rUK remaining in place. We can argue about whether or not Scotland is a net contributor to the UK's finances, but there is no doubt that Wales is not. What would England get from continuing to support Wales. The same applies to Northern Ireland, of course. And, funnily enough, the most passionate non-Scottish followers of events in Scotland that I know personally are Northern Irish protestants. I think they can see what might be coming should Yes win.
BBC Politics @BBCPolitics · 4 mins Senior Labour politician Ed Balls is being investigated by police after his car hit a parked vehicle. http://bbc.in/1mbCx9p
ooops....
I hope he wasn't on the phone to Hattie at the time.
He has a fair bit of competition with MarkSenior and SouthamObserver. Though to be fair StuartTruth and SouthamObserver were both just as certain Romney would win so he'll be used to it anyway.
Although Labour allowed devolution for Scotland, the cause of the independence situation is the dislike that most Scots have for the Tory party. The Tories tried the poll tax in Scotland first, as if it were just a testing ground and the Tories have generally treated Scotland with scant regard. This is partly why the Tories are virtually invisible in Scotland and can only compete in a handful of seats. Cameron can't even take full part in the independence referendum campaign, for fear of driving more people to vote for independence. The Tories have become the party of England and cannot really represent a United Kingdon. This is not really healthy for the country.
One other little thoughtlet worthy of note is that this time next year when the ONS issue their latest numbers we shall be in the midst of the general election campaign.
Labour will need to think of some new excuses by then.
Its Wednesday, boiled eggies day. Huzzah! So I go to the cupboard to get the Marmite for my soldiers and where the jar with its colourful, cheerful logo should be is a sad (black label with beige writing), dumpy, little jar labelled, "Tesco's Yeast Extract, with added vitamins". Should I be expected to put up with this? Ever since I was a small child I have had Marmite with my eggs, in more than thirty years of married life Herself has always made sure there was a jar in the cupboard and now, suddenly, I am expected to use this Tesco's gloop. Not a word of warning, mind you. Does this not count as abuse of a pensioner? Am I not justified in displaying a certain amount of disapprobation when she gets back from the hairdressers?
Oh, and on topic, if Cameron were to have to resign if the Scots vote Yes then I would say that there was no downside for England from such a vote. However, the idea that he would have to is just so much tosh.
Given that by common consent among Yes supporters Better Together is the worst political campaign ever fought on these islands, if there is a No vote what would that say about Project Fib?
That by your own reductive if somewhat cock-eyed analysis, Project Fib & Fear will have beaten Project Fib?
I've said several times that if No wins it will be in spite of Bettertogether's efforts. That's why we're now getting panicky squeaks from Unionists who realise they have almost no control over events.
Luckily you can always rely on the clear eyed impartiality of a spanish nationalist who seems to despise Catalan independence supporters and isn't afraid to say which party he supports.
Given that by common consent among Yes supporters Better Together is the worst political campaign ever fought on these islands, if there is a No vote what would that say about Project Fib?
Unionists who realise they have almost no control over events.
Unlike Eck, who can control:
- Where a foreign country builds its warships - What 27 EU member states think - Why a foreign country will share its currency...
A BBC Correspondent has just said that we should expect a shimmy in Labour's 'cost of living crisis' argument, to include things like the type of jobs people have.
In other words, they've lost the argument and are changing it once again. They are utterly floundering.
"(Reuters) - Starbucks Corp (SBUX.O) said it decided to move its European headquarters to the United Kingdom from the Netherlands following criticism over its low tax payments in Britain last year, The Times reported.
The world's largest coffee chain said the relocation was primarily to get closer to Britain, its biggest and fastest-growing market in Europe, the British daily reported, quoting Starbucks' president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Kris Engskov."
We're approaching that point where the world will notice and will want to know and do what we are doing right - just like under Maggie.
Given that by common consent among Yes supporters Better Together is the worst political campaign ever fought on these islands, if there is a No vote what would that say about Project Fib?
That by your own reductive if somewhat cock-eyed analysis, Project Fib & Fear will have beaten Project Fib?
I've said several times that if No wins it will be in spite of Bettertogether's efforts. That's why we're now getting panicky squeaks from Unionists who realise they have almost no control over events.
Fibbing is always a better tactic than Fearing - people like to be told what they want to hear, even if it is not true. That is the genius of the Yes campaign and one that the No side has certainly struggled to deal with.
However, if it is the case that No wins despite itself that would imply that there would be no case for another referendum any time soon, wouldn't it?
A BBC Correspondent has just said that we should expect a shimmy in Labour's 'cost of living crisis' argument, to include things like the type of jobs people have.
In other words, they've lost the argument and are changing it once again. They are utterly floundering.
@hopisen: The 'ahh, but it's only wages and bonuses that are higher than inflation' response to econ data is a sandcastle Maginot of a defensive line.
So on the other side - should NO win - which looks likely going by every poll ever then he should be lauded as the man who saved the Union for the next 40 years ?
Pooh poohers can't have it both ways.
He won't be lauded as the man who saved the Union unless he has done something quite remarkable in the fight to save the Union, but by equal measure I will not blame him as the man who ruined it should, as I suspect, the No side loses. He will find it hard to stay in place as the man who failed to prevent it, but will not be the one most to blame either.
MS: Sometimes it is right to put forward a minority view even though the majority of the public does not agree with it . Clegg did this in the Farage debates
MP:That's the best spin Clegg's inept ostrich faction can come up with?
It happens to be a true statement (that is, focusing on the minority opinion for support rather than futilely go after the majority opinion), however it is also true it was not as effective as they had hoped it would be, and may have hindered them in fact. If he had done a better job overall, then the LD and Clegg loyalists being firmed up for the Euros may have been enough to save half their MEPs, so it was right to focus on them. As he did poorly (mostly in the second debate), the tactic does not seem to have pulled off, and it's a question of whether he can survive the Euros because they already briefed that they might lose all their MEPS and so whether their remaining supporters are mentally prepared for that, or if they have finally reached breaking point and/or an acceptable distance from the GE, to make the long in motion move to replace him.
Who knows what the hell will happen if, hopefully, the Scots vote Yes? It's going to be an exciting time, one that will permanently, and completely, change the face of politics in England. Both the Tories and Labour will be in turmoil, and blaming each other. We might even see splits and new parties forming. Of course, it might just pass by smoothly. I hope not. Things need shaking up, and both Scotland and England should grab the opportunities with both hands. Maybe we can go halfs with the Scots to sub the Welsh and N.Irish?
A BBC Correspondent has just said that we should expect a shimmy in Labour's 'cost of living crisis' argument, to include things like the type of jobs people have.
In other words, they've lost the argument and are changing it once again. They are utterly floundering.
The wrong kind of jobs, the wrong sort of recovery.
As the EU is a corrupt gravy train for the political class maybe the more Tim Montgomerie focuses on how the EU shovels money at MEPs to keep them sweet over only being a toy parliament to camouflage the commission the more likely he'll see the light and switch sides.
Its Wednesday, boiled eggies day. Huzzah! So I go to the cupboard to get the Marmite for my soldiers and where the jar with its colourful, cheerful logo should be is a sad (black label with beige writing), dumpy, little jar labelled, "Tesco's Yeast Extract, with added vitamins". Should I be expected to put up with this? Ever since I was a small child I have had Marmite with my eggs, in more than thirty years of married life Herself has always made sure there was a jar in the cupboard and now, suddenly, I am expected to use this Tesco's gloop. Not a word of warning, mind you. Does this not count as abuse of a pensioner? Am I not justified in displaying a certain amount of disapprobation when she gets back from the hairdressers?
Oh, and on topic, if Cameron were to have to resign if the Scots vote Yes then I would say that there was no downside for England from such a vote. However, the idea that he would have to is just so much tosh.
I am surprised. I thought you would be applauding her for buying the same product, from the same factory for 33% off the price. Isn't that the sort of austerity measure that all good Englishmen should be enthused by?
Its Wednesday, boiled eggies day. Huzzah! So I go to the cupboard to get the Marmite for my soldiers and where the jar with its colourful, cheerful logo should be is a sad (black label with beige writing), dumpy, little jar labelled, "Tesco's Yeast Extract, with added vitamins". Should I be expected to put up with this? Ever since I was a small child I have had Marmite with my eggs, in more than thirty years of married life Herself has always made sure there was a jar in the cupboard and now, suddenly, I am expected to use this Tesco's gloop. Not a word of warning, mind you. Does this not count as abuse of a pensioner? Am I not justified in displaying a certain amount of disapprobation when she gets back from the hairdressers?
Mr Lama my sympathies are totally and utterly with you re Marmite. Even though I'm a Bovril man, have been since childhood and have brought up my children and grandchildren to demand it with religious fervour I recognise the enormity of that with which you are faced.
It's almost on a level with being offered Vegemite!
people like to be told what they want to hear, even if it is not true.
The precise same laughable spin that Clegg's inept ostrich faction of spinners used to excuse his hopeless performance against Farage. I must say you're doing a splendid job of convincing people you definitely aren't a lib dem. Jolly good show old bean.
This is partly why the Tories are virtually invisible in Scotland and can only compete in a handful of seats.
They got nearly as many votes as the SNP
<</p>
Shh, apparently we're not supposed to think about that (the total number of votes being significant if not amazing that is - it is true they can only actually compete in a handful of seats). Though it is rather hilarious how FPTP kills them in Scotland given their adherence to the system.
Its Wednesday, boiled eggies day. Huzzah! So I go to the cupboard to get the Marmite for my soldiers and where the jar with its colourful, cheerful logo should be is a sad (black label with beige writing), dumpy, little jar labelled, "Tesco's Yeast Extract, with added vitamins". Should I be expected to put up with this? Ever since I was a small child I have had Marmite with my eggs, in more than thirty years of married life Herself has always made sure there was a jar in the cupboard and now, suddenly, I am expected to use this Tesco's gloop. Not a word of warning, mind you. Does this not count as abuse of a pensioner? Am I not justified in displaying a certain amount of disapprobation when she gets back from the hairdressers?
Perhaps, although full disclosure...I prefer Vegemite myself, so my opinion may not be valid on Marmite.
Ed Balls, aka Toad of Toad Hall, and his motoring antics won't reflect badly on the Labour party - it just plays into the general meme of politicians and their sense of entitlement.
I listed to Simon Danczuk on 5-live yesterday and he was making an impassioned plea for justice for the alleged victims of Big Cyril. He spoke about the long history from the 60s and how Liberal politicians seemed to have turned a blind eye. They had questions to be answered, he claimed.
I think it was Sheila Fogarty (Victoria Derbyshire wouldn't have the wit) who pointed out that Cyril was a Labour politician in the 60s ... Shouldn't his campaign include the Labour party too?
He fell to bits . . blustering and dissembling. And I thought what a pity it was that just when you think there's honour among expense thieves, they go and let you let you down again.
Its Wednesday, boiled eggies day. Huzzah! So I go to the cupboard to get the Marmite for my soldiers and where the jar with its colourful, cheerful logo should be is a sad (black label with beige writing), dumpy, little jar labelled, "Tesco's Yeast Extract, with added vitamins". Should I be expected to put up with this? Ever since I was a small child I have had Marmite with my eggs, in more than thirty years of married life Herself has always made sure there was a jar in the cupboard and now, suddenly, I am expected to use this Tesco's gloop. Not a word of warning, mind you. Does this not count as abuse of a pensioner? Am I not justified in displaying a certain amount of disapprobation when she gets back from the hairdressers?
Oh, and on topic, if Cameron were to have to resign if the Scots vote Yes then I would say that there was no downside for England from such a vote. However, the idea that he would have to is just so much tosh.
@HurstLlama – Oh dear, sounds like spousal abuse, you have my deepest sympathy Sir - Mrs SSC once attempted to replace full-fat with ‘skimmed milk’ - I hope your trouble is resolved a little less acrimoniously. ; )
"(Reuters) - Starbucks Corp (SBUX.O) said it decided to move its European headquarters to the United Kingdom from the Netherlands following criticism over its low tax payments in Britain last year, The Times reported.
The world's largest coffee chain said the relocation was primarily to get closer to Britain, its biggest and fastest-growing market in Europe, the British daily reported, quoting Starbucks' president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Kris Engskov."
We're approaching that point where the world will notice and will want to know and do what we are doing right - just like under Maggie.
I'm talking about oligarchs from the BRICs taking their suitcases of cash from under the bed and stashing it in the London property market instead. Why?
"We're approaching that point where the world will notice and will want to know and do what we are doing right - just like under Maggie."
Given that by common consent among Yes supporters Better Together is the worst political campaign ever fought on these islands, if there is a No vote what would that say about Project Fib?
That by your own reductive if somewhat cock-eyed analysis, Project Fib & Fear will have beaten Project Fib?
I've said several times that if No wins it will be in spite of Bettertogether's efforts. That's why we're now getting panicky squeaks from Unionists who realise they have almost no control over events.
Fibbing is always a better tactic than Fearing - people like to be told what they want to hear, even if it is not true. That is the genius of the Yes campaign and one that the No side has certainly struggled to deal with.
However, if it is the case that No wins despite itself that would imply that there would be no case for another referendum any time soon, wouldn't it?
That would depend entirely on what level of further devolution (and will people please stop using the term Devo Max? It means full fiscal autonomy which NONE of the Unionist parties were, are and will be offering) is on the table. As things stand, Labour- devo mess, Cons - still hiding whatever fudge they'll reveal to a grateful nation, LDs - no one cares what federal fantasy Ming is pushing.
Who knows what the hell will happen if, hopefully, the Scots vote Yes? It's going to be an exciting time, one that will permanently, and completely, change the face of politics in England. Both the Tories and Labour will be in turmoil, and blaming each other. We might even see splits and new parties forming. Of course, it might just pass by smoothly. I hope not. Things need shaking up, and both Scotland and England should grab the opportunities with both hands. Maybe we can go halfs with the Scots to sub the Welsh and N.Irish?
Though I do not desire a Yes victory, in the event it would indeed seem like an appropriate time to radically shake things up in rUK. The most minor of changes necessary to extract Scotland from the UK would not be an appropriate response to one of the four nations deciding to leave, as clearly if the Union failed to keep itself together more significant changes will be required moving forward.
The Tories have become the party of England and cannot really represent a United Kingdon. This is not really healthy for the country.
Apart from all the Tory voters outside England.
Congratulations on what is a good candidate for fatuous post of the day.
Your point sin order
1 and 3 - only in UKGEs and over a long period and much affected by tactical voting - not true for Scottish Pmt.
2 - you're conflating the 1980s with the 2010s, surely. And the assertion you are trying to refute stands so long as Barnett and no devomax remain the case.
4. He's PM of the UK, which included Scotland last I heard. And he is speaking on the matter (if e.g. rather tactlessly from the Olympic velodrome). It is clear that he is basing his decision on whether to comment purely on tactical considerations rather than on principle. You are arguing from principle, which is fair enough, but which he has evidently abandoned.
5. But because the Tories love FPTP they have to stand by the implications that they have almost totally abandoned the Scottish Tory voters and are on the way to doing that for Wales as regards Westminster. They can't represent people who can't elect them. Of course, the Tories do a lot better in the Scottish Pmt than in Westminster seats (not sure about Cardiff). though that's not hard.
As I understand it, a UK voter at Westminster is supposed to vote for his or her MP and be represented by that person. To argue that we are in a situation where Tories in one nation are bring represented by Tories in another nation is perhaps to argue that the UK's constitution is now unfit for purpose.
Ed Balls, aka Toad of Toad Hall, and his motoring antics won't reflect badly on the Labour party - it just plays into the general meme of politicians and their sense of entitlement.
I listed to Simon Danczuk on 5-live yesterday and he was making an impassioned plea for justice for the alleged victims of Big Cyril. He spoke about the long history from the 60s and how Liberal politicians seemed to have turned a blind eye. They had questions to be answered, he claimed.
I think it was Sheila Fogarty (Victoria Derbyshire wouldn't have the wit) who pointed out that Cyril was a Labour politician in the 60s ... Shouldn't his campaign include the Labour party too?
He fell to bits . . blustering and dissembling. And I thought what a pity it was that just when you think there's honour among expense thieves, they go and let you let you down again.
I heard that interview too: when questioned on Labour links, he went on the attack with the this-shouldn't-be-a-party-political-issue line. He sadly gave the impression he was not so much interested in the truth as bashing the Lib Dems.
He should just have said: "Anyone who knew anything about it, or suspected, from whatever party, should be involved."
Its Wednesday, boiled eggies day. Huzzah! So I go to the cupboard to get the Marmite for my soldiers and where the jar with its colourful, cheerful logo should be is a sad (black label with beige writing), dumpy, little jar labelled, "Tesco's Yeast Extract, with added vitamins". Should I be expected to put up with this? Ever since I was a small child I have had Marmite with my eggs, in more than thirty years of married life Herself has always made sure there was a jar in the cupboard and now, suddenly, I am expected to use this Tesco's gloop. Not a word of warning, mind you. Does this not count as abuse of a pensioner? Am I not justified in displaying a certain amount of disapprobation when she gets back from the hairdressers?
Mr Lama my sympathies are totally and utterly with you re Marmite. Even though I'm a Bovril man, have been since childhood and have brought up my children and grandchildren to demand it with religious fervour I recognise the enormity of that with which you are faced.
It's almost on a level with being offered Vegemite!
Bovril? Heathen! I may be an antipodean when it comes to my yeast extract toast toppings, but Bovril is a far worse transgression than that.
Given all the good economic news the Tories really *should* win pretty handily next year, especially given how much of a turn off EdM is and how sparse an alternative Labour is offering. But that Labour vote share looks very solid right now. It may be worth remembering that people do not vote on statistics, they vote on experience and perception. After all, a 2% rise in average private sector earnings does not mean that most - or even close to most - are actually seeing such increses in their pay packets.
So on the other side - should NO win - which looks likely going by every poll ever then he should be lauded as the man who saved the Union for the next 40 years ?
Pooh poohers can't have it both ways.
He won't be lauded as the man who saved the Union unless he has done something quite remarkable in the fight to save the Union, but by equal measure I will not blame him as the man who ruined it should, as I suspect, the No side loses. He will find it hard to stay in place as the man who failed to prevent it, but will not be the one most to blame either.
MS: Sometimes it is right to put forward a minority view even though the majority of the public does not agree with it . Clegg did this in the Farage debates
MP:That's the best spin Clegg's inept ostrich faction can come up with?
It happens to be a true statement (that is, focusing on the minority opinion for support rather than futilely go after the majority opinion)
Not even close. Clegg wanted Farage to posture against to try and appear more reasonable and moderate. It was also primarily part of the whole masochism and detoxification strategy whereby Clegg's ostrich faction thought that by exposing him to the public long enough and with ever more publicity (all those radio phone ins and the debates) the public would somehow forget how toxic he was and just put up with him. Needless to say that backfired spectacularly. Staying IN the EU was well, well down the list of reasons for the debate as even among lib dems some thought it pretty damn eccentric to pointlessly pretend an election for MEPs was an IN/OUT referendum when the public knew perfectly well it wasn't. Some of those lib dems wanted a simple focus on getting a better lib dem MEP using a more local based campaign. (understandably enough)
For that matter who in their right mind would want Clegg front and centre as the voice of one side of a referendum after the AV vote?? If it was an actual EU referendum you can be 100% certain Clegg would be very firmly booted far away where he could do no harm by the likes of Cammie, little Ed and the other supporters of staying IN.
Who knows what the hell will happen if, hopefully, the Scots vote Yes? It's going to be an exciting time, one that will permanently, and completely, change the face of politics in England. Both the Tories and Labour will be in turmoil, and blaming each other. We might even see splits and new parties forming. Of course, it might just pass by smoothly. I hope not. Things need shaking up, and both Scotland and England should grab the opportunities with both hands. Maybe we can go halfs with the Scots to sub the Welsh and N.Irish?
Though I do not desire a Yes victory, in the event it would indeed seem like an appropriate time to radically shake things up in rUK. The most minor of changes necessary to extract Scotland from the UK would not be an appropriate response to one of the four nations deciding to leave, as clearly if the Union failed to keep itself together more significant changes will be required moving forward.
Hear, hear. And the same should apply if there is a No vote and we move to Devomax.
Given all the good economic news the Tories really *should* win pretty handily next year, especially given how much of a turn off EdM is and how sparse an alternative Labour is offering.
Former shadow health minister Diane Abbott has taken to The Guardian website to launch a fairly scathing attack on the economic direction of the Labour leadership. The famously outspoken backbencher warns that if Labour “accept the coalition cuts agenda” they will not last more than a term in office. Abbott says:
“Balls has a plan. He just does not feel able to spell it out to party members. It is called embracing Tory austerity.”
A further book by statesman Jean-Pierre Chevènement — “1914-2014: L’Europe sortie de l’Histoire?” – makes a fascinating case the EU has lost its way because it wrongly blamed “nationalism” for causing the two world wars. It has tried to build a superstate edifice by denying the nation-state soul of the European peoples.
I'd take all this with a large pinch of salt. Bertrand is a fairly obscure figure last in office in 2012 - about the same weight as, say, David Davis. Chevènement is not usually described as a "statesman", though I'm sure he'll be pleased - he's a left-wing anti-EU campaigner who stood for the Presidency 12 years ago, perhaps best described as a Tony Benn figure. France is a big country and it's always possible to find people with all sorts of views, as in the UK.
Given all the good economic news the Tories really *should* win pretty handily next year, especially given how much of a turn off EdM is and how sparse an alternative Labour is offering. But that Labour vote share looks very solid right now. It may be worth remembering that people do not vote on statistics, they vote on experience and perception. After all, a 2% rise in average private sector earnings does not mean that most - or even close to most - are actually seeing such increses in their pay packets.
The question is, when would a hollow shell start to crack? Right now, Ed can do and say what he likes, he's in opposition, and will benefit from some natural anti-gov feeling on top if his parties natural support. Noteworthy is that UKIP appear to be hoovering up the protest in the main. Labour have started to drift a couple of points. Nick Ps '37-40' now looks very optimistic, it's more like 35-38. At that rate of attrition, it's 31-34 by Election Day and very tough to achieve largest party at the lower end.
Edit - from conference Ed must set out the alternative vision. Will that be able to counter the drift to cling to nurse? On that rides the election.
Comments
Wow. @Nigel_Farage bangs on about Times journo's being privately educated. Yet #Farage went to Dulwich (private) School himself. #myopic
Frances Hinde @FrancesHinde 13h
Nigel Farage 'employs both his wife and mistress at public expense' | via @Telegraph http://fw.to/eLmZfDa
Is there a gender breakdown for mistress expenses? Any sign that Farage is coming to terms with his woman problem?
Tsk ....
Is Salmond facing a probe over his hotel troughing ?
39/30
One for @JackW to slot into his Arse.
I'll send the boys round for a friendly chat ....
John Curtice:
...there is nothing new about Panelbase recording a 47% Yes vote (once Don’t Knows are excluded). The figure is exactly the same as it was in the Wings over Scotland poll published on Sunday and the newsnetscotland.com poll conducted four weeks ago. It thus adds to the evidence from recent polls that in fact the progress that the Yes side made during the winter may, for the time being at least, have come to a halt.
emphasis added
http://blog.whatscotlandthinks.org/2014/04/more-stability-from-panelbase-now-for-yes-scotland/
However you lack the bottle to give your own detailed forecasts and simply snipe from the wings, whereas I've let it all hang out there since PB started and a mighty fine and profitable site and sight it has been.
Get some in .... and then criticize.
That's the best spin Clegg's inept ostrich faction can come up with? It's fault of the current differential between IN and OUT that Clegg couldn't debate his way out of a paper bag?
Even if that was the case then it was more than a bit stupid to have a debate on that in the first place then, wasn't it? Or didn't that occur to Clegg's incompetent supporters?
I thought they were getting truly desperate when they used the excuse that Farage was "telling the voters what they want to hear" to try and deflect attention away from calamity Clegg's excerable debate performance. It must be quite difficult to keep living in that bubble pathetically trying to pretend that Clegg isn't toxic.
He would still be damaged, however, by being the PM who lost the United Kingdom.
Progress Curtice himself denied was happening at the time. He also got it wrong in 2011.
emphasis added
Meanwhile over at Guido there is an interesting story about driving incident with Ed Balls. Hope all is above board and that the explanation adds up. http://order-order.com/2014/04/16/balls-flees-crash-scenepolice-probing-ed-balls-car-smash-dash/
Mega unemployment figures. Shame there isn't a PMQs today. Dave would have handily whooped Ed, especially now that wage growth is higher than inflation.
Key points:
Unemployment down by 77k QoQ, 320k YoY.
Employment up 239k QoQ, 691k YoY.
Total wages up by 1.7%. Private sector wage growth up by 2.0%, outstripping inflation pretty handily
Unemployment rate drops to 6.9% from 7.1% in the previous quarter and from 7.9% last year.
Absolute employment is now 72.6%.
Inactivity drops by 86k QoQ, 104k YoY.
Youth unemployment down to 19.1%, and below 900k.
Overall, a very strong set of figures for the government.
:chortle:
Stuart @ShinerBash 18h
BBC News - Edinburgh zoo pandas: Hopes for baby panda http://www.live.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-27037488 …
Poor old scottish tory surgers
:chortle:
Oh look, I have actual evidence to back it up instead of the petulant whining assertions of a Clegg loyalist.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/UK_opinion_polling_2010-2015.png
This is easy.
twitter.com/TimMontgomerie/status/456087757572833280
The shtick is a little tedious though
In the most recent Holyrood VI poll about which parties women would actually vote for, guess where the SNP (led by, guess who, Salmond) come?
Survation
Q6. In the next Scottish Parliament election you will be given two votes. Your first vote will be for a single person to represent your constituency in the Scottish Parliament.
If the election were tomorrow, which party would you be most likely to vote for with your first, constituency vote?
Base : Respondents likely to vote in Scottish Parliament election and Excluding DK/Refused/Undecided
Male
Lab 30.3%
Con 13.5%
SNP 47.4%
LD 4.6%
Female
Lab 34.5%
Con 13.4%
SNP 41.7%
LD 7.15%
And just for you.
Male
UKIP 1.9%
Female
UKIP 0.8%
There would be reasonable doubt as to whether he had realised or not.
SeanT is talking pooh-pooh in any event. Cameron will not resign or even offer to quit if there is a yes vote (which there won't be). Sorted.
I don't recall any personal attacks.
@MikeSmithson called @JackW the new StuartTruth yesterday.
Rude indeed!
The question is whether he is indeed meeting that test. I think he is not. The PM of the UK needs to fight for the Union, make the positive case for it and explain why it is in Scotland's interest to keep it. It is not acceptable for the PM of the UK to make a show of indifference or say it is a matter for the Scots.
There is a perception in Scotland at the moment that the English don't really care all that much, that even the Welsh care more. This is a very dangerous perception, a bit like a spouse saying well it is your choice as to whether you leave or not, nothing to do with me. I am very anxious that not only Cameron but the UK government makes it very clear over the next 5 months that this really does matter and whilst it is for Scots to make the choice the rUK is very keen for the result to be no.
Standing on the sidelines leaving matters to Darling and expecting Miliband to show an interest is a dereliction of duty, a dereliction so serious that if the result was yes he should indeed resign.
Senior Labour politician Ed Balls is being investigated by police after his car hit a parked vehicle. http://bbc.in/1mbCx9p
ooops....
That turned out well for them, didn't it?
@JohnRentoul: Would you hand the keys back to man who crashed the car? @edballsmp http://t.co/av3BTBQMsu
Pooh poohers can't have it both ways.
Not surprised the Scots don't want to lose access to genius George running their economy.
LOL
I've said several times that if No wins it will be in spite of Bettertogether's efforts. That's why we're now getting panicky squeaks from Unionists who realise they have almost no control over events.
I'd expect the Welsh to be very focused on the result of the referendum as the likelihood is that it will have a profound effect on them. If the UK disappears in its current form, the English will be even more dominant in what remains. You also have to throw in the fact that should there be a divorce many in England may begin to wonder about the sense in the rUK remaining in place. We can argue about whether or not Scotland is a net contributor to the UK's finances, but there is no doubt that Wales is not. What would England get from continuing to support Wales. The same applies to Northern Ireland, of course. And, funnily enough, the most passionate non-Scottish followers of events in Scotland that I know personally are Northern Irish protestants. I think they can see what might be coming should Yes win.
He has a fair bit of competition with MarkSenior and SouthamObserver. Though to be fair StuartTruth and SouthamObserver were both just as certain Romney would win so he'll be used to it anyway.
Labour will need to think of some new excuses by then.
Oh, and on topic, if Cameron were to have to resign if the Scots vote Yes then I would say that there was no downside for England from such a vote. However, the idea that he would have to is just so much tosh.
(Also no one seems to be asking why all those 100s of billions are flooding in from the BRICs.)
- Where a foreign country builds its warships
- What 27 EU member states think
- Why a foreign country will share its currency...
It must be great being Eck!
In other words, they've lost the argument and are changing it once again. They are utterly floundering.
Congratulations on what is a good candidate for fatuous post of the day.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/04/16/us-starbucks-unitedkingdom-idUSBREA3F03620140416
"(Reuters) - Starbucks Corp (SBUX.O) said it decided to move its European headquarters to the United Kingdom from the Netherlands following criticism over its low tax payments in Britain last year, The Times reported.
The world's largest coffee chain said the relocation was primarily to get closer to Britain, its biggest and fastest-growing market in Europe, the British daily reported, quoting Starbucks' president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Kris Engskov."
We're approaching that point where the world will notice and will want to know and do what we are doing right - just like under Maggie.
However, if it is the case that No wins despite itself that would imply that there would be no case for another referendum any time soon, wouldn't it?
MS: Sometimes it is right to put forward a minority view even though the majority of the public does not agree with it . Clegg did this in the Farage debates
MP:That's the best spin Clegg's inept ostrich faction can come up with?
It happens to be a true statement (that is, focusing on the minority opinion for support rather than futilely go after the majority opinion), however it is also true it was not as effective as they had hoped it would be, and may have hindered them in fact. If he had done a better job overall, then the LD and Clegg loyalists being firmed up for the Euros may have been enough to save half their MEPs, so it was right to focus on them. As he did poorly (mostly in the second debate), the tactic does not seem to have pulled off, and it's a question of whether he can survive the Euros because they already briefed that they might lose all their MEPS and so whether their remaining supporters are mentally prepared for that, or if they have finally reached breaking point and/or an acceptable distance from the GE, to make the long in motion move to replace him.
Public disgust at MPs' expenses is only thing that brought down Maria Miller http://gu.com/p/3zakt/tw @mediaguardian @GreensladeR
BBC This Week @bbcthisweek
Michael Portillo on Maria Miller expenses fallout: "One of the biggest shambles I have ever witnessed", saying PM should have sacked her
Thank goodness that's over with and there aren't at least two other tory MPs about to get much the same treatment from the press.
There's a pattern emerging.
It's almost on a level with being offered Vegemite!
Ed Balls, aka Toad of Toad Hall, and his motoring antics won't reflect badly on the Labour party - it just plays into the general meme of politicians and their sense of entitlement.
I listed to Simon Danczuk on 5-live yesterday and he was making an impassioned plea for justice for the alleged victims of Big Cyril. He spoke about the long history from the 60s and how Liberal politicians seemed to have turned a blind eye. They had questions to be answered, he claimed.
I think it was Sheila Fogarty (Victoria Derbyshire wouldn't have the wit) who pointed out that Cyril was a Labour politician in the 60s ... Shouldn't his campaign include the Labour party too?
He fell to bits . . blustering and dissembling. And I thought what a pity it was that just when you think there's honour among expense thieves, they go and let you let you down again.
"We're approaching that point where the world will notice and will want to know and do what we are doing right - just like under Maggie."
Do you actually believe that?
So how many 'fail-to-stop crash' while in Downing Street posts can we get?
1 and 3 - only in UKGEs and over a long period and much affected by tactical voting - not true for Scottish Pmt.
2 - you're conflating the 1980s with the 2010s, surely. And the assertion you are trying to refute stands so long as Barnett and no devomax remain the case.
4. He's PM of the UK, which included Scotland last I heard. And he is speaking on the matter (if e.g. rather tactlessly from the Olympic velodrome). It is clear that he is basing his decision on whether to comment purely on tactical considerations rather than on principle. You are arguing from principle, which is fair enough, but which he has evidently abandoned.
5. But because the Tories love FPTP they have to stand by the implications that they have almost totally abandoned the Scottish Tory voters and are on the way to doing that for Wales as regards Westminster. They can't represent people who can't elect them. Of course, the Tories do a lot better in the Scottish Pmt than in Westminster seats (not sure about Cardiff). though that's not hard.
As I understand it, a UK voter at Westminster is supposed to vote for his or her MP and be represented by that person. To argue that we are in a situation where Tories in one nation are bring represented by Tories in another nation is perhaps to argue that the UK's constitution is now unfit for purpose.
He should just have said: "Anyone who knew anything about it, or suspected, from whatever party, should be involved."
Contemptible.
For that matter who in their right mind would want Clegg front and centre as the voice of one side of a referendum after the AV vote?? If it was an actual EU referendum you can be 100% certain Clegg would be very firmly booted far away where he could do no harm by the likes of Cammie, little Ed and the other supporters of staying IN.
Labour have started to drift a couple of points. Nick Ps '37-40' now looks very optimistic, it's more like 35-38. At that rate of attrition, it's 31-34 by Election Day and very tough to achieve largest party at the lower end.
Edit - from conference Ed must set out the alternative vision. Will that be able to counter the drift to cling to nurse? On that rides the election.