I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
Why are so many children and young people in care in the badly regulated, expensive and profit making private sector when there are so many huge children's charities?
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
Whilst there is a single irregular boat crossing landing on our shores, that is too much. Simple as that.
Anyone who doesn't understand that was probably also arguing ACstuALLY Its ONlY £100m pER weEK
Wonder if there's a wider principle being manifest here. For most of my life, the orthodoxy has been to outsource things, so that organisations in the public and private sectors tend towards an ideal of a management team and a bundle of contracts.
Initially, that led to improvements in efficiency and quality, because competition will do that. But now the contracted suppliers have rebalanced the power in their favour, so can be more expensive and less good. (My place really struggled to let its recent catering contract.)
Hence insourcing looks more attractive. And so the wheel turns.
Having been in the US for a month, it is something that has noticably changed over the 25 years I have been coming regularly. Go try and hire a car, lots of brands...go and try and contact their customer service and you quickly realise there is essentially 3 hire car companies now. Same with hotels, beef processing, etc etc etc.
This massive consolidations in huge number of industries means the idea of wild competition in a free market is an illusion.
It is where you do need strong government to stop over consolidation. I don't now much about contract catering, but its there like basically Sodexo and errrh Sodexo?
Free marketeers will say there’s nothing to stop new companies emerging but where a business has a wide moat with large barriers to entry that just won’t happen.
Speaking of market failure, looks like EasyJet is the next firm to be asset-stripped.
They are going to end up trying to out RyanAir, RyanAir aren't they. Rather sad, as I actually quite like EasyJet. Pricing is decent, the carry on luggage restrictions are not overly stingy, leg room etc is fine, they don't spend the flight time as an opportunity to try and bash you over the head with upsells. Its far superior to RyanAir experience in all those aspects.
What does easyJet have that PE can borrow against and extract the cash? My ryanair experiences have been ok, it's wizz and vueling who are the pits.
I'll be on Baltic Air for the first time next week to Riga. Anyone with experience?
Air Baltic is great, especially if you get one of the planes that has Starlink wifi. The only problem I had was them was in 2020 or possibly 2021 when the captain failed to understand a medical condition.
I used Wizz this time, though, as it was literally half the price.
It is being reported in Moscow that Putin is having screaming fits at his generals. He is in denial about just how fucked the domestic fuel situation is.
Downfall?
Another oil refinery hit last night. Ilsky.
You can imagine that Putin is telling them to stop the drones, to just shoot the bloody things out of the sky, and they're saying something like, "sure thing boss," and they're telling him about all the anti-drone fire groups they've formed, and they're putting 5th generation fighter jets into the sky, and using A-50 AWACS planes to track the drones, and the drones keep getting through.
The thing about dictators is that they get very used to telling people to do things, and people then doing things. And the people will lie to the dictator about doing the thing when doing the thing is too hard, so a dictator never has to confront the reality that sometimes the thought is not father to the deed, because the deed is really difficult. But a burning oil refinery is kinda hard to lie about.
Queues for fuel that can be seen from space are also rather difficult to hide.
What happens when General Winter appears and nobody can move from their freezing homes?
One of the things I have recently learned is that summer is the "driving season" when demand for fuel is higher. I guess people drive more to go to places when the weather is good, and in winter they more often stay at home. So you have to damage more refineries to cause a fuel crisis in winter, though that doesn't look like being a problem for Ukraine.
The key thing is diesel. Russia normally has a larger surplus in diesel than in petrol, so it's only just banned the export of diesel. That suggests we're not many more burning oil refineries away from a deficit in diesel. And then road freight and agriculture are completely buggered. Road freight costs are already soaring in Russia. But I guess there's no need to drive to the shops when the shops are empty. So demand for petrol should then fall.
The other thing that will lead to a fall in demand for petrol is all the vehicles that are being wrecked because of the lower-quality petrol now being sold, after they lowered the fuel standards.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
Whilst there is a single irregular boat crossing landing on our shores, that is too much. Simple as that.
Anyone who doesn't understand that was probably also arguing ACstuALLY Its ONlY £100m pER weEK
We couldn't even stop that in WW2. How do you suggest we stop it now?
Ukrainian drone strikes overnight on the port at Taganrog, the Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar and the oil depot and Azov Optical and Mechanical plant in Rostov which makes high-precision systems for the military.
#explodey
Russia has now banned all diesel exports as Ukrainian strikes bite.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
The number is about 12,000. Politically that remains toxic. If it were under 1000 it might make the news. News is not made out of minor government successes in an unsolved problem. To ordinary opinion it is unacceptable that a single person should be allowed to arrive and remain without permission from a nearby democratic country.
Ukrainian drone strikes overnight on the port at Taganrog, the Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar and the oil depot and Azov Optical and Mechanical plant in Rostov which makes high-precision systems for the military.
#explodey
Russia has now banned all diesel exports as Ukrainian strikes bite.
Surprised if they don't target Kerch port where they have towed all the damaged oil tankers. Maybe it is enough that that is the last delivery they will make.
Ukrainian drone strikes overnight on the port at Taganrog, the Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar and the oil depot and Azov Optical and Mechanical plant in Rostov which makes high-precision systems for the military.
#explodey
Russia has now banned all diesel exports as Ukrainian strikes bite.
It's worse than banning exports. They now have to import diesel from India. India, who is buying massively discounted Russian oil and then selling Russia that oil once refined - at international market prices.
The level of economic mismanagement ongoing in Russia to massage one Tsar's ego is staggering.
The Clacton bin fight, and reactions to it on here, have highlighted what is a surprising (to me) change in the British political landscape.
I watched (years ago now) a great C4 documentary on politicians who were made to live with a struggling family for a month. The Tory politician (Children's Minister, I want to say Tim Loughton but might be misremembering) came across as a thoroughly decent human, the Labour one notsomuch.
Ever since I've agreed with the cliche that, though my political sympathies are with Labour, I'd much prefer to spend an evening getting gently pissed in the pub with a right-wing politician (I suspect Johnson or Cameron would be a thoroughly enjoyable drinking partner, for example, whereas I'd boil my big toe in my own urine rather than spend an evening drinking with Starmer).
Right-wingers seem to do 'human' better. Left-wingers seem to be too tied up in their own worthiness.
But Burnham seems to be genuinely amusing (and Badenoch has her moments too to be fair). At the same time, those supporting Reform seem to have inherited the left-wing mantle of turgid idealism and be unable to see the funny in the absurdity of politics. They also seem brittle and angry, much as parts of old Labour seemed to be.
I wonder if this is just a blip and normal service will resume, or are Reform the new killjoys?
From their point of view I can understand other parties not standing in the by election but think it’s a mistake for the conservatives not to . They would probably win with tactical voting from voters who would never vote Tory normally and therefore start a habit for later . Also the win could springboard a charge to take back being the dominant force on the right . Not standing they just look like part of the smug establishment to many on the right
Good morning everybody.
I could be persuaded to vote Binface. However I'd need a session at the pub with a persuasive and generous friend before I'd vote Tory. Even in these circumstances.
It is being reported in Moscow that Putin is having screaming fits at his generals. He is in denial about just how fucked the domestic fuel situation is.
Downfall?
Another oil refinery hit last night. Ilsky.
You can imagine that Putin is telling them to stop the drones, to just shoot the bloody things out of the sky, and they're saying something like, "sure thing boss," and they're telling him about all the anti-drone fire groups they've formed, and they're putting 5th generation fighter jets into the sky, and using A-50 AWACS planes to track the drones, and the drones keep getting through.
The thing about dictators is that they get very used to telling people to do things, and people then doing things. And the people will lie to the dictator about doing the thing when doing the thing is too hard, so a dictator never has to confront the reality that sometimes the thought is not father to the deed, because the deed is really difficult. But a burning oil refinery is kinda hard to lie about.
Queues for fuel that can be seen from space are also rather difficult to hide.
What happens when General Winter appears and nobody can move from their freezing homes?
One of the things I have recently learned is that summer is the "driving season" when demand for fuel is higher. I guess people drive more to go to places when the weather is good, and in winter they more often stay at home. So you have to damage more refineries to cause a fuel crisis in winter, though that doesn't look like being a problem for Ukraine.
The key thing is diesel. Russia normally has a larger surplus in diesel than in petrol, so it's only just banned the export of diesel. That suggests we're not many more burning oil refineries away from a deficit in diesel. And then road freight and agriculture are completely buggered. Road freight costs are already soaring in Russia. But I guess there's no need to drive to the shops when the shops are empty. So demand for petrol should then fall.
The other thing that will lead to a fall in demand for petrol is all the vehicles that are being wrecked because of the lower-quality petrol now being sold, after they lowered the fuel standards.
There's going to be quite the opportunity to sell second hand engines into Russia.
Doubtless Dura_Ace could navigate his way round the particular issues of dealing with Russians...
Wonder if there's a wider principle being manifest here. For most of my life, the orthodoxy has been to outsource things, so that organisations in the public and private sectors tend towards an ideal of a management team and a bundle of contracts.
Initially, that led to improvements in efficiency and quality, because competition will do that. But now the contracted suppliers have rebalanced the power in their favour, so can be more expensive and less good. (My place really struggled to let its recent catering contract.)
Hence insourcing looks more attractive. And so the wheel turns.
Having been in the US for a month, it is something that has noticably changed over the 25 years I have been coming regularly. Go try and hire a car, lots of brands...go and try and contact their customer service and you quickly realise there is essentially 3 hire car companies now. Same with hotels, beef processing, etc etc etc.
This massive consolidations in huge number of industries means the idea of wild competition in a free market is an illusion.
It is where you do need strong government to stop over consolidation. I don't now much about contract catering, but its there like basically Sodexo and errrh Sodexo?
Free marketeers will say there’s nothing to stop new companies emerging but where a business has a wide moat with large barriers to entry that just won’t happen.
Speaking of market failure, looks like EasyJet is the next firm to be asset-stripped.
Very sorry to hear Ann Widdecombe has passed away. Had her to speak to Warwick University Conservatives and she was a robust and forthright speaker and always a politician of principle to the end even if those principles ultimately took her to ReformUK. As well as being a woman of strong Roman Catholic faith and something of a media star as well via her appearances on Strictly. RIP
Many, many thanks Robert. Has been out quite a bit recently - I have no idea what the vf site is though and was nowhere to contact anyone for help. Everything in Finland is good so expect a seamless transfer to the new system.
It is being reported in Moscow that Putin is having screaming fits at his generals. He is in denial about just how fucked the domestic fuel situation is.
Downfall?
Another oil refinery hit last night. Ilsky.
You can imagine that Putin is telling them to stop the drones, to just shoot the bloody things out of the sky, and they're saying something like, "sure thing boss," and they're telling him about all the anti-drone fire groups they've formed, and they're putting 5th generation fighter jets into the sky, and using A-50 AWACS planes to track the drones, and the drones keep getting through.
The thing about dictators is that they get very used to telling people to do things, and people then doing things. And the people will lie to the dictator about doing the thing when doing the thing is too hard, so a dictator never has to confront the reality that sometimes the thought is not father to the deed, because the deed is really difficult. But a burning oil refinery is kinda hard to lie about.
Queues for fuel that can be seen from space are also rather difficult to hide.
What happens when General Winter appears and nobody can move from their freezing homes?
One of the things I have recently learned is that summer is the "driving season" when demand for fuel is higher. I guess people drive more to go to places when the weather is good, and in winter they more often stay at home. So you have to damage more refineries to cause a fuel crisis in winter, though that doesn't look like being a problem for Ukraine.
The key thing is diesel. Russia normally has a larger surplus in diesel than in petrol, so it's only just banned the export of diesel. That suggests we're not many more burning oil refineries away from a deficit in diesel. And then road freight and agriculture are completely buggered. Road freight costs are already soaring in Russia. But I guess there's no need to drive to the shops when the shops are empty. So demand for petrol should then fall.
The other thing that will lead to a fall in demand for petrol is all the vehicles that are being wrecked because of the lower-quality petrol now being sold, after they lowered the fuel standards.
There's going to be quite the opportunity to sell second hand engines into Russia.
Doubtless Dura_Ace could navigate his way round the particular issues of dealing with Russians...
It should be a boost for Chinese exports of solar panels and EV cars to Russia. The pace at which Russians are withdrawing their cash from Russian banks has accelerated in July, and a Russian could do worse than to buy solar panels and an EV.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
The number is about 12,000. Politically that remains toxic. If it were under 1000 it might make the news. News is not made out of minor government successes in an unsolved problem. To ordinary opinion it is unacceptable that a single person should be allowed to arrive and remain without permission from a nearby democratic country.
But that’s the thing the small boats problem is just something that can never be solved so it’s something that can be successfully fixed and will just drag on in the background.
Equally it’s not the illegal immigrants that people are complaining about, they complain about them as a proxy for the ones that are arriving illegally
Wonder if there's a wider principle being manifest here. For most of my life, the orthodoxy has been to outsource things, so that organisations in the public and private sectors tend towards an ideal of a management team and a bundle of contracts.
Initially, that led to improvements in efficiency and quality, because competition will do that. But now the contracted suppliers have rebalanced the power in their favour, so can be more expensive and less good. (My place really struggled to let its recent catering contract.)
Hence insourcing looks more attractive. And so the wheel turns.
Having been in the US for a month, it is something that has noticably changed over the 25 years I have been coming regularly. Go try and hire a car, lots of brands...go and try and contact their customer service and you quickly realise there is essentially 3 hire car companies now. Same with hotels, beef processing, etc etc etc.
This massive consolidations in huge number of industries means the idea of wild competition in a free market is an illusion.
It is where you do need strong government to stop over consolidation. I don't now much about contract catering, but its there like basically Sodexo and errrh Sodexo?
Free marketeers will say there’s nothing to stop new companies emerging but where a business has a wide moat with large barriers to entry that just won’t happen.
Speaking of market failure, looks like EasyJet is the next firm to be asset-stripped.
They are going to end up trying to out RyanAir, RyanAir aren't they. Rather sad, as I actually quite like EasyJet. Pricing is decent, the carry on luggage restrictions are not overly stingy, leg room etc is fine, they don't spend the flight time as an opportunity to try and bash you over the head with upsells. Its far superior to RyanAir experience in all those aspects.
What does easyJet have that PE can borrow against and extract the cash? My ryanair experiences have been ok, it's wizz and vueling who are the pits.
I'll be on Baltic Air for the first time next week to Riga. Anyone with experience?
Air Baltic is great, especially if you get one of the planes that has Starlink wifi. The only problem I had was them was in 2020 or possibly 2021 when the captain failed to understand a medical condition.
I used Wizz this time, though, as it was literally half the price.
I tend to think all shorthaul European flights are much the same these days. The flag carriers have to act like low-cost carriers to compete with them.
It's a bus. You get on, get off 2-4 hours later, pay it to carry some baggage if you need more than the free underseat allowance. Apart from the odd instance of appalling customer service, which they are all capable of, there's no reason to choose beyond price and convenience (and associated costs. There's no point getting a cheap flight from Stansted if you will have to travel on a full-price peak railway ticket to get there, or spend the previous night in a hotel)
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
Whilst there is a single irregular boat crossing landing on our shores, that is too much. Simple as that.
Anyone who doesn't understand that was probably also arguing ACstuALLY Its ONlY £100m pER weEK
That's a rhetorical technique to big up an issue that the person employing it happens to want prioritised.
Eg I could (indeed would) say that a single child living in poverty in the UK is one too many. So let's do whatever it takes to get the number down to zero and keep it there.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
I think the general population probably thinks the situation is sad.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
I think the general population probably thinks the situation is sad.
That's about it.
The general population does really care about politicians being obsessed by events thousands occurring thousands of miles away, over which they have no control.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
I think the general population probably thinks the situation is sad.
That's about it.
The general population does really care about politicians being obsessed by events thousands occurring thousands of miles away, over which they have no control.
I think the last three comments on this thread might read much more accurately if 'general population' is replaced by 'I'.
The Clacton bin fight, and reactions to it on here, have highlighted what is a surprising (to me) change in the British political landscape.
I watched (years ago now) a great C4 documentary on politicians who were made to live with a struggling family for a month. The Tory politician (Children's Minister, I want to say Tim Loughton but might be misremembering) came across as a thoroughly decent human, the Labour one notsomuch.
Ever since I've agreed with the cliche that, though my political sympathies are with Labour, I'd much prefer to spend an evening getting gently pissed in the pub with a right-wing politician (I suspect Johnson or Cameron would be a thoroughly enjoyable drinking partner, for example, whereas I'd boil my big toe in my own urine rather than spend an evening drinking with Starmer).
Right-wingers seem to do 'human' better. Left-wingers seem to be too tied up in their own worthiness.
But Burnham seems to be genuinely amusing (and Badenoch has her moments too to be fair). At the same time, those supporting Reform seem to have inherited the left-wing mantle of turgid idealism and be unable to see the funny in the absurdity of politics. They also seem brittle and angry, much as parts of old Labour seemed to be.
I wonder if this is just a blip and normal service will resume, or are Reform the new killjoys?
I was at a Parliamentary reunion yesterday (only the second time I've been in 8 years), and the former MPs of all complexions (now in their 70s and 80s) rubbed along affably as I remember being normal, while still disagreeing. It's a real challenge that the only newsworthy thing is to pretend to get angry.
I live in the same constituency as Johnson and chat with him from time to time. It's a strongly LibDem area (Brightwell, near Oxford) and some people refuse to engage with him, even though he never does anything locally that is remotely political.. To some extent I think that professional politicians are readier to mix normally with people of other persuasions, because we've all faced the fact that lots of people just aren't very interested in what we all do. I remember working with Ann Widdecombe on some animal-related issue - she was brisk and not in the slightest inclined to give ground on politics (nor was I), but it didn't stop us working amicably together.
Scoop: Graham Platner privately told staff that he is planning to officially file paperwork to end his Senate campaign on Monday — the drop-dead deadline for him to exit the race. https://x.com/hollyotterbein/status/2075279110289432745
For anyone with open bets on the November results, this is worth looking our for.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
Whilst there is a single irregular boat crossing landing on our shores, that is too much. Simple as that.
Anyone who doesn't understand that was probably also arguing ACstuALLY Its ONlY £100m pER weEK
That's a rhetorical technique to big up an issue that the person employing it happens to want prioritised.
Eg I could (indeed would) say that a single child living in poverty in the UK is one too many. So let's do whatever it takes to get the number down to zero and keep it there.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
Demonstrably a sizable proportion of the UK population does care about Gaza, otherwise Wes Streeting wouldn't have come within inches of losing his seat, nor would the Greens likely be polling at current numbers at the expense of Labour.
I would say those caring about Gaza to the extent of changing their political allegiance greatly outnumber those caring about Chagos, which I see has raised its head again on this board
Very sorry to hear Ann Widdecombe has passed away. Had her to speak to Warwick University Conservatives and she was a robust and forthright speaker and always a politician of principle to the end even if those principles ultimately took her to ReformUK. As well as being a woman of strong Roman Catholic faith and something of a media star as well via her appearances on Strictly. RIP
Well said. A genuine politician standing up for her beliefs, especially on abortion. RIP.
Full result from Larkhall is not out yet but Reform have posted the stage 1 vote tallies
Con 342 Reform 1150 SNP 975 Lab 799
Seat was prev Lab held, dont know turnout yet.
At the final run off between Reform and SNP, Reform had a lead of around 140.
This is one of the strongest unionist wards in Lanarkshire, and will be one of Reforms best areas in Scotland
Here they are
Count 1:
Ref 1150 SNP 975 Lab 799 Con 342
Count 2:
Ref 1247 (+97) SNP 1003 (+28) Lab 897 (+98)
Count 3:
Ref 1380 (+133) SNP 1239 (+236)
Interesting to see how each party's votes redistribute fairly evenly. It's not, as is commonly assumed, a case of Con votes redistributing to Ref and Lab votes distributing away from Ref.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
@NickPalmer wrote: I live in the same constituency as Johnson and chat with him from time to time. It's a strongly LibDem area (Brightwell, near Oxford) and some people refuse to engage with him, even though he never does anything locally that is remotely political.. To some extent I think that professional politicians are readier to mix normally with people of other persuasions, because we've all faced the fact that lots of people just aren't very interested in what we all do.
I think that's called retirement! Quite often hear of ex-servicemen who fought on different sides in the same battle doing much the same thing.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
Full result from Larkhall is not out yet but Reform have posted the stage 1 vote tallies
Con 342 Reform 1150 SNP 975 Lab 799
Seat was prev Lab held, dont know turnout yet.
At the final run off between Reform and SNP, Reform had a lead of around 140.
This is one of the strongest unionist wards in Lanarkshire, and will be one of Reforms best areas in Scotland
Here they are
Count 1:
Ref 1150 SNP 975 Lab 799 Con 342
Count 2:
Ref 1247 (+97) SNP 1003 (+28) Lab 897 (+98)
Count 3:
Ref 1380 (+133) SNP 1239 (+236)
Interesting to see how each party's votes redistribute fairly evenly. It's not, as is commonly assumed, a case of Con votes redistributing to Ref and Lab votes distributing away from Ref.
I don't know if they break this down, but it would be interesting to see how the Con>Lab transfers compare with the votes that were lab all along. I'd suspect that the 133 Ref votes were almost exclusively from the former group, with the latter group mostly not expressing a final preference and abstaining from the final decision.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
Whilst there is a single irregular boat crossing landing on our shores, that is too much. Simple as that.
Anyone who doesn't understand that was probably also arguing ACstuALLY Its ONlY £100m pER weEK
That's a rhetorical technique to big up an issue that the person employing it happens to want prioritised.
Eg I could (indeed would) say that a single child living in poverty in the UK is one too many. So let's do whatever it takes to get the number down to zero and keep it there.
By sterilising the poor?
Exactly what I mean.
The equivalent response to 'zero boats' would be something like "how? by draining the channel?"
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
Whilst there is a single irregular boat crossing landing on our shores, that is too much. Simple as that.
Anyone who doesn't understand that was probably also arguing ACstuALLY Its ONlY £100m pER weEK
"While there is a single road death, that is too much. Simple as that."
What level of freedom, and what cost, would you be willing to give up in order to ensure that road deaths are zero?
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
Demonstrably a sizable proportion of the UK population does care about Gaza, otherwise Wes Streeting wouldn't have come within inches of losing his seat, nor would the Greens likely be polling at current numbers at the expense of Labour.
I would say those caring about Gaza to the extent of changing their political allegiance greatly outnumber those caring about Chagos, which I see has raised its head again on this board
Correct. Nobody normal gives a flying fuck about Chagos.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
Whilst there is a single irregular boat crossing landing on our shores, that is too much. Simple as that.
Anyone who doesn't understand that was probably also arguing ACstuALLY Its ONlY £100m pER weEK
That's a rhetorical technique to big up an issue that the person employing it happens to want prioritised.
Eg I could (indeed would) say that a single child living in poverty in the UK is one too many. So let's do whatever it takes to get the number down to zero and keep it there.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
I think the general population probably thinks the situation is sad.
That's about it.
The minority who are exercised by it are really exercised by it.
The challenge for a political leader is to sell the public an idea of what the country's problems are, and how they're going to fix them, that transcends single issue politics.
Maybe Burnham has a chance of doing that with his devolution ideas. I'd suggest that one of the problems with Badenoch's intolerance for dissent on net zero and the ECHR policies is that it demonstrates the extent to which she is chasing single issues, rather than telling a coherent narrative.
But she still has time to work things out. Burnham has ten days.
The Clacton bin fight, and reactions to it on here, have highlighted what is a surprising (to me) change in the British political landscape.
I watched (years ago now) a great C4 documentary on politicians who were made to live with a struggling family for a month. The Tory politician (Children's Minister, I want to say Tim Loughton but might be misremembering) came across as a thoroughly decent human, the Labour one notsomuch.
Ever since I've agreed with the cliche that, though my political sympathies are with Labour, I'd much prefer to spend an evening getting gently pissed in the pub with a right-wing politician (I suspect Johnson or Cameron would be a thoroughly enjoyable drinking partner, for example, whereas I'd boil my big toe in my own urine rather than spend an evening drinking with Starmer).
Right-wingers seem to do 'human' better. Left-wingers seem to be too tied up in their own worthiness.
But Burnham seems to be genuinely amusing (and Badenoch has her moments too to be fair). At the same time, those supporting Reform seem to have inherited the left-wing mantle of turgid idealism and be unable to see the funny in the absurdity of politics. They also seem brittle and angry, much as parts of old Labour seemed to be.
I wonder if this is just a blip and normal service will resume, or are Reform the new killjoys?
I was at a Parliamentary reunion yesterday (only the second time I've been in 8 years), and the former MPs of all complexions (now in their 70s and 80s) rubbed along affably as I remember being normal, while still disagreeing. It's a real challenge that the only newsworthy thing is to pretend to get angry.
I live in the same constituency as Johnson and chat with him from time to time. It's a strongly LibDem area (Brightwell, near Oxford) and some people refuse to engage with him, even though he never does anything locally that is remotely political.. To some extent I think that professional politicians are readier to mix normally with people of other persuasions, because we've all faced the fact that lots of people just aren't very interested in what we all do. I remember working with Ann Widdecombe on some animal-related issue - she was brisk and not in the slightest inclined to give ground on politics (nor was I), but it didn't stop us working amicably together.
Suspect it's in the nature of politics to mostly select people who thrive on doing that affable relating-to-other people thing, whoever they are. In his prime, Andrew Rosindell was insanely good at it. Which highlights how unusual it was for Starmer to get to the top (if not to stay there for long), and that his mode of failure was possibly as inevitable as Johnson's or Truss's were.
Looking ahead, Burnham can clearly do that in a way that Starmer can't. That's going to count for a lot, even if he turns out (as I suspect) to have worse governmental instincts. Badenoch's onlineness doesn't help her; she gives every impression of wanting to mute/block voices that disagree with her. As for Farage, did you ever in your puff see such a perfect perisher?
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
If its not being reported how do you know?
Difference between reported and Reported.
The data are published by the government every day. But they only make the news when things go wrong. It's not just true of boats, or even of government responsibilities. We tend not to get media reports of the million things that go well every hour, because why would you bother?
Hence the polling that shows that "my life is fine, but the country is going to pieces" is a really common opinion.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
I think the general population probably thinks the situation is sad.
That's about it.
You must be disappointed that they don't share your enjoyment of the pounding of Gaza. Sorry, Hamas.
The Clacton bin fight, and reactions to it on here, have highlighted what is a surprising (to me) change in the British political landscape.
I watched (years ago now) a great C4 documentary on politicians who were made to live with a struggling family for a month. The Tory politician (Children's Minister, I want to say Tim Loughton but might be misremembering) came across as a thoroughly decent human, the Labour one notsomuch.
Ever since I've agreed with the cliche that, though my political sympathies are with Labour, I'd much prefer to spend an evening getting gently pissed in the pub with a right-wing politician (I suspect Johnson or Cameron would be a thoroughly enjoyable drinking partner, for example, whereas I'd boil my big toe in my own urine rather than spend an evening drinking with Starmer).
Right-wingers seem to do 'human' better. Left-wingers seem to be too tied up in their own worthiness.
But Burnham seems to be genuinely amusing (and Badenoch has her moments too to be fair). At the same time, those supporting Reform seem to have inherited the left-wing mantle of turgid idealism and be unable to see the funny in the absurdity of politics. They also seem brittle and angry, much as parts of old Labour seemed to be.
I wonder if this is just a blip and normal service will resume, or are Reform the new killjoys?
From their point of view I can understand other parties not standing in the by election but think it’s a mistake for the conservatives not to . They would probably win with tactical voting from voters who would never vote Tory normally and therefore start a habit for later . Also the win could springboard a charge to take back being the dominant force on the right . Not standing they just look like part of the smug establishment to many on the right
Good morning everybody.
I could be persuaded to vote Binface. However I'd need a session at the pub with a persuasive and generous friend before I'd vote Tory. Even in these circumstances.
As someone who thinks voting important (obviously) I would be in a quandary as a hypothetical Clacton constituent. I accept in general you make your choices from those in front of you, but I'm certainly not going to vote Farage, not just because he's a malign fraud, but I don't see why I should be forced to accept a man with a bin on his head just because of a lack of alternatives. Mostly I would be very annoyed this election is happening at all.
Full result from Larkhall is not out yet but Reform have posted the stage 1 vote tallies
Con 342 Reform 1150 SNP 975 Lab 799
Seat was prev Lab held, dont know turnout yet.
At the final run off between Reform and SNP, Reform had a lead of around 140.
This is one of the strongest unionist wards in Lanarkshire, and will be one of Reforms best areas in Scotland
Here they are
Count 1:
Ref 1150 SNP 975 Lab 799 Con 342
Count 2:
Ref 1247 (+97) SNP 1003 (+28) Lab 897 (+98)
Count 3:
Ref 1380 (+133) SNP 1239 (+236)
Interesting to see how each party's votes redistribute fairly evenly. It's not, as is commonly assumed, a case of Con votes redistributing to Ref and Lab votes distributing away from Ref.
My main take is that a quite a lot of voters weren't willing to redistribute their vote.
On the "legal cycle crushed by cops" one I posted yesterday (link below), I now have a sequence of events. I think @Flatlander and @BartholomewRoberts commented on this aspect:
- Cyclist was offered an FPN and fine (6 points and £300 - standard "no insurance" terms similar to a car driver if caught) and refused, so yes it's going to court. (Me: Good on the cyclist for not panicking.)
- The bike was crushed (me: so they did 'destroy evidence') but the bodycam evidence was not deleted, so there's strong evidence that the testing method the police used was completely inappropriate - you can hear the rider saying "but the power is switched off" (or something similar) over and over again as they're "testing" the motor cut-out speed by lifting the bike rear wheel, spinning the pedals and using the onboard speedoometer to assess "top speed" (via the rider's bike-mounted phone - it was a Tern (the brand) with a modern Bosch system and this is how they generally work.)
- The suggestion from my non-legally qualified correspondent is that having talked to other forces this force realise they do not have evidence that will stand up in court of the bike's illegality - not least because the bike was almost certainly completely legal, and their tests definitely didn't show it wasn't. (Me: that is a statement of the obvious.)
- Cycling UK's Duncan Dollimore has taken on the ongoing legal side of this with their Cycling Defence Fund - so hopefully there will be an early settlement and public apology with compensation.
My conclusion: we will get some sort of initiative, around training and a "how to do it" standard quite quickly - if Cyclists Defence Fund are taking it on, that is quite major. There would be more of these, and if not caught in the bud will be embarrassing and potentially expensive. It may be coordinated as another track in "effective enforcement of illegal overpowered e-assist bikes".
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
Wonder if there's a wider principle being manifest here. For most of my life, the orthodoxy has been to outsource things, so that organisations in the public and private sectors tend towards an ideal of a management team and a bundle of contracts.
Initially, that led to improvements in efficiency and quality, because competition will do that. But now the contracted suppliers have rebalanced the power in their favour, so can be more expensive and less good. (My place really struggled to let its recent catering contract.)
Hence insourcing looks more attractive. And so the wheel turns.
Having been in the US for a month, it is something that has noticably changed over the 25 years I have been coming regularly. Go try and hire a car, lots of brands...go and try and contact their customer service and you quickly realise there is essentially 3 hire car companies now. Same with hotels, beef processing, etc etc etc.
This massive consolidations in huge number of industries means the idea of wild competition in a free market is an illusion.
It is where you do need strong government to stop over consolidation. I don't now much about contract catering, but its there like basically Sodexo and errrh Sodexo?
Free marketeers will say there’s nothing to stop new companies emerging but where a business has a wide moat with large barriers to entry that just won’t happen.
Speaking of market failure, looks like EasyJet is the next firm to be asset-stripped.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
If its not being reported how do you know?
Because the figures are available and I went and had a look
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
If its not being reported how do you know?
Difference between reported and Reported.
The data are published by the government every day. But they only make the news when things go wrong. It's not just true of boats, or even of government responsibilities. We tend not to get media reports of the million things that go well every hour, because why would you bother?
Hence the polling that shows that "my life is fine, but the country is going to pieces" is a really common opinion.
I also think that while the numbers are down, to those that are annoyed/incensed by the crossings, any number that's not zero is a problem. They are, after all, fleeing France, a well known, safe country. Progressives can explain till the cows come home about there being no requirement to claim asylum in the first safe place, but it doesn't wash with many.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
If its not being reported how do you know?
Because the figures are available and I went and had a look
My response was a bit tongue in cheek. But if this is as a result of the governments actions (big IF, in my mind) then its another damning of how poor at comms they are right now.
And as I have said above - any number greater than zero is too many for the reform voter.
The Clacton bin fight, and reactions to it on here, have highlighted what is a surprising (to me) change in the British political landscape.
I watched (years ago now) a great C4 documentary on politicians who were made to live with a struggling family for a month. The Tory politician (Children's Minister, I want to say Tim Loughton but might be misremembering) came across as a thoroughly decent human, the Labour one notsomuch.
Ever since I've agreed with the cliche that, though my political sympathies are with Labour, I'd much prefer to spend an evening getting gently pissed in the pub with a right-wing politician (I suspect Johnson or Cameron would be a thoroughly enjoyable drinking partner, for example, whereas I'd boil my big toe in my own urine rather than spend an evening drinking with Starmer).
Right-wingers seem to do 'human' better. Left-wingers seem to be too tied up in their own worthiness.
But Burnham seems to be genuinely amusing (and Badenoch has her moments too to be fair). At the same time, those supporting Reform seem to have inherited the left-wing mantle of turgid idealism and be unable to see the funny in the absurdity of politics. They also seem brittle and angry, much as parts of old Labour seemed to be.
I wonder if this is just a blip and normal service will resume, or are Reform the new killjoys?
From their point of view I can understand other parties not standing in the by election but think it’s a mistake for the conservatives not to . They would probably win with tactical voting from voters who would never vote Tory normally and therefore start a habit for later . Also the win could springboard a charge to take back being the dominant force on the right . Not standing they just look like part of the smug establishment to many on the right
Good morning everybody.
I could be persuaded to vote Binface. However I'd need a session at the pub with a persuasive and generous friend before I'd vote Tory. Even in these circumstances.
As someone who thinks voting important (obviously) I would be in a quandary as a hypothetical Clacton constituent. I accept in general you make your choices from those in front of you, but I'm certainly not going to vote Farage, not just because he's a malign fraud, but I don't see why I should be forced to accept a man with a bin on his head just because of a lack of alternatives. Mostly I would be very annoyed this election is happening at all.
There is no forcing in free elections because anyone, including the puzzled voter, is free to stand or to refrain from standing. The election system is not about 'them', it is about 'us'.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
Fully commit to defence of Israel, including direct attacks on Iran, conditional on withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. Formally recognise the genocide in Gaza.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
If its not being reported how do you know?
Difference between reported and Reported.
The data are published by the government every day. But they only make the news when things go wrong. It's not just true of boats, or even of government responsibilities. We tend not to get media reports of the million things that go well every hour, because why would you bother?
Hence the polling that shows that "my life is fine, but the country is going to pieces" is a really common opinion.
I think it can also be the reality.
One of the things Sinéad O'Sullivan has written* about Ireland recently is the way in which the middle class (and in a different way, young, well-educated, emigrants) can opt-out of the major failures of the Irish state by throwing money at the problem - large mortgages, private health insurance, etc.
So for these people their life is fine, even while the country is falling to pieces.
I think this is true in Britain as well. Most of the people who comment on PB.com are those who can buy their way out of the worst failures of the British state. But we can still see those failures.
Full result from Larkhall is not out yet but Reform have posted the stage 1 vote tallies
Con 342 Reform 1150 SNP 975 Lab 799
Seat was prev Lab held, dont know turnout yet.
At the final run off between Reform and SNP, Reform had a lead of around 140.
This is one of the strongest unionist wards in Lanarkshire, and will be one of Reforms best areas in Scotland
Not surprising, given Larkhall anecdotally changed its green traffic lights because of that colour's association with a certain football team, heritage country and religion. Also not typical of Scotland generally, thank goodness.
* Not completely anecdotal it seems. The council had to put grills in front of the traffic lights after 200 of them were smashed in.
Why is everyone senior involved with Reform seemingly stupidly rich?
I guess they don't respect people who aren't rich, because they see wealth as a measure of success and aren't interested in people who have, in their eyes, failed.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
If its not being reported how do you know?
Difference between reported and Reported.
The data are published by the government every day. But they only make the news when things go wrong. It's not just true of boats, or even of government responsibilities. We tend not to get media reports of the million things that go well every hour, because why would you bother?
Hence the polling that shows that "my life is fine, but the country is going to pieces" is a really common opinion.
I also think that while the numbers are down, to those that are annoyed/incensed by the crossings, any number that's not zero is a problem. They are, after all, fleeing France, a well known, safe country. Progressives can explain till the cows come home about there being no requirement to claim asylum in the first safe place, but it doesn't wash with many.
It's a consequence of having a language that was spread by, first, military conquerors and, second, by financial ones. You don't get, AFAIK, many Malians or people from Guinea fleeing here; they do stop in France.
The Clacton bin fight, and reactions to it on here, have highlighted what is a surprising (to me) change in the British political landscape.
I watched (years ago now) a great C4 documentary on politicians who were made to live with a struggling family for a month. The Tory politician (Children's Minister, I want to say Tim Loughton but might be misremembering) came across as a thoroughly decent human, the Labour one notsomuch.
Ever since I've agreed with the cliche that, though my political sympathies are with Labour, I'd much prefer to spend an evening getting gently pissed in the pub with a right-wing politician (I suspect Johnson or Cameron would be a thoroughly enjoyable drinking partner, for example, whereas I'd boil my big toe in my own urine rather than spend an evening drinking with Starmer).
Right-wingers seem to do 'human' better. Left-wingers seem to be too tied up in their own worthiness.
But Burnham seems to be genuinely amusing (and Badenoch has her moments too to be fair). At the same time, those supporting Reform seem to have inherited the left-wing mantle of turgid idealism and be unable to see the funny in the absurdity of politics. They also seem brittle and angry, much as parts of old Labour seemed to be.
I wonder if this is just a blip and normal service will resume, or are Reform the new killjoys?
From their point of view I can understand other parties not standing in the by election but think it’s a mistake for the conservatives not to . They would probably win with tactical voting from voters who would never vote Tory normally and therefore start a habit for later . Also the win could springboard a charge to take back being the dominant force on the right . Not standing they just look like part of the smug establishment to many on the right
Good morning everybody.
I could be persuaded to vote Binface. However I'd need a session at the pub with a persuasive and generous friend before I'd vote Tory. Even in these circumstances.
As someone who thinks voting important (obviously) I would be in a quandary as a hypothetical Clacton constituent. I accept in general you make your choices from those in front of you, but I'm certainly not going to vote Farage, not just because he's a malign fraud, but I don't see why I should be forced to accept a man with a bin on his head just because of a lack of alternatives. Mostly I would be very annoyed this election is happening at all.
It’s why I think the result may depend on how count Binface wants to play it.
Yes I’m happy to be your MP for 2-3 years and work on these proper local issues and he could well win it, continue as a complete joke candidate and he won’t
Equally the only reason for this election is because Farage wanted an election before all the gory details of his money is made public - and I suspect there are bits that make what’s known seem harmless.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
Fully commit to defence of Israel, including direct attacks on Iran, conditional on withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. Formally recognise the genocide in Gaza.
Good start. Assuming that is deeds and words, that would commit us in plain English to:
1) Zero support for Israel at this moment, treating them very much as we do Russia and 2) Unconditional and unlimited amounts of defence commitment as and when Israel withdrew and returned territory to Syria, Jordan and ?Egypt.
I can't see any problems with that position. Can anyone?
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
Fully commit to defence of Israel, including direct attacks on Iran, conditional on withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. Formally recognise the genocide in Gaza.
Good start. Assuming that is deeds and words, that would commit us in plain English to:
1) Zero support for Israel at this moment, treating them very much as we do Russia and 2) Unconditional and unlimited amounts of defence commitment as and when Israel withdrew and returned territory to Syria, Jordan and ?Egypt.
The only problem with that is that )aided from f35 parts) there isn't much Israel needs or wants from us. And our capacity to project power in the region is deeply limited.
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
If its not being reported how do you know?
Difference between reported and Reported.
The data are published by the government every day. But they only make the news when things go wrong. It's not just true of boats, or even of government responsibilities. We tend not to get media reports of the million things that go well every hour, because why would you bother?
Hence the polling that shows that "my life is fine, but the country is going to pieces" is a really common opinion.
I think it can also be the reality.
One of the things Sinéad O'Sullivan has written* about Ireland recently is the way in which the middle class (and in a different way, young, well-educated, emigrants) can opt-out of the major failures of the Irish state by throwing money at the problem - large mortgages, private health insurance, etc.
So for these people their life is fine, even while the country is falling to pieces.
I think this is true in Britain as well. Most of the people who comment on PB.com are those who can buy their way out of the worst failures of the British state. But we can still see those failures.
Yes. I use a private dentist and have used private medicine for surgery; only because the failures of the NHS forced me to. Both unthinkable for me only a few years ago.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
Fully commit to defence of Israel, including direct attacks on Iran, conditional on withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. Formally recognise the genocide in Gaza.
Good start. Assuming that is deeds and words, that would commit us in plain English to:
1) Zero support for Israel at this moment, treating them very much as we do Russia and 2) Unconditional and unlimited amounts of defence commitment as and when Israel withdrew and returned territory to Syria, Jordan and ?Egypt.
I can't see any problems with that position. Can anyone?
Seems perfectly reasonable to me for a state that has committed a genocide.
On 2), I’d treat Israel as we do a NATO ally. Proportional support most of the time, but if anyone makes a serious attempt on their existence then it’s the full works, including nukes.
I'd love to go into aristocracy. How does one get started? I think I could make a real success of it.
I do supposedly have some minor Austro-Hungarian nobility in the family lineage, but they seem to have ballsed things up in the normal way - gambling, drinking (probably whoring, but people don't seem to like to mention it).
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
I agree it's tricky. I'd say probably a sensible middle ground would be no longer supplying any arms to either side.
I don't think that risks leaving Israel undefended given the US position but I think it allows us to take a stance that 'we are a long way away and probably can't do much good for either side' with more integrity.
In turn this will allow our domestic politics to be less distorted by those who do feel strongly either way, which would seem to be a good thing.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
Fully commit to defence of Israel, including direct attacks on Iran, conditional on withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. Formally recognise the genocide in Gaza.
Good start. Assuming that is deeds and words, that would commit us in plain English to:
1) Zero support for Israel at this moment, treating them very much as we do Russia and 2) Unconditional and unlimited amounts of defence commitment as and when Israel withdrew and returned territory to Syria, Jordan and ?Egypt.
I can't see any problems with that position. Can anyone?
Not sure the defence of Israel is a UK national interest, any more than say the protection of Saudi Arabia (possibly less so). There could possibly be an allied quid pro quo arrangement the UK is part of where Israel is rewarded for doing things that are in our collective interest, but the scope would be limited for the UK given competing priorities.
I'd love to go into aristocracy. How does one get started? I think I could make a real success of it.
I do supposedly have some minor Austro-Hungarian nobility in the family lineage, but they seem to have ballsed things up in the normal way - gambling, drinking (probably whoring, but people don't seem to like to mention it).
At least you've indicated to PBers how not to be a "successful aristocratic family". I'd also suggest that remaining part of the establishment is part of how one does it ?
I was wondering about what eye catching moves Burnham might take to make a splash home and abroad to buy time to work out the serious stuff that needs doing.
I can see him passing a bill to return the Elgin Marbles for example. He will get lots of love from a lot of the world and on social media and it won’t cost anything.
Anyone got any other “free” things he can do to make himself look different/dynamic?
He could visit Palestine (or try, I doubt the Israeli govt would let him in). He's already changing the rhetoric on Gaza in a way that will likely be helpful.
Koh-i-noor diamond is a big deal in Indian subcontinent and with the diaspora but I think that might cause a stir with the monarchy.
Or he could focus on the uk and its huge debt and deficit and immigration issues and welfare budget
What immigration issues - I'm asking because the issues you have are probably already fixed or at least reduced but most people won't pick up on the fact.
Arrivals by boat from France are down 37% compared to last year but that's news that isn't being reported..
Whilst there is a single irregular boat crossing landing on our shores, that is too much. Simple as that.
Anyone who doesn't understand that was probably also arguing ACstuALLY Its ONlY £100m pER weEK
If there is more than one murder in a week, that is too much. Simple as that. If more than one person dies from a preventable illness, that is too much. Simple as that.
Or maybe it's not that simple? Maybe lots of bad things happen and we try to stop them, but hitting zero is not practical.
Very sorry to hear Ann Widdecombe has passed away. Had her to speak to Warwick University Conservatives and she was a robust and forthright speaker and always a politician of principle to the end even if those principles ultimately took her to ReformUK. As well as being a woman of strong Roman Catholic faith and something of a media star as well via her appearances on Strictly. RIP
Always sad when someone passes away but Osama bin Laden has been waiting over 15 years now.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
Fully commit to defence of Israel, including direct attacks on Iran, conditional on withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. Formally recognise the genocide in Gaza.
I think the first line is fine but the second is controversial.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
Fully commit to defence of Israel, including direct attacks on Iran, conditional on withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. Formally recognise the genocide in Gaza.
I think the first line is fine but the second is controversial.
After Iraq and Afghanistan, I think properly going back into the Middle-East would be a very hard sell to the public under almost all circumstances.
The Clacton bin fight, and reactions to it on here, have highlighted what is a surprising (to me) change in the British political landscape.
I watched (years ago now) a great C4 documentary on politicians who were made to live with a struggling family for a month. The Tory politician (Children's Minister, I want to say Tim Loughton but might be misremembering) came across as a thoroughly decent human, the Labour one notsomuch.
Ever since I've agreed with the cliche that, though my political sympathies are with Labour, I'd much prefer to spend an evening getting gently pissed in the pub with a right-wing politician (I suspect Johnson or Cameron would be a thoroughly enjoyable drinking partner, for example, whereas I'd boil my big toe in my own urine rather than spend an evening drinking with Starmer).
Right-wingers seem to do 'human' better. Left-wingers seem to be too tied up in their own worthiness.
But Burnham seems to be genuinely amusing (and Badenoch has her moments too to be fair). At the same time, those supporting Reform seem to have inherited the left-wing mantle of turgid idealism and be unable to see the funny in the absurdity of politics. They also seem brittle and angry, much as parts of old Labour seemed to be.
I wonder if this is just a blip and normal service will resume, or are Reform the new killjoys?
From their point of view I can understand other parties not standing in the by election but think it’s a mistake for the conservatives not to . They would probably win with tactical voting from voters who would never vote Tory normally and therefore start a habit for later . Also the win could springboard a charge to take back being the dominant force on the right . Not standing they just look like part of the smug establishment to many on the right
Good morning everybody.
I could be persuaded to vote Binface. However I'd need a session at the pub with a persuasive and generous friend before I'd vote Tory. Even in these circumstances.
As someone who thinks voting important (obviously) I would be in a quandary as a hypothetical Clacton constituent. I accept in general you make your choices from those in front of you, but I'm certainly not going to vote Farage, not just because he's a malign fraud, but I don't see why I should be forced to accept a man with a bin on his head just because of a lack of alternatives. Mostly I would be very annoyed this election is happening at all.
There is no forcing in free elections because anyone, including the puzzled voter, is free to stand or to refrain from standing. The election system is not about 'them', it is about 'us'.
In a way, it's a curious thing- deciding how the nation is run depends on voluntary organisations, largely made up of amateurs doing it as a hobby to sustain a much smaller cadre of professionals. If those volunteers get bored, immobile or die, and aren't replaced, the system collapses. Heck, in many places, it has to a significant degree. Consider how many campaigners you need to convincingly leaflet, let alone canvass, a council ward.
And OK, going down the road of the state mandating and funding political parties creates a whole other set of problems. But so does the current alternative of parties depending on a few rich weirdoes to provide lots of money for direct mail and online adverts.
The Clacton bin fight, and reactions to it on here, have highlighted what is a surprising (to me) change in the British political landscape.
I watched (years ago now) a great C4 documentary on politicians who were made to live with a struggling family for a month. The Tory politician (Children's Minister, I want to say Tim Loughton but might be misremembering) came across as a thoroughly decent human, the Labour one notsomuch.
Ever since I've agreed with the cliche that, though my political sympathies are with Labour, I'd much prefer to spend an evening getting gently pissed in the pub with a right-wing politician (I suspect Johnson or Cameron would be a thoroughly enjoyable drinking partner, for example, whereas I'd boil my big toe in my own urine rather than spend an evening drinking with Starmer).
Right-wingers seem to do 'human' better. Left-wingers seem to be too tied up in their own worthiness.
But Burnham seems to be genuinely amusing (and Badenoch has her moments too to be fair). At the same time, those supporting Reform seem to have inherited the left-wing mantle of turgid idealism and be unable to see the funny in the absurdity of politics. They also seem brittle and angry, much as parts of old Labour seemed to be.
I wonder if this is just a blip and normal service will resume, or are Reform the new killjoys?
From their point of view I can understand other parties not standing in the by election but think it’s a mistake for the conservatives not to . They would probably win with tactical voting from voters who would never vote Tory normally and therefore start a habit for later . Also the win could springboard a charge to take back being the dominant force on the right . Not standing they just look like part of the smug establishment to many on the right
Good morning everybody.
I could be persuaded to vote Binface. However I'd need a session at the pub with a persuasive and generous friend before I'd vote Tory. Even in these circumstances.
As someone who thinks voting important (obviously) I would be in a quandary as a hypothetical Clacton constituent. I accept in general you make your choices from those in front of you, but I'm certainly not going to vote Farage, not just because he's a malign fraud, but I don't see why I should be forced to accept a man with a bin on his head just because of a lack of alternatives. Mostly I would be very annoyed this election is happening at all.
I bet plenty in Clacton feel like that.
A viable alternative is a serious independent anti-grift candidate. But it would be vital they had no sniff of 'establishment' or 'uniparty' about them. That really limits the field. Maybe to zero since any such person would also have to be up for doing it.
If Binface campaigns as Eek suggests - keep the humour but mix in some seriousness on local issues - he could perhaps fit that bill. He ought to be able to. I doubt he knows (or cares) less about the place than his opponent the sitting MP.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
Fully commit to defence of Israel, including direct attacks on Iran, conditional on withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. Formally recognise the genocide in Gaza.
I’d estimate that Israel would have absolutely no truck with partners that recognise the genocide in Gaza, reference to which sets off the Hasbarah bot army. Probably part of the larger rage that ensues at any suggestion that a nation that ghettoises a people, inflicts a hungerplan upon them, imprisons thousands of them without trial and slaughters them Indiscriminately might resemble a certain regime in Western Europe’s in the 1930s and 40s.
Anyway, onwards to the most moral concentration camp in the world.
Very sorry to hear Ann Widdecombe has passed away. Had her to speak to Warwick University Conservatives and she was a robust and forthright speaker and always a politician of principle to the end even if those principles ultimately took her to ReformUK. As well as being a woman of strong Roman Catholic faith and something of a media star as well via her appearances on Strictly. RIP
Always sad when someone passes away but Osama bin Laden has been waiting over 15 years now.
@NickPalmer wrote: I live in the same constituency as Johnson and chat with him from time to time. It's a strongly LibDem area (Brightwell, near Oxford) and some people refuse to engage with him, even though he never does anything locally that is remotely political.. To some extent I think that professional politicians are readier to mix normally with people of other persuasions, because we've all faced the fact that lots of people just aren't very interested in what we all do.
I think that's called retirement! Quite often hear of ex-servicemen who fought on different sides in the same battle doing much the same thing.
Yes, but it was the same when I was more active (I'm still reasonably active, was CLP chair until recently). The examples in in the Ann Widdecombe stories of her being savage in debate and affable privately are not untypical. Essentially the 650 people in Parliament are sharing an experience quite alien to many people, and have more in common than with someone who doesn't give a toss about any of it.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
Fully commit to defence of Israel, including direct attacks on Iran, conditional on withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. Formally recognise the genocide in Gaza.
I’d estimate that Israel would have absolutely no truck with partners that recognise the genocide in Gaza, reference to which sets off the Hasbarah bot army. Probably part of the larger rage that ensues at any suggestion that a nation that ghettoises a people, inflicts a hungerplan upon them, imprisons thousands of them without trial and slaughters them Indiscriminately might resemble a certain regime in Western Europe’s in the 1930s and 40s.
Anyway, onwards to the most moral concentration camp in the world.
I wonder what broad and general government position and policy on Israel and its relations with the Arab/Islamic world, WRT both words and deeds, would command a reasonable degree of assent from the UK population?
I don't think the general UK population cares about Gaza, nor do they give two hoots about Israel either.
People can care about more than one thing at a time. E.g crime is currently 6th on most important issues facing country. Tax is 9th.
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
But what a policy 'reflecting the large majority' on Palestine look like? It is unlikely that the majority want the status quo, or want Israel to be obliterated and undefended, or want misery for Palestinians, or want the current Israeli leadership, or want Hamas. Picking the right words here and there is fine, but what would be the Labour long term policy to command a high degree of assent? So, for example with regards to arms, most will neither want an undefended Israel nor an Israel able to kill and destroy civilian lives more or less at will.
Fully commit to defence of Israel, including direct attacks on Iran, conditional on withdrawal from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank. Formally recognise the genocide in Gaza.
LOL
I’m sure Bibi will commit to that in a heartbeat. 😂
Israel won’t withdraw from any of those places and is doubling down on it.
That’s the reality and we, in the west, have condoned it and gone along with it and enabled it irrespective of what people think.
It’s far too late now to exert any pressure on them to unwind. They’re building more settlements in the West Bank even as we post here.
One of our best judges has written another interesting article.
"Jonathan Sumption Britain is meekly accepting a court decision that could cost us trillions in reparations The UK is uniquely vulnerable to the tarnished ICJ’s crude opinion on climate change" (£)
Comments
Anyone who doesn't understand that was probably also arguing ACstuALLY Its ONlY £100m pER weEK
I used Wizz this time, though, as it was literally half the price.
The key thing is diesel. Russia normally has a larger surplus in diesel than in petrol, so it's only just banned the export of diesel. That suggests we're not many more burning oil refineries away from a deficit in diesel. And then road freight and agriculture are completely buggered. Road freight costs are already soaring in Russia. But I guess there's no need to drive to the shops when the shops are empty. So demand for petrol should then fall.
The other thing that will lead to a fall in demand for petrol is all the vehicles that are being wrecked because of the lower-quality petrol now being sold, after they lowered the fuel standards.
Ukrainian drone strikes overnight on the port at Taganrog, the Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar and the oil depot and Azov Optical and Mechanical plant in Rostov which makes high-precision systems for the military.
#explodey
Russia has now banned all diesel exports as Ukrainian strikes bite.
The level of economic mismanagement ongoing in Russia to massage one Tsar's ego is staggering.
I could be persuaded to vote Binface. However I'd need a session at the pub with a persuasive and generous friend before I'd vote Tory. Even in these circumstances.
Doubtless Dura_Ace could navigate his way round the particular issues of dealing with Russians...
Equally it’s not the illegal immigrants that people are complaining about, they complain about them as a proxy for the ones that are arriving illegally
It's a bus. You get on, get off 2-4 hours later, pay it to carry some baggage if you need more than the free underseat allowance. Apart from the odd instance of appalling customer service, which they are all capable of, there's no reason to choose beyond price and convenience (and associated costs. There's no point getting a cheap flight from Stansted if you will have to travel on a full-price peak railway ticket to get there, or spend the previous night in a hotel)
Eg I could (indeed would) say that a single child living in poverty in the UK is one too many. So let's do whatever it takes to get the number down to zero and keep it there.
Count 1:
Ref 1150
SNP 975
Lab 799
Con 342
Count 2:
Ref 1247 (+97)
SNP 1003 (+28)
Lab 897 (+98)
Count 3:
Ref 1380 (+133)
SNP 1239 (+236)
That's about it.
Can't say I will mourn Vanilla too much. They seem to have a tendency to keep fiddling with new updates far too often.
I live in the same constituency as Johnson and chat with him from time to time. It's a strongly LibDem area (Brightwell, near Oxford) and some people refuse to engage with him, even though he never does anything locally that is remotely political.. To some extent I think that professional politicians are readier to mix normally with people of other persuasions, because we've all faced the fact that lots of people just aren't very interested in what we all do. I remember working with Ann Widdecombe on some animal-related issue - she was brisk and not in the slightest inclined to give ground on politics (nor was I), but it didn't stop us working amicably together.
Scoop: Graham Platner privately told staff that he is planning to officially file paperwork to end his Senate campaign on Monday — the drop-dead deadline for him to exit the race.
https://x.com/hollyotterbein/status/2075279110289432745
For anyone with open bets on the November results, this is worth looking our for.
I would say those caring about Gaza to the extent of changing their political allegiance greatly outnumber those caring about Chagos, which I see has raised its head again on this board
Reflecting the large majority’s view on Palestine seems like an easy win for Burnham. Even more so if you consider the kind of votes he wants back - even the moderate Conservatives on PB are horrified that has happened there.
If he can link it to the shambles of the war on Iran and energy prices then even better.
I think that's called retirement! Quite often hear of ex-servicemen who fought on different sides in the same battle doing much the same thing.
The equivalent response to 'zero boats' would be something like "how? by draining the channel?"
What level of freedom, and what cost, would you be willing to give up in order to ensure that road deaths are zero?
#SoyulentGreenForTheMasses
The challenge for a political leader is to sell the public an idea of what the country's problems are, and how they're going to fix them, that transcends single issue politics.
Maybe Burnham has a chance of doing that with his devolution ideas. I'd suggest that one of the problems with Badenoch's intolerance for dissent on net zero and the ECHR policies is that it demonstrates the extent to which she is chasing single issues, rather than telling a coherent narrative.
But she still has time to work things out. Burnham has ten days.
Looking ahead, Burnham can clearly do that in a way that Starmer can't. That's going to count for a lot, even if he turns out (as I suspect) to have worse governmental instincts. Badenoch's onlineness doesn't help her; she gives every impression of wanting to mute/block voices that disagree with her. As for Farage, did you ever in your puff see such a perfect perisher?
I tend to use vanilla, despite its problems, as I prefer the newest comments last, rather than first. Will that be an option with Wordpress?
The data are published by the government every day. But they only make the news when things go wrong. It's not just true of boats, or even of government responsibilities. We tend not to get media reports of the million things that go well every hour, because why would you bother?
Hence the polling that shows that "my life is fine, but the country is going to pieces" is a really common opinion.
- Cyclist was offered an FPN and fine (6 points and £300 - standard "no insurance" terms similar to a car driver if caught) and refused, so yes it's going to court. (Me: Good on the cyclist for not panicking.)
- The bike was crushed (me: so they did 'destroy evidence') but the bodycam evidence was not deleted, so there's strong evidence that the testing method the police used was completely inappropriate - you can hear the rider saying "but the power is switched off" (or something similar) over and over again as they're "testing" the motor cut-out speed by lifting the bike rear wheel, spinning the pedals and using the onboard speedoometer to assess "top speed" (via the rider's bike-mounted phone - it was a Tern (the brand) with a modern Bosch system and this is how they generally work.)
- The suggestion from my non-legally qualified correspondent is that having talked to other forces this force realise they do not have evidence that will stand up in court of the bike's illegality - not least because the bike was almost certainly completely legal, and their tests definitely didn't show it wasn't.
(Me: that is a statement of the obvious.)
- Cycling UK's Duncan Dollimore has taken on the ongoing legal side of this with their Cycling Defence Fund - so hopefully there will be an early settlement and public apology with compensation.
My conclusion: we will get some sort of initiative, around training and a "how to do it" standard quite quickly - if Cyclists Defence Fund are taking it on, that is quite major. There would be more of these, and if not caught in the bud will be embarrassing and potentially expensive. It may be coordinated as another track in "effective enforcement of illegal overpowered e-assist bikes".
Article: https://www.cyclingelectric.com/news/police-crush-road-legal-e-bike
In a similar way that Trump cares about the little people without a voice.
And as I have said above - any number greater than zero is too many for the reform voter.
One of the things Sinéad O'Sullivan has written* about Ireland recently is the way in which the middle class (and in a different way, young, well-educated, emigrants) can opt-out of the major failures of the Irish state by throwing money at the problem - large mortgages, private health insurance, etc.
So for these people their life is fine, even while the country is falling to pieces.
I think this is true in Britain as well. Most of the people who comment on PB.com are those who can buy their way out of the worst failures of the British state. But we can still see those failures.
* See, for example, https://www.butthistime.com/p/mind-the-gap
* Not completely anecdotal it seems. The council had to put grills in front of the traffic lights after 200 of them were smashed in.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/scottish-town-where-green-is-beyond-the-pale-981747.html
Yes I’m happy to be your MP for 2-3 years and work on these proper local issues and he could well win it, continue as a complete joke candidate and he won’t
Equally the only reason for this election is because Farage wanted an election before all the gory details of his money is made public - and I suspect there are bits that make what’s known seem harmless.
Richard Tice tells Times Radio: "My family have known the Cottrell family for 50 years, they're a very successful aristocratic family."
https://x.com/KevinASchofield/status/2075484012869525628
1) Zero support for Israel at this moment, treating them very much as we do Russia
and
2) Unconditional and unlimited amounts of defence commitment as and when Israel withdrew and returned territory to Syria, Jordan and
?Egypt.
I can't see any problems with that position. Can anyone?
Have children who will be aristocrats I guess.
"We now need all of our fantastic activists, branch officers and councillors to come and help us in Clacton"
https://x.com/PolitlcsUK/status/2075157897902797029?s=20
And our capacity to project power in the region is deeply limited.
On 2), I’d treat Israel as we do a NATO ally. Proportional support most of the time, but if anyone makes a serious attempt on their existence then it’s the full works, including nukes.
I do supposedly have some minor Austro-Hungarian nobility in the family lineage, but they seem to have ballsed things up in the normal way - gambling, drinking (probably whoring, but people don't seem to like to mention it).
Say no more.
....try switching it off and back on again.
I don't think that risks leaving Israel undefended given the US position but I think it allows us to take a stance that 'we are a long way away and probably can't do much good for either side' with more integrity.
In turn this will allow our domestic politics to be less distorted by those who do feel strongly either way, which would seem to be a good thing.
I'd also suggest that remaining part of the establishment is part of how one does it ?
https://x.com/raz_liu/status/2075462549424971985
Or maybe it's not that simple? Maybe lots of bad things happen and we try to stop them, but hitting zero is not practical.
Like Reform?
And OK, going down the road of the state mandating and funding political parties creates a whole other set of problems. But so does the current alternative of parties depending on a few rich weirdoes to provide lots of money for direct mail and online adverts.
A viable alternative is a serious independent anti-grift candidate. But it would be vital they had no sniff of 'establishment' or 'uniparty' about them. That really limits the field. Maybe to zero since any such person would also have to be up for doing it.
If Binface campaigns as Eek suggests - keep the humour but mix in some seriousness on local issues - he could perhaps fit that bill. He ought to be able to. I doubt he knows (or cares) less about the place than his opponent the sitting MP.
Anyway, onwards to the most moral concentration camp in the world.
https://x.com/haaretzcom/status/1943335655913771213?s=61&t=LYVEHh2mqFy1oUJAdCfe-Q
He’s a war hero. As Kate Burley told survivors of the subject we don’t go into depth in on Newsnight.
I'm told we are going to get at least one Clacton poll, which I fear will make it clear that Compte Tete-de-Poubelle won't be winning.
I’m sure Bibi will commit to that in a heartbeat. 😂
Israel won’t withdraw from any of those places and is doubling down on it.
That’s the reality and we, in the west, have condoned it and gone along with it and enabled it irrespective of what people think.
It’s far too late now to exert any pressure on them to unwind. They’re building more settlements in the West Bank even as we post here.
"Jonathan Sumption
Britain is meekly accepting a court decision that could cost us trillions in reparations
The UK is uniquely vulnerable to the tarnished ICJ’s crude opinion on climate change" (£)
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/10/britain-must-resist-icj-crude-demand-climate-reparations/