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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » The argument over Scottish Indyref polling methodologies: S

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  • AveryLPAveryLP Posts: 7,815
    rcs1000 said:

    Neil said:

    Neil said:

    I just don't see her standing for one of at least three different reasons.

    You think she's doing the book just for the money?
    Hypothetically if you were going to do a book launch it would be better to do when people thought you were going to be president.
    Hillary not running would be Rod's best ever call given how early he made it and the certainty of it.

    If IIRC, Rod Crosby was also certain that Obama would not and could be President for some reason...
    And Sir Roderick continues to maintain that Obama is not entitled to the Presidency.

  • NeilNeil Posts: 7,983
    rcs1000 said:

    Neil said:

    Neil said:

    I just don't see her standing for one of at least three different reasons.

    You think she's doing the book just for the money?
    Hypothetically if you were going to do a book launch it would be better to do when people thought you were going to be president.
    Hillary not running would be Rod's best ever call given how early he made it and the certainty of it.

    If IIRC, Rod Crosby was also certain that Obama would not and could be President for some reason...
    Tbf that changed in the run-up to the re-election campaign to a claim that he should not be President but would be due to the American judiciary having a poorer understanding of their constitution than Rod.

  • NeilNeil Posts: 7,983
    AveryLP said:

    rcs1000 said:

    Neil said:

    Neil said:

    I just don't see her standing for one of at least three different reasons.

    You think she's doing the book just for the money?
    Hypothetically if you were going to do a book launch it would be better to do when people thought you were going to be president.
    Hillary not running would be Rod's best ever call given how early he made it and the certainty of it.

    If IIRC, Rod Crosby was also certain that Obama would not and could be President for some reason...
    And Sir Roderick continues to maintain that Obama is not entitled to the Presidency.

    Bloody Georgian judges.

  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,822

    National Review had a piece touting Ms Warren as the anti-Hilary candidate.

    Looks at betting records... Gender of next President: Female @ 4/1

    What's the emoticon for 'Smug git'?
  • SouthamObserverSouthamObserver Posts: 39,675
    That said, the practice of commissioning your own research solely for the purpose of criticizing another polling company’s methodology seems, in our view, to be unprecedented in the industry and not something that we would wish to repeat.

    Hear, hear. Kellner's whole article was extremely unprofessional and unfortunate. There was no need for it. Why not wait until 19th September?
  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,822
    edited July 2014

    Why not wait until 19th September?

    Bookies will have closed their markets by then?
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,458
    AndyJS said:
    The outlook is bright and sunni in Iraq I see.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,005
    Good afternoon, everyone.

    Good to have Mr. Briône's direction response. Not unlike betting, the advantage of a polling argument is that, ultimately, there'll be a vote at which point the most accurate pollster will be known (unless there's a tie, of course).

    Mr. Pulpstar, it's rather concerning.
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    BBC just embarrassed themselves by showing a golf advert in the middle of the tie-break between Halep and Bouchard when a spectator was being taken out with illness.They missed the re-start of play.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,005
    F1: bit of a ramble from Perez, but with one interesting snippet:
    http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/24215/9370245/sergio-perez-admits-force-india-must-be-on-their-guard-in-battle-for-fourth

    Force India had an aerodynamic upgrade at Austria (which is not a circuit where aerodynamics matter much at all), but if it's working then it'll prove more effective at Silverstone.

    Force India have historically kept pace throughout a season well, and very well considering they don't have the deep pockets of some other teams. They've been a bit slow upgrading so far this year, though.
  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    edited July 2014


    Hear, hear. Kellner's whole article was extremely unprofessional and unfortunate. There was no need for it. Why not wait until 19th September?

    Rubbish - his job is to drum up business for Yougov (currently polling Kippers at 12%) - by posting this now he gets FREE publicity and if YG are closer than Survation (currently polling Kippers at 22%) in the referendum prediction then it's cigars all round.

  • AveryLPAveryLP Posts: 7,815
    AndyJS said:

    BBC just embarrassed themselves by showing a golf advert in the middle of the tie-break between Halep and Bouchard when a spectator was being taken out with illness.They missed the re-start of play.

    Yet another reason - as if we need one - that the BBC should be privatised forthwith.

  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    AndyJS said:

    BBC just embarrassed themselves by showing a golf advert in the middle of the tie-break between Halep and Bouchard when a spectator was being taken out with illness.They missed the re-start of play.

    People still watch Wimbledon after Murray has been knocked out ? Who knew...
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,533
    TGOHF said:


    Hear, hear. Kellner's whole article was extremely unprofessional and unfortunate. There was no need for it. Why not wait until 19th September?

    Rubbish - his job is to drum up business for Yougov (currently polling Kippers at 12%) - by posting this now he gets FREE publicity and if YG are closer than Survation (currently polling Kippers at 22%) in the referendum prediction then it's cigars all round.

    A tweeter on one of the Twitter indyref-related threads made the point that YouGov's methodology not only did Yes down but also said that Mr Miliband would be PM next year - and if you don't believe the latter ...

    Interesting to see who will be right!

  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,005
    Ukraine Defence Minister promises victory in Crimea:
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28144334

    Hmm. I'll believe that when I see it.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,005
    Mr. Carnyx, you silly sausage, those are very different questions. Just because a man can't cook doesn't mean he can't sew.
  • taffystaffys Posts: 9,753
    edited July 2014
    ''The outlook is bright and sunni in Iraq I see. ''

    David Aaronovitch in the Times asks where is the outrage from moderate muslims, which means that its now officially politically correct for the rest of us to ask that question.
  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    Carnyx said:

    TGOHF said:


    Hear, hear. Kellner's whole article was extremely unprofessional and unfortunate. There was no need for it. Why not wait until 19th September?

    Rubbish - his job is to drum up business for Yougov (currently polling Kippers at 12%) - by posting this now he gets FREE publicity and if YG are closer than Survation (currently polling Kippers at 22%) in the referendum prediction then it's cigars all round.

    A tweeter on one of the Twitter indyref-related threads made the point that YouGov's methodology not only did Yes down but also said that Mr Miliband would be PM next year - and if you don't believe the latter ...

    Interesting to see who will be right!

    You gov are only saying that at this point in time No and Ed would win are they not ? Would be interested to see if YG are now forecasting the future as well as polling.
  • Sean_FSean_F Posts: 37,600
    hucks67 said:
    The highest form of apology in Japan requires the person making it to commit suicide.

    O/T, I see that UKPR's rolling average has reverted to Lab 35%, Con 32%, UKIP 14%, Lib Dem 8%

  • I'm just waiting for the phone call.
    *starts penning acceptance speech*
    Unlike the previous two MP's I do actually live here.
    Mind you, Boris would be pretty cool to have here
  • VerulamiusVerulamius Posts: 1,550
    To get a good role for the UK EU commissioner you need someone senior with the right experience (ignoring Baroness Ashton).

    If the UK is arguing for a top financial post, eg single market or competition, then someone with financial background would be useful.

    Neither Sir Malcolm nor Lord Howard would appear to have this.

    Redwood, Lord Lamont and Portillo spring to mind. Any others?
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,005
    Mr. Taffys, well, ISIS have cut off a policeman's head and used it as a football, eaten a man's heart, and recently crucified several men, but, in their defence, they haven't made a cartoon about Mohammed.
  • SimonStClareSimonStClare Posts: 7,976
    AndyJS said:

    BBC just embarrassed themselves by showing a golf advert in the middle of the tie-break between Halep and Bouchard when a spectator was being taken out with illness.They missed the re-start of play.

    Shocking - and a pitiful excuse to link this article of the delightful Ms Bouchard from the Mail

    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2679065/Shes-queen-court-named-royal-tennis-ace-Eugenie-Bouchard-reveals-fun-posts-sexy-snap-twin-sister-Beatrice.html
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,533
    TGOHF said:

    Carnyx said:

    TGOHF said:


    Hear, hear. Kellner's whole article was extremely unprofessional and unfortunate. There was no need for it. Why not wait until 19th September?

    Rubbish - his job is to drum up business for Yougov (currently polling Kippers at 12%) - by posting this now he gets FREE publicity and if YG are closer than Survation (currently polling Kippers at 22%) in the referendum prediction then it's cigars all round.

    A tweeter on one of the Twitter indyref-related threads made the point that YouGov's methodology not only did Yes down but also said that Mr Miliband would be PM next year - and if you don't believe the latter ...

    Interesting to see who will be right!

    You gov are only saying that at this point in time No and Ed would win are they not ? Would be interested to see if YG are now forecasting the future as well as polling.
    Point taken!
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    Apparently Bouchard's first language is English despite being from Montreal.
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 43,533

    Mr. Carnyx, you silly sausage, those are very different questions. Just because a man can't cook doesn't mean he can't sew.

    The analogy would work better, perhaps, if both needed a saucepan to sew with, and the handle on the pan was a bit shaky? But, with that proviso, point taken - and I see we have not heard from pollster No. 3.

  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,791
    Neil said:

    Some wise fellow tipped Lord Howard at 25/1.

    He's now 12/1

    He's 72. Is he really going to want to plunge himself into the Byzantine intrigues of the EU courtiers?
    Hillary will be 73 at the end of her first term. 70 is the new 50
    Which, unlike a number of highly-respected PBers I seriously doubt. Yes, if she's the Dems' nominee she'll win. I just don't see her standing for one of at least three different reasons.
    I think she wants it, and given the demographics and unappealing nature of the Republican Party candidates the Dem candidate is favourite she knows it's hers if she wants it.

    And she wants it.
    National Review had a piece touting Ms Warren as the anti-Hilary candidate.
    Being the first native American as well as woman President does give her a certain edge over Hillary.
    Interesting comment in the article. Refers to USA but equally apposite here:
    "People increasingly feel that economic and political elites are enriching themselves, not by making great products or selling valuable services, but by cutting backroom deals and selling influence. "

    Hmmm
  • Edin_RokzEdin_Rokz Posts: 516
    JohnO said:

    You know what...I have an inkling that the UK's EU Commissioner will be Sir Malcolm Rifkind. Ticks the seniority box as ex Foreign and Defence Secretary, ultra safe seat (will the kippers even bother?); and perfect for Boris's return.

    The Hersham Bugle (deputy ed - tim) has also learned that Ms Nuala Byrne has booked two tickets to Brussels.

    You heard it here first, folks.

    Er! I don't think Malkie will be interested in the job. Too much travelling and his wife (Edith) has health problems. More likely for Malkie to become Lord of Pentlands or Duddingston and take his seat in HoL.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,458
    Is Andrew Mitchell still in the running for the job ?

    He was red hot favourite at one point.

    I'm on him, Howard and Lansley.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,458

    Mr. Taffys, well, ISIS have cut off a policeman's head and used it as a football, eaten a man's heart, and recently crucified several men, but, in their defence, they haven't made a cartoon about Mohammed.

    I thought the audience member's attitude to Maajid Nawaz's tweet in the Question Time audience was very telling.
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    Pulpstar said:

    Is Andrew Mitchell still in the running for the job ?

    Is that why he is trying to settle the libel action out of court?
  • Pulpstar said:

    Is Andrew Mitchell still in the running for the job ?

    He was red hot favourite at one point.

    I'm on him, Howard and Lansley.

    Rumours abound that Mitchell MP v NGN and Rowland v Mitchell are about to be settled.
  • AndreaParma_82AndreaParma_82 Posts: 4,714
    With the 2 MPs announcing retirement today we are at 16 Conservative voluntarily retirements
  • If Boris does get the Hertsmere gig, then maybe PB has a wider readership than we suspected.
    http://politicalbetting.vanillaforums.com/discussion/comment/305971/#Comment_305971
  • HurstLlamaHurstLlama Posts: 9,098
    The fellow who would make an excellent commissioner at the EU is Daniel Hannan. He would do a cracking job. Unfortunately, the system being what it is, Cameron would never nominate him, Juncker would only give the OIC paper clips job if Cameron did and the EU parliament would throw even that appointment out.

    Weird world the EU, one can only have influence if one wants to travel in the "right" direction. Dissenters and non-believers are barred.
  • MikePMikeP Posts: 47

    Mr. Taffys, well, ISIS have cut off a policeman's head and used it as a football, eaten a man's heart, and recently crucified several men, but, in their defence, they haven't made a cartoon about Mohammed.

    And these are the kind of scum that David Cameron wanted to arm and support in Syria until Ed Miliband set him right.
  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,822
    MikeP said:


    And these are the kind of scum that David Cameron wanted to arm and support in Syria until Ed Miliband set him right.

    Really?

    Link please.
  • AndreaParma_82AndreaParma_82 Posts: 4,714
    edited July 2014
    Have we commented Labour NEC results for PLP/EPLP section last night?


    On EU front, UK is likely to get 3 select committee chairmanships

    International Development (Linda McAven, Lab)
    Civil liberties, Justice and Home affairs (Clause Moraes, Lab)
    Internal Market (Vicky Ford, Con)


    The LibDem woman became one of the 5 quaestors yesterday.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,005
    Mr. P, no.

    There's a liberal, pro-democracy opposition as well as ISIS.
  • SocratesSocrates Posts: 10,322
    Pulpstar said:

    Mr. Taffys, well, ISIS have cut off a policeman's head and used it as a football, eaten a man's heart, and recently crucified several men, but, in their defence, they haven't made a cartoon about Mohammed.

    I thought the audience member's attitude to Maajid Nawaz's tweet in the Question Time audience was very telling.
    What was the reaction?
  • SocratesSocrates Posts: 10,322
    MikeP said:

    Mr. Taffys, well, ISIS have cut off a policeman's head and used it as a football, eaten a man's heart, and recently crucified several men, but, in their defence, they haven't made a cartoon about Mohammed.

    And these are the kind of scum that David Cameron wanted to arm and support in Syria until Ed Miliband set him right.
    No, they're not.
  • SocratesSocrates Posts: 10,322

    Have we commented Labour NEC results for PLP/EPLP section last night?


    On EU front, UK is likely to get 3 select committee chairmanships

    International Development (Linda McAven, Lab)
    Civil liberties, Justice and Home affairs (Clause Moraes, Lab)
    Internal Market (Vicky Ford, Con)


    The LibDem woman became one of the 5 quaestors yesterday.

    So Labour get two, despite coming second, the Conservatives get one, despite coming third, and UKIP, who came first, get none?

    What sort of stupid system is that? The more I find out about the EU the worse it is.
  • ToryJimToryJim Posts: 4,189
    I know it is basically variations on the same blog but Hodges anti-Miliband stuff never gets tiring.

    http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danhodges/100278556/why-has-labour-launched-nhs-summer-in-the-middle-of-business-week/
  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,822
    edited July 2014
    Socrates said:

    So Labour get two, despite coming second, the Conservatives get one, despite coming third, and UKIP, who came first, get none?

    What sort of stupid system is that? The more I find out about the EU the worse it is.

    Did UKIP apply to get any?
  • SocratesSocrates Posts: 10,322

    Socrates said:

    So Labour get two, despite coming second, the Conservatives get one, despite coming third, and UKIP, who came first, get none?

    What sort of stupid system is that? The more I find out about the EU the worse it is.

    Did UKIP apply to get any?
    I don't know. Presumably the EU has an open and transparent system where we can see who applied?
  • NeilNeil Posts: 7,983
    Socrates said:

    Have we commented Labour NEC results for PLP/EPLP section last night?


    On EU front, UK is likely to get 3 select committee chairmanships

    International Development (Linda McAven, Lab)
    Civil liberties, Justice and Home affairs (Clause Moraes, Lab)
    Internal Market (Vicky Ford, Con)


    The LibDem woman became one of the 5 quaestors yesterday.

    So Labour get two, despite coming second, the Conservatives get one, despite coming third, and UKIP, who came first, get none?

    What sort of stupid system is that? The more I find out about the EU the worse it is.
    It was a European election. Labour's group came 2nd overall and the Tory / UKIP groups limped home with the also-rans.

  • JohnOJohnO Posts: 4,293
    Edin_Rokz said:

    JohnO said:

    You know what...I have an inkling that the UK's EU Commissioner will be Sir Malcolm Rifkind. Ticks the seniority box as ex Foreign and Defence Secretary, ultra safe seat (will the kippers even bother?); and perfect for Boris's return.

    The Hersham Bugle (deputy ed - tim) has also learned that Ms Nuala Byrne has booked two tickets to Brussels.

    You heard it here first, folks.

    Er! I don't think Malkie will be interested in the job. Too much travelling and his wife (Edith) has health problems. More likely for Malkie to become Lord of Pentlands or Duddingston and take his seat in HoL.
    Have to concede those are credible counter-arguments.
  • john_zimsjohn_zims Posts: 3,399
    @MikeP

    'And these are the kind of scum that David Cameron wanted to arm and support in Syria until Ed Miliband set him right.'

    Wrong,ISIS is just one of many groups fighting Assad.


    'Obama seeks $500 million from Congress to help moderate Syrian ...
    Yahoo News-26 Jun 2014
    "It is not too late to help the moderate opposition. ... Syrian rebels fighting Assad are a disparate array of groups including the radical Islamic ...
  • NeilNeil Posts: 7,983
    ToryJim said:

    I know it is basically variations on the same blog but Hodges anti-Miliband stuff never gets tiring.

    http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danhodges/100278556/why-has-labour-launched-nhs-summer-in-the-middle-of-business-week/

    Is Dan trying to replace QTWTAIN with Questions We Couldnt Care Less About?
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,458
    Socrates said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Mr. Taffys, well, ISIS have cut off a policeman's head and used it as a football, eaten a man's heart, and recently crucified several men, but, in their defence, they haven't made a cartoon about Mohammed.

    I thought the audience member's attitude to Maajid Nawaz's tweet in the Question Time audience was very telling.
    What was the reaction?
    Telling him that he shouldn't have tweeted the "Hey Mo" cartoon as it could inflame tensions, that he should be more responsible...

    Just had a look at some stories in the Mail - prison population isn't nearly high enough I reckon. We should build some more.
  • SocratesSocrates Posts: 10,322
    Neil said:

    Socrates said:

    Have we commented Labour NEC results for PLP/EPLP section last night?


    On EU front, UK is likely to get 3 select committee chairmanships

    International Development (Linda McAven, Lab)
    Civil liberties, Justice and Home affairs (Clause Moraes, Lab)
    Internal Market (Vicky Ford, Con)


    The LibDem woman became one of the 5 quaestors yesterday.

    So Labour get two, despite coming second, the Conservatives get one, despite coming third, and UKIP, who came first, get none?

    What sort of stupid system is that? The more I find out about the EU the worse it is.
    It was a European election. Labour's group came 2nd overall and the Tory / UKIP groups limped home with the also-rans.

    But the Tories and UKIP make up a much bigger share of their groups, so that should make up for it surely? UKIP have more MEPs.
  • ToryJimToryJim Posts: 4,189
    Neil said:

    ToryJim said:

    I know it is basically variations on the same blog but Hodges anti-Miliband stuff never gets tiring.

    http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/danhodges/100278556/why-has-labour-launched-nhs-summer-in-the-middle-of-business-week/

    Is Dan trying to replace QTWTAIN with Questions We Couldnt Care Less About?
    I guess those who are red in tooth and claw care deeply about the complete strategic incompetence outlined.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,458
    Al-Nusra has made a truce with ISIS - there are Syrian rebels not associated with the worst kind of Islamism out there, but their numbers shrink daily methinks.

    They are surely a small force now - the main forces are Assad and ISIS Syria right now.

    What a rum choice the people there face.
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,569
    TGOHF said:

    I suspect a question that cannot be answered until after the Indy ref.

    However yougov seem closer to Jack's ARSE..

    Hmmm, very apt and not somewhere I would personally like to be anywhere near.
  • NeilNeil Posts: 7,983
    Socrates said:

    Neil said:

    Socrates said:

    Have we commented Labour NEC results for PLP/EPLP section last night?


    On EU front, UK is likely to get 3 select committee chairmanships

    International Development (Linda McAven, Lab)
    Civil liberties, Justice and Home affairs (Clause Moraes, Lab)
    Internal Market (Vicky Ford, Con)


    The LibDem woman became one of the 5 quaestors yesterday.

    So Labour get two, despite coming second, the Conservatives get one, despite coming third, and UKIP, who came first, get none?

    What sort of stupid system is that? The more I find out about the EU the worse it is.
    It was a European election. Labour's group came 2nd overall and the Tory / UKIP groups limped home with the also-rans.

    But the Tories and UKIP make up a much bigger share of their groups, so that should make up for it surely? UKIP have more MEPs.
    The committee chairs are allocated between the groups by D'Hondt which strikes me as being reasonable. You're basically blaming the EU for Labour being more influential within its group than other UK parties seem to have been during this exercise. Well, you're happy to blame the EU for almost anything so this dosnt surprise me.
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    O/T:

    Samsung to scrap plasma TVs:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-28143408
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,569

    Do you intend to vote?
    Out of ten how likely are you to vote?
    How will you vote?

    Forget past weightings and party bs.

    Self certified voting certainty numbers can be crap. Go look at ComRes & the Euros.

    The fact that they do not want to disclose all their weighting numbers etc does not sit well.
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,569
    Pulpstar said:

    The real battle with the IndyRef polling is between ICM and YouGov and Survation are closer to the former.

    What are their figures ?

    43 -> 49.9 (Yes) would be a very satisfying result for me as it would mean both the Nats and the Salmond doom mongers on here will have to pay out to me or charities of my choice.
    Pulpstar , you are on a winner as long as over 50% also gets you cash. Will be 45% - 55%.
  • AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    “Labour’s Chuka Umunna makes Wichita/Worcester gaffe”:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28150247
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,569
    Anorak said:

    Ladbrokes are now going 1/7 for a No vote in the Indy Referendum. All over bar the shouting it would seem.

    Considering we've had polls from ICM showing the Indyref to be very close, I'm perplexed by these odds.
    Indeed. Must be a helluva lot of punters on NO to drive it down that far.
    Oddschecker still shows more on YES than NO but it has fallen a few points recently.
  • AndreaParma_82AndreaParma_82 Posts: 4,714
    edited July 2014
    Number of chairmanships are usually allocated to parliamentary groups based on their numeric strenght. Then parliamentary groups do whatever they like with them. However they take in considerations internal strenghts and what they already got.

    ECR got 2 chairmanships. So they opted for one to the Polish party and 1 to Conservatives, the 2 largest delegations in the group.

    Socialists have 7 select committee chairs....2 to Labour because they didn't get any Vice-Presidents (France, Italy and Romania got the 3 Socialists Vice Presidents).

    EFDD (UKIP group) should be entitled of a chairmanship too though. Let's see what happens there. They were entitled of a Vice Presidency too...but ALDE stole it!
    Socrates said:

    Have we commented Labour NEC results for PLP/EPLP section last night?


    On EU front, UK is likely to get 3 select committee chairmanships

    International Development (Linda McAven, Lab)
    Civil liberties, Justice and Home affairs (Clause Moraes, Lab)
    Internal Market (Vicky Ford, Con)


    The LibDem woman became one of the 5 quaestors yesterday.

    So Labour get two, despite coming second, the Conservatives get one, despite coming third, and UKIP, who came first, get none?

    What sort of stupid system is that? The more I find out about the EU the worse it is.
  • SocratesSocrates Posts: 10,322
    edited July 2014
    Neil said:

    Socrates said:

    Neil said:

    Socrates said:

    Have we commented Labour NEC results for PLP/EPLP section last night?


    On EU front, UK is likely to get 3 select committee chairmanships

    International Development (Linda McAven, Lab)
    Civil liberties, Justice and Home affairs (Clause Moraes, Lab)
    Internal Market (Vicky Ford, Con)


    The LibDem woman became one of the 5 quaestors yesterday.

    So Labour get two, despite coming second, the Conservatives get one, despite coming third, and UKIP, who came first, get none?

    What sort of stupid system is that? The more I find out about the EU the worse it is.
    It was a European election. Labour's group came 2nd overall and the Tory / UKIP groups limped home with the also-rans.

    But the Tories and UKIP make up a much bigger share of their groups, so that should make up for it surely? UKIP have more MEPs.
    The committee chairs are allocated between the groups by D'Hondt which strikes me as being reasonable. You're basically blaming the EU for Labour being more influential within its group than other UK parties seem to have been during this exercise. Well, you're happy to blame the EU for almost anything so this dosnt surprise me.
    Yes, silly me for blaming the EU for unskilled immigration, waste and corruption in structural funds, the inability of the UK to pass its own free trade deals and terrible agricultural subsidies that harm consumers, taxpayers and millions in the developing world. They have nothing to do with that!

    So how many committee chairs did the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy get? I struggle to see UKIP being uninfluential in their group, given they co-lead it.
  • SocratesSocrates Posts: 10,322
    Incidentally, Labour, the party of ID cards and 42-day detention getting the civil liberties brief is a laugh.
  • SocratesSocrates Posts: 10,322
    edited July 2014

    Number of chairmanships are usually allocated to parliamentary groups based on their numeric strenght. Then parliamentary groups do whatever they like with them. However they take in considerations internal strenghts and what they already got.

    ECR got 2 chairmanships. So they opted for one to the Polish party and 1 to Conservatives, the 2 largest delegations in the group.

    Socialists have 7 select committee chairs....2 to Labour because they didn't get any Vice-Presidents (France, Italy and Romania got the 3 Socialists Vice Presidents).

    EFDD (UKIP group) should be entitled of a chairmanship too though. Let's see what happens there. They were entitled of a Vice Presidency too...but ALDE stole it!


    Socrates said:

    Have we commented Labour NEC results for PLP/EPLP section last night?


    On EU front, UK is likely to get 3 select committee chairmanships

    International Development (Linda McAven, Lab)
    Civil liberties, Justice and Home affairs (Clause Moraes, Lab)
    Internal Market (Vicky Ford, Con)


    The LibDem woman became one of the 5 quaestors yesterday.

    So Labour get two, despite coming second, the Conservatives get one, despite coming third, and UKIP, who came first, get none?

    What sort of stupid system is that? The more I find out about the EU the worse it is.
    How did ALDE steal EFDD's vice presidency? How do the EPP get six of fourteen vice-presidencies on 29% of the vote?
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,569
    Carnyx said:

    TGOHF said:


    Hear, hear. Kellner's whole article was extremely unprofessional and unfortunate. There was no need for it. Why not wait until 19th September?

    Rubbish - his job is to drum up business for Yougov (currently polling Kippers at 12%) - by posting this now he gets FREE publicity and if YG are closer than Survation (currently polling Kippers at 22%) in the referendum prediction then it's cigars all round.

    A tweeter on one of the Twitter indyref-related threads made the point that YouGov's methodology not only did Yes down but also said that Mr Miliband would be PM next year - and if you don't believe the latter ...

    Interesting to see who will be right!

    Yes, methinks a lot of wishful labour thinking going on.
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,569
    TGOHF said:

    Carnyx said:

    TGOHF said:


    Hear, hear. Kellner's whole article was extremely unprofessional and unfortunate. There was no need for it. Why not wait until 19th September?

    Rubbish - his job is to drum up business for Yougov (currently polling Kippers at 12%) - by posting this now he gets FREE publicity and if YG are closer than Survation (currently polling Kippers at 22%) in the referendum prediction then it's cigars all round.

    A tweeter on one of the Twitter indyref-related threads made the point that YouGov's methodology not only did Yes down but also said that Mr Miliband would be PM next year - and if you don't believe the latter ...

    Interesting to see who will be right!

    You gov are only saying that at this point in time No and Ed would win are they not ? Would be interested to see if YG are now forecasting the future as well as polling.
    allegedly
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,569
    Edin_Rokz said:

    JohnO said:

    You know what...I have an inkling that the UK's EU Commissioner will be Sir Malcolm Rifkind. Ticks the seniority box as ex Foreign and Defence Secretary, ultra safe seat (will the kippers even bother?); and perfect for Boris's return.

    The Hersham Bugle (deputy ed - tim) has also learned that Ms Nuala Byrne has booked two tickets to Brussels.

    You heard it here first, folks.

    Er! I don't think Malkie will be interested in the job. Too much travelling and his wife (Edith) has health problems. More likely for Malkie to become Lord of Pentlands or Duddingston and take his seat in HoL.
    You have my wifes name wrong and I would consider it, can certainly count better than the turkeys they are touting for it and easily better than Rifkind for sure.
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    edited July 2014
    AndyJS said:

    Hertsmere is a possibility for Boris Johnson, although he'd obviously prefer somewhere like Kensington.

    I really hope not.

    Nicky Scott, Alan Clark, Michael Portillo, now Boris.

    WTF did I do in a former life?!
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 29,017
    john_zims said:

    @MikeP

    'And these are the kind of scum that David Cameron wanted to arm and support in Syria until Ed Miliband set him right.'

    Wrong,ISIS is just one of many groups fighting Assad.


    'Obama seeks $500 million from Congress to help moderate Syrian ...
    Yahoo News-26 Jun 2014
    "It is not too late to help the moderate opposition. ... Syrian rebels fighting Assad are a disparate array of groups including the radical Islamic ...

    As good as. ISIS is a Saudi proxy, and the US has not escaped association:
    http://nsnbc.me/2014/06/15/isis-unveiled-identity-insurgency-syria-iraq/ At the very least, they armed and funded groups in the full knowledge that turf wars, shifting loyalties etc. would mean these weapons would end up with these despicable people.
  • NeilNeil Posts: 7,983
    Charles said:

    AndyJS said:

    Hertsmere is a possibility for Boris Johnson, although he'd obviously prefer somewhere like Kensington.

    I really hope not.

    Nicky Scott, Alan Clark, Michael Portillo, now Boris.

    WTF did I do in a former life?!
    Vote Tory?

  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    Neil said:

    Some wise fellow tipped Lord Howard at 25/1.

    He's now 12/1

    He's 72. Is he really going to want to plunge himself into the Byzantine intrigues of the EU courtiers?
    Hillary will be 73 at the end of her first term. 70 is the new 50
    Which, unlike a number of highly-respected PBers I seriously doubt. Yes, if she's the Dems' nominee she'll win. I just don't see her standing for one of at least three different reasons.
    I think she wants it, and given the demographics and unappealing nature of the Republican Party candidates the Dem candidate is favourite she knows it's hers if she wants it.

    And she wants it.
    National Review had a piece touting Ms Warren as the anti-Hilary candidate.
    Being the first native American as well as woman President does give her a certain edge over Hillary.
    I thought the native American thing was tenuous in the extreme?

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/fact-checker/post/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-controversy-over-elizabeth-warrens-claimed-native-american-heritage/2012/09/27/d0b7f568-08a5-11e2-a10c-fa5a255a9258_blog.html
  • NeilNeil Posts: 7,983
    Charles said:

    Neil said:

    Some wise fellow tipped Lord Howard at 25/1.

    He's now 12/1

    He's 72. Is he really going to want to plunge himself into the Byzantine intrigues of the EU courtiers?
    Hillary will be 73 at the end of her first term. 70 is the new 50
    Which, unlike a number of highly-respected PBers I seriously doubt. Yes, if she's the Dems' nominee she'll win. I just don't see her standing for one of at least three different reasons.
    I think she wants it, and given the demographics and unappealing nature of the Republican Party candidates the Dem candidate is favourite she knows it's hers if she wants it.

    And she wants it.
    National Review had a piece touting Ms Warren as the anti-Hilary candidate.
    Being the first native American as well as woman President does give her a certain edge over Hillary.
    I thought the native American thing was tenuous in the extreme?
    I wasnt being entirely serious.
  • Edin_RokzEdin_Rokz Posts: 516
    malcolmg said:

    Edin_Rokz said:

    JohnO said:

    You know what...I have an inkling that the UK's EU Commissioner will be Sir Malcolm Rifkind. Ticks the seniority box as ex Foreign and Defence Secretary, ultra safe seat (will the kippers even bother?); and perfect for Boris's return.

    The Hersham Bugle (deputy ed - tim) has also learned that Ms Nuala Byrne has booked two tickets to Brussels.

    You heard it here first, folks.

    Er! I don't think Malkie will be interested in the job. Too much travelling and his wife (Edith) has health problems. More likely for Malkie to become Lord of Pentlands or Duddingston and take his seat in HoL.
    You have my wifes name wrong and I would consider it, can certainly count better than the turkeys they are touting for it and easily better than Rifkind for sure.
    I've met Malcolm Rifkind, and you are not even a tenth of a man he is. He, is intelligent and literate, which is something you could only have nightmares of becoming.
  • SocratesSocrates Posts: 10,322

    john_zims said:

    @MikeP

    'And these are the kind of scum that David Cameron wanted to arm and support in Syria until Ed Miliband set him right.'

    Wrong,ISIS is just one of many groups fighting Assad.


    'Obama seeks $500 million from Congress to help moderate Syrian ...
    Yahoo News-26 Jun 2014
    "It is not too late to help the moderate opposition. ... Syrian rebels fighting Assad are a disparate array of groups including the radical Islamic ...

    As good as. ISIS is a Saudi proxy, and the US has not escaped association:
    http://nsnbc.me/2014/06/15/isis-unveiled-identity-insurgency-syria-iraq/ At the very least, they armed and funded groups in the full knowledge that turf wars, shifting loyalties etc. would mean these weapons would end up with these despicable people.
    Saudi is petrified of ISIS, and just today has moved troops to the Iraq border against them. As for your source on the US:

    http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Nsnbc.me

    nsnbc.me, or nsnbc ìnternational, is a lowercase alternative news site created in 2013 by a Danish man named Christoff Lehmann as a replacement for his blog.[1] The website is one of the more professional-looking crank sites. However, under the shiny exterior, the website supports a wide range of conspiracy theories and woo.

    nsnbc features articles supporting 9/11 conspiracy theories,[2][3] FEMA concentration camps,[2][4] Bilderberg conspiracies,[2][5] Zionist conspiracies,[6] Rothschild conspiracies,[6] Monsanto conspiracies,[7] Séralini's discredited rat study,[8] vaccine-induced autism,[9] fluoride conspiracies,[10] and cancer woo.[11]
  • Richard_NabaviRichard_Nabavi Posts: 30,822
    Socrates said:

    nsnbc features articles supporting 9/11 conspiracy theories,[2][3] FEMA concentration camps,[2][4] Bilderberg conspiracies,[2][5] Zionist conspiracies,[6] Rothschild conspiracies,[6] Monsanto conspiracies,[7] Séralini's discredited rat study,[8] vaccine-induced autism,[9] fluoride conspiracies,[10] and cancer woo.[11]

    I like the sound of 'Séralini's discredited rat study'. Does he also do studies on rats of impeccable reputation?
  • malcolmgmalcolmg Posts: 43,569
    edited July 2014
    Edin_Rokz said:

    malcolmg said:

    Edin_Rokz said:

    JohnO said:

    You know what...I have an inkling that the UK's EU Commissioner will be Sir Malcolm Rifkind. Ticks the seniority box as ex Foreign and Defence Secretary, ultra safe seat (will the kippers even bother?); and perfect for Boris's return.

    The Hersham Bugle (deputy ed - tim) has also learned that Ms Nuala Byrne has booked two tickets to Brussels.

    You heard it here first, folks.

    Er! I don't think Malkie will be interested in the job. Too much travelling and his wife (Edith) has health problems. More likely for Malkie to become Lord of Pentlands or Duddingston and take his seat in HoL.
    You have my wifes name wrong and I would consider it, can certainly count better than the turkeys they are touting for it and easily better than Rifkind for sure.
    I've met Malcolm Rifkind, and you are not even a tenth of a man he is. He, is intelligent and literate, which is something you could only have nightmares of becoming.
    OOOOOH get you , what an exciting life you lead. You absolute turnip, must be one of the few dumplings that would count that as exciting. Seek help.
    You are certain to win Turnip of the week title.

    PS : you stupid halfwit you do not even know me, are you on drugs.
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    Pulpstar said:

    Al-Nusra has made a truce with ISIS - there are Syrian rebels not associated with the worst kind of Islamism out there, but their numbers shrink daily methinks.

    They are surely a small force now - the main forces are Assad and ISIS Syria right now.

    What a rum choice the people there face.

    Death by bullet seems eminently preferable to death by cruxifiction
  • SocratesSocrates Posts: 10,322
    AndyJS said:

    “Labour’s Chuka Umunna makes Wichita/Worcester gaffe”:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28150247

    That's pretty bad, but the BBC is wrong that the place doesn't exist. It's in Kansas isn't it?
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,216
    malcolmg said:

    Carnyx said:

    TGOHF said:


    Hear, hear. Kellner's whole article was extremely unprofessional and unfortunate. There was no need for it. Why not wait until 19th September?

    Rubbish - his job is to drum up business for Yougov (currently polling Kippers at 12%) - by posting this now he gets FREE publicity and if YG are closer than Survation (currently polling Kippers at 22%) in the referendum prediction then it's cigars all round.

    A tweeter on one of the Twitter indyref-related threads made the point that YouGov's methodology not only did Yes down but also said that Mr Miliband would be PM next year - and if you don't believe the latter ...

    Interesting to see who will be right!

    Yes, methinks a lot of wishful labour thinking going on.
    But not quite as wishful as Nat thinking, given the relative polling positions.....

    On topic, good to see Survation entering the debate - unfortunate that they did not rise above Kellner and add the unwarranted jibe about commissioning polls to discredit other's methodology.

    I would have thought both were seekers of truth....(despite what some Nats say!)

  • ToryJimToryJim Posts: 4,189
    Socrates said:

    AndyJS said:

    “Labour’s Chuka Umunna makes Wichita/Worcester gaffe”:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28150247

    That's pretty bad, but the BBC is wrong that the place doesn't exist. It's in Kansas isn't it?
    I believe so, it also features in a Glen Campbell song Wichita Lineman. Perhaps Chuka is a country fan?
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,216
    malcolmg said:

    Edin_Rokz said:

    malcolmg said:

    Edin_Rokz said:

    JohnO said:

    You know what...I have an inkling that the UK's EU Commissioner will be Sir Malcolm Rifkind. Ticks the seniority box as ex Foreign and Defence Secretary, ultra safe seat (will the kippers even bother?); and perfect for Boris's return.

    The Hersham Bugle (deputy ed - tim) has also learned that Ms Nuala Byrne has booked two tickets to Brussels.

    You heard it here first, folks.

    Er! I don't think Malkie will be interested in the job. Too much travelling and his wife (Edith) has health problems. More likely for Malkie to become Lord of Pentlands or Duddingston and take his seat in HoL.
    You have my wifes name wrong and I would consider it, can certainly count better than the turkeys they are touting for it and easily better than Rifkind for sure.
    I've met Malcolm Rifkind, and you are not even a tenth of a man he is. He, is intelligent and literate, which is something you could only have nightmares of becoming.
    You are certain to win Turnip of the week title.
    No, that would be you, since you confused yourself with Sir Malcolm Rifkind.....

  • saddenedsaddened Posts: 2,245
    MikeP said:

    Mr. Taffys, well, ISIS have cut off a policeman's head and used it as a football, eaten a man's heart, and recently crucified several men, but, in their defence, they haven't made a cartoon about Mohammed.

    And these are the kind of scum that David Cameron wanted to arm and support in Syria until Ed Miliband set him right.
    What does your golf club do for an idiot while you're posting on here?
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 29,017
    edited July 2014
    Socrates said:



    Saudi is petrified of ISIS, and just today has moved troops to the Iraq border against them. As for your source on the US:

    http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Nsnbc.me

    nsnbc.me, or nsnbc ìnternational, is a lowercase alternative news site created in 2013 by a Danish man named Christoff Lehmann as a replacement for his blog.[1] The website is one of the more professional-looking crank sites. However, under the shiny exterior, the website supports a wide range of conspiracy theories and woo.

    nsnbc features articles supporting 9/11 conspiracy theories,[2][3] FEMA concentration camps,[2][4] Bilderberg conspiracies,[2][5] Zionist conspiracies,[6] Rothschild conspiracies,[6] Monsanto conspiracies,[7] Séralini's discredited rat study,[8] vaccine-induced autism,[9] fluoride conspiracies,[10] and cancer woo.[11]

    Sorry, but this is just more dreadfully anachronistic news source myopia from you. As I said, I judge anything I read on content, not source. Any idiot reading the piece I posted can see that it utilises a range of evidentiary support that requires more counter-evidence than you simply dismissing the article because some moronic 'debunking' site has decided nsnbc falls outside the pale. By contrast, are we rather supposed to give credence to the rambling conspiracies of Con Coughlin in the Telegraph:

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iran/10809186/West-fears-Iran-is-supplying-chlorine-bombs-to-Syria.html

    Who utilises neither evidence nor logic, and rather tellingly allows no comment under the article? Paragraphs like this:

    'In particular, Western leaders have become increasingly concerned by the regime’s use of chlorine bombs against opposition fighters. Claims that the regime regularly uses the weapons are now being investigated by a specialist team from the U.N.’s Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.'

    -the claims are being investigated, but in the first sentence the culpability of the regime (as opposed to the jihadists that oppose it, and were desperate to secure western military intervention) is simply assumed. But he does draw a generous salary and write for The Telegraph, so it must be true.
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,791
    Just what more does malcolmg have to do to get banned?
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 29,017
    And regarding the Saudi regime's actions,

    1. Of course they would make noises against ISIS (such as their new anti-terrorism laws), as well as beefing up their security, what else would you expect someone waging an arms length war to do? Send a congratulatory telegram? They have also promoted a ridiculous media narrative of 'Oh shit, they've robbed a bank -now they're rich and well funded!' 'Oh shit, they've overrun a weapons dump, now they're well armed!' 'Oh shit, they've found chemical weapons (that no-one else has managed to find either before during or since the Iraq war), now they can launch chemical attacks!'. Dreadfully flimsy cover for what has always been an extremely well organised, well armed, and well connected group.

    2. Their fears may well be genuine. If you give lethal weapons to psychopaths, blowback is a very real fear. The two things are in no way mutually exclusive.
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    Neil said:

    Charles said:

    Neil said:

    Some wise fellow tipped Lord Howard at 25/1.

    He's now 12/1

    He's 72. Is he really going to want to plunge himself into the Byzantine intrigues of the EU courtiers?
    Hillary will be 73 at the end of her first term. 70 is the new 50
    Which, unlike a number of highly-respected PBers I seriously doubt. Yes, if she's the Dems' nominee she'll win. I just don't see her standing for one of at least three different reasons.
    I think she wants it, and given the demographics and unappealing nature of the Republican Party candidates the Dem candidate is favourite she knows it's hers if she wants it.

    And she wants it.
    National Review had a piece touting Ms Warren as the anti-Hilary candidate.
    Being the first native American as well as woman President does give her a certain edge over Hillary.
    I thought the native American thing was tenuous in the extreme?
    I wasnt being entirely serious.
    Well I never!
  • Some wise fellow tipped Lord Howard at 25/1.

    He's now 12/1

    He's 72. Is he really going to want to plunge himself into the Byzantine intrigues of the EU courtiers?
    Hillary will be 73 at the end of her first term. 70 is the new 50
    Which, unlike a number of highly-respected PBers I seriously doubt. Yes, if she's the Dems' nominee she'll win. I just don't see her standing for one of at least three different reasons.
    I think she wants it, and given the demographics and unappealing nature of the Republican Party candidates the Dem candidate is favourite she knows it's hers if she wants it.

    And she wants it.
    If it weren't for the fact that Betfair are offering me such generous lay odds which I keep lapping up, I'd enter into a bet with your good self.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,458
    Charles said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Al-Nusra has made a truce with ISIS - there are Syrian rebels not associated with the worst kind of Islamism out there, but their numbers shrink daily methinks.

    They are surely a small force now - the main forces are Assad and ISIS Syria right now.

    What a rum choice the people there face.

    Death by bullet seems eminently preferable to death by cruxifiction
    I won't disagree, at least ISIS don't boil people alive I guess.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 29,017
    Pulpstar said:

    Charles said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Al-Nusra has made a truce with ISIS - there are Syrian rebels not associated with the worst kind of Islamism out there, but their numbers shrink daily methinks.

    They are surely a small force now - the main forces are Assad and ISIS Syria right now.

    What a rum choice the people there face.

    Death by bullet seems eminently preferable to death by cruxifiction
    I won't disagree, at least ISIS don't boil people alive I guess.
    They seem to prefer them raw.
  • MarkHopkinsMarkHopkins Posts: 5,584
    Google's decision to remove a BBC article from some of its search results was "not a good judgement", a European Commission spokesman has said.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-28144406

    What did they think was going to happen?
  • OldKingColeOldKingCole Posts: 33,791
    Pulpstar said:

    Charles said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Al-Nusra has made a truce with ISIS - there are Syrian rebels not associated with the worst kind of Islamism out there, but their numbers shrink daily methinks.

    They are surely a small force now - the main forces are Assad and ISIS Syria right now.

    What a rum choice the people there face.

    Death by bullet seems eminently preferable to death by cruxifiction
    I won't disagree, at least ISIS don't boil people alive I guess.
    Don't give them ideas!
  • TheWatcherTheWatcher Posts: 5,262
    edited July 2014

    malcolmg said:

    Edin_Rokz said:

    malcolmg said:

    Edin_Rokz said:

    JohnO said:

    You know what...I have an inkling that the UK's EU Commissioner will be Sir Malcolm Rifkind. Ticks the seniority box as ex Foreign and Defence Secretary, ultra safe seat (will the kippers even bother?); and perfect for Boris's return.

    The Hersham Bugle (deputy ed - tim) has also learned that Ms Nuala Byrne has booked two tickets to Brussels.

    You heard it here first, folks.

    Er! I don't think Malkie will be interested in the job. Too much travelling and his wife (Edith) has health problems. More likely for Malkie to become Lord of Pentlands or Duddingston and take his seat in HoL.
    You have my wifes name wrong and I would consider it, can certainly count better than the turkeys they are touting for it and easily better than Rifkind for sure.
    I've met Malcolm Rifkind, and you are not even a tenth of a man he is. He, is intelligent and literate, which is something you could only have nightmares of becoming.
    You are certain to win Turnip of the week title.
    No, that would be you, since you confused yourself with Sir Malcolm Rifkind.....

    Love it. Malcolm thinking that someone was proposing him for the job. Ha Ha.

    He's probably just nipped out to buy some EU flags to hang off the bonnet of his mini cab.
  • CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 60,216
    BBC Bias - giving Blair Jenkins, head of YESNP nearly twice the space for comment as the Prime Minister:

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-28129190

    An alternative view is that they did not conceal Jenkins bathos;

    "Nothing better illustrates the need for a 'Yes' vote in September, so that we can put bairns before bombs."

    Perhaps the SNP intimidation of the BBC is working?
  • foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    I was talking to an Iraqi friend this week. She has family who have fled across to Kurdistan. Its the first time in 2 decades that I have heard her talk favourably of Saddam. Her words were "he crushed many good ordinary people, but he also crushed scum like ISIS and Malaki"

    Sadly the only people who seem capable of keeping the real nutters in the middle east in line are secular dictators like Saddam or Assad. The Middle East is entering a new dark age.
    Pulpstar said:

    Charles said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Al-Nusra has made a truce with ISIS - there are Syrian rebels not associated with the worst kind of Islamism out there, but their numbers shrink daily methinks.

    They are surely a small force now - the main forces are Assad and ISIS Syria right now.

    What a rum choice the people there face.

    Death by bullet seems eminently preferable to death by cruxifiction
    I won't disagree, at least ISIS don't boil people alive I guess.
  • fitalassfitalass Posts: 4,320
    I think the whole Conservative party owes Lord Howard a favour when it comes to the last Leadership contest!

    OT EU: Cameroon think tank Open Europe having a go at the idiocy of sending Lansley to the Commission, although too polite to mention him by name:
    http://www.openeurope.org.uk/Article/Page/en/LIVE?id=20335&page=PressReleases

    Shadsy lists some of the not-recently-fired-for-incompetence candidates:
    http://politicalbookie.wordpress.com/2014/07/03/has-lansley-been-junckered/

    "It’s absolutely essential that the UK puts forward a high profile, ‘heavy hitting’ candidate, capable of landing a top job, not simply a candidate who happens to be available."

    I think that reads more as a vote against Mr Callanan, than one against Mr Lansley.

    That said, I don't see any obvious 'heavy hitters' amongst the Conservatives.
    William Hague. Or if we're restricting this to people Dave owes a favour to, Michael Howard.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,458
    edited July 2014

    I was talking to an Iraqi friend this week. She has family who have fled across to Kurdistan. Its the first time in 2 decades that I have heard her talk favourably of Saddam. Her words were "he crushed many good ordinary people, but he also crushed scum like ISIS and Malaki"

    Sadly the only people who seem capable of keeping the real nutters in the middle east in line are secular dictators like Saddam or Assad. The Middle East is entering a new dark age.

    Pulpstar said:

    Charles said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Al-Nusra has made a truce with ISIS - there are Syrian rebels not associated with the worst kind of Islamism out there, but their numbers shrink daily methinks.

    They are surely a small force now - the main forces are Assad and ISIS Syria right now.

    What a rum choice the people there face.

    Death by bullet seems eminently preferable to death by cruxifiction
    I won't disagree, at least ISIS don't boil people alive I guess.
    If Saddam and Assad are the solution, parts of the region are probably beyond help.

    Tbh Hitler seems better than the ISIS bunch.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 62,005
    Good evening, everyone.

    Mr. Foxinsox, it's tragic.

    Mr. Hopkins, well, quite. The judgement was bloody stupid.
  • HurstLlamaHurstLlama Posts: 9,098
    edited July 2014
    @PulpStar

    "If Saddam and Assad are the solution, parts of the region are probably beyond help."

    No, parts of the region are not beyond help. The region will find its own salvation in its own way as long a we in the "West" keep out of it.
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 29,017

    Google's decision to remove a BBC article from some of its search results was "not a good judgement", a European Commission spokesman has said.

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-28144406

    What did they think was going to happen?

    In other words, what was sold as a step in the right direction for individual freedom is in fact a way for corporations to wipe the internet clean of their misdeeds. If a private individual decided they wanted to be forgotten, no doubt their data would be forgotten right on to a hard drive at GCHQ.
This discussion has been closed.