Britain would like to secure one of the main economic portfolios, such as trade, last held in 2004-09, competition, or the internal market and services.
Financial Services didnt exist as a portfolio before today, it was part of internal markets, the part of internal markets that the UK is particularly interested in. Noone really believed that the UK would ever be given the portfolio that looks after the City, it really is a coup to have gotten it.
Or, in Socrates speak, "everything the EU does is always a conspiracy against the UK. Everything."
No, they were interested in internal markets because reform to get free trade in services is in the UK's interest.
How does "Everything the EU does is always a conspiracy against the UK. Everything." chime with "It's certainly better than getting a minor energy position", which I said just a few posts below?
And to stop the residents of the principality feeling left out, there's the Green Bridge of Wales (which you can only reach if the military aren't playing):
So he fails to get what he wants, and the Tories declare victory anyway. It's embarrassing.
Or, as the FT called it just now:
"Britain secured its most prized job in Europe on Wednesday as Jean-Claude Juncker stunned Brussels by tapping Lord Hill, a Tory peer plucked from obscurity, to oversee the bloc’s financial services sector."
Who wrote this the other day, when it was reported Lord Hill got the climate change gig?
Devastating for Cameron if true. He gets spat in the face with Juncker's appointment, and they don't even bother to give him a big job to make up for it. They haven't even decided on who they want as internal markets, but they have to decided to exclude the Brits. To make it worse, one of the big economic appointments goes to France! Clearly the EU just wants to screw us now and Juncker is getting his revenge.
The "we must stay in for influence" argument goes up in smoke if this goes through. Cameron must be fighting hard to overturn this.
Last Lord Hill who went to Brussels carried on to Waterloo.
"Daddy" Hill, a brilliant soldier and superb leader who has had less than his just share of fame.
@journodave: While we're watching people hiss and cheer for political theatre, Standard Life are considering moving to England http://t.co/OraFkRZwHI
Boo Hoo Sob
I should imagine that quite a lot of financial services companies will look at moving out of Scotland. This is not necessarily a problem, given the level of risk it can present. Yes some lost income, but they will have make up for this by trying to attract other businesses, which they may do by lowering corporation tax. The trouble is that some aspects such as currency and EU membership may not be settled for awhile. Businesses may therefore wait to see what happens before making decisions.
Was this not done under the guidance of our very own British Vishinsky? Not surprisingly I see he now wants to be the Labour MP for Holborn.
There are legitimate criticisms to be made of the law enacted by Parliament, which Sir Keir was appointed to enforce. Comparing a respected human rights lawyer of considerable ability and liberal instincts to the Soviet State Prosecutor at the Moscow show trials is preposterous.
And like Vishinsky he did not use his judgement. And Vishinsky had reason not to.
Just read John Major's words in Times. Very accurate, not sure it is helpful to No campaign - but I am a YES supporter. Hits nail on head. "We should not forget that, throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Labour connived with nationalist opinion in demonising the Conservatives and, by implication, the English. They are doing it still, and have fed a divisive narrative that has bitten deep, ignoring the revolution in Scottish living standards brought about, in large part, by Conservative policies.
It was under John Major, first as cabinet minister then as PM, that support for Unionism in Scotland was dealt a fatal blow. In 1992 the Tories held most of their Scottish seats, but got wiped out in 1997.
Banging on about Europe does a lot of harm. It encourages secessionists everywhere.
That has to be a risk. Particularly as the Tories arent in the EPP.
Indeed. It looks as if Juncker at least is trying to make concessions to buy off a British exit. That said, the kangaroo assembly can only block the appointment of the Commission en bloc, which would be a pretty drastic step, especially as it would entail the rejection of Juncker as President, and thus siding with Cameron!
John Major was widely mocked as PM and certainly had a torrid time of it. But his judgements were largely sound, ERM excepted: Maastricht, single currency, borders, economy, and especially devolution. Not a bad PM at all IMO. Fundamentally honest and decent; thousands of time better than Blair/Brown, who are the real architects of the impending constitutional calamity.
That has to be a risk. Particularly as the Tories arent in the EPP.
EPP+ECR+ALDE should get them over the line, though with Germany getting a laughable role as Digital Economy commissioner there are no guarantees the EPP will vote it through.
That said, the kangaroo assembly can only block the appointment of the Commission en bloc, which would be a pretty drastic step, especially as it would entail the rejection of Juncker as President, and thus siding with Cameron!
That's technically correct but not true in practice. The EP has in the past used its pressure to force individual Commissioners to be withdrawn:
Britain would like to secure one of the main economic portfolios, such as trade, last held in 2004-09, competition, or the internal market and services.
Financial Services didnt exist as a portfolio before today, it was part of internal markets, the part of internal markets that the UK is particularly interested in. Noone really believed that the UK would ever be given the portfolio that looks after the City, it really is a coup to have gotten it.
Or, in Socrates speak, "everything the EU does is always a conspiracy against the UK. Everything."
So has internal markets lost City oversight? If so then this is a big win for the PM.
The internal markets directorate will have two Commissioners - for financial services it will report to the UK Commissioner.
Then it is a big win. Surprisingly big.
Let's see if the EUP now try and block it.
Conspiracy theorists will say it consolidates British acceptance of EU control of the City. Then they can give the job to someone else.
It might consolidate a system of Britain getting the job every time.
That has to be a risk. Particularly as the Tories arent in the EPP.
EPP+ECR+ALDE should get them over the line, though with Germany getting a laughable role as Digital Economy commissioner there are no guarantees the EPP will vote it through.
Why would the EPP support a Tory candidate particularly? The Tories gave them a pretty big two fingers.
Yes , and they can put a brass plate up in London whilst 4995 people still work in Edinburgh. Another unionist stooge trying to help his pal.
No, it's a CEO trying to protect his business and judging that with 90% of his customer base in a foreign country with a different currency and tax regime it would be smart to relocate there.....don't tell me you weren't expecting this?
Not if they're thinking of applying for membership of the EU.
What would Nigel Farage's hero, Mr Putin, do about Scotland?
Send aid to English-accented workers in Aberdeen and the Shetlands, followed by a local referendum on re-joining England. That way, England gets all the oil back! Deny all involvement and if Salmond objects, remind him, a la Putin, we could conquer the Highlands in a fortnight if we wanted.
To be honest, Decrepit, that seems a perfectly reasonable strategy.
We could snatch everything that's worth having in Scotland - the lochs, the whisky, the pretty girls. The Scots can have the rest.
There would be the usual hand-wringing at the UN but without a single Treaty Partner in the world Scotland would find there would be even less done about it than there was in respect of the invasion of Ukraine.
That has to be a risk. Particularly as the Tories arent in the EPP.
EPP+ECR+ALDE should get them over the line, though with Germany getting a laughable role as Digital Economy commissioner there are no guarantees the EPP will vote it through.
Why would the EPP support a Tory candidate particularly? The Tories gave them a pretty big two fingers.
I mean the whole list being voted down, but generally if the Germans are happy with it then the EPP will surely vote it through.
John Major was widely mocked as PM and certainly had a torrid time of it. But his judgements were largely sound, ERM excepted: Maastricht, single currency, borders, economy, and especially devolution. Not a bad PM at all IMO. Fundamentally honest and decent; thousands of time better than Blair/Brown, who are the real architects of the impending constitutional calamity.
Yes, it was Blair and Brown who infiltrated the Thatcher and Major Cabinets and proposed all the anti-Scottish (as seen from Scotland) measures which led to the number of Scots Conservative MPs fall from two dozen to none. There was an episode of Dr Who about it (or was that van Gogh?)
Wonderful retribution. I loved Michael Crichton - was a super clever and fascinating interviewee. He took no crap and dealt with his tormenters with savage courtesy.
'In view of the uncertainty around Scotland's constitutional future, we have put in place precautionary measures which would help enable us to provide customers with continuity. This includes planning for new regulated companies in England to which we could transfer parts of our business if there was a need to do so.'
Note this line -
'Standard Life has a long history in Scotland – a heritage of which we are very proud – and we hope that this continues but our responsibility is to protect the interests of our customers, our shareholders, our people and other stakeholders in our business.'
Not if they're thinking of applying for membership of the EU.
What would Nigel Farage's hero, Mr Putin, do about Scotland?
Send aid to English-accented workers in Aberdeen and the Shetlands, followed by a local referendum on re-joining England. That way, England gets all the oil back! Deny all involvement and if Salmond objects, remind him, a la Putin, we could conquer the Highlands in a fortnight if we wanted.
To be honest, Decrepit, that seems a perfectly reasonable strategy.
We could snatch everything that's worth having in Scotland - the lochs, the whisky, the pretty girls. The Scots can have the rest.
There would be the usual hand-wringing at the UN but without a single Treaty Partner in the world Scotland would find there would be even less done about it than there was in respect of the invasion of Ukraine.
Talking of whisky, what are the implications for booze prices in the next budget when the Chancellor no longer needs to set duty on spirits so as to protect the Scottish distillers?
That has to be a risk. Particularly as the Tories arent in the EPP.
EPP+ECR+ALDE should get them over the line, though with Germany getting a laughable role as Digital Economy commissioner there are no guarantees the EPP will vote it through.
Why would the EPP support a Tory candidate particularly? The Tories gave them a pretty big two fingers.
I mean the whole list being voted down, but generally if the Germans are happy with it then the EPP will surely vote it through.
If Parliament decides that it doesnt like one candidate they have shown in the past that they will veto the whole Commission until he or she is withdrawn. Given that Barnier (the immediate predecessor) has just instructed the EBA to look into the practice of British banks trying to get around the bonus cap that Osborne challenged legally... Well, you can see trouble ahead.
'In view of the uncertainty around Scotland's constitutional future, we have put in place precautionary measures which would help enable us to provide customers with continuity. This includes planning for new regulated companies in England to which we could transfer parts of our business if there was a need to do so.'
Note this line -
'Standard Life has a long history in Scotland – a heritage of which we are very proud – and we hope that this continues but our responsibility is to protect the interests of our customers, our shareholders, our people and other stakeholders in our business.'
Yes , and they can put a brass plate up in London whilst 4995 people still work in Edinburgh. Another unionist stooge trying to help his pal.
No, it's a CEO trying to protect his business and judging that with 90% of his customer base in a foreign country with a different currency and tax regime it would be smart to relocate there.....don't tell me you weren't expecting this?
He did not say he was transferring 5000 jobs, he said he would protect customers. He can do this without any job moves. Moving the jobs would damage customers due to the enormous costs. You are not really very smart are you. Tory scaremongering as ever.
@simon_telegraph: Alex Salmond's response to Sir Ian Wood this morning - he's wrong. His response to Standard Life - they won't do it. Is that all he's got?
Not if they're thinking of applying for membership of the EU.
What would Nigel Farage's hero, Mr Putin, do about Scotland?
Send aid to English-accented workers in Aberdeen and the Shetlands, followed by a local referendum on re-joining England. That way, England gets all the oil back! Deny all involvement and if Salmond objects, remind him, a la Putin, we could conquer the Highlands in a fortnight if we wanted.
To be honest, Decrepit, that seems a perfectly reasonable strategy.
We could snatch everything that's worth having in Scotland - the lochs, the whisky, the pretty girls. The Scots can have the rest.
There would be the usual hand-wringing at the UN but without a single Treaty Partner in the world Scotland would find there would be even less done about it than there was in respect of the invasion of Ukraine.
Talking of whisky, what are the implications for booze prices in the next budget when the Chancellor no longer needs to set duty on spirits so as to protect the Scottish distillers?
Yes , and they can put a brass plate up in London whilst 4995 people still work in Edinburgh. Another unionist stooge trying to help his pal.
Admittedly the scare stories are now becoming laughable. The key problem with the NO campaign is that it does not learn from its mistakes
Bob , they are led and supported by idiots like Carlotta , they assume everyone is stupid and will believe their pathetic lies. They think it is 1950 when they controlled the press and the public could not get the truth. Dodos heading for the cliff.
@simon_telegraph: Alex Salmond's response to Sir Ian Wood this morning - he's wrong. His response to Standard Life - they won't do it. Is that all he's got?
Yes. Yes, that is all he's got. Fantasy. Tragedy.
Just agreed with one of my suppliers if it's a Yes he'll move my account from Scotland to his facility in UK.
Yes , and they can put a brass plate up in London whilst 4995 people still work in Edinburgh. Another unionist stooge trying to help his pal.
No, it's a CEO trying to protect his business and judging that with 90% of his customer base in a foreign country with a different currency and tax regime it would be smart to relocate there.....don't tell me you weren't expecting this?
He did not say he was transferring 5000 jobs, he said he would protect customers. He can do this without any job moves. Moving the jobs would damage customers due to the enormous costs. You are not really very smart are you. Tory scaremongering as ever.
@journodave: While we're watching people hiss and cheer for political theatre, Standard Life are considering moving to England http://t.co/OraFkRZwHI
Boo Hoo Sob
That's a rather callous attitude to fellow Scots who may soon be unemployed....
read my other post , your scaremongering is pathetic. We have been here before and it was bollocks then and it is bollocks now.
Malcolm - is there a need to be so consistently rude?
You are easily upset , that is me being nice. If I was being rude you would really know it. I will refrain from commenting on your likeness to a root vegetable.
So he fails to get what he wants, and the Tories declare victory anyway. It's embarrassing.
Or, as the FT called it just now:
"Britain secured its most prized job in Europe on Wednesday as Jean-Claude Juncker stunned Brussels by tapping Lord Hill, a Tory peer plucked from obscurity, to oversee the bloc’s financial services sector."
@simon_telegraph: Alex Salmond's response to Sir Ian Wood this morning - he's wrong. His response to Standard Life - they won't do it. Is that all he's got?
Yes. Yes, that is all he's got. Fantasy. Tragedy.
Truth does just fine. Wood is a liar given his backtracking on previous numbers, typical unionist mind you.
He did not say he was transferring 5000 jobs, he said he would protect customers. He can do this without any job moves. Moving the jobs would damage customers due to the enormous costs. You are not really very smart are you. Tory scaremongering as ever.
Remember that meal with 3 middle management project managers I mentioned a while back......
Yes , and they can put a brass plate up in London whilst 4995 people still work in Edinburgh. Another unionist stooge trying to help his pal.
No, it's a CEO trying to protect his business and judging that with 90% of his customer base in a foreign country with a different currency and tax regime it would be smart to relocate there.....don't tell me you weren't expecting this?
He did not say he was transferring 5000 jobs, he said he would protect customers. He can do this without any job moves. Moving the jobs would damage customers due to the enormous costs. You are not really very smart are you. Tory scaremongering as ever.
Deluded. As one of his customers if he leaves my pension in Scotland I'll be moving it for him.
That's technically correct but not true in practice. The EP has in the past used its pressure to force individual Commissioners to be withdrawn
That concerned the nomination of a specific individual rather than the allocation of portfolios. There is no way that HMG will withdraw Hill's nomination. So there would have to be a job swab with another Commissioner already nominated for a lesser position, which would be a major embarrassment for Juncker, and, would galvanise British opposition to Brussels. As a Eurosceptic, I would welcome such a move under the Trotskyite principle of "the worse the better", but I can't see it happening.
Yes , and they can put a brass plate up in London whilst 4995 people still work in Edinburgh. Another unionist stooge trying to help his pal.
No, it's a CEO trying to protect his business and judging that with 90% of his customer base in a foreign country with a different currency and tax regime it would be smart to relocate there.....don't tell me you weren't expecting this?
He did not say he was transferring 5000 jobs,.
So he's going to leave 5000 jobs in Scotland to cover 10% of his business? Right.....
Yes , and they can put a brass plate up in London whilst 4995 people still work in Edinburgh. Another unionist stooge trying to help his pal.
No, it's a CEO trying to protect his business and judging that with 90% of his customer base in a foreign country with a different currency and tax regime it would be smart to relocate there.....don't tell me you weren't expecting this?
He did not say he was transferring 5000 jobs, he said he would protect customers. He can do this without any job moves. Moving the jobs would damage customers due to the enormous costs. You are not really very smart are you. Tory scaremongering as ever.
Where would the re-domiciled business be taxed?
Where will the myriad companies that are currently taxed in London pay their tax. Doh.
Cameron in Edinburgh says "If you make this decision to go it alone as PM I will help make this happen" (so won't resign if there's a YES)
There's still a chance of a confidence vote (which he could win), 15% is a very low threshold (some letters have already been written). However given the time that would take and the possibility of hanging on in the interim while a replacement is elected I'm not liking the look of 4/1 for leaving this year.
John Major was widely mocked as PM and certainly had a torrid time of it. But his judgements were largely sound, ERM excepted: Maastricht, single currency, borders, economy, and especially devolution. Not a bad PM at all IMO. Fundamentally honest and decent; thousands of time better than Blair/Brown, who are the real architects of the impending constitutional calamity.
@journodave: While we're watching people hiss and cheer for political theatre, Standard Life are considering moving to England http://t.co/OraFkRZwHI
Boo Hoo Sob
I should imagine that quite a lot of financial services companies will look at moving out of Scotland. This is not necessarily a problem, given the level of risk it can present. Yes some lost income, but they will have make up for this by trying to attract other businesses, which they may do by lowering corporation tax. The trouble is that some aspects such as currency and EU membership may not be settled for awhile. Businesses may therefore wait to see what happens before making decisions.
It is nice to think that everyone will operate in a calm controlled manner but that is not how business works. The last financial crisis is a prime example of how things can move very fast. Once one company moves the others will have to follow suit quickly. For most of these companies the Scottish business is not significant.
Where we work the union business is over 60% of turnover and in the last 2 weeks the phones have gone almost dead whilst everyone watches to see what happens. The fear is palpable. I think the arrogant attitude of people such as Malcolm who basically show no empathy to those who will lose their jobs is not helping their cause. The only question is whether the Scots have to suffer 2 weeks of pain or 8 months of absolute turmoil.
Clearly Labour trying to reduce the UKIP power by splitting resources and not having the momentum of having just gained there first MP
Heywood and Middleton was in the news for the same reasons as Rotherham. Did the Council & Gtr Manchester police have similar robust child protection policies?
That's technically correct but not true in practice. The EP has in the past used its pressure to force individual Commissioners to be withdrawn
That concerned the nomination of a specific individual rather than the allocation of portfolios. There is no way that HMG will withdraw Hill's nomination. So there would have to be a job swab with another Commissioner already nominated for a lesser position, which would be a major embarrassment for Juncker, and, would galvanise British opposition to Brussels. As a Eurosceptic, I would welcome such a move under the Trotskyite principle of "the worse the better", but I can't see it happening.
Yes, it might well take a job swap as Hill is hardly objectionable as a candidate. However if his answers on, say, British banks' designation of allowances as fixed pay do not meet what the Parliament wants or expects then do not be surprised if there are fireworks.
Clearly Labour trying to reduce the UKIP potential for a 2nd gain by splitting resources and not having the momentum of having just gained there first MP
Interestingly they've only just made it in time. Under the new 21 to 27 day timetable, this is the latest possible day that the writ could have been moved to still have the by-election on the 9th October. By my reckoning Nominations will need to be at 4pm on Day 4 (today being Day 0) which I calculate as 16th September (ie Tuesday of next week) - so parties will need to get their act together and select pretty fast.
Labour MP on Daily Politics only argument for Scot MP's voting on England only matters is that they've always done it. Suicidal position for Labour in 2015
Yes , and they can put a brass plate up in London whilst 4995 people still work in Edinburgh. Another unionist stooge trying to help his pal.
No, it's a CEO trying to protect his business and judging that with 90% of his customer base in a foreign country with a different currency and tax regime it would be smart to relocate there.....don't tell me you weren't expecting this?
He did not say he was transferring 5000 jobs, he said he would protect customers. He can do this without any job moves. Moving the jobs would damage customers due to the enormous costs. You are not really very smart are you. Tory scaremongering as ever.
Where would the re-domiciled business be taxed?
Where will the myriad companies that are currently taxed in London pay their tax. Doh.
Are NI and PAYE payments going to keep Scotland afloat?
I wonder how long the Scottish government can keep paying for university tuition, when that corporation tax remains in the south.
Yes , and they can put a brass plate up in London whilst 4995 people still work in Edinburgh. Another unionist stooge trying to help his pal.
No, it's a CEO trying to protect his business and judging that with 90% of his customer base in a foreign country with a different currency and tax regime it would be smart to relocate there.....don't tell me you weren't expecting this?
He did not say he was transferring 5000 jobs, he said he would protect customers. He can do this without any job moves. Moving the jobs would damage customers due to the enormous costs. You are not really very smart are you. Tory scaremongering as ever.
Where would the re-domiciled business be taxed?
Where will the myriad companies that are currently taxed in London pay their tax. Doh.
There goes the tax bonanza from Independence then....
@MarkKleinmanSky: Exclusive: Ex-Scottish Widows chair Lord Leitch will be latest prominent businessman to back 'No' campaign later today. Full story up soon.
Clearly Labour trying to reduce the UKIP power by splitting resources and not having the momentum of having just gained there first MP
Heywood and Middleton was in the news for the same reasons as Rotherham. Did the Council & Gtr Manchester police have similar robust child protection policies?
Labour called it before the funeral so they must be scared... I expect ukip to highlight the current scandal and labours massive part in it
Clearly Labour trying to reduce the UKIP potential for a 2nd gain by splitting resources and not having the momentum of having just gained there first MP
Interestingly they've only just made it in time. Under the new 21 to 27 day timetable, this is the latest possible day that the writ could have been moved to still have the by-election on the 9th October. By my reckoning Nominations will need to be at 4pm on Day 4 (today being Day 0) which I calculate as 16th September (ie Tuesday of next week) - so parties will need to get their act together and select pretty fast.
@iainmartin1: That's right. For a laugh, Standard Life must be bluffing its own board, staff and the markets as Salmond says.
cowardy custard, big greeting jessie, grow a backbone, get up off your belly. What more can you say to a quivering whinging low life yellow belly fanny featured halfwit.
@MarkKleinmanSky: Exclusive: Ex-Scottish Widows chair Lord Leitch will be latest prominent businessman to back 'No' campaign later today. Full story up soon.
That has to be a risk. Particularly as the Tories arent in the EPP.
EPP+ECR+ALDE should get them over the line, though with Germany getting a laughable role as Digital Economy commissioner there are no guarantees the EPP will vote it through.
Why would the EPP support a Tory candidate particularly? The Tories gave them a pretty big two fingers.
Mutti Merkel will keep her little ones firmly in line.
Paul Nuttall.... What he says about Rotherham and Rochdale here should form the basis of UKIPs campaign in heywood and middleton
Paul Nuttall (@paulnuttallukip) 10/09/2014 11:50 My most recent column in which I discuss Calais, Clacton and Matthew Parris #ukip #clacton pic.twitter.com/FmV6htQREO
I do wonder when things like Standard Life come out and say it, what impact it will start to have on the soft Yes votes.
It's becoming real all of sudden. And the workers in the Naval dockyards and others who've known for a long while that their future income is about to move South.
This really reminds me of the Crash - once Lehmans went down, the lemmings started running for cover/dumping staff as they didn't need to worry about jumping first. Standard Life has just raised the stakes in a massive game-changing way.
Well done to their Board for having the guts to say it.
Admittedly the scare stories are now becoming laughable. The key problem with the NO campaign is that it does not learn from its mistakes
I'm astonished to find that Mr Darling has admitted that the new powers are not new at all but have been around for months and are the same old devonano (I paraphrase) - in which case why upset the EWNIish with talk of devomax (whch, quite correctly, cannot and should not be assured without their consent)??
Source is Andrew Sparrow in the Graun running blog on an interview with Mr
"Q: What about the timing of this? Gordon Brown announced this timetable after some people had sent in their postal votes?
Darling says the proposed additional powers were announced by party leaders in the summer.
Q: You could not answer this when asked in the TV debates.
Darling repeats the points about the proposed new powers being announced some time ago.
Q: But people are not sure what powers Scotland would get. That’s a failing of your campaign."
And we got none of them. So Lord Hill's position can't be claimed to be bigger than ninth. This is supposedly a victory for the UK. It's a middle of the pack position, so par for the course for the UK in the EU.
Clearly Labour trying to reduce the UKIP potential for a 2nd gain by splitting resources and not having the momentum of having just gained there first MP
Interestingly they've only just made it in time. Under the new 21 to 27 day timetable, this is the latest possible day that the writ could have been moved to still have the by-election on the 9th October. By my reckoning Nominations will need to be at 4pm on Day 4 (today being Day 0) which I calculate as 16th September (ie Tuesday of next week) - so parties will need to get their act together and select pretty fast.
Cowards.
Quite smart actually - they know the bun fight in Clacton will blow any local embarrassment of the front pages.....
That has to be a risk. Particularly as the Tories arent in the EPP.
EPP+ECR+ALDE should get them over the line, though with Germany getting a laughable role as Digital Economy commissioner there are no guarantees the EPP will vote it through.
Why would the EPP support a Tory candidate particularly? The Tories gave them a pretty big two fingers.
Mutti Merkel will keep her little ones firmly in line.
Of course she doesnt have a majority by herself even if she swings the EPP into line
@benrileysmith: Asked Salmond 3 times why investors were pulling 100s of millions from Scotland. Twice turned his back. Third time said it wasn't happening.
I instinctively mistrust nationalism - most nationalist movements play on convincing people that all their problems are caused by someone else. UKIP and SNP are both fall into this category, one scapegoats the EU, the other scapegoats the rUK. Blaming someone else for your problems then often spills over into hatred and racism. Much as I would regret seeing the union split I would relish watching Salmond deliver over the next decade when the prop of blaming someone else for all your problems is removed. Ironically, if he wins, I think there is a fair chance Salmond would rapidly become the most hated figure in Scotland.
Nazi's and Mussolini's mob started out as nationalist lefties. Just saying. (he ducks)
That has to be a risk. Particularly as the Tories arent in the EPP.
EPP+ECR+ALDE should get them over the line, though with Germany getting a laughable role as Digital Economy commissioner there are no guarantees the EPP will vote it through.
Why would the EPP support a Tory candidate particularly? The Tories gave them a pretty big two fingers.
I mean the whole list being voted down, but generally if the Germans are happy with it then the EPP will surely vote it through.
If Parliament decides that it doesnt like one candidate they have shown in the past that they will veto the whole Commission until he or she is withdrawn. Given that Barnier (the immediate predecessor) has just instructed the EBA to look into the practice of British banks trying to get around the bonus cap that Osborne challenged legally... Well, you can see trouble ahead.
Which is why I said EPP+ECR+ALDE. The EPP surely wouldn't vote down a list of commissioners from their own man. The anti-banker movement on the EUP mainly comes from the Greens and Left,the EPP clearly aren't that bothered given that their man has given Britain financial services.
Danish liberal Margrethe Vestager will be in charge of the powerful competition portfolio that gives the EU a big say in the expansion or merger plans of the world's biggest companies, while former Slovenian prime minister Alenka Bratusek will oversee the EU's plan to create an energy union.
Sweden's Cecilia Malmstrom will have the task of negotiating the world's biggest trade agreement between the United States and Europe.
I don't know anything about these individuals, but it's encouraging that competition & the US trade deal will both be the responsibility of commissions from non-Eurozone, business-friendly countries.
Once again you miss the point completely - the endless scare stories, whether based in fact or fear, are not helping No. Where is the positive message for the Union? We just look endlessly negative. You see it on here in microcosm everyday - the likes of ScottP retweeting the latest disaster that will befall Scotland if it leaves. It's utterly counterproductive
And Mr D again as reported in the Graun rolling blog:
"Q: What are the new powers going to be? What happens if Ukip hold the balance of power at Westminster?
Darling says the three UK parties have agreed to give the Scottish parliament more power over taxation.
He says he thinks there will be a Labour government after the next election. But what is being offered is being offered by all three main parties, and they are the ones who will be forming a government.
Q: Why is Labour not promising Scotland as much power over income tax as the Conservatives?
Darling says the difference between the two parties is not that large. Labour wants to retain some revenue to the UK for pooling the cost of risks.
Q: What if Ukip holds the balance of power?
Darling says that not in his wildest dreams does Nigel Farage expect to get more than a few seats."
And he has admitted that it is not at all certain that the promises would be kept, or the Scottish Parliament avoid being closed down by London.
Well, well, that was the leader of the No Campaign speaking. It sure reinforces what someone else pointed out, we now have a Yes option of clarity and certainty compared with chaos, uncertainty and mibbes aye, mibbes naw for No.
Comments
How does "Everything the EU does is always a conspiracy against the UK. Everything." chime with "It's certainly better than getting a minor energy position", which I said just a few posts below?
http://www.standard.net.au/story/1721965/london-bridge-collapse-survivor-returns/
However I prefer the little-known Duncansby Stacks, near John O'Groats. With a lighthouse and Orkney in the background, it is superb.
http://www.landforms.eu/Caithness/Stacks of Duncansby.htm
And to stop the residents of the principality feeling left out, there's the Green Bridge of Wales (which you can only reach if the military aren't playing):
http://www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk/default.asp?pid=120
twitter.com/stevenreynolds/status/509615313194090496/photo/1
Banging on about Europe does a lot of harm. It encourages secessionists everywhere.
Doubt they could afford him. And he's too busy bringing peace to the Middle East.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocco_Buttiglione#Nominee_for_the_European_Commission
To be honest, Decrepit, that seems a perfectly reasonable strategy.
We could snatch everything that's worth having in Scotland - the lochs, the whisky, the pretty girls. The Scots can have the rest.
There would be the usual hand-wringing at the UN but without a single Treaty Partner in the world Scotland would find there would be even less done about it than there was in respect of the invasion of Ukraine.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-29143285
Clearly Labour trying to reduce the UKIP power by splitting resources and not having the momentum of having just gained there first MP
Dropping the F-Bomb: @Sun_Politics Cam to Scots: referendum not about "if you're fed up with the effing Tories you can given them a kick".
Michael Heaver (@Michael_Heaver)
10/09/2014 11:19
UKIP sticks of rock have arrived in Clacton - "Let's Rock Politics" pic.twitter.com/KpBhzAzfMY
You are not really very smart are you. Tory scaremongering as ever.
Is threatening to default on your debt a "scare story" too?
Yes. Yes, that is all he's got. Fantasy. Tragedy.
Mind you, Wotch, Standard Life is such a terrible company that I'm not sure if that's a win for England or Scotland.
Dodos heading for the cliff.
Cameron in Edinburgh says "If you make this decision to go it alone as PM I will help make this happen" (so won't resign if there's a YES)
I think you are in for a mighty surprise....
http://yougov.co.uk/news/2014/09/10/rest-of-britons-now-expect-scottish-independence/
Where we work the union business is over 60% of turnover and in the last 2 weeks the phones have gone almost dead whilst everyone watches to see what happens. The fear is palpable. I think the arrogant attitude of people such as Malcolm who basically show no empathy to those who will lose their jobs is not helping their cause. The only question is whether the Scots have to suffer 2 weeks of pain or 8 months of absolute turmoil.
I wonder how long the Scottish government can keep paying for university tuition, when that corporation tax remains in the south.
Endlessly negative garbage from vested interests.
It is hurting, and it certainly isn't working.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/independence-referendum-latest-news-live-4193415
But nae. The coverage still seems mostly objective, if slightly pro-indy.
This tweet was quite interesting though;
David Clegg ✔ @davieclegg
Phones at the Record ringing off the hook from finance firms wanting to know the details of the poll. Results at 10.30pm tonight. #indyref
The only other thing to go on is the wording at the top of the survation poll alert;
eepurl.com/2VgMH
Which poses the question; "As with YouGov and TNS/BMRB Has there been a further move with Survation to the Yes! campaign in Scotland?"
Basically, it's still a stab in the dark!
I'd guess good for yes, if I had to pick.
Yorkshiremen are always keen to speak for a far bigger area than they represent
They are only interested in scare stories....
Paul Nuttall (@paulnuttallukip)
10/09/2014 11:50
My most recent column in which I discuss Calais, Clacton and Matthew Parris #ukip #clacton pic.twitter.com/FmV6htQREO
It's becoming real all of sudden. And the workers in the Naval dockyards and others who've known for a long while that their future income is about to move South.
This really reminds me of the Crash - once Lehmans went down, the lemmings started running for cover/dumping staff as they didn't need to worry about jumping first. Standard Life has just raised the stakes in a massive game-changing way.
Well done to their Board for having the guts to say it.
Source is Andrew Sparrow in the Graun running blog on an interview with Mr
"Q: What about the timing of this? Gordon Brown announced this timetable after some people had sent in their postal votes?
Darling says the proposed additional powers were announced by party leaders in the summer.
Q: You could not answer this when asked in the TV debates.
Darling repeats the points about the proposed new powers being announced some time ago.
Q: But people are not sure what powers Scotland would get. That’s a failing of your campaign."
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29139503
And we got none of them. So Lord Hill's position can't be claimed to be bigger than ninth. This is supposedly a victory for the UK. It's a middle of the pack position, so par for the course for the UK in the EU.
Run away from reality
(he ducks)
Sweden's Cecilia Malmstrom will have the task of negotiating the world's biggest trade agreement between the United States and Europe.
I don't know anything about these individuals, but it's encouraging that competition & the US trade deal will both be the responsibility of commissions from non-Eurozone, business-friendly countries.
Once again you miss the point completely - the endless scare stories, whether based in fact or fear, are not helping No. Where is the positive message for the Union? We just look endlessly negative. You see it on here in microcosm everyday - the likes of ScottP retweeting the latest disaster that will befall Scotland if it leaves. It's utterly counterproductive
Standard Life are required to make these announcements to the markets, and their customers to reassure them about how they will operate.
"Q: What are the new powers going to be? What happens if Ukip hold the balance of power at Westminster?
Darling says the three UK parties have agreed to give the Scottish parliament more power over taxation.
He says he thinks there will be a Labour government after the next election. But what is being offered is being offered by all three main parties, and they are the ones who will be forming a government.
Q: Why is Labour not promising Scotland as much power over income tax as the Conservatives?
Darling says the difference between the two parties is not that large. Labour wants to retain some revenue to the UK for pooling the cost of risks.
Q: What if Ukip holds the balance of power?
Darling says that not in his wildest dreams does Nigel Farage expect to get more than a few seats."
And he has admitted that it is not at all certain that the promises would be kept, or the Scottish Parliament avoid being closed down by London.
Well, well, that was the leader of the No Campaign speaking. It sure reinforces what someone else pointed out, we now have a Yes option of clarity and certainty compared with chaos, uncertainty and mibbes aye, mibbes naw for No.