I have not heard it, but calling a large group of people with very different stories a "bunch of migrants" does sound pretty dismissive to me. It potentially conveys contempt for individuals living in atrocious conditions whose motivations are often complex and whose experiences are sometimes truly tragic. It sounds like Cameron was using the phrase to have a dig at Corbyn. That only works if these people are thought of as dismissible.
I am not surprised many on the left have expressed dismay and anger at the words and how they were used. I think they are absolutely genuine in doing so. This looks to me to be a case of very different world views. We are all sensitive to different things.
SO
As I say, this is a case of very different world views. I totally get the point you are making. But I totally get why people on the left are upset by what Cameron said.
But they aren't genuinely upset - this is a classic example of faux outrage in order to distract attention from their own failings.
And by continuing to peddle this particular line, they are only making themselves look more and more out of touch
I disagree - I think a lot of people are genuinely upset. But I also agree that this probably makes them out of touch with majority opinion.
My wife said she bought a bunch of bananas yesterday. I had to upbraid her for her callousness and remind her it was a "group" of bananas. Totally different...
Apart from the usual suspects who spend their time looking for things they can get offended by on behalf of unsuspecting others, this is a storm in a teaspoon.
What to do about large numbers of migrants wanting to settle in Europe and Britain in particular is not an easy question. But for the vast majority, if the question is do we WANT many tens of thousand of people to come here, well, like it or not, that IS an easy question. No thanks.
I'm afraid you wife is correct - bunch is the collective noun for bananas, grapes and other fruit that grow together. Yours, Mr Pedantic. :-)
The OED allows 'bunch' to be applied to a group of people, but says it is informal use.
FFS Tell you what if we use the terms
bouquet, spray, posy, nosegay, or corsage of illegal lawbreakers ..........would that be ok ???
Mr. Wanderer, second dog had been bought by an idiot son for his wheelchair-bound mother as a companion. Might make sense with some dogs, but not a border collie. Given her hysterical reaction to light (ie reflections on the wall and so on) I'd guess she was kept in something like a cupboard under the stairs, or the mother tried to use reflected light for playing.
When we first got her, she didn't even know how to play properly. We rolled a ball for her, and she just watched it in confusion (didn't take long for her to get it, though).
Miss Plato, I might not be explaining the situation quite accurately. The dog does bark at the postman etc, but she's easily distracted and it doesn't last long. It's just that I work (and, er, post on pb.com) on the computer upstairs, and she's downstairs. She also really likes company (very friendly with strangers visiting and even the day we got her she was confident seeing the vet). She's also used to people being around constantly.
She's only 8-9 months, but it might be that she's at the stage for the cage to go (earlier than I would've expected, though). It's a bit annoying right now, but it's not (having had the aforementioned second hysterical hound) something that I think it a serious issue.
Nevertheless, I'll give the site a quick look and see what I think.
Can you take her upstairs with you? Maybe it's just separation anxiety?
I read an article recently about an experiment using webcams to see what dogs do when their owners are out of the house. Most owners assume their dogs are fine, but a surprisingly large proportion of dogs showed signs of distress when they were left alone.
Would it be at all feasible to have a dog basket in your home office?
Sky - EU to offer the UK an emergency break mechanism to curb EU migration into the UK
Should that be 'brake'?
I don't think it's as billed. It is made to sound like a temporary cap or restriction of inward EU migration flows for a set period if and when migration gets excessive.
The actual proposal is actually just to restrict *benefits* to EU migrants for up to four years, and only then if the EU member state can convince the EU that their welfare state is under strain.
Some interesting detail in the Ipsos poll. The public and private sector employee split is always a good one to watch IMO:
Public sector with 9-10/10 certainty to vote:
Con 26 Lab 38
Private sector with 9-10/10 certainty to vote:
Con 45 Lab 28
Owner occupiers:
Con 47 Lab 25
Renters:
Con 21 Lab 48
- Private renters:
Con 23 Lab 47
The Tories need to work very hard on increasing home ownership, even with Corbyn in charge of Labour they are trailing massively among people who rent.
used to call Bill the "first black President" because of his rapport with black voters, and maybe that's rubbed off on Hillary?
Do you know any more about that phenomenon? I find it fascinating as it must go beyond any single policy or speech.
Different angles - the original comment was from someone sympathising with the pressures on him and comparing them to what black people had to put up with, but later it was widely seen as reflecting his policies and empathy:
Mr eagles,I thought you posted that you were siding with the out campaign on the EU vote,you seem to keep posting negative post on the out campaign when you could similar find negatives on the in campaign.
I apologise if I'm mistaken that you didn't post that you was siding with the out vote.
I've posted stuff criticising the Remain campaign.
Full disclosure, several people I know and others that I admire are working for Remain, people who ensured the Tories won a majority last year.
I'm getting frustrated with the Leave campaigns. They are dicking about posturing whilst Remain are getting on with stuff, they are people not to be underestimated.
If Cameron can actually limit migration and power lies with UK rather than EU, think Remain will win. Thats actually better than four year benefit ban, which would have limited effect on numbers.
"..the emergency brake, which would allow member states to petition the EU to be allowed to deny benefits to EU migrants for up to four years, if the countries could prove that their welfare systems were under excessive pressure. "
Sky - EU to offer the UK an emergency break mechanism to curb EU migration into the UK
Should that be 'brake'?
I don't think it's as billed. It is made to sound like a temporary cap or restriction of inward EU migration flows for a set period if and when migration gets excessive.
The actual proposal is actually just to restrict *benefits* to EU migrants for up to four years, and only then if the EU member state can convince the EU that their welfare state is under strain.
It's actually less than Cameron asked for.
Since the measure already exists, it is basically nothing unless they are giving use of the brake to HMG, which seems unlikely.
If Dave intends to just declare victory and hope no one notices I don't think it is going to go well for Remain.
Mr eagles,I thought you posted that you were siding with the out campaign on the EU vote,you seem to keep posting negative post on the out campaign when you could similar find negatives on the in campaign.
I apologise if I'm mistaken that you didn't post that you was siding with the out vote.
I've posted stuff criticising the Remain campaign.
Full disclosure, several people I know and others that I admire are working for Remain, people who ensured the Tories won a majority last year.
I'm getting frustrated with the Leave campaigns. They are dicking about posturing whilst Remain are getting on with stuff, they are people not to be underestimated.
Thanks for that,just thought we had a cuckoo in the nest ;-)
Mr. Wanderer, I don't think it's good to try that. I'd be more tempted to try letting her out of her cage, see how she does downstairs by herself (she needs to get used to people being absent sometimes). Downside, of course, being the risk I come down and find the furniture ruined (with the aforementioned second hound, she once utterly destroyed a light wicker-work style bin. Spread it across the whole lounge floor, took ages to clear up).
Morris, she's a sad doggy. She just wants love ! Dogs shouldn't be in a 'cage' unless on a car trip
Miss Jones, no, alas. The dog's an active beast [I should stress I've altered my routine recently to play with her more, and spend more time downstairs than up]. Plus I need to be alone to concentrate on writing.
Anyway, the situation won't persist, it's just irksome in the short term.
I don't know Blanchflowers predictions but was his mass unemployment claim based on what Osborne said he was going to do (eliminate the deficit in a single parliament) or what he actually did ( follow Labour's spending plans)?
His prediction of five million unemployed was based on what Osborne said he was going to do, which was in fact quite close to what he did do. The slower reduction in deficit came largely as a result of the negative impact of the Euro-crisis on the UK economy.
Osborne most certainly did not follow Labour's spending plans and was opposed at each and every turn by Miliband and Balls. While Darling had a nominal objective of halving the deficit by the end of the parliament (which is what I presume you refer to), he never laid out plans to get there, and nor did his successors.
In any case, even if there was a deviation between what Osborne said he'd do and what he actually did, it doesn't go anywhere near far enough to explain the discrepancy between on the one hand Blanchflower's predictions of unemployment much worse than the 1980s, and on the other, the reality of the highest employment of all time.
As you say - he could not follow labours spending plans because they did not have any. They did not have a spending review before the election. Osborne did not promise to eliminate the deficit in a parliament, he promised to eliminate the structural deficit. That still might leave elements of the cyclical deficit. As the OOB figures pointed out at the time, the structural deficit turned out to be bigger than supposed.
Genuine question, pre-2010 general election can you point me to where Osborne says structural deficit rather than just deficit because a cursory Google search only points me towards deficit.
There was no structural deficit apparently as Balls kept telling us.
Well up to the point a few years down the line when he had to finally admit that there was a structural deficit and he never said there wasn't a structural debit despite all the recorded TV interviews that were made up showing him saying there was never a structural deficit.
If Cameron can actually limit migration and power lies with UK rather than EU, think Remain will win. Thats actually better than four year benefit ban, which would have limited effect on numbers.
Don't believe the propaganda and spin, this deal is meaningless.
The fact it's been leaked and briefed to the media (ITN, Reuters and Sky all running it in the last 30 mins) and that Cameron wants a deal asap leads me to believe this will be very close to what we'll finally get on migration.
Mr. Wanderer, I don't think it's good to try that. I'd be more tempted to try letting her out of her cage, see how she does downstairs by herself (she needs to get used to people being absent sometimes). Downside, of course, being the risk I come down and find the furniture ruined (with the aforementioned second hound, she once utterly destroyed a light wicker-work style bin. Spread it across the whole lounge floor, took ages to clear up).
Morris, she's a sad doggy. She just wants love ! Dogs shouldn't be in a 'cage' unless on a car trip
"..the emergency brake, which would allow member states to petition the EU to be allowed to deny benefits to EU migrants for up to four years, if the countries could prove that their welfare systems were under excessive pressure. "
(My younger daughter has been reading this magazine avidly for a few months now as part of her ongoing lobbying campaign to get a family dog. Haven't yet told her, but we'll be getting a rescue dog fairly soon.)
Mr. Pulpstar, she's not caged during car trips. She quite likes them.
Miss Plato, can't work and keep an eye on/play with her. [As mentioned elsewhere, this is not the usual state of affairs, and others will soon be around to annoy her keep her company].
"..the emergency brake, which would allow member states to petition the EU to be allowed to deny benefits to EU migrants for up to four years, if the countries could prove that their welfare systems were under excessive pressure. "
Worthless.
So emergency brake is on restricting benefits not migration?? To stop all those migrants that anticipate the emergency brake is going to be imposed when they're going to be here? That seems really silly.
Corbyn's rating is also being flattered by the satisfied/dissatisfied question. He has a net -33 rating with Tories compared to a net -61 rating with UKIP voters. Tories4Corbyn helping him keep his job!
Sky - EU to offer the UK an emergency break mechanism to curb EU migration into the UK
Should that be 'brake'?
I don't think it's as billed. It is made to sound like a temporary cap or restriction of inward EU migration flows for a set period if and when migration gets excessive.
The actual proposal is actually just to restrict *benefits* to EU migrants for up to four years, and only then if the EU member state can convince the EU that their welfare state is under strain.
It's actually less than Cameron asked for.
Since the measure already exists, it is basically nothing unless they are giving use of the brake to HMG, which seems unlikely.
If Dave intends to just declare victory and hope no one notices I don't think it is going to go well for Remain.
EU: "No, we're not going to let you discriminate in your benefits system against EU workers for the first four years. What we will do is let you ask for the same deal at any point in the future, if you can convince us things are really bad, and then we'll carefully consider it again, and then say no.
@Morris_Dancer May I suggest you put a lead on her and stick the handle under the leg of your chair.
She's lonely and scared. Giving her an anchor point will help a lot to feel safe, whist allowing you to do your work. Her whining downstairs clearly isn't helping your concentration.
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Sky - EU to offer the UK an emergency break mechanism to curb EU migration into the UK
Should that be 'brake'?
I don't think it's as billed. It is made to sound like a temporary cap or restriction of inward EU migration flows for a set period if and when migration gets excessive.
The actual proposal is actually just to restrict *benefits* to EU migrants for up to four years, and only then if the EU member state can convince the EU that their welfare state is under strain.
It's actually less than Cameron asked for.
Since the measure already exists, it is basically nothing unless they are giving use of the brake to HMG, which seems unlikely.
If Dave intends to just declare victory and hope no one notices I don't think it is going to go well for Remain.
EU: "No, we're not going to let you discriminate in your benefits system against EU workers for the first four years. What we will do is let you ask for the same deal at any point in the future, if you can convince us things are really bad, and then we'll carefully consider it again, and then say no.
Btw, you can call it an 'emergency brake' too.
How about it?"
Cameron: "Thanks. I'll take it!"
Yes that does seem to be what is on offer. It seems like Cameron simply intends to declare victory regardless of the actual contents of the deal.
Mr. Wanderer, I don't think it's good to try that. I'd be more tempted to try letting her out of her cage, see how she does downstairs by herself (she needs to get used to people being absent sometimes). Downside, of course, being the risk I come down and find the furniture ruined (with the aforementioned second hound, she once utterly destroyed a light wicker-work style bin. Spread it across the whole lounge floor, took ages to clear up).
I don't know your domestic arrangements. I like to have our dog with me as much as I can and she seems to like that too. You might find that if you bring her bed upstairs she will just sleep quietly beside you.
Miss Plato, I don't think that's necessary (or would work).
I do appreciate the advice, but having had several dogs ranging from full on bonkers to totally relaxed (Kai), I don't think the situation's anywhere near that bad. It's more that even little things distract/irritate me when I'm trying to write.
And, as I said, I'm spending more time downstairs than up at the moment.
If Cameron can actually limit migration and power lies with UK rather than EU, think Remain will win. Thats actually better than four year benefit ban, which would have limited effect on numbers.
Don't believe the propaganda and spin, this deal is meaningless.
The fact it's been leaked and briefed to the media (ITN, Reuters and Sky all running it in the last 30 mins) and that Cameron wants a deal asap leads me to believe this will be very close to what we'll finally get on migration.
This is obv a farcical proposal but its just the EU negotiating. Cameron said deal might take longer so as much as naysayers like to jump on every negative theres plenty of time yet.
Sky - EU to offer the UK an emergency brake mechanism to curb EU migration into the UK
Who decides when to implement the brake and its duration? The EU Commission or HMG? Would it be a one-off brake or could it be re-imposed an unlimited number of times at HMG discretion?
You know I Iove you, but you're sounding rather stubborn. Several here are saying the same thing, and have experience with unhappy hounds. Just try it - it can't hurt for a few days given you're irritated enough to mention it here, and it's interrupting your work.
Miss Plato, I don't think that's necessary (or would work).
I do appreciate the advice, but having had several dogs ranging from full on bonkers to totally relaxed (Kai), I don't think the situation's anywhere near that bad. It's more that even little things distract/irritate me when I'm trying to write.
And, as I said, I'm spending more time downstairs than up at the moment.
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Would only be legal for non-EU foreigners. But how would it work? If you have a foreigner as ine of several residents in a flat, but only for half a year? Seems like administrative mess to implement.
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
The people in Calais are not refugees. If they are then why haven't they registered for refugee status in France?
I also find it fun that Cameron managed to hide his flat tax on aspiration, by gutting financial support for poor students, behind Muslims, benefits and a fairly transparent attempt to entrench Sky's quasi-government monopoly (even if it meant the Tories had to finally accept that the Thatcher-era privatisation of BT was a colossal failure).
To be honest, I'm regretting mentioning it. I don't believe I could write with the dog about, given how easily I'm put off [a failing on my part, I know]. On the other hand, I just finished, albeit clunkily, the first draft of my current WIP. So, I might try spending (even) more time downstairs, take a break from writing for a few days and doing some reading.
How much would the loss for the Gov't be crystallised at if Llloyds were to be sold now ?
It's a real shame they aren't being sold, with the 5% to market discount and 10% additional allocation it would have respresented great value.
One problem the Gov't has creted is that if you own any Lloyds shares then you aren't eligible for the offer. So the sale delay will probably mean less small buyers in the market (Why buy at market when you can get market - 5% + 1/10th more after a year ?), which will probably adversely affect the share price.
My mum has had about 500 shares since before the crash. I insisted that she voted against the merger with HBoS as I knew it was a complete stitch up. Alas enough of the other shareholders bought the utter drivel spouted by the firm clearly acting on before of Gordon Brown.
ELF made a bunch out of the transaction and now swans about in @rcs1000's postcode
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Restricting benefits discourages economic migrants from heading to the UK; your proposal appears to punish all immigrants once they’ve arrived – I find that distasteful.
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Would only be legal for non-EU foreigners.
Isn't this supposed to be a negotiation? Allow other EU countries do the same.
But how would it work? If you have a foreigner as ine of several residents in a flat, but only for half a year? Seems like administrative mess to implement.
I imagine that you would tick a box on the council tax form saying you're a dirty foreigner.
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Meanwhile you insert wedge issues for "foreigners"
...you will be calling them bunches of foreigners next.
Kevin Saunders #bbcdp 80,000 kids need a home in UK already. Obviously no brownie points available for lefties to worry about these. https://t.co/dmNZz3vtI5
'Give us your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses...'cos we can't stand the ones we have here'
Not to incriminate myself but I believe it is Kinn-wah.
You flipping plebs, it isn't Kinn-wah, Kee-NOO-ah is how I pronounce it, was in a Times magazine piece a while ago.
Kinn-wah is the Spanish version of the original South American pronunciation.
Never mind how you say it, what is it?
It's a fashionable grain foodstuff, demand for which is ruining the centuries-old balanced agriculture of Bolivia and the high Andes. Due to the inflated prices the developed world consumers can pay for it, it is now more expensive than chicken to the people who used to rely on it. Large areas are now being given over to its monoculture, with all the attendant problems for land use and management.
I have not heard it, but calling a large group of people with very different stories a "bunch of migrants" does sound pretty dismissive to me. It potentially conveys contempt for individuals living in atrocious conditions whose motivations are often complex and whose experiences are sometimes truly tragic. It sounds like Cameron was using the phrase to have a dig at Corbyn. That only works if these people are thought of as dismissible.
I am not surprised many on the left have expressed dismay and anger at the words and how they were used. I think they are absolutely genuine in doing so. This looks to me to be a case of very different world views. We are all sensitive to different things.
SO
As I say, this is a case of very different world views. I totally get the point you are making. But I totally get why people on the left are upset by what Cameron said.
But they aren't genuinely upset - this is a classic example of faux outrage in order to distract attention from their own failings.
And by continuing to peddle this particular line, they are only making themselves look more and more out of touch
I disagree - I think a lot of people are genuinely upset. But I also agree that this probably makes them out of touch with majority opinion.
My wife said she bought a bunch of bananas yesterday. I had to upbraid her for her callousness and remind her it was a "group" of bananas. Totally different...
Apart from the usual suspects who spend their time looking for things they can get offended by on behalf of unsuspecting others, this is a storm in a teaspoon.
What to do about large numbers of migrants wanting to settle in Europe and Britain in particular is not an easy question. But for the vast majority, if the question is do we WANT many tens of thousand of people to come here, well, like it or not, that IS an easy question. No thanks.
I'm afraid you wife is correct - bunch is the collective noun for bananas, grapes and other fruit that grow together. Yours, Mr Pedantic. :-)
The OED allows 'bunch' to be applied to a group of people, but says it is informal use.
FFS Tell you what if we use the terms
bouquet, spray, posy, nosegay, or corsage of illegal lawbreakers ..........would that be ok ???
bouquet is homophobic, surely, as nosegay must be
I'm sure I've heard a "spray of cats" used before so that is out.
"..the emergency brake, which would allow member states to petition the EU to be allowed to deny benefits to EU migrants for up to four years, if the countries could prove that their welfare systems were under excessive pressure. "
Worthless.
If what we are being told is correct, then not only will this be rejected, David Cameron's authority will be seriously damaged for being stupid enough to propose it.
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Restricting benefits discourages economic immigrants from heading to the UK; your proposal appears to punish all immigrants once they’ve arrived – I find that distasteful.
Sorry if I wasn't clear: I'm not trying to punish "all immigrants", Just those paying higher bands of council tax and stamp duty.
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Meanwhile you insert wedge issues for "foreigners"
...you will be calling them bunches of foreigners next.
Yes, I'm proposing Labour starts fighting fire with fire. Stop with the hand-wringing and play the game.
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
The people in Calais are not refugees. If they are then why haven't they registered for refugee status in France?
A whole special morning on R5 today on this. Never once anybody saying well letting all and sundry in might not be a good idea, not once asking the question why haven't they claimed asylum in France & not once asking the question why is it the UK responsibility to help these people in horrific conditions when they are in rich first world not war torn France.
"..the emergency brake, which would allow member states to petition the EU to be allowed to deny benefits to EU migrants for up to four years, if the countries could prove that their welfare systems were under excessive pressure. "
Worthless.
If what we are being told is correct, then not only will this be rejected, David Cameron's authority will be seriously damaged for being stupid enough to propose it.
"..the emergency brake, which would allow member states to petition the EU to be allowed to deny benefits to EU migrants for up to four years, if the countries could prove that their welfare systems were under excessive pressure. "
Worthless.
If what we are being told is correct, then not only will this be rejected, David Cameron's authority will be seriously damaged for being stupid enough to propose it.
Cameron ain't proposing it. Juncker is. As its a weak offer Cameron will presumably respond with counter offer.
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Meanwhile you insert wedge issues for "foreigners"
...you will be calling them bunches of foreigners next.
Yes, I'm proposing Labour starts fighting fire with fire. Stop with the hand-wringing and play the game.
I would link it to tax status. If a person is non-resident for tax purposes then make them pay additional taxes/charges on owned property. I think Labour could make a lot of hay with that, it took a Crosby dead cat to get the agenda away from non-doms during the election so clearly there is a lot of support for hitting rich foreigners.
I don't think raising council tax on immigrants who come here legitimately to make a better life for themselves is a particularly good idea.
Re the Mori poll. Allowing for the vaguaries of subsamples, some points to note:
- Con lead bigger with those most likely to vote (40-31 for 9-10 likely to vote as against 39-33 for those 6-10 likely). Suggests some scope for Labour improvement if they can push the right buttons. - Lab lead overwhelming with 18-24; Con lead in all other age groups. - Con lead in AB, C1 and C2 classes; Lab in DE only. - Lab retains lead with public sector voters - Con within 2pts of Lab in N England - Con 11pts clear of Lab in Midlands+Wales - Lab 11pts ahead of Con in London - Con nearer to SNP in Scotland than Lab is to Con in third (!) - Leader ratings not all that far apart (Cameron -9; Corbyn -19), though 'satisfied' is poor wording - 46% don't have a view on Tim Farron (a lot probably don't know who he is - c.f. 7% don't knows for Cameron and 20% for Corbyn)
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Meanwhile you insert wedge issues for "foreigners"
...you will be calling them bunches of foreigners next.
Yes, I'm proposing Labour starts fighting fire with fire. Stop with the hand-wringing and play the game.
I would link it to tax status. If a person is non-resident for tax purposes then make them pay additional taxes/charges on owned property. I think Labour could make a lot of hay with that, it took a Crosby dead cat to get the agenda away from non-doms during the election so clearly there is a lot of support for hitting rich foreigners.
Too technical, plus the policy is supposed to show that Labour is tough on immigration, not just super-rich foreigners.
I don't think raising council tax on immigrants who come here legitimately to make a better life for themselves is a particularly good idea.
Those people making a "better life for themselves" are taking jobs away from British people and putting pressure on the housing market.
She's just reacting to you. If you don't seem to want to get rid of her, she won't feel left.
She's a toddler. Give her a fuss and tell her you love her and mean it. She'll stop demanding attention as she doesn't need the reassurance. It's annoying, but it will work and improve things for you both.
The best analogy I can come up with is not leaving your girlfriend straight after sex - if you don't want her to get all clingy.
To be honest, I'm regretting mentioning it. I don't believe I could write with the dog about, given how easily I'm put off [a failing on my part, I know]. On the other hand, I just finished, albeit clunkily, the first draft of my current WIP. So, I might try spending (even) more time downstairs, take a break from writing for a few days and doing some reading.
Re the Mori poll. Allowing for the vaguaries of subsamples, some points to note:
- Con lead bigger with those most likely to vote (40-31 for 9-10 likely to vote as against 39-33 for those 6-10 likely). Suggests some scope for Labour improvement if they can push the right buttons. - Lab lead overwhelming with 18-24; Con lead in all other age groups. - Con lead in AB, C1 and C2 classes; Lab in DE only. - Lab retains lead with public sector voters - Con within 2pts of Lab in N England - Con 11pts clear of Lab in Midlands+Wales - Lab 11pts ahead of Con in London - Con nearer to SNP in Scotland than Lab is to Con in third (!) - Leader ratings not all that far apart (Cameron -9; Corbyn -19), though 'satisfied' is poor wording - 46% don't have a view on Tim Farron (a lot probably don't know who he is - c.f. 7% don't knows for Cameron and 20% for Corbyn)
How much would the loss for the Gov't be crystallised at if Llloyds were to be sold now ?
It's a real shame they aren't being sold, with the 5% to market discount and 10% additional allocation it would have respresented great value.
One problem the Gov't has creted is that if you own any Lloyds shares then you aren't eligible for the offer. So the sale delay will probably mean less small buyers in the market (Why buy at market when you can get market - 5% + 1/10th more after a year ?), which will probably adversely affect the share price.
My mum has had about 500 shares since before the crash. I insisted that she voted against the merger with HBoS as I knew it was a complete stitch up. Alas enough of the other shareholders bought the utter drivel spouted by the firm clearly acting on before of Gordon Brown.
ELF made a bunch out of the transaction and now swans about in @rcs1000's postcode
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Meanwhile you insert wedge issues for "foreigners"
...you will be calling them bunches of foreigners next.
Yes, I'm proposing Labour starts fighting fire with fire. Stop with the hand-wringing and play the game.
I would link it to tax status. If a person is non-resident for tax purposes then make them pay additional taxes/charges on owned property. I think Labour could make a lot of hay with that, it took a Crosby dead cat to get the agenda away from non-doms during the election so clearly there is a lot of support for hitting rich foreigners.
Too technical, plus the policy is supposed to show that Labour is tough on immigration, not just super-rich foreigners.
I don't think raising council tax on immigrants who come here legitimately to make a better life for themselves is a particularly good idea.
Those people making a "better life for themselves" are taking jobs away from British people and putting pressure on the housing market.
It's easy.
"Those who seek to benefit from the strength of the UK economy but contribute nothing will have to pay more in tax."
One sentence. That's tough on rich people, it will raise real money and help reduce foreign ownership of property. Three things Labour, even today's Labour can get on board with.
Took er jerbs. If Labour are trying to attract UKIP voters back then nothing Labour says at the moment is going to make the slightest bit of difference, it's Jeremy Corbyn they need to dump first.
I have not heard it, but calling a large group of people with very different stories a "bunch of migrants" does sound pretty dismissive to me. It potentially conveys contempt for individuals living in atrocious conditions whose motivations are often complex and whose experiences are sometimes truly tragic. It sounds like Cameron was using the phrase to have a dig at Corbyn. That only works if these people are thought of as dismissible.
I am not surprised many on the left have expressed dismay and anger at the words and how they were used. I think they are absolutely genuine in doing so. This looks to me to be a case of very different world views. We are all sensitive to different things.
SO
As I say, this is a case of very different world views. I totally get the point you are making. But I totally get why people on the left are upset by what Cameron said.
But they aren't genuinely upset - this is a classic example of faux outrage in order to distract attention from their own failings.
And by continuing to peddle this particular line, they are only making themselves look more and more out of touch
I disagree - I think a lot of people are genuinely upset. But I also agree that this probably makes them out of touch with majority opinion.
My wife said she bought a bunch of bananas yesterday. I had to upbraid her for her callousness and remind her it was a "group" of bananas. Totally different...
Apart from the usual suspects who spend their time looking for things they can get offended by on behalf of unsuspecting others, this is a storm in a teaspoon.
What to do about large numbers of migrants wanting to settle in Europe and Britain in particular is not an easy question. But for the vast majority, if the question is do we WANT many tens of thousand of people to come here, well, like it or not, that IS an easy question. No thanks.
I'm afraid you wife is correct - bunch is the collective noun for bananas, grapes and other fruit that grow together. Yours, Mr Pedantic. :-)
The OED allows 'bunch' to be applied to a group of people, but says it is informal use.
FFS Tell you what if we use the terms
bouquet, spray, posy, nosegay, or corsage of illegal lawbreakers ..........would that be ok ???
bouquet is homophobic, surely, as nosegay must be
I'm sure I've heard a "spray of cats" used before so that is out.
Re the Mori poll. Allowing for the vaguaries of subsamples, some points to note:
- Con lead bigger with those most likely to vote (40-31 for 9-10 likely to vote as against 39-33 for those 6-10 likely). Suggests some scope for Labour improvement if they can push the right buttons. - Lab lead overwhelming with 18-24; Con lead in all other age groups. - Con lead in AB, C1 and C2 classes; Lab in DE only. - Lab retains lead with public sector voters - Con within 2pts of Lab in N England - Con 11pts clear of Lab in Midlands+Wales - Lab 11pts ahead of Con in London - Con nearer to SNP in Scotland than Lab is to Con in third (!) - Leader ratings not all that far apart (Cameron -9; Corbyn -19), though 'satisfied' is poor wording - 46% don't have a view on Tim Farron (a lot probably don't know who he is - c.f. 7% don't knows for Cameron and 20% for Corbyn)
Corbyism sweeping the non-voters.....
According to p10 of the poll, 4% of Lab 'voters' and 2% of Con 'voters' are "absolutely certain not to vote" (though why this is 1/10 rather than 0/10 I don't know).
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Meanwhile you insert wedge issues for "foreigners"
...you will be calling them bunches of foreigners next.
Yes, I'm proposing Labour starts fighting fire with fire. Stop with the hand-wringing and play the game.
Re the Mori poll. Allowing for the vaguaries of subsamples, some points to note:
- Con lead bigger with those most likely to vote (40-31 for 9-10 likely to vote as against 39-33 for those 6-10 likely). Suggests some scope for Labour improvement if they can push the right buttons. - Lab lead overwhelming with 18-24; Con lead in all other age groups. - Con lead in AB, C1 and C2 classes; Lab in DE only. - Lab retains lead with public sector voters - Con within 2pts of Lab in N England - Con 11pts clear of Lab in Midlands+Wales - Lab 11pts ahead of Con in London - Con nearer to SNP in Scotland than Lab is to Con in third (!) - Leader ratings not all that far apart (Cameron -9; Corbyn -19), though 'satisfied' is poor wording - 46% don't have a view on Tim Farron (a lot probably don't know who he is - c.f. 7% don't knows for Cameron and 20% for Corbyn)
Took er jerbs. If Labour are trying to attract UKIP voters back then nothing Labour says at the moment is going to make the slightest bit of difference, it's Jeremy Corbyn they need to dump first.
They're not trying to attract UKIP voters, they're trying to attract the general British public who are anti-immigration.
And "took er jerbs" is more accurate than you might think. Jobs are going to foreigners over British nationals. It's common for British firms to employ foreign graduates in skilled jobs than spending money training British workers.
And the effect on house prices is huge, which impacts a lots of people. The cost of living is too high.
In general, I believe left-wing parties need to get their hands dirty with dumb gimmicky populist policies, much like right-wing parties do, with policies like the bedroom tax, the benefit cap and universal credit.
Re the Mori poll. Allowing for the vaguaries of subsamples, some points to note:
- Con lead bigger with those most likely to vote (40-31 for 9-10 likely to vote as against 39-33 for those 6-10 likely). Suggests some scope for Labour improvement if they can push the right buttons. - Lab lead overwhelming with 18-24; Con lead in all other age groups. - Con lead in AB, C1 and C2 classes; Lab in DE only. - Lab retains lead with public sector voters - Con within 2pts of Lab in N England - Con 11pts clear of Lab in Midlands+Wales - Lab 11pts ahead of Con in London - Con nearer to SNP in Scotland than Lab is to Con in third (!) - Leader ratings not all that far apart (Cameron -9; Corbyn -19), though 'satisfied' is poor wording - 46% don't have a view on Tim Farron (a lot probably don't know who he is - c.f. 7% don't knows for Cameron and 20% for Corbyn)
Corbyism sweeping the non-voters.....
According to p10 of the poll, 4% of Lab 'voters' and 2% of Con 'voters' are "absolutely certain not to vote" (though why this is 1/10 rather than 0/10 I don't know).
Perhaps they think they'll be dead by then and the pollster rates their chances of making it as 1 in 10.
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Meanwhile you insert wedge issues for "foreigners"
...you will be calling them bunches of foreigners next.
Yes, I'm proposing Labour starts fighting fire with fire. Stop with the hand-wringing and play the game.
They wouldn't have credibility on that terrain.
There's only one way to earn credibility on that terrain.
If we vote to remain in the EU I wonder how many months it will be before everyone realises the emergency brake/break is worthless and calls for another referendum start growing.
Cameron's legacy will be trashed if his incredible deal unravels straight away.
Always hard for the 3rd party to get media traction, for a party in 4th place seems impossible.
Farron needs to find a bandwagon sharpish.
The only thing I can think of that might get Tim Fallon / the Lib Dems a boost is if there's another Westminster scandal (e.g. expenses).
Despite being in the Coalition, I still get the sense the public views them as a bit more virtuous in terms of the troughing culture than either Tories or Labour. Otherwise I can't see what would help them - thanks to Clegg trying to triangulate on every issue, they really don't have "ownership" of any real issues now.
How much would the loss for the Gov't be crystallised at if Llloyds were to be sold now ?
It's a real shame they aren't being sold, with the 5% to market discount and 10% additional allocation it would have respresented great value.
One problem the Gov't has creted is that if you own any Lloyds shares then you aren't eligible for the offer. So the sale delay will probably mean less small buyers in the market (Why buy at market when you can get market - 5% + 1/10th more after a year ?), which will probably adversely affect the share price.
My mum has had about 500 shares since before the crash. I insisted that she voted against the merger with HBoS as I knew it was a complete stitch up. Alas enough of the other shareholders bought the utter drivel spouted by the firm clearly acting on before of Gordon Brown.
ELF made a bunch out of the transaction and now swans about in @rcs1000's postcode
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
The people in Calais are not refugees. If they are then why haven't they registered for refugee status in France?
A whole special morning on R5 today on this. Never once anybody saying well letting all and sundry in might not be a good idea, not once asking the question why haven't they claimed asylum in France & not once asking the question why is it the UK responsibility to help these people in horrific conditions when they are in rich first world not war torn France.
Agree,sky news are has bad ,you would think what a bast*rd Cameron is with they reporting on the migrant children in Calais or in other EU countries ;-)
If we vote to remain in the EU I wonder how many months it will be before everyone realises the emergency brake/break is worthless and calls for another referendum start growing.
The emergency brake is a bluff call, because the entire premise of the argument is based on Tory lie that EU migrants get a lot in benefits. It's a political dog-whistle with little reflection in reality.
Always hard for the 3rd party to get media traction, for a party in 4th place seems impossible.
Farron needs to find a bandwagon sharpish.
The only thing I can think of that might get Tim Fallon / the Lib Dems a boost is if there's another Westminster scandal (e.g. expenses).
Despite being in the Coalition, I still get the sense the public views them as a bit more virtuous in terms of the troughing culture than either Tories or Labour. Otherwise I can't see what would help them - thanks to Clegg trying to triangulate on every issue, they really don't have "ownership" of any real issues now.
I think the EU referendum might be an opportunity for the Lib Dems, especially if Corbyn arses around over it.
Took er jerbs. If Labour are trying to attract UKIP voters back then nothing Labour says at the moment is going to make the slightest bit of difference, it's Jeremy Corbyn they need to dump first.
They're not trying to attract UKIP voters, they're trying to attract the general British public who are anti-immigration.
And "took er jerbs" is more accurate than you might think. Jobs are going to foreigners over British nationals. It's common for British firms to employ foreign graduates in skilled jobs than spending money training British workers.
And the effect on house prices is huge, which impacts a lots of people. The cost of living is too high.
In general, I believe left-wing parties need to get their hands dirty with dumb gimmicky populist policies, much like right-wing parties do, with policies like the bedroom tax, the benefit cap and universal credit.
Are there enough people like you who are intelligent enough to play this waiting game though? What happens when your party ends up with too many of those dumb people? How do you slim back down to the elite?
Re the Mori poll. Allowing for the vaguaries of subsamples, some points to note:
- Con lead bigger with those most likely to vote (40-31 for 9-10 likely to vote as against 39-33 for those 6-10 likely). Suggests some scope for Labour improvement if they can push the right buttons. - Lab lead overwhelming with 18-24; Con lead in all other age groups. - Con lead in AB, C1 and C2 classes; Lab in DE only. - Lab retains lead with public sector voters - Con within 2pts of Lab in N England - Con 11pts clear of Lab in Midlands+Wales - Lab 11pts ahead of Con in London - Con nearer to SNP in Scotland than Lab is to Con in third (!) - Leader ratings not all that far apart (Cameron -9; Corbyn -19), though 'satisfied' is poor wording - 46% don't have a view on Tim Farron (a lot probably don't know who he is - c.f. 7% don't knows for Cameron and 20% for Corbyn)
Corbyism sweeping the non-voters.....
According to p10 of the poll, 4% of Lab 'voters' and 2% of Con 'voters' are "absolutely certain not to vote" (though why this is 1/10 rather than 0/10 I don't know).
I suspect some of those 0/10s do actually vote "I'm not voting for that Cameron"
On the day "Hmm Better keep that communist Corbyn out" ?
Always hard for the 3rd party to get media traction, for a party in 4th place seems impossible.
Farron needs to find a bandwagon sharpish.
The only thing I can think of that might get Tim Fallon / the Lib Dems a boost is if there's another Westminster scandal (e.g. expenses).
Despite being in the Coalition, I still get the sense the public views them as a bit more virtuous in terms of the troughing culture than either Tories or Labour. Otherwise I can't see what would help them - thanks to Clegg trying to triangulate on every issue, they really don't have "ownership" of any real issues now.
Indeed..what 'is' the point of Lib Dems anymore.
they need a USP. They should make a policy change to do something which neither the tories nor labour would do.
Say, 'decriminalise all drugs'. That might actually be a somewhat liberal thing..
Always hard for the 3rd party to get media traction, for a party in 4th place seems impossible.
Farron needs to find a bandwagon sharpish.
The only thing I can think of that might get Tim Fallon / the Lib Dems a boost is if there's another Westminster scandal (e.g. expenses).
Despite being in the Coalition, I still get the sense the public views them as a bit more virtuous in terms of the troughing culture than either Tories or Labour. Otherwise I can't see what would help them - thanks to Clegg trying to triangulate on every issue, they really don't have "ownership" of any real issues now.
Indeed..what 'is' the point of Lib Dems anymore.
they need a USP. They should make a policy change to do something which neither the tories nor labour would do.
Say, 'decriminalise all drugs'. That might actually be a somewhat liberal thing..
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
The people in Calais are not refugees. If they are then why haven't they registered for refugee status in France?
A whole special morning on R5 today on this. Never once anybody saying well letting all and sundry in might not be a good idea, not once asking the question why haven't they claimed asylum in France & not once asking the question why is it the UK responsibility to help these people in horrific conditions when they are in rich first world not war torn France.
Agree,sky news are has bad ,you would think what a bast*rd Cameron is with they reporting on the migrant children in Calais or in other EU countries ;-)
Sky and the BBC are just out of touch with the majority attitude in the Country. They trawl round Calais with the intention of guilt tripping the Country and yet never ask why they don't apply for asylum in France. Just heard David Cameron asked whether re regrets his 'bunch' remark yesterday and he said he did not as he was highlighting Corbyn's attitude that they should just be allowed to come to the UK. He too said that France is a safe country and they should apply for asylum there and if they have UK connections they will then be able to come to the UK. David Cameron is the only leader with the courage to act in the Country's best interest and is making very difficult decisions. Thankfully he is our PM at this difficult time, Corbyn, Farron et al would be a disaster
Always hard for the 3rd party to get media traction, for a party in 4th place seems impossible.
Farron needs to find a bandwagon sharpish.
The only thing I can think of that might get Tim Fallon / the Lib Dems a boost is if there's another Westminster scandal (e.g. expenses).
Despite being in the Coalition, I still get the sense the public views them as a bit more virtuous in terms of the troughing culture than either Tories or Labour. Otherwise I can't see what would help them - thanks to Clegg trying to triangulate on every issue, they really don't have "ownership" of any real issues now.
I agree with a lot of what you say, although I don’t see another expenses scandal on the horizon and the Lib Dems themselves are not immune to other forms.
BTW As Schrödinger once said – It’s Michael Fallon or Tim Farron, you can’t have both…
Took er jerbs. If Labour are trying to attract UKIP voters back then nothing Labour says at the moment is going to make the slightest bit of difference, it's Jeremy Corbyn they need to dump first.
They're not trying to attract UKIP voters, they're trying to attract the general British public who are anti-immigration.
And "took er jerbs" is more accurate than you might think. Jobs are going to foreigners over British nationals. It's common for British firms to employ foreign graduates in skilled jobs than spending money training British workers.
And the effect on house prices is huge, which impacts a lots of people. The cost of living is too high.
In general, I believe left-wing parties need to get their hands dirty with dumb gimmicky populist policies, much like right-wing parties do, with policies like the bedroom tax, the benefit cap and universal credit.
Then propose policies that will be positive for those groups (dare I say, bunches) of people that you mention. The reason the Tories got 38% of the GB vote was because they offered some kind of positive vision of the future and didn't boil the campaign down to "they took our jobs". It's also why Leave will lose if they make the whole campaign about it.
Incentivise companies to spend money on training UK born staff instead of hiring a foreigner. Improve basic education so that kids don't leave school at 16 unable to do basic mental arithmetic and without really simple soft skills required for working life.
As for house prices, the policy I mentioned would bring house prices down as foreign money begins to leave the sector.
If Corbyn started pursuing these policies less than a week after going to Calais and saying that all of the people there should be allowed to come here if they want then Labour will just end up looking stupid.
Always hard for the 3rd party to get media traction, for a party in 4th place seems impossible.
Farron needs to find a bandwagon sharpish.
The only thing I can think of that might get Tim Fallon / the Lib Dems a boost is if there's another Westminster scandal (e.g. expenses).
Despite being in the Coalition, I still get the sense the public views them as a bit more virtuous in terms of the troughing culture than either Tories or Labour. Otherwise I can't see what would help them - thanks to Clegg trying to triangulate on every issue, they really don't have "ownership" of any real issues now.
I agree with a lot of what you say, although I don’t see another expenses scandal on the horizon and the Lib Dems themselves are not immune to other forms.
BTW As Schrödinger once said – It’s Michael Fallon or Tim Farron, you can’t have both…
''Snuggling up with Corbyn is a suicide pact - what on Earth is Farron thinking?''
I wonder what the odds are on him losing his seat next time around...
I suspect that the biggest failure of Farron's leadership will be that he seems to think that what's been successful as a local candidate in Westmorland will also be successful as party leader nationally.
He'll keep his seat. The way things are going, he might be the only one.
If we vote to remain in the EU I wonder how many months it will be before everyone realises the emergency brake/break is worthless and calls for another referendum start growing.
The emergency brake is a bluff call, because the entire premise of the argument is based on Tory lie that EU migrants get a lot in benefits. It's a political dog-whistle with little reflection in reality.
EU migrants don't get a lot of unemployment benefit, but they do get a lot of in-work benefit because we don't have any kind of contributory element to it. Anyone can turn up, say they are self employed and get housing benefits and tax credits as well as child tax credits for an unlimited number of kids. That's why the eastern European countries are so resistant to the idea of locking away in-work benefits for four years, it would stop the flow of British tax payer cash into their countries.
The Conservatives have opened up a 27 point lead over Labour on which party has the better leadership team, the biggest lead since 1989, according to Ipsos Mori
The Conservatives have taken their biggest lead over Labour on which party has the best team of leaders since records began, according to a survey by Ipsos Mori.
When asked which of the parties has the best team of leaders to deal with the country’s problems, 43 per cent of Britons say the Conservatives, with 16 per cent choosing Labour.
Tories are doing a good job at creating wedge issues from refugees and benefits for immigrants. I find it more than a bit distasteful but there you go.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
The people in Calais are not refugees. If they are then why haven't they registered for refugee status in France?
A whole special morning on R5 today on this. Never once anybody saying well letting all and sundry in might not be a good idea, not once asking the question why haven't they claimed asylum in France & not once asking the question why is it the UK responsibility to help these people in horrific conditions when they are in rich first world not war torn France.
Agree,sky news are has bad ,you would think what a bast*rd Cameron is with they reporting on the migrant children in Calais or in other EU countries ;-)
Sky and the BBC are just out of touch with the majority attitude in the Country. They trawl round Calais with the intention of guilt tripping the Country and yet never ask why they don't apply for asylum in France. Just heard David Cameron asked whether re regrets his 'bunch' remark yesterday and he said he did not as he was highlighting Corbyn's attitude that they should just be allowed to come to the UK. He too said that France is a safe country and they should apply for asylum there and if they have UK connections they will then be able to come to the UK. David Cameron is the only leader with the courage to act in the Country's best interest and is making very difficult decisions. Thankfully he is our PM at this difficult time, Corbyn, Farron et al would be a disaster
The other bbc angle the today got a bit blown out the water...that all the shooting was nasty outsiders in particular British smugglers...then they interviewed a "resident" who said no,it was a turf war & residents were involved & it is the Afghans & Albanians who control the smuggling.
Always hard for the 3rd party to get media traction, for a party in 4th place seems impossible.
Farron needs to find a bandwagon sharpish.
Not the one he jumped on today,we should take thousands of migrant children from other EU countries .
All politicians are prone to jumping on bandwagons – for the Lib Dems they need to formulate their own wagon, even if it requires a fundamental shift in their present position.
Comments
Tell you what if we use the terms
bouquet, spray, posy, nosegay, or corsage of illegal lawbreakers ..........would that be ok ???
Would it be at all feasible to have a dog basket in your home office?
The actual proposal is actually just to restrict *benefits* to EU migrants for up to four years, and only then if the EU member state can convince the EU that their welfare state is under strain.
It's actually less than Cameron asked for.
Public sector with 9-10/10 certainty to vote:
Con 26
Lab 38
Private sector with 9-10/10 certainty to vote:
Con 45
Lab 28
Owner occupiers:
Con 47
Lab 25
Renters:
Con 21
Lab 48
- Private renters:
Con 23
Lab 47
The Tories need to work very hard on increasing home ownership, even with Corbyn in charge of Labour they are trailing massively among people who rent.
Full disclosure, several people I know and others that I admire are working for Remain, people who ensured the Tories won a majority last year.
I'm getting frustrated with the Leave campaigns. They are dicking about posturing whilst Remain are getting on with stuff, they are people not to be underestimated.
Worthless.
If Dave intends to just declare victory and hope no one notices I don't think it is going to go well for Remain.
Dogs shouldn't be in a 'cage' unless on a car trip
Bring her upstairs and get her a pb.com account.
Anyway, the situation won't persist, it's just irksome in the short term.
Well up to the point a few years down the line when he had to finally admit that there was a structural deficit and he never said there wasn't a structural debit despite all the recorded TV interviews that were made up showing him saying there was never a structural deficit.
The fact it's been leaked and briefed to the media (ITN, Reuters and Sky all running it in the last 30 mins) and that Cameron wants a deal asap leads me to believe this will be very close to what we'll finally get on migration.
http://www.yourdog.co.uk/Dog-Rescue-Centres/my-rescue-dog-can-t-be-left-alone.html
(My younger daughter has been reading this magazine avidly for a few months now as part of her ongoing lobbying campaign to get a family dog. Haven't yet told her, but we'll be getting a rescue dog fairly soon.)
Miss Plato, can't work and keep an eye on/play with her. [As mentioned elsewhere, this is not the usual state of affairs, and others will soon be around to annoy her keep her company].
Edited extra bit: cheers, Miss Jones.
Btw, you can call it an 'emergency brake' too.
How about it?"
Cameron: "Thanks. I'll take it!"
She's lonely and scared. Giving her an anchor point will help a lot to feel safe, whist allowing you to do your work. Her whining downstairs clearly isn't helping your concentration.
If anyone from Labour is reading this, my counter proposal: higher council tax and stamp duty for foreigners.
Bloomberg
Why acquittal of 6 ex-brokers in Libor trial is a blow for Britain's Serious Fraud Office https://t.co/aJRDBs0ffd https://t.co/d2TuDp1Mtp
I do appreciate the advice, but having had several dogs ranging from full on bonkers to totally relaxed (Kai), I don't think the situation's anywhere near that bad. It's more that even little things distract/irritate me when I'm trying to write.
And, as I said, I'm spending more time downstairs than up at the moment.
Meaningless
To be honest, I'm regretting mentioning it. I don't believe I could write with the dog about, given how easily I'm put off [a failing on my part, I know]. On the other hand, I just finished, albeit clunkily, the first draft of my current WIP. So, I might try spending (even) more time downstairs, take a break from writing for a few days and doing some reading.
(google ELF and Merrill)
He was the charming Italian's sidekick
Diner: "I'd like a steak and chips please."
Waiter: "How about a limp lettuce leaf?"
...you will be calling them bunches of foreigners next.
I'm sure I've heard a "spray of cats" used before so that is out.
Corsage...hmmmn bit trannie?
Worthless.
If what we are being told is correct, then not only will this be rejected, David Cameron's authority will be seriously damaged for being stupid enough to propose it.
I don't think raising council tax on immigrants who come here legitimately to make a better life for themselves is a particularly good idea.
- Con lead bigger with those most likely to vote (40-31 for 9-10 likely to vote as against 39-33 for those 6-10 likely). Suggests some scope for Labour improvement if they can push the right buttons.
- Lab lead overwhelming with 18-24; Con lead in all other age groups.
- Con lead in AB, C1 and C2 classes; Lab in DE only.
- Lab retains lead with public sector voters
- Con within 2pts of Lab in N England
- Con 11pts clear of Lab in Midlands+Wales
- Lab 11pts ahead of Con in London
- Con nearer to SNP in Scotland than Lab is to Con in third (!)
- Leader ratings not all that far apart (Cameron -9; Corbyn -19), though 'satisfied' is poor wording
- 46% don't have a view on Tim Farron (a lot probably don't know who he is - c.f. 7% don't knows for Cameron and 20% for Corbyn)
She's a toddler. Give her a fuss and tell her you love her and mean it. She'll stop demanding attention as she doesn't need the reassurance. It's annoying, but it will work and improve things for you both.
The best analogy I can come up with is not leaving your girlfriend straight after sex - if you don't want her to get all clingy.
It's easy.
"Those who seek to benefit from the strength of the UK economy but contribute nothing will have to pay more in tax."
One sentence. That's tough on rich people, it will raise real money and help reduce foreign ownership of property. Three things Labour, even today's Labour can get on board with.
Took er jerbs. If Labour are trying to attract UKIP voters back then nothing Labour says at the moment is going to make the slightest bit of difference, it's Jeremy Corbyn they need to dump first.
And "took er jerbs" is more accurate than you might think. Jobs are going to foreigners over British nationals. It's common for British firms to employ foreign graduates in skilled jobs than spending money training British workers.
And the effect on house prices is huge, which impacts a lots of people. The cost of living is too high.
In general, I believe left-wing parties need to get their hands dirty with dumb gimmicky populist policies, much like right-wing parties do, with policies like the bedroom tax, the benefit cap and universal credit.
Always hard for the 3rd party to get media traction, for a party in 4th place seems impossible.
Farron needs to find a bandwagon sharpish.
Jeremy Hunt Ordered To Delete 'Highly Inappropriate' Manslaughter Trial Tweet Over Death Of Frances Cappuccini
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/01/28/jeremy-hunt-manslaughter-trial-tweet_n_9097654.html
Trying to pull the wool over our eyes on Europe, perhaps?
Cameron's legacy will be trashed if his incredible deal unravels straight away.
Despite being in the Coalition, I still get the sense the public views them as a bit more virtuous in terms of the troughing culture than either Tories or Labour. Otherwise I can't see what would help them - thanks to Clegg trying to triangulate on every issue, they really don't have "ownership" of any real issues now.
I pay attention to Angus Robertson even if I forget what his point was after his 200 word question.
I'm not so sure. I think many people look at mainstream news and they just think WTF. It's just noise now. No wonder others are gaining traction.
Trump's gambit in telling fox to get lost on the GOP debate is an interesting experiment.
On the day "Hmm Better keep that communist Corbyn out" ?
they need a USP. They should make a policy change to do something which neither the tories nor labour would do.
Say, 'decriminalise all drugs'. That might actually be a somewhat liberal thing..
I thought the Greenies were stupid offering one, the LDs have only stuff to lose and not much at that.
PS You forgot that voter hot button Electoral Reform
I wonder what the odds are on him losing his seat next time around...
BTW As Schrödinger once said – It’s Michael Fallon or Tim Farron, you can’t have both…
Incentivise companies to spend money on training UK born staff instead of hiring a foreigner. Improve basic education so that kids don't leave school at 16 unable to do basic mental arithmetic and without really simple soft skills required for working life.
As for house prices, the policy I mentioned would bring house prices down as foreign money begins to leave the sector.
If Corbyn started pursuing these policies less than a week after going to Calais and saying that all of the people there should be allowed to come here if they want then Labour will just end up looking stupid.
Maybe they should get together and figure out how to make America attack Iraq.
Overall +31 -49 (-19, due to rounding)
Lab +54 -32 (+23)
Con +25 -58 (-33)
LD +15 -65 (-50)
UKIP +16 -77 (-61)
Just look at those strategic Tories
He'll keep his seat. The way things are going, he might be the only one.