Stupid move to split the unity vote and allow a second round and possible transfers from either of the unity candidates to Corbyn. Now it just looks like unprofessional infighting and squabbling between two people who just want to be leader rather than regicide.
Labour - committed to providing political pundits with work since 2015.
Seriously, what would summer threads have been without a bizarre leadership contest last year? Apparently they decided it was so good it had to be an annual thing. I see Mike's hand in this.
As I commented at the weekend, what a time to be alive in Britain at the moment. We're either on the edge of the Abyss or just starting out on a trek to the Sunny Uplands. I think Labour are at the Abyss, though, and feeling a bit dizzy looking down.
@RobD said in previous thread: A deal in under five months? Interesting!
The deal is already there. We leave the EU and join EFTA/EEA. Not exactly difficult to draft that.
All that has to be decided is what concessions on free movement they will agree and how much Danegeld (in membership fees higher per capita than Norway) that - they will demand/we are prepared to pay - in return.
Dosen't really take that long to agree principles behind closed doors then, after December or whenever, hold a few summits to thrash out the last details and play brinkmanship over the fees/free movement and everyone emerges triumphant into the sunlight.
We get some bells and whistles on free movement stopping people coming over here to take un/low skilled work that isn't viable without housing benefit/tax credits/free NHS (unless their own country offers similar levels which exempts France Germany etc.) they still get much of our contribution which they can ill afford to lose and six months later then France and Germany see to it that EU will implement same free movement restrictions throughout the EU (without any reduction in payments by us of course which become our EFTA "Barnet Formula").
We leave, set up our own trade deals outside the EU, carry on in EFTA and see what happens for a few years. If, in a decade or so EU is a much smaller portion of our trade, we have healthy agriculture, our seas are full of fish because we have replaced CAP/CFP with our own rules, we start handbagging for contribution reductions in the same way as Thatcher got our rebate. The won't want to lose all our contributions if they say no and we leave so will cave in.
I just commented on the previous thread, why on earth did she declare when things were clearly still up in the air? - based on Tom Watson's comments this afternoon
As I commented at the weekend, what a time to be alive in Britain at the moment. We're either on the edge of the Abyss or just starting out on a trek to the Sunny Uplands. I think Labour are at the Abyss, though, and feeling a bit dizzy looking down.
The opening lines of 'A Tale of Two Cities' really come to mind
I just saw Angela Eagle give a speech for the first time on the BBC. Jesus Christ, if this is the best they can do they are in major trouble. At least Leadsome could deliver the rhythm of a sentence right.
@RobD said in previous thread: A deal in under five months? Interesting!
The deal is already there. We leave the EU and join EFTA/EEA. Not exactly difficult to draft that.
All that has to be decided is what concessions on free movement they will agree and how much Danegeld (in membership fees higher per capita than Norway) that - they will demand/we are prepared to pay - in return.
Dosen't really take that long to agree principles behind closed doors then, after December or whenever, hold a few summits to thrash out the last details and play brinkmanship over the fees/free movement and everyone emerges triumphant into the sunlight.
We get some bells and whistles on free movement stopping people coming over here to take un/low skilled work that isn't viable without housing benefit/tax credits/free NHS (unless their own country offers similar levels which exempts France Germany etc.) they still get much of our contribution which they can ill afford to lose and six months later then France and Germany see to it that EU will implement same free movement restrictions throughout the EU (without any reduction in payments by us of course which become our EFTA "Barnet Formula").
We leave, set up our own trade deals outside the EU, carry on in EFTA and see what happens for a few years. If, in a decade or so EU is a much smaller portion of our trade, we have healthy agriculture, our seas are full of fish because we have replaced CAP/CFP with our own rules, we start handbagging for contribution reductions in the same way as Thatcher got our rebate. The won't want to lose all our contributions if they say no and we leave so will cave in.
Job done.
Actually, Paul, EFTA is quite good at doing trade deals. They have perfectly serviceable ones with Canada, the GCC, etc.
Even if we did decide to leave the EEA later, there's no reason to leave EFTA.
Stupid move to split the unity vote and allow a second round and possible transfers from either of the unity candidates to Corbyn. Now it just looks like unprofessional infighting and squabbling between two people who just want to be leader rather than regicide.
The fact that Eagle and Smith couldn't come to an agreement says it all.
FPT. Apologies if this has already been posted, but now looking significantly more grim for the PLP and wider Labour party?
Twitter George Eaton @georgeeaton 36m36 minutes ago Tom Watson to PLP meeting: "For years I've been told that I'm a fixer. Well, I've tried to fix this and I've failed."
George Eaton @georgeeaton 32m32 minutes ago Watson also told PLP: "I've got my own mandate but if I lost your confidence I would resign, and Jeremy should have done."
Twitter Sophy Ridge @SophyRidgeSky 43m43 minutes ago Owen Smith's team tell me "not true" he will launch rival leadership bid tomorrow. Presumably he's waiting to see if Corbyn on ballot paper
@RobD said in previous thread: A deal in under five months? Interesting!
The deal is already there. We leave the EU and join EFTA/EEA. Not exactly difficult to draft that.
All that has to be decided is what concessions on free movement they will agree and how much Danegeld (in membership fees higher per capita than Norway) that - they will demand/we are prepared to pay - in return.
Dosen't really take that long to agree principles behind closed doors then, after December or whenever, hold a few summits to thrash out the last details and play brinkmanship over the fees/free movement and everyone emerges triumphant into the sunlight.
We get some bells and whistles on free movement stopping people coming over here to take un/low skilled work that isn't viable without housing benefit/tax credits/free NHS (unless their own country offers similar levels which exempts France Germany etc.) they still get much of our contribution which they can ill afford to lose and six months later then France and Germany see to it that EU will implement same free movement restrictions throughout the EU (without any reduction in payments by us of course which become our EFTA "Barnet Formula").
We leave, set up our own trade deals outside the EU, carry on in EFTA and see what happens for a few years. If, in a decade or so EU is a much smaller portion of our trade, we have healthy agriculture, our seas are full of fish because we have replaced CAP/CFP with our own rules, we start handbagging for contribution reductions in the same way as Thatcher got our rebate. The won't want to lose all our contributions if they say no and we leave so will cave in.
Job done.
So easy to negotiate with the EU; looks like we're going to get all we want. Phewee.
Just the teensy weensy slightest doubt, however, that it will be such plain sailing. I mean this is the organisation that the Leavers say gave us such a shocking deal a matter of a few months ago.
Now May is PM in waiting and with Labour in turmoil she could well be PM for at least as long as Cameron if she calls and wins a snap election and if she waits until 2020 and wins she could be PM for almost a decade, surpassing Cameron and Major and Brown and almost as long as Blair and Thatcher. She will be the UK's Merkel, could dominate the centre and leave the right to UKIP and the left to whatever remains of Labour
@RobD said in previous thread: A deal in under five months? Interesting!
The deal is already there. We leave the EU and join EFTA/EEA. Not exactly difficult to draft that.
All that has to be decided is what concessions on free movement they will agree and how much Danegeld (in membership fees higher per capita than Norway) that - they will demand/we are prepared to pay - in return.
Dosen't really take that long to agree principles behind closed doors then, after December or whenever, hold a few summits to thrash out the last details and play brinkmanship over the fees/free movement and everyone emerges triumphant into the sunlight.
We get some bells and whistles on free movement stopping people coming over here to take un/low skilled work that isn't viable without housing benefit/tax credits/free NHS (unless their own country offers similar levels which exempts France Germany etc.) they still get much of our contribution which they can ill afford to lose and six months later then France and Germany see to it that EU will implement same free movement restrictions throughout the EU (without any reduction in payments by us of course which become our EFTA "Barnet Formula").
We leave, set up our own trade deals outside the EU, carry on in EFTA and see what happens for a few years. If, in a decade or so EU is a much smaller portion of our trade, we have healthy agriculture, our seas are full of fish because we have replaced CAP/CFP with our own rules, we start handbagging for contribution reductions in the same way as Thatcher got our rebate. The won't want to lose all our contributions if they say no and we leave so will cave in.
Job done.
So easy to negotiate with the EU; looks like we're going to get all we want. Phewee.
Just the teensy weensy slightest doubt, however, that it will be such plain sailing. I mean this is the organisation that the Leavers say gave us such a shocking deal a matter of a few months ago.
Yes but we now have a Remainer leading the country, so the EU may be a bit more amenable
Will Larry the cat remain in No10, or leave with the Camerons?
Twitter Larry the Cat @Number10cat 2h2 hours ago Does anyone know a good cat groomer available tomorrow? I need to make a good impression on someone on Wednesday...
Owen Smith is just waiting to see if Corbyn is on the ballot. If he is then I expect he might not run. Corbyn will do a demolition job on Eagle if he is indeed on.
Does anybody know, will those people who paid £3 to vote in the last labour leadership election, automatically get a vote in this one? or will they have to pay again?
I would have thought it was a one-off, but because it is within a year I don't want to assume anything!
@RobD said in previous thread: A deal in under five months? Interesting!
The deal is already there. We leave the EU and join EFTA/EEA. Not exactly difficult to draft that.
All that has to be decided is what concessions on free movement they will agree and how much Danegeld (in membership fees higher per capita than Norway) that - they will demand/we are prepared to pay - in return.
Dosen't really take that long to agree principles behind closed doors then, after December or whenever, hold a few summits to thrash out the last details and play brinkmanship over the fees/free movement and everyone emerges triumphant into the sunlight.
We get some bells and whistles on free movement stopping people coming over here to take un/low skilled work that isn't viable without housing benefit/tax credits/free NHS (unless their own country offers similar levels which exempts France Germany etc.) they still get much of our contribution which they can ill afford to lose and six months later then France and Germany see to it that EU will implement same free movement restrictions throughout the EU (without any reduction in payments by us of course which become our EFTA "Barnet Formula").
We leave, set up our own trade deals outside the EU, carry on in EFTA and see what happens for a few years. If, in a decade or so EU is a much smaller portion of our trade, we have healthy agriculture, our seas are full of fish because we have replaced CAP/CFP with our own rules, we start handbagging for contribution reductions in the same way as Thatcher got our rebate. The won't want to lose all our contributions if they say no and we leave so will cave in.
Job done.
So easy to negotiate with the EU; looks like we're going to get all we want. Phewee.
Just the teensy weensy slightest doubt, however, that it will be such plain sailing. I mean this is the organisation that the Leavers say gave us such a shocking deal a matter of a few months ago.
Yes but we now have a Remainer leading the country, so the EU may be a bit more amenable
And she can conduct negotiations on the basis of "I didn't want this any more than you do, but we are where we are".
I'm optimistic of a soft landing for the first time since the vote. As I put it this morning I voted remain, but now I'm a belEEAver, and I suspect that position is quite widespread.
@RobD said in previous thread: A deal in under five months? Interesting!
The deal is already there. We leave the EU and join EFTA/EEA. Not exactly difficult to draft that.
All that has to be decided is what concessions on free movement they will agree and how much Danegeld (in membership fees higher per capita than Norway) that - they will demand/we are prepared to pay - in return.
Dosen't really take that long to agree principles behind closed doors then, after December or whenever, hold a few summits to thrash out the last details and play brinkmanship over the fees/free movement and everyone emerges triumphant into the sunlight.
We get some bells and whistles on free movement stopping people coming over here to take un/low skilled work that isn't viable without housing benefit/tax credits/free NHS (unless their own country offers similar levels which exempts France Germany etc.) they still get much of our contribution which they can ill afford to lose and six months later then France and Germany see to it that EU will implement same free movement restrictions throughout the EU (without any reduction in payments by us of course which become our EFTA "Barnet Formula").
We leave, set up our own trade deals outside the EU, carry on in EFTA and see what happens for a few years. If, in a decade or so EU is a much smaller portion of our trade, we have healthy agriculture, our seas are full of fish because we have replaced CAP/CFP with our own rules, we start handbagging for contribution reductions in the same way as Thatcher got our rebate. The won't want to lose all our contributions if they say no and we leave so will cave in.
Job done.
So easy to negotiate with the EU; looks like we're going to get all we want. Phewee.
Just the teensy weensy slightest doubt, however, that it will be such plain sailing. I mean this is the organisation that the Leavers say gave us such a shocking deal a matter of a few months ago.
Yes but we now have a Remainer leading the country, so the EU may be a bit more amenable
And she can conduct negotiations on the basis of "I didn't want this any more than you do, but we are where we are".
I'm optimistic of a soft landing for the first time since the vote. As I put it this morning I voted remain, but now I'm a belEEaver, and I suspect that position is quite widespread.
After Nick Boles landed in hot water when he got caught out trying to get some May supporters in Conservative Parliamentary party to tactically vote for Gove to stop Leadsom getting on ballot paper. I have been left wondering if the May campaign team wisely realised that Gove would have in the end proved a tougher opponent than Leadsom if he had been on that final ballot to be put to the wider membership....
@RobD said in previous thread: A deal in under five months? Interesting!
The deal is already there. We leave the EU and join EFTA/EEA. Not exactly difficult to draft that.
All that has to be decided is what concessions on free movement they will agree and how much Danegeld (in membership fees higher per capita than Norway) that - they will demand/we are prepared to pay - in return.
Dosen't really take that long to agree principles behind closed doors then, after December or whenever, hold a few summits to thrash out the last details and play brinkmanship over the fees/free movement and everyone emerges triumphant into the sunlight.
We get some bells and whistles on free movement stopping people coming over here to take un/low skilled work that isn't viable without housing benefit/tax credits/free NHS (unless their own country offers similar levels which exempts France Germany etc.) they still get much of our contribution which they can ill afford to lose and six months later then France and Germany see to it that EU will implement same free movement restrictions throughout the EU (without any reduction in payments by us of course which become our EFTA "Barnet Formula").
We leave, set up our own trade deals outside the EU, carry on in EFTA and see what happens for a few years. If, in a decade or so EU is a much smaller portion of our trade, we have healthy agriculture, our seas are full of fish because we have replaced CAP/CFP with our own rules, we start handbagging for contribution reductions in the same way as Thatcher got our rebate. The won't want to lose all our contributions if they say no and we leave so will cave in.
Job done.
So easy to negotiate with the EU; looks like we're going to get all we want. Phewee.
Just the teensy weensy slightest doubt, however, that it will be such plain sailing. I mean this is the organisation that the Leavers say gave us such a shocking deal a matter of a few months ago.
Yes but we now have a Remainer leading the country, so the EU may be a bit more amenable
And she can conduct negotiations on the basis of "I didn't want this any more than you do, but we are where we are".
I'm optimistic of a soft landing for the first time since the vote. As I put it this morning I voted remain, but now I'm a belEEaver, and I suspect that position is quite widespread.
Many thanks for your pointers on previous thread.
No problem, good luck, final tip: check your household insurance, you may have general legal expenses cover for contractual disputes.
@RobD said in previous thread: A deal in under five months? Interesting!
The deal is already there. We leave the EU and join EFTA/EEA. Not exactly difficult to draft that.
All that has to be decided is what concessions on free movement they will agree and how much Danegeld (in membership fees higher per capita than Norway) that - they will demand/we are prepared to pay - in return.
Dosen't really take that long to agree principles behind closed doors then, after December or whenever, hold a few summits to thrash out the last details and play brinkmanship over the fees/free movement and everyone emerges triumphant into the sunlight.
We get some bells and whistles on free movement stopping people coming over here to take un/low skilled work that isn't viable without housing benefit/tax credits/free NHS (unless their own country offers similar levels which exempts France Germany etc.) they still get much of our contribution which they can ill afford to lose and six months later then France and Germany see to it that EU will implement same free movement restrictions throughout the EU (without any reduction in payments by us of course which become our EFTA "Barnet Formula").
We leave, set up our own trade deals outside the EU, carry on in EFTA and see what happens for a few years. If, in a decade or so EU is a much smaller portion of our trade, we have healthy agriculture, our seas are full of fish because we have replaced CAP/CFP with our own rules, we start handbagging for contribution reductions in the same way as Thatcher got our rebate. The won't want to lose all our contributions if they say no and we leave so will cave in.
Job done.
So easy to negotiate with the EU; looks like we're going to get all we want. Phewee.
Just the teensy weensy slightest doubt, however, that it will be such plain sailing. I mean this is the organisation that the Leavers say gave us such a shocking deal a matter of a few months ago.
Yes but we now have a Remainer leading the country, so the EU may be a bit more amenable
And she can conduct negotiations on the basis of "I didn't want this any more than you do, but we are where we are".
I'm optimistic of a soft landing for the first time since the vote. As I put it this morning I voted remain, but now I'm a belEEAver, and I suspect that position is quite widespread.
Agreed, I voted Remain too but as long as May can do some form of EEA deal we will be fine
@RobD said in previous thread: A deal in under five months? Interesting!
The deal is already there. We leave the EU and join EFTA/EEA. Not exactly difficult to draft that.
All that has to be decided is what concessions on free movement they will agree and how much Danegeld (in membership fees higher per capita than Norway) that - they will demand/we are prepared to pay - in return.
Dosen't really take that long to agree principles behind closed doors then, after December or whenever, hold a few summits to thrash out the last details and play brinkmanship over the fees/free movement and everyone emerges triumphant into the sunlight.
We get some bells and whistles on free movement stopping people coming over here to take un/low skilled work that isn't viable without housing benefit/tax credits/free NHS (unless their own country offers similar levels which exempts France Germany etc.) they still get much of our contribution which they can ill afford to lose and six months later then France and Germany see to it that EU will implement same free movement restrictions throughout the EU (without any reduction in payments by us of course which become our EFTA "Barnet Formula").
We leave, set up our own trade deals outside the EU, carry on in EFTA and see what happens for a few years. If, in a decade or so EU is a much smaller portion of our trade, we have healthy agriculture, our seas are full of fish because we have replaced CAP/CFP with our own rules, we start handbagging for contribution reductions in the same way as Thatcher got our rebate. The won't want to lose all our contributions if they say no and we leave so will cave in.
Job done.
So easy to negotiate with the EU; looks like we're going to get all we want. Phewee.
Just the teensy weensy slightest doubt, however, that it will be such plain sailing. I mean this is the organisation that the Leavers say gave us such a shocking deal a matter of a few months ago.
Yes but we now have a Remainer leading the country, so the EU may be a bit more amenable
And she can conduct negotiations on the basis of "I didn't want this any more than you do, but we are where we are".
I'm optimistic of a soft landing for the first time since the vote. As I put it this morning I voted remain, but now I'm a belEEAver, and I suspect that position is quite widespread.
We shall see. Interesting to hear one of La Leadsom's dimwitted MP supporters trying to structure the debate in terms similar to : "May has said Brexit means Brexit, hence no Norwegian model...."
Of course a) May has said no such thing (about Norway); and b) a lot of people, not perhaps BelEEAvers, perhaps Anti-Foreignevers, will remain unhappy.
Will Larry the cat remain in No10, or leave with the Camerons?
Twitter Larry the Cat @Number10cat 2h2 hours ago Does anyone know a good cat groomer available tomorrow? I need to make a good impression on someone on Wednesday...
Christine Shawcroft members rep on the NEC does not understand why a challenge to Corbyn is taking place given he got biggest mandate of any leader only 10 months ago. She states she will also vote tomorrow to ensure Corbyn is on the ballot.
Krypes make it stop...I just cannot eat anymore popcorn.
@RobD said in previous thread: A deal in under five months? Interesting!
The deal is already there. We leave the EU and join EFTA/EEA. Not exactly difficult to draft that.
All that has to be decided is what concessions on free movement they will agree and how much Danegeld (in membership fees higher per capita than Norway) that - they will demand/we are prepared to pay - in return.
Dosen't really take that long to agree principles behind closed doors then, after December or whenever, hold a few summits to thrash out the last details and play brinkmanship over the fees/free movement and everyone emerges triumphant into the sunlight.
We get some bells and whistles on free movement stopping people coming over here to take un/low skilled work that isn't viable without housing benefit/tax credits/free NHS (unless their own country offers similar levels which exempts France Germany etc.) they still get much of our contribution which they can ill afford to lose and six months later then France and Germany see to it that EU will implement same free movement restrictions throughout the EU (without any reduction in payments by us of course which become our EFTA "Barnet Formula").
We leave, set up our own trade deals outside the EU, carry on in EFTA and see what happens for a few years. If, in a decade or so EU is a much smaller portion of our trade, we have healthy agriculture, our seas are full of fish because we have replaced CAP/CFP with our own rules, we start handbagging for contribution reductions in the same way as Thatcher got our rebate. The won't want to lose all our contributions if they say no and we leave so will cave in.
Job done.
So easy to negotiate with the EU; looks like we're going to get all we want. Phewee.
Just the teensy weensy slightest doubt, however, that it will be such plain sailing. I mean this is the organisation that the Leavers say gave us such a shocking deal a matter of a few months ago.
The evil genius jailers have become the happy-clappy supplicants overnight.
Just when it looked like we might be entering a period of calm and stability, along come the Labour Party. Their commitment to giving us something to LOL about is much appreciated.
Young Corbynite on Twitter asking what Labour need to do to win Scotland back from the SNP. Will you tell him, or shall I?
The Labour party Leadership rules have been tested to the limit, and have proved to be totally unfit for purpose over the last couple of weeks. It seems incredible that Corbyn will even attempt to get on a Leadership ballot without the PLP nominations required?! You simple cannot run the main Opposition party, never mind a Government without the support of your Parliamentary colleagues however popular you are among the grassroots? Will Corbyn really lead the Labour party down a disastrous blind alley to obscurity over a battle for the Labour party brand?
I think I'm right in saying that Owen Smith was the Labour candidate in the Blaenau Gwent by election in 2006. He lost to Independent Dai Davies, Peter Law's agent.
Will Larry the cat remain in No10, or leave with the Camerons?
Twitter Larry the Cat @Number10cat 2h2 hours ago Does anyone know a good cat groomer available tomorrow? I need to make a good impression on someone on Wednesday...
Yes but we now have a Remainer leading the country, so the EU may be a bit more amenable
And she can conduct negotiations on the basis of "I didn't want this any more than you do, but we are where we are".
I'm optimistic of a soft landing for the first time since the vote. As I put it this morning I voted remain, but now I'm a belEEAver, and I suspect that position is quite widespread.
I am one of the rare true europhile/support the idea of ever closer union types - but as it's clear the UK is on a ever diverging path from the rest of the EU, I think an EEA type solution is the best option we have left, and we should go for it - no second votes or parliament blockages of brexit. The EEA option is not perfect, but it is a good compromise all round. If May can deliver a successful brexit-lite then she may put the europe question to bed. I'm no tory but am mildly optimistic for the first time since June 23rd.
Will Larry the cat remain in No10, or leave with the Camerons?
Twitter Larry the Cat @Number10cat 2h2 hours ago Does anyone know a good cat groomer available tomorrow? I need to make a good impression on someone on Wednesday...
I thought he was Osborne's cat?
Officially, Larry belongs to the Cabinet Office.
I think you are mistaken concerning the power structures of felines.
I think I'm right in saying that Owen Smith was the Labour candidate in the Blaenau Gwent by election in 2006. He lost to Independent Dai Davies, Peter Law's agent.
He also turned Pontypridd from a rock-solid Labour seat into a marginal in 2010.
Will Larry the cat remain in No10, or leave with the Camerons?
Twitter Larry the Cat @Number10cat 2h2 hours ago Does anyone know a good cat groomer available tomorrow? I need to make a good impression on someone on Wednesday...
I thought he was Osborne's cat?
No, Larry is the No10 cat, the Osborne's cat Freya is the tabby that lives with them next door. I believe that Freya elected herself boss cat in Downing Street without much of a fight from Larry.
The Labour party Leadership rules have been tested to the limit, and have proved to be totally unfit for purpose over the last couple of weeks. It seems incredible that Corbyn will even attempt to get on a Leadership ballot without the PLP nominations required?! You simple cannot run the main Opposition party, never mind a Government without the support of your Parliamentary colleagues however popular you are among the grassroots? Will Corbyn really lead the Labour party down a disastrous blind alley to obscurity over a battle for the Labour party brand?
File under "Questions to which the answer is: Yes".
The Labour party Leadership rules have been tested to the limit, and have proved to be totally unfit for purpose over the last couple of weeks. It seems incredible that Corbyn will even attempt to get on a Leadership ballot without the PLP nominations required?! You simple cannot run the main Opposition party, never mind a Government without the support of your Parliamentary colleagues however popular you are among the grassroots? Will Corbyn really lead the Labour party down a disastrous blind alley to obscurity over a battle for the Labour party brand?
No, the Labour rulebook is very very clear actually. Watto just doesn't like what it says and is trying to rig it the wrong way.
I think I'm right in saying that Owen Smith was the Labour candidate in the Blaenau Gwent by election in 2006. He lost to Independent Dai Davies, Peter Law's agent.
He also turned Pontypridd from a rock-solid Labour seat into a marginal in 2010.
Presumably one of these two rebels/moderators will redraw before the Corbyn showdown?
Will Larry the cat remain in No10, or leave with the Camerons?
Twitter Larry the Cat @Number10cat 2h2 hours ago Does anyone know a good cat groomer available tomorrow? I need to make a good impression on someone on Wednesday...
I thought he was Osborne's cat?
No, Larry is the No10 cat, the Osborne's cat Freya is the tabby that lives with them next door. I believe that Freya elected herself boss cat in Downing Street without much of a fight from Larry.
So Larry could be back as Top Cat, when Osborne moves to FO?
Comments
BTW Owen Smith is waiting till after tomorrows NEC now before he decides to run or not
Seriously, what would summer threads have been without a bizarre leadership contest last year? Apparently they decided it was so good it had to be an annual thing. I see Mike's hand in this.
Lets face it these MPs are off to form SDP2 after a Jezza win anyway
I think Labour are at the Abyss, though, and feeling a bit dizzy looking down.
The deal is already there. We leave the EU and join EFTA/EEA. Not exactly difficult to draft that.
All that has to be decided is what concessions on free movement they will agree and how much Danegeld (in membership fees higher per capita than Norway) that - they will demand/we are prepared to pay - in return.
Dosen't really take that long to agree principles behind closed doors then, after December or whenever, hold a few summits to thrash out the last details and play brinkmanship over the fees/free movement and everyone emerges triumphant into the sunlight.
We get some bells and whistles on free movement stopping people coming over here to take un/low skilled work that isn't viable without housing benefit/tax credits/free NHS (unless their own country offers similar levels which exempts France Germany etc.) they still get much of our contribution which they can ill afford to lose and six months later then France and Germany see to it that EU will implement same free movement restrictions throughout the EU (without any reduction in payments by us of course which become our EFTA "Barnet Formula").
We leave, set up our own trade deals outside the EU, carry on in EFTA and see what happens for a few years. If, in a decade or so EU is a much smaller portion of our trade, we have healthy agriculture, our seas are full of fish because we have replaced CAP/CFP with our own rules, we start handbagging for contribution reductions in the same way as Thatcher got our rebate. The won't want to lose all our contributions if they say no and we leave so will cave in.
Job done.
I just commented on the previous thread, why on earth did she declare when things were clearly still up in the air? - based on Tom Watson's comments this afternoon
Where do Labour keep finding these political titans ?
Even if we did decide to leave the EEA later, there's no reason to leave EFTA.
Basically, Welsh Labour aristocracy.
Twitter
George Eaton @georgeeaton 36m36 minutes ago
Tom Watson to PLP meeting: "For years I've been told that I'm a fixer. Well, I've tried to fix this and I've failed."
George Eaton @georgeeaton 32m32 minutes ago
Watson also told PLP: "I've got my own mandate but if I lost your confidence I would resign, and Jeremy should have done."
Sophy Ridge @SophyRidgeSky 43m43 minutes ago
Owen Smith's team tell me "not true" he will launch rival leadership bid tomorrow. Presumably he's waiting to see if Corbyn on ballot paper
Just the teensy weensy slightest doubt, however, that it will be such plain sailing. I mean this is the organisation that the Leavers say gave us such a shocking deal a matter of a few months ago.
Basically, Welsh Labour aristocracy.
'The Crachach...'
Twitter
Larry the Cat @Number10cat 2h2 hours ago
Does anyone know a good cat groomer available tomorrow? I need to make a good impression on someone on Wednesday...
Bless ....
I would have thought it was a one-off, but because it is within a year I don't want to assume anything!
I'm optimistic of a soft landing for the first time since the vote. As I put it this morning I voted remain, but now I'm a belEEAver, and I suspect that position is quite widespread.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/eleven-per-cent-of-people-want-london-to-become-a-separate-country-after-brexit-vote-a3292701.html
My respect for Eagle increases. She is the only one with the guts to put herself on the line.
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/londoners-diary/londoners-diary-chilcot-rouses-the-biographers-of-tony-blair-a3292856.html
She must full well know she is Tom Watson's gambit pawn.
Of course a) May has said no such thing (about Norway); and b) a lot of people, not perhaps BelEEAvers, perhaps Anti-Foreignevers, will remain unhappy.
Such is life, I suppose.
Christine Shawcroft members rep on the NEC does not understand why a challenge to Corbyn is taking place given he got biggest mandate of any leader only 10 months ago. She states she will also vote tomorrow to ensure Corbyn is on the ballot.
Krypes make it stop...I just cannot eat anymore popcorn.
http://leftfootforward.org/2016/07/harman-theresa-may-must-deliver-for-women/
The choice for sensible Labour is to fight or to become extinct. Only one option has a chance of political survival.
Young Corbynite on Twitter asking what Labour need to do to win Scotland back from the SNP. Will you tell him, or shall I?
The Cabinet Office belongs to Larry.
Watto just doesn't like what it says and is trying to rig it the wrong way.
Where are the Unite battalions to the North?
Beyond satire and compulsive viewing...