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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » The Tories’ current odds-on status in Copeland doesn’t square

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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457
    HYUFD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    I expect most Aussies would be more than happy with free movement between London and Australia though!
    Weren't the Aussies asking for this as part of a trade deal with the UK in the weeks after Brexit?

    I know the queues and visa checks they face at the UK border are frustrating for them.
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    RobDRobD Posts: 58,985

    HYUFD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    I expect most Aussies would be more than happy with free movement between London and Australia though!
    Weren't the Aussies asking for this as part of a trade deal with the UK in the weeks after Brexit?

    I know the queues and visa checks they face at the UK border are frustrating for them.
    Here's an idea.. let's replace those EU lines with commonwealth realms lines.
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    John_MJohn_M Posts: 7,503
    edited January 2017
    Ishmael_Z said:

    tyson said:

    @malcolmG

    Why don't we just live in Italy?

    All our joint assets are in the UK. If I died the tax implications for my wife would be horrendous. I cannot allow my wife to be exposed to that kind of uncertainty.

    When anyone with substantial assets dies the tax is a pain in the arse. You just need to appoint a bank as executor, or pay a lawyer to do stuff for you. They will take some obscene percentage of the estate, but that is better than having major life decisions dictated to you by the tax laws.

    I sympathise with your plight, but it is a first-world plight. There are tons of migrants in Tuscany who would love to have your problem. They could also, surely, be paid fairly affordable sums to act as carers for your inlaws?
    Good God no. When Jenny was diagnosed, my IFA pointed out that solicitors are entitled to take up to 6% of the value of an estate to cover their costs. Never let a solicitor manage probate. It's not that complicated - even when your heart is breaking, any normal layperson can manage the process. IHT is relatively straightforward (assuming you've done the sensible things as part of your overall financial management). I appreciate that this might not apply if you have very large net worth.

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    tlg86tlg86 Posts: 25,194

    SeanT said:

    Written by a notorious europhile quisling. Really, we need to start burning these people at Smithfield*

    *metaphorically, moderators, metaphorically
    I had a drink last night ('work' drinks, following a team away day) with an Islington socialist and Labour Party member, who really admires Emily Thornberry (his local MP), who bellowed to me that Theresa May was a total idiot and that Brexit was thanks to the 'fascists' up North.

    And he knows full well I voted Leave.
    Seats like Islington and Hartlepool are currently held by the same party. At some point - for whatever reason - they won't be, and they'll probably never be held together again.
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457
    RobD said:

    SeanT said:

    Written by a notorious europhile quisling. Really, we need to start burning these people at Smithfield*

    *metaphorically, moderators, metaphorically
    I had a drink last night ('work' drinks, following a team away day) with an Islington socialist and Labour Party member, who really admires Emily Thornberry (his local MP), who bellowed to me that Theresa May was a total idiot and that Brexit was thanks to the 'fascists' up North.

    And he knows full well I voted Leave.
    Lady Nugee. I hope you corrected him. ;)
    No. I told him to tone down his rhetoric, and then tried to explain to him the roots of the Leave vote stretched all the way back to the EU's decision to pursue economic and political union, which the UK had been increasingly uncomfortable with since the late 1980s.

    But he only half-listened. Some people just like to broadcast.
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    foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548

    Sean_F said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    Polling suggests it is quite a popular idea, with 70% in favour.

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-13/australia-canada-nz-support-eu-style-free-movement-poll-says/7242634
    Interesting, but have they published the actual wording (my brief Googling revealed nothing)? My suspicion is that they only asked about the X-to-Britain flow of immigration. If not, then it's frankly astonishing that only 58% of Britons believe they should be allowed free movement to Aus/NZ/Canada.
    The article implies they asked about a free movement area between the four countries. The lack of appetite for the UK is probably due to attitudes towards EU freedom of movement.

    Edit: posted the press release above
    Ideally, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Canada would form one nation, but that ship has sailed.
    They might well, still, be able to form a very close trading bloc, with political and defence alliances between them all though.

    Canada is probably the loosest of the three: I think global immigration has run far higher there - without the heavy bias to the UK that Australia and NZ still has - and the presence of Quebec pulls Canadian governance institutionally to the left.

    But places like the Maritimes, rural Ontario, Victoria and Alberta are still very pro-British.
    The most pro-British part of Oz is Tasmania, and most ethnically British too. Outside metropolitan Melbourne possibly Victoria, but Melbourne has most people and is delightfully multicultural, even 30 years ago when I was working there.
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    HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 117,095

    HYUFD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    I expect most Aussies would be more than happy with free movement between London and Australia though!
    Weren't the Aussies asking for this as part of a trade deal with the UK in the weeks after Brexit?

    I know the queues and visa checks they face at the UK border are frustrating for them.
    Most likely it will be looser visa restrictions for businesses purposes
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    AlsoIndigoAlsoIndigo Posts: 1,852
    edited January 2017
    FF43 said:

    RobD said:

    tyson said:

    @malcolmG

    Why don't we just live in Italy?

    All our joint assets are in the UK. If I died the tax implications for my wife would be horrendous. I cannot allow my wife to be exposed to that kind of uncertainty.

    Can't your wife apply for UK citizenship by virtue of your marriage?
    This stuff is complicated. I _THINK_ you can only qualify for UK citizenship through marriage if you have been been in an Indefinite Leave to Remain status for at least two years. To qualify for ILR through marriage, your UK. partner needs already to be residing in the UK and you need to be ordinarily resident for five years. So seven years residence in total and whether you can get to the UK in the first place is entirely at the whim of the immigration official who interviews you. He is working to informal quotas. If he has already allowed a certain number under a particular status he will find spurious grounds to refuse your application even of your case is a good one. The number of refusals is high. When I went through this twenty five years ago in a muchmore relaxed regime, over half were refused.
    I think most of that is about right. I have a pretty long record of skirmishes with UK Immigration both on my own families behalf and on behalf of friends, I have had visas of close family members rejected, and after hiring some top legal advice was told that the rate of rejections increased by 20% last year, I havent heard what has happened this year yet, but one can imagine.

    At the moment I believe its 3 years for citizenship if you are an EEA national married to a British Citizen, 5 years if non-EEA married to a British Citizen, and I think 7 years if non-EEA and not married to a British Citizen.
    https://www.gov.uk/becoming-a-british-citizen/if-your-spouse-is-a-british-citizen

    If at any time you are tempted to look at the deceptively simple application form and a) follow the instructions and b) do it yourself. Resist it! Hire a professional, the rejection rate for self-applications is hideous.
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    rubbish performance??? at least 10% ahead in the polls...opposition useless. scraping the barrel drawing anything from by elections.

    Touchy touchy. I'm not talking about polls which may or may not be giving us a good picture. I'm talking about real elections where the Tories have been doing rubbish even in LEAVE areas
    Council by-elections aren't REAL elections :lol:
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    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,106

    RobD said:

    SeanT said:

    Written by a notorious europhile quisling. Really, we need to start burning these people at Smithfield*

    *metaphorically, moderators, metaphorically
    I had a drink last night ('work' drinks, following a team away day) with an Islington socialist and Labour Party member, who really admires Emily Thornberry (his local MP), who bellowed to me that Theresa May was a total idiot and that Brexit was thanks to the 'fascists' up North.

    And he knows full well I voted Leave.
    Lady Nugee. I hope you corrected him. ;)
    No. I told him to tone down his rhetoric, and then tried to explain to him the roots of the Leave vote stretched all the way back to the EU's decision to pursue economic and political union, which the UK had been increasingly uncomfortable with since the late 1980s.

    But he only half-listened. Some people just like to broadcast.
    You should have explained that it was after the EU took on Thatcherite characteristics after the creation of the single market that the rot set in.
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457
    tlg86 said:

    SeanT said:

    Written by a notorious europhile quisling. Really, we need to start burning these people at Smithfield*

    *metaphorically, moderators, metaphorically
    I had a drink last night ('work' drinks, following a team away day) with an Islington socialist and Labour Party member, who really admires Emily Thornberry (his local MP), who bellowed to me that Theresa May was a total idiot and that Brexit was thanks to the 'fascists' up North.

    And he knows full well I voted Leave.
    Seats like Islington and Hartlepool are currently held by the same party. At some point - for whatever reason - they won't be, and they'll probably never be held together again.
    Seats like Islington, Hackney, Bristol West, Brighton Pavilion, Cambridge and Oxford East are probably the most Left-wing in the country. And increasingly more polarised as those who are politically aware often self-select their residential and social groups to suit.

    It's bellowing at others with the assumption that you share their views - or damn well should - that grates my goat, with no real interest in hearing a contrary view.
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    RobD said:

    Sean_F said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    Polling suggests it is quite a popular idea, with 70% in favour.

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-13/australia-canada-nz-support-eu-style-free-movement-poll-says/7242634
    Interesting, but have they published the actual wording (my brief Googling revealed nothing)? My suspicion is that they only asked about the X-to-Britain flow of immigration. If not, then it's frankly astonishing that only 58% of Britons believe they should be allowed free movement to Aus/NZ/Canada.
    The article implies they asked about a free movement area between the four countries. The lack of appetite for the UK is probably due to attitudes towards EU freedom of movement.

    Edit: posted the press release above
    Ideally, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Canada would form one nation, but that ship has sailed.
    Canada mentioned twice!
    Well it is pretty big!
    I really can't think why that would be in any way ideal. Why should we be ruled over as a single entity when we have hugely divergent locations, priorities, etc?
    Maybe we could be ruled locally by our own national governments but could for some form of agreement between the nations for enhanced co-operation, friendliness, trade and rights. We could call this a Commonwealth of Nations for example.
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    Norm said:

    .

    Sean_F said:

    dr_spyn said:

    Can't see LDs on that chart, yellow on white never easy to find.

    They're half and inch or so below UKIP. No further comment...

    Farrron has indicated that the priority will be Stoke

    Wrong choice when he has a big majority in the constituency next to Copeland.
    30% could be enough to win Stoke, so Farron is probably correct.
    Also the Lab candidate in Copeland is the sort of candidate that Farron himself would like. I could see a tacit agreement where the LDs concentate on the tory wards.
    First and foremost the Lib Dems are suspect on nuclear power and the nuclear deterrent to boot. Secondly most remainer Tories have a pragmatic view on Brexit and accept the need to make it work unlike Lib Dems who enjoy waffling on about it all day on social media. I'd expect any self respecting Tory in Copeland would actually prefer Lib Dem canvassers to sling their hook although they'd be too polite to say so.
    Not all CON GE2015 voters are self respecting Tories and can you explain why the blues are being hammered by the yellows in local election after local election?
    Mike

    The real local elections will take place in May - what happens on Thursdays are the equivalent of a few local showers before a nationwide deluge.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_local_elections,_2017

    Now if you think the 'blues are being hammered by the yellows in local election after local election' can we assume you are predicting that the LibDems will outpoll the Conservative in the May elections with corresponding hundreds of gains ?

    BTW I agree with you about Copeland - the Conservatives are ludicrously short odds.
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457

    RobD said:

    SeanT said:

    Written by a notorious europhile quisling. Really, we need to start burning these people at Smithfield*

    *metaphorically, moderators, metaphorically
    I had a drink last night ('work' drinks, following a team away day) with an Islington socialist and Labour Party member, who really admires Emily Thornberry (his local MP), who bellowed to me that Theresa May was a total idiot and that Brexit was thanks to the 'fascists' up North.

    And he knows full well I voted Leave.
    Lady Nugee. I hope you corrected him. ;)
    No. I told him to tone down his rhetoric, and then tried to explain to him the roots of the Leave vote stretched all the way back to the EU's decision to pursue economic and political union, which the UK had been increasingly uncomfortable with since the late 1980s.

    But he only half-listened. Some people just like to broadcast.
    You should have explained that it was after the EU took on Thatcherite characteristics after the creation of the single market that the rot set in.
    I think you and he would have got on like a house on fire.
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    CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 59,783
    glw said:

    @tobyharnden: White House confirms that U.K. PM @theresa_may will visit Washington next week & meet with President @realDonaldTrump

    Fools rush in. Merkel is sensibly biding her time.
    And if Trump was seeing Merkel first you'd be saying it shows where real power lies and is bad for Brexit.
    'Transparent' doesn't quite cover it, does it....

    'May humiliated as Trump meets Merkel' would have been the line......
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    John_MJohn_M Posts: 7,503

    RobD said:

    SeanT said:

    Written by a notorious europhile quisling. Really, we need to start burning these people at Smithfield*

    *metaphorically, moderators, metaphorically
    I had a drink last night ('work' drinks, following a team away day) with an Islington socialist and Labour Party member, who really admires Emily Thornberry (his local MP), who bellowed to me that Theresa May was a total idiot and that Brexit was thanks to the 'fascists' up North.

    And he knows full well I voted Leave.
    Lady Nugee. I hope you corrected him. ;)
    No. I told him to tone down his rhetoric, and then tried to explain to him the roots of the Leave vote stretched all the way back to the EU's decision to pursue economic and political union, which the UK had been increasingly uncomfortable with since the late 1980s.

    But he only half-listened. Some people just like to broadcast.
    You should have explained that it was after the EU took on Thatcherite characteristics after the creation of the single market that the rot set in.
    I quite liked the SEA. It was Maastricht when the rot set in. The Euro was a bad idea.
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    Andy_JS said:

    What has Oldham, Tooting and Richmond Park got to do with Copeland? Pointless comparisons IMO.

    Why? The Tories are doing appallingly at local by-elections hence the numbers of seats lost -even in LEAVE areas. The "CON" campaign also piss-poor even though UKIP didn't stand & backed Zac.

    Richmond Park shouldn't count in your graphical analysis as Zac resigned the Tory whip.
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457

    Sean_F said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    Polling suggests it is quite a popular idea, with 70% in favour.

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-13/australia-canada-nz-support-eu-style-free-movement-poll-says/7242634
    Interesting, but have they published the actual wording (my brief Googling revealed nothing)? My suspicion is that they only asked about the X-to-Britain flow of immigration. If not, then it's frankly astonishing that only 58% of Britons believe they should be allowed free movement to Aus/NZ/Canada.
    The article implies they asked about a free movement area between the four countries. The lack of appetite for the UK is probably due to attitudes towards EU freedom of movement.

    Edit: posted the press release above
    Ideally, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Canada would form one nation, but that ship has sailed.
    They might well, still, be able to form a very close trading bloc, with political and defence alliances between them all though.

    Canada is probably the loosest of the three: I think global immigration has run far higher there - without the heavy bias to the UK that Australia and NZ still has - and the presence of Quebec pulls Canadian governance institutionally to the left.

    But places like the Maritimes, rural Ontario, Victoria and Alberta are still very pro-British.
    The most pro-British part of Oz is Tasmania, and most ethnically British too. Outside metropolitan Melbourne possibly Victoria, but Melbourne has most people and is delightfully multicultural, even 30 years ago when I was working there.
    I was referring to Canada.
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    OmniumOmnium Posts: 9,796
    SeanT said:

    Omnium said:

    SeanT said:

    Written by a notorious europhile quisling. Really, we need to start burning these people at Smithfield*

    *metaphorically, moderators, metaphorically
    There does seem to be a trend for UK journos to write slightly controversial pieces aimed (one imagines) at a UK audience, but publish them in US papers, or on US websites. I certainly noticed this post Brexit, but perhaps it's not new.
    Henry Porter is the worst. Just deranged. Churns out this shite for Vanity Fair.

    I think liberal American papers like it as it feeds into their Trump hysteria.
    Not spotted him, but Daniel Hannan I've certainly noticed, and some obvious Remainer, although quite who escapes me. Anyway their articles at first glance seem to be a view by an independently minded US journalist, but are in fact nothing of the sort. The article you linked by using the word 'baloney' suggests a US view for example.
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    SandpitSandpit Posts: 49,926
    HYUFD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    I expect most Aussies would be more than happy with free movement between London and Australia though!
    They just want to steal our Ashes team for themselves!
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457
    HYUFD said:

    HYUFD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    I expect most Aussies would be more than happy with free movement between London and Australia though!
    Weren't the Aussies asking for this as part of a trade deal with the UK in the weeks after Brexit?

    I know the queues and visa checks they face at the UK border are frustrating for them.
    Most likely it will be looser visa restrictions for businesses purposes
    Indeed: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38704325
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    isamisam Posts: 40,957
    My £50 at 20/1 the Lib Dems in Stoke now looking like one of my worst ever bets

    Lab 1.78-1.8
    UKIP 2.52-2.78
    Cons 14.5-21
    LD 32-38

    Lib Dems traded 6.4!! Well done whoever laid that. maybe it was Mike?
  • Options
    HurstLlamaHurstLlama Posts: 9,098

    Sean_F said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    Polling suggests it is quite a popular idea, with 70% in favour.

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-13/australia-canada-nz-support-eu-style-free-movement-poll-says/7242634
    Interesting, but have they published the actual wording (my brief Googling revealed nothing)? My suspicion is that they only asked about the X-to-Britain flow of immigration. If not, then it's frankly astonishing that only 58% of Britons believe they should be allowed free movement to Aus/NZ/Canada.
    The article implies they asked about a free movement area between the four countries. The lack of appetite for the UK is probably due to attitudes towards EU freedom of movement.

    Edit: posted the press release above
    Ideally, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Canada would form one nation, but that ship has sailed.
    They might well, still, be able to form a very close trading bloc, with political and defence alliances between them all though.

    Canada is probably the loosest of the three: I think global immigration has run far higher there - without the heavy bias to the UK that Australia and NZ still has - and the presence of Quebec pulls Canadian governance institutionally to the left.

    But places like the Maritimes, rural Ontario, Victoria and Alberta are still very pro-British.
    The most pro-British part of Oz is Tasmania, and most ethnically British too. Outside metropolitan Melbourne possibly Victoria, but Melbourne has most people and is delightfully multicultural, even 30 years ago when I was working there.
    Have you not been picking up the stories in the media, especially the Aussie media over the past few months? Melbourne it would seem has horrendous violent crime and drugs problems along with a lot of nasty social issues (homelessness, aggressive begging, health services in trouble, politicians in denial etc., etc.). Multicultural it may be but it don't sound a nice place to live anymore.
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    foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548

    Sean_F said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    Polling suggests it is quite a popular idea, with 70% in favour.

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-13/australia-canada-nz-support-eu-style-free-movement-poll-says/7242634
    Interesting, but have they published the actual wording (my brief Googling revealed nothing)? My suspicion is that they only asked about the X-to-Britain flow of immigration. If not, then it's frankly astonishing that only 58% of Britons believe they should be allowed free movement to Aus/NZ/Canada.
    The article implies they asked about a free movement area between the four countries. The lack of appetite for the UK is probably due to attitudes towards EU freedom of movement.

    Edit: posted the press release above
    Ideally, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Canada would form one nation, but that ship has sailed.
    They might well, still, be able to form a very close trading bloc, with political and defence alliances between them all though.

    Canada is probably the loosest of the three: I think global immigration has run far higher there - without the heavy bias to the UK that Australia and NZ still has - and the presence of Quebec pulls Canadian governance institutionally to the left.

    But places like the Maritimes, rural Ontario, Victoria and Alberta are still very pro-British.
    The most pro-British part of Oz is Tasmania, and most ethnically British too. Outside metropolitan Melbourne possibly Victoria, but Melbourne has most people and is delightfully multicultural, even 30 years ago when I was working there.
    I was referring to Canada.
    Ah! Victoria on Vancouver Island.



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    AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.
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    OmniumOmnium Posts: 9,796
    isam said:

    My £50 at 20/1 the Lib Dems in Stoke now looking like one of my worst ever bets

    Lab 1.78-1.8
    UKIP 2.52-2.78
    Cons 14.5-21
    LD 32-38

    Lib Dems traded 6.4!! Well done whoever laid that. maybe it was Mike?

    If that's one of your worst ever bets I heartily congratulate you on your political savvy! Wouldn't make my bottom 50.
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457
    isam said:

    My £50 at 20/1 the Lib Dems in Stoke now looking like one of my worst ever bets

    Lab 1.78-1.8
    UKIP 2.52-2.78
    Cons 14.5-21
    LD 32-38

    Lib Dems traded 6.4!! Well done whoever laid that. maybe it was Mike?

    The Chuck Norris Lib Dems.
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457

    Sean_F said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    Polling suggests it is quite a popular idea, with 70% in favour.

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-13/australia-canada-nz-support-eu-style-free-movement-poll-says/7242634
    I
    The article implies they asked about a free movement area between the four countries. The lack of appetite for the UK is probably due to attitudes towards EU freedom of movement.

    Edit: posted the press release above
    Ideally, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Canada would form one nation, but that ship has sailed.
    They might well, still, be able to form a very close trading bloc, with political and defence alliances between them all though.

    Canada is probably the loosest of the three: I think global immigration has run far higher there - without the heavy bias to the UK that Australia and NZ still has - and the presence of Quebec pulls Canadian governance institutionally to the left.

    But places like the Maritimes, rural Ontario, Victoria and Alberta are still very pro-British.
    The most pro-British part of Oz is Tasmania, and most ethnically British too. Outside metropolitan Melbourne possibly Victoria, but Melbourne has most people and is delightfully multicultural, even 30 years ago when I was working there.
    I was referring to Canada.
    Ah! Victoria on Vancouver Island.



    Yup.
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    foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    edited January 2017

    Sean_F said:

    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    Polling suggests it is quite a popular idea, with 70% in favour.

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-13/australia-canada-nz-support-eu-style-free-movement-poll-says/7242634
    Interesting, but have they published the actual wording (my brief Googling revealed nothing)? My suspicion is that they only asked about the X-to-Britain flow of immigration. If not, then it's frankly astonishing that only 58% of Britons believe they should be allowed free movement to Aus/NZ/Canada.
    The article implies they asked about a free movement area between the four countries. The lack of appetite for the UK is probably due to attitudes towards EU freedom of movement.

    Edit: posted the press release above
    Ideally, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Canada would form one nation, but that ship has sailed.
    They might well, still, be able to form a very close trading bloc, with political and defence alliances between them all though.

    Canada is probably the loosest of the three: I

    But places like the Maritimes, rural Ontario, Victoria and Alberta are still very pro-British.
    The most pro-British part of Oz is Tasmania, and most ethnically British too. Outside metropolitan Melbourne possibly Victoria, but Melbourne has most people and is delightfully multicultural, even 30 years ago when I was working there.
    Have you not been picking up the stories in the media, especially the Aussie media over the past few months? Melbourne it would seem has horrendous violent crime and drugs problems along with a lot of nasty social issues (homelessness, aggressive begging, health services in trouble, politicians in denial etc., etc.). Multicultural it may be but it don't sound a nice place to live anymore.
    Australia has a long tradition of criminality! Indeed historical suspicion of the police is part of the culture, as are violent biker gangs.

    When I lived there, there were some very rough parts, including St Kilda behind the beachfront. This happened shortly after I moved there:

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Street_massacre
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    OmniumOmnium Posts: 9,796

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Cultural similarity, and a shared language? Just a guess.
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    AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    Omnium said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Cultural similarity, and a shared language? Just a guess.
    I have other guesses.
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    rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 54,031

    HYUFD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    I expect most Aussies would be more than happy with free movement between London and Australia though!
    Weren't the Aussies asking for this as part of a trade deal with the UK in the weeks after Brexit?

    I know the queues and visa checks they face at the UK border are frustrating for them.
    There's never been anything to stop us doing expedited entry for Australians and New Zealanders, and the only countries we'd need to agree it with would be the Common Travel Area ones.

    it's just that those things tend to happen through bilateral agreements, where British travelers are treated similarly in Oz/NZ
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    RobDRobD Posts: 58,985

    Omnium said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Cultural similarity, and a shared language? Just a guess.
    I have other guesses.
    Similar GDP per capita, standards of living?
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    mattmatt Posts: 3,789
    SeanT said:

    Mortimer said:

    Govt can point to Labour weakness in both seats:

    Stoke - On Brexit/On past leadership positions re: Ireland
    Copeland - On Nuclear

    Entirely possible to see two Labour losses here. Entirely possible to see two Govt gains. Though the latter VERY unlikely.

    Let's hope so, wouldn't want you frotted into an early grave.
    I presume - despite your enjoyably waspish cynicism - that you are a student of romantic Scottish history?

    If so, I heartily recommend the TV drama series "Outlander". Have you seen it? They take an absurd piece of soap opera hokum - an English nurse time traveling back to Culloden Scotland, and turn it into gripping drama. Indeed season 2 is something of a masterpiece, however ludicrous,

    It's helped by a brilliant script and great acting. Bonnie Prince Charlie is fabulously effete
    The books are pulp fiction of the better sort. National stereotypes ahoy (obv. apart from the male on male rape but perhaps I'm missing a subliminal kilt/sporran message).
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    OmniumOmnium Posts: 9,796

    Omnium said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Cultural similarity, and a shared language? Just a guess.
    I have other guesses.
    Sure, but you have to concede that those are two mightily big factors. I don't have a daughter, but if I did and she announced she was going to marry a Canadian, Aussie, or Kiwi I think I'd be less immediately guarded than if she announced she was marrying someone from one of the newer EU countries. However maybe that's just me making your point for you?
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457
    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Not that it matter, but I'm not sure that Australia, Canada or NZ are much more "White" than continental Europe in any event.
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    AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.
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    dr_spyndr_spyn Posts: 11,288
    edited January 2017
    Tory candidate for Bath/Bristol/S Gloucs et al Mayor. BBC Bristol add he is a councillor from South Gloucs.

    https://twitter.com/ben4bath/status/822846319702265857

    Up against a failed Green wanabee MP in Bristol W, and a Labour Parish Councillor. Wonder if the LDs can pick an ex MP?
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    Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 25,496
    There are also less of them.
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    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,954

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Europe is about as "white" as Australia I think, common language and similiar culture would be my guess.
    The politics there is definitely centred to the right of Europe too.

    I'll be honest, I'd rather free movement with Aus than Europe personally too ;)

    Britain with the sunshine.
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    tlg86tlg86 Posts: 25,194
    edited January 2017
    Laugh at Tottenham, laugh at those who deserve it.

    Edit: cock.
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    Omnium said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Cultural similarity, and a shared language? Just a guess.
    And a similar level of economic development.

    There was after all very little economic migration between Britain and France, Germany and the Benelux or concerns about the socioeconomic problems that it might bring.
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    CarlottaVanceCarlottaVance Posts: 59,783

    Omnium said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Cultural similarity, and a shared language? Just a guess.
    I have other guesses prejudices.
    Fixed it for you. No charge.
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    isamisam Posts: 40,957
    edited January 2017

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.
    I haven't looked at the figures, but I would guess that having free movement with countries that British people like going to/would want to live in is likely to be more popular than free movement with places where they don't.
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    HurstLlamaHurstLlama Posts: 9,098

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.
    I thought we were talking about nationality not race. There are Aussies, Canucks and Kiwis of many races, as there are Brits. The only person who has brought race is you.
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    RobDRobD Posts: 58,985
    isam said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.
    I haven't looked at the figures, but I would guess that having free movement with countries that British people like going to/would want to live is likely to be more popular than free movement with places where they don't.
    Polling posted downthread.. but here's an article summarising it

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/01/19/britons-arent-actually-opposed-mass-immigration-just-dont-want/
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    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.

    We're either full up or we're not, aren't we?

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    FF43FF43 Posts: 15,762
    SeanT said:

    <>

    I think the aussies regard as something between a respected but faintly tragic grandparent and an amusing and oddly raffish older sibling. Either way, they feel the ties of blood, and I am sure the Brits return this.

    The question is, who would fight for us in a war, if we were truly imperiled?

    I'd put Australia first, alongside NZ, then Canada and America. Probably France. Maybe Italy and the Nordics. Germany probably not. Spain no. And the same in reverse. The Brits would fight for Australia before Germany, America before Spain.

    Interesting question. I think Germany probably, maybe the U.S.and France. Australia possibly if the U.S. were also involved. Canada, I'm not sure. It's a different world from 1939.
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    SeanT said:

    Mortimer said:

    Govt can point to Labour weakness in both seats:

    Stoke - On Brexit/On past leadership positions re: Ireland
    Copeland - On Nuclear

    Entirely possible to see two Labour losses here. Entirely possible to see two Govt gains. Though the latter VERY unlikely.

    Let's hope so, wouldn't want you frotted into an early grave.
    I presume - despite your enjoyably waspish cynicism - that you are a student of romantic Scottish history?

    If so, I heartily recommend the TV drama series "Outlander". Have you seen it? They take an absurd piece of soap opera hokum - an English nurse time traveling back to Culloden Scotland, and turn it into gripping drama. Indeed season 2 is something of a masterpiece, however ludicrous,

    It's helped by a brilliant script and great acting. Bonnie Prince Charlie is fabulously effete
    Haven't actually seen any of it, though some seem very taken with it. Am I right in thinking there's a slight sado masochistic jag to it?
    I've enjoyed claymore & brogan books (RLS, D.K.Broster) in the past so will give it a try at some point. Alan Breck is one of my favourite characters in literature.
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    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.
    Is Islam friendly to homosexuals?
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    surbitonsurbiton Posts: 13,549
    surbiton said:

    chestnut said:

    FF43 said:

    On the Indy / Brexit splits in Scotland in very rough numbers:

    About half, voting SNP or Green, support independence. Former Labour voters that support independence have now switched to the SNP and so aren't Labour avrg more.

    Labour, Conservative and Lib Dems making up the other half support the Union.

    About a third of SNP voters support Brexit. Scottish WWC voters have substantially switched to the SNP. The Labour rump and Lib Dems making up a quarter of the vote are enthusiastic Remainers and blame the Tories (another quarter) for Brexit. Tories were initially split but are now on board.

    Now for the next independence referendum. Regardless of how they voted for Brexit the Indy half will vote and campaign for independence with enthusiasm. The Tory quarter will vote and campaign for the Union with enthusiasm. The Labour and LD quarter may vote for the Union but they won't campaign with the Tories. This makes the Union campaign a Tory campaign, which isn't a good position for o it to be in

    Some Scots are voting SNP because they are the closest thing to old Labour and most likely to pursue a particular social agenda within the UK, rather than in support of independence.

    According to this poll, a quarter of 2015 SNP voters do not support Scottish independence

    http://d25d2506sfb94s.cloudfront.net/cumulus_uploads/document/ditypa75v5/TimesScotlandResults_161129_W.pdf
    27% of those who voted Labour in GE2015 now says they will vote Tory. This is coming out of Labour indecision. You cannot be half-in , half-out.

    First we allowed the SNP on to our patch re: Left politics. Now, we have allowed the Tories to move in on Unionism. This is silliness in the extreme.

    There are two options: Hard centre-left politics and independence or,

    Hard centre-left politics and remaining part of the Union.

    But both are plausible. As long as it is carried out with conviction - not in a half hearted manner.

    I prefer the first even though there will be a fight with the SNP because these are the only people who will vote Labour.

    The Unionists will ultimately vote Tory.
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    AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.

    We're either full up or we're not, aren't we?

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.

    We're either full up or we're not, aren't we?

    Apparently not for "the right sort".
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457
    rcs1000 said:

    HYUFD said:

    I agree with everyone on the previous thread who said that free movement between Britain and Australia is fanciful. The Aussies would bitterly dismiss it as an attempt at re-colonization and resist it tooth and nail. There was also talk of creating a kind of British Israel in the Australian desert. I think that would only be viable if you worked out a way of fencing the British settlers in.

    I expect most Aussies would be more than happy with free movement between London and Australia though!
    Weren't the Aussies asking for this as part of a trade deal with the UK in the weeks after Brexit?

    I know the queues and visa checks they face at the UK border are frustrating for them.
    There's never been anything to stop us doing expedited entry for Australians and New Zealanders, and the only countries we'd need to agree it with would be the Common Travel Area ones.

    it's just that those things tend to happen through bilateral agreements, where British travelers are treated similarly in Oz/NZ
    Yes, we've always had control over immigration from non-EU countries.
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    Pulpstar said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Europe is about as "white" as Australia I think, common language and similiar culture would be my guess.
    The politics there is definitely centred to the right of Europe too.

    I'll be honest, I'd rather free movement with Aus than Europe personally too ;)

    Britain with the sunshine.
    And the snakes and creepy-crawlies :lol:
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    RobDRobD Posts: 58,985

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.

    We're either full up or we're not, aren't we?

    Are people clamouring to move from Australia to the UK?
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    SeanT said:

    Written by a notorious europhile quisling. Really, we need to start burning these people at Smithfield*

    *metaphorically, moderators, metaphorically
    I think what REALLY worries some that voted Remain and who constantly equate all those that voted Leave with fascist idiots is that Brexit MIGHT actually work.

    Who are the idiots then? Who are the wrecking crew now?

    And it is a question to which i am not sure we have given any real coverage on here in terms of how it affects domestic politics.

    If Brexit is seen to be a failure the Cons will clearly suffer badly, Labour will probably suffer as well-in part because they are clearly split on the issue.

    The Libs will clearly be VERY big gainers-as will the SNP

    BUT what if BREXIT is perceived to be a success.

    Clearly the absolute level of success will be relevant-being slightly less shit than Europe will not be the same as Brexit being seen to be a clear success.

    The Libs clearly will have some serious thinking to do-as will the SNP

    But with Nuttall as leader Labour could have some seriously difficult times ahead-as someone said below- it is difficult to see how Hartlepool and Islington can be both represented by the same Labour party that was split over Brexit especially if Brexit turns out to be successful.

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    foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    edited January 2017

    Omnium said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Cultural similarity, and a shared language? Just a guess.
    And a similar level of economic development.

    There was after all very little economic migration between Britain and France, Germany and the Benelux or concerns about the socioeconomic problems that it might bring.
    There was a lot of migration from the fifties onwards from the poorer parts of Southern Europe to Australia, particularly from Greece, Southern Italy, Lebanon and Yugoslavia. The hospital that I worked in 30 years ago had signs in Greek, Italian, Chinese, Serbo-Croat and Arabic. Most of the Australian football team seem to be from Croat stock.
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    AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340

    Pulpstar said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Europe is about as "white" as Australia I think, common language and similiar culture would be my guess.
    The politics there is definitely centred to the right of Europe too.

    I'll be honest, I'd rather free movement with Aus than Europe personally too ;)

    Britain with the sunshine.
    And the snakes and creepy-crawlies :lol:
    That's no way to speak of the Aussies.
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    HurstLlamaHurstLlama Posts: 9,098
    FF43 said:

    SeanT said:

    <>

    I think the aussies regard as something between a respected but faintly tragic grandparent and an amusing and oddly raffish older sibling. Either way, they feel the ties of blood, and I am sure the Brits return this.

    The question is, who would fight for us in a war, if we were truly imperiled?

    I'd put Australia first, alongside NZ, then Canada and America. Probably France. Maybe Italy and the Nordics. Germany probably not. Spain no. And the same in reverse. The Brits would fight for Australia before Germany, America before Spain.

    Interesting question. I think Germany probably, maybe the U.S.and France. Australia possibly if the U.S. were also involved. Canada, I'm not sure. It's a different world from 1939.
    It is indeed a different world, Mr. 43, but Canada has given military assistance (well naval, really) a couple of times recently without quibble or cavail. I think we can rely more on Canada than we could any European country if the bite were to come.

    Anyway off for supper. Thanks all for some interesting posts today.
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    RobDRobD Posts: 58,985
    I'm guessing the German states are due to the Hanoverian personal union?
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    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Not that it matter, but I'm not sure that Australia, Canada or NZ are much more "White" than continental Europe in any event.
    New Zealand certainly isnt
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    surbitonsurbiton Posts: 13,549
    FF43 said:

    SeanT said:

    <>

    I think the aussies regard as something between a respected but faintly tragic grandparent and an amusing and oddly raffish older sibling. Either way, they feel the ties of blood, and I am sure the Brits return this.

    The question is, who would fight for us in a war, if we were truly imperiled?

    I'd put Australia first, alongside NZ, then Canada and America. Probably France. Maybe Italy and the Nordics. Germany probably not. Spain no. And the same in reverse. The Brits would fight for Australia before Germany, America before Spain.

    Interesting question. I think Germany probably, maybe the U.S.and France. Australia possibly if the U.S. were also involved. Canada, I'm not sure. It's a different world from 1939.
    Does Australia have an Aircraft carrier with planes on them ?
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    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,954
    New Zealand would be the one country I'd choose to have FoM with if I could pick anywhere.

    https://static2.stuff.co.nz/1375163964/260/8982260.jpg

    Look at that for a ground !

    If I was a New Zealander, no way would I chose to have FoM with Britain though.
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457
    edited January 2017

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.

    We're either full up or we're not, aren't we?

    Isn't it about numbers though?

    How much extra *net* annual immigration into the UK would we get from Australia, NZ and Canada combined, where the population of all three put together is less than that of the UK, are many thousands of miles away, and the only realistic way of getting here is on a plane?

    I'm guessing very low.

    If anything, I'd expect a net flow the other way - particularly to Australia - because at the moment you have to earn points to get a visa.
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    surbitonsurbiton Posts: 13,549
    edited January 2017

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Not that it matter, but I'm not sure that Australia, Canada or NZ are much more "White" than continental Europe in any event.
    New Zealand certainly isnt
    But the Brexiters dream of a "white" Commonwealth. They call it the "old" commonwealth. I am not sure why Sunil is amongst them.

    Soon Australia will be a Rebuplic. Even a conservative PM is a republican. The opposition is almost all republican.
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    CD13CD13 Posts: 6,351
    Mr Meeks,

    "Apparently not for "the right sort". "

    Who are the wrong sort?

    How about ISIS supporters? Would you put anyone is that category?
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    Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    Fox News and CNN reporting that Theresa May will be here next week.

    Well, not 'here' exactly - I doubt I have enough bedrooms for the entire party. She'll be in DC.
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    foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    isam said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.
    I haven't looked at the figures, but I would guess that having free movement with countries that British people like going to/would want to live in is likely to be more popular than free movement with places where they don't.
    Wot, like Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Italy? An excellent idea! Why don't we set up a free movement area with them?
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    RobD said:

    I'm guessing the German states are due to the Hanoverian personal union?
    Nope, read note [b] :)

    Core membership based around the six majority English-speaking "Anglosphere" countries: Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States, along with their dependencies, external territories and associated states, and the 12 other Commonwealth Realms, which share the UK Monarchy, as well as the 26 other European Union member states, which are in political union with the UK and Ireland, along with their dependencies and external territories.
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,457
    surbiton said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Not that it matter, but I'm not sure that Australia, Canada or NZ are much more "White" than continental Europe in any event.
    New Zealand certainly isnt
    But the Brexiters dream of a "white" Commonwealth. They call it the "old" commonwealth. I am not sure why Sunil is amongst them.
    It's only in your head that all Brexiters are ghastly racists.

    It probably makes it simpler and easier for you to rationalise the self-righteousness of your politics.
  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,957

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.

    We're either full up or we're not, aren't we?

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.

    We're either full up or we're not, aren't we?

    Apparently not for "the right sort".
    Why would that be controversial?!
  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,957

    isam said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.
    I haven't looked at the figures, but I would guess that having free movement with countries that British people like going to/would want to live in is likely to be more popular than free movement with places where they don't.
    Wot, like Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Italy? An excellent idea! Why don't we set up a free movement area with them?
    We can if we want to
  • Options
    surbitonsurbiton Posts: 13,549
    Tim_B said:

    Fox News and CNN reporting that Theresa May will be here next week.

    Well, not 'here' exactly - I doubt I have enough bedrooms for the entire party. She'll be in DC.

    Usual desperation of a small ex-power. Proof of how "important" we are.
  • Options
    RobDRobD Posts: 58,985

    RobD said:

    I'm guessing the German states are due to the Hanoverian personal union?
    Nope, read note [b] :)

    Core membership based around the six majority English-speaking "Anglosphere" countries: Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States, along with their dependencies, external territories and associated states, and the 12 other Commonwealth Realms, which share the UK Monarchy, as well as the 26 other European Union member states, which are in political union with the UK and Ireland, along with their dependencies and external territories.
    Your list may require modification come 2019!
  • Options
    OmniumOmnium Posts: 9,796
    Mr Meeks' posts this evening somehow remind me of the Monty Python 'arguments are next door' thing. Oddly though for once this wasn't the location of 'Abuse' :)

  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,957
    edited January 2017

    surbiton said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Not that it matter, but I'm not sure that Australia, Canada or NZ are much more "White" than continental Europe in any event.
    New Zealand certainly isnt
    But the Brexiters dream of a "white" Commonwealth. They call it the "old" commonwealth. I am not sure why Sunil is amongst them.
    It's only in your head that all Brexiters are ghastly racists.

    It probably makes it simpler and easier for you to rationalise the self-righteousness of your politics.
    He or she isn't that self righteous, not shy of calling TM the PM "Trumps's Pussy" or somesuch

    It's that loony left "flexibility"
  • Options
    surbiton said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Not that it matter, but I'm not sure that Australia, Canada or NZ are much more "White" than continental Europe in any event.
    New Zealand certainly isnt
    But the Brexiters dream of a "white" Commonwealth. They call it the "old" commonwealth. I am not sure why Sunil is amongst them.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Sunil060902/sandbox#cite_note-c-2
  • Options
    Black_RookBlack_Rook Posts: 8,905
    surbiton said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Not that it matter, but I'm not sure that Australia, Canada or NZ are much more "White" than continental Europe in any event.
    New Zealand certainly isnt
    But the Brexiters dream of a "white" Commonwealth. They call it the "old" commonwealth. I am not sure why Sunil is amongst them.
    Which of these countries is the most white?

    (a) Canada
    (b) Australia
    (c) New Zealand
    (d) Poland

    And you, sir, are a Gordon Brown-style leftist bigot, and I claim my £5 :-)
  • Options
    SimonStClareSimonStClare Posts: 7,976
    isam said:

    isam said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.
    I haven't looked at the figures, but I would guess that having free movement with countries that British people like going to/would want to live in is likely to be more popular than free movement with places where they don't.
    Wot, like Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Italy? An excellent idea! Why don't we set up a free movement area with them?
    We can if we want to
    I amazed so many still don’t quite understand what leaving the EU entails.

    We can – if we choose to. - Sounds great doesn’t it
  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,954

    surbiton said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Not that it matter, but I'm not sure that Australia, Canada or NZ are much more "White" than continental Europe in any event.
    New Zealand certainly isnt
    But the Brexiters dream of a "white" Commonwealth. They call it the "old" commonwealth. I am not sure why Sunil is amongst them.
    Which of these countries is the most white?

    (a) Canada
    (b) Australia
    (c) New Zealand
    (d) Poland

    And you, sir, are a Gordon Brown-style leftist bigot, and I claim my £5 :-)
    New Zealand is the least white for sure, but its the one I'd choose.
  • Options
    foxinsoxukfoxinsoxuk Posts: 23,548
    isam said:

    isam said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.
    I haven't looked at the figures, but I would guess that having free movement with countries that British people like going to/would want to live in is likely to be more popular than free movement with places where they don't.
    Wot, like Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Italy? An excellent idea! Why don't we set up a free movement area with them?
    We can if we want to
    We already have one, and with many other delightful countries.

    What is it about Brexiteers that makes them so keen on emigrating? ;-)
  • Options
    surbiton said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Not that it matter, but I'm not sure that Australia, Canada or NZ are much more "White" than continental Europe in any event.
    New Zealand certainly isnt
    But the Brexiters dream of a "white" Commonwealth. They call it the "old" commonwealth. I am not sure why Sunil is amongst them.

    Soon Australia will be a Rebuplic. Even a conservative PM is a republican. The opposition is almost all republican.
    No we dont

    So stop peddling your ignorant stupid ideas -you make yourself look like an ignorant TW4T
  • Options
    AlastairMeeksAlastairMeeks Posts: 30,340
    Omnium said:

    Mr Meeks' posts this evening somehow remind me of the Monty Python 'arguments are next door' thing. Oddly though for once this wasn't the location of 'Abuse' :)

    I wasn't expecting the overt racism to surface quite so quickly on pb after Trump's inauguration. I thought we might get a few months' grace,
  • Options
    RobD said:

    RobD said:

    I'm guessing the German states are due to the Hanoverian personal union?
    Nope, read note [b] :)

    Core membership based around the six majority English-speaking "Anglosphere" countries: Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom and United States, along with their dependencies, external territories and associated states, and the 12 other Commonwealth Realms, which share the UK Monarchy, as well as the 26 other European Union member states, which are in political union with the UK and Ireland, along with their dependencies and external territories.
    Your list may require modification come 2019!
    Enjoy it while it lasts, enjoy it while it lasts :lol:
  • Options
    JonathanJonathan Posts: 20,901
    Trump is the least popular populist ever.
  • Options
    isamisam Posts: 40,957

    isam said:

    isam said:

    SeanT said:

    Curious how those fanatically opposed to free movement with the EU are wildly enthusiastic about free movement with the former white colonies of the British empire. I wonder why that might be.

    Because they speak our language, share our laws, share our culture, are subject to the same Queen, are most unlikely to blow us up or immediately start selling the Big Issue, and they have similar or higher standards of living so won't be a burden.

    There. Fixed that for you. Twat.
    Touchy. I fear that your barely closeted racism and overt Islamophobia have made you terribly snowflaky.
    I haven't looked at the figures, but I would guess that having free movement with countries that British people like going to/would want to live in is likely to be more popular than free movement with places where they don't.
    Wot, like Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta and Italy? An excellent idea! Why don't we set up a free movement area with them?
    We can if we want to
    We already have one, and with many other delightful countries.

    What is it about Brexiteers that makes them so keen on emigrating? ;-)
    Why would we want free movement with countries where they want to come here and we don't want to go there?
  • Options
    surbitonsurbiton Posts: 13,549

    SeanT said:

    Written by a notorious europhile quisling. Really, we need to start burning these people at Smithfield*

    *metaphorically, moderators, metaphorically
    I think what REALLY worries some that voted Remain and who constantly equate all those that voted Leave with fascist idiots is that Brexit MIGHT actually work.

    Who are the idiots then? Who are the wrecking crew now?

    And it is a question to which i am not sure we have given any real coverage on here in terms of how it affects domestic politics.

    If Brexit is seen to be a failure the Cons will clearly suffer badly, Labour will probably suffer as well-in part because they are clearly split on the issue.

    The Libs will clearly be VERY big gainers-as will the SNP

    BUT what if BREXIT is perceived to be a success.

    Clearly the absolute level of success will be relevant-being slightly less shit than Europe will not be the same as Brexit being seen to be a clear success.

    The Libs clearly will have some serious thinking to do-as will the SNP

    But with Nuttall as leader Labour could have some seriously difficult times ahead-as someone said below- it is difficult to see how Hartlepool and Islington can be both represented by the same Labour party that was split over Brexit especially if Brexit turns out to be successful.

    I am tired of hearing about the expected UKIP avalanche in the North. They are even doing badly in local by-elections. Let's see what they do in Stoke.

    If all these theories are anywhere near correct, UKIP should win Stoke. Frankly, the Liberals have a better chance !
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    AlsoIndigoAlsoIndigo Posts: 1,852

    Omnium said:

    Mr Meeks' posts this evening somehow remind me of the Monty Python 'arguments are next door' thing. Oddly though for once this wasn't the location of 'Abuse' :)

    I wasn't expecting the overt racism to surface quite so quickly on pb after Trump's inauguration. I thought we might get a few months' grace,
    Has anyone seen Antifrank around, seem to recall he was quite pleasant... ?
  • Options
    RobDRobD Posts: 58,985
    surbiton said:

    SeanT said:

    Written by a notorious europhile quisling. Really, we need to start burning these people at Smithfield*

    *metaphorically, moderators, metaphorically
    I think what REALLY worries some that voted Remain and who constantly equate all those that voted Leave with fascist idiots is that Brexit MIGHT actually work.

    Who are the idiots then? Who are the wrecking crew now?

    And it is a question to which i am not sure we have given any real coverage on here in terms of how it affects domestic politics.

    If Brexit is seen to be a failure the Cons will clearly suffer badly, Labour will probably suffer as well-in part because they are clearly split on the issue.

    The Libs will clearly be VERY big gainers-as will the SNP

    BUT what if BREXIT is perceived to be a success.

    Clearly the absolute level of success will be relevant-being slightly less shit than Europe will not be the same as Brexit being seen to be a clear success.

    The Libs clearly will have some serious thinking to do-as will the SNP

    But with Nuttall as leader Labour could have some seriously difficult times ahead-as someone said below- it is difficult to see how Hartlepool and Islington can be both represented by the same Labour party that was split over Brexit especially if Brexit turns out to be successful.

    I am tired of hearing about the expected UKIP avalanche in the North. They are even doing badly in local by-elections. Let's see what they do in Stoke.

    If all these theories are anywhere near correct, UKIP should win Stoke. Frankly, the Liberals have a better chance !
    Yeah, UKIP aren't looking too healthy these days.
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    Tim_BTim_B Posts: 7,669
    surbiton said:

    Tim_B said:

    Fox News and CNN reporting that Theresa May will be here next week.

    Well, not 'here' exactly - I doubt I have enough bedrooms for the entire party. She'll be in DC.

    Usual desperation of a small ex-power. Proof of how "important" we are.
    If they were that desperate they would stay with me just to save money, although to be closer to DC TimT could put them up in a barn.
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    For the record, I think we should definitely have a freedom of movement deal with the Aussies and Kiwis. They are our brothers. Not sure they'd want it though.
  • Options
    OmniumOmnium Posts: 9,796

    Omnium said:

    Mr Meeks' posts this evening somehow remind me of the Monty Python 'arguments are next door' thing. Oddly though for once this wasn't the location of 'Abuse' :)

    I wasn't expecting the overt racism to surface quite so quickly on pb after Trump's inauguration. I thought we might get a few months' grace,
    Oh tosh - you were at least in part baiting.

    However there's nothing wrong in a good argument, and although you were baiting I do think that it's an interesting point about why we (or whatever group) might be more pro CanAusNZ than perhaps we might be towards SA, or Poland. Is there xenophobia or racism, both or neither. I don't personally think I'm racist, but I do give myself pause for thought sometimes.

  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,954

    For the record, I think we should definitely have a freedom of movement deal with the Aussies and Kiwis. They are our brothers. Not sure they'd want it though.

    New Zealand has a pop density of 17.5/sq km. Heaven.
  • Options
    RobDRobD Posts: 58,985

    For the record, I think we should definitely have a freedom of movement deal with the Aussies and Kiwis. They are our brothers. Not sure they'd want it though.

    The polling suggests they are far more in favour of it than we are.
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    AlistairAlistair Posts: 23,670
    Glasgow are going alright in the rugby
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    Sean_FSean_F Posts: 35,865

    SeanT said:

    Written by a notorious europhile quisling. Really, we need to start burning these people at Smithfield*

    *metaphorically, moderators, metaphorically
    I think what REALLY worries some that voted Remain and who constantly equate all those that voted Leave with fascist idiots is that Brexit MIGHT actually work.

    Who are the idiots then? Who are the wrecking crew now?

    And it is a question to which i am not sure we have given any real coverage on here in terms of how it affects domestic politics.

    If Brexit is seen to be a failure the Cons will clearly suffer badly, Labour will probably suffer as well-in part because they are clearly split on the issue.

    The Libs will clearly be VERY big gainers-as will the SNP

    BUT what if BREXIT is perceived to be a success.

    Clearly the absolute level of success will be relevant-being slightly less shit than Europe will not be the same as Brexit being seen to be a clear success.

    The Libs clearly will have some serious thinking to do-as will the SNP

    But with Nuttall as leader Labour could have some seriously difficult times ahead-as someone said below- it is difficult to see how Hartlepool and Islington can be both represented by the same Labour party that was split over Brexit especially if Brexit turns out to be successful.

    If Brexit turns out well, some people who post here will be furious.
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    Jonathan said:

    Trump is the least popular populist ever.

    No, that's Corbyn.

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    RobDRobD Posts: 58,985

    Jonathan said:

    Trump is the least popular populist ever.

    No, that's Corbyn.

    Wasn't Hitler a populist? :p
  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,954
    Omnium said:

    Omnium said:

    Mr Meeks' posts this evening somehow remind me of the Monty Python 'arguments are next door' thing. Oddly though for once this wasn't the location of 'Abuse' :)

    I wasn't expecting the overt racism to surface quite so quickly on pb after Trump's inauguration. I thought we might get a few months' grace,
    Oh tosh - you were at least in part baiting.

    However there's nothing wrong in a good argument, and although you were baiting I do think that it's an interesting point about why we (or whatever group) might be more pro CanAusNZ than perhaps we might be towards SA, or Poland. Is there xenophobia or racism, both or neither. I don't personally think I'm racist, but I do give myself pause for thought sometimes.

    The new South African chap at our work is tremendously in favour of Brexit. He's quite right wing :> !
This discussion has been closed.