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    SandpitSandpit Posts: 49,898
    Checks in after a long day.

    Sees that interest rates are slowly getting off the floor, and that England’s bowlers are doing a better job than their batsmen did yesterday.

    Returns to lurking for a few more hours...
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    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    edited August 2018

    Anorak said:

    Stokes got very, very lucky. Inconceivable he'll get another wicket today.

    Nicely done.
    I'm ON FIRE today. Unlike England, who are looking at a 300-run deficit by the end of India's first innings.
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    TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 41,311

    EEA can't be offered by May. In order for her party (and maybe Parliament) to even consider it, it would need to offered by a sensible leaver untainted by the chequers fiasco.

    As I'm sure HYUFD will be here to remind us shortly, that leaves the rather large FoM elephant sitting right in front of the tellybox.

    The sense of outrage on the Telegraph letters page would burn through to the obits.
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    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,626
    edited August 2018

    Anorak said:

    Stokes got very, very lucky. Inconceivable he'll get another wicket today.


    Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…
    Yes, look what you just did.

    You have applied the reverse mockers, with a vengeance.
    We have no chance now.
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    grabcocquegrabcocque Posts: 4,234
    TOPPING said:

    EEA can't be offered by May. In order for her party (and maybe Parliament) to even consider it, it would need to offered by a sensible leaver untainted by the chequers fiasco.

    As I'm sure HYUFD will be here to remind us shortly, that leaves the rather large FoM elephant sitting right in front of the tellybox.

    The sense of outrage on the Telegraph letters page would burn through to the obits.
    Oh I know, I know. But I still believe, and call me a big sweaty fool if you must, that a fudge is possible.

    EFMINO with some Daily Mail bait about benefits I dunno.
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    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,125
    Pulpstar said:

    @MarqueeMark - Makes me feel slightly better about getting a fix for a couple of years rather than variable, will have to see how the ground lays for March 2020 odd when I come to remortgage ^^;

    I'm still on 0.49% above base, so I'm still not budging!
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    surbysurby Posts: 1,227

    Pulpstar said:

    @MarqueeMark - Makes me feel slightly better about getting a fix for a couple of years rather than variable, will have to see how the ground lays for March 2020 odd when I come to remortgage ^^;

    I'm still on 0.49% above base, so I'm still not budging!
    That's very good. I have got 1.29% until March 2020 and I can pay off up to 10% of loan every year without penalty.
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    TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 41,311

    TOPPING said:

    EEA can't be offered by May. In order for her party (and maybe Parliament) to even consider it, it would need to offered by a sensible leaver untainted by the chequers fiasco.

    As I'm sure HYUFD will be here to remind us shortly, that leaves the rather large FoM elephant sitting right in front of the tellybox.

    The sense of outrage on the Telegraph letters page would burn through to the obits.
    Oh I know, I know. But I still believe, and call me a big sweaty fool if you must, that a fudge is possible.

    EFMINO with some Daily Mail bait about benefits I dunno.
    Oh yes don't get me wrong I think some kind of FOMIABN would likely work I just don't see the mechanics of an EEA option getting put before the house.

    Plus I can't see the EU going along with not calling one of their indivisible four freedoms a freedom.
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    surbysurby Posts: 1,227

    surby said:

    stodge said:

    IF this is true, they will lose at one member - me.

    Anyone with even an iota of political nous will know such schemes are cynically hijacked by your opponents to ensure the leader finally chosen is the one least endearing to the general public. If Gina Miller wants to join the Party, fine, she would be most welcome. If she wants to stand as a LD candidate in an election, fine, she would have my support but I couldn't accept her as Party leader because she's "known".

    We must as well have the couple from Love Island be co-leaders if that's the route we are going down.
    I think it sounds like a splendid idea. The effect in the Labour Party was to create a much larger membership than would otherwise have been the case. I think this is good for our country. More members=more talent. So we can look forward to better politicians in the future. If the Lib Dems get the same effect then that gives us voters better choices. It's all good. I think the Tories should do it too.
    Yup. I would vote for Bill Cash.

    Have you stopped taking the tablets your Doctor prescribed>?
    Well PB Tories voted for Corbyn.
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    Harris_TweedHarris_Tweed Posts: 1,300
    edited August 2018
    Entirely OT, but following previous discussions on the desirability of tropical fruit on pizza, I saw this and thought of you all...

    https://www.facebook.com/UNILADgrub/videos/1170011153166563/


  • Options
    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,626

    Entirely OT, but following previous discussions on the desirability of tropical fruit on pizza, I saw this and thought of you all...

    https://www.facebook.com/UNILADgrub/videos/1170011153166563/

    The undesirability of pineapple on pizza is never off topic.
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    surbysurby Posts: 1,227
    TOPPING said:

    EEA can't be offered by May. In order for her party (and maybe Parliament) to even consider it, it would need to offered by a sensible leaver untainted by the chequers fiasco.

    As I'm sure HYUFD will be here to remind us shortly, that leaves the rather large FoM elephant sitting right in front of the tellybox.

    The sense of outrage on the Telegraph letters page would burn through to the obits.
    What if Telegraph readers are given M&S 20% off vouchers in return ?
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    MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 37,607

    TOPPING said:

    EEA can't be offered by May. In order for her party (and maybe Parliament) to even consider it, it would need to offered by a sensible leaver untainted by the chequers fiasco.

    As I'm sure HYUFD will be here to remind us shortly, that leaves the rather large FoM elephant sitting right in front of the tellybox.

    The sense of outrage on the Telegraph letters page would burn through to the obits.
    Oh I know, I know. But I still believe, and call me a big sweaty fool if you must, that a fudge is possible.

    EFMINO with some Daily Mail bait about benefits I dunno.
    The EU has never compromised a word of free movement, it is one of the four freedoms. Anyone hoping for even a 1% fudge is kidding themselves.
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    surbysurby Posts: 1,227
    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/02/uks-brexit-proposals-threaten-future-of-eu-says-barnier


    UK's Brexit proposals threaten future of EU, says Barnier
    Article by EU Brexit negotiator will be seen as rebuff to efforts by UK to persuade individual EU leaders to back its vision

    Oh, well !
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    John_MJohn_M Posts: 7,503
    edited August 2018
    surby said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/02/uks-brexit-proposals-threaten-future-of-eu-says-barnier


    UK's Brexit proposals threaten future of EU, says Barnier
    Article by EU Brexit negotiator will be seen as rebuff to efforts by UK to persuade individual EU leaders to back its vision

    Oh, well !

    I don't know how many times Barnier needs to shoot Chequers. It's already dead, Michel, you can't hurt it anymore!
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    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    edited August 2018
    surby said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/02/uks-brexit-proposals-threaten-future-of-eu-says-barnier


    UK's Brexit proposals threaten future of EU, says Barnier
    Article by EU Brexit negotiator will be seen as rebuff to efforts by UK to persuade individual EU leaders to back its vision

    Oh, well !

    Now even as an ardent remainer I think that's just silly. If the EU is really so very fragile, a political orchid if you will, then there is seriously something wrong with it.

    Or it's just Barnier's turn to lead the dance...
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    stodgestodge Posts: 12,856
    Afternoon all :)

    News from the "crisis meeting" at Northants CC last evening:

    https://www.publicfinance.co.uk/news/2018/08/northants-plans-radical-service-reductions-following-second-114-notice1?utm_source=Adestra&utm_medium=email&utm_term=

    A whole lot of not much if I'm being honest. Northants CC spend £870 million which is about half the amount of a SE shire or home county. It gets in income of £429 million and £140 million from central government grants yet it appears to have a shortfall of some £60 - £70 million.

    To understand the Budget pressure, the expected spend on adult social care went from £203 million in 17-18 to £241 million in 18-19 - that's a long way in front of inflation and not, I suspect, uncommon among similar authorities.

    There's a full Council at Northampton next Thursday when full details of the cuts (you say cuts, I say efficiency savings) will be revealed.
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    grabcocquegrabcocque Posts: 4,234
    edited August 2018
    Anorak said:


    Oh, well ! Now even as an ardent remainer I think that's just silly. If the EU is really so very fragile, a political orchid if you will, then there is seriously something wrong with it.

    Or it's just Barnier's turn to lead the dance...

    I don't think he means it, it's just a warning shot across the bow to any national leader thinking of wobbling in the face of May's great European grovelling tour.
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    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,249
    Nigelb said:

    Anorak said:

    Stokes got very, very lucky. Inconceivable he'll get another wicket today.


    Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…
    Yes, look what you just did.

    You have applied the reverse mockers, with a vengeance.
    We have no chance now.
    Actually it's Kohli who's done that. He's played beautifully, waiting for the bad ball, playing with soft hands, never reckless or foolhardy. He really deserves that luck and it will surely continue until he's got 401.

    (In exchange, could somebody tell me I've no chance of a par in the last 6 holes? Thanks.)
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    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929
    edited August 2018
    Anorak said:

    surby said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/02/uks-brexit-proposals-threaten-future-of-eu-says-barnier


    UK's Brexit proposals threaten future of EU, says Barnier
    Article by EU Brexit negotiator will be seen as rebuff to efforts by UK to persuade individual EU leaders to back its vision

    Oh, well !

    Now even as an ardent remainer I think that's just silly. If the EU is really so very fragile, a political orchid if you will, then there is seriously something wrong with it.

    Or it's just Barnier's turn to lead the dance...
    I think he's just making it ultra clear that no, the EU won't sign up to this unless May gives huge concessions. Which is fair enough (For him to be clear on that)
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    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,626
    ydoethur said:

    Nigelb said:

    Anorak said:

    Stokes got very, very lucky. Inconceivable he'll get another wicket today.


    Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…
    Yes, look what you just did.

    You have applied the reverse mockers, with a vengeance.
    We have no chance now.
    Actually it's Kohli who's done that. He's played beautifully, waiting for the bad ball, playing with soft hands, never reckless or foolhardy. He really deserves that luck and it will surely continue until he's got 401.

    (In exchange, could somebody tell me I've no chance of a par in the last 6 holes? Thanks.)
    None at all, and you ought to realise golf just isn't worth the effort.
    (Which is not to say that it requires much.)
    :smile:
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    LibDems would be wise to listen to people in Labour who have been left feeling like this, thanks to the idea of opening up the party to a wider group of "supporters":

    https://twitter.com/schooltruth/status/1024928706572247040

    It’s thanks to 35 Labour MPs nominating Corbyn. Without him these new members wouldn’t have had a hard left candidate to vote for in the first place. Fiona Millar should ask Labour moderates what were they thinking when they wanted to ‘widen the debate’ by nominating Corbyn.
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    Wulfrun_PhilWulfrun_Phil Posts: 4,601
    Pulpstar said:

    Anorak said:

    surby said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/02/uks-brexit-proposals-threaten-future-of-eu-says-barnier


    UK's Brexit proposals threaten future of EU, says Barnier
    Article by EU Brexit negotiator will be seen as rebuff to efforts by UK to persuade individual EU leaders to back its vision

    Oh, well !

    Now even as an ardent remainer I think that's just silly. If the EU is really so very fragile, a political orchid if you will, then there is seriously something wrong with it.

    Or it's just Barnier's turn to lead the dance...
    I think he's just making it ultra clear that no, the EU won't sign up to this unless May gives huge concessions. Which is fair enough (For him to be clear on that)
    Assuming that he really does think that May's proposal threatens the future of the EU, and wishes to avoid that, nothing prevents him from offering the UK something akin to what the EU and Canada agreed on, which I trust the EU does not regard as an existential threat.
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    grabcocquegrabcocque Posts: 4,234


    Assuming that he really does think that May's proposal threatens the future of the EU, and wishes to avoid that, nothing prevents him from offering the UK something akin to what the EU and Canada agreed on, which I trust the EU does not regard as an existential threat.

    The EU did offer CETA+, last March. The government rejected it as unworkable.
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    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    Pulpstar said:

    Anorak said:

    surby said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/02/uks-brexit-proposals-threaten-future-of-eu-says-barnier


    UK's Brexit proposals threaten future of EU, says Barnier
    Article by EU Brexit negotiator will be seen as rebuff to efforts by UK to persuade individual EU leaders to back its vision

    Oh, well !

    Now even as an ardent remainer I think that's just silly. If the EU is really so very fragile, a political orchid if you will, then there is seriously something wrong with it.

    Or it's just Barnier's turn to lead the dance...
    I think he's just making it ultra clear that no, the EU won't sign up to this unless May gives huge concessions. Which is fair enough (For him to be clear on that)
    I don't think we can give any more, without the house of cards tumbling down. If you're right, we're screwed (again).
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    John_MJohn_M Posts: 7,503

    Pulpstar said:

    Anorak said:

    surby said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/02/uks-brexit-proposals-threaten-future-of-eu-says-barnier


    UK's Brexit proposals threaten future of EU, says Barnier
    Article by EU Brexit negotiator will be seen as rebuff to efforts by UK to persuade individual EU leaders to back its vision

    Oh, well !

    Now even as an ardent remainer I think that's just silly. If the EU is really so very fragile, a political orchid if you will, then there is seriously something wrong with it.

    Or it's just Barnier's turn to lead the dance...
    I think he's just making it ultra clear that no, the EU won't sign up to this unless May gives huge concessions. Which is fair enough (For him to be clear on that)
    Assuming that he really does think that May's proposal threatens the future of the EU, and wishes to avoid that, nothing prevents him from offering the UK something akin to what the EU and Canada agreed on, which I trust the EU does not regard as an existential threat.
    Italy isn't keen. It's threatening to veto CETA. This is why FTAs with the EU take so freaking long to negotiate :).
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    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    John_M said:

    Italy isn't keen. It's threatening to veto CETA. This is why FTAs with the EU take so freaking long to negotiate :).

    Paging HYFUD...
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    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    Well written Max Hastings article on why nostalgia is bunkum.
    https://twitter.com/PaddyBriggs/status/1019845555894345728
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    CyclefreeCyclefree Posts: 25,205
    Anorak said:

    tlg86 said:

    JoeJamesB said:
    Interesting that we have had a slew of posters in recent days with single digit posts to their name, all intent on trying to persuade us that Corbyn/Labour are not antisemitic, no sirree, not a bit of it.....

    Co-ordinated much?
    It's nice to know that Labour think we matter!
    To say JVL are, ummm, not representative of the Jewish community is an understatement. Jackie Walker has a big role in it, which should set alarm bells ringing from the start.
    I think it has about 100 members, if that.

    Incidentally, very hot here in Tatton. On my way to the Lakes.
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    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    Scott_P said:
    She's still a director of Momentum, which tells you all you need about their sincerity to stamp out antisemitism.
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    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929
    edited August 2018
    Cyclefree said:

    Anorak said:

    tlg86 said:

    JoeJamesB said:
    Interesting that we have had a slew of posters in recent days with single digit posts to their name, all intent on trying to persuade us that Corbyn/Labour are not antisemitic, no sirree, not a bit of it.....

    Co-ordinated much?
    It's nice to know that Labour think we matter!
    To say JVL are, ummm, not representative of the Jewish community is an understatement. Jackie Walker has a big role in it, which should set alarm bells ringing from the start.
    I think it has about 100 members, if that.

    Incidentally, very hot here in Tatton. On my way to the Lakes.
    I was there just over a week ago, as was @PhilipH on his stall :)
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    grabcocquegrabcocque Posts: 4,234
    *Also*, CETA doesn't cover services, which makes up 80% of the UK economy.

    *Also* CETA doesn't resolve the Northern Ireland issue

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about the status of EU citizens in the UK and vice versa

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about the divorce bill and the countless Euroquangoes the UK is remaining part of

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about cooperation on home and justice affairs and the European arrest warrant

    Other than that it's a perfect deal.
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    Anorak said:

    Well written Max Hastings article on why nostalgia is bunkum.
    https://twitter.com/PaddyBriggs/status/1019845555894345728

    The EU has its origins from the Treaty of Paris, 1951. That's right, a 1950s throwback :)
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    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,125
    surby said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/02/uks-brexit-proposals-threaten-future-of-eu-says-barnier


    UK's Brexit proposals threaten future of EU, says Barnier
    Article by EU Brexit negotiator will be seen as rebuff to efforts by UK to persuade individual EU leaders to back its vision

    Oh, well !

    I hope Barnier is not on any success-related pay. Losing forty billion is going to take some making up with "efficiency savings" elsewhere.

    What am I saying? This is the EU we're talking about.
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    John_MJohn_M Posts: 7,503
    Anorak said:

    Well written Max Hastings article on why nostalgia is bunkum.
    https://twitter.com/PaddyBriggs/status/1019845555894345728

    Never mind the forties or fifties, there's never been a better time to be alive than right now. Well, at least if you're human. Other species might disagree.
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    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621

    *Also*, CETA doesn't cover services, which makes up 80% of the UK economy.

    *Also* CETA doesn't resolve the Northern Ireland issue

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about the status of EU citizens in the UK and vice versa

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about the divorce bill and the countless Euroquangoes the UK is remaining part of

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about cooperation on home and justice affairs and the European arrest warrant

    Other than that it's a perfect deal.

    Few wrinkles to iron out. Volkswagen and BMW will be twisting Angela's arm as we speak.
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    grabcocquegrabcocque Posts: 4,234
    Anorak said:

    *Also*, CETA doesn't cover services, which makes up 80% of the UK economy.

    *Also* CETA doesn't resolve the Northern Ireland issue

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about the status of EU citizens in the UK and vice versa

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about the divorce bill and the countless Euroquangoes the UK is remaining part of

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about cooperation on home and justice affairs and the European arrest warrant

    Other than that it's a perfect deal.

    Few wrinkles to iron out. Volkswagen and BMW will be twisting Angela's arm as we speak.
    easiest deal ever
    oh man I love the sunlit uplands
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    John_MJohn_M Posts: 7,503

    Anorak said:

    *Also*, CETA doesn't cover services, which makes up 80% of the UK economy.

    *Also* CETA doesn't resolve the Northern Ireland issue

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about the status of EU citizens in the UK and vice versa

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about the divorce bill and the countless Euroquangoes the UK is remaining part of

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about cooperation on home and justice affairs and the European arrest warrant

    Other than that it's a perfect deal.

    Few wrinkles to iron out. Volkswagen and BMW will be twisting Angela's arm as we speak.
    easiest deal ever
    oh man I love the sunlit uplands
    I've spent most of the day ensuring that my uplands aren't sunlit. The awning is magnificent. Bring on the heatwave.

    As said, the trade part of our relations with the EU is the 'easy' part.
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,358
    Anorak said:

    surby said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/aug/02/uks-brexit-proposals-threaten-future-of-eu-says-barnier


    UK's Brexit proposals threaten future of EU, says Barnier
    Article by EU Brexit negotiator will be seen as rebuff to efforts by UK to persuade individual EU leaders to back its vision

    Oh, well !

    Now even as an ardent remainer I think that's just silly. If the EU is really so very fragile, a political orchid if you will, then there is seriously something wrong with it.

    Or it's just Barnier's turn to lead the dance...
    He’s being a short-sighted dickhead. They don’t threaten the single market at all, and its actually a phenomenally good deal for the EU.

    He just seems to think the EU must have an unconditional surrender.

    That isn’t going to happen.
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    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    edited August 2018
    John_M said:

    Anorak said:

    Well written Max Hastings article on why nostalgia is bunkum.
    https://twitter.com/PaddyBriggs/status/1019845555894345728

    Never mind the forties or fifties, there's never been a better time to be alive than right now. Well, at least if you're human. Other species might disagree.
    That's pretty much a summary of the article. Apart from the species bit. I imagine the North Atlantic right whale and the black rhino were rather happier in Roman times than now.
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,249
    Scott_P said:
    I presume Kinnock knew that. Or has he been asleep for two years?
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    AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 2,869
    Good afternoon, everyone.

    Just curious to see what my new avatar is like, although since I don't recall what the old one was it's unlikely to bother me much.
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    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    Nigelb said:

    Anorak said:

    Stokes got very, very lucky. Inconceivable he'll get another wicket today.


    Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…
    Yes, look what you just did.

    You have applied the reverse mockers, with a vengeance.
    We have no chance now.
    I note that things have taken a turn for the worse since SquareRoot's unfortunate intervention. 50 partnership coming up.
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    John_MJohn_M Posts: 7,503
    Anorak said:

    John_M said:

    Anorak said:

    Well written Max Hastings article on why nostalgia is bunkum.
    https://twitter.com/PaddyBriggs/status/1019845555894345728

    Never mind the forties or fifties, there's never been a better time to be alive than right now. Well, at least if you're human. Other species might disagree.
    That's pretty much a summary of the article. Apart from the species bit. I imagine the North Atlantic right whale and the black rhino were rather happier in Roman times than now.
    One thing I think Hastings missed is that our expectations were much lower in the 70s, so I do think we were _relatively_ happier - we certainly more easily pleased. 'Affluenza' doesn't seem to have lasted the course, but I think there was something in the basic concept.
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    MyBurningEarsMyBurningEars Posts: 3,651

    *Also* CETA doesn't say anything about cooperation on home and justice affairs and the European arrest warrant


    Aside from the desirability of the EAW in the first place (fair to say that not everyone is a fan thereof), there is no way that any Brexit deal can sort this one out as far as I can see. Doesn't Germany's constitution forbid extradition to any non-EU member state? That fact alone kills it off. Confused me why May was even trying to keep it, bearing in mind that would be one thing that - if she was properly advised - she would have known, essentially 100% sure, would have to be given up, so a daft potential sticking point to persist with, particularly if you are trying to look like you're being somewhat helpful and reasonable in the negotiation process.
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    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    Anorak said:

    Nigelb said:

    Anorak said:

    Stokes got very, very lucky. Inconceivable he'll get another wicket today.


    Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…
    Yes, look what you just did.

    You have applied the reverse mockers, with a vengeance.
    We have no chance now.
    I note that things have taken a turn for the worse since SquareRoot's unfortunate intervention. 50 partnership coming up.
    He's got it, oh baby he's got it. QUAKE AT MY SUPERPOWERS.
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    grabcocquegrabcocque Posts: 4,234
    I always assumed ending up as an anti-Muslim party was UKIP's final form.
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,249

    LibDems would be wise to listen to people in Labour who have been left feeling like this, thanks to the idea of opening up the party to a wider group of "supporters":

    https://twitter.com/schooltruth/status/1024928706572247040

    It’s thanks to 35 Labour MPs nominating Corbyn. Without him these new members wouldn’t have had a hard left candidate to vote for in the first place. Fiona Millar should ask Labour moderates what were they thinking when they wanted to ‘widen the debate’ by nominating Corbyn.
    Oh yes, I agree. It has been a series of dominoes. But it began, and this is the bit that matters to the LibDems, by a whacky idea about involving more people in politics and in running the party.
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    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621

    I always assumed ending up as an anti-Muslim party was UKIP's final form.
    I suppose draining the more unpleasant end of the Tory swamp into the UKIP morass is not all bad news.
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    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,626
    Anorak said:

    Anorak said:

    Nigelb said:

    Anorak said:

    Stokes got very, very lucky. Inconceivable he'll get another wicket today.


    Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm…
    Yes, look what you just did.

    You have applied the reverse mockers, with a vengeance.
    We have no chance now.
    I note that things have taken a turn for the worse since SquareRoot's unfortunate intervention. 50 partnership coming up.
    He's got it, oh baby he's got it. QUAKE AT MY SUPERPOWERS.
    Shhhh.
    It doesn't work like that.
    :smile:
  • Options
    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    Nigelb said:

    Anorak said:

    He's got it, oh baby he's got it. QUAKE AT MY SUPERPOWERS.

    Shhhh.
    It doesn't work like that.
    :smile:
    Sorry. Overexcited. Back in my box now.
  • Options
    grabcocquegrabcocque Posts: 4,234


    Aside from the desirability of the EAW in the first place (fair to say that not everyone is a fan thereof), there is no way that any Brexit deal can sort this one out as far as I can see. Doesn't Germany's constitution forbid extradition to any non-EU member state? That fact alone kills it off. Confused me why May was even trying to keep it

    I think it's to do with Europol, right? Being a signatory to the EAW is a requirement of being part of Europol's intelligence sharing community.

    The government fears losing reliable access to a network of high quality counterterrorist intelligence.
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    surbysurby Posts: 1,227
  • Options
    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,626
    Anorak said:

    Nigelb said:

    Anorak said:

    He's got it, oh baby he's got it. QUAKE AT MY SUPERPOWERS.

    Shhhh.
    It doesn't work like that.
    :smile:
    Sorry. Overexcited. Back in my box now.
    No problem.
    But I can't see Cook or Malan taking another catch today.
  • Options
    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    edited August 2018
    I wonder how that will play in the Philippines, given they're relatively devout, and given Duterte's approach to criminals and especially drug dealers.

    "It wasn't the death penalty, your Holiness, it was a complimentary flying lesson."
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    FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 76,285
    edited August 2018
    Scott_P said:

    twitter.com/klemmett_r/status/1024951305167663104

    What I take from that picture...Lily Allen is a posho...who hangs around at events with other poshos, while pretending to the yuff to be just like them.
  • Options
    surby said:
    For some reason I was thinking of the Evangelicals, they really aren’t going to be happy with the Pope for this.
  • Options
    surbysurby Posts: 1,227
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    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,283

    LibDems would be wise to listen to people in Labour who have been left feeling like this, thanks to the idea of opening up the party to a wider group of "supporters":

    https://twitter.com/schooltruth/status/1024928706572247040

    It’s thanks to 35 Labour MPs nominating Corbyn. Without him these new members wouldn’t have had a hard left candidate to vote for in the first place. Fiona Millar should ask Labour moderates what were they thinking when they wanted to ‘widen the debate’ by nominating Corbyn.
    Oh yes, I agree. It has been a series of dominoes. But it began, and this is the bit that matters to the LibDems, by a whacky idea about involving more people in politics and in running the party.
    I thought research suggested that there wasn't a great deal of difference in voting preference in the leadership election between longstanding members, members who had recently joined, and the £3 club?
  • Options
    IanB2 said:

    LibDems would be wise to listen to people in Labour who have been left feeling like this, thanks to the idea of opening up the party to a wider group of "supporters":

    https://twitter.com/schooltruth/status/1024928706572247040

    It’s thanks to 35 Labour MPs nominating Corbyn. Without him these new members wouldn’t have had a hard left candidate to vote for in the first place. Fiona Millar should ask Labour moderates what were they thinking when they wanted to ‘widen the debate’ by nominating Corbyn.
    Oh yes, I agree. It has been a series of dominoes. But it began, and this is the bit that matters to the LibDems, by a whacky idea about involving more people in politics and in running the party.
    I thought research suggested that there wasn't a great deal of difference in voting preference in the leadership election between longstanding members, members who had recently joined, and the £3 club?
    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeremy-corbyn-won-a-landslide-with-full-labour-party-members-not-just-3-supporters-10498221.html
  • Options
    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,249
    IanB2 said:

    LibDems would be wise to listen to people in Labour who have been left feeling like this, thanks to the idea of opening up the party to a wider group of "supporters":

    https://twitter.com/schooltruth/status/1024928706572247040

    It’s thanks to 35 Labour MPs nominating Corbyn. Without him these new members wouldn’t have had a hard left candidate to vote for in the first place. Fiona Millar should ask Labour moderates what were they thinking when they wanted to ‘widen the debate’ by nominating Corbyn.
    Oh yes, I agree. It has been a series of dominoes. But it began, and this is the bit that matters to the LibDems, by a whacky idea about involving more people in politics and in running the party.
    I thought research suggested that there wasn't a great deal of difference in voting preference in the leadership election between longstanding members, members who had recently joined, and the £3 club?
    I don't buy it. The momentum (small m) that started with the excitement of the £3 members started the ball rolling imho. But I'm not a member and people like NickP are far more qualified to comment.

    Either way I stand by my concern that the LibDems could open themselves up to absolute disaster. Do they not think that Aaron Banks and Steve Bannon wouldn't think: hey ho, here's an idea...
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    CyclefreeCyclefree Posts: 25,205
    Pulpstar said:

    Cyclefree said:

    Anorak said:

    tlg86 said:

    JoeJamesB said:
    Interesting that we have had a slew of posters in recent days with single digit posts to their name, all intent on trying to persuade us that Corbyn/Labour are not antisemitic, no sirree, not a bit of it.....

    Co-ordinated much?
    It's nice to know that Labour think we matter!
    To say JVL are, ummm, not representative of the Jewish community is an understatement. Jackie Walker has a big role in it, which should set alarm bells ringing from the start.
    I think it has about 100 members, if that.

    Incidentally, very hot here in Tatton. On my way to the Lakes.
    I was there just over a week ago, as was @PhilipH on his stall :)
    One of @philiph's roses won Rose of the Year, I believe. Which is quite an achievement.
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    Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,984
    Good afternoon, everyone.

    Have Labour moderate MPs split yet?
  • Options



    Oh yes, I agree. It has been a series of dominoes. But it began, and this is the bit that matters to the LibDems, by a whacky idea about involving more people in politics and in running the party.

    I'm all for involving more people in the Lib Dems. It's just a matter of making sure that the "more people" actually have liberal values. I see what happened to Labour as more a warning of how not to go about involving more people than as a warning to avoid involving more people at all. It's perfectly possible to increase participation in a sane way.

  • Options
    BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,679
    Anorak said:

    Well written Max Hastings article on why nostalgia is bunkum.
    https://twitter.com/PaddyBriggs/status/1019845555894345728

    Yes a very good article. Well worth a read.
  • Options
    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,249



    Oh yes, I agree. It has been a series of dominoes. But it began, and this is the bit that matters to the LibDems, by a whacky idea about involving more people in politics and in running the party.

    I'm all for involving more people in the Lib Dems. It's just a matter of making sure that the "more people" actually have liberal values. I see what happened to Labour as more a warning of how not to go about involving more people than as a warning to avoid involving more people at all. It's perfectly possible to increase participation in a sane way.

    Honestly, I think it would be suicidal in the current climate.

    Don't say I didn't warn the LibDems.

    And I speak as someone who whole generations of family have been committed activists.
  • Options
    BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,679

    Scott_P said:

    twitter.com/klemmett_r/status/1024951305167663104

    What I take from that picture...Lily Allen is a posho...who hangs around at events with other poshos, while pretending to the yuff to be just like them.
    Lily Allen is clearly part of the evil liberal elite. What freedom fighters like Murdoch, Farage and Fox were doing attending the same lunch as her, heaven only knows.
  • Options
    John_MJohn_M Posts: 7,503

    Anorak said:

    Well written Max Hastings article on why nostalgia is bunkum.
    https://twitter.com/PaddyBriggs/status/1019845555894345728

    Yes a very good article. Well worth a read.
    I used to do a presentation (nominally about information assurance *yawn*) where I pointed out that compulsory seatbelt legislation failed in the HoP thrice before passing. This is counterintuitive, until you understand that the safest place to be after an accident in a 1960s car was outside it, even if egress was via the windscreen.
  • Options
    FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 76,285
    edited August 2018

    Scott_P said:

    twitter.com/klemmett_r/status/1024951305167663104

    What I take from that picture...Lily Allen is a posho...who hangs around at events with other poshos, while pretending to the yuff to be just like them.
    Lily Allen is clearly part of the evil liberal elite. What freedom fighters like Murdoch, Farage and Fox were doing attending the same lunch as her, heaven only knows.
    Well quite....the reality, all these elite types get invited to the same social events.
  • Options
    PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,929
    edited August 2018
    Cyclefree said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Cyclefree said:

    Anorak said:

    tlg86 said:

    JoeJamesB said:
    Interesting that we have had a slew of posters in recent days with single digit posts to their name, all intent on trying to persuade us that Corbyn/Labour are not antisemitic, no sirree, not a bit of it.....

    Co-ordinated much?
    It's nice to know that Labour think we matter!
    To say JVL are, ummm, not representative of the Jewish community is an understatement. Jackie Walker has a big role in it, which should set alarm bells ringing from the start.
    I think it has about 100 members, if that.

    Incidentally, very hot here in Tatton. On my way to the Lakes.
    I was there just over a week ago, as was @PhilipH on his stall :)
    One of @philiph's roses won Rose of the Year, I believe. Which is quite an achievement.
    Here's my pictures :)

    https://tinyurl.com/yat9cadx
  • Options
    BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,679

    LibDems would be wise to listen to people in Labour who have been left feeling like this, thanks to the idea of opening up the party to a wider group of "supporters":

    https://twitter.com/schooltruth/status/1024928706572247040

    It’s thanks to 35 Labour MPs nominating Corbyn. Without him these new members wouldn’t have had a hard left candidate to vote for in the first place. Fiona Millar should ask Labour moderates what were they thinking when they wanted to ‘widen the debate’ by nominating Corbyn.
    Oh yes, I agree. It has been a series of dominoes. But it began, and this is the bit that matters to the LibDems, by a whacky idea about involving more people in politics and in running the party.
    Didn't quite a few PB Tories sign up and vote for Jezza to 'guarantee' a Tory landslide at the suceeding GE?
  • Options

    LibDems would be wise to listen to people in Labour who have been left feeling like this, thanks to the idea of opening up the party to a wider group of "supporters":

    https://twitter.com/schooltruth/status/1024928706572247040

    It’s thanks to 35 Labour MPs nominating Corbyn. Without him these new members wouldn’t have had a hard left candidate to vote for in the first place. Fiona Millar should ask Labour moderates what were they thinking when they wanted to ‘widen the debate’ by nominating Corbyn.
    Oh yes, I agree. It has been a series of dominoes. But it began, and this is the bit that matters to the LibDems, by a whacky idea about involving more people in politics and in running the party.
    Didn't quite a few PB Tories sign up and vote for Jezza to 'guarantee' a Tory landslide at the suceeding GE?
    Yes....
  • Options



    Honestly, I think it would be suicidal in the current climate.

    Don't say I didn't warn the LibDems.

    And I speak as someone who whole generations of family have been committed activists.

    Well, as I said, it's about how it's done. The Labour way certainly isn't the right way for us but there are plenty of other options to discuss.

  • Options
    BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,679

    Scott_P said:

    twitter.com/klemmett_r/status/1024951305167663104

    What I take from that picture...Lily Allen is a posho...who hangs around at events with other poshos, while pretending to the yuff to be just like them.
    Lily Allen is clearly part of the evil liberal elite. What freedom fighters like Murdoch, Farage and Fox were doing attending the same lunch as her, heaven only knows.
    Well quite....the reality, all these elite types get invited to the same social events.
    Indeed. Given how often the elite are berated on here as Remainers against the 'will of the people' I wonder what the Remain:Leave split is among them? I'd guess (of course I would) that it's much more por-Leave because their wealth insulates them from any of the downsides.
  • Options
    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,626
    edited August 2018
    Well that's one way of dealing with slippers who can't catch.
    And uncooperative umpires.
  • Options
    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,283
    edited August 2018

    IanB2 said:

    LibDems would be wise to listen to people in Labour who have been left feeling like this, thanks to the idea of opening up the party to a wider group of "supporters":

    https://twitter.com/schooltruth/status/1024928706572247040

    It’s thanks to 35 Labour MPs nominating Corbyn. Without him these new members wouldn’t have had a hard left candidate to vote for in the first place. Fiona Millar should ask Labour moderates what were they thinking when they wanted to ‘widen the debate’ by nominating Corbyn.
    Oh yes, I agree. It has been a series of dominoes. But it began, and this is the bit that matters to the LibDems, by a whacky idea about involving more people in politics and in running the party.
    I thought research suggested that there wasn't a great deal of difference in voting preference in the leadership election between longstanding members, members who had recently joined, and the £3 club?
    https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/jeremy-corbyn-won-a-landslide-with-full-labour-party-members-not-just-3-supporters-10498221.html
    And, hunting about, there is some academic research on the subject, including this:

    http://repository.essex.ac.uk/17434/1/Quinn_Labour_Leadership_Election_2015_Accepted_Version_2.pdf

    Far be it for PB posters to advance a theory that conflicts with the evidence, but Corbyn polled 44% of pre-2010 members, and would likely have won under any membership ballot arrangement (but not the old electoral college).

    In fairness, it does also contain evidence that the drive for supporters went beyond traditional Labour voters - indeed a striking statistic that according to YouGov fully a quarter of the new registered supporters had voted for the Green Party in the 2015 election (so, rather than Corbyn killing the Greens, as some have assumed, it was the supporter mechanism that did play a part in drastically cutting support for that party, as the polls have shown since), with a full 92% of these ex-Greens going on to vote for Corbyn.

    The paper goes on to analyse why Corbyn won where Abbott failed, and argues that the leftward shift in membership base was only of minor importance (a lot of Corbyn supporters backed one or other of the Milibands the time before). What mattered was changing atttudes, weakening of the electablility argument after Miliband's surprise loss to a Tory majority, the shock of losing Scotland, and increasing impatience with austerity. Basically that Labour's membership was always left-wing but had previously held its nose and backed more moderate candidates.
  • Options
    BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,679
    John_M said:

    Anorak said:

    Well written Max Hastings article on why nostalgia is bunkum.
    https://twitter.com/PaddyBriggs/status/1019845555894345728

    Yes a very good article. Well worth a read.
    I used to do a presentation (nominally about information assurance *yawn*) where I pointed out that compulsory seatbelt legislation failed in the HoP thrice before passing. This is counterintuitive, until you understand that the safest place to be after an accident in a 1960s car was outside it, even if egress was via the windscreen.
    That's a good example. Lots of things that were way off limits in the past have become pretty mainstream in the past 50 years. I wonder what which of our current attitudes will look bizarre in 2068?
  • Options
    TheJezziahTheJezziah Posts: 3,840
    Cyclefree said:

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/31/palestinians-in-the-uk-speak-out-for-the-right-to-freedom-of-speech

    I suppose the general PB consensus on these things is when minorities request things like this you have to protect their rights. At least I assume that covers Muslims as well.....

    This was raised the other day and I responded that of course Palestinians (remember that not all Palestinians are Muslims though it is interesting that you should assume so) could raise what they wanted. Provided that they also realised that others could also raise issues which Palestinians might find embarrassing. For instance, what happens to all the money sent by European authorities to Palestinian authorities? Why do the Palestinian authorities reward those who kill Jews? What gets taught in Palestinian schools to children? And so on and so forth.

    Free speech not being a one-way street, and all that.
    Of course you are right not all Israelis Palestinians are Jewish Muslims.

    Also interesting that you comment on the two way nature of free speech, criticism of Isreal Palestine and the occupation resistance should of course not be restricted on the basis of their minority status.
  • Options
    BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,679
    Scott_P said:
    Let's hope he doesn't tell them "you've got it all wrong" eh?
  • Options
    The_ApocalypseThe_Apocalypse Posts: 7,830
    edited August 2018
    IanB2 said:


    And, hunting about, there is some academic research on the subject, including this:

    http://repository.essex.ac.uk/17434/1/Quinn_Labour_Leadership_Election_2015_Accepted_Version_2.pdf

    Far be it for PB posters to advance a theory that conflicts with the evidence, but Corbyn polled 44% of pre-2010 members, and would likely have won under any membership ballot arrangement (but not the old electoral college).

    In fairness, it does also contain evidence that the drive for supporters went beyond traditional Labour voters - indeed a striking statistic that according to YouGov fully a quarter of the new registered supporters had voted for the Green Party in the 2015 election (so, rather than Corbyn killing the Greens, as some have assumed, it was the supporter mechanism that did play a part in drastically cutting support for that party, as the polls have shown since), with a full 92% of these ex-Greens going on to vote for Corbyn.

    The paper goes on to analyse why Corbyn won where Abbott failed, and argues that the leftward shift in membership base was only of minor importance (a lot of Corbyn supporters backed one or other of the Milibands the time before). What mattered was changing atttudes, weakening of the electablility argument after Miliband's surprise loss to a Tory majority, the shock of losing Scotland, and increasing impatience with austerity. Basically that Labour's membership was always left-wing but had previously held its nose and backed more moderate candidates.

    Thanks for that info. I also had previously thought that the Labour membership was always pretty left wing. I can’t believe that anyone thought the Labour membership was dominated by people with the outlook of Tony Blair. The views documented in that poll of Labour members earlier on this year (e.g. negative view of American influence, negative view of Israel) seemed to shock a lot of the commentariat on twitter, but I suspect Labour members have long had that outlook.
  • Options
    John_MJohn_M Posts: 7,503

    Scott_P said:

    twitter.com/klemmett_r/status/1024951305167663104

    What I take from that picture...Lily Allen is a posho...who hangs around at events with other poshos, while pretending to the yuff to be just like them.
    Lily Allen is clearly part of the evil liberal elite. What freedom fighters like Murdoch, Farage and Fox were doing attending the same lunch as her, heaven only knows.
    Well quite....the reality, all these elite types get invited to the same social events.
    Indeed. Given how often the elite are berated on here as Remainers against the 'will of the people' I wonder what the Remain:Leave split is among them? I'd guess (of course I would) that it's much more por-Leave because their wealth insulates them from any of the downsides.
    I've not seen any post-EU ref polling on anything more fine-grained than the old ABC1 splits. However, I do recall Shipman asserting that Cameron gave that almost impromptu speech outside Downing Street on the 21st because their research was showing that many over 50s had 'no skin in the game' due to affluence. Hence his appeal directly to our generation.
  • Options
    FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 76,285
    edited August 2018
    Scott_P said:

    twitter.com/JewishChron/status/1025036472175476736

    Lets hope he doesn't claim blame on both sides...
  • Options
    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,283
    edited August 2018

    IanB2 said:


    And, hunting about, there is some academic research on the subject, including this:

    http://repository.essex.ac.uk/17434/1/Quinn_Labour_Leadership_Election_2015_Accepted_Version_2.pdf

    Far be it for PB posters to advance a theory that conflicts with the evidence, but Corbyn polled 44% of pre-2010 members, and would likely have won under any membership ballot arrangement (but not the old electoral college).

    In fairness, it does also contain evidence that the drive for supporters went beyond traditional Labour voters - indeed a striking statistic that according to YouGov fully a quarter of the new registered supporters had voted for the Green Party in the 2015 election (so, rather than Corbyn killing the Greens, as some have assumed, it was the supporter mechanism that did play a part in drastically cutting support for that party, as the polls have shown since), with a full 92% of these ex-Greens going on to vote for Corbyn.

    The paper goes on to analyse why Corbyn won where Abbott failed, and argues that the leftward shift in membership base was only of minor importance (a lot of Corbyn supporters backed one or other of the Milibands the time before). What mattered was changing atttudes, weakening of the electablility argument after Miliband's surprise loss to a Tory majority, the shock of losing Scotland, and increasing impatience with austerity. Basically that Labour's membership was always left-wing but had previously held its nose and backed more moderate candidates.

    Thanks for that info. I also had previously thought that the Labour membership was always pretty left wing. I can’t believe that anyone thought the Labour membership was dominated by people with the outlook of Tony Blair. The views documented in that poll of Labour members earlier on this year (e.g. negative view of American influence, negative view of Israel) seemed to shock a lot of the commentariat on twitter, but I suspect Labour members have long had that outlook.
    The key point is that at the time of the leadership election they were no longer prepared to do the usual thing and turn their back on the left in favour of a supposedly "electable" candidate. If only Mrs Beckett and the others had been more aware of their members' changing attitudes!

    The ongoing fallout from the financial crash coupled with Miliband's failure on a centerist platform appear to be the principal drivers, with the supporter programme and the membership expansion just adding fuel to the fire.

    That the supporter programme became the mechanism that decimated the Green Party was something I didn't realise, assuming like most people that they came after Corbyn rather than before.
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,249
    Scott_P said:
    Jewish Chronicle clearly not feeling mischievous. Imagine if they had put up a photograph where he was waving his other hand...
  • Options
    BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,679
    John_M said:

    Scott_P said:

    twitter.com/klemmett_r/status/1024951305167663104

    What I take from that picture...Lily Allen is a posho...who hangs around at events with other poshos, while pretending to the yuff to be just like them.
    Lily Allen is clearly part of the evil liberal elite. What freedom fighters like Murdoch, Farage and Fox were doing attending the same lunch as her, heaven only knows.
    Well quite....the reality, all these elite types get invited to the same social events.
    Indeed. Given how often the elite are berated on here as Remainers against the 'will of the people' I wonder what the Remain:Leave split is among them? I'd guess (of course I would) that it's much more por-Leave because their wealth insulates them from any of the downsides.
    I've not seen any post-EU ref polling on anything more fine-grained than the old ABC1 splits. However, I do recall Shipman asserting that Cameron gave that almost impromptu speech outside Downing Street on the 21st because their research was showing that many over 50s had 'no skin in the game' due to affluence. Hence his appeal directly to our generation.
    Your generation John, as sadly I am well over 50 now - but there's plenty of us over 50 who put the country and future generations before fantasies of Little England (just not a majority, it seems - yet!)
  • Options
    RobDRobD Posts: 58,969
    New thread...
  • Options
    ydoethurydoethur Posts: 67,249
    edited August 2018
    Incidentally, thinking of drops and slips, surely if Stokes is available and Moeen comes back Malan will get the chop? Can't buy a run and has dropped two vital catches.

    On today's innings, three of England's batsmen did an OK job - Root, Bairstow and Jennings. Only Kohli can say the same for India and he's had to have several let-offs.

    This has not been an impressive match by the batsmen.
  • Options
    MikeSmithsonMikeSmithson Posts: 7,382
    New thread
  • Options
    AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621

    Scott_P said:
    Let's hope he doesn't tell them "you've got it all wrong" eh?
    So I told them, "Tone it down a bit".
  • Options
    The_ApocalypseThe_Apocalypse Posts: 7,830
    edited August 2018
    IanB2 said:

    IanB2 said:


    And, hunting about, there is some academic research on the subject, including this:

    http://repository.essex.ac.uk/17434/1/Quinn_Labour_Leadership_Election_2015_Accepted_Version_2.pdf

    Far be it for PB posters to advance a theory that conflicts with the evidence, but Corbyn polled 44% of pre-2010 members, and would likely have won under any membership ballot arrangement (but not the old electoral college).

    In fairness, it does also contain evidence that the drive for supporters went beyond traditional Labour voters - indeed a striking statistic that according to YouGov fully a quarter of the new registered supporters had voted for the Green Party in the 2015 election (so, rather than Corbyn killing the Greens, as some have assumed, it was the supporter mechanism that did play a part in drastically cutting support for that party, as the polls have shown since), with a full 92% of these ex-Greens going on to vote for Corbyn.

    The
    snip

    Thanks for that info. I also had previously thought that the Labour membership was always pretty left wing. I can’t believe that anyone thought the Labour membership was dominated by people with the outlook of Tony Blair. The views documented in that poll of Labour members earlier on this year (e.g. negative view of American influence, negative view of Israel) seemed to shock a lot of the commentariat on twitter, but I suspect Labour members have long had that outlook.
    The key point is that at the time of the leadership election they were no longer prepared to do the usual thing and turn their back on the left in favour of a supposedly "electable" candidate. If only Mrs Beckett and the others had been more aware of their members' changing attitudes!

    The ongoing fallout from the financial crash coupled with Miliband's failure on a centerist platform appear to be the principal drivers, with the supporter programme and the membership expansion just adding fuel to the fire.

    That the supporter programme became the mechanism that decimated the Green Party was something I didn't realise, assuming like most people that they came after Corbyn rather than before.
    Re your first point - yes, just reading the research paper moderates had also donated votes to Diane Abbott’s candidacy in 2010. I suspect they thought Corbyn’s campaign would go the same way. I remember in 2015 that people like Toby Young were claiming Labour lost because they were ‘too left wing.’


This discussion has been closed.