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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » The first forecast for the midterms gives the Democrats a 75%

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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,328
    kle4 said:

    Now that is one of the more startling ones I've seen (from someone who presumably was not always so, er, extreme.
    The sickness is deep, very deep. I cannot believe how far into the gutter Labour have fallen, so quickly.
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    OchEyeOchEye Posts: 1,469

    Scott_P said:
    Labour's complaint to IPSO is looking even more ill-advised.

    What chance page 1 non-apologies from the papers concerned, saying they were bang on the money with their stories?
    Ah but if Labour win the next GE, then press and media regulation will come in, and be enforced. The press and media better start thinking about this, being in the last chance saloon may not be the best place to be..
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,328

    Panic setting in at the unions. New party is "likely":


    https://twitter.com/DaveWardGS/status/1030467651787808769

    Just look at the comments underneath that. It's like someone has turned over a stone and all the unpleasant people at the edge of the left are scurrying about
    Blimey, yes. Look at this:

    https://twitter.com/salim4li/status/1030514877855612928

    These people are a threat to our democracy.
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    OchEye said:

    Scott_P said:
    Labour's complaint to IPSO is looking even more ill-advised.

    What chance page 1 non-apologies from the papers concerned, saying they were bang on the money with their stories?
    Ah but if Labour win the next GE, then press and media regulation will come in, and be enforced. The press and media better start thinking about this, being in the last chance saloon may not be the best place to be..
    Threatening the press is not a good look
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    kle4kle4 Posts: 92,004

    Panic setting in at the unions. New party is "likely":


    https://twitter.com/DaveWardGS/status/1030467651787808769

    Just look at the comments underneath that. It's like someone has turned over a stone and all the unpleasant people at the edge of the left are scurrying about
    Blimey, yes. Look at this:

    https://twitter.com/salim4li/status/1030514877855612928

    These people are a threat to our democracy.
    When we are lucky the crazies only surge on one side, but when unlucky, *shudder*.
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    Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    @kevwodonnell: Labour Party update: Former Scottish Labour MP 'no longer' has 'respect' for the 'historic suffering' of the Jewish… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1030525179800297473
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,328
    https://twitter.com/IanAustinMP/status/1030543042481139713

    FFS, leave. Break away. Do it. Stop talking about how bad it is. Act.
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,328
    Scott_P said:

    @kevwodonnell: Labour Party update: Former Scottish Labour MP 'no longer' has 'respect' for the 'historic suffering' of the Jewish… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1030525179800297473

    i.e. I know longer care about the holocaust, because its denial by a lot of my fellow lab members is becoming an issue on the road to Jezza's glorious tenure of Downing Street.
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    kle4kle4 Posts: 92,004
    edited August 2018

    https://twitter.com/IanAustinMP/status/1030543042481139713

    FFS, leave. Break away. Do it. Stop talking about how bad it is. Act.

    Eh, I suppose eventually a couple of Tory MPs had the balls to leave for UKIP (and I very much doubt they were the only ones who wanted to), so maybe we'll get a couple, but this lot seem to have never ending tolerance despite declaring that enough is enough. If they aren't prepared to cut loose from the party I get it, I really do (fighting from within is not inherently unreasonable), but if so they could stop signalling their virtue about how mad they are all the time.
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,328
    Really it is astonishing. Not being involved with Labour I had no idea how far and deep the anti-semite thing has become. It is incredible. How many years has this been festering on the left?

    It is now Blair=Iraq War= Basically a Tory = Jew=Banker=Elite=Block to Jezza = Shoah wasn't too bad folks.
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    MJWMJW Posts: 1,378
    kle4 said:

    kle4 said:

    Sam Curran
    Batting average 36.8
    Bowling average 23.5

    Ben Stokes
    Batting average 34.3
    Bowling average 33.0

    Stuart Broad
    Batting average 19.8
    Bowling average 28.8

    Get the feeling that the English cricket management pick their mates ?

    Maybe, and there are questions to raise about the selection, but is comparing averages like really that fair when Curran only has 3 tests to his name? I'd have gone with him based on his performances, but rolling out the numbers like that isn't compelling due to the limited data.
    On data Curran deserves to play and on performances he deserves to play.

    Add on future potential - England are clearly going to win the series - so why not let Curran show what he's capable of.

    What Curran doesn't have yet is either the 'big name' nor being 'one of the gang'.
    Which is why I said I'd have picked him. But the averages comparison is not determinative on that.
    It's also about roles and balancing the attack and side. Curran, brilliant young player that he is, probably isn't quick enough to get wickets if it doesn't swing much and the deck is slow and flat - certainly at this stage of his career. It took Anderson another three or four years to develop his skills to become a really potent test swing bowler. Therefore he's really competing for a place with Woakes. Stokes is basically the third strike bowler - he's quick and aggressive enough to get wickets if the ball is doing naff all. Jimmy is a master when it swings, Broad does a bit of both but these days is quite streaky. I'd have probably picked Curran over Woakes (harsh as it is to drop someone after a ton) as the the kid really can bat, and having a left-armer just gives you a different weapon. But it's a nice problem to have and no one should really care either way in cricketing terms.

    Curran's time will come though. I'm guessing the theory is that the management know he's got time on his side and if they have the options, at 20, there's no need to play him constantly until he has the inevitable bad game and loses confidence. Leave him in an around the team and let him learn - he's well ahead of schedule and will get plenty of opportunities either on tour or when there's an injury or loss of form. He'll only be about 22-23 when Jimmy calls it a day!
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    kle4kle4 Posts: 92,004
    kle4 said:

    https://twitter.com/IanAustinMP/status/1030543042481139713

    FFS, leave. Break away. Do it. Stop talking about how bad it is. Act.

    Eh, I suppose eventually a couple of Tory MPs had the balls to leave for UKIP (and I very much doubt they were the only ones who wanted to), so maybe we'll get a couple, but this lot seem to have never ending tolerance despite declaring that enough is enough. If they aren't prepared to cut loose from the party I get it, I really do (fighting from within is not inherently unreasonable), but if so they could stop signalling their virtue about how mad they are all the time.
    In fairness 2 have left Labour, but it hardly feels noteworthy, as one was over things nothing to do with the party's direction it seems, and the other it kind of was, but they already seemed practically an independent.
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,328
    Ward gets support from Williamson, what a surprise:

    https://twitter.com/DerbyChrisW/status/1030520299324928002
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    kle4kle4 Posts: 92,004
    edited August 2018

    Ward gets support from Williamson, what a surprise:

    hps://twitter.com/DerbyChrisW/status/1030520299324928002

    Funny how being a malcontent is a bad thing now the old malcontents are in charge.

    Interesting to hear on here the other day that apparently Williamson used to seem pretty unremarkable pre2015. Losing his seat seems to really have shaken him up, or maybe he is just that committed to the person who helped him regain it.
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    MJWMJW Posts: 1,378
    kle4 said:

    https://twitter.com/IanAustinMP/status/1030543042481139713

    FFS, leave. Break away. Do it. Stop talking about how bad it is. Act.

    Eh, I suppose eventually a couple of Tory MPs had the balls to leave for UKIP (and I very much doubt they were the only ones who wanted to), so maybe we'll get a couple, but this lot seem to have never ending tolerance despite declaring that enough is enough. If they aren't prepared to cut loose from the party I get it, I really do (fighting from within is not inherently unreasonable), but if so they could stop signalling their virtue about how mad they are all the time.
    It's an entirely different situation though. Rightly or wrongly non-Corbynite, Labour MPs feel they have a duty to stay and fight because they have colleagues and members who they have to fight for -appalled as they are. They won't jump until they really do feel the party has truly reached the point of no return - and those who stand with them feel the same. You still have a Jewish Labour Movement who are vocal in how appalled they are but want people on the left to stay or join in solidarity rather than sod off and leave Labour entirely to the lunatic cranks.

    Now, some MPs almost certainly are close to breaking point - but unlike the UKIP Tories, whose aim was basically to scare Cameron into doing exactly what he ended up doing - Labour MPs have to consider whether quitting is abandoning their post in the fight or a true call to arms. Doing say, a Tristam Hunt is as utterly ineffectual, if not more so as getting angry within Labour and continuing to call Corbyn out. At least for the moment.
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    MJWMJW Posts: 1,378
    Or, to put it another way - if you think Corbynism is an abomination that has enabled racism, you have to defeat it and marginalise it somehow on the left. The only thing worse than the current situation is taking up arms when you're going to lose and leave the battlefield entirely to the awful individuals currently in the ascendancy. You may know you need to break out of the salient - but it's a question of how and when to do so - and when you absolutely have to.
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    Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...
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    Scott_P said:

    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    John Woodcock
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    stodgestodge Posts: 12,894
    Scott_P said:

    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    Yes, well, I'm sure the Conservatives are hoping for a schism on the model of the SDP because that will effectively give them another decade in power.

    I suppose they could be careful what they wish for and perhaps a number of their own MPs and activists and Councillors would join a new party.

    Those contemplating the schism might be considering one other thing - Corbyn in power might be easier to manage as he will be dependent on the majority of the parliamentary party to get through legislation in a way the formulation of policy in opposition doesn't.

    The other aspects are logistical and legal - would whole CLP branches defect or would it be parts of the membership? I remember reading that 2/3 of those who joined the SDP in the first month hadn't been in any political party. Could a new party find such a groundswell of "new" people to get it started? Inevitably there would be areas of strength and areas of weakness - here in Newham would all 60 Councillors stay in Labour or would a number defect and form an Opposition group (bit of a novelty here)? Could enough defect in one area to give the New Party a council or two to run?

    Huge questions, no easy answers.
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    ReggieCideReggieCide Posts: 4,312
    MJW said:

    kle4 said:

    https://twitter.com/IanAustinMP/status/1030543042481139713

    FFS, leave. Break away. Do it. Stop talking about how bad it is. Act.

    Eh, I suppose eventually a couple of Tory MPs had the balls to leave for UKIP (and I very much doubt they were the only ones who wanted to), so maybe we'll get a couple, but this lot seem to have never ending tolerance despite declaring that enough is enough. If they aren't prepared to cut loose from the party I get it, I really do (fighting from within is not inherently unreasonable), but if so they could stop signalling their virtue about how mad they are all the time.
    It's an entirely different situation though. Rightly or wrongly non-Corbynite, Labour MPs feel they have a duty to stay and fight because they have colleagues and members who they have to fight for -appalled as they are. They won't jump until they really do feel the party has truly reached the point of no return - and those who stand with them feel the same. You still have a Jewish Labour Movement who are vocal in how appalled they are but want people on the left to stay or join in solidarity rather than sod off and leave Labour entirely to the lunatic cranks.

    Now, some MPs almost certainly are close to breaking point - but unlike the UKIP Tories, whose aim was basically to scare Cameron into doing exactly what he ended up doing - Labour MPs have to consider whether quitting is abandoning their post in the fight or a true call to arms. Doing say, a Tristam Hunt is as utterly ineffectual, if not more so as getting angry within Labour and continuing to call Corbyn out. At least for the moment.
    Many years ago Labour used to be the party of the working man, now it is the party of ponces.
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    david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 17,422
    stodge said:

    Scott_P said:

    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    Yes, well, I'm sure the Conservatives are hoping for a schism on the model of the SDP because that will effectively give them another decade in power.

    I suppose they could be careful what they wish for and perhaps a number of their own MPs and activists and Councillors would join a new party.

    Those contemplating the schism might be considering one other thing - Corbyn in power might be easier to manage as he will be dependent on the majority of the parliamentary party to get through legislation in a way the formulation of policy in opposition doesn't.

    The other aspects are logistical and legal - would whole CLP branches defect or would it be parts of the membership? I remember reading that 2/3 of those who joined the SDP in the first month hadn't been in any political party. Could a new party find such a groundswell of "new" people to get it started? Inevitably there would be areas of strength and areas of weakness - here in Newham would all 60 Councillors stay in Labour or would a number defect and form an Opposition group (bit of a novelty here)? Could enough defect in one area to give the New Party a council or two to run?

    Huge questions, no easy answers.
    It should be remembered how close the Liberal-SDP Alliance came to winning power. They polled 40-50% through the autumn and early winter of 1981-2. Who knows how events might have panned out but for the Falklands - or, for that matter, had Britain lost.

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.
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    david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 17,422
    Just to say, I am writing on Corbyn and his Jewish problem tomorrow. I'm not holding back.
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    kle4kle4 Posts: 92,004

    Scott_P said:

    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    John Woodcock
    He was kind of already on the outs, unique in that he flat out said he couldn't countenance Corbyn as PM prior to election. Clearly unique, and left under a cloud of investigation. No one seems particular keen to follow him and O'Mara into the wilderness.
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    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,131

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.

    "A centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit"

    What is your logic for that statement?
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    saddo said:
    I asume the same would happen in French, Irish, Dutch and other EU ports.

    The voters across Europe would be furious with the political classes, not just in the UK
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    david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 17,422
    edited August 2018

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.

    "A centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit"

    What is your logic for that statement?
    Oops. I meant "strongly pro-Remain on Brexit".
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    kle4kle4 Posts: 92,004
    There's nothing clever in that phrase. Not in those who coined it, and not in those who think they are throwing in back in someone else's face. It pretends inevitability of specific outcomes, when even if certain ones were and are more likely and people, like me for instance, should have been more cognizant of that, are still not inevitable so as a retort it is just bloody silly.
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    saddosaddo Posts: 534
    justin124 said:
    All the German blocked with all the cars we ain't buying from them anymore.
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    stodge said:

    Scott_P said:

    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    Yes, well, I'm sure the Conservatives are hoping for a schism on the model of the SDP because that will effectively give them another decade in power.

    I suppose they could be careful what they wish for and perhaps a number of their own MPs and activists and Councillors would join a new party.

    Those contemplating the schism might be considering one other thing - Corbyn in power might be easier to manage as he will be dependent on the majority of the parliamentary party to get through legislation in a way the formulation of policy in opposition doesn't.

    The other aspects are logistical and legal - would whole CLP branches defect or would it be parts of the membership? I remember reading that 2/3 of those who joined the SDP in the first month hadn't been in any political party. Could a new party find such a groundswell of "new" people to get it started? Inevitably there would be areas of strength and areas of weakness - here in Newham would all 60 Councillors stay in Labour or would a number defect and form an Opposition group (bit of a novelty here)? Could enough defect in one area to give the New Party a council or two to run?

    Huge questions, no easy answers.
    IIRC in 1981 all three Islington Labour MPs and a majority of Islington councillors joined the SDP.

    Now that's one thing I can't see being repeated.
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    justin124justin124 Posts: 11,527

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.

    "A centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit"

    What is your logic for that statement?
    Oops. I meant "strongly pro-Remain on Brexit".
    I really do not believe that Brexit is a sufficiently salient issue on which to build significant support for any new party.
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    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,131
    They'd have to get ready for a unity referendum sooner than expected.
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    kle4 said:

    There's nothing clever in that phrase. Not in those who coined it, and not in those who think they are throwing in back in someone else's face. It pretends inevitability of specific outcomes, when even if certain ones were and are more likely and people, like me for instance, should have been more cognizant of that, are still not inevitable so as a retort it is just bloody silly.
    You cancel your gym membership don't complain that you're not allowed in the gym anymore.

    Or as I said before the referendum

    https://twitter.com/TSEofPB/status/722391453599723520
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    stodgestodge Posts: 12,894



    It should be remembered how close the Liberal-SDP Alliance came to winning power. They polled 40-50% through the autumn and early winter of 1981-2. Who knows how events might have panned out but for the Falklands - or, for that matter, had Britain lost.

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.

    Indeed, as I've recounted on here before, I remember canvassing in midwinter 1982 down a very Conservative street in Bromley as an early sighter for the local elections due that May and I couldn't believe how soft the Conservative vote was - in truth, it had disintegrated to the SDP.

    We'll never know - some claim the Conservatives would have won in 1984 on the back of an improving economy - maybe but I can't see a 144-seat landslide. Had the majority been very small or non-existent, the radical policies of the second term would never have been enacted.
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    BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,783

    stodge said:

    Scott_P said:

    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    Yes, well, I'm sure the Conservatives are hoping for a schism on the model of the SDP because that will effectively give them another decade in power.

    I suppose they could be careful what they wish for and perhaps a number of their own MPs and activists and Councillors would join a new party.

    Those contemplating the schism might be considering one other thing - Corbyn in power might be easier to manage as he will be dependent on the majority of the parliamentary party to get through legislation in a way the formulation of policy in opposition doesn't.

    The other aspects are logistical and legal - would whole CLP branches defect or would it be parts of the membership? I remember reading that 2/3 of those who joined the SDP in the first month hadn't been in any political party. Could a new party find such a groundswell of "new" people to get it started? Inevitably there would be areas of strength and areas of weakness - here in Newham would all 60 Councillors stay in Labour or would a number defect and form an Opposition group (bit of a novelty here)? Could enough defect in one area to give the New Party a council or two to run?

    Huge questions, no easy answers.
    It should be remembered how close the Liberal-SDP Alliance came to winning power. They polled 40-50% through the autumn and early winter of 1981-2. Who knows how events might have panned out but for the Falklands - or, for that matter, had Britain lost.

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.
    The timing of any breakaway is important, and one reason why we should not expect a split before 2021.

    Too soon before a GE and any bandwagon surge of support for a new party risks running out of steam. Compare the timing and fate of the SDP with En Marche; 2 years ahead of a GE is perhaps too early - 1 year ahead seemed to work.
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    mattmatt Posts: 3,789
    justin124 said:
    justin124 said:
    It’s almost as if the world’s completely changed and comparing events from over 40 years ago to today is a worthless exercise.
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    justin124justin124 Posts: 11,527
    matt said:

    justin124 said:
    justin124 said:
    It’s almost as if the world’s completely changed and comparing events from over 40 years ago to today is a worthless exercise.
    Surely not!
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    mattmatt Posts: 3,789
    edited August 2018
    The left and right really are very similar.

    He forgot to note the follow-up to the return question, “never I hope you repugnant bigot”
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    stodge said:

    Scott_P said:

    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    Yes, well, I'm sure the Conservatives are hoping for a schism on the model of the SDP because that will effectively give them another decade in power.

    I suppose they could be careful what they wish for and perhaps a number of their own MPs and activists and Councillors would join a new party.

    Those contemplating the schism might be considering one other thing - Corbyn in power might be easier to manage as he will be dependent on the majority of the parliamentary party to get through legislation in a way the formulation of policy in opposition doesn't.

    The other aspects are logistical and legal - would whole CLP branches defect or would it be parts of the membership? I remember reading that 2/3 of those who joined the SDP in the first month hadn't been in any political party. Could a new party find such a groundswell of "new" people to get it started? Inevitably there would be areas of strength and areas of weakness - here in Newham would all 60 Councillors stay in Labour or would a number defect and form an Opposition group (bit of a novelty here)? Could enough defect in one area to give the New Party a council or two to run?

    Huge questions, no easy answers.
    It should be remembered how close the Liberal-SDP Alliance came to winning power. They polled 40-50% through the autumn and early winter of 1981-2. Who knows how events might have panned out but for the Falklands - or, for that matter, had Britain lost.

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.
    The timing of any breakaway is important, and one reason why we should not expect a split before 2021.

    Too soon before a GE and any bandwagon surge of support for a new party risks running out of steam. Compare the timing and fate of the SDP with En Marche; 2 years ahead of a GE is perhaps too early - 1 year ahead seemed to work.
    The problem is that in this unstable climate an election could happen by accident at anytime.

    Labour mps have a huge decision to take and it needs courage but they will end up in the abyss with Corbyn if they are not careful
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    NorthofStokeNorthofStoke Posts: 1,758

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.

    "A centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit"

    What is your logic for that statement?
    Oops. I meant "strongly pro-Remain on Brexit".
    Depends when it is formed. If some kind of a deal is reached it might be better to accept it and take a "reform if necessary" position. The main thing is to get a pragmatic anti-ideology "sensible" party that hasn't got the unpleasant outlook of some Tories (variously the Nationalist, reactionary and self-satisfied git groupings) and which can really combat the deranged sharlatan programme of Corbyn / McDonnell. Needs some optimistic fresh thinking on employment, tax, welfare and wealth creation and distribution. I'm probably in if a new party is launched. (Not if it is too late period Blair though!)
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    BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,783

    stodge said:

    Scott_P said:



    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    Yes, well, I'm sure the Conservatives are hoping for a schism on the model of the SDP because that will effectively give them another decade in power.

    I suppose they could be careful what they wish for and perhaps a number of their own MPs and activists and Councillors would join a new party.

    Those contemplating the schism might be considering one other thing - Corbyn in power might be easier to manage as he will be dependent on the majority of the parliamentary party to get through legislation in a way the formulation of policy in opposition doesn't.

    The other aspects are logistical and legal - would whole CLP branches defect or would it be parts of the membership? I remember reading that 2/3 of those who joined the SDP in the first month hadn't been in any political party. Could a new party find such a groundswell of "new" people to get it started? Inevitably there would be areas of strength and areas of weakness - here in Newham would all 60 Councillors stay in Labour or would a number defect and form an Opposition group (bit of a novelty here)? Could enough defect in one area to give the New Party a council or two to run?

    Huge questions, no easy answers.
    It should be remembered how close the Liberal-SDP Alliance came to winning power. They polled 40-50% through the autumn and early winter of 1981-2. Who knows how events might have panned out but for the Falklands - or, for that matter, had Britain lost.

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.
    The timing of any breakaway is important, and one reason why we should not expect a split before 2021.

    Too soon before a GE and any bandwagon surge of support for a new party risks running out of steam. Compare the timing and fate of the SDP with En Marche; 2 years ahead of a GE is perhaps too early - 1 year ahead seemed to work.
    The problem is that in this unstable climate an election could happen by accident at anytime.

    Labour mps have a huge decision to take and it needs courage but they will end up in the abyss with Corbyn if they are not careful
    I cannot see how 'an election could happen by accident at any time' given the FTPA Big_G.
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    saddo said:
    I asume the same would happen in French, Irish, Dutch and other EU ports.

    The voters across Europe would be furious with the political classes, not just in the UK
    Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Big and Sad, Your posts made me laugh. They are all still there, one united team clubbing together, helping each other out through the tough times ahead. The idea us on the outside all mean aggressive and competing against them brings Armageddon upon them, that’s fantasy. Because, and I will keep repeating this fact until the penny drops, key and vital trade for us with our nearest neighbours did not begin when we joined EEC in seventies, or EU in nineties, it’s been there since year dot. Being at the top table of EU for so long merely twisted and bastardised our economies dependency on EU commerce, not originated it.

    Brexit means we’re a junkie going to rehab.
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    matt said:

    The left and right really are very similar.

    He forgot to note the follow-up to the return question, “never I hope you repugnant bigot”
    Well said - he is more than repugnant
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    ReggieCideReggieCide Posts: 4,312
    kle4 said:

    There's nothing clever in that phrase. Not in those who coined it, and not in those who think they are throwing in back in someone else's face. It pretends inevitability of specific outcomes, when even if certain ones were and are more likely and people, like me for instance, should have been more cognizant of that, are still not inevitable so as a retort it is just bloody silly.
    It's a product of the world we now live in. Many people can't cope with anything other than short-speak; not that I'm suggesting that that applies to PBers!
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    FF43FF43 Posts: 15,785
    edited August 2018

    saddo said:
    I asume the same would happen in French, Irish, Dutch and other EU ports.

    The voters across Europe would be furious with the political classes, not just in the UK
    There will be a deal (I think). No Deal was only invented to avoid facing up to the fact that a vote for Leave was a vote for an arrangement on the EU's terms, necessarily worse than what we had before.
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    bigjohnowlsbigjohnowls Posts: 21,895

    stodge said:

    Scott_P said:

    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    Yes, well, I'm sure the Conservatives are hoping for a schism on the model of the SDP because that will effectively give them another decade in power.

    I suppose they could be careful what they wish for and perhaps a number of their own MPs and activists and Councillors would join a new party.

    Those contemplating the schism might be considering one other thing - Corbyn in power might be easier to manage as he will be dependent on the majority of the parliamentary party to get through legislation in a way the formulation of policy in opposition doesn't.

    The other aspects are logistical and legal - would whole CLP branches defect or would it be parts of the membership? I remember reading that 2/3 of those who joined the SDP in the first month hadn't been in any political party. Could a new party find such a groundswell of "new" people to get it started? Inevitably there would be areas of strength and areas of weakness - here in Newham would all 60 Councillors stay in Labour or would a number defect and form an Opposition group (bit of a novelty here)? Could enough defect in one area to give the New Party a council or two to run?

    Huge questions, no easy answers.
    It should be remembered how close the Liberal-SDP Alliance came to winning power. They polled 40-50% through the autumn and early winter of 1981-2. Who knows how events might have panned out but for the Falklands - or, for that matter, had Britain lost.

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.

    Too soon before a GE and any bandwagon surge of support for a new party risks running out of steam.
    .
    The problem is that in this unstable climate an election could happen by accident at anytime.

    Labour mps have a huge decision to take and it needs courage but they will end up in the abyss with Corbyn if they are not careful
    Only compulsory reselection would be a catalyst for major defections IMO.

    Can see a Tory split coming post No Deal or BINO though
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    ReggieCideReggieCide Posts: 4,312

    They'd have to get ready for a unity referendum sooner than expected.
    where?
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    OchEyeOchEye Posts: 1,469
    stodge said:

    Scott_P said:

    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    Yes, well, I'm sure the Conservatives are hoping for a schism on the model of the SDP because that will effectively give them another decade in power.

    I suppose they could be careful what they wish for and perhaps a number of their own MPs and activists and Councillors would join a new party.

    Those contemplating the schism might be considering one other thing - Corbyn in power might be easier to manage as he will be dependent on the majority of the parliamentary party to get through legislation in a way the formulation of policy in opposition doesn't.

    The other aspects are logistical and legal - would whole CLP branches defect or would it be parts of the membership? I remember reading that 2/3 of those who joined the SDP in the first month hadn't been in any political party. Could a new party find such a groundswell of "new" people to get it started? Inevitably there would be areas of strength and areas of weakness - here in Newham would all 60 Councillors stay in Labour or would a number defect and form an Opposition group (bit of a novelty here)? Could enough defect in one area to give the New Party a council or two to run?

    Huge questions, no easy answers.
    Too many of the usual suspects are known, and this time, the clp's are ready and waiting for the MP's to flounce. Prospective candidates are waiting in the wings - after all, it will be a lot easier than going through the deselection procedure if the CCP deselect themselves.
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    BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,783

    stodge said:

    Scott_P said:



    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    Yes, well, I'm sure the Conservatives are hoping for a schism on the model of the SDP because that will effectively give them another decade in power.

    I suppose they could be careful what they wish for and perhaps a number of their own MPs and activists and Councillors would join a new party.

    Those contemplating the schism might be considering one other thing - Corbyn in power might be easier to manage as he will be dependent on the majority of the parliamentary party to get through legislation in a way the formulation of policy in opposition doesn't.

    The other aspects are logistical and legal - would whole CLP branches defect or would it be parts of the membership? I remember reading that 2/3 of those who joined the SDP in the first month hadn't been in any political party. Could a new party find such a groundswell of "new" people to get it started? Inevitably there would be areas of strength and areas of weakness - here in Newham would all 60 Councillors stay in Labour or would a number defect and form an Opposition group (bit of a novelty here)? Could enough defect in one area to give the New Party a council or two to run?

    Huge questions, no easy answers.
    It should be remembered how close the Liberal-SDP Alliance came to winning power. They polled 40-50% through the autumn and early winter of 1981-2. Who knows how events might have panned out but for the Falklands - or, for that matter, had Britain lost.

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.

    Too soon before a GE and any bandwagon surge of support for a new party risks running out of steam.
    .
    The problem is that in this unstable climate an election could happen by accident at anytime.

    Labour mps have a huge decision to take and it needs courage but they will end up in the abyss with Corbyn if they are not careful
    Only compulsory reselection would be a catalyst for major defections IMO.

    Can see a Tory split coming post No Deal or BINO though
    Interesting view BJO. Do you think compulsory reselection is a possibility?
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    There was a young man named Farage
    Who one day got stuck in his garage
    He campaigned so hard
    But let down his guard
    And lost to an electoral barrage
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    AlistairAlistair Posts: 23,670
    justin124 said:
    It's almost like it isn't 1972 anymore.
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    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,131

    Only compulsory reselection would be a catalyst for major defections IMO.

    Can see a Tory split coming post No Deal or BINO though

    Interesting view BJO. Do you think compulsory reselection is a possibility?
    I posted last week that I got polled by the Conservative party (for the first time ever) about my local MP and was asked if I'd be more likely to vote Conservative with a different candidate.
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    Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 60,359
    edited August 2018
    Telegraph leader going for Corbyn with a hard hitting article by a Munich survivor
  • Options
    ralphmalphralphmalph Posts: 2,201
    Again it is the basic question, "Why would haulage firms that know their lorries can not drive on mainland EU send their lorries to the the Chunnel and the ferry ports? They are not stupid. As the tweet in the middle says the haulage firms need to find a different method. It will be containers, into container ports.
    There will be no queues on the M20 into Dover because in the case of no deal, Dover will be a ghost town.
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    MJW said:

    Or, to put it another way - if you think Corbynism is an abomination that has enabled racism, you have to defeat it and marginalise it somehow on the left. The only thing worse than the current situation is taking up arms when you're going to lose and leave the battlefield entirely to the awful individuals currently in the ascendancy. You may know you need to break out of the salient - but it's a question of how and when to do so - and when you absolutely have to.

    I like your “politics is the art of the possible” post, ending in “there comes a time to plant our flag here and die beneath it.”

    What exactly is that flag? And where exactly will it be planted?

    I can answer those questions. The answer is the same as the ideological difference between Blairites and Brownites, the ideological differences between Trotsky and Stalin, the Eastern Church and The ravers from North Africa. Etc etc
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,328

    They'd have to get ready for a unity referendum sooner than expected.
    where?
    It's over, Brexiteers. You have failed utterly.

    A new vote will sort all this huge public misunderstanding out.

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    FF43FF43 Posts: 15,785
    edited August 2018
    justin124 said:
    Indeed. In the seventies the vehicles were stopped on the motorway because they were made in British Leyland by Red Robbo or whatever his name was. They never actually got to Calais.
  • Options

    Only compulsory reselection would be a catalyst for major defections IMO.

    Can see a Tory split coming post No Deal or BINO though

    Interesting view BJO. Do you think compulsory reselection is a possibility?
    I posted last week that I got polled by the Conservative party (for the first time ever) about my local MP and was asked if I'd be more likely to vote Conservative with a different candidate.
    Who was the pollster?
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    BromptonautBromptonaut Posts: 1,113

    Telegraph leader going for Corbyn with a hard hitting article by a Munich survivor

    Yawn.
  • Options

    Just to say, I am writing on Corbyn and his Jewish problem tomorrow. I'm not holding back.

    And you will explain why Tories like yourself are helping Labour Moderates hollow out Corbin, the end result being a Labour government?

    Toby Young needs to get his Labour membership and beat you over the head with it until you wake up.
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    LEAVING under the fear, till nothing else REMAINS
    All the children say
    We don't need another Euro
    We don't need to know the way home
    All we want is life beyond the Eurozone
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    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,131

    Only compulsory reselection would be a catalyst for major defections IMO.

    Can see a Tory split coming post No Deal or BINO though

    Interesting view BJO. Do you think compulsory reselection is a possibility?
    I posted last week that I got polled by the Conservative party (for the first time ever) about my local MP and was asked if I'd be more likely to vote Conservative with a different candidate.
    Who was the pollster?
    It wasn't a name I recognised and I wasn't fully paying attention at that stage so I don't remember. They only told me at the end who it was on behalf of.
  • Options

    Only compulsory reselection would be a catalyst for major defections IMO.

    Can see a Tory split coming post No Deal or BINO though

    Interesting view BJO. Do you think compulsory reselection is a possibility?
    I posted last week that I got polled by the Conservative party (for the first time ever) about my local MP and was asked if I'd be more likely to vote Conservative with a different candidate.
    Who was the pollster?
    It wasn't a name I recognised and I wasn't fully paying attention at that stage so I don't remember. They only told me at the end who it was on behalf of.
    Cheers.
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,328
    The Left are tearing themselves to pieces over Jezza and wreathes and who is purer than pure.

    https://twitter.com/AaronBastani/status/1030563813689647104
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    Telegraph leader going for Corbyn with a hard hitting article by a Munich survivor

    Yawn.
    Is that how you react to someone who survived an atrocity.
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    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395

    Just to say, I am writing on Corbyn and his Jewish problem tomorrow. I'm not holding back.

    Looking forward to it.
  • Options

    Only compulsory reselection would be a catalyst for major defections IMO.

    Can see a Tory split coming post No Deal or BINO though

    Interesting view BJO. Do you think compulsory reselection is a possibility?
    I posted last week that I got polled by the Conservative party (for the first time ever) about my local MP and was asked if I'd be more likely to vote Conservative with a different candidate.
    Who was the pollster?
    It wasn't a name I recognised and I wasn't fully paying attention at that stage so I don't remember. They only told me at the end who it was on behalf of.
    ComGov?
    YouRes?
    Opulus?
    Popinium?
    IMG?
    BCM?
  • Options
    AlistairAlistair Posts: 23,670

    Again it is the basic question, "Why would haulage firms that know their lorries can not drive on mainland EU send their lorries to the the Chunnel and the ferry ports? They are not stupid. As the tweet in the middle says the haulage firms need to find a different method. It will be containers, into container ports.
    There will be no queues on the M20 into Dover because in the case of no deal, Dover will be a ghost town.
    Interesting thing will be foreign haulage firms. Having a quick look at the stats as long as I haven't bollockesed up what I am looking at in 1983 there were 186,000 UK registered lorries that headed into Europe and conincidentally 186,000 Foreign registered lorries that made the UK to Europe trip as well.

    In 2017 it was 345,000 UK vehicles and 2 million European registered goods vehicles.
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,328
    AndyJS said:

    Just to say, I am writing on Corbyn and his Jewish problem tomorrow. I'm not holding back.

    Looking forward to it.
    Expect an hash tag attack from the Cult. Something along the lines that all betting folk are neo-liberal, worldwide jewish conspiracy etc etc
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    geoffwgeoffw Posts: 8,176
    edited August 2018
    Ishmael_Z said:

    geoffw said:

    ‘The rocks will melt with the sun before I allow tuition fees to be imposed on Scottish students.’ - Alec Salmond, 2011
    Now: Revealed: the Scottish uni courses for (feepaying) English students only
    https://blogs.spectator.co.uk/2018/08/revealed-the-scottish-university-courses-only-open-to-englands-fee-paying-students/

    Ho.Lee.Fuk. That's apartheid.

    It is worth bringing forward the links for the goodies on offer if you are English

    https://www.gla.ac.uk/study/clearing/ruk/

    vs. Scottish

    https://www.gla.ac.uk/study/clearing/scotland/
    The University which proudly displays Salmond's preposterous assertion carved onto rock has this on its website:
    Due to Scottish Government limits on the number of places available, we are only able to offer vacancies to students who can be considered for a Widening Access place. We have no vacancies for EU applicants (outside the UK) or Scottish applications outside of SIMD20 areas.
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    TheJezziahTheJezziah Posts: 3,840

    Scott_P said:

    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    John Woodcock
    Woodcock probably left because he was under investigation for doing something wrong.

    Note he has not rushed to get that independent investigation and managed to stay in the Labour party before that.

    Not that anybody cares about his potential victim, I assume she should be ignored so the right wing press have more ammo against Corbyn.
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    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,328

    Telegraph leader going for Corbyn with a hard hitting article by a Munich survivor

    Yawn.
    Is that how you react to someone who survived an atrocity.
    No doubt this chap slept through most of the film "Shoah". Old news etc etc...
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    surbysurby Posts: 1,227

    Sam Curran
    Batting average 36.8
    Bowling average 23.5

    Ben Stokes
    Batting average 34.3
    Bowling average 33.0

    Stuart Broad
    Batting average 19.8
    Bowling average 28.8

    Get the feeling that the English cricket management pick their mates ?

    Curran also brings variety. England will now have 4 right hand fast medium bowlers.
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    They'd have to get ready for a unity referendum sooner than expected.
    where?
    It's over, Brexiteers. You have failed utterly.

    Me? Are you kidding? Hey, I was with you all the time! That was beautiful! Did you see the way they fell into out trap? Ha ha!
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    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    edited August 2018
    At the last Swedish election the Sweden Democrats were underestimated by every pollster. Doesn't necessarily mean it'll happen again.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_for_the_Swedish_general_election,_2014

    With the 4 exit polls, the average SD rating was 9.85%. They got 12.9%.
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    AndyJS said:

    Just to say, I am writing on Corbyn and his Jewish problem tomorrow. I'm not holding back.

    Looking forward to it.
    Expect an hash tag attack from the Cult. Something along the lines that all betting folk are neo-liberal, worldwide jewish conspiracy etc etc
    #HerdsonComparisons :lol:
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    Scott_P said:

    It has been noted that Corbyn can't be shamed into anything. He is not ashamed of anything he has done, however repugnant.

    I do find it surprising though that not a single Labour MP has been shamed into leaving a party led by him.

    A trickle might become a flood, but it would need a single drop to flow first...

    John Woodcock
    Woodcock probably left because he was under investigation for doing something wrong.

    Note he has not rushed to get that independent investigation and managed to stay in the Labour party before that.

    Not that anybody cares about his potential victim, I assume she should be ignored so the right wing press have more ammo against Corbyn.
    Maybe alleged should appear
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    BromptonautBromptonaut Posts: 1,113

    Telegraph leader going for Corbyn with a hard hitting article by a Munich survivor

    Yawn.
    Is that how you react to someone who survived an atrocity.
    It’s how I’m reacting to you.

  • Options
    rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,328

    AndyJS said:

    Just to say, I am writing on Corbyn and his Jewish problem tomorrow. I'm not holding back.

    Looking forward to it.
    Expect an hash tag attack from the Cult. Something along the lines that all betting folk are neo-liberal, worldwide jewish conspiracy etc etc
    #HerdsonComparisons :lol:
    :lol:

    People who bet on politics are making money off the failure of the poor to secure a living wage etc etc.

    That's if the vermin win of course.
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    Telegraph leader going for Corbyn with a hard hitting article by a Munich survivor

    Yawn.
    Is that how you react to someone who survived an atrocity.
    It’s how I’m reacting to you.

    So shoot the messenger - why dont you read the article
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    TheJezziahTheJezziah Posts: 3,840
    edited August 2018

    MJW said:



    It's an entirely different situation though. Rightly or wrongly non-Corbynite, Labour MPs feel they have a duty to stay and fight because they have colleagues and members who they have to fight for -appalled as they are. They won't jump until they really do feel the party has truly reached the point of no return - and those who stand with them feel the same. You still have a Jewish Labour Movement who are vocal in how appalled they are but want people on the left to stay or join in solidarity rather than sod off and leave Labour entirely to the lunatic cranks.

    Now, some MPs almost certainly are close to breaking point - but unlike the UKIP Tories, whose aim was basically to scare Cameron into doing exactly what he ended up doing - Labour MPs have to consider whether quitting is abandoning their post in the fight or a true call to arms. Doing say, a Tristam Hunt is as utterly ineffectual, if not more so as getting angry within Labour and continuing to call Corbyn out. At least for the moment.

    Many years ago Labour used to be the party of the working man, now it is the party of ponces.
    I assume the final straw was when we lost people like working class champion and the opposite of poncey Tristram Hunt, real rough working class heroes like Tristram have been cast aside whilst poncey rich types who think of the working classes as peasants like Dennis Skinner have had their ideas come to the fore...

    Labour should be the party of Tristram's or what is it for?

    The reason there is so much anger at Labour is because they don't represent certain sections of wealthy middle classes that they used too, represented by people like Tristram and ex Labour voters on here. You can't exactly complain that Labour don't represent wealthy people anymore so they claim their annoyance is based on working class voters. Labour had been losing plenty of working class support previously and nobody cared outside of the ability to win seats. You'll forgive me for thinking it is another excuse for those who have no real interest in the working classes to have a go at Corbyn.

    Labour actually attracted more working class support under Corbyn, that isn't the point, these wealthy people don't want Labour looking after the working classes, they want Tristram looked after and they will keep writing angry tweets and columns until they get it.
  • Options
    One of Sunday's threads features a discussion of the alternative vote system and a segue to a seminal 90s pop song.
  • Options

    One of Sunday's threads features a discussion of the alternative vote system and a segue to a seminal 90s pop song.

    Is that the same AV that was rejected by the UK voters 68% to 32%?

    That AV?

    :lol:
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    Telegraph leader going for Corbyn with a hard hitting article by a Munich survivor

    Yawn.
    Is that how you react to someone who survived an atrocity.
    It’s how I’m reacting to you.

    He didn't write article.
  • Options
    RobDRobD Posts: 58,990

    Telegraph leader going for Corbyn with a hard hitting article by a Munich survivor

    Yawn.
    Is that how you react to someone who survived an atrocity.
    It’s how I’m reacting to you.

    Not sure what Big G said to warrant that....
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    RobDRobD Posts: 58,990

    One of Sunday's threads features a discussion of the alternative vote system and a segue to a seminal 90s pop song.

    Damn, you are a tease.
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    david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 17,422
    justin124 said:

    I don't think that such a realignment is replicable at the moment because of Brexit (a centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit, which will mean the Tories have a floor of probably around 35%), but even so, if a new centre-left party could become the clear largest party, there's no reason why, in alliance with the Lib Dems, it couldn't match or exceed that share.

    "A centrist alliance has to be strongly pro-Brexit"

    What is your logic for that statement?
    Oops. I meant "strongly pro-Remain on Brexit".
    I really do not believe that Brexit is a sufficiently salient issue on which to build significant support for any new party.
    That's not the point. The point is that if an SDP2 is created, it will inevitably be strongly pro-Remain (or Rejoin) simply by the nature of the MPs and peers who would join and lead it. And in turn, that would limit its appeal to Leave voters.
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    Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 60,359
    edited August 2018
    RobD said:

    Telegraph leader going for Corbyn with a hard hitting article by a Munich survivor

    Yawn.
    Is that how you react to someone who survived an atrocity.
    It’s how I’m reacting to you.

    Not sure what Big G said to warrant that....
    Apparently the telegraph article not only features an attack on Corbyn by Prof Shaul Ladany, who competed for Israel as a race walker at the 1972 Olympic Games, but also six members of the 1972 UK Olympic team

    But Corbynista prefer to attack the messenger rather than the issues. The Sky paper review had a Corbynista blaming the media and everyone but the beloved JC for the anti semetic stories
  • Options
    ReggieCideReggieCide Posts: 4,312

    MJW said:



    It's an entirely different situation though. Rightly or wrongly non-Corbynite, Labour MPs feel they have a duty to stay and fight because they have colleagues and members who they have to fight for -appalled as they are. They won't jump until they really do feel the party has truly reached the point of no return - and those who stand with them feel the same. You still have a Jewish Labour Movement who are vocal in how appalled they are but want people on the left to stay or join in solidarity rather than sod off and leave Labour entirely to the lunatic cranks.

    Now, some MPs almost certainly are close to breaking point - but unlike the UKIP Tories, whose aim was basically to scare Cameron into doing exactly what he ended up doing - Labour MPs have to consider whether quitting is abandoning their post in the fight or a true call to arms. Doing say, a Tristam Hunt is as utterly ineffectual, if not more so as getting angry within Labour and continuing to call Corbyn out. At least for the moment.

    Many years ago Labour used to be the party of the working man, now it is the party of ponces.
    I assume the final straw was when we lost people like working class champion and the opposite of poncey Tristram Hunt, real rough working class heroes like Tristram have been cast aside whilst poncey rich types who think of the working classes as peasants like Dennis Skinner have had their ideas come to the fore...

    Labour should be the party of Tristram's or what is it for?

    The reason there is so much anger at Labour is because they don't represent certain sections of wealthy middle classes that they used too, represented by people like Tristram and ex Labour voters on here. You can't exactly complain that Labour don't represent wealthy people anymore so they claim their annoyance is based on working class voters. Labour had been losing plenty of working class support previously and nobody cared outside of the ability to win seats. You'll forgive me for thinking it is another excuse for those who have no real interest in the working classes to have a go at Corbyn.

    Labour actually attracted more working class support under Corbyn, that isn't the point, these wealthy people don't want Labour looking after the working classes, they want Tristram looked after and they will keep writing angry tweets and columns until they get it.
    What's Tristram done to you? You make my point.
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    williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 48,131

    Labour actually attracted more working class support under Corbyn, that isn't the point, these wealthy people don't want Labour looking after the working classes, they want Tristram looked after and they will keep writing angry tweets and columns until they get it.

    The thing that seems to unite populists on the left and the right is the belief that they represent the interests of the common man more than the 'professional' politicians they've usurped. Do they really care whether it's true, or are they more interested in getting one over on Tristram?
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    david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 17,422

    AndyJS said:

    Just to say, I am writing on Corbyn and his Jewish problem tomorrow. I'm not holding back.

    Looking forward to it.
    Expect an hash tag attack from the Cult. Something along the lines that all betting folk are neo-liberal, worldwide jewish conspiracy etc etc
    Shouldn't be too hard for the Corbyn Cult to make an antisemitic jibe about the natural links between betting, Jews and casino banking.
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    viewcodeviewcode Posts: 18,961
    saddo said:

    So the EU want economic Armageddon for Europe. And some people think we should stay in their club?

    I asume the same would happen in French, Irish, Dutch and other EU ports. The voters across Europe would be furious with the political classes, not just in the UK

    I'm sorry gentlemen but this exchange makes me sad. It encapsulates two consistent misconceptions that the Conservatives have had since day one, and it's depressing how difficult they are to shift. They are:

    1) If anything bad happens, it's the EU's fault.
    2) Everything bad that happens in the UK will be reflected by something equally bad in the EU.

    Nobody here is capable of understanding two basic things, namely:

    a) Brexit, even in an optimistic scenario, involves some economic pain. If we are lucky it'll be invisible: lower growth but still growing, minor inconveniences, etc. If we are unlucky it'll be the death of British industries, and Big G's children will have to become taxi drivers.
    b) The population differences between the UK and the EU-27 (65million vs ~480million) means that the pain will not be evenly spread: we will suffer more than them. We are severing 27 connections, they are severing one each.



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