I was recently described as a member of the 'upper middle classes'.
I still haven't recovered.
Did you buy your own furniture? If I recall Alan Clarke correctly, that's the big thing...
I tend to be mystified by the English obsession with class, but I'm pretty sure Clark like to think of himself as upper rather than upper middle. Of course (as with so many other things) he may have been wrong about that, but I guess whatever social stratification Hesseltine resided in, AC was convinced he was above it.
Whatever else he may, or may not have been, socially, Alan Clarke certainly lacked any sort of class when it came to the treatment of women and particularly teenage girls.
If there is a Deal agreed and passed by Parliament then May will still be there, if not then Corbyn could well be PM this time next year and the 2019 Tory Party Conference will be addressed not by the PM but by the Leader of the Opposition
Could you, as a Conservative and a Unionist, support a deal which keeps the CU for the UK and the SM for Northern Ireland?
The CU for the UK is preferred by most voters to No Deal and the CU and SM in NI is preferred by most NI voters to a hard border, if a hard border in NI that will be a boost to Nationalists and if No Deal for the UK that will be a huge boost to the SNP and the Yes to Scottish independence campaign posing a far greater threat to the UK
Aren't NI currently in a single market with the rest of the UK? Surely they'd have to leave that in order to stay in one with the EU.
Given the whole UK would be in the Customs Union there would still be no tariffs between NI and GB
RobD is correct; HYUFD is wrong. If NI is in the EU SM they would not be part of the UK SM. There would be a regulatory barrier between the two and goods could not move without friction between GB and NI The fact that there would be no tariffs does not change this.
So there would still be no tariffs then and no hard border in Ireland which is what most voters in NI want
No, but it erects a border between two parts of the UK.
It does not erect a border with tariffs between GB and NI as the whole UK reat to the Union than keeping NI in the SM and CU
If I were in the Dg.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum on NI this week to be held in early November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Surely we get a vote too.
No, the UK as a whole voted to Leave the EU it is only NI which also voted for the GFA and hence that also needs to be respected in delivering Brexit
Since this impacts me and how my taxes are spent I am entitled to a vote.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
The DUP is a minority within a minority.
Some Leavers have a very selective view on self-determination. They are opposed to letting voters decide whether the UK should leave the EU on a no deal basis, for example. Can you believe it?
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
RMT tossers at Northern Rail still striking every Saturday, precluding any attempt to either Retford - Brigg - Barnetby OR Stockport - Guide Bridge
You mean you require those easy routes?!?
Saturdays only, man!
(they changed the Stockport one from Fridays a few months ago - though there is a southbound service as well as the northbound one)
Hi Sunil
I was wondering if you could help. At the moment, the Chase line from Birmingham to Rugeley is closed at weekends to complete the electrification project. I have been trying to find information on (a) when this will finish and (b) whether they are likely to meet he new timetabling deadline (they are already a year behind schedule and £10 million over budget, as ever). I've checked Network Rail's website and amazingly it is as unhelpful as a costing by Diane Abbott. Would you have any idea where I could find out more?
Wikipedia says "December", though they are quoting a 2016 article and a "dead link"!
Interesting that Gavin Williamson is involved after a fashion:
Gavin Williamson, Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, campaigned to limit the speed of trains through Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay when the upgrade work of the line is complete. He wrote to then Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, to request confirmation that trains travelling through these areas would not exceed a speed of 45 mph.[14] He also requested that "environmental mitigation measures" be put in place to reduce the potential impact of the electrification on residents in South Staffordshire. Network Rail had previously said that electric trains are quieter, greener and cleaner, reducing carbon emissions.[15]
BBC staff have been told to use non- binary pronouns when addressing gender-fluid or transgender employees to ensure that the corporation does not develop a “heteronormative culture”.
The policy means that BBC workers will be encouraged to refer to non-binary colleagues as “they” or “them”, rather than “he” or “she”.
In addition heterosexual BBC staff will be asked to wear badges identifying themselves as “straight allies” to help their LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) colleagues."
Holy crap, we have to pay a fortune for that kind of bull merde. Time these clowns were cast adrift and forced into the real world.
These seems daft to me, but not because it’s OK to be rude to people who want to be called by a different gender to their physical sex. My objection is that most trans people know whether they want to be called he or she. Why not just do that, rather than jump through grammatical hoops for the 0.0001% of millennials who are so special they need a new category.
RMT tossers at Northern Rail still striking every Saturday, precluding any attempt to either Retford - Brigg - Barnetby OR Stockport - Guide Bridge
You mean you require those easy routes?!?
Saturdays only, man!
(they changed the Stockport one from Fridays a few months ago - though there is a southbound service as well as the northbound one)
Hi Sunil
I was wondering if you could help. At the moment, the Chase line from Birmingham to Rugeley is closed at weekends to complete the electrification project. I have been trying to find information on (a) when this will finish and (b) whether they are likely to meet he new timetabling deadline (they are already a year behind schedule and £10 million over budget, as ever). I've checked Network Rail's website and amazingly it is as unhelpful as a costing by Diane Abbott. Would you have any idea where I could find out more?
Wikipedia says "December", though they are quoting a 2016 article and a "dead link"!
Interesting that Gavin Williamson is involved after a fashion:
Gavin Williamson, Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, campaigned to limit the speed of trains through Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay when the upgrade work of the line is complete. He wrote to then Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, to request confirmation that trains travelling through these areas would not exceed a speed of 45 mph.[14] He also requested that "environmental mitigation measures" be put in place to reduce the potential impact of the electrification on residents in South Staffordshire. Network Rail had previously said that electric trains are quieter, greener and cleaner, reducing carbon emissions.[15]
Doesn't say much for his grasp of transport issues, does it?
Edit - although that twat Fabricant campaigned against the electrification on that basis even though it doesn't cross into his constituency!
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
If you want to know what I think you only have to ask.
In my view Brexit will solidify the Union. After a real Brexit, Scottish independence is dead as an option. A hard border between England and Scotland would economically destroy Scotland; Scottish independence really depends on both parties remaining in the EU.
In NI, although I perfectly understand that a united Ireland will come in due time, Brexit does nothing to damage the union and probably makes it less likely that NI will leave for the same reason as Scotland at least in the medium term. The only thing that threatens the Union is people such as yourself supporting artificial and completely unnecessary economic barriers within the UK just to satisfy the whims of your masters in Brussels.
Are they called Sherpas because they climb mountains? Butter mountains. Milk mountains. Soda fountain mountains?
I think they are called Sherpas because they do all the work and their political masters claim all the glory.
They also know the mountains and know what they are doing, unlike their masters. As well as doing the hard work. Sherpas are strictly ethnic Tibetans living in Nepal.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
If you want to know what I think you only have to ask.
In my view Brexit will solidify the Union. After a real Brexit, Scottish independence is dead as an option. A hard border between England and Scotland would economically destroy Scotland; Scottish independence really depends on both parties remaining in the EU.
In NI, although I perfectly understand that a united Ireland will come in due time, Brexit does nothing to damage the union and probably makes it less likely that NI will leave for the same reason as Scotland at least in the medium term. The only thing that threatens the Union is people such as yourself supporting artificial and completely unnecessary economic barriers within the UK just to satisfy the whims of your masters in Brussels.
I don't think so , the view from Australia is warped.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Hasn't that been essentially true for over 300 years, though?
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
RMT tossers at Northern Rail still striking every Saturday, precluding any attempt to either Retford - Brigg - Barnetby OR Stockport - Guide Bridge
You mean you require those easy routes?!?
Saturdays only, man!
(they changed the Stockport one from Fridays a few months ago - though there is a southbound service as well as the northbound one)
Hi Sunil
I was wondering if you could help. At the moment, the Chase line from Birmingham to Rugeley is closed at weekends to complete the electrification project. I have been trying to find information on (a) when this will finish and (b) whether they are likely to meet he new timetabling deadline (they are already a year behind schedule and £10 million over budget, as ever). I've checked Network Rail's website and amazingly it is as unhelpful as a costing by Diane Abbott. Would you have any idea where I could find out more?
Wikipedia says "December", though they are quoting a 2016 article and a "dead link"!
Interesting that Gavin Williamson is involved after a fashion:
Gavin Williamson, Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, campaigned to limit the speed of trains through Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay when the upgrade work of the line is complete. He wrote to then Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, to request confirmation that trains travelling through these areas would not exceed a speed of 45 mph.[14] He also requested that "environmental mitigation measures" be put in place to reduce the potential impact of the electrification on residents in South Staffordshire. Network Rail had previously said that electric trains are quieter, greener and cleaner, reducing carbon emissions.[15]
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
If you want to know what I think you only have to ask.
In my view Brexit will solidify the Union. After a real Brexit, Scottish independence is dead as an option. A hard border between England and Scotland would economically destroy Scotland; Scottish independence really depends on both parties remaining in the EU.
In NI, although I perfectly understand that a united Ireland will come in due time, Brexit does nothing to damage the union and probably makes it less likely that NI will leave for the same reason as Scotland at least in the medium term. The only thing that threatens the Union is people such as yourself supporting artificial and completely unnecessary economic barriers within the UK just to satisfy the whims of your masters in Brussels.
In what way does Brussels own me?
What Brexit shows is that identity trumps economics - at least up to now. If that continues to be the case, Scotland will leave the Union.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
RMT tossers at Northern Rail still striking every Saturday, precluding any attempt to either Retford - Brigg - Barnetby OR Stockport - Guide Bridge
You mean you require those easy routes?!?
Saturdays only, man!
(they changed the Stockport one from Fridays a few months ago - though there is a southbound service as well as the northbound one)
Hi Sunil
I was wondering if you could help. At the moment, the Chase line from Birmingham to Rugeley is closed at weekends to complete the electrification project. I have been trying to find information on (a) when this will finish and (b) whether they are likely to meet he new timetabling deadline (they are already a year behind schedule and £10 million over budget, as ever). I've checked Network Rail's website and amazingly it is as unhelpful as a costing by Diane Abbott. Would you have any idea where I could find out more?
Wikipedia says "December", though they are quoting a 2016 article and a "dead link"!
Interesting that Gavin Williamson is involved after a fashion:
Gavin Williamson, Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, campaigned to limit the speed of trains through Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay when the upgrade work of the line is complete. He wrote to then Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, to request confirmation that trains travelling through these areas would not exceed a speed of 45 mph.[14] He also requested that "environmental mitigation measures" be put in place to reduce the potential impact of the electrification on residents in South Staffordshire. Network Rail had previously said that electric trains are quieter, greener and cleaner, reducing carbon emissions.[15]
Just sticking my oar in: it looks as though the wires will be ready for the first testing of the leccy systems later this month, but the timetable won't change until May 2019. That's perhaps because October is a little too late to get stock cascaded and staff trained for the December 2018 timetable change - especially after the issues elsewhere in May this year.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
If you want to know what I think you only have to ask.
In my view Brexit will solidify the Union. After a real Brexit, Scottish independence is dead as an option. A hard border between England and Scotland would economically destroy Scotland; Scottish independence really depends on both parties remaining in the EU.
In NI, although I perfectly understand that a united Ireland will come in due time, Brexit does nothing to damage the union and probably makes it less likely that NI will leave for the same reason as Scotland at least in the medium term. The only thing that threatens the Union is people such as yourself supporting artificial and completely unnecessary economic barriers within the UK just to satisfy the whims of your masters in Brussels.
In what way does Brussels own me?
What Brexit shows is that identity trumps economics - at least up to now. If that continues to be the case, Scotland will leave the Union.
Scotland will stay in the Union because economics trumps identity - thought that would make you happy?
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Describes it perfectly, it is not a union of equals in any sense.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Hasn't that been essentially true for over 300 years, though?
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
That has been well and truly trampled since 2014 though.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Hasn't that been essentially true for over 300 years, though?
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
Essentially it has been true, but for much of the last 300 years there was also a sense of Britishness - especially during the Empire, which benefited Scotland just as much as England. That Britishness is fast waning. England and Scotland and Northern Ireland are now heading in very different directions in terms of identity. Brexit shows that clearly.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Hasn't that been essentially true for over 300 years, though?
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
Essentially it has been true, but for much of the last 300 years there was also a sense of Britishness - especially during the Empire, which benefited Scotland just as much as England. That Britishness is fadt waning. England and Scotland and Northern Ireland are now heading in very different directions in terms of identity. Brexit shows that clearly.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I like a visual demonstration (this is from 2011 so I'm GUESSING things haven't got any better from a 'British' point of view).
Are they called Sherpas because they climb mountains? Butter mountains. Milk mountains. Soda fountain mountains?
I think they are called Sherpas because they do all the work and their political masters claim all the glory.
They also know the mountains and know what they are doing, unlike their masters. As well as doing the hard work. Sherpas are strictly ethnic Tibetans living in Nepal.
At the time that Hillary and Tensing climbed Everest the circulating joke was that they were asked on national TV what the view was like from the top. Hillary enthused about the way the mountains were spread out below him. Tensing shrugged and said it looked much the same as usual.
O/t quite a large write up in the ST today about an obscure Dem fighting a very republican seat in WV called Ojeda. It's weird where they get their stories from, isn't it?
On my understanding UK membership of the customs union was a concession by the EU to allow the UK to mitigate the NI backstop. The EU didn't want to agree all UK measures until it had Brexited. It doesn't therefore require the UK to be in customs union permanently. It allows the to be so if it chooses. But if the UK does so choose, the full NI backstop n will kick in. The issue is the NI backstop, on my understanding, not a permanent customs union.
RMT tossers at Northern Rail still striking every Saturday, precluding any attempt to either Retford - Brigg - Barnetby OR Stockport - Guide Bridge
You mean you require those easy routes?!?
Saturdays only, man!
(they changed the Stockport one from Fridays a few months ago - though there is a southbound service as well as the northbound one)
Hi Sunil
I was wondering if you could help. At the moment, the Chase line from Birmingham to Rugeley is closed at weekends to complete the electrification project. I have been trying to find information on (a) when this will finish and (b) whether they are likely to meet he new timetabling deadline (they are already a year behind schedule and £10 million over budget, as ever). I've checked Network Rail's website and amazingly it is as unhelpful as a costing by Diane Abbott. Would you have any idea where I could find out more?
Wikipedia says "December", though they are quoting a 2016 article and a "dead link"!
Interesting that Gavin Williamson is involved after a fashion:
Gavin Williamson, Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, campaigned to limit the speed of trains through Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay when the upgrade work of the line is complete. He wrote to then Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, to request confirmation that trains travelling through these areas would not exceed a speed of 45 mph.[14] He also requested that "environmental mitigation measures" be put in place to reduce the potential impact of the electrification on residents in South Staffordshire. Network Rail had previously said that electric trains are quieter, greener and cleaner, reducing carbon emissions.[15]
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I think Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do quite nicely out of the union with England.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
If you want to know what I think you only have to ask.
In my view Brexit will solidify the Union. After a real Brexit, Scottish independence is dead as an option. A hard border between England and Scotland would economically destroy Scotland; Scottish independence really depends on both parties remaining in the EU.
In NI, although I perfectly understand that a united Ireland will come in due time, Brexit does nothing to damage the union and probably makes it less likely that NI will leave for the same reason as Scotland at least in the medium term. The only thing that threatens the Union is people such as yourself supporting artificial and completely unnecessary economic barriers within the UK just to satisfy the whims of your masters in Brussels.
Yet we now have polling that shows in Scotland a majority could vote to Leave the UK with No Deal Brexit and the same in NI if there is a hard border with the Republic.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Describes it perfectly, it is not a union of equals in any sense.
My wife would beg to differ. We are a union of equals in every sense as the English/Welshman lives in harmony with the Scots lass for more than 55 years.
It can be done Malc
And on Brexit, I am staying neutral on all the angst and will await the final outcome at which time I will provide my own views, hopefully, in a polite and honest way.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Might have been a fair point if Wales had not voted to leave as well.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I think Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do quite nicely out of the union with England.
And the UK did quite well out of membership of the EU. That meant nothing because enough voters felt otherwise.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Unfortunately I think you are right. If we want a historical parallel the civil wars (plural) of the 17th century spring to mind. You have three separate disputes in England, Scotland and Ireland with different motivations, feeding off each other.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I think Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do quite nicely out of the union with England.
And the UK did quite well out of membership of the EU. That meant nothing because enough voters felt otherwise.
Are they called Sherpas because they climb mountains? Butter mountains. Milk mountains. Soda fountain mountains?
I think they are called Sherpas because they do all the work and their political masters claim all the glory.
They also know the mountains and know what they are doing, unlike their masters. As well as doing the hard work. Sherpas are strictly ethnic Tibetans living in Nepal.
At the time that Hillary and Tensing climbed Everest the circulating joke was that they were asked on national TV what the view was like from the top. Hillary enthused about the way the mountains were spread out below him. Tensing shrugged and said it looked much the same as usual.
I'm not sure European democracy can survive fragmentation of big tent political parties into socio-cultural cleavages.
It risks making our politics more ferocious and tribal like in many developing countries.
That seems to apply to non EU countries too. America being notable, but not the only one.
It's very disturbing. I'd like to see identity politics ditched on both sides of the equation, and go back to discussing economics and tax and spending taking centre stage again.
If there is a Deal agreed and passed by Parliament then May will still be there, if not then Corbyn could well be PM this time next year and the 2019 Tory Party Conference will be addressed not by the PM but by the Leader of the Opposition
Could you, as a Conservative and a Unionist, support a deal which keeps the CU for the UK and the SM for Northern Ireland?
The CU for the UK is preferred by most voters to Nt to the UK
Aren't NI currently in a single market with the rest of the UK? Surely they'd have to leave that in order to stay in one with the EU.
Given the whole UK would be in the Customs Union there would still be no tariffs between NI and GB
RobD is correct; HYUFD is wrong. If NI is ine would be no tariffs does not change this.
So there would still be no tariffs then and no hard border in Ireland which is what most voters in NI want
No, but it erects a border between two parts of the UK.
It does not erect a border with tariffs between GB and NI as the whole UK reat to the Union than keeping NI in the SM and CU
If I were in the Dg.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum on NI this week to be held in early November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Surely we get a vote too.
No, the UK as a whole voted to Leave the EU it is only NI which also voted for the GFA and hence that also needs to be respected in delivering Brexit
Since this impacts me and how my taxes are spent I am entitled to a vote.
You had your vote in EUref, the future of the GFA does not affect you unlike NI
I was recently described as a member of the 'upper middle classes'.
I still haven't recovered.
Did you buy your own furniture? If I recall Alan Clarke correctly, that's the big thing...
I tend to be mystified by the English obsession with class, but I'm pretty sure Clark like to think of himself as upper rather than upper middle. Of course (as with so many other things) he may have been wrong about that, but I guess whatever social stratification Hesseltine resided in, AC was convinced he was above it.
Whatever else he may, or may not have been, socially, Alan Clarke certainly lacked any sort of class when it came to the treatment of women and particularly teenage girls.
Well, quite.
And, given that his family money came from trade, he was in no position to be snobbish about Heseltine. Or anyone else.
On my understanding UK membership of the customs union was a concession by the EU to allow the UK to mitigate the NI backstop. The EU didn't want to agree all UK measures until it had Brexited. It doesn't therefore require the UK to be in customs union permanently. It allows the to be so if it chooses. But if the UK does so choose, the full NI backstop n will kick in. The issue is the NI backstop, on my understanding, not a permanent customs union.
No that is not correct. The original backstop was NI only. May actually agreed in December for an all UK backstop because the DUP made her; this is what is now discussed. But the ability to activate the backstop lies with the EU and it will apply if the EU are not satisfied that any arrangements have been made which solve the NI problem in their eyes. Since they have rejected every solution to the NI border short of the UK remaining in the SM+CU, the backstop would be activated at the end of the transition. The UK have no ability to opt out of the backstop or terminate it.
I think it will be the case that the UK can exit the CU by reactivating the NI only backstop but this clearly is unacceptable as well and always has been.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with mostworst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Might have been a fair point if Wales had not voted to leave as well.
Unlike Scotland and Northern Ireland there is no appreciable non-Unionist demographic in Wales. Once it is just England and Wales, though, that may change. In fact, once Scotland and Northern Ireland go, what do the English get from retaining a union with the Welsh? It could be the pressure for separation comes from esdt of Iffa’s Dyke!!
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other pa
Hasn't that been essentially true for over 300 years, though?
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
Essentially it has been true, but for much of the last 300 years there was also a sense of Britishness - especially during the Empire, which benefited Scotland just as much as England. That Britishness is fast waning. England and Scotland and Northern Ireland are now heading in very different directions in terms of identity. Brexit shows that clearly.
We'll see.
It didn't look that brilliant for years before Brexit, in all honesty.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
It isn't Brexit, it is No Deal Brexit that may cause Scotland and NI to leave the UK.
Yet the ironic thing is all the polling shows English voters oppose No Deal Brexit, if it was the case English voters backed No Deal Brexit unlike Scottish and NI voters you may have a point that the Union is doomed but that is not the case
If there is a Deal agreed and passed by Parliament then May will still be there, if not then Corbyn could well be PM this time next year and the 2019 Tory Party Conference will be addressed not by the PM but by the Leader of the Opposition
Could you, as a Conservative and a Unionist, support a deal which keeps the CU for the UK and the SM for Northern Ireland?
The CU for the UK is preferred by most voters to Nt to the UK
Aren't NI currently in a single market with the rest of the UK? Surely they'd have to leave that in order to stay in one with the EU.
Given the whole UK would be in the Customs Union there would still be no tariffs between NI and GB
RobD is correct; HYUFD is wrong. If NI is ine would be no tariffs does not change this.
So there would still be no tariffs then and no hard border in Ireland which is what most voters in NI want
No, but it erects a border between two parts of the UK.
It does not erect a border with tariffs between GB and NI as the whole UK reat to the Union than keeping NI in the SM and CU
If I were in the Dg.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum on NI this week to be held in early November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Surely we get a vote too.
No, the UK as a whole voted to Leave the EU it is only NI which also voted for the GFA and hence that also needs to be respected in delivering Brexit
Since this impacts me and how my taxes are spent I am entitled to a vote.
You had your vote in EUref, the future of the GFA does not affect you unlike NI
I was recently described as a member of the 'upper middle classes'.
I still haven't recovered.
Did you buy your own furniture? If I recall Alan Clarke correctly, that's the big thing...
I tend to be mystified by the English obsession with class, but I'm pretty sure Clark like to think of himself as upper rather than upper middle. Of course (as with so many other things) he may have been wrong about that, but I guess whatever social stratification Hesseltine resided in, AC was convinced he was above it.
Whatever else he may, or may not have been, socially, Alan Clarke certainly lacked any sort of class when it came to the treatment of women and particularly teenage girls.
Well, quite.
And, given that his family money came from trade, he was in no position to be snobbish about Heseltine. Or anyone else.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Ironically it may be a Corbyn government that disproves that. While England will likely have a Tory majority again if he becomes PM it will be because of Welsh Labour and SNP MPs
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other pa
Hasn't that been essentially true for over 300 years, though?
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
Essentially it has been true, but for much of the last 300 years there was also a sense of Britishness - especially during the Empire, which benefited Scotland just as much as England. That Britishness is fast waning. England and Scotland and Northern Ireland are now heading in very different directions in terms of identity. Brexit shows that clearly.
We'll see.
It didn't look that brilliant for years before Brexit, in all honesty.
No, it didn’t. But Brexit just makes it all a lot starker - and a No Deal Brexit will do it even more starkly still.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I think Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do quite nicely out of the union with England.
And the UK did quite well out of membership of the EU. That meant nothing because enough voters felt otherwise.
Oh I don't disagree (well, actually I do, because I think it's the EU that's done well out of our membership). I do find it bizarre that some people - that John Nicolson for example - seem to get upset when English people aren't upset at the prospect of Scotland going independent.
RMT tossers at Northern Rail still striking every Saturday, precluding any attempt to either Retford - Brigg - Barnetby OR Stockport - Guide Bridge
You mean you require those easy routes?!?
Saturdays only, man!
(they changed the Stockport one from Fridays a few months ago - though there is a southbound service as well as the northbound one)
Hi Sunil
I was wondering if you could help. At the moment, the Chase line from Birmingham to Rugeley is closed at weekends to complete the electrification project. I have been trying to find information on (a) when this will finish and (b) whether they are likely to meet he new timetabling deadline (they are already a year behind schedule and £10 million over budget, as ever). I've checked Network Rail's website and amazingly it is as unhelpful as a costing by Diane Abbott. Would you have any idea where I could find out more?
Wikipedia says "December", though they are quoting a 2016 article and a "dead link"!
Interesting that Gavin Williamson is involved after a fashion:
Gavin Williamson, Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, campaigned to limit the speed of trains through Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay when the upgrade work of the line is complete. He wrote to then Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, to request confirmation that trains travelling through these areas would not exceed a speed of 45 mph.[14] He also requested that "environmental mitigation measures" be put in place to reduce the potential impact of the electrification on residents in South Staffordshire. Network Rail had previously said that electric trains are quieter, greener and cleaner, reducing carbon emissions.[15]
Just sticking my oar in: it looks as though the wires will be ready for the first testing of the leccy systems later this month, but the timetable won't change until May 2019. That's perhaps because October is a little too late to get stock cascaded and staff trained for the December 2018 timetable change - especially after the issues elsewhere in May this year.
Cheers for that, been nearly 18 months since I went that way.
I was recently described as a member of the 'upper middle classes'.
I still haven't recovered.
Did you buy your own furniture? If I recall Alan Clarke correctly, that's the big thing...
I tend to be mystified by the English obsession with class, but I'm pretty sure Clark like to think of himself as upper rather than upper middle. Of course (as with so many other things) he may have been wrong about that, but I guess whatever social stratification Hesseltine resided in, AC was convinced he was above it.
Whatever else he may, or may not have been, socially, Alan Clarke certainly lacked any sort of class when it came to the treatment of women and particularly teenage girls.
Well, quite.
And, given that his family money came from trade, he was in no position to be snobbish about Heseltine. Or anyone else.
He was, on a personal level, a total shit.
But he did write some very good diaries.
Alan Clark's father was made Baron Clark though it is true he did not come from an old aristocratic family beyond that
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Describes it perfectly, it is not a union of equals in any sense.
My wife would beg to differ. We are a union of equals in every sense as the English/Welshman lives in harmony with the Scots lass for more than 55 years.
It can be done Malc
And on Brexit, I am staying neutral on all the angst and will await the final outcome at which time I will provide my own views, hopefully, in a polite and honest way.
Union of equals with a Scots lass of more than 55 years? I will read your posts with much greater respect going forward.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I think Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do quite nicely out of the union with England.
That is because your are too stupid to know anything about it. Back to ironing your union jack underpants.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Ironically it may be a Corbyn government that disproves that. While England will likely have a Tory majority again if he becomes PM it will be because of Welsh Labour and SNP MPs
Labour’s unelectability under Corbyn contributes to the problem. Left of centre Scots know that he virtually guarantees an increasingly right wing, English nationalist Tory government in Westminster. Given that, what’s the argument for continuing to back the Union? Corbyn himself would be happy see an independent Scotland and delighted to see a united Ireland.
RMT tossers at Northern Rail still striking every Saturday, precluding any attempt to either Retford - Brigg - Barnetby OR Stockport - Guide Bridge
You mean you require those easy routes?!?
Saturdays only, man!
(they changed the Stockport one from Fridays a few months ago - though there is a southbound service as well as the northbound one)
Hi Sunil
I was wondering if you could help. At the moment, the Chase line from Birmingham to Rugeley is closed at weekends to complete the electrification project. I have been trying to find information on (a) when this will finish and (b) whether they are likely to meet he new timetabling deadline (they are already a year behind schedule and £10 million over budget, as ever). I've checked Network Rail's website and amazingly it is as unhelpful as a costing by Diane Abbott. Would you have any idea where I could find out more?
Wikipedia says "December", though they are quoting a 2016 article and a "dead link"!
Interesting that Gavin Williamson is involved after a fashion:
Gavin Williamson, Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, campaigned to limit the speed of trains through Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay when the upgrade work of the line is complete. He wrote to then Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, to request confirmation that trains travelling through these areas would not exceed a speed of 45 mph.[14] He also requested that "environmental mitigation measures" be put in place to reduce the potential impact of the electrification on residents in South Staffordshire. Network Rail had previously said that electric trains are quieter, greener and cleaner, reducing carbon emissions.[15]
Are they called Sherpas because they climb mountains? Butter mountains. Milk mountains. Soda fountain mountains?
I think they are called Sherpas because they do all the work and their political masters claim all the glory.
They also know the mountains and know what they are doing, unlike their masters. As well as doing the hard work. Sherpas are strictly ethnic Tibetans living in Nepal.
At the time that Hillary and Tensing climbed Everest the circulating joke was that they were asked on national TV what the view was like from the top. Hillary enthused about the way the mountains were spread out below him. Tensing shrugged and said it looked much the same as usual.
RMT tossers at Northern Rail still striking every Saturday, precluding any attempt to either Retford - Brigg - Barnetby OR Stockport - Guide Bridge
You mean you require those easy routes?!?
Saturdays only, man!
(they changed the Stockport one from Fridays a few months ago - though there is a southbound service as well as the northbound one)
Hi Sunil
I was wondering if you could help. At the moment, the Chase line from Birmingham to Rugeley is closed at weekends to complete the electrification project. I have been trying to find information on (a) when this will finish and (b) whether they are likely to meet he new timetabling deadline (they are already a year behind schedule and £10 million over budget, as ever). I've checked Network Rail's website and amazingly it is as unhelpful as a costing by Diane Abbott. Would you have any idea where I could find out more?
Wikipedia says "December", though they are quoting a 2016 article and a "dead link"!
Interesting that Gavin Williamson is involved after a fashion:
Gavin Williamson, Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, campaigned to limit the speed of trains through Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay when the upgrade work of the line is complete. He wrote to then Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, to request confirmation that trains travelling through these areas would not exceed a speed of 45 mph.[14] He also requested that "environmental mitigation measures" be put in place to reduce the potential impact of the electrification on residents in South Staffordshire. Network Rail had previously said that electric trains are quieter, greener and cleaner, reducing carbon emissions.[15]
Just sticking my oar in: it looks as though the wires will be ready for the first testing of the leccy systems later this month, but the timetable won't change until May 2019. That's perhaps because October is a little too late to get stock cascaded and staff trained for the December 2018 timetable change - especially after the issues elsewhere in May this year.
Thanks. May I ask where you got this information?
An end to the disruption would be something at least, even if it's frustrating we have to wait two years longer than promised for the benefits.
If I were May I think I would announce a referenes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionatean Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Ironically it may be a Corbyn government that disproves that. While England will likely have a Tory majority again if he becomes PM it will be because of Welsh Labour and SNP MPs
Labour’s unelectability under Corbyn contributes to the problem. Left of centre Scots know that he virtually guarantees an increasingly right wing, English nationalist Tory government in Westminster. Given that, what’s the argument for continuing to back the Union? Corbyn himself would be happy see an independent Scotland and delighted to see a united Ireland.
On some current polling Labour + SNP + PC + Green + LD is more than Tory + DUP which would make Corbyn PM even if England voted Tory.
Corbyn will remain a republican, socialist, anti Unionist regardless but he will still only agree to independence for Scotland and Northern Ireland if a majority of Scots or the people of Northern Ireland vote for it in a referendum and his MPs will certainly ensure that is the case
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Describes it perfectly, it is not a union of equals in any sense.
My wife would beg to differ. We are a union of equals in every sense as the English/Welshman lives in harmony with the Scots lass for more than 55 years.
It can be done Malc
And on Brexit, I am staying neutral on all the angst and will await the final outcome at which time I will provide my own views, hopefully, in a polite and honest way.
It can be done G, but it is not at present, it is very one sided affair at present and cannot continue indefinitely.
I was recently described as a member of the 'upper middle classes'.
I still haven't recovered.
Did you buy your own furniture? If I recall Alan Clarke correctly, that's the big thing...
I tend to be mystified by the English obsession with class, but I'm pretty sure Clark like to think of himself as upper rather than upper middle. Of course (as with so many other things) he may have been wrong about that, but I guess whatever social stratification Hesseltine resided in, AC was convinced he was above it.
Whatever else he may, or may not have been, socially, Alan Clarke certainly lacked any sort of class when it came to the treatment of women and particularly teenage girls.
Well, quite.
And, given that his family money came from trade, he was in no position to be snobbish about Heseltine. Or anyone else.
He was, on a personal level, a total shit.
But he did write some very good diaries.
Snobs are rarely charming.
True 'class' rarely has anything to do with birth, privilege or wealth. I have known people of true working-class with barely two ha'pennys to rub together who act with more dignity than others who see themselves as upper-class and superior.
IMO what matters is who you act towards others, especially those who are less fortunate in whatever way than yourself. That's something people who think themselves as 'upper-class' too often forget. Clark was a classic example. An odious man who could write well.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Describes it perfectly, it is not a union of equals in any sense.
My wife would beg to differ. We are a union of equals in every sense as the English/Welshman lives in harmony with the Scots lass for more than 55 years.
It can be done Malc
And on Brexit, I am staying neutral on all the angst and will await the final outcome at which time I will provide my own views, hopefully, in a polite and honest way.
Union of equals with a Scots lass of more than 55 years? I will read your posts with much greater respect going forward.
I believe there is just a chance Malc might appoint me an Honorary Scotsman, even though I am a conservative
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I think Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland do quite nicely out of the union with England.
And the UK did quite well out of membership of the EU. That meant nothing because enough voters felt otherwise.
Oh I don't disagree (well, actually I do, because I think it's the EU that's done well out of our membership). I do find it bizarre that some people - that John Nicolson for example - seem to get upset when English people aren't upset at the prospect of Scotland going independent.
I think it is sad but inevitable - Brexit will just hasten the process. England needs to stand on its own in order to begin to accept its place in the world as a relatively prosperous, second tier nation state. Only then will we English find proper peace with ourselves and our neighbours.
I was recently described as a member of the 'upper middle classes'.
I still haven't recovered.
Did you buy your own furniture? If I recall Alan Clarke correctly, that's the big thing...
I tend to be mystified by the English obsession with class, but I'm pretty sure Clark like to think of himself as upper rather than upper middle. Of course (as with so many other things) he may have been wrong about that, but I guess whatever social stratification Hesseltine resided in, AC was convinced he was above it.
Whatever else he may, or may not have been, socially, Alan Clarke certainly lacked any sort of class when it came to the treatment of women and particularly teenage girls.
Well, quite.
And, given that his family money came from trade, he was in no position to be snobbish about Heseltine. Or anyone else.
He was, on a personal level, a total shit.
But he did write some very good diaries.
Alan Clark's father was made Baron Clark though it is true he did not come from an old aristocratic family beyond that
Allegedly when Clark did the "people who have to buy their own furniture" gag some proper toff responded that "that's a bit rich from someone whose dad had to buy his own castle".
I was recently described as a member of the 'upper middle classes'.
I still haven't recovered.
Did you buy your own furniture? If I recall Alan Clarke correctly, that's the big thing...
I tend to be mystified by the English obsession with class, but I'm pretty sure Clark like to think of himself as upper rather than upper middle. Of course (as with so many other things) he may have been wrong about that, but I guess whatever social stratification Hesseltine resided in, AC was convinced he was above it.
Whatever else he may, or may not have been, socially, Alan Clarke certainly lacked any sort of class when it came to the treatment of women and particularly teenage girls.
Well, quite.
And, given that his family money came from trade, he was in no position to be snobbish about Heseltine. Or anyone else.
He was, on a personal level, a total shit.
But he did write some very good diaries.
Alan Clark's father was made Baron Clark though it is true he did not come from an old aristocratic family beyond that
There was nothing remotely aristocratic about the Clarks. Alan Clark was a minor politician who thought his grandfater’s money gave him some sort of status. He was an arriviste boor with no manners. Anyone with any real class would have seen through Clark and avoided him like the plague. His boasting about his sexual conquests made him little better than Trump, frankly.
Unlike Trump he could write well. His diaries are his only claim to fame. His brother, Colin Clark, also wrote an interesting account of his time on the set of The Prince and The Showgirl.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is crea
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other pa
Hasn't that been essentially true for over 300 years, though?
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
Essentially it has been true, but for much of the last 300 years there was also a sense of Britishness - especially during the Empire, which benefited Scotland just as much as England. That Britishness is fast waning. England and Scotland and Northern Ireland are now heading in very different directions in terms of identity. Brexit shows that clearly.
We'll see.
It didn't look that brilliant for years before Brexit, in all honesty.
Unfortunately so. But it can be saved still. At least, that is my hope
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Ironically it may be a Corbyn government that disproves that. While England will likely have a Tory majority again if he becomes PM it will be because of Welsh Labour and SNP MPs
Labour’s unelectability under Corbyn contributes to the problem. Left of centre Scots know that he virtually guarantees an increasingly right wing, English nationalist Tory government in Westminster. Given that, what’s the argument for continuing to back the Union? Corbyn himself would be happy see an independent Scotland and delighted to see a united Ireland.
Keep reading the Daily Mail guys, my lord rothermere is soon going to be explaining a few things to HMRC, and the French revenue, after all, getting tax exemptions from both countries for non residence could be taken by some as being suspicious...
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I like a visual demonstration (this is from 2011 so I'm GUESSING things haven't got any better from a 'British' point of view).
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is crea
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other pa
Hasn't that been essentially true for over 300 years, though?
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
Essentially it has been true, but for much of the last 300 years there was also a sense of Britishness - especially during the Empire, which benefited Scotland just as much as England. That Britishness is fast waning. England and Scotland and Northern Ireland are now heading in very different directions in terms of identity. Brexit shows that clearly.
We'll see.
It didn't look that brilliant for years before Brexit, in all honesty.
Unfortunately so. But it can be saved still. At least, that is my hope
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Ironically it may be a Corbyn government that disproves that. While England will likely have a Tory majority again if he becomes PM it will be because of Welsh Labour and SNP MPs
Labour’s unelectability under Corbyn contributes to the problem. Left of centre Scots know that he virtually guarantees an increasingly right wing, English nationalist Tory government in Westminster.
I doubt that that was the impression conveyed by the 2017 election result.Left of centre Scots know full well who made significant gains in defiance of expectations.
Are they called Sherpas because they climb mountains? Butter mountains. Milk mountains. Soda fountain mountains?
I think they are called Sherpas because they do all the work and their political masters claim all the glory.
They also know the mountains and know what they are doing, unlike their masters. As well as doing the hard work. Sherpas are strictly ethnic Tibetans living in Nepal.
At the time that Hillary and Tensing climbed Everest the circulating joke was that they were asked on national TV what the view was like from the top. Hillary enthused about the way the mountains were spread out below him. Tensing shrugged and said it looked much the same as usual.
I remember that as if it was yesterday
Evening G , I hope you are well tonight.
Indeed I am Malc. Maybe it helps to be relaxed over the madness going on in the Country. Stressing about it won't change anything
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers onn worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I like a visual demonstration (this is from 2011 so I'm GUESSING things haven't got any better from a 'British' point of view).
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Describes it perfectly, it is not a union of equals in any sense.
My wife would beg to differ. We are a union of equals in every sense as the English/Welshman lives in harmony with the Scots lass for more than 55 years.
It can be done Malc
And on Brexit, I am staying neutral on all the angst and will await the final outcome at which time I will provide my own views, hopefully, in a polite and honest way.
Union of equals with a Scots lass of more than 55 years? I will read your posts with much greater respect going forward.
I believe there is just a chance Malc might appoint me an Honorary Scotsman, even though I am a conservative
I am just an amateur at 33 years (so far) but its been a privilege.
I think Malcolm's point has some validity but not just for Scotland. Its a problem for all of the UK outside London and the South East. Growth requires critical mass of talent and opportunity and where is that critical mass to be found in almost all our growth areas? How do we stop London bleeding us all dry of talent and opportunity? It is one of the biggest challenges we face. Brexit is a walk in the park by comparison.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is crea
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other pa
Hasn't that been essentially true for over 300 years, though?
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
Ess
We'll see.
It didn't look that brilliant for years before Brexit, in all honesty.
Unfortunately so. But it can be saved still. At least, that is my hope
How?
I don't have a manifesto to apply, that's why it is a hope. But nothing is inevitable, and if the sense of Britishness can wane it can wax, as clearly is has in the past. I would think for a longer term solution it would require some quite major change though, probably a more federal approach was required quite some time ago.
If I were May I think I would announce aas GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is crea
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scotsa problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other pa
Hasn't that been essentially true for over 300 years, though?
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
Ess
We'll see.
It didn't look that brilliant for years before Brexit, in all honesty.
Unfortunately so. But it can be saved still. At least, that is my hope
How?
I don't have a manifesto to apply, that's why it is a hope. But nothing is inevitable, and if the sense of Britishness can wane it can wax, as clearly is has in the past. I would think for a longer term solution it would require some quite major change though, probably a more federal approach was required quite some time ago.
Yep, I said we needed a constitutional convention after the Scottish referendum. Instead the Tories went for some convoluted English vote for English laws arrangement that does not seem to have made much difference to anything.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Describes it perfectly, it is not a union of equals in any sense.
My wife would beg to differ. We are a union of equals in every sense as the English/Welshman lives in harmony with the Scots lass for more than 55 years.
It can be done Malc
And on Brexit, I am staying neutral on all the angst and will await the final outcome at which time I will provide my own views, hopefully, in a polite and honest way.
Union of equals with a Scots lass of more than 55 years? I will read your posts with much greater respect going forward.
I believe there is just a chance Malc might appoint me an Honorary Scotsman, even though I am a conservative
It is indeed David but Westminster do not care , they are happy to keep promoting London and the south east. They can safely ignore Scotland , Wales and various areas of England.
My wife would beg to differ. We are a union of equals in every sense as the English/Welshman lives in harmony with the Scots lass for more than 55 years.
It can be done Malc
And on Brexit, I am staying neutral on all the angst and will await the final outcome at which time I will provide my own views, hopefully, in a polite and honest way. ...................................................................................
Malc
It can be done G, but it is not at present, it is very one sided affair at present and cannot continue indefinitely.
I actually agree with you as I would humbly suggest I do understand Scots politics maybe a bit more than some posters on here purport to.
With 66%+ Scots wanting to remain and then being taken out against their will, by the hard Brexiteers who are mainly English, it is not difficult to see why Scotland is so angry and I see it through our social media with our Scottish family and friends.
I hope it will settle down but both my wife and I value the Union and hope it grows stronger with more devolved powers but I really do get angry when some posters actively want Scotland to leave, or worse think that England could somehow stop a second Independence referendum
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I like a visual demonstration (this is from 2011 so I'm GUESSING things haven't got any better from a 'British' point of view).
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Describes it perfectly, it is not a union of equals in any sense.
My wife would beg to differ. We are a union of equals in every sense as the English/Welshman lives in harmony with the Scots lass for more than 55 years.
It can be done Malc
And on Brexit, I am staying neutral on all the angst and will await the final outcome at which time I will provide my own views, hopefully, in a polite and honest way.
Union of equals with a Scots lass of more than 55 years? I will read your posts with much greater respect going forward.
I believe there is just a chance Malc might appoint me an Honorary Scotsman, even though I am a conservative
I am just an amateur at 33 years (so far) but its been a privilege.
I think Malcolm's point has some validity but not just for Scotland. Its a problem for all of the UK outside London and the South East. Growth requires critical mass of talent and opportunity and where is that critical mass to be found in almost all our growth areas? How do we stop London bleeding us all dry of talent and opportunity? It is one of the biggest challenges we face. Brexit is a walk in the park by comparison.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Describes it perfectly, it is not a union of equals in any sense.
My wife would beg to differ. We are a union of equals in every sense as the English/Welshman lives in harmony with the Scots lass for more than 55 years.
It can be done Malc
And on Brexit, I am staying neutral on all the angst and will await the final outcome at which time I will provide my own views, hopefully, in a polite and honest way.
Union of equals with a Scots lass of more than 55 years? I will read your posts with much greater respect going forward.
I believe there is just a chance Malc might appoint me an Honorary Scotsman, even though I am a conservative
I am just an amateur at 33 years (so far) but its been a privilege.
I think Malcolm's point has some validity but not just for Scotland. Its a problem for all of the UK outside London and the South East. Growth requires critical mass of talent and opportunity and where is that critical mass to be found in almost all our growth areas? How do we stop London bleeding us all dry of talent and opportunity? It is one of the biggest challenges we face. Brexit is a walk in the park by comparison.
Move the national capital to Sheffield.
I'd prefer York but I wouldn't want to spoil one of our true jewels.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I like a visual demonstration (this is from 2011 so I'm GUESSING things haven't got any better from a 'British' point of view).
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on not caring that Brexit might lead to the end of the Union. All the polling shows this. In the end, English nationalists care about England. Throw in a Labour party leadership (and membership, I’d hazard) that would clearly prefer a united Ireland and it could be the DUP ends up being its own worst enemy.
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
I like a visual demonstration (this is from 2011 so I'm GUESSING things haven't got any better from a 'British' point of view).
Ironic that those who are closest to Ulster Protestants in seeing themselves as British above all else are Londoners
Not for the same reasons though. I reckon the Ulster Brits are defining themselves as Not Irish, whereas I would think the Londoners are British rather than English because so many of their families are from the commonwealth.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is crea
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers on worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other pa
Hasn't that been essentially true for over 300 years, though?
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
Essentially it has been true, but for much of the last 300 years there was also a sense of Britishness - especially during the Empire, which benefited Scotland just as much as England. That Britishness is fast waning. England and Scotland and Northern Ireland are now heading in very different directions in terms of identity. Brexit shows that clearly.
We'll see.
It didn't look that brilliant for years before Brexit, in all honesty.
Unfortunately so. But it can be saved still. At least, that is my hope
How?
We all live on the same island, and have a huge amount in common.
BBC staff have been told to use non- binary pronouns when addressing gender-fluid or transgender employees to ensure that the corporation does not develop a “heteronormative culture”.
The policy means that BBC workers will be encouraged to refer to non-binary colleagues as “they” or “them”, rather than “he” or “she”.
In addition heterosexual BBC staff will be asked to wear badges identifying themselves as “straight allies” to help their LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) colleagues."
I was recently described as a member of the 'upper middle classes'.
I still haven't recovered.
Did you buy your own furniture? If I recall Alan Clarke correctly, that's the big thing...
I tend to be mystified by the English obsession with class, but I'm pretty sure Clark like to think of himself as upper rather than upper middle. Of course (as with so many other things) he may have been wrong about that, but I guess whatever social stratification Hesseltine resided in, AC was convinced he was above it.
Whatever else he may, or may not have been, socially, Alan Clarke certainly lacked any sort of class when it came to the treatment of women and particularly teenage girls.
Well, quite.
And, given that his family money came from trade, he was in no position to be snobbish about Heseltine. Or anyone else.
He was, on a personal level, a total shit.
But he did write some very good diaries.
To be fair on Alan Clark, while his pre-morbid personality was pretty unpleasant, his later behaviour probably was in least part due to personality change from his slow growing brain tumour.
I was recently described as a member of the 'upper middle classes'.
I still haven't recovered.
Did you buy your own furniture? If I recall Alan Clarke correctly, that's the big thing...
I tend to be mystified by the English obsession with class, but I'm pretty sure Clark like to think of himself as upper rather than upper middle. Of course (as with so many other things) he may have been wrong about that, but I guess whatever social stratification Hesseltine resided in, AC was convinced he was above it.
Whatever else he may, or may not have been, socially, Alan Clarke certainly lacked any sort of class when it came to the treatment of women and particularly teenage girls.
Well, quite.
And, given that his family money came from trade, he was in no position to be snobbish about Heseltine. Or anyone else.
He was, on a personal level, a total shit.
But he did write some very good diaries.
Snobs are rarely charming.
True 'class' rarely has anything to do with birth, privilege or wealth. I have known people of true working-class with barely two ha'pennys to rub together who act with more dignity than others who see themselves as upper-class and superior.
IMO what matters is who you act towards others, especially those who are less fortunate in whatever way than yourself. That's something people who think themselves as 'upper-class' too often forget. Clark was a classic example. An odious man who could write well.
If I were May I think I would announce a referendum in NI this week to be held in early/mid November as to whether they want to ensure they remain in the SM and CU after Brexit or if they only want to Leave the EU on exactly the same terms as GB even if that means leaving the SM.
The DUP would be free to campaign for the latter option of course. She would only agree a Deal with the EU if the Referendum resulted in a Yes vote for staying in the SM and CU
Yeah, because a referendum on whether NI should be economically separated from the Union is not likely to lead to sectarian division. Not smart.
It is creating a hard border in NI by taking the province out of the SM and CU that will create a sectarian division and potentially create a majority for a United Ireland as all the polling shows.
However I know you don't care about that, just as you don't care about Scotland leaving the UK, just as you don't care about crashing the economy with a No Deal Brexit
To be fair, Archer is with most Tory Leavers worst enemy.
It’s a peculiar kind of nationalism that says the majority verdict of 12% of the nation (Scotland and NI) should trump the majority verdict of 88% of the nation (England and Wales).
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
I'd put it slightly differently: I'm a passionate unionist but, if the only thing holding the union together today is our membership of the European Union, then our union died some time ago.
I think what leaving the EU shows above all else is that we have a Union in which England is utterly dominant and that the wishes of other parts of the UK will always be subordinate. In the end that will spell the end of the affair. That is sad, but probably necessary.
Labour’s unelectability under Corbyn contributes to the problem. Left of centre Scots know that he virtually guarantees an increasingly right wing, English nationalist Tory government in Westminster. Given that, what’s the argument for continuing to back the Union? Corbyn himself would be happy see an independent Scotland and delighted to see a united Ireland.
I was recently described as a member of the 'upper middle classes'.
I still haven't recovered.
Did you buy your own furniture? If I recall Alan Clarke correctly, that's the big thing...
I tend to be mystified by the English obsession with class, but I'm pretty sure Clark like to think of himself as upper rather than upper middle. Of course (as with so many other things) he may have been wrong about that, but I guess whatever social stratification Hesseltine resided in, AC was convinced he was above it.
Whatever else he may, or may not have been, socially, Alan Clarke certainly lacked any sort of class when it came to the treatment of women and particularly teenage girls.
Well, quite.
And, given that his family money came from trade, he was in no position to be snobbish about Heseltine. Or anyone else.
He was, on a personal level, a total shit.
But he did write some very good diaries.
Snobs are rarely charming.
True 'class' rarely has anything to do with birth, privilege or wealth. I have known people of true working-class with barely two ha'pennys to rub together who act with more dignity than others who see themselves as upper-class and superior.
IMO what matters is who you act towards others, especially those who are less fortunate in whatever way than yourself. That's something people who think themselves as 'upper-class' too often forget. Clark was a classic example. An odious man who could write well.
See also, Mr Johnson, B.
Indeed.
My aunts used to say that good manners were, fundamentally, about kindness to others.
I was recently described as a member of the 'upper middle classes'.
I still haven't recovered.
Did you buy your own furniture? If I recall Alan Clarke correctly, that's the big thing...
I tend to be mystified by the English obsession with class, but I'm pretty sure Clark like to think of himself as upper rather than upper middle. Of course (as with so many other things) he may have been wrong about that, but I guess whatever social stratification Hesseltine resided in, AC was convinced he was above it.
Whatever else he may, or may not have been, socially, Alan Clarke certainly lacked any sort of class when it came to the treatment of women and particularly teenage girls.
Well, quite.
And, given that his family money came from trade, he was in no position to be snobbish about Heseltine. Or anyone else.
He was, on a personal level, a total shit.
But he did write some very good diaries.
Snobs are rarely charming.
True 'class' rarely has anything to do with birth, privilege or wealth. I have known people of true working-class with barely two ha'pennys to rub together who act with more dignity than others who see themselves as upper-class and superior.
IMO what matters is who you act towards others, especially those who are less fortunate in whatever way than yourself. That's something people who think themselves as 'upper-class' too often forget. Clark was a classic example. An odious man who could write well.
See also, Mr Johnson, B.
Indeed.
My aunts used to say that good manners were, fundamentally, about kindness to others.
Reminds me of times long ago when I was sent, unjustly, to detention
Are they called Sherpas because they climb mountains? Butter mountains. Milk mountains. Soda fountain mountains?
I think they are called Sherpas because they do all the work and their political masters claim all the glory.
They also know the mountains and know what they are doing, unlike their masters. As well as doing the hard work. Sherpas are strictly ethnic Tibetans living in Nepal.
At the time that Hillary and Tensing climbed Everest the circulating joke was that they were asked on national TV what the view was like from the top. Hillary enthused about the way the mountains were spread out below him. Tensing shrugged and said it looked much the same as usual.
Comments
If Brexit causes the Scots to go for independence, that is no-one’s decision but theirs. Then again, I don’t know why I’m bothering to say this; it isn’t Leavers that have a problem with self-determination.
Some Leavers have a very selective view on self-determination. They are opposed to letting voters decide whether the UK should leave the EU on a no deal basis, for example. Can you believe it?
Interesting that Gavin Williamson is involved after a fashion:
Gavin Williamson, Conservative MP for South Staffordshire, campaigned to limit the speed of trains through Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay when the upgrade work of the line is complete. He wrote to then Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin, to request confirmation that trains travelling through these areas would not exceed a speed of 45 mph.[14] He also requested that "environmental mitigation measures" be put in place to reduce the potential impact of the electrification on residents in South Staffordshire. Network Rail had previously said that electric trains are quieter, greener and cleaner, reducing carbon emissions.[15]
Edit - although that twat Fabricant campaigned against the electrification on that basis even though it doesn't cross into his constituency!
In my view Brexit will solidify the Union. After a real Brexit, Scottish independence is dead as an option. A hard border between England and Scotland would economically destroy Scotland; Scottish independence really depends on both parties remaining in the EU.
In NI, although I perfectly understand that a united Ireland will come in due time, Brexit does nothing to damage the union and probably makes it less likely that NI will leave for the same reason as Scotland at least in the medium term. The only thing that threatens the Union is people such as yourself supporting artificial and completely unnecessary economic barriers within the UK just to satisfy the whims of your masters in Brussels.
Works when the interests of all are broadly aligned and self-identifying as British is meaningfully there.
http://westmidlandsrail.com/media/2833/west-midlands-rail-article.pdf
What Brexit shows is that identity trumps economics - at least up to now. If that continues to be the case, Scotland will leave the Union.
A nation divided, confused and angry.
I tell you what worries me... not the tortuous and infernal Brexit football but....
the state of the Wembley pitch halfway through 1 NFL game in the rain... with 2 to come before Spurs host City and then PSV...
What a shambles!
https://twitter.com/onlmaps/status/1046517571611058176
That's seriously disheartening but not terribly surprising.
http://scotgoespop.blogspot.com/2018/10/stupefying-survation-survey-suggests.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/northern-ireland-support-join-irish-republic-eu-hard-brexit-poll-lucidtalk-a8098531.html
It can be done Malc
And on Brexit, I am staying neutral on all the angst and will await the final outcome at which time I will provide my own views, hopefully, in a polite and honest way.
And, given that his family money came from trade, he was in no position to be snobbish about Heseltine. Or anyone else.
He was, on a personal level, a total shit.
But he did write some very good diaries.
I think it will be the case that the UK can exit the CU by reactivating the NI only backstop but this clearly is unacceptable as well and always has been.
It didn't look that brilliant for years before Brexit, in all honesty.
Yet the ironic thing is all the polling shows English voters oppose No Deal Brexit, if it was the case English voters backed No Deal Brexit unlike Scottish and NI voters you may have a point that the Union is doomed but that is not the case
An end to the disruption would be something at least, even if it's frustrating we have to wait two years longer than promised for the benefits.
Corbyn will remain a republican, socialist, anti Unionist regardless but he will still only agree to independence for Scotland and Northern Ireland if a majority of Scots or the people of Northern Ireland vote for it in a referendum and his MPs will certainly ensure that is the case
IMO what matters is who you act towards others, especially those who are less fortunate in whatever way than yourself. That's something people who think themselves as 'upper-class' too often forget. Clark was a classic example. An odious man who could write well.
See also, Mr Johnson, B.
Unlike Trump he could write well. His diaries are his only claim to fame. His brother, Colin Clark, also wrote an interesting account of his time on the set of The Prince and The Showgirl.
I think Malcolm's point has some validity but not just for Scotland. Its a problem for all of the UK outside London and the South East. Growth requires critical mass of talent and opportunity and where is that critical mass to be found in almost all our growth areas? How do we stop London bleeding us all dry of talent and opportunity? It is one of the biggest challenges we face. Brexit is a walk in the park by comparison.
It is indeed David but Westminster do not care , they are happy to keep promoting London and the south east. They can safely ignore Scotland , Wales and various areas of England.
My wife would beg to differ. We are a union of equals in every sense as the English/Welshman lives in harmony with the Scots lass for more than 55 years.
It can be done Malc
And on Brexit, I am staying neutral on all the angst and will await the final outcome at which time I will provide my own views, hopefully, in a polite and honest way.
...................................................................................
Malc
It can be done G, but it is not at present, it is very one sided affair at present and cannot continue indefinitely.
....................................................................................
Big G North Wales
I actually agree with you as I would humbly suggest I do understand Scots politics maybe a bit more than some posters on here purport to.
With 66%+ Scots wanting to remain and then being taken out against their will, by the hard Brexiteers who are mainly English, it is not difficult to see why Scotland is so angry and I see it through our social media with our Scottish family and friends.
I hope it will settle down but both my wife and I value the Union and hope it grows stronger with more devolved powers but I really do get angry when some posters actively want Scotland to leave, or worse think that England could somehow stop a second Independence referendum
https://twitter.com/brexit/status/1051562682581581824?s=21
Stopped reading there TBF
I would like to vote against the govt, but I have no options for doing so because Labour is in such a mess.
My aunts used to say that good manners were, fundamentally, about kindness to others.
https://twitter.com/jason_keen/status/1051568165027803139?s=21
600 lines of
Manners maketh Man
True in the 1950's - true today
Can't ring a mobile of the hook...