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  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    Quite, probably a lot longer.
    A second referendum would have to produce a course of action though, which means ranked choice.

    A mandate to renegotiate wouldn’t be any kind of solution, though, so what deal option(s) should be on there ? May ? Norway + (whatever that is) ?

    If the Commons can’t achieve a consensus on Brexit, why would they be able to do so on referendum terms ?

  • Pulpstar said:

    Alistair said:
    Big shout out to the PBer who called turnout would be so high.

    Pineapple puss to all those that said turnout wouldn’t be anywhere near 50%.
    I think it makes the 1.83 available for a generic Dem win good value
    I’m sorry, it’s early and my brain isn’t working.

    Which market is that?
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,426

    Pulpstar said:

    Looks like

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    Not if you're the DUP, it's superb
    Doesn't that add weight to the case?
    But the reduction in caloric intake due to the chaos if this deal is voted down will reduce it.

    (Can I please correct one misconception? The CJEU has NOT ruled that A50 can be unilaterally revoked. The Advocate General has said he believes it can be, and they may, but are not obliged to, follow his view.)
  • CharlesCharles Posts: 35,758
    Notch said:

    More good news.

    Julia Hitler-Brewer is hecking furious rn https://twitter.com/JuliaHB1/status/1070060079716667392

    Bollx.

    Seems to me the HoC is a fair reflection of a country utterly divided, roughly 50:50 on the EU, with various sub-groups within each portion who disagree on various aspects and nuances.

    Yes, Leave won. But by far too small a margin to settle matters.

    Cameron's failure to add a threshold was a calamity.
    Indeed - any constitutional referendum should have a sensible threshold set.
    Some countries set a threshold for turnout, but is there a single country in the world where ANY kind of proposed change being voted on in a referendum, whether constitutional or otherwise, is declared the victor only if it wins by something other than a simple majority?

    David Cameron's failure wasn't that he didn't require Leave to achieve 53%, or 66.7%, or some other figure bigger than 51.9%, which would have been idiotic and probably caused the mess the country is in by now to be even worse than it is. His failure was that he didn't convince enough people of the merits of staying in the EU. Partly that was because he wasn't fighting against a discredited Labour government that had been in office for 13 years and whose leader had just showed himself as a two-faced b*stard when he expressed his utmost contempt for a working class woman on film, nor was he able to play an "I agree with Nick" move. Mainly it was because no British government had ever bothered to channel propaganda to the Morlocks that painted the EU as an "us". Not many Tory clubs hang pictures of Edward Heath on their walls either. Which doesn't let Cameron off the hook. During his 7 years in office he didn't even try.
    Mainly because no one in government wanted to admit to the bait and switch.

    If you try to build a political edifice without legitimacy, like a skyscraper without proper foundations, it will fall over at some point

    Some, like the Tower of Pisa, might last longer than others (the Tower of Babel) but they will add fall in the end

    “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!”
  • SandpitSandpit Posts: 54,631
    edited December 2018
    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Conservative whips have already been ‘suggesting’ to MPs that if the deal passes they’ll get to see their families for Christmas.

    The suggestion of course being that if it doesn’t pass there isn’t going to be a recess due to the impasse. I’m all for having the Commons sit from 8am until midnight every day until they can agree on a way forward.
  • Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    What's the problem? Jeremy Corbyn says he wants a General Election, so if TMay wants one too there's nothing to stop her asking Parliament to vote for one.
    She would be just about the only person in the Tory party who would want one now. So, she can't make a decision that it is in the national interest to have a GE.
  • BarnesianBarnesian Posts: 8,621

    Pulpstar said:

    Alistair said:
    Big shout out to the PBer who called turnout would be so high.

    Pineapple puss to all those that said turnout wouldn’t be anywhere near 50%.
    I think it makes the 1.83 available for a generic Dem win good value
    I’m sorry, it’s early and my brain isn’t working.

    Which market is that?
    https://www.betfair.com/exchange/politics/event/28009878/market?marketId=1.128988348
  • IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    Scott_P said:
    It is abundantly clear that the Moggites have no real interest in government - just forcing some version of Brexit which conforms to their strange prejudices, and leaving it up to someone else to sort out the mess.
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 49,871
    Charles said:

    Notch said:

    More good news.

    Julia Hitler-Brewer is hecking furious rn https://twitter.com/JuliaHB1/status/1070060079716667392

    Bollx.

    Seems to me the HoC is a fair reflection of a country utterly divided, roughly 50:50 on the EU, with various sub-groups within each portion who disagree on various aspects and nuances.

    Yes, Leave won. But by far too small a margin to settle matters.

    Cameron's failure to add a threshold was a calamity.
    Indeed - any constitutional referendum should have a sensible threshold set.
    Some countries set a threshold for turnout, but is there a single country in the world where ANY kind of proposed change being voted on in a referendum, whether constitutional or otherwise, is declared the victor only if it wins by something other than a simple majority?

    David Cameron's failure wasn't that he didn't require Leave to achieve 53%, or 66.7%, or some other figure bigger than 51.9%, which would have been idiotic and probably caused the mess the country is in by now to be even worse than it is. His failure was that he didn't convince enough people of the merits of staying in the EU. Partly that was because he wasn't fighting against a discredited Labour government that had been in office for 13 years and whose leader had just showed himself as a two-faced b*stard when he expressed his utmost contempt for a working class woman on film, nor was he able to play an "I agree with Nick" move. Mainly it was because no British government had ever bothered to channel propaganda to the Morlocks that painted the EU as an "us". Not many Tory clubs hang pictures of Edward Heath on their walls either. Which doesn't let Cameron off the hook. During his 7 years in office he didn't even try.
    Mainly because no one in government wanted to admit to the bait and switch.

    If you try to build a political edifice without legitimacy, like a skyscraper without proper foundations, it will fall over at some point

    Some, like the Tower of Pisa, might last longer than others (the Tower of Babel) but they will add fall in the end

    “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!”
    No, rather it is human nature not to fully appreciate the benefits of what you have, until it is gone.
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 71,426
    Charles said:

    Notch said:

    More good news.

    Julia Hitler-Brewer is hecking furious rn https://twitter.com/JuliaHB1/status/1070060079716667392

    Bollx.

    Seems to me the HoC is a fair reflection of a country utterly divided, roughly 50:50 on the EU, with various sub-groups within each portion who disagree on various aspects and nuances.

    Yes, Leave won. But by far too small a margin to settle matters.

    Cameron's failure to add a threshold was a calamity.
    Indeed - any constitutional referendum should have a sensible threshold set.
    Some countries set a threshold for turnout, but is there a single country in the world where ANY kind of proposed change being voted on in a referendum, whether constitutional or otherwise, is declared the victor only if it wins by something other than a simple majority?

    David Cameron's failure wasn't that he didn't require Leave to achieve 53%, or 66.7%, or some other figure bigger than 51.9%, which would have been idiotic and probably caused the mess the country is in by now to be even worse than it is. His failure was that he didn't convince enough people of the merits of staying in the EU. Partly that was because he wasn't fighting against a discredited Labour government that had been in office for 13 years and whose leader had just showed himself as a two-faced b*stard when he expressed his utmost contempt for a working class woman on film, nor was he able to play an "I agree with Nick" move. Mainly it was because no British government had ever bothered to channel propaganda to the Morlocks that painted the EU as an "us". Not many Tory clubs hang pictures of Edward Heath on their walls either. Which doesn't let Cameron off the hook. During his 7 years in office he didn't even try.
    Mainly because no one in government wanted to admit to the bait and switch.

    If you try to build a political edifice without legitimacy, like a skyscraper without proper foundations, it will fall over at some point

    Some, like the Tower of Pisa, might last longer than others (the Tower of Babel) but they will add fall in the end

    “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!”
    The problem with such a clause is it would have added further weight to the claim the 'establishment' was rigging the ballot for its own ends.

    A more plausible way forward would have been the Scotland clause - a minimum of 40% of the entire electorate would have to vote for the change - but again, that was a wrecking amendment, and in case nobody has noticed, it left a lasting legacy of bitterness.

    But also, I would hesitate before responding in any detail to Grabcocque, whose name amply sums up his character.
  • eekeek Posts: 28,412

    Pulpstar said:

    Alistair said:
    Big shout out to the PBer who called turnout would be so high.

    Pineapple puss to all those that said turnout wouldn’t be anywhere near 50%.
    I think it makes the 1.83 available for a generic Dem win good value
    I’m sorry, it’s early and my brain isn’t working.

    Which market is that?
    In an election where the actual votes merely determine the voters who make the final decision the voter turnout doesn't matter. Remember Hilary won the national vote in 2016 but a lot of her votes were additional surplus votes on the coasts..
  • AlistairAlistair Posts: 23,670
    Pulpstar said:

    NC09 looks like actual definite ballot fraud has gone on. Stuff you would expect in a 3rd world country

    The "what happened in the 2016 GOP primary vs what happened in the 2018 primary" is comically obvious.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,220
    Barnesian said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Alistair said:
    Big shout out to the PBer who called turnout would be so high.

    Pineapple puss to all those that said turnout wouldn’t be anywhere near 50%.
    I think it makes the 1.83 available for a generic Dem win good value
    I’m sorry, it’s early and my brain isn’t working.

    Which market is that?
    https://www.betfair.com/exchange/politics/event/28009878/market?marketId=1.128988348
    My wager is with Ladbrokes thus far on this one as it's a binary choice - so nothing to lay and no premium charge
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

  • SquareRootSquareRoot Posts: 7,095
    Nigelb said:

    Scott_P said:
    It is abundantly clear that the Moggites have no real interest in government - just forcing some version of Brexit which conforms to their strange prejudices, and leaving it up to someone else to sort out the mess.
    You could say that about corbyn
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 49,871

    Nigelb said:

    Scott_P said:
    It is abundantly clear that the Moggites have no real interest in government - just forcing some version of Brexit which conforms to their strange prejudices, and leaving it up to someone else to sort out the mess.
    You could say that about corbyn
    Except the bit about actually having a preferred form of Brexit.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    Charles said:

    Notch said:

    More good news.

    Julia Hitler-Brewer is hecking furious rn https://twitter.com/JuliaHB1/status/1070060079716667392

    Bollx.

    Seems to me the HoC is a fair reflection of a country utterly divided, roughly 50:50 on the EU, with various sub-groups within each portion who disagree on various aspects and nuances.

    Yes, Leave won. But by far too small a margin to settle matters.

    Cameron's failure to add a threshold was a calamity.
    Indeed - any constitutional referendum should have a sensible threshold set.
    Some countries set a threshold for turnout, but is there a single country in the world where ANY kind of proposed change being voted on in a referendum, whether constitutional or otherwise, is declared the victor only if it wins by something other than a simple majority?

    David Cameron's failure wasn't that he didn't require Leave to achieve 53%, or 66.7%, or some other figure bigger than 51.9%, which would have been idiotic and probably caused the mess the country is in by now to be even worse than it is. His failure was that he didn't convince enough people of the merits of staying in the EU. Partly that was because he wasn't fighting against a discredited Labour government that had been in office for 13 years and whose leader had just showed himself as a two-faced b*stard when he expressed his utmost contempt for a working class woman on film, nor was he able to play an "I agree with Nick" move. Mainly it was because no British government had ever bothered to channel propaganda to the Morlocks that painted the EU as an "us". Not many Tory clubs hang pictures of Edward Heath on their walls either. Which doesn't let Cameron off the hook. During his 7 years in office he didn't even try.
    Mainly because no one in government wanted to admit to the bait and switch.

    If you try to build a political edifice without legitimacy, like a skyscraper without proper foundations, it will fall over at some point

    Some, like the Tower of Pisa, might last longer than others (the Tower of Babel) but they will add fall in the end

    “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!”
    Pisa is beng steadily unleant. It will likely outlast the EU.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,747
    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
  • Good morning, everyone.

    Has a second referendum become odds on yet?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300

    Nigelb said:

    Scott_P said:
    It is abundantly clear that the Moggites have no real interest in government - just forcing some version of Brexit which conforms to their strange prejudices, and leaving it up to someone else to sort out the mess.
    You could say that about corbyn
    Except it wouldn’t be quite true. Corbyn is deluded in a different manner; he believes he could succeed in government.

  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,220
    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,537
    edited December 2018


    No, but they've found another way to annoy people - apparently they may not release the legal guidance tomorrow, merely announce tomorrow that they will comply at a later date.

    Andrea Leadsom gave no undertaking to release the full legal advice - only that they would respoind on Wednesday. Bercow and Labour let her off the hook by not following up on the ambiguous reply.
    From a partisan viewpoint I'm fine with letting the Government extend its contempt for a few days - extends the story. But she may say "tomorrow" which would be accepted without quibble. If she says "Oh, around the 12th" she'll be seen as taking the piss.
  • eekeek Posts: 28,412
    Given the way the Conservative party elects their leader how on earth is Dominic Raab the current favourite to be next leader (odds 8.6).

  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
  • The Suez moment is very close now.There will be much recrimination. Worth remembering in the long term the UK emerged from Suez stronger as an internationalist nation with politicians better equipped to understand how the world worked.
  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,537
    Sandpit said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Conservative whips have already been ‘suggesting’ to MPs that if the deal passes they’ll get to see their families for Christmas.

    The suggestion of course being that if it doesn’t pass there isn’t going to be a recess due to the impasse. I’m all for having the Commons sit from 8am until midnight every day until they can agree on a way forward.
    A small problem is that it's subject to Parliamentary consent. I think there might be a little revolt about that. And to be fair the problem in Parliament is not that they're short of time to reflect - they've had two years. The problem is that they've reflected and come up with irreoncilable views.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,747
    Nigelb said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
    That could be something for the MPs to debate over Christmas.
  • MortimerMortimer Posts: 14,127
    IanB2 said:

    Charles said:

    Notch said:

    More good news.

    Julia Hitler-Brewer is hecking furious rn https://twitter.com/JuliaHB1/status/1070060079716667392

    Bollx.

    Seems to me the HoC is a fair reflection of a country utterly divided, roughly 50:50 on the EU, with various sub-groups within each portion who disagree on various aspects and nuances.

    Yes, Leave won. But by far too small a margin to settle matters.

    Cameron's failure to add a threshold was a calamity.
    Indeed - any constitutional referendum should have a sensible threshold set.
    Some countries set a threshold for turnout, but is there a single country in the world where ANY kind of proposed change being voted on in a referendum, whether constitutional or otherwise, is declared the victor only if it wins by something other than a simple majority?

    David Cameron's failure wasn't that he didn't require Leave to achieve 53%, or 66.7%, or some other figure bigger than 51.9%, which would have been idiotic and probably caused the mess the country is in by now to be even worse than it is. His failure was that he didn't convince enough people of the merits of staying in the EU. Partly that was because he wasn't fighting against a discredited Labour government that had been in office for 13 years and whose leader had just showed himself as a two-faced b*stard when he expressed his utmost contempt for a working class woman on film, nor was he able to play an "I agree with Nick" move. Mainly it was because no British government had ever bothered to channel propaganda to the Morlocks that painted the EU as an "us". Not many Tory clubs hang pictures of Edward Heath on their walls either. Which doesn't let Cameron off the hook. During his 7 years in office he didn't even try.
    Mainly because no one in government wanted to admit to the bait and switch.

    If you try to build a political edifice without legitimacy, like a skyscraper without proper foundations, it will fall over at some point

    Some, like the Tower of Pisa, might last longer than others (the Tower of Babel) but they will add fall in the end

    “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!”
    No, rather it is human nature not to fully appreciate the benefits of what you have, until it is gone.
    Indeed. Britons who saw their birthrights to sovereignty successfully given away in Maastricht and Lisbon would agree.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,220

    Sandpit said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Conservative whips have already been ‘suggesting’ to MPs that if the deal passes they’ll get to see their families for Christmas.

    The suggestion of course being that if it doesn’t pass there isn’t going to be a recess due to the impasse. I’m all for having the Commons sit from 8am until midnight every day until they can agree on a way forward.
    A small problem is that it's subject to Parliamentary consent. I think there might be a little revolt about that. And to be fair the problem in Parliament is not that they're short of time to reflect - they've had two years. The problem is that they've reflected and come up with irreoncilable views.
    Keep en locked in the chamber on Christmas day I say
  • timmotimmo Posts: 1,469

    Sandpit said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Conservative whips have already been ‘suggesting’ to MPs that if the deal passes they’ll get to see their families for Christmas.

    The suggestion of course being that if it doesn’t pass there isn’t going to be a recess due to the impasse. I’m all for having the Commons sit from 8am until midnight every day until they can agree on a way forward.
    A small problem is that it's subject to Parliamentary consent. I think there might be a little revolt about that. And to be fair the problem in Parliament is not that they're short of time to reflect - they've had two years. The problem is that they've reflected and come up with irreoncilable views.
    The Govt isnt in control any more...
  • SquareRootSquareRoot Posts: 7,095
    edited December 2018
    Nigelb said:

    Nigelb said:

    Scott_P said:
    It is abundantly clear that the Moggites have no real interest in government - just forcing some version of Brexit which conforms to their strange prejudices, and leaving it up to someone else to sort out the mess.
    You could say that about corbyn
    Except it wouldn’t be quite true. Corbyn is deluded in a different manner; he believes he could succeed in government.


    Well Nick Palmer thinks Labour look competent ;) (he must think it as he has started on here that he never posts anything he knows not to be true!)(but then I guess everyone is entitled to be deluded at times.)
    I guess anything looks competent to the shambles going on at the moment. All 650 MP's are to blame. Ironically, it would seem that the ERG have the traits of being " gadarene". I await the outcome with interest!

    Oh for some TMS...
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 78,220
    Nigelb said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
    I) They will
    2) Ranked choice Deal, No Deal exit, Remain hopefully
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    edited December 2018
    Elsewhere, it appears Biden is running (“I am the most qualified to be President”), and Deval Patrick isn’t.
    The Democratic field will whittle itself down very quickly to the handful of candidates able to raise serious money.
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658


    No, but they've found another way to annoy people - apparently they may not release the legal guidance tomorrow, merely announce tomorrow that they will comply at a later date.

    Andrea Leadsom gave no undertaking to release the full legal advice - only that they would respoind on Wednesday. Bercow and Labour let her off the hook by not following up on the ambiguous reply.
    From a partisan viewpoint I'm fine with letting the Government extend its contempt for a few days - extends the story. But she may say "tomorrow" which would be accepted without quibble. If she says "Oh, around the 12th" she'll be seen as taking the piss.
    Maybe the AG hasn’t actually written down his legal advice yet?

    https://videosift.com/british/video/Yes-Prime-Minister-How-To-Take-Minutes-From-A-Meeting
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
    I) They will
    2) Ranked choice Deal, No Deal exit, Remain hopefully
    Which deal ?
    (The only one we know is deliverable at the moment is May’s.)
  • AnazinaAnazina Posts: 3,487
    Plank said:

    Laura K is speculating that the Grieve amendment could have been secretly supported by the chief whip in the hope it will end up helping TMay.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46449498

    That settles it then. There’s no plot.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,202
    eek said:

    Given the way the Conservative party elects their leader how on earth is Dominic Raab the current favourite to be next leader (odds 8.6).

    Raab is now joint second with Javid on 11% each behind Boris who leads on 24% in the new ConHome Tory members survey

    https://www.conservativehome.com/thetorydiary/2018/12/johnson-distrusted-by-conservative-mps-clung-to-by-party-members-he-extends-his-lead-in-our-next-tory-leader-survey.html
  • No_Offence_AlanNo_Offence_Alan Posts: 4,543
    edited December 2018
    Sandpit said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Conservative whips have already been ‘suggesting’ to MPs that if the deal passes they’ll get to see their families for Christmas.

    The suggestion of course being that if it doesn’t pass there isn’t going to be a recess due to the impasse. I’m all for having the Commons sit from 8am until midnight every day until they can agree on a way forward.
    Might not the opposite approach work better? After the deal is voted down, May just says, right, see you in 21 days, to run the clock down and concentrate minds.
  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 8,301
    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A Tory landslide would give May the votes to get her deal through.
    A Tory majority might give her the votes to screw Northern Ireland and develop a new deal.
    A Labour win and Corbyn would I suspect easily get the votes to pass whatever deal he came up with, if he agreed to a second referendum on his deal.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,177

    daodao said:

    Scott_P said:
    I now expect the Remainer MPs, who form the majority, to propose a 2nd referendum, which on the basis of the evidence that you have publicised, will lead to the cancellation of Brexit.
    Yes I think this is now the most likely outcome.

    There is no Commons majoritynfor any exit deal, "Norway" included, and no deal is not an option.

    So a second referendum it will be and Article 50 will be revoked.
    Yep. Very good timing from the advocate general too. Continuity remainers would be silly to give up now and even if nearly all the ERG backed the deal some more remainers are needed.

    How long before labour back remain? They aren't going to take no stance in a referendum as 90% of them will campaign for remain.
  • Slaves to the grid? Is it possible Theresa May would, two years ago, have given her right arm to be here, or somewhere very near here, and that Number 10 should stop fighting on all fronts and accept the new reality rather than risk precipitating a no deal exit, a change of leader, or Jeremy Corbyn in Downing Street?
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    timmo said:

    Sandpit said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Conservative whips have already been ‘suggesting’ to MPs that if the deal passes they’ll get to see their families for Christmas.

    The suggestion of course being that if it doesn’t pass there isn’t going to be a recess due to the impasse. I’m all for having the Commons sit from 8am until midnight every day until they can agree on a way forward.
    A small problem is that it's subject to Parliamentary consent. I think there might be a little revolt about that. And to be fair the problem in Parliament is not that they're short of time to reflect - they've had two years. The problem is that they've reflected and come up with irreoncilable views.
    The Govt isnt in control any more...
    Grieve deserves considerable credit for his amendment.
    It is notable the the official opposition were unable to come up with anything so effective..

  • rkrkrk said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A Tory landslide would give May the votes to get her deal through.
    A Tory majority might give her the votes to screw Northern Ireland and develop a new deal.
    A Labour win and Corbyn would I suspect easily get the votes to pass whatever deal he came up with, if he agreed to a second referendum on his deal.
    We don't know what a GE would throw up. But that is part of the system. It is up to the collective of the people what the makeup of the Commons becomes next.

    Seems to me at this point this would be less divisive than another referendum.

    Worth trying first? After an A50 extension of say 6 months.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,177

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    No it doesn't. I've never understood the antipathy for it. If the government can't function there are provisions to hold early elections.

    And were current polls correct a GE would not make things better anyway, we'd still have a confused situation.
  • HYUFD said:

    eek said:

    Given the way the Conservative party elects their leader how on earth is Dominic Raab the current favourite to be next leader (odds 8.6).

    Raab is now joint second with Javid on 11% each behind Boris who leads on 24% in the new ConHome Tory members survey

    https://www.conservativehome.com/thetorydiary/2018/12/johnson-distrusted-by-conservative-mps-clung-to-by-party-members-he-extends-his-lead-in-our-next-tory-leader-survey.html
    Cross out Boris and Raab, who don't have a prayer of reaching the final two, and this looks like good news for Javid.
  • Mortimer said:

    IanB2 said:

    Charles said:

    Notch said:

    More good news.

    Julia Hitler-Brewer is hecking furious rn https://twitter.com/JuliaHB1/status/1070060079716667392

    Bollx.

    Seems to me the HoC is a fair reflection of a country utterly divided, roughly 50:50 on the EU, with various sub-groups within each portion who disagree on various aspects and nuances.

    Yes, Leave won. But by far too small a margin to settle matters.

    Cameron's failure to add a threshold was a calamity.
    Indeed - any constitutional referendum should have a sensible threshold set.
    Some countries set a threshold for turnout, but is there a single country in the world where ANY kind of proposed change being voted on in a referendum, whether constitutional or otherwise, is declared the victor only if it wins by something other than a simple majority?

    David Cameron's failure wasn't that he didn't require Leave to achieve 53%, or 66.7%, or some other figure bigger than 51.9%, which would have been idiotic and probably caused the mess the country is in by now to be even worse than it is. His failure was that he didn't convince enough people of the merits of staying in the EU. Partly that was because he wasn't fighting against a discredited Labour government that had been in office for 13 years and whose leader had just showed himself as a two-faced b*stard when he expressed his utmost contempt for a working class woman on film, nor was he able to play an "I agree with Nick" move. Mainly it was because no British government had ever bothered to channel propaganda to the Morlocks that painted the EU as an "us". Not many Tory clubs hang pictures of Edward Heath on their walls either. Which doesn't let Cameron off the hook. During his 7 years in office he didn't even try.
    Mainly because no one in government wanted to admit to the bait and switch.

    If you try to build a political edifice without legitimacy, like a skyscraper without proper foundations, it will fall over at some point

    Some, like the Tower of Pisa, might last longer than others (the Tower of Babel) but they will add fall in the end

    “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!”
    No, rather it is human nature not to fully appreciate the benefits of what you have, until it is gone.
    Indeed. Britons who saw their birthrights to sovereignty successfully given away in Maastricht and Lisbon would agree.
    But in 1992 over 90% of voters voted for parties that had manifesto commitments to ratify the Maastricht treaty.

    #WillOfThePeople.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,202
    The most important issue is now Brexit on 66% followed by healthcare on 32%

    https://mobile.twitter.com/EuropeElects/status/1070131060137226240
  • paulyork64paulyork64 Posts: 2,507
    alex. said:


    No, but they've found another way to annoy people - apparently they may not release the legal guidance tomorrow, merely announce tomorrow that they will comply at a later date.

    Andrea Leadsom gave no undertaking to release the full legal advice - only that they would respoind on Wednesday. Bercow and Labour let her off the hook by not following up on the ambiguous reply.
    From a partisan viewpoint I'm fine with letting the Government extend its contempt for a few days - extends the story. But she may say "tomorrow" which would be accepted without quibble. If she says "Oh, around the 12th" she'll be seen as taking the piss.
    Maybe the AG hasn’t actually written down his legal advice yet?

    https://videosift.com/british/video/Yes-Prime-Minister-How-To-Take-Minutes-From-A-Meeting
    I think leadsom just said on the beeb that the full legal advice will be released this morning. OR she said this morning it would be released.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    Which was pretty clear from her reply yesterday.
    I don’t expect it to add a great deal to the AG’s statement - though Labour will pretend it is a bombshell.

  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
    I) They will
    2) Ranked choice Deal, No Deal exit, Remain hopefully
    Ranked choice ie. Alternative vote? Or is this something else?

    AV misleads voters because they are inevitably told “to keep it simple”, that they can vote for their preference without risk/need for tactical voting. When in reality it can make a big difference if the preferred compromise option comes third.
  • not_on_firenot_on_fire Posts: 4,449
    Mortimer said:

    IanB2 said:

    Charles said:

    Notch said:

    More good news.

    Julia Hitler-Brewer is hecking furious rn https://twitter.com/JuliaHB1/status/1070060079716667392

    Bollx.

    Seems to me the HoC is a fair reflection of a country utterly divided, roughly 50:50 on the EU, with various sub-groups within each portion who disagree on various aspects and nuances.

    Yes, Leave won. But by far too small a margin to settle matters.

    Cameron's failure to add a threshold was a calamity.
    Indeed - any constitutional referendum should have a sensible threshold set.
    Some countries set a threshold for turnout, but is there a single country in the world where ANY kind of proposed change being voted on in a referendum, whether constitutional or otherwise, is declared the victor only if it wins by something other than a simple majority?

    David Cameron's failure wasn't that he didn't require Leave to achieve 53%, or 66.7%, or some other figure bigger than 51.9%, which would have been idiotic and probably caused the mess the country is in by now to be even worse than it is. His failure was that he didn't convince enough people of the merits of staying in the EU. Partly that was because he wasn't fighting against a discredited Labour government that had been in office for 13 years and whose leader had just showed himself as a two-faced b*stard when he expressed his utmost contempt for a working class woman on film, nor was he able to play an "I agree with Nick" move. Mainly it was because no British government had ever bothered to channel propaganda to the Morlocks that painted the EU as an "us". Not many Tory clubs hang pictures of Edward Heath on their walls either. Which doesn't let Cameron off the hook. During his 7 years in office he didn't even try.
    Mainly because no one in government wanted to admit to the bait and switch.

    If you try to build a political edifice without legitimacy, like a skyscraper without proper foundations, it will fall over at some point

    Some, like the Tower of Pisa, might last longer than others (the Tower of Babel) but they will add fall in the end

    “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!”
    No, rather it is human nature not to fully appreciate the benefits of what you have, until it is gone.
    Indeed. Britons who saw their birthrights to sovereignty successfully given away in Maastricht and Lisbon would agree.
    I’m far more concerned about losing my birthright EU. citizenship. One thing Brexit has demonstrated is how meaningless arguments about “sovereignty” are in today’s inter-connected economy.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,177

    daodao said:

    Scott_P said:
    I now expect the Remainer MPs, who form the majority, to propose a 2nd referendum, which on the basis of the evidence that you have publicised, will lead to the cancellation of Brexit.
    Do "Remainer" MPs form the majority ? 83% of them were elected 18 months ago on a manifestos that promised to leave the EU
    They don't care. They are seizing the chance for remain while they can.
  • Nigelb said:

    Which was pretty clear from her reply yesterday.
    I don’t expect it to add a great deal to the AG’s statement - though Labour will pretend it is a bombshell.

    Number 10 will pretend it is a bombshell and it has not wasted the past week fighting over nothing.
  • Nigelb said:

    Scott_P said:
    It is abundantly clear that the Moggites have no real interest in government - just forcing some version of Brexit which conforms to their strange prejudices, and leaving it up to someone else to sort out the mess.
    ... and Boris "an idealist" - some mistake surely.
  • IanB2IanB2 Posts: 49,871
    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
    I) They will
    2) Ranked choice Deal, No Deal exit, Remain hopefully
    After the last one there is no way Parliament will allow no deal to go to a vote.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    edited December 2018
    rkrkrk said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A Tory landslide would give May the votes to get her deal through.
    A Tory majority might give her the votes to screw Northern Ireland and develop a new deal.
    A Labour win and Corbyn would I suspect easily get the votes to pass whatever deal he came up with, if he agreed to a second referendum on his deal.
    Corbyn wouldn’t be able to meet his own six tests.
    And any sort of decisive May win sounds pretty fantastical in the circumstances.

    I note you don’t envisage a hung parliament - which would be a distinct possibility.
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    Nigelb said:

    Which was pretty clear from her reply yesterday.
    I don’t expect it to add a great deal to the AG’s statement - though Labour will pretend it is a bombshell.

    Given that the assumed “killer” information is that the U.K. will potentially be trapped in a customs union, won’t Labour have to explain why their policy - the U.K. actually being “trapped” in a customs union, is such a great improvement?

    Of course not, silly me.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,202
    Alistair said:
    Clearly a very high turnout for a midterm and well done into those who did predict it would hit 50% if confirmed.

    However even then the 2018 midterm elections would still have had a lower turnout than every post-war presidential and general election bar 1996
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    IanB2 said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
    I) They will
    2) Ranked choice Deal, No Deal exit, Remain hopefully
    After the last one there is no way Parliament will allow no deal to go to a vote.
    But without it as an option, any referendum would not achieve the consent of the electorate. It must be defeated, not elided as a possibility.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,177

    Support for Theresa May’s Brexit deal has faded since its high watermark last week. Now 23 per cent say that they support it, down from 27 per cent last Thursday, while 46 per cent oppose it, up from 45 per cent.

    Sorry you optimists out there, there was never a shift in momentum. Mps are still moving against it too. Now that really is embarrassing.

    Can they cut the 5 days short? Sure it's an important debate but more time before Xmas to try other options might be better than wasting time on an agreement deader than a bill to reintroduce slavery.
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    Perhaps the Govt will release 3 contradictory pieces of legal “advice”? ;)
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300

    Nigelb said:

    Scott_P said:
    It is abundantly clear that the Moggites have no real interest in government - just forcing some version of Brexit which conforms to their strange prejudices, and leaving it up to someone else to sort out the mess.
    ... and Boris "an idealist" - some mistake surely.
    He is not a Moggite - just an unprincipled ally of convenience.

  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 29,414
    edited December 2018
    Nigelb said:

    timmo said:

    Sandpit said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Conservative whips have already been ‘suggesting’ to MPs that if the deal passes they’ll get to see their families for Christmas.

    The suggestion of course being that if it doesn’t pass there isn’t going to be a recess due to the impasse. I’m all for having the Commons sit from 8am until midnight every day until they can agree on a way forward.
    A small problem is that it's subject to Parliamentary consent. I think there might be a little revolt about that. And to be fair the problem in Parliament is not that they're short of time to reflect - they've had two years. The problem is that they've reflected and come up with irreoncilable views.
    The Govt isnt in control any more...
    Grieve deserves considerable credit for his amendment.
    It is notable the the official opposition were unable to come up with anything so effective..

    Anything brought forward by the opposition wouldn't have passed.
  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 8,301

    rkrkrk said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A Tory landslide would give May the votes to get her deal through.
    A Tory majority might give her the votes to screw Northern Ireland and develop a new deal.
    A Labour win and Corbyn would I suspect easily get the votes to pass whatever deal he came up with, if he agreed to a second referendum on his deal.
    We don't know what a GE would throw up. But that is part of the system. It is up to the collective of the people what the makeup of the Commons becomes next.

    Seems to me at this point this would be less divisive than another referendum.

    Worth trying first? After an A50 extension of say 6 months.
    I agree, I think a GE would be best if this deal can't pass.
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    kle4 said:

    Support for Theresa May’s Brexit deal has faded since its high watermark last week. Now 23 per cent say that they support it, down from 27 per cent last Thursday, while 46 per cent oppose it, up from 45 per cent.

    Sorry you optimists out there, there was never a shift in momentum. Mps are still moving against it too. Now that really is embarrassing.

    Can they cut the 5 days short? Sure it's an important debate but more time before Xmas to try other options might be better than wasting time on an agreement deader than a bill to reintroduce slavery.
    I assumed the 4 days was to allow one day to debate the deal and four to prove there is no passable alternative.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,177
    She might be beyond then- might take a few days to figure out who the interim pm should be, and she has to give a name to the queen.

    She should say Jeremy Corbyn. Ask him to sort it out.
  • rkrkrk said:

    rkrkrk said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A Tory landslide would give May the votes to get her deal through.
    A Tory majority might give her the votes to screw Northern Ireland and develop a new deal.
    A Labour win and Corbyn would I suspect easily get the votes to pass whatever deal he came up with, if he agreed to a second referendum on his deal.
    We don't know what a GE would throw up. But that is part of the system. It is up to the collective of the people what the makeup of the Commons becomes next.

    Seems to me at this point this would be less divisive than another referendum.

    Worth trying first? After an A50 extension of say 6 months.
    I agree, I think a GE would be best if this deal can't pass.
    Much as I would like us to remain, and also hit my prediction from day one that in fact we will not leave after all, I now fear the social unrest of a 2nd vote is a very high price.

    Try a GE first?
  • rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 8,301
    edited December 2018
    Nigelb said:

    rkrkrk said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A Tory landslide would give May the votes to get her deal through.
    A Tory majority might give her the votes to screw Northern Ireland and develop a new deal.
    A Labour win and Corbyn would I suspect easily get the votes to pass whatever deal he came up with, if he agreed to a second referendum on his deal.
    Corbyn wouldn’t be able to meet his own six tests.
    And any sort of decisive May win sounds pretty fantastical in the circumstances.

    I note you don’t envisage a hung parliament - which would be a distinct possibility.
    If it's a hung parliament, then yes we are back where we started.
    I don't think a May win is all that fantastical, particularly if she successfully makes the case that her deal is ending freedom of movement.
    As for Corbyn, he'd simply say he did the best he could, and if people didn't like his deal, well they could vote for remain.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,177
    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
    I) They will
    2) Ranked choice Deal, No Deal exit, Remain hopefully
    After the last one there is no way Parliament will allow no deal to go to a vote.
    But without it as an option, any referendum would not achieve the consent of the electorate. It must be defeated, not elided as a possibility.
    The remainers disagree. The goal is all that matters.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,202
    kle4 said:

    daodao said:

    Scott_P said:
    I now expect the Remainer MPs, who form the majority, to propose a 2nd referendum, which on the basis of the evidence that you have publicised, will lead to the cancellation of Brexit.
    Yes I think this is now the most likely outcome.

    There is no Commons majoritynfor any exit deal, "Norway" included, and no deal is not an option.

    So a second referendum it will be and Article 50 will be revoked.
    Yep. Very good timing from the advocate general too. Continuity remainers would be silly to give up now and even if nearly all the ERG backed the deal some more remainers are needed.

    How long before labour back remain? They aren't going to take no stance in a referendum as 90% of them will campaign for remain.
    According to Laura Kuenssberg yesterday there is a majority in Parliament for Single Market and Customs Union Brexit but not for EUref2 as it stands, to get a majority for the latter it would likely need to be a 3 way Remain, Deal, No Deal referendum
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300

    Nigelb said:

    Which was pretty clear from her reply yesterday.
    I don’t expect it to add a great deal to the AG’s statement - though Labour will pretend it is a bombshell.

    Number 10 will pretend it is a bombshell and it has not wasted the past week fighting over nothing.
    It has spent the latter end of the week fighting over the principle of not releasing advice, rather than the advice itself - which Cox described in what was for the government uncomfortable detail.

    And setting the advice itself aside, it is an important principle - though overridden by parliamentary sovereignty.
  • AnazinaAnazina Posts: 3,487
    edited December 2018

    Mortimer said:

    IanB2 said:

    Charles said:

    Notch said:

    More good news.

    Julia Hitler-Brewer is hecking furious rn https://twitter.com/JuliaHB1/status/1070060079716667392

    Bollx.

    Seems to me the HoC is a fair reflection of a country utterly divided, roughly 50:50 on the EU, with various sub-groups within each portion who disagree on various aspects and nuances.

    Yes, Leave won. But by far too small a margin to settle matters.

    Cameron's failure to add a threshold was a calamity.
    Indeed - any constitutional referendum should have a sensible threshold set.
    their walls either. Which doesn't let Cameron off the hook. During his 7 years in office he didn't even try.
    Mainly because no one in government wanted to admit to the bait and switch.

    If you try to build a political edifice without legitimacy, like a skyscraper without proper foundations, it will fall over at some point

    Some, like the Tower of Pisa, might last longer than others (the Tower of Babel) but they will add fall in the end

    “Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!”
    No, rather it is human nature not to fully appreciate the benefits of what you have, until it is gone.
    Indeed. Britons who saw their birthrights to sovereignty successfully given away in Maastricht and Lisbon would agree.
    I’m far more concerned about losing my birthright EU. citizenship. One thing Brexit has demonstrated is how meaningless arguments about “sovereignty” are in today’s inter-connected economy.
    Quite. And many millions will agree with you. Extremists like Mortimer who were born with a Union Jack stuck up their backsides are dying out. He is a young fogey, but there aren’t many of them.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 71,300
    kle4 said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
    I) They will
    2) Ranked choice Deal, No Deal exit, Remain hopefully
    After the last one there is no way Parliament will allow no deal to go to a vote.
    But without it as an option, any referendum would not achieve the consent of the electorate. It must be defeated, not elided as a possibility.
    The remainers disagree. The goal is all that matters.
    I am a remainer.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,202
    IanB2 said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
    I) They will
    2) Ranked choice Deal, No Deal exit, Remain hopefully
    After the last one there is no way Parliament will allow no deal to go to a vote.
    No majority for a referendum then and if not May's Deal Single Market and Customs Union BINO is the likely outcome
  • eekeek Posts: 28,412
    edited December 2018
    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
    I) They will
    2) Ranked choice Deal, No Deal exit, Remain hopefully
    After the last one there is no way Parliament will allow no deal to go to a vote.
    But without it as an option, any referendum would not achieve the consent of the electorate. It must be defeated, not elided as a possibility.
    Given the way we run alternative vote systems with the least popular option being removed before the next round there is a strong risk that any multiple choice vote would tend towards the extreme options as the more moderate compromise options would be removed in the earlier rounds.

    Now were the election to use a Bucklin type method....
  • kle4 said:

    She might be beyond then- might take a few days to figure out who the interim pm should be, and she has to give a name to the queen.

    She should say Jeremy Corbyn. Ask him to sort it out.
    Liddington would pay out nicely for me.

    Hague even bigger.

  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,177
    edited December 2018
    Nigelb said:

    timmo said:

    Sandpit said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Conservative whips have already been ‘suggesting’ to MPs that if the deal passes they’ll get to see their families for Christmas.

    The suggestion of course being that if it doesn’t pass there isn’t going to be a recess due to the impasse. I’m all for having the Commons sit from 8am until midnight every day until they can agree on a way forward.
    A small problem is that it's subject to Parliamentary consent. I think there might be a little revolt about that. And to be fair the problem in Parliament is not that they're short of time to reflect - they've had two years. The problem is that they've reflected and come up with irreoncilable views.
    The Govt isnt in control any more...
    Grieve deserves considerable credit for his amendment.
    It is notable the the official opposition were unable to come up with anything so effective..

    He's a smart man. But he's still an ultra who cares only about his extremist ideal at whatever cost and who will ignore any problems with his goals because of a belief in his own moral right. He's the ERG with more brains and a smidge more judgement in when to make a play, but if they are to be criticised for idealist obsession he must face the same charge.
  • alex.alex. Posts: 4,658
    HYUFD said:

    kle4 said:

    daodao said:

    Scott_P said:
    I now expect the Remainer MPs, who form the majority, to propose a 2nd referendum, which on the basis of the evidence that you have publicised, will lead to the cancellation of Brexit.
    Yes I think this is now the most likely outcome.

    There is no Commons majoritynfor any exit deal, "Norway" included, and no deal is not an option.

    So a second referendum it will be and Article 50 will be revoked.
    Yep. Very good timing from the advocate general too. Continuity remainers would be silly to give up now and even if nearly all the ERG backed the deal some more remainers are needed.

    How long before labour back remain? They aren't going to take no stance in a referendum as 90% of them will campaign for remain.
    According to Laura Kuenssberg yesterday there is a majority in Parliament for Single Market and Customs Union Brexit but not for EUref2 as it stands, to get a majority for the latter it would likely need to be a 3 way Remain, Deal, No Deal referendum
    Single market and customs union Brexit requires passing the deal. It is something that can only come about via the trade negotiations - ie. at best is a matter for the (non binding) political declaration.

    And it would require seriously hard negotiation to get there - the EU aren’t going to offer up permanent Single market access on a plate.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,177
    Nigelb said:

    kle4 said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Pulpstar said:

    Nigelb said:

    Foxy said:

    Nigelb said:

    IanB2 said:

    Morning all,

    The Fixed Term Parliament Act is looking more stupid than ever today.

    The politicians are in a room and can't come out until they sort out a way forward. That isn't such a bad place to put them.

    For the majority of them in safe seats, an election is of no consequence other than delay, anyhow, and for the majority of voters in safe seats an election offers them next to nothing.
    Yes, but GE are seen as safety valves in our system (how ever imperfect). Look at 1909/10 and the People's Budget stuff.
    But how would a GE solve the current impasse ?

    It wouldn't, but a #peoplesvote might.
    A point I made below - though no one has yet explained how agreement on the terms of such a vote might be reached (or indeed how it might be implemented in the time remaining).
    EU extend Art 50 for a significant event (GE or 3rd referendum)
    They might (or might not).
    And what about the referendum terms ?
    I) They will
    2) Ranked choice Deal, No Deal exit, Remain hopefully
    After the last one there is no way Parliament will allow no deal to go to a vote.
    But without it as an option, any referendum would not achieve the consent of the electorate. It must be defeated, not elided as a possibility.
    The remainers disagree. The goal is all that matters.
    I am a remainer.
    In this context I mean the parliamentary continuity remainers. Obviously there's nuance out in the real world. I back a referendum though I'm a leaver and disagree with the motivations of the peoplesvote campaign.
  • Hmm. Odds changed a bit yesterday on the 11 December vote being approved, now it's reverted to normal (1.14 on it failing, 5 on it passing). Other odds unchanged.

    Mr. kle4, People's Vote is a gloriously condescending slogan, not to mention being unwittingly Soviet.
  • HYUFDHYUFD Posts: 123,202
    edited December 2018
    alex. said:

    HYUFD said:

    kle4 said:

    daodao said:

    Scott_P said:
    I now expect the Remainer MPs, who form the majority, to propose a 2nd referendum, which on the basis of the evidence that you have publicised, will lead to the cancellation of Brexit.
    Yes I think this is now the most likely outcome.

    There is no Commons majoritynfor any exit deal, "Norway" included, and no deal is not an option.

    So a second referendum it will be and Article 50 will be revoked.
    Yep. Very good timing from the advocate general too. Continuity remainers would be silly to give up now and even if nearly all the ERG backed the deal some more remainers are needed.

    How long before labour back remain? They aren't going to take no stance in a referendum as 90% of them will campaign for remain.
    According to Laura Kuenssberg yesterday there is a majority in Parliament for Single Market and Customs Union Brexit but not for EUref2 as it stands, to get a majority for the latter it would likely need to be a 3 way Remain, Deal, No Deal referendum
    Single market and customs union Brexit requires passing the deal. It is something that can only come about via the trade negotiations - ie. at best is a matter for the (non binding) political declaration.

    And it would require seriously hard negotiation to get there - the EU aren’t going to offer up permanent Single market access on a plate.
    Agreed, MPs may well end up in the absurd situation where they reject May's Deal but end up having to cave in even more to the EU to get a new Deal as a result most likely with full free movement being the EU's price.

    Then wait for the furious backlash from working class Leavers so far relatively muted over May's Deal and a surge in support for UKIP or a new Farage/Bannon party
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,177
    HYUFD said:

    kle4 said:

    daodao said:

    Scott_P said:
    I now expect the Remainer MPs, who form the majority, to propose a 2nd referendum, which on the basis of the evidence that you have publicised, will lead to the cancellation of Brexit.
    Yes I think this is now the most likely outcome.

    There is no Commons majoritynfor any exit deal, "Norway" included, and no deal is not an option.

    So a second referendum it will be and Article 50 will be revoked.
    Yep. Very good timing from the advocate general too. Continuity remainers would be silly to give up now and even if nearly all the ERG backed the deal some more remainers are needed.

    How long before labour back remain? They aren't going to take no stance in a referendum as 90% of them will campaign for remain.
    According to Laura Kuenssberg yesterday there is a majority in Parliament for Single Market and Customs Union Brexit but not for EUref2 as it stands, to get a majority for the latter it would likely need to be a 3 way Remain, Deal, No Deal referendum
    Things are only moving in one direction. Remainers in parliament are too close to not go for it. Worst case for them now the deal wins against remain since they wont allow no deal. And the deal is worth risking to get full remain.
  • kle4 said:

    She might be beyond then- might take a few days to figure out who the interim pm should be, and she has to give a name to the queen.

    She should say Jeremy Corbyn. Ask him to sort it out.
    Liddington would pay out nicely for me.

    Hague even bigger.

    David Lidington following Theresa May would be worth £10k to me. I’m not holding my breath.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,177

    Hmm. Odds changed a bit yesterday on the 11 December vote being approved, now it's reverted to normal (1.14 on it failing, 5 on it passing). Other odds unchanged.

    Mr. kle4, People's Vote is a gloriously condescending slogan, not to mention being unwittingly Soviet.

    I prefer to call it the dishonest name campaign but wanted to be clear who I meant.
  • kle4kle4 Posts: 96,177
    HYUFD said:

    alex. said:

    HYUFD said:

    kle4 said:

    daodao said:

    Scott_P said:
    I now expect the Remainer MPs, who form the majority, to propose a 2nd referendum, which on the basis of the evidence that you have publicised, will lead to the cancellation of Brexit.
    Yes I think this is now the most likely outcome.

    There is no Commons majoritynfor any exit deal, "Norway" included, and no deal is not an option.

    So a second referendum it will be and Article 50 will be revoked.
    Yep. Very good timing from the advocate general too. Continuity remainers would be silly to give up now and even if nearly all the ERG backed the deal some more remainers are needed.

    How long before labour back remain? They aren't going to take no stance in a referendum as 90% of them will campaign for remain.
    According to Laura Kuenssberg yesterday there is a majority in Parliament for Single Market and Customs Union Brexit but not for EUref2 as it stands, to get a majority for the latter it would likely need to be a 3 way Remain, Deal, No Deal referendum
    Single market and customs union Brexit requires passing the deal. It is something that can only come about via the trade negotiations - ie. at best is a matter for the (non binding) political declaration.

    And it would require seriously hard negotiation to get there - the EU aren’t going to offer up permanent Single market access on a plate.
    Agreed, MPs may well end up in the absurd situation where they reject May's Deal but end up having to cave in even more to the EU to get a new Deal as a result
    And they shall call it a triumph.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 119,700
    edited December 2018

    Hmm. Odds changed a bit yesterday on the 11 December vote being approved, now it's reverted to normal (1.14 on it failing, 5 on it passing). Other odds unchanged.

    Mr. kle4, People's Vote is a gloriously condescending slogan, not to mention being unwittingly Soviet.

    Showing your historical ignorance once again.

    IIRC it is named in part after this country’s People’s Budget of 1909/1910.

    I mean the CCCP didn’t exist in 1909.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 48,747
    HYUFD said:

    The most important issue is now Brexit on 66% followed by healthcare on 32%

    https://mobile.twitter.com/EuropeElects/status/1070131060137226240

    Things looking bad out there in hospital land. Full on bed crisis, overflowing casualty and financial crisis.

    https://www.rcem.ac.uk/RCEM/News/News_2018/Four_out_of_five_Emergency_Medicine_doctors_believe_emergency_care_is_getting_worse.aspx

    But Brexit, Brexit, Brexit, Nothing but repeats, and a distraction from the real issues in the country.

  • Dura_AceDura_Ace Posts: 13,677
    Anazina said:


    Quite. And many millions will agree with you. Extremists like Mortimer who were born with a Union Jack stuck up their backsides are dying out. He is a young fogey, but there aren’t many of them.

    Mortimer is young? I always assumed he was about 87 from his output on here.
  • nico67nico67 Posts: 4,502
    YouGov

    Wrong to leave 49

    Right to leave 38

    Support for Brexit at its lowest since the vote .
  • Interesting Mark Stone of Sky reports there is no chance that the deal will be changed but the EU will pivot to Norway which of course includes free movement

    Nicky Morgan on radio 5 live this morning says she will vote for TM deal but if it falls she will back Norway but opposes a second referendum

    The direction of travel is Norway
  • nico67 said:

    YouGov

    Wrong to leave 49

    Right to leave 38

    Support for Brexit at its lowest since the vote .

    Is that a new you gov ?
  • Mr. Eagles, the swastika was used through history, perhaps most notably by Hindus, but appropriated by the Nazis. If I had a swastika banner, do you think people would associate that with me being a Hindu [for the record, I'm not], or being a Nazi?

    Likewise, People's X, Y and Z sounds far more Soviet than it does a 1909-10 Budget.

    Or, for that matter, Hitler getting cultural dominance of the toothbrush moustache, when Chaplin had it first.
  • Mr. Eagles, the swastika was used through history, perhaps most notably by Hindus, but appropriated by the Nazis. If I had a swastika banner, do you think people would associate that with me being a Hindu [for the record, I'm not], or being a Nazi?

    Likewise, People's X, Y and Z sounds far more Soviet than it does a 1909-10 Budget.

    Or, for that matter, Hitler getting cultural dominance of the toothbrush moustache, when Chaplin had it first.

    Not everyone is as historically ignorant as you.
  • NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,537
    alex. said:

    Nigelb said:

    Which was pretty clear from her reply yesterday.
    I don’t expect it to add a great deal to the AG’s statement - though Labour will pretend it is a bombshell.

    Given that the assumed “killer” information is that the U.K. will potentially be trapped in a customs union, won’t Labour have to explain why their policy - the U.K. actually being “trapped” in a customs union, is such a great improvement?

    Of course not, silly me.
    We're fine with being in a custgoms union. We're fine with the Irish situation remaining as it is now. It is ONLY the ultra-Brexiteers who dislike it, because they believe there are great trade deals to be had outside. Many of us actively dislike the idea of a US trade deal, with the almost inevitable decline in food standards that would be necessary to get it agreed.
This discussion has been closed.