@SandyRentool regarding your comments about TIG running for the North of Tyne mayor, I'm not convinced. I think Newcastle is too tribal to Labour and Northumberland too tribal to Tory. What makes you think otherwise?
The Tiggers would be best to hang on for its defections until Monday morning (leaked Sunday for paper exclusives). They command the news cycle currently so don’t need another hit until at least the weekend.
' UK public finances hit record surplus in January Breaking: Good news for Philip Hammond, after public finances hit a record surplus of £14.9bn in January thanks to strong income tax receipts.
It easily beat City expectations of a £10.05bn surplus, and compared with borrowing of £3bn in December.
The figure comes just ahead of the chancellor’s spring statement on 13 March. '
There's a lot of self-assessment taxes paid in January and this does suggest that there are many, many people doing very well at the moment.
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
Just to clarify - are you accusing the Treasury of cooking the books? Or are you saying that the growth figures are wrong?
' UK public finances hit record surplus in January Breaking: Good news for Philip Hammond, after public finances hit a record surplus of £14.9bn in January thanks to strong income tax receipts.
It easily beat City expectations of a £10.05bn surplus, and compared with borrowing of £3bn in December.
The figure comes just ahead of the chancellor’s spring statement on 13 March. '
There's a lot of self-assessment taxes paid in January and this does suggest that there are many, many people doing very well at the moment.
The Tiggers would be best to hang on for its defections until Monday morning (leaked Sunday for paper exclusives). They command the news cycle currently so don’t need another hit until at least the weekend.
Mr. Punter, I'd start with the media. The relentless focus on personalities and pathetic lack of scrutiny of policy is unforgivably stupid. Just look at the level of scrutiny presented on Article 13. I can't remember seeing a damned thing about it on mainstream media.
For that matter, the best ever employment stats were a footnote on the news recently. The fetish for woe and misery distorts reporting, and public perception of reality.
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
Just to clarify - are you accusing the Treasury of cooking the books? Or are you saying that the growth figures are wrong?
There was a change this January. I think a chunk of people started to make payments on account in year who would previously have waited until the following January. I suspect there’s a strong timing effect here.
There was however a build up to the war - it wasn't a complete surprise - and the complete switch in the news agenda helped puncture the SDP's balloon.
Edit/ but you are certainly right that psephological analysis suggests that without the SDP the Tory landslide could well have been bigger
You are suggesting that the Thatcher government's chronic mishandling of Galtieri's much-telegraphed intentions to assault the Falklands boosted their support?
I have to say I feel this is a novel conclusion.
I am saying that the news focus was turning towards the Falklands before the actual invasion. As I recall there was that incident with the scrap metal merchants occupying one of the uninhabited islands a few weeks prior. And all the sabre rattling in Argentina.
And the discussions 'in principle' with the Argentines over some sort of joint sovereignty. There was a Parliamentary row in IIRC, late 1981, when it came out, led by Bernard Braine (Cons) and Peter Shore (Lab) over what our diplomats appeared to be up to.
If it gets invaded again the autopsy won't be so mild because Britain won't be getting it back now it's got a 8,500ft runway.
The way they got hold of that runway the first time was one of the greatest military operations of all time though!
I have long been skeptical about the point of another party, but I think I was wrong.
At the very least, they’ve surely already triggered the beginning of the end of Corbyn’s leadership for which we must all be grateful.
As far as I’m concerned the TIGs are heroes. If they can see off Corbyn *and* Brexit, we should put up statues to them in Parliament Square.
Maybe not go that far but there is a hope now that Corbyn is in real danger, and his broadcast to the labour defectors showed him as nasty and spiteful.
As far as brexit is concerned I do hope that either the deal goes through or there ia a vote on the deal
"As one cabinet minister argues, the formation of the Independent Group will be beneficial for the government even though three Tory MPs have defected to it. The minister’s logic is that Tory voters are roughly speaking where the Tory leadership is on Brexit, and it is hard to imagine many of the party’s supporters being attracted to a group made up of the most ardent second referendum enthusiasts."
I'm not so sure on that line of reasoning.
The Tory vote share has proved remarkably resilient since 2017 despite intra-party disagreements leading the news every other day and a complete failure to progress on Brexit, the one policy they have.
My hunch is that the Conservative vote is being shored up by people who will never vote for a Marxist. Yes, this is only a hunch, but I don't think it's too much of a leap to say "some British voters are unimpressed with the current Tories but don't want to vote for a Marxist".
So the minister may be over-confident. I can easily see 15% of Tory support peeling off to TIG simply because there is now another alternative to voting for Marxists, and better still, an alternative that doesn't have Jacob Rees-Mogg or Andrew Bridgen in its ranks.
Mr. Punter, I'd start with the media. The relentless focus on personalities and pathetic lack of scrutiny of policy is unforgivably stupid. Just look at the level of scrutiny presented on Article 13. I can't remember seeing a damned thing about it on mainstream media.
For that matter, the best ever employment stats were a footnote on the news recently. The fetish for woe and misery distorts reporting, and public perception of reality.
The media certainly plays its part, Morris. You have a good example today. I may not be overwhelmed by yesterday's three TIGers, but the Daily Mail headline today was pure fiction.
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
Just to clarify - are you accusing the Treasury of cooking the books? Or are you saying that the growth figures are wrong?
HMRC aren't deliberately cooking the books, but I agree with David L that the figures are difficult to reconcile.
Since we have a productivity puzzle that's also difficult to explain the answer might be that growth is better than it looks, at least a little bit.
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
"As one cabinet minister argues, the formation of the Independent Group will be beneficial for the government even though three Tory MPs have defected to it. The minister’s logic is that Tory voters are roughly speaking where the Tory leadership is on Brexit, and it is hard to imagine many of the party’s supporters being attracted to a group made up of the most ardent second referendum enthusiasts."
I'm not so sure on that line of reasoning.
The Tory vote share has proved remarkably resilient since 2017 despite intra-party disagreements leading the news every other day and a complete failure to progress on Brexit, the one policy they have.
My hunch is that the Conservative vote is being shored up by people who will never vote for a Marxist. Yes, this is only a hunch, but I don't think it's too much of a leap to say "some British voters are unimpressed with the current Tories but don't want to vote for a Marxist".
So the minister may be over-confident. I can easily see 15% of Tory support peeling off to TIG simply because there is now another alternative to voting for Marxists, and better still, an alternative that doesn't have Jacob Rees-Mogg or Andrew Bridgen in its ranks.
I'm with you. I think said minister is assuming his conversations with his local members represent the views of wider Tory voters.
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
' UK public finances hit record surplus in January Breaking: Good news for Philip Hammond, after public finances hit a record surplus of £14.9bn in January thanks to strong income tax receipts.
It easily beat City expectations of a £10.05bn surplus, and compared with borrowing of £3bn in December.
The figure comes just ahead of the chancellor’s spring statement on 13 March. '
There's a lot of self-assessment taxes paid in January and this does suggest that there are many, many people doing very well at the moment.
Self-assessed taxes are rather a trailing indicator of the UK's economic health. I paid my largest ever tax bill as a sole trader in January. However, this tax was based on my earnings in the last tax year, to April 2018. Since then, though, my business has taken quite a significant downturn, but this will only be reflected in my taxes later this year and next year.
I have long been skeptical about the point of another party, but I think I was wrong.
At the very least, they’ve surely already triggered the beginning of the end of Corbyn’s leadership for which we must all be grateful.
As far as I’m concerned the TIGs are heroes. If they can see off Corbyn *and* Brexit, we should put up statues to them in Parliament Square.
If anything I think the presence of TIG means the Tories will wave through Theresa's deal with some face saving minor change. Look at how JRM reacted when he got shot down over the Malthouse amendment, he didn't throw his toys out of the pram, that's what the Tiggers have achieved IMO, they will force the ERG chumps back in line because we risk losing our majority of they stay on their current path.
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
Just to clarify - are you accusing the Treasury of cooking the books? Or are you saying that the growth figures are wrong?
The growth figures are wrong. By a reasonable amount to, not the odd tenth.
"As one cabinet minister argues, the formation of the Independent Group will be beneficial for the government even though three Tory MPs have defected to it. The minister’s logic is that Tory voters are roughly speaking where the Tory leadership is on Brexit, and it is hard to imagine many of the party’s supporters being attracted to a group made up of the most ardent second referendum enthusiasts."
I'm not so sure on that line of reasoning.
The Tory vote share has proved remarkably resilient since 2017 despite intra-party disagreements leading the news every other day and a complete failure to progress on Brexit, the one policy they have.
My hunch is that the Conservative vote is being shored up by people who will never vote for a Marxist. Yes, this is only a hunch, but I don't think it's too much of a leap to say "some British voters are unimpressed with the current Tories but don't want to vote for a Marxist".
So the minister may be over-confident. I can easily see 15% of Tory support peeling off to TIG simply because there is now another alternative to voting for Marxists, and better still, an alternative that doesn't have Jacob Rees-Mogg or Andrew Bridgen in its ranks.
One of the interesting aspects of the recent post-TIG polling is that other parties outside of the big two have also done well - UKIP, Greens and Others (Brexit Party?)
By symbolically breaking the duopoly the creation of TIG gives licence to voters who wouldn't consider voting for Centrist Remainers to consider voting for minor parties on the right and left.
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
Just to clarify - are you accusing the Treasury of cooking the books? Or are you saying that the growth figures are wrong?
Isn't in the ONS which calculates the growth figures?
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
Just to clarify - are you accusing the Treasury of cooking the books? Or are you saying that the growth figures are wrong?
HMRC aren't deliberately cooking the books, but I agree with David L that the figures are difficult to reconcile.
Since we have a productivity puzzle that's also difficult to explain the answer might be that growth is better than it looks, at least a little bit.
Some of it is the very tight financial discipline we have had since about 2000, spending almost never seems to go above budget anymore. But the increase in IT revenue in January was £1.9bn, up to £14.7bn. That is a hefty increase. CGT was also up £1.2bn. Likewise.
There are longer term trends towards more self employment which makes historical comparisons difficult but not over the last 12 months. Indeed, IIRC there has been an increase in paid employment and a modest reduction in self-employed status over that time.
To me, this suggests far more economic activity than the ONS is capturing. It also suggests that overall earnings growth is running well ahead of the official 3% or so based on employed figures. This in turn suggests that there is a lot more demand available in the economy than the current modelling indicates improving the prospects of us avoiding the EZ recession this year.
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
January's Tax take include and is largely made up of the final tax payments for the tax year to April 2018. So it's not 2018's 1.2% growth you are looking at but 2017's 1.8%
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
January's Tax take include and is largely made up of the final tax payments for the tax year to April 2018. So it's not 2018's 1.2% growth you are looking at but 2017's 1.8%
It's a fair point, but VAT and CT have also remained strong, and they have a lot less lag.
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
I'm just bewildered as to why the Greco-Persian Wars are unsuitable for Year 3. There's a huge amount could be brought into it - science (the building of those bridges) geography (the locations) sport (Marathons) and religion (the way the Persian empire had spread by not imposing cultural revolution on the conquered). All with loads of great stories thrown in and some brilliant works of art.
It's perfect. Meanwhile I would actually think twice before telling the stories of some of the gods before about year 9.
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
No cannibalism? You obviously didn't wander into Vange.
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
January's Tax take include and is largely made up of the final tax payments for the tax year to April 2018. So it's not 2018's 1.2% growth you are looking at but 2017's 1.8%
Whilst that is true my accountant (and presumably others) looks at the 2018 numbers too to make sure that there is not a significant change that would justify or require less or more to account of the current tax year.
It is only a viable project if it actually gets some real names on board. At the moment, it lacks political weight.
I know there are people who think that comes with Chuka - but they are wrong. He is a dreadful public speaker and comes off as self-serving.
They need a Roy or a Shirley. Someone who has held a significant office - a track record of service and (hopefully) success.
Backbenchers who would be struggled to be named by their own constituents don't quite cut the mustard.
BTW does Sarah Wollaston lose her position as Chair of the Health Select Committee - given that she was only present on the committee by virtue of being a Tory MP?
It'd be mildly interesting to see what defections take place if we did participate in the European elections. I could imagine a Labour MEP like Seb Dance jumping ship to TIG, for example.
Right now every one of them would lose their seats if there were by elections. That might not always be the case, of course, but whilst Kamikaze is probably overstating it I think political oblivion is still more likely than not. It is brave, possibly in a Yes Minister sense.
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
No cannibalism? You obviously didn't wander into Vange.
When a youth from Canvey, Vange was about the last place I'd go.
Problem: Need to have the elections Solution: Have the elections
This was the easiest thing about brexit so far.
Everything is lined up around us not having those elections as I suspect no one wants to see the result for what would almost be a referendum by proxy..
Mr. Doethur, interesting perspective, given the then Prince Henry (future Henry V) was given the task of suppressing Welsh rebellion when he was 14
Naturally.
You want a good job done in the fifteenth century? Send for a Welshman.
We saw that with him and the Talbots against Glyndwr, Henry himself at Agincourt, Owen Tudor when Queen Katherine was feeling lonesome, Jasper Tudor for most of the second half of the century, William Herbert under Edward IV, and Henry VII when a certain infanticide needed replacing.
I'll note the 13th Earl of Oxford as an honourable exception.
(I am teasing somewhat, by the way, before anyone gets too carried away!)
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
No cannibalism? You obviously didn't wander into Vange.
When a youth from Canvey, Vange was about the last place I'd go.
Back in 2013, I actually survived walking the whole length of the A13 from Aldgate to Shoeburyness.
So when would be the latest that (1) we could organise European elections in the UK and (2) that other countries could modify their European elections to remove the additional MEPs they have been allocated?
But then, if we have an extension of article 50 to July 1st, and then we decide to revoke article 50 on June 30th, then whatever mess exists for the European Parliament elections has to be resolved somehow.
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
No cannibalism? You obviously didn't wander into Vange.
When a youth from Canvey, Vange was about the last place I'd go.
Back in 2013, I actually survived walking the whole length of the A13 from Aldgate to Shoeburyness.
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
I'm just bewildered as to why the Greco-Persian Wars are unsuitable for Year 3. There's a huge amount could be brought into it - science (the building of those bridges) geography (the locations) sport (Marathons) and religion (the way the Persian empire had spread by not imposing cultural revolution on the conquered). All with loads of great stories thrown in and some brilliant works of art.
It's perfect. Meanwhile I would actually think twice before telling the stories of some of the gods before about year 9.
Edit - especially that one about Pasiphaë!
If I were the father of one of the children I think I'd have reservations about Cronus and Uranus too.
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
January's Tax take include and is largely made up of the final tax payments for the tax year to April 2018. So it's not 2018's 1.2% growth you are looking at but 2017's 1.8%
It's a fair point, but VAT and CT have also remained strong, and they have a lot less lag.
Mr Rabbit, just noticed your change of icon. Have you found a new allegiance? I am tempted to comment, "oh dear."
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
January's Tax take include and is largely made up of the final tax payments for the tax year to April 2018. So it's not 2018's 1.2% growth you are looking at but 2017's 1.8%
It's a fair point, but VAT and CT have also remained strong, and they have a lot less lag.
Mr Rabbit, just noticed your change of icon. Have you found a new allegiance? I am tempted to comment, "oh dear."
No, I'm still a Tory. I just couldn't resist the prospect of a new avatar.
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
I'm just bewildered as to why the Greco-Persian Wars are unsuitable for Year 3. There's a huge amount could be brought into it - science (the building of those bridges) geography (the locations) sport (Marathons) and religion (the way the Persian empire had spread by not imposing cultural revolution on the conquered). All with loads of great stories thrown in and some brilliant works of art.
It's perfect. Meanwhile I would actually think twice before telling the stories of some of the gods before about year 9.
Edit - especially that one about Pasiphaë!
If I were the father of one of the children I think I'd have reservations about Cronus and Uranus too.
The fathers of many of the children are about in the area, but not close enough for violent action.
Yes. She's by far the easiest target for the Corbynistas, so the choice of Soubry would seem to favour Labour. Which might accord with received BBC-bias wisdom... except that you would have thought the BBC worldview would be strongly in favour of the TIG. Berger would have been the real anti-Corbyn pick.
Mr. Doethur, his younger brother (John, I think) got sent to sort out Ireland when he was 14. He did a rather better job than his regal namesake, although that's a little unfair given the backhanded nature of the compliment...
Henry IV's policy was to get his kids stuck in early, which was how he himself had acted in his youth. Interesting monarch, much enjoyed Ian Mortimer's biography of him.
Trust the Tories - they embraced Trumpism and the alt-right the very moment all that started going out of fashion. Dump Rees-Mogg, Boris etc. TIG is the new black. The Tories need to get in there.
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
I'm just bewildered as to why the Greco-Persian Wars are unsuitable for Year 3. There's a huge amount could be brought into it - science (the building of those bridges) geography (the locations) sport (Marathons) and religion (the way the Persian empire had spread by not imposing cultural revolution on the conquered). All with loads of great stories thrown in and some brilliant works of art.
It's perfect. Meanwhile I would actually think twice before telling the stories of some of the gods before about year 9.
Edit - especially that one about Pasiphaë!
If I were the father of one of the children I think I'd have reservations about Cronus and Uranus too.
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
No cannibalism? You obviously didn't wander into Vange.
When a youth from Canvey, Vange was about the last place I'd go.
Back in 2013, I actually survived walking the whole length of the A13 from Aldgate to Shoeburyness.
Were you looking for a secondhand car?
No I just had a strange obsession with the A13, that's all
Heidi Allen will be up there before you can say Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch
I just call it 'the first railway station on Anglesey.' It's easier.
Why not do what the locals do: Llanfair P.G.?
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
Because it's a non-existent made up place to amuse the English, like those two halts on the Fairbourne Railway.
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
Incidentally, Dr, if you're prepared to think about work during your half term, my primary school teacher grandson was instructed by his Academy to teach the Greek Gods to his year 3's last half term, as part of the History curriculum. Marathon and Thermopylae were not considered suitable. Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
Why are Marathon and Thermopylae not suitable while rape, incest, fratricide, cannibalism and kidnap are?
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
He believes that to be the case; was grumbling to us yesterday on the point. However he's fairly newly qualified and wants to get a bit more time under his belt before going elsewhere. Although he's not convinced yet that anywhere else will be better,
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
No cannibalism? You obviously didn't wander into Vange.
When a youth from Canvey, Vange was about the last place I'd go.
Back in 2013, I actually survived walking the whole length of the A13 from Aldgate to Shoeburyness.
Were you looking for a secondhand car?
No I just had a strange obsession with the A13, that's all
Must admit I know people who have walked the Thames Bank from Shoeburyness to the Olympic site..
Yes. She's by far the easiest target for the Corbynistas, so the choice of Soubry would seem to favour Labour. Which might accord with received BBC-bias wisdom... except that you would have thought the BBC worldview would be strongly in favour of the TIG. Berger would have been the real anti-Corbyn pick.
Anna Soubry is the tigger with the most senior ministerial record though, which if I were a BBC employee would be my main criterion when deciding which to ask for first.
BTW does Sarah Wollaston lose her position as Chair of the Health Select Committee - given that she was only present on the committee by virtue of being a Tory MP?
No, I don't think so. Membership is decided by vote at (IIRC) at the start of each Parliament, and certainly not normally on a day-to-day basis. If there was a substantial defection on one committee which meant that there was an Opposition majority on the Committee then I expect the Whips would want to look if they could do something about it, but there's nothing automatic about it.
Yes. She's by far the easiest target for the Corbynistas, so the choice of Soubry would seem to favour Labour. Which might accord with received BBC-bias wisdom... except that you would have thought the BBC worldview would be strongly in favour of the TIG. Berger would have been the real anti-Corbyn pick.
Anna Soubry is the tigger with the most senior ministerial record though, which if I were a BBC employee would be my main criterion when deciding which to ask for first.
I think I'd want someone senior but also representative of the group as a whole, in the circumstances. Anyhow, it's only QT.
Comments
Wot no TIGgers?
The Tiggers would be best to hang on for its defections until Monday morning (leaked Sunday for paper exclusives). They command the news cycle currently so don’t need another hit until at least the weekend.
I'd rate our politicians as world class at self-obsessed posturing but a lot lower at being constructive and competent.
The unkindest cut of all....
' UK public finances hit record surplus in January
Breaking: Good news for Philip Hammond, after public finances hit a record surplus of £14.9bn in January thanks to strong income tax receipts.
It easily beat City expectations of a £10.05bn surplus, and compared with borrowing of £3bn in December.
The figure comes just ahead of the chancellor’s spring statement on 13 March. '
There's a lot of self-assessment taxes paid in January and this does suggest that there are many, many people doing very well at the moment.
What to do? I wouldn't know where to start, although the voting system might be a good place.
[I'm aware of the bad grammar, but the twist appealed to me].
At the very least, they’ve surely already triggered the beginning of the end of Corbyn’s leadership for which we must all be grateful.
As far as I’m concerned the TIGs are heroes. If they can see off Corbyn *and* Brexit, we should put up statues to them in Parliament Square.
For that matter, the best ever employment stats were a footnote on the news recently. The fetish for woe and misery distorts reporting, and public perception of reality.
Or the traditional Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll
https://twitter.com/bbcquestiontime/status/1098522727831531520
As a good Remainer I do not pander to xenophobia. I demand the right to have my inner snowflake moment!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Black_Buck
youtube.com/watch?v=PBJ99bIhAVk
As far as brexit is concerned I do hope that either the deal goes through or there ia a vote on the deal
"As one cabinet minister argues, the formation of the Independent Group will be beneficial for the government even though three Tory MPs have defected to it. The minister’s logic is that Tory voters are roughly speaking where the Tory leadership is on Brexit, and it is hard to imagine many of the party’s supporters being attracted to a group made up of the most ardent second referendum enthusiasts."
I'm not so sure on that line of reasoning.
The Tory vote share has proved remarkably resilient since 2017 despite intra-party disagreements leading the news every other day and a complete failure to progress on Brexit, the one policy they have.
My hunch is that the Conservative vote is being shored up by people who will never vote for a Marxist. Yes, this is only a hunch, but I don't think it's too much of a leap to say "some British voters are unimpressed with the current Tories but don't want to vote for a Marxist".
So the minister may be over-confident. I can easily see 15% of Tory support peeling off to TIG simply because there is now another alternative to voting for Marxists, and better still, an alternative that doesn't have Jacob Rees-Mogg or Andrew Bridgen in its ranks.
The Telegraph wasn't much better.
Since we have a productivity puzzle that's also difficult to explain the answer might be that growth is better than it looks, at least a little bit.
Now it's the Tudors, although he's to concentrate on Tudor clothes.
He's not best pleased.
TheWhiteRabbit said:
Wow.
The Exchequer has just arguably its best January ever*
*there are some timing effects January and February - we shall see
I said:
Absolutely incredible: https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/governmentpublicsectorandtaxes/publicsectorfinance/bulletins/publicsectorfinances/january2019
"Borrowing (public sector net borrowing excluding public sector banks) in January 2019 was in surplus by £14.9 billion, a £5.6 billion greater surplus than in January 2018; this was the largest January surplus on record (records began in 1993)."
"Borrowing in the current financial year-to-date (April 2018 to January 2019) (YTD) was £21.2 billion, £18.5 billion less than in the same period last year; the lowest YTD for 17 years (since 2001)."
No one is going to persuade me that we generated that much extra tax with growth of 1.2% for the year. It's just not possible.
And why are Tudor clothes more relevant than say the dissolution of the monasteries or the changing patterns of religious worship?
I'm inclined to wonder if this shows that the SLT members responsible were appointed because of who their friends were.
By symbolically breaking the duopoly the creation of TIG gives licence to voters who wouldn't consider voting for Centrist Remainers to consider voting for minor parties on the right and left.
Anyway rape, incest, fratricide, and kidnap are not unknown in Basildon, although I wasn't, when I worked in the area, aware of any cannibalism
But 500 Welshmen whipped the arses of 40,000 Frenchmen so hard they agreed to accept a Welshman as their next King.
See here from Matt Stevens, who is an absolute legend:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-34618197
There are longer term trends towards more self employment which makes historical comparisons difficult but not over the last 12 months. Indeed, IIRC there has been an increase in paid employment and a modest reduction in self-employed status over that time.
To me, this suggests far more economic activity than the ONS is capturing. It also suggests that overall earnings growth is running well ahead of the official 3% or so based on employed figures. This in turn suggests that there is a lot more demand available in the economy than the current modelling indicates improving the prospects of us avoiding the EZ recession this year.
This will age well or it wont.
It's perfect. Meanwhile I would actually think twice before telling the stories of some of the gods before about year 9.
Edit - especially that one about Pasiphaë!
https://twitter.com/IanDunt/status/1098527833205473280
I know there are people who think that comes with Chuka - but they are wrong. He is a dreadful public speaker and comes off as self-serving.
They need a Roy or a Shirley. Someone who has held a significant office - a track record of service and (hopefully) success.
Backbenchers who would be struggled to be named by their own constituents don't quite cut the mustard.
BTW does Sarah Wollaston lose her position as Chair of the Health Select Committee - given that she was only present on the committee by virtue of being a Tory MP?
Solution: Have the elections
This was the easiest thing about brexit so far.
https://twitter.com/IanDunt/status/1098525355219001344
You want a good job done in the fifteenth century? Send for a Welshman.
We saw that with him and the Talbots against Glyndwr, Henry himself at Agincourt, Owen Tudor when Queen Katherine was feeling lonesome, Jasper Tudor for most of the second half of the century, William Herbert under Edward IV, and Henry VII when a certain infanticide needed replacing.
I'll note the 13th Earl of Oxford as an honourable exception.
(I am teasing somewhat, by the way, before anyone gets too carried away!)
But then, if we have an extension of article 50 to July 1st, and then we decide to revoke article 50 on June 30th, then whatever mess exists for the European Parliament elections has to be resolved somehow.
And anyone who believes that this sort of order will be affected is just exaggerating.
More details needed before this is in any way credible.
Henry IV's policy was to get his kids stuck in early, which was how he himself had acted in his youth. Interesting monarch, much enjoyed Ian Mortimer's biography of him.
Had they polled better they could have reached a tipping point where FPTP plays in their favour and against the old parties. Like 2015 SNP.
Just because he doesn't like that doesn't mean MPs haven't made a decision.