Not sure Leavers are not motivated, the 'Leave means Leave' rally in Whitehall and Westminster last Friday had thousands there even if probably not as many as 'the People's Vote' March the previous Saturday
There's only one real way to heal the divisions and we all know it.
It's to Brexit fully; if it succeeds, all well and good. If it fails we re-apply with our tail between our legs. A close trading relationship remains an option. If we revoke or have a narrow win for Remain in a referendum where many will boycott, nothing will ever be resolved.
The Faragists will never accept that you've brexited fully. If it goes badly they'll just say it was a betrayal and you need to go further. There's no way you ever get to a point where they've been completely appeased and everyone agrees it didn't work. That's how nationalism works: It feeds on the resentment caused by its own failure.
Not sure Leavers are not motivated, the 'Leave means Leave' rally in Whitehall and Westminster last Friday had thousands there even if probably not as many as 'the People's Vote' March the previous Saturday
Not sure Leavers are not motivated, the 'Leave means Leave' rally in Whitehall and Westminster last Friday had thousands there even if probably not as many as 'the People's Vote' March the previous Saturday
Betting on the European elections seems unusually risky to me, because if May and Corbyn agree to fast-track Brexit, it may be essentially decided by election day and the MEPs won't sit for long if at all. In those circumstances I should think turnout would be tiny, and the results extremely unpredictable.
Late last night there were rumours of a deal and this morning it is all a mirage
However, Sky have reported that both the leadership in the conservative and labour parties are desperate to avoid the EU elections.
If so, they have one choice, pass the WDA
JRM live now on Sophy
To me, as I have said on here before, the only sensible way forward is to pass the WA, bin the PD entirely and commit all parties to an election within 6 months (so the Tories can bin May) so that a new government and a new Parliament can obtain a mandate for whatever relationship they want to achieve with the EU at the end of the transition period.
The Tories don't trust May to negotiate the next stage of the deal with the EU, why the hell should Labour?
Those best PM figures are really something else. Do you think that we are just ever so slightly underwhelmed by the available choice?
How much longer can we go on like this? Change UK looks like a dead end to me. They have lost their opportunity by taking so long to become a party, failing to invite and build a mass membership, not fighting Newport and not looking particularly ready to fight either the Euros if they come or the locals either. But with 50% of the population choosing none of the above a break in the mold is surely coming.
Change UK's big idea is to build a new horseshoe parliament away from Westminster, adopt PR, and return to the politics of c.2005 nationwide.
They represent a step back, not forward.
I don't think it really matters what their ideas are. Any presence that they have in the next Parliament will be entirely token. I actually expect it to be nil.
My point is they're not coming up with any sort of change prospectus that resonates, other than to Stop Brexit.
There's certainly a (small) gap for a new centre party, drawing support heavily from the professional middle classes, but that would require it to do some thinking.
The real gap is a for a British version of Likud: stridently nationalist, socially conservative and treading a fine line between populism and corporatism. But without the stench of moral decay that surrounds the tories and the air of farce that typifies UKIP and the various Farage projects. What Veritas could have been with just a bit more hairspray.
Late last night there were rumours of a deal and this morning it is all a mirage
However, Sky have reported that both the leadership in the conservative and labour parties are desperate to avoid the EU elections.
If so, they have one choice, pass the WDA
JRM live now on Sophy
To me, as I have said on here before, the only sensible way forward is to pass the WA, bin the PD entirely and commit all parties to an election within 6 months (so the Tories can bin May) so that a new government and a new Parliament can obtain a mandate for whatever relationship they want to achieve with the EU at the end of the transition period.
The Tories don't trust May to negotiate the next stage of the deal with the EU, why the hell should Labour?
I don't trust TM to negotiate the next stage and it does look like she is now at the end days of her Premiership
JRM threatening the EU from within is not a good look and if I was the EU I would refuse an extension
Mind you, he could be working to that end
That appears to be the general conclusion. A transparent and clumsy effort to provoke Macron into putting his foot down and vetoing any extension.
The mood music does rather suggest that those of us wishing that the EU27 would force an end to Parliament's Euro-hokey-cokey performance are likely to be disappointed.
JRM threatening the EU from within is not a good look and if I was the EU I would refuse an extension
Mind you, he could be working to that end
It's not really going to be up to Walter the Softy though, is it? He ratfucked the ERG either too early or too late depending on one's perspective. He lacks Gove's impeccable timing for treachery.
I think it's worth comparing the 4.4 million votes cast for UKIP in 2014 with the 6 million signatures on the petition. While turnout might well be up for this election if Remain voters rally behind one banner they should top the polls with ease.
You might also want to note that the Greens outpolled the Liberal Democrats in 2014 and arguably Caroline Lucas has been more prominent than Vince Cable in recent months.
Combine that with a somewhat increased prominence for environmental issues generally: plastics, Attenborough, etc, and if I were a betting man I'd back the Greens to top the poll. There's no way they should be longer than the Lib Dems.
Those best PM figures are really something else. Do you think that we are just ever so slightly underwhelmed by the available choice?
How much longer can we go on like this? Change UK looks like a dead end to me. They have lost their opportunity by taking so long to become a party, failing to invite and build a mass membership, not fighting Newport and not looking particularly ready to fight either the Euros if they come or the locals either. But with 50% of the population choosing none of the above a break in the mold is surely coming.
Change UK's big idea is to build a new horseshoe parliament away from Westminster, adopt PR, and return to the politics of c.2005 nationwide.
They represent a step back, not forward.
I don't think it really matters what their ideas are. Any presence that they have in the next Parliament will be entirely token. I actually expect it to be nil.
My point is they're not coming up with any sort of change prospectus that resonates, other than to Stop Brexit.
There's certainly a (small) gap for a new centre party, drawing support heavily from the professional middle classes, but that would require it to do some thinking.
The real gap is a for a British version of Likud: stridently nationalist, socially conservative and treading a fine line between populism and corporatism. But without the stench of moral decay that surrounds the tories and the air of farce that typifies UKIP and the various Farage projects. What Veritas could have been with just a bit more hairspray.
Yes, what we really need in British politics is our own Netanyahu
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
If it comes to it I suspect Farage's Brexit party will quickly supplant Ukip as the EU elections approach as it will be the natural protest vote for the very large cohort of disgruntled leaver Tory and Labour voters who rightly view the discredited Ukip as beyond the pale. In addition Farage is the only truly heavyweight Leave politician outside parliament and the name itself is a good one, sending a fitting message to the powers that be.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
Not sure Leavers are not motivated, the 'Leave means Leave' rally in Whitehall and Westminster last Friday had thousands there even if probably not as many as 'the People's Vote' March the previous Saturday
I like that "probably"!
Quite the wit today
Well according to Chuka Remainers 'probably' had over a million marchers, so I will give him the benefit of the doubt
Mr. HYUFD, but I wonder if they'll be more split, with UKIP having the party recognition and Farage having individual recognition.
That might alter a bet depending whether it's most seats or most votes.
I expect UKIP will go down the hardline nationalist and anti immigration and anti Islamic radicalism route under Batton and Tommy Robinson which will have a market regardless of the Brexit outcome, Farage will only really launch his Brexit Party if we revoke Article 50 and stay in the EU or stay in the single market and/or Customs Union which if we contest the European elections will by definition apply.
If we go to No Deal Farage would likely not bother and stick to his media roles e.g. with LBC
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
If it comes to it I suspect Farage's Brexit party will quickly supplant Ukip as the EU elections approach as it will be the natural protest vote for the very large cohort of disgruntled leaver Tory and Labour voters who rightly view the discredited Ukip as beyond the pale. In addition Farage is the only truly heavyweight Leave politician outside parliament and the name itself is a good one, sending a fitting message to the powers that be.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
Long extension, with Summer/Autumn GE for me please.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
I would hope that the commitment to a GE (which is what Corbyn really wants, of course) means that could be avoided on the basis that if Labour win they can sign up for a CU themselves. We already have the CU for the transitional period.
I think it's worth comparing the 4.4 million votes cast for UKIP in 2014 with the 6 million signatures on the petition. While turnout might well be up for this election if Remain voters rally behind one banner they should top the polls with ease.
You might also want to note that the Greens outpolled the Liberal Democrats in 2014 and arguably Caroline Lucas has been more prominent than Vince Cable in recent months.
Combine that with a somewhat increased prominence for environmental issues generally: plastics, Attenborough, etc, and if I were a betting man I'd back the Greens to top the poll. There's no way they should be longer than the Lib Dems.
Good points. I can see a great deal between the Lib Dems and the Greens opening up. The Lib Dems give the Greens a straight run at the Euros in return for Greens not standing in hot Lib Dem prospects in the locals. Both play to their strengths and both benefit. The publicity wouldn't do either any harm.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
June general election , September is far too late. Changes to PD to avoid Singapore on Thames and some mechanism (referendum perhaps) to lock that in.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
Is it not the case that - as has been the case since Article 50 was invoked - we can leave the EU as soon as an agreement has been reached? If we are given a longer extension, we can still leave on 22 May if we are ready. Any extension is a "Flextension", isn't it? Or have I got it wrong?
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
June general election , September is far too late. Changes to PD to avoid Singapore on Thames and some mechanism (referendum perhaps) to lock that in.
Yes, there has to be a mechanism to prevent Tory backsliding on the PD, a #peoplesvote or GE.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
It cannot be binding beyond this Parliament
It can if you make that subject to a People’s Vote. It will become binding in the same way as Brexit is now.
I think it's worth comparing the 4.4 million votes cast for UKIP in 2014 with the 6 million signatures on the petition. While turnout might well be up for this election if Remain voters rally behind one banner they should top the polls with ease.
You might also want to note that the Greens outpolled the Liberal Democrats in 2014 and arguably Caroline Lucas has been more prominent than Vince Cable in recent months.
Combine that with a somewhat increased prominence for environmental issues generally: plastics, Attenborough, etc, and if I were a betting man I'd back the Greens to top the poll. There's no way they should be longer than the Lib Dems.
I suspepct the 4.4m votes UKIP received represents more individual voters of voting age than the 6m that included multiple voting, under age voters and cats and dogs.....
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
Labour can fight the GE committed to all of these things. I think that the Tories will also commit to them all except the CU. The priority is a government capable of negotiating at all. At the moment we don't have one.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
Is it not the case that - as has been the case since Article 50 was invoked - we can leave the EU as soon as an agreement has been reached? If we are given a longer extension, we can still leave on 22 May if we are ready. Any extension is a "Flextension", isn't it? Or have I got it wrong?
I think that's right. But there will no doubt be a dozen alternative theories.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
It cannot be binding beyond this Parliament
It can if you make that subject to a People’s Vote. It will become binding in the same way as Brexit is now.
Both TM and Corbyn are opposed to both a referendum and an extension for the EU elections
If they agree a compromise deal it will not include a referendum and the agreement would remain in force until a GE
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
It cannot be binding beyond this Parliament
That is why it needs to include a GE before the phase 2 negotiations start, or a #peoplesvote after they are complete.
Several Tories have already stated an intention to rip up the PD as soon as possible. Tory promises cannot be trusted. It is why MV2.5 failed.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
June general election , September is far too late. Changes to PD to avoid Singapore on Thames and some mechanism (referendum perhaps) to lock that in.
The Tories need time to choose a new leader. If Labour was smart it would do the same as the polling in the thread header vividly shows. Parliament have a lot of work to do which will keep them very busy until May and I suspect there will still be legislative things to be sorted out after the departure date. June is therefore probably too soon if we are going to have a campaign as well but I would settle for August.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
It cannot be binding beyond this Parliament
It can if you make that subject to a People’s Vote. It will become binding in the same way as Brexit is now.
And if by the time we get the People's Vote, the eye-watering cost of the CU has been revealed. And your People's Vote only allows ratifying the deal with the eye-wateringly expenssive CU - or Remain? That's really going to settle things for a generation.....not.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
It cannot be binding beyond this Parliament
It can if you make that subject to a People’s Vote. It will become binding in the same way as Brexit is now.
Both TM and Corbyn are opposed to both a referendum and an extension for the EU elections
If they agree a compromise deal it will not include a referendum and the agreement would remain in force until a GE
If May wants Labour votes to pass her deal, she will need to find a mechanism to lock out the hard Brexiteers. That’s a reasonable price.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
It cannot be binding beyond this Parliament
It can if you make that subject to a People’s Vote. It will become binding in the same way as Brexit is now.
Both TM and Corbyn are opposed to both a referendum and an extension for the EU elections
If they agree a compromise deal it will not include a referendum and the agreement would remain in force until a GE
That's basically vote for the WDA then get done up the jacksie by the tories when they resile from the CU. Why would Labour agree to that? (I am assuming somebody other than Corbo with a functional brain will be involved in the decision making process.)
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
It cannot be binding beyond this Parliament
That is why it needs to include a GE before the phase 2 negotiations start, or a #peoplesvote after they are complete.
Several Tories have already stated an intention to rip up the PD as soon as possible. Tory promises cannot be trusted. It is why MV2.5 failed.
If a deal is agreed and we brexit on time a referendum dies at that time and those who want one will have to campaign to rejoin
I think it's worth comparing the 4.4 million votes cast for UKIP in 2014 with the 6 million signatures on the petition. While turnout might well be up for this election if Remain voters rally behind one banner they should top the polls with ease.
You might also want to note that the Greens outpolled the Liberal Democrats in 2014 and arguably Caroline Lucas has been more prominent than Vince Cable in recent months.
Combine that with a somewhat increased prominence for environmental issues generally: plastics, Attenborough, etc, and if I were a betting man I'd back the Greens to top the poll. There's no way they should be longer than the Lib Dems.
I suspepct the 4.4m votes UKIP received represents more individual voters of voting age than the 6m that included multiple voting, under age voters and cats and dogs.....
Yes but it clearly corresponds to a large block of opinion in the country. So for every overenthusiastic remainer who signed up their gerbil there will be someone who wouldn't sign on online petition but who agrees that we've reached the stage when Article 50 needs to be revoked.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
It cannot be binding beyond this Parliament
That is why it needs to include a GE before the phase 2 negotiations start, or a #peoplesvote after they are complete.
Several Tories have already stated an intention to rip up the PD as soon as possible. Tory promises cannot be trusted. It is why MV2.5 failed.
It is not really a question of trusting the Tories. It is a question of trusting the people. Who and what are they going to vote for? The Tories will need to commit to not agreeing anything with the EU until after the election but given the pace to date that is a gesture rather than an actual possibility.
So a few days ago I make a comment about being happy if the 'X' of Helmer's 'Brexit' ends up in the Labour box, and then what do I read in TSE's header...
On topic, I think Labour will come out on top if we do get to vote.
There's only one real way to heal the divisions and we all know it.
It's to Brexit fully; if it succeeds, all well and good. If it fails we re-apply with our tail between our legs. A close trading relationship remains an option. If we revoke or have a narrow win for Remain in a referendum where many will boycott, nothing will ever be resolved.
The problem with that is that there can never be full Brexit. The Faragists will blame any failure on the Remainers and the Remainers will say “told you so”. Like socialism, Brexit can never be a failure because it’s never been done properly.
The polariation of this country at the moment is like the division between Royalists and Republicans in late nineteenth century France. The Brexiteers have won, like the Royalists won the 1871 election, but won’t accept the prize because it’s not “pure” enough. The Bourbon claimant, the Compte de Chambourd, famously refused the crown because Parliament insisted on keeping the Tricolour whereas he wanted the Fleur-de-Lis brought back. Similarly the ERG won’t take the prize because of the backstop. The Royalists morphed into the anti-Drefusards and then the Petainists and the division was only finally laid to rest by their being utterly discredited after WW2. 75 years later. I think that’s what we have to look forward to.
I think it's worth comparing the 4.4 million votes cast for UKIP in 2014 with the 6 million signatures on the petition. While turnout might well be up for this election if Remain voters rally behind one banner they should top the polls with ease.
You might also want to note that the Greens outpolled the Liberal Democrats in 2014 and arguably Caroline Lucas has been more prominent than Vince Cable in recent months.
Combine that with a somewhat increased prominence for environmental issues generally: plastics, Attenborough, etc, and if I were a betting man I'd back the Greens to top the poll. There's no way they should be longer than the Lib Dems.
I suspepct the 4.4m votes UKIP received represents more individual voters of voting age than the 6m that included multiple voting, under age voters and cats and dogs.....
Yes but it clearly corresponds to a large block of opinion in the country. So for every overenthusiastic remainer who signed up their gerbil there will be someone who wouldn't sign on online petition but who agrees that we've reached the stage when Article 50 needs to be revoked.
Yes where were the 10m 2016 remain voters? My interpretation is different to yours in that this overlooked cohort have accepted the referendum result and desperately want to move on.
I am trying to decide which GE scenario is better for Labour -
(i) Before we leave with the WA blocked:
A Brexit election with the existential question of In or Out still up for grabs. Labour offer Ref2 and hope to surf to power on a wave of Remainer sentiment.
(ii) After we leave with the WA passed:
An election where Brexit (in the form of Phase 2) is just one of many issues. Labour offer a closer aligned Future Relationship and hope to win based on that plus lots of other things.
I think this is a really crucial question to consider. Because if the answer is (ii) there might well be a cross party deal and we leave in this quarter. But if it's (i) there will almost certainly not be and the impasse will continue.
I think (i) myself. Michael Portillo, I notice, thinks (ii).
So I'm not sure who to believe, me or Michael Portillo.
Guess it doesn't matter. What matters is what Jeremy & Co believe.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week. 2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit. 3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker) 4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs. 5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
We are on the same page
Gets my vote. Just as long as we aren't locked in to some wanky CU as the price to achieve it.
To be honest I do not understand why so much is put on the PD which is not a treaty and is a wish list. If the ERG had sense they would pass the WDA this week and, as David says and I agree, TM stands down and a new leader is elected to deal with the negotiations
Unless the PD is binding on the Tories no other party will support it.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
It cannot be binding beyond this Parliament
It can if you make that subject to a People’s Vote. It will become binding in the same way as Brexit is now.
Both TM and Corbyn are opposed to both a referendum and an extension for the EU elections
If they agree a compromise deal it will not include a referendum and the agreement would remain in force until a GE
If May wants Labour votes to pass her deal, she will need to find a mechanism to lock out the hard Brexiteers. That’s a reasonable price.
Agreed. And one way to do it would be to form a national government. It also has the side effect of being a way for May to honour her pledge to resign before the next stage of Brexit. She'd resign and become the new National Government PM.
"I did a random phone-around of Tory MPs, candidates and activists on Saturday. With the exception of one MP, I found not a single one of them who would be voting Conservative in the European elections. To a man and woman, they all said they would be voting for The Brexit Party. Interestingly none mentioned Ukip, a party which is now identified with rampant Islamophobia, rather than Euroscepticism."
Not sure Leavers are not motivated, the 'Leave means Leave' rally in Whitehall and Westminster last Friday had thousands there even if probably not as many as 'the People's Vote' March the previous Saturday
Is "probably" required in that sentence?
There were so many people they had to close Westminster Tube Station (where I usually board to return home). I had to turn round and use St James Park instead. I arrived back home a full two minutes later than expected.
"I did a random phone-around of Tory MPs, candidates and activists on Saturday. With the exception of one MP, I found not a single one of them who would be voting Conservative in the European elections. To a man and woman, they all said they would be voting for The Brexit Party. Interestingly none mentioned Ukip, a party which is now identified with rampant Islamophobia, rather than Euroscepticism."
Where UKIP goes, the Brexit Party will follow - if it survives - for they are after the same constituency.
"I did a random phone-around of Tory MPs, candidates and activists on Saturday. With the exception of one MP, I found not a single one of them who would be voting Conservative in the European elections. To a man and woman, they all said they would be voting for The Brexit Party. Interestingly none mentioned Ukip, a party which is now identified with rampant Islamophobia, rather than Euroscepticism."
There's only one real way to heal the divisions and we all know it.
It's to Brexit fully; if it succeeds, all well and good. If it fails we re-apply with our tail between our legs. A close trading relationship remains an option. If we revoke or have a narrow win for Remain in a referendum where many will boycott, nothing will ever be resolved.
The problem with that is that there can never be full Brexit. The Faragists will blame any failure on the Remainers and the Remainers will say “told you so”. Like socialism, Brexit can never be a failure because it’s never been done properly.
The polariation of this country at the moment is like the division between Royalists and Republicans in late nineteenth century France. The Brexiteers have won, like the Royalists won the 1871 election, but won’t accept the prize because it’s not “pure” enough. The Bourbon claimant, the Compte de Chambourd, famously refused the crown because Parliament insisted on keeping the Tricolour whereas he wanted the Fleur-de-Lis brought back. Similarly the ERG won’t take the prize because of the backstop. The Royalists morphed into the anti-Drefusards and then the Petainists and the division was only finally laid to rest by their being utterly discredited after WW2. 75 years later. I think that’s what we have to look forward to.
I don't see any of that. Of course there will still be some loons who will maintain that we are still too close to the EU and that they are "clipping our wings". Of course there will still be some loons who want to start the arguments again by having a referendum about rejoining. But I honestly think that the vast bulk of people including our 2 major parties will just want to move on and accept the new status quo of a close trading relationship but no formal political structures (we will of course work closely with the EU on a variety of issues) for the foreseeable future.
"I did a random phone-around of Tory MPs, candidates and activists on Saturday. With the exception of one MP, I found not a single one of them who would be voting Conservative in the European elections. To a man and woman, they all said they would be voting for The Brexit Party. Interestingly none mentioned Ukip, a party which is now identified with rampant Islamophobia, rather than Euroscepticism."
Can you imagine Iain Dale ringing on your Saturday off? Not nice. I wonder if he misconstrued people telling him to Brexit off.
There's only one real way to heal the divisions and we all know it.
It's to Brexit fully; if it succeeds, all well and good. If it fails we re-apply with our tail between our legs. A close trading relationship remains an option. If we revoke or have a narrow win for Remain in a referendum where many will boycott, nothing will ever be resolved.
The problem with that is that there can never be full Brexit. The Faragists will blame any failure on the Remainers and the Remainers will say “told you so”. Like socialism, Brexit can never be a failure because it’s never been done properly.
The polariation of this country at the moment is like the division between Royalists and Republicans in late nineteenth century France. The Brexiteers have won, like the Royalists won the 1871 election, but won’t accept the prize because it’s not “pure” enough. The Bourbon claimant, the Compte de Chambourd, famously refused the crown because Parliament insisted on keeping the Tricolour whereas he wanted the Fleur-de-Lis brought back. Similarly the ERG won’t take the prize because of the backstop. The Royalists morphed into the anti-Drefusards and then the Petainists and the division was only finally laid to rest by their being utterly discredited after WW2. 75 years later. I think that’s what we have to look forward to.
I've thought for a long time that it's more like the 17th Century, when the English and Welsh were trying to sort out the King vs Parliament issue and the the Scots which form of Protestantism they wanted (IIRC). It took for ever to really sort that out.
I think it's worth comparing the 4.4 million votes cast for UKIP in 2014 with the 6 million signatures on the petition. While turnout might well be up for this election if Remain voters rally behind one banner they should top the polls with ease.
You might also want to note that the Greens outpolled the Liberal Democrats in 2014 and arguably Caroline Lucas has been more prominent than Vince Cable in recent months.
Combine that with a somewhat increased prominence for environmental issues generally: plastics, Attenborough, etc, and if I were a betting man I'd back the Greens to top the poll. There's no way they should be longer than the Lib Dems.
I suspepct the 4.4m votes UKIP received represents more individual voters of voting age than the 6m that included multiple voting, under age voters and cats and dogs.....
Yes but it clearly corresponds to a large block of opinion in the country. So for every overenthusiastic remainer who signed up their gerbil there will be someone who wouldn't sign on online petition but who agrees that we've reached the stage when Article 50 needs to be revoked.
Yes where were the 10m 2016 remain voters? My interpretation is different to yours in that this overlooked cohort have accepted the referendum result and desperately want to move on.
Remainers like myself who accepted the referendum result and desperately want to move on have been forced to the conclusion that no moving on is in fact possible. That's where the revoke article 50 now move comes from. Diehard remainers have spent the last 2 and half years campaigning for a people's vote and still want one to have another go at winning the argument. I want it revoked now because Brexit has failed. The phobes don't know what they want and will never agree. There is no solution avialable. We should just stop it.
I think the likely path is that they'll both give a free vote on a people's vote and then both whip for I can't believe its not customs union ?
They wouldn't trust each other. We hear of previous free votes and 'unofficial whipping' for instance. True or not if PV failed Labour would not follow through en masse I think theyd say the Tories reneged on it being free.
I can see you scenario as the Tory plan but other than his own tendencies I've seen no reason given why Corbyn would agree a path for labour which does not guarantee a Pv. Sure a mere couple dozen dont want it but they other 200 do, it's no contest
I think the likely path is that they'll both give a free vote on a people's vote and then both whip for I can't believe its not customs union ?
They wouldn't trust each other. We hear of previous free votes and 'unofficial whipping' for instance. True or not if PV failed Labour would not follow through en masse I think theyd say the Tories reneged on it being free.
I can see you scenario as the Tory plan but other than his own tendencies I've seen no reason given why Corbyn would agree a path for labour which does not guarantee a Pv. Sure a mere couple dozen dont want it but they other 200 do, it's no contest
Not sure having already whipped a PV that Labour can now back off.
Is there anybody as utterly useless as Shami Chakabarti. She was a good human rights lawyer before she produced her antisemitism whitewash in return for her elevation to the Lords
We have so many incompetent politicians - it is no wonder we are where we are
There's only one real way to heal the divisions and we all know it.
It's to Brexit fully; if it succeeds, all well and good. If it fails we re-apply with our tail between our legs. A close trading relationship remains an option. If we revoke or have a narrow win for Remain in a referendum where many will boycott, nothing will ever be resolved.
The problem with that is that there can never be full Brexit. The Faragists will blame any failure on the Remainers and the Remainers will say “told you so”. Like socialism, Brexit can never be a failure because it’s never been done properly.
The polariation of this country at the moment is like the division between Royalists and Republicans in late nineteenth century France. The Brexiteers have won, like the Royalists won the 1871 election, but won’t accept the prize because it’s not “pure” enough. The Bourbon claimant, the Compte de Chambourd, famously refused the crown because Parliament insisted on keeping the Tricolour whereas he wanted the Fleur-de-Lis brought back. Similarly the ERG won’t take the prize because of the backstop. The Royalists morphed into the anti-Drefusards and then the Petainists and the division was only finally laid to rest by their being utterly discredited after WW2. 75 years later. I think that’s what we have to look forward to.
I've thought for a long time that it's more like the 17th Century, when the English and Welsh were trying to sort out the King vs Parliament issue and the the Scots which form of Protestantism they wanted (IIRC). It took for ever to really sort that out.
the nature of the religion was a heavy factor all over of course, given the times.
There's only one real way to heal the divisions and we all know it.
It's to Brexit fully; if it succeeds, all well and good. If it fails we re-apply with our tail between our legs. A close trading relationship remains an option. If we revoke or have a narrow win for Remain in a referendum where many will boycott, nothing will ever be resolved.
The problem with that is that there can never be full Brexit. The Faragists will blame any failure on the Remainers and the Remainers will say “told you so”. Like socialism, Brexit can never be a failure because it’s never been done properly.
The polariation of this country at the moment is like the division between Royalists and Republicans in late nineteenth century France. The Brexiteers have won, like the Royalists won the 1871 election, but won’t accept the prize because it’s not “pure” enough. The Bourbon claimant, the Compte de Chambourd, famously refused the crown because Parliament insisted on keeping the Tricolour whereas he wanted the Fleur-de-Lis brought back. Similarly the ERG won’t take the prize because of the backstop. The Royalists morphed into the anti-Drefusards and then the Petainists and the division was only finally laid to rest by their being utterly discredited after WW2. 75 years later. I think that’s what we have to look forward to.
I don't see any of that. Of course there will still be some loons who will maintain that we are still too close to the EU and that they are "clipping our wings". Of course there will still be some loons who want to start the arguments again by having a referendum about rejoining. But I honestly think that the vast bulk of people including our 2 major parties will just want to move on and accept the new status quo of a close trading relationship but no formal political structures (we will of course work closely with the EU on a variety of issues) for the foreseeable future.
To work and trade closely we need bilateral arrangements. These are not happening in the current climate of people, especially Conservatives, who think that only treaties with a unilateral exit clause are acceptable. The sudden popularity and enthronement of “No Deal” being the only “true” Brexit and the increasingly vitriolic xenophobia of Tory MPs like Mark “Tutonic Arrogance” Francois and Priti “starve the Irish” Patel make me deeply dubious that Tory Leavers want to work closely with anyone about anything.
There's only one real way to heal the divisions and we all know it.
It's to Brexit fully; if it succeeds, all well and good. If it fails we re-apply with our tail between our legs. A close trading relationship remains an option. If we revoke or have a narrow win for Remain in a referendum where many will boycott, nothing will ever be resolved.
The problem with that is that there can never be full Brexit. The Faragists will blame any failure on the Remainers and the Remainers will say “told you so”. Like socialism, Brexit can never be a failure because it’s never been done properly.
The polariation of this country at the moment is like the division between Royalists and Republicans in late nineteenth century France. The Brexiteers have won, like the Royalists won the 1871 election, but won’t accept the prize because it’s not “pure” enough. The Bourbon claimant, the Compte de Chambourd, famously refused the crown because Parliament insisted on keeping the Tricolour whereas he wanted the Fleur-de-Lis brought back. Similarly the ERG won’t take the prize because of the backstop. The Royalists morphed into the anti-Drefusards and then the Petainists and the division was only finally laid to rest by their being utterly discredited after WW2. 75 years later. I think that’s what we have to look forward to.
I don't see any of that. Of course there will still be some loons who will maintain that we are still too close to the EU and that they are "clipping our wings". Of course there will still be some loons who want to start the arguments again by having a referendum about rejoining. But I honestly think that the vast bulk of people including our 2 major parties will just want to move on and accept the new status quo of a close trading relationship but no formal political structures (we will of course work closely with the EU on a variety of issues) for the foreseeable future.
I dont think it is true that people want to move on. A lot of people say that out of weariness, but there's be more desire to compromise from the politicians if that was so.
No, people want it over but only in their way, it's why revoke and no deal increase in popularity.
There's only one real way to heal the divisions and we all know it.
It's to Brexit fully; if it succeeds, all well and good. If it fails we re-apply with our tail between our legs. A close trading relationship remains an option. If we revoke or have a narrow win for Remain in a referendum where many will boycott, nothing will ever be resolved.
The problem with that is that there can never be full Brexit. The Faragists will blame any failure on the Remainers and the Remainers will say “told you so”. Like socialism, Brexit can never be a failure because it’s never been done properly.
The polariation of this country at the moment is like the division between Royalists and Republicans in late nineteenth century France. The Brexiteers have won, like the Royalists won the 1871 election, but won’t accept the prize because it’s not “pure” enough. The Bourbon claimant, the Compte de Chambourd, famously refused the crown because Parliament insisted on keeping the Tricolour whereas he wanted the Fleur-de-Lis brought back. Similarly the ERG won’t take the prize because of the backstop. The Royalists morphed into the anti-Drefusards and then the Petainists and the division was only finally laid to rest by their being utterly discredited after WW2. 75 years later. I think that’s what we have to look forward to.
I've thought for a long time that it's more like the 17th Century, when the English and Welsh were trying to sort out the King vs Parliament issue and the the Scots which form of Protestantism they wanted (IIRC). It took for ever to really sort that out.
the nature of the religion was a heavy factor all over of course, given the times.
Nationalism, religion, it all comes from the same psychological tribal need.
I think the likely path is that they'll both give a free vote on a people's vote and then both whip for I can't believe its not customs union ?
They wouldn't trust each other. We hear of previous free votes and 'unofficial whipping' for instance. True or not if PV failed Labour would not follow through en masse I think theyd say the Tories reneged on it being free.
I can see you scenario as the Tory plan but other than his own tendencies I've seen no reason given why Corbyn would agree a path for labour which does not guarantee a Pv. Sure a mere couple dozen dont want it but they other 200 do, it's no contest
Not sure having already whipped a PV that Labour can now back off.
Theres already an extension likely coming why would they back off to avoid a longer one during which they could do what most of them want? For most of them that is remain, May cannot give them anything even if she wanted.
What would the Conservative party prospectus for the Euro elections be? It’s almost inexpressible.
Now, hold that thought and ask yourself what their prospectus would be for a general election as well. That’s why the Conservatives will not be seeking a general election this year.
Is there anybody as utterly useless as Shami Chakabarti. She was a good human rights lawyer before she produced her antisemitism whitewash in return for her elevation to the Lords
We have so many incompetent politicians - it is no wonder we are where we are
She’s, as you say, a good lawyer who went on to do a very bad thing. She’s not useless at one thing at least and I agree she should have stuck at it as she did valuable work. The report fiasco has tainted her reputation irretrievably
What would the Conservative party prospectus for the Euro elections be? It’s almost inexpressible.
Now, hold that thought and ask yourself what their prospectus would be for a general election as well. That’s why the Conservatives will not be seeking a general election this year.
Most of them wont. Some of them openly suggest it though. Heck, Brexit hard man Steve Baker suggested he might vote with Corbyn in a vote of no confidence. talking to Corbyn though is unacceptable of course
What would the Conservative party prospectus for the Euro elections be? It’s almost inexpressible.
Now, hold that thought and ask yourself what their prospectus would be for a general election as well. That’s why the Conservatives will not be seeking a general election this year.
Quite frankly that applies to any nation election right now. The manifesto that Grieve, Clarke, Francois & Baker can rally around would have to be a choose your own adventure book.
What would the Conservative party prospectus for the Euro elections be? It’s almost inexpressible.
Now, hold that thought and ask yourself what their prospectus would be for a general election as well. That’s why the Conservatives will not be seeking a general election this year.
“Vote for us and we will shuffle about making grumpy noises about the dreadful PM we foisted on the country”
A winning formula surely ?
As I’ve previously opined - the Con party would be better off confirming that it won’t stand candidate as we are leaving.
BTW if anyone wants an increasingly vitriolic and pointless argument about the difference between the Legitimists and the Orleanists in the French Legislative Elections of 1871 I’m here all day.
What would the Conservative party prospectus for the Euro elections be? It’s almost inexpressible.
Now, hold that thought and ask yourself what their prospectus would be for a general election as well. That’s why the Conservatives will not be seeking a general election this year.
Quite frankly that applies to any nation election right now. The manifesto that Grieve, Clarke, Francois & Baker can rally around would have to be a choose your own adventure book.
Theyd not get beyond the cover. Too busy arguing over the font.
There's only one real way to heal the divisions and we all know it.
It's to Brexit fully; if it succeeds, all well and good. If it fails we re-apply with our tail between our legs. A close trading relationship remains an option. If we revoke or have a narrow win for Remain in a referendum where many will boycott, nothing will ever be resolved.
The problem with that is that there can never be full Brexit. The Faragists will blame any failure on the Remainers and the Remainers will say “told you so”. Like socialism, Brexit can never be a failure because it’s never been done properly.
The polariation of this country at the moment is like the division between Royalists and Republicans in late nineteenth century France. The Brexiteers have won, like the Royalists won the 1871 election, but won’t accept the prize because it’s not “pure” enough. The Bourbon claimant, the Compte de Chambourd, famously refused the crown because Parliament insisted on keeping the Tricolour whereas he wanted the Fleur-de-Lis brought back. Similarly the ERG won’t take the prize because of the backstop. The Royalists morphed into the anti-Drefusards and then the Petainists and the division was only finally laid to rest by their being utterly discredited after WW2. 75 years later. I think that’s what we have to look forward to.
I don't see any of that. Of course there will still be some loons who will maintain that we are still too close to the EU and that they are "clipping our wings". Of course there will still be some loons who want to start the arguments again by having a referendum about rejoining. But I honestly think that the vast bulk of people including our 2 major parties will just want to move on and accept the new status quo of a close trading relationship but no formal political structures (we will of course work closely with the EU on a variety of issues) for the foreseeable future.
Yep. I'm somene who thinks No Deal would be (long term) fine, but ultimately I'm not stupid, I recognise this as an acceptable way forward.
"I did a random phone-around of Tory MPs, candidates and activists on Saturday. With the exception of one MP, I found not a single one of them who would be voting Conservative in the European elections. To a man and woman, they all said they would be voting for The Brexit Party. Interestingly none mentioned Ukip, a party which is now identified with rampant Islamophobia, rather than Euroscepticism."
As far as Brexit is concerned the Telegraph (onlineat least) has ceased to be a newspaper in any real sense. It's simply a hard-Brexit propaganda sheet and I treat everything it says on the subject its a massive pinch of salt. If Iain Dale is to be believed we can expect the Brexit Party to out-poll the Tories by about 10 to 1. Any takers?
BTW if anyone wants an increasingly vitriolic and pointless argument about the difference between the Legitimists and the Orleanists in the French Legislative Elections of 1871 I’m here all day.
Comments
Will they vote?
However, Sky have reported that both the leadership in the conservative and labour parties are desperate to avoid the EU elections.
If so, they have one choice, pass the WDA
JRM live now on Sophy
If Brexit is halted, it will be via domestic UK politics, and not the result of the EU parliamentary elections.
Quite the wit today
That might alter a bet depending whether it's most seats or most votes.
The Tories don't trust May to negotiate the next stage of the deal with the EU, why the hell should Labour?
Mind you, he could be working to that end
https://twitter.com/EuropeElects/status/1112505363629260800?s=20
The mood music does rather suggest that those of us wishing that the EU27 would force an end to Parliament's Euro-hokey-cokey performance are likely to be disappointed.
You might also want to note that the Greens outpolled the Liberal Democrats in 2014 and arguably Caroline Lucas has been more prominent than Vince Cable in recent months.
Combine that with a somewhat increased prominence for environmental issues generally: plastics, Attenborough, etc, and if I were a betting man I'd back the Greens to top the poll. There's no way they should be longer than the Lib Dems.
1. The MV passing in the early part of this week.
2. It being agreed that we will leave on 22nd May at the EU summit.
3. May resigning by Friday (staying on as caretaker)
4. Parliament getting on with the passing of all required legislation and SIs.
5. A GE in about September so we can have a government again.
It's not impossible but I don't particularly fancy my chances.
Just for clarification there are members of the ERG I do not include in my condemnation.
That is reserved for Baker, Francois and the other couple of dozen diehards who shot down the WDA
Those ERG members who voted for the WDA earned my respect
If we go to No Deal Farage would likely not bother and stick to his media roles e.g. with LBC
Changes to PD to avoid Singapore on Thames and some mechanism (referendum perhaps) to lock that in.
CU and protection of workers, consumers, environmental rights is the bare minimum.
If they agree a compromise deal it will not include a referendum and the agreement would remain in force until a GE
Several Tories have already stated an intention to rip up the PD as soon as possible. Tory promises cannot be trusted. It is why MV2.5 failed.
On topic, I think Labour will come out on top if we do get to vote.
The polariation of this country at the moment is like the division between Royalists and Republicans in late nineteenth century France. The Brexiteers have won, like the Royalists won the 1871 election, but won’t accept the prize because it’s not “pure” enough. The Bourbon claimant, the Compte de Chambourd, famously refused the crown because Parliament insisted on keeping the Tricolour whereas he wanted the Fleur-de-Lis brought back. Similarly the ERG won’t take the prize because of the backstop. The Royalists morphed into the anti-Drefusards and then the Petainists and the division was only finally laid to rest by their being utterly discredited after WW2. 75 years later. I think that’s what we have to look forward to.
(i) Before we leave with the WA blocked:
A Brexit election with the existential question of In or Out still up for grabs. Labour offer Ref2 and hope to surf to power on a wave of Remainer sentiment.
(ii) After we leave with the WA passed:
An election where Brexit (in the form of Phase 2) is just one of many issues. Labour offer a closer aligned Future Relationship and hope to win based on that plus lots of other things.
I think this is a really crucial question to consider. Because if the answer is (ii) there might well be a cross party deal and we leave in this quarter. But if it's (i) there will almost certainly not be and the impasse will continue.
I think (i) myself. Michael Portillo, I notice, thinks (ii).
So I'm not sure who to believe, me or Michael Portillo.
Guess it doesn't matter. What matters is what Jeremy & Co believe.
This from Iain Dale in Telegraph:
"I did a random phone-around of Tory MPs, candidates and activists on Saturday. With the exception of one MP, I found not a single one of them who would be voting Conservative in the European elections. To a man and woman, they all said they would be voting for The Brexit Party. Interestingly none mentioned Ukip, a party which is now identified with rampant Islamophobia, rather than Euroscepticism."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-47843999
I can see you scenario as the Tory plan but other than his own tendencies I've seen no reason given why Corbyn would agree a path for labour which does not guarantee a Pv. Sure a mere couple dozen dont want it but they other 200 do, it's no contest
We have so many incompetent politicians - it is no wonder we are where we are
No, people want it over but only in their way, it's why revoke and no deal increase in popularity.
Now, hold that thought and ask yourself what their prospectus would be for a general election as well. That’s why the Conservatives will not be seeking a general election this year.
She’s, as you say, a good lawyer who went on to do a very bad thing. She’s not useless at one thing at least and I agree she should have stuck at it as she did valuable work. The report fiasco has tainted her reputation irretrievably
https://twitter.com/SunPolitics/status/1114815158453506051
A winning formula surely ?
As I’ve previously opined - the Con party would be better off confirming that it won’t stand candidate as we are leaving.
"We're Not As Crap As All The Others"
No rush everyone