Ah, Clegg. The chap who reneged on a manifesto promise for a referendum in order to have a three-line whip abstention on said referendum, arguing instead for a real one.
A real referendum, apparently, being In or Out.
He's not wrong about Boris. But the lack of awareness, or honesty, that pro-EU politicians never bothering to actually consult the electorate might just have sharpened anti-EU sentiment is not fantastic.
Yes but not been seen for weeks, it was the doormats that were commentating, she is conspicuous by her absence. For sure she will prostrate herself to Boris and accept any humiliation for supporting every other candidate but him. Be an almighty fight between her and Mundell to see who gets the tongue lickers position.
If the EU had negotiated the exact same deal with Labour, it'd have been hailed as a triumph by Corbyn and co. I'm not certain the Tory front bench would have opposed it in quite the same way Labour has... The tribal Labour view that anything Tory = BAD is simply stronger in Labour than plenty of places elsewhere. The grand coalitions in Germany for instance, I don't think we could do anything like that here. And the reason is that for Labour a red rose on horse shit would be superior to a Tory cure for all cancer.
Pertinent are the tribal way May went about Brexit from the outset, refusing any sort of cross-party conversation or concessions (even after losing her majority) until way too late, and Labour's clinging to the hope of a re-run of Corbymania projecting them into power if only they could bring down the government and force a GE.
With different political circumstances and management a more co-operative outcome might have been possible.
The only way Brexit was ever going to succeed was as a cross-party enterprise, with the full involvement of the Scottish and Welsh governments. May destroyed that glimmer of hope within days of attaining office.
Conversely, they have their excuse for not acting if they do not find against the party. They can moan on Twitter and off the record to journalists without acting to their hearts content, saying officially that while they are not super happy with the leader that the party was cleared, so no reason to do anything.
Yes but not been seen for weeks, it was the doormats that were commentating, she is conspicuous by her absence. For sure she will prostrate herself to Boris and accept any humiliation for supporting every other candidate but him. Be an almighty fight between her and Mundell to see who gets the tongue lickers position.
She was invisible in her trench, but the hand at the foot of the surrender flagpole was definitely Ruthie’s.
Arse-licking won’t get Ruthie or Mundell anywhere. Boris knows they despise him, and he is not a magnanimous man. He is a man child.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
I think the idea the EU will not negotiate a deal on the succession of Boris is unrealistic.
The EU know they cannot just dismiss Boris as they would be blamed for the no deal outcome and the economic chaos that will hit right across the EU and of course here at home
Barnier was furious when he was told the WDA is dead but I suspect he is more concerned about his own legacy, as a no deal would be a personal disaster for him
It is perfectly possible the EU will put up the shutters but it is also possible that a deal of some form will be agreed
And to those who say there is no one in Brussels to deal with that is not true as long as Barnier and Junckers are in Office
Any further re-negotiation needs time and a change to the red lines. Tusk and Barnier will not undermine the new team, indeed they have endorsed them.
All through this process people have wanted the EU to act in certain ways. It might well even have been to the EU's benefit to act in certain ways. But they never have, and do what they say even if we might think it helps neither side.
This is just a continuation of that. Even if action x would be better for us and them (which some no doubt dispute) they have already committed to do otherwise.
I think the idea the EU will not negotiate a deal on the succession of Boris is unrealistic.
The EU know they cannot just dismiss Boris as they would be blamed for the no deal outcome and the economic chaos that will hit right across the EU and of course here at home
Barnier was furious when he was told the WDA is dead but I suspect he is more concerned about his own legacy, as a no deal would be a personal disaster for him
It is perfectly possible the EU will put up the shutters but it is also possible that a deal of some form will be agreed
And to those who say there is no one in Brussels to deal with that is not true as long as Barnier and Junckers are in Office
Any further re-negotiation needs time and a change to the red lines. Tusk and Barnier will not undermine the new team, indeed they have endorsed them.
All through this process people have wanted the EU to act in certain ways. It might well even have been to the EU's benefit to act in certain ways. But they never have, and do what they say even if we might think it helps neither side.
This is just a continuation of that. Even if action x would be better for us and them (which some no doubt dispute) they have already committed to do otherwise.
Hopefully the new EU lot will realise the UK holds all the cards.
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
Conversely, they have their excuse for not acting if they do not find against the party. They can moan on Twitter and off the record to journalists without acting to their hearts content, saying officially that while they are not super happy with the leader that the party was cleared, so no reason to do anything.
Genuine question: does the watchdog usually come up with an unambiguous report? I'd have thought it unlikely that they'd say "We had a good look and there's no problem, carry on" or "The party is riddled with racism from top to bottom and ought to be illegal", but rather that they'd do a 50-page analysis with a set of recommendations for improvement, and everyone will cherry-pick it for key sentences.
Mirror and Express owner enters race to buy the i publisher Reach has submitted an indicative offer for JPI Media, which owns The Scotsman and Yorkshire Post, Sky News learns.
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
I meant from a practical point of view. Just going on 2014, wasn't independence day going to be a day in March 2016?
What I'm saying is, for Boris to be the last PM of the UK, he'd need to be in power for a decent amount of time for it break up on his watch.
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
Someone should offer Sturgeon the job. It would solve a lot of issues
On topic, those numbers are very strange. Support for both Labour and the Tories has plummeted since 2017, why has recall for one fallen so far and for the other actually increased slightly? YouGov's assumption seems to be that everyone was right back in 2017 and wrong now, but is there actually any evidence for that?
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
The airwaves are completely taken up with leadership election, no not that one the Tory one. Labour s continued problems come second and although neither party’s image is, to many not good as they say any publicity....
The Lib Dems need a defection or two on election of the new leader and a convincing win in B&R and there will be another spike upwards. I’m not sure what gains TBP any publicity so would expect a slow downward drift until something happens.
Conversely, they have their excuse for not acting if they do not find against the party. They can moan on Twitter and off the record to journalists without acting to their hearts content, saying officially that while they are not super happy with the leader that the party was cleared, so no reason to do anything.
Genuine question: does the watchdog usually come up with an unambiguous report? I'd have thought it unlikely that they'd say "We had a good look and there's no problem, carry on" or "The party is riddled with racism from top to bottom and ought to be illegal", but rather that they'd do a 50-page analysis with a set of recommendations for improvement, and everyone will cherry-pick it for key sentences.
Quite. And as bad as some believe the situation to be I doubt any report will be be completely unequivocal.
Conversely, they have their excuse for not acting if they do not find against the party. They can moan on Twitter and off the record to journalists without acting to their hearts content, saying officially that while they are not super happy with the leader that the party was cleared, so no reason to do anything.
There is something a bit odd about this whole antisemitism business. The dog that did not bark in the night time in Corbyn's defence are the umpteen pro-Jewish EDMs he signed. Perhaps it is because there must also be some anti-Israel ones.
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
I meant from a practical point of view. Just going on 2014, wasn't independence day going to be a day in March 2016?
What I'm saying is, for Boris to be the last PM of the UK, he'd need to be in power for a decent amount of time for it break up on his watch.
On “negotiation” - wouldn’t surprise me if Johnson hasn’t read the WA, let alone understood it. Then rocks up in Brussels with a list of “demands” only to have it patiently pointed out to him how each and every one is satisfied by the existing agreement.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
The airwaves are completely taken up with leadership election, no not that one the Tory one. Labour s continued problems come second and although neither party’s image is, to many not good as they say any publicity....
The Lib Dems need a defection or two on election of the new leader and a convincing win in B&R and there will be another spike upwards. I’m not sure what gains TBP any publicity so would expect a slow downward drift until something happens.
That is a good point, if a GE *is* called then the Cons will have had weeks and weeks of pre-campaign campaigning. One factor why it might well be on the cards.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
Is that recent movement just down to recent (or lack of) media coverage? Brexit party not in the news, lots for the Tories with leadership and consequently Brexit so movement from Brexit to Tories. Quiet on the LD front also. Key events coming up will surely be B&R and crowning of new PM
Conversely, they have their excuse for not acting if they do not find against the party. They can moan on Twitter and off the record to journalists without acting to their hearts content, saying officially that while they are not super happy with the leader that the party was cleared, so no reason to do anything.
Genuine question: does the watchdog usually come up with an unambiguous report? I'd have thought it unlikely that they'd say "We had a good look and there's no problem, carry on" or "The party is riddled with racism from top to bottom and ought to be illegal", but rather that they'd do a 50-page analysis with a set of recommendations for improvement, and everyone will cherry-pick it for key sentences.
The key then will be who cherry picks best, and the predominant line that broadcast media will take.
You will.deny it, I'm sure, but do I detect your open supportivenesss of Corbyn has been replaced by a not openly unfriendly but more dispassionate phase in your contributions?
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
I meant from a practical point of view. Just going on 2014, wasn't independence day going to be a day in March 2016?
What I'm saying is, for Boris to be the last PM of the UK, he'd need to be in power for a decent amount of time for it break up on his watch.
He will be the last pm before the process starts.
So you think he'll be PM at the time of the next Sindy Ref? Even that I'm sceptical of.
I think the idea the EU will not negotiate a deal on the succession of Boris is unrealistic.
The EU know they cannot just dismiss Boris as they would be blamed for the no deal outcome and the economic chaos that will hit right across the EU and of course here at home
Barnier was furious when he was told the WDA is dead but I suspect he is more concerned about his own legacy, as a no deal would be a personal disaster for him
It is perfectly possible the EU will put up the shutters but it is also possible that a deal of some form will be agreed
And to those who say there is no one in Brussels to deal with that is not true as long as Barnier and Junckers are in Office
Do you not remember making very similar posts this time last year about May?
Conversely, they have their excuse for not acting if they do not find against the party. They can moan on Twitter and off the record to journalists without acting to their hearts content, saying officially that while they are not super happy with the leader that the party was cleared, so no reason to do anything.
There is something a bit odd about this whole antisemitism business. The dog that did not bark in the night time in Corbyn's defence are the umpteen pro-Jewish EDMs he signed. Perhaps it is because there must also be some anti-Israel ones.
His various controversial edms have been defended on here before as the signing of them being pretty meaningless, which presumably makes using others as counters harder.
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
I meant from a practical point of view. Just going on 2014, wasn't independence day going to be a day in March 2016?
What I'm saying is, for Boris to be the last PM of the UK, he'd need to be in power for a decent amount of time for it break up on his watch.
He will be the last pm before the process starts.
So you think he'll be PM at the time of the next Sindy Ref? Even that I'm sceptical of.
Let's suppose Corbyn goes (either ousted or walks).
Sane Labour MPs will never back another far left nutcase to be on the shortlist. But how many MPs now are themselves the kind of clowns who would march under Stalin banners? The feeling I get is that McDonnell et al. have enough sway to get a candidate on the shortlist, but is that wrong, and who would they favour if they get the chance?
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
Someone should offer Sturgeon the job. It would solve a lot of issues
PM Sturgeon’s Queen’s speech: the Act of Dissolution 2020.
England gets to have William and Scotland gets King Harry, who will become the northern monarch before his southern big brother (hopefully).
I doubt the EU is even going to consider (re) negotiating with anyone without a high degree of certainty that the person they are negotiating with will be able to get agreements through the House of Commons. Why would they bother, and who at the moment could blame them? Short of turning up at a negotiation with multiple party leaders, the best that they are going to offer is a further extension. Albeit they will probably also demand a credible plan to achieve a majority. Which Johnson has ruled out.
BY the way did I read yesterday that Andrea Leadsom had said that she opposes prorogation to achieve Brexit? Wasn’t she the main person advocating it in the first place?
I doubt the EU is even going to consider (re) negotiating with anyone without a high degree of certainty that the person they are negotiating with will be able to get agreements through the House of Commons. Why would they bother, and who at the moment could blame them? Short of turning up at a negotiation with multiple party leaders, the best that they are going to offer is a further extension. Albeit they will probably also demand a credible plan to achieve a majority. Which Johnson has ruled out.
BY the way did I read yesterday that Andrea Leadsom had said that she opposes prorogation to achieve Brexit? Wasn’t she the main person advocating it in the first place?
They are trying to pretend that a strategically timed Queen’s speech is not prorogation.
Conversely, they have their excuse for not acting if they do not find against the party. They can moan on Twitter and off the record to journalists without acting to their hearts content, saying officially that while they are not super happy with the leader that the party was cleared, so no reason to do anything.
Genuine question: does the watchdog usually come up with an unambiguous report? I'd have thought it unlikely that they'd say "We had a good look and there's no problem, carry on" or "The party is riddled with racism from top to bottom and ought to be illegal", but rather that they'd do a 50-page analysis with a set of recommendations for improvement, and everyone will cherry-pick it for key sentences.
Quite. And as bad as some believe the situation to be I doubt any report will be be completely unequivocal.
The EHRC has statutory powers to impose change. That is the big problem that the Labour leadership faces. if the EHRC says that the complaints process has to be independent, then that is what has to happen. And at that point, the far left is in deep, deep trouble. I don't think that many inside labour have begun to understand just how serious this is for the party's leadership.
The problem they have is that they must have serious doubts about whether Johnson really is serious about the idea. Or whether it is all his idea of a (poor) negotiating tactic. Because if the latter, then by acting they may just drive him further into the arms of the ERG.
I think the idea the EU will not negotiate a deal on the succession of Boris is unrealistic.
The EU know they cannot just dismiss Boris as they would be blamed for the no deal outcome and the economic chaos that will hit right across the EU and of course here at home
Barnier was furious when he was told the WDA is dead but I suspect he is more concerned about his own legacy, as a no deal would be a personal disaster for him
It is perfectly possible the EU will put up the shutters but it is also possible that a deal of some form will be agreed
And to those who say there is no one in Brussels to deal with that is not true as long as Barnier and Junckers are in Office
Do you not remember making very similar posts this time last year about May?
Let's suppose Corbyn goes (either ousted or walks).
Sane Labour MPs will never back another far left nutcase to be on the shortlist. But how many MPs now are themselves the kind of clowns who would march under Stalin banners? The feeling I get is that McDonnell et al. have enough sway to get a candidate on the shortlist, but is that wrong, and who would they favour if they get the chance?
The problem is that they need to find a single candidate and right now the far left is split. They can definitely get one candidate, but they can't get two - so who to pick? Someone with anti-Brexit credentials, for example, or someone who has been much more pro-Brexit? A Lexiteer is going to struggle to get elected, given the very broad pro-EU consensus among the members. This is why Corbyn has not already gone and it's why he will stay - even after Labour loses the next GE.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
You can't say "reversed" when you compare April (just a few months back!) with now. Yes, there's been a bit of an unwind, as you'd expect, and principally driven by the BXP falling from the headlines as the Tory contenders talk hardball on Brexit.
B&R and likely rebellions and defections are coming.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
This is all MoE territory. The big four, think about that for a start looking back just six months, all hovering about 22% give or take a few points and largely seen through the BREXIT prism.
The fluidity of our politics is a sight not seen since the early 1920's and frankly it's the most volatile I've ever known.
On B&R by-election I was chatting with a well placed Tory yesterday evening and they've already written off the seat completely and are preparing their excuses for the inevitable bad headlines of Boris enjoying the shortest political honeymoon ever.
All will be blamed on continuing BREXIT uncertainty that Boris hasn't had time to fix, typical mid term blues and understandable misgivings over the candidate.
I doubt the EU is even going to consider (re) negotiating with anyone without a high degree of certainty that the person they are negotiating with will be able to get agreements through the House of Commons. Why would they bother, and who at the moment could blame them? Short of turning up at a negotiation with multiple party leaders, the best that they are going to offer is a further extension. Albeit they will probably also demand a credible plan to achieve a majority. Which Johnson has ruled out.
BY the way did I read yesterday that Andrea Leadsom had said that she opposes prorogation to achieve Brexit? Wasn’t she the main person advocating it in the first place?
They are trying to pretend that a strategically timed Queen’s speech is not prorogation.
Imagine the security operation that would have to be in place for a Queens Speech immediately after a crash out Brexit! The Queen (or more likely Charles) would have to go to Westminster via the secret tunnels! And i’ve a feeling the ceremonial aspects involving Black Rod would actually cease to become ceremony! The Commons might actually refuse to open the doors!
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
You can't say "reversed" when you compare April (just a few months back!) with now. Yes, there's been a bit of an unwind, as you'd expect, and principally driven by the BXP falling from the headlines as the Tory contenders talk hardball on Brexit.
B&R and likely rebellions and defections are coming.
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
I meant from a practical point of view. Just going on 2014, wasn't independence day going to be a day in March 2016?
What I'm saying is, for Boris to be the last PM of the UK, he'd need to be in power for a decent amount of time for it break up on his watch.
Aha! I see what you mean.
Considering that PM Boris is only likely to be in office for a matter of weeks or months, Gordon Brown’s hyperbole is unlikely to be true. Some other mug is going to be landed with the wrong place in the history books, just as mad George lost America (he was actually just in the wrong place at the wrong time when the music stopped).
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
Someone should offer Sturgeon the job. It would solve a lot of issues
PM Sturgeon’s Queen’s speech: the Act of Dissolution 2020.
England gets to have William and Scotland gets King Harry, who will become the northern monarch before his southern big brother (hopefully).
That we can do without. Lizzie maybe but we don't need the freeloaders.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
You can't say "reversed" when you compare April (just a few months back!) with now. Yes, there's been a bit of an unwind, as you'd expect, and principally driven by the BXP falling from the headlines as the Tory contenders talk hardball on Brexit.
B&R and likely rebellions and defections are coming.
The LDs are doing very well indeed to be holding at 20%. It all looks very set-up for tactical voting on an unprecedented scale.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
The airwaves are completely taken up with leadership election, no not that one the Tory one. Labour s continued problems come second and although neither party’s image is, to many not good as they say any publicity....
The Lib Dems need a defection or two on election of the new leader and a convincing win in B&R and there will be another spike upwards. I’m not sure what gains TBP any publicity so would expect a slow downward drift until something happens.
That is a good point, if a GE *is* called then the Cons will have had weeks and weeks of pre-campaign campaigning. One factor why it might well be on the cards.
It is not just having been in the news 24x7 that benefits Conservatives, it is all the match practice they've been getting. The Conservative debates (and many hustings) are on Youtube. Look at how much Boris improved from the Channel 4 debate to the BBC one.
That is the trouble with Lynton Crosby's "hide the leader" strategies. Campaigning is a skill and like all skills, needs practice. It is why Corbyn was so far superior to May last time.
I doubt the EU is even going to consider (re) negotiating with anyone without a high degree of certainty that the person they are negotiating with will be able to get agreements through the House of Commons. Why would they bother, and who at the moment could blame them? Short of turning up at a negotiation with multiple party leaders, the best that they are going to offer is a further extension. Albeit they will probably also demand a credible plan to achieve a majority. Which Johnson has ruled out.
BY the way did I read yesterday that Andrea Leadsom had said that she opposes prorogation to achieve Brexit? Wasn’t she the main person advocating it in the first place?
They are trying to pretend that a strategically timed Queen’s speech is not prorogation.
Imagine the security operation that would have to be in place for a Queens Speech immediately after a crash out Brexit! The Queen (or more likely Charles) would have to go to Westminster via the secret tunnels! And i’ve a feeling the ceremonial aspects involving Black Rod would actually cease to become ceremony! The Commons might actually refuse to open the doors!
A medieval state might end up with a cruelly medieval comeuppance.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
You can't say "reversed" when you compare April (just a few months back!) with now. Yes, there's been a bit of an unwind, as you'd expect, and principally driven by the BXP falling from the headlines as the Tory contenders talk hardball on Brexit.
B&R and likely rebellions and defections are coming.
The LDs are doing very well indeed to be holding at 20%. It all looks very set-up for tactical voting on an unprecedented scale.
To defeat the Tories will need a big shift to the LDs in the South with Labour holding in its northern and South Wales strongholds (generalising horribly). It's why Labour not going full-on remain prior to an election is actually helpful.
Ah, Clegg. The chap who reneged on a manifesto promise for a referendum in order to have a three-line whip abstention on said referendum, arguing instead for a real one.
A real referendum, apparently, being In or Out.
He's not wrong about Boris. But the lack of awareness, or honesty, that pro-EU politicians never bothering to actually consult the electorate might just have sharpened anti-EU sentiment is not fantastic.
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
Someone should offer Sturgeon the job. It would solve a lot of issues
PM Sturgeon’s Queen’s speech: the Act of Dissolution 2020.
England gets to have William and Scotland gets King Harry, who will become the northern monarch before his southern big brother (hopefully).
That we can do without. Lizzie maybe but we don't need the freeloaders.
It was the Norwegian settlement, after their successful independence referendum in 1905. They took the younger of the Danish princes as their monarch. His big brother only became monarch in Copenhagen long after his wee brother had been installed on the new throne in Oslo.
Harry strikes me as being more suited to the Scots than the über-English William.
Article 50 provides for an extension so long as: “the European Council, in agreement with the Member State concerned, unanimously decides to extend this period.”
Does this necessarily require a date for the end of the extended period, or could it be sine die?
Mr. F, are you suggesting the In/Out referendum desire was Clegg not being serious, or the Lisbon referendum promise was not serious?
For all the incompetence and dithering of the last few years, we got to that point because the 'sensible' political class integrated us far more than the country wanted (as we see with the difficulty of actually leaving, the argument's shifted from "The EU doesn't have too much power" to "Attempting to leave will destroy the economy and fragment the country").
Ah, Clegg. The chap who reneged on a manifesto promise for a referendum in order to have a three-line whip abstention on said referendum, arguing instead for a real one.
A real referendum, apparently, being In or Out.
He's not wrong about Boris. But the lack of awareness, or honesty, that pro-EU politicians never bothering to actually consult the electorate might just have sharpened anti-EU sentiment is not fantastic.
It was never a serious proposal by Clegg.
It was idiocy, and contributed to the slippery slope that has resulted in this boorach.
This last days of May seem to be interminable. It will be a relief when Boris takes over and that is words I never thought I would write.
Under normal circumstances few would have any interest in what Hammond was proposing because he just isn't that interesting. Given the parlous state of the Tory's notional majority, however, the question is whether he is willing to go as far as bringing down the government. My guess would be no (for a start that would be interesting) but we live in febrile times and doing so by mistake can't be ruled out.
Boris clearly doesn't want an election when his party is in disarray even if it gives him the chance to go up against Corbyn but it still seems the most likely outcome to me.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
Someone should offer Sturgeon the job. It would solve a lot of issues
PM Sturgeon’s Queen’s speech: the Act of Dissolution 2020.
England gets to have William and Scotland gets King Harry, who will become the northern monarch before his southern big brother (hopefully).
That we can do without. Lizzie maybe but we don't need the freeloaders.
It was the Norwegian settlement, after their successful independence referendum in 1905. They took the younger of the Danish princes as their monarch. His big brother only became monarch in Copenhagen long after his wee brother had been installed on the new throne in Oslo.
Harry strikes me as being more suited to the Scots than the über-English William.
As every English rugby supporter will tell you Prince William is not über-English. This is him celebrating Wales beating England in the World Cup.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
I'm doubtful about that. Drugs are ridiculously cheap anyway.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
The greater tendency of Scots to kill themselves with drugs predates the minimum pricing law so at most it is an aggravation. I do think, however, that there is some connection with our tendency to overindulge in alcohol too. It seems to be a part of the Scots psyche that seeks oblivion in chemicals.
What we are dealing with in any other context is a public health disaster but because it is only drug addicts that are dying not enough people seem to care. Some MSPs are going to Portugal to see what can be learned. Not before time.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
Not that I'm doubting the expertise of some bloke, but that's a proposition for which I'd very much like to see the evidence.
The problem they have is that they must have serious doubts about whether Johnson really is serious about the idea. Or whether it is all his idea of a (poor) negotiating tactic. Because if the latter, then by acting they may just drive him further into the arms of the ERG.
So what?
It's not clear just how much further toward the ERG he can go, but that aside, if enough quit, even with the ERG BoZo is stuffed.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
Not that I'm doubting the expertise of some bloke, but that's a proposition for which I'd very much like to see the evidence.
As would I - but lets see the bigger picture. The number of chronic alcoholics in Scotland must surely outnumber the number of hard drug users by a factor of 50 or more.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
I'm doubtful about that. Drugs are ridiculously cheap anyway.
A bit of a non-sequitur. Drinkers might never have asked themselves the question of how else to get high. I'm not saying there is any evidence that actually happened, though.
Its very strange how when it comes to comments about jews, the investigation takes months and the committee to decide the outcome can only meet in a month with 6 Tuesdays. When it comes to those criticising the handling, it is like power rangers assemble.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
Not that I'm doubting the expertise of some bloke, but that's a proposition for which I'd very much like to see the evidence.
It's a numbers game - the percentage of illegal drug takers is small so it would only take 2% of drinkers to try them for things to rapidly increase
And it's very often the case that change only occurs when things change and people start to question what to do. A suddenly increased price of cheap 2 litre bottles of cider may be such a question.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
You can't say "reversed" when you compare April (just a few months back!) with now. Yes, there's been a bit of an unwind, as you'd expect, and principally driven by the BXP falling from the headlines as the Tory contenders talk hardball on Brexit.
B&R and likely rebellions and defections are coming.
The LDs are doing very well indeed to be holding at 20%. It all looks very set-up for tactical voting on an unprecedented scale.
To defeat the Tories will need a big shift to the LDs in the South with Labour holding in its northern and South Wales strongholds (generalising horribly). It's why Labour not going full-on remain prior to an election is actually helpful.
The other big but nice problem they will have is if they are moping up targets and moving forward seats they will be into areas with little data and activist and it is hard to move activists from targets no matter how confident you are. The LD m/c is key and it will fall off a cliff edge once past a certain number of seats I suspect.
The problem they have is that they must have serious doubts about whether Johnson really is serious about the idea. Or whether it is all his idea of a (poor) negotiating tactic. Because if the latter, then by acting they may just drive him further into the arms of the ERG.
So what?
It's not clear just how much further toward the ERG he can go, but that aside, if enough quit, even with the ERG BoZo is stuffed.
I think Boris will announce we're leaving with no deal as soon as he is elected next Tuesday. He thinks this will shock the EU into reopening the WA. But of course the EU won't budge and so he will then either have to climb down or face a VONC in September/October which he will lose. In either case it will be terminal for his premiership.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
The greater tendency of Scots to kill themselves with drugs predates the minimum pricing law so at most it is an aggravation. I do think, however, that there is some connection with our tendency to overindulge in alcohol too. It seems to be a part of the Scots psyche that seeks oblivion in chemicals.
What we are dealing with in any other context is a public health disaster but because it is only drug addicts that are dying not enough people seem to care. Some MSPs are going to Portugal to see what can be learned. Not before time.
The interviews stated the issue was with 35 plus year olds with years of abuse. If so nothing to do with alcohol pricing.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
You can't say "reversed" when you compare April (just a few months back!) with now. Yes, there's been a bit of an unwind, as you'd expect, and principally driven by the BXP falling from the headlines as the Tory contenders talk hardball on Brexit.
B&R and likely rebellions and defections are coming.
The LDs are doing very well indeed to be holding at 20%. It all looks very set-up for tactical voting on an unprecedented scale.
To defeat the Tories will need a big shift to the LDs in the South with Labour holding in its northern and South Wales strongholds (generalising horribly). It's why Labour not going full-on remain prior to an election is actually helpful.
The other big but nice problem they will have is if they are moping up targets and moving forward seats they will be into areas with little data and activist and it is hard to move activists from targets no matter how confident you are. The LD m/c is key and it will fall off a cliff edge once past a certain number of seats I suspect.
That's far more true for the Brexit party if targeting Northern Labour seats. Nigel just doesn't have the foot soldiers that may be required.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
Not that I'm doubting the expertise of some bloke, but that's a proposition for which I'd very much like to see the evidence.
As would I - but lets see the bigger picture. The number of chronic alcoholics in Scotland must surely outnumber the number of hard drug users by a factor of 50 or more.
https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/alcohol-information/alcohol-facts-and-figures/ I have a suspicion that these figures are not directly comparable since the alcohol figures cover those in which alcohol played a part (roughly 1/3 actually died of cancer brought on by drink for example). My guess is that if this broader criteria were used illegal drugs would already be comparable.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
I'm doubtful about that. Drugs are ridiculously cheap anyway.
A bit of a non-sequitur. Drinkers might never have asked themselves the question of how else to get high. I'm not saying there is any evidence that actually happened, though.
I know someone who was continuously taking crystal meth for a fortnight last month. The crystal meth to do that cost him £50. At that price point, alcohol minimum pricing does not really feature.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
Not that I'm doubting the expertise of some bloke, but that's a proposition for which I'd very much like to see the evidence.
As would I - but lets see the bigger picture. The number of chronic alcoholics in Scotland must surely outnumber the number of hard drug users by a factor of 50 or more.
Possibly, though in a barrage of statistics, many of which gave the impression of being plucked from the air, someone or other said there are 60k problem drug users in Scotland; I'd certainly hope that there aren't 3m chronic alcoholics here!
One of the more depressing numbers out of several being touted was that for the first time drug deaths had outstripped alcohol related ones in Scotland. That may starkly highlight the difference between being addicted to a state regulated, quality controlled substance and one that isn't of course.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
The greater tendency of Scots to kill themselves with drugs predates the minimum pricing law so at most it is an aggravation. I do think, however, that there is some connection with our tendency to overindulge in alcohol too. It seems to be a part of the Scots psyche that seeks oblivion in chemicals.
What we are dealing with in any other context is a public health disaster but because it is only drug addicts that are dying not enough people seem to care. Some MSPs are going to Portugal to see what can be learned. Not before time.
The interviews stated the issue was with 35 plus year olds with years of abuse. If so nothing to do with alcohol pricing.
Yes the rapid increase in deaths is amongst older users but many of them abuse alcohol too.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
Not that I'm doubting the expertise of some bloke, but that's a proposition for which I'd very much like to see the evidence.
As would I - but lets see the bigger picture. The number of chronic alcoholics in Scotland must surely outnumber the number of hard drug users by a factor of 50 or more.
Indeed. Alcoholism, obesity and sedentary lifestyles are the big killers in Scotland; and are often found in combination.
I find the relaxed attitude to drugs of many middle-class Scots replulsive. They happily condemn gang violence and misery, while having a quiet toke or snort at the weekends.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
I'm doubtful about that. Drugs are ridiculously cheap anyway.
A bit of a non-sequitur. Drinkers might never have asked themselves the question of how else to get high. I'm not saying there is any evidence that actually happened, though.
I know someone who was continuously taking crystal meth for a fortnight last month. The crystal meth to do that cost him £50. At that price point, alcohol minimum pricing does not really feature.
£50 per dose, presumably? Heroin is horribly cheap at £10 a bag or even less but the cost per diem still exceeds alcohol.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
You can't say "reversed" when you compare April (just a few months back!) with now. Yes, there's been a bit of an unwind, as you'd expect, and principally driven by the BXP falling from the headlines as the Tory contenders talk hardball on Brexit.
B&R and likely rebellions and defections are coming.
The LDs are doing very well indeed to be holding at 20%. It all looks very set-up for tactical voting on an unprecedented scale.
To defeat the Tories will need a big shift to the LDs in the South with Labour holding in its northern and South Wales strongholds (generalising horribly). It's why Labour not going full-on remain prior to an election is actually helpful.
The other big but nice problem they will have is if they are moping up targets and moving forward seats they will be into areas with little data and activist and it is hard to move activists from targets no matter how confident you are. The LD m/c is key and it will fall off a cliff edge once past a certain number of seats I suspect.
That's far more true for the Brexit party if targeting Northern Labour seats. Nigel just doesn't have the foot soldiers that may be required.
I have flipped my opinion on this several times. Initially I thought they just don't have a ground game so will fail. Then I saw the numbers they got out in Peterborough and thought they could do it. However by all accounts they didn't. I don't understand that. They complained they didn't have the data, but in a by election with that number of troops you can do it. It is also difficult to believe that they don't have anyone who knows how to run a by election. But by all accounts they didn't seem to have a clue. Translate that nationwide at a GE and I think you are completely correct.
Its very strange how when it comes to comments about jews, the investigation takes months and the committee to decide the outcome can only meet in a month with 6 Tuesdays. When it comes to those criticising the handling, it is like power rangers assemble.
Nope. this is just silly, with all due respect to our host: it compares apples (being a shadow minister) with pears (being a member)..Diane Hayter has been sacked from a Shadow Ministerial post for implicitly comparing her leader to Hitler. She remains a party member, indeed she remains deputy leader in the Lords. By contrast, people who allegedly make anti-semitic remarks are normally suspended from membership pending due process. It's not sensible to expect instant expulsion - that would simly generate judicial review.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
I'm doubtful about that. Drugs are ridiculously cheap anyway.
A bit of a non-sequitur. Drinkers might never have asked themselves the question of how else to get high. I'm not saying there is any evidence that actually happened, though.
I know someone who was continuously taking crystal meth for a fortnight last month. The crystal meth to do that cost him £50. At that price point, alcohol minimum pricing does not really feature.
There is a huge problem in stoke with "monkey dust". It apparently cost £5 a pop and basically now dominants the market among the junkies and alkies, as it undercuts the costs of all legal and illegal alternatives.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
I'm doubtful about that. Drugs are ridiculously cheap anyway.
A bit of a non-sequitur. Drinkers might never have asked themselves the question of how else to get high. I'm not saying there is any evidence that actually happened, though.
I know someone who was continuously taking crystal meth for a fortnight last month. The crystal meth to do that cost him £50. At that price point, alcohol minimum pricing does not really feature.
£50 per dose, presumably? Heroin is horribly cheap at £10 a bag or even less but the cost per diem still exceeds alcohol.
Its very strange how when it comes to comments about jews, the investigation takes months and the committee to decide the outcome can only meet in a month with 6 Tuesdays. When it comes to those criticising the handling, it is like power rangers assemble.
Nope. this is just silly, with all due respect to our host: it compares apples (being a shadow minister) with pears (being a member)..Diane Hayter has been sacked from a Shadow Ministerial post for implicitly comparing her leader to Hitler. She remains a party member, indeed she remains deputy leader in the Lords. By contrast, people who allegedly make anti-semitic remarks are normally suspended from membership pending due process. It's not sensible to expect instant expulsion - that would simly generate judicial review.
And how long again did it take to deal with ken? Despite all his comments being made openly on national tv.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
The greater tendency of Scots to kill themselves with drugs predates the minimum pricing law so at most it is an aggravation. I do think, however, that there is some connection with our tendency to overindulge in alcohol too. It seems to be a part of the Scots psyche that seeks oblivion in chemicals.
What we are dealing with in any other context is a public health disaster but because it is only drug addicts that are dying not enough people seem to care. Some MSPs are going to Portugal to see what can be learned. Not before time.
The interviews stated the issue was with 35 plus year olds with years of abuse. If so nothing to do with alcohol pricing.
Yes the rapid increase in deaths is amongst older users but many of them abuse alcohol too.
Unless Scotland (or NI or Wales??) go for UDI, that seems unlikely. That is, of course, unless Brown expects Boris to be PM for a considerable amount of time.
Why is Scottish independence contingent upon PM Johnson being in office for a considerable amount of time?
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
Someone should offer Sturgeon the job. It would solve a lot of issues
PM Sturgeon’s Queen’s speech: the Act of Dissolution 2020.
England gets to have William and Scotland gets King Harry, who will become the northern monarch before his southern big brother (hopefully).
That we can do without. Lizzie maybe but we don't need the freeloaders.
It was the Norwegian settlement, after their successful independence referendum in 1905. They took the younger of the Danish princes as their monarch. His big brother only became monarch in Copenhagen long after his wee brother had been installed on the new throne in Oslo.
Harry strikes me as being more suited to the Scots than the über-English William.
Peter Phillips played for the Scotland Schools rugby team.
Its very strange how when it comes to comments about jews, the investigation takes months and the committee to decide the outcome can only meet in a month with 6 Tuesdays. When it comes to those criticising the handling, it is like power rangers assemble.
Nope. this is just silly, with all due respect to our host: it compares apples (being a shadow minister) with pears (being a member)..Diane Hayter has been sacked from a Shadow Ministerial post for implicitly comparing her leader to Hitler. She remains a party member, indeed she remains deputy leader in the Lords. By contrast, people who allegedly make anti-semitic remarks are normally suspended from membership pending due process. It's not sensible to expect instant expulsion - that would simly generate judicial review.
How long did it take to make a judgment about Chris Williamson?
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
I'm doubtful about that. Drugs are ridiculously cheap anyway.
A bit of a non-sequitur. Drinkers might never have asked themselves the question of how else to get high. I'm not saying there is any evidence that actually happened, though.
I know someone who was continuously taking crystal meth for a fortnight last month. The crystal meth to do that cost him £50. At that price point, alcohol minimum pricing does not really feature.
£50 per dose, presumably? Heroin is horribly cheap at £10 a bag or even less but the cost per diem still exceeds alcohol.
No, £50 for his fortnight's supply.
So £3.51 per day?
Struggling to get smashed on alcohol at that price.
I heard the idea yesterday - I think from Jeremy Vine - that Scots have been nudged into drugs by the alcohol minimum pricing law. No idea if it's true, but if it is it's a humdinger of an unintended consequence.
I'm doubtful about that. Drugs are ridiculously cheap anyway.
A bit of a non-sequitur. Drinkers might never have asked themselves the question of how else to get high. I'm not saying there is any evidence that actually happened, though.
I know someone who was continuously taking crystal meth for a fortnight last month. The crystal meth to do that cost him £50. At that price point, alcohol minimum pricing does not really feature.
£50 per dose, presumably? Heroin is horribly cheap at £10 a bag or even less but the cost per diem still exceeds alcohol.
No, £50 for his fortnight's supply.
Wow. Does there ever come a point when we admit that the war on drugs is over and we lost, comprehensively, utterly and completely?
Comments
A real referendum, apparently, being In or Out.
He's not wrong about Boris. But the lack of awareness, or honesty, that pro-EU politicians never bothering to actually consult the electorate might just have sharpened anti-EU sentiment is not fantastic.
Scots Tories’ ‘Operation Arse’ ends in surrender
https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/boris-johnson-scots-tories-operation-arse-ends-in-surrender-leader-comment-1-4966021
Arse-licking won’t get Ruthie or Mundell anywhere. Boris knows they despise him, and he is not a magnanimous man. He is a man child.
The latest YouGov poll for The Times shows we are still very much in four-way split territory.
As ever, look at the trend not the snapshot: The Tories are back up to 25 per cent, the highest since mid-May, while the Brexit Party are down to 19 per cent, the lowest since mid-May, leaving the Lib Dems and Labour to battle it out for second, a fight which the latter is currently winning. The Greens are back down to 8 per cent - which is where they were in, you guessed it, mid-May.
It suggests that some of the dramatic changes seen since the European elections at the end of May, particularly on the right, may have been reversed. Although the chart above shows how volatile things can be.
This is just a continuation of that. Even if action x would be better for us and them (which some no doubt dispute) they have already committed to do otherwise.
In what way is the Union safer under PM Corbyn, PM Farage, PM McDonnell or PM Other?
What I'm saying is, for Boris to be the last PM of the UK, he'd need to be in power for a decent amount of time for it break up on his watch.
The Lib Dems need a defection or two on election of the new leader and a convincing win in B&R and there will be another spike upwards. I’m not sure what gains TBP any publicity so would expect a slow downward drift until something happens.
You will.deny it, I'm sure, but do I detect your open supportivenesss of Corbyn has been replaced by a not openly unfriendly but more dispassionate phase in your contributions?
Sane Labour MPs will never back another far left nutcase to be on the shortlist. But how many MPs now are themselves the kind of clowns who would march under Stalin banners? The feeling I get is that McDonnell et al. have enough sway to get a candidate on the shortlist, but is that wrong, and who would they favour if they get the chance?
England gets to have William and Scotland gets King Harry, who will become the northern monarch before his southern big brother (hopefully).
BY the way did I read yesterday that Andrea Leadsom had said that she opposes prorogation to achieve Brexit? Wasn’t she the main person advocating it in the first place?
B&R and likely rebellions and defections are coming.
The fluidity of our politics is a sight not seen since the early 1920's and frankly it's the most volatile I've ever known.
On B&R by-election I was chatting with a well placed Tory yesterday evening and they've already written off the seat completely and are preparing their excuses for the inevitable bad headlines of Boris enjoying the shortest political honeymoon ever.
All will be blamed on continuing BREXIT uncertainty that Boris hasn't had time to fix, typical mid term blues and understandable misgivings over the candidate.
Considering that PM Boris is only likely to be in office for a matter of weeks or months, Gordon Brown’s hyperbole is unlikely to be true. Some other mug is going to be landed with the wrong place in the history books, just as mad George lost America (he was actually just in the wrong place at the wrong time when the music stopped).
That is the trouble with Lynton Crosby's "hide the leader" strategies. Campaigning is a skill and like all skills, needs practice. It is why Corbyn was so far superior to May last time.
Edit - He did
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/6562003.boris-impeach-blair-over-iraq/
Harry strikes me as being more suited to the Scots than the über-English William.
Does this necessarily require a date for the end of the extended period, or could it be sine die?
For all the incompetence and dithering of the last few years, we got to that point because the 'sensible' political class integrated us far more than the country wanted (as we see with the difficulty of actually leaving, the argument's shifted from "The EU doesn't have too much power" to "Attempting to leave will destroy the economy and fragment the country").
https://twitter.com/murdo_fraser/status/1151551974015418371
Under normal circumstances few would have any interest in what Hammond was proposing because he just isn't that interesting. Given the parlous state of the Tory's notional majority, however, the question is whether he is willing to go as far as bringing down the government. My guess would be no (for a start that would be interesting) but we live in febrile times and doing so by mistake can't be ruled out.
Boris clearly doesn't want an election when his party is in disarray even if it gives him the chance to go up against Corbyn but it still seems the most likely outcome to me.
Incidentally, why do you think the usage of drugs is higher than the rest of the UK?
I wonder also why the UK general average is above that of the European average.
https://twitter.com/EU_Taxud/status/1151465268062957568
What we are dealing with in any other context is a public health disaster but because it is only drug addicts that are dying not enough people seem to care. Some MSPs are going to Portugal to see what can be learned. Not before time.
It's not clear just how much further toward the ERG he can go, but that aside, if enough quit, even with the ERG BoZo is stuffed.
And it's very often the case that change only occurs when things change and people start to question what to do. A suddenly increased price of cheap 2 litre bottles of cider may be such a question.
https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/vital-events/deaths/drug-related-deaths-in-scotland/2018
https://www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk/alcohol-information/alcohol-facts-and-figures/
I have a suspicion that these figures are not directly comparable since the alcohol figures cover those in which alcohol played a part (roughly 1/3 actually died of cancer brought on by drink for example). My guess is that if this broader criteria were used illegal drugs would already be comparable.
One of the more depressing numbers out of several being touted was that for the first time drug deaths had outstripped alcohol related ones in Scotland. That may starkly highlight the difference between being addicted to a state regulated, quality controlled substance and one that isn't of course.
I find the relaxed attitude to drugs of many middle-class Scots replulsive. They happily condemn gang violence and misery, while having a quiet toke or snort at the weekends.
Struggling to get smashed on alcohol at that price.