It’s been a long time since our country has been in the hands of someone so unsuitable and undeserving. There must have been somebody more recently than King John, but it isn’t obvious who.
On the contrary, he's going to be a vast improvement on Theresa May, whose only competition but for the grace of god would have been Lord Halifax in 1940.
Can you actually remember Boris' time as mayor? I mean, jut look at the Garden Bridge, and the way he absolutely refused to even take part in the inquiry when it went on.
That's the sort of PM he'll be, sadly.
He was widely regarded as a good Mayor. Certainly with the Olympics. A Tory won't be re-elected Mayor again in my lifetime - it was an incredible achievement given how intolerant London usually is of anyone who isn't left of centre. I'm rather sceptical of his qualities as a PM though.
He had little to do with the Olympics (indeed Hunt had more). His election victories look less remarkable against the big Tory poll lead the first time and the state of his opponent the second time. He has been incredibly lucky; we’ll have to see whether this continues.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Like a lot of people, I think he views the past through rose-tinted spectacles.
And, it happens right across the political spectrum. So, depending on one's outlook, everything was wonderful (a) in the 1950's, or (b) prior to Thatcher or (c) prior to the 2016 referendum.
Considering his slightly lukewarm lead from the MPs and the suppossed fanaticism of the swivel eyed entryist membership, that is a faint hearted endorsement.
Is there a Boris out by Christmas market yet?
Strip out the votes of the 40,000 entryists and it would have been a close result..
Maybe fewer entryists than supposed. It could just be hype.
I don't know the national figures, but 40,000 new (less than 1 year) members out of 160,000 is roughly in line with the increase in members in the association I'm about to resign from. Of course, new members aren't necessarily 'entryists', and it's common for there to be an increase when a leadership contest looks likely, but it is probably true that most, perhaps the vast majority, of the new members would have been committed Leavers, and many of them ex-Kippers.
What surprised me about this summer of sport is hearing more comments on the cricket than the Open golf.
Why? You also heard more comments about the cricket the previous time that a key cricket match was last shown live and in full on terrestrial TV - in 2005. Instead of rebuilding the sport on an Ashes triumph, coverage was promptly handed over to Sky and the opportunity was lost. Ever since, and until 2019, we have been reliant on short highlights at best. The question is whether the cricket authorities will have learnt the lesson that live exposure to a mass audience generates interest in a sport.
More recently the numpties running golf in this country have taken the Sky shilling and in the process have seen golf wiped almost entirely off terrestrial TV, with predictable consequences.
Add F1 to that list too, only the British GP now free to air. It’s hurting sponsorship rates for the teams as sponsors need large numbers of TV eyeballs. Only 1m or so now watch each race live on Sky, as opposed to 4-6m when it was on terrestrial TV.
Shouldn't the Sky cash make up for the lack of sponsorship ? I mean money wise the sky subs pay for the lack of eyeballs ?
Considering his slightly lukewarm lead from the MPs and the suppossed fanaticism of the swivel eyed entryist membership, that is a faint hearted endorsement.
Is there a Boris out by Christmas market yet?
Strip out the votes of the 40,000 entryists and it would have been a close result..
Maybe fewer entryists than supposed. It could just be hype.
I don't know the national figures, but 40,000 new (less than 1 year) members out of 160,000 is roughly in line with the increase in members in the association I'm about to resign from. Of course, new members aren't necessarily 'entryists', and it's common for there to be an increase when a leadership contest looks likely, but it is probably true that most, perhaps the vast majority, of the new members would have been committed Leavers.
I didn't vote for Johnson, but I think it's premature to resign.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Like a lot of people, I think he views the past through rose-tinted spectacles.
And, it happens right across the political spectrum. So, depending on one's outlook, everything was wonderful (a) in the 1950's, or (b) prior to Thatcher or (c) prior to the 2016 referendum.
The strangest version of this lies at the core of Brexit: Thatcherites who think everything was better in the 1970s.
Brexit has got the UK lots of coverage across the world. We are the global laughing stock.
No, we are now punching above our weight again, probably for the first time since Thatcher and Blair.
In a world of Trump, Bolsonaro, Modi and Salvini he is not that different either
Are you saying that Italy is currently punching above its weight because of Salvini?
It actually has a technocrat at the moment but Salvini as Deputy PM is a driving force behind the Government, though I preferred Berlusconi personally with whom Boris shares many traits
Berlusconi!?! You are plumbing new depths.
Presumably the main trait Bozo shares with him involves where he sticks his member.
What surprised me about this summer of sport is hearing more comments on the cricket than the Open golf.
Why? You also heard more comments about the cricket the previous time that a key cricket match was last shown live and in full on terrestrial TV - in 2005. Instead of rebuilding the sport on an Ashes triumph, coverage was promptly handed over to Sky and the opportunity was lost. Ever since, and until 2019, we have been reliant on short highlights at best. The question is whether the cricket authorities will have learnt the lesson that live exposure to a mass audience generates interest in a sport.
More recently the numpties running golf in this country have taken the Sky shilling and in the process have seen golf wiped almost entirely off terrestrial TV, with predictable consequences.
Add F1 to that list too, only the British GP now free to air. It’s hurting sponsorship rates for the teams as sponsors need large numbers of TV eyeballs. Only 1m or so now watch each race live on Sky, as opposed to 4-6m when it was on terrestrial TV.
Shouldn't the Sky cash make up for the lack of sponsorship ?
The for owners, 'liberty media', but not so much for the teams, which then have the knock on impact on their sponsorship.
It’s been a long time since our country has been in the hands of someone so unsuitable and undeserving. There must have been somebody more recently than King John, but it isn’t obvious who.
On the contrary, he's going to be a vast improvement on Theresa May, whose only competition but for the grace of god would have been Lord Halifax in 1940.
Can you actually remember Boris' time as mayor? I mean, jut look at the Garden Bridge, and the way he absolutely refused to even take part in the inquiry when it went on.
That's the sort of PM he'll be, sadly.
He was widely regarded as a good Mayor. Certainly with the Olympics. A Tory won't be re-elected Mayor again in my lifetime - it was an incredible achievement given how intolerant London usually is of anyone who isn't left of centre. I'm rather sceptical of his qualities as a PM though.
He was an entirely inconsequential mayor. He won in 2012 because of who he was up against.
Considering his slightly lukewarm lead from the MPs and the suppossed fanaticism of the swivel eyed entryist membership, that is a faint hearted endorsement.
Is there a Boris out by Christmas market yet?
Strip out the votes of the 40,000 entryists and it would have been a close result..
Maybe fewer entryists than supposed. It could just be hype.
I don't know the national figures, but 40,000 new (less than 1 year) members out of 160,000 is roughly in line with the increase in members in the association I'm about to resign from. Of course, new members aren't necessarily 'entryists', and it's common for there to be an increase when a leadership contest looks likely, but it is probably true that most, perhaps the vast majority, of the new members would have been committed Leavers.
I didn't vote for Johnson, but I think it's premature to resign.
I'm off in the wilderness for a bit. I may be some time.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
More Scots voted to Leave the EU in 2016 than voted SNP at the last general election
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Like a lot of people, I think he views the past through rose-tinted spectacles.
And, it happens right across the political spectrum. So, depending on one's outlook, everything was wonderful (a) in the 1950's, or (b) prior to Thatcher or (c) prior to the 2016 referendum.
The strangest version of this lies at the core of Brexit: Thatcherites who think everything was better in the 1970s.
I think for professional people, life in the 1970's was easier than it is today. Making money was easier, the workload was lighter, and the level of regulation a fraction of today's.
It’s been a long time since our country has been in the hands of someone so unsuitable and undeserving. There must have been somebody more recently than King John, but it isn’t obvious who.
On the contrary, he's going to be a vast improvement on Theresa May, whose only competition but for the grace of god would have been Lord Halifax in 1940.
Can you actually remember Boris' time as mayor? I mean, jut look at the Garden Bridge, and the way he absolutely refused to even take part in the inquiry when it went on.
That's the sort of PM he'll be, sadly.
He was widely regarded as a good Mayor. Certainly with the Olympics. A Tory won't be re-elected Mayor again in my lifetime - it was an incredible achievement given how intolerant London usually is of anyone who isn't left of centre. I'm rather sceptical of his qualities as a PM though.
He had little to do with the Olympics (indeed Hunt had more). His election victories look less remarkable against the big Tory poll lead the first time and the state of his opponent the second time. He has been incredibly lucky; we’ll have to see whether this continues.
He continues to be very lucky in who his Labour opponent is, but the scrutiny he will now be under will be unlike anything he has ever known before. There will be no hiding. He has promised us a virtually painless No Deal Brexit. He now has to deliver.
What surprised me about this summer of sport is hearing more comments on the cricket than the Open golf.
Why? You also heard more comments about the cricket the previous time that a key cricket match was last shown live and in full on terrestrial TV - in 2005. Instead of rebuilding the sport on an Ashes triumph, coverage was promptly handed over to Sky and the opportunity was lost. Ever since, and until 2019, we have been reliant on short highlights at best. The question is whether the cricket authorities will have learnt the lesson that live exposure to a mass audience generates interest in a sport.
More recently the numpties running golf in this country have taken the Sky shilling and in the process have seen golf wiped almost entirely off terrestrial TV, with predictable consequences.
Add F1 to that list too, only the British GP now free to air. It’s hurting sponsorship rates for the teams as sponsors need large numbers of TV eyeballs. Only 1m or so now watch each race live on Sky, as opposed to 4-6m when it was on terrestrial TV.
Shouldn't the Sky cash make up for the lack of sponsorship ?
The for owners, 'liberty media', but not so much for the teams, which then have the knock on impact on their sponsorship.
I hit 120 last night and decided to port to Teldrassil for the first time this expansion, never felt quite so sad playing a video game before
What surprised me about this summer of sport is hearing more comments on the cricket than the Open golf.
Why? You also heard more comments about the cricket the previous time that a key cricket match was last shown live and in full on terrestrial TV - in 2005. Instead of rebuilding the sport on an Ashes triumph, coverage was promptly handed over to Sky and the opportunity was lost. Ever since, and until 2019, we have been reliant on short highlights at best. The question is whether the cricket authorities will have learnt the lesson that live exposure to a mass audience generates interest in a sport.
More recently the numpties running golf in this country have taken the Sky shilling and in the process have seen golf wiped almost entirely off terrestrial TV, with predictable consequences.
Add F1 to that list too, only the British GP now free to air. It’s hurting sponsorship rates for the teams as sponsors need large numbers of TV eyeballs. Only 1m or so now watch each race live on Sky, as opposed to 4-6m when it was on terrestrial TV.
Shouldn't the Sky cash make up for the lack of sponsorship ? I mean money wise the sky subs pay for the lack of eyeballs ?
The problem is that the Sky cash goes to FOM (Liberty Media, formerly Bernie Ecclestone) whereas a lot of the sponsorship money goes to the teams directly. Only a small fraction of the FOM sponsorship money makes in to the prize fund for competitors.
It’s been a long time since our country has been in the hands of someone so unsuitable and undeserving. There must have been somebody more recently than King John, but it isn’t obvious who.
On the contrary, he's going to be a vast improvement on Theresa May, whose only competition but for the grace of god would have been Lord Halifax in 1940.
Can you actually remember Boris' time as mayor? I mean, jut look at the Garden Bridge, and the way he absolutely refused to even take part in the inquiry when it went on.
That's the sort of PM he'll be, sadly.
He was widely regarded as a good Mayor. Certainly with the Olympics. A Tory won't be re-elected Mayor again in my lifetime - it was an incredible achievement given how intolerant London usually is of anyone who isn't left of centre. I'm rather sceptical of his qualities as a PM though.
He had little to do with the Olympics (indeed Hunt had more). His election victories look less remarkable against the big Tory poll lead the first time and the state of his opponent the second time. He has been incredibly lucky; we’ll have to see whether this continues.
He continues to be very lucky in who his Labour opponent is, but the scrutiny he will now be under will be unlike anything he has ever known before. There will be no hiding. He has promised us a virtually painless No Deal Brexit. He now has to deliver.
My only hope is that he will go to Brussels, effectively do a deal very like the current only, but be able to spin it enough to pull the wool over the Brexiteers.
What surprised me about this summer of sport is hearing more comments on the cricket than the Open golf.
Why? You also heard more comments about the cricket the previous time that a key cricket match was last shown live and in full on terrestrial TV - in 2005. Instead of rebuilding the sport on an Ashes triumph, coverage was promptly handed over to Sky and the opportunity was lost. Ever since, and until 2019, we have been reliant on short highlights at best. The question is whether the cricket authorities will have learnt the lesson that live exposure to a mass audience generates interest in a sport.
More recently the numpties running golf in this country have taken the Sky shilling and in the process have seen golf wiped almost entirely off terrestrial TV, with predictable consequences.
Add F1 to that list too, only the British GP now free to air. It’s hurting sponsorship rates for the teams as sponsors need large numbers of TV eyeballs. Only 1m or so now watch each race live on Sky, as opposed to 4-6m when it was on terrestrial TV.
Shouldn't the Sky cash make up for the lack of sponsorship ? I mean money wise the sky subs pay for the lack of eyeballs ?
TV money went to Bernie / Liberty. Sponsorship money went directly to the teams budget...
Looking across the pond, the Democratic nominee candidates who are 1st and 2nd in the polls continue to have odds of 5.5 and 12.5 respectively to win the nomination. The media seem to prefer a Warren, Harris or Buttigieg nomination to Biden or Sanders, but can that really account for such a disparity?
Biden seems like value at that price but you can't just look the absolute polling numbers, you have to look at the trends. The voters know Biden and Sanders pretty well, they know the others less well, as they see more of them they like the others more and the familiar faces less. Jusy a single debate produced a non-trivial shift, and most of the voters won't have tuned in yet.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Tis a good rant, but it is a common feature of patriotism to feel that the country is going to the dogs with the wrong people ascendant. We merely disagree on which faction we despise most.
What surprised me about this summer of sport is hearing more comments on the cricket than the Open golf.
Why? You also heard more comments about the cricket the previous time that a key cricket match was last shown live and in full on terrestrial TV - in 2005. Instead of rebuilding the sport on an Ashes triumph, coverage was promptly handed over to Sky and the opportunity was lost. Ever since, and until 2019, we have been reliant on short highlights at best. The question is whether the cricket authorities will have learnt the lesson that live exposure to a mass audience generates interest in a sport.
More recently the numpties running golf in this country have taken the Sky shilling and in the process have seen golf wiped almost entirely off terrestrial TV, with predictable consequences.
Add F1 to that list too, only the British GP now free to air. It’s hurting sponsorship rates for the teams as sponsors need large numbers of TV eyeballs. Only 1m or so now watch each race live on Sky, as opposed to 4-6m when it was on terrestrial TV.
Shouldn't the Sky cash make up for the lack of sponsorship ?
The for owners, 'liberty media', but not so much for the teams, which then have the knock on impact on their sponsorship.
I hit 120 last night and decided to port to Teldrassil for the first time this expansion, never felt quite so sad playing a video game before
Oops... yes, it's not there any more... nice moon though...
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
It's very hard to argue with that from a centre-left perspective. I envy the Scots the choices they can make. We English are stuck with the nationalist right until, as they will, they balls it all up. At that stage, sense will return - but it will be to a deeply demoralised, stagnant, shrivelled and largely irrelevant country.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Like a lot of people, I think he views the past through rose-tinted spectacles.
And, it happens right across the political spectrum. So, depending on one's outlook, everything was wonderful (a) in the 1950's, or (b) prior to Thatcher or (c) prior to the 2016 referendum.
The strangest version of this lies at the core of Brexit: Thatcherites who think everything was better in the 1970s.
I think for professional people, life in the 1970's was easier than it is today. Making money was easier, the workload was lighter, and the level of regulation a fraction of today's.
For septuagenarians the main benefit of life in the 1970s was youth.
It’s been a long time since our country has been in the hands of someone so unsuitable and undeserving. There must have been somebody more recently than King John, but it isn’t obvious who.
On the contrary, he's going to be a vast improvement on Theresa May, whose only competition but for the grace of god would have been Lord Halifax in 1940.
Can you actually remember Boris' time as mayor? I mean, jut look at the Garden Bridge, and the way he absolutely refused to even take part in the inquiry when it went on.
That's the sort of PM he'll be, sadly.
He was widely regarded as a good Mayor. Certainly with the Olympics. A Tory won't be re-elected Mayor again in my lifetime - it was an incredible achievement given how intolerant London usually is of anyone who isn't left of centre. I'm rather sceptical of his qualities as a PM though.
He had little to do with the Olympics (indeed Hunt had more). His election victories look less remarkable against the big Tory poll lead the first time and the state of his opponent the second time. He has been incredibly lucky; we’ll have to see whether this continues.
So you would agree he might do well given his opponents are Corbyn and Swinson? He promoted the Olympics all over the world, I seem to recall he was very prominent in Beijing at the handover. He may not have won the bid but he certainly played a big role. There is no luck in becoming a London Mayor twice over as a Tory. Norris and Goldsmith didn't come close.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
It's very hard to argue with that from a centre-left perspective. I envy the Scots the choices they can make. We English are stuck with the nationalist right until, as they will, they balls it all up. At that stage, sense will return - but it will be to a deeply demoralised, stagnant, shrivelled and largely irrelevant country.
Rethink your assumptions. The so-called English nationalist right is ascendant in an environment in which they can sloganise about "Global Britain". If we dissolve the UK, that will be completely irrelevant and we stand a much better chance of England emerging as a self-confident, modern, European nation.
Superficial charm, an easy facility for lies, full of bullshit and bluster, no real achievements, a bit of a bully, utterly selfish and indifferent about the harm caused to others and very bad with money.
Lots of people bought into the myth while they thought he would make them a lot of money/win them seats. Cruelly let down in Adoboli’s case and destined to be so in Johnson’s, I suspect.
Boris was a good Mayor, it was a role which suited him perfectly. It's not true that Ken Livingstone was an easy opponent - he was surprisingly popular, and to be fair hadn't been too bad a mayor himself (he went bonkers afterwards, not while he was in office). Yes, you can point to failures by Boris - the Garden Bridge was an attractive idea but should have been canned early, on financial grounds - but he was pretty good on the police, on representing London, on attracting investment, on Boris Bikes, on TfL, and on the Olympics. Of course most of these weren't purely or even mainly down to Boris, but that's inevitable. Above all Boris left the hard work to a good team, and acted as the front-man, which is entirely appropriate for a role like Mayor.
Being PM, especially in the current situation, is a very different kettle of fish, and he's already blown it.
Problem is for Leavers they need Johnson to succeed . Otherwise the public might rightfully think the problem isn’t the leader but Brexit itself .
I suspect Bozo will just re package the backstop and call it something else .
Leavers don't require him to succeed Nono67, if parliament keeps blocking Brexit then there is a ready made excuse, in fact you'd argue the remain supporting May messed up by losing the majority.
Tory MPs should be wary of going for Boris too early. They risk being blamed for his failures.
There's a parallel perhaps with the Owen Smith attempt against Corbyn. For most labour party members, he'd just been elected and they wanted him to have a decent run at it [without continuous undermining from MPs].
In striking too early, and with an unconvincing candidate, they may have actually entrenched Corbyn for longer.
interesting times. assuming it is Boris. What if it isn't,...
If it isn't, 50,000 members will resign and join the Bexit Party at the blatant electoral fraud....
The Brexit party is a busted flush. Zero MPs and heading for a further flop next week in Brecon
what if theyre not a party but just a big pressure group ?
Or a small but well funded one.
just a well funded pressure group, one trick pony.
No , that's the SNP, who are prepared to do anything to break up the UK.
Yeah, apart from opposing Brexit and offering full blooded support (incorrectly imo) to the EU ref II brigade.
The LD efforts to build bridges and consensus off to its usual good start.
Hard to build a consensus with numpties who claim we would "sell our grandmothers"... So all's fair in love and war, and expect the SNP to be pulled up every time.
Given her first proclamation was that as supreme dictator she would not allow the people of Scotland a vote on independence even if 100% wanted a vote. Hardly the sign of a sane person looking for consensus.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
It's very hard to argue with that from a centre-left perspective. I envy the Scots the choices they can make. We English are stuck with the nationalist right until, as they will, they balls it all up. At that stage, sense will return - but it will be to a deeply demoralised, stagnant, shrivelled and largely irrelevant country.
Rethink your assumptions. The so-called English nationalist right is ascendant in an environment in which they can sloganise about "Global Britain". If we dissolve the UK, that will be completely irrelevant and we stand a much better chance of England emerging as a self-confident, modern, European nation.
Oh, I agree. But that is going to be a long process. When sense returns - as it will - it will not be to a self, confident, modern, European country.
England fast bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of his side's Ashes warm-up Test against Ireland at Lord's. Fast bowlers Mark Wood and Jofra Archer have side strains and were not named in the squad for the Ireland game, which starts on Wednesday.
Wood is unlikely to be fit before the fourth Ashes Test, which starts on 4 September, while England hope Archer could be available for the second Test, starting on 14 August.
It’s been a long time since our country has been in the hands of someone so unsuitable and undeserving. There must have been somebody more recently than King John, but it isn’t obvious who.
On the contrary, he's going to be a vast improvement on Theresa May, whose only competition but for the grace of god would have been Lord Halifax in 1940.
Can you actually remember Boris' time as mayor? I mean, jut look at the Garden Bridge, and the way he absolutely refused to even take part in the inquiry when it went on.
That's the sort of PM he'll be, sadly.
He was widely regarded as a good Mayor. Certainly with the Olympics. A Tory won't be re-elected Mayor again in my lifetime - it was an incredible achievement given how intolerant London usually is of anyone who isn't left of centre. I'm rather sceptical of his qualities as a PM though.
He had little to do with the Olympics (indeed Hunt had more). His election victories look less remarkable against the big Tory poll lead the first time and the state of his opponent the second time. He has been incredibly lucky; we’ll have to see whether this continues.
So you would agree he might do well given his opponents are Corbyn and Swinson? He promoted the Olympics all over the world, I seem to recall he was very prominent in Beijing at the handover. He may not have won the bid but he certainly played a big role. There is no luck in becoming a London Mayor twice over as a Tory. Norris and Goldsmith didn't come close.
The Tories had massive poll leads in spring 2008 - YouGov put the Tories on 49% and Labour on 23%. Others were less dramatic but the Tories were still miles ahead. And the shine was already coming off Livingstone with a third even of Labour members refusing to support him.
He waved a flag at Beijing, and looked a bit silly doing so.
Of course he might do well. He might also do very badly. In political terms you can argue Trump is doing well and might be re-elected; he is nevertheless a colossal embarrassment for the USA.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Tis a good rant, but it is a common feature of patriotism to feel that the country is going to the dogs with the wrong people ascendant. We merely disagree on which faction we despise most.
To the Scottish Unionist the idea that we (in the UK) have a common patriotism is an article of faith. Once that's been pissed all over by their fellow Brits, it's not leaving those guys many other places to go.
Wonder what the internal party polling is like. With all the anti-Corbyn comments from both Johnson and Swinson, I'm beginning to suspect that it's a lot stronger for Corbyn‘s Labour than they, and some in the PLP, would like.
It’s been a long time since our country has been in the hands of someone so unsuitable and undeserving. There must have been somebody more recently than King John, but it isn’t obvious who.
On the contrary, he's going to be a vast improvement on Theresa May, whose only competition but for the grace of god would have been Lord Halifax in 1940.
Can you actually remember Boris' time as mayor? I mean, jut look at the Garden Bridge, and the way he absolutely refused to even take part in the inquiry when it went on.
That's the sort of PM he'll be, sadly.
He was widely regarded as a good Mayor. Certainly with the Olympics. A Tory won't be re-elected Mayor again in my lifetime - it was an incredible achievement given how intolerant London usually is of anyone who isn't left of centre. I'm rather sceptical of his qualities as a PM though.
He had little to do with the Olympics (indeed Hunt had more). His election victories look less remarkable against the big Tory poll lead the first time and the state of his opponent the second time. He has been incredibly lucky; we’ll have to see whether this continues.
So you would agree he might do well given his opponents are Corbyn and Swinson? He promoted the Olympics all over the world, I seem to recall he was very prominent in Beijing at the handover. He may not have won the bid but he certainly played a big role. There is no luck in becoming a London Mayor twice over as a Tory. Norris and Goldsmith didn't come close.
The Tories had massive poll leads in spring 2008 - YouGov put the Tories on 49% and Labour on 23%. Others were less dramatic but the Tories were still miles ahead. And the shine was already coming off Livingstone with a third even of Labour members refusing to support him.
He waved a flag at Beijing, and looked a bit silly doing so.
Of course he might do well. He might also do very badly. In political terms you can argue Trump is doing well and might be re-elected; he is nevertheless a colossal embarrassment for the USA.
Embarrassment for many yes, but you'd sooner have a successful embarrassment than an unsuccesful likeable PM. I doubt Boris is here to win friends and house points from Guardian readers, just to create his own legacy.
It’s been a long time since our country has been in the hands of someone so unsuitable and undeserving. There must have been somebody more recently than King John, but it isn’t obvious who.
On the contrary, he's going to be a vast improvement on Theresa May, whose only competition but for the grace of god would have been Lord Halifax in 1940.
Can you actually remember Boris' time as mayor? I mean, jut look at the Garden Bridge, and the way he absolutely refused to even take part in the inquiry when it went on.
That's the sort of PM he'll be, sadly.
He was widely regarded as a good Mayor. Certainly with the Olympics. A Tory won't be re-elected Mayor again in my lifetime - it was an incredible achievement given how intolerant London usually is of anyone who isn't left of centre. I'm rather sceptical of his qualities as a PM though.
He had little to do with the Olympics (indeed Hunt had more). His election victories look less remarkable against the big Tory poll lead the first time and the state of his opponent the second time. He has been incredibly lucky; we’ll have to see whether this continues.
So you would agree he might do well given his opponents are Corbyn and Swinson? He promoted the Olympics all over the world, I seem to recall he was very prominent in Beijing at the handover. He may not have won the bid but he certainly played a big role. There is no luck in becoming a London Mayor twice over as a Tory. Norris and Goldsmith didn't come close.
Steve Norris probably would have won in 2008 given the unpopularity of the Brown Government.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Tis a good rant, but it is a common feature of patriotism to feel that the country is going to the dogs with the wrong people ascendant. We merely disagree on which faction we despise most.
To the Scottish Unionist the idea that we (in the UK) have a common patriotism is an article of faith. Once that's been pissed all over by their fellow Brits, it's not leaving those guys many other places to go.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Tis a good rant, but it is a common feature of patriotism to feel that the country is going to the dogs with the wrong people ascendant. We merely disagree on which faction we despise most.
To the Scottish Unionist the idea that we (in the UK) have a common patriotism is an article of faith. Once that's been pissed all over by their fellow Brits, it's not leaving those guys many other places to go.
Superficial charm, an easy facility for lies, full of bullshit and bluster, no real achievements, a bit of a bully, utterly selfish and indifferent about the harm caused to others and very bad with money.
Lots of people bought into the myth while they thought he would make them a lot of money/win them seats. Cruelly let down in Adoboli’s case and destined to be so in Johnson’s, I suspect.
Wonder what the internal party polling is like. With all the anti-Corbyn comments from both Johnson and Swinson, I'm beginning to suspect that it's a lot stronger for Corbyn‘s Labour than they, and some in the PLP, would like.
Judging by Labour over the 24 hours, their internal polling is showing them that they should be very worried about Jo Swinson, much less worried about Boris Johnson.
It’s been a long time since our country has been in the hands of someone so unsuitable and undeserving. There must have been somebody more recently than King John, but it isn’t obvious who.
On the contrary, he's going to be a vast improvement on Theresa May, whose only competition but for the grace of god would have been Lord Halifax in 1940.
Can you actually remember Boris' time as mayor? I mean, jut look at the Garden Bridge, and the way he absolutely refused to even take part in the inquiry when it went on.
That's the sort of PM he'll be, sadly.
He was widely regarded as a good Mayor. Certainly with the Olympics. A Tory won't be re-elected Mayor again in my lifetime - it was an incredible achievement given how intolerant London usually is of anyone who isn't left of centre. I'm rather sceptical of his qualities as a PM though.
He had little to do with the Olympics (indeed Hunt had more). His election victories look less remarkable against the big Tory poll lead the first time and the state of his opponent the second time. He has been incredibly lucky; we’ll have to see whether this continues.
So you would agree he might do well given his opponents are Corbyn and Swinson? He promoted the Olympics all over the world, I seem to recall he was very prominent in Beijing at the handover. He may not have won the bid but he certainly played a big role. There is no luck in becoming a London Mayor twice over as a Tory. Norris and Goldsmith didn't come close.
Steve Norris probably would have won in 2008 given the unpopularity of the Brown Government.
I doubt it. Livingstone did a good job of distancing himself from the Labour government. Let's remember this is London we're talking about. To retain it in 2012 was deeply impressive whether you like Boris or not.
Wonder what the internal party polling is like. With all the anti-Corbyn comments from both Johnson and Swinson, I'm beginning to suspect that it's a lot stronger for Corbyn‘s Labour than they, and some in the PLP, would like.
Precious little sign of it either in the polls or at the polls.
Labour was beaten by the Women’s Equality Party in a London local by-election just last week.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Tis a good rant, but it is a common feature of patriotism to feel that the country is going to the dogs with the wrong people ascendant. We merely disagree on which faction we despise most.
To the Scottish Unionist the idea that we (in the UK) have a common patriotism is an article of faith. Once that's been pissed all over by their fellow Brits, it's not leaving those guys many other places to go.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Like a lot of people, I think he views the past through rose-tinted spectacles.
And, it happens right across the political spectrum. So, depending on one's outlook, everything was wonderful (a) in the 1950's, or (b) prior to Thatcher or (c) prior to the 2016 referendum.
The strangest version of this lies at the core of Brexit: Thatcherites who think everything was better in the 1970s.
I think for professional people, life in the 1970's was easier than it is today. Making money was easier, the workload was lighter, and the level of regulation a fraction of today's.
Not just professional people. Trade Unions were certainly a mixed blessing, but they did achieve big pay rises for the working classes. Their leaders may have been politicaly motivated at times but the members wanted money, to join the consumerist society. Britain was at its most equal then, and 1976 the happiest year on record.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
It's very hard to argue with that from a centre-left perspective. I envy the Scots the choices they can make. We English are stuck with the nationalist right until, as they will, they balls it all up. At that stage, sense will return - but it will be to a deeply demoralised, stagnant, shrivelled and largely irrelevant country.
I got blocked by Chris Deerin for asking him if he was feeling okay after seeing the first Tory leadership debate. He's an odd guy but probably speaks well to my feeling of alienation from the union at this point. I'm looking for reasons to vote No in any future IndyRef and the Tories and Kippers are doing their best to pluck them away, one by one.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Tis a good rant, but it is a common feature of patriotism to feel that the country is going to the dogs with the wrong people ascendant. We merely disagree on which faction we despise most.
To the Scottish Unionist the idea that we (in the UK) have a common patriotism is an article of faith. Once that's been pissed all over by their fellow Brits, it's not leaving those guys many other places to go.
Being PM, especially in the current situation, is a very different kettle of fish, and he's already blown it.
LOL. Closed mind, much?
The guy has not stepped foot in Downing Street as PM, has made no pronouncements, has made no appointments. Yet you have rushed to judgment. As you rushed to judgment on here about Cameron's "renegotiation" with the EU, telling us what a fabulous effort it was.....
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Like a lot of people, I think he views the past through rose-tinted spectacles.
And, it happens right across the political spectrum. So, depending on one's outlook, everything was wonderful (a) in the 1950's, or (b) prior to Thatcher or (c) prior to the 2016 referendum.
The strangest version of this lies at the core of Brexit: Thatcherites who think everything was better in the 1970s.
I think for professional people, life in the 1970's was easier than it is today. Making money was easier, the workload was lighter, and the level of regulation a fraction of today's.
Not just professional people. Trade Unions were certainly a mixed blessing, but they did achieve big pay rises for the working classes. Their leaders may have been politicaly motivated at times but the members wanted money, to join the consumerist society. Britain was at its most equal then, and 1976 the happiest year on record.
Correct. If you weren't an ethnic minority, Britain was an imperfect but reasonably easy place to live, in 1976.
It’s been a long time since our country has been in the hands of someone so unsuitable and undeserving. There must have been somebody more recently than King John, but it isn’t obvious who.
On the contrary, he's going to be a vast improvement on Theresa May, whose only competition but for the grace of god would have been Lord Halifax in 1940.
Can you actually remember Boris' time as mayor? I mean, jut look at the Garden Bridge, and the way he absolutely refused to even take part in the inquiry when it went on.
That's the sort of PM he'll be, sadly.
He was widely regarded as a good Mayor. Certainly with the Olympics. A Tory won't be re-elected Mayor again in my lifetime - it was an incredible achievement given how intolerant London usually is of anyone who isn't left of centre. I'm rather sceptical of his qualities as a PM though.
He had little to do with the Olympics (indeed Hunt had more). His election victories look less remarkable against the big Tory poll lead the first time and the state of his opponent the second time. He has been incredibly lucky; we’ll have to see whether this continues.
So you would agree he might do well given his opponents are Corbyn and Swinson? He promoted the Olympics all over the world, I seem to recall he was very prominent in Beijing at the handover. He may not have won the bid but he certainly played a big role. There is no luck in becoming a London Mayor twice over as a Tory. Norris and Goldsmith didn't come close.
Steve Norris probably would have won in 2008 given the unpopularity of the Brown Government.
I doubt it. Livingstone did a good job of distancing himself from the Labour government. Let's remember this is London we're talking about. To retain it in 2012 was deeply impressive whether you like Boris or not.
By 2012 Livingstone was badly tainted - Boris would have lost decisively to other Labour candidates such as Tessa Jowell. Moreover, London has not always been a Labour city - in 1987 the Tories did exceptionally well there. Then there was Horace Cutler as leader of the GLC.
I’m sitting on the steps of the Hotel de Ville in divine Château-Gontier, in 39°C heat, while gorgeous tanned French belles saunter past, about to find a bar that will sell me a cold beer (or better still, a Norman cider). Have I missed anything?
(Sorry. In SeanT’s absence I thought a comment in his style would be fitting. It is true though.)
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Tis a good rant, but it is a common feature of patriotism to feel that the country is going to the dogs with the wrong people ascendant. We merely disagree on which faction we despise most.
To the Scottish Unionist the idea that we (in the UK) have a common patriotism is an article of faith. Once that's been pissed all over by their fellow Brits, it's not leaving those guys many other places to go.
Unionists in Scotland and Northern Ireland know as much about the English as the English do about unionists in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Given the mixed message of every Tory pol & their granny saying how precious the Union is to them while the Tory and Brexity masses couldn't give a fig for it, you can't really blame your average Scottish Unionist for their bewilderment and/or ignorance.
What strikes me, listening to the phone ins, is the sheer range of issues people want sorted. Brexit really has sucked the life out of everything for 3 years plus.
Boris was a good Mayor, it was a role which suited him perfectly. It's not true that Ken Livingstone was an easy opponent - he was surprisingly popular, and to be fair hadn't been too bad a mayor himself (he went bonkers afterwards, not while he was in office). Yes, you can point to failures by Boris - the Garden Bridge was an attractive idea but should have been canned early, on financial grounds - but he was pretty good on the police, on representing London, on attracting investment, on Boris Bikes, on TfL, and on the Olympics. Of course most of these weren't purely or even mainly down to Boris, but that's inevitable. Above all Boris left the hard work to a good team, and acted as the front-man, which is entirely appropriate for a role like Mayor.
Being PM, especially in the current situation, is a very different kettle of fish, and he's already blown it.
I disagree completely on the Police - Boris orchestrated the sale of stations and reductions in numbers which has had and continues to have a huge impact on crime in the capital. I will concede Theresa May needs to bear her share of the blame as well.
As far as the Olympics were concerned, they were won on Ken's watch but held on Boris's and were a huge success so kudos to them both.
I can also not forgive Boris for refusing to move ahead with meaningful options to provide additional river crossings to the east of Tower Bridge. A bridge at Beckton was shelved and we remain reliant on the clapped out Rotherhithe and Blackwall Tunnels and the inadequate Woolwich Ferry to provide river crossings along the so-called Thames Corridor (I do note the DLR tunnel to Woolwich but that has limited value).
I’m sitting on the steps of the Hotel de Ville in divine Château-Gontier, in 39°C heat, while gorgeous tanned French belles saunter past, about to find a bar that will sell me a cold beer (or better still, a Norman cider). Have I missed anything?
(Sorry. In SeanT’s absence I thought a comment in his style would be fitting. It is true though.)
Not really. Slightly more than the average amount of whinging.
'For me, it is hard, today, to love one’s country. I do not feel very much like a patriot; I have never felt less like a patriot. I more often feel the unsought and unwelcome twitch of contempt, or the acid flash of rage. The good guys keep losing and the bad guys keep winning. Those who most extravagantly display the peacock feathers of their patriotism do so in ways that tarnish the very concept, whether turning their blazered backs in the European parliament, or waving a plasticated kipper around a stage, or sneering at the Irish, or offering up their pale, plump backsides as a smirking Donald Trump loosens his belt, or threatening to temporarily abolish parliament in pursuit of their otherwise unachievable goal. I am left thinking, what is this Britain? What have these people to do with me? Why must I be subject to their games and ambitions?'
Tis a good rant, but it is a common feature of patriotism to feel that the country is going to the dogs with the wrong people ascendant. We merely disagree on which faction we despise most.
To the Scottish Unionist the idea that we (in the UK) have a common patriotism is an article of faith. Once that's been pissed all over by their fellow Brits, it's not leaving those guys many other places to go.
Unionists in Scotland and Northern Ireland know as much about the English as the English do about unionists in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Given the mixed message of every Tory pol & their granny saying how precious the Union is to them while the Tory and Brexity masses couldn't give a fig for it, you can't really blame your average Scottish Unionist for their bewilderment and/or ignorance.
It's Scotland that's been divided in 4 by the 2 refs
Wonder what the internal party polling is like. With all the anti-Corbyn comments from both Johnson and Swinson, I'm beginning to suspect that it's a lot stronger for Corbyn‘s Labour than they, and some in the PLP, would like.
Judging by Labour over the 24 hours, their internal polling is showing them that they should be very worried about Jo Swinson, much less worried about Boris Johnson.
We see Labour are in serious trouble in London and in some critical areas in the Midlands and the North of England. No recovery in Scotland, but still leading in much of the North. The Tories are in trouble in Scotland and being squeezed in the South West.
Being PM, especially in the current situation, is a very different kettle of fish, and he's already blown it.
LOL. Closed mind, much?
The guy has not stepped foot in Downing Street as PM, has made no pronouncements, has made no appointments. Yet you have rushed to judgment. As you rushed to judgment on here about Cameron's "renegotiation" with the EU, telling us what a fabulous effort it was.....
As he rushed to judgement that there was no possible benefits from Brexit.
What strikes me, listening to the phone ins, is the sheer range of issues people want sorted. Brexit really has sucked the life out of everything for 3 years plus.
I honestly believed that I would never see a worse PM than Gordon Brown. But I have. The last 3 years have been a terrible mistake. Things can only get better, I think the song goes.
What strikes me, listening to the phone ins, is the sheer range of issues people want sorted. Brexit really has sucked the life out of everything for 3 years plus.
I honestly believed that I would never see a worse PM than Gordon Brown. But I have. The last 3 years have been a terrible mistake. Things can only get better, I think the song goes.
I’m sitting on the steps of the Hotel de Ville in divine Château-Gontier, in 39°C heat, while gorgeous tanned French belles saunter past, about to find a bar that will sell me a cold beer (or better still, a Norman cider). Have I missed anything?
(Sorry. In SeanT’s absence I thought a comment in his style would be fitting. It is true though.)
I holidayed near Domfront last year, lovely part of the world, perhaps a refreshing glass of Poiree would be best ?
Being PM, especially in the current situation, is a very different kettle of fish, and he's already blown it.
LOL. Closed mind, much?
The guy has not stepped foot in Downing Street as PM, has made no pronouncements, has made no appointments. Yet you have rushed to judgment. As you rushed to judgment on here about Cameron's "renegotiation" with the EU, telling us what a fabulous effort it was.....
As he rushed to judgement that there was no possible benefits from Brexit.
Well, if you consider being roundly buggered by large American companies a benefit it might be fun. I prefer the French style of making economic love myself.
Being PM, especially in the current situation, is a very different kettle of fish, and he's already blown it.
LOL. Closed mind, much?
The guy has not stepped foot in Downing Street as PM, has made no pronouncements, has made no appointments. Yet you have rushed to judgment. As you rushed to judgment on here about Cameron's "renegotiation" with the EU, telling us what a fabulous effort it was.....
As he rushed to judgement that there was no possible benefits from Brexit.
There haven’t been any yet. The nation is in a state of atrophy.
What strikes me, listening to the phone ins, is the sheer range of issues people want sorted. Brexit really has sucked the life out of everything for 3 years plus.
I honestly believed that I would never see a worse PM than Gordon Brown. But I have. The last 3 years have been a terrible mistake. Things can only get better, I think the song goes.
ya think ?
Yes. May had appalling judgment, complete intransigence, was a very, very poor selector of advisors, promoted mediocrity, god she was awful. Boris will make mistakes but he will try to do things.
Boris was a good Mayor, it was a role which suited him perfectly. It's not true that Ken Livingstone was an easy opponent - he was surprisingly popular, and to be fair hadn't been too bad a mayor himself (he went bonkers afterwards, not while he was in office). Yes, you can point to failures by Boris - the Garden Bridge was an attractive idea but should have been canned early, on financial grounds - but he was pretty good on the police, on representing London, on attracting investment, on Boris Bikes, on TfL, and on the Olympics. Of course most of these weren't purely or even mainly down to Boris, but that's inevitable. Above all Boris left the hard work to a good team, and acted as the front-man, which is entirely appropriate for a role like Mayor.
Being PM, especially in the current situation, is a very different kettle of fish, and he's already blown it.
"the Garden Bridge was an attractive idea "
What makes you say that? It did not serve a purpose. It was not a proper transport link, and it was in the wrong place.
It was something Boris did for his mates, and the whole scheme was borderline fraudulent from the off. Everyone involved should pay back the millions that were spent.
It is the major factor that makes it impossible for me to support him as PM, or the party he leads. And as a Conservative, what should worry you more is that he could not even be arsed to accept responsibility.
Boris surging on the YouGov live poll.... now just less than half of the public are "dismayed" about him winning:
1. Boris Johnson has been announced as the new leader of the Conservative party. Which of the following best reflects your reaction to Boris Johnson becoming leader? Delighted 13% Pleased 16% Disappointed 8% Dismayed 48% Don't really mind either way 10% Don't know 5%
What strikes me, listening to the phone ins, is the sheer range of issues people want sorted. Brexit really has sucked the life out of everything for 3 years plus.
I honestly believed that I would never see a worse PM than Gordon Brown. But I have. The last 3 years have been a terrible mistake. Things can only get better, I think the song goes.
ya think ?
Yes. May had appalling judgment, complete intransigence, was a very, very poor selector of advisors, promoted mediocrity, god she was awful. Boris will make mistakes but he will try to do things.
Something must be done, this is something, we must do that. I think I'd prefer inertia.
What strikes me, listening to the phone ins, is the sheer range of issues people want sorted. Brexit really has sucked the life out of everything for 3 years plus.
Boris was a good Mayor, it was a role which suited him perfectly. It's not true that Ken Livingstone was an easy opponent - he was surprisingly popular, and to be fair hadn't been too bad a mayor himself (he went bonkers afterwards, not while he was in office). Yes, you can point to failures by Boris - the Garden Bridge was an attractive idea but should have been canned early, on financial grounds - but he was pretty good on the police, on representing London, on attracting investment, on Boris Bikes, on TfL, and on the Olympics. Of course most of these weren't purely or even mainly down to Boris, but that's inevitable. Above all Boris left the hard work to a good team, and acted as the front-man, which is entirely appropriate for a role like Mayor.
Being PM, especially in the current situation, is a very different kettle of fish, and he's already blown it.
"the Garden Bridge was an attractive idea "
What makes you say that? It did not serve a purpose. It was not a proper transport link, and it was in the wrong place.
It was something Boris did for his mates, and the whole scheme was borderline fraudulent from the off. Everyone involved should pay back the millions that were spent.
It is the major factor that makes it impossible for me to support him as PM, or the party he leads. And as a Conservative, what should worry you more is that he could not even be arsed to accept responsibility.
I can’t think of any of Boris’s schemes that came in on budget or met up to his promises. Even the relatively successful bike scheme had to be bailed out by EU funding and runs at a loss, whereas Paris’s makes a profit. The West Ham/Olympic stadium episode was a financial disaster. The cable car was all cost and no benefit. The water cannons were useless and sold for scrap. The millions spent on the Island Airport were obviously being wasted from the outset. Etc.
England fast bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of his side's Ashes warm-up Test against Ireland at Lord's. Fast bowlers Mark Wood and Jofra Archer have side strains and were not named in the squad for the Ireland game, which starts on Wednesday.
Wood is unlikely to be fit before the fourth Ashes Test, which starts on 4 September, while England hope Archer could be available for the second Test, starting on 14 August.
What strikes me, listening to the phone ins, is the sheer range of issues people want sorted. Brexit really has sucked the life out of everything for 3 years plus.
I honestly believed that I would never see a worse PM than Gordon Brown. But I have. The last 3 years have been a terrible mistake. Things can only get better, I think the song goes.
ya think ?
Yes. May had appalling judgment, complete intransigence, was a very, very poor selector of advisors, promoted mediocrity, god she was awful. Boris will make mistakes but he will try to do things.
Something must be done, this is something, we must do that. I think I'd prefer inertia.
Nope. We have had 3 years of inertia. It didn't work.
One of the more incomprehensible parts of all of this is that various bods will pay huge amounts of money for Boris to give them a speech after he leaves office whether he's a success or failure.
Boris was a good Mayor, it was a role which suited him perfectly. It's not true that Ken Livingstone was an easy opponent - he was surprisingly popular, and to be fair hadn't been too bad a mayor himself (he went bonkers afterwards, not while he was in office). Yes, you can point to failures by Boris - the Garden Bridge was an attractive idea but should have been canned early, on financial grounds - but he was pretty good on the police, on representing London, on attracting investment, on Boris Bikes, on TfL, and on the Olympics. Of course most of these weren't purely or even mainly down to Boris, but that's inevitable. Above all Boris left the hard work to a good team, and acted as the front-man, which is entirely appropriate for a role like Mayor.
Being PM, especially in the current situation, is a very different kettle of fish, and he's already blown it.
"the Garden Bridge was an attractive idea "
What makes you say that? It did not serve a purpose. It was not a proper transport link, and it was in the wrong place.
It was something Boris did for his mates, and the whole scheme was borderline fraudulent from the off. Everyone involved should pay back the millions that were spent.
It is the major factor that makes it impossible for me to support him as PM, or the party he leads. And as a Conservative, what should worry you more is that he could not even be arsed to accept responsibility.
I can’t think of any of Boris’s schemes that came in on budget or met up to his promises. Even the relatively successful bike scheme had to be bailed out by EU funding and runs at a loss, whereas Paris’s makes a profit. The West Ham/Olympic stadium episode was a financial disaster. The cable car was all cost and no benefit. The water cannons were useless and sold for scrap. The millions spent on the Island Airport were obviously being wasted from the outset. Etc.
What strikes me, listening to the phone ins, is the sheer range of issues people want sorted. Brexit really has sucked the life out of everything for 3 years plus.
I honestly believed that I would never see a worse PM than Gordon Brown. But I have. The last 3 years have been a terrible mistake. Things can only get better, I think the song goes.
ya think ?
Yes. May had appalling judgment, complete intransigence, was a very, very poor selector of advisors, promoted mediocrity, god she was awful. Boris will make mistakes but he will try to do things.
Something must be done, this is something, we must do that. I think I'd prefer inertia.
Nope. We have had 3 years of inertia. It didn't work.
I think Boris Johnson’s most viable strategy is inertia.
England fast bowler James Anderson has been ruled out of his side's Ashes warm-up Test against Ireland at Lord's. Fast bowlers Mark Wood and Jofra Archer have side strains and were not named in the squad for the Ireland game, which starts on Wednesday.
Wood is unlikely to be fit before the fourth Ashes Test, which starts on 4 September, while England hope Archer could be available for the second Test, starting on 14 August.
United Kingston is a breakaway pro-EU, LibDem-administered republic with land on both sides of the River Thames, hence the name "united"
Imagine if every London Borough was an independent nation. I'd be on the borders of the People's Republic of Newham and the Barking & Dagenham Co-Prosperity Sphere and close to the Redbridge Regency. The border on the North Circular Road is always tense but as nothing compared to the skirmishes with the Tower Hamlets Federation around Canning Town.
Comments
And, it happens right across the political spectrum. So, depending on one's outlook, everything was wonderful (a) in the 1950's, or (b) prior to Thatcher or (c) prior to the 2016 referendum.
Presumably the main trait Bozo shares with him involves where he sticks his member.
Hunt - Gisajob
TMay - I will support from the backbenches
Trump - He'll be great!
Corbyn - blah general election blah
Barnier - Ve vill be "constructive" once ze correct paperwork is filled in.
Also, pedantry corner, Bolton kept saying it was "just over 2/1" ; in actual fact it was by a very slim margin just under.
https://twitter.com/johnmcdonnellMP/status/1153624513168498689
Now for some spelling lessons, Ivanka !
Superficial charm, an easy facility for lies, full of bullshit and bluster, no real achievements, a bit of a bully, utterly selfish and indifferent about the harm caused to others and very bad with money.
Lots of people bought into the myth while they thought he would make them a lot of money/win them seats. Cruelly let down in Adoboli’s case and destined to be so in Johnson’s, I suspect.
Problem is for Leavers they need Johnson to succeed . Otherwise the public might rightfully think the problem isn’t the leader but Brexit itself .
I suspect Bozo will just re package the backstop and call it something else .
Being PM, especially in the current situation, is a very different kettle of fish, and he's already blown it.
He waved a flag at Beijing, and looked a bit silly doing so.
Of course he might do well. He might also do very badly. In political terms you can argue Trump is doing well and might be re-elected; he is nevertheless a colossal embarrassment for the USA.
https://twitter.com/BBCScotNine/status/1153409972513980416
Not great. Really wish he didn't.
Labour was beaten by the Women’s Equality Party in a London local by-election just last week.
The guy has not stepped foot in Downing Street as PM, has made no pronouncements, has made no appointments. Yet you have rushed to judgment. As you rushed to judgment on here about Cameron's "renegotiation" with the EU, telling us what a fabulous effort it was.....
(Sorry. In SeanT’s absence I thought a comment in his style would be fitting. It is true though.)
Brexit really has sucked the life out of everything for 3 years plus.
As far as the Olympics were concerned, they were won on Ken's watch but held on Boris's and were a huge success so kudos to them both.
I can also not forgive Boris for refusing to move ahead with meaningful options to provide additional river crossings to the east of Tower Bridge. A bridge at Beckton was shelved and we remain reliant on the clapped out Rotherhithe and Blackwall Tunnels and the inadequate Woolwich Ferry to provide river crossings along the so-called Thames Corridor (I do note the DLR tunnel to Woolwich but that has limited value).
You're apparently loving it.
What makes you say that? It did not serve a purpose. It was not a proper transport link, and it was in the wrong place.
It was something Boris did for his mates, and the whole scheme was borderline fraudulent from the off. Everyone involved should pay back the millions that were spent.
It is the major factor that makes it impossible for me to support him as PM, or the party he leads. And as a Conservative, what should worry you more is that he could not even be arsed to accept responsibility.
1. Boris Johnson has been announced as the new leader of the Conservative party. Which of the following best reflects your reaction to Boris Johnson becoming leader?
Delighted 13%
Pleased 16%
Disappointed 8%
Dismayed 48%
Don't really mind either way 10%
Don't know 5%
As predicted:
http://www2.politicalbetting.com/index.php/archives/2017/08/18/how-brexit-is-blinding-us-resulting-in-other-massive-issues-being-ignored/
Will you stop polluting this UK based website when you get your political dream?
Or might you decide to keep posting cus, yknow it's quite good and , y'know there's not or ever going to be a Scottish version
I'm not sure the Jackie Bird lovers have thought things through.
Test cricket = extremely boring. Ennui.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thames_Gateway_Bridge