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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » On the betting markets a December general election is now even

SystemSystem Posts: 11,716
edited October 2019 in General

imagepoliticalbetting.com » Blog Archive » On the betting markets a December general election is now evens favourite

As can be seen from the betdata.io chart there’s an increasing belief amongst punters that there will be a December general election.

Read the full story here


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    DadgeDadge Posts: 2,038
    Toyah put it best: It's a mystery.
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    asjohnstoneasjohnstone Posts: 1,276
    Same punters were convinced on Oct and Nov. I'm not sold.

    It's basically a proxy bet on what comes out of Paris tomorrow
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    SunnyJimSunnyJim Posts: 1,106
    If it doesn't happen in December then it is January assuming a 31/01 extension.

    But why would any of the parties want a campaign straddling Xmas?

    The WAB isn't going to pass and we aren't going to ND so why delay the election until January...makes no sense.
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    As a long term sceptic of a 2019 GE ( Disclaimer, I have bet as such and decided to go down with the ship on those bets ) I agree the dynamic has now shifted. Not just the Swinson/Blackford gambit but the briefing that EUCO are offering exactly what was asked for - an extension to 31/1 - and not longer. So we have to have a December election else go through another deadline psychodrama in January. All that said.

    1. Until we know the Tory rebel and DUP position we still don't know if the Swinson/Blackford gambit gives Boris a majority in the Commons. Passing a ' not withstanding ' Act could still be difficult and it will be a Christmas Tree Bill for opposition and Lords amendments seeking to make Swinson/Blackford look bad for rushing through Tory legislation. The SNP have no peers.

    2. Corbyn can counter move by simply signalling he'll let rebel Labour MPs progress the WAIB. Only a few more days of scrutiny closes off a December 12th election.

    3. I'm still puzzled at the Chemistry of the Lib Dems and SNP delivering Boris' Christmas present even if the Physics now work. If Boris accepts the Swinson/Blackford offer it could all still get bogged down in detail.

    That said Swinson/Blackford + the EUCO decision clearly justifies the price move on volatile Betfair.
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    AndrewAndrew Posts: 2,900
    Trump at the baseball:

    https://twitter.com/RealDealBeal23/status/1188623160352092162


    Apparently the crowd are favouring "lock him up".

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    SunnyJimSunnyJim Posts: 1,106
    edited October 2019
    Looking at it from a remain MP perspective, what would I be thinking?


    1. I can't force the WAIB on to the table.

    2. Even if Johnson does table it, if I submit any wrecking amendments it will get pulled.

    3. I could run down the clock to 31/01 and try and go for Benn II but the EU might refuse a further extension risking no deal, or humiliating pleading to Johnson to allow a vote on the WAIB.

    4. If I am in a remain seat then I could be ok at a pre-Brexit GE and there is a chance of parliament returning with a majority for R2.

    5. If I am in a heavily leave seat i'd probably be getting similar MPs together and publicly calling for parliament to put the country first and vote through the WAIB unamended. Then hope voters have moved on to domestic issues at the next GE.

    6. The Hail Mary of R2 or revoke don't have parliamentary support and would leave me extremely vulnerable to voter rage at the subsequent GE.



    All roads seem to lead to a pre-Brexit GE.
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    PaulMPaulM Posts: 613
    SunnyJim said:

    Looking at it from a remain MP perspective, what would I be thinking?


    1. I can't force the WAIB on to the table.

    2. Even if Johnson does table it, if I submit any wrecking amendments it will get pulled.

    3. I could run down the clock to 31/01 and try and go for Benn II but the EU might refuse a further extension risking no deal, or humiliating pleading to Johnson to allow a vote on the WAIB.

    4. If I am in a remain seat then I could be ok at a pre-Brexit GE and there is a chance of parliament returning with a majority for R2.

    5. If I am in a heavily leave seat i'd probably be getting similar MPs together and publicly calling for parliament to put the country first and vote through the WAIB unamended. Then hope voters have moved on to domestic issues at the next GE.

    6. The Hail Mary of R2 or revoke don't have parliamentary support and would leave me extremely vulnerable to voter rage at the subsequent GE.



    All roads seem to lead to a pre-Brexit GE.

    7. If I want to have a future in the party, unless I am in clear and present danger of losing my seat there will be no sympathy for me taking an action that is contrary to the wishes of the leadership and the interests of the party. If my decision ends up costing the party a chance to form government or worse costs colleagues their seats, I should forget any leadership or cabinet aspiratations and expect a trigger ballot from my local party at the next opportunity.
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    DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300
    Labour does what?

    DUP oppose.
    LibDems want an election (though they might do better calling for an election than actually having one, as they might lose many of their defectors).
    SNP wants an election to clean up in Scotland.

    Conservatives need an election before Brexit, yet need to be seen to be pressing for Brexit against Parliament in order to see off the Brexit Party. The risk is losing a dozen seats to the SNP even before getting to England and Wales.

    Labour does what?
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    eristdooferistdoof Posts: 4,914
    SunnyJim said:

    If it doesn't happen in December then it is January assuming a 31/01 extension.

    But why would any of the parties want a campaign straddling Xmas?

    The WAB isn't going to pass and we aren't going to ND so why delay the election until January...makes no sense.

    Your logic is irrefutable. A GE in January is a non-starter, ergo there must be a GE in December.
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    asjohnstoneasjohnstone Posts: 1,276



    Labour does what?

    Labour dies.
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    DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300



    Labour does what?

    Labour dies.
    No, Labour might yet clean up. For most voters, the election is not about Brexit, and even if it is, Labour's creative ambiguity leaves it easier to paper over the cracks than the Conservatives who, let us not forget, are hardly united on Brexit.

    And there might be a reason the Conservatives do not want to publish OBR forecasts.

    The OBR had already started work on a fiscal and economic outlook to be published alongside the Chancellor's spending plans. Economists expected this to show a major deterioration in the public finances which could harm the Tories' reputation for managing Britain's books.

    MPs and former top Treasury official Lord Nick Macpherson questioned if the Budget was called off to avoid negative headlines from the bleak update.


    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2019/10/25/publish-forecast-anyway-no-budget-mps-pressure-obr-reveal-economic/

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    MysticroseMysticrose Posts: 4,688
    edited October 2019
    The LibDems have been really rather brilliant with this, and once again left Corbyn's Labour looking slow-footed, disunited and chaotic. The joint LibDem-SNP letter to Donald Tusk seems to have persuaded the EU of the merits of a 3 month extension and to remove No Deal from the table. That in turn means this one-line bill has a very strong chance of success.

    Judging by the overnight coverage I'd say the December election, and specifically Dec 9th, is better than evens. I'm glad I got on this market a few weeks ago. Odds at the time were very favourable.

    I suspect Labour may have to fall in line with the LibDem-SNP bill or they really will look like they are running scared. I also don't think there will be any amendments, or any that succeed.
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    MysticroseMysticrose Posts: 4,688
    edited October 2019
    Leaked draft of the EU agreement says extension to 31st January.

    "The EU is preparing to sign off on a Brexit extension to 31 January 2020 with an option for the UK to leave earlier if a deal is ratified, according to a leaked draft of the agreement seen by the Guardian."

    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/27/brexit-eu-prepares-grant-uk-three-month-extension
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    MysticroseMysticrose Posts: 4,688
    edited October 2019
    Johnson mindful to accept the LibDem offer for 9th Dec.

    "Boris Johnson is increasingly confident of forcing a December general election after signalling he would accept a Brexit compromise put forward by the Liberal Democrats and the SNP."

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2019/10/27/lib-dems-offer-prime-minister-route-election/
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    rcs1000rcs1000 Posts: 54,173
    I would prefer the week before, as I'll be in London then...
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    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,971



    Labour does what?

    Labour dies.
    No, Labour might yet clean up. For most voters, the election is not about Brexit, and even if it is, Labour's creative ambiguity leaves it easier to paper over the cracks than the Conservatives who, let us not forget, are hardly united on Brexit.

    And there might be a reason the Conservatives do not want to publish OBR forecasts.

    The OBR had already started work on a fiscal and economic outlook to be published alongside the Chancellor's spending plans. Economists expected this to show a major deterioration in the public finances which could harm the Tories' reputation for managing Britain's books.

    MPs and former top Treasury official Lord Nick Macpherson questioned if the Budget was called off to avoid negative headlines from the bleak update.


    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2019/10/25/publish-forecast-anyway-no-budget-mps-pressure-obr-reveal-economic/

    The borrowing figures were horrible last month.

    Looking ahead, Brexit, if it does happen, could get very unpopular indeed quite quickly.
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    MysticroseMysticrose Posts: 4,688
    rcs1000 said:

    I would prefer the week before, as I'll be in London then...

    My understanding is that it's almost impossible by this route? They have to table this as a bill, so it needs to pass this week - by Thursday I think and then Parliament is dissolved leaving 25 working days which (I think) would be Friday 6th?

    The Nato summit is an added complication, hence Monday December 9th.
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    DavidLDavidL Posts: 51,452
    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?
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    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,154
    Nigelb said:
    Long-standing taken-for-granted-by-the-Left base moves dramatically to the Right.

    Its not like that could ever happen here....
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    DavidLDavidL Posts: 51,452
    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.
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    Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 61,019
    Good morning, everyone.

    Mr. JS, I saw that yesterday. Staggeringly level of bullshit from the Washington Post. The wretch in question led a genocidal organisation that crucified children and burnt prisoners alive.

    He wasn't a stern Oxford don.
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    Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 61,019
    Oh, and the betting yesterday went nicely. Got lucky, especially with the Perez bet, but I shall accept the kindness of fortune.
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    Yellow_SubmarineYellow_Submarine Posts: 647
    edited October 2019
    DavidL said:

    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?

    The Lib Dem/SNP plan has their bill's passage this Tues to Thurs then dissolution next Monday with the election date of the 9th set in law. In other words the WAIB is abandoned. Boris' offer tonight is a promise of the 12th ( which isn't legally binding as proclaimation is a prerogative power ) plus at least 3 extra days of scrutiny of the WAIB added to the defeated timetable. This leaves open the possibility of the WAIB becoming law before the election and Boris breaking his promise on the GE date.

    So the differences are the Lib Dem/SNP plan 1. Legally guarentees the date. 2. Kills the WAIB ensuring the entire Brexit issue is unresolved on polling day.
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    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,154
    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    The scale is astonishing:

    "The auditors discovered that Kaloti had paid out a total of $5.2bn (£4bn) in cash in 2012, but failed to report suspicious activity to the money laundering authorities."

    Compare with Gordon Brown's sale of half the UK's gold reserves:

    "Between 1999 and 2002 the Treasury sold 401 tonnes of gold - out of its 715-tonne holding - at an average price of $275 an ounce, generating about $3.5bn during the period."
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    GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,112

    Nigelb said:
    Long-standing taken-for-granted-by-the-Left base moves dramatically to the Right.

    Its not like that could ever happen here....
    Which area of the UK are you expecting to lurch Tory?

    Liverpool?
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    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,559

    The LibDems have been really rather brilliant with this, and once again left Corbyn's Labour looking slow-footed, disunited and chaotic. The joint LibDem-SNP letter to Donald Tusk seems to have persuaded the EU of the merits of a 3 month extension and to remove No Deal from the table. That in turn means this one-line bill has a very strong chance of success.

    Judging by the overnight coverage I'd say the December election, and specifically Dec 9th, is better than evens. I'm glad I got on this market a few weeks ago. Odds at the time were very favourable.

    I suspect Labour may have to fall in line with the LibDem-SNP bill or they really will look like they are running scared. I also don't think there will be any amendments, or any that succeed.

    Indeed. With the added bonus that it makes Cleverley’s interview on Marr yesterday look less than clever.
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    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    edited October 2019

    Nigelb said:
    Long-standing taken-for-granted-by-the-Left base moves dramatically to the Right.

    Its not like that could ever happen here....
    Which area of the UK are you expecting to lurch Tory?

    Liverpool?
    Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria are more likely.
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    nico67nico67 Posts: 4,502
    DavidL said:

    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?

    The 9th December means there’s no time to bring back the WAIB .
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    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    DavidL said:

    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?

    Jo Swinson is talking about it right now on Today: she says it means students are more likely to still be at university/college, and also the public doesn't like elections very close to Christmas and this is 3 days less close to it.
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,718
    DavidL said:

    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?

    DavidL said:

    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?

    DavidL said:

    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?

    DavidL said:

    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?

    The 12th December is a Tory day.
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    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,154

    Nigelb said:
    Long-standing taken-for-granted-by-the-Left base moves dramatically to the Right.

    Its not like that could ever happen here....
    Which area of the UK are you expecting to lurch Tory?

    Liverpool?
    Not Liverpool. Not London. But pretty much anywhere else.....

    Labour's election strategy is going to be fun. What is their strategy? Target winning 80-odd seats it needs for a majority? Target 50 to become the largest party (even though it will have to work with the LibDems/SNP)? Or given its reputed internal polling, forget gains and try and save what it has got?

    Labour could easily find that the great bulk of the money it spends at the coming election has been spaffed up a wall.

    Tories are reportedly focussing on gaining 40. The LibDems perhaps somewhat less.
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    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,718
    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    I used to work for EY. If anyone thinks the Big 4 objectively audit their clients rather than try to please them as best they can, to generate repeat business, they are being blissfully naive.

    I’ve said for some time the Big 4 are effectively a cosy cartel, and very well-connected ones too, that lock out many far better British SMEs. But, I can’t see it changing any time soon.

    Too many vested interests.
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    nico67nico67 Posts: 4,502
    AndyJS said:

    DavidL said:

    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?

    Jo Swinson is talking about it right now on Today: she says it means students are more likely to still be at university/college, and also the public doesn't like elections very close to Christmas and this is 3 days less close to it.
    AndyJS said:

    DavidL said:

    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?

    Jo Swinson is talking about it right now on Today: she says it means students are more likely to still be at university/college, and also the public doesn't like elections very close to Christmas and this is 3 days less close to it.
    I like Jo Swinson but those reasons she gave is spin . The crucial factor is a deal can’t get through before the election . It’s crucial for the Lib Dems to have a pre Brexit election.
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    RogerRoger Posts: 18,917
    edited October 2019
    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs voted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.
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    GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,112
    AndyJS said:

    Nigelb said:
    Long-standing taken-for-granted-by-the-Left base moves dramatically to the Right.

    Its not like that could ever happen here....
    Which area of the UK are you expecting to lurch Tory?

    Liverpool?
    Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria are more likely.
    Well Northumberland is already Tory apart from Wansbeck and Blyth Valley and I can’t see Labour losing them.

    Durham? Maybe one seat.
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    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    edited October 2019
    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs oted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    The LDs could win 100 seats I think, about 40 from each of the main parties. That's if they have a good campaign.
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    GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,112
    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs oted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    Normal woman vs. sleeze ball.
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    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,154
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    GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,112
    I’m old enough to remember when @HYUFD was assuring us that Macron would obviously veto an extension. Or maybe it was Orban?

    https://twitter.com/rymmomtaz/status/1188712977337405441?s=21
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    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs voted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    I think you are right. It took me 24 hours to get my head round it but the allowing of 19 Labour MPs being allowed to vote for the WAIB at 2nd Reading has clearly spooked the Lib Dems. Of course the SNP are in a win/win position but for the Lib Dems to gift Johnson his election is an epochal call. But they have decided to roll the dice. They may even be right. But what stakes ? Swinson could be the woman who stops Brrexit. Or the one who ushers in a Tory majority, Brexit and loses her seat. Wagnerian risk.
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    nico67nico67 Posts: 4,502
    As an ardent Remainer not sure what the problem is with the Lib Dem position .

    The only way to a second vote is through an election, this parliament will never vote for that and even if it did who would enact the legislation.

    So all this bile directed at Jo Swinson is ridiculous. If anyone is messing up the the Remain cause it’s Labour , without an election there is a good chance the deal will eventually get through .
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    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    I used to work for EY. If anyone thinks the Big 4 objectively audit their clients rather than try to please them as best they can, to generate repeat business, they are being blissfully naive.

    I’ve said for some time the Big 4 are effectively a cosy cartel, and very well-connected ones too, that lock out many far better British SMEs. But, I can’t see it changing any time soon.

    Too many vested interests.
    Me too, Casino, and I concur.

    From my experience I would say that there is no reason to think the other major firms are any different. The Cartel needs to be broken up.
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    GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,112
    edited October 2019

    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs voted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    I think you are right. It took me 24 hours to get my head round it but the allowing of 19 Labour MPs being allowed to vote for the WAIB at 2nd Reading has clearly spooked the Lib Dems. Of course the SNP are in a win/win position but for the Lib Dems to gift Johnson his election is an epochal call. But they have decided to roll the dice. They may even be right. But what stakes ? Swinson could be the woman who stops Brrexit. Or the one who ushers in a Tory majority, Brexit and loses her seat. Wagnerian risk.
    Its a big risk but its the only way to actually achieve the goal.

    If anything it shows huge integrity.
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    RogerRoger Posts: 18,917
    AndyJS said:

    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs oted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    The LDs could win 100 seats I think, about 40 from each of the main parties. That's if they have a good campaign.
    100 would surely be enough to deprive Johnson of a majority? Job done and we'd have a Remainer government. Albeit an unpredictable one.
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    I’m old enough to remember when @HYUFD was assuring us that Macron would obviously veto an extension. Or maybe it was Orban?

    https://twitter.com/rymmomtaz/status/1188712977337405441?s=21

    But are you old enough to remember when he was a perfectly reasonable right of centre Conservative with an interesting line in local Party politics in the Epping area?

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    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,154
    Electoral excitement in California's 25th District:

    "The ethics committee launched an inquiry after conservative blog RedState reported allegations that Ms Hill had an affair with one of her congressional aides, a man.

    The same blog separately reported claims that Ms Hill, who is bisexual, had also engaged in a three-way consensual romance with a female campaign staff member and her husband. It published naked images of the politician."

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50203735
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    GallowgateGallowgate Posts: 19,112
    Roger said:

    AndyJS said:

    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs oted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    The LDs could win 100 seats I think, about 40 from each of the main parties. That's if they have a good campaign.
    100 would surely be enough to deprive Johnson of a majority? Job done and we'd have a Remainer government. Albeit an unpredictable one.
    I can’t see it unfortunately. I think the vote will be spread too thin.
  • Options
    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,559

    I’m old enough to remember when @HYUFD was assuring us that Macron would obviously veto an extension. Or maybe it was Orban?

    https://twitter.com/rymmomtaz/status/1188712977337405441?s=21

    But are you old enough to remember when he was a perfectly reasonable right of centre Conservative with an interesting line in local Party politics in the Epping area?

    It all appeared to go south after his declaration of war on Iran.
  • Options

    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs voted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    I think you are right. It took me 24 hours to get my head round it but the allowing of 19 Labour MPs being allowed to vote for the WAIB at 2nd Reading has clearly spooked the Lib Dems. Of course the SNP are in a win/win position but for the Lib Dems to gift Johnson his election is an epochal call. But they have decided to roll the dice. They may even be right. But what stakes ? Swinson could be the woman who stops Brrexit. Or the one who ushers in a Tory majority, Brexit and loses her seat. Wagnerian risk.
    Its a big risk but its the only way to actually achieve the goal.

    If anything it shows huge integrity.
    Yes, huge risk but huge upside if it comes off. If it doesn't, nobody would have any reason to complain about the outcome. Fairy nuff, no?
  • Options
    nico67nico67 Posts: 4,502

    I’m old enough to remember when @HYUFD was assuring us that Macron would obviously veto an extension. Or maybe it was Orban?

    https://twitter.com/rymmomtaz/status/1188712977337405441?s=21

    I thought at worst it might be a shorter extension but there was absolutely no way Macron would veto . Burning bridges with 26 other countries when you need their support for EU reform would have been a huge own goal .

    And as the series of tweets show , the French didn’t want to be blamed for a no deal.
  • Options
    SandpitSandpit Posts: 49,990
    LOL, about as united as the Parliamentary Labour Party.
  • Options

    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    The scale is astonishing:

    "The auditors discovered that Kaloti had paid out a total of $5.2bn (£4bn) in cash in 2012, but failed to report suspicious activity to the money laundering authorities."

    Compare with Gordon Brown's sale of half the UK's gold reserves:

    "Between 1999 and 2002 the Treasury sold 401 tonnes of gold - out of its 715-tonne holding - at an average price of $275 an ounce, generating about $3.5bn during the period."
    While it's no doubt a big story I think that is a false comparison given that Brown sold our gold at the bottom of the market. What's the $ per ounce now?

    How much more would our gold be worth had Brown not done that then?
  • Options
    SquareRootSquareRoot Posts: 7,095

    Electoral excitement in California's 25th District:

    "The ethics committee launched an inquiry after conservative blog RedState reported allegations that Ms Hill had an affair with one of her congressional aides, a man.

    The same blog separately reported claims that Ms Hill, who is bisexual, had also engaged in a three-way consensual romance with a female campaign staff member and her husband. It published naked images of the politician."

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50203735


    Why on earth did she allow naked photos of herself ?
  • Options
    Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,718

    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    I used to work for EY. If anyone thinks the Big 4 objectively audit their clients rather than try to please them as best they can, to generate repeat business, they are being blissfully naive.

    I’ve said for some time the Big 4 are effectively a cosy cartel, and very well-connected ones too, that lock out many far better British SMEs. But, I can’t see it changing any time soon.

    Too many vested interests.
    Me too, Casino, and I concur.

    From my experience I would say that there is no reason to think the other major firms are any different. The Cartel needs to be broken up.
    Deloitte, EY, PWC and KPMG - all very similar.

    And, although many seem to find this shocking, also know astonishingly little about the businesses and industries they advise or audit as well.
  • Options
    IanB2IanB2 Posts: 47,559
    edited October 2019

    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs voted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    I think you are right. It took me 24 hours to get my head round it but the allowing of 19 Labour MPs being allowed to vote for the WAIB at 2nd Reading has clearly spooked the Lib Dems. Of course the SNP are in a win/win position but for the Lib Dems to gift Johnson his election is an epochal call. But they have decided to roll the dice. They may even be right. But what stakes ? Swinson could be the woman who stops Brrexit. Or the one who ushers in a Tory majority, Brexit and loses her seat. Wagnerian risk.
    And, of course, Labour hasn’t disciplined any of those who broke the whip; even the front bencher remains in position.

    Labour’s best shot is to allow Brexit through and then seek to get elected on the back of the ensuing economic damage. That would push the LibDems to relying upon “we told you so”, which is rarely a sound basis for an election.

    Going for an early election is the LibDems’ best shot. It’s the only chance of stopping Brexit and the best chance of shafting Labour - which is still a requirement for their best long term political strategy. The LibDems can never become the party of the working class but they can become the party of the young - which is how the country is now polarising as per the ageing article someone linked downthread.

    There is a clear risk of a 1983 type result, allowing Brexit to proceed, but that’s not really worse an outcome than Brexit proceeding prior to an election. And running Labour close or beating them could set in chain the long awaited realignment of the left.

    A December election with its weather and dark evenings handicaps Labour’s advantage of activists on the ground. And a pre-Brexit vote puts maximum pressure on Tory remainers.
  • Options
    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,154

    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs voted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    I think you are right. It took me 24 hours to get my head round it but the allowing of 19 Labour MPs being allowed to vote for the WAIB at 2nd Reading has clearly spooked the Lib Dems. Of course the SNP are in a win/win position but for the Lib Dems to gift Johnson his election is an epochal call. But they have decided to roll the dice. They may even be right. But what stakes ? Swinson could be the woman who stops Brrexit. Or the one who ushers in a Tory majority, Brexit and loses her seat. Wagnerian risk.
    The LibDems and the SNP have taken the view that with so many Labour MPs representing Leave-voting seats, Brexit is a question of when, not if. Labour is just trying to find the best way to get to accept a Brexit deal - albeit, making a mighty hash of it.

    The only chance of delaying Brexit is to throw all the pieces in the air and see how they fall. Likely to be unsuccessful though, as even a messy mix of MPs isn't going to lead the EU to think we are going to be a settled member of The Project. We are best let go.
  • Options
    I'm new to the LibDems as you all know. But I do appreciate good politics when I see it, and the Swinson/Blackford accord is genius:
    1. Both parties set to make gains in an election
    2. Both parties happy to demonstrate the fright and hypocrisy on Labour benches of wanting an election but refusing to vote for an election
    3. A pre-Brexit referendum leaves Johnson wide open to attack. Do or die / die in a ditch liar, rehashed 90% of May's deal, magic money tree. Or vote for proper Brexit under Farage. If you're remain your opportunity is a split leave vote and that means an election before Brexit
    4. A lot of problems in a snap December Election. But neutralised by all parties facing same, and Labour/Tory still bitterly divided and arguing vs LibDem/SNP/PC/Green etc ready to go
    5. "Shell enable Johnson" hardly a concern when Corbyn as bad. Only way to emasculate both big parties is elect as many non Lab/Con MPs as possible.

    Fun times...
  • Options
    RogerRoger Posts: 18,917

    I’m old enough to remember when @HYUFD was assuring us that Macron would obviously veto an extension. Or maybe it was Orban?

    https://twitter.com/rymmomtaz/status/1188712977337405441?s=21

    But are you old enough to remember when he was a perfectly reasonable right of centre Conservative with an interesting line in local Party politics in the Epping area?

    You're making me feel old now but I can go even further back. I remember when he was a diehard Remainer before the term had even been coined.
  • Options
    Pro_RataPro_Rata Posts: 4,865
    Is it Corbyn who has a decision to make now? He goes along with 12th December, hardish Brexit is probably delivered, which he would like, but which he will be recognised as a midwife for.

    Or he rejects 12th, gives the Tories a chance to go for 9th, pre-Brexit, or to dig in, but it out of his control and LD/SNP get the electoral consequence of the deal not going through.
  • Options
    Roger said:

    I’m old enough to remember when @HYUFD was assuring us that Macron would obviously veto an extension. Or maybe it was Orban?

    https://twitter.com/rymmomtaz/status/1188712977337405441?s=21

    But are you old enough to remember when he was a perfectly reasonable right of centre Conservative with an interesting line in local Party politics in the Epping area?

    You're making me feel old now but I can go even further back. I remember when he was a diehard Remainer before the term had even been coined.
    Really? Just how old are you?

    You don't remember the Murraymints add, do you? I can still whistle it.
  • Options
    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,154

    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    The scale is astonishing:

    "The auditors discovered that Kaloti had paid out a total of $5.2bn (£4bn) in cash in 2012, but failed to report suspicious activity to the money laundering authorities."

    Compare with Gordon Brown's sale of half the UK's gold reserves:

    "Between 1999 and 2002 the Treasury sold 401 tonnes of gold - out of its 715-tonne holding - at an average price of $275 an ounce, generating about $3.5bn during the period."
    While it's no doubt a big story I think that is a false comparison given that Brown sold our gold at the bottom of the market. What's the $ per ounce now?

    How much more would our gold be worth had Brown not done that then?
    My point was more that they sold a greater value in a year than Brown did over three or four. Just shows how much dodgy gold is sloshing about out there.

    Admittedly, they didn't pre-announce the scale of their sales so as to help crash the market!
  • Options
    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    edited October 2019

    I'm new to the LibDems as you all know. But I do appreciate good politics when I see it, and the Swinson/Blackford accord is genius:
    1. Both parties set to make gains in an election
    2. Both parties happy to demonstrate the fright and hypocrisy on Labour benches of wanting an election but refusing to vote for an election
    3. A pre-Brexit referendum leaves Johnson wide open to attack. Do or die / die in a ditch liar, rehashed 90% of May's deal, magic money tree. Or vote for proper Brexit under Farage. If you're remain your opportunity is a split leave vote and that means an election before Brexit
    4. A lot of problems in a snap December Election. But neutralised by all parties facing same, and Labour/Tory still bitterly divided and arguing vs LibDem/SNP/PC/Green etc ready to go
    5. "Shell enable Johnson" hardly a concern when Corbyn as bad. Only way to emasculate both big parties is elect as many non Lab/Con MPs as possible.

    Fun times...

    Interesting that Labour is the big loser from this agreement, not the Tories.
  • Options
    nico67nico67 Posts: 4,502
    Remainers should be happy they might get another shot at this .

    It’s the last roll of the dice . Better to have a small chance than none at all.
  • Options
    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,971

    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    The scale is astonishing:

    "The auditors discovered that Kaloti had paid out a total of $5.2bn (£4bn) in cash in 2012, but failed to report suspicious activity to the money laundering authorities."

    Compare with Gordon Brown's sale of half the UK's gold reserves:

    "Between 1999 and 2002 the Treasury sold 401 tonnes of gold - out of its 715-tonne holding - at an average price of $275 an ounce, generating about $3.5bn during the period."
    While it's no doubt a big story I think that is a false comparison given that Brown sold our gold at the bottom of the market. What's the $ per ounce now?

    How much more would our gold be worth had Brown not done that then?
    Just shy of $1500.
    So around $15.5bn ?
  • Options
    nico67nico67 Posts: 4,502
    I think the fact Johnson has a deal might help the Lib Dems controversial revoke policy .

    You’ve seen the deal , it’s your call that or Revoke.
  • Options

    AndyJS said:

    Nigelb said:
    Long-standing taken-for-granted-by-the-Left base moves dramatically to the Right.

    Its not like that could ever happen here....
    Which area of the UK are you expecting to lurch Tory?

    Liverpool?
    Northumberland, Durham and Cumbria are more likely.
    Well Northumberland is already Tory apart from Wansbeck and Blyth Valley and I can’t see Labour losing them.

    Durham? Maybe one seat.
    The Tories are very cocky about Workington. Though that's not new and so far without result. The new Independent/Tory administration on Allerdale BC has had a rocky start and may draw some of the sting. However it's the frontline of the Cummings strategy.

    Barrow is hyper marginal. The situation with John Woodcock is a complicating factor. Will he stand ? Will he get any votes if he does ? And who will he take them from ? I think the honest answer is no one knows. Labour's local government base has held up well.

    Westmorland and Lonsdale is slightly different having been Conservative 1832 to 2005. South Lakeland DC was also very unusual in the area in voting Remain. I think the key issue is whether Farron's renewed relentless local focus post leadership will repair his radically reduced majority.

    Copeland has already gone to the Tories at the 2017 by-election so wouldn't be a gain. But it is a ' Cummings ' seat in it was Labour for 70 years and has seen slow but relentless demographic change. The Independent elected Mayor was reelected in a landslide in May and is less than subtly using his bully pulpit to boost the Tory incumbent. Though Labour have a majority of councillors still and the Labour PPC is high calibre.

    Those four Cumbrian seats but especially the three coastal heavily Leave ones are a microcosm of the Cummings strategy.

  • Options

    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    I used to work for EY. If anyone thinks the Big 4 objectively audit their clients rather than try to please them as best they can, to generate repeat business, they are being blissfully naive.

    I’ve said for some time the Big 4 are effectively a cosy cartel, and very well-connected ones too, that lock out many far better British SMEs. But, I can’t see it changing any time soon.

    Too many vested interests.
    Me too, Casino, and I concur.

    From my experience I would say that there is no reason to think the other major firms are any different. The Cartel needs to be broken up.
    Deloitte, EY, PWC and KPMG - all very similar.

    And, although many seem to find this shocking, also know astonishingly little about the businesses and industries they advise or audit as well.
    The biz needs a clean out. Richard N of this parish, who likewise has much experience in the area, has long argued for this. He's absolutely right. The collusion between auditors and clients at the top end has to be dealt with.
  • Options
    MarqueeMarkMarqueeMark Posts: 50,154

    Electoral excitement in California's 25th District:

    "The ethics committee launched an inquiry after conservative blog RedState reported allegations that Ms Hill had an affair with one of her congressional aides, a man.

    The same blog separately reported claims that Ms Hill, who is bisexual, had also engaged in a three-way consensual romance with a female campaign staff member and her husband. It published naked images of the politician."

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50203735


    Why on earth did she allow naked photos of herself ?
    The libido of our politicians and what they do to satisfy it remains one of the mysteries of the ages.
  • Options
    NigelbNigelb Posts: 62,971

    I'm new to the LibDems as you all know. But I do appreciate good politics when I see it, and the Swinson/Blackford accord is genius:
    1. Both parties set to make gains in an election
    2. Both parties happy to demonstrate the fright and hypocrisy on Labour benches of wanting an election but refusing to vote for an election
    3. A pre-Brexit referendum leaves Johnson wide open to attack. Do or die / die in a ditch liar, rehashed 90% of May's deal, magic money tree. Or vote for proper Brexit under Farage. If you're remain your opportunity is a split leave vote and that means an election before Brexit
    4. A lot of problems in a snap December Election. But neutralised by all parties facing same, and Labour/Tory still bitterly divided and arguing vs LibDem/SNP/PC/Green etc ready to go
    5. "Shell enable Johnson" hardly a concern when Corbyn as bad. Only way to emasculate both big parties is elect as many non Lab/Con MPs as possible.

    Fun times...

    I’d agree with much of that.

    And it beats hanging around waiting for something to turn up, which has been the default mode of British politics for the last three years.
  • Options
    RogerRoger Posts: 18,917

    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    The scale is astonishing:

    "The auditors discovered that Kaloti had paid out a total of $5.2bn (£4bn) in cash in 2012, but failed to report suspicious activity to the money laundering authorities."

    Compare with Gordon Brown's sale of half the UK's gold reserves:

    "Between 1999 and 2002 the Treasury sold 401 tonnes of gold - out of its 715-tonne holding - at an average price of $275 an ounce, generating about $3.5bn during the period."
    While it's no doubt a big story I think that is a false comparison given that Brown sold our gold at the bottom of the market. What's the $ per ounce now?

    How much more would our gold be worth had Brown not done that then?
    To put it into context Brown also sold the rights to 3G for £30 billion which dwarfs the money lost on selling gold at the bottom of the market. You win some you lose some. No one except Tommy Doherty has crystal balls.
  • Options
    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395

    Electoral excitement in California's 25th District:

    "The ethics committee launched an inquiry after conservative blog RedState reported allegations that Ms Hill had an affair with one of her congressional aides, a man.

    The same blog separately reported claims that Ms Hill, who is bisexual, had also engaged in a three-way consensual romance with a female campaign staff member and her husband. It published naked images of the politician."

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50203735


    Why on earth did she allow naked photos of herself ?
    Just looked up her district and it's actually a marginal, which is probably unusual for California. Something like 53/47.
  • Options

    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs voted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    I think you are right. It took me 24 hours to get my head round it but the allowing of 19 Labour MPs being allowed to vote for the WAIB at 2nd Reading has clearly spooked the Lib Dems. Of course the SNP are in a win/win position but for the Lib Dems to gift Johnson his election is an epochal call. But they have decided to roll the dice. They may even be right. But what stakes ? Swinson could be the woman who stops Brrexit. Or the one who ushers in a Tory majority, Brexit and loses her seat. Wagnerian risk.
    Its a big risk but its the only way to actually achieve the goal.

    If anything it shows huge integrity.
    Yes, huge risk but huge upside if it comes off. If it doesn't, nobody would have any reason to complain about the outcome. Fairy nuff, no?
    I think Jo Swinson has made a calculated judgment that a 'peoples vote' is impossible in this HOC and indeed if Boris squeaks the deal through that ends any chance of remaining. I am content for a GE to be held and that if Boris fails to get a majority then a referendum is secure for Summer 2020 and it would be legitimate as the arguments have played out through the GE

    As I said yesterday a Boris majority government taking us out on the 1st January 2020, in accordance of the likely EU response to the Benn letter, is fine by me but also a summer 2020 referendum is also fine by me and I would accept the result without dissent
  • Options
    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    "2:30pm
    Oral questions
    Home Affairs (including Topical Questions)

    Motion
    Early Parliamentary General Election

    Legislation
    Environment Bill: 2nd reading

    Motion
    Section 3(2) of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019

    Adjournment
    Provision of the service by Southern Water in Tunbridge Wells constituency"

    https://www.parliament.uk/business/commons/
  • Options
    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395

    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs voted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    I think you are right. It took me 24 hours to get my head round it but the allowing of 19 Labour MPs being allowed to vote for the WAIB at 2nd Reading has clearly spooked the Lib Dems. Of course the SNP are in a win/win position but for the Lib Dems to gift Johnson his election is an epochal call. But they have decided to roll the dice. They may even be right. But what stakes ? Swinson could be the woman who stops Brrexit. Or the one who ushers in a Tory majority, Brexit and loses her seat. Wagnerian risk.
    Even if the LDs do very well at the election, Corbyn may still make it difficult to stop Brexit. Unless they manage to displace Labour as the main opposition.
  • Options
    GIN1138GIN1138 Posts: 20,930
    Good morning PB and happy Man Up MOnday to you all! :D
  • Options
    DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300
    Nigelb said:

    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    The scale is astonishing:

    "The auditors discovered that Kaloti had paid out a total of $5.2bn (£4bn) in cash in 2012, but failed to report suspicious activity to the money laundering authorities."

    Compare with Gordon Brown's sale of half the UK's gold reserves:

    "Between 1999 and 2002 the Treasury sold 401 tonnes of gold - out of its 715-tonne holding - at an average price of $275 an ounce, generating about $3.5bn during the period."
    While it's no doubt a big story I think that is a false comparison given that Brown sold our gold at the bottom of the market. What's the $ per ounce now?

    How much more would our gold be worth had Brown not done that then?
    Just shy of $1500.
    So around $15.5bn ?
    So around four days' government spending (and less than that if Brexit hadn't tanked the pound).
  • Options
    timmotimmo Posts: 1,469

    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs voted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    I think you are right. It took me 24 hours to get my head round it but the allowing of 19 Labour MPs being allowed to vote for the WAIB at 2nd Reading has clearly spooked the Lib Dems. Of course the SNP are in a win/win position but for the Lib Dems to gift Johnson his election is an epochal call. But they have decided to roll the dice. They may even be right. But what stakes ? Swinson could be the woman who stops Brrexit. Or the one who ushers in a Tory majority, Brexit and loses her seat. Wagnerian risk.
    Its a big risk but its the only way to actually achieve the goal.

    If anything it shows huge integrity.
    Integrity?...Dont make me laugh..
    The combining of the words Lib Dems and Integrity creates an oxymoron of the highest order.
  • Options
    SquareRootSquareRoot Posts: 7,095
    Roger said:

    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    The scale is astonishing:

    "The auditors discovered that Kaloti had paid out a total of $5.2bn (£4bn) in cash in 2012, but failed to report suspicious activity to the money laundering authorities."

    Compare with Gordon Brown's sale of half the UK's gold reserves:

    "Between 1999 and 2002 the Treasury sold 401 tonnes of gold - out of its 715-tonne holding - at an average price of $275 an ounce, generating about $3.5bn during the period."
    While it's no doubt a big story I think that is a false comparison given that Brown sold our gold at the bottom of the market. What's the $ per ounce now?

    How much more would our gold be worth had Brown not done that then?
    To put it into context Brown also sold the rights to 3G for £30 billion which dwarfs the money lost on selling gold at the bottom of the market. You win some you lose some. No one except Tommy Doherty has crystal balls.
    Don't you just love it Roger ….just glossing over Brown losing billions of our money in selling our gold reserves. He should have had hard labour for so doing.
  • Options
    AndyJS said:

    I'm new to the LibDems as you all know. But I do appreciate good politics when I see it, and the Swinson/Blackford accord is genius:
    1. Both parties set to make gains in an election
    2. Both parties happy to demonstrate the fright and hypocrisy on Labour benches of wanting an election but refusing to vote for an election
    3. A pre-Brexit referendum leaves Johnson wide open to attack. Do or die / die in a ditch liar, rehashed 90% of May's deal, magic money tree. Or vote for proper Brexit under Farage. If you're remain your opportunity is a split leave vote and that means an election before Brexit
    4. A lot of problems in a snap December Election. But neutralised by all parties facing same, and Labour/Tory still bitterly divided and arguing vs LibDem/SNP/PC/Green etc ready to go
    5. "Shell enable Johnson" hardly a concern when Corbyn as bad. Only way to emasculate both big parties is elect as many non Lab/Con MPs as possible.

    Fun times...

    Interesting that Labour is the big loser from this agreement, not the Tories.
    Labour are the big loser whatever happens - there is no avoiding that now. They cannot straddle the fence pretending to be remain when their policy is leave and expect anyone other than "Labour til I die" voters to turn out for them. They're going to get an absolute walloping Tory 1997 style because of their 2017 voters now being their former voters.

    The game therefore is ensuring their seats swing to other remain parties rather than other leave parties. And the 19 Labour MPs not only allowed to vote for the WA but in one case continuing to be a shadow minister without any sanctions at all HAS spooked remain parties - you want proof that Corbyn is happy to let Brexit happen here it is.

    That is going to be the message you hear on every doorstep conversation from ANY of the remain parties in any seat. If you have a remain Labour MP it doesn't matter what they say look at what they do. Labour would negotiate a deal to leave the EU and if you think you can trust the party to back remain in the confirmatory referendum on their deal look to the 19 MPs who backed Johnson's WA with Corbyn's blessing.
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    NickPalmerNickPalmer Posts: 21,380

    I'm new to the LibDems as you all know. But I do appreciate good politics when I see it, and the Swinson/Blackford accord is genius:
    1. Both parties set to make gains in an election
    2. Both parties happy to demonstrate the fright and hypocrisy on Labour benches of wanting an election but refusing to vote for an election
    3. A pre-Brexit referendum leaves Johnson wide open to attack. Do or die / die in a ditch liar, rehashed 90% of May's deal, magic money tree. Or vote for proper Brexit under Farage. If you're remain your opportunity is a split leave vote and that means an election before Brexit
    4. A lot of problems in a snap December Election. But neutralised by all parties facing same, and Labour/Tory still bitterly divided and arguing vs LibDem/SNP/PC/Green etc ready to go
    5. "Shell enable Johnson" hardly a concern when Corbyn as bad. Only way to emasculate both big parties is elect as many non Lab/Con MPs as possible.

    Fun times...

    Well, I'm in a seat which is on the LibDem target list as they came top in the local elections and the Euros. I know a lot of people who voted LibDem tactically, some of them (pssst!) Labour party members. They are nearly all predominantly motivated by stopping Brexit. They are increasingly repelled by Swinson's tactics, which seem to them to be prioritising party success over the Remain cause; they were unhappy with her refusal to countenance a transitional Corbyn PM arrangement, they all disagreed with the commitment to Revoke (as did some LibDem friends), and the three who I've spoken with since she offered to facilitate an early election say they are appalled and absolutely won't vote LibDem again - "she is going to be the midwife of a Tory landslide, just so she can say she won 20 seats", says one.

    You might be picking up dissident Tory votes instead? But certainly you're putting off the tactical Labour vote, and I suspect that's why the LibDem score in most polls is off the boil.
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    nico67 said:

    Remainers should be happy they might get another shot at this .

    It’s the last roll of the dice . Better to have a small chance than none at all.

    It really is that simple.
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    SandpitSandpit Posts: 49,990
    edited October 2019

    Electoral excitement in California's 25th District:

    "The ethics committee launched an inquiry after conservative blog RedState reported allegations that Ms Hill had an affair with one of her congressional aides, a man.

    The same blog separately reported claims that Ms Hill, who is bisexual, had also engaged in a three-way consensual romance with a female campaign staff member and her husband. It published naked images of the politician."

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50203735


    Why on earth did she allow naked photos of herself ?
    How many more prominent people have to be undone by naked photos, before people realise that taking naked photos is a bad idea?
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    SquareRootSquareRoot Posts: 7,095
    Sandpit said:

    Electoral excitement in California's 25th District:

    "The ethics committee launched an inquiry after conservative blog RedState reported allegations that Ms Hill had an affair with one of her congressional aides, a man.

    The same blog separately reported claims that Ms Hill, who is bisexual, had also engaged in a three-way consensual romance with a female campaign staff member and her husband. It published naked images of the politician."

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50203735


    Why on earth did she allow naked photos of herself ?
    How many more prominent people have to be undone by naked photos, before people realise that taking naked photos is a bad idea?
    of course she might not have know they were being taken...
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    DecrepitJohnLDecrepitJohnL Posts: 13,300

    Roger said:

    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    The scale is astonishing:

    "The auditors discovered that Kaloti had paid out a total of $5.2bn (£4bn) in cash in 2012, but failed to report suspicious activity to the money laundering authorities."

    Compare with Gordon Brown's sale of half the UK's gold reserves:

    "Between 1999 and 2002 the Treasury sold 401 tonnes of gold - out of its 715-tonne holding - at an average price of $275 an ounce, generating about $3.5bn during the period."
    While it's no doubt a big story I think that is a false comparison given that Brown sold our gold at the bottom of the market. What's the $ per ounce now?

    How much more would our gold be worth had Brown not done that then?
    To put it into context Brown also sold the rights to 3G for £30 billion which dwarfs the money lost on selling gold at the bottom of the market. You win some you lose some. No one except Tommy Doherty has crystal balls.
    Don't you just love it Roger ….just glossing over Brown losing billions of our money in selling our gold reserves. He should have had hard labour for so doing.
    Brown did not lose any money selling the gold reserves; he missed out on the price rise since the sale, which is not quite the same thing. In any case, it looks like about half a week's government spending so he might as well have lost it down the back of the Treasury sofa.
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    MysticroseMysticrose Posts: 4,688

    DavidL said:

    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?

    The Lib Dem/SNP plan has their bill's passage this Tues to Thurs then dissolution next Monday with the election date of the 9th set in law. In other words the WAIB is abandoned. Boris' offer tonight is a promise of the 12th ( which isn't legally binding as proclaimation is a prerogative power ) plus at least 3 extra days of scrutiny of the WAIB added to the defeated timetable. This leaves open the possibility of the WAIB becoming law before the election and Boris breaking his promise on the GE date.

    So the differences are the Lib Dem/SNP plan 1. Legally guarentees the date. 2. Kills the WAIB ensuring the entire Brexit issue is unresolved on polling day.
    Yep and they like the 9th as more Uni students will still be 'up'
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    AndyJSAndyJS Posts: 29,395
    edited October 2019

    AndyJS said:

    I'm new to the LibDems as you all know. But I do appreciate good politics when I see it, and the Swinson/Blackford accord is genius:
    1. Both parties set to make gains in an election
    2. Both parties happy to demonstrate the fright and hypocrisy on Labour benches of wanting an election but refusing to vote for an election
    3. A pre-Brexit referendum leaves Johnson wide open to attack. Do or die / die in a ditch liar, rehashed 90% of May's deal, magic money tree. Or vote for proper Brexit under Farage. If you're remain your opportunity is a split leave vote and that means an election before Brexit
    4. A lot of problems in a snap December Election. But neutralised by all parties facing same, and Labour/Tory still bitterly divided and arguing vs LibDem/SNP/PC/Green etc ready to go
    5. "Shell enable Johnson" hardly a concern when Corbyn as bad. Only way to emasculate both big parties is elect as many non Lab/Con MPs as possible.

    Fun times...

    Interesting that Labour is the big loser from this agreement, not the Tories.
    Labour are the big loser whatever happens - there is no avoiding that now. They cannot straddle the fence pretending to be remain when their policy is leave and expect anyone other than "Labour til I die" voters to turn out for them. They're going to get an absolute walloping Tory 1997 style because of their 2017 voters now being their former voters.

    The game therefore is ensuring their seats swing to other remain parties rather than other leave parties. And the 19 Labour MPs not only allowed to vote for the WA but in one case continuing to be a shadow minister without any sanctions at all HAS spooked remain parties - you want proof that Corbyn is happy to let Brexit happen here it is.

    That is going to be the message you hear on every doorstep conversation from ANY of the remain parties in any seat. If you have a remain Labour MP it doesn't matter what they say look at what they do. Labour would negotiate a deal to leave the EU and if you think you can trust the party to back remain in the confirmatory referendum on their deal look to the 19 MPs who backed Johnson's WA with Corbyn's blessing.
    The thing we don't know is whether the average voter prioritises Brexit over everything else in the same way that most of us political anoraks do.
  • Options
    MysticroseMysticrose Posts: 4,688
    AndyJS said:

    DavidL said:

    Does anyone understand why the Lib Dem/SNP date is the 9th rather than the 12th? It probably screws up the NATO conference which was more important than usual given the Turkey position but I rather doubt that Boris would have been minded to take a couple of days off in the week of the vote anyway. I have read some suggestion that it affects whether Universities have broken up or not but most Universities won't break up until the following week anyway.

    It might be that it is just to be different but am I missing something?

    Jo Swinson is talking about it right now on Today: she says it means students are more likely to still be at university/college, and also the public doesn't like elections very close to Christmas and this is 3 days less close to it.
    She's having a good few days. LibDems looking very strong on this.

    Kudos.
  • Options
    rkrkrkrkrkrk Posts: 7,925

    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    I used to work for EY. If anyone thinks the Big 4 objectively audit their clients rather than try to please them as best they can, to generate repeat business, they are being blissfully naive.

    I’ve said for some time the Big 4 are effectively a cosy cartel, and very well-connected ones too, that lock out many far better British SMEs. But, I can’t see it changing any time soon.

    Too many vested interests.
    Me too, Casino, and I concur.

    From my experience I would say that there is no reason to think the other major firms are any different. The Cartel needs to be broken up.
    Deloitte, EY, PWC and KPMG - all very similar.

    And, although many seem to find this shocking, also know astonishingly little about the businesses and industries they advise or audit as well.
    If only there was a major party willing to advocate the break up of the big 4 and take on those vested interests...
    https://www.ft.com/content/89305db0-fed6-11e8-ac00-57a2a826423e
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    kle4kle4 Posts: 92,086
    Roger said:

    Jo Swinson on R4. Her strategy is becoming clearer. She wants to shaft Corbyn. "19 of his MPs voted with the Tories. They can't be relied on"

    She's growing on me. She seems honest and I know from my small dealings with her party some years ago that she will have some very smart marketing people on board. The ad industry polled something like 98% Remain.

    I'd expect the Johnson character question to be central to her campaign.

    The ld strategy last time was to shaft Corbyn too. Explicitly so, it was about replacing labour as the main opposition.

    She will do better than farron did, but will be similarly disappointed. Tories are already getting hubristic, and labour will use that to recover position just like last time.not quite as effectively I'd bet, but well enough.
  • Options

    Roger said:

    DavidL said:

    O/t this is a truly remarkable story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50194681

    Allegations by Panorama that EY as auditors helped to conceal $4bn of gold sales that were laundering drug profits. If true what the hell was going on in such a well run, establishment auditor? Quite bizarre.

    The scale is astonishing:

    "The auditors discovered that Kaloti had paid out a total of $5.2bn (£4bn) in cash in 2012, but failed to report suspicious activity to the money laundering authorities."

    Compare with Gordon Brown's sale of half the UK's gold reserves:

    "Between 1999 and 2002 the Treasury sold 401 tonnes of gold - out of its 715-tonne holding - at an average price of $275 an ounce, generating about $3.5bn during the period."
    While it's no doubt a big story I think that is a false comparison given that Brown sold our gold at the bottom of the market. What's the $ per ounce now?

    How much more would our gold be worth had Brown not done that then?
    To put it into context Brown also sold the rights to 3G for £30 billion which dwarfs the money lost on selling gold at the bottom of the market. You win some you lose some. No one except Tommy Doherty has crystal balls.
    Don't you just love it Roger ….just glossing over Brown losing billions of our money in selling our gold reserves. He should have had hard labour for so doing.
    Brown did not lose any money selling the gold reserves; he missed out on the price rise since the sale, which is not quite the same thing. In any case, it looks like about half a week's government spending so he might as well have lost it down the back of the Treasury sofa.
    He didn't just miss the price rise he caused the price crash!
  • Options
    kle4kle4 Posts: 92,086
    AndyJS said:

    AndyJS said:

    I'm new to the LibDems as you all know. But I do appreciate good politics when I see it, and the Swinson/Blackford accord is genius:
    1. Both parties set to make gains in an election
    2. Both parties happy to demonstrate the fright and hypocrisy on Labour benches of wanting an election but refusing to vote for an election
    3. A pre-Brexit referendum leaves Johnson wide open to attack. Do or die / die in a ditch liar, rehashed 90% of May's deal, magic money tree. Or vote for proper Brexit under Farage. If you're remain your opportunity is a split leave vote and that means an election before Brexit
    4. A lot of problems in a snap December Election. But neutralised by all parties facing same, and Labour/Tory still bitterly divided and arguing vs LibDem/SNP/PC/Green etc ready to go
    5. "Shell enable Johnson" hardly a concern when Corbyn as bad. Only way to emasculate both big parties is elect as many non Lab/Con MPs as possible.

    Fun times...

    Interesting that Labour is the big loser from this agreement, not the Tories.
    Labour are the big loser whatever happens - there is no avoiding that now. They cannot straddle the fence pretending to be remain when their policy is leave and expect anyone other than "Labour til I die" voters to turn out for them. They're going to get an absolute walloping Tory 1997 style because of their 2017 voters now being their former voters.

    The game therefore is ensuring their seats swing to other remain parties rather than other leave parties. And the 19 Labour MPs not only allowed to vote for the WA but in one case continuing to be a shadow minister without any sanctions at all HAS spooked remain parties - you want proof that Corbyn is happy to let Brexit happen here it is.

    That is going to be the message you hear on every doorstep conversation from ANY of the remain parties in any seat. If you have a remain Labour MP it doesn't matter what they say look at what they do. Labour would negotiate a deal to leave the EU and if you think you can trust the party to back remain in the confirmatory referendum on their deal look to the 19 MPs who backed Johnson's WA with Corbyn's blessing.
    The thing we don't know is whether the average voter prioritises Brexit over everything else in the same way that most of us political anoraks do.
    Last time they didnt. This time it really is a proxy referendum as while theoretically labour policy could see is Brexit 95% of its mps will ensure that does not happen. No tory majority = no brexit, unless they are literally short by 5.
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    kle4kle4 Posts: 92,086
    Is Stephen lloyd standing in a GE? If I were him I'd be pissed - unlike many others he took a difficult from the start and stuck with it, and it's meant nothing. Can the LDs let him stand when he would back a brexit deal?
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    edmundintokyoedmundintokyo Posts: 17,157


    Don't you just love it Roger ….just glossing over Brown losing billions of our money in selling our gold reserves. He should have had hard labour for so doing.

    This whole talking point is so dumb. Do you think the British government should be doing commodities speculation? Or sitting on volatile assets they don't need producing no return while simultaneously borrowing huge sums of money on the markets?

    Once the government finds that it doesn't need an asset it should sell it. Guessing what's going up and what's going down isn't its job, and there's no reason why it should be better at it than the markets.
  • Options
    old_labourold_labour Posts: 3,238

    Electoral excitement in California's 25th District:

    "The ethics committee launched an inquiry after conservative blog RedState reported allegations that Ms Hill had an affair with one of her congressional aides, a man.

    The same blog separately reported claims that Ms Hill, who is bisexual, had also engaged in a three-way consensual romance with a female campaign staff member and her husband. It published naked images of the politician."

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-50203735


    Why on earth did she allow naked photos of herself ?
    What a gal! She has managed to put Shagger in the shade. :o
This discussion has been closed.