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How will the BoJo exit betting look after the May locals? – politicalbetting.com

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  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,008
    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    On topic, I expect the locals next month to be an absolute disaster for the Conservatives.

    I also expect Boris to stay in place because it's totally unclear who'd replace him and do any better.

    So, I am betting accordingly.

    Any free bets I get I put them on starmer as next PM. I cannot see the Tories ditching him.
    Taz said:

    On topic, I expect the locals next month to be an absolute disaster for the Conservatives.

    I also expect Boris to stay in place because it's totally unclear who'd replace him and do any better.

    So, I am betting accordingly.

    Any free bets I get I put them on starmer as next PM. I cannot see the Tories ditching him.
    Yes, I am now betting on Starmer.

    I don't expect a slam dunk but I think the most likely scenario now is that the Tories lose sufficient seats in 2024 for him to enter office as PM at the head of a Labour minority government.
    A minority labour/lib Dem govt with confidence and supply from the SNP is what I expect.

    I also expect the next general election to show some interesting results to show a major shift. I think the Tories will hold on in some places they are not expected to, and even may make a couple of gains although I do expect a chunk of the red wall to go back.. I also expect they will lose in their heartlands to reflect changing demographics, particularly younger age groups moving to places like Wycombe and Hastings.
    It's the cost of living that will kill the Tories.

    The trouble is that inflation hits pensioners, as much as anyone else, so their core base will be undermined too.

    I don't think people think Labour have much better answers but they might roll the dice anyway.
  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,009
    Wow. There's a government minister with a shred of integrity.

    Or rather there was.
  • state_go_awaystate_go_away Posts: 5,415
    ydoethur said:

    Michael Fabricant demonstrates once again Boris Johnson is not the most fluent liar in politics:

    Nursing and teaching bodies complain about MP's lockdown drink comments
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-61088139

    If he had names, he should pass them to the police.

    He won’t because like the stupid looking lazy dishonest amoral pillock he is, he’s making it up.

    It’s awfully tempting to stand as an Indie in Lichfield every five minutes so I can call him a lying, stupid looking, lazy c*** in every debate.

    thing is there will have been nurses and teachers doing that along with loads of others in the country - i certainly did not adhere to lockdown rules.But its not the point as nurses and teachers did not make the stupid laws in the first place. A great rule is dont make laws you cannot keep yourself.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What provoked this?
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 66,737

    ydoethur said:

    Michael Fabricant demonstrates once again Boris Johnson is not the most fluent liar in politics:

    Nursing and teaching bodies complain about MP's lockdown drink comments
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-61088139

    If he had names, he should pass them to the police.

    He won’t because like the stupid looking lazy dishonest amoral pillock he is, he’s making it up.

    It’s awfully tempting to stand as an Indie in Lichfield every five minutes so I can call him a lying, stupid looking, lazy c*** in every debate.

    thing is there will have been nurses and teachers doing that along with loads of others in the country - i certainly did not adhere to lockdown rules.But its not the point as nurses and teachers did not make the stupid laws in the first place. A great rule is dont make laws you cannot keep yourself.
    That may be one point, but the further point is if he’s got names of people who did that he is technically concealing a felony by not passing them on.

    Which is a crime.

    But as I say, he doesn’t have names. He’s just a lying wanker. As he always has been.
  • FossFoss Posts: 694
    RobD said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What provoked this?
    It seems to be continued fallout over Steinmeier's blocked trip.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,038

    I’m at my Perpignan apartment and have decided to stay in for the evening. I found a Carrefour City at the end of the road (SO much better than the crappy Tesco Metros I used to have to go to in London). I’ve bought the essentials - beer, wine and coffee - and the luxuries - washing liquid and food for tonight.

    I couldn’t find my new favourite beer, but was very pleased to find my favourite from my last road trip in France, La Goudale. It’s 7.2% ABV, very tasty and was only just over €2 for each 750ml bottle from the fridge (I was rather amused that the only beer sold out was the Camden Hells, the only British beer they had). I’m a small glass away from starting the second bottle. Then I can crack open my bottle of Roussillon red.

    I’ve got veal escalopes (which only came in packs of two, so I may be eating the same for lunch tomorrow); mushrooms, garlic and crème fraiche for the sauce, and some new potatoes. I thought about getting some green veg, but I’ve only got two hobs. I’ve done my prep and will be cooking soon, before I get too drunk 🤪

    I’ve got my washing on and I’ve been enjoying a very entertaining cat fight in the courtyard outside while tucking into my first beer.

    Oh, and I had a stroll down to Dali’s “centre of the universe” earlier, and it’s not all that impressive (though was probably relatively more so when Dali said it). But I did handily get to look at some train schedules for Friday.

    You are Michel Hollebecque and I claim my €5!!

    Your descriptions of food and wine from the Carrefour are the give away; down to the new potato and some garlic sauce.

    Every one of your novels has featured this.

  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228
    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    lol

    Obscure anti-EU websites?

    The Twitter account linked there is:

    "Senior Fellow
    @ecfr
    Lead Tech & EuropeanPower #Drone politics PhD
    @UniofOxford previously
    @sciencespo
    . #Germany #Defence #AI. Diskutiert bei
    @SicherheitsPod"

    And has 46,000 followers
  • Luckyguy1983Luckyguy1983 Posts: 25,042
    dixiedean said:

    Omnium said:

    Omnium said:

    Tobias Ellwood saying that if may elections do not go well than Boris must seek a vote of confidence

    Which he will never do........and would still win even if there was a vote.

    It is pathetic.
    I am increasingly not sure he would win
    He's been far too radical and scary.

    Military types in the race

    Elwood- we're all dead
    Tugendhat - that's a gamble
    Wallace - running the odd risk
    Don't forget Penny Mordaunt.
    Her dad serving doesn't count.

    I do quite like her, but nowhere near a contender in my thoughts. However my thoughts are clearly not best aligned with what might happen.... I rather like Patel for example.
    I like Patel. The issue seems to be that we're in a minority of two. And I am not a party member.
    Make that three, and I'm not a Tory.
    She genuinely seems to believe in what she says. Though that isn't to my taste, honesty is in short supply in this government.
    And she doesn't go out of her way to kiss the PM's arse. An almost unique quality.
    I think she's been hung out to dry a few times by Bojo, and she knows she can't be moved, so she just doesn't bother.

    She is way more of a complete politician than Truss.
  • BigRichBigRich Posts: 3,489

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    That is shocking

    And hypocritical, perhaps Germany could stop helping Russia 'interfere with the domestic politics' in Ukraine by not giving Russia so much cash, while they are destining a democratic nation.
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,038
    Paging John Gray:


    John Rentoul

    @JohnRentoul

    Vladimir Putin, “a detour on the road of Whiggish teleology”. Janan Ganesh https://ft.com/content/881c14dd-08ce-4266-8127-24f3c398e8d3

    https://twitter.com/JohnRentoul/status/1514308918469615630
  • state_go_awaystate_go_away Posts: 5,415
    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    Michael Fabricant demonstrates once again Boris Johnson is not the most fluent liar in politics:

    Nursing and teaching bodies complain about MP's lockdown drink comments
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-61088139

    If he had names, he should pass them to the police.

    He won’t because like the stupid looking lazy dishonest amoral pillock he is, he’s making it up.

    It’s awfully tempting to stand as an Indie in Lichfield every five minutes so I can call him a lying, stupid looking, lazy c*** in every debate.

    thing is there will have been nurses and teachers doing that along with loads of others in the country - i certainly did not adhere to lockdown rules.But its not the point as nurses and teachers did not make the stupid laws in the first place. A great rule is dont make laws you cannot keep yourself.
    That may be one point, but the further point is if he’s got names of people who did that he is technically concealing a felony by not passing them on.

    Which is a crime.

    But as I say, he doesn’t have names. He’s just a lying wanker. As he always has been.
    not really as if you see somebody speeding do you report it to the police ? No , nobody does. The point is to not make draconian laws you cannot keep yourself
  • StillWatersStillWaters Posts: 6,760

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Use of “the” Ukraine (assuming that is not just in translation) will rattle their cage. What are the Ukrainians supposed to have done?
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 27,835
    edited April 2022

    ydoethur said:

    Michael Fabricant demonstrates once again Boris Johnson is not the most fluent liar in politics:

    Nursing and teaching bodies complain about MP's lockdown drink comments
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-61088139

    If he had names, he should pass them to the police.

    He won’t because like the stupid looking lazy dishonest amoral pillock he is, he’s making it up.

    It’s awfully tempting to stand as an Indie in Lichfield every five minutes so I can call him a lying, stupid looking, lazy c*** in every debate.

    thing is there will have been nurses and teachers doing that along with loads of others in the country - i certainly did not adhere to lockdown rules.But its not the point as nurses and teachers did not make the stupid laws in the first place. A great rule is dont make laws you cannot keep yourself.
    There probably were.
    Though I never came across alcohol in a staff room at the end of a day. It's probably a disciplinary offence.
    But the vast majority didn't.
    A certain type seems to think workplace drinking culture is widespread. It isn't anymore.
  • I’m at my Perpignan apartment and have decided to stay in for the evening. I found a Carrefour City at the end of the road (SO much better than the crappy Tesco Metros I used to have to go to in London). I’ve bought the essentials - beer, wine and coffee - and the luxuries - washing liquid and food for tonight.

    I couldn’t find my new favourite beer, but was very pleased to find my favourite from my last road trip in France, La Goudale. It’s 7.2% ABV, very tasty and was only just over €2 for each 750ml bottle from the fridge (I was rather amused that the only beer sold out was the Camden Hells, the only British beer they had). I’m a small glass away from starting the second bottle. Then I can crack open my bottle of Roussillon red.

    I’ve got veal escalopes (which only came in packs of two, so I may be eating the same for lunch tomorrow); mushrooms, garlic and crème fraiche for the sauce, and some new potatoes. I thought about getting some green veg, but I’ve only got two hobs. I’ve done my prep and will be cooking soon, before I get too drunk 🤪

    I’ve got my washing on and I’ve been enjoying a very entertaining cat fight in the courtyard outside while tucking into my first beer.

    Oh, and I had a stroll down to Dali’s “centre of the universe” earlier, and it’s not all that impressive (though was probably relatively more so when Dali said it). But I did handily get to look at some train schedules for Friday.

    You are Michel Hollebecque and I claim my €5!!

    Your descriptions of food and wine from the Carrefour are the give away; down to the new potato and some garlic sauce.

    Every one of your novels has featured this.

    I wish I knew who you were talking about. He sounds like an interesting and entertaining fellow :wink:
  • ydoethurydoethur Posts: 66,737
    edited April 2022
    .

    ydoethur said:

    ydoethur said:

    Michael Fabricant demonstrates once again Boris Johnson is not the most fluent liar in politics:

    Nursing and teaching bodies complain about MP's lockdown drink comments
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-61088139

    If he had names, he should pass them to the police.

    He won’t because like the stupid looking lazy dishonest amoral pillock he is, he’s making it up.

    It’s awfully tempting to stand as an Indie in Lichfield every five minutes so I can call him a lying, stupid looking, lazy c*** in every debate.

    thing is there will have been nurses and teachers doing that along with loads of others in the country - i certainly did not adhere to lockdown rules.But its not the point as nurses and teachers did not make the stupid laws in the first place. A great rule is dont make laws you cannot keep yourself.
    That may be one point, but the further point is if he’s got names of people who did that he is technically concealing a felony by not passing them on.

    Which is a crime.

    But as I say, he doesn’t have names. He’s just a lying wanker. As he always has been.
    not really as if you see somebody speeding do you report it to the police ? No , nobody does. The point is to not make draconian laws you cannot keep yourself
    Depends on whether I have dashcam footage or not.

    Edit - and the bigger point is he’s a lying wanker who is unfit to be clerk to a parish council. Remember, this is a man who tried to block the electrification of a local railway because he said electric trains were noisier than diesels.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 48,911
    RobD said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What provoked this?
    "Der Angriff Steinmeiers war ein Befehl!"
  • MalmesburyMalmesbury Posts: 43,612
    RobD said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What provoked this?
    Repeatedly calling out German members of the Putin franchise.
  • state_go_awaystate_go_away Posts: 5,415
    dixiedean said:

    ydoethur said:

    Michael Fabricant demonstrates once again Boris Johnson is not the most fluent liar in politics:

    Nursing and teaching bodies complain about MP's lockdown drink comments
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-61088139

    If he had names, he should pass them to the police.

    He won’t because like the stupid looking lazy dishonest amoral pillock he is, he’s making it up.

    It’s awfully tempting to stand as an Indie in Lichfield every five minutes so I can call him a lying, stupid looking, lazy c*** in every debate.

    thing is there will have been nurses and teachers doing that along with loads of others in the country - i certainly did not adhere to lockdown rules.But its not the point as nurses and teachers did not make the stupid laws in the first place. A great rule is dont make laws you cannot keep yourself.
    There probably were.
    Though I never came across alcohol in a staff room at the end of a day.
    But the vast majority didn't.
    A certain type seems to think a workplace drinking culture is widespread. It isn't anymore.
    nothing wrong with a workplace culture and Johnson is not in trouble for being involved in one - he is in trouble for making laws and not thinking he then has to adhere to them
  • Gary_BurtonGary_Burton Posts: 737
    https://twitter.com/electpoliticsuk

    BREAKING:

    Craig Whittaker, Conservative MP for Calder Valley, has said Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak should resign.

    Interesting how few Tory MPs in marginal seats have spoken out TBH.

  • ChrisChris Posts: 11,009
    Still and always the definitive comment on Boris Johnson's career:
    https://twitter.com/haggis_uk/status/1180721558500909056
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 48,911
    ydoethur said:

    Michael Fabricant demonstrates once again Boris Johnson is not the most fluent liar in politics:

    Nursing and teaching bodies complain about MP's lockdown drink comments
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-61088139

    If he had names, he should pass them to the police.

    He won’t because like the stupid looking lazy dishonest amoral pillock he is, he’s making it up.

    It’s awfully tempting to stand as an Indie in Lichfield at the next election so I can call him a lying, stupid looking, lazy c*** every five minutes in every debate.

    Fabricant has the appearance of a third-rate Boris impersonator.
  • dixiedeandixiedean Posts: 27,835

    dixiedean said:

    ydoethur said:

    Michael Fabricant demonstrates once again Boris Johnson is not the most fluent liar in politics:

    Nursing and teaching bodies complain about MP's lockdown drink comments
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-61088139

    If he had names, he should pass them to the police.

    He won’t because like the stupid looking lazy dishonest amoral pillock he is, he’s making it up.

    It’s awfully tempting to stand as an Indie in Lichfield every five minutes so I can call him a lying, stupid looking, lazy c*** in every debate.

    thing is there will have been nurses and teachers doing that along with loads of others in the country - i certainly did not adhere to lockdown rules.But its not the point as nurses and teachers did not make the stupid laws in the first place. A great rule is dont make laws you cannot keep yourself.
    There probably were.
    Though I never came across alcohol in a staff room at the end of a day.
    But the vast majority didn't.
    A certain type seems to think a workplace drinking culture is widespread. It isn't anymore.
    nothing wrong with a workplace culture and Johnson is not in trouble for being involved in one - he is in trouble for making laws and not thinking he then has to adhere to them
    No. But Fabricant is in trouble for suggesting every one treats work as what they do between rounds.
    Which may be a view if you only ever hang out with politicians and journalists.
    For the vast majority it's a disciplinary offence.
  • TheuniondivvieTheuniondivvie Posts: 39,748
    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    These good faith criticisms of the EU, France, Germany, Ireland etc are the perfect antidote to all the bad faith criticisms of BJ, the Tory party, Brexit and the UK, a breath of fresh air blowing away all those fetid Remoaner cobwebs imo.
  • BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,273
    Anyone keeping a list of possible byelections in the next 12 months?

    I'm thinking:

    - Somerton and Frome
    - Leicester East
    - Wakefield
    - Reigate
    - Richmond (Yorks)

    Any others?
  • nico679 said:

    I was never ashamed to have either Cameron or May as PM.

    Whilst not a Tory voter I didn’t think they debased British politics. Johnson has lowered the bar so much that lying is now normalized.

    There is no honour or principles left in the Tory party where the vast majority of MPs continue to turn a blind eye to the destruction of standards that politicians should adhere to .

    I might have disagreed with previous Conservative PMs, minsters, governments, but I at least respected them and could grudgingly admit they believed they were doing the right thing for the country and it’s people, even if I thought they were going about it the wrong way. They contained talented, principled people.

    Not this bloody shower. It’s just about Johnson, clinging on to power for as long as he can. That’s it. There are no plans, no vision. Everything’s going slowly tits up, and there’s a vacuum in Westminster. A black hole of talent where the government should be. There are only non-entities plucked from deserved backbench obscurity because they pose no threat to Johnson, because they are idiots, knaves and fools. Because they bought into his boosterism bullshit that denies reality. And we’re all going to suffer.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Germany seems intent on destroying its own reputation. I don't get it. Ordinary Germans seem as exercised about Ukraine as the rest of Europe. but the politicians. Eeesh


    "With all understanding for the ongoing extermination of all the Jews in Europe by the Nazi regime, I expect Jewish representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs....."

    That is what he just said. In essence.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 48,911

    Anyone keeping a list of possible byelections in the next 12 months?

    I'm thinking:

    - Somerton and Frome
    - Leicester East
    - Wakefield
    - Reigate
    - Richmond (Yorks)

    Any others?

    Uxbridge?
  • TazTaz Posts: 10,702

    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    On topic, I expect the locals next month to be an absolute disaster for the Conservatives.

    I also expect Boris to stay in place because it's totally unclear who'd replace him and do any better.

    So, I am betting accordingly.

    Any free bets I get I put them on starmer as next PM. I cannot see the Tories ditching him.
    Taz said:

    On topic, I expect the locals next month to be an absolute disaster for the Conservatives.

    I also expect Boris to stay in place because it's totally unclear who'd replace him and do any better.

    So, I am betting accordingly.

    Any free bets I get I put them on starmer as next PM. I cannot see the Tories ditching him.
    Yes, I am now betting on Starmer.

    I don't expect a slam dunk but I think the most likely scenario now is that the Tories lose sufficient seats in 2024 for him to enter office as PM at the head of a Labour minority government.
    A minority labour/lib Dem govt with confidence and supply from the SNP is what I expect.

    I also expect the next general election to show some interesting results to show a major shift. I think the Tories will hold on in some places they are not expected to, and even may make a couple of gains although I do expect a chunk of the red wall to go back.. I also expect they will lose in their heartlands to reflect changing demographics, particularly younger age groups moving to places like Wycombe and Hastings.
    It's the cost of living that will kill the Tories.

    The trouble is that inflation hits pensioners, as much as anyone else, so their core base will be undermined too.

    I don't think people think Labour have much better answers but they might roll the dice anyway.
    Yes, I agree on all of this.

    The cost of living crisis is only starting and it will doom the Tories

    Labour are starting to show they are more concerned about people than pleasing lobbyists and single issue groups.

    For too long labour have not really been bothered about working class people and working class communities.

    But they are starting to show they get it and they are there for the communities they used to historically fight for.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 48,911
    Leon said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Germany seems intent on destroying its own reputation. I don't get it. Ordinary Germans seem as exercised about Ukraine as the rest of Europe. but the politicians. Eeesh


    "With all understanding for the ongoing extermination of all the Jews in Europe by the Nazi regime, I expect Jewish representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs....."

    That is what he just said. In essence.
    Of course, back in the day, it was the Germans who were invading Ukraine.
  • TazTaz Posts: 10,702

    Anyone keeping a list of possible byelections in the next 12 months?

    I'm thinking:

    - Somerton and Frome
    - Leicester East
    - Wakefield
    - Reigate
    - Richmond (Yorks)

    Any others?

    Uxbridge?
    Bridgend
    Delyn
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    These good faith criticisms of the EU, France, Germany, Ireland etc are the perfect antidote to all the bad faith criticisms of BJ, the Tory party, Brexit and the UK, a breath of fresh air blowing away all those fetid Remoaner cobwebs imo.
    Let's deconstruct Roger's comment

    "What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop"

    @williamglenn did not mention the EU. The comment did not even reference France. The source was not "obscure" it has 46,000 followers, the source was not a "website" it is a Twitter account belonging to a European politics expert, and the ultimate source is the chairman of the SPD, Germany's biggest leftwing party in the Bundestag

    Apart from that, another typically well-informed and insightful comment by Roger
  • You could see it coming like. The presenters reactions are quite good…



    https://twitter.com/scottygb/status/1514313273772019714?s=21&t=cVxhB-bcqZrQZQb-zazrUg
  • pm215pm215 Posts: 926
    ydoethur said:

    I have been coaching my son in law on his eulogy as he is so nervous he will be overcome with emotion

    As a professional organist I have attended dozens of funerals and that happens often. Personally those are the funerals I feel most emotion at - not best at, or sad, exactly - moved perhaps? - but knowing that I am taking part in saying good bye to somebody who really mattered and was much loved by those there. It makes me feel something deep inside.
    Yes, totally agreed. Recently I remotely watched the funeral service for a friend who'd emigrated to the far side of the world and then died unexpectedly. Seeing the people who were physically there delivering the eulogies choked up with emotion meant a lot to me -- it was obvious that my friend had found a new home in that distant country with people who really cared about them and missed them.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 44,054

    ydoethur said:

    Michael Fabricant demonstrates once again Boris Johnson is not the most fluent liar in politics:

    Nursing and teaching bodies complain about MP's lockdown drink comments
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-61088139

    If he had names, he should pass them to the police.

    He won’t because like the stupid looking lazy dishonest amoral pillock he is, he’s making it up.

    It’s awfully tempting to stand as an Indie in Lichfield every five minutes so I can call him a lying, stupid looking, lazy c*** in every debate.

    thing is there will have been nurses and teachers doing that along with loads of others in the country - i certainly did not adhere to lockdown rules.But its not the point as nurses and teachers did not make the stupid laws in the first place. A great rule is dont make laws you cannot keep yourself.
    I expect a fair few nurses or teachers had a drink when they got home.

    I think it extraordinarily unlikely that any bought a special fridge for wine time in the staffroom.

    There is a difference between drinking in a workplace and drinking in their own home.
  • TazTaz Posts: 10,702
    Leon said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Germany seems intent on destroying its own reputation. I don't get it. Ordinary Germans seem as exercised about Ukraine as the rest of Europe. but the politicians. Eeesh


    "With all understanding for the ongoing extermination of all the Jews in Europe by the Nazi regime, I expect Jewish representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs....."

    That is what he just said. In essence.
    Politicians hate being criticised and hate being told they are wrong. Irrespective of who they are. When stuff goes right it is down to their brilliance, when it is something that has gone wrong someone else is at fault.
  • Boris Johnson is facing another three potential fines for lockdown breaches, according to senior sources, as he suffered his first ministerial resignation over the Partygate scandal.

    In a sign of the continued nervousness in government that the prime minister’s position could come under threat when MPs return to Westminster from recess next week, a Downing Street source admitted the apparent lull felt like “calm before the potential storm”.


    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/apr/13/boris-johnson-could-get-three-more-fines-over-partygate-say-insiders
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,008
    dixiedean said:

    ydoethur said:

    Michael Fabricant demonstrates once again Boris Johnson is not the most fluent liar in politics:

    Nursing and teaching bodies complain about MP's lockdown drink comments
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-61088139

    If he had names, he should pass them to the police.

    He won’t because like the stupid looking lazy dishonest amoral pillock he is, he’s making it up.

    It’s awfully tempting to stand as an Indie in Lichfield at the next election so I can call him a lying, stupid looking, lazy c*** every five minutes in every debate.

    Your average worker does not routinely drink at work. Or afterwards. They go home.
    There seems to be a certain category of person who cannot comprehend this.
    It's not what happens in Parliament.
  • glwglw Posts: 9,535
    Leon said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Germany seems intent on destroying its own reputation. I don't get it. Ordinary Germans seem as exercised about Ukraine as the rest of Europe. but the politicians. Eeesh


    "With all understanding for the ongoing extermination of all the Jews in Europe by the Nazi regime, I expect Jewish representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs....."

    That is what he just said. In essence.
    The German government has made one of the greatest strategic errors of the 21st century, despite being repeatedly warned of the consequences. And whilst they are not responsible for the genocidal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the German government's actions have made it far harder to stop Russia. Not surprisingly the Ukrainian government is angry about the Germans filling the Russian government coffers to pay for the murder of tens of thousands of Ukrainian people. If the German government is offended by that anger they should think about how things look to Ukraine.
  • Not even a foul.


  • BigRichBigRich Posts: 3,489

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Use of “the” Ukraine (assuming that is not just in translation) will rattle their cage. What are the Ukrainians supposed to have done?
    A German pollution presumably in the SDP, and long time supporter of Putin, wanted to come to Ukraine presumably to get a good photo oppertuaty and has been told, no, and instead had a grumpy Press conference.

    Based on Germany actions so far in this war I don't blame Ukraine,
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,008
    Taz said:

    Anyone keeping a list of possible byelections in the next 12 months?

    I'm thinking:

    - Somerton and Frome
    - Leicester East
    - Wakefield
    - Reigate
    - Richmond (Yorks)

    Any others?

    Uxbridge?
    Bridgend
    Delyn
    For some reason I conflated those two constituencies to Bellend.

    Don't know why.
  • RobD said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What provoked this?
    I’d guess it was Ukraine telling the German President, Steinmeier, not to bother coming for a visit.
  • Taz said:

    Anyone keeping a list of possible byelections in the next 12 months?

    I'm thinking:

    - Somerton and Frome
    - Leicester East
    - Wakefield
    - Reigate
    - Richmond (Yorks)

    Any others?

    Uxbridge?
    Bridgend
    Delyn
    For some reason I conflated those two constituencies to Bellend.

    Don't know why.
    Because you were thinking about Boris Johnson?
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228
    glw said:

    Leon said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Germany seems intent on destroying its own reputation. I don't get it. Ordinary Germans seem as exercised about Ukraine as the rest of Europe. but the politicians. Eeesh


    "With all understanding for the ongoing extermination of all the Jews in Europe by the Nazi regime, I expect Jewish representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs....."

    That is what he just said. In essence.
    The German government has made one of the greatest strategic errors of the 21st century, despite being repeatedly warned of the consequences. And whilst they are not responsible for the genocidal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the German government's actions have made it far harder to stop Russia. Not surprisingly the Ukrainian government is angry about the Germans filling the Russian government coffers to pay for the murder of tens of thousands of Ukrainian people. If the German government is offended by that anger they should think about how things look to Ukraine.
    The video of the German diplomats smirking and chortling away at the UN, as Trump accused them of being fools for relying on Russian energy....

    Not good. Nicht gut at all.

    BAD
  • Harry Kane and Neymar each have two Champions League knockout goals in the last five seasons.

    So does Konaté.


    https://twitter.com/BassTunedToRed/status/1514324704064155659
  • ThomasNasheThomasNashe Posts: 4,920
    There is a line that extends from a vibrant, functioning, constitutional democracy at one end to North Korea at the other (penultimate stop Putin, which lies a few stops beyond Trump encouraging his supporters to riot at the Capitol).

    Johnson's failure to resign for lying to Parliament (as any previous PM would have done), and those Tories (a majority it seems) for whom the critical criterion determining whether he should do so is not constitutional norms, but likely electoral success, have taken this country firmly one stop along that line towards absolutism.

    This is really serious. Turn around now!
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228
    BigRich said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Use of “the” Ukraine (assuming that is not just in translation) will rattle their cage. What are the Ukrainians supposed to have done?
    A German pollution presumably in the SDP, and long time supporter of Putin, wanted to come to Ukraine presumably to get a good photo oppertuaty and has been told, no, and instead had a grumpy Press conference.

    Based on Germany actions so far in this war I don't blame Ukraine,
    What the Russians are doing in Ukraine (inter alia)


    Elena: Raped for 12 hours on April 3 in Kherson after a Russian sympathiser told the troops her husband was a Ukrainian soldier on the front line.

    Mother and daughter, 17: The pair were attacked together by three men on March 4

    Teenage sisters: Girls aged 15 and 16 were targeted, as they resorted to cutting their hair to appear less attractive to the invaders

    Natalya, 33: Gang raped repeatedly for hours while her four-year-old son hid crying in a boiler room after her husband was shot dead

    Alexei Bychkov, 24: Russian soldier allegedly arrested after sharing footage of him abusing a Ukrainian baby

    Boy, 11: Raped in front of his mother who was tied to a chair and forced to watch

    25 women in Bucha aged 14 to 25: Held captive in a basement and systematically raped, with nine now pregnant

    Woman, 50: Taken at gunpoint to a neighbouring home, raped and returned home to her husband dead


    And on, and on

    And this fucking idiot German politician is complaining about Ukrainian "rudeness"

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10715031/Beautiful-Ukrainian-girl-16-dead-raped-shot-Russian-troops.html?ito=social-twitter_dailymailus
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941

    Boris Johnson is facing another three potential fines for lockdown breaches, according to senior sources, as he suffered his first ministerial resignation over the Partygate scandal.

    In a sign of the continued nervousness in government that the prime minister’s position could come under threat when MPs return to Westminster from recess next week, a Downing Street source admitted the apparent lull felt like “calm before the potential storm”.


    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/apr/13/boris-johnson-could-get-three-more-fines-over-partygate-say-insiders

    I doubt he can survive three more fines!
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 47,786
    Leon said:

    glw said:

    Leon said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Germany seems intent on destroying its own reputation. I don't get it. Ordinary Germans seem as exercised about Ukraine as the rest of Europe. but the politicians. Eeesh


    "With all understanding for the ongoing extermination of all the Jews in Europe by the Nazi regime, I expect Jewish representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs....."

    That is what he just said. In essence.
    The German government has made one of the greatest strategic errors of the 21st century, despite being repeatedly warned of the consequences. And whilst they are not responsible for the genocidal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the German government's actions have made it far harder to stop Russia. Not surprisingly the Ukrainian government is angry about the Germans filling the Russian government coffers to pay for the murder of tens of thousands of Ukrainian people. If the German government is offended by that anger they should think about how things look to Ukraine.
    The video of the German diplomats smirking and chortling away at the UN, as Trump accused them of being fools for relying on Russian energy....

    Not good. Nicht gut at all.

    BAD
    There are lots of past quotes from German politicians and diplomats loftily dismissing the idea that they were dependent on Russia.

    The arguments were always "actually it's only a small percentage, and actually we've diversified already, and actually we can switch suppliers very easily, and actually Russia is dependent on us, and actually this means Putin has to listen to us".

    Then suddenly when it matters it turns out that the critics were right all along.
  • RobD said:

    Boris Johnson is facing another three potential fines for lockdown breaches, according to senior sources, as he suffered his first ministerial resignation over the Partygate scandal.

    In a sign of the continued nervousness in government that the prime minister’s position could come under threat when MPs return to Westminster from recess next week, a Downing Street source admitted the apparent lull felt like “calm before the potential storm”.


    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/apr/13/boris-johnson-could-get-three-more-fines-over-partygate-say-insiders

    I doubt he can survive three more fines!
    I feel sorry for the Tory donors who Boris Johnson is going to pester for a loan.
  • glwglw Posts: 9,535
    Leon said:

    The video of the German diplomats smirking and chortling away at the UN, as Trump accused them of being fools for relying on Russian energy....

    Not good. Nicht gut at all.

    BAD

    It wasn't just Trump, the had warning after warning from governments and politicians of lots of different countries, and going back a couple of decades.
  • Andy_JSAndy_JS Posts: 26,279
    glw said:

    Leon said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Germany seems intent on destroying its own reputation. I don't get it. Ordinary Germans seem as exercised about Ukraine as the rest of Europe. but the politicians. Eeesh


    "With all understanding for the ongoing extermination of all the Jews in Europe by the Nazi regime, I expect Jewish representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs....."

    That is what he just said. In essence.
    The German government has made one of the greatest strategic errors of the 21st century, despite being repeatedly warned of the consequences. And whilst they are not responsible for the genocidal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the German government's actions have made it far harder to stop Russia. Not surprisingly the Ukrainian government is angry about the Germans filling the Russian government coffers to pay for the murder of tens of thousands of Ukrainian people. If the German government is offended by that anger they should think about how things look to Ukraine.
    Plenty of us on here were saying the same thing for the last 10 years or so — that Germany shouldn't become reliant on Russia energy sources.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228

    Leon said:

    glw said:

    Leon said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Germany seems intent on destroying its own reputation. I don't get it. Ordinary Germans seem as exercised about Ukraine as the rest of Europe. but the politicians. Eeesh


    "With all understanding for the ongoing extermination of all the Jews in Europe by the Nazi regime, I expect Jewish representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs....."

    That is what he just said. In essence.
    The German government has made one of the greatest strategic errors of the 21st century, despite being repeatedly warned of the consequences. And whilst they are not responsible for the genocidal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the German government's actions have made it far harder to stop Russia. Not surprisingly the Ukrainian government is angry about the Germans filling the Russian government coffers to pay for the murder of tens of thousands of Ukrainian people. If the German government is offended by that anger they should think about how things look to Ukraine.
    The video of the German diplomats smirking and chortling away at the UN, as Trump accused them of being fools for relying on Russian energy....

    Not good. Nicht gut at all.

    BAD
    There are lots of past quotes from German politicians and diplomats loftily dismissing the idea that they were dependent on Russia.

    The arguments were always "actually it's only a small percentage, and actually we've diversified already, and actually we can switch suppliers very easily, and actually Russia is dependent on us, and actually this means Putin has to listen to us".

    Then suddenly when it matters it turns out that the critics were right all along.
    There should be a German compound noun for "that horribly awkward feeling when it turns out Donald Trump was actually right and we were wrong"

    It has happened more than once. Not often, but it happens

  • BigRichBigRich Posts: 3,489
    glw said:

    Leon said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Germany seems intent on destroying its own reputation. I don't get it. Ordinary Germans seem as exercised about Ukraine as the rest of Europe. but the politicians. Eeesh


    "With all understanding for the ongoing extermination of all the Jews in Europe by the Nazi regime, I expect Jewish representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs....."

    That is what he just said. In essence.
    The German government has made one of the greatest strategic errors of the 21st century, despite being repeatedly warned of the consequences. And whilst they are not responsible for the genocidal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the German government's actions have made it far harder to stop Russia. Not surprisingly the Ukrainian government is angry about the Germans filling the Russian government coffers to pay for the murder of tens of thousands of Ukrainian people. If the German government is offended by that anger they should think about how things look to Ukraine.
    Ukraine is also angary about Germany blocking and delaying of other nations giving or selling there weapons to Ukraine. starting with Estonia before the war, and including shipments form the Netherlands, Sweden and Check Republic. Germany also cancelled the 5,000 helmets that whey did plan to send 'because it will all be over before they can be used. (this has been reversed) Also for the first week Germany also stopped plains with arms from the UK flying the direct over Germany so had to detour, adding delays. Germany has now given some weapons but is getting better at announcing this than delivering, there was a big anousment in Germany that they would send 100 Armed personnel careers, from there reserves. then when they realised that they would need refit before they could be used (this would take 6-18 months) the suggestion was that they could send there APCs from there army then use the reserves ones themselves in 6-18 months. but Germany has seed no, Ukraine will just have to wait for that long.

    Add this with the insistence that they will keep buying Russian gas, and you understand why Ukraine is feeling let down.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 32,735
    RobD said:

    I doubt he can survive three more fines!

    Why not?

    The only people who can shift him have shown no inclination to do so.

    The cabinet seemed determined to hang together...
  • Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    Why do you find it impossible to criticise, or even read criticism of, the EU or any country in it when they’re so clearly being despicable shits?
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,135

    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    On topic, I expect the locals next month to be an absolute disaster for the Conservatives.

    I also expect Boris to stay in place because it's totally unclear who'd replace him and do any better.

    So, I am betting accordingly.

    Any free bets I get I put them on starmer as next PM. I cannot see the Tories ditching him.
    Taz said:

    On topic, I expect the locals next month to be an absolute disaster for the Conservatives.

    I also expect Boris to stay in place because it's totally unclear who'd replace him and do any better.

    So, I am betting accordingly.

    Any free bets I get I put them on starmer as next PM. I cannot see the Tories ditching him.
    Yes, I am now betting on Starmer.

    I don't expect a slam dunk but I think the most likely scenario now is that the Tories lose sufficient seats in 2024 for him to enter office as PM at the head of a Labour minority government.
    A minority labour/lib Dem govt with confidence and supply from the SNP is what I expect.

    I also expect the next general election to show some interesting results to show a major shift. I think the Tories will hold on in some places they are not expected to, and even may make a couple of gains although I do expect a chunk of the red wall to go back.. I also expect they will lose in their heartlands to reflect changing demographics, particularly younger age groups moving to places like Wycombe and Hastings.
    It's the cost of living that will kill the Tories.

    The trouble is that inflation hits pensioners, as much as anyone else, so their core base will be undermined too.

    I don't think people think Labour have much better answers but they might roll the dice anyway.
    Triple lock, though.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941
    Carnyx said:

    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    On topic, I expect the locals next month to be an absolute disaster for the Conservatives.

    I also expect Boris to stay in place because it's totally unclear who'd replace him and do any better.

    So, I am betting accordingly.

    Any free bets I get I put them on starmer as next PM. I cannot see the Tories ditching him.
    Taz said:

    On topic, I expect the locals next month to be an absolute disaster for the Conservatives.

    I also expect Boris to stay in place because it's totally unclear who'd replace him and do any better.

    So, I am betting accordingly.

    Any free bets I get I put them on starmer as next PM. I cannot see the Tories ditching him.
    Yes, I am now betting on Starmer.

    I don't expect a slam dunk but I think the most likely scenario now is that the Tories lose sufficient seats in 2024 for him to enter office as PM at the head of a Labour minority government.
    A minority labour/lib Dem govt with confidence and supply from the SNP is what I expect.

    I also expect the next general election to show some interesting results to show a major shift. I think the Tories will hold on in some places they are not expected to, and even may make a couple of gains although I do expect a chunk of the red wall to go back.. I also expect they will lose in their heartlands to reflect changing demographics, particularly younger age groups moving to places like Wycombe and Hastings.
    It's the cost of living that will kill the Tories.

    The trouble is that inflation hits pensioners, as much as anyone else, so their core base will be undermined too.

    I don't think people think Labour have much better answers but they might roll the dice anyway.
    Triple lock, though.
    A 7%+ rise for pensioners while everyone else is squeezed? Yeah, they will probably do that.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228
    edited April 2022

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    Why do you find it impossible to criticise, or even read criticism of, the EU or any country in it when they’re so clearly being despicable shits?
    It is because @williamglenn does it with precision and eloquence. That's what annoys the PB Remainers. He is difficult to dismiss
  • Daveyboy1961Daveyboy1961 Posts: 3,335

    You could see it coming like. The presenters reactions are quite good…



    https://twitter.com/scottygb/status/1514313273772019714?s=21&t=cVxhB-bcqZrQZQb-zazrUg

    It comes to something when even the one show starts to troll the liar in chief.
  • BigRichBigRich Posts: 3,489
    Leon said:

    BigRich said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Use of “the” Ukraine (assuming that is not just in translation) will rattle their cage. What are the Ukrainians supposed to have done?
    A German pollution presumably in the SDP, and long time supporter of Putin, wanted to come to Ukraine presumably to get a good photo oppertuaty and has been told, no, and instead had a grumpy Press conference.

    Based on Germany actions so far in this war I don't blame Ukraine,
    What the Russians are doing in Ukraine (inter alia)


    Elena: Raped for 12 hours on April 3 in Kherson after a Russian sympathiser told the troops her husband was a Ukrainian soldier on the front line.

    Mother and daughter, 17: The pair were attacked together by three men on March 4

    Teenage sisters: Girls aged 15 and 16 were targeted, as they resorted to cutting their hair to appear less attractive to the invaders

    Natalya, 33: Gang raped repeatedly for hours while her four-year-old son hid crying in a boiler room after her husband was shot dead

    Alexei Bychkov, 24: Russian soldier allegedly arrested after sharing footage of him abusing a Ukrainian baby

    Boy, 11: Raped in front of his mother who was tied to a chair and forced to watch

    25 women in Bucha aged 14 to 25: Held captive in a basement and systematically raped, with nine now pregnant

    Woman, 50: Taken at gunpoint to a neighbouring home, raped and returned home to her husband dead


    And on, and on

    And this fucking idiot German politician is complaining about Ukrainian "rudeness"

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10715031/Beautiful-Ukrainian-girl-16-dead-raped-shot-Russian-troops.html?ito=social-twitter_dailymailus
    The actions of Putin's army are horrendous and Germany seems happy to be his biggest enabler.
  • BenpointerBenpointer Posts: 31,273
    Leon said:

    Leon said:

    glw said:

    Leon said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Germany seems intent on destroying its own reputation. I don't get it. Ordinary Germans seem as exercised about Ukraine as the rest of Europe. but the politicians. Eeesh


    "With all understanding for the ongoing extermination of all the Jews in Europe by the Nazi regime, I expect Jewish representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs....."

    That is what he just said. In essence.
    The German government has made one of the greatest strategic errors of the 21st century, despite being repeatedly warned of the consequences. And whilst they are not responsible for the genocidal Russian invasion of Ukraine, the German government's actions have made it far harder to stop Russia. Not surprisingly the Ukrainian government is angry about the Germans filling the Russian government coffers to pay for the murder of tens of thousands of Ukrainian people. If the German government is offended by that anger they should think about how things look to Ukraine.
    The video of the German diplomats smirking and chortling away at the UN, as Trump accused them of being fools for relying on Russian energy....

    Not good. Nicht gut at all.

    BAD
    There are lots of past quotes from German politicians and diplomats loftily dismissing the idea that they were dependent on Russia.

    The arguments were always "actually it's only a small percentage, and actually we've diversified already, and actually we can switch suppliers very easily, and actually Russia is dependent on us, and actually this means Putin has to listen to us".

    Then suddenly when it matters it turns out that the critics were right all along.
    There should be a German compound noun for "that horribly awkward feeling when it turns out Donald Trump was actually right and we were wrong"

    It has happened more than once. Not often, but it happens

    Ah yes the old Dummkopfmachteseinmalrichtig feeling.
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 12,415
    RobD said:

    Boris Johnson is facing another three potential fines for lockdown breaches, according to senior sources, as he suffered his first ministerial resignation over the Partygate scandal.

    In a sign of the continued nervousness in government that the prime minister’s position could come under threat when MPs return to Westminster from recess next week, a Downing Street source admitted the apparent lull felt like “calm before the potential storm”.


    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/apr/13/boris-johnson-could-get-three-more-fines-over-partygate-say-insiders

    I doubt he can survive three more fines!
    I’m sure he will. I think we should listen to Mike Smithson whose betting Boris fights the next election. I don’t even think we should feel so complacent tat despite all this, Boris loses his majority at the election.

    I’ve betted £50 Boris leaves this year. Kinabalu talked me into it in January. Boris position not only not in intensive care, it’s not even in hospital getting treatment 😕

    I am up in God’s Own Country now on Easter Break - surrounded by 4 Conservatives adamant Boris should not resign as he is leading the West in war against Putin - they think he is a Great War leader - Daily Mail type anger towards anyone calling for him to resign, such as Libdem leader and anyone saying they will vote Libdems 🤐

    - But the French are having full scale election, could change entire government?
    - Then the French are stupid for not cancelling it, besides Macron is not leading the West like Boris.
    - A Yorkshire MP reckons Lawbreakers can’t be lawmakers.
    - He’s now deprived his constituents of much needed money, so he ain’t so bright at politics. Nothing from West Yorkshire speaks for true Yorkshire.

    🤷‍♀️

    My mum reckons Sunak must resign, for being a rubbish chancellor and a traitor toBoris to stir all this up in first place.

    I’m going on a nice long walk tomorrow, nothing as exciting as Blanche but I might post some pictures too.
  • TazTaz Posts: 10,702
    Scott_xP said:

    RobD said:

    I doubt he can survive three more fines!

    Why not?

    The only people who can shift him have shown no inclination to do so.

    The cabinet seemed determined to hang together...
    I think your summary is absolutely correct.

    There will have to be a dramatic change for them to turn against him having shown no inclination to do when he was on the ropes. There will always be a reason not to do anything.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941

    RobD said:

    Boris Johnson is facing another three potential fines for lockdown breaches, according to senior sources, as he suffered his first ministerial resignation over the Partygate scandal.

    In a sign of the continued nervousness in government that the prime minister’s position could come under threat when MPs return to Westminster from recess next week, a Downing Street source admitted the apparent lull felt like “calm before the potential storm”.


    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/apr/13/boris-johnson-could-get-three-more-fines-over-partygate-say-insiders

    I doubt he can survive three more fines!
    I’m sure he will. I think we should listen to Mike Smithson whose betting Boris fights the next election. I don’t even think we should feel so complacent tat despite all this, Boris loses his majority at the election.

    I’ve betted £50 Boris leaves this year. Kinabalu talked me into it in January. Boris position not only not in intensive care, it’s not even in hospital getting treatment 😕

    I am up in God’s Own Country now on Easter Break - surrounded by 4 Conservatives adamant Boris should not resign as he is leading the West in war against Putin - they think he is a Great War leader - Daily Mail type anger towards anyone calling for him to resign, such as Libdem leader and anyone saying they will vote Libdems 🤐

    - But the French are having full scale election, could change entire government?
    - Then the French are stupid for not cancelling it, besides Macron is not leading the West like Boris.
    - A Yorkshire MP reckons Lawbreakers can’t be lawmakers.
    - He’s now deprived his constituents of much needed money, so he ain’t so bright at politics. Nothing from West Yorkshire speaks for true Yorkshire.

    🤷‍♀️

    My mum reckons Sunak must resign, for being a rubbish chancellor and a traitor toBoris to stir all this up in first place.

    I’m going on a nice long walk tomorrow, nothing as exciting as Blanche but I might post some pictures too.
    Yeah, the whole "now is not the time" argument is totally spurious.
  • glwglw Posts: 9,535
    Andy_JS said:

    Plenty of us on here were saying the same thing for the last 10 years or so — that Germany shouldn't become reliant on Russia energy sources.

    I'm not even arguing "I was right", I'd read about the issue, but honestly I didn't think it would lead to where we are today. What I'm saying is that the critics of German policy towards Russia have the right to say "we were right", because they were, and almost exactly the scenario they warned about has happened. It's rare for anyone to have shown such prescience, and there were lots of people who saw it coming.
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 40,950
    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    Why do you find it impossible to criticise, or even read criticism of, the EU or any country in it when they’re so clearly being despicable shits?
    It is because @williamglenn does it with precision and eloquence. That's what annoys the PB Remainers. He is difficult to dismiss
    Bollocks. He is an ex-smoker who smoked for 50 years of his life but will now take a bus to find someone smoking and lecture them on the ills of nicotine.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228
    TOPPING said:

    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    Why do you find it impossible to criticise, or even read criticism of, the EU or any country in it when they’re so clearly being despicable shits?
    It is because @williamglenn does it with precision and eloquence. That's what annoys the PB Remainers. He is difficult to dismiss
    Bollocks. He is an ex-smoker who smoked for 50 years of his life but will now take a bus to find someone smoking and lecture them on the ills of nicotine.
    QED
  • CarnyxCarnyx Posts: 39,135
    RobD said:

    Carnyx said:

    Taz said:

    Taz said:

    On topic, I expect the locals next month to be an absolute disaster for the Conservatives.

    I also expect Boris to stay in place because it's totally unclear who'd replace him and do any better.

    So, I am betting accordingly.

    Any free bets I get I put them on starmer as next PM. I cannot see the Tories ditching him.
    Taz said:

    On topic, I expect the locals next month to be an absolute disaster for the Conservatives.

    I also expect Boris to stay in place because it's totally unclear who'd replace him and do any better.

    So, I am betting accordingly.

    Any free bets I get I put them on starmer as next PM. I cannot see the Tories ditching him.
    Yes, I am now betting on Starmer.

    I don't expect a slam dunk but I think the most likely scenario now is that the Tories lose sufficient seats in 2024 for him to enter office as PM at the head of a Labour minority government.
    A minority labour/lib Dem govt with confidence and supply from the SNP is what I expect.

    I also expect the next general election to show some interesting results to show a major shift. I think the Tories will hold on in some places they are not expected to, and even may make a couple of gains although I do expect a chunk of the red wall to go back.. I also expect they will lose in their heartlands to reflect changing demographics, particularly younger age groups moving to places like Wycombe and Hastings.
    It's the cost of living that will kill the Tories.

    The trouble is that inflation hits pensioners, as much as anyone else, so their core base will be undermined too.

    I don't think people think Labour have much better answers but they might roll the dice anyway.
    Triple lock, though.
    A 7%+ rise for pensioners while everyone else is squeezed? Yeah, they will probably do that.
    Mphm. It will go down really well with the workers.
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 48,911


    I am up in God’s Own Country now on Easter Break

    Point of order: God's Own Country is actually Kerala.

    image
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228
    BigRich said:

    Leon said:

    BigRich said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    Use of “the” Ukraine (assuming that is not just in translation) will rattle their cage. What are the Ukrainians supposed to have done?
    A German pollution presumably in the SDP, and long time supporter of Putin, wanted to come to Ukraine presumably to get a good photo oppertuaty and has been told, no, and instead had a grumpy Press conference.

    Based on Germany actions so far in this war I don't blame Ukraine,
    What the Russians are doing in Ukraine (inter alia)


    Elena: Raped for 12 hours on April 3 in Kherson after a Russian sympathiser told the troops her husband was a Ukrainian soldier on the front line.

    Mother and daughter, 17: The pair were attacked together by three men on March 4

    Teenage sisters: Girls aged 15 and 16 were targeted, as they resorted to cutting their hair to appear less attractive to the invaders

    Natalya, 33: Gang raped repeatedly for hours while her four-year-old son hid crying in a boiler room after her husband was shot dead

    Alexei Bychkov, 24: Russian soldier allegedly arrested after sharing footage of him abusing a Ukrainian baby

    Boy, 11: Raped in front of his mother who was tied to a chair and forced to watch

    25 women in Bucha aged 14 to 25: Held captive in a basement and systematically raped, with nine now pregnant

    Woman, 50: Taken at gunpoint to a neighbouring home, raped and returned home to her husband dead


    And on, and on

    And this fucking idiot German politician is complaining about Ukrainian "rudeness"

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10715031/Beautiful-Ukrainian-girl-16-dead-raped-shot-Russian-troops.html?ito=social-twitter_dailymailus
    The actions of Putin's army are horrendous and Germany seems happy to be his biggest enabler.
    Putin's attack on Ukraine is the closest Europe has come to reliving the nightmare of Hitler's Germany, since the end of WW2. It is disgustingly ironic that some of the biggest equivocators seem to be in German politics - and often very high up

    Fair play, however, to the German politicians who ARE now admitting Nordstream 2 was a catastrophic mistake
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 32,735
    Taz said:

    I think your summary is absolutely correct.

    There will have to be a dramatic change for them to turn against him having shown no inclination to do when he was on the ropes. There will always be a reason not to do anything.

    Waiting for Bojo to be carted off is a bit like Waiting for Godot. "Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it’s awful!” Estragon is not a Conservative MP. But he has the same view of the world.

    https://www.economist.com/britain/2022/04/16/the-conservative-party-keeps-waiting-for-boris-johnson-to-improve
  • stodgestodge Posts: 12,741


    I’m sure he will. I think we should listen to Mike Smithson whose betting Boris fights the next election. I don’t even think we should feel so complacent tat despite all this, Boris loses his majority at the election.

    I’ve betted £50 Boris leaves this year. Kinabalu talked me into it in January. Boris position not only not in intensive care, it’s not even in hospital getting treatment 😕

    I am up in God’s Own Country now on Easter Break - surrounded by 4 Conservatives adamant Boris should not resign as he is leading the West in war against Putin - they think he is a Great War leader - Daily Mail type anger towards anyone calling for him to resign, such as Libdem leader and anyone saying they will vote Libdems 🤐

    - But the French are having full scale election, could change entire government?
    - Then the French are stupid for not cancelling it, besides Macron is not leading the West like Boris.
    - A Yorkshire MP reckons Lawbreakers can’t be lawmakers.
    - He’s now deprived his constituents of much needed money, so he ain’t so bright at politics. Nothing from West Yorkshire speaks for true Yorkshire.

    🤷‍♀️

    My mum reckons Sunak must resign, for being a rubbish chancellor and a traitor toBoris to stir all this up in first place.

    I’m going on a nice long walk tomorrow, nothing as exciting as Blanche but I might post some pictures too.

    I well remember the vitriol Charles Kennedy endured for questioning the British military involvement in Iraq from the Mail and others comparing him to Neville Chamberlain and the like.

    The strange thing is, there isn't a single British soldier (we assume) involved in this conflict yet questioning any aspect of that seems to be as great a treason as if our troops were fighting in Lukhansk.

    In November 1990, we had British troops deploying for combat against a dreadful aggression by one sovereign country on another yet we still had time to depose a three-time election winning Prime Minister just as we removed Prime Ministers in both World Wars.

    The notion we can't get rid of Boris Johnson "because there is a war on" is ridiculous.
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 25,164
    TOPPING said:

    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    Why do you find it impossible to criticise, or even read criticism of, the EU or any country in it when they’re so clearly being despicable shits?
    It is because @williamglenn does it with precision and eloquence. That's what annoys the PB Remainers. He is difficult to dismiss
    Bollocks. He is an ex-smoker who smoked for 50 years of his life but will now take a bus to find someone smoking and lecture them on the ills of nicotine.
    Support for the EU is like smoking?

    I'll go with that. :smile:
  • Sunil_PrasannanSunil_Prasannan Posts: 48,911
    stodge said:


    I’m sure he will. I think we should listen to Mike Smithson whose betting Boris fights the next election. I don’t even think we should feel so complacent tat despite all this, Boris loses his majority at the election.

    I’ve betted £50 Boris leaves this year. Kinabalu talked me into it in January. Boris position not only not in intensive care, it’s not even in hospital getting treatment 😕

    I am up in God’s Own Country now on Easter Break - surrounded by 4 Conservatives adamant Boris should not resign as he is leading the West in war against Putin - they think he is a Great War leader - Daily Mail type anger towards anyone calling for him to resign, such as Libdem leader and anyone saying they will vote Libdems 🤐

    - But the French are having full scale election, could change entire government?
    - Then the French are stupid for not cancelling it, besides Macron is not leading the West like Boris.
    - A Yorkshire MP reckons Lawbreakers can’t be lawmakers.
    - He’s now deprived his constituents of much needed money, so he ain’t so bright at politics. Nothing from West Yorkshire speaks for true Yorkshire.

    🤷‍♀️

    My mum reckons Sunak must resign, for being a rubbish chancellor and a traitor toBoris to stir all this up in first place.

    I’m going on a nice long walk tomorrow, nothing as exciting as Blanche but I might post some pictures too.

    I well remember the vitriol Charles Kennedy endured for questioning the British military involvement in Iraq from the Mail and others comparing him to Neville Chamberlain and the like.

    The strange thing is, there isn't a single British soldier (we assume) involved in this conflict yet questioning any aspect of that seems to be as great a treason as if our troops were fighting in Lukhansk.

    In November 1990, we had British troops deploying for combat against a dreadful aggression by one sovereign country on another yet we still had time to depose a three-time election winning Prime Minister just as we removed Prime Ministers in both World Wars.

    The notion we can't get rid of Boris Johnson "because there is a war on" is ridiculous.
    In 1940 Churchill replaced Chamberlain.
  • TOPPING said:

    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    Why do you find it impossible to criticise, or even read criticism of, the EU or any country in it when they’re so clearly being despicable shits?
    It is because @williamglenn does it with precision and eloquence. That's what annoys the PB Remainers. He is difficult to dismiss
    Bollocks. He is an ex-smoker who smoked for 50 years of his life but will now take a bus to find someone smoking and lecture them on the ills of nicotine.
    Actually I smoked for over 30 years until my granddaughter was born in 2003, at which point my daughter told me that both myself and her husband had to stop if we wanted to be close to the little one

    It was the hardest thing I have ever done but our practice nurse told me it could have saved my life because of a health issue I developed

    I do not lecture people but I cannot stand being near someone smoking
  • kjhkjh Posts: 10,458

    I’m at my Perpignan apartment and have decided to stay in for the evening. I found a Carrefour City at the end of the road (SO much better than the crappy Tesco Metros I used to have to go to in London). I’ve bought the essentials - beer, wine and coffee - and the luxuries - washing liquid and food for tonight.

    I couldn’t find my new favourite beer, but was very pleased to find my favourite from my last road trip in France, La Goudale. It’s 7.2% ABV, very tasty and was only just over €2 for each 750ml bottle from the fridge (I was rather amused that the only beer sold out was the Camden Hells, the only British beer they had). I’m a small glass away from starting the second bottle. Then I can crack open my bottle of Roussillon red.

    I’ve got veal escalopes (which only came in packs of two, so I may be eating the same for lunch tomorrow); mushrooms, garlic and crème fraiche for the sauce, and some new potatoes. I thought about getting some green veg, but I’ve only got two hobs. I’ve done my prep and will be cooking soon, before I get too drunk 🤪

    I’ve got my washing on and I’ve been enjoying a very entertaining cat fight in the courtyard outside while tucking into my first beer.

    Oh, and I had a stroll down to Dali’s “centre of the universe” earlier, and it’s not all that impressive (though was probably relatively more so when Dali said it). But I did handily get to look at some train schedules for Friday.

    You are making me yearn for my cycle trips in France. Due to go in May. Now with my broken legs moved to Sept. The food and booze is the highlight after a day cycling. Normally starting on Leffe Brune or equivalent followed by a very cheap red wine.
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 40,950
    tlg86 said:

    TOPPING said:

    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    Why do you find it impossible to criticise, or even read criticism of, the EU or any country in it when they’re so clearly being despicable shits?
    It is because @williamglenn does it with precision and eloquence. That's what annoys the PB Remainers. He is difficult to dismiss
    Bollocks. He is an ex-smoker who smoked for 50 years of his life but will now take a bus to find someone smoking and lecture them on the ills of nicotine.
    Support for the EU is like smoking?

    I'll go with that. :smile:
    Has a non-trivial probability of killing you? Doesn't quite work for me but by all means run with it.
  • TOPPING said:

    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    Why do you find it impossible to criticise, or even read criticism of, the EU or any country in it when they’re so clearly being despicable shits?
    It is because @williamglenn does it with precision and eloquence. That's what annoys the PB Remainers. He is difficult to dismiss
    Bollocks. He is an ex-smoker who smoked for 50 years of his life but will now take a bus to find someone smoking and lecture them on the ills of nicotine.
    Actually I smoked for over 30 years until my granddaughter was born in 2003, at which point my daughter told me that both myself and her husband had to stop if we wanted to be close to the little one

    It was the hardest thing I have ever done but our practice nurse told me it could have saved my life because of a health issue I developed

    I do not lecture people but I cannot stand being near someone smoking
    That's a sensible attitude, Big G. I smoked my share before packing in, largely because of the children. I now find smoke very unpleasant but don't consider I have the right to sermonise.
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 40,950

    TOPPING said:

    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    Why do you find it impossible to criticise, or even read criticism of, the EU or any country in it when they’re so clearly being despicable shits?
    It is because @williamglenn does it with precision and eloquence. That's what annoys the PB Remainers. He is difficult to dismiss
    Bollocks. He is an ex-smoker who smoked for 50 years of his life but will now take a bus to find someone smoking and lecture them on the ills of nicotine.
    Actually I smoked for over 30 years until my granddaughter was born in 2003, at which point my daughter told me that both myself and her husband had to stop if we wanted to be close to the little one

    It was the hardest thing I have ever done but our practice nurse told me it could have saved my life because of a health issue I developed

    I do not lecture people but I cannot stand being near someone smoking
    Good for you Big G. Think of all those people who couldn't stand being near to you when you were smoking and give thanks for their graciousness.
  • FoxyFoxy Posts: 44,054


    I am up in God’s Own Country now on Easter Break

    Point of order: God's Own Country is actually Kerala.

    image
    I see your Tebbit chip is malfunctioning again.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 76,274

    Not even a foul.


    Atletico Madrid, make dirty Leeds look whiter than white.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228
    glw said:

    Andy_JS said:

    Plenty of us on here were saying the same thing for the last 10 years or so — that Germany shouldn't become reliant on Russia energy sources.

    I'm not even arguing "I was right", I'd read about the issue, but honestly I didn't think it would lead to where we are today. What I'm saying is that the critics of German policy towards Russia have the right to say "we were right", because they were, and almost exactly the scenario they warned about has happened. It's rare for anyone to have shown such prescience, and there were lots of people who saw it coming.
    I'm in the same position. I thought the critics of Germany were overdoing it. OK Putin was a bit unreliable, but surely he wouldn't.....

    But now he has, and he is, and he is intent on continuing.

    And so, as you say, we have to credit those who warned Berlin; yes, even the Donald
  • TOPPING said:

    TOPPING said:

    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    Why do you find it impossible to criticise, or even read criticism of, the EU or any country in it when they’re so clearly being despicable shits?
    It is because @williamglenn does it with precision and eloquence. That's what annoys the PB Remainers. He is difficult to dismiss
    Bollocks. He is an ex-smoker who smoked for 50 years of his life but will now take a bus to find someone smoking and lecture them on the ills of nicotine.
    Actually I smoked for over 30 years until my granddaughter was born in 2003, at which point my daughter told me that both myself and her husband had to stop if we wanted to be close to the little one

    It was the hardest thing I have ever done but our practice nurse told me it could have saved my life because of a health issue I developed

    I do not lecture people but I cannot stand being near someone smoking
    Good for you Big G. Think of all those people who couldn't stand being near to you when you were smoking and give thanks for their graciousness.
    The thing is that when I did smoke most everyone did but my daughter is the star and yes, fair comment
  • RogerRoger Posts: 18,891
    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    These good faith criticisms of the EU, France, Germany, Ireland etc are the perfect antidote to all the bad faith criticisms of BJ, the Tory party, Brexit and the UK, a breath of fresh air blowing away all those fetid Remoaner cobwebs imo.
    Let's deconstruct Roger's comment

    "What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop"

    @williamglenn did not mention the EU. The comment did not even reference France. The source was not "obscure" it has 46,000 followers, the source was not a "website" it is a Twitter account belonging to a European politics expert, and the ultimate source is the chairman of the SPD, Germany's biggest leftwing party in the Bundestag

    Apart from that, another typically well-informed and insightful comment by Roger
    He does what you do. Eulogise posters and sites that share your world view. Scott does the same but with much more discernment and sense of humour which neither you nor William have.
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 40,950
    stodge said:


    I’m sure he will. I think we should listen to Mike Smithson whose betting Boris fights the next election. I don’t even think we should feel so complacent tat despite all this, Boris loses his majority at the election.

    I’ve betted £50 Boris leaves this year. Kinabalu talked me into it in January. Boris position not only not in intensive care, it’s not even in hospital getting treatment 😕

    I am up in God’s Own Country now on Easter Break - surrounded by 4 Conservatives adamant Boris should not resign as he is leading the West in war against Putin - they think he is a Great War leader - Daily Mail type anger towards anyone calling for him to resign, such as Libdem leader and anyone saying they will vote Libdems 🤐

    - But the French are having full scale election, could change entire government?
    - Then the French are stupid for not cancelling it, besides Macron is not leading the West like Boris.
    - A Yorkshire MP reckons Lawbreakers can’t be lawmakers.
    - He’s now deprived his constituents of much needed money, so he ain’t so bright at politics. Nothing from West Yorkshire speaks for true Yorkshire.

    🤷‍♀️

    My mum reckons Sunak must resign, for being a rubbish chancellor and a traitor toBoris to stir all this up in first place.

    I’m going on a nice long walk tomorrow, nothing as exciting as Blanche but I might post some pictures too.

    The strange thing is, there isn't a single British soldier (we assume) involved in this conflict yet questioning any aspect of that seems to be as great a treason as if our troops were fighting in Lukhansk.
    Not strange at all. It is a war that we won't fight and hence people (especially on PB, it has seemed to be the case) can spout off any old gung-ho bollocks about how we must "do more for Ukraine" up to and including NFZs, more weaponry and even boots on the ground, knowing that for the most part this hasn't a chance of happening and they will never personally be affected. Well of course unless there is a nuclear war, obvs, but most haven't thought that one through.

    In Iraq/Afghan people were understandably cautious, and concerned as most everyone knew someone there or had been themselves.

    It is why the West's generals would welcome another Cold War. Endless and unlimited spending and no chance of actually fighting the war, as per the last Cold War.
  • SeaShantyIrish2SeaShantyIrish2 Posts: 15,227

    ydoethur said:

    Michael Fabricant demonstrates once again Boris Johnson is not the most fluent liar in politics:

    Nursing and teaching bodies complain about MP's lockdown drink comments
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-61088139

    If he had names, he should pass them to the police.

    He won’t because like the stupid looking lazy dishonest amoral pillock he is, he’s making it up.

    It’s awfully tempting to stand as an Indie in Lichfield at the next election so I can call him a lying, stupid looking, lazy c*** every five minutes in every debate.

    Fabricant has the appearance of a third-rate Boris impersonator.
    Believe what you mean, is that Fabricant is a 3rd-rate 3rd-rate Boris impersonator.

    Boris being a 4th-rate 4th-rate Fabricant impersonator.
  • MexicanpeteMexicanpete Posts: 24,583

    RobD said:

    Boris Johnson is facing another three potential fines for lockdown breaches, according to senior sources, as he suffered his first ministerial resignation over the Partygate scandal.

    In a sign of the continued nervousness in government that the prime minister’s position could come under threat when MPs return to Westminster from recess next week, a Downing Street source admitted the apparent lull felt like “calm before the potential storm”.


    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/apr/13/boris-johnson-could-get-three-more-fines-over-partygate-say-insiders

    I doubt he can survive three more fines!
    I’m sure he will. I think we should listen to Mike Smithson whose betting Boris fights the next election. I don’t even think we should feel so complacent tat despite all this, Boris loses his majority at the election.

    I’ve betted £50 Boris leaves this year. Kinabalu talked me into it in January. Boris position not only not in intensive care, it’s not even in hospital getting treatment 😕

    I am up in God’s Own Country now on Easter Break - surrounded by 4 Conservatives adamant Boris should not resign as he is leading the West in war against Putin - they think he is a Great War leader - Daily Mail type anger towards anyone calling for him to resign, such as Libdem leader and anyone saying they will vote Libdems 🤐

    - But the French are having full scale election, could change entire government?
    - Then the French are stupid for not cancelling it, besides Macron is not leading the West like Boris.
    - A Yorkshire MP reckons Lawbreakers can’t be lawmakers.
    - He’s now deprived his constituents of much needed money, so he ain’t so bright at politics. Nothing from West Yorkshire speaks for true Yorkshire.

    🤷‍♀️

    My mum reckons Sunak must resign, for being a rubbish chancellor and a traitor toBoris to stir all this up in first place.

    I’m going on a nice long walk tomorrow, nothing as exciting as Blanche but I might post some pictures too.
    We are in Putin/Trump territory if criticism of Johnson is treason, but I am in N. Notts. tonight, in the heart of the RedWall. Johnson is a patriot, and naysayers are traitors is the word here too.

    Bizarre!
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 32,735
    Harry Enfield is trending because people can't believe that Michael Fabricant is for real.
    https://twitter.com/dhothersall/status/1514235243733073921
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228
    Roger said:

    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    These good faith criticisms of the EU, France, Germany, Ireland etc are the perfect antidote to all the bad faith criticisms of BJ, the Tory party, Brexit and the UK, a breath of fresh air blowing away all those fetid Remoaner cobwebs imo.
    Let's deconstruct Roger's comment

    "What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop"

    @williamglenn did not mention the EU. The comment did not even reference France. The source was not "obscure" it has 46,000 followers, the source was not a "website" it is a Twitter account belonging to a European politics expert, and the ultimate source is the chairman of the SPD, Germany's biggest leftwing party in the Bundestag

    Apart from that, another typically well-informed and insightful comment by Roger
    He does what you do. Eulogise posters and sites that share your world view. Scott does the same but with much more discernment and sense of humour which neither you nor William have.
    I always consider you like the clown who comes on in the awkward pauses between circus acts

    You reliably trip over yourself, or you somehow hit yourself with a frying pan, or you end up covered in yellow custard, as you get facts hopelessly cluelessly wrong, and offer insights that would embarrass a three year old

    So - sincerely - thanks for the slapstick entertainment, over all these years. It is a genuine tribute to your tenacity that you have persisted despite all the people laughing at you rather than with you
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 40,950
    Roger said:

    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    These good faith criticisms of the EU, France, Germany, Ireland etc are the perfect antidote to all the bad faith criticisms of BJ, the Tory party, Brexit and the UK, a breath of fresh air blowing away all those fetid Remoaner cobwebs imo.
    Let's deconstruct Roger's comment

    "What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop"

    @williamglenn did not mention the EU. The comment did not even reference France. The source was not "obscure" it has 46,000 followers, the source was not a "website" it is a Twitter account belonging to a European politics expert, and the ultimate source is the chairman of the SPD, Germany's biggest leftwing party in the Bundestag

    Apart from that, another typically well-informed and insightful comment by Roger
    He does what you do. Eulogise posters and sites that share your world view. Scott does the same but with much more discernment and sense of humour which neither you nor William have.
    Plus we inexplicably fail to appreciate that someone on Twitter with 46,000 followers is the Golden Source for just about any information on anything.
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 32,735
    🔴 EXCLUSIVE: Boris Johnson facing second ‘partygate’ fine over aide’s leaving event

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/04/13/exclusive-boris-johnson-facing-second-partygate-fine-aides-leaving/
  • Scott_xPScott_xP Posts: 32,735
    Westminster sources confirmed that Sir Lindsay is likely to grant a debate as soon as Wednesday next week, when MPs will vote on whether to refer Mr Johnson's conduct to an investigation by the privileges committee

    Read the exclusive in full here ⬇️
    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/04/13/exclusive-boris-johnson-facing-second-partygate-fine-aides-leaving/
  • RogerRoger Posts: 18,891
    DougSeal said:

    Some nights you come on here and learn a lot and enjoy some really cracking discussions. Tonight is not one of those nights.

    It's a good point. I think it's got a lot to do with the politics of the day. Posters are pissed off having Johnson and his lies hanging around like a bad smell.

    And we're all so impotent....
  • MoonRabbitMoonRabbit Posts: 12,415

    RobD said:

    Boris Johnson is facing another three potential fines for lockdown breaches, according to senior sources, as he suffered his first ministerial resignation over the Partygate scandal.

    In a sign of the continued nervousness in government that the prime minister’s position could come under threat when MPs return to Westminster from recess next week, a Downing Street source admitted the apparent lull felt like “calm before the potential storm”.


    https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/apr/13/boris-johnson-could-get-three-more-fines-over-partygate-say-insiders

    I doubt he can survive three more fines!
    I’m sure he will. I think we should listen to Mike Smithson whose betting Boris fights the next election. I don’t even think we should feel so complacent tat despite all this, Boris loses his majority at the election.

    I’ve betted £50 Boris leaves this year. Kinabalu talked me into it in January. Boris position not only not in intensive care, it’s not even in hospital getting treatment 😕

    I am up in God’s Own Country now on Easter Break - surrounded by 4 Conservatives adamant Boris should not resign as he is leading the West in war against Putin - they think he is a Great War leader - Daily Mail type anger towards anyone calling for him to resign, such as Libdem leader and anyone saying they will vote Libdems 🤐

    - But the French are having full scale election, could change entire government?
    - Then the French are stupid for not cancelling it, besides Macron is not leading the West like Boris.
    - A Yorkshire MP reckons Lawbreakers can’t be lawmakers.
    - He’s now deprived his constituents of much needed money, so he ain’t so bright at politics. Nothing from West Yorkshire speaks for true Yorkshire.

    🤷‍♀️

    My mum reckons Sunak must resign, for being a rubbish chancellor and a traitor toBoris to stir all this up in first place.

    I’m going on a nice long walk tomorrow, nothing as exciting as Blanche but I might post some pictures too.
    We are in Putin/Trump territory if criticism of Johnson is treason, but I am in N. Notts. tonight, in the heart of the RedWall. Johnson is a patriot, and naysayers are traitors is the word here too.

    Bizarre!
    If Putin hadn’t invaded he’d be gone! Now he stays and probably wins general election boosted with war leader Falklands factor 🤦‍♀️
  • LeonLeon Posts: 46,228
    edited April 2022
    TOPPING said:

    Roger said:

    Leon said:

    Roger said:

    Ukraine is now getting lessons from Germany on diplomatic customs:

    https://twitter.com/RikeFranke/status/1514247714631991301

    @RikeFranke
    😳
    SPD chairman:

    “With all understanding for the existential threat to the 🇺🇦 from the Russian invasion, I expect Ukrainian representatives to adhere to a minimum of diplomatic customs and not interfere unduly in our country's domestic politics.”

    What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop. I think everyone gets the message.
    These good faith criticisms of the EU, France, Germany, Ireland etc are the perfect antidote to all the bad faith criticisms of BJ, the Tory party, Brexit and the UK, a breath of fresh air blowing away all those fetid Remoaner cobwebs imo.
    Let's deconstruct Roger's comment

    "What have you got against the EU in general and France in particular? You find these obscure anti EU websites and link to them non stop"

    @williamglenn did not mention the EU. The comment did not even reference France. The source was not "obscure" it has 46,000 followers, the source was not a "website" it is a Twitter account belonging to a European politics expert, and the ultimate source is the chairman of the SPD, Germany's biggest leftwing party in the Bundestag

    Apart from that, another typically well-informed and insightful comment by Roger
    He does what you do. Eulogise posters and sites that share your world view. Scott does the same but with much more discernment and sense of humour which neither you nor William have.
    Plus we inexplicably fail to appreciate that someone on Twitter with 46,000 followers is the Golden Source for just about any information on anything.
    Nope, never said that. I said that an expert on European politics with 46,000 followers is, by definition, "not obscure" as a source on European politics, and moreover she was just quoting the chairman of the SPD in the Bundestag

    Perhaps you also consider the Bundestag "obscure"? Would explain much
This discussion has been closed.