This looks worrying for Number 10 and the Tories – politicalbetting.com

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

StillWaters said:

JosiasJessop said:

In rather important but under-appreciated news:

The other day, an empty oil tanker, the Pablo, exploded off the Malaysian coast. Because it was empty, the risks of pollution are relatively minor (though the damage to the ship was very extensive).The Pablo is part of the dark fleet, and was probably involved with ship-to-ship transfers for oil deliveries to China.

Whether that oil came from Venezuela, Iran, or Russia, it highlights this trade, the sanctions-busting that is going on, and the generally lawlessness of much international shipping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrkaCttQ7OE

Very curious that someone was smoking while refuelling it

Malmesbury said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

The US is governed, in substantial part, by the Supreme Court. Which is, these days, an unelected legislative chamber.

Malmesbury said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

The US is governed, in substantial part, by the Supreme Court. Which is, these days, an unelected legislative chamber.

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Chelsea might be becoming both a verb and a noun. I am having a Chelsea day. I have Chelsea’d that right up etc.

https://twitter.com/legsidelizzy/status/1653484598263775233?s=46

I am sick of hearing.about Chelsea success. Let them spend billions and fail. The schadenfreude is and will be almost equal to that of seeing the SNP being brought to.book.

Sunil_Prasannan said:

Sean_F said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

Casino_Royale said:

Whatever way you cut it this Saturday is very important for KCIII.

He needs to own it and conduct himself with munificence, dignity and confidence on the world stage, because the world will be watching.

Seal the deal, Charlie.

Most of the world are republics.

In theory. Many are monarchies in fact.

Only North Korea and Cuba.

TimS said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

If we became a republic I’m pretty sure it would be of the Irish / German variety: a ceremonial presidency. So we’d be looking at president Mary Berry, David Attenborough or Judy Dench.

stodge said:

The swing in the R&W "Red Wall" polling from Conservative to Labour is 13.5% so pretty close to the England-wide 14% suggesting a uniformity across constituencies which we may or may not see played out on Thursday.

Looking at last night's numbers and taking out London, Wales and Scotland, I get Labour 46%, Conservatives 29%, Liberal Democrats 11%, Reform 8%, Green 5%.

That will include other areas with no votes such as Cornwall and is only indicative - nothing more.

We may be a lot wiser on Friday but somehow I doubt it.

ping said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Fuck the police, fuck the monarchy.

Anti-monarchists receive ‘intimidatory’ Home Office letter on new protest laws

Home Office claims timing of new powers, taking effect days before king’s coronation, is coincidental

Official warning letters have been sent to anti-monarchists planning peaceful protests at King Charles III’s coronation saying that new criminal offences to prevent disruption have been rushed into law.

Using tactics described by lawyers as “intimidatory”, the Home Office’s Police Powers Unit wrote to the campaign group Republic saying new powers had been brought forward to prevent “disruption at major sporting and cultural events”.

The new law, given royal assent by Charles on Tuesday, means that from Wednesday:


Protesters who block roads, airports and railways could face 12 months behind bars.

Anyone locking on to others, objects or buildings could go to prison for six months and face an unlimited fine.

Police will be able to head off disruption by stopping and searching protesters if they suspect they are setting out to cause chaos.


“I would be grateful if you could publicise and forward this letter to your members who are likely to be affected by these legislative changes,” says the Home Office letter, which lists the creation of a number of new criminal offences under the government’s much criticised public order bill.

The Home Office claims that the timing of the laws is coincidental. But lawyers have told Republic that the letter could be viewed as intimidatory, days before planned demonstrations in central London around the coronation.

Graham Smith, the campaign group’s chief executive, described the letter as “very odd” and said the group was seeking assurances from the police that nothing had changed in relation to its plans to protest on coronation day.

“We have been in direct contact with liaison officers and have met with senior commanders, who we have been very clear with about what we intend to do. Their response is that they are happy for us to proceed. But this letter has come out of the blue,” Smith said.

“Lawyers who we have been in touch with agree it sounds like intimidation and we are currently waiting for assurances from police nothing has changed.”

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/02/anti-monarchists-receive-intimidatory-home-office-letter-on-new-protest-laws-coronation

“Shut up and bow to the king” seems to be the message.

On the day, I’m tempted to lay flowers at Althorp estate. But tbh, i’m old enough to be beyond such passive aggressive virtue signalling. It would also be somewhat insincere on my part.

I’ll just tune out and hope this is the tories last hurrah.

I think it is.

The country is crying out for new direction. Why do Tory administrations always end this way? I did my best to nudge them in the right direction, back in 2019. It worked to an extent. And then they go and spoil it all by doing stupid shit like a) Boris Johnson b) Liz Truss and c) repressive shit like this.

Mexicanpete said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

Imagine Prince Harry as King

Why not? He hasn't really done anything too terrible. He's just pissed off the RedTops.

Nigelb said:

Republican former attorney general defending the indefensible.

Mukasey: If I were a district judge and somebody wanted to fly me on his private plane on a vacation with his family, I were friendly with that person, would I have refused and endangered the friendship? I’m not sure that I would’ve
https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1653449028326117376

Casino_Royale said:

Sean_F said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Sean_F said:

Garryowen would be a good anthem. “The best military tune in the world”, as Teddy Roosevelt put it.

Association with US 7th Cavalry and George Armstrong Custer makes it problematic as anthem, in these wokish times.

Of course, that's what the Rough Rider liked about it - musical accompaniment for empire and genocide. (TR had his good points, but this was NOT one of 'em).

That was sort of why I was recommending it.

The same way people want to replace God Save The King with Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

Plenty of modern regiments have Garryowen, though.

I'd consider Land of Hope and Glory an upgrade.

But, if that were ever likely, the Wokies would have a meltdown.

I can't think of anything more tub-thumping and ball-bustingly patriotic than it on earth.

Malmesbury said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

The US is governed, in substantial part, by the Supreme Court. Which is, these days, an unelected legislative chamber.

TimS said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

If we became a republic I’m pretty sure it would be of the Irish / German variety: a ceremonial presidency. So we’d be looking at president Mary Berry, David Attenborough or Judy Dench.

Sean_F said:

Casino_Royale said:

Sean_F said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Sean_F said:

Garryowen would be a good anthem. “The best military tune in the world”, as Teddy Roosevelt put it.

Association with US 7th Cavalry and George Armstrong Custer makes it problematic as anthem, in these wokish times.

Of course, that's what the Rough Rider liked about it - musical accompaniment for empire and genocide. (TR had his good points, but this was NOT one of 'em).

That was sort of why I was recommending it.

The same way people want to replace God Save The King with Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

Plenty of modern regiments have Garryowen, though.

I'd consider Land of Hope and Glory an upgrade.

But, if that were ever likely, the Wokies would have a meltdown.

I can't think of anything more tub-thumping and ball-bustingly patriotic than it on earth.

It's our equivalent of the Marseiilaise, which you can imagine the legions of Napoloen belting out, as they marched into battle.

Sunil_Prasannan said:

Casino_Royale said:

Sean_F said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Sean_F said:

Garryowen would be a good anthem. “The best military tune in the world”, as Teddy Roosevelt put it.

Association with US 7th Cavalry and George Armstrong Custer makes it problematic as anthem, in these wokish times.

Of course, that's what the Rough Rider liked about it - musical accompaniment for empire and genocide. (TR had his good points, but this was NOT one of 'em).

That was sort of why I was recommending it.

The same way people want to replace God Save The King with Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

Plenty of modern regiments have Garryowen, though.

I'd consider Land of Hope and Glory an upgrade.

But, if that were ever likely, the Wokies would have a meltdown.

I can't think of anything more tub-thumping and ball-bustingly patriotic than it on earth.

Actually LHG has a reasonably nice stately charm to it.

OTOH, Rule Britannia is the height of pretentiousness.

Sean_F said:

Mexicanpete said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

Imagine Prince Harry as King

Why not? He hasn't really done anything too terrible. He's just pissed off the RedTops.

If we had King Harry, I and SSI have composed the Coronation Ode:

" I weep for Harry's Penis—it is dead!
Oh, weep for the frost-bitten penis! though our tears
Thaw not the frost which binds so dear a head!
And thou, sad Hour, selected from all years
To mourn our loss, rouse thy obscure compeers,
And teach them thine own sorrow, say: "With me
Died Harry's Penis"; till the Future dares
Forget the Past, its fate and fame shall be
An echo and a light unto eternity.

But, hark! What wonder do these yearning eyes behold
If only in my own mind's eye! And more reflected in
The gleaming orbs of a dusky consort from a far-flung
Sun-kissed strand. Yea, the very squalls and squeals
Of near-royal brats testify that the Princely knob
Is fully thawed, newly risen, greatly driven ever forward,
Onward for Harry, St George and Santa Barbara!”

kle4 said:

Nigelb said:

Republican former attorney general defending the indefensible.

Mukasey: If I were a district judge and somebody wanted to fly me on his private plane on a vacation with his family, I were friendly with that person, would I have refused and endangered the friendship? I’m not sure that I would’ve
https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1653449028326117376

Jesus Christ, putting a position ahead of your personal interests is meant to be the whole point of public service.

RochdalePioneers said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Lol, this government is so fecking incompetent.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/02/government-puts-inquiry-into-sue-gray-departure-on-hold

Could be political smart, to drag the whole thing out as long as possible?

Seeing as how it's a load of caterpillar poop anyway, and ultimate ruling likely to reflect that?

Its amazing. They want to block the SueGray appointment to spite Starmer, and in Case's sake spite Gray.

Except that if as they now suggest Gray is compromised and therefore the Johnson enquiry (which cleared him...) was a political smear job, then surely Johnson should still be PM?

And the thing that really upsets civil servants who aren't Simon Case - a one year moratorium on their next job would rather screw up the career prospects of senior civil servants.

So having got very excited and lined up their client Officially-Not-News channels to provide news entertainment reporting about it, they have to pack up their tents. As going through with it would be far worse than the quick knee-trembler in the lift they were all excited about.

Casino_Royale said:

Sean_F said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Sean_F said:

Garryowen would be a good anthem. “The best military tune in the world”, as Teddy Roosevelt put it.

Association with US 7th Cavalry and George Armstrong Custer makes it problematic as anthem, in these wokish times.

Of course, that's what the Rough Rider liked about it - musical accompaniment for empire and genocide. (TR had his good points, but this was NOT one of 'em).

That was sort of why I was recommending it.

The same way people want to replace God Save The King with Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

Plenty of modern regiments have Garryowen, though.

I'd consider Land of Hope and Glory an upgrade.

But, if that were ever likely, the Wokies would have a meltdown.

I can't think of anything more tub-thumping and ball-bustingly patriotic than it on earth.

bondegezou said:

RochdalePioneers said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Lol, this government is so fecking incompetent.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/02/government-puts-inquiry-into-sue-gray-departure-on-hold

Could be political smart, to drag the whole thing out as long as possible?

Seeing as how it's a load of caterpillar poop anyway, and ultimate ruling likely to reflect that?

Its amazing. They want to block the SueGray appointment to spite Starmer, and in Case's sake spite Gray.

Except that if as they now suggest Gray is compromised and therefore the Johnson enquiry (which cleared him...) was a political smear job, then surely Johnson should still be PM?

And the thing that really upsets civil servants who aren't Simon Case - a one year moratorium on their next job would rather screw up the career prospects of senior civil servants.

So having got very excited and lined up their client Officially-Not-News channels to provide news entertainment reporting about it, they have to pack up their tents. As going through with it would be far worse than the quick knee-trembler in the lift they were all excited about.

When I was working with a civil service body, we couldn’t publish something with zero political or policy element because of purdah. Who on Earth thought they could publish something like this during purdah?

StillWaters said:

Nigelb said:

How have I not read this ?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mummy!
The Mummy! A Tale of the Twenty-Second Century is an 1827 three-volume novel written by Jane Webb (later Jane C. Loudon). It concerns the Egyptian mummy of Cheops, who is brought back to life in the year 2126. The novel describes a future filled with advanced technology,[1] and was the first English-language story to feature a reanimated mummy...

Will put that right on my fortuitously free Monday.

The classic Victorian three volume novel!

Chris said:

Casino_Royale said:

Sean_F said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Sean_F said:

Garryowen would be a good anthem. “The best military tune in the world”, as Teddy Roosevelt put it.

Association with US 7th Cavalry and George Armstrong Custer makes it problematic as anthem, in these wokish times.

Of course, that's what the Rough Rider liked about it - musical accompaniment for empire and genocide. (TR had his good points, but this was NOT one of 'em).

That was sort of why I was recommending it.

The same way people want to replace God Save The King with Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

Plenty of modern regiments have Garryowen, though.

I'd consider Land of Hope and Glory an upgrade.

But, if that were ever likely, the Wokies would have a meltdown.

I can't think of anything more tub-thumping and ball-bustingly patriotic than it on earth.

Just as "Singing in the Rain" is never the same after you've seen "A Clockwork Orange".

Chris said:

Casino_Royale said:

Sean_F said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Sean_F said:

Garryowen would be a good anthem. “The best military tune in the world”, as Teddy Roosevelt put it.

Association with US 7th Cavalry and George Armstrong Custer makes it problematic as anthem, in these wokish times.

Of course, that's what the Rough Rider liked about it - musical accompaniment for empire and genocide. (TR had his good points, but this was NOT one of 'em).

That was sort of why I was recommending it.

The same way people want to replace God Save The King with Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

Plenty of modern regiments have Garryowen, though.

I'd consider Land of Hope and Glory an upgrade.

But, if that were ever likely, the Wokies would have a meltdown.

I can't think of anything more tub-thumping and ball-bustingly patriotic than it on earth.

Just as "Singing in the Rain" is never the same after you've seen "A Clockwork Orange", "Land of Hope and Glory" is never the same after you've seen Ken Russell's "Elgar".

kinabalu said:

Casino_Royale said:

Sean_F said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Sean_F said:

Garryowen would be a good anthem. “The best military tune in the world”, as Teddy Roosevelt put it.

Association with US 7th Cavalry and George Armstrong Custer makes it problematic as anthem, in these wokish times.

Of course, that's what the Rough Rider liked about it - musical accompaniment for empire and genocide. (TR had his good points, but this was NOT one of 'em).

That was sort of why I was recommending it.

The same way people want to replace God Save The King with Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

Plenty of modern regiments have Garryowen, though.

I'd consider Land of Hope and Glory an upgrade.

But, if that were ever likely, the Wokies would have a meltdown.

I can't think of anything more tub-thumping and ball-bustingly patriotic than it on earth.

How long will you be doing this? Will it stop after Saturday?

Malmesbury said:

Nigelb said:

Malmesbury said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

The US is governed, in substantial part, by the Supreme Court. Which is, these days, an unelected legislative chamber.

If you’re suggesting the situation would be improved were they a constitutional monarchy, I’m not persuaded.

They are probably harder to get rid of than an annoying King.

Casino_Royale said:

ping said:

Casino_Royale said:

ping said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Fuck the police, fuck the monarchy.

Anti-monarchists receive ‘intimidatory’ Home Office letter on new protest laws

Home Office claims timing of new powers, taking effect days before king’s coronation, is coincidental

Official warning letters have been sent to anti-monarchists planning peaceful protests at King Charles III’s coronation saying that new criminal offences to prevent disruption have been rushed into law.

Using tactics described by lawyers as “intimidatory”, the Home Office’s Police Powers Unit wrote to the campaign group Republic saying new powers had been brought forward to prevent “disruption at major sporting and cultural events”.

The new law, given royal assent by Charles on Tuesday, means that from Wednesday:


Protesters who block roads, airports and railways could face 12 months behind bars.

Anyone locking on to others, objects or buildings could go to prison for six months and face an unlimited fine.

Police will be able to head off disruption by stopping and searching protesters if they suspect they are setting out to cause chaos.


“I would be grateful if you could publicise and forward this letter to your members who are likely to be affected by these legislative changes,” says the Home Office letter, which lists the creation of a number of new criminal offences under the government’s much criticised public order bill.

The Home Office claims that the timing of the laws is coincidental. But lawyers have told Republic that the letter could be viewed as intimidatory, days before planned demonstrations in central London around the coronation.

Graham Smith, the campaign group’s chief executive, described the letter as “very odd” and said the group was seeking assurances from the police that nothing had changed in relation to its plans to protest on coronation day.

“We have been in direct contact with liaison officers and have met with senior commanders, who we have been very clear with about what we intend to do. Their response is that they are happy for us to proceed. But this letter has come out of the blue,” Smith said.

“Lawyers who we have been in touch with agree it sounds like intimidation and we are currently waiting for assurances from police nothing has changed.”

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/02/anti-monarchists-receive-intimidatory-home-office-letter-on-new-protest-laws-coronation

“Shut up and bow to the king” seems to be the message.

On the day, I’m tempted to lay flowers at Althorp estate. But tbh, i’m old enough to be beyond such passive aggressive virtue signalling. It would also be somewhat insincere on my part.

I’ll just tune out and hope this is the tories last hurrah.

I think it is.

The country is crying out for new direction. Why do Tory administrations always end this way? I did my best to nudge them in the right direction, back in 2019. It worked to an extent. And then they go and spoil it all by doing stupid shit like a) Boris Johnson b) Liz Truss and c) repressive shit like this.

If you think the Archbishop of Canterbury and KCIII are Tories I'm sure it'd come as big news to them.

Projection, on your part.

This is Tory onanism. The party deserves to die.

Shoulda happened in 2017/19, but they limp on, ever more desperate, ever more repressive. The only thing left that united them was tax cuts, until truss destroyed that.

Now they’re left scraping the barrel, trying to whip the nation into a nationalist fervour.

Pathetic.

Only the most credulous, buy it.

@Heathener you normally post at 6am

Get some rest.

Go to bed.

stodge said:

Just seen the Deltapoll numbers:

LAB: 44% (+1)
CON: 29% (-1)
LDEM: 11% (+2)
GRN: 4% (-1)
REF: 4% (-1)

Back to a 15-point lead for Labour and the LDs sweeping all before them (to a couple of points).

Sean_F said:

ping said:

Casino_Royale said:

ping said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Fuck the police, fuck the monarchy.

Anti-monarchists receive ‘intimidatory’ Home Office letter on new protest laws

Home Office claims timing of new powers, taking effect days before king’s coronation, is coincidental

Official warning letters have been sent to anti-monarchists planning peaceful protests at King Charles III’s coronation saying that new criminal offences to prevent disruption have been rushed into law.

Using tactics described by lawyers as “intimidatory”, the Home Office’s Police Powers Unit wrote to the campaign group Republic saying new powers had been brought forward to prevent “disruption at major sporting and cultural events”.

The new law, given royal assent by Charles on Tuesday, means that from Wednesday:


Protesters who block roads, airports and railways could face 12 months behind bars.

Anyone locking on to others, objects or buildings could go to prison for six months and face an unlimited fine.

Police will be able to head off disruption by stopping and searching protesters if they suspect they are setting out to cause chaos.


“I would be grateful if you could publicise and forward this letter to your members who are likely to be affected by these legislative changes,” says the Home Office letter, which lists the creation of a number of new criminal offences under the government’s much criticised public order bill.

The Home Office claims that the timing of the laws is coincidental. But lawyers have told Republic that the letter could be viewed as intimidatory, days before planned demonstrations in central London around the coronation.

Graham Smith, the campaign group’s chief executive, described the letter as “very odd” and said the group was seeking assurances from the police that nothing had changed in relation to its plans to protest on coronation day.

“We have been in direct contact with liaison officers and have met with senior commanders, who we have been very clear with about what we intend to do. Their response is that they are happy for us to proceed. But this letter has come out of the blue,” Smith said.

“Lawyers who we have been in touch with agree it sounds like intimidation and we are currently waiting for assurances from police nothing has changed.”

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/02/anti-monarchists-receive-intimidatory-home-office-letter-on-new-protest-laws-coronation

“Shut up and bow to the king” seems to be the message.

On the day, I’m tempted to lay flowers at Althorp estate. But tbh, i’m old enough to be beyond such passive aggressive virtue signalling. It would also be somewhat insincere on my part.

I’ll just tune out and hope this is the tories last hurrah.

I think it is.

The country is crying out for new direction. Why do Tory administrations always end this way? I did my best to nudge them in the right direction, back in 2019. It worked to an extent. And then they go and spoil it all by doing stupid shit like a) Boris Johnson b) Liz Truss and c) repressive shit like this.

If you think the Archbishop of Canterbury and KCIII are Tories I'm sure it'd come as big news to them.

Projection, on your part.

This is Tory onanism. The party deserves to die.

Shoulda happened in 2017/19, but they limp on, ever more desperate, ever more repressive. The only thing left that united them was tax cuts, until truss destroyed that.

Now they’re left scraping the barrel, trying to whip the nation into a nationalist fervour.

Pathetic.

Only the most credulous, buy it.

The Conservative Party is a barrier towards right wing policies, rather than an implementer of them. You should be careful what you wish for.

Sunil_Prasannan said:

Chris said:

Casino_Royale said:

Sean_F said:

SeaShantyIrish2 said:

Sean_F said:

Garryowen would be a good anthem. “The best military tune in the world”, as Teddy Roosevelt put it.

Association with US 7th Cavalry and George Armstrong Custer makes it problematic as anthem, in these wokish times.

Of course, that's what the Rough Rider liked about it - musical accompaniment for empire and genocide. (TR had his good points, but this was NOT one of 'em).

That was sort of why I was recommending it.

The same way people want to replace God Save The King with Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory.

Plenty of modern regiments have Garryowen, though.

I'd consider Land of Hope and Glory an upgrade.

But, if that were ever likely, the Wokies would have a meltdown.

I can't think of anything more tub-thumping and ball-bustingly patriotic than it on earth.

Just as "Singing in the Rain" is never the same after you've seen "A Clockwork Orange".

Beethoven's 9th!

HYUFD said:

MoonRabbit said:

stodge said:

The swing in the R&W "Red Wall" polling from Conservative to Labour is 13.5% so pretty close to the England-wide 14% suggesting a uniformity across constituencies which we may or may not see played out on Thursday.

Looking at last night's numbers and taking out London, Wales and Scotland, I get Labour 46%, Conservatives 29%, Liberal Democrats 11%, Reform 8%, Green 5%.

That will include other areas with no votes such as Cornwall and is only indicative - nothing more.

We may be a lot wiser on Friday but somehow I doubt it.

I hope this locals election doesn’t distract too much from the coronation build up.

To be honest I have seen more union jacks, Crosses of Saint George and pictures of the King outside houses driving around campaigning than local election posters. Even if the yellow peril are trying their hardest to get their 'demand better!' diamonds up

Nigelb said:

kle4 said:

Nigelb said:

Republican former attorney general defending the indefensible.

Mukasey: If I were a district judge and somebody wanted to fly me on his private plane on a vacation with his family, I were friendly with that person, would I have refused and endangered the friendship? I’m not sure that I would’ve
https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1653449028326117376

Jesus Christ, putting a position ahead of your personal interests is meant to be the whole point of public service.

The idea that one might endanger a friendship by declining an annual bung of around half a million dollars travel benefits is an exceedingly odd one. Or the friendship is.

Harlan Crow is certainly a very odd man.

Foxy said:

Casino_Royale said:

I vow to thee my country, needs to make an appearance too.

Zadok is a given, but will be sublime - as it always is.

Or we could just swap to the Sex Pistols version of GSTQ.

The Sex Pistols and Punk Rock being another example of radicalism in Britain, and something to be proud of.

Casino_Royale said:

Foxy said:

Casino_Royale said:

I vow to thee my country, needs to make an appearance too.

Zadok is a given, but will be sublime - as it always is.

Or we could just swap to the Sex Pistols version of GSTQ.

The Sex Pistols and Punk Rock being another example of radicalism in Britain, and something to be proud of.

Johnny Rotten is very patriotic.

kle4 said:

TimS said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

If we became a republic I’m pretty sure it would be of the Irish / German variety: a ceremonial presidency. So we’d be looking at president Mary Berry, David Attenborough or Judy Dench.

I'd rather a president with powers than without. I know there are places it works, as you list, but if the president is ceremonial I don't see why the need to shift as we've got a ceremonial arrangement already, which comes with silly rituals we can laugh about and has some unique characteristics. If I elect someone I want them to be expected to at least try to do things.

If there's a change it should be meaningful, not some 21st century style Lord Protector replicating what was there before (only without the power this time).

kinabalu said:

kle4 said:

TimS said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

If we became a republic I’m pretty sure it would be of the Irish / German variety: a ceremonial presidency. So we’d be looking at president Mary Berry, David Attenborough or Judy Dench.

I'd rather a president with powers than without. I know there are places it works, as you list, but if the president is ceremonial I don't see why the need to shift as we've got a ceremonial arrangement already, which comes with silly rituals we can laugh about and has some unique characteristics. If I elect someone I want them to be expected to at least try to do things.

If there's a change it should be meaningful, not some 21st century style Lord Protector replicating what was there before (only without the power this time).

It's the scale and tone of it though. I lived in Vienna for a while and I remember being struck by how disproportionately grand and pretentious it seemed as the capital of what was now a small central European country rather than the seat of the Habsburgs. Similar thing with our Monarchy. A bloated hangover from Empire. Embarrassing now. And inappropriate. That's how I feel anyway.

kinabalu said:

kle4 said:

TimS said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

If we became a republic I’m pretty sure it would be of the Irish / German variety: a ceremonial presidency. So we’d be looking at president Mary Berry, David Attenborough or Judy Dench.

I'd rather a president with powers than without. I know there are places it works, as you list, but if the president is ceremonial I don't see why the need to shift as we've got a ceremonial arrangement already, which comes with silly rituals we can laugh about and has some unique characteristics. If I elect someone I want them to be expected to at least try to do things.

If there's a change it should be meaningful, not some 21st century style Lord Protector replicating what was there before (only without the power this time).

It's the scale and tone of it though. I lived in Vienna for a while and I remember being struck by how disproportionately grand and pretentious it seemed as the capital of what was now a small central European country rather than the seat of the Habsburgs. Similar with our OTT Monarchy. A bloated hangover from Empire. Embarrassing now. And inappropriate. That's how I feel anyway.

geoffw said:

Casino_Royale said:

I vow to thee my country, needs to make an appearance too.

Zadok is a given, but will be sublime - as it always is.

Always? Were you around last time? I was and sang it in a choir.

kinabalu said:

kle4 said:

TimS said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

If we became a republic I’m pretty sure it would be of the Irish / German variety: a ceremonial presidency. So we’d be looking at president Mary Berry, David Attenborough or Judy Dench.

I'd rather a president with powers than without. I know there are places it works, as you list, but if the president is ceremonial I don't see why the need to shift as we've got a ceremonial arrangement already, which comes with silly rituals we can laugh about and has some unique characteristics. If I elect someone I want them to be expected to at least try to do things.

If there's a change it should be meaningful, not some 21st century style Lord Protector replicating what was there before (only without the power this time).

It's the scale and tone of it though. I lived in Vienna for a while and I remember being struck by how disproportionately grand and pretentious it seemed as the capital of what was now a small central European country rather than the seat of the Habsburgs. Similar with our OTT Monarchy. A bloated hangover from Empire. Embarrassing now. And inappropriate. That's how I feel anyway.

HYUFD said:

kinabalu said:

kle4 said:

TimS said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

If we became a republic I’m pretty sure it would be of the Irish / German variety: a ceremonial presidency. So we’d be looking at president Mary Berry, David Attenborough or Judy Dench.

I'd rather a president with powers than without. I know there are places it works, as you list, but if the president is ceremonial I don't see why the need to shift as we've got a ceremonial arrangement already, which comes with silly rituals we can laugh about and has some unique characteristics. If I elect someone I want them to be expected to at least try to do things.

If there's a change it should be meaningful, not some 21st century style Lord Protector replicating what was there before (only without the power this time).

It's the scale and tone of it though. I lived in Vienna for a while and I remember being struck by how disproportionately grand and pretentious it seemed as the capital of what was now a small central European country rather than the seat of the Habsburgs. Similar with our OTT Monarchy. A bloated hangover from Empire. Embarrassing now. And inappropriate. That's how I feel anyway.

Well as leftwingers like you are generally embarassed about being British anyway, except in terms of the NHS, why should we care that you feel the same about our monarchy?

Sean_F said:

'The Conservative Party is a barrier towards right wing policies, rather than an implementer of them. You should be careful what you wish for.

Sunil_Prasannan said:

HYUFD said:

kinabalu said:

kle4 said:

TimS said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

If we became a republic I’m pretty sure it would be of the Irish / German variety: a ceremonial presidency. So we’d be looking at president Mary Berry, David Attenborough or Judy Dench.

I'd rather a president with powers than without. I know there are places it works, as you list, but if the president is ceremonial I don't see why the need to shift as we've got a ceremonial arrangement already, which comes with silly rituals we can laugh about and has some unique characteristics. If I elect someone I want them to be expected to at least try to do things.

If there's a change it should be meaningful, not some 21st century style Lord Protector replicating what was there before (only without the power this time).

It's the scale and tone of it though. I lived in Vienna for a while and I remember being struck by how disproportionately grand and pretentious it seemed as the capital of what was now a small central European country rather than the seat of the Habsburgs. Similar with our OTT Monarchy. A bloated hangover from Empire. Embarrassing now. And inappropriate. That's how I feel anyway.

Well as leftwingers like you are generally embarassed about being British anyway, except in terms of the NHS, why should we care that you feel the same about our monarchy?

The USA is a left-wing country?

kle4 said:

WhisperingOracle said:

kinabalu said:

kle4 said:

TimS said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

If we became a republic I’m pretty sure it would be of the Irish / German variety: a ceremonial presidency. So we’d be looking at president Mary Berry, David Attenborough or Judy Dench.

I'd rather a president with powers than without. I know there are places it works, as you list, but if the president is ceremonial I don't see why the need to shift as we've got a ceremonial arrangement already, which comes with silly rituals we can laugh about and has some unique characteristics. If I elect someone I want them to be expected to at least try to do things.

If there's a change it should be meaningful, not some 21st century style Lord Protector replicating what was there before (only without the power this time).

It's the scale and tone of it though. I lived in Vienna for a while and I remember being struck by how disproportionately grand and pretentious it seemed as the capital of what was now a small central European country rather than the seat of the Habsburgs. Similar with our OTT Monarchy. A bloated hangover from Empire. Embarrassing now. And inappropriate. That's how I feel anyway.

Yes, Vienna is strange, isn't it. Beautiful ,but incredibly self-important. Almost as if it lives in a quite cultured, but different world.

I recall Bill Bryson's description essentially being it's the most grand and imperial city possible. Sounds nice for a visit, though I can see the point it might see a little out of place now.

kinabalu said:

kle4 said:

kinabalu said:

kle4 said:

TimS said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

If we became a republic I’m pretty sure it would be of the Irish / German variety: a ceremonial presidency. So we’d be looking at president Mary Berry, David Attenborough or Judy Dench.

I'd rather a president with powers than without. I know there are places it works, as you list, but if the president is ceremonial I don't see why the need to shift as we've got a ceremonial arrangement already, which comes with silly rituals we can laugh about and has some unique characteristics. If I elect someone I want them to be expected to at least try to do things.

If there's a change it should be meaningful, not some 21st century style Lord Protector replicating what was there before (only without the power this time).

It's the scale and tone of it though. I lived in Vienna for a while and I remember being struck by how disproportionately grand and pretentious it seemed as the capital of what was now a small central European country rather than the seat of the Habsburgs. Similar thing with our Monarchy. A bloated hangover from Empire. Embarrassing now. And inappropriate. That's how I feel anyway.

Sure, but for me a ceremonial president is also pretentious - I don't see the need for such ceremony if you are just electing another politician, even one who will generally not stoop (at least in theory).

So elect a president with a deeper purpose, and lower the pretention that way.

Not so dated and embarrassing and inappropriate if it's scaled down and head of state only for the UK not for umpteen former colonies.

WhisperingOracle said:

kinabalu said:

kle4 said:

TimS said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

Sunil_Prasannan said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

squareroot2 said:

TheScreamingEagles said:

Casino_Royale said:

Thanks Prince Harry (you fucking dick).

Support for the Monarchy needs to be up at 75-80% not 60-65%:

https://lordashcroftpolls.com/2023/05/the-monarchy-has-to-change-but-the-king-has-time-and-goodwill-on-his-side/#more-17007

Hurrah, I’m a modern republican according to Lord Ashcroft.

PS - I think it is Prince Andrew who has damaged the Royals more than Harry.

Write off the monarchy at your peril. The devil you know and all that....

I have become a Brexiteer and I want to get rid of our unelected rulers.

My previous comment refers. Just look what a shithouse the USA has become with its presidency. The Monarchy has a lot going for it.

Still undemocratic and anti-meritocratic.

It's what works that matters. Imagine Tony Blair as President and weep.

Why would Tony Blair be president? Imagine Prince Andrew as King.

If we became a republic I’m pretty sure it would be of the Irish / German variety: a ceremonial presidency. So we’d be looking at president Mary Berry, David Attenborough or Judy Dench.

I'd rather a president with powers than without. I know there are places it works, as you list, but if the president is ceremonial I don't see why the need to shift as we've got a ceremonial arrangement already, which comes with silly rituals we can laugh about and has some unique characteristics. If I elect someone I want them to be expected to at least try to do things.

If there's a change it should be meaningful, not some 21st century style Lord Protector replicating what was there before (only without the power this time).

It's the scale and tone of it though. I lived in Vienna for a while and I remember being struck by how disproportionately grand and pretentious it seemed as the capital of what was now a small central European country rather than the seat of the Habsburgs. Similar with our OTT Monarchy. A bloated hangover from Empire. Embarrassing now. And inappropriate. That's how I feel anyway.

Yes, Vienna is strange, isn't it. To me it felt beautiful, but incredibly self-important. Almost as if it lives in a quite cultured, but slightly different world, or timezone.