You make concessions to Trump, as Starmer is doing, to contain the damage. Problem is the damage avoided is unquantifiable. It just looks like you make these big concessions at the expense of your other interests and you still get beaten up. And it's not necessarily just an impression of being taken for a mug. You might actually be trading away your interests for no real return.
If the Conservative Party is incapable of picking a leader who lasts a full parliamentary term (as with the 4 before Badenoch), why should the public trust them with any other decisions?
The problem with Badenoch is she’s coming across unfocused, unserious and uncertain. We know her views on things like lunch, we’re much less clear on how she would direct the business of government.
At some point the Tories will face an inflection point - if the polls stay as they are they’ll have to seriously entertain the prospect that with a fair wind and a few more points going their way, they could, bizarrely, enter Number 10 as part of some kind of coalition. But to add that sort of support they’re going to have to attract at least a few voters who believe they’re ready for government. Right now, they’re very far away from giving that impression.
Trumpian performative cruelty like Blighty has never seen before.
It's a fun game to play, but with a couple of flaws.
The key one is that a Conservative-Reform deal will end up with three competing parties in the space, rather than two. Neither Jenrick or Farage will be able to bring all their followers with them.
But also- any sort of deal will lead to there being a Number One and a Number Two. Why should Farage give his stardust to a party that is dying and that NF wants to kill? Why should Jenrick go to all the trouble of becoming Conservative leader in order to become subservient to Nigel? After all, the Conservatives currently have about 40 30 times as many MPs as Reform.
It might be the inevitable endgame (though I want to see what happens to Reform when Farage becomes too old), but that doesn't mean we can cut straight to that particular chase.
ETA: Oops. I briefly forgot quite how bad July 2024 was for the Conservative Party.
If the Conservative Party is incapable of picking a leader who lasts a full parliamentary term (as with the 4 before Badenoch), why should the public trust them with any other decisions?
It is quite a thought that only two leaders elected since 1992* have served a full parliament as leader of the Tories - Hague and Cameron.
Meanwhile Labour have had Blair, Miliband, Corbyn and Starmer.
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
He thinks VAT is a tariff.
This is because he is what we call in polite society a rucking fetard.
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
What he means is that if a country retaliates he’s going to increase the amount by the amount the EU (say) increase in tariffs by.
So it’s 20% now, eu put 20% on goods imported from America and he will add another 20% to the tariff.
America (and the rest of us) are about to get poorer
And the problem is that Trump and co don’t understand that VAT is simply a sales tax done in a way that works
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
What he means is that if a country retaliates he’s going to increase the amount by the amount the EU (say) increase in tariffs by.
So it’s 20% now, eu put 20% on goods imported from America and he will add another 20% to the tariff.
America (and the rest of us) are about to get poorer
And the problem is that Trump and co don’t understand that VAT is simply a sales tax done in a way that works
I wonder how Americans will react when it dawns on them that the wall builder is wrong and they have to pay these tariffs themselves.
The weird thing is that America trashed every single one of its relationships around the world for what - China to benefit? Does any else really want American cars?
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
He thinks VAT is a tariff.
This is because he is what we call in polite society a rucking fetard.
Worth saying that San Neidle covered it in great detail earlier today
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
The weird thing is that America trashed every single one of its relationships around the world for what - China to benefit? Does any else really want American cars?
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
"The White House clearly intends to produce a lot of content out of this event. There are various cameras stationed on the roof of the White House. A couple photographers are also on the roof just behind Trump. Making a tariff event the primary focus of the White House’s messaging will also come with a risk. Most economists say consumers will bear the cost of tariffs, which could fuel economic frustration among voters."
The weird thing is that America trashed every single one of its relationships around the world for what - China to benefit? Does any else really want American cars?
The weird thing is that America trashed every single one of its relationships around the world for what - China to benefit? Does any else really want American cars?
Does anyone want US cars ?
One of our members even has a YouTube channel telling people just to get one.
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
He thinks VAT is a tariff.
If you don’t understand how it works and look at it from the eyes of a not particularly bright American who has never been abroad it can look like a tariff because they’ve never seen a till receipt with vat listed on everything
The weird thing is that America trashed every single one of its relationships around the world for what - China to benefit? Does any else really want American cars?
Does anyone want US cars ?
One of our members even has a YouTube channel telling people just to get one.
I'm thinking of opening a YouTube channel telling Trump to do one.
The weird thing is that America trashed every single one of its relationships around the world for what - China to benefit? Does any else really want American cars?
For Trump to pretend he has a big penis.
Well, yes. But just weird to hear an American president ramble on about rubbish
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
He thinks VAT is a tariff.
The disgusting smelling simpleton is economically illiterate as well as illiterate in the more conventional sense.
Looking forward to the incoming @williamglenn clarification of the 4D chess genius playing out.
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
He thinks VAT is a tariff.
This is because he is what we call in polite society a rucking fetard.
Worth saying that San Neidle covered it in great detail earlier today
"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
He thinks VAT is a tariff.
This is because he is what we call in polite society a rucking fetard.
Worth saying that San Neidle covered it in great detail earlier today
Tariffs are reciprocal he says. So, we don't have any tariffs to talk of for the US so there is nothing to reciprocate? Or is that just assuming that there is any logic to this nonsense at all?
If we impose tariffs in response he will reciprocate
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com · 5m Trump: "From 1789 to 1913, we were a tariff-backed nation and the US was proportionately the wealthiest it has ever been ... then in 1913, for reason unknown to mankind, they established the income tax."
So the UK offered a state visit to a man who is going out of his way to harm UK jobs .
I don’t think the public are in the mood to see the country humiliated in this way . Starmer needs to be very careful as abject surrender will see Labour polling implode completely.
And I do also hope that the media will finally go after Farage as he’s gotten away with his Trump fawning for far too long .
So the UK offered a state visit to a man who is going out of his way to harm UK jobs .
I don’t think the public are in the mood to see the country humiliated in this way . Starmer needs to be very careful as abject surrender will see Labour polling implode completely.
And I do also hope that the media will finally go after Farage as he’s gotten away with his Trump fawning for far too long .
So does Trump really think that tariffs will simultaneously bring in so much revenue that he can get rid of income tax plus also lead to imports being replaced by US manufacturing ?
If the imports are replaced where does the tariff revenue come from ?
20% tariff on US EU imports, 46% on Vietnamese imports, 32% on Taiwanese imports, 24% on Japanese imports. 31% on Swiss imports, 10% on UK imports, 30% on South African imports, 10% on Brazilian imports, 58% on Pakistani imports. 34% on Chinese imports and 26% on Indian imports
So the UK offered a state visit to a man who is going out of his way to harm UK jobs .
I don’t think the public are in the mood to see the country humiliated in this way . Starmer needs to be very careful as abject surrender will see Labour polling implode completely.
And I do also hope that the media will finally go after Farage as he’s gotten away with his Trump fawning for far too long .
You mistake us for having a backbone. We’ll be simpering and thanking him for lower tariffs than some other countries.
So the UK offered a state visit to a man who is going out of his way to harm UK jobs .
I don’t think the public are in the mood to see the country humiliated in this way . Starmer needs to be very careful as abject surrender will see Labour polling implode completely.
And I do also hope that the media will finally go after Farage as he’s gotten away with his Trump fawning for far too long .
F*** me! After 6 years we've finally found a crumb of a Brexit bonus comfort.. Doesn't quite make up for all the red tape and lost business from imposing economic sanctions on ourselves.
20% tariff on EU imports, 46% on Vietnamese imports, Taiwan 32% imports, 24% on Japanese imports. 31% on Switzerland, 10% on UK, 30% on South African imports, 10% on Brazilian imports, 58% on Pakistani imports. Indian and Chinese imports hit too
So that's cars, computers, white goods, food and gemstones all massively increased in price for American consumers.
Well done Don, really smart work. It's not like your voters ever buy those things.
The president says he will charge the U.K. a 10 percent tariff. Even that is pretty remarkable, since the United States runs a trade surplus with Britain, it’s such a close ally and the country has been trying to negotiate a trade deal with the United States.
The president says he will charge the U.K. a 10 percent tariff. Even that is pretty remarkable, since the United States runs a trade surplus with Britain, it’s such a close ally and the country has been trying to negotiate a trade deal with the United States.
NY Times blog
To be honest, it sort of feels like we might be able to get rid of that by accepting some washed chicken!
20% tariff on US EU imports, 46% on Vietnamese imports, 32% on Taiwanese imports, 24% on Japanese imports. 31% on Swiss imports, 10% on UK imports, 30% on South African imports, 10% on Brazilian imports, 58% on Pakistani imports. Indian and Chinese imports hit too.
So some gain for Starmer in that UK tariffs half EU tariffs
It looks like they will imminently crossover with the Cons but it doesn't seem implausible that they could be in 4th behind the LDs by the end of the year.
So the UK offered a state visit to a man who is going out of his way to harm UK jobs .
I don’t think the public are in the mood to see the country humiliated in this way . Starmer needs to be very careful as abject surrender will see Labour polling implode completely.
And I do also hope that the media will finally go after Farage as he’s gotten away with his Trump fawning for far too long .
You mistake us for having a backbone. We’ll be simpering and thanking him for lower tariffs than some other countries.
Has he agreed to eliminate the UK tax on US media companies
The president says he will charge the U.K. a 10 percent tariff. Even that is pretty remarkable, since the United States runs a trade surplus with Britain, it’s such a close ally and the country has been trying to negotiate a trade deal with the United States.
NY Times blog
To be honest, it sort of feels like we might be able to get rid of that by accepting some washed chicken!
Given that food in the USA already costs more than in this country it doesn't matter if it can be sold here as nobody is going to pay more for lower standard foreign food.
So does Trump really think that tariffs will simultaneously bring in so much revenue that he can get rid of income tax plus also lead to imports being replaced by US manufacturing ?
If the imports are replaced where does the tariff revenue come from ?
The great new rustbelt manufacturing boom and the extra tax revenue
20% tariff on EU imports, 46% on Vietnamese imports, Taiwan 32% imports, 24% on Japanese imports. 31% on Switzerland, 10% on UK, 30% on South African imports, 10% on Brazilian imports, 58% on Pakistani imports. Indian and Chinese imports hit too
So that's cars, computers, white goods, food and gemstones all massively increased in price for American consumers.
Well done Don, really smart work. It's not like your voters ever buy those things.
So does Trump really think that tariffs will simultaneously bring in so much revenue that he can get rid of income tax plus also lead to imports being replaced by US manufacturing ?
If the imports are replaced where does the tariff revenue come from ?
The great new rustbelt manufacturing boom and the extra tax revenue
You really don't see the inherent contradiction you. Wow.
20% tariff on US EU imports, 46% on Vietnamese imports, 32% on Taiwanese imports, 24% on Japanese imports. 31% on Swiss imports, 10% on UK imports, 30% on South African imports, 10% on Brazilian imports, 58% on Pakistani imports. Indian and Chinese imports hit too.
So some gain for Starmer in that UK tariffs half EU tariffs
Oh behave. We have been humiliated. Starmer needs to use the unprecedented second State Visit as leverage otherwise he needs to f*** off and hand over to someone who isn't scared of the mango Mussolini.
Comments
At some point the Tories will face an inflection point - if the polls stay as they are they’ll have to seriously entertain the prospect that with a fair wind and a few more points going their way, they could, bizarrely, enter Number 10 as part of some kind of coalition. But to add that sort of support they’re going to have to attract at least a few voters who believe they’re ready for government. Right now, they’re very far away from giving that impression.
"I can't see the Rose Garden from here yet, but I do hear jazz music being played on loudspeakers."
Amazing stuff. Because of the unique way it's funded, I suppose.
Trumpian performative cruelty like Blighty has never seen before.
Nigey and BobbyJ could have matching tattoos of themselves on each other's arses.
The key one is that a Conservative-Reform deal will end up with three competing parties in the space, rather than two. Neither Jenrick or Farage will be able to bring all their followers with them.
But also- any sort of deal will lead to there being a Number One and a Number Two. Why should Farage give his stardust to a party that is dying and that NF wants to kill? Why should Jenrick go to all the trouble of becoming Conservative leader in order to become subservient to Nigel? After all, the Conservatives currently have about 40 30 times as many MPs as Reform.
It might be the inevitable endgame (though I want to see what happens to Reform when Farage becomes too old), but that doesn't mean we can cut straight to that particular chase.
ETA: Oops. I briefly forgot quite how bad July 2024 was for the Conservative Party.
Meanwhile Labour have had Blair, Miliband, Corbyn and Starmer.
*Excluding Major who was re-elected in 1995.
This is because he is what we call in polite society a rucking fetard.
So it’s 20% now, eu put 20% on goods imported from America and he will add another 20% to the tariff.
America (and the rest of us) are about to get poorer
And the problem is that Trump and co don’t understand that VAT is simply a sales tax done in a way that works
And I’m going to have to spend all tomorrow talking about it to people.
https://taxpolicy.org.uk/2025/04/02/no-vat-isnt-a-tariff-but-the-us-would-benefit-from-adopting-it/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
Basically it’s a sales tax done in a way that works
We've both said 'he thinks.'
NY Times live blog
You broke it, you own it.
We will know soon enough
https://x.com/kobeissiletter/status/1907527042993692722?s=61
Looking forward to the incoming @williamglenn clarification of the 4D chess genius playing out.
The love of money is the root of all evil !!!!
Can we please now stop pretending we should be doing business with this guy?
errrrr
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 Timothy 6:10&version=KJV
Isn't the general consensus that Smoot-Hawley tariffs f***** the US in the 1930s?
I hope he's OK but he must be feeling a bit blue. Trump is slaughtering more right wing sacred cows than a Muslim terrorist in a mandir.
Aaron Rupar @atrupar.com
·
5m
Trump: "From 1789 to 1913, we were a tariff-backed nation and the US was proportionately the wealthiest it has ever been ... then in 1913, for reason unknown to mankind, they established the income tax."
Trump really does not like the EU
I don’t think the public are in the mood to see the country humiliated in this way . Starmer needs to be very careful as abject surrender will see Labour polling implode completely.
And I do also hope that the media will finally go after Farage as he’s gotten away with his Trump fawning for far too long .
If the imports are replaced where does the tariff revenue come from ?
https://x.com/SharePickers/status/1907531002173424123
So some gain for Starmer in that UK tariffs half EU tariffs
Well done Don, really smart work. It's not like your voters ever buy those things.
They really are quite amateurish still
https://x.com/electionmapsuk/status/1907530456339259809?s=61
The US economy is going to be wreckage far quicker than we thought.
Screw that. America wants a trade war, let’s have one. Free trade for everyone in the tariff zone. Cut America out.
NY Times blog
I'm just sorry for the rest of us who have to suffer for their blind arrogance.
And we’re supposed to be grateful for this !
Is he just an idiot, or is he a senile idiot ?
Time for a rest-of-the-world free trade area.
Following the poll earlier, I have been looking at the polling averages.
While the Cons were very unpopular by the end, it was mostly a gentle decline with a big dip and rebound around Truss
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_United_Kingdom_general_election#Opinion_polling
Lab on the other hand have been falling off the cliff from the start:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_for_the_next_United_Kingdom_general_election
It looks like they will imminently crossover with the Cons but it doesn't seem implausible that they could be in 4th behind the LDs by the end of the year.
I wonder what Lab's floor is.