UK Politics Thread

[STEED]

Carwyn Jones and Nigel Farage have disputed the likely impact on jobs in Wales if the UK left the EU.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-35288599

Hope this pops up on YouTube.

[Jimbuna]

Shadow attorney general Catherine McKinnell has resigned from the shadow cabinet, citing concerns over Labour's direction under Jeremy Corbyn.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35281203

NEXT!!...

[STEED]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35281203

NEXT!!...

Beat you to it see post 4806.

Now shes free have you got her phone number jim?

[Jimbuna]

Beat you to it see post 4806.

Now shes free have you got her phone number jim?

Her phone number is 999 be sure to ring during the cheap rate after 6pm :03:

[STEED]

Her phone number is 999 be sure to ring during the cheap rate after 6pm :03:

Hey shes single good looker. :03:

Must be in that secret black book of Labour women MP's you have....Oh you binned it, no longer a Labour member. :arrgh!:

[Jimbuna]

Hey shes single good looker. :03:

Must be in that secret black book of Labour women MP's you have....Oh you binned it, no longer a Labour member. :arrgh!:

Nope, I hung onto that little piece of treasure :)

[STEED]

:har:

[Jimbuna]

Never kiss and tell matey...never kiss and tell :smug:

[STEED]

David Cameron is under pressure to guarantee "sink estate" residents can return to their old communities after they have been bulldozed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35300668

All to easy for a spot of bulldozing but why is he so hush hush about residents returning?

Is he planning to ignore them as the government knows best?

[Jimbuna]

The current oil price slump would have left independent Scotland facing unprecedented cuts in its first year of independence.

[STEED]

David Cameron wants all parents to sign up for parenting lessons as everyone needs "more help" with life's "most important job".

http://news.sky.com/story/1619900/parenting-classes-should-be-aspirational-pm

I hope you too will be signing up after the pub incident as well Dave old boy. :03:

[ExFishermanBob]

The current oil price slump would have left independent Scotland facing unprecedented cuts in its first year of independence.

I suggest you do a deal more research.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-31730120

[STEED]

I suggest you do a deal more research.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-31730120

Lets all move to the land of the rich...SCOTLAND. :)

No point staying in England under a government that robs you blind, time to get my bags packed. :)

[STEED]

Nicola Sturgeon warns UK may be heading for EU exit

I can not see it, corruption rules the waves and the UK and Europe is screwed by the bloated beast known as the EU.

Back to Nicola Sturgeon comment yes the "may" word was used. :03:

Politicians like using..may..possible..could be..and all the rest of those swing words that can go one way or the other. :)

http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/nicola-sturgeon-warns-uk-may-be-heading-for-eu-exit-1-3998823

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-scotland-idUKKCN0UR13820160113

[Jimbuna]

Oil prices continue on a downward spiral, some predicting an eventual fall to $10 per barrel.

[STEED]

Oil prices continue on a downward spiral, some predicting an eventual fall to $10 per barrel.

I had to laugh at ToffBoy who thinks its great, cheaper fuel for the worker going to work. He clearly is not seeing the bigger picture.


Anyway here is one for you jim, yes another Labour story.

A Labour MP wants wealthy party supporters with homes valued at over £1m to have their membership fee increased to £1,000.

http://news.sky.com/story/1622823/labour-mp-wants-wealth-tax-on-party-members

[STEED]

Cabinet minister and key eurosceptic Chris Grayling has launched an outspoken attack on the European Union, claiming it would be "disastrous" for Britain to be a member of an unreformed EU.

http://news.sky.com/story/1622283/cabinet-minister-staying-in-eu-disastrous

[Jimbuna]

I had to laugh at ToffBoy who thinks its great, cheaper fuel for the worker going to work. He clearly is not seeing the bigger picture.


Anyway here is one for you jim, yes another Labour story.



http://news.sky.com/story/1622823/labour-mp-wants-wealth-tax-on-party-members

Well that counts me out :yeah:

[STEED]

Labour Review Highlights Election Failings

http://news.sky.com/story/1623058/labour-review-highlights-election-failings


:: A failure to shake off the myth that Labour was responsible for the financial crash and failure to build trust in the economy

This was the great Tory lie and people bought this, the way it was presented by the Tories it came across Labour caused the world wide crash of 2007/8. Get stuffed it started in America with the ponzi sub prime mortgage scam and like all ponzi scams it collapsed. I do feel strongly Labour defence was a wash out and they took blow after blow from the Tories and never punched back good and hard.

:: An inability to deal with "issues of connection" and in particular a failure to communicate on benefits and immigration

It is clear now under the last government and present immigration is out of hand and targets are a joke. The Tories came across more forthright to a point. That is to say how to sell a lie and watch the fools buy it.

:: Mr Miliband was judged not to be as strong a leader as David Cameron

Have to agree, Ed is a nice guy but he let the Tories steamroller him and that is a sign of weakness.

:: A fear among voters of the SNP propping up a minority Labour government

Not so much as that the Tories sold it if Ed got in with a minority the SNP would rule the roost and Ed would have to tow their line.

[Captain Jack Tar]

1.petrols price keep rising(and will get even higher)
2.they plan to kill the NHS
3. the dole queues keep on rising due to their horrendous cuts
4.and now they plan this http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16194599



1 Petrol is at an all time low due to overproduction and the middle east kicking off"cheaper than water" UK press.2016.

2 More people in employment than last year. UK only country in Europe perhaps other than Germany, Merkel keeping her head down at the moment moving forward from last recession. Perhaps to leave the EU? Wish.

3 BOTH Labour AND Conservative want to kill off the NHS as its drains,at the moment just too much resources from the national kitty/Tax/ funding everybody else except us!
4 ?:up:

[STEED]

1.petrols price keep rising(and will get even higher)
2.they plan to kill the NHS
3. the dole queues keep on rising due to their horrendous cuts
4.and now they plan this http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16194599



The above was posted on March 23rd 2012

Bit late replying there Captain Jack Tar. :O: :03:

1 Petrol is at an all time low due to overproduction and the middle east kicking off"cheaper than water" UK press.2016.

2 More people in employment than last year. UK only country in Europe perhaps other than Germany, Merkel keeping her head down at the moment moving forward from last recession. Perhaps to leave the EU? Wish.

3 BOTH Labour AND Conservative want to kill off the NHS as its drains,at the moment just too much resources from the national kitty/Tax/ funding everybody else except us!
4 ?:up:

1. More to do with a oil war, who will win? Watch this space..

2. I don't trust the employment figures just like I don't trust the unemployment figures. The Tories state more people are in full time work, what about part time work or worst still zero hours.

3. Tories are destroying the NHS faster but I can not say Labour is saving it as they did bring in PFI by the back door.

4. (Page not found) No comment.

BTW: Captain Jack Tar feel free to join in and welcome. :)

[STEED]

Tony Blair has declined to appear before a Commons select committee investigating links between the IRA and Libya.

The former prime minister has strongly denied trying to stop victims of IRA attacks carried out with Libyan weapons from receiving compensation.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/blair-refuses-appear-mps-probing-links-between-ira-153324567.html?nhp=1

Why?

If he is in the clear then no issue, saying no is making lots of people wonder what is it he is hiding?

[Jimbuna]

Politicians the world over :yep:

[BossMark]

When challenged today about his department telling terminally-ill people they are fit to work, Iain Duncan Smith replied, "Well, David Bowie just released a new album last Friday

[Oberon]

Marr: So what is Labours policy on Trident?
Corbyn: I'm glad you asked me that since we haven't really spoken about it, look...how about we keep the submarines but take the nasty nuclear bit out of it.
Marr: So...a nuclear missile submarine without any nuclear missiles?
Corbyn: Oh no, we keep the missiles, just take the warheads off
Marr: ....and who will tell the Russians that it's an empty missile if it's launched?
Corbyn: ....
Marr: ....
Corbyn: So about these strike laws...

[STEED]

JC is showing signs hes deep in what should I do, grab the plank of wood or paper bag or or or as he floats around at sea.


I like the way the right wing press and Tories are bashing him almost everyday saying hes the worst thing for labour. If so how can that be coming from the Tories he is the best thing as the result more votes for the Tories. Worst thing to me means he is a major threat to the Tories. I am not the only one who has picked up on that.

[STEED]

History repeats itself as Cameron risks party schism over EU vote

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-ministers-idUKKCN0UV079


Former minister sets up pro-EU Conservative group

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-idUKKCN0UV0ED


British minister hints he may campaign to leave EU

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-minister-idUKKCN0US0MY20160114

Big question is will we get the vote this year. :hmm2:

[Oberon]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CY7OaxhWMAAxzUi.jpg:large

[STEED]

Is the letter explosion proof? :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

Marr: So what is Labours policy on Trident?
Corbyn: I'm glad you asked me that since we haven't really spoken about it, look...how about we keep the submarines but take the nasty nuclear bit out of it.
Marr: So...a nuclear missile submarine without any nuclear missiles?
Corbyn: Oh no, we keep the missiles, just take the warheads off
Marr: ....and who will tell the Russians that it's an empty missile if it's launched?
Corbyn: ....
Marr: ....
Corbyn: So about these strike laws...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CY7OaxhWMAAxzUi.jpg:large


:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2:

Rather worrying though :hmm2:

[STEED]

Take a look at Monday's The Sun news cover.

http://40.media.tumblr.com/3a260814c2bfa1eea8acd8ca57dec6ad/tumblr_o14avob2Tg1u5f06vo1_1280.jpg

[Jimbuna]

^ True that :har:

[STEED]

I see the pro in EU campaign has been given big sums of money from two corrupt banks, first Goldman Sachs and now yes you got it JP Morgan and Chase.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35366994

http://news.sky.com/story/1626855/jp-morgan-hands-cash-to-pro-eu-campaign

Who is next I ask, HSBC. :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

I doubt all the money in the world will be enough. Next comes the NO vote.

[STEED]

If ToffBoy wants to run a clean campaign he better send every penny back to those corrupt banks. And if the out campaign gets dirty money they too should hand it back.

[BossMark]

If toffboy wants us to stay in, then I'll vote to get out and screw toffboy....

[STEED]

On the back of recent JC news I was watching ALEINS last night had a bit of a laugh..

Frost.."What are we supposed to use man, harsh language" :har:

After handing over his ammo clip.

Two founding members of the SDP have speculated that there could be another breakaway from the Labour Party.
Former Labour foreign secretary Lord Owen told the BBC's Newsnight critics of Jeremy Corbyn should "fight like hell" for the next two years but that creating a new party was an option.
Baroness Williams said she saw a new party of the centre-left party reviving "the concept of the SDP".
She said Mr Corbyn was "an idealist" being "manipulated" by others.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35367714

Set up a new party now and be done with it.

Chris Grayling - "Here here"

Then suddenly thinks oh bugger.

:rotfl2:

ToffBoy makes a mistake..

http://www.itv.com/news/2016-01-06/cameron-income-equality-has-gone-down-with-me-as-pm/

Cameron: 'Income equality has gone down since I've been PM'

It took Tory press office a while to pull ToffBoy's comment off Twitter.

[Jimbuna]

The gaffe went apparently unnoticed by the opposition

You don't say :doh:

[STEED]

Sir Bernard Ingham asks: "Why should the UK throw another £12 billion a year down these mafia and assorted criminal drains?"

Warning looks like Bernard is going for a world record as you will see in the picture. :)

http://news.sky.com/story/1630625/eu-a-corrupt-mafia-says-thatchers-sir-bernard

I agree.

[STEED]

Cameron Defends 'Bunch Of Migrants' Jibe

http://news.sky.com/story/1631539/cameron-defends-bunch-of-migrants-jibe

ToffBoy just being a smart arse.

Trying to look like Mr Big, well Mr Big your record of missed targets speaks volumes from you who said.. no if's no but's.

[STEED]

UK economy grows 0.5% in fourth quarter

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35427222

The UK economy grew by 0.5% in the three months to the end of December, official figures show, taking the annual rate of growth for 2015 to 2.2%.
The Office for National Statistics show an improvement on the third quarter figure of 0.4%.
But the 2.2% annual growth in 2015 was down compared with 2.9% in 2014.

First of all this is not the whole picture and what we got is housing construction bubble and house hold spending resulting in house hold debt rising!

Second of all don't forget Q3 2015 was revised down from 0.5% to 0.4%.

Lets us wait a while for the full facts to come out.

[STEED]

Last poll said out now a new poll we want to stay in..

Most Britons back staying in EU
http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-poll-idUKKCN0V80DC


And now something for all the pollsters. :O:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulsFONO-qZg

And another one for all those who take part in these polls. :O:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfPg_GzC-HA


Polls...:haha:

[STEED]

A draft EU reform package to help keep Britain in the European Union could be circulated on Monday following meetings between Prime Minister David Cameron and top EU officials.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-package-factbox-idUKKCN0V72Q0

Well as the old saying goes we shall see..:hmm2:

[Jimbuna]

It takes all the EU members to agree to any meaningful changes and the subject of welfare benefits is a meaningful change and one to which Poland is adamantly opposed to as are other eastern states.

So what gives?

[STEED]

UK poll gives 'Brexit' campaign 4 point lead, biggest since October 2014

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-poll-idUKKCN0V90UQ

All together now..

The Hokey Pokey Song
RAY ANTHONY ORCHESTRA.wmv

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5nGrNuinq0

And in the polls tomorrow we Brits are staying in the EU as we love it and then latter in the week the Brits stick two fingers up to the EU and want out. :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Jimbuna]

The UK voting population will have their day.

[STEED]

The UK voting population will have their day.

A: Stay in the EU
B: Leave the EU
C: Stick it to the pollsters and win big money

:hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

I reckon B.

[Jimbuna]

Draft EU deal delivers 'substantial' reforms - Cameron

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35467479

Not in my estimation it doesn't :nope:

[STEED]

A: Stay in the EU
B: Leave the EU
C: Stick it to the pollsters and win big money

:hmmm:

I like Option C :haha:

In Out everyday that's what the polls are all about.

[STEED]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35467479

Not in my estimation it doesn't :nope:

Can't watch ToffBoy no Flash, get with it BBC Flash is history sort that news site out now!

I like the way old ToffBoy rushes off to some place like a school kid who has got hold of Mayfair for the first time. :haha:

Have to agree with JC he should have gone to the HoC first.



http://img.kiosko.net/2016/02/03/uk/sun.750.jpg

[STEED]

David Cameron says he is "happy to be judged" on his EU reform deal after facing a grilling from MPs.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35479506

OK...

http://www.anorak.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Screen-Shot-2015-09-22-at-11.14.16.png

[STEED]

Bank of England cuts growth outlook

The Bank of England cut its economic growth forecasts on Thursday due to a darker global outlook, and the lone policymaker who had backed a rate rise in recent months unexpectedly abandoned this position.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-britain-boe-idUKKCN0VD1GK

Don't tell Gids this as far as he is concerned everything is coming up rosy.

https://static-secure.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2013/10/14/1381762785148/George-Osborne--008.jpg
LIES LIES DAM MARK CARNEY LIES I TELL YOU!..I PUT THERE I CAN HAVE YOU RUBBED OUT CARNEY!!

[STEED]

Britain's pro-EU campaign predicts big victory in vote

Britain will vote to stay in the EU by a "substantial margin" predicted the leader of a campaign to keep the world's fifth-largest economy in the trading bloc, slating the opposing "out" movement for what he said was failure to present an alternative to membership.

Stuart Rose, chairman of the "Britain Stronger in Europe" group...

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-rose-idUKKCN0VD2B9

Is this the same Stuart Rose who could not name his in organisation?

http://news.sky.com/video/1629225/rose-forgets-own-campaigns-name

YES IT WAS..:haha:

[STEED]

I see we are in for another By-Election in Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough as the Labour MP passed away. Just have to wait and see when the date is set.

Checking the election results another safe labour seat.

General Election results 2015

LAB 22,663
UKIP 8,856
CON 4,407
LD 1,802
GRN 1,712
TUSC 442
ED 171

LAB majority: 13,807 34.5%
Turnout 54.8%

Vote share %
LAB 56.6%
UKIK 22.1%
CON 11.0%
LD 4.5%
GRN 4.3%
TUSC 1.1%

[Jimbuna]

Somewhere in the region of being the 25th safest Labour seat so don't go expecting any dramatic changes.

[STEED]

The PM is accused of showing "disrespect" to party activists in a letter signed by representatives from Conservative associations.

http://news.sky.com/story/1637409/pm-faces-grassroots-backlash-on-europe-vote

ToffBoy clearly thinks he can do what he wants and to hell with others.

[Jimbuna]

Be a very loooong time before Jeremy can act similarly......unless trade unions are abolished.

[STEED]

Thousands of refugees may enter Britain if it leaves EU: Cameron

http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu-cameron-idUKKCN0VH156

Scaremonger ToffBoy at it again. :nope:

Many people will over look the word "may" or substitute "may" with will as in flood in. If this is the way you are going to fight it ToffBoy then you have reached a new low in my book.

[Jimbuna]

It is not even clear if the French will scrap the bilateral border agreement (Calais mayor apart)....definitely scaremongering.

[Jimbuna]

Who would ever have thought?....

Parish councils wanting to raise council tax "excessively" may have to first consult the public in line with larger authorities, the government has warned.
Analysis by BBC News found thousands of parish and town councils in England increased their share of the annual bill, raising £18.9m in extra funds.
The government said it could make them "subject to the referendum principles".
But parish councils said that would be a threat to democracy.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35501990

[Oberon]

Court rules GCHQ hacking is legal

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35558349

Of course it did.

In other news, I need to start watching Deutschland '83, I hear it's very good. :yep:

[Jimbuna]

Britain must keep its Trident nuclear weapons system if it wants to play a significant role in the world, the US defence secretary has said.
Ash Carter told the BBC it was an "important part of the deterrent structure of Nato" and allowed the UK to punch above its weight.
MPs are expected to vote this year on whether to back government plans to renew the UK's four Trident submarines.
Labour is currently reviewing its support for the weapons.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35566480

What say ye Jeremy? :hmm2:

[STEED]

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday she is becoming more confident a deal to keep Britain in the European Union will be reached....

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-merkel-eu-idUKKCN0VL2H9

Looks like Angela getting tough..

http://www.affaritaliani.it/static/upl2014/nazi/nazi-merkel-ape10.jpg
We will have our way with you.


http://s1.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20120628&t=2&i=624098498&w=&fh=&fw=&ll=644&pl=429&sq=&r=CBRE85R0NMD00

[STEED]

Blunkett: EU Exit Would Be 'Catastrophe'

http://news.sky.com/story/1641648/blunkett-eu-exit-would-be-catastrophe

I WANT FACTS!..

All I hear are these big words mostly coming from the in campaign, stop it will you and tell us the facts.

BTW: I want facts from both in and out.

[STEED]

Nigel Farage accepts EU membership debate challenge from Alex Salmond

Nigel Farage has accepted a challenge to debate with Alex Salmond in the run up to the in/out referendum on EU membership.

Scotland's former first minister threw down the gauntlet to the Ukip leader during an interview on the Sky News Murnaghan programme.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/nigel-farage-accepts-eu-membership-debate-challenge-alex-143647330.html?nhp=1

Speaking of Nigel, he and George Galloway agree the UK must leave the EU and restore true democracy to the UK.

Watch it here on RT..

https://www.rt.com/shows/sputnik/332357-eu-referendum-brexit-campaign/

[Jimbuna]

http://i.imgur.com/L1KWqug.gif

[STEED]

You got just under half a hour with adverts to eat the pop corn. :)

[Oberon]

Well, if Galloway thinks that something is right then it must be wrong. :o

[Jimbuna]

I'm not in any hurry :03:

[STEED]

Scarred by election flop, British pollsters diverge over Brexit

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-polls-idUKKCN0VN0A9

Hey look all the pollsters are having a sing song..:haha: :03: :O: :haha:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_eNjB5MAz8

[STEED]

Osborne's fiscal charter shows the Tories have lost touch with reality

http://www.politics.co.uk/blogs/2016/02/15/osborne-s-fiscal-charter-shows-the-tories-have-lost-touch-wi

I think they lost touch with reality many many years ago. As for Osborne he has put it all on Black but Red is more likely, question is when and how big the hit will be.

[Jimbuna]

Have the 'opposition' announced a unified position yet?

[STEED]

Have the 'opposition' announced a unified position yet?

What opposition?

Democracy is like ice cream now so easily melted.

[Jimbuna]

True that.

[MGR1]

From the FT:

Last spring, the Conservative minister Nick Boles noticed something exercising his constituents in Lincolnshire, in the English Midlands. Whatever their gripes with his party, they knew the Labour opposition could only govern after the 2015 general election with the parliamentary complicity of Scottish Nationalists.
And how they hated the idea. The MP had never known such a doorstep sensation, with voters irrespective of age, sex and class seething at talk of separatist influence at UK level. Smelling an unanswerable line of attack against Labour, he drove to London to confer with Lynton Crosby, the Tories’ campaign director whose research, it turned out, had picked up the same sentiment.
The party spent the subsequent weeks talking up a deal between Labour and the Scottish National party, which the SNP did nothing to talk back down. Thus were Labour’s existing flaws sharpened in English voters’ minds. How could a leader as shaky as Ed Miliband stand up to the SNP’s formidable Nicola Sturgeon? Why entrust the economy to two parties of the left?
What germinated in Lincolnshire streets and airless focus group rooms grew into a lethal campaign, and now something much more important. British politics rotates around an unofficial non-aggression pact between English conservatism and Scottish nationalism. As antagonistic as any two movements in the land — culturally, ideologically — they nevertheless have a mutual strategic interest in each other’s success that neither side can admit.
As long as Tories govern in London, Nationalists in Edinburgh have an ogre against which to define themselves and mobilise their voters. They can run Scotland and wear the rebel colours of opposition at the same time. While gaining from this insider-outsider status, they can promote independence as the ultimate hedge against never-ending Conservative rule from Westminster, which also doubles up as something to blame for perceived blemishes in their own administrative record.
Meanwhile, as long as the SNP commands a virtual monopoly of parliamentary seats in Scotland, it is structurally near-impossible for Labour to defeat the Tories in a UK-wide election. And the harder it is for Labour to win, the more the party favours a life of ideological indulgence by way of consolation. Its members chose the ageing socialist Jeremy Corbyn as leader last autumn not as a way back to credibility but as a source of pleasure while impotent. The Tories can rest on historically lavish poll leads because Labour has given up, and Labour has given up because the SNP is so strong.
The Scottish Labour party has proposed to raise income tax by a penny, as it tries to jump-start its demoralised troops north of the border by tacking to the left.
A principled unionist cannot object to a UK government that hinges on a Scottish party’s votes. England’s emetic reaction to the mere prospect of SNP clout in Westminster last year amounted to a dismal prognosis for the union. But Ms Sturgeon will hardly worry about that, and even some Tories, when pressed, only want to preserve the UK in the same way that most people want to lose weight. The present and tangible reality of power matters more than the still-distant dread of national break-up.
No, the status quo suits both parties too much to disrupt, even if they knew how to go about such a thing. They are two columns propping up a political structure that shelters their interests. The anguish is all Labour’s. The party can only get around its systemic exclusion from power by reclaiming lost territory in Scotland. If Mr Corbyn flunks that challenge — and polls ahead of May’s Scottish elections suggest he will have a hard enough time keeping the Tories in third — it should explode the idea, born of the 1980s, that Scots are wildly leftwing. There are cross-border differences, but they centre on identity first and ideology second.
Of course, Ms Sturgeon will continue to clash with David Cameron, the Tory prime minister, over nuclear weapons, budgets and the timing of the EU referendum. These grievances are real. The parties are so dissimilar in every way that journalistic coverage of parliament has turned into a kind of anthropology.
But if two prize fighters can insult each other monstrously while keeping a cold eye on the profit they make from the other’s existence, the two deftest politicians in Britain can perform a similar feat of cognitive dissonance. There is something of boxing’s orchestrated raillery about Tory-SNP hostilities nowadays. The real competition for each side has always been Labour, and they have managed to lock it out of power. Only Scottish independence itself — which would give Nationalists their existential prize — could suit either of these parties any more perfectly.




Assailed by Tory English Nationalism on one side and SNP Scottish Nationalism on the other, Labour is between a rock and a hard place methinks.

SLab still needs to die, nay, be completely purged, in Scotland, though.:rock:

Mike.

[MGR1]

Some more Scotland-centric deep background info:

Whatever Happened to Tory Scotland? by David Torrance. (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Whatever-Happened-Scotland-David-Torrance/dp/0748646868)

Most people think of Scotland as a Labour country – Red Clydeside,James Maxton, Tom Johnston and all that. But there is a very good argument for saying that Scotland is, or was, a Conservative country, at least in the twentieth century. The Tories were the most successful party in Scottish electoral politics from 1912 till 1964. In the general election of 1955, they won a majority of votes and a majority of seats – the only party in Scotland ever to have achieved that double. Even the SNP landslide in the Scottish parliamentary elections did not match that. So what happened? Where did Tory Scotland go?

Most people would answer that Margaret Thatcher killed the Scottish Tories with her poll tax, and she certainly helped bury it, as most of the contributors to this collection of essays concede. But that does not entirely explain the collapse of Scottish Conservatism as a political movement. That was all their own work. They failed to secure their own core vote. (sounds familiar, doesn't it? SLab take note! MGR1) The key is in the name because, of course, the Scottish Tories only became the Conservative Party in 1965. Before that, they were the Unionist Party and that was a very different kettle of political fish.

The Scottish Unionists that won all those elections in the twentieth century were very odd fish indeed. For a start, the Union referred to is not the 1707 Union between Scotland and England, but the 1801 Union between Ireland and Great Britain. The origins of the Scottish Unionist Party lay in the split of the Liberal Party in the 1886 when the Liberal prime minister, William Gladstone, moved his Irish Home Rule Bill. The Liberal Unionists split and went on to form the Scottish Unionist party with the Tories in 1912 to oppose home rule for Ireland. Which means that the Scottish Tories were actually Ulster unionists all along. What made the SUP so successful was its appeal to the Protestant working class of West Central Scotland, who felt threatened by the migration of half a million Catholic Irish workers before the Great War.

Did the workers of Red Clydeside really vote for the sister party to the Ulster Unionists? Yes they did, many of them. The Scottish middle classes were too small to sustain a party of the Right on their own in Scotland, so they relied on working class votes. Richard J. Findlay suggests that, because most of his historian colleagues are sympathetic to Labour, there has been a disproportionate focus on the history of Red Clydeside and Labour politics in general.The Scottish Unionists have been hidden from history. Gerry Hassan, a writer who comes from the Left, agrees with Findlay and scolds the Scottish intelligentsia for perpetuating what he calls ‘the most enduring ’”Scotch Myth” that has grown up in modem Scotland, after kailyardism, tartanism and Clydeism: the myth of anti-Tory Scotland.’ That is quite a mouthful. Mind you, there is nothing mythical about the anti-Tory vote in Scotland today. The Conservatives lost all their Scottish MPs in the 1997 general election, when their share of the vote fell to a historic low of 17.5%. As John Curtice, Scotland’s leading psephologist, points out, they still have not recovered, despite the Tories turning their backs on Margaret Thatcher. In fact, their share of the vote slipped even further in 2010 and ‘11. And there is no sign of any halt to the Tory decline.

He asks why there has not been any Tory revival since the coming of the more liberal Conservatism of David Cameron. Is this because Scotland is an inherently more left wing country? Curtice’s answer is that Scotland is more fond of redistribution of wealth than England, but not by a very great deal. Certainly not enough to account for the minuscule Tory vote in Scotland. Curtice suggests that it must be the national question that accounts for the failure of the Tories to thrive in what is still, in all senses of the word, a fairly conservative country.

Alex Massie says the Tory problem is simple. There is, he says, no right wing party in Europe that is not a patriotic party, and the Tories are not seen, in Scotland, as a patriotic party. As every writer in this volume seems to agree, including the Conservative contributors, the Scottish Tories messed up over Scottish identity and by opposing devolution, and they are suffering still. Now, of course the Tories are a patriotic party, it is just that they are stuck with British patriotism at a time when Scots just do not feel very British any more. Not only that, Scots want more power for the Scottish parliament, so this is not like the old romantic Tory patriotism of John Buchan, the Unionist MP and novelist who famously said that every Scotsman should be a Scottish nationalist. The content of Scottish identity politics has changed. It is not about kilts and tartan any more but power.

I would have to say that none of the contributors to this collection offer much hope for a revival of the Scottish Tories, even under their gay, young, woman leader, Ruth Davidson. She started off on entirely the wrong foot by saying that there should be no more talk of powers for the Scottish parliament. She has since changed her tune, but few are likely to be convinced that the Scottish Tories have turned into modern political patriots. Their last chance was when the Davidson’s leadership challenger, Murdo Fraser, proposed scrapping the Scottish Tory name altogether and becoming a fully fledged home rule party. But it seems too late for that now. Perhaps the most intriguing observation in this volume is in the introduction by the journalist David Torrance. He says that the old Scottish Unionist Party in the twentieth century was ‘the SNP of its day… all it lacked was a 1950s version of Alex Salmond’.

The First Minister would claim to be horrified by that observation. After all, the SNP constitution bars the party from entering any electoral alliance with the Conservatives. But Torrance has a point. The SNP is patriotic, well organised and has prominent business support just like the old SUP. My suspicion is that, whatever he says publicly, Alex Salmond is well aware of his potential support from the patriotic right wing in Scotland, which is why he was so keen to back the Scottish regiments and abandon opposition to Nato. Whatever happened to the Scottish Tories? They turned into Scottish Nationalists. You read it here first.So, to sum up, the Conservative Party itself has never done well in Scotland. Frankly, they're seen as Anglo-Centric and fundementally hostile to Scotland's interests (as is UKIP, TBH). What Tory Scotland voted for was the Scottish equivalent of the Ulster Unionist Party, with all the connotations of sectarianism that came with it. Protestants voted Unionist, Catholics voted for Labour, particularly in the Clyde Valley/Greater Glasgow area.

The decline of the SUP is generally considered to have begun with the Suez Crisis. That fiasco effectively demolished one of the three pillers that the SUP was built on - the Empire itself. Then you have the general decline in religious belief which has left Scotland as the most non-religious part of the UK. That was piller number two gone. Currently, the third and last piller, the Union itself, is looking a little shakey. Undoubtably, that's a slight issue for the SUP's successor, the Scottish Conservatives.

Another issue that affects things up here is the political clout that Glasgow and the surrounding area has by virtue of having over 40% of Scotland's population within it's boundaries. Glasgow views itself as left wing, therefore, to control Scotland politically, you have to tack leftward enough in order to get Glasgow to vote for you.

To put things in perspective for those south of the border, it's the equivalent of Liverpool and it's environs making up nearly half of England's population and it's political preferences being the dominant force in English politics.

Mike.

[Jimbuna]

The more press coverage on the EU negotiations that is broadcast must surely be serving little other purpose than 'educating' the population and bringing them to the realisation of how so little if anything will be achieved by Cameron.

In his official invitation to the gathering, Mr Tusk said there was "no guarantee" a deal would be reached, with "difficult" differences remaining on key issues.
He said the negotiations were at a "very advanced" stage and failure now "would be a defeat both for the UK and the European Union, but a geopolitical victory for those who seek to divide us".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35599279

Bring on the referendum.

[MGR1]

What a tangled web has been woven courtesy of the UK's EU membership:

EU referendum: Brexit 'would give Holyrood new powers' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35601764)

Cue more wrangling between Westminster and Holyrood over finance and spheres of influence, should the vote be for "Leave".

In the meantime, there's been speculation about BoJo and Michael Gove coming out in favour of the "Leave" campaign: LINK (http://www.itv.com/news/2016-02-17/boris-and-gove-leaning-towards-the-exit/).

In other news, SNP membership has now exceeded 155,000, or roughly 2.6% of adults in Scotland: LINK (http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/snp-membership-jumps-by-89-460-to-over-115-000-1-4033361).

Finally, here's an interesting article from John Redwood MP: LINK (http://johnredwoodsdiary.com/2016/01/17/england-the-once-and-future-country/).

Mike.

[Jimbuna]

All should be revealed by the end of the weekend.

[STEED]

http://www.shoutoutuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/david-cameron.jpg

SCREW YOU STEED, ME AND MY EU CHUMS WILL SCREW YOU MORE!




Thanks ToffBoy, first time you told the truth.

[STEED]

http://img.thesun.co.uk/aidemitlum/archive/02670/01_03010827_f12190_2670389a.jpgStand by lads, we can expect illegal immigrants coming in here and here and here. We can also expect EU laws sneaking in here and in all cases there is sod all we can do about it. Lets wave the Union Flag and hand out Bully Beef and with lots of luck no one will spot what is going on.

[STEED]

Prediction time for 2016

Four questions for everyone, predictions close on Jan 23rd you got three weeks.

1. Do think Jeremy Corbyn will still be leader of the Labour Party at the end of the year?

2. Which party do you think is going to be the biggest winner of the local elections?

3. Who will be the new London Mayor?

4.Will we get the EU referendum vote this year?

Predictions
STEED
1. Yes
2. Labour (Long shot but may do it on the grounds of the recent flooding)
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. No

BossMark
1. Yes
2. Labour
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. No simple reason I do not believe a word toffboy says....

Jimbuna
1. Yes
2. Labour
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. Yes

Oberon
1. No
2. Conservative by a slim amount
3. Khan (Labour)
4. No, it'll be 2017.


Jim is out the blocks and on his way while the rest of us still going no where. :)

It was announced today by David Cameron there will be a referendum this year on Thursday June 23rd.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35621079

[Jimbuna]

Predictions
STEED
1. Yes
2. Labour (Long shot but may do it on the grounds of the recent flooding)
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. No

BossMark
1. Yes
2. Labour
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. No simple reason I do not believe a word toffboy says....

Jimbuna
1. Yes
2. Labour
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. Yes

Oberon
1. No
2. Conservative by a slim amount
3. Khan (Labour)
4. No, it'll be 2017.


Jim is out the blocks and on his way while the rest of us still going no where. :)

It was announced today by David Cameron there will be a referendum this year on Thursday June 23rd.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35621079

:smug::smug::smug:

[MGR1]

Since everyone's being distracted by the EU debate, what better time for Scottish Finance Secretary John Finney and the SNP to do a deal with the Treasury over further devolution of revenue powers to Scotland: LINK (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35608132).

Considering the two sides have been dickering for months, it would be nice to get this over with in time for the Holyrood elections in May.:yeah:

Mike.

[STEED]

The Prime Minister has accused Boris Johnson of "getting it wrong" on the EU and said he hoped for a "civilised and reasonable" debate.

I noticed two things wrong with that headline.

1st "civilised and reasonable" debate - As if..:har:
2nd For ten years ToffBoy has been hostile towards the EU and now he jumps over the wall, question is why and how much secret money did he get? :03:

[STEED]

LBC Radio

Nadine Dorries: Cameron should go if he loses EU vote

Conservative MP Nadine Dorries says she believes David Cameron should stand down as PM if the British people vote to leave the EU in June's referendum. The MP for Mid Bedfordshire, a long-term critic of David Cameron who is backing the Leave campaign, told LBC Radio.

"If the British public vote to leave the EU, I would imagine and hope the first thing David Cameron would do is stand down as prime minister."

Fat chance, you got better odds catching him fondling a pig. :haha:

[STEED]

Justice Secretary Michael Gove has challenged David Cameron's claim his renegotiation deal with EU leaders over the UK's membership is legally binding.
Mr Gove, one of five cabinet ministers calling for the UK to quit the EU, told the BBC the European Court of Justice could throw out some of the changes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35646004

I suspect the EU courts will be busy. :hmmm:

[STEED]

Prime Minister David Cameron, campaigning for Britain to stay in the European Union, has the edge over London Mayor Boris Johnson, the most popular figure in the "Out" camp, in trying to sway the key group of undecided voters, a new poll indicated.

We the pollsters are taking you for a ride again by ringing more people we know will vote to stay in. :03:

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-poll-idUKKCN0VX02T

[Jimbuna]

Meanwhile, ex-foreign secretary Lord Owen backs EU exit.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-eu-referendum-35656457

[Catfish]

^It ap-peers so :O:

However he is wrong stating UK was coupled to a failing economy. It is not failing at all, indeed it has the biggest growth since 2007. Say Guardian and Telegraph :hmmm:

The falling oil price has reduced the EU's inflation rate to almost zero, which - against the thinking of some icluding Lord Owen - has given strong impulse to the EU's economy. Germany does not need low inflation to export goods (of course any who earn their living here through work like it), but nations like Spain or Italy are currently striving because of it.

[STEED]

UK growth..:har:

Are yes consumer spending pushing up consumer personal debt.

George Osborne doubles the national debt!

And apart from consumer spending what is the biggest part of the service sector...BANKS, sorry crooks.

All other sectors are going no where or they are going down.

GDP growth:

Q1 2014 0.9%

Q2 2014 0.8%

Q3 2014 0.7%

Q4 2014 0.6%

Q1 2015 0.3%

Q2 2015 0.7%

Q3 2015 0.4% < revised down 0.1%

Q4 2015 0.5%

[STEED]

Immigration Rises But PM Says He Can Hit Target

Nice one ToffBoy.....:har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har:

Best laugh this week.

http://news.sky.com/story/1648405/immigration-rises-but-pm-says-he-can-hit-target

[BossMark]

Nice one ToffBoy.....:har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har:

Best laugh this week.

http://news.sky.com/story/1648405/immigration-rises-but-pm-says-he-can-hit-target
Yes toffboy you couldn't hit a barn door with a shotgun.......

[STEED]

UK's Osborne warns of deeper spending cuts after growth falls short

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-economy-osborne-idUKKCN0VZ2IJ

What happen to all is going well and green shoots everywhere and the 5th largest economy in the world?

This is nothing to what I was hearing on the radio last night which concerns me. The latest PONZI scam is now out of control and another recession is on its way, we in the UK are going to get hit so hard thanks to Osborne's numbers that don't add up. Like all PONZI scams the clock is ticking and you just don't know when it will go off, all you know is it will go off.


Of course the Tories will make the most of this chance as the country is to rapped up in the referendum to notice.

[STEED]

School calls police because pupil visited UKIP website on class computer

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/school-called-police-because-boy-visited-ukip-website-on-class-computer-a6899641.html

OH COME ON! :hulk:

Wasting police time!

[STEED]

I wonder if this could be used as a opportunity for Labour? :hmmm:

The prime minister's battle to keep his country in the European Union - and save his political future - may depend on the campaigning power of his fiercest rivals: the Labour Party.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-eu-labour-idUKKCN0VY1YD

Odds of any success in bringing ToffBoy down are against unless Labour wakes up now for better odds of 50/50 but I fear this will be a missed opportunity to inflict real damage on ToffBoy and the Tories.

[Jimbuna]

Nice to see Jeremy wasting his time in London yesterday speaking against the current Labour position on nuclear weapons.

[STEED]

SNOOPERS CHARTER TWO, 300 PAGES TO BE RUSHED THOUGH PARLIAMENT NEXT WEEK?


That's the spirit while most people are looking at the EU sneak that one though.

Next few months will be a great opportunity sneak this and that though Parliament.

[Jimbuna]

You have to be in a majority before you have that ability.

Meanwhile...Sturgeon warns Cameron against 'negative' campaign tactics.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-35683387

[STEED]

Britain floated revised legislation on Tuesday that would grant authorities wide-ranging surveillance powers including the right to see which websites people visit, saying the modified bill addressed concerns about threats to privacy.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-security-surveillance-idUKKCN0W34XK

So Mr and Mrs Average what do you think...What the EU referendum? No :damn:

Meanwhile George is not buying it...

Growth in Britain's private sector remained subdued last month after falling to its slowest rate in nearly three years in January, a survey showed on Tuesday, adding to signs of a slowing in the country's economy.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-economy-cbi-idUKKCN0W33LN


British factories had their weakest month in nearly three years in February, a survey showed on Tuesday, raising a warning signal that the country's recovery from the financial crisis could be slowing further.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-britain-economy-pmi-idUKKCN0W34EP


I am still waiting see the real recovery and not this spend debt print garbage.

[Jimbuna]

Mandelson attacks 'whingeing' EU exit ministers.

EU-exit ministers complaining about lack of access to official documents should "stop whingeing", ex-Labour minister Lord Mandelson says.
The Britain Stronger in Europe director said ministers opposing the government were fortunate not to be sacked.
Critics say the ban on Leave ministers seeing documents relating to the referendum is "unconstitutional".
Out campaigners said Lord Mandelson had previously been proved wrong in calling for the UK to join the euro.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35689433

[STEED]

Retirement Warnings: Work Until Your 70s
Some workers in London could have to carry on until 81 to get a "gold-plated" pension, experts say.
http://news.sky.com/story/1651811/retirement-warnings-work-until-your-70s

Clearly we are not doing as well as the Tories are telling us.

[Jimbuna]

Well I'll readily admit I'm already in receipt of one of those "gold standard" pensions but in all fairness I paid into it for a little over forty years.

It is my children I now worry about but both have already taken their fathers advice and enrolled in their respective employer contributory pension schemes.

[STEED]

UK going no where..

LONDON - The British Chambers of Commerce cut its forecast for economic growth on Friday, blaming a weaker global economy, and said the country's performance was lacklustre compared to the past.

Gross domestic product is forecast to rise by 2.2 percent this year and 2.3 percent in 2017, similar to growth in 2015 and down from forecasts of 2.5 percent for 2016 and 2017 made in December. http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-economy-bcc-idUKKCN0WD1D2

Well Gids you can shut down the welfare state to save a heap of money and raise the retirement age to 80.

LONDON - British finance minister George Osborne is unlikely to meet his target of running a budget surplus by the end of the decade, according to a Reuters poll ahead of his annual budget statement on Wednesday. http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-budget-poll-idUKKCN0WD1QH

[Eichhörnchen]

http://i.imgur.com/clh2K5H.jpg

Why are so many politicians (especially the poshboys) so bent on keeping us in the EU? Why the promise of a cosy bolthole once they're out of office, that's why.

I am voting "out" for one good reason: to derail their gravy train.

[BossMark]

I am voting "out" for one good reason: to derail their gravy train.
Yep same here :yep:

[STEED]

I see Gids is planning a great evil rob from the disabled to give to the middle class as as tax break...WTF! This is a disgraceful act of pure and utter evil to buy votes, just shows how low these Tory scum will go.


George Osborne to use £150 a week cut in disability benefits to 'fund middle-class tax giveaway'

George Osborne is reportedly poised to use a reduction of £150 a week in benefit payments to disabled people in order to fund a middle-class tax giveaway at next week’s Budget.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/budget-2016-george-osborne-to-use-a-cut-in-benefit-payments-to-disabled-people-to-fund-a-middle-a6927056.html

[Jimbuna]

I'm getting nowt for the poor circulation in my feet so wouldn't object to a little tax giveaway :yeah:

[STEED]

Scottish referendum 2? :hmmm:

The Scottish National Party (SNP) will start building a new case for independence from the United Kingdom this summer, party leader and Scottish government head Nicola Sturgeon said on Saturday.

She said, however, that a second Scottish referendum after the one the party lost in September 2014 would not take place quickly.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-scotland-idUKKCN0WE0QE

Looks like it will be but there is no rush until the SNP are holding all four Ace's.

[Jimbuna]

They'll keep coming until they succeed and I suspect the eventual outcome will be independence but the terms of leaving financially etc. should be interesting.

[STEED]

Get this though your thick skull Osborne austerity does not work and is not the answer. Of course to you flogging a dead horse must go on.

http://rs450.pbsrc.com/albums/qq223/tribo_bucket/beating-a-dead-horse.gif~c200

British finance minister George Osborne said on Sunday he would announce further cuts to public spending this week to protect his austerity plan from a weakening of the economy, but said they would not be drastic.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-economy-osborne-idUKKCN0WF08M

[Jimbuna]

Millions of low-paid workers who put aside savings could receive a top-up of up to £1,200 over four years, the government has announced.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35799404

Fat lot of use that will be to people who can't afford to save :nope:

[STEED]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35799404

Fat lot of use that will be to people who can't afford to save :nope:

Only the Banks will profit from this. :Kaleun_Salivating:

No sooner my money goes in and I'm withdrawing to pay bills to these greedy gas electric phone and all the rest companies.

[STEED]

All set for Wednesday?

https://azizonomics.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/age-of-austerity-george-osborne-desktop.jpg


https://orderorder.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/osbornedevil.jpg

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vDTdanFZtuM/hqdefault.jpg

https://smilingcarcass.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/osborne-nazi.jpg?w=700

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/20/d8/21/20d8219446c133c80612073ad2096386.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Only the Banks will profit from this. :Kaleun_Salivating:

No sooner my money goes in and I'm withdrawing to pay bills to these greedy gas electric phone and all the rest companies.

As are we all, as are we all.

[STEED]

(((BREAKING NEWS)))
Snoopers charter passed

Update now a link..

Snoopers' Charter: Government wins vote on Investigatory Powers Bill
Parliament has passed bill by 266 votes after hours of debate on the so-called Snoopers' Charter as Philip Hammond vows to 'take the fight to the terrorists'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/12194441/Snoopers-Charter-Parliamentary-vote-on-the-investigatory-powers-bill-live-updates.html

[Jimbuna]

^I'm all for it.

[Oberon]

^I'm all for it.

That's not going to get your name taken off GCHQs list, you know. :O:

[Jimbuna]

That's not going to get your name taken off GCHQs list, you know. :O:

Prolly not but if it helps in the fight against terrorism, so be it.

[Oberon]

Prolly not but if it helps in the fight against terrorism, so be it.

I can understand that, and if it was only used for fighting against terrorism then that would be all well and good...but it won't be, and can we really trust the government with that kind of power?

Christ, listen to me, I sound like a Yank... :o

[STEED]

I can understand that, and if it was only used for fighting against terrorism then that would be all well and good...but it won't be, and can we really trust the government with that kind of power?



And that is the Elephant in the room, career politician's can not be trusted and a career politician that is a Prime Minister! We need something in place by the everyday voter and that something will see 100% that this snooping is not going to be used against the general public.





24 hours later at GCHQ...Make a Red File for this STEED bloke can't have him telling it straight. Intercept all his emails & letters and find out what newspapers he reads and why he eats pot noodle.

[STEED]

2016 BUDGET DAY

Will George Osborn be kissing you or slapping you in the face or a bit of both. We are hours away and the leaks don't sound very nice. :hmmm:

Always give it a good 24/48 hours after for independent number crunchers to spell out their findings. :03:

[Oberon]

Well, Jamie Oliver is going to be happy with this budget, and so will big and small businesses, but everyone else...

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00628/news-graphics-2006-_628901a.jpg

[STEED]

Borrowing up growth down well well well what a turn around from last year...Ah of course they had to hide that to win the general election. This will allow time now for people to forget and get taken in with his big last give away budget before the next general election to return these rats to office.

BossMark old Gids tried to buy your vote with no increase on a pint are you buying it?

The price of Coke~Zero better not go up or I will be mad.

[BossMark]

BossMark old Gids tried to buy your vote with no increase on a pint are you buying it?


Nope I didn't as no goon of toff boy will buy my bloody vote :nope:

[STEED]

Watching SKY News last night doing their newspaper review and one of the guests pointed out very little was written about the Labour opposition. Only one paper wrote a few lines and this was the worst reporting for 30 odd years!

[Jimbuna]

Looks to me like he is rewarding those who have money at the expense of those most in need of financial assistance.

Most surprising to hear JC say something I could agree with.

[STEED]

Looks to me like he is rewarding those who have money at the expense of those most in need of financial assistance.

Most surprising to hear JC say something I could agree with.

Without the LibDem millstone around their necks they were free to do as they please. Some organization will be releasing their findings latter today, they are edging towards what you said jim.

Osborne will never get this country back in the Black all he has done is kick the can down the road, as for his sugar tax seems research around the world points to failed here and there.

[STEED]

Well the vote is almost in from those organizations that are not pro or anti government and its clear, a budget for the well off.

Gids the well off do not spend money like the rest of us to survive so their contribution to kick starting the economy is like a a winters morning before Datsun cars came to the UK...Cough cough sputter sputter cough sputter..."Dam you £$£$^^&$@@:@%^£^$£$^&&$"£".

His attack on the disable has gone down well for his leadership challenge but the backbenchers are tutting. If he shuts that lot up it will put him in a even more better position.

Meanwhile old Gids is dirty Gids..:rolleyes:
http://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/article_large/public/thumbnails/image/2016/03/17/12/osbtm.jpg

[Oberon]

Well, a bit of good news for the disabled, it seems that the planned cuts are going to get 'kicked into the long grass' since it looks like enough Conservative rebels would have voted against it to negate the slim majority that the Tories have in parliament.
Bravo to the Tory rebels for having a heart and a conscience. :yep:

[Oberon]

Nosferatu has resigned!
Apparently it's in protest at the treasurys pressure to increase cuts to benefits, but given his track record I'd say it's getting out of the door before Gideon can blame him for the revolt.

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--TQxUwIXh--/18ay2kjkrsi6sjpg.jpg
Current status of the Conservative government.

[STEED]

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has resigned citing pressure to make cuts to disability benefits.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35848687

IDS's track record tells me he did not do this as a caring person but more like a political game of chess.

Now this is interesting for the leadership candidates, Gids has over stepped the mark and if the UK votes to stay in the EU Boris will be spent. This leaves Busty May in a better position maybe. :hmmm:

[STEED]

Sugar tax: What is the UK's most sugary drink?

Wow all this beef in Coca~Cola direction seems to a little off the mark. Yes lots of sugar but not No.1 or 2 or even 3.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35831125

I like Coca~Cola Zero because I can taste the coke and not a mouth full of sugar. The problem here is the government needs to look at milk shacks and fruit drinks as well which are just as loaded with sugar.

[STEED]

We are still in this all together, meanwhile in No.10..

Dave - "More champaign George?

George - Top' o Dave, fresh pig?

Dave - Bang on, here piggy piggy piggy.

[STEED]

Right lets get to it..

There may be more to IDS stepping down than meets the eye, his former department is under pressure to release expenditure figures about Universal Credit. For nearly four years now the DWP has refused to make those figures public and now two judges are on the verge of getting those figures released. Speculation about UC expenditure points to a very costly scheme that is still riddled with flaws.

IDS approved these budget plans and now after the budget a backlash has started and IDS sees a opportunity to look good and step down. No I am not buying it, nor am I buying he stepped down over the EU debate so he can focus much more time on that.

[Oberon]

Yeah, he definitely stepped down before he could become the scapegoat for a system that clearly hasn't worked. It's a pretty heavy blow for the Tories and Labour has a wide goal to take advantage of, will be interesting to see how much hay they can make out of it.
Meanwhile, Stephen Crab has become the new Work and Pensions Secretary, a man who voted in favour of the cuts, comes from a Council Estate™, likes to talk about God and will likely be just another IDS but with added manscaping.
Just earlier this week his own constituents sprayed 'Why do you hate the sick?' on his office, so that's probably what got him the job:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cd58DCsXIAE_rXd.jpg

[STEED]

I was reading about Stephen Crab on a news site and noted in the comments this person has him as their MP. They think he is useless and a nasty piece of work. Looks like old Gids has a new Axe man to deliver his death blows. :rolleyes:

[Jimbuna]

I applaud the resignation of IDS but looking back at his voting record I would have to ask "Why the sudden conscience change?"

As for Gideon, this is his third or fourth publicly humiliating climbdown so I suspect his credibility and chances of becoming the next PM have taken a severe downturn.

[STEED]

I applaud the resignation of IDS but looking back at his voting record I would have to ask "Why the sudden conscience change?"

As for Gideon, this is his third or fourth publicly humiliating climbdown so I suspect his credibility and chances of becoming the next PM have taken a severe downturn.

One B'stard out another bigger B'stard in. As for the leadership challenge old big hooters May is now the front runner. It has come to light Gids is like Himmler wants more and more power which is creepy and he could become the real power behind May or Johnson or who ever else throws their hat in the ring. If he fails to make a come back. :hmm2:

[Jimbuna]

The only comeback he could hope for would be to introduce a system of fairer taxation and I doubt that will happen seeing as the vast majority of Tory backers are those with the most wealth.

[BossMark]

https://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/government-to-confirm-u-turn-on-curbs-to-personal-independence-payment-11364047346982

Well its great to see toff boys goons falling out with each other......Gideon should resign next over his ballsed up budget, but seen as hes one of toff boys best mates I don't think that he will, but I hope he does.

[Jimbuna]

Iain Duncan Smith: Why I quit cabinet

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35855004

And the band played 'Believe it if you like' :nope:

[STEED]

https://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/government-to-confirm-u-turn-on-curbs-to-personal-independence-payment-11364047346982

Well its great to see toff boys goons falling out with each other......Gideon should resign next over his ballsed up budget, but seen as hes one of toff boys best mates I don't think that he will, but I hope he does.

His 2012 budget was the same and here we are in 2016 and again he does it without a care in the world. Even if he backs down over the benifit issue he will find a new way to sting them.

Iain Duncan Smith: Why I quit cabinet

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35855004

And the band played 'Believe it if you like' :nope:

Usless BBC got all that money and they still use Flash Player on their website which is a load of rubbish. BBC ask SKY who clearly are using something else which I can watch.

No Flash Player no comment on what IDS said.

[Jimbuna]

No Flash Player...no lookee :)

[STEED]

No Flash Player...no lookee :)

No threats from viruses malware hackers :smug:...pig shaggers. :shifty: :hmm2: :03:

[STEED]

Stephen Crabb: 'No further plans' for welfare cuts
STOP YOU ARE KILLING ME...:har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har: :har:

[Jimbuna]

George Osborne says he has "listened and learnt" from the row over disability benefit cuts but rejects Labour calls to apologise.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35868436

[STEED]

George Osborne says he has "listened and learnt" from the row over disability benefit cuts but rejects Labour calls to apologise.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35868436

Typical bloody minded so and so..

[BossMark]

George Osborne says he has "listened and learnt" from the row over disability benefit cuts but rejects Labour calls to apologise.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35868436

Typical bloody minded so and so..
Typical arrogant Tory, so no real surprise there one little bit :nope:

[Oberon]

"All very interesting, Boris. Except none of it is really true, is it?"

http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/mar/23/very-interesting-boris-johnson-brexit-treasury-select-committee

[Catfish]

“This so-called EU animal byproducts tea bag directive,” he snarled. “Can you remember which country asked the EU to issue it?” Could pigs fly? “Well let me tell you that it was Britain after the foot and mouth epidemic.”

:haha:
Hey don't molest me with the truth, my opinion stands fast!

[Jimbuna]

One can always rely on Boris to provide some form of 'entertainment'.

[BossMark]

One can always rely on Boris to provide some form of 'entertainment'.
God help us if he ever becomes PM :nope:

[STEED]

God help us if he ever becomes PM

G.O. has damaged himself due to his budget.

B.J will probably get hit after the referendum goes to the stay in camp.

T.M. is so far is still the front runner but there could be a problem if she shows weakness the real power will behind her but which of the above will it be.

[Jimbuna]

G.O. has damaged himself due to his budget.

B.J will probably get hit after the referendum goes to the stay in camp.

T.M. is so far is still the front runner but there could be a problem if she shows weakness the real power will behind her but which of the above will it be.

Certainly not Jeremy :)

[STEED]

Is it all over for Jeremy Corbyn? :hmmm:

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2016/03/07/jeremy-corbyn-facing-lead_n_9399374.html

More up to date listening to LBC radio story from The Times states he will be challenged this June due to he failed to hammer Osborne's budget and letting Toff Boy Dave walk over him in PMQ's.

The Blairites are crawling out the wood work wanting power but the people hate them.

[Jimbuna]

Allies of Mr Corbyn point out he has a huge mandate from party members, having secured a landslide of nearly 60% in the leadership election last year.

And that folks is all that Corbyn has in his favour.

[STEED]

And that folks is all that Corbyn has in his favour.

I think its all hot air jim unless Labour suffers a big defeat at the local elections in May.

[Jimbuna]

I think its all hot air jim unless Labour suffers a big defeat at the local elections in May.

I would tend to agree with you there :yep:

[STEED]

The UK national debt has risen by £555 billion since 2010 under George Osborne

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/the-uk-national-debt-has-risen-by-555-billion-since-2010-under-george-osborne-a6947661.html

Lets give a big hand for george osborne the stinking useless chancellor. :damn:


Time to bring back this..:/\\chop

[STEED]

Millions to be hit by stealth tax in pension shake-up

Workers and employers will have to pay more tax as a result of the scrapping of the State Second Pension.
http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/money/investing-pensions/millions-to-be-hit-by-stealth-tax-in-pension-shake-up-11364048905295

Trust the Tories to sting you. :yep:

[BossMark]

David Cameron to chair meeting to discuss unfolding steel industry crisis

https://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/david-cameron-to-chair-meeting-to-discuss-unfolding-steel-industry-crisis-11364049121435

Well as we all know the Tories don't give a toss about any industries, all they care about is lining their rich mates pockets and privatization....so we know what the outcome of this will be, I'll be shocked if they re-nationalize it, so much that will quit drinking and start going to church every Sunday morning :haha:

[Catfish]

^ Oh yes the Tories DO give a toss about industry, because they own some of it.

...so we know what the outcome of this will be, I'll be shocked if they re-nationalize it,..."Re-nationalize? Are you a communist? :O:

Regarding steel crisis, it is a house-made one, you and we let China buy us all out, and then import cheap steel from them instead of producing our own. This is true for all the "west". And don't blame the EU, blame your financial system.

[Jimbuna]

It's such a pity there isn't a credible opposition party to keep the government on their toes.

[STEED]

Hey I got a brand new spanking vote next month, first time ever I get to vote for Police and Crime Commissioner for my area. :)

Is it worth it...:hmmm:

Jim I am sure you can throw some light on this for me and give me good solid interdependent advice on should I vote?:hmm2:

[Jimbuna]

That depends upon which candidate you vote for. I'm happy with the one we have in these parts but ultimately they're not too different from any politician apart from the fact their remit is more clearly defined and focused.

[STEED]

That depends upon which candidate you vote for. I'm happy with the one we have in these parts but ultimately they're not too different from any politician apart from the fact their remit is more clearly defined and focused.

I have no idea who my one is seems to be the invisible man. Would not be surprised most people in the area don't.

[STEED]

https://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/david-cameron-to-chair-meeting-to-discuss-unfolding-steel-industry-crisis-11364049121435

Well as we all know the Tories don't give a toss about any industries, all they care about is lining their rich mates pockets and privatization....so we know what the outcome of this will be, I'll be shocked if they re-nationalize it, so much that will quit drinking and start going to church every Sunday morning :haha:

There is the EU side to this, in the last two years China has dumped rock bottom steel on the EU market causeing problems. Only recently the EU has imposed a 13-15% tariff which is just a feeble protest. American has a 200% plus tariff on China's steel, Dave's little gang know this and will not rock the boat so what is going to happen? I think we all can see what is on the way.

[Jimbuna]

If the steel industry is allowed to be shut down I can see a backlash from sufficient Tory MP's to force a reversal of the matter as was the case recently with disability benefits.

Camerons majority is too slender for him to ride roughshod through the thinking of voters from too many constituencies with small majorities.

[STEED]

If the steel industry is allowed to be shut down I can see a backlash from sufficient Tory MP's to force a reversal of the matter as was the case recently with disability benefits.

Camerons majority is too slender for him to ride roughshod through the thinking of voters from too many constituencies with small majorities.

Tory track record shows we tried our best sorry, meaning lots of paper shuffling and lots of TV interviews and shacking hands and looking really really busy trying to save what ever it is and in fact doing sod all. Well sooner or later will will find out.

[BossMark]

Tory track record shows we tried our best sorry, meaning lots of paper shuffling and lots of TV interviews and shacking hands and looking really really busy trying to save what ever it is and in fact doing sod all. Well sooner or later will will find out.
If the steel industry does go to the wall then a few resignations should be in order starting at the very top.

[STEED]

If the steel industry does go to the wall then a few resignations should be in order starting at the very top.

Well old Toff Boy is stepping down so he said so he will not be resigning and I doubt the others will. So old JC will have to call for a vote of no confidence in the government.

[BossMark]

Well old Toff Boy is stepping down so he said so he will not be resigning and I doubt the others will. So old JC will have to call for a vote of no confidence in the government.
Yes and I would love to see that, but will he get the votes required to get a vote of no confidence :hmm2:

[STEED]

Yes and I would love to see that, but will he get the votes required to get a vote of no confidence :hmm2:

He may if Toff Boy and Co do a smoke and mirrors job which can be seen as a lie.

[Oberon]

There is the EU side to this, in the last two years China has dumped rock bottom steel on the EU market causeing problems. Only recently the EU has imposed a 13-15% tariff which is just a feeble protest. American has a 200% plus tariff on China's steel, Dave's little gang know this and will not rock the boat so what is going to happen? I think we all can see what is on the way.

You know why the EU hasn't imposed a tougher tariff? Because the UK keeps vetoing any attempt to. :O:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/tata-steel-uk-government-accused-of-failing-to-protect-british-workers-by-blocking-eu-plans-to-allow-a6962446.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nigel-farage-accused-of-hypocrisy-over-vote-against-eu-law-that-could-have-helped-british-steel-a6964476.html

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a8da356a-f753-11e5-96db-fc683b5e52db.html

[STEED]

^I see you must be a FT subscriber. :)

Subscribe to read:
EU states point finger over Tata and anti-dumping tariffs

Hey what happen I got a please stand by? Is this a X-Flies case? :03:

[Oberon]

^I see you must be a FT subscriber. :)



Hey what happen I got a please stand by? Is this a X-Flies case? :03:

:hmmm: Huh, unexpected, I was able to view it earlier, apparently you can view a couple of articles for free and then have to subscribe.
Thanks Obama.

Well, it's in the previous two articles and it's in this one too:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/03/30/britain-sacrifices-steel-industry-to-curry-favour-with-china/

In short, we've been blocking attempts by the EU to raise tariffs in Chinese steel for two reasons: One, we want cheap steel and don't care where it comes from, and Two, we want Chinese money...as much of it as we can get.
So it's not an EU problem in this instance, it's a UK problem. :03:

[Catfish]

^I see you must be a FT subscriber. :)

Well all i see is whatever you blame on the EU has its roots in your own UK politics :haha:

But we are no different. Don't let facts interfere with our opinion :shifty:

[Oberon]

Well all i see is whatever you blame on the EU has its roots in your own UK politics :haha:

But we are no different. Don't let facts interfere with our opinion :shifty:

Never let facts get in the way of a good old fashioned rant. :03:

[STEED]

:hmmm: Huh, unexpected, I was able to view it earlier, apparently you can view a couple of articles for free and then have to subscribe.
Thanks Obama.

Did he leave you off his last party list throwing the last wild party trashing the white house and blaming it on Big Foot? If so I will ring him and tell him off.

Well, it's in the previous two articles and it's in this one too:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/03/30/britain-sacrifices-steel-industry-to-curry-favour-with-china/

In short, we've been blocking attempts by the EU to raise tariffs in Chinese steel for two reasons: One, we want cheap steel and don't care where it comes from, and Two, we want Chinese money...as much of it as we can get.
So it's not an EU problem in this instance, it's a UK problem. :03:

Oh for http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-fc/censored.gif sake!

Coal from Poland and France now Chinese steel is cheaper than ours, how the hell can that be when it comes from over seas for http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-fc/censored.gif sake! I bet the Tories were behind it all without looking up the info as I got my hands full on other matters.

BTW: Not bashing you Oberon just venting off at the government. :)

[Oberon]

Did he leave you off his last party list throwing the last wild party trashing the white house and blaming it on Big Foot? If so I will ring him and tell him off.

Relations between myself and the US government have not been the same since that one time at Roswell... :doh:


Oh for http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-fc/censored.gif sake!

Coal from Poland and France now Chinese steel is cheaper than ours, how the hell can that be when it comes from over seas for http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-fc/censored.gif sake! I bet the Tories were behind it all without looking up the info as I got my hands full on other matters.

BTW: Not bashing you Oberon just venting off at the government. :)

No bashes taken, I understand your frustration. A lot of it is down to the respective overheads of the companies involved, which comes down to taxes and operating costs, chief among which is wages. Polish coal mines and Chinese steel manufacturers don't spend as much on wages and other operating costs as we do.

Take a look at this chart, it's a bit out of date since the Polish currency is still in zlotys, whereas I'm pretty sure they're on Euros now, but you get the gist of the situation:
http://www.worldsalaries.org/miner.shtml

When you factor on top of that the less stringent safety protocols (the type of which has seen numerous deaths in China (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_coal_mining_accidents_in_China) over the past decade alone) which means that mining companies have to spend less on making their employees safe, as well as paying less to their employees, whilst still being able to make it an attractive wage because the whole cost of living in that country is lower, as a result the mining company or steel manufacturer can afford to sell its goods at a lower rate than those who are spending more money on their workers and their safety.
That's the primary reason that we've lost pretty much all of our primary and secondary industries (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_sector) (farming, mining, manufacturing) because other countries perform the same tasks at a cheaper rate and we are able to bulk ship it in at a low rate. Of course, if something were to happen to our ability to ship things in, then we're be royally http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-fc/censored.gif! I believe it was mentioned a few years back that this country generally only has at most six months reserve supply of food.
But it's not just us, if you look at most western nations you'll see that the vast majority of them have moved away from primary and secondary industries into teritary industries, the service sector, and that's probably the biggest employer in this country by far. It's unbalanced, but it seems to be a natural progression. As a nation moves from being a Less Economically Developed Country to a More Economically Developed Country it moves from being Primary Industry focused, to Secondary Industry focused to Teritary Industry focused, China is at the Secondary Industry stage, Britain at the Teritary Industry, and somewhere like Zanzibar relies on its clove industry in agriculture.
There are outliers though, tourism is a big industry in many LEDCs, and that's a teritary industry, and China is still heavily into mining and farming, so it's still got one foot firmly into the primary sector, but its secondary sector grows by the year, and I imagine that as the population in the coastal cities continues to increase then so will the teritary sector.

In short, blame the free market, it's a double edged sword, on one hand we can buy cheap products, food from Aldi for example, but on the other hand it hurts local industry. Hence why there's been a big thing in the food selling industry about 'buying local', which is all well and good...if you can afford it.
Still, it's not all bad, some industries are finding it more expensive to operate abroad and come back to the UK...the beloved Pot Noodle, for example, was manufactured in China until a few years ago. :03:
Sadly, steel manufacturing isn't one of them. :/\\!!

[STEED]

^ I agree Oberon the government likes not to talk about certain facts and talk others up. Prime example of this is the service sector, I got 20 plus coffee shops here in my town come on that is plain daft not forgetting the Banks...GRRRR.

Apart from the service sector the rest are moving slowly forward or stagnate or going backwards but as long as the Banks are doing well George Osborn will be grinning from ear to ear. Hey George has that ponzi housing right to buy coming along....No answer.

Why the hell this government wants to kiss China on the bottom is plain crazy, China bought up all that bad debt and is now facing big problems trying to off load it. As for Aldi never shopped there and after watching that CH4 investigation no way would I shop there.

[STEED]

Jeremy Corbyn has said he wants May's English council elections to mark a "turning point" in Labour's fortunes.http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-35965499

I think Labour will do moderately well up North in the areas that were hit by flooding early this year. As for the rest of the country they could do alright as long as a scandal does not hit them like the one hitting Toffboy at the moment.

[Jimbuna]

All will be revealed soon enough.

[STEED]

Reading a article about the next London Mayor in the Evening Standard it looks clear Zac Goldsmith and Sadiq Khan are the only two front runners and they are neck and neck. This one is going to be very close this time.

[STEED]

Why George Osborne repeatedly misses his own targets

http://www.standard.co.uk/business/why-george-osborne-repeatedly-misses-his-own-targets-a3218261.html

After the worst financial crash for a century, patience is needed to allow the deficit to come down naturally and slowly. Cuts in Government spending are increasingly painful and counter-productive.

Don't tell George the Axe man that. :03:

[BossMark]

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee374/rothwellwhite1/bossmarks%20pictures/david-cameron-argued-to-water-down-transparency-rules-over-trusts-136405046083503901-160407004004_zpsceygl3tt.jpg
"Dont worry Dave THAT money is save with me until all this tax evasion thing blows over "

[Jimbuna]

PM: £9m EU leaflets 'money well spent'

Justice Secretary Michael Gove - one of a group of cabinet ministers backing EU exit - said it was wrong to spend taxpayers' money on "a one-sided piece of propaganda", saying the money should have gone on public services instead.

Most definitely :yep:

[STEED]

PM: £9m EU leaflets 'money well spent'



Most definitely :yep:

Nothing like spending tax payers money on your set agenda ToffBoy.

Total disgrace.

[Jimbuna]

Not looking too good for him seeing the revelations regarding £30,000 worth of shares in his fathers offshore company.

I wonder what next will be revealed? :hmm2:

[STEED]

Not looking too good for him seeing the revelations regarding £30,000 worth of shares in his fathers offshore company.

I wonder what next will be revealed? :hmm2:

I like the way he deflects the issue saying I paid tax on selling the shares and keeps reinforcing it. That is not the issue ToffBoy, the issue is you said you never had any shares! :doh:

[Jimbuna]

I like the way he deflects the issue saying I paid tax on selling the shares and keeps reinforcing it. That is not the issue ToffBoy, the issue is you said you never had any shares! :doh:

Precisely :yep:

[STEED]

I see ToffBoy is rushing new clamp down laws which will be exposed for what they are, short sighted blinkered laws that can and will be challenged just like the last lot.

[Jimbuna]

Oh yee of little faith :)

[STEED]

Oh yee of little faith :)

Their was a snippet in the Evening Standards saying celebs have challenge and won against that last lot of hash by ToffBoy.

[Jimbuna]

I must admit to seeing this on the Parliamentary Channel yesterday :)

Labour MP Dennis Skinner thrown out of Commons for 'dodgy Dave' jibe.

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-mp-dennis-skinner-thrown-out-of-commons-for-dodgy-dave-jibe-a3223101.html

[STEED]

I must admit to seeing this on the Parliamentary Channel yesterday :)



http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-mp-dennis-skinner-thrown-out-of-commons-for-dodgy-dave-jibe-a3223101.html

Typical, Dennis tells the truth and what happens he gets slung out. Pity he didn't throw a Nazi salute at ToffBoy.

[Oberon]

Good old Skinner, was quite dismayed to hear silence from him at the last state opening of parliament, apparently he was fighting for his seat which the SNP was trying to nick.

[Jimbuna]

Aye, a leopard never changes its spots. Especially the older ones.

[BossMark]

I must admit to seeing this on the Parliamentary Channel yesterday :)



http://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/labour-mp-dennis-skinner-thrown-out-of-commons-for-dodgy-dave-jibe-a3223101.html

Typical, Dennis tells the truth and what happens he gets slung out. Pity he didn't throw a Nazi salute at ToffBoy.
The old saying "The truth hurts"

[Jimbuna]

Looks like Labour are all for causing John Whittingdale as much trouble as possible.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36031743

[Oberon]

More troubles for Labour as the Ken is suspended. It's going to hurt Corbyn a fair bit, but he acted quickly.

[Jimbuna]

True that but simply more evidence everything in the red camp isn't hunky dory.

[STEED]

I hear members of the BNP are flocking to Labour. :shifty:

Old cat man George thinks its all a plot to over throw old JC. :hmmm:

And now for some balance..

ToffBoy has a strange idea about being fair to women, he has created more jobs for the boys and snubbed the women in the civil service. :doh:

[Jimbuna]

Interesting to see what Lord Sugar had to say about the Livingston 'Zianism' issue.

Labour peer Lord Sugar said Mr Livingstone had "lost the plot" and was "obsessed with Hitler, concentration camps and Jews".
"They will wait for it to blow over a little bit and they will find some way of him coming back in, slipping back into the Labour fold,"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36166555

[STEED]

Listening to Ken on LBC and he said two days before he said the Hitler remark the PM of Israel said the same thing and he was quoting him. Old Ken said you can find the comment on the Internet.

[STEED]

Update -

Ken Livingstone On LBC: Watch In Full

http://www.lbc.co.uk/ken-livingstone-live-on-lbc-129637

[Jimbuna]

Quite farcical and not what Labour need shortly before the London Mayoral election.

[Torplexed]

On Wednesday Ms Shah was suspended, pending an investigation, over comments she made on Facebook before she became an MP, including a suggestion that Israel should be moved to the United States.So, simply moving the state of Israel to the American Bible Belt will solve all the Middle East's problems?

Toto, have a Matzah ball, we're not in Kansas anymore. :huh:

https://orderorder.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/shah.png

[STEED]

Quite farcical and not what Labour need shortly before the London Mayoral election.

I would not worry too much as Sadiq Khan moved very quickly against old Ken's remark unlike old Jeromy who took his sweet time before reacting to Ken. True Sadiq Khan will loose some votes but he should still win. Thanks to jibber jibber Ken Labour could suffer else where in the country, forecaster's are predicting a big win for Toff Boy and his goons. :damn:


Labour should expel jibber jibber Ken right now to limit the damage he has done.

[Skybird]

Just for the record and sake of completeness:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haavara_Agreement

To accuse this Livingstone of anti-semitism, sounds absurd to me. The Haavara Agreement is long-known, non-disputed fact. Zionists liked it for it sent Jews into their Holy Land, Nazis liked it for it allowed them to get rid of Jews in Germany and evading international sanctions for it.

[STEED]

I see old JC is doing his preacher bit, we are not raciest prays be to Labour. I still stand by my comment jibber jibber Ken must go as this is yet another clanger in a line of clangers from him. Time to spend more time with your newts Ken before you drop a right royal clanger bigger than this one.

[STEED]

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChZnZ4kUgAA8AUE.jpg

Is old JC about to face being toppled from power or is this all hot air? :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

Best ask that of Miss Abbott, after all, she used to be the closest to him :03:

[STEED]

Labour suspends three councillors over Israel comments

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-36185694

What the heck is going on in the Labour party! :huh:

[Oberon]

Politics is going on. :03:

[Jimbuna]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-36185694

What the heck is going on in the Labour party! :huh:

Surely you expect to see a certain amount of entertainment whist watching the Tom and Jerry show.

[MGR1]

Is it just me, or does Sajid Javid bear a passing resemblance to Gru from Despicable Me?:hmmm:

Mike.

[BossMark]

Surely you expect to see a certain amount of entertainment whist watching the Tom and Jerry show.
This picture could be true come Friday teatime :nope:

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee374/rothwellwhite1/bossmarks%20pictures/tom-and-jerry-in-sad-mode_640x440_zpsddi8ksfz.jpg

[Oberon]

Is it just me, or does Sajid Javid bear a passing resemblance to Gru from Despicable Me?:hmmm:

Mike.

Once seen, cannot unsee, thank you MGR1. :O: :haha:

[Jimbuna]

This picture could be true come Friday teatime :nope:

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee374/rothwellwhite1/bossmarks%20pictures/tom-and-jerry-in-sad-mode_640x440_zpsddi8ksfz.jpg

Yep, that is a distinct possibility.

[STEED]

Begin to look like no points on one of my predictions but hey it was made a while ago, I will update to score card Fri/Sat some time on that one. I suspect jim will hold his first place over the rest of us.

And now..

Jeremy Corbyn predicts no council seat losses for Labour

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36192601

Dream on you old senile git. :nope:

[Jimbuna]

Begin to look like no points on one of my predictions but hey it was made a while ago, I will update to score card Fri/Sat some time on that one. I suspect jim will hold his first place over the rest of us.

And now..



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-36192601

Dream on you old senile git. :nope:

I wonder what odds a bookie would give on that :)

[STEED]

I wonder what odds a bookie would give on that :)

Well while Toff Boy was up to his neck in it probably were not bad but now lucky if you get a pay out on a first class stamp.

[Jimbuna]

I'll stick with whatever odds are offered thanks :know:

[STEED]

I'll stick with whatever odds are offered thanks :know:

Betting against old JC? :shifty:

[STEED]

As for voting tomorrow I will have to see if I am up to it. I will not force myself or upset my back any further, I put myself first every time before politics.

[MGR1]

Once seen, cannot unsee, thank you MGR1. :O: :haha:

Your welcome!:salute:

As for voting tomorrow I will have to see if I am up to it.

Same here. Not a great selection for Aberdeen Donside, a bit better for the North East Scotland Region:

Constituency: Lib Dem, Cons, Nats and SLab. Probably hold my nose and vote for the Cons AKA the "Ruth Davidson Party"....

Region: Lib Dem, Cons, Nats, SLab, Greens, UKIP, Libertarians (http://scottishlibertarians.com/), Communists (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communist_Party_of_Britain), National Front ( :down:), RISE (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RISE_%E2%80%93_Scotland's_Left_Alliance), Scottish Christians (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Party_%28UK%29) and Solidarity (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidarity_%28Scotland%29). Might go Cons or Libertarian with this one.

Note that most of the loopy ones are on the list vote! The joys of the D'Hondt Method (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D'Hondt_method) of proportional representation!

Mike.:hmm2:

[Jimbuna]

To the victor the spoils but I readily admit this forthcoming result, whichever way it goes, is far more eagerly awaited than the last few I've lived through.

[STEED]

I am not voting my back is just not up to it and why should I. Not one leaflet dropped though my letter box and not one canvasser knocked on the door which tells me why should I bother as clearly they can not, and their the ones who want my vote.

[Jimbuna]

I am not voting my back is just not up to it and why should I. Not one leaflet dropped though my letter box and not one canvasser knocked on the door which tells me why should I bother as clearly they can not, and their the ones who want my vote.

I certainly agree with your sentiments :yep:

[BossMark]

Just been to cast my votes

[MGR1]

The Cons are now number two party at Holyrood, with 31 MSP's. Six are constituency with the rest being regional list members.

SLab have a very bad night (good!:up:) losing 13 seats to the other parties, mainly the SNP.

The SNP do not have an overall majority, being two short of the 65 needed. They make a clean sweep of the Glasgow constituencies, however, ousting SLab from the "Dear Green Place" just as they did at the Westminster elections. It'll be interesting to see if the carnage in the Clyde Valley continues with the Scottish council elections next year. My guess is probably.:smug:

The Lib-Dems have made a slight comeback, not losing any MSP's but have gained two constituencies and held the Orkney and Shetland ones (the islands have separate seats at Holyrood, rather than being lumped together for Westminster). Five MSP's in total.

The Greens however have edged the Libs-Dems into fifth place, gaining six MSP's.

UKIP falls flat on it's face, despite that twat Cockburn's assertions otherwise. They have done well in Wales however.

Results: BBC page (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2016/scotland/results).

SNP: 63
Cons: 31
SLab: 24
Greens: 6
Lib-Dems: 5

Mike.

[Jimbuna]

The only slight surprise for me was the SNP failing to gain an overall majority.

[STEED]

No comment from me yet on the England elections as the results are still coming in.

OK..

Scotland

Clearly Labour have bogged up there and paid the price, so who will jump in bed with the SNP? :hmmm:

Wales

Labour hangs on but will need to work with PC. UKIP was a surprise in that neck of the woods winning 7 seats.

[Jimbuna]

I think the bottom line for me is that Labour look like they are stuck with Tom and Jerry for now.

[STEED]

Just checked my results no surprise the Cons Hold and my ward swung back to the Liberals from Labour.

Just saw Toff Boy on SKY News and what a load of BS came out of him.

[Jimbuna]

To the victor the spoils :)

[BossMark]

Just saw Toff Boy on SKY News and what a load of BS came out of him.
Every time he opens his mouth a load of crap pours out.

[BossMark]

And as for Scotland, the least said the better :nope: I just wish they'd make their bloody minds up if they want independence then lets send the brickies up to rebuild Hadrian's wall :haha:

[STEED]

The SNP goes it alone there will be no power sharing.

SKY News

[Jimbuna]

It would take the red and blue parties to form a coalition then and I don't see that happening somehow.

[MGR1]

And as for Scotland, the least said the better :nope: I just wish they'd make their bloody minds up if they want independence then lets send the brickies up to rebuild Hadrian's wall :haha:

Bleh!:O:

In all seriousness, though, Bossmark, you don't seem to have any real idea just how thoroughly rotten, corrupt, incompetent, sclerotic, intellectually and morally bankrupt the Scottish branch of the Labour party had become. Machine politics at it's worst. Not the party it is in England and Wales.

Jim seems to have had pretty good connections within Labour, surely he could tell you just how bad SLab are/were?:hmmm:

The SNP goes it alone there will be no power sharing.

SKY News

Not surprising, the SNP governed as a minority between 2007 and 2011. There will probably be some form of "confidence and supply" arrangement with whoever they can get to support any legislation they want to get passed. Ironically, though it's rarely mentioned, the Nats relied on the Scots Cons back then. This time it might be the Greens.:hmmm:

It would take the red and blue parties to form a coalition then and I don't see that happening somehow.

The Indy Ref casts a long shadow, and will do for some time to come.

Mike.

[Oberon]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cgg_XH5W8AAqSTZ.jpg

"I will build a great wall on our northern border, and I will make the Brigantes pay for that wall, mark my words!"

[STEED]

"I will build a great wall on our northern border, and I will make the Brigantes pay for that wall, mark my words!"

Nice weekend for it. :sunny:

[STEED]

OK..

The local England elections and after 118 results so far I'm not waiting anymore so here is my view.

The moderate winers were LD's and UKIP making steady progress but no real break though. Begin to look like the public are forgiving the LibDems or they have short memories.

I have no idea why Toff Boy was boasting as clearly he and the Tories have not moved forward to increase their postion.

For Labour they held out against the news media that seemed to suggest Labour was going to loose big time.

So if there is a general election next month I would say the result would be a hung parliament, neither Labour or the Tories have the drive to stand out above the other party's.

[Jimbuna]

Don't forget, people tend to vote differently depending on whether it is a local or general election.

Add to that the Tories have overtaken Labour into second place in Scotland, Labour have failed to make any real significant gains in England and the London Mayor who doesn't support Jeremy nor invited him to the after election party.

Not a good couple of days for Labour I'd have thought.

[STEED]

Prediction time for 2016

Four questions for everyone, predictions close on Jan 23rd you got three weeks.

1. Do think Jeremy Corbyn will still be leader of the Labour Party at the end of the year?

2. Which party do you think is going to be the biggest winner of the local elections?

3. Who will be the new London Mayor?

4.Will we get the EU referendum vote this year?

England Council Elections 2016
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2016/councils

Predictions
STEED
1. Yes
2. Labour (Long shot but may do it on the grounds of the recent flooding)
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. No

BossMark
1. Yes
2. Labour
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. No simple reason I do not believe a word toffboy says....

Jimbuna
1. Yes
2. Labour
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. Yes

Oberon
1. No
2. Conservative by a slim amount
3. Khan (Labour)
4. No, it'll be 2017.


Well its almost over but clearly jim is going to be the winner.

[Jimbuna]

England Council Elections 2016
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election/2016/councils

Predictions
STEED
1. Yes
2. Labour (Long shot but may do it on the grounds of the recent flooding)
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. No

BossMark
1. Yes
2. Labour
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. No simple reason I do not believe a word toffboy says....

Jimbuna
1. Yes
2. Labour
3. Sadiq Khan (Labour)
4. Yes

Oberon
1. No
2. Conservative by a slim amount
3. Khan (Labour)
4. No, it'll be 2017.


Well its almost over but clearly jim is going to be the winner.

Thank You http://i.imgur.com/q86yYns.gif

:know::smug: