UK Politics Thread

[Jimbuna]

The UK cannot have the same trade deal with the EU as Canada, according to the bloc's chief negotiator.

Michel Barnier said the EU was ready to offer an "ambitious partnership" with the UK post-Brexit, but its "particular proximity" meant it would be different.

It comes after the UK's chief negotiator, David Frost, made a speech in Brussels calling for a "Canada-Free Trade Agreement-type relationship".

The two sides are due to start negotiations next month.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51549662

Interesting/tough negotiations ahead I reckon.

[Skybird]

'.
The public tax-fed |broadcasters are independent,
What Dope are You on? Have you ever checked the Board of directors of the ARD and ZDF ? Loyal Party soldiers and Church representatives are in the deciding majority. Ist why both channels are loyal Propaganda platforms. Voices not complying with the wanted canon, get mobbed out. Happens every couple of months or years. Even the phrasing of Heute and Tagesschau offen reminds of that in the Aktuelle Kamera.


There is a reason why I dont watch both channels' News Programs since years. Its awful.

[Catfish]

I am not sure whether polarising, destabilising and hate-generating channels should be so much better :hmmm: For the time being i would prefer this and the BBC, before Fox news, The Sun or something like this.
I think the BBC has quite some professional film makers and researchers, add this to Reuters and some other channels for a good representative cross section.
I am not looking forward to a "Die Linke" or "AfD" news portal, even if a majority would watch and believe it.

[STEED]

But i do not agree with you here. Screw the BBC i am sick of their damn identity politics rot worming its way into almost everything. Politically neutral BBC that is a stinking rotten lie by the BBC. Scrap their blood money rip off licence fee and make them sink or swim in the open market. BBC is losing viewers wonder why, viewers sick of their agenda could be.

Man up Boris and do what is right scrap the blood money fee.


Just to add thousands of pensioners are going to get the BBC blood money hit this June as the BBC demands them to cough up or face possible going to prison, how nice of the Bloated Bias Crap.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

Interesting/tough negotiations ahead I reckon.

Interesting article and especially this point:

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has put a deadline of 31 December on agreeing a plan, saying he will not extend the transition period beyond then.Mr. Johnson's deadline is unrealistic because it does not comsider time required for ratification process. Canada (CETA) type trade agreement must be approced by the European Parliament and ratified by most if not all member states before it becomes effective.

In practice if the UK does not want extension to it's transition period, trade agreement must be finalized by end of June to allow sufficient time for ratification process. This practical issue is reason why deadline for the UK's extension request is set into July and not in November for example.

If negotiations start at March this means only four (4) months for negotiations. I don't see how the Uk and the EU could reach an agreement in just four months when similar agreement with Canada took seven years (or 84 months) and the EU is not willing to give such agreement.

[Catfish]

a bit ot and from january, opinion printed in the New York Times:

"Boris Johnson Might Break Up the U.K. That’s a Good Thing."
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/10/opinion/brexit-scotland-northern-ireland.html

[Jimbuna]

Low-skilled workers would not get visas under post-Brexit immigration plans unveiled by the government.

It is urging employers to "move away" from relying on "cheap labour" from Europe and invest in retaining staff and developing automation technology.

The Home Office said EU and non-EU citizens coming to the UK would be treated equally after UK-EU free movement ends on 31 December.

Labour said a "hostile environment" would make it hard to attract workers.

But Home Secretary Priti Patel told BBC Breakfast the government wanted to "encourage people with the right talent" and "reduce the levels of people coming to the UK with low skills".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51550421

One of the early consequences of Brexit and one that the majority of Brits will support I suspect.

[Jimbuna]

Interesting article and especially this point:

Mr. Johnson's deadline is unrealistic because it does not comsider time required for ratification process. Canada (CETA) type trade agreement must be approced by the European Parliament and ratified by most if not all member states before it becomes effective.

In practice if the UK does not want extension to it's transition period, trade agreement must be finalized by end of June to allow sufficient time for ratification process. This practical issue is reason why deadline for the UK's extension request is set into July and not in November for example.

If negotiations start at March this means only four (4) months for negotiations. I don't see how the Uk and the EU could reach an agreement in just four months when similar agreement with Canada took seven years (or 84 months) and the EU is not willing to give such agreement.

I'm hoping enough will be agreed by the deadline to allow both sides to agree some kind of extension.

[Jimbuna]

Jeremy Corbyn has said he would consider serving in the shadow cabinet if offered a job by his successor as Labour leader.

One of the candidates, Rebecca Long-Bailey, has said she would offer Mr Corbyn a place in her team if she wins the contest to replace him.

Asked whether he would accept a role, he said he was "happy to serve the party in any capacity".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51576706

This would add another decade of Labour in opposition.

[STEED]

What a rip off, just shows even the Green Party are a bunch of crooks. :haha:

Caroline Lucas: Green MP investigated over £150 parliament tour offer

https://news.sky.com/story/caroline-lucas-green-mp-investigated-over-150-parliament-tour-offer-11937995

[Jimbuna]

I've toured Parliament easily in excess of double figure numbers but always as a gueat of a politician and never had to pay a penny for the 'privilege' :hmmm:

[Moonlight]

VARAD ENOUGH Brexit-bashing Irish PM Leo Varadkar quits following crushing election defeat, serves you right you plonker.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11009340/irish-pm-leo-varadkar-quits/

[Jimbuna]

He certainly won't be missed by a great many here in the UK and no doubt the EU will repay his loyalty by giving him a lucrative position but at least it won't be UK money paying his wages.

[Jimbuna]

European Union leaders meeting for a second day in Brussels sought to break a deadlock over the bloc’s long-term budget amid wide divisions over how to fill a financing hole created by Brexit.

All-night talks failed to resolve differences over spending levels and rebates, with leaders voicing pessimism over the prospects for a deal and indicating that another emergency summit may be needed to reach an accord.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/brexit/eu-leaders-seek-to-break-budget-impasse-in-marathon-negotiations/ar-BB10eRCf?li=BBoPWjQ&ocid=mailsignout

I can't honestly say I'm surprised but no doubt the smaller contributors will still want their disproportionate share of the cake.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

I can't honestly say I'm surprised but no doubt the smaller contributors will still want their disproportionate share of the cake.There are so many camps in this dispute that its not really surprise that its hard to reach compromise. In one end are "one percenters" who want to keep EU funding at 1,0% of combined GDP and compensate by cutting funding. Then there is the Commission which wants combination of revenue increases and cuts. In opposite end is the European Parliament which requests 1,2% of combined GDP which would be significant incrases over what budget was pre-Brexit.


Another important dispute is on how to use that money. How much to agricultural subsidies, how mcuh into cohesion funding and how much into everthing else such as scientific research, enviromental projects and defence funding. When you consider that decisions will more or less stand for seven years, its understandable that many countires are ready to fight hard as chances for changes are not often available.

[Jimbuna]

The first blue British passports for nearly 30 years will be issued next month, the Home Office has said.

The current burgundy design is being replaced, following the UK's departure from the European Union.

Blue passports were introduced in 1921 and phased out after 1988 when members of the then European Economic Community agreed to harmonise designs.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the passport will "once again be entwined with our national identity".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51585018?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/uk_leaves_the_eu&link_location=live-reporting-story

I doubt this will affect me, I'm only two years into a ten year passport.

[Jimbuna]

The first blue British passports for nearly 30 years will be issued next month, the Home Office has said.

The current burgundy design is being replaced, following the UK's departure from the European Union.

Blue passports were introduced in 1921 and phased out after 1988 when members of the then European Economic Community agreed to harmonise designs.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the passport will "once again be entwined with our national identity".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51585018?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/uk_leaves_the_eu&link_location=live-reporting-story

I doubt this will affect me, I'm only two years into a ten year passport.

[Jimbuna]

French President Emmanuel Macron has said he is "not sure" a UK-EU trade deal will be struck by 31 December, the end of the Brexit transition period.

Mr Macron said negotiations starting in March will be "tense", with fishing rights a key point of contention.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51601664

I'm not sure how the issue around fishing rights will be resolved if it is even possible at all.

Fish exports are pretty small compared to other trade but seem to get the biggest headlines.

[Moonlight]

^ I'd say fish exports are so small is because the EU fishing trawlers are providing everything that the EU countries need. :doh:

[Moonlight]

The foreign aid budget should be used to resolve this floody crisis and help these communities who are underwater. In the meantime, I don’t see a single foreign country coming to our aid when we have a crisis like this. Charity begins at home, and with half the UK under water, this is a vital cause. Taxpayers’ money should be going towards flood relief, not girl bands in Ethiopia (or whatever else it is they spend this budget on).

THE SUN ON SUNDAY SAYS Does China need our flood aid cash when we face so many pressures of our own?

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11022084/the-sun-says-floods-foreign-aid/

[Jimbuna]

UK spending on foreign aid.

https://fullfact.org/economy/uk-spending-foreign-aid/

I notice China and India are no longer recipients.

[Moonlight]

^ The government as usual are pulling the wool over peoples eyes, all they did was re-package it up and named it something else.

HOUSE of COMMONS LIBRARY BRIEFING PAPER
Number 7996, 19 February 2020

Q11 Why is UK aid still going to countries like India, China and South Africa?

Members of the public have complained in recent years that, despite official statements that UK aid would no longer be spent in middleincome countries like India, China and South Africa, this promise was being broken.
It is true that UK aid continues to be spent in these (and other) middleincome countries, although it has decreased. But a closer look at the statements made by 2010-15 UK coalition government shows that it did not actually say that spending would end completely. :haha:

[Catfish]

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2017/06/26/eu-support-natural-dissasters/

"The total envelope of the ERDF of €196.4 billion remains unchanged. To help member states cope with natural disasters the EU will also continue to use its solidarity fund of which €500 million can be mobilised each year."

[Jimbuna]

Labour members have begun casting their votes in the party's contest to replace outgoing leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Sir Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey qualified for the ballot after obtaining enough support from unions and affiliated groups.

The party is also choosing a new deputy leader, following Tom Watson's resignation in December.

Voting will close on 2 April, with the results announced at a special conference two days later.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51606332

I wonder which one of these losers will be picked :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

Diane Abbott has said she will quit the front bench of Labour when a new leader is elected.

Ms Abbott, the shadow home secretary, told Sky News that whoever becomes leader, "they have to be able to construct their own shadow cabinet".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-51607512

My thinking is that she knows she can no longer enjoy the protection Steptoe used to provide her so she has decided to jump before she is pushed.

[Jimbuna]

What you need to know about Rebecca Long-Bailey
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-51515613/labour-leadership-what-you-need-to-know-about-rebecca-long-bailey

[Jimbuna]

What you need to know about Lisa Nandy
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-51515614/labour-leadership-what-you-need-to-know-about-lisa-nandy

[Jimbuna]

What you need to know about Keir Starmer
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-politics-51515612/labour-leadership-what-you-need-to-know-about-keir-starmer

[Moonlight]

Do the Labour Party think that one of those light weights could ever win a general election, they've all gone bloody mad. :doh:

[Jimbuna]

^ Agreed and if I was a gambling man I'd put my money on Starmer.

[Jimbuna]

Ministers from the EU are meeting to approve their mandate for post-Brexit trade talks with the UK.

The document approved by the EU General Affairs Council on Tuesday morning will be the basis for future negotiations, to be carried out by Michel Barnier.

It says that EU standards should serve as "a reference point" in any future trade deal.

Meanwhile, UK ministers will also meet at No 10 to discuss the government's opening stance for negotiations.

The final agreement is due to be published online and presented in Parliament on Thursday.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51623444

[Jimbuna]

Emergency terror law clears parliamentary hurdles

Emergency legislation to block the automatic release of people convicted of terror offences is set to become law after being approved by the Lords.

The Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Bill - which was passed by MPs earlier this month - was drawn up following an attack in south London.

The attacker, Sudesh Amman, had recently been freed from prison.

The government had wanted to pass the bill before 28 February when the next terror offender is due for release.

Sunderland shopkeeper Mohammed Zahir Khan, 42, had been set to be freed after serving half of his sentence for encouraging terrorism.

The government's emergency measures, which required backing from Parliament, would postpone his release until the Parole Board has given its approval.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51623028

One of the rare examples showing our politicians can be quick and efficient when needs be.

[Catfish]

Just saw a video from Ann Widdecombe. Europe is the enemy, and the EU is a dictatorship of slave holders. While this will be ok for Farage or Skybird i guess the rest of Europe should be a bit concerned.

Four months old but..: Linguist calls for help to build glossary of Brexit terms and of ‘toxic terminology of populism’: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/05/brexitspeak-brexit-vocabulary-growing-too-fast-public-keep-up

"A lot of the language is designed to trigger [emotions] rather than elucidate.”"

"... some observers have suggested the new semantic flowering suggests politics is becoming untethered from reality."

You don't say :haha:

[Jimbuna]

The new chancellor must raise taxes in his first Budget or break the government's rules on borrowing, a leading economic think tank has warned.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51639439

I don't think many will mind if a penny or so in the pound is added, especially if it frees up sufficient funding for the NHS and other worthwhile causes.

[Catfish]

"The think tank "New Frontiers Foundation" he [Dominic Cummings] co-founded, suggested back in 2004 that the conservatives should undermine the credibility of the BBC and establish a counterpart of the US broadcaster Fox News in Great Britain."
"We will smash them" said the anonymous adviser.

Anonymous? Seems Cummings is behind the BBC bashing, apart from Johnson of course. Promising people to pay less taxes is always a good method.
We will see how he and Johnson pay the promised 350 million per week for the NHS after he has installed Fox News as the new truth maker. "Express UK" and "The Sun" are not enough for them yet.

Translation from german by Google:
https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=de&sl=de&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.infosat.de%2Fdigitale-welt%2Fdie-bbc-ist-premier-boris-johnson-ein-dorn-im-auge



Posted by Jim: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-51639439 Lol how inconvenient. Don't you ever say the truth or "we will smash" you.
The comments are interesting.

[Moonlight]

Tax the rich or tax the poor, my prediction is he's gonna kick the blue collar workers in the balls again. :D

The Tory election promises are giving Bozo Johnson nightmares because he now has to start delivering the undeliverable, it will be fun watching his pathetic attempts and excuses on why they cannot deliver these promises without raising taxes on someone or something. :o
I think he'll hike the tax on fuel duty which will affect the common folk more as its the lesser of two evils. If he does hike fuel duty then he can avoid taxing those massive corporations and tax avoiding billionaires again, Bozo is between a rock and a hard place from now on. :haha:

[Catfish]

I am sure Johnson and the tories stand firm behind the workers, that way they can kick them in the behind much easier.

This is of course german humour, and eactly how the german government does it :nope:

[Jimbuna]

The UK has warned the EU it will walk away from trade talks in June unless there is a "broad outline" of a deal.

Michael Gove told MPs the UK wanted to strike a "comprehensive free trade agreement" in 10 months.

But the government would not accept any alignment with EU laws as the EU is demanding, with Mr Gove adding: "We will not trade away our sovereignty."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51650961

I do believe the government of today mean precisely what they are stating, unlike that of Theresa May.

Hopefully both parties will come to the table in a sincere attempt to strike a deal agreeable to everyone.

[Jimbuna]

Yep, like two peas in a pod :)

https://i.postimg.cc/C16pdPB5/77022786-450421445673165-8362955809608433664-o.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Onkel Neal]

Haha, sorry Jim, I thought my post would fit better in the Venezuela thread, kinda left you hanging, didn't I ? :oops:

[Jimbuna]

Bad boy :)

[STEED]

Good evening and 10 minutes into the Labour leadership debate and all I hear is Bojo bashing...

At last a good question about the nameless one losing the election...

LN - Bashed the nameless one a little bit and big brexit bashing.

KS - No bashing of the nameless one, brexit and overloaded manifesto were the problem.

RLB - Backed the nameless one to the hilt, we just were not clear enough.


Anti semite issue...

KS - seems to be firm on this one by putting it down to the leadership, new leader must be tough on this.

LN - Leadership failed Labour so did the shadow cabinet.

RLB - Concerned, not a word about you know who.

Economy question can Labour be trusted?

RLB - Manifesto good just failed to make ourselves clear, keep the election manifesto.

LN - The voters already made their minds up to vote tory, people must trust us.

KS - Economy is not working, Labour failed to get the trust of voters.


Distance from new labour and Blair

LN - Not one word about the Blair years.

RLB - We should look forward, brief word about Blair

KS - Praised the Blair years apart from the Iraq war.

Female leader...?

RLB - Without naming herself clearly stating I am the strong woman.

KS - More interested getting the country to back them again.

LN - Yes a mouthy forceful women to take on Boris.


Apart from this and that its almost over.

Well I was not impressed by any of them, they all sounded like washer women. None of them sounded like Prime Minister material and lame, so who will win? No idea and just don't really care but if push comes to shove Mr hairdo who spends a lot of time in the hair salon.

[Catfish]

"The big cost of Brexit for the EU is that it has distracted time, attention and political capital from addressing the real substantive challenges that the EU itself faces," says Mujtaba Rahman, managing director of the political consultancy Eurasia Group. "Brexit was a team-building exercise where the EU could demonstrate how united they were. But it was really something of a cover to disguise how little they agree on the bigger challenges facing the continent."

From:
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/20/europe/europe-is-in-deep-trouble-analysis-intl/index.html

[Jimbuna]

https://i.postimg.cc/yNmGv88C/skydebate.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

It was a wobbly start for the outsider in last night's leadership debate on Sky, but Lisa Nandy came back strong. While Long-Bailey and Starmer reeled off their well-rehearsed introductory speeches, Nandy was clearly unprepared and her head bobbed up and down as she constantly referred to the notes in front of her. Her poor start was soon vanquished as the audience began to deliver a series of awkward questions.

Starmer, who had delivered easily the most polished and confident opening speech, stuttered and stammered his way horribly through a couple of questions. Long-Bailey, now sporting a hairdo that made her look more like a character from Desperate Housewives than a potential political leader, had little impact throughout the debate. At one point she insulted the intelligence of northern Brexit voters, claiming they were mistaken in their 'belief' that Labour were trying to reverse Brexit. It was not a question of 'belief' dear, the facts were there for all to see! She later gave us an insight into her parenting skills - or lack of them. An elderly blind woman in the audience asked the candidates for examples of how she could interpret their personalities. Long-Bailey announced that she was a strong northern lass who didn't take any nonsense from anyone. In the very next sentence she referred to her little boy and how when he gets home from school she waits on him hand and foot, giving in to his every demand. Contradiction asides, what a horrible little twat he's going to grow up to be.

One third of the audience was made up of Labour members, another third Labour voters and a third former Labour voters. One of the Labour members got very up tight about anti-Semitism, denouncing the Chief Rabbi as a Tory and suggesting it was all a fantasy concocted by right wingers. At this point Nandy jumped in and took control of the situation. However, her assessment led to the most exciting exchange of the entire debate as a flustered Keir Starmer lost his cool. Sadly, even when he loses it he still comes across excruciatingly dull.


At the end of the debate presenter Sophy Ridge asked the audience to raise their hands as to who they thought had won the debate. A handful chose Starmer, a handful chose Long-Bailey. The overwhelming majority chose Nandy, the candidate widely expected to come a distant third in this epic contest. Most viewers will probably have agreed that none of them were particularly likeable or electable. The future's bleak for Labour, regardless of who wins.

[Jimbuna]

"The big cost of Brexit for the EU is that it has distracted time, attention and political capital from addressing the real substantive challenges that the EU itself faces," says Mujtaba Rahman, managing director of the political consultancy Eurasia Group. "Brexit was a team-building exercise where the EU could demonstrate how united they were. But it was really something of a cover to disguise how little they agree on the bigger challenges facing the continent."

From:
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/20/europe/europe-is-in-deep-trouble-analysis-intl/index.html

A most interesting read was that and whilst I was unaware of much of what the article reckons is going on in the background nor am I surprised.

[Jimbuna]

The top civil servant in the Home Office has resigned and said he intends to claim against the government for constructive dismissal.

Sir Philip Rutnam said there had been a "vicious and orchestrated" campaign against him in Home Secretary Priti Patel's office.

Reported tensions between the pair included claims she mistreated officials - which she has denied.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51687287

Obviously there is something wrong down in the halls of power atm :hmmm:

[Moonlight]

Yes there sure is and its called Brexit, elected ministers want it and the civil service mandarins don't. I wonder if Philip Rutnams resignation will send a message to these remoaners that the government will not tolerate anymore dissent from them.

[Catfish]

^ But the "remoaners" are the majority, the old quitlings will be reminded of this in the next years.

[Jimbuna]

Yes there sure is and its called Brexit, elected ministers want it and the civil service mandarins don't. I wonder if Philip Rutnams resignation will send a message to these remoaners that the government will not tolerate anymore dissent from them.

There may well be some truth in that....the tail has been wagging the dog for too long maybe.

[Jimbuna]

On a lighter note...

It is being reported that Boris girlfriend Carrie is expecting their first child.

I don't know where he got the time and energy from :03:

[JU_88]

^ But the "remoaners" are the majority, the old quitlings will be reminded of this in the next years.


:doh:
Gaurdian Opinion section Overdose?

[Jimbuna]

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has defended Priti Patel as "courteous" following bullying claims made by the ex-top civil servant in her department.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51694413

Surprise surprise, Cabinet members closing ranks.

[Moonlight]

^ But the "remoaners" are the majority, the old quitlings will be reminded of this in the next years.
Fee-fi-fo-fum I smell the blood of a Europhile.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-election-remain/the-dream-is-dead-johnson-election-triumph-breaks-uk-remainer-hearts-idUSKBN1YH0B4

Yes the remoaners thought they had the numerical superiority to win it but they didn't have a battle plan did they, Swinson, Corbyn and Sturgeon were out-manouvered by Farage and Cummings whose sole intent and purpose was to get Brexit over and done with.

Remainers pfffft, all the polls said that those loud mouthed protesting remainers were the majority didn't they, and they even controlled parliament at one point, and yet they still bloody lost didn't they. There were no protest marches from the Brexiteers, oh no, we kept our mouths shut stayed silent and waited, its not them who shouts the loudest that win General Elections but those who go and do the actual deed and bloody vote that counts. :haha:

[Jimbuna]

Fee-fi-fo-fum I smell the blood of a Europhile.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-election-remain/the-dream-is-dead-johnson-election-triumph-breaks-uk-remainer-hearts-idUSKBN1YH0B4

Yes the remoaners thought they had the numerical superiority to win it but they didn't have a battle plan did they, Swinson, Corbyn and Sturgeon were out-manouvered by Farage and Cummings whose sole intent and purpose was to get Brexit over and done with.

Remainers pfffft, all the polls said that those loud mouthed protesting remainers were the majority didn't they, and they even controlled parliament at one point, and yet they still bloody lost didn't they. There were no protest marches from the Brexiteers, oh no, we kept our mouths shut stayed silent and waited, its not them who shouts the loudest that win General Elections but those who go and do the actual deed and bloody vote that counts. :haha:

Indeed :salute:

[Catfish]

[...]
Yes the remoaners thought they had the numerical superiority to win it but they didn't have a battle plan did they, Swinson, Corbyn and Sturgeon were out-manouvered by Farage and Cummings whose sole intent and purpose was to get Brexit over and done with.
Yes, we can see how intelligent and modern the shining icons of brexit are, Farage, Dominic Cummings, Rees-Mogg, Ann Widdecobe and all those other forward-looking brexiters. As far as i remember Corbyn is also anti-Europe.

So you are a Europe-hater. It is not my intent to sow hate, the brexiters are already good enough at that. All i say is by all lies and 'battle plans' the remainers are still the majority. Question is if they behave, or if will they act like the brexiters.

[Moonlight]

I'm not a Europe-hater old boy infact I'm far from it, and to prove it, the next time you see Alice Sara Ott who is a German\Japanese pianist ask her for a date on my behalf, oh yeah, and keep your bleeding mitts off her or else. :D

Alice Sara Ott.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I8AT3S3iRc

[Catfish]

ok ok I will try not to comment on brexit in the future, but Johnson delivers those "Steilvorlagen" all the time, it is really hard :D

[Jimbuna]

In the most basic terms I can muster this is how I, a Brexit voter admittedly, see things.

The EU in the beginning was a great idea imho especially as it was intended to promote free trade amongst Europe, therefore making everyone a winner.

What it has evolved into is something far more unmanageable and overpowering.

Freedom of travel is okay but what is not is the control of the government legislation and borders of all member countries through all the means we are all aware of, trade being a further example.

I believe all the above can be bundled into one word, 'Sovereignty' and that is one step too far for the majority of the British population especially bearing in mind what sacrifices they made in both world wars to re-establish that very position on the mainland of Europe.

I further believe Britain wishes to remain on good friendly/neighbourly terms with Europe but not at the price of being dictated to regarding just about every EU requirement that can be thrown at us.

Hopefully there will be a fair and transparent outcome by the end of the year, one that is acceptable to both sides.

Failing that, the present UK government were given a sizeable majority based on Brexit to carry on regardless and if that is the eventual outcome then that will be a shame because both sides will be damaged in terms of trade mainly.

[Jimbuna]

Obviously there is something wrong down in the halls of power atm :hmmm:

A former aide to Priti Patel received a £25,000 payout from the government after claiming she was bullied by the then employment minister.

Legal correspondence seen by the BBC alleges the woman took an overdose of prescription medicine following the alleged incident in 2015.

The DWP did not admit liability and the case did not come before a tribunal.

Ms Patel is facing allegations - which she denies - that she mistreated staff in her new role as home secretary.

Sir Philip Rutnam, the Home Office's most senior official, resigned on Saturday alleging Ms Patel's conduct towards staff included "swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51705069

Coincidence? :hmmm:

[STEED]

Catfish, I like Europe it's the EU that is the problem. I feel Europe would do better without this bloated organisation that is a sham.

[Jimbuna]

The challenge facing Labour's next leader has been laid bare by internal research suggesting the party is facing "one of its worst" results in recent history in May's local elections.

An internal party document, passed to the BBC, says it should brace itself for the loss of councils including Plymouth, Amber Valley and Harlow.

In a worst-case scenario, Labour risks losing 315 seats and control of historic strongholds such as Sheffield.

Voters go to the polls on 7 May.

Seats in about 118 councils in England will be up for grabs.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51709639

The Corbyn legacy lives on.

[Jimbuna]

"I think that on trade issues," said the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves le Drian, "we are going to rip each other apart."

The war of words about a potential trade agreement between the UK and the EU is heating up.

But that's to be expected.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/51575095

Interesting times ahead? :hmmm:

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

Catfish, I like Europe it's the EU that is the problem. I feel Europe would do better without this bloated organisation that is a sham.You didn't address your comment to me, but I still feel need to strongly disagree with you. The EU is lightyears away from perfect, but so it has kept European countries away from each other's throuts except in verbal sense. Freedom of movement for capital, goods, servies and people without barriers has boosted economy in many countires in addition to practical advantages to the citizens of EU countries.


I'm not expert in these matters but I believe that we are now harvesting problems created during Cold War. At the time promises were made to the Eastern bloc countries that they would be welcome to the EU whenever they wanted. When time came to deliver these promises the EU and its existing member states chose set additional conditions for membership. Among others these included democracy, rule of law and human rights.


These conditions have led to situations where democracy, rule of law and human rights are applied only to minimum standard required to achive membership. Currently we are facing situation where some member states are questioning core values of the EU and at the same time there are no tools to enforce them. My personal opinion is that the EU as institution has focused too much into expansion without consideration for dissimilar values between former Western and Eastern bloc countries.


I believe that if no agreement is reached on sanctions to rule breakers, the EU should be broken into (atleast) two new organizations based on shared values rather than extension of status quo. Such break up could also simplify decision making in econimic questions as currently there are conflicting interests between regions of the EU (ofcourse this also happens in national level).

[Jimbuna]

Boris Johnson has told MPs he is "sticking by" Home Secretary Priti Patel, following further allegations of bullying against her.

Claims she mistreated staff would "of course" be investigated, he said at Prime Minister's Questions.

But he hailed Ms Patel as an "outstanding" home secretary who was "delivering change".

The Cabinet Office is investigating several allegations about Ms Patel's behaviour, which she denies.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51737677

I'd be careful Boris if I were you, this could all blow up in your face.

[Jimbuna]

Workers will get statutory sick pay from the first day off work, not the fourth, to help contain coronavirus, the prime minister has said.

Boris Johnson said people who self-isolate are helping to protect others from the virus and should not be "penalised for doing the right thing".

It means those receiving statutory sick pay would get an extra £40.

England's chief medical officer earlier said it was "likely" the virus will become an epidemic in the UK.

Prof Chris Whitty also told BBC Breakfast that up to 80% of the population could be infected with coronavirus, which causes Covid-19, "in the worst-case scenario".

Officials believe up to a fifth of the workforce may be off sick during the peak of an epidemic in the UK.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51738837

Not wishing to appear over cynical but I can see this being abused by quite a few people.

[Jimbuna]

Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey have been challenged about their electability and leadership skills in BBC interviews with Andrew Neil.

Asked whether he had the charisma to transform Labour's fortunes, Sir Keir said there were "different ways to inspire people" and his "unrelenting" mission was to return Labour to power.

Mrs Long-Bailey said she had the "big ideas" needed to win the next election.

The pair also were also quizzed on donations and action on anti-Semitism.

In separate interviews broadcast on the Andrew Neil show, both the Labour leadership contenders committed to retain key policies from the party's 2019 manifesto despite its overwhelming defeat.

The third contender for the Labour crown, Lisa Nandy, was grilled by Andrew Neil last month.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51744481

Same old same old.

[Jimbuna]

MPs are to receive an inflation-busting 3.1 per cent pay rise, bringing their basic annual salary to almost £82,000, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has announced.

The increase, revealed on Thursday, will raise MPs' basic pay from £79,468 to £81,932 and will be effective from 1 April.

It represents a substantial real-terms increase at a time when inflation is running at 1.8 per cent on the CPI measure.

MPs will also receive increased expenses to cover the cost of staffing their parliamentary offices.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/mp-pay-rise-parliament-average-basic-salary-boris-johnson-government-a9377776.html

I can see this going down like a lead balloon with the public :nope:

[Jimbuna]

There remain "serious" differences between the UK and EU after the first round of trade talks, the bloc's chief negotiator has said.

Michel Barnier said "very difficult" areas needed to be resolved, but a "good agreement for both sides" remained possible.

He said there were disagreements over competition rules, police co-operation, and how a deal would be enforced.

Mr Barnier also dismissed UK proposals on fishing as "impractical".

A UK government spokesperson said there were "significant differences" between the two sides in some areas, but talks had been "constructive".

"These are going to be tough negotiations - this is just the first round," they added. "We now have a good idea where both parties are coming from."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51755843

There's the reference to fish again....punching way above its weight in my estimation.

If the EU want access to UK waters so baly, then come up with a decent deal both parties can agree upon.

[Moonlight]

Aye, its punching above its weight because this government has made it so, Bozo has to get this right or he's going to look like a bloody idiot, oh wait.....:O:

If they had negotiated a good fish deal in the first place this wouldn't be such a big issue, as it currently stands, you've got foreign fishermen coming over to British waters and taking upwards of half or more of any fish stock. It needs to be sorted out to the benefit of the British fishermen before any other trade negotiations take place, if the government sell out as they usually do most of that good will they've been given is going to be taken away, tread carefully Bozo. :haha:

[Jimbuna]

Labour leadership contender Lisa Nandy has spoken out against "faction fighting" under Jeremy Corbyn.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51752969

Very brave or very stupid speaking out against the Left in the party?

My opinion, a bit of both.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

If they had negotiated a good fish deal in the first place this wouldn't be such a big issue, as it currently stands, you've got foreign fishermen coming over to British waters and taking upwards of half or more of any fish stock. It needs to be sorted out to the benefit of the British fishermen before any other trade negotiations take place, if the government sell out as they usually do most of that good will they've been given is going to be taken away, tread carefully Bozo. :haha:First of all, its not one-way road: while foreign vessels come to fish into British waters, so do British vessels into foreign waters. It all depends on where desired catch is located. However as far as I known, its true that there is more traffic into Gritish waters than vice versa


Secondly, about 75 % of British fishermen's catch is sold into EU market. No trade deal means tariffs and quotas, so good luck in selling what you catch. I'm sure that trade to EU market will not come into complete halt but your fishermen should expect lower sales and lower profit margins.

[Jimbuna]

In 2016 the UK imported £75 billion in goods and services from Germany, and sold £49 billion. Although the UK has a trade deficit with Germany, France and the Netherlands3, they are the second, third and fourth most important destinations for UK exports.3 Jan 2018

Fuller picture: https://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/CBP-7851

[Jimbuna]

Trevor Phillips suspended from Labour over Islamophobia allegations

The former UK equality watchdog chief, Trevor Phillips, has been suspended from the Labour Party over allegations of Islamophobia.

The Times newspaper reported the anti-racism campaigner is being investigated over past comments dating back years.

Mr Phillips, ex-chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said Labour was in danger of collapsing into a "brutish, authoritarian cult".

Labour said it takes complaints about Islamophobia "extremely seriously".

A spokeswoman added: "[The complaints] are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken."

Mr Phillips was among 24 public figures who wrote to the Guardian last year declaring their refusal to vote for Labour because of its association with anti-Semitism.

He could be expelled from the party for alleged prejudice against Muslims.

Mr Phillips has been suspended pending investigation over remarks, including expressing concerns about Pakistani Muslim men sexually abusing children in northern British towns, according to the Times.

It says the complaint also covers his comments about the failure of some Muslims to wear poppies for Remembrance Sunday and the sympathy shown by some in an opinion poll towards the "motives" of the Charlie Hebdo attackers.

The paper said many of his statements are years-old but that Labour's general secretary Jennie Formby suspended him as a matter of urgency to "protect the party's reputation".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51797316

This is a turn up for the books :hmmm:

[Jimbuna]

The UK should consider the trade-offs it is willing to make in a post-Brexit deal, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says.

She said the closer the UK's access to the single market - which it is leaving - the more it must adhere to EU rules.

But cabinet minister Michael Gove said the UK "would regain its economic and political independence" and any deal "would need to reflect that reality".

Both sides agreed that differences remained after last week's trade talks.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51800218

I continue to remain hopeful a deal will eventually be done.

[Jimbuna]

Now that the trial of former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has begun early evidence brought before the court suggests he may be in some serious trouble if found guilty.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-51707459

[Skybird]

This is a turn up for the books :hmmm:
They must have hated Kemal Attatürk, his comments on Muhammad, and the secular state he tried to form.

[Jimbuna]

The government has defeated the first rebellion from its own MPs over plans to allow Huawei to be used in the UK's 5G mobile network.

Thirty-eight Conservative rebels backed an amendment to end the Chinese firm's participation in the project by the start of 2023.

Despite promises from the government of a new bill to address their concerns, rebel MPs pushed their plan to a vote.

But with a large Commons majority, the government defeated it by 24 votes.

Culture Minister Matt Warman said the government had heard the points "loud and clear".

He added: "We will now engage intensively with colleagues across the House to make sure that we will make our case at every possible level…and we will underline that we will always put national security at the very top of our agenda."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51806704

Boris should now realise that despite having a large majority everything he wants will not be an automatic 'given'.

[Skybird]

He has an even bigger opponent now challenging his ambitions and timetables: Covid-19. It will cost an awful lot of money. The NHS will not shine. The budget plans will reflect that, and see things delayed.

[Jimbuna]

The government will unveil its first Budget later amid continued pressure from the coronavirus outbreak.

The new Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, will present the plans in the Commons at 12:30 GMT, less than a month after taking over at the Treasury.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51827647

All will be revealed in less than an hours time.

[Jimbuna]

Budget Live:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/business-51765994

[STEED]

Predictable bore the budget was and that was the highlights. :zzz:

[Jimbuna]

Borrowing more money to invest into the UK is "the right economic thing to do", the chancellor has said.

Rishi Sunak told the BBC that interest rates were at a "multi-decade low" and he was "not going to make an apology" for the Budget - which included a £30bn package of investment.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51850740

At the end of this Parliament it is estimated that the national debt will be somewhere in the region of two trillion but that is nothing when compared with the twenty three trillion of the US.

The look on the Labour front bench as the announcement was made was a right picture, they were obviously wondering why the electorate didn't believe their fiscal promises at the recent general election despite the fact they were pretty close to those outlined yesterday in the budget.

Corbyn was the ultimate deciding factor in my opinion.

[Moonlight]

Ahem,

http://www.nationaldebtclock.co.uk/

[Jimbuna]

^Probably a more accurate figure but I find it suspiciously interesting to note the two trillion figure as quoted in the above link is no longer visible :hmmm:

[STEED]

So much for democracy, stuff the virus we want the vote you gutless sheep!


Local and mayoral elections in England will be postponed for a year to May 2021 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Downing Street said it would be impractical to hold the elections as planned, as they would come during the peak of the spread of the virus.

Polls were due in 118 English councils, the London Assembly and for seven English regional mayors.

Voting was also due to take place for the London mayor and police and crime commissioners in England and Wales.

It comes after the Electoral Commission said on Thursday the elections should be delayed until the autumn to "mitigate" the impact of the virus.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51876269

[Jimbuna]

COUNCIL BY-ELECTIONS 12.03.20
There were four by-elections the other night, three in England and one in Scotland. It was a good night for the Lib Dems with one hold and one gain. The Tories lost a seat in Kent to the Ashford Independents and had mixed results elsewhere. Labour only contested two of the elections and their share of the vote was down in both.

Park Farm North, Ashford Borough Council

Ind: 247 (60.2%) New
Con: 115 (28.0%) -33.4%
Lab: 29 (7.1%) -12.8%
Green: 11 (2.7%) New
Lib Dem: 8 (2.0%) -16.7%

Ind GAIN from Con

Eilean a' Cheò, Highland Council

Ind: 911 (28.5%) New
SNP: 874 (27.3%) +8.6%
Lib Dem: 698 (21.8%) +19.9%
Green: 357 (11.2%) New
Con: 314 (9.8%) +3.4%
Ind: 45 (1.4%) New

Ind GAIN from Ind

Parrett, South Somerset District Council

Lib Dem: 387 (52.0%) -12.5%
Con: 162 (21.8%) -13.7%
Ind: 160 (21.5%) +21.5%
Green: 35 (4.7%) New

Lib Dem HOLD

Welford-on-Avon, Stratford-on-Avon District Council

Lib Dem: 472 (43.6%) New
Con: 323 (29.9%) +8.7%
Ind: 231 (21.3%) New
Lab: 41 (3.8%) -1.5%
Green: 15 (1.4%) -7.1%

Lib Dem GAIN from Ind

[Skybird]

https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/14/uk/coronavirus-boris-johnson-brexit-intl-gbr/index.html

Corona can really ruin Johnson's plans. With one of the worst bed saturations amongst Western health systems and two national key advisors/officials for health being obsessed not with virological growth rates, but public behaviour control, and so having wasted an awful lot of time already, the NHS and the UK already are in an extremely disadvantageous position to deal with the pandemic overrolling the country.

And always keep on mind: most likely, very most lkikely, there will come a second wave months after the first, and possibly, very possibly, even a third.

Plans have limits if they need to be carried out in a chaotic system like our universe.

[Jimbuna]

I think the transition period should be extended due to the unprecedented circumstances we are facing as a result of the coronavirus.

[Skybird]

You have a worse problem with the man. You have to stop him from committing mass murder. His ideas on pushing herd immunity are simply this: mass murder. What lallance said, is horrific. And nonsense. It maximizes the case numbers in a given time interval, where as the interest must be to reduce them in a given time intervall so that the system does not get overwhelmed. The latter means: saving lives. The first means: maximising loss of life. Doing that intentionally, is mass murder.

And the clock is running against you. You dont have weeks, but hours. Be thankful if it is days, but I doubt it.


Johnson seems to want the bloodbath so that he gets herd immunity early and then can carry on with his Brexit timetable. The latter is in doubt if herd immunity is allowed to get slowed down in achieving it. As yoiu said this will make an extension of the negotiatons with the Eu more likely.

[STEED]

You have a worse problem with the man. You have to stop him from committing mass murder. His ideas on pushing herd immunity are simply this: mass murder. What lallance said, is horrific. And nonsense. It maximizes the case numbers in a given time interval, where as the interest must be to reduce them in a given time intervall so that the system does not get overwhelmed. The latter means: saving lives. The first means: maximising loss of life. Doing that intentionally, is mass murder.

And the clock is running against you. You dont have weeks, but hours. Be thankful if it is days, but I doubt it.


Johnson seems to want the bloodbath so that he gets herd immunity early and then can carry on with his Brexit timetable. The latter is in doubt if herd immunity is allowed to get slowed down in achieving it. As yoiu said this will make an extension of the negotiatons with the Eu more likely.

Protect the rich protect the money and the rest can go and spin. Yep sounds like their thinking...Woohoo the rich must come 1st. :) :03: :yep: :D

[Skybird]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/15/uk-coronavirus-crisis-to-last-until-spring-2021-and-could-see-79m-hospitalised

Tja.


Meanwhile, it seems critics have somewhat outbraked Johnson. The British can be thankful for that. It will be a bloodbath nevertheless, though maybe not as bad as it woudl have been with Johnson'S plan realiesd.

[STEED]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/15/uk-coronavirus-crisis-to-last-until-spring-2021-and-could-see-79m-hospitalised

Tja.


Meanwhile, it seems critics have somewhat outbraked Johnson. The British can be thankful for that. It will be a bloodbath nevertheless, though maybe not as bad as it woudl have been with Johnson'S plan realiesd.

The coronavirus epidemic in the UK will last until next spring and could lead to 7.9 million people being hospitalised Loaded words at this time will always raise the fear factor.

IMHO, Bojo has acted way too slowly on this matter and even now seems to take this mix bag of being serious and a joker as this is ok. No one can predict this virus due to human nature, hey I witness more than once blokes not washing their hands in public toilets after a No.2!!!! :o

My advice relax and stop and think and hope Bojo get's his act together.

[Skybird]

You're disucssing with the rules of mathematics, Steed. You have no chance to win that argument.


We need a vaccine, and drugs.The first comes not before next year, the latter - well, everything that helps, is a help. The situation is so desperate that I would even accept globuli, if only they would help: more unconditional my surrender cannot be.

[STEED]

Just being sensible and if I get it so be and like everyone in the world you only two options.

Back to politics this could damage Bojo's government in the long term if we see a high death rate and come the general election Labour will be on a up swing. One thing is for sure the N.H.S is going to be put under massive pressure and it will break! This will play right into the hands of Lab/Lib and all the rest.

Bojo had to be kicked up the arse by the nameless one to get daily briefing! Don't get me wrong all these politicians in my book are clueless but you can not beat being in opposition to dish out the dirt.

[Jimbuna]

You have a worse problem with the man. You have to stop him from committing mass murder. His ideas on pushing herd immunity are simply this: mass murder. What lallance said, is horrific. And nonsense. It maximizes the case numbers in a given time interval, where as the interest must be to reduce them in a given time intervall so that the system does not get overwhelmed. The latter means: saving lives. The first means: maximising loss of life. Doing that intentionally, is mass murder.

And the clock is running against you. You dont have weeks, but hours. Be thankful if it is days, but I doubt it.


Johnson seems to want the bloodbath so that he gets herd immunity early and then can carry on with his Brexit timetable. The latter is in doubt if herd immunity is allowed to get slowed down in achieving it. As yoiu said this will make an extension of the negotiatons with the Eu more likely.

Britain should copy the German lead in closing her borders.

Germany latest country to close borders.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51905129

[Jimbuna]

Boris Johnson will outline the next step in the UK's plan to fight coronavirus at the first of a new series of daily news conferences.

The PM, or a senior minister, will now address the media each day to ensure people are informed about how to protect themselves.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51901818

A positive move.

[Skybird]

Britain should copy the German lead in closing her borders.
German "lead" in closing borders? We came late to that party! Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Denmark all went earlier, days earlier.

[Skybird]

A positive move.
Depends on what he says. Until recently it was bollocks only. As a slurce in the siocne community outside Britain commented: when we heard first what he said on his plans, we all laughed, because we honestely believed it was satire.

I must admit in this Corona crisis, Johnson so far leaves an awesomely terrible impression.

[Jimbuna]

The key new measures Boris announced included:

Everyone should avoid gatherings with friends and family, as well as large gatherings and crowded places, such as pubs, clubs and theatres.

People should avoid non-essential travel and work from home if they can.

All "unnecessary" visits to friends and relatives in care homes should cease.

People should only use the NHS "where we really need to" - and can reduce the burden on workers by getting advice on the NHS website where possible.

By next weekend, those with the most serious health conditions must be "largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks"

If one person in any household has a persistent cough or fever, everyone living there must stay at home for 14 days.

Those people should, if possible, avoid leaving the house "even to buy food or essentials" - but they may leave the house "for exercise and, in that case, at a safe distance from others"

Schools will not be closed for the moment.

Under the guidance, people who should be "particularly stringent" in minimising their social contact are:

People over the age of 70

Other adults who would normally be advised to have the flu vaccine (such as those with chronic diseases)

Pregnant women

[Jimbuna]

The government has unveiled a package of financial measures to shore up the economy against the coronavirus impact.

These include £330bn for companies to access loans, support for airlines, a business rates holiday, and help for small firms without insurance.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak told a press conference it was an "economic emergency. Never in peacetime have we faced an economic fight like this one."

And he promised that if this package was not enough, he would go further.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51935467

[Jimbuna]

Alex Salmond has claimed that sexual assault allegations against him are "deliberate fabrications for a political purpose" or "exaggerations".

The former SNP leader also told his trial that he had "never attempted to have non-consensual sexual relations with anyone in my entire life".

And he denied claims that female civil servants were not allowed to work alone with him while he was first minister.

He said he now wished he had "been more careful with people's personal space".

Mr Salmond denies 13 charges of sexual assault against nine women.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-51926614

He must be feeling like he's the Scottish Harvey Weinstein atm.

[STEED]

Bojo has failed get rid of him now.

[Jimbuna]

Talks to agree a UK-EU trade deal have been put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Negotiating teams were due resume talks on Wednesday although a face-to-face meeting had already been ruled out due to the virus.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51935677

No surprises there then.

[Jimbuna]

The jury is considering its verdict in the trial of Alex Salmond, who denies carrying out a string of sexual assaults while he was Scotland's first minister.

The jury of nine women and six men retired at 14:00 on Friday after hearing two weeks of evidence.

They can reach one of three verdicts for each of the 13 charges - guilty, not guilty or not proven.

The verdicts must be agreed by a majority of the 15 jurors.

Mr Salmond says he is innocent of all 13 charges of sexual assault, which are alleged to have been committed against nine women over a six-year period.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-51974915

[mapuc]

^ It sounds like an English version of Impeachment

Markus

[Jimbuna]

The trial is in Scotland Markus.

[STEED]

I picked up on some info passed on to me, on the government back benches there could be a rebellion against Bojo next week as he looks like getting radical. We shall see next week if this is true or just hot air.

[Jimbuna]

The jury in the Alex Salmond trial has been sent home for the weekend and will resume its deliberations on Monday.

Mr Salmond denies carrying out a string of sexual assaults while he was Scotland's first minister.

The jury of nine women and six men retired shortly before 14:00 on Friday after hearing two weeks of evidence.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-51974915

[Jimbuna]

Labour has urged ministers to go "further and faster" to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Unions have welcomed the government's emergency financial support package for workers, announced earlier by the chancellor.

And business group UK Hospitality said the move could potentially save up to a million jobs.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51983086

[STEED]

Labour has urged ministers to go "further and faster" to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Unions have welcomed the government's emergency financial support package for workers, announced earlier by the chancellor.

And business group UK Hospitality said the move could potentially save up to a million jobs.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51983086

Sounds fishy to me.:hmmm:

Got it, They want the New Labour Leader get top billing on the news next month, just like Greta that is not going to happen.

Just a bit of light humour...:03: :)

[Jimbuna]

https://i.postimg.cc/wM2gLMCd/Untitled.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ctvpNx1D)
https://i.postimg.cc/y6yVwpkr/Untitled2.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[STEED]

^I don't know to laugh or cry or scratch my head in wonder.

[Jimbuna]

Sad and stupid buggas.

[Jimbuna]

MPs from all the main parties are picking up their stethoscopes and returning to old jobs in health and social care in a bid to help services tackle the coronavirus crisis.

Some medically-trained MPs have been out of the NHS for too long to be of use in the current emergency.

But others have recently left their jobs as doctors, nurses or care workers to take up a seat in Parliament.

And a few have continued to practice while representing their constituents.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-51975661

[Skybird]

Frankfurter Rundschau leans to the left side of the poolitical and opinion spectrum in Germany, but with this piece of theirs I agree. Johnson leaves a lousy impression in all this virus mess.


https://translate.google.de/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fr.de%2Fpolitik%2Fungeeignet-fuers-serioese-fach-13609474.html

[Jimbuna]

Boris Johnson has lined up a senior minister to take charge of the country if he is diagnosed with COVID-19.

The prime minister's spokesman said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will step up in the event, as coronavirus cases and deaths continue to grow across the UK.

[Jimbuna]

Alex Salmond has been cleared of sexually assaulting nine women while he was Scotland's first minister.

A jury found the former SNP leader not guilty on 12 of the sexual assault charges facing him, while another was found not proven.

A further charge of sexually assaulting a 10th woman had previously been dropped by prosecutors.

Mr Salmond had said he was innocent of all the charges against him throughout the two-week trial.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-52004285

[Jimbuna]

MPs could break early for the Easter recess amid the coronavirus crisis, a cabinet minister has suggested.

Jacob Rees-Mogg said the option to close early was being considered but added that emergency legislation needed to be approved first.

MPs will see other changes to the way the House of Commons runs, including a ban on alcohol sales.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52012377

How on earth will they manage to cope? :o

[STEED]

Boris Johnson has lined up a senior minister to take charge of the country if he is diagnosed with COVID-19.

The prime minister's spokesman said Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will step up in the event, as coronavirus cases and deaths continue to grow across the UK.
Oh heck we will be deep in the pit of doom, please not him.:o

[STEED]

MPs could break early for the Easter recess amid the coronavirus crisis, a cabinet minister has suggested.

Jacob Rees-Mogg said the option to close early was being considered but added that emergency legislation needed to be approved first.

MPs will see other changes to the way the House of Commons runs, including a ban on alcohol sales.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52012377

How on earth will they manage to cope? :o
Once again they set a bad example but the good news they can all buy chocolate easter eggs as no one wants them in these testing times.

[Jimbuna]

Oh heck we will be deep in the pit of doom, please not him.:o

No doubt you have a better candidate in mind?

[STEED]

No doubt you have a better candidate in mind?

I would suggest Prince Harry. :salute:

He clearly has got what is needed to do what must be done.

[Jimbuna]

I would suggest Prince Harry. :salute:

He clearly has got what is needed to do what must be done.

:har:

We need a leader who isn't a quitter or someone who flees to another country when instructed (reportedly) by his wife.

[STEED]

:har:

We need a leader who isn't a quitter or someone who flees to another country when instructed (reportedly) by his wife.

See, I still got it. :) :haha: :03:

We need more :haha: in the world.

[Jimbuna]

The UK chancellor has told airlines to find other forms of funding and not turn first to the government for help getting through the coronavirus crisis.

Demand for tickets has collapsed forcing companies to ground aircraft.

Aviation bosses have been lobbying the government for a targeted aid package to stop firms going under as a result of the slump in demand.

But in a letter on Tuesday Rishi Sunak said the government would only step in as "a last resort".

Mr Sunak instead urged airlines to try and raise money from shareholders.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52027342

I agree and especially in the case of the multi billionaire Richard Branson who doesn't even reside in the UK or pay taxes yet made his employees take an eight week unpaid break.

[Jimbuna]

Parliament is expected to close on Wednesday evening after emergency laws to deal with the coronavirus have been passed.

MPs will vote to plan for a managed return on Tuesday 21 April, to deal with Budget legislation.

The House of Commons had been due to break for Easter on 31 March.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52032188

I'd be mindful of locking them all inside to lessen the chances of a stupidity pandemic.

[Mr Quatro]

Volunteer's galore in the UK :up:

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/army.of.250000.volunteers.responds.to.call.to.help .uk.health.service.in.coronavirus.crisis/134543.htm

250,000 people responded within a single day to a call for volunteers to help the UK's health service in delivering food, medicines, as well as driving patients to urgent appointments and offering phone support to those in isolation.

The extraordinary response comes as a number of schemes have been launched to help ease the pressure on the NHS from the coronavirus pandemic.

[Catfish]

I'd be mindful of locking them all inside to lessen the chances of a stupidity pandemic.
:rotfl2::rotfl2:

[Jimbuna]

Volunteer's galore in the UK :up:

https://www.christiantoday.com/article/army.of.250000.volunteers.responds.to.call.to.help .uk.health.service.in.coronavirus.crisis/134543.htm

Nearly as many in numbers we have panic buying :03:

[Fubar2Niner]

I agree and especially in the case of the multi billionaire Richard Branson who doesn't even reside in the UK or pay taxes yet made his employees take an eight week unpaid break.

:yep::yep: Hear hear!! mate, but, oh wait, didn't the poor bugger lose a ton of money redecorating his private island after that hurricane?

Sorry Jim, you know my memory is these days ;)

[Jimbuna]

Jeremy Corbyn bows out with campaigning vow

Jeremy Corbyn has said “his voice will not be stilled” as he took part in his final Prime Minister’s Questions as Labour leader.

He warned the PM not to deliver his political “obituary”, as he would not stop campaigning for social justice.

Boris Johnson paid tribute to his opponent’s “sincerity and determination to build a better society”.

MPs are set to begin their Easter recess later on Wednesday, earlier than planned, due to coronavirus.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52037633

Bye bye and good riddance Steptoe.

[Fubar2Niner]

If I really put down how I felt about this clown I would be banned from here for life. This complete dipstick destroyed the labour party. The writing has been on the wall for a while, but Corbyn put the bloody lid on it.

Thank you for completely destroying my faith in the party.... thank you for nothing!

[Jimbuna]

If I really put down how I felt about this clown I would be banned from here for life. This complete dipstick destroyed the labour party. The writing has been on the wall for a while, but Corbyn put the bloody lid on it.

Thank you for completely destroying my faith in the party.... thank you for nothing!

Yep, I was a member for over two decades and well positioned to know some influential people during that period but I left the day after he won the leadership contest having voted for Andy as leader and Tom as deputy.

Dame Margaret Beckett has a lot to answer to.

[STEED]

Cheer up guys he is not around your houses raiding your toilets for toilet paper. :D

HEY YOU STOP........:03:

So the nameless one is off.....so long and thanks for nothing.


Well all predictions are off for the future in this brave new world.

[Fubar2Niner]

Prolly not even got the sense to wash his hands :/\\!!

[Jimbuna]

NHS and social care staff will be given free car parking during the coronavirus outbreak, the government has said.

It comes after 400,000 people signed a petition urging the government to thank NHS workers by scrapping charges.

GP Anthony Gallagher, who began the petition, welcomed the move but said fees should be abolished permanently.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “I will do everything I can to ensure our dedicated staff have whatever they need during this unprecedented time.”

The government has promised to provide NHS trusts with the money so they can offer free parking to workers at hospital car parks.

Elsewhere, Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick said he has agreed with local authorities in England that they will provide free car parking on council-owned on-street spaces and car parks.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52048632

A popular and most welcome decision :yep:

[Jimbuna]

The government has ordered 10,000 ventilators from Dyson to help deal with the coronavirus crisis.

The firm, headed by British inventor Sir James Dyson, said it had designed a new type of ventilator in response to a call on behalf of the NHS.

The order is still subject to the devices passing stringent medical tests but that is expected to happen quickly.

Dyson has had hundreds of engineers working round the clock to design the ventilators from scratch.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52043767

Another positive and further evidence this government is doing all it can during this crisis.

[STEED]

Claimant's for benefits has shot up to almost 500,000 as of last night on the radio news. It's going to keep going up and if this stupid people walking around outside breaking the rules could increase the infection resulting taking longer to flattered the curve, So the claims will come thick and fast.

[Jimbuna]

Self-employed workers can apply for a grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits to help them cope with the financial impact of coronavirus, the chancellor has announced.

The money - up to a maximum of £2,500 a month - will be paid in a single lump sum, but will not begin to arrive until the start of June at the earliest.

Rishi Sunak told the self-employed: "You have not been forgotten."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52053914

Parity with the employed...nice one.

[Jimbuna]

A post-Brexit meeting between the EU and UK will go ahead as planned next week, despite the coronavirus crisis.

Much of Europe is on lockdown, so Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove will meet EU officials via video link.

The UK and EU's chief negotiators, David Frost and Michel Barnier are in self-isolation after testing positive for coronavirus.

Downing Street insisted there would be "no change" to its timetable for getting a trade deal done.

Under the terms of its withdrawal agreement with the EU, the UK has until the end of the year - during which it will continue to follow most Brussels rules - to reach a deal.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52067559

[Jimbuna]

Dominic Cummings self-isolating after developing coronavirus symptoms

Dominic Cummings is self-isolating at home after showing symptoms of coronavirus, a No 10 source confirmed.

The prime minister's top adviser is understood to have fallen ill over the weekend and remains at home, while staying in contact with the Downing Street team during the quarantine period.

Mr Cummings, a key member of Boris Johnson's inner circle, was last spotted racing away from Downing Street on Friday after the news broke that the prime minister had tested positive for Covid 19.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/coronavirus/dominic-cummings-self-isolating-after-developing-coronavirus-symptoms/ar-BB11U96d?li=BBoPWjQ&ocid=mailsignout

I think it rather sad that there will be a number of people in the political circle rejoicing at this news.

[Catfish]

^ Not that i wish him any ill, but my question is how anyone can have any trust in this maniac.

[Jimbuna]

^ My sentiments entirely :yep:

[Jimbuna]

The three Labour leadership rivals have been asked to pre-record a victory speech for when the contest’s result is announced on Saturday.

Rebecca Long-Bailey said it was a move that was “trying to deal with these strange times” in the coronavirus outbreak.

She told Sky News that it will be “bizarre” to record a speech before knowing the result.

Lisa Nandy and Keir Starmer are also in the running to succeed Jeremy Corbyn.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52092865

Regardless of the eventual outcome I'd like to see all three victory speeches.

[Jimbuna]

https://i.postimg.cc/0yN6gZjv/27-01-20-Rich-Guido-Fawkes.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[STEED]

I care not about the opposition, where are these testing kits? Why is it Thailand doing a better job than here? Well Boris???

Watch today's update from Dr. John Campbell on Youtube.

[Jimbuna]

The UK government has defended using Zoom to hold cabinet video conferences.

Questions had been raised about potential security risks after the prime minister tweeted a picture in which a meeting ID was visible.

"In the current unprecedented circumstances, the need for effective channels of communication is vital," a government spokeswoman told BBC News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-52126534

[Jimbuna]

Sir Keir Starmer elected new Labour leader

Sir Keir Starmer won the contest in the first round. Here are the full results:

Sir Keir Starmer – 275,780 (56.2%)

Rebecca Long-Bailey – 135,218 (27.6%)

Lisa Nandy – 79,597 (16.2%)

[Jimbuna]

https://i.postimg.cc/mDnQgKv4/92095685-10157937699583418-7941772775188856832-n.jpg (https://postimg.cc/hz9JCZ4Z)

[STEED]

Sir Keir Starmer elected new Labour leader

Sir Keir Starmer won the contest in the first round. Here are the full results:

Sir Keir Starmer – 275,780 (56.2%)

Rebecca Long-Bailey – 135,218 (27.6%)

Lisa Nandy – 79,597 (16.2%)

Bet he's feeling the pressure not able to get his hair done at his hair salon. :03:

Well all I can say glad RLB lost.

[Jimbuna]

Angela Rayner won the deputy leadership race but only in the third round.

Round 3
Rosena Allin-Khan 113,858 (26.1%)

Richard Burgon 92643 (21.3%)

Angela Rayner 228944 (52.6%)[ELECTED]

https://i.postimg.cc/nzKC6gnT/0-Labaour-Leader-Hustings-Dudley.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[mapuc]

A question to my English friends.

Does this new Leader of the Labour parti have what it takes to take the parti back to what it was once ?

Markus

[Moonlight]

No. :doh:

[Catfish]

Does any leader of the world deserve to be a leader, or got what it takes?
Guess not.

[Jimbuna]

Markus, the loony left ruined the party years ago and Corbyn was only the last straw.

I'm afraid we are stuck with the Tories for at least ten years but that imho is better than the current alternative on offer.

[kraznyi_oktjabr]

Markus, the loony left ruined the party years ago and Corbyn was only the last straw.

I'm afraid we are stuck with the Tories for at least ten years but that imho is better than the current alternative on offer.As the Labour is now out of the game, is there anyone else who could challenge Tories? What about LibDems? Do they have any chances ?

[Jimbuna]

As the Labour is now out of the game, is there anyone else who could challenge Tories? What about LibDems? Do they have any chances ?

I very much doubt it, our political situation is pretty much a two horse race.

[Jimbuna]

Key workers have been "overlooked and underpaid" and there will have to be a "reckoning" after the coronavirus crisis, the new Labour leader has said.

Sir Keir Starmer told the BBC's Andrew Marr: "They were last and now they've got to be first."

He said another decade of austerity would be a mistake, saying it was "inevitable" that the wealthy would have to pay more.

The 57-year-old won the contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn on Saturday.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52169648

First day in the job and despite stating the obvious it is the right message.

[mapuc]

Thank you for your reply to my question.

You know a lot more about English politicians and their politicians than I ever will know and I know that you know a little more than our journalist/reporters/expert do when they appear in our news.

I have seen in both Sweden and Denmark, parties which was almost down to zero in support and then after a new leader had taken over the party, the party had 10 years later gain 15-25 % grow in support.

One of them-almost unknown when he toke over in Denmark.

He became Prime minister during the 80's(after 82-83) He was Denmark's correspondence to USA's Ronald Reagan.

Markus

[STEED]

Keir (hair salon) Starmer's comment about another decade of austerity I find hard to believe. This situation is like nothing else we have faced since the 1918 pandemic and the world has changed a lot since then. I don't think anyone truly knows the economic outcome here and the rest of the world.

I would hint at this, the government has written off the NHS debt. I would say one possible situation start from scratch write off the world's debt. It's going to be a long bumpy road until the first thing is found the cure to the virus.

[Jimbuna]

Labour leadership hopeful Lisa Nandy has been appointed shadow foreign secretary in Keir Starmer's new shadow cabinet.

[Fubar2Niner]

Markus, the loony left ruined the party years ago and Corbyn was only the last straw.

I'm afraid we are stuck with the Tories for at least ten years but that imho is better than the current alternative on offer.

:yep:

[Fubar2Niner]

As the Labour is now out of the game, is there anyone else who could challenge Tories? What about LibDems? Do they have any chances ?

:har::har::har::har::har::har:

[Fubar2Niner]

Keir (hair salon) Starmer's comment about another decade of austerity I find hard to believe. This situation is like nothing else we have faced since the 1918 pandemic and the world has changed a lot since then. I don't think anyone truly knows the economic outcome here and the rest of the world.

I would hint at this, the government has written off the NHS debt. I would say one possible situation start from scratch write off the world's debt. It's going to be a long bumpy road until the first thing is found the cure to the virus.

:yep: Agreed mate !

[skidman]

I would say one possible situation start from scratch write off the world's debt.

One man's debt is another man's wealth:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nBPN-MKefA

[Jimbuna]

https://i.postimg.cc/Kjw8NspZ/92130153-1535990763234864-5594992444107128832-n.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Jimbuna]

Sir Keir Starmer has appointed former Labour leader Ed Miliband to his new shadow cabinet.

Mr Miliband, who led the party between 2010 and 2015, will now hold the role of shadow business secretary.

Sir Keir won the contest to lead the party on Saturday, after beating Rebecca Long-Bailey and Lisa Nandy.

He named Ms Nandy as his shadow foreign secretary on Sunday, and has now appointed Ms Long-Bailey as shadow education secretary.

Emily Thornberry, who failed to make it onto the final ballot in the leadership contest, will now become shadow international trade secretary.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52187354

[Jimbuna]

A town mayor has apologised for saying Prime Minister Boris Johnson "completely deserves this" after he was admitted to intensive care.

Sheila Oakes, who is the mayor of Heanor in Derbyshire, made the comments below a Facebook post about the news.

The Amber Valley Labour Group said it had withdrawn the whip, meaning she is no longer a Labour councillor.

Ms Oakes has since apologised and accepted she "made a mistake".

In response to a post asking people to say a "little prayer" for the prime minister on Monday night, Ms Oakes had written: "Sorry, he completely deserves this and he is one of the worst PMs we've ever had."
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-52198488

WHAT A TOTAL AND UTTER PRAT! :nope:

[ET2SN]

WHAT A TOTAL AND UTTER PRAT! :nope:

True, but he'll probably get better. :O:

Just kidding, we'll see how all of this washes out next year.
Maybe the term "pandemic austerity" will be a thing. :doh:

[Jimbuna]

Boris Johnson is "responding to treatment" for coronavirus as he spends his third day in hospital.

The prime minister was being kept in St Thomas' Hospital in London "for close monitoring" and remained clinically stable, Downing Street said.

Downing Street said he was not working but could contact those he needed to.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52208156

[Catfish]

I could understand that some peope are a bit concerned.
We do not exactly know how many patients were infected by Boris Johnson when he shook all those hands everywhere, and in the hospital.
It was not the most clever thing to do, and there is a lot of hubris and boasting in his speech/video.

[Jimbuna]

There are other world leaders who acted similarly, the Dutch PM to name just one.

God only knows what they were thinking of and hopefully they are better at remembering their respective policies.

[Skybird]

Johnson lost me when in the earlier stage of Corona Rising he willed to let the pandemic just burn through the population at all cost. Granted, they later corrected that, but back then I compared that earlier attempt to mass murder, didn't I, and I still think of it as that, and I do not easily forget nor forgive Johnson's attitude back then. That now he gets the taste of what he initially was willing to hand a signficant share of the population over to, is nothing that sends even a single tear to my eyes. They say pain is the best of teachers. Maybe he learns something from the experience. People are no lab rats.

[JU_88]

Hardly SB, The virus will burn through the worlds population no matter what anyone can realstically do.

You cant lock everyone down for 2 years until it dies or debt burdened economies die (and that will kill many more people than the virus) the Lock down messures only slow it down /delay the spread, to make it more managable, they do not prevent it from existing.
You can lock down all your borders and put everyone in isolation, as soon as you lift them you will still have a pandemic.
Borris's intial 'let it burn' was stupid because it the NHS that would 'burn' in this case, not the amount of people who will go on to die from the virus which proabably wont change too much, you just maybe buy some of them a bit more time.
Lock down or not -you go to ICU on ventilation, there's a 4 out 5 chance you are not coming out alive.

[Jimbuna]

Boris Johnson’s health continues to improve in hospital, Downing Street has said after the PM spent his third night in intensive care.

A No 10 spokesman describe the prime minister as being in “good spirits” as he continues to receive care in St Thomas’ Hospital, London.

[Jimbuna]

WHAT A TOTAL AND UTTER PRAT! :nope:

Well, this has now cost her the employment status she had.

A town's mayor who made "deeply offensive remarks" about Boris Johnson has lost her job at a solicitors firm.

Sheila Oakes, who is the mayor of Heanor in Derbyshire, made the comments on Facebook after the prime minister was admitted to intensive care.

The councillor - since suspended by Labour - said he "completely deserves this". She has since apologised.

Her employer, VHS Fletchers Solicitors, said she was "no longer employed by this firm in any capacity".

Ms Oakes worked as a paralegal at the firm's Ilkeston office.

As a result of her comments, the company said it had become "embroiled in criticism".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-52224325

[Skybird]

You cant lock everyone down for 2 years until it dies or debt burdened economies die (and that will kill many more people than the virus) the Lock down messures only slow it down /delay the spread, to make it more managable, they do not prevent it from existing.
That was never the purpose. The purpose is to protect the risk groups, to delay further infection chains, and to buy time for putting a vaccine together.

[Jimbuna]

MPs can claim £10,000 for additional office costs incurred as a result of the coronavirus, Parliament's expenses authority has said.

The money can be used to buy additional equipment such as laptops and printers for staff having to work from home.

This comes on top of the £26,000 MPs can claim to cover office costs.

The extra funds - first reported in The Times - will be available until March 2021 and come with a relaxation of the rules on evidence of purchases.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52231592

There is simply so much wrong about this in the present public and economic climate :nope:

[eddie]

There is simply so much wrong about this in the present public and economic climate :nope:


There sure is Jim! But politicians needs come first, no matter what country they are from. The welfare of citizens are an after thought and come in a distant second to their needs!

[Jimbuna]

There sure is Jim! But politicians needs come first, no matter what country they are from. The welfare of citizens are an after thought and come in a distant second to their needs!

There remains only one exception to that Eddie and that is during an election :03:

[eddie]

There remains only one exception to that Eddie and that is during an election :03:


:haha::haha:

[Jimbuna]

There is an old joke/saying...

Q: How do you know when a politician is lying?
A: His lips start moving.

[Jimbuna]

https://i.postimg.cc/d1k7KDz2/92929701-2694188930811767-1333936186946748416-n.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIR-SNPf88Q

[Jimbuna]

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has launched an inquiry into the leak of an internal report into the party's handing of anti-Semitism claims.

The 860-page dossier says anti-Jeremy Corbyn sentiment among Labour staff hindered efforts to tackle the issue.

Sir Keir said the inquiry will look at why it was commissioned, its contents, and how it came into the public domain.

The Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said the report was leaked as an attempt to "smear whistleblowers".

It is understood the document - dated March 2020 - is a draft drawn up to help inform the party's responses to an investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52280204

[Jimbuna]

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is urging the government to publish an exit strategy from the coronavirus lockdown this week.

The government is expected to announce on Thursday that social distancing measures will continue.

Sir Keir said Labour would back such a move but to maintain public trust "there needs to be transparency".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52287920

Transparency is vital :yep:

[Jimbuna]

The UK and and EU negotiators have agreed to stage three further rounds of talks on a post-Brexit trade deal.

David Frost, the UK's chief negotiator, and the European Commission's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, discussed progress via video conference.

The new timetable was confirmed in a joint statement, which described the talks as "constructive".

Downing Street has consistently said it is committed to agreeing a deal by December 2020.

The dates have been set for three full weeks of talks commencing on 20 April, 11 May and 1 June.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52298790

Whilst I wouldn't mind being proven wrong, I'm not sure the above is achievable.

[Jimbuna]

The House of Commons is to reduce its sitting hours and prioritise coronavirus-related business when it returns next week.

There will be no proceedings on Thursday or Friday for the foreseeable future and consideration of non-virus legislation will be pared back.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52328761

The poor sods must be absolutley shattered :nope:

[Jimbuna]

https://i.postimg.cc/Zn3dQkbL/93650026-128499372114025-6757180271935619072-n.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Catfish]

^ :haha:
You should not make so much fun of her :hmmm: :03:

[JU_88]

^ :haha:
You should not make so much fun of her :hmmm: :03:


I actually voted for her once since i lived in her consitucency :haha: But yeah she is kinda low hanging fruit.

[Jimbuna]

https://i.postimg.cc/prB3jJyY/download.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[mapuc]

People do make fun of their elected politicians, they do forget that these politicians have enough brain to get people to vote for them.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTvv8OBRLxA

[Mr Quatro]

Bet he's feeling the pressure not able to get his hair done at his hair salon. :03:

Well all I can say glad RLB lost.

Where's Steed? We want Steed back :yep:

[Jimbuna]

Boris is returning to work tomorrow.

[Jimbuna]

https://i.postimg.cc/Y2ygHMMM/Untitled.jpg (https://postimg.cc/qgygcfN5)
https://i.postimg.cc/Nf9XGSjT/Untitled2.jpg (https://postimg.cc/xcQ8tsHT)
https://i.postimg.cc/JhmHqhcc/Untitled3.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Jimbuna]

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds have announced the birth of a son.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52469079

[Skybird]

People do make fun of their elected politicians, they do forget that these politicians have enough brain to get people to vote for them.
I think the issue rather is that most voters have too little political brain. People must not be made to believe. They want to believe all by themselves.




https://i.pinimg.com/474x/2a/e8/59/2ae8593ca4e95aa4bb15be5b28a63382--obi-wan-writers.jpg

[Skybird]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTvv8OBRLxA
Wowh! NASA finally has established first contact with a technologically advanced civilization in an alternative universe! And they look like us! They just struggle with our language, or maybe the wet pronounciation is due to their different atmosphere. We need somebody constructing a translator.

[Jimbuna]

I thought this was an excellent article.

Now who’s cherry picking, Michel Barnier?

onald Tusk just couldn’t resist. It was September 2018, and an informal European Council summit was taking place in Salzburg. As the leaders relaxed after lunch, someone snapped a photo of Tusk offering a tray of small cakes to the then British prime minister, Theresa May. Tusk posted the picture to his Instagram with the caption: ‘A piece of cake, perhaps? Sorry, no cherries.’

The joke/dig (depending on your point of view) worked because everyone knew what was being referred to. Ever since Article 50 had been triggered in March 2017, the British side had been attempting to ‘cherry pick’ – to try and gain the advantages of EU membership (in particular frictionless access to the single market) without the obligations or constraints of membership.

The UK’s attempts at cherry picking infuriated the EU. The UK, the EU insisted, would be a third country just like any other post-Brexit, and should expect to be treated as such. Michel Barnier famously made this point in diagrammatic form in a celebrated PowerPoint slide, which became colloquially known as the ‘Barnier staircase’. The slide depicted the various pre-existing options for the future relationship available to the UK on a descending staircase, with each step representing decreased ease of access to the single market. Red text underneath the steps explained how each of the May government’s red lines ruled that option out, until the bottom-step option of a free trade agreement (symbolised by the flags of Canada and South Korea) – accompanied by a large green tick.

The message was clear. We are not punishing you; we are not treating you differently to any other third country. The options available to you for the future relationship are dictated by the logic of your own choices. As Barnier put it when presenting the slide to the EU Parliament’s Brexit Steering Group, ‘I find it very important to explain to the outside world that it’s them who open or close doors, not us.’

Fast forward to 2020, however, and there is a new form of cherry picking in town – and it’s the EU that’s after the cherries. The logic of cherry picking has been inverted in the negotiations on the future relationship: the EU is trying to force the UK, a third country, to shoulder obligations normally only required of EU member states.

On fishing, the EU is demanding automatic access rights to fish in UK waters with quota shares remaining unchanged. In other words, the UK would remain in the EU’s ecologically disastrous Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in all but name. Moreover, a trade deal will be contingent on such a deal on fisheries being agreed.

This is cherry picking of the highest order. Even Norway and the other EEA states – the closest type of relationship with the EU short of full membership – are not part of the CFP. Norway and the EU negotiate annual bilateral agreements on reciprocal access to each other’s waters. In theory, if they failed to come to an agreement, EU access would cease the following year. It is this leverage that means Norway is able to get a fair deal from the EU, based on exchange of fishing opportunities of equal value.

Reassuringly, this very point was made by Michael Gove on Monday: ‘The EU don't appear to accept their own logic when it comes to fisheries.…It’s another example of one of the areas where the EU’s negotiators are not treating the UK yet as they would treat other independent countries.’

There is no EU precedent for an FTA with a third country being made conditional on access to natural resources; indeed, there is no international precedent. If there were, it would be reminiscent of a colonial relationship, rather than free trade between sovereign nations.

More EU disingenuousness comes on the issue of a ‘level playing field’. While level playing field arrangements are common in FTAs, the specific arrangements the EU is demanding are uniquely one-sided, based on regulatory subjugation.

The EU is insisting on ‘dynamic regulatory alignment’, meaning that the UK must automatically comply with EU rules on labour, environmental protection and state aid. This is completely contrary to standard international practice in FTAs, which does not require one country to submit to another’s country’s laws. Rather, they combine non-regression clauses (meaning that neither party can weaken their current domestic arrangements) with commitments to abide by standards set by international bodies. Indeed, this is precisely the approach taken in the EU’s FTAs with Canada and Japan; there is certainly no requirement to align with EU law.

As Japanese trade expert Dr Kazuhito Yama****a is at pains to point out, the EU is not only being ‘unreasonable’ in demanding of the UK what it did not require of Canada or Japan, it is ‘calling for an unequal treaty.’ If the agreement were one of genuine reciprocity, in theory the EU would also have to keep pace with any tightening of regulations by the UK. But, needless to say, this is not at all what the EU has in mind.

The reason for the EU’s new-found love of cherry picking is of course understandable. The entire EU establishment sees Brexit as an existential threat. As German MEP Manfred Weber, Leader of the European People's Party in the European parliament succinctly put it, ‘If Brexit feels like a success, then it is the beginning of the end of the EU.’

But if the EU wants to play power politics, it can no longer pretend to be an objective, rules-based order where the options available to the UK are determined automatically and dispassionately by technocratic logic. Michel Barnier’s famous staircase, which seemed so rational at the time, has now been exposed as at best misleading, at worst deliberately dishonest; the big green tick proffered under the Canadian and South Korean flags snatched away as soon as the UK government dared to reach for it.

Those calling for the UK to request an extension to the transition period would do well to reflect on this. Barnier complained on Friday that the UK side was refusing to ‘budge’ on the issues detailed above, apparently missing the irony that the EU is also refusing to budge from an unreasonable position. Indeed, by refusing to comply with international norms on the provisions of FTAs and fisheries agreements, there is a case to be made that the EU is already in breach of its legally binding commitment in the Withdrawal Agreement to use its ‘best endeavours’ to reach a mutually acceptable outcome.

Nor does the present stance of the EU negotiating team suggest that any extension of the transition period would facilitate a more reasonable approach that treats the UK as a sovereign nation. Barnier’s statement on Friday merely confirmed that, as matters stand, there is no deal to be had. It follows that there is little point in continuing to pay approximately £1 billion net a month to remain under EU vassalage.
https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/now-who-s-cherry-picking-michel-barnier-

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhyIOUG2nBY

[Jimbuna]

Talks between the UK and the US on a post-Brexit trade agreement are to get under way this week.

The early negotiations will take place by videoconference, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the first round of talks expected to last two weeks and further sessions approximately every six weeks.

Ministers say they will drive a "hard bargain" as they seek to lower tariffs on exports and boost trade in services.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52528821

[Jimbuna]

https://i.postimg.cc/pVYWN8gz/Untitled.jpg (https://postimg.cc/6TqJn76p)
https://i.postimg.cc/CLhFw5gt/Untitled2.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW27JXVL_p4

[Skybird]

^ Too bad he clipped his eartips, else he really would even look like a real prototpyic Vulcan. :D

[Jimbuna]

I'm trying to figure out the link with a Vulcan but I'm just not seeing it :hmmm:

[MGR1]

It's his surname: Sunak sounds very similar to Sarek, the father of Spock in Star Trek.

Mike.:03:

[Jimbuna]

It's his surname: Sunak sounds very similar to Sarek, the father of Spock in Star Trek.

Mike.:03:

Ah, right, cheers.

[MGR1]

Considering the economic impact of Covid-19 on the UK economy as whole, I'd say that, coupled with Brexit, Scottish Independence is now highly unlikely.

The economic case was always a bit shaky, but if the UK deficit does indeed balloon to the figure of 300-500 billion pounds then the theoretical Scottish share of that becomes a truly prohibitive burden for a new state to shoulder, especially one with a shaky currency.

It might be irritating for people in England to put up with the SNP, but I don't think Scotland will be going anywhere anytime soon.:hmmm:

As I see it, the only way to kill the nationalists would be to abolish devolution and fully re-integrate Scotland back into the UK.

The down side of that would be trying to get the Scottish population to stomach what is effectively Anglicisation as the legal, education and governing systems that have been unique to Scotland since 1707 would need to be abolished and merged into their UK (i.e. English) equivalents for it to truly work.

Now that large parts of the population of England have become aware of how different Scotland's setup is and has always been, I doubt the status quo ante bellum 1997 would be tolerated by them. Particularly when funding is concerned.

Mike.:hmmm:

[Skybird]

It's his surname: Sunak sounds very similar to Sarek, the father of Spock in Star Trek.

Mike.:03:
There are more Vulcans in the StarTrekverse.

Sarek, father of Spock.
Surak, famous philosopher.
Saavik, Spock's "pupil".
Sonak, some commander.
Sunak, pretends to be Vulcan, but is a Brit in disguise. :D

And with once black hair and his eyes, your Sunak's look even reminds a bit of a Vulcan.

Dont worry, I was just pulling your leg. Nothing serious was ever intended. But that you took it so seriously "provoked" me a bit to continue... ;)

[MGR1]

No worries, Sky! I'll admit that as soon as I heard about him I made the Vulcan connection as well. The name has actually been used:

https://memory-beta.fandom.com/wiki/Sunak

Mike.:D

[Skybird]

No worries, Sky! I'll admit that as soon as I heard about him I made the Vulcan connection as well. The name has actually been used:

https://memory-beta.fandom.com/wiki/Sunak

Mike.:D


Maybe my memory of a Sonak is this encyclopedia's Sunak.



Yeah, i was not about you, MGR1, but Jim originally seems to have misunderstood my intention a bit, took it somewhat personal I fear - which it never was meant to be, and to my best assessment: is not any offending at all. Just a harmless joke, Jim - okay?

[Skybird]

Correcting myself: Sunak-the-Vulcan and Sonak are not the same.


https://memory-beta.fandom.com/wiki/Sonak

[Jimbuna]

Yeah, i was not about you, MGR1, but Jim originally seems to have misunderstood my intention a bit, took it somewhat personal I fear - which it never was meant to be, and to my best assessment: is not any offending at all. Just a harmless joke, Jim - okay?

No, never in a million years did I take it personally, I simply couldn't make the connection and to be totally honest, I used to be a big Star Trek fan but that obviously didn't help me either :doh:

[Skybird]

No, never in a million years did I take it personally, I simply couldn't make the connection and to be totally honest, I used to be a big Star Trek fan but that obviously didn't help me either :doh:
Okay, then a false alarm. When you brought up the background of your wife I indeed told myself "Careful now, he got something queer there." And continued :D

[Jimbuna]

Okay, then a false alarm. When you brought up the background of your wife I indeed told myself "Careful now, he got something queer there." And continued :D

That was meant as a joke, my wife is a white Englander born in the same town as myself :03:

[Jimbuna]

"Very little progress" has been made in the latest round of UK-EU trade talks, the UK government has said.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52679053

Can't say I'm surprised what with everything else that is currently going on around the world.

[Jimbuna]

The government has denied that travellers from France will be exempted from the planned coronavirus quarantine measures.

Under the plans announced last weekend, people arriving from abroad must isolate themselves for two weeks.

Those with nowhere to stay will be obliged to isolate in accommodation provided by the authorities.

Initially, a joint statement from the British and French governments said no quarantine measures would apply.

"No quarantine measures would apply to travellers coming from France at this stage; any measures on either side would be taken in a concerted and reciprocal manner," says the statement, which was published on the government's website on 10 May.

"A working group between the two governments will be set up to ensure this consultation throughout the coming weeks."

The policy attracted a warning from the EU not to single out one nation, while some experts suggested it would prove unworkable.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52682411

[Skybird]

Can't say I'm surprised what with everything else that is currently going on around the world.
I doubt it would have been different a result even without anything going on in the world. The EU wants too much, the UK wants nothing, that is incompatible. They are exactly where I expected them to be. I think Johnsons plan was from beginning on to just let the time pass by.

[Jimbuna]

I doubt it would have been different a result even without anything going on in the world. The EU wants too much, the UK wants nothing, that is incompatible. They are exactly where I expected them to be. I think Johnsons plan was from beginning on to just let the time pass by.

Well, either way we'll know come the end of the year.

[Jimbuna]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itE8zFvskbU

[Skybird]

Letter from London.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886168/Letter_to_Michel_Barnier_19.05.20.pdf

[Jimbuna]

The PM's chief aide Dominic Cummings' trip from London to Durham with his sick wife to be near relatives during the coronavirus lockdown was "in line" with guidelines, says No 10.

A spokesman said it was "essential" for Mr Cummings to ensure he had childcare if he also developed Covid-19 symptoms.

The Durham police chief said it was "unwise" for Mr Cummings to travel.

The SNP have called for him to resign, while Labour asked for a "clear explanation" for his actions.

Downing Street said Mr Cummings believed he "behaved reasonably and legally" when he made the 260-mile journey from his London home to Country Durham during the lockdown.

A No 10 spokesman said: "Owing to his wife being infected with suspected coronavirus and the high likelihood that he would himself become unwell, it was essential for Dominic Cummings to ensure his young child could be properly cared for.

"His sister and nieces had volunteered to help so he went to a house near to but separate from his extended family in case their help was needed. His sister shopped for the family and left everything outside.

"At no stage was he or his family spoken to by the police about this matter, as is being reported.

"His actions were in line with coronavirus guidelines. Mr Cummings believes he behaved reasonably and legally."

Police said they attended a property in County Durham, after the Guardian and the Daily Mirror newspapers first reported Mr Cummings had been seen near his parents' home in early April.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52782913

[Bilge_Rat]

This "scandal" smells more like a coordinated political attack. The Guardian is pulling out all the stops going after Cummings.

Is this a real problem for Boris or a tempest in a tea cup?

[Jimbuna]

Well, Cummings is his chief advisor and a man who many in high places loathe, so I'd say this could turn into a big problem.

He is going to explain his reasons for his actions in front of the press today and if that has little to ne effect I should imagine Boris will have to be seen to act if for nothing other yjan to prove his own credibility and leadership skills.

The main problem being there is no credible opposition atm so Boris may decide to ride the storm.

[Jimbuna]

Some things never change, even to this day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4g0a7LaUUI

[Jimbuna]

Former Commons Speaker John Bercow has told the BBC he is "sorry" that he has not been granted a peerage.

Previous outgoing Speakers have been given a seat in the House of Lords, but the government has not put forward Mr Bercow's name for consideration.

The ex-Conservative MP has been accused of bullying by his former colleagues but denies the claims.

He told BBC Radio 4's Any Questions he had "made a lot of enemies" during his 10-year stint in the Commons.

Mr Bercow accepted he was "periodically irascible" and "wouldn't take no for an answer", but insisted: "I don't think I bullied anyone, anywhere, in any way, at any time." https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-52948716

What a shame :doh:

[Skybird]

Michael gove has formally confirmed to EU commission vice presidne tMaros Sefcovic that the UK is not seekign an extension to the Brexit transition period. By formality, such a request would have needed to be made until end of this month. "The moment for extension has now passed", Gove said.

Both sides' positions have not changed in the past 5-6 months.

There will be a video conference of the the UK's and the EU heads of states. That is probably the very last opportunity to ask for an extension at the very last moment. As long as they do not break their previously agreed formal rules (which is not rare in the EU, if you think of it, but the normal modus operandi...) I think that is unlikely, however.

With Corona cracking down very hard on the UK, the outlook of Brexit needs to be reassessed, I think. I am much more pessimistic now. A dive of the econoym by over 20% in aporil and an expoected over-the-year shrink of 11% (likely to becomer highe rof the year, I think), is something that cannot be taken as granted to be disgestable.

Push the button, close your eyes and pray - in both scenarios (Brexit done, Brexit undone).

[Jimbuna]

Tough times ahead I reckon but not totally unexpected.

[Jimbuna]

Boris Johnson will hold post-Brexit trade talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen via video link on Monday next week.

The UK and EU have said no major progress has been made towards a deal after four rounds of talks this year.

Both sides were due to decide by the end of June whether the current deadline for negotiating a deal should be extended beyond the end of December.

On Friday, the UK formally confirmed it will not extend the transition period.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53012383

[Jimbuna]

Boris Johnson is holding post-Brexit trade talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen via video link this afternoon.

The PM is expected to urge "renewed energy" to reach a trade deal "by the end of the summer", ahead of the end of the transition period in December.

Mrs von der Leyen said she wanted to "inject fresh momentum" into the talks.

Both sides have said no major progress has been made towards a deal after four rounds of talks this year.

It comes after the EU accepted that the UK will not seek to extend the transition period.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53048164

[skidman]

England international and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has published a letter on Twitter to encourage MPs to reconsider their decision to cancel the food voucher scheme for poor children over the summer holidays.

https://www.theguardian.com/football...-letter-to-mps (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/jun/15/protect-the-vulnerable-marcus-rashfords-emotional-letter-to-mps)

Government had rejected Rashford's call but in the meantime has made the U-turn and decided to extend the scheme.

Well done Marcus!

[Jimbuna]

He's not stopping there either.

Footballer Marcus Rashford says he wants to do more to help those in need after winning a battle to have a free school meal voucher scheme extended.

His campaign prompted a government U-turn that will see parents claim vouchers for about 1.3 million children in England during the summer holidays.

But he told BBC Breakfast there are "more steps that need to be taken".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-53073977

[Jimbuna]

https://i.postimg.cc/RF1TbwkB/Untitled.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[Jimbuna]

Financial pressure on the Treasury from the coronavirus outbreak has prompted more speculation over the level of future rises in the state pension.

At present, the state pension increases each year in line with the rising cost of living seen in the CPI measure of inflation, increasing average wages, or 2.5%, whichever of those three is highest.

This is known as the triple lock, and it is a Conservative manifesto pledge for the five years of this Parliament.

However, the technical aspects of state-paid wages during the coronavirus outbreak could lead to a big rise in the state pension if the government sticks to the current system.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-53082530

They had better leave well alone, I am due mine in three years come July.

[Jimbuna]

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is speaking to MPs concerned about the sacking of former shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey.

Mrs Long-Bailey was asked to stand down on Thursday after retweeting an interview which Sir Keir said contained an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory.

The interview with actress Maxine Peake suggested US police learned violent tactics from Israeli secret services.

Mrs Long-Bailey later said she did not agree with all aspects of the article.

"In no way was my retweet an intention to endorse every part of that article," she said.

Jewish groups and some MPs welcomed Sir Keir's decision but Mrs Long-Bailey's allies on the party's left said it was an overreaction.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53187789

MOMENTUM will not be happy about this but Keir is the leader and imho acted correctly.

[Catfish]

Japan gives UK six weeks to strike a post-Brexit trade deal:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-japan-uk-trade-deal-boris-johnson-eu-transition-market-access-a9580731.html

I wonder whether this brings some movement into Johnson's wait-and-see 'tactics'.

[Jimbuna]

Left-wing Labour MPs have told leader Sir Keir Starmer he should not have sacked his shadow minister Rebecca Long-Bailey in an anti-Semitism row.

In a virtual meeting with Sir Keir, MPs also wanted reassurance that those who criticised the Israeli government would not be suspended.

The MPs said the meeting took place "in a mutually respectful manner".

Mrs Long-Bailey was sacked after sharing a story Sir Keir said contained an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53187789

The Left will not let this go, they will continue to pull the strings of those MP's they control.

And that folks is the fundamental problem with todays Labour Party. For the first time in living memory they managed to get one of their own in as the leader and have created MOMENTUM and solidified their position as a result.

Tories won't mind because Britain is a long way from being so left wing.

[Jimbuna]

The UK and EU have said serious differences remain over a post-Brexit trade deal, following the latest negotiations in Brussels.

EU negotiator Michel Barnier said the bloc's position needed to be "better understood and respected" by the UK if an agreement is to be found.

His UK counterpart David Frost said "significant" disagreement remained on "a number of important issues".

The UK has ruled out extending the December deadline to reach a deal.

The latest round of talks, the first to be held in person since the Covid-19 crisis struck, came after both sides agreed to "intensify" negotiations last month.

Negotiations have continued throughout the pandemic via video link. An additional five weeks of in-person talks are planned for July and early August.

BBC Europe reporter Gavin Lee said the latest round of talks had broken up a day early, with a discussion between the two chief negotiators tomorrow cancelled.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53266902

[Skybird]

While my view of Brexit pre-Corona was clear, now that the virus has made itself felt and leaves a huge stamp on the economies aorund the globe, I just do not know and am in sort of an idle mode regarding whether Brexit still can be financially and economically shouldered by the UK. Its a complete and total game change, and I struggle to come to terms with assessing it. Problems are mounting, not just inside the UK, but outside as well. Chinese National Socialism has become a most agressive factor (Hongkong, South Chinese Sea), a police state of most brutal and militaryily aggressive, intimidating proportions, Trump's America is untrustworthy and no basis you want to build your future on, and the EU is obsessed with turning Brexit into a punishing precedence for showing that turning your back on the block must see you ending in misery. The latter was to be expected and I thinl could have been handled. But China and the USA failing to be trustworthy fundaments in economic relations is a very big problems with outlooks as uncertain as they can be. That is while the EU's position against china is not one bit better, and extremely weak. Many other nations refuse to make deals with the UK now due to pressure from either the EU, or China. And Trump wants to abuse the UK's dependency on a deal for his own personal political benefit: he will not behave as a close, specially related friend, rest assured. He will make the UK pay for any deal it wants, and then pay more.

It seems to me that maybe the UK has fallen out of the allowing time window. The endless delay game, last but not least by May and then by parliament, now takes revenge.

I have turned pessimistic that Brexit can work out well anymore. And it is questionable to me that Johnson could win another election after the past autumn. The new Labour leader is of another callibre than the collection of walking dead before, and thus more attractive as an alternative than Corbyn ever was.


I hope I get proven wrong, though.

[Jimbuna]

^ Funny thing is every poll you look at still has Labour losing.

https://www.markpack.org.uk/155623/voting-intention-opinion-poll-scorecard/

[Moonlight]

^That might be true for now but it won't always be the case, when it comes down to giving the Tory heartlands more and more money or sending the cash to the red wall constituencies what do you think Bozo Johnson will do. :o

He's going to throw those 80 new Tory MPs under the bus, lose the new constituencies but keep the heartlands happy, Tories will always look after Tories first, don't ever forget that. :haha:

[Skybird]

^ Funny thing is every poll you look at still has Labour losing.

https://www.markpack.org.uk/155623/voting-intention-opinion-poll-scorecard/
Just give it a little time. Once the full consequences of the current crisis start to bite, thigns will start to look difefrent. Right now everybody looks iont he virus. Once that is out of sight a bit, they will look at Johnson - and see that he has no clothes on while. He currently can deflect all own responsibility on Corona's guilt. That will change. And his own murderous failure in the Corona story will not be forgpotten. The UK's management of the crisis and the health system have terribly failed, the mythological fame of the NHS, already behind many other Wetsenr co9utnries before Corona, has taken severe, serious scratches.



Just a question of time until some people will start to ask uncomfortable questions at prime time hour on TV.

[Catfish]

If Corbyn ever decides to leave, Labour will have a chance i guess.

Waiting for the japanese trade ultimatum :03:

[Jimbuna]

If Corbyn ever decides to leave, Labour will have a chance i guess.

Waiting for the japanese trade ultimatum :03:

That is precisely the problem with Labour....the far left.

[Skybird]

Well, not just Labour, but Johnson alike has a problem: and his problem is countable in monetarian pounds and medical kills. The last comments or speeches by him left me - underwhelmed. Or better completely unimpressed, not one thing he said connected with me, nothing. Pure rhetorics, a good dose of pathos here and there, no substance, but promising the blue down from the sky. That the virus came is not his fault. But that the UK reacted so murderously wrong to it - that is his fault for sure. And wouldn't one expect voters to "honour" such a record? (Okay, since Trump's election I maybe should know better...) And he has yet to find an answer to the virus messing up his Brexit plans that indeed match the challenge. So far he has: nothing.

[mapuc]

It doesn't matter from which country a party comes from.

When a political party are in a crisis and have to introspect them self they have an tendency to only look at what they want to look at and not what is needed to be looked at in this political party.

Markus

[Jimbuna]

The UK government is planning to introduce daily televised press briefings later this year.

A Downing Street source said the new format- similar to that used by the White House in the US - is expected to be brought in by October.

The new briefings would take place each weekday in the afternoon.

It is understood there will be a competitive process to recruit an experienced broadcaster to host the question-and-answer sessions.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-53275395

Heaven help us! :nope:

[Skybird]

Yeah, I heard that they plan to revive "Spitting Image".