UK Politics Thread

[STEED]

So UKIP has a new leader and we wait to find out what we all know that JC will remain in his job next weekend.

[Jimbuna]

Add to that the fact that the UK political system as it currently stands means the SNP will always prevent a Labour government being formed and bookies wouldn't offer any realistic odds on a Tory government in the next election.

[MGR1]

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Add to that the fact that the UK political system as it currently stands means the SNP will always prevent a Labour government being formed and bookies wouldn't offer any realistic odds on a Tory government in the next election.

True, Labour always relied on their Scottish contingent to provide an extra safe core of support alongside their equally safe seats in the North of England and South Wales. Doing so allowed them to contest the marginal constituencies in England with the Tories and the Lib-Dems.

Let's be honest here - the Scottish branch of Labour became fat, dumb and a bit too happy with their position. So much so that they ended up abusing that position, even if they can't or won't accept that they did, despite Kezia Dugdale's efforts. You just have to look at the mess they made of Glasgow, for starters. Using devolution to try and cement their position in Scotland has bitten them on the rear-end - they couldn't control the monster that they created. The result being that SLab got themselves wiped out in what were once safe seats for them.

This has had the result that, although it is possible for Labour to get a majority in England alone, things are much, much harder. Under Corbyn it's nigh impossible.

Anyway, here's the second part of Andrew Marr's "Scotland and the Battle for Britain": LINK. BBC iPlayer, so again, UK residents only.

Mike.

[Jimbuna]

Voting has now ended in the Labour leadership contest and the result will be announced in Liverpool on Saturday.

Any takers on Corbyn losing?

[MGR1]

Corbyn wins with 61.8% of the vote: LINK.

Slab leader Kezia Dugdale says Corbyn "could win election": LINK.

Ah-huh.

I seem to recall that Dugdale wasn't one of Corbyn's admirers before he became leader. It also seems she can't press a button properly: LINK.

NEC backs greater autonomy for Scottish Labour: LINK.

So SLab thinks it can try and out-SNP the SNP, though minus the independence part? To late, they've lost Glasgow to the Nats and I don't think it'll be coming back to SLab any time soon.

If I were Theresa May I'd be wondering why the British State has managed to lose control of Scotland's largest population area.

Mike.

[Oberon]

SDP TIME!

[STEED]

Originally Posted by Oberon

SDP TIME!

They don't have the guts to breakaway and form a new party which shows them up for what they are...spineless.

See you all next year for a another whacky episode of leadership challenge.

[Jimbuna]

I should imagine there are a lot of Tories out there rubbing their hands with glee now that Corbyn has cemented his position as Labour leader.

[MGR1]

A car crash interview by SLab Leader Kezia Dugdale: .

Note, it's cringe worthy.

May I point out that Dugdale is arguably one of SLab's better MSP's. If Dugdale goes, there isn't anyone really capable of replacing her.

It's little wonder the SNP have managed to utterly crush Labour in Scotland when you realise just how outclassed they are. No talent or intelligence whatsoever.

Mike.

[MGR1]

Former SNP and now Independent MP Natalie McGarry has been charged with fraud offences: LINK.

She resigned the SNP Whip after allegations were made of financial irregularities in both the "Women for Independence" organisation, which McGarry co-founded, and also the SNP's Glasgow Regional Association. Her lawyer is Aamer Anwar (LINK), who is about as slimy an individual as can imagined, even for a lawyer!

I'm a little surprised that Police Scotland took so long to charge her but I'd imagine that the requirement under Scots Law for Corroboration in prosecution cases (where "at least two different and independent sources of evidence are required in support of each crucial fact before a defendant can be convicted of a crime": LINK) had something to with it.

We'll see what comes of it. I'm not holding up much hope of a conviction, though.

In the meantime, back at Labour's conference, the motion giving SLab greater autonomy has been passed: LINK.

The reforms mean that:

• The Scottish Labour Party Executive Committee (SEC) will be responsible for the procedures and selection of all UK parliamentary candidates in Scotland
• The SEC will have overall responsibility for the management of constituency Labour parties in Scotland
• The Scottish Labour Party will be directly represented with voting rights on the NEC
• Scottish Labour will have full control over policy making, including in reserved policy areas
• But Scottish Labour is not becoming a separate party and is expected to continue to share finances with the UK party

Mike.

[Jimbuna]

Wondering how much under £100,000 'five-figure sum of money' is

[STEED]

If there was evidence that the human race is going dumb look no further than JC's followers, I have be listening to the radio this week and when the subject of a JC leadership victory comes up out come the fools. The amount of fools who seriously believe old JC is going to pull off a 2020 victory was deeply worrying.

Some examples from voters..

We will see a Labour landslide victory

Socialism is back and will win

JC will pull off the greatest victory ever


You get the drift..

These voters have forgotten the elephant in the room the SNP. Old JC can not win just from England and Wales he needs Scotland as well.

[STEED]

Tens of thousands of people claiming the main benefit for long-term sickness will no longer face repeated medical assessments to keep their payments.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37526324

Long over due and about time too.

[Jimbuna]

May has announced the UK will trigger Article 50 by end of March 2017.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37532364

[Oberon]

Originally Posted by STEED

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-37526324

Long over due and about time too.

Amen, colour me astonished that they actually did it. More reasonable actions like this and Labour will be even more sunk than they are now.

I also think that the idea of enshrining all current EU laws in UK law and then trimming back gradually is also a smart move, although what they choose to get rid of will be controversial.