Everyone considering voting for Labour should watch David Lammy's appearance on Mastermind. I've had people tell me that the general knowledge round doesn't test intelligence; maybe so, but I believe it _does_ test the ability to think on one's feet and make 'educated' guesses, which I'd have thought were important qualities in top-level politics.
Apparently not. What's the first name that comes to Lammy's mind when asked, "which Pierre and Marie won a Nobel prize for radiation research?" Antoinette. See also, "Which variety of blue English cheese traditionally accompanies port?" Lammy: Leicester.
It could have been worse, I suppose. When he was asked, "James Gandolfini played a Mafia boss called Tony in which American television series?", I half-expected him to say something like Ally McBeal, or Sesame Street. He was at least somewhere in the ballpark with "The Godfather".
I don't know whether links are allowed in Substack comments but it's here: -
youtube_DOT_com/watch?v=DsR4Nx-ELgc
This is the man who will be Foreign Secretary. That's right: Foreign Secretary.
Ha ha. He nailed it. If that link doesn’t work then one of the links by Lammy in the article should take you there. Although I think it was just the short version, with the Henry VII bit.
Brilliant! I mean, if you were about to say something like that, wouldn't you have a quick look around, just to check?
Setting aside the dimness, he's also come out with some really objectionable stuff in recent years. There's his "The ERG" - pro-Brexit Tory MPs - " are worse than the Nazis" verdict, and his "We don't need any more white saviours" response to Stacey Dooley's well-intentioned documentary on African poverty.
Douglas Murray, your esteemed citizen, is spot on, there is a war on the west, from within and without.
We hear the same issues you write of in all English speaking nations of the west.
It has taken some time for us to recognize and then begin to clarify the scheme but you are right, they need to destroy the middle class in order to achieve the ultimate goal. We look on in horror and apathy, wondering just how to stop this madness.
What decent, freedom loving person would want to involve themselves with corrupt bureaucrats on a daily basis? It would be like slamming our head into a brick wall trying to convince religious zealots of the error in their judgements. So we have few choices.
I freely admit that I will vote for Trump if he is the candidate for no other reason than to give the middle finger to the evil democrats who want to transform our republic into some kind of new fascist-communist-socialist oligarchy.
Who will make it happen that we will own nothing, eat bugs and be controlled by elites who want to take away our ability to feed ourselves, keep our earnings, or have independent thoughts. Creepsville USA
Have you read the latest file on the censorship industrial complex? The military have now been implicated. A British and American alliance to manipulate our cognitive thoughts.
I was shocked to learn that I was indeed an enemy of the state. But perhaps I should wear it as a badge of honor.
Hi Deidre. Yes. I think we are all in ‘reaction mode’. Railing against something/everything. I know I am. Maybe I’m being naive but I’d love to feel there was also perhaps a positive path to follow. Yes. I follow Public on Substack. Big fan of Shellenberger. He seems to stay upbeat somehow. Maybe I just need a little more hot sauce on this delicious bugburger.
I think there is reason for hope. It is a steep and arduous hill to climb but the view when we reach the summit will be well worth it.
You already are a part of the movement by not remaining silent. Silence has been are biggest mistake. We can no longer remain cowered for fear of being called some slur. Or worse lose our job.
My wish is for people like you will continue to point out the absurdity of our reality.
The first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem.
Yes, reactionary. Time to embrace the label. How can any sane person not 'react' to this schweinerei (another wunderbar German word). Oh, and I'm also a racist and a bigot and an omniphobe.
Strategy. Sometimes one resists bullshit, but other times the best thing to do is run with it. Trans? Hell, I'm not fighting, I'm joining! Becoming a dolphin is the best thing I ever did. Wokeness must have resistance -- something to push against. I say that, except where the kids are at risk, we go all-in -- give the wokies *everything*. Especially at the universities -- total wokeness, demand it.
Ha ha Glad you’re going to give them *everything* Ray, because they don’t understand compromise, self control or perspective. They want all of it, all the time, forever. Which might just end up being their downfall…🫰
That's the thing. Give it to them. Once they don't have sanity to push against, they'll end up having to vent their energies on each other. Give them Harvard ... completely. Let wokenes take itself to its inevitable finale. Actually do abolish the poe-leese in some progressive city. No police *at all* in, say, Chicago. That's what they want, that's what they get.
Excellent. You forgot to mention the likelihood of bank accounts being frozen Trudeau style should one have the temerity to disagree with whatever ridiculous policy Labour cone up with.
Thank you Pete. Yes that is a genuine worry isn’t it? CBDC coupled with a Social Credit system represents a terrifying technological leap. Like Caxton’s Printing Press. But for authoritarianism.
Good luck but you can't build a new party fast enough to save the country. Its either Reform and everyone gets behind it to anhilate the status quo legacy parties or its national Conservative party with Reform, SDP and any others who want to destroy the legacy party all joining together.....and doing so bloody quickly.
I'm not with you with 'build a new party', there isn't time.
I’m thinking more long term Elizabeth. I agree in the short term there isn’t time. I think the Tory Party is doing a pretty good job at destroying itself at the moment. I’ve got nothing against Reform at all. I just think its voters are essentially a subset of Tory voters. And we need a broad appeal party which can also attract Labour voters and most importantly, lots of young people too. Thanks for commenting. Good to hear from you.
I'm guessing we need a cultural conservative slightly left of centre economically (compassionate conservative) party.....no idea what its name would be but anything with 'Conservative' would be a toxic brand. The current left are culturally deranged, the current right are economically selfish, self serving.and pro corporate. How the hell did we get here😪
Exactly that Elizabeth. The research seems to suggest that a culturally conservative, economically left of centre party would have broad appeal. Steve Davies at the IEA did some great work on this. But I think the SDP is essentially that and it hasn’t had a break through. Though they are good eggs I think.
Yes. I keep voicing the suspicion that he is on manoeuvres. Maybe something with Lord Frost. They are definitely up to something behind the scenes. I think maybe after the next election they will launch essentially a 2019 Tory Coalition/Red Wall Party.
Elizabeth, I believe the SDP _is_ that party. That said, I've been a member for a couple of years, and while I hold its leader William Clouston in high regard, I don't see any signs that they are capturing the public's attention or imagination. For the time being, we're stuck with the self-serving, incompetent rabble that comprise the (increasingly similar, in policy terms) Tory and Labour parties.
I started to listen to William Clouson during lockdowns. I like him, he sounds more Conservative than the Tories and would probably conserve more than those spineless liberals ever will so I like that. I'm not sure the SDP are perceived as 'new', they've been around for years although they sound more appealing than they might have been years ago. Not sure if ex Tory voters of a certain age would just remember them as 'left wingers' and so are put off. They are unknown to the younger ex Tory voters because they're poor at PR and getting publicity. Not sure they will get anywhere. As an ex Tory in my 50's I was 'fed'the narrative they're left wingers but these days their message is 'best fit' for me but I'm in Sunak's constituency!
Agreed. I definitely think the SDP have an image problem. To me they sound like Roy Jenkins and Prestel (anyone?) a real blast from the eighties. But I always think WC is worth a listen. Funny you’re in Sunak’s constituency-I’m in Starmer’s. Fiiiiightttt!
Yes patrocles. William Clouston is definitely a force for good. But maybe lacks what is needed to take the SDP to the next level. The FPTP system and a blinkered media doesn’t help!
I had never heard of William Clouson before reading comments by @Elizabeth and @LowStatusOpinions in this thread. Just listened to his 2023 conference speech, and much of what he says is laudable, and good old common sense -- which is perhaps what they could rebrand as?! They may very well get my vote next year!
Yes Bitkoda. The SDP does have a lot to recommend it. I agree that maybe they need a rebrand. But then again they have been around for a while, and have an established name.
BTW, everyone check out the Unheard documentary 'The Battle for San Fransisco'. The interview with the politician is enlightening, one sees that he lives in another universe. He honestly means well. He thinks that what's needed is free needles for drug addicts. Tho a millionaire himself who probably lives in a gated community, he believes himself to be a champion of the poor. No place in the country is more woke, ... or has more billionaires. The latest 'initiative' we see is that the Tenderloin has been declared to be the trans hub of SF. So wonderful all those trans flags flying from every pole. What will never happen is taxing those billionaires -- yes, the middle and working classes will be squeezed out of existence, but the plutocrats, the drug vermin ... and the progressive bureaucracy will continue to prosper.
I have been saying that Starmer will give votes to 16/17 year olds and EU citizens for some time. As that is discriminatory, someone will point out that all migrants should get the vote. Eventually the Musl;ims will defeat Momentum and we will have sharia law. In the meantime, apparently Starmer will "smash the criminal gangs" that are all based abroad. As DPP, he had excellent experience of the amazing success of the "war on drugs," the war where undercover police risk their lives for years to get a drug gang busted, which stops the supply on the street for all of half a day.
I believe Starmer himself has been pushing the 16 year old vote policy. They already have it in Scotland I believe. I’m not sure that Labour want to introduce Sharia law, but two tier policing under the Tories is already in danger of Balkanising the UK. A bit more coming together and a bit less ghettoisation would be good for all of us. I’m always wary when someone in charge tries to pit one section of society, of whatever race or religion, against another. Ha the good old War on Drugs. Clearly Starmer was no McNulty.
You are right about the votes (the SNP introduced it in Scotland). My comment on sharia law is looking into the future. Presently there are two threats to Labour "moderates," Muslims and the left wing Momentum. The Muslims are disappointed in Starmer for not condemning Israel, but they are a growing force in the UK and 71% vote Labour. Eventually I think they will prevail over Momentum, as there will be no curbs on immigration, and they will come from North Africa in their millions in the next decade. But who knows.
Agreed. I have to say I have so far been heartened that Starmer has resisted being pulled in that direction re Gaza. He’s under a massive amount of pressure and for once he seems to be holding firm. *checks news* yep. So far so good. A pity he didn’t show the same backbone under Corbyn. But take the win I guess.
The battle lines will be drawn. Rayner will be Momentum's choice. There are plenty of Muslims. However, Starmer, backed by Blair and Mandleson, may not be quite as easy to get rid of as they may hope.
Starmer's wife is Jewish and has family in Israel. I'm not sure he had much choice. He has used antisemitism to root out competition in the Labour party, like Rebecca Long-Bailey.
Yes it’s a moral inversion. I also do worry about this being set up as a new front in the confected race wars. This whole ‘far right’ threat nonsense is clearly being concocted to allow the establishment forces to double down on suppression of freedom of speech, censorship etc. I’m not falling for it. Yes. The Islamism of Hamas and others is a danger. Not least to our Jewish community. But I won’t let them try and turn me against the Muslim lady in my coffee shop or the kids at my local school. Not having it.
There will be no time for any new party before the next GE. Much as I’d like for both major parties to be destroyed at the next election, only the Conservatives are in a position for that. That opportunity has to be grasped even though it means at least five years of the dystopian hell you cover in the article. It is in that time that we need to get on with building that small c socially conservative, small l left on economics party, where it seems the majority of British voters sit. Reform isn’t that party - it’s a ‘free market’ tribute act which has done enough research to know what buzzwords to use with the public. Whatever the party, it needs to focus in local elections outside the big cities and university strongholds in building a reputation with the public for listening to them and delivering (you’re not going to make progress in the bastions of identity politics in the medium term). Make the reputation. It probably needs a charismatic individual somewhere in the make up to do the media gigs. It needs to use all the new sources of communication to get its message out (traditional media will not give real threats to the status quo an airing).The target is the 2033 election, with 2029 if things go well (or as I think will happen given the state of the country, that even with the extra taxes, Labour will not be able to deliver what it’s followers want and disillusionment sets in amongst it’s core support).
Agree with that P. As you say. They are a free market tribute act which is not what the voters want. But I do think Reform have a big role to play in killing off this brand of Conservatism. Then I think the Tories will take the wrong lesson and move to the ‘right’. I say that as shorthand really. But picking another IDS or Hague who lacks the broad Morden appeal needed. And simply comes across as parochial and old fashioned. We need someone to bring together the best of modern Britain with all its, yes, diversity, rather than pretend it’s still 1985.
Very much agree that Reform has the potential to play a vital role in assisting with the demise of this Conservative party. I suspect what comes next for the Conservatives depends on who is left in the Parliament . If it’s mainly southern one nation types, then the parliamentary party will move to the crowded Centrist Dad ground with Labour, Lib Dems and Greens. Meanwhile they will haemorrhage members until very few are left. If it’s the right of the party, yes, either back to the 1980’s, or some attempt at trying to say what they think voters want, but in a cruel parody as they have no clue. Hopefully whichever way they go, it will be further into oblivion. My hope is that what replaces it actually represents and connects in a real why to the ordinary voters, in all their diversity, rebooting a modern democracy.
Another superb and accurate summary of the absolute state of it.
The SDP is that party you want.
Unfortunately, the old route to relevance via irrelevance was to get some MEPs when people were happy to vote for what they really wanted without risk. With that option no longer available it is down to slow march through councils.
The SDP also suffer by being exactly what the people want and therefore exactly what the establishment doesn't want.
But after a year or two of Labour the public will be crying out for something like the SDP. If they can get their act together in time for the first big council elections of Labour government they have a chance.
I did see that Vulkan. V funny as ever. Though I can’t remember the Miles Morales stuff. Obviously some take against the character because of what he is not who he is. But on his own merits I maintain that his boyish awkwardness and teen problems are very true to the original vision of Spider-man. I think he’s great. And as I say elsewhere here I thought Into the Spiderverse was phenomenal. Enjoy the game. There’s lots to like. But I def preferred the first one and Miles Morales on the PS5. Be interested to hear your review.
Well they basically mention that they love Miles Morales as he has a decent back story etc and isn’t just a different character who’s race swapped. I was literally like “YES!! THANK YOU SOUTH PARK.”
I loved number 1. Spider-Man has been my fave superhero since I was a kid in the 90’s. I think I might give it a review if time allows.
One never knows, perhaps Labour will do nothing. The Conservatives had unlimited power with an 80 seat majority and what did they do?
The left wing of the Tories should join with the Lib Dems. The right wing with Reform as the Conservatives. Then we would have a three party system which would likely get no majority and they can all leave us alone for a while.
Thanks. I don't laugh much lately, but no matter how bad it gets, laughter is still the best medicine. What a spectacle, watching both Britain and the US dissolve into muck. But Rome pulled itself out of the shit several times, can the West recover?
Thanks Ragged. 1.) Very true. But the situation has only become worse over time, yes under the Tories, but I would suggest that the socialist rationing model is not really fit for a 21st century consumer society. And part of its freeness is the ever growing bureaucracy. Which sucks up more and more resources. And I dont mean the right’s ‘managers’ bogeyman. But yes it’s a complex issue.
2.) I’m very happy to be wrong. But I’m not being dishonest!
I've recently come home to England after 25 years in the USA. Unfortunately, there's a lot more bureaucracy over there than there is over here. And we get better outcomes for less money. Unfortunately, there's a lot of healthcare in my future but I'm glad to be experiencing it over here and not over there.
Absolutely. But we are always being told it is a binary choice. The broken NHS, or an ‘American system’ which kills poor people. Germany has neither, and better outcomes. Let’s maybe try that. Sorry to hear if you’re saying you’re unwell Ragged.
Everyone considering voting for Labour should watch David Lammy's appearance on Mastermind. I've had people tell me that the general knowledge round doesn't test intelligence; maybe so, but I believe it _does_ test the ability to think on one's feet and make 'educated' guesses, which I'd have thought were important qualities in top-level politics.
Apparently not. What's the first name that comes to Lammy's mind when asked, "which Pierre and Marie won a Nobel prize for radiation research?" Antoinette. See also, "Which variety of blue English cheese traditionally accompanies port?" Lammy: Leicester.
It could have been worse, I suppose. When he was asked, "James Gandolfini played a Mafia boss called Tony in which American television series?", I half-expected him to say something like Ally McBeal, or Sesame Street. He was at least somewhere in the ballpark with "The Godfather".
I don't know whether links are allowed in Substack comments but it's here: -
youtube_DOT_com/watch?v=DsR4Nx-ELgc
This is the man who will be Foreign Secretary. That's right: Foreign Secretary.
Ha ha. He nailed it. If that link doesn’t work then one of the links by Lammy in the article should take you there. Although I think it was just the short version, with the Henry VII bit.
Ha ha. Gold! Also. He’s obvs talking nonsense.
Brilliant! I mean, if you were about to say something like that, wouldn't you have a quick look around, just to check?
Setting aside the dimness, he's also come out with some really objectionable stuff in recent years. There's his "The ERG" - pro-Brexit Tory MPs - " are worse than the Nazis" verdict, and his "We don't need any more white saviours" response to Stacey Dooley's well-intentioned documentary on African poverty.
Please do not post anti Jewish comments on this Substack. You are not welcome. I have blocked further comments.
Douglas Murray, your esteemed citizen, is spot on, there is a war on the west, from within and without.
We hear the same issues you write of in all English speaking nations of the west.
It has taken some time for us to recognize and then begin to clarify the scheme but you are right, they need to destroy the middle class in order to achieve the ultimate goal. We look on in horror and apathy, wondering just how to stop this madness.
What decent, freedom loving person would want to involve themselves with corrupt bureaucrats on a daily basis? It would be like slamming our head into a brick wall trying to convince religious zealots of the error in their judgements. So we have few choices.
I freely admit that I will vote for Trump if he is the candidate for no other reason than to give the middle finger to the evil democrats who want to transform our republic into some kind of new fascist-communist-socialist oligarchy.
Who will make it happen that we will own nothing, eat bugs and be controlled by elites who want to take away our ability to feed ourselves, keep our earnings, or have independent thoughts. Creepsville USA
Have you read the latest file on the censorship industrial complex? The military have now been implicated. A British and American alliance to manipulate our cognitive thoughts.
I was shocked to learn that I was indeed an enemy of the state. But perhaps I should wear it as a badge of honor.
Hi Deidre. Yes. I think we are all in ‘reaction mode’. Railing against something/everything. I know I am. Maybe I’m being naive but I’d love to feel there was also perhaps a positive path to follow. Yes. I follow Public on Substack. Big fan of Shellenberger. He seems to stay upbeat somehow. Maybe I just need a little more hot sauce on this delicious bugburger.
I think there is reason for hope. It is a steep and arduous hill to climb but the view when we reach the summit will be well worth it.
You already are a part of the movement by not remaining silent. Silence has been are biggest mistake. We can no longer remain cowered for fear of being called some slur. Or worse lose our job.
My wish is for people like you will continue to point out the absurdity of our reality.
The first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem.
Thanks Deidre. Turns out I’m one of the good guys! Who knew?
Yes, reactionary. Time to embrace the label. How can any sane person not 'react' to this schweinerei (another wunderbar German word). Oh, and I'm also a racist and a bigot and an omniphobe.
Ha ha. And I’d bet you good money that you’re not Ray.
Strategy. Sometimes one resists bullshit, but other times the best thing to do is run with it. Trans? Hell, I'm not fighting, I'm joining! Becoming a dolphin is the best thing I ever did. Wokeness must have resistance -- something to push against. I say that, except where the kids are at risk, we go all-in -- give the wokies *everything*. Especially at the universities -- total wokeness, demand it.
Ha ha Glad you’re going to give them *everything* Ray, because they don’t understand compromise, self control or perspective. They want all of it, all the time, forever. Which might just end up being their downfall…🫰
That's the thing. Give it to them. Once they don't have sanity to push against, they'll end up having to vent their energies on each other. Give them Harvard ... completely. Let wokenes take itself to its inevitable finale. Actually do abolish the poe-leese in some progressive city. No police *at all* in, say, Chicago. That's what they want, that's what they get.
Excellent. You forgot to mention the likelihood of bank accounts being frozen Trudeau style should one have the temerity to disagree with whatever ridiculous policy Labour cone up with.
Thank you Pete. Yes that is a genuine worry isn’t it? CBDC coupled with a Social Credit system represents a terrifying technological leap. Like Caxton’s Printing Press. But for authoritarianism.
Incredibly high quality rant 10/10. Would rage along with again.
Thank you Danny! Appreciate that.
Good luck but you can't build a new party fast enough to save the country. Its either Reform and everyone gets behind it to anhilate the status quo legacy parties or its national Conservative party with Reform, SDP and any others who want to destroy the legacy party all joining together.....and doing so bloody quickly.
I'm not with you with 'build a new party', there isn't time.
I’m thinking more long term Elizabeth. I agree in the short term there isn’t time. I think the Tory Party is doing a pretty good job at destroying itself at the moment. I’ve got nothing against Reform at all. I just think its voters are essentially a subset of Tory voters. And we need a broad appeal party which can also attract Labour voters and most importantly, lots of young people too. Thanks for commenting. Good to hear from you.
I'm guessing we need a cultural conservative slightly left of centre economically (compassionate conservative) party.....no idea what its name would be but anything with 'Conservative' would be a toxic brand. The current left are culturally deranged, the current right are economically selfish, self serving.and pro corporate. How the hell did we get here😪
Exactly that Elizabeth. The research seems to suggest that a culturally conservative, economically left of centre party would have broad appeal. Steve Davies at the IEA did some great work on this. But I think the SDP is essentially that and it hasn’t had a break through. Though they are good eggs I think.
There's the SDP, I gather
I'm prepared to listen and be convinced
Yes. I keep voicing the suspicion that he is on manoeuvres. Maybe something with Lord Frost. They are definitely up to something behind the scenes. I think maybe after the next election they will launch essentially a 2019 Tory Coalition/Red Wall Party.
“How the hell did we get here?”
The truth? People voted for it, and then remained silent when they should instead have stood up for their own principles.
Elizabeth, I believe the SDP _is_ that party. That said, I've been a member for a couple of years, and while I hold its leader William Clouston in high regard, I don't see any signs that they are capturing the public's attention or imagination. For the time being, we're stuck with the self-serving, incompetent rabble that comprise the (increasingly similar, in policy terms) Tory and Labour parties.
I started to listen to William Clouson during lockdowns. I like him, he sounds more Conservative than the Tories and would probably conserve more than those spineless liberals ever will so I like that. I'm not sure the SDP are perceived as 'new', they've been around for years although they sound more appealing than they might have been years ago. Not sure if ex Tory voters of a certain age would just remember them as 'left wingers' and so are put off. They are unknown to the younger ex Tory voters because they're poor at PR and getting publicity. Not sure they will get anywhere. As an ex Tory in my 50's I was 'fed'the narrative they're left wingers but these days their message is 'best fit' for me but I'm in Sunak's constituency!
Agreed. I definitely think the SDP have an image problem. To me they sound like Roy Jenkins and Prestel (anyone?) a real blast from the eighties. But I always think WC is worth a listen. Funny you’re in Sunak’s constituency-I’m in Starmer’s. Fiiiiightttt!
🤣🤣🤣. I'd rather say we have more in common than divides us. Let's fight both of them.
Yes patrocles. William Clouston is definitely a force for good. But maybe lacks what is needed to take the SDP to the next level. The FPTP system and a blinkered media doesn’t help!
I had never heard of William Clouson before reading comments by @Elizabeth and @LowStatusOpinions in this thread. Just listened to his 2023 conference speech, and much of what he says is laudable, and good old common sense -- which is perhaps what they could rebrand as?! They may very well get my vote next year!
Yes Bitkoda. The SDP does have a lot to recommend it. I agree that maybe they need a rebrand. But then again they have been around for a while, and have an established name.
Well said Elizabeth!
BTW, everyone check out the Unheard documentary 'The Battle for San Fransisco'. The interview with the politician is enlightening, one sees that he lives in another universe. He honestly means well. He thinks that what's needed is free needles for drug addicts. Tho a millionaire himself who probably lives in a gated community, he believes himself to be a champion of the poor. No place in the country is more woke, ... or has more billionaires. The latest 'initiative' we see is that the Tenderloin has been declared to be the trans hub of SF. So wonderful all those trans flags flying from every pole. What will never happen is taxing those billionaires -- yes, the middle and working classes will be squeezed out of existence, but the plutocrats, the drug vermin ... and the progressive bureaucracy will continue to prosper.
I’ll make a point of watching Ray. Very much enjoyed Shellenberger’s San FranSicko
I have been saying that Starmer will give votes to 16/17 year olds and EU citizens for some time. As that is discriminatory, someone will point out that all migrants should get the vote. Eventually the Musl;ims will defeat Momentum and we will have sharia law. In the meantime, apparently Starmer will "smash the criminal gangs" that are all based abroad. As DPP, he had excellent experience of the amazing success of the "war on drugs," the war where undercover police risk their lives for years to get a drug gang busted, which stops the supply on the street for all of half a day.
I believe Starmer himself has been pushing the 16 year old vote policy. They already have it in Scotland I believe. I’m not sure that Labour want to introduce Sharia law, but two tier policing under the Tories is already in danger of Balkanising the UK. A bit more coming together and a bit less ghettoisation would be good for all of us. I’m always wary when someone in charge tries to pit one section of society, of whatever race or religion, against another. Ha the good old War on Drugs. Clearly Starmer was no McNulty.
You are right about the votes (the SNP introduced it in Scotland). My comment on sharia law is looking into the future. Presently there are two threats to Labour "moderates," Muslims and the left wing Momentum. The Muslims are disappointed in Starmer for not condemning Israel, but they are a growing force in the UK and 71% vote Labour. Eventually I think they will prevail over Momentum, as there will be no curbs on immigration, and they will come from North Africa in their millions in the next decade. But who knows.
Agreed. I have to say I have so far been heartened that Starmer has resisted being pulled in that direction re Gaza. He’s under a massive amount of pressure and for once he seems to be holding firm. *checks news* yep. So far so good. A pity he didn’t show the same backbone under Corbyn. But take the win I guess.
I wonder if the hard left are keeping quiet until they win the election then work to purge him Tory style and install a woke/islamist victim instead.
If Starmer wins as we expect I think it will be the other way around and Raynor will get the boot. But if it’s not
So clear cut he’ll need her. Just my take though. No claimed insight.
*Rayner
The battle lines will be drawn. Rayner will be Momentum's choice. There are plenty of Muslims. However, Starmer, backed by Blair and Mandleson, may not be quite as easy to get rid of as they may hope.
Starmer's wife is Jewish and has family in Israel. I'm not sure he had much choice. He has used antisemitism to root out competition in the Labour party, like Rebecca Long-Bailey.
I’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt Jeremy.
Yes it’s a moral inversion. I also do worry about this being set up as a new front in the confected race wars. This whole ‘far right’ threat nonsense is clearly being concocted to allow the establishment forces to double down on suppression of freedom of speech, censorship etc. I’m not falling for it. Yes. The Islamism of Hamas and others is a danger. Not least to our Jewish community. But I won’t let them try and turn me against the Muslim lady in my coffee shop or the kids at my local school. Not having it.
Great article! Made me chuckle. It would be even funnier if it wasn't true!
Thanks Ady. I’ve tried to put a positive spin on the end.
"Thank you for contacting the abyss. Your scream is very important to us."
It damn well does....not recommended!
True that.
There will be no time for any new party before the next GE. Much as I’d like for both major parties to be destroyed at the next election, only the Conservatives are in a position for that. That opportunity has to be grasped even though it means at least five years of the dystopian hell you cover in the article. It is in that time that we need to get on with building that small c socially conservative, small l left on economics party, where it seems the majority of British voters sit. Reform isn’t that party - it’s a ‘free market’ tribute act which has done enough research to know what buzzwords to use with the public. Whatever the party, it needs to focus in local elections outside the big cities and university strongholds in building a reputation with the public for listening to them and delivering (you’re not going to make progress in the bastions of identity politics in the medium term). Make the reputation. It probably needs a charismatic individual somewhere in the make up to do the media gigs. It needs to use all the new sources of communication to get its message out (traditional media will not give real threats to the status quo an airing).The target is the 2033 election, with 2029 if things go well (or as I think will happen given the state of the country, that even with the extra taxes, Labour will not be able to deliver what it’s followers want and disillusionment sets in amongst it’s core support).
Agree with that P. As you say. They are a free market tribute act which is not what the voters want. But I do think Reform have a big role to play in killing off this brand of Conservatism. Then I think the Tories will take the wrong lesson and move to the ‘right’. I say that as shorthand really. But picking another IDS or Hague who lacks the broad Morden appeal needed. And simply comes across as parochial and old fashioned. We need someone to bring together the best of modern Britain with all its, yes, diversity, rather than pretend it’s still 1985.
Very much agree that Reform has the potential to play a vital role in assisting with the demise of this Conservative party. I suspect what comes next for the Conservatives depends on who is left in the Parliament . If it’s mainly southern one nation types, then the parliamentary party will move to the crowded Centrist Dad ground with Labour, Lib Dems and Greens. Meanwhile they will haemorrhage members until very few are left. If it’s the right of the party, yes, either back to the 1980’s, or some attempt at trying to say what they think voters want, but in a cruel parody as they have no clue. Hopefully whichever way they go, it will be further into oblivion. My hope is that what replaces it actually represents and connects in a real why to the ordinary voters, in all their diversity, rebooting a modern democracy.
A perfect summary P.
Another superb and accurate summary of the absolute state of it.
The SDP is that party you want.
Unfortunately, the old route to relevance via irrelevance was to get some MEPs when people were happy to vote for what they really wanted without risk. With that option no longer available it is down to slow march through councils.
The SDP also suffer by being exactly what the people want and therefore exactly what the establishment doesn't want.
But after a year or two of Labour the public will be crying out for something like the SDP. If they can get their act together in time for the first big council elections of Labour government they have a chance.
Thank you Ian. And I hope you are right. I certainly think the SDP are a force for good.
UK politics has been the plaything of Tony Blair since he romped to victory in '97.
I’ve yet to play Spider-Man 2. It’s my Christmas present.
Have you seen the south park episode Panderverse? They mention Miles Morales and were spot on about him.
I did see that Vulkan. V funny as ever. Though I can’t remember the Miles Morales stuff. Obviously some take against the character because of what he is not who he is. But on his own merits I maintain that his boyish awkwardness and teen problems are very true to the original vision of Spider-man. I think he’s great. And as I say elsewhere here I thought Into the Spiderverse was phenomenal. Enjoy the game. There’s lots to like. But I def preferred the first one and Miles Morales on the PS5. Be interested to hear your review.
Well they basically mention that they love Miles Morales as he has a decent back story etc and isn’t just a different character who’s race swapped. I was literally like “YES!! THANK YOU SOUTH PARK.”
I loved number 1. Spider-Man has been my fave superhero since I was a kid in the 90’s. I think I might give it a review if time allows.
Oh great. Well I agree with them! I’m sure you’ll enjoy the game.
Speaking of Race swapping characters. I’m watching the Halo tv series and Captain Keyes and his daughter are both black now 😆. Oh well.
One never knows, perhaps Labour will do nothing. The Conservatives had unlimited power with an 80 seat majority and what did they do?
The left wing of the Tories should join with the Lib Dems. The right wing with Reform as the Conservatives. Then we would have a three party system which would likely get no majority and they can all leave us alone for a while.
A brilliant plan Eric. And I love the result. Please god they stop bothering us for a bit.
Thanks. I don't laugh much lately, but no matter how bad it gets, laughter is still the best medicine. What a spectacle, watching both Britain and the US dissolve into muck. But Rome pulled itself out of the shit several times, can the West recover?
Great rant! I agree with much of it except:
1) "Its ‘freeness’ is one of the main reasons we have eight million people on the NHS waiting list."
There were far fewer than eight million on the list 13 years ago, when it was just as free.
2) "Just as they have ‘no plans’ to cancel Brexit."
Sadly, they have no plans to cancel Brexit. I think it's dishonest to suggest otherwise.
Thanks Ragged. 1.) Very true. But the situation has only become worse over time, yes under the Tories, but I would suggest that the socialist rationing model is not really fit for a 21st century consumer society. And part of its freeness is the ever growing bureaucracy. Which sucks up more and more resources. And I dont mean the right’s ‘managers’ bogeyman. But yes it’s a complex issue.
2.) I’m very happy to be wrong. But I’m not being dishonest!
Thanks for commenting. Good to chat.
I've recently come home to England after 25 years in the USA. Unfortunately, there's a lot more bureaucracy over there than there is over here. And we get better outcomes for less money. Unfortunately, there's a lot of healthcare in my future but I'm glad to be experiencing it over here and not over there.
Absolutely. But we are always being told it is a binary choice. The broken NHS, or an ‘American system’ which kills poor people. Germany has neither, and better outcomes. Let’s maybe try that. Sorry to hear if you’re saying you’re unwell Ragged.