POLITICS CORNER

[Big Kev]

I'm just thankful we have a grown up back in charge.

Not sure how he must be feeling, recently he lost a two horse race to someone who only lasted a few weeks. Doesn't inspire confidence in the rest of them.

[plaques]

Not sure how he must be feeling, recently he lost a two horse race to someone who only lasted a few weeks. Doesn't inspire confidence in the rest of them.

No doubt Rishi Sunak is an intelligent and pragmatic man but he hardly worked his way up through the ranks of shop stewards etc: with an understanding of working people. We shall have to wait and see. Meanwhile the nest of vipers he is leading are talking about Party unity but always looking after their own interests. If he sides with the ERG we are doomed. If he ignores the ERG he is doomed. Tin hats on lads.

[Big Kev]

Well, we've had the cowboys. It's time we let the Indian have a go.

[Stanley]

Ken rings my bell when he points out that Sunak hasn't got the experience a shop steward would have got and he's only got seven years in politics after a trot through the more sleazy end of the financial sector.
My first unworthy thought was "Well, there goes Moon Face's bid for further advancement!".
My second was "We've had a buffoon followed by a fantasist, now we have a spiv."
The interesting bit is who he chooses for his Cabinet and then Honours Lists.
Does he offer Johnson a Cabinet post?

[plaques]

Notice how the No1 priority and emphasis is on Party unity. We must show a united front. Form a square or circle the wagons, Camouflage paint, smokescreens and disinformation. No2 priority, who gets the plume jobs. No3 priority. What private contracts can be sidelined via the network of pals.
Any other business?... I've heard the economy is in bad shape. Some of our voters may go into negative equity. The NHS is so bad we may not get a buyer for it.
Yes, well that's enough, Lets see Priority No 1.

[Stanley]

I hate to say it but it really is as bad as Ken paints it.
I heard an interesting comment this morning.... The Tories repeatedly point to the mistakes of the past few months as the genesis of all the woes we face. Nobody is admitting that what we are really looking at is the natural outcome of 12 years of mistaken policies and corrupt government. And guess what, Sunak is going to impose yet more austerity despite the clear evidence that it was Osborne's austerity that started the rot then.
When will they learn that it's the bottom 50 percentile of the population who spend their money as fast as they earn it who give us 'growth'. Economics 101.

[Tizer]

Stanley, Plaques and Panbiker, you're all ranting about Sunak and the Tories when you should be thanking your lucky stars that we've got rid of Johnson and Truss and now have an intelligent PM. The opposition parties are dragging their heels when they should have been coming out on top with all the chances they've had over recent years. I'm not a Tory supporter but I'm realistic. From now on I'm not going to comment on UK politics in this topic, it's not worth the effort.

[PanBiker]

I don't consider my complaints of undemocratic process ranting! If nobody does call out action such as this we could eventually kiss goodbye to any form of democracy.

Regarding our newly undemocratically elected and recently installed Prime Minister, yes he is intelligent and from previous experience of him he can certainly string a whole sentence together which could not be said of his previous boss Boris! Calling him out on his politics is my current right as an elector of this country. What I do take exception to is the level of abuse poured on him on social media from some of the more rabid members of our society. All based on his ethnicity and the colour of his skin, it's quite disgusting actually. No place for this.

So nasty is some of the rhetoric that I reckon the spooks at GCHQ will be expanding their "people of interest" files with many more potential future terrorists.

[plaques]

It was Starmer who pointed out that when in opposition the spotlight only comes round every so often. In parliament they only get 6 questions each week. Of course they will try to work their policies into the questions. They also have to ask permission to have time to raise items to be voted on. The result of these votes carry no legal weight and can be totally ignored by the sitting government. Then we have the rabid right-wing press who will totally ignore anything that Labour put forward. Not quite the level playing field for getting your points or manifesto across. Rishi Sunak faces an impossible task but its a task of his own party's making. Should we feel sorry for him? Not one bit. It was his choice. The real budget is out in a few days time let's see what he does and where his allegiance lies.

[Tripps]

I've watched Sunak with interest ever since I saw him speak as an unknown back bencher, a long time ago. I was interested since he was MP for Richmond - a place where I have spent quite a lot of time and know quite well. I was impressed enough with his performance that I Googled him and found he had succeeded William Hague. Looked like he had been marked out for greater things in this super safe seat I thought. Never imagined today would happen though.

One of the highlights of the present situation is that the TV cameras are in Richmond, and I can enjoy seeing the place again. Indulge me here - I spent last evening looking at the Trip Advisor reviews for the Richmond pubs. I noted especially the Bishop Blaize where someone commented that they had been persuaded by the waitress to have the 2 for one special smaller portion fish and chips to save them some money -"it's not much smaller".

I remember taking the family for lunch there a long time ago, and remember seeing them let a lone old lady have a child portion for the Sunday lunch to keep the cost down for her. I like that.

I would nominate 'Newbiggin' as the nicest street in England - and it ties equal first, with the Barlick Town Square as my favourite place.

Tizer - have a break and think again. I don't agree with all you say, but we need more 'grown ups 'in the debate.

As for the racism angle - perhaps better to avoid a lot of 'social media'? As a brown hindu multi millionaire, the lad's not doing too badly, and the Tories protected him from the rank and file by stitching up the selection process. I do wonder why on earth he wants the job though. Perhaps more conspiratorially -who is behind him, and wants him to have it?

Mentioning democracy - it means all things to all people. remember the Democratic Republic of North Korea?
For me - if you can get rid of them in a peaceful manner (perhaps not immediately) and they go when they are told - then it's democratic See Tony Benn's famous quote.

[Tripps]

Here's Newbiggin, Richmond, Yorkshire

I think it's Georgian. Its width alone demands horses and carriages and crinolines.

newbiggin.png

[Tripps]

Today's antics strain credulity.

Jeremy Hunt remains as Chancellor 'to provide stability'. Fair enough - he has been there all of two weeks.

Sir Gavin Williams - Minister without portfolio - and he will attend Cabinet. Of course - he will bring great wisdom to the table. Very strong on algorithms at Education I recall.He was described today as having the least deserved knighthood since Jimmy Savile.

Suella Braverman is back as Home Secretary again, (after six days absence !) and a resignation for breaking the Ministerial Code. What's the true story behind that episode? Certainly not what we have been told up to now.

They have even found a seat at the table for Nadhim Zahawi. I'm not his biggest fan.

This is just a giant soap opera of self serving venal creatures - not one of whom has the good and well being of the nation and the people at heart, just self interest and personal advancement. The only thing that cheered me up was learning that Rashi Sanook (as Pres. Oje Bedin calls him) is just 5ft 6in tall, so it will give me lots of innocent amusement seeing how they seek to hide the fact during his public appearances. They'll be brushing up on old Alan Ladd films as we speak.

Earlier I urged Tizer not to stop posting on UK politics. Tonight - I think I'll join him.

This lot surely cannot form a coherent effective team for the challenges to come. I think / hope they will collapse at the earliest opportunity. Even the prospect of Angela Rayner as Deputy Prime Minister would not put me off voting Labour to get rid of them all.

PS It was noted today that Sunak had said almost nothing since his surprise resignation which started the downfall of Boris. By his words and actions today he has shown himself to be a 'shrewd judge' in the matter.

[Stanley]

Peter and David..... Someone just said "Tizer - have a break and think again. I don't agree with all you say, but we need more 'grown ups 'in the debate. ". Quite right and I recommend a period of quiet thought....
See THIS for a handy guide to the new Cabinet and yes, I to did a double take when I got to the last line and saw Williamson and Jenrick as well. Williamson is is simply incompetent and Is Jenrick being put in to oppose Braverman? I thought the Home Office was in charge of borders and immigration.... I haven't forgotten him being amenable to developers.....
(I was pleased to see no mention of the Moon Face Stephenson. His rise and rise was annoying me.)
PS. What would really have impressed me would have been a public apology for Tom Scholar and an offer of his post back.

[plaques]

Our Sky internet was down for most of the evening so I missed most of the excitement. Rishi Sunak has picked a cabinet that has united the Conservative party. We shall see.Talk now is getting the economy up and running again and reducing the deficit by tax rises and austerity. All in the name of not burdening the next generation with OUR mistakes. Governments have always run on borrowed money and it makes good sense to do so. Osbourne and Cameron gave us 10 years of austerity that went beyond the need of the country Ie: as long as the debt is being invested in infrastructure that will promote growth then its worth having. If Sunak and Hunt only intend to get rid of the extra debt created by Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng to placate the Markets I can understand that. What is annoying is to claim they are OUR mistakes and not theirs. The rest of the news is all hot air and speculation so as not to upset too many of our readers I'll finish at this point.

[Whyperion]

Stanley, Plaques and Panbiker, you're all ranting about Sunak and the Tories when you should be thanking your lucky stars that we've got rid of Johnson and Truss and now have an intelligent PM. The opposition parties are dragging their heels when they should have been coming out on top with all the chances they've had over recent years. I'm not a Tory supporter but I'm realistic. From now on I'm not going to comment on UK politics in this topic, it's not worth the effort.

I have now idea , other than Rejoin the EU what the LibDems have to offer (maybe ,just, not the conservatives in an area that wont vote labour)

Labour, and the Unions, miss the point about the "cost of living" situation, both it seems calling for higher wages to pay for higher prices , which will only feed more inflation (and I know business bonuses and so on are "unfair" too). None are seeking the obvious - reduce indirect taxes (mainly VAT), Revert the Stamp Duty changes ( to edge off increases in house prices and demand for more unaffordable credit ), reform Council Tax (effectively bring back Rates based on property values), Increase slightly in work and not in work benefits to spin more cash into the general economy, this will give the growth with less inflation, (and despite what the world bank is saying , energy support costs can be funded from windfall taxes , and should be regarded as a price decrease to the consumer to reduce inflation) . This will reduce the interest bill Govt pays which trims a bit off the borrowing. This is the only immediate clear measure , Ideally I would like to see personal tax allowances rise, but I do not see that happening, and a small increase in something like income tax, but that seems politically toxic. There are more micro changes that could be made but I think the detail is too much for a short note here.

Anyway, please post here, if we dont have a target to shoot at it gets boring



Waiting for the PE headline for this image.
(Chief of the Indian Empire meets his Primary Subject ?)
(" I recommend Grecian 2000" ?)
( " Due to the Energy Crises no lights for Diwali this year" ? )

[Stanley]

[Big Kev]

It can't be too bad living here, despite border patrols stopping 28000 migrants crossing the channel, 38000 have successfully landed here in 2022. I can't believe they've all been 'sold' a dream life by some dodgy people trafficking gangs. People just aren't that stupid.

[Tripps]

38000 have successfully landed here in 2022. I

Perhaps this Serco seeking landlordshas something to do with it?

No housing crisis or cost of living crisis for the lucky ones - or have I misunderstood it?

[Stanley]

Thanks for alerting me to that David. That really worries me, it is overt exploitation of a trade steeped in cruelty and it says something about the scale that the government has had to privatise provision. I also wonder about local authorities and 'bed and breakfast. Am I right in thinking they have to finance that?
See THIS BBC report for another reason to feel unease about this PM and his policies. I have no views on fracking, it was always an opportunistic bid by the investors to get it going again and wouldn't have made energy any cheaper, just brought some of the profits nearer home.... I don't read anything into him refusing to endorse linking benefits to inflation or protecting the 'Triple Lock' on pensions. Nothing will be said until Hunt has got his ducks together and we have a November Budget (Call it what they will).
My prediction is that they will make the same mistake that Cameron and Osborne made in 2010 faced with the aftermath of the 2008 Credit Crisis. They will slash and burn and the weight will fall on the lower 50 percentile of the voters. This will ensure a recession (I believe we are in one now actually) and be a reason for even more draconian action. GDP will fall even more etc. Some economists are talking about a 'Doom Loop'. My mind goes to a poem....

LINK

Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
The best lack all conviction, while the worst
Are full of passionate intensity.

[Stanley]

David, further to your alert over Serco, you were ahead of the curve, here's something that has surfaced since. [url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/oct/26/
"borders-watchdog-left-speechless-by-failings-at-migrants-centre-in-kent]LINK[/url]."

[plaques]

At this point in time I'm against fracking. Until we can think of better things to do with gas other than burning it then its better left in the ground.

Rishi Sunak first PM Question Time declared a roaring success mainly based on one point 'fracking''.
The Conservative manifesto promised = 'NO'.
Boris Johnson promised = NO.
Liz Truss promised = YES.
Rishi Sunak promised = NO.

On a three to one the resultant is = NO.

Question. Why does Rishi Sunak's promise = NO. make him a hero? Virtually everything that Truss has promised has been turned on its head.

Funny old world.

[Tripps]

Zahawi supports Braverman

That looks like the 'kiss of death'. She'll be lucky to survive the week. Perhaps even the day. Be interesting to see the reason for which she resigns.

[Stanley]

I agree David, I thought it was notable yesterday that Jake Berry directly attacked Braverman. It's all part of a pattern, Sunak may think he has got away with his reshuffle but there are signs that all is not well. I think we can expect some reaction from the ERG as Rees Mogg returns to their ranks.
Then there is the matter of the COP27 conference. No 10 says that Sunak isn't going and so every correspondent is trying to read what this means. Nobody has bought the 'busy' line. Remember that the UN said yesterday that there was no credible way of making significant reductions in greenhouse gases.
I think that Sunak is trying to decide what his line is going to be on global warming and other matters as well. His instinct is to look after the rich but he knows that if he brings down the weight of his austerity matters down on the oldest, weakest and poorest in the population he will get an enormous back lash. Nobody in the Tory Party can heave a sigh of relief because they think they have got away with it. They are still staring at oblivion and so far Sunak has given them nothing but stirring rhetoric and aspirations (and not much of them.). There is a reason why he has been so reticent. He has to gauge what he can get away with before he makes any promises.

[plaques]

There is a reason why he has been so reticent. He has to gauge what he can get away with before he makes any promises.

All governments whatever the colour have to judge what they can 'get away with'. Sunak's immediate move is what all governments do is to do nothing. Liz Truss was an exception and look what happened to her. The ERG of which Braverman appears to be a senior member are already making it known that unless Sunak follows the hard Brexit and gets rid of the Northern Ireland protocol they will bring the government down. Bye bye Sunak and another change of wallpaper. Braverman appears like a Johnson clone and will only go when pushed. Sunak will sit it out as long as he can hoping that the right-wing media makes such a fuss that even the ERG will see it in their best interest to 'let her go'.

[Stanley]

I hope you're not right Ken but I have this awful feeling that you could be on the money.... Time will tell.