The Politics Thread

[Darkon84]

It's a huge price, all the front runners I don't think would want to touch the job yet.The Nonce Finder General might want it but he's surely as toxic and as hopeless as Corbyn is.

 

Corbyn has now demanded Livingstone apologies, this could be interesting. When he spoke about "A new kinder politics" I presume he meant one of the words in German.

 

 

Down to 12s on William Hill already now. I thought Corbyn had already requested Livingstone apologises but he'd refused . Could be wrong though. Ha, very good!

[Guest MattP]

Down to 12s on William Hill already now. I thought Corbyn had already requested Livingstone apologises but he'd refused . Could be wrong though. Ha, very good!

 

Livingstone has now said on Radio 4 "If he's upset, I'm sorry, but he shouldn't blame me" before ranting on about how he's not from Eton, before the interviewer steps in to tell him Jones is actually the son of a minor and didn't go to Eton.

 

A real heartfelt apology.

[Darkon84]

Livingstone has now said on Radio 4 "If he's upset, I'm sorry, but he shouldn't blame me" before ranting on about how he's not from Eton, before the interviewer steps in to tell him Jones is actually the son of a minor and didn't go to Eton.

 

A real heartfelt apology.

 

Not much better than his radio interview which was on Daily Politics...."He should apologise first" etc etc. How has he got back in to a position anyway? I've no idea where he's been, just assumed he'd fvcked off in to the distance after Boris got the London job. 

[Alf Bentley]

Livingstone has now said on Radio 4 "If he's upset, I'm sorry, but he shouldn't blame me" before ranting on about how he's not from Eton, before the interviewer steps in to tell him Jones is actually the son of a minor and didn't go to Eton.

 

A real heartfelt apology.

 

 

The son of a minor? Don't tell the "Noncefinder-General". 

 

By the way, you really ought to open a new "Politics Thread" and rename this one the "MattP's Anti-Labour Propaganda Thread".

 

Much of the hilarity at Labour's chaos, ill-concealed infighting, indecision and lack of leadership is justified. It would just be nice to occasionally discuss real politics, such as that exercised by those with real power.

[Guest]

The son of a minor? Don't tell the "Noncefinder-General". 

 

By the way, you really ought to open a new "Politics Thread" and rename this one the "MattP's Anti-Labour Propaganda Thread".

 

Much of the hilarity at Labour's chaos, ill-concealed infighting, indecision and lack of leadership is justified. It would just be nice to occasionally discuss real politics, such as that exercised by those with real power.

 

I've said this before but it seems the cons don't want to talk about their own policies - it's a bit like politicians before a General Election.

[BoyJones]

Corbyn should study history. There are times when constant appeasement is not the correct response. Corbyn currently makes Chamberlain look like Attila the Hun! Thank God he should be gone soon. We need a decent opposition.

Is Corbyn trying to go down in history as the most inept, out of touch labour leader and that would be saying something.

[Guest MattP]

Not much better than his radio interview which was on Daily Politics...."He should apologise first" etc etc. How has he got back in to a position anyway? I've no idea where he's been, just assumed he'd fvcked off in to the distance after Boris got the London job. 

 

Politics changes very quickly these days, this morning I didn't even know Livingstone was back in business, this afternoon they are all calling for him to resign.

 

Who actually thought it was a good idea to give this bloke a job again? tHe causes chaos wherever he goes and usually in a very short space of time, what posseses someone to speak about a new "kinder politics" where we all "have a sensible debate" and then put someone in charge who has never been able to resist throwing childish insults at anyone who disagrees with him?

 

We all know Corbyn isn't the sharpest knife in the draw but it's obvious now just how much this guy lives within his own clique as well.

 

The son of a minor? Don't tell the "Noncefinder-General". 

 

By the way, you really ought to open a new "Politics Thread" and rename this one the "MattP's Anti-Labour Propaganda Thread".

 

Much of the hilarity at Labour's chaos, ill-concealed infighting, indecision and lack of leadership is justified. It would just be nice to occasionally discuss real politics, such as that exercised by those with real power.

 

(I dispute it's anti-Labour mind, I think the Labour party could be great with the right leadership, a lot of people in this party have a lot to offer, just none of them want too at this point in time)

 

As I've said numerous times before I hope the Labour party can soon start to offer up some policy that we can all talk about rather than just consistently telling us they are "going to have a debate" about an issue and then expecting us to try and garner what their policy is while numerous cabinet ministers all contradict each other over whatever it is we are talking about.

 

Until that time we can only really sit back and just laugh at this absolute car crash that is occuring before our eyes, I thought it would be bad when these people got hold of a serious political party but even I couldn't have envisaged some of the things that have occured, surely it's only a matter of time before George Galloway gets a senior role soon?

 

That would be the icing on the cake before Corbyn departs.

 

I've said this before but it seems the cons don't want to talk about their own policies - it's a bit like politicians before a General Election.

 

They are usually more than enough people on here to criticise government policy, why they are so quiet now I have no idea, the tax credit issue had significent discussion, you watch the news FIF, why don't you start up some debate on Conservative policy?

 

If you are expecting me, Webbo, JTH etc to be on here trying to criticise the Tory government then I can't help thinking they might not be doing a bad job, I'd be thinking the same if roles were reversed as well and we were calling for Alf, Ken or Ultra to be posting awful things about Labour because we weren't.

[Guest]

Politics changes very quickly these days, this morning I didn't even know Livingstone was back in business, this afternoon they are all calling for him to resign.

 

Who actually thought it was a good idea to give this bloke a job again? tHe causes chaos wherever he goes and usually in a very short space of time, what posseses someone to speak about a new "kinder politics" where we all "have a sensible debate" and then put someone in charge who has never been able to resist throwing childish insults at anyone who disagrees with him?

 

We all know Corbyn isn't the sharpest knife in the draw but it's obvious now just how much this guy lives within his own clique as well.

 

 

(I dispute it's anti-Labour mind, I think the Labour party could be great with the right leadership, a lot of people in this party have a lot to offer, just none of them want too at this point in time)

 

As I've said numerous times before I hope the Labour party can soon start to offer up some policy that we can all talk about rather than just consistently telling us they are "going to have a debate" about an issue and then expecting us to try and garner what their policy is while numerous cabinet ministers all contradict each other over whatever it is we are talking about.

 

Until that time we can only really sit back and just laugh at this absolute car crash that is occuring before our eyes, I thought it would be bad when these people got hold of a serious political party but even I couldn't have envisaged some of the things that have occured, surely it's only a matter of time before George Galloway gets a senior role soon?

 

That would be the icing on the cake before Corbyn departs.

 

 

They are usually more than enough people on here to criticise government policy, why they are so quiet now I have no idea, the tax credit issue had significent discussion, you watch the news FIF, why don't you start up some debate on Conservative policy?

 

If you are expecting me, Webbo, JTH etc to be on here trying to criticise the Tory government then I can't help thinking they might not be doing a bad job, I'd be thinking the same if roles were reversed as well and we were calling for Alf, Ken or Ultra to be posting awful things about Labour because we weren't.

 

I did - about teaching twice but it wasn't labour bashing enough for you I guess.

 

Anyway It's not about criticising the con government, it's about commenting on it and it's policies.

 

It's sad that this thread seems to have moved from politics to Corbyn bashing. 

[Guest MattP]

Speak of the devil(s) Let's hope so.

 

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/11/06/george-galloway-labour-mp-ken-livingstone-lbc_n_8494362.html
 

Ousted MP George Galloway should be allowed back in to the Labour Party from which he was expelled, former Mayor Ken Livingstone said on Friday.

The former Bradford West representative, who was ejected from sitting as a Labour MP in 2003, was told he could re-join the newly-fronted party provided he "abides by the rules" and "supports Jeremy Corbyn".

 

Imagine him sat on the back benches next to Naz Shah.

 

[Guest MattP]

I did - about teaching twice but it wasn't labour bashing enough for you I guess.

 

Anyway It's not about criticising the con government, it's about commenting on it and it's policies.

 

It's sad that this thread seems to have moved from politics to Corbyn bashing. 

 

Teaching? That hasn't even been an issue recently has it? What were you posts?

 

As for the last bit, well that is politics here at the minute, virtually everything is revolving around the rather bizarre things Jeremy Corbyn says or does. Labour can't complain, if you appoint a man like this to your leadership you deal with what comes with it.

[Guest]

Teaching? That hasn't even been an issue recently has it? What were you posts?

 

As for the last bit, well that is politics here at the minute, virtually everything is revolving around the rather bizarre things Jeremy Corbyn says or does. Labour can't complain, if you appoint a man like this to your leadership you deal with what comes with it.

 

I'm not Labour, I just find the continual Corbyn bashing tiring and uninteresting - and not really politics related. He's an interim opposition leader against a govt. with an overall majority early in their mandate. 

[Guest MattP]

I'm not Labour, I just find the continual Corbyn bashing tiring and uninteresting - and not really politics related. He's an interim opposition leader against a govt. with an overall majority early in their mandate. 

 

He's not an interim opposition leader at all, we should not forget he's been elected on a huge mandate and was the overwhelming choice of the Labour membership.

[Guest]

He's not an interim opposition leader at all, we should not forget he's been elected on a huge mandate and was the overwhelming choice of the Labour membership.

 

You've been telling me that he won't last until Christmas - that sounds interim! 

[Guest MattP]

You've been telling me that he won't last until Christmas - that sounds interim! 

 

He'll still be there at Christmas, he's under pressure but the size of his mandate will keep him clinging on for a while yet. Realistically I think he'll last until about 2017, but I hope he'll last a bit longer than that.

[Webbo]

I did - about teaching twice but it wasn't labour bashing enough for you I guess.

 

Anyway It's not about criticising the con government, it's about commenting on it and it's policies.

 

It's sad that this thread seems to have moved from politics to Corbyn bashing. 

I've not got involved with the Corbyn bashing because I'm not really interested.

 

By the same token we could ask why the Labour supporters aren't discussing the falling unemployment, low inflation and continued growth, despite all predictions to the contrary.

[Guest]

He'll still be there at Christmas, he's under pressure but the size of his mandate will keep him clinging on for a while yet. Realistically I think he'll last until about 2017, but I hope he'll last a bit longer than that.

 

If he lasts over 2 years I'd guess that he must be doing something right.

I've not got involved with the Corbyn bashing because I'm not really interested.

 

By the same token we could ask why the Labour supporters aren't discussing the falling unemployment, low inflation and continued growth, despite all predictions to the contrary.

 

You should ask them. That would be policy discussion after all.

[Guest MattP]

If he lasts over 2 years I'd guess that he must be doing something right.

 

Only if you would also extend that courtesy to Michael Howard and Ian Duncan Smith.

[Alf Bentley]

 As I've said numerous times before I hope the Labour party can soon start to offer up some policy that we can all talk about rather than just consistently telling us they are "going to have a debate" about an issue and then expecting us to try and garner what their policy is while numerous cabinet ministers all contradict each other over whatever it is we are talking about.

 

 

They are usually more than enough people on here to criticise government policy, why they are so quiet now I have no idea, the tax credit issue had significent discussion, you watch the news FIF, why don't you start up some debate on Conservative policy?

 

If you are expecting me, Webbo, JTH etc to be on here trying to criticise the Tory government then I can't help thinking they might not be doing a bad job, I'd be thinking the same if roles were reversed as well and we were calling for Alf, Ken or Ultra to be posting awful things about Labour because we weren't.

 

 

I agree with your first point. It WOULD be good to see Labour come up with some clear policy priorities and start campaigning on them. It was always bound to take time, given the differences between Corbyn and his MPs, but is taking too long and yielding too little. Either the leadership needs to identify key policies with which it can assert itself or there needs to be a compromise agenda between Labour Left and Right - or the "moderates" need to find a mechanism for challenging Corbyn quickly. The current state of affairs is the worst of all worlds - and bears a distinct resemblance to the 2010 post-election period when Labour spent months dithering and debating while the Tories got down to business setting the agenda and ruining the country.

 

Like FIF, I'm not expecting you or the other Tory Boys to criticise Tory policies. I'd settle for you just discussing them, even praising them. Admittedly, I've not raised any new political issues myself recently and there's a bit of a lull in domestic politics at the moment. No doubt that will change as legislation is brought forward, the tax credits / austerity cuts issue returns, the EU referendum campaign hots up, the local/Scottish elections take place etc. etc.

 

I'm not against all the anti-Corbyn stuff. Some of it is richly deserved and some of it is very funny - and I'll gladly admit to occasionally making similar jibes at Call Me Dave and his mates. It's just that this thread is turning into the "Matt spends all day slating Jezza" thread, featuring debates on whether a junior shadow minister criticised Jezza, the significance of him shagging Diane Abbott 35 years ago, whether a Jezza adviser wrote something dodgy in The Guardian last decade, whether Red Ken has been rude to someone seeking to undermine him, blah-di-blah.... Couldn't you just ration the anti-Jezza tittle-tattle and discuss politics - as in policy, not just process, infighting and gossip?

 

I'll try to help by sticking my oar in with some "real issues" some time - and will stay out of this JezzaFest thread until then.

[Guest MattP]

I agree with your first point. It WOULD be good to see Labour come up with some clear policy priorities and start campaigning on them. It was always bound to take time, given the differences between Corbyn and his MPs, but is taking too long and yielding too little. Either the leadership needs to identify key policies with which it can assert itself or there needs to be a compromise agenda between Labour Left and Right - or the "moderates" need to find a mechanism for challenging Corbyn quickly. The current state of affairs is the worst of all worlds - and bears a distinct resemblance to the 2010 post-election period when Labour spent months dithering and debating while the Tories got down to business setting the agenda and ruining the country.

 

Like FIF, I'm not expecting you or the other Tory Boys to criticise Tory policies. I'd settle for you just discussing them, even praising them. Admittedly, I've not raised any new political issues myself recently and there's a bit of a lull in domestic politics at the moment. No doubt that will change as legislation is brought forward, the tax credits / austerity cuts issue returns, the EU referendum campaign hots up, the local/Scottish elections take place etc. etc.

 

I'm not against all the anti-Corbyn stuff. Some of it is richly deserved and some of it is very funny - and I'll gladly admit to occasionally making similar jibes at Call Me Dave and his mates. It's just that this thread is turning into the "Matt spends all day slating Jezza" thread, featuring debates on whether a junior shadow minister criticised Jezza, the significance of him shagging Diane Abbott 35 years ago, whether a Jezza adviser wrote something dodgy in The Guardian last decade, whether Red Ken has been rude to someone seeking to undermine him, blah-di-blah.... Couldn't you just ration the anti-Jezza tittle-tattle and discuss politics - as in policy, not just process, infighting and gossip?

 

I'll try to help by sticking my oar in with some "real issues" some time - and will stay out of this JezzaFest thread until then.

 

Agree with some of the first paragraph, I can't say it reminds me too much of 2010 given Labour wasn't tearing itself to shreds back then and I'm sure there position in the polls was comfortably better than it looks now.

 

As for today, the Livingstone issue is the biggest political issue of the day, it took up more time on the Daily Politics than Paris did and was quite significent, it's the headline story on the politics section of all the news websites.

 

Corbyn has made no secret of his passion for the treatment of mental health and then someone he appoints decides to tell a well known mental health sufferer in his own to "go get psychatric help" because he disagrees with him, stuff like that is news and as usual it was made worse as Red Ken refused to apologise and instead told him to "get over it".

 

People attack politicians for irrelevent things all the time, Ken must have made 50 posts on here within a week regarding Cameron when "pig-gate" was on.

[Alf Bentley]

By the same token we could ask why the Labour supporters aren't discussing the falling unemployment, low inflation and continued growth, despite all predictions to the contrary.

 

 

Millions of crap jobs, mainly filled through record levels of immigration. Stuttering growth in manufacturing and construction, A housing crisis destroying the life prospects of the young, ratcheting up inequality and turning success/failure into an inheritance-based lottery. An unbalanced economy maintained by people flogging one another shares, insurance policies, burgers and hair stylings or providing personal services to investment bankers, Arab oil magnates and Russian crime tycoons. Schools crippled by targets. NHS and social care falling apart.

 

I could get into this Webbo-style succinct posting. 

[Guest]

Agree with some of the first paragraph, I can't say it reminds me too much of 2010 given Labour wasn't tearing itself to shreds back then and I'm sure there position in the polls was comfortably better than it looks now.

 

As for today, the Livingstone issue is the biggest political issue of the day, it took up more time on the Daily Politics than Paris did and was quite significent, it's the headline story on the politics section of all the news websites.

 

Corbyn has made no secret of his passion for the treatment of mental health and then someone he appoints decides to tell a well known mental health sufferer in his own to "go get psychatric help" because he disagrees with him, stuff like that is news and as usual it was made worse as Red Ken refused to apologise and instead told him to "get over it".

 

People attack politicians for irrelevent things all the time, Ken must have made 50 posts on here within a week regarding Cameron when "pig-gate" was on.

 

You are aware that most of us ignore Rincey's Cameron posts aren't you? sorry Rincey.

[Guest MattP]

You are aware that most of us ignore Rincey's Cameron posts aren't you? sorry Rincey.

 

Probably but I don't, he cheers me up.

[Webbo]

Millions of crap jobs, mainly filled through record levels of immigration. Stuttering growth in manufacturing and construction, A housing crisis destroying the life prospects of the young, ratcheting up inequality and turning success/failure into an inheritance-based lottery. An unbalanced economy maintained by people flogging one another shares, insurance policies, burgers and hair stylings or providing personal services to investment bankers, Arab oil magnates and Russian crime tycoons. Schools crippled by targets. NHS and social care falling apart.

 

I could get into this Webbo-style succinct posting. 

2 lines too long.

[MooseBreath]

Millions of jobs. Record levels of immigration. Growth in manufacturing and construction, A housing crisis. An economy arguably weighted slightly too heavily towards services but in keeping with what you'd expect. Schools now have actual targets to hit, the scandal! NHS and social care more realistically funded.

I could get into this Webbo-style succinct posting.

I've moderated your post for you.

I think I'd make a good mod. Mark?

[Alf Bentley]

I've moderated your post for you.

I think I'd make a good mod. Mark?

 

 

Mark? 0/10, mate!