Politics at Westminster

SteveJ · 17th January 2012, 01:06

We're up shit creek, so buy her a canoe.

peterstorey · 17th January 2012, 01:18

Let her paddle her own canoe.

lynchie · 17th January 2012, 10:29

I have a sneaky suspicion Gove told a foreign journalist he'd like to motorboat her maj, and between being translated twice it's become misinterpreted. It's the only rational explanation.

evra · 17th January 2012, 11:47

Seeing as inflation is falling in line with BOE predictions we could well see more QE in the not too distant future, things are slightly less scary today.

rcoobc · 31st January 2012, 11:35

Best thing the government has done in 20 years.. cutting the shite vocational GCSE's. Long life the bonfire.

bsc · 8th February 2012, 10:08

5 point lead now for Labour(42)

This NHS bill is turning into an absolute disaster for the Tories.

MikeUpNorth · 17th April 2012, 11:59

Brian, you have been slack in keeping us updated on the latest polling figures.

Quote:

The UK Independence party has leaped into third place ahead of the Liberal Democrats for the first time in a YouGov-Sun poll. The poll also shows Labour with its largest poll lead of this parliament at 11 points.

It comes alongside a Times Populus poll showing Labour on 42 points (up four), the Conservatives on 33 (down one), the Lib Dems on 11 (unchanged) and others, including Ukip, at 16.

The two polls underline the extent to which the coalition parties have been hit by a budget that has led to a slew of bad headlines over the granny tax, pasty tax and charities tax. Although the Populus poll gives Labour its largest share of the vote since the general election, it will still concern Labour strategists that so much of the discontent with the Tories is leaking to Ukip rather than to Labour. The electorate appears to be unusually volatile.

The YouGov poll shows the Conservatives at 32%, Labour at 43%, Ukip at 9% and Liberal Democrats at 8%. YouGov reports: "This is a significant jump from the six-point leads we were showing last week, and the largest Labour lead since before the 'election that never was' in October 2007.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...d-tories-polls

bsc · 17th April 2012, 13:18

UKIP are turning into a real danger for the Tories.

The comments pages on Telegraph and Daily Mail articles are nearly all polluted with supportive comments for them.

Drifter · 17th April 2012, 14:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeUpNorth

Brian, you have been slack in keeping us updated on the latest polling figures.

Think he as his reasons.

RedKaos · 17th April 2012, 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsc

UKIP are turning into a real danger for the Tories.

The comments pages on Telegraph and Daily Mail articles are nearly all polluted with supportive comments for them.

While on the flipside it seems that the Labour vote is far less split now that Lib Dem popularity is at an all time low. Not looking good for the Tories.

I'm curious if these sort of figures would be reflected in the London Mayoral election in month or so.

peterstorey · 17th April 2012, 16:08

They're not in the YouGov figures which have Johnson ahead 45/40. It's not being fought on policy grounds as far as I can see, it's just who do you like better? Bumbling Boris or nasty red Ken.

Mockney · 17th April 2012, 16:15

That's mainly 'cos the Mayor of London doesn't really have any power to do anything other than fuck with the transport, which is still scandalously expensive, thanks in part to both of them.

I'm not even sure I'll vote to be honest. They're both cunts. And I hate cunts that don't vote.

MJLD · 17th April 2012, 20:26

The Evening Standard really has fucked Ken over. I'm a Labour member (and I work for a Labour organisation) but I wouldn't vote for him if I was eligible. The party is well ahead in the polls in London; he was the wrong candidate last time and he's the wrong candidate this time.

711 · 17th April 2012, 20:29

He looks old and tired, as if he's weary of the whole thing.

Would have slaughtered Boris when younger, but a poor choice now.

bsc · 17th April 2012, 20:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJLD

The Evening Standard really has fucked Ken over.

Whose new editor is Sarah Sands, close personal friend of Boris Johnson.

That said, I agree with you on Ken. He's just not electable. None of them are, really.

rednev · 17th April 2012, 20:50

It's a bit of a joke that the three people who ran for Mayor last time around are the three people running again. I really hope Ken wins, but it's looking unlikely if the poll data is anything to go by. Just who the hell is voting for Boris Johnson? He's the biggest tosser in London, and he's as sleazy as they come.

rednev · 17th April 2012, 20:52

I think David Miliband would have been a far better Labour candidate than Ken, but I think he has bigger ambitions.

Mockney · 17th April 2012, 20:54

Ken's just as big a tosser to be fair, he's just not a posh tosser. Why anyone would "really hope Ken wins" is beyond me. He's a twat who's greatest achievement is making getting around London farcically more expensive.

If anything Boris is the safer bet as he's probably less inclined to fuck with what little power he has. He'll just bumble around saying stupid things on good will tours. Ken will want to do something to ensure a legacy.

rednev · 17th April 2012, 21:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mockney

Ken's just as big a tosser to be fair, he's just not a posh tosser. Why anyone would "really hope Ken wins" is beyond me. He's a twat who's greatest achievement is making getting around London farcically more expensive.

If anything Boris is the safer bet as he's probably less inclined to fuck with what little power he has. He'll just bumble around saying stupid things on good will tours. Ken will want to do something to ensure a legacy.

Although I don't mind Ken Livingston, I'm not too fussed about him personally. A Boris Johnson victory would be painted in the media as a Tory victory and a Labour defeat, even though I'm not sure a great deal of people will be voting on party grounds. It would legitimise the Tory-led coalition more than any Westminster by-election would, and would probably put some serious pressure on Ed Miliband.

But more importantly, Boris is a massive tosser. Much more so than Ken. He epitomises everything that is bad about tossery. It's not about him being a posh tosser, it's about him being a faux-dandy posh tosser. He's a complete fake. He thinks that he can dodge serious issues by being a lovable eccentric and a clown, and by whipping out Latin phrases when he gets himself in to a spot of bother. The worst thing about it is that it works - people lap it up. Frankly, he needs to just fuck off.

Mockney · 17th April 2012, 21:19

I'd personally rather vote for who would be better/less worse for London over the next few years. Not who would have the best impact on my side of a wider partizan political party issue.

Crazy ey?

Plus I'd quite like some pressure put on Ed Milliband. Labour would be running away with the polls if they had anyone else but the least interesting and charismatic man in the world in charge.

MJLD · 17th April 2012, 21:46

London mayoral elections are usually above/beyond party politics. Boris is more popular than Tories, Ken is more unpopular than Labour. The polls don't match the national story.

I seem to be in complete agreement with you Mockney.

711 · 17th April 2012, 21:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mockney

Ken's just as big a tosser to be fair, he's just not a posh tosser. Why anyone would "really hope Ken wins" is beyond me. He's a twat who's greatest achievement is making getting around London farcically more expensive.

If anything Boris is the safer bet as he's probably less inclined to fuck with what little power he has. He'll just bumble around saying stupid things on good will tours. Ken will want to do something to ensure a legacy.

More expensive? Wasn't he the one that froze bus fares for years and then brought in oyster cards? Unless you mean congestion charges, but I haven't seen anyone rushing to abolish them since.

Mockney · 18th April 2012, 00:16

Oh yes, the Oyster card. That marvellous money saving device. Fares on the trains were about 90p before them. Then they were raised to almost £4. But thankfully the blessed Oyster card meant you could get on a train for only about £1...providing of course you bought a £3 oyster card.

I especially like failing to swipe in at an open barrier and being charged the full price.

rednev · 19th April 2012, 19:49

Not Westminster politics, but seeing as though the subject has already been brought up in this thread, the Sky News debate for London Mayor hopefuls takes place in 10 minutes:

Stream: http://news.sky.com/sky-news/app/liveTV/liveTv.html

rednev · 19th April 2012, 19:50

Also, Galloway is on Question Time tonight. Should be worth a watch.

rednev · 19th April 2012, 20:04

Brian Paddick fluffs his words within a minute of the debate starting.

"Unlike these guys, I'm not a professional politician"

[30 seconds later...]

"I'm a professional politician"

MJLD · 19th April 2012, 22:24

Ken is a cretin. Unelectable, unpalatable. Can't wait till he retires.

bsc · 20th April 2012, 18:05

Gideon approved 10 billion for the IMF today

Amazing how they can find money when they really, REALLY, need it, but not for cancer sufferers or the disabled....

Quote:

Osborne said the loan would come from the UK's reserves, was not money that would otherwise have been available for public spending, and would not add to the national debt.

Will be interesting to see how Tory backbenchers take this...

Torygraphers ain't happy. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/f...war-chest.html All top rated comments urging support for UKIP.

rednev · 20th April 2012, 18:24

I agree with the government on the IMF contributions. If all countries (particularly Germany) had taken the stance that public money should no longer be used for bailout funds, the Euro currency would have collapsed by now and all of Europe would currently be recession. If the bond markets lose faith in the bailout project then we run the risk of Spain and Italy not being able to raise sufficient revenue to pay off their debt commitments. The European economy would go into meltdown.

The single most important issue in the world economy at the moment (and possibly the most important issue since WW2) is the European sovereign debt crisis. It isn't going to fix itself and if the countries of Europe (and the US though the IMF) can't get together and solve what is a solvable problem then we might as well all give up.

Excal · 20th April 2012, 18:41

Now let's talk about how IMF loans come with massive "austerity or else" strings attached which punish the poorest people in the world, and force already poor nations into situations where they can't maintain basic infrastructure, forcing them to privatize vital national resources...oh never mind.

peterstorey · 20th April 2012, 19:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJLD

Ken is a cretin. Unelectable, unpalatable. Can't wait till he retires.

He's not a very nice piece of work but he's better than Boris.

Agent Red · 20th April 2012, 21:20

Ken's untrustworthy and egotistical, Paddick's policies seem weak or unrealistic and Boris is a bit of a buffoon whose biggest success (the bikes) was based on an idea started by the previous administration.

I'm going to research Siobhan Benita, the independent candidate. Those I know that have worked with her have a lot of respect for her. Hopefully her policies will stand up, she's worth a go given that none of the main three really appeal to me.

peterstorey · 20th April 2012, 21:49

Jenny Jones is the standout candidate on policy and integrity but she's not going to figure in the KnutBore show.

Agent Red · 20th April 2012, 23:36

Yes I will have a read of her policies as well.

bsc · 21st April 2012, 11:45

After Cameron's hatchet job on Ken Livingstone's tax situation at PMQs this week, this could be quite uncomfortable for the PM at next week's.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...ily-tax-havens

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...-panama-geneva

bsc · 21st April 2012, 12:31

Interesting article in the Mail today, raises some quite interesting points....

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/ar...ommon-man.html

bsc · 21st April 2012, 12:50

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/n...recession.html

Cynical ploy? Hmmmm.

MJLD · 21st April 2012, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsc

After Cameron's hatchet job on Ken Livingstone's tax situation at PMQs this week, this could be quite uncomfortable for the PM at next week's.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...ily-tax-havens

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...-panama-geneva

Stay classy Guardian, going for Cameron's deceased father.

rednev · 22nd April 2012, 01:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJLD

Stay classy Guardian, going for Cameron's deceased father.

You can't see how this might be in the public interest?

If Cameron's family members have money tied up in offshore funds designed [by his father, incidentally] to avoid paying income tax, then it throws into question his partiality on the issue of the government's commitment to clamp down on overseas tax avoidance.

rednev · 22nd April 2012, 03:39

Quote:

Andrew Lansley backs lower pay for NHS staff in poorer areas

Health secretary risks new political storm by supporting proposals that unions say will worsen the north-south divide

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...-pay-nhs-staff

The Conservatives will have no chance of winning a Commons majority in 2015 if they continue to push this incredibly stupid regional pay policy.

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17th January 2012, 01:06	#161 (permalink)
SteveJ Nicest fella on the Caf and Newbie of the Year 2011 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The Divided Kingdom Posts: 11,918	We're up shit creek, so buy her a canoe.

17th January 2012, 01:18	#162 (permalink)
peterstorey Bitter Arse hole Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Happy those, who can remain at Highbury! Posts: 25,989	Let her paddle her own canoe.

17th January 2012, 10:29	#163 (permalink)
lynchie First Team Sub Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,750	I have a sneaky suspicion Gove told a foreign journalist he'd like to motorboat her maj, and between being translated twice it's become misinterpreted. It's the only rational explanation.

17th January 2012, 11:47	#164 (permalink)
evra First Team Sub Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right. Posts: 8,037	Seeing as inflation is falling in line with BOE predictions we could well see more QE in the not too distant future, things are slightly less scary today.

31st January 2012, 11:35	#165 (permalink)
rcoobc Not as crap as eferyone thinks Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Corrupting West Brom Posts: 17,197	Best thing the government has done in 20 years.. cutting the shite vocational GCSE's. Long life the bonfire.

8th February 2012, 10:08	#166 (permalink)
bsc First Team Sub Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Stretford End - 3103 Posts: 5,712	5 point lead now for Labour(42) This NHS bill is turning into an absolute disaster for the Tories.

17th April 2012, 13:18	#168 (permalink)
bsc First Team Sub Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Stretford End - 3103 Posts: 5,712	UKIP are turning into a real danger for the Tories. The comments pages on Telegraph and Daily Mail articles are nearly all polluted with supportive comments for them.

17th April 2012, 16:08	#171 (permalink)
peterstorey Bitter Arse hole Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Happy those, who can remain at Highbury! Posts: 25,989	They're not in the YouGov figures which have Johnson ahead 45/40. It's not being fought on policy grounds as far as I can see, it's just who do you like better? Bumbling Boris or nasty red Ken.

17th April 2012, 16:15	#172 (permalink)
Mockney Only poster to be named Poster of the Year twice Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bangerang.net Posts: 24,967	That's mainly 'cos the Mayor of London doesn't really have any power to do anything other than fuck with the transport, which is still scandalously expensive, thanks in part to both of them. I'm not even sure I'll vote to be honest. They're both cunts. And I hate cunts that don't vote.

17th April 2012, 20:26	#173 (permalink)
MJLD First Team Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Westminster, UK Posts: 11,628	The Evening Standard really has fucked Ken over. I'm a Labour member (and I work for a Labour organisation) but I wouldn't vote for him if I was eligible. The party is well ahead in the polls in London; he was the wrong candidate last time and he's the wrong candidate this time.

17th April 2012, 20:29	#174 (permalink)
711 Real Caftard Fantasy Champ 2009 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Would posters please stop listing our own players. We all know who they are and it's driving me fucking mad. Posts: 7,281	He looks old and tired, as if he's weary of the whole thing. Would have slaughtered Boris when younger, but a poor choice now.

17th April 2012, 20:50	#176 (permalink)
rednev Suarez of the year Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 18,827	It's a bit of a joke that the three people who ran for Mayor last time around are the three people running again. I really hope Ken wins, but it's looking unlikely if the poll data is anything to go by. Just who the hell is voting for Boris Johnson? He's the biggest tosser in London, and he's as sleazy as they come.

17th April 2012, 20:52	#177 (permalink)
rednev Suarez of the year Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 18,827	I think David Miliband would have been a far better Labour candidate than Ken, but I think he has bigger ambitions.

17th April 2012, 20:54	#178 (permalink)
Mockney Only poster to be named Poster of the Year twice Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bangerang.net Posts: 24,967	Ken's just as big a tosser to be fair, he's just not a posh tosser. Why anyone would "really hope Ken wins" is beyond me. He's a twat who's greatest achievement is making getting around London farcically more expensive. If anything Boris is the safer bet as he's probably less inclined to fuck with what little power he has. He'll just bumble around saying stupid things on good will tours. Ken will want to do something to ensure a legacy.

17th April 2012, 21:19	#180 (permalink)
Mockney Only poster to be named Poster of the Year twice Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bangerang.net Posts: 24,967	I'd personally rather vote for who would be better/less worse for London over the next few years. Not who would have the best impact on my side of a wider partizan political party issue. Crazy ey? Plus I'd quite like some pressure put on Ed Milliband. Labour would be running away with the polls if they had anyone else but the least interesting and charismatic man in the world in charge.

17th April 2012, 21:46	#181 (permalink)
MJLD First Team Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Westminster, UK Posts: 11,628	London mayoral elections are usually above/beyond party politics. Boris is more popular than Tories, Ken is more unpopular than Labour. The polls don't match the national story. I seem to be in complete agreement with you Mockney.

18th April 2012, 00:16	#183 (permalink)
Mockney Only poster to be named Poster of the Year twice Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bangerang.net Posts: 24,967	Oh yes, the Oyster card. That marvellous money saving device. Fares on the trains were about 90p before them. Then they were raised to almost £4. But thankfully the blessed Oyster card meant you could get on a train for only about £1...providing of course you bought a £3 oyster card. I especially like failing to swipe in at an open barrier and being charged the full price.

19th April 2012, 19:49	#184 (permalink)
rednev Suarez of the year Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 18,827	Not Westminster politics, but seeing as though the subject has already been brought up in this thread, the Sky News debate for London Mayor hopefuls takes place in 10 minutes: Stream: http://news.sky.com/sky-news/app/liveTV/liveTv.html

19th April 2012, 19:50	#185 (permalink)
rednev Suarez of the year Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 18,827	Also, Galloway is on Question Time tonight. Should be worth a watch.

19th April 2012, 20:04	#186 (permalink)
rednev Suarez of the year Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 18,827	Brian Paddick fluffs his words within a minute of the debate starting. "Unlike these guys, I'm not a professional politician" [30 seconds later...] "I'm a professional politician"

19th April 2012, 22:24	#187 (permalink)
MJLD First Team Regular Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Westminster, UK Posts: 11,628	Ken is a cretin. Unelectable, unpalatable. Can't wait till he retires.

20th April 2012, 18:24	#189 (permalink)
rednev Suarez of the year Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 18,827	I agree with the government on the IMF contributions. If all countries (particularly Germany) had taken the stance that public money should no longer be used for bailout funds, the Euro currency would have collapsed by now and all of Europe would currently be recession. If the bond markets lose faith in the bailout project then we run the risk of Spain and Italy not being able to raise sufficient revenue to pay off their debt commitments. The European economy would go into meltdown. The single most important issue in the world economy at the moment (and possibly the most important issue since WW2) is the European sovereign debt crisis. It isn't going to fix itself and if the countries of Europe (and the US though the IMF) can't get together and solve what is a solvable problem then we might as well all give up.

20th April 2012, 18:41	#190 (permalink)
Excal Chica Time! Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: California in RL, Liverpool in SM Posts: 7,965	Now let's talk about how IMF loans come with massive "austerity or else" strings attached which punish the poorest people in the world, and force already poor nations into situations where they can't maintain basic infrastructure, forcing them to privatize vital national resources...oh never mind.

20th April 2012, 21:20	#192 (permalink)
Agent Red First Team Sub Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Madchester Posts: 5,539	Ken's untrustworthy and egotistical, Paddick's policies seem weak or unrealistic and Boris is a bit of a buffoon whose biggest success (the bikes) was based on an idea started by the previous administration. I'm going to research Siobhan Benita, the independent candidate. Those I know that have worked with her have a lot of respect for her. Hopefully her policies will stand up, she's worth a go given that none of the main three really appeal to me.

20th April 2012, 21:49	#193 (permalink)
peterstorey Bitter Arse hole Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Happy those, who can remain at Highbury! Posts: 25,989	Jenny Jones is the standout candidate on policy and integrity but she's not going to figure in the KnutBore show.

20th April 2012, 23:36	#194 (permalink)
Agent Red First Team Sub Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Madchester Posts: 5,539	Yes I will have a read of her policies as well.

21st April 2012, 11:45	#195 (permalink)
bsc First Team Sub Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Stretford End - 3103 Posts: 5,712	After Cameron's hatchet job on Ken Livingstone's tax situation at PMQs this week, this could be quite uncomfortable for the PM at next week's. http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...ily-tax-havens http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2...-panama-geneva

21st April 2012, 12:31	#196 (permalink)
bsc First Team Sub Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Stretford End - 3103 Posts: 5,712	Interesting article in the Mail today, raises some quite interesting points.... http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/ar...ommon-man.html

21st April 2012, 12:50	#197 (permalink)
bsc First Team Sub Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Stretford End - 3103 Posts: 5,712	http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/n...recession.html Cynical ploy? Hmmmm.