Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Sunak’s concession speech wtf?

219 replies

tamade · 05/07/2024 11:58

“Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner”

Was their ever any doubt? Why say it? Was it a dig at Gordon Brown?

I just find it jarring.

OP posts:
usernamealreadytaken · 05/07/2024 14:24

Meraas · 05/07/2024 14:23

Which UK transfers of power in recent memory weren't peaceful?

Show quote history

I think he was reflecting on global issues, you know, so we’re not seen as inward-looking Little Englanders…

Meraas · 05/07/2024 14:23

usernamealreadytaken · 05/07/2024 14:16

All the others were peaceful transfers too, until they weren’t 🙄

Show quote history

Which UK transfers of power in recent memory weren't peaceful?

Biggleslefae · 05/07/2024 14:23

Ultimately his speech was about managing his reputation so as to best promote his future interests.

Meraas · 05/07/2024 14:22

MojoMoon · 05/07/2024 14:21

Campaigned for Labour so am not Sunak fan but I thought his speech was dignified.
Lots of places do not have orderly, peaceful transfers of power and we should not take it for granted (see Trump and Capitol Hill riots. Germany just having a trial now for a group that was planning to attack their parliament.). With rising far right sentiment, we should all remember that democracy is not a given.

I also thought his point about being the first Asian PM and his grandparents coming to the UK was powerful and reminder to the right wing, racist elements of the Tories and nutters in Reform about what immigrants can achieve.

Except he has regularly failed to call out racism within his own party, under his tenure.

MojoMoon · 05/07/2024 14:21

Campaigned for Labour so am not Sunak fan but I thought his speech was dignified.
Lots of places do not have orderly, peaceful transfers of power and we should not take it for granted (see Trump and Capitol Hill riots. Germany just having a trial now for a group that was planning to attack their parliament.). With rising far right sentiment, we should all remember that democracy is not a given.

I also thought his point about being the first Asian PM and his grandparents coming to the UK was powerful and reminder to the right wing, racist elements of the Tories and nutters in Reform about what immigrants can achieve.

Meraas · 05/07/2024 14:21

Mary28 · 05/07/2024 14:19

I think a dig at Trump too but also a reminder and example to everyone everywhere to act like adults.
Something we consider obvious and would expect as normal but the reality is there is chaos across the world right now and some people are pushing the boundaries way too far and get away it. I think highlighting it is a good idea given what we've seen in recent times. It's a "This is how it should be done".

Since when is Sunak an example to everyone? He hasn't called out wrongdoing within his own party, so he can't preach to others.

I see the Tory eulogising of Sunak has begun.

Cparrot · 05/07/2024 14:20

The Ottoman Empire ruled Palestine from 1517 to 1917 and Britain from 1917 to 1948. So just over 30 years. It’s not Britain’s mess.

Meraas · 05/07/2024 14:19

tamade · 05/07/2024 12:19

I considered that but if it’s a dig at Trump then (1) isn’t it a dig at America too and (2) how is it relevant to our sensible little island?

Hence jarring. FWIW the rest was ok well pitched etc

Is our island sensible? Seems to have been a lot of sleaze and racism lately.

Mary28 · 05/07/2024 14:19

I think a dig at Trump too but also a reminder and example to everyone everywhere to act like adults.
Something we consider obvious and would expect as normal but the reality is there is chaos across the world right now and some people are pushing the boundaries way too far and get away it. I think highlighting it is a good idea given what we've seen in recent times. It's a "This is how it should be done".

usernamealreadytaken · 05/07/2024 14:16

Pandadunks · 05/07/2024 12:27

He’s a twat. Trying to take credit for something that happens every time we change after an election…

All the others were peaceful transfers too, until they weren’t 🙄

Arlanymor · 05/07/2024 14:16

What’s with all this sympathy? You obviously don’t live in the real world. Very rich man did a very shit job. Unbelievable…

greenpolarbear · 05/07/2024 14:15

Of course it was a dig, just not at Gordon Brown.

It was a nice speech because he doesn't really care, he's off on his jollies for summer and then a bit of work and then off to California for Christmas.

He should be glad that he won't be remembered for also being fined at partygate, the terrible Eat out to help out scheme, ignoring all self-employed people during the pandemic "because of fraud" while handing out fraudulent 50k a pop to others.

lbwagain · 05/07/2024 14:14

Fightthepower · 05/07/2024 13:10

Agree with this. He shouldn’t shoulder all the blame himself, his two most recent predecessors created the rot that led to this outcome.

Show quote history

Absolutely this. And how long did he have in office? And the number of annoying CP MPs he had to try to manage (should imagine difficult) having not been formally elected.

Unlike some on here having a big issue with his wealth, the fact that he chose to do this job despite this says a lot about him and probably means he was much more immune to corruption.

He always struck me as a decent, principled and hardworking. Not much charisma , but then neither does Starmer.

Stepped into the PM role in October 2022, having been given the worst hand possible due to Covid, wars, cost-of-living crisis, Liz Truss (!!) not to mention that fool Boris.

I have a feeling that some of those who swung away from the CP to Reform are closet (or not so closet) racists and just couldn't square that up with having an Asian PM.

tuvamoodyson · 05/07/2024 14:09

tamade · 05/07/2024 13:36

Well since it didn’t need saying and was a given I’d rather he didn’t say it, wouldn’t that have been the most gracious way?

Show quote history

No.

Biggleslefae · 05/07/2024 14:08

Hedgeoffressian · 05/07/2024 13:56

OFGS grow up OP 🙄

In my opinion this is a lazy and unfair response to the op.

Didimum · 05/07/2024 14:07

I voted Labour, have never voted Tory, and I thought Sunak's speech was wonderful and I really respected him for it.

Doteycat · 05/07/2024 14:06

tamade · 05/07/2024 11:58

“Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner”

Was their ever any doubt? Why say it? Was it a dig at Gordon Brown?

I just find it jarring.

Its not something to ever take for granted.
And it would be exceedingly arrogant and foolish to think so.

Iloveshoes123 · 05/07/2024 14:05

tamade · 05/07/2024 11:58

“Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner”

Was their ever any doubt? Why say it? Was it a dig at Gordon Brown?

I just find it jarring.

I think he was just pointing out that we live in a democracy. How could it possibly be a dig at Gordon. Talk about trying to find something wrong with it. Get a life op and give him a break.

avocadotofu · 05/07/2024 14:05

LostTheMarble · 05/07/2024 12:04

I thought his speech was very dignified and respectful of Starmer coming into the position. I absolutely get people finding huge fault with the previous government but he’s handed over better than any previous party leader of late. No ‘poor me’, no ‘well good luck with the bed you’ve made’. Just acknowledged the want for change and not a ‘dig’ at anyone.

I second this.

purser25 · 05/07/2024 14:01

I am a Labour voter never Conservative however I felt it was a dig at the way Trump showed of denied the results then inciting riots. Just glad I live in the UK not the USA

Sasqwatch · 05/07/2024 14:01

LostTheMarble · 05/07/2024 12:04

I thought his speech was very dignified and respectful of Starmer coming into the position. I absolutely get people finding huge fault with the previous government but he’s handed over better than any previous party leader of late. No ‘poor me’, no ‘well good luck with the bed you’ve made’. Just acknowledged the want for change and not a ‘dig’ at anyone.

This absolutely

Lifeomars · 05/07/2024 14:00

It was a welcome change from his petulant whining and it was good to see him being grown up and dignified. I suspect that he is secretly relieved it is decisively over. I also thought that Starmer was respectful in acknowledging that it was a positive thing for the country to have an Asian PM.

Hedgeoffressian · 05/07/2024 13:56

OFGS grow up OP 🙄

Nancy1906 · 05/07/2024 13:53

Ilikeadrink14 · 05/07/2024 12:55

I hope you feel better for being so rude. You obviously have had a rough life! What a stupid, pathetic thing to say!

Show quote history

Probably didn't get enough benefits under the tories ...

App13 · 05/07/2024 13:52

BeaRF75 · 05/07/2024 12:26

It wasn't a "dig" at anyone. It was a man responding calmly and graciously to probably one of the most difficult moments in his entire life. You may not have wanted him to be PM, but at least do him the courtesy of respecting the dignified, decent way that he has left the job.

A sane voice at last