The Westminster Arms

I finally got round to watching Lisa Nandy and Andrew Neill. He really is irritating, the way he asks people for detailed answers and then interrupts them half a sentence in.

I was expecting to be really disappointed, because I'd kind of built her up in my mind as being much less ghastly than all the other candidates. But she seemed to me measured, and saying the right things about building a strong team to prepare for government (which, let's face it, has not been what it has looked like since 2015...)

She's still slightly facing both ways on free movement; not sure if she's going to convince on that. But otherwise yes, I was pretty happy with it.

I have just thanked #bear in another place.
I think it is hard to take the flack from all sides and stay civil. But they have somehow managed it.
Neither have been goady and yes, I have argued with them both.

You’ve talked me round Miljea, calm down dear. I agree with you.

Anyway, have to leave it there. NHS worker here. Who laments the loss of our brilliant Portuguese and Polish (all now in Germany...). And now must forensically watch our 'newer staff'. Though they are paid the same as me. Unless they're agency. On way more than me.

This is what you voted for.

Goodnight.

Why did you expect a safe house? Why would a Brexit supporter feel the need for that?

C'mon! Where's your bright, shining, economically forward thrusting, world beating Brexit?

Easy goadery aside....You won! Boris has told you how it's going to be! It's what you voted for! You got it!

Why the need for a safe space?

mil no you’re right, it’s good to potter around threads a bit and talk about politics.

After all, politics turns out to be much less bleak than I thought.

Hint and Tip. The Western People worked our a while ago where this had retreated.

Few, unlike me, now and then, 😉 bothered to 'trouble' you here.

I only did because of the goady 'awards' thing you directed towards a couple of posters who bothered to engage with you.

Miljea

You’re right. Why on earth should I expect a safe house.

I’ve popped over to the other thread now. Although I will go to bed after a nightcap... last time I said that, I was still here 2 hours later...😳

Autumn you're on MUMSNET not some bloody safehouse.

'Told them where we'd gone'?

It doesn't take a massive leap of deduction, if you care about the bleak state of British politics, to also look on Politics as a talk subject, does it?

Personally, I find the cowardice of this astounding; but in the interests of not getting reported, I wish to state that I completely support your retreat onto another board in order to avoid the conflict that would have righteously been directed your way, had you not hidden. Not everyone has that courage in their convictions.

All I ask, as all Remainers ask, is to not keep dodging your culpability.

walking one of those told everyone where we’d gone, so, no.

Neither are troubling the alternative place much, either, these days.

Maybe 'services to the industry'?

After 4 years of argument about Brexit I would like to nominate 2 posters for an award. @bellinisurge and @Bearbehind

I have never agreed with them, nor have they often agreed with each other, they are not brexiteers. But unlike most other posters they have tried to straddle the divide and tried to have a civilised discussion with both sides.

I often disagree with them but very much admire them. They have taken 'punishment' from both sides but never given up (including from me). On a weekend where I have the flu and am rereading forums I would like to say thank you to 2 people who are a bit open minded.

They are welcome in the Westminster Arms with frothy tankards waiting. I wish their was more of them.

I dont think anyone cares what Alastair Campbell thinks.

Alastair who???

Yes Walking, after voting libdem in the Euros.

Hi, just got back. Cold and miserable out.

🍷please and some bar snacks.
I would love to get one of those coins. I will be looking out for one. I think the message is perfect.

The Bilt article says that our economy is equivalent of the 10 smallest EU members. So they will really miss our contribution.
I actually don't want the EU to collapse as I think it would be very damaging for everyone, the UK included. I just don't want to be a member. I hope it thrives without us.

I dont think anyone cares what Alastair Campbell thinks. Hasn't he been chucked out of the Labour party?

We really enjoyed the Gisela Stuart podcast thanks howabout.

The message on the 50p coin strikes the right note.

Alastair Campbell on twitter doesn't agree Lily

'I for one shall be asking shopkeepers for ‘two 20p pieces and a 10’ if they offer me a 50p coin pretending that Brexit is about ‘peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations’ given it puts all three at risk.'

If Matteo Salvini's far right Party win in the local elections that will be a major headache for Italy.

Hi, just popped in for a quick one.

Hope everyone is well. Love that Copper.

I think the words on the 50p are perfect, couldn't be better.

I recall reading about Italian banks and DB being in trouble ages ago, will be watching with interest. If Italy ultimately exits the EU I would not be surprised.

If, as Lily suggests, DB's underlying performance is sound, then a fudge will be found to smooth over the balance sheet issues. But there are several other big banks with similar balance sheet nuances. And across Europe many of the original members with Calvinist tendencies are likely to see the value of a sound money union, based on predictable tax revenues paid by the reliable worker ants, who won't fancy funding the racy grasshoppers. Obviously, this is all the product of my fevered brain.

Hi Autumn

walking well hello 😘

Lily my neighbour’s parents are Greek and he’s told me there’s a lot anger out there. Again, all second or third hand info.

The message on the 50p coin strikes the right note, Walking.

I spent a lot of time in Greece and have many friends there. I could cry for what has been done to the country in order to preserve the euro, Scary. In any case, you are right. Only the City could do it. Frankfurt hasn't quite yet cut the mustard in terms of being the EU's answer to London and the fact that Christine Lagarde is head of the ECB does not fill me with confidence.

I do not like the political construct that is the EU but I love Europe and have no wish to see any of it go under.

Italy teeters because on paper, it maintained for a long time a current account surplus but, as you know, Autumn, it has schlerotic government beset with in-fighting, coalitions and corruption. It's been surviving by the skin of its teeth for some time but just one economic shock** would be enough to knock it over - and the eurozone no longer has the firepower it would need to bail out an economy as big as Italy's. So far, luck has held, but only just.