The Westminster Arms

Morning all and thanks for breakfast Lily and for the informative round up of events.

Business as usual in HOC was something we could only dream of over the last 3 years. Do you anticipate any problems with the EU signing it off? I read something online yesterday suggesting there could be but can't remember where/what it was.

I often wonder how the atmosphere is in HOC bar. Does the toxicity that we see in the chamber evaporate once they get a few drinks down them? Do they have cross party cliques? Do the new younger recruits bond together cross party as they learn the ropes?

"I just wish he had stood for leader of the Labour Party" - Andy Burnham, that is.
He did, he came second to Corbyn. I don't like Burnham but he would have been preferable to Corbyn.

Oh, and Autumn should be back with us today. ☕️ waiting for her.

Morning, all,

Well, we have crossed the Rubicon. Ping pong finished at 6pm last night as the HoL conceded to the HoC. The WA bill has passed all hurdles without amendment and awaits Royal Assent.

According to the BBC, Charles Michel, President of the European Council, is expected to sign the document in the next few days on behalf of the EU27, as will European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Boris will sign the agreement officially on behalf of the UK.

It’s happening. We legally leave the EU at 11pm on Friday, 31 January 2020 - a mere 1317 days after the referendum.

At this point, I would normally give you a quick overview of what’s happening in Parliament today but you know what? It can be summed up easily in three words.

Business As Usual.

Not Brexit, not in-fighting, not name-calling. No screeching, no Braying, no Or-derrr. It’s just business as usual. And isn’t that a blessed relief? Yes, the next eleven months will be fraught with trade negotiations and future relationships and settling down the City and the agriculture, manufacturing and other industries. NI will need much care and attention. Above all, people everywhere in the UK need assurances about their status, their jobs, their education, their future. But it’s all over bar the shouting, and the government has no excuse now but to get on with it. It’s what we pay them for.

Breakfast this morning is our special Breakfast Barm. Please help yourselves.

Kettle’s on ☕️☕️☕️

Just back in having watched ET on AN in my friend's house (I do not have a TV) and I think she did herself no favours when she lost her temper. She came across as overbearing.

Silvery, is blood orange Cointreau clear colour like normal Cointreau?

Lucy Powell on Peston. she's another one that I find measured and realistic, though I really don't know much about her. Lisa Nandy on soon.

Dusty do you think ET will be another gonner? AN is brutal isn't he?

Silvery! 🍹 (closest to cointreau) we forgot you! Here you go!

Dying of thirst, comes to the assumption there is no blood orange Cointreau hidden behind the bar and wanders off into the night.

Hope everyone has a good night and see you tomorrow.

Just watching the press preview.

The Times headline tomorrow..."Bercow accused of bullying by top aide".

Think that's enough to move his nomination for a peerage to the Napoleon tray.

(Napoleon tray is Civil Service-speak for the place you put contentious issues until everyone forgets they even exist or they naturally run out of time.)

My grandfather in Donegal used to make poteen.
Kept it in the bath....not in containers...in the bath.
Best left alone.

Bear, don't even think of bringing in elicit booze. Just reach behind the bar.
But I'm useless on cocktails...come on recommend something suitable. Not too strong though. I've had 3 large 🍷and need to walk home later.

pucine

Poteen.

Mr Lily served at The Maze. He knows all about poteen.

Flaming Nora! It would blow your head off. We'll have none of that in here, thank you. Don't want HMRC after us!

The Govt. have already said that they intend to bring a bill to sort the child refugees and minors. Let's just hope it won't be too long coming.

That's welcome news.

I'm planning on sneaking into the Ladies shortly after the toast to send you all a cheer. Plus any goss...

Thanks copper 🥂

Don’t worry, I won’t be bringing illicit pucine (sp) in!

Welcome bear, specially as you can mix cocktails.
What can you recommend, but square it with the LL first please
In the meantime 🍷

The Govt. have already said that they intend to bring a bill to sort the child refugees and minors. Let's just hope it won't be too long coming.

And from watching PMQs today it looks as though the transport links in the north may get the funding they need. I do think Andy Burnham is a very good mayor of greater Manchester. I just wish he had stood for leader of the Labour Party. I think he would be my choice.
But if not him then Lisa Nandy.

I’ll be here on mumsnet On the 31st... does that count as a party? 😬😂

I lead an exciting life me...

I’ll take the cocktail. Well... mocktail. 🤦🏻‍♀️

Dry 2020. Ugh. Lol