To wish Sir Keir and his wife would not hold hands when working

[BeaQuiet]

They've arrived in Washington DC on official business clutching hands like the Macrons, the Obamas and the Sussexes.

AiBU to find it a bit cringey?

And before anyone asks, yes I do have bigger things to worry about but I fancy a chat.

I agree, its unnecessary. If someone came into my work with their other half hand in hand, id think they were a bit odd. I dont understand why partners get involved at all.

I think it’s a bit daft. Also, why is she even there other than to hang of his arm. She has her own job.

Haha, yes I did say that (I mean in the pic that was shared, he does!) - I also said it about BoJo. Why aren't you backing him up?

Could it be that you are showing more political bias than me, whilst simultaneously criticising me for being "anti-Keir"..? 😛

I disagree. They all end up moving into Downing Street don’t they?

Imagine you pop to see your MP for a meeting and he/she waltzes in with their wife/husband clasping their hand. You'd go wtf wouldn't you.

@BeaQuiet just wanted to say thanks for the thread.
I too have other things to think about but happy to talk about this. Need the distraction while plumber is here and I can't get on with anything .
TBH,I wasn't sure if I was being a bit shallow ,thinking it looked a little twee.
And I do think it's odd for her to be dragged along.

I'm showing my age a bit here 😁but does anyone remember a TV series called Hart to Hart? It starred Stefanie Powers and Robert Wagner as a married couple working as detectives? Anyway, that's what comes to mind whenever I see these couples who work together and go everywhere hand in hand 😆

I guess it also helps to tell the story through that picture. We know who she is, but if an image of them both leaving the plane hand in hand is shown in the foreign press under headline 'UK Prime Minister arrives at NATO Summit' everyone instantly knows - there's the UK PM and his wife. She's not the Deputy PM, or the Foreign Secretary, or an aide or whatever.

Whether spouses should be there or not, is a separate issue (personally I think it's a bit odd in this day and age, but that's not on Starmer. They all need to agree no spouses).

How reductive ?
To disapprove of manipulative behaviour from politicians and the press means I prefer Johnson?
great critical thinking skills there.
I don’t need a party where the leadership’s every move is calculated.
I want a party that represents everyone, not just the chattering classes.
I would like to be part of a nation that isn’t easily swung by safety and superficial outward appearances.

kier became leader precisely because of his bland presentation and his party won because people wanted the tories out.
he is not representative of grass roots labour, rather a man who appears non challenging and is more palatable than an honest socialist.

he is no better than Tony Blair and his supposed blandness will continue to leave those struggling behind and will continue to promote a selfish agenda.
I would give anything to be pleasantly surprised but their policies and lack of stance on important issues here and abroad leads me to conclude that this incarnation of labour is no different from the previous government

We should think more about a persons principles and morality than what they wear and how their wives represent them.

Blimey do you only chat about worthy things?
Remind me not to talk about the weather or Bridgerton if in the same room as you.

Yes I think it looks cringey and given all the fuss around the Bidens people might think she is holding him up.

What a creepy picture. ‘The Spouses’ , very dystopian

Just holding hands is fine, it could be reassurance for her while she adjusts. If they were clinging on to each other for dear life (have you ever walked behind a couple who are so entangled they can’t walk properly 😁) or slobbering over each other, not so fine (at work).

You missed this bit, didn’t you. Stop telling people what they are allowed to chat about in a chat forum.

And before anyone asks, yes I do have bigger things to worry about but I fancy a chat.

It is you who are, strangely, quite rude about this.

Symbolically the various democratic governments have the style that some events are both social (domestic) and public (work) especially those ceremonies involving welcoming and ceremonial dinners. The White House and number 10 contain family quarters and. In addition for example, the President is never really understood ti be not working. Neither is the PM. So are they never to include spouses or offer comfort or hold hands? Going to be a long term in office.!

Also symbolically some events are modeled on family/neighborhood events not business ir warfare so families come along to indicate peaceful intentions on both sides. Last time you guys came alone you burned down the White House so maybe regard the wife as a hostage to good behavior. Holding hands kets us know she isn’t disposable.

Is it because you think it looks false?

I’d hold my partners hand personally so don’t get why it’s cringey.

but its great that the op mentions them on this thread. means their up there with the PM and an ex president.
(yet the op said they were not bashing)

That’s kind of bossy of you. OP did state she knows there are bigger things, she just fancied a chat.

Disagree with you.

I think its lovely & long may they feel like holding hands. When I attended functions & work related gatherings with DH busines it was very much work for me, Communicating with clients & helping DH to hold the fort with attendees & employees in attendance. People underestimate the importance of a supportive partner.

Prime ministers wives and husbands often go to these events as they are expected to attend the formal dinners and social events. You must have seen that on tv surely.

Jesus wept get a life OP.

I dislike holding hands (except with my children when they were small) but I couldn’t give a toss what other people do. And I don’t think it’s cringey at all. They seem to be a very close and loving couple, supportive of each other.

Personally, I just hate the feeling of having to be in sync with someone else’s speed and movement😆

I agree, think it looks very unprofessional.

If you had any role in their workplace would you walk about holding their hand? I'd hope not.

I think its nice. They are two people who have been catapulted into a much more public lifestyle than they're used to, they probably find it quite intimidating so to have a bit of moral support from each other is nice. I would probably be the same