Page 23 | Keir starmer is dead in the water

Bertiebiscuit · 2026-02-04T22:21:44+00:00

The UK cannot have a prime minister who gave a plum job to a man when all the time he knew that Mandelson was still close friends with an ex-con who was convicted for trafficking children for sexual abuse. Starmer is destroying the reputation of the UK, he is an embarrassment and shoukd resign, if not the Labour party should demand his resignation.

the80sweregreat · 05/02/2026 14:06

Oh I doubt this is over because he has said sorry.
It’s the constant drip , drip of incriminating information that will slowly come out over time. It’s a tale as old as time isn’t it. People think they can sit on things and it’ll go away , but the world is a different place and journalists are waiting for the big break now and the PM and his party know this. It’s a ticking time bomb !

Imdunfer · 05/02/2026 14:06

FOJN · 05/02/2026 10:41

I just noticed you asked about THIS government but I'm wondering why you don't understand that a small number of asset management companies owning a significant proportion of the stock market and having voting rights in the companies they own shares in isn't a problem. You seem to want a single example of a questionable deal rather than understanding the disproportionate influence these companies have.

Describing Bill Gates foundation as "philanthropic" suggests you are naïve beyond reason. You could Google "Gates Foundation criticism" to start with. Then you could perhaps look at BlackRock, Vanguard, State Street, Oracle and Palantir and consider the influence they have.

I'm intrigued about how Palantir paid just 21 million in taxes globally in 2024 when they generated nearly 3 billion in revenue, most of it from defence and data management contracts with governments. Aren't you?

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I don't know why you are accusing me of not understanding things that were not under discussion by me, and implying that I am disinterested in stuff that I have not written about.

I asked for an example from this goverment of having done anything that advantages big business or billionaires, specifically in relation to 2 people posting that that is all the goverment is interested in.

It seems nobody can come up with one.

endofthelinefinally · 05/02/2026 14:07

Skinnysaluki · 05/02/2026 13:28

But he is Mandelson’s man and always has been

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Wes Streeting championing the (really terrifying) puberty blockers experimenting on children trial? No integrity or common sense either. I used to quite like him but he is as bad as the rest.

Imdunfer · 05/02/2026 14:08

cleverbutnice · 05/02/2026 13:36

This government following on from policies of previous governments:

Public services and building being outsourced - infrastructure, supplying children's homes, schools, meaning that the private sector benefits to the detriment of society as a whole. The services and provision of infrastructure could be done at a fraction of the cost if commissioned competently by the government, and with far greater accountability to and benefit for the public. So why don't we do that?

Foreign policy - from war involvement to regime changes, look at who benefits.

There is significant investment in activism in the UK and other countries in relation to numerous societal issues from immigration, education, opportunity for women and minorities - though it is not always immediately clear what the end game is, if you look into all funding streams relating to all "causes" you will see patterns.

Some global wealthy lobby backers have been interviewed and confirmed how much control they have - though again, although it is not always immediately obvious where things are going, the end game appears to be financial and geopolitical dominance? Presumably?

None of this is helping society at large so it is clearly not being done for that reason. There is significiant poverty, rising fuel and food cost, small businesses being squeezed to the point of extinction.

Financiers and asset management groups and billionaires active in or showing interest in the UK are active in relation to Greenland too, will this affect foreign policy there? In Ukraine and you will find significant activity for decades related to western financiers influencing geopolitics - this has influenced UK policy and spending, hasn't it? As Boris said "if we win, we will financially benefit" - except the "we" bit may not have referred to your average joe bloggs on the street.

At least one prominent politician has highlighted how much influence by a certain financier there is in relation to the EU, presumably to the benefit of the financier as opposed to the public good (food and fuel costs in the EU are making life very difficult for many normal people), EU policies impact on the UK, clearly, despite Brexit.

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So basically your accusation is that Labour have not so far turned around all the stuff that was being done by the Tories.

Nobbystyles · 05/02/2026 14:09

EasternStandard · 05/02/2026 14:05

It looks like it’s going to be the dying throes of a fly type exit.

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Sadly for us, yes…

Happyjoe · 05/02/2026 14:11

Imdunfer · 05/02/2026 14:08

So basically your accusation is that Labour have not so far turned around all the stuff that was being done by the Tories.

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In 18 months.
No matter who came into power they were faced with a shitshow of a country and a huge mess to sort out. People have very short memories, not helped by the constant negativity from the British press.

Labour could be better, much better in a fair few ways granted, but it's like all reasoning went out the window a month in.

ColdOut2025 · 05/02/2026 14:13

Nobbystyles · 05/02/2026 12:30

A gentle reminder as to who your next PM
may be.

Definitely should have Stopped the Boat!!

cleverbutnice · 05/02/2026 14:15

Imdunfer · 05/02/2026 14:08

So basically your accusation is that Labour have not so far turned around all the stuff that was being done by the Tories.

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Firstly, it isn't an accusation, you asked a question and I answered.

Secondly, what I describe goes back decades and decades. Behind the scenes influences affected the start and direction and continuation of wwI and before then.

And like the Epstein sphere of influence (though we do not know who instigated that yet i don't think) it extends across the world.

It isn't a labour vs conservative thing. Truss has spoken recently about the extent of behind-the-scenes control over policies in a critical way. Blair continued the private finance initiative (outsourcing services and building). These are just examples.

I suspect Starmer is between a rock and a hard place in many ways. Unless public opinion drives change, requires more transparency and makes secret funding (right down the funding stream) illegal, and unless the public know more about how governance works, the problem will continue.

Imdunfer · 05/02/2026 14:17

cleverbutnice · 05/02/2026 14:15

Firstly, it isn't an accusation, you asked a question and I answered.

Secondly, what I describe goes back decades and decades. Behind the scenes influences affected the start and direction and continuation of wwI and before then.

And like the Epstein sphere of influence (though we do not know who instigated that yet i don't think) it extends across the world.

It isn't a labour vs conservative thing. Truss has spoken recently about the extent of behind-the-scenes control over policies in a critical way. Blair continued the private finance initiative (outsourcing services and building). These are just examples.

I suspect Starmer is between a rock and a hard place in many ways. Unless public opinion drives change, requires more transparency and makes secret funding (right down the funding stream) illegal, and unless the public know more about how governance works, the problem will continue.

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You didn't answer the question though.

What policies have Labour introduced that benefit big business and billionaires?

FOJN · 05/02/2026 14:19

Imdunfer · 05/02/2026 14:08

So basically your accusation is that Labour have not so far turned around all the stuff that was being done by the Tories.

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You're so determined to defend Labour that you are missing the point. The corruption is not party specific and Labour are not unique. Tax payer money has been enriching greedy billionaires for decades.

Imdunfer · 05/02/2026 14:23

FOJN · 05/02/2026 14:19

You're so determined to defend Labour that you are missing the point. The corruption is not party specific and Labour are not unique. Tax payer money has been enriching greedy billionaires for decades.

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I'm not defending Labour at all.

You are making huge assumptions about where I stand politically.

How clear can I make this?

TWO posters, you may have been one of them I cant remember, independently posted that whatever party is in power all they are interested in is benefiting big business and billionaires.

So I'll ask yet again

What policies have Labour introduced that benefit big business and billionaires?

luckylavender · 05/02/2026 14:29

Alltheprettyseahorses · 05/02/2026 13:16

I have to laugh at any posters still bravely and against all odds trying to insist Starmer is a decent man who has integrity. There's a ship that's long since sailed! It's like they haven't seen any news since the election. But then, to be fair, much as I knew Starmer would be a disaster, if anyone had told me then what he'd be like I'd have called them a liar. Turns out he's far worse than Johnson et al could ever be. Who would have thought the middle name of 'Mr Rules' would be 'Breaks The'?

There's also his bizarre total lack of vision for the country. Before Starmer, I'd have said Cameron was the worst PM I'd known but even with him there was an overarching plan whether I liked it or not. The same with Blair, Brown, May, Truss, Sunak and even Johnson. Maybe not a clue, but still a unifying idea.

Mandelson was a very odd appointment. Karen Pierce was an excellent ambassador and Trump had a lot of respect for her. Furthermore, Trump was openly extremely unhappy with Mandelson replacing her due to Mandelson's links with China and was considering blocking him. So the speculation upthread that there might have been genuine belief Mandelson would work well simply can't be true. Why then? I'd very much like that to be revealed but we'll never find out.

I'm going to have to address the silly claims that Starmer was immediately attacked by the press. When he became PM, we were told about the grown-ups in the room and how nice the quiet was. Who could forget Andrew Marr's eulogy on Question Time? Not so with Johnson who was greeted with violent protests by thugs who couldn't deal with their 'team' losing, thugs like the delightful student doctor shrieking to telly news about how she wanted Johnson to die in agony. I'd be so happy if she was my doctor. Or not. Starmer was given an easy ride all.through his various careers and now we're facing the consequences. They can't make him stand down though, he never went over all his other immediate-resignation catastrophes.

I lost you at he's worse than Johnson. Words fail me.

luckylavender · 05/02/2026 14:34

Pineneedlesincarpet · 05/02/2026 11:02

It will be someone bad as they don't have anyone good.

They can't have Raynor as the rest of the term will be dedicated to focusing on her private life, actions as a trustee and tax affairs which will mean nothing will get done. Shes got a taint of dishonesty about her which is what we are trying to get away from surely?

If they decide to lurch left and make decisions that go against the manifesto they should call an election.

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Like the Tories did all those times?

Pineneedlesincarpet · 05/02/2026 14:39

luckylavender · 05/02/2026 14:34

Like the Tories did all those times?

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Oh yes. I remember that terrible time when Boris ate a piece of cake. You're right

Dragonflytamer · 05/02/2026 14:42

gamerchick · 05/02/2026 13:07

It's said that Keir starmer could bring about world peace single handed and he would still torn to shreds. It's very strange.

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That's not true.

Starmer ciould have appointed a US Ambassador that had come up through the normal diplomatic channels - just like every Prime Minister before him.

He took the Trumpian step of making a political appointment.

He could have then chosen from many many people and decided to go with someone who was known to have connections with Peado, he know had connections with a Peado and the only vetting he said was ask "Pete, you're not close friends with the Peado are you? I mean you'd only stay in the Peado's house if he was locked up at the time?"

If Starmer has acted less like Trump he wouldn't be in this position.

HRTQueen · 05/02/2026 14:44

nomas · 05/02/2026 07:23

What do you object to?

Mandelson has rightly been fired as Ambassador.
Mandelson has rightly resigned from the House of Lords.
Starmer has said the files will all be released, which takes the wind out of the Tory sails.

What do you think should have happened?

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Labour are always on the backfoot they are not quick enough in their responses. This maybe Stammer's way of working to be methodical but when you are Prime Minister and someone you appointed who has been for many many years questionable in his approach to his roles and knowing of his of is connection (maybe not the extent) to Epstein this was always a risk. We know that Peter Mandelson can be very diplomatic so in many ways was the right choice but he also through public knowledge been dishonest on more than one occasion.

again Stammer's speech is very poor today, blame being placed elsewhere rather than taking responsibility. Unfortunaly this might lead to his downfall but he has been foolish and it has been handled very poorly

godmum56 · 05/02/2026 14:45

Dragonflytamer · 05/02/2026 14:42

That's not true.

Starmer ciould have appointed a US Ambassador that had come up through the normal diplomatic channels - just like every Prime Minister before him.

He took the Trumpian step of making a political appointment.

He could have then chosen from many many people and decided to go with someone who was known to have connections with Peado, he know had connections with a Peado and the only vetting he said was ask "Pete, you're not close friends with the Peado are you? I mean you'd only stay in the Peado's house if he was locked up at the time?"

If Starmer has acted less like Trump he wouldn't be in this position.

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Apparently he didn't have to change the ambassador at all.

Happyjoe · 05/02/2026 14:46

Pineneedlesincarpet · 05/02/2026 14:39

Oh yes. I remember that terrible time when Boris ate a piece of cake. You're right

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If only it were just that...

PropertyD · 05/02/2026 14:46

Pineneedlesincarpet · 05/02/2026 14:39

Oh yes. I remember that terrible time when Boris ate a piece of cake. You're right

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There are still some trying to cover up and dismiss what KS has done. He was on the ropes earlier at the press conference and came across as stubborn and unwilling to admit what has happened. When something goes wrong is he really going to say he was lied to again and again. He moves with the wind. Hence the numerous u turns. His words on Birmingham today - words fail me.

And yes, he is worse that Johnson. This whole sorry state of affairs is far worse than anyone eating cake. Mandelson was tipping off Epstein and presumably allowing him to make millions. Shame on him. KS knew far more than he is letting on but he hopes todays news becomes tomorrow's chip papers.

Badenoch was good today.

bonsconkers · 05/02/2026 14:47

Karen Pierce must feel some vindication with how this has played out.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/dame-karen-pierce-peter-mandelson-midlife-woman-scandal-tragedy-b2914004.html

Dragonflytamer · 05/02/2026 14:51

PropertyD · 05/02/2026 14:46

There are still some trying to cover up and dismiss what KS has done. He was on the ropes earlier at the press conference and came across as stubborn and unwilling to admit what has happened. When something goes wrong is he really going to say he was lied to again and again. He moves with the wind. Hence the numerous u turns. His words on Birmingham today - words fail me.

And yes, he is worse that Johnson. This whole sorry state of affairs is far worse than anyone eating cake. Mandelson was tipping off Epstein and presumably allowing him to make millions. Shame on him. KS knew far more than he is letting on but he hopes todays news becomes tomorrow's chip papers.

Badenoch was good today.

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She is growing on me. Going round her team asking if they were in Epstein files at the press conference was amusing.

bonsconkers · 05/02/2026 14:51

I personally do not dislike KS, on the contrary.

But the press speech was pathetic. He tried to wriggle out of it by shifting the blame but ended up sounding like a 5 year old who's trying to conivce their mummy that he didn't do nothin wrong. Seriously.

Happyjoe · 05/02/2026 14:52

HRTQueen · 05/02/2026 14:44

Labour are always on the backfoot they are not quick enough in their responses. This maybe Stammer's way of working to be methodical but when you are Prime Minister and someone you appointed who has been for many many years questionable in his approach to his roles and knowing of his of is connection (maybe not the extent) to Epstein this was always a risk. We know that Peter Mandelson can be very diplomatic so in many ways was the right choice but he also through public knowledge been dishonest on more than one occasion.

again Stammer's speech is very poor today, blame being placed elsewhere rather than taking responsibility. Unfortunaly this might lead to his downfall but he has been foolish and it has been handled very poorly

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At last, a reasoned response on here!

The buck does stop with him, that's his position as PM and he's going to have to take it on the chin. I don't want to see him gone personally as he's quite level headed most of the time and he seems to work well with other world leaders - after other PM's it's refreshing. I can't ever imagine him hiding in a fridge!

I do now worry about the level of UK intelligence if they didn't manage to see through Mandy's lies while being vetted.

Dragonscaledaisy · 05/02/2026 14:52

bonsconkers · 05/02/2026 14:51

I personally do not dislike KS, on the contrary.

But the press speech was pathetic. He tried to wriggle out of it by shifting the blame but ended up sounding like a 5 year old who's trying to conivce their mummy that he didn't do nothin wrong. Seriously.

One of his worst performances to date.

Pineneedlesincarpet · 05/02/2026 14:52

Happyjoe · 05/02/2026 14:46

If only it were just that...

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You seem to have an awful lot of insider knowledge that none of us do that proves that Boris was committing criminal acts like Mandelson and passing secrets to foreigners. Defamation is still applicable to MN.