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Brexit

Westministenders: Up Shit Creek without Wifi.

999 replies

RedToothBrush · 29/04/2017 22:12

Theresa May is being held hostage.

There is mounting evidence that all is not as it seems at CCHQ. It makes you don your tin foil hat and ask who is in charge.

Theresa May was a Remainer. She suddenly abandoned that when she became leader. Her proclamation of what would follow next seems directly at odds with her actions. This is not her fault. This is her plea for help and way of telling the outside world that she is a prisoner of Brexit.

At first it seemed like perhaps she had been locked up with Brexiteers for too long. She seemed to be developing a survival strategy which seemed totally irrational to outsiders. The signs of intimidation everywhere though. Instead of criticising those who did this, May joined in with them or was complicit in her silence.

Things are now taking a sinister turn. After repeatedly saying ‘No Election’, May crumbled and called one. She has now not been seen in public since. Instead she is being wheeled out at closed events to the party faithful. They are being dressed as mixing with the people but they are no such thing. The plebs in attendance are set to ‘mute’ or locked out completely.

Behold the coming of the May-Bot. She seeks to ‘prevent tourism’ in Wales. She now no longer knows which town she is currently in. (Much less have a plan for Brexit). She accuses an organisation set up to use its numbers to get better deals, of doing what it is supposed to, except she calls this ‘ganging up’.

May is not transported in a bus. Oh no. Instead she travels by the Bond Villian’s choice of transport; the helicopter.

More worrying still is the mantra ‘Strong and Stable’ repeated as many times as possible. It is almost as if, if she says it enough she might start believing it. She certainly has got her party members brainwashed and acting as if they were Zombies. Who needs ‘Spice’ when you are a Conservative? They ‘Believe’…

The ploy is to hoodwink people into voting for May instead of the Tories. CCHQ have removed Conservative branding from literature and campaigning in the North. The party are still too toxic, but May apparently scores well especially against Corbyn. Ironically however negatively I think of Corbyn he does display something May increasingly seems incapable of: humanity.

Many people might think of May as some sort of dictator figure. Its true. Every vote for her strengthens her hand. But not for Brexit negotiations. Mainly because Brexit is without merit or reward. Not unless you hold power. This is part 2 of the grab for it.

This is May’s power paradox. SHE is not powerful. She isn’t persuasive. She isn’t a healer of divides. She relies on authoritarian measures to get her way. This isn’t a sign of her personal power, but a sign of her personal weakness. She is sly and sneaky in her methods rather than compelling others to come along with her. They are doing so more because they dislike the alternative in Corbyn less.

She is not stable. She has lurched from one drama to the next, and has repeatedly been forced to back down from what she wanted. Nothing says ‘stability’ and ‘good leadership’ like appointing Boris Johnson Foreign Secretary. The lady is not so much for turning and leading, but is already staggering around dizzy whilst blindfolded playing pin the tail on the donkey. And Christ she’s got a lot of them in her Government. Including the numpty who decided to do a live event and broadcast it in an area with no wi-fi. Mind you, that is soon to be the entire country. Or what’s left of it.

She had said she had a mandate for Brexit and did not need this to be approved by the country as she was getting on with the job. This is why we are having a General Election to give her a mandate…

Not only that, but there is a lurking question here that should not be forgotten. Who is pulling May’s strings and making her dance as her actions are not natural? Every puppet show has puppet masters behind the scenes of the stage, hiding in the shadows.

They will dispense with their toy once she has outlived her usefulness like every good baddie.

Is she the one we should be most fearful of?

Hold on tight this is going to be a very bumpy ride over the next two years. Just how many casualties will be sacrificed on the altar of Brexit?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
23
prettybird · 03/05/2017 11:44

An admission: I could never thole "In the Thick of it" BlushI'm such a precious snowflake, I didn't like all the swearing Wink

The irony is that we're all now having to live it! Shock

Motheroffourdragons · 03/05/2017 12:09

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ to protect the privacy of the user.

Badders123 · 03/05/2017 12:54

Nicola Murray!!!
That's who TM reminds me of!

RedToothBrush · 03/05/2017 13:44

If it's a Tory-UKIP marginal then I guess vote Tory unless the Tory lead is very large, in which case vote Lib Dem or Green for the national totals.

There is no such thing as a Tory-UKIP marginal. Just saying. UKIP have been wiped out. Just vote for the alternative.

Unless it's Kate Hoey.

Westministenders: Up Shit Creek without Wifi.
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RedToothBrush · 03/05/2017 13:56

www.politics.co.uk/blogs/2017/05/03/brexit-this-is-what-having-no-leverage-looks-like
Brexit: This is what having no leverage looks like

Ian Dunt

www.buzzfeed.com/robinedds/game-of-thrones-quotes-that-sum-up-british-politics?utm_term=.ljwKG1W3Y#.fgDokD0wG
18 Photos Of British Politicians Improved By "Game Of Thrones" Quotes
An election is coming. Again.

Locally we've just got a local transport issue which has quite serious implications for the area.
One of the labour party said:
"He is a Tory minister and his blatant failure to keep his promise on this should cost him thousands of votes.”

Our MP's response to the criticism?
“This election will be a choice between strong, stable leadership under Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn and Nicola Sturgeon’s coalition of chaos.”

That's it.

Seriously?! That's a NUTS reply.

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RedToothBrush · 03/05/2017 14:06

www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/theresa-may-faces-first-uprising-of-election-as-tories-urge-pm-to-abandon-school-funding-shakeup-a3529261.html
Theresa May faces first uprising of election as Tories urge PM to abandon school funding shake-up

George is enjoying his new job I see.

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BrexshitMeansBrexshit · 03/05/2017 14:24

Remind you of anything?
www.facebook.com/BBCPolitics/videos/10154637553882217/

Brexiteer accuses Farron of accusing him of being racist when the only person saying 'racist' is the Brexiteer...
Grin

BiglyBadgers · 03/05/2017 14:26

There are few things in life that can't be improved by game of thrones quotes Grin

The response from your MP reminded me of this Buzzfeed article I read earlier.
Theresa May Hit Back At George Osborne's Claim That She's Got Nothing But Slogans...With A Slogan
www.buzzfeed.com/alexspence/theresa-may-hit-back-at-george-osbornes-claim-that-shes-got?utm_term=.kgVzVl4ka6#.yup7KqZg0a

Cailleach1 · 03/05/2017 14:29

Now, I don't know exactly who the 'centre for european reform' are or who funds them. It is some sort of British think-tank or London based British interest group, so probably not completely objective. It is interesting insofar as it explains how the EU does it's bookkeeping. Was in Feb. too and things are growing legs. This is about the disentangling of the UK from the EU, money wise.

www.cer.org.uk/sites/default/files/pb_barker_brexit_bill_3feb17.pdf

RedToothBrush · 03/05/2017 14:36

Robert Peston just picked up the HSBC Conservative Party Money Laundering Story...

www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/labour-party/jeremy-corbyn/opinion/85607/analysis-why-malcolm-bakers-rant
ANALYSIS: Why Malcolm Baker's rant at Tim Farron will have the Tories purring
A Brexiteer's rant at Tim Farron was tough for the Lib Dem leader, but it's Labour who should really be worrying.

"I've voted Labour all my life but this time I'm voting for Theresa May". So intoned former Labour voter Malcolm Baker for the TV cameras this morning - he even rounded it off with a little salute to the Prime Minister's name.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39794885?ocid=socialflow_twitter&ns_mchannel=social&ns_campaign=bbcnews&ns_source=twitter
Irish university post-Brexit fees questioned

There should be a guarantee that students from NI will not have to pay non-EU fees when the UK leaves the EU, said Fianna Fáil's Thomas Byrne.

OP posts:
RedToothBrush · 03/05/2017 14:38

David Davis and the unfortunate photo opportunity.

Westministenders: Up Shit Creek without Wifi.
OP posts:
RedToothBrush · 03/05/2017 14:52

Thought provoking thread:

Threadwood Woodwood‏*@hoodedman1187*
I have been thinking about the "strong and stable" mantra, in the context of my mum, who thinks Theresa May is great.
She is absolutely a product of post war Social democracy (born 1947), got 6 good O levels despite failing the 11+. Got a civil service job
Got into a mess due to creating me with my irresponsible dad, but then met my step fascist. Worked part time, had my sister, had 5 years out
Went back and did a local authority job until redundancy, aged 59. Her and step fascist paid off their mortgage in their early 50s.
Due to how law works re property they also ended up owning his parents home. So, 2 homes, both retired in their 50s. Endless holidays
Both on pension income before state pension kicked in, from working in public sector. He worked 33 years for the MoD. In one workplace.
She worked for the predecessor to DWP, 2 years out, 4 years part time in insurance, 5 years out, then 24 years local authority. 3 workplaces
there were 4 bad years for her (the me arriving/my dad leaving years) but we had a council flat. There were inflation years in the late 70s
But from the mid 80 had 2 incomes, 3 cars, me off their hands at university, on a grant so they had no expenses. Lots of holidays. Lots.
In the 90s they paid off the mortgage. In the space of a few years they both got made redundant but neither needed to work again. Or claim.
They then acquired another house, due to how the law allows property to be moved around. From parents who lived on govt pension for 30 years
Basically, in material terms, since the early 80s they've had no money worries. They've had stability. From their 40s to their 70s.
They also had stability in their earlier lives through full employment, the NHS, workplace/union rights, public sector employment, education
And although they were children in the first Austerity era (late 40s/early 50s) it was their parents who'd born the brunt of that
they had the stability of Post war social democracy. Then, from 79, when my mum voted for you know who, they got the income from the shares
they got the income from property prices. They got the dividends of Thatcherism and they've got the pensions from post war social democracy
So they've had a lot of stability. Stability was their era. So, if you appeal to them with "Stability" they recognise themselves
And because they did well, largely because of timing, out of the upswing of Thatcherism, the shares, the mortgage pay off (the MIRAS too)
and because this happened after the rockiness of the inflation years and the disruption and 'discontent) of 78/9 (when my sister was born)
they also identify with "strong", i.e. Thatcher putting a stop to disruption. Stepfascist hated her (misogynist) mum liked her, quietly.
"Strong and Stable" work for them. They've had a lot of stability and the "strong leadership" years is when their living standards went up
and of course, they don't have an analysis that sees this in terms of periods of "settlement". They don't see themselves as being stable
because of post war social democracy. And they don't see their having benefited from the rupture of that settlement as a historical thing
They see themselves as having the right qualities, the right approach to life. Their stability comes from the "working hard and saving"
even though they've had more holidays than anyone I've ever met. And were well into the bank of his mum and dad (i.e. civil service pension)
And also, as gleeful Brexiteers, they don't see any of the stability or material comfort as having coming from 45 year of EEC/EU membership
Nor do they associate the move from UK holidays (1970s) to EU holidays (1980s onwards) to be anything to do with being EU citizens
they see it all as being due to their personal ability to get life right. To save money through DIY, to look out for bargains and good deals
They see "strong and stable" as values they associate with their own characters, their being able to live right and get deserved rewards
And they see Stability as Strength. Their stability is because they are strong. The stability came under Thatcher because she was strong
and they see May, their contemporary, reflecting it back at them. Stability is a strength. A character strength. That people their age have
they overcame instability (bad marriage/no money, prices, strikes) by being strong. They don't see healthcare, education, housing, rights
and they see the struggles, failures & penury of their children - me, my sister, as failures of New Labour. Borrowing money, switching jobs
They had stability because they were strong. We have instability because we are weak, flighty, we get into debt, we can't keep a job. Weak
I can see how this works for them. "Strong and Stable: that's what we are." It resonates. It reinforces. Its a load of crap. But it works.
And now they come out with rubbish like "I'm sure we'll get a good deal because Theresa May is strong" and "we can trade with Australia"
My mum thinks Theresa May is "really good because I think she'll get us a good deal" Which is just faith. Faith that being 'strong' works
and faith that if you are 'strong' that this will restore Britain to what it was when they did well out of it. Strong will get you Stable.
Its delusional nonsense. Its the politics of Affect. But its a structure of feeling. It ignores history, it locks on to characteristics.
Also, of course, its difficult to counter it by giving your parents a little lecture on the Post War settlement and the neoliberal rupture.
But I think you can just guilt trip the fuck out of them. What about my child? What about my 13yo. She won't have what you had.
Is that "strong and stable" mum? Your granddaughter having to pay private health insurance when she might not even be able to get a job?
That's my tactics. I see your "strong and stable" I raise you "you have voted to make your grandchildren's lives unstable and precarious".
Don't mind me, mum, I'm Generation "You'll probably outlive me anyway". I'm a hopeless failure, an unworldly dreamer. Who needs stability?
So I think "Strong and Stable" works for many people (millions). And I don't think "its alright for you, you had it so good " will work
but I do think you have to have a go at it. "is this strong and stable?" (housing, in work poverty, debt, health, energy, rights)
but more than that, especially for my parents generation and all of that lot. How is your "strong and stable" going to help your grandkids?
because when I talk to my mum and I say "you know your grandchildren almost certainly won't get a state pension" she says "I know".
So, for me, we have to guilt trip them. We're fucked, they don't care. But happy faces on school photos? ... who will never know stability?
Get at them. Get after them. Strong and stable works. If you project it backwards. So you have to project it forwards. To see it crack.

OP posts:
Badders123 · 03/05/2017 15:03

Out only hope is that 13 year old
Md my 13 year old
That they take the car crash of brexit and build anew.
But fuck me it's going to be bleak 😞😡

woman12345 · 03/05/2017 15:10

Threadwood Woodwood‏*@hoodedman1187*

Give that woman the Booker prize.

Add to the 'strong and stable' generation the foot note, that the Welfare State brought up your kids with: free milk( until Thatcher milk snatcher nicked it), free NHS, free dentists, free special needs support, free HE, EMA for 16-19year olds.

The freedoms enjoyed by said mother and step fascist Grin were bought in part due to the welfare state stepping in to help raise their own kids.

Badders123 · 03/05/2017 15:20

Yep!
I'm dreading the inevitable conversation with my Tory pils.
They love their gc but they are also quite happy to sell their futures up the river
They are also devout Christians
They don't seem to see the irony in that
And their voting preference.

Peregrina · 03/05/2017 15:32

Get after them. Strong and stable works.

They are slightly older than me. They still might find that it comes back to bite them on the bum. What will they do when the NHS collapses? What if they need Social Care - the authorities will come for the money from their houses. Who will they blame then? You will have to bite your tongue, but secretly think that it's what they voted for.

Badders123 · 03/05/2017 15:33

My sympathy know no beginning!....

🙄😡

MsHooliesCardigan · 03/05/2017 15:35

That is absolutely brilliant and I'm going to send it to my DM who is also a very vocal Christian born in 1946 and has averaged 5 holidays a year (including far flung ones lasting over a month) since she retired at 60 on a very generous pension and has always voted Tory and voted Leave.

whatwouldrondo · 03/05/2017 15:38

If you can stomach this without throwing something at the TV, WARNING:skewed perspectives, but this on the difference between the top 0.1% on £100m plus and the top 1% on £140k plus is interesting in terms of the perspective of the far right.

The top 0.1% are the ones with the time and money to access politicians. They are most likely to be in favour of no holds barred capitalism, and to believe wealth is deserved and that hard work and entrepreneurialism should be rewarded never mind the privilege that got them the chances in the first place They have inherited wealth and / or have generated wealth through hedge funds etc. They will enjoy a deregulated economy

The 1% do not feel wealthy in comparison but many also do not see their salaries as fair in comparison to e.g. teachers and nurses . They are more likely to believe in taxation to deliver greater equality. In my experience they are too busy working in the companies that are actually facing multiple segments of the service industry (though some for the 0.1%) to have the time and money to access politicians but they are the ones that understand the economic consequences of Brext, but are not being heard
www.theguardian.com/inequality/2017/may/03/how-do-britains-highest-earners-feel-about-their-income

HashiAsLarry · 03/05/2017 15:44

Faisal Islam‏ @faisalislam
Wow. PM suggests that Brussels trying to interfere with the election
She's going to go full Trump isn't she?

Tanith · 03/05/2017 15:50

Parroting "strong and stable" at every opportunity is making her sound "programmed and malfunctioning".

MsHooliesCardigan · 03/05/2017 15:54

Christ, there's still 5 weeks until the Election. How many times can TM shoehorn 'Strong and stable leadership' in before then?
I don't think I can take much more of this and they've only just started.

Badders123 · 03/05/2017 15:54

She is rattled, isn't she?

SapphireStrange · 03/05/2017 15:56

PM suggests that Brussels trying to interfere with the election

Just like the SNP, eh? Everyone is lining up against her in her head, aren't they?

Honestly, the temerity of these people. You'd think we lived in a multi-party state or something.

HashiAsLarry · 03/05/2017 15:57

MrsHoolie you need to make a choice right now. You either buy into the drinking game or not Wink