Westministenders: Stalling for Time

[RedToothBrush]

After 14 defeats, the Withdrawal Bill exited the Lords. In much worse condition than anyone dared to predicted.

Now we have those who were viciously against Lords reform, all of a sudden shouting about how much we desperately need it. Well fancy that. Tradition isn't so attractive if you aren't getting your own way.

Daniel Hannan has suddenly admitted that Brexit is not 'going to plan' (there was one?) and Johnson is still his weekly resignation threat.

It now throws things back into Corbyn's court. The Tory Rebel Forces think that they have the numbers to stay in the Single Market, but are blocked by Corbyn's opposition to it.

The decision on the customs union has effectively been pushed back to the Autumn by May, but we have to make a decision about the Irish border by June or trade talks won't go ahead as planned.

The trouble is that the Cabinet can not decide on which option they want to take, but neither is particularly viable anyway. Max Fac means a border in the Irish Sea which the DUP won't like and the Customs Partnership isn't acceptable to the Empire Tories. In any case it seems unlikely that either option could get through the Commons in their current form due to the growing number of Tory Rebel Forces.

May also has a problem with the grass roots. It is more or less impossible for her to deliver the Brexit they desire whatever she tries.

The growing backlash about the hostile environment also undermines the point of Brexit in reducing immigration. Its is growing apparent, WHY we need immigration and that the people who are being targeted for deportation are simply the easiest to pick off and not the ones that people see as 'a problem'. Indeed you have to wonder about how many immigrants ARE a problem. The idea to control immigration after Brexit was not through the border but through the hostile environment, yet this seems now to be something that will be impossible to continue with politically.

Leave.EU have now been referred to the police for breaking Electoral Law. It also turns out that they found numerous ways to beat the spending limit legally. The female data controller has also been found to have data protection law. Meanwhile Banks and Wigmore as well as Nix (CA and SCL), Cummings (Vote Leave) and Silvester (AIQ) have all been summoned to appear because the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. Zuckerberg also does not appear to have completed his answers to the committee as Facebook have had their homework deadline extended to Monday (and has been asked to appear by the 24th May whilst he is in Europe).

Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee Dates
Electoral Commission - Tuesday 15th May
Silvester - Wednesday 16th May
Cummings / Nix - Summoned to appear Tuesday 22nd May
Banks / Wigmore - Tuesday 16th June

Also in parliament in next weeks is and interesting looking ten minute rule bill named 'Representation of the People (Gibraltar)' - Tuesday 15th May

Anyway, we are all set for the predictable 'who blinks first' brinkmanship with the UK aware that if the EU don't blink we go over the cliff and parliament aware that if May delays long enough she bypasses parliamentary democracy or put it in a position with a gun to its head.

Who is looking forward to this year's 'row of the summer'?
It could be a long, hot summer.

Anyway, I want France to win Eurovision and the UK to get some points and not come last. Its not going to happen is it?

Who the fuck would give the UK the time of day about anything right now ?

It was really good fun and I felt I'd wasted my 20's,30's and 40's by having waited so long!

Met an annoying Brexit voter on the 'plane, he said " I have to admit I voted out.. but I really regret it now.No one gave us proper information...." Grrt

I've been at the football today. Two Germans grabbed some tickets in the pub and were sat in the row behind us. Generally chatting about the quality of the bundesleague (spelling so wrong there I don't even know how to correct it) and premiership and a mate of mine very pro brexit started talking about how the rest of Europe had a chip on its shoulder about the UK but the Germans were always welcoming. I patted him and said to wait until after brexit, at which point the Germans wet themselves. If I've done nothing else today I've at least convinced two Germans that we aren't all gung ho britania rules the waves.

Politicians pay tribute to Tessa Jowell after death from cancer

www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/may/13/tessa-jowell-dies-aged-70-labour

Editorial: A majority of MPs would help Theresa May sideline the wreckers in her party if she dared to make alliances across the floor

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/may/13/the-guardian-view-on-brexit-and-parliament-another-way-is-possible

Give him credit lonely. He admitted he was wrong. That's more than most.

We need more to do the same.

SheRa Marley-Threepwood @ SheRa Marley
A letter to Theresa May: the heroine Britain got when it was asked 'do you want me as your PM' and Britain said 'not really but whatever': /1

Not in any way like a drunk ex at 2am pleading for another chance because deep down they're good person, our Prime Minister has posted on Facebook asking for the nation's 'trust' /2

And of course, Theresa, you have our trust! You are a role model to people everywhere, a beacon of stability, compassion and competency /3

We trust you, Theresa, because of your exemplary record of doing what you say, and saying that what you are saying is clear, and that you're very clear on that. /4

Your record in office is enough to garner the unquestioning trust of a nation. Lets look back, shall we? /5

As Home Sec, your mission was clear: limit immigration to 100k per year. Because that arbitrary number is entirely appropriate and also quite neat /6

Of course, the problem is with setting yourself such an ambitious target with little plan, is those targets become difficult to hit / 7
Theresa May's failed immigration target has been publicly questioned by her own party leader in Scotland

In fact you failed repeatedly, but the number was ridiculous anyway and you can't be held accountable for it just because you set it / 8
Opposition mocks Tory renewal of failed migration target

In fact, you went so far as to refuse visas to doctors coming to this country, presumably because you trust we can all perform routine procedures on ourselves, and we trust you / 10
Theresa May 'Refused' To Allow Extra Overseas Doctors Into The UK

You have been steadfast and unmovable on your commitment to making the UK such an unappealing place to live that you've refused to apologies, even when being a bit racist /11
Go Home Vans Scrapped

Your unwavering commitment to reducing immigration extended to fabricating stories about people not being able to be deported because: cats /12
Remembering that time when Theresa May blamed a cat for high immigration

Your government produced this handy leaflet to the people you were forcibly deporting to Jamaica advising them to speak a bit rasta and keep an eye out for suicidal feelings /13
Anger as Government leaflet tells deportees to put on Jamaican accent

Let's not forget the incredible achievement of – asides from becoming the only the second female PM – you were only the second Home Sec in history to be charged with contempt of court /14
Theresa May accused of unacceptable and regrettable behaviour by judge

You should have that one framed. Remarkable. / 15

We trust you due to your integrity. Here you are campaigning for Remain: /16

Thread above was so good, it had to be copied in full...

...and I thank you for that red ...it's easy to forget half the shit, but the bottom line is our prime minister is simply a shockingly cruel, massively racist, power hungry, incompetent liar.

Robert Colvile @ rcolvile
So on Tuesday, @CPSThinkTank is publishing 'New Blue', an essay collection (put together with @bbradleymp) by young MPs/thinkers. As part of the project, we've done some fascinating @YouGov polling on what young voters actually think/believe. Highlights follow:

No disguising that the headline figures are bad for the Tories. Almost half of young (and middle-aged) voters say they will definitely not vote for the party (0 out of 10 likelihood

But they aren't exactly clamouring for Corbyn - number who are dead set on voting Labour (rather than just quite likely to) is much smaller than you'd think

Some findings do support 'young are more left-wing' narrative. Eg they're much keener on universal benefits and govt trying to help everyone, vs targeting efforts at those in most need

And they're much more likely to think the government should intervene more in society rather than less

They also - like everyone else - think public services should be provided by the state, rather than whoever can provide them most effectively (not that big a majority, though much higher when you ask specifically re NHS)

And young people, like others, mostly think that if you go to university, you should pay for the privilege

In terms of issues for govt to address, NHS is obviously the big one

But in terms of things that would actually improve own lives, it's cost of living - and housing, which is clear winner among 18-24s

And on housing, they overwhelmingly think govt should focus on promoting home ownership rather than making renting better

In summary: under-40s in general and 18-24s in particular aren't raving Lefties. They just want what we all want: more money in pockets, home of their own, better future.

Sometimes I think they should save some money and just read these threads. We've called that collectively a long time ago.

I say we mainly but I mean most of the rest of you

Real challenge for govt is how pessimistic they are that they'll get them. Turn that round, and things may start to look a little brighter...

Anyway, loads more on this in 'New Blue' - published on Tuesday! And full details of the polling now at @CPSThinkTank website. Please dig in - there's plenty more...
Are young people clamouring for Corbyn? New CPS polling sheds light on the new generation

For those asking re the demographics/columns - we wanted polling on under-40s, but it was done via @YouGov omnibus so they also broke it down in their normal age ranges - hence the overlap of 25-39 and 25-49

^Also you can find full data tables here on our site - for all voters t.co/SMBDcYbACy and then under-40s t.co/DcdNzkKQgD

Gosh JUST WHY are young people so pessimistic about the next 20 years?

Anyone got any ideas? Or shall we just trust Theresa May to work it out?

Poor Andrew Lilico. His bolding.

Andrew Lilico
@andrew_lilico

So many Remainers have a habit of deliberately misinterpreting or just blatanly lying about things @DanielJHannan or I have said. That's partly a casual disregard for the truth, partly silly word-play, but often that same Remainer failure to see the truth that has led to Brexit.

New conversation

I try to show most of my political opponents polite respect. I sometimes let myself down on that, but I hope not too often. That's partly general manners & human regard, partly that that's how I believe healthy political debate should be conducted, partly a sense of proportion.

But it's also because I know I might need them as allies tomorrow, that I may need to debate something else with them tomorrow, and that they may be in charge tomorrow. I won't always win, & grace in defeat & good treatment in defeat are easier if respect was maintained earlier.
‏
I am otoh oft bemused by how little respect my political opponents show me even after 20 or 25 yrs of debating with them. I cannot, of course, demand that they respect me, but I cannot see what they hope to gain from being disrespectful. It won't hurt me. But it cld hurt them
‏
I obvs understand why I enrage many folk. It's because I not only challenge the moral rules of the game, as they see them (that right-wingers must be morally deficient but arguably sometimes necessary or efficient) but I persuade others by that & persuade other arguers to copy me

But what I don't get is why my political adversaries, who have seen me & those like me win these fights time after time for decades, imagine they can mock or lie or hate me off the field when long experience proves that a failed strategy.

We will take back control of our social policy and our tax policy so rather than being decided in Brussels, we will decide them in the interests of ordinary working people in Britain.

I'm still getting back up to speed and reading May's message.Well I'd trust you more love if you told the bloody truth.

Look even some -one like me who some times doesn't get stuff knows that Westminster has complete autonomy of setting the following taxes:

Income tax
Inheritance tax
Corporation tax
Capital gains tax
Stamp duty
National insurance
VAT
Car tax

We do not interfere with setting say Germany or France's tax rates and no-one interferes with us.

So what the ?*x! is she talking about please.

in the same vein as Screech Queen put it about May.

Lilico its cos you are a white married middle classed man who is well off and thinks he know everything and no one else knows anything.

And cos you spout utter bollocks. Your pitiful whining in the last couple of days about "why won't anyone listen to me? Why does no one agree with me? Its not fair. They are all mean to me" is because of your complete and utter inability to empathise with absolutely anyone else who is not also male, married white and rather privileged.

This tends to have the effect of making other people rather frustrated leading to them screeching at you on twitter because you are so unbelievably blinkered and have such limited life experience.

But you know. Carry on as you were. You are a great twitter follow for insight into the thinking of twits.

sigh

He hasn't half pissed me off in the last couple of days with his drivel.

So what the ?*x! is she talking about please.

I think you'll find the thing she is talking begins with 'b' and ends in 'ollocks'. To use its technical term.

And tonight I give you this gem:
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-uk-summit-why-join-eu-balkans-serbia-albania-berlin-process-a8347111.html?amp&__twitter_impression=true
Brexit: UK government to host summit on why other countries should join the EU

Fwiw I think the summit worthwhile but controversial. Russian influence in Serbia has grown considerably in the last couple of years. They were more or less 50:50 split between EU support and Russia support but have lent back towards Russia. Meanwhile Turkey has been doing some massive shit stirring in Bosnia. There's Croatian messing in Bosnia too. And Serbia is encouraging the serbian part of Bosnia to split from the rest of the country and each become independent or rejoin Serbia

Little of this is getting news coverage here. Its all deeply troubling that old tensions are being stirred when the EUs eyes are elsewhere. I really think they have taken eyes off the balls in the region and the danger of it sparking fresh conflict is higher than we think.

I can't say I'm up with it all. I keep half an eye out, and I keep seeing an increasing number of stories coming out the region which are alarming and concerning.

Still its magnificent that we are hosting this event. Whilst shouting our own nationalist slogans.

I think May is referring to EU warnings to the UK govt, about a race to the bottom wrt tax rates for business and the super-wealthy, to compensate for the UK no longer being a gateway to the EU

There have been suggestions that the EU might even make it a requirement of any post-Brexit trade deal that UK corporation tax must stay within a fixed band - that has long been discussed for EU members anyway.

Rightwing Ultras are naturally furious, because for many one of the main reasons for Brexit was to make it politically possible to slash taxes for them & their chums.

(btw, the RoI currently have a very low 17.5% corporation tax, which has brought them a lot of business; so, this is one rare topic where they are out of step with Brussels thinking and will also regret losing the UK veto)

Presumably Lilico actually posed for this.

He and Hannan are both playing the "if only Remainers stopped disagreeing with us we'd get it all our own way" card atm. And Pete North's another.

Yet another cracking twitter thread today:

Femi @ femi_sorry
Cameron was exactly the wrong person to lead the Remain campaign: Many of the arguments that needed to be made involved criticism of his own party.

Was Cameron EVER going to say: "I hear your concerns about immigration. The reason EU immigration hasn't been controlled is because I chose not to enforce the EU's rules against benefit tourism. Unlike other EU countries"? Ever!?

Was Cameron EVER going to say: "The EU protects you from immoral governments. Threresa May wants to scrap the Human Rights Act once we leave. & I've been selling the Saudis British weapons, knowing they're being used in crimes against humanity and the EU has rules against that"?

Was Cameron EVER going to say: "I know you want the UK to be more influential in the EU, but I moved the British conservatives into a smaller and less influential political party in the EU Parliament in 2009"

That means that the strongest arguments regarding sovereignty and immigration were never heard because it was against Cameron's own interests to make those points.

Steve Peers @ stevepeers
You missed the big one: was Cameron going to say that the effects of austerity shouldn't be blamed on the EU, because they were caused by his own government?

RF @dipbrat70
1/2 If I recall correctly, Cameron also vowed that if he didn't get the kind of reform package he was asking from the EU, he would lead the Leave campaign. It made it difficult for him then to turn around and claim leaving would be disastrous or to sell UK voters on the...
2/2 ...benefits of membership. He undermined his own credibility as a spokesman for #Remain. #Brexit

Rowena Kay @ rowena_kay
I've always thought the biggest failing was the others who joined up with him. Someone needed to credibly say to e.g. North Wales "you know all that EU funding you get now. If you think the Tories give a f about you and will replicate that, I have a bridge to sell you. "

Steve Peers @ stevepeers
Corbyn could have made those points but he and other non-Conservatives were overlooked in favour of "Conservative infighting" stories.

Rowena Kay @ rowena_kay
^But also the official campaign lacked credibility locally.

Grassroots campaigning of 'the Tories and rich boys like Boris just want to screw you over, don't be the mug that buys it' could have had real resonance from a Remain.eu equivalent.^

Yeukipik @ yeukipik2000
and another big one : why haven't Labour raised all these points during the campaign in order to help remain win AND win the following GE ?

This is progress in thinking. One of first times I've seen the Remain campaign start to be picked apart. Its always been about the outrageous leave campaign. This is productive.

More please!

mobile.nytimes.com/2018/05/12/opinion/sunday/liberals-youre-not-as-smart-as-you-think-you-are.html?smtyp=cur&smid=tw-nytimes
Liberals, You’re Not as Smart as You Think
By Gerard Alexander

Mr. Alexander is a professor of political science at the University of Virginia.

Opinion piece in NYT.

Lots of truth in this. Works for the UK too.

Sniff

He has the look of a supermarket manager

Cameron was exactly the wrong person to lead the Remain campaign:
For such a relatively astute political marketing man and campaigner, it was an odd mistake to make.

@Femi_Sorry
Gotta say.... @JMPSimor is a boss!
#ShesWithEU
twitter.com/Femi_Sorry/status/995662978258231298
Jessica Simor QC, one of many star women turns today.
"Brexit means we return to the status of subjects who have no rights"

That NYT article reads very differently if you replace 'liberal' with 'woman' which I think is what the author really meant.

You can trust me to deliver.
I will ensure that we take back control of our borders. The public want their own Government to decide on the number of people coming into Britain from across the European Union and that is what we are going to do.
Fair enough as far as it goes.

Now for bonus marks...
I am clear that any deal with the EU must protect our precious union and also honour the agreements that were reached in the historic Northern Irish peace process. This means there can be no hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, or between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. We will uphold the Belfast Agreement in full – and we will ensure the constitutional and economic integrity of the whole United Kingdom

She can't keep track of who crosses into the UK from the EU without a hard border on the island of Ireland. Keeping track means border checks, means a hard border.
This is elementary stuff.

Is it possible Theresa May does not understand that Ireland is part of the EU?