Westminstenders: Prepare for what we said would never happen

[RedToothBrush]

I think that there may be a run on tinned tomatoes and pasta coming. Pizza will no longer have mozzarella in 2021.

On the plus side turnips are in season.

@ListeningQuietly

Just drove past where one of the emergency road closure lorry parks is due to be. Its been moved a mile since the spring to right next to what was the largest dogging site in the South of England Snigger

... Well, if there are long waits, they'll all need some entertainment

@ListeningQuietly

Just drove past where one of the emergency road closure lorry parks is due to be. Its been moved a mile since the spring to right next to what was the largest dogging site in the South of England Snigger

If you like things scandalous, disgusting and downright genius then Frankie Boyles closing monologue in the last NWO is a must-see. If just for the fact he repeatedly corpses throughout it (which given they could have retaken it wonders how often it happened).

If you have seen it, you'll know why LQs post reminded me ...

@TheQuietWoman my sentiments exactly. I fear them being utterly shafted by Westminster will interfere with what I naively hope is the inevitable progression back to Ireland

For some reason not being reported more widely, but it seems Manchesters Chief Constable has told Burnham and Patel to shove it ...

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/gmp-chief-constable-responds-claims-19120949

...

According to the Telegraph, Home Secretary Priti Patel rang Mr Hopkins yesterday and expressed concern about how GMP would go about enforcement of a Tier 3 lockdown without the support of the Mayor.

In response, Mr Hopkins has issued a letter making clear that while he is 'accountable' to the Mayor he is 'operationally independent'.

"We carry out operational policing without fear or favour and in line with the Police Services code of ethics alongside colleagues across the country," he wrote.

...

Worth noting that a policemans powers - like referendums - are discretionary.

My fear is reunification happening prematurely.

i.e. without a long intervening period of Unionists getting used to a Sinn Fein First Minister (20 years ?) and finding no Armegeddon, more and more cross-border links and working,

An abrupt change could spark Loyalist terrorism against Dublin again, especially if a hostile Westminster is giving them the wink - also again.

I think five years or even ten is realistic. I am not convinced the Irish government is overly keen either, perhaps feeling Sinn Féin's breath on their necks and threatening their grip on power. I'm probably over optimistic, but I think Ireland would see a lot of investment and a lot of support in making it work. That's another reason why we need to take our time...we want to learn from the Brexit referendum fiasco and not rush things. It has to be done right and at the right time.

Manchester chief constable doesn't want his people to be piggy-in-the-middle.

He also knows that chief constables answer locally, not to Westminster

... and his force will have to police locally, long after Covid has gone

• the public take decades to forgive on the occasions when the police use force to impose something unpopular on them

His letter in full:

twitter.com/gmpolice/status/1317419775308582915

Actually, scratch that - ten would be preferable or even twenty. Five is too soon.

Before Brexshit, I guestimated at reunification in 40 - 50 years

Now I still think it would be wiser after 25 - 30 years even if a majority comes within a few years

NS is wise in Scotland to say she wants 60%+
and we've certainly seen the bitter divisions when 52% impose their wishes on 48% to change the whole course of the country

Yes, I agree with Sturgeon here. And I really hope (for my own selfish reasons) that Scotland gains independence. It would, along with Brexit, make reunification almost inevitable.

I don't know the ins and outs but I can't see why anyone in Scotland wouldn't want independence. Not now, anyway.

@TheQuietWoman

I think five years or even ten is realistic. I am not convinced the Irish government is overly keen either, perhaps feeling Sinn Féin's breath on their necks and threatening their grip on power.

You're right but it's not as simple as a fear of SF. How are elections going to be organised to ensure unionist voices aren't lost in the crowd. How would that impact on their hold on power?

There is also the cost associated with it. For example, people in the north are used to free GP etc and while we're moving that direction, we have still a long way to go. I don't doubt the EU would help but how much is the question.

we want to learn from the Brexit referendum fiasco and not rush things. It has to be done right and at the right time.

Absolutely. We need to be very clear, on both sides of the border, on exactly what we are voting for. It needs to be very clear what we are gaining and what we are losing, because everyone will gain and lose.

Completely agree Ochon. I feel I let my green coloured spectacles blind me to some of the more pressing issues and stumbling blocks, so much would I love to see the reunification of my beautiful homeland. I would have a UI today...yesterday! But for the sake of the next generations to come, I know it is right to take time on this.

PMK with a heavy heart from France.
Struggling to spot (m)any glimmers of hope after events here yesterday.

Snigger snigger

Jason
that is good

@Jason118 , tee hee.

Thanks red

Mum is due to move on 30th...
Can that still happen?
We are tier 1 (atm!)

Shrill
Just do what needs doing

Auld so awful. The act of violence that encapsulates so much of what is wrong is the world.

.

Also reports tonight that police will be given access to details of those people told to self isolate by Track and Trace.

Also reports tonight that police will be given access to details of those people told to self isolate by Track and Trace.
Of whom there are many many thousands at any time
what an utter waste of scarce resources

Put Track and Trace entirely into the hands of the local public health teams who are experienced at persuading people to do the right thing

Auld Dreadful atrocity committed against a teacher

🇫🇷 💐