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This thread exists to discuss British politics.

Political issues related to Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies (the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) are also considered on-topic here if there's no more appropriate OTC thread for them.

If you're new to OTC, it's worth reading the Introduction to On-Topic Conversations and the On-Topic Conversations debate guidelines before posting here.

As with other OTC threads, off-topic posts may be thumped or edited by the moderators.

More specifically, read this post for some guidance on what we don't want to see.


    Original OP 
(I saw Allan mention the lack of one so I thought I'd make one.)

Recent political stuff:

  • The vote to see if Britain should adopt Alternative Voting has failed.
  • Lib Dems lose lots of councils and councillors, whilst Labour make the majority of the gains in England.
  • The Scottish National Party do really well in the elections.

A link to the BBC politics page containing relevant information.

Edited by Mrph1 on Jun 7th 2024 at 4:50:10 PM

Wyldchyld (Old as dirt)
#44901: Feb 3rd 2022 at 3:34:52 AM

We always knew this was coming, even before Brexit was finalised. The DUP has always made it clear they would not tolerate the checks — they fear it increases the likelihood of unification between Ireland and Northern Ireland. But they also get used as a scapegoat by Brexiteers.

Edited by Wyldchyld on Feb 3rd 2022 at 3:44:43 AM

If my post doesn't mention a giant flying sperm whale with oversized teeth and lionfish fins for flippers, it just isn't worth reading.
TommyR01D Since: Feb, 2015
#44902: Feb 3rd 2022 at 4:10:38 AM

The Lord Rotherwick, Acting Captain of the Household Cavalry 1977-1983, retired from Parliament yesterday aged 67.

Today's teacup Twitter tempest concerns a small article in a recent edition of Private Eye regarding women's prisons. Commenters are pushing to #KeepPrisonsSingleSex, while also having to insist they are #NotABot.

(Before you say it, of course I'm well aware that trending hashtags are not generally indicative of anything important.)

DESPITE the ancient custom of parliamentary free speech, four peers were sent warning letters after they questioned sending transsexual inmates to women's prisons.

Lord Cormack [1][2] (Con) told the Lords that one of the upper house's standards commissioners [3] had sent the warning letters to him, Lord Blencathra [4][5] and Ladies Meyer [6][7] and Fox of Buckley [8][9]. The commissioner gave the peers a warning that their speeches had upset members of the public. "Parliamentary privilege is one of the bulwarks of democracy," said Cormack, when he disclosed what had been going on. "There is no doubt in the minds of those of us who received these letters that the complaints against us were designed to silence us, and that has very sinister implications."

Cormack received immediate support across the chamber from the likes of former home secretary Lord Reid [10][11] (Lab), former Tory cabinet minister Lord Forsyth [12][13] and former Commons clerk Lord Lisvane [14][15] (Crossbencher). Lord Judge [16][17], a former chief justice, passed a four-word verdict on the commissioner's behaviour: "This will not do." But peers are understandably furious and this may not be the end of the matter.

The debate described can be read here or watched here.

The earlier debate to which they then referred can be read here or watched here.note 

jakobitis Doctor of Doctorates from Somewhere, somewhen Since: Jan, 2015 Relationship Status: I'd need a PowerPoint presentation
Doctor of Doctorates
#44903: Feb 4th 2022 at 2:51:31 AM

Johnson's week is getting worse following a wave of resignations:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60253231

Not entirely clear how many are resigning in protest and how many have jumped now to avoid being scapegoats for "party gate" but so many all at once is pretty damning stuff.

"These 'no-nonsense' solutions of yours just don't hold water in a complex world of jet-powered apes and time travel."
Marlfox24 from Edinburgh, Scotland Since: Apr, 2015
#44904: Feb 4th 2022 at 3:54:43 AM

Mirza resigning was definitely not expected, the rest are closer to straight up sackings that were coming anyway following the Gray update. They probably brought them forward to try and take the attention off Mirza, not really working so far if so.

"Too. Much. Clutter."
Deadbeatloser22 from Disappeared by Space Magic (Great Old One) Relationship Status: Tsundere'ing
#44905: Feb 4th 2022 at 4:29:12 AM

Commenters are pushing to #KeepPrisonsSingleSex, while also having to insist they are #NotABot.

They're not bots, but it is incredibly easy for a handful of users to boost a single hashtag to the top of Trending.

"Yup. That tasted purple."
Redmess Redmess from Netherlands Since: Feb, 2014
Redmess
#44906: Feb 4th 2022 at 7:41:49 AM

Should prisons be mixed gender? I'm honestly not sure.

Hope shines brightest in the darkest times
Bisected8 A casual tief of punk from Her Hackette Cave (Primordial Chaos) Relationship Status: Arm chopping is not a love language!
A casual tief of punk
#44907: Feb 4th 2022 at 8:01:58 AM

What they mean by the hashtag is that they want trans women locked up with men, and trans men locked up with women (how enbies factor into this is not their concern, because they don't even believe they exist).

TV Tropes's No. 1 bread themed lesbian. she/her, fae/faer
nrjxll Since: Nov, 2010 Relationship Status: Not war
#44908: Feb 4th 2022 at 8:08:40 AM

Johnson's week is getting worse following a wave of resignations:

Realistically, how good are his odds of surviving this whole thing in general? I've seen very contradictory takes from British people I know online.

Edited by nrjxll on Feb 4th 2022 at 10:08:59 AM

Redmess Redmess from Netherlands Since: Feb, 2014
Redmess
#44909: Feb 4th 2022 at 8:52:29 AM

Ohh, I see.

Hope shines brightest in the darkest times
Wyldchyld (Old as dirt)
#44910: Feb 5th 2022 at 3:10:20 AM

Mirza resigning was definitely not expected, the rest are closer to straight up sackings that were coming anyway following the Gray update. They probably brought them forward to try and take the attention off Mirza, not really working so far if so.

Two of the resignations are about the smear attack. The other three are muddied because they're connected to the lockdown parties, but the timing complicates the narrative.

Realistically, how good are his odds of surviving this whole thing in general? I've seen very contradictory takes from British people I know online.

If the right-wing press turns against him properly, he's finished. For now, there's been some willingness to create a "Save Boris to save Brexit" narrative whenever it looks like he really might be finished, even though they've also been attacking him over the lockdown parties.

Edited by Wyldchyld on Feb 5th 2022 at 3:26:11 AM

If my post doesn't mention a giant flying sperm whale with oversized teeth and lionfish fins for flippers, it just isn't worth reading.
jakobitis Doctor of Doctorates from Somewhere, somewhen Since: Jan, 2015 Relationship Status: I'd need a PowerPoint presentation
Doctor of Doctorates
#44911: Feb 5th 2022 at 5:53:21 AM

He'll keep the job for now because no-one else wants it. It's a poison chalice and everyone knows it.

"These 'no-nonsense' solutions of yours just don't hold water in a complex world of jet-powered apes and time travel."
Silasw A procrastination in of itself from A handcart to hell (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
A procrastination in of itself
#44912: Feb 5th 2022 at 6:49:50 AM

It’s not just that, there’s no real contender for someone better and more electable to takeover.

The point of ditching Boris would be to replace him with someone more popular, the Tories don’t have anyone.

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
jakobitis Doctor of Doctorates from Somewhere, somewhen Since: Jan, 2015 Relationship Status: I'd need a PowerPoint presentation
Doctor of Doctorates
#44913: Feb 5th 2022 at 8:06:40 AM

Yep, he's managed to make such a hash of it that he's dragged the whole party down with him.

Johnson was most likely always a "useful idiot" designed to be the figurehead for Brexit then broomed aside and replaced in due course... Except the "idiot" has outweighed the "useful."

Notably both Michael Gove and Rishi Sunak (two of the more likely candidates to take over) have both been conspicuously quiet apart from criticising the Saville comment.

"These 'no-nonsense' solutions of yours just don't hold water in a complex world of jet-powered apes and time travel."
Ramidel Since: Jan, 2001
#44914: Feb 6th 2022 at 12:01:28 AM

Yep, he's managed to make such a hash of it that he's dragged the whole party down with him.

Has he? Labour's not really in a position to challenge the Tories right now. (Though it might be time for a successor to Corbyn to try another leadership challenge on that side, if there are any Left-Labour leaders who can make a move.)

jakobitis Doctor of Doctorates from Somewhere, somewhen Since: Jan, 2015 Relationship Status: I'd need a PowerPoint presentation
Doctor of Doctorates
#44915: Feb 6th 2022 at 4:51:03 AM

He absolutely has. Taking Labour aside to look at the Tories AS A PARTY, they are in an absolute mess right now.

There's growing dissent in the ranks, a distinct lack of leadership anywhere to be found and no clear direction to turn things around.

Boris is hanging on because no one else is stupid enough to take the job right now.

"These 'no-nonsense' solutions of yours just don't hold water in a complex world of jet-powered apes and time travel."
Silasw A procrastination in of itself from A handcart to hell (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
A procrastination in of itself
#44916: Feb 6th 2022 at 5:06:51 AM

Labour is also polling well against the Tories right now and a key thing Labour hasn’t managed before is that our leader is polling ahead when it comes to the public perception of who’d make a better PM.

Though it might be time for a successor to Corbyn to try another leadership challenge on that side,

Why on earth would we do that? Starmer has gotten us into a pretty positive position politically. The right of the party (honestly the PLP in general) actively threw an election by doing that under Corbyn, so I guess if one cares more about revenge against other wings of the party than defeating the Tories nationally now is the perfect time. Personally, I care more about unseating the Tories at the next election than I do about sticking it to other factions within the party.

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
TommyR01D Since: Feb, 2015
#44917: Feb 6th 2022 at 2:24:20 PM

Today's stats:

  • 00,158,318 (00.2%) deaths
  • 17,803,325 (26.2%) cases
  • 52,427,710 (77.2%) first doses
  • 48,576,227 (71.6%) second doses
  • 37,529,824 (55.3%) third doses

The results of Thursday's by-election in Southend West:

  • 12,792 (86.1%) - Anna Firth (Conservative)
  • 00,512 (03.4%) - Jason Piley (Psychedelic Movement)
  • 00,400 (02.7%) - Dave Laws (UK Independence)
  • 00,320 (02.2%) - Catherine Blaiklock (English Democrat)
  • 00,299 (02.0%) - Jayda Fransen (Independent)
  • 00,236 (01.6%) - Ben Downton (Heritage)
  • 00,161 (01.1%) - Christopher Anderson (Freedom Alliance)
  • 00,086 (00.6%) - Graham Moore (English Constitution)
  • 00,052 (00.3%) - Olga Childs (no description)

The Queen's Accession Day Message (actually published yesterday):

Tomorrow, 6th February, marks the 70th anniversary of my Accession in 1952. It is a day that, even after 70 years, I still remember as much for the death of my father, King George VI, as for the start of my reign.

As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service.

As I look ahead with a sense of hope and optimism to the year of my Platinum Jubilee, I am reminded of how much we can be thankful for. These last seven decades have seen extraordinary progress socially, technologically and culturally that have benefitted us all; and I am confident that the future will offer similar opportunities to us and especially to the younger generations in the United Kingdom and throughout the Commonwealth.

I am fortunate to have had the steadfast and loving support of my family.

I was blessed that in Prince Philip I had a partner willing to carry out the role of consort and unselfishly make the sacrifices that go with it. It is a role I saw my own mother perform during my father’s reign.

This anniversary also affords me a time to reflect on the goodwill shown to me by people of all nationalities, faiths and ages in this country and around the world over these years. I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me. And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.

And so as I look forward to continuing to serve you with all my heart, I hope this Jubilee will bring together families and friends, neighbours and communities – after some difficult times for so many of us – in order to enjoy the celebrations and to reflect on the positive developments in our day-to-day lives that have so happily coincided with my reign.

Ramidel Since: Jan, 2001
#44918: Feb 6th 2022 at 5:12:28 PM

[up][up]That is kind of the problem. The Blairites will outright sabotage any Corbynite leader, so the choice is between Corbynites falling in line behind the Blairites, or resisting and giving in to the Tories. And the Blairites know it.

Silasw A procrastination in of itself from A handcart to hell (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
A procrastination in of itself
#44919: Feb 6th 2022 at 11:47:30 PM

Keep in mind that Starmer isn’t actually from the right of the party, he’s just acceptable to them, part of the reason he hasn’t gone through with the electoral changes under consideration is because he suspects he’d be pushed out by an actual Blairite if he did.

Starmer is more of a Brownite than an actual Blairite.

But yes, the left of the Labour Party is ineffective enough to win a fight against both the Conservatives and the right of the Labour Party, so we now get to choose between if we’d rather Boris or Starmer. I’m very concerned that this is a difficult choice for anyone claiming to be on the left.

Oh, and while Corbyn was sabotaged, a lot of his shittyness as a political operator was entirely his own. His refusal to either play nice with the press (not possible without either lying or not being him) or get in a knock-out fight with them was a huge part of his undoing.

Edited by Silasw on Feb 6th 2022 at 7:51:52 PM

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
jakobitis Doctor of Doctorates from Somewhere, somewhen Since: Jan, 2015 Relationship Status: I'd need a PowerPoint presentation
Doctor of Doctorates
#44920: Feb 7th 2022 at 1:59:27 PM

Whatever your feelings on Starmer it's fair to say that shit like this:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-60294483

Is crossing the line, with a lot of it apparently triggered directly but the lies and false claims told by Johnson - which to be clear, were already verified and confirmed to be false well before he made them.

But because of parliamentary privilege Johnson won't face any official reprimand.

"These 'no-nonsense' solutions of yours just don't hold water in a complex world of jet-powered apes and time travel."
Ultimatum Disasturbator from The Wiggle Room (Old as dirt) Relationship Status: Who needs love when you have waffles?
Disasturbator
#44921: Feb 7th 2022 at 2:00:09 PM

What did he say,provide context for your link!

have a listen and have a link to my discord server
Silasw A procrastination in of itself from A handcart to hell (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
A procrastination in of itself
#44922: Feb 7th 2022 at 2:12:10 PM

Boris false claimed that Starmer (back when he was head of the crown prosecution service) failed to prosecute Jimmy Savile.

There have now been two arrests following some kind of confrontation involving protesters and Starmer on Victoria Embankment. According to the footage the BBC has the protesters were largely COVID related but at least one individual bought up Jimmy Savile.

Boris clearly hasn’t fought this thought, if an attempt is made on Starmer’s life it’s not going to end well for Boris.

Edit: The Guardian are claiming that one of the people there was holding a noose…

Edited by Silasw on Feb 7th 2022 at 10:17:45 AM

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
Bisected8 A casual tief of punk from Her Hackette Cave (Primordial Chaos) Relationship Status: Arm chopping is not a love language!
A casual tief of punk
#44923: Feb 7th 2022 at 2:34:40 PM

While one of them did shout "Jimmy Saville", it sounds more like they're anti-vaccine nutters.

Or at least that's the way that BBC article's spinning it, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were trying to draw attention away from Johnson engaging in stochastic terrorism.

Edited by Bisected8 on Feb 7th 2022 at 10:36:30 AM

TV Tropes's No. 1 bread themed lesbian. she/her, fae/faer
Silasw A procrastination in of itself from A handcart to hell (4 Score & 7 Years Ago) Relationship Status: And they all lived happily ever after <3
A procrastination in of itself
#44924: Feb 7th 2022 at 2:43:48 PM

Piers Corbyn was apparently there, so it was a mix of different conspiracy theorists.

I thought Piers Corbyn got arrested after he tried to have M Ps offices burnt down? Who let him back out?

I’ve got to say I did enjoy a comment I saw online, that Piers Corbyn has managed to be the worst Piers and the worst Corbyn, despite some pretty solid competition on both fronts.

Edited by Silasw on Feb 7th 2022 at 10:44:09 AM

“And the Bunny nails it!” ~ Gabrael “If the UN can get through a day without everyone strangling everyone else so can we.” ~ Cyran
Bisected8 A casual tief of punk from Her Hackette Cave (Primordial Chaos) Relationship Status: Arm chopping is not a love language!
A casual tief of punk
#44925: Feb 7th 2022 at 3:01:36 PM

I think I'd rather have Corbyn over a man who can't criticise the Tories for more than 5 minutes a day.

TV Tropes's No. 1 bread themed lesbian. she/her, fae/faer

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