FlyTheNest

AnatolyKasparov

It is being claimed that Sunak has said there will *not* be a May GE, in an interview on regional TV.

AnatolyKasparov

You're assuming that she hasn't at least been semi-authorised.

I said a few days go when this all blew up, I can see her getting the whip back as a quid pro quo for her retiring at the coming election.

(which would be the best thing anyway, given Abbott's well known health issues)

AnatolyKasparov

It might be worth it if the rest of the panel cite her past ravings at her. But will they?

AnatolyKasparov

Good morefternoon, all.

AnatolyKasparov

Too long. And that applies more generally, not just to DA.

But that doesn't alter the fact there *is* such a process, which many on the left called for.

AnatolyKasparov

You do know that there is an independent process with these things, right?

OJ and yourself may choose to interpret Starmer's words unsympathetically. Others may not.

AnatolyKasparov

Depressingly, wanting to get back into the good books of some Tory MPs may well have been at least part of Hoyle's decision.

AnatolyKasparov

Poor stuff from Hoyle, no question.

Though in not totally unrelated news, it does seem that Andy McDonald has had the Labour whip restored.

AnatolyKasparov

We'll see about Abbott - I can see her getting the whip back after this, certainly if she issues an apology for her earlier comments.

(and tbh she should also say she is retiring at the coming GE, her health has not been great in recent years)

AnatolyKasparov

So some of the most racist comments you will ever hear, are not actually racist according to senior Tories. Gaslighting, much?

AnatolyKasparov

Labour briefing that Sunak will call a GE this week, though I remain sceptical.

AnatolyKasparov

Lee Anderson has defected to Reform.

AnatolyKasparov

More than that, she announced she no longer supported Labour on at least three separate occasions. Impressive stuff.

AnatolyKasparov

Anyway......are *you* a Kate Middleton pic troofer?

AnatolyKasparov

Though today was the first time I heard Reeves confirm there will be a pretty much immediate cash injection into public services if Labour wins.

A fairly small thing in itself, and a massively obvious one, but still. It maybe shows she does live in the real world just a bit.

AnatolyKasparov

Anyone about today?

AnatolyKasparov

I'm almost one myself (born 1966) though I think anyone with a birthdate after c1960 has some Gen X characteristics.

AnatolyKasparov

Sure, but it is definitely more prevalent amongst them - plus they are about the only group who still actually reads newspapers.

AnatolyKasparov

Before too long, a lot of the boomers who lap up all this crap are going to be dead - what then?

AnatolyKasparov

I saw that particular fib called out almost straight away tbf.

AnatolyKasparov

I always feel a bit disappointed when Sky isn't able to do his QT report for whatever reason.

And ultimately, he watches it so the rest of us don't have to

AnatolyKasparov

Good morefternoon all.

AnatolyKasparov

For brits the 'North' is the North of England, tho an alternative might be the 'South' of Scotland ? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mAY46AzN39I In a UK context, the "North" very much depends on where you are. People in Exeter insist that anything above Bristol is "North" ;)

AnatolyKasparov

Nick Thomas-Symonds - he lives!

AnatolyKasparov

Unfortunately, it is what both the media and a depressingly large number of voters want to hear. (no, that isn't defending it Sky) BTW with regard to your comment the other night, I have both spent some time on benefits and been involved in that area with one of my recent jobs - so I do in fact know...

AnatolyKasparov

Though the really important question is "is Starmer fat?" apparently.

Gotta love our commentariat.

AnatolyKasparov

Two instances of "f*** around and find out" in just the last 24 hours.

AnatolyKasparov

Everyone excited for the Budget then?

AnatolyKasparov

It isn't naive to think this might have been a resignation issue not so long ago, is it?

AnatolyKasparov

Anybody about today?

AnatolyKasparov

Very, very few people spend their entire lives on benefits anyway - save for the small minority who really cannot work.

Her statement there was crowd (or media, if you prefer) pleasing rhetoric and not to be taken too literally.

AnatolyKasparov

I know very well that SOME people cannot work. How does that alter what I said?

I'm no big fan of Kendall, but she did say reduce the sickness benefits bill - not eliminate it.

AnatolyKasparov

Why the assumption that the latter thing can only be achieved by nefarious means - shouldn't we actually hope for a healthier population under Labour?

AnatolyKasparov

Well we can but hope.

AnatolyKasparov

But that's the point I made initially - it was being built up as him announcing something dramatic and draconian, but it ended up as not much more than "I agree with good things and disagree with bad things". Which is why I think some of the criticism of Starmer is a bit off.

AnatolyKasparov

Plus, some of us are still waiting to see what Labour are actually like in government (voters willing, as ever) Chris Dillow certainly does not hesitate to critique the current leadership, but one thing he gets right is that their incentives will be different (and quite likely better) in government ...

AnatolyKasparov

Yes, seeing this as a "clever trap" by Sunak is reading far too much into it. Starmer basically said "I agree with Sunak - I want unity". That's basically it. Of course we all know that the Tories don't *really* want unity, but culture wars. Still, why not use their own words aga...

AnatolyKasparov

That may or may not be true, but I don't see how it can be divulged from his fairly bland response there.

AnatolyKasparov

Have to say my response was and is closest to the last one - "is that it?".

A widespread impression is that he originally intended to say something "big" but for whatever reason got cold feet at the last minute.

AnatolyKasparov

I've told you why, even if you don't like the answer. Basically, she is still less trouble p***ing out of the tent than the other way round.

Still not given up hope that she retires at the GE to pursue her obsessions outside parliament, mind.

AnatolyKasparov

Galloway apparently thinks he has won, ugh.

AnatolyKasparov

Not long since he had appeared to be recovering quite well, too.

Cancer is vile.

AnatolyKasparov

RIP Dave Myers - an absolutely brilliant ambassador for Barrow-in-Furness (a place frequently and unfairly maligned) as well as everything else.

AnatolyKasparov

Rochdale by-election today, can't wait

AnatolyKasparov

There are fewer more reliable signs that somebody is a bad 'un than if they are both pro-Israel *and* pro-Russia.

(maybe *the* prime exhibit is a certain US ex-POTUS)

AnatolyKasparov

Germany is notably pro-Israel at present, I do wonder if this is significantly down to "certain historical events".

And with such things, there is always the danger of over-compensating.

AnatolyKasparov

A phrase about "eating its own children" comes to mind.

AnatolyKasparov

Ferrari's politics are pretty bad, but he is quite good at his actual job despite that.

AnatolyKasparov

The deed is done - I am feeling a bit sore (obviously) but hopefully nothing more than that.

AnatolyKasparov

frog222 wrote: ↑Mon 26 Feb, 2024 11:52 am AK -- good luck with the tooth !

Thanks, have got an appointment this evening.

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