Thursday 13th November 2014

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:22 pm

MorganLlan wrote:Hello. I'd like to introduce myself. I am a long time lurker here and former infrequent poster on CiF. I would be happy to provide more info on who I am and where I am coming from (both geographically and politically) if there is a private way of doing so.

I was motivated today to sign up - and wanted to start by sharing this with you - picked up from the #webackEd,
http://mainlymacro.blogspot.co.uk/2014/ ... nt-at.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Welcome, MorganLlan.

Tubby Isaacs · Post by **Tubby Isaacs** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:25 pm

MorganLlan wrote:Hello. I'd like to introduce myself. I am a long time lurker here and former infrequent poster on CiF. I would be happy to provide more info on who I am and where I am coming from (both geographically and politically) if there is a private way of doing so.

I was motivated today to sign up - and wanted to start by sharing this with you - picked up from the #webackEd,
http://mainlymacro.blogspot.co.uk/2014/ ... nt-at.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hi!

Good to see another Simon Wren-Lewis fan.

Willow904 · Post by **Willow904** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:25 pm

TheGrimSqueaker wrote:
rebeccariots2 wrote: He's been pretty anti Labour in tone for quite a while. I'm not sure what he suggests people who don't want another vicious right wing government should do at the election ...
He doesn't care. In many ways a catastrophic defeat would suit his agenda just as much as it would suit that of Hodges. Jones could (would) claim that they failed because they were insufficiently radical, and offer to lead people off to the socialist paradise that only the People's Assembly will offer; Hodges, obviously, will go down the route of Labour being too radical/socialist and that they should bring back The Right Brother, with Dan to act as his Prophet. It was noticeable that both were openly sneering about the whole #webackEd thing.

Now, don't get me wrong, I like the People's Assembly; pushing for an end to austerity, something that clearly hasn't worked (and never has - as Harry Leslie points out, it was a busted flush in the 1920s-1930s, let alone now) is vital and something the Labour Party could do well to take onboard. Balls, or whoever is Chancellor in the Labour Government which will be (hopefully) elected next year, are restricted in what they can do in Year One but that doesn't stop them being more imaginative from then on.

What I don't like is people such as Jones very obviously using it as a springboard for their own ambitions, and so working actively against the Labour Party because it doesn't live up to their exacting standards. We've been here before, so many times, over the years; the most obvious example that springs to mind is Militant during the 70s-80s who derided Michael Foot as being too right wing - my grandfather knew Foot (I met him once, when he was visiting Grandad) and right wing/moderate was one thing he was not! If Jones wants to take us back to the good old days of an unelectable Labour Party just so he can prove how pure his socialism is then he deserves, and has, my utter contempt.

Sorry, rant over. These people playing these silly games have no thought for the consequences of their actions; while they sit comfortably inside the Westminster Bubble people are suffering outside of it, and that suffering would increase exponentially under another Tory administration.

Couldn't agree more. And Owen Jones is just plain wrong. Ed Miliband isn't saying this country hasn't been working for ordinary people for the last 4 years, he's saying that it hasn't been working for a long time. That doesn't just include under Tory governments, but under New Labour too. He's stood firm against a mass of media and political pressure to shift right and to agree to an EU referendum. The last week should have illustrated to someone as media saavy as Jones just what Ed is up against just for advocating a moderate socially democratic agenda and he thinks Ed could be successful with something even more radical? In a way Jones is just chiming with the mood of the nation, what he doesn't seem to understand is that the mood of the nation is dangerous and he's in a position to help everyone on the left, including Ed, to stem that tide of ugly anti-everything populism that could leave our country a rudderless mess in 6 months time with no leader in a strong enough position to change anything and yet instead he's helping to flame it. Like Brand, he needs to grow up.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:27 pm

Thinking about what's been happening with Ed and then his speech today, I was suddenly reminded of what my dad used to say when he admired someone's tactics. Slowly, slowly, catchee monkey.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:29 pm

citizenJA wrote:
MorganLlan wrote:Hello. I'd like to introduce myself. I am a long time lurker here and former infrequent poster on CiF. I would be happy to provide more info on who I am and where I am coming from (both geographically and politically) if there is a private way of doing so.

I was motivated today to sign up - and wanted to start by sharing this with you - picked up from the #webackEd,
http://mainlymacro.blogspot.co.uk/2014/ ... nt-at.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Welcome, MorganLlan.

Hello from me too

Lonewolfie · Post by **Lonewolfie** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:33 pm

: em27.PNG (167.02 KiB) Viewed 11951 times

Apparently the speech was pretty damn good - can't find link to text yet, but if https://twitter.com/hashtag/6monthstowi ... e&src=hash is anything to go by, I'd say someone's just fired the starting gun to the election

Almost as if he'd planned it that way

...and Hi, MorganLlan!

Post by **refitman** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:34 pm

MorganLlan wrote:Hello. I'd like to introduce myself. I am a long time lurker here and former infrequent poster on CiF. I would be happy to provide more info on who I am and where I am coming from (both geographically and politically) if there is a private way of doing so.

I was motivated today to sign up - and wanted to start by sharing this with you - picked up from the #webackEd,
http://mainlymacro.blogspot.co.uk/2014/ ... nt-at.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hello MorganLlan, nice to meet you.

There is a where are you/how did you chose your username in the Greetings thread (http://flythenest.org/viewforum.php?f=13" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;), but there is no obligation to answer.

Also, thanks for the link.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:35 pm

ephemerid wrote:
rebeccariots2 wrote:
ephemerid wrote:Fun and games on CIF this morning.

YouGoReborn - Hugo back for gazillionth time.....

I think I'm being stalked on CIF by TwiggyWiggy. This is the 4th day running that he/she/it has either responded to me on various different threads with some nasty personal crap or referred repeatedly to posts I make in reply to others by selectively quoting them. Weird.....
That's because you write seriously well informed posts that really cut through the right wing rubbish - and it's threatening to them. You come across as really knowing your stuff. (Same happens with Steb1 on every environmental story they comment on.) So whoever or whatever TwiggyWiggy represents would like you gone - off the boards - would like you so seriously peed off that you don't post.

That's my interpretation anyway.

So I hope you don't quit Ephemerid. But will understand if you feel you have to for your own health and wellbeing.
I don't intimidate easily, RR. I won't be quitting any time soon.

There's an old saying in AA that if someone makes you angry or resentful, you should pray for them. I don't do God, but I've been known to attempt to connect with a higher power that may understand and invoke the principle of karma........

I appreciate your kind words - for every troll, there's someone who teaches me something.

The sad thing is that the mods let these dipsticks play their shoddy little games.

It's bullying. It sounds as if that particular troll has real problems, so needs your prayers.

MorganLlan · Post by **MorganLlan** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:41 pm

Thank you to you all for being part of a forum which made me feel able once again to join an online community. I may not be a regular poster, I may continue to lurk but I promise to log in so that at least you know I am lurking.

I will be going out in the next half hour to take the dog for his rampage on the moors.

AnatolyKasparov · Post by **AnatolyKasparov** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:47 pm

Have seen today's Graun in dead tree form, and predictably Watt is still trying to breathe life into the "Ed in crisis" embers.

That's not really the worst thing, though - there is also a caption entitled "state of the parties" which shows.........guess what......that f***ing MORI poll! What was that AS and others always like to tell us, that the Graun only bothers with its own surveys??

Post by **PaulfromYorkshire** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:47 pm

Miliband's speech is here

http://press.labour.org.uk/post/1025242 ... nate-house" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

TheGrimSqueaker · Post by **TheGrimSqueaker** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:49 pm

Hi MorganLlan.

Lonewolfie, "damn good" sums up that speech to a T; but, as good as it was, the Q & A session afterward was even more impressive. His warmth, passion and humour came over well, and I did enjoy his defiant mood, putting the hacks in their place! One thing that always impresses me when he does these things is his engagement, when he is asked a question he doesn't just answer it he will ask the questioner their opinion, or find out more about them; asking the young lady in the front row what subjects she was studying before answering her question (and answering it well) was classic Miliband, as is his ability to retain the names/details of earlier questioners and refer back to them - a standup technique used to great effect.

Yep, I'd say the starting gun has definitely been fired.

WelshIan · Post by **WelshIan** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:50 pm

MorganLlan wrote:Hello. I'd like to introduce myself. I am a long time lurker here and former infrequent poster on CiF. I would be happy to provide more info on who I am and where I am coming from (both geographically and politically) if there is a private way of doing so.

I was motivated today to sign up - and wanted to start by sharing this with you - picked up from the #webackEd,
http://mainlymacro.blogspot.co.uk/2014/ ... nt-at.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Welcome MorganLlan from another newbie!

TheGrimSqueaker · Post by **TheGrimSqueaker** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 12:59 pm

AnatolyKasparov wrote:Have seen today's Graun in dead tree form, and predictably Watt is still trying to breathe life into the "Ed in crisis" embers.

That's not really the worst thing, though - there is also a caption entitled "state of the parties" which shows.........guess what......that f***ing MORI poll! What was that AS and others always like to tell us, that the Graun only bothers with its own surveys??

Watt tried it during the Q & A session too, some disingenuous waffle about "who are these shadowy vested interests?"; he was obviously trying, as others already had, to get Ed to accuse the MSM directly, but he is too canny an operator to fall for that one. Frankly the press pack were put firmly in their place today (as was Nick Robinson last night), I guess time for fresh instructions from Lynton.

One item of real significance. Both The Tories and Labour have both been accused, quite rightly, of not knowing how to deal with the UKIP threat; I was happy to see that, today at least, Miliband dealt with it directly and effectively. More of that please.

Tizme1 · Post by **Tizme1** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:02 pm

ephemerid wrote:
rebeccariots2 wrote:
ephemerid wrote:Fun and games on CIF this morning.

YouGoReborn - Hugo back for gazillionth time.....

I think I'm being stalked on CIF by TwiggyWiggy. This is the 4th day running that he/she/it has either responded to me on various different threads with some nasty personal crap or referred repeatedly to posts I make in reply to others by selectively quoting them. Weird.....
That's because you write seriously well informed posts that really cut through the right wing rubbish - and it's threatening to them. You come across as really knowing your stuff. (Same happens with Steb1 on every environmental story they comment on.) So whoever or whatever TwiggyWiggy represents would like you gone - off the boards - would like you so seriously peed off that you don't post.

That's my interpretation anyway.

So I hope you don't quit Ephemerid. But will understand if you feel you have to for your own health and wellbeing.
I don't intimidate easily, RR. I won't be quitting any time soon.

There's an old saying in AA that if someone makes you angry or resentful, you should pray for them. I don't do God, but I've been known to attempt to connect with a higher power that may understand and invoke the principle of karma........

I appreciate your kind words - for every troll, there's someone who teaches me something.

The sad thing is that the mods let these dipsticks play their shoddy little games.

Ephemerid,

I find your comments both on here and in the 'other' place really informative so I'm glad you won't be quitting. I don't do God either but I often use affirmations. With people or situations that are making me angry, my usual 'affirmation' is "I bless you with love and release you from my life". It's a response that has also worked for me on forums at times. As I haven't reached Sainthood yet, sometimes I revert to "I'll have his/her guts for garters"!

ephemerid · Post by **ephemerid** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:06 pm

MorganLlan wrote:Hello. I'd like to introduce myself. I am a long time lurker here and former infrequent poster on CiF. I would be happy to provide more info on who I am and where I am coming from (both geographically and politically) if there is a private way of doing so.

I was motivated today to sign up - and wanted to start by sharing this with you - picked up from the #webackEd,
http://mainlymacro.blogspot.co.uk/2014/ ... nt-at.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hello! How lovely - another pal to rant with! You are so welcome.

You can PM people (private) or introduce yourself over on the "Greetings and Announcements" (not private).
There are pictures of some of us in one of the threads somehwere - I can't find them since we moved house....

That blog's a good 'un. And guess who's droning on BTL? Why, our old whirligig SpinningHugo! Is there no escape?

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:08 pm

Ed Miliband 13 Nov 2014

Being Leader of the Opposition, particularly in the last few days, I know what it means. You need resilience in this job. You need thick skin. But above all, you need belief in what you are doing. Not belief based on a longing to have a picture on the wall in Downing Street. Not belief driven by a sense of entitlement, that it is somehow Labour’s turn. Instead, belief driven by how we must change the country.

That is why I am in this job. That is why it matters to me. That is what drives me on. And it is through our beliefs that we’re going to win this election.

And if ever my job seems pretty hard, to you or to me, just pause for a minute. And think about the people doing really hard jobs. Shift work. Night work. Zero hours contracts. Sixty hours a week. Two jobs, even three jobs, to make ends meet.

For me, this election is about them. And let me just say this: I am willing to put up with whatever is thrown at me, in order to fight for you. That’s my duty, that’s my responsibility. That’s our duty, that’s our responsibility. Not to shrink from the fight. Not to buckle under the pressure. But to win. And remember: We’re in a fight not because our opponents think we’re destined to lose the election. But because they fear we can win.

http://press.labour.org.uk/post/1025242 ... nate-house" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

(my bold)

Ed Miliband means this, you know, it's not just something he says. I've watched, listened & read his work - he understands what it means to be leader. I'm satisfied. A lot of work to be done - cooperative effort essential - Miliband has a strong team, some stronger than others, in my opinion.

(I'll write about a letter I've received in response to my own from my constituency's MP later).

Tizme1 · Post by **Tizme1** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:08 pm

MorganLlan wrote:Hello. I'd like to introduce myself. I am a long time lurker here and former infrequent poster on CiF. I would be happy to provide more info on who I am and where I am coming from (both geographically and politically) if there is a private way of doing so.

I was motivated today to sign up - and wanted to start by sharing this with you - picked up from the #webackEd,
http://mainlymacro.blogspot.co.uk/2014/ ... nt-at.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hello, nice to *meet* you.

HindleA · Post by **HindleA** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:10 pm

Welcome to MorganLlan

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:11 pm

MorganLlan wrote:Thank you to you all for being part of a forum which made me feel able once again to join an online community. I may not be a regular poster, I may continue to lurk but I promise to log in so that at least you know I am lurking.

I will be going out in the next half hour to take the dog for his rampage on the moors.

Hello - welcome. Just thanked you for deciding to come on in (sorry, horrible cheesy phrase but meant sincerely). But also thanking you for taking the dog out in this weather - shows great commitment and love! You should fit right in with the rest of us furry friend zealots here.

TheGrimSqueaker · Post by **TheGrimSqueaker** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:12 pm

ephemerid wrote:
MorganLlan wrote:Hello. I'd like to introduce myself. I am a long time lurker here and former infrequent poster on CiF. I would be happy to provide more info on who I am and where I am coming from (both geographically and politically) if there is a private way of doing so.

I was motivated today to sign up - and wanted to start by sharing this with you - picked up from the #webackEd,
http://mainlymacro.blogspot.co.uk/2014/ ... nt-at.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hello! How lovely - another pal to rant with! You are so welcome.

You can PM people (private) or introduce yourself over on the "Greetings and Announcements" (not private).
There are pictures of some of us in one of the threads somehwere - I can't find them since we moved house....

That blog's a good 'un. And guess who's droning on BTL? Why, our old whirligig SpinningHugo! Is there no escape?

Nil illegitimi carborundum Ephe!

I can just imagine what BTL on Sparrow's blog looks like after that speech, astroturfers engaged in some serious damage control!

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:15 pm

ephemerid wrote:
MorganLlan wrote:Hello. I'd like to introduce myself. I am a long time lurker here and former infrequent poster on CiF. I would be happy to provide more info on who I am and where I am coming from (both geographically and politically) if there is a private way of doing so.

I was motivated today to sign up - and wanted to start by sharing this with you - picked up from the #webackEd,
http://mainlymacro.blogspot.co.uk/2014/ ... nt-at.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hello! How lovely - another pal to rant with! You are so welcome.

You can PM people (private) or introduce yourself over on the "Greetings and Announcements" (not private).
There are pictures of some of us in one of the threads somehwere - I can't find them since we moved house....

That blog's a good 'un. And guess who's droning on BTL? Why, our old whirligig SpinningHugo! Is there no escape?

The responses to droners are wonderful! Your posts are some of the best responses to them I've read, my friend.

I ought to find that Greetings & Announcements page & see if I can add something to it.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:16 pm

Umunna delivering a good interview, support for Ed Miliband, on WATO.

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:18 pm

From TheGrimSqueaker -

Nil illegitimi carborundum Ephe!

I can just imagine what BTL on Sparrow's blog looks like after that speech, astroturfers engaged in some serious damage control!

The beta thread format contributed to my decision to remain off Sparrow's below the line - I realise it's gotten better, that format, but it's still too hectic to follow properly for me.

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:26 pm

Look how the Telegraph headline it:

'''Paranoid' Miliband blames 'vested interest' for woes
Ed Miliband accused of paranoia as he blames 'vested interest' for Labour woes''

Post by **PaulfromYorkshire** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:27 pm

yahyah wrote:Look how the Telegraph headline it:

'''Paranoid' Miliband blames 'vested interest' for woes
Ed Miliband accused of paranoia as he blames 'vested interest' for Labour woes''

I wonder if they get the irony

WelshIan · Post by **WelshIan** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:27 pm

PaulfromYorkshire wrote:Miliband's speech is here

http://press.labour.org.uk/post/1025242 ... nate-house" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Even just reading it, that's inspiring - the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

Also thought he dealt with Nick Robinson well on the News at Ten last night. No wonder the tories and other vested interests are so scared of what he can bring to this country.

TechnicalEphemera · Post by **TechnicalEphemera** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:36 pm

yahyah wrote:Look how the Telegraph headline it:

'''Paranoid' Miliband blames 'vested interest' for woes
Ed Miliband accused of paranoia as he blames 'vested interest' for Labour woes''

Who has accused him of paranoia - without evidence it is libellous.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:37 pm

The latest shop to close in Cardigan High Street is 'PennyPinchers'. What to say about that?

The Sainsburys that was the bargaining chip for us losing our current hospital with small amount of community / intermediate care beds ... supposedly in exchange for an integrated health centre that nobody has yet defined but we have already lost the beds from .... won't be built as the site is so unstable and waterlogged - and, of course, Sainsburys have now publicly announced they are no longer expanding / opening more stores. This despite repeated assertions over the past 2 years that they will be starting to build any minute now (last one said they would start in September .....) We are left with a sodden hillside - stripped of all trees and vegetation - and a large bypass road that goes nowhere. Did we pay for that road, I keep asking myself?

The ghastly annual street fair which blocks up the entire high street with stalls selling utter tat - and destroys several days takings for the permanent shops and traders - because none of us want to go into town when the fair is there - has gone, thank goodness. But the council makes a bit of dosh from it - and they won't give that up, regardless of how many times they are asked to by the local shops and public.

All is fantastically quiet on the 'integrated health centre' front. It was promised and construction supposed to be underway before I moved here - 7 years ago. One elderly couple I work for were distraught the other day after having to organise themselves to go to Bronglais hospital (Aberystwyth) for very minor day surgery. Because of the distance, the time of the appointment and their circumstances / health they had to stay over in a hotel the night before - only to have the surgery cancelled mid way through the afternoon (having been waiting there all day ...). The wasted trip had cost them over £100 and quite a lot of distress. And now they've got to try again.

ErnstRemarx · Post by **ErnstRemarx** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:38 pm

Welcome to our most recent additions to FTN - nice to see you both.

yahyah · Post by **yahyah** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:43 pm

TechnicalEphemera wrote:
yahyah wrote:Look how the Telegraph headline it:

'''Paranoid' Miliband blames 'vested interest' for woes
Ed Miliband accused of paranoia as he blames 'vested interest' for Labour woes''
Who has accused him of paranoia - without evidence it is libellous.

It really is a stinker 'Mr Miliband was asked by one journalist whether he risked looking paranoid blaming the party's woes on others.'

The Telegraph turn that, a sentence at the bottom of the article into' 'Paranoid' Miliband'.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politic ... onger.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If anyone's tweeting please could you ask the Telegraph's political correspondent Ben Riley-Smith, whether an understanding of the English language is a requirement for a Telegraph reporter, it would seem not judging by his piece. @benrileysmith

We also don't know if the journalist who posed the question was conveniently from the Telegraph.

ephemerid · Post by **ephemerid** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:44 pm

There's a new Patrick Butler article about people relying on food banks.

This time, it's youngsters. YMCA have reported that more and more young people are being sanctioned and need food aid.

I'm glad they're cross. Perhaps they could stop using people on workfare.......

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:49 pm

Mike Smithson @MSmithsonPB · 2h 2 hours ago
If only EdM had made this speech & used autocue in his September conference speech

and that was after this ...

Mike Smithson @MSmithsonPB · 2h 2 hours ago
I've just got my pensioners' winter fuel payment which I have deposited in my Betfair account.

What's he trying to say ... that people like him don't really need the allowance and shouldn't be receiving it? If so ... why couldn't he at least give it to charity?

TechnicalEphemera · Post by **TechnicalEphemera** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:53 pm

yahyah wrote:
TechnicalEphemera wrote:
yahyah wrote:Look how the Telegraph headline it:

'''Paranoid' Miliband blames 'vested interest' for woes
Ed Miliband accused of paranoia as he blames 'vested interest' for Labour woes''
Who has accused him of paranoia - without evidence it is libellous.

It really is a stinker 'Mr Miliband was asked by one journalist whether he risked looking paranoid blaming the party's woes on others.'

The Telegraph turn that, a sentence at the bottom of the article into' 'Paranoid' Miliband'.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politic ... onger.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

If anyone's tweeting please could you ask the Telegraph's political correspondent Ben Riley-Smith, whether an understanding of the English language is a requirement for a Telegraph reporter, it would seem not judging by his piece. @benrileysmith

We also don't know if the journalist who posed the question was conveniently from the Telegraph.

Actually tweet him - Telegraph calls Miliband Paranoid in headline - isn't that libel?

WelshIan · Post by **WelshIan** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:55 pm

For anyone interested in the NHS in Wales, The Wales Report (available on iPlayer) last night had a long interview with Mark Drakeford, the Welsh Assembly minister for Health. It was a very good performance by him, but the video report was pretty awful. It was an anecdotal report on waiting lists for eye clinics with no data or comparison with England. If the basis of the programme is the NHS in Wales and whether it is in crisis, why not report on the whole rather than one little bit?
The introduction had Cameron spouting his rubbish so you may want to fast forward that bit.

Huw Edwards basically sat back and let him answer the questions in full, which was refreshing, given that interviews these days seem to be a stream of interruptions and the interviewer saying far more than the interviewee.
There were a couple of attack questions (budget cut in Wales, budget up in England) but I felt that he wasn't really interested in asking this type of question (I don't know if he set the questions himself or was told what to ask). Drakeford dealt with them easily anyway.

A question - if the Prime Minister is concerned that there is a crisis in the Welsh NHS, what power does he have to intervene in a devolved issue?

Given the number of times he has raised the issue, he has presumably sought advice on what he can do to turn around the 'crisis'... (don't worry, I know the answer to this)

ephemerid · Post by **ephemerid** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 1:57 pm

Ed's speech - excellent. He's getting passionate now. Good.

Seconds out - Round One!

Show and I have been discussing this. We have some to the same conclusions - Ed seems to be coming out of his quiet hibernation where he got on with keeping his party together and working on policies etc.
I think some of us (me included, mea culpa) wondered if he'd ever get up and fight - well, it looks like he's making a start now. It's great timing too - just as the Tories are begging Labour voters to keep UKIP out.
Apart from his very effective interventions on Syria and the rest, he's been keeping his powder dry, I reckon. He gave very short shrift to the press today and at his CBI speech. He won't let them rattle him. Good.
Perhaps he's every bit as clever as I originally thought; he certainly understands Parliament specifically and politics generally much better than Cameron. I'm getting more hopeful by the day......

Meanwhile, over at voxpolitical, Mike Sivier has accused Rachel Reeves of being in bed with the Tories because she has engaged PriceWaterhouse Coopers to "advise" her. For someone who has, in the past, accused PWC of enabling tax avoidance, this is not a clever move.
Reeves continues to disappoint. She really would be better at the Treasury. If anywhere.

TechnicalEphemera · Post by **TechnicalEphemera** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 2:06 pm

ephemerid wrote:Ed's speech - excellent. He's getting passionate now. Good.

Seconds out - Round One!

Show and I have been discussing this. We have some to the same conclusions - Ed seems to be coming out of his quiet hibernation where he got on with keeping his party together and working on policies etc.
I think some of us (me included, mea culpa) wondered if he'd ever get up and fight - well, it looks like he's making a start now. It's great timing too - just as the Tories are begging Labour voters to keep UKIP out.
Apart from his very effective interventions on Syria and the rest, he's been keeping his powder dry, I reckon. He gave very short shrift to the press today and at his CBI speech. He won't let them rattle him. Good.
Perhaps he's every bit as clever as I originally thought; he certainly understands Parliament specifically and politics generally much better than Cameron. I'm getting more hopeful by the day......

Meanwhile, over at voxpolitical, Mike Sivier has accused Rachel Reeves of being in bed with the Tories because she has engaged PriceWaterhouse Coopers to "advise" her. For someone who has, in the past, accused PWC of enabling tax avoidance, this is not a clever move.
Reeves continues to disappoint. She really would be better at the Treasury. If anywhere.

PWC are offering free resources. They are an independent company (presumably looking to win favour with all sides). Given the Labour Party doesn't have government resources what else is she going to do.

rebeccariots2 · Post by **rebeccariots2** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 2:06 pm

Labour insider, Henry G Manson, on the changed mood within the movement about EdM
http://www1.politicalbetting.com/index. ... about-edm/

Good post.

While certain MPs were wobbling, the party’s foot soldiers and supporters were bashing out 60,000 tweets of support.

Yes, Labour folk are suckers for an underdog, but this felt different. There were reasons why they backed him. The stance on Murdoch, pledging to repeal the Health and Social Care Tax, getting rid of the bedroom tax, standing up to rip-off energy companies and so on. It was not a bad shopping list and it needs to be woven into something meaningful and memorable. More on that later*.

What those dissenting MPs hadn’t bargained on was the membership rising so clearly to Ed Miliband’s defence. Previously the discussion has been about how the public would view a party that considered ditched its leader. Would possible gains be worth the blood spilt? What those plotters hadn’t factored in was the growing role of the Labour’s members.
Six months out from an election and you simply can’t afford to marginalise the people you’re banking on pounding the streets to win the seats. The members weren’t just defending their leader they were opposing the idea that unnamed MPs could fire their leader without their approval or consent.

HindleA · Post by **HindleA** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 2:12 pm

For those interested-Government have deigned to send Andrew Selous to represent them at the AGM of CarersUK.
Coverage here:

http://carersworldradio.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

StephenDolan · Post by **StephenDolan** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 2:29 pm

The troll army have descended upon AS PLB. Not that there's anything to fear of course

, he's WEAK and a hindrance to Labour.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 2:30 pm

WelshIan wrote:
PaulfromYorkshire wrote:Miliband's speech is here

http://press.labour.org.uk/post/1025242 ... nate-house" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Even just reading it, that's inspiring - the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.

Also thought he dealt with Nick Robinson well on the News at Ten last night. No wonder the tories and other vested interests are so scared of what he can bring to this country.

I wonder what the right wingers will come up with next. I have visions of them feverishly digging into Labour MP's pasts in the vain hope they can come up with something --- anything.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 2:33 pm

TechnicalEphemera wrote:
ephemerid wrote:Ed's speech - excellent. He's getting passionate now. Good.

Seconds out - Round One!

Show and I have been discussing this. We have some to the same conclusions - Ed seems to be coming out of his quiet hibernation where he got on with keeping his party together and working on policies etc.
I think some of us (me included, mea culpa) wondered if he'd ever get up and fight - well, it looks like he's making a start now. It's great timing too - just as the Tories are begging Labour voters to keep UKIP out.
Apart from his very effective interventions on Syria and the rest, he's been keeping his powder dry, I reckon. He gave very short shrift to the press today and at his CBI speech. He won't let them rattle him. Good.
Perhaps he's every bit as clever as I originally thought; he certainly understands Parliament specifically and politics generally much better than Cameron. I'm getting more hopeful by the day......

Meanwhile, over at voxpolitical, Mike Sivier has accused Rachel Reeves of being in bed with the Tories because she has engaged PriceWaterhouse Coopers to "advise" her. For someone who has, in the past, accused PWC of enabling tax avoidance, this is not a clever move.
Reeves continues to disappoint. She really would be better at the Treasury. If anywhere.
PWC are offering free resources. They are an independent company (presumably looking to win favour with all sides). Given the Labour Party doesn't have government resources what else is she going to do.

I have been sure all the way along that it's all carefully timed. He's very sure footed and steady thank God. There was/is no point in firing all his guns too soon. And I suspect he'll have even more for us in the coming months.

ohsocynical · Post by **ohsocynical** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 2:35 pm

rebeccariots2 wrote:
Labour insider, Henry G Manson, on the changed mood within the movement about EdM
http://www1.politicalbetting.com/index. ... about-edm/
Good post.

While certain MPs were wobbling, the party’s foot soldiers and supporters were bashing out 60,000 tweets of support.

Yes, Labour folk are suckers for an underdog, but this felt different. There were reasons why they backed him. The stance on Murdoch, pledging to repeal the Health and Social Care Tax, getting rid of the bedroom tax, standing up to rip-off energy companies and so on. It was not a bad shopping list and it needs to be woven into something meaningful and memorable. More on that later*.

What those dissenting MPs hadn’t bargained on was the membership rising so clearly to Ed Miliband’s defence. Previously the discussion has been about how the public would view a party that considered ditched its leader. Would possible gains be worth the blood spilt? What those plotters hadn’t factored in was the growing role of the Labour’s members.
Six months out from an election and you simply can’t afford to marginalise the people you’re banking on pounding the streets to win the seats. The members weren’t just defending their leader they were opposing the idea that unnamed MPs could fire their leader without their approval or consent.

And #sixmonthstowin is top trending as we speak! This took off even quicker than #webackEd

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 2:43 pm

HindleA wrote:For those interested-Government have deigned to send Andrew Selous to represent them at the AGM of CarersUK.
Coverage here:

http://carersworldradio.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Listening now though my attention is divided

TechnicalEphemera · Post by **TechnicalEphemera** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 2:44 pm

RobertSnozers wrote:
TechnicalEphemera wrote: Actually tweet him - Telegraph calls Miliband Paranoid in headline - isn't that libel?
It's a typical weasel media trick - put the word in quote marks and you're not saying it yourself, just reporting that someone else has.

The press can fabricate entire stories out of thin air in this way.

Not in this case they can't - the article specifically quotes the question, nobody other than the Telegraph has called Miliband paranoid. A good lawyer would have them on toast.

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 2:54 pm

citizenJA wrote:
HindleA wrote:For those interested-Government have deigned to send Andrew Selous to represent them at the AGM of CarersUK.
Coverage here:

http://carersworldradio.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Listening now though my attention is divided

Andy Selous is still a no show

ephemerid · Post by **ephemerid** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 3:03 pm

TechnicalEphemera wrote:
ephemerid wrote:Ed's speech - excellent. He's getting passionate now. Good.

Seconds out - Round One!

Show and I have been discussing this. We have some to the same conclusions - Ed seems to be coming out of his quiet hibernation where he got on with keeping his party together and working on policies etc.
I think some of us (me included, mea culpa) wondered if he'd ever get up and fight - well, it looks like he's making a start now. It's great timing too - just as the Tories are begging Labour voters to keep UKIP out.
Apart from his very effective interventions on Syria and the rest, he's been keeping his powder dry, I reckon. He gave very short shrift to the press today and at his CBI speech. He won't let them rattle him. Good.
Perhaps he's every bit as clever as I originally thought; he certainly understands Parliament specifically and politics generally much better than Cameron. I'm getting more hopeful by the day......

Meanwhile, over at voxpolitical, Mike Sivier has accused Rachel Reeves of being in bed with the Tories because she has engaged PriceWaterhouse Coopers to "advise" her. For someone who has, in the past, accused PWC of enabling tax avoidance, this is not a clever move.
Reeves continues to disappoint. She really would be better at the Treasury. If anywhere.
PWC are offering free resources. They are an independent company (presumably looking to win favour with all sides). Given the Labour Party doesn't have government resources what else is she going to do.

Are they? I didn't know that, and Mike's blog doesn't make that clear.

If so, I suppose it's fair enough. Thanks for that.

Despite that, I still think Reeves is in the wrong job. For a myriad of other reasons - not least her inability to understand the difference between illness and disability......which I have moaned about so often I'll spare all present another rant on the subject...

pk1 · Post by **pk1** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 3:05 pm

Missed the speech but I went to Andrews blog to find out the answer to the question posed by TE

Q: (From the BBC’s Ben Wright) Who are these vested interests out to get you? And aren’t you in danger of sounding paranoid?

Wowsers, whoda thunked it - the BBC !

Andrew also posted some tweets, one of which was by Paul Waugh:

Paul Waugh @paulwaugh

Perils of holding press + party Q and A, journalists hissed at (@chrisshipitv) or heckled (@andybell5news) by members. Is that a good look?

Not sure if Waugh means Andy Bell is a member, a heckler or both but was EM heckled today or is this something that happened previously as the hissing was (when ITV asked Ed a question about his leadership at the CBI the other day) ?

citizenJA · Post by **citizenJA** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 3:09 pm

Paul Burstow MP
@PaulBurstow
Lib Dem MP for Sutton, Cheam & Worcester Park. Chair, CentreForum Mental Health & Demos Residential Care Commissions.
He's not doing well - patronising, inaccurate

Anne McGuire MP
@AnneMcGuireMP
Labour MP for Stirling. Former Minister and Shadow Minister for Disabled People.
Wonderful speaker, good questions.

Andy has just showed up - he was quite late.

Andy has just insisted he was a carer prior to being a politician. Oh, god, he's talking up the virtues of Health & Social Care Act 2014

Oh, god he's going to get it now - he's been heckled over Universal Credit
It's a good thing the carers present are exhausted.

http://carersworldradio.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

People are getting riled.

pk1 · Post by **pk1** » Thu 13 Nov, 2014 3:12 pm

ephemerid wrote:
TechnicalEphemera wrote:
ephemerid wrote:Ed's speech - excellent. He's getting passionate now. Good.

Seconds out - Round One!

Show and I have been discussing this. We have some to the same conclusions - Ed seems to be coming out of his quiet hibernation where he got on with keeping his party together and working on policies etc.
I think some of us (me included, mea culpa) wondered if he'd ever get up and fight - well, it looks like he's making a start now. It's great timing too - just as the Tories are begging Labour voters to keep UKIP out.
Apart from his very effective interventions on Syria and the rest, he's been keeping his powder dry, I reckon. He gave very short shrift to the press today and at his CBI speech. He won't let them rattle him. Good.
Perhaps he's every bit as clever as I originally thought; he certainly understands Parliament specifically and politics generally much better than Cameron. I'm getting more hopeful by the day......

Meanwhile, over at voxpolitical, Mike Sivier has accused Rachel Reeves of being in bed with the Tories because she has engaged PriceWaterhouse Coopers to "advise" her. For someone who has, in the past, accused PWC of enabling tax avoidance, this is not a clever move.
Reeves continues to disappoint. She really would be better at the Treasury. If anywhere.
PWC are offering free resources. They are an independent company (presumably looking to win favour with all sides). Given the Labour Party doesn't have government resources what else is she going to do.
Are they? I didn't know that, and Mike's blog doesn't make that clear.

If so, I suppose it's fair enough. Thanks for that.

Despite that, I still think Reeves is in the wrong job. For a myriad of other reasons - not least her inability to understand the difference between illness and disability......which I have moaned about so often I'll spare all present another rant on the subject...

There was a bit about that in the Graun the other day:

It has been a longstanding, if not greatly publicised, practice in Westminster for opposition parties to receive support from the major accountancy companies in formulating their policies, particularly ahead of general elections.

Fine for Cons & LDs - not fine for Labour seems to be the thinking