Stop voting for fucking Tories

[petej]

Starmer did well IMO boxing in the PM carefully - yes a time comes for passionate denunciations but its not quite yet (and done at the wrong time its counter productive).

Blackford is a windbag - his whole MO is concocted indignation and he does it almost every week - not sure how another one cuts through really.

Anyway Johnson has promised to release the CS report to the police and has thrown his closest team under the bus - I think he's toast because someone is going to leak rather than allow themselves to be sacrificed.

Judging by the social meejas, Blackford's words were very well received indeed.

Loving the idea that it's concocted indignation, though. Let's just handwave away the torrent of arseholery this sorry excuse for a government produces on a weekly basis.

It's genuine indignation but delivered in a style to appeal to a Scottish audience which will upset some sensitive English people who should realise they aren't the target audience. In the same way that people in Scotland, Wales and NI aren't the audience for Johnson's bullshit.

[Biffer]

Starmer did well IMO boxing in the PM carefully - yes a time comes for passionate denunciations but its not quite yet (and done at the wrong time its counter productive).

Blackford is a windbag - his whole MO is concocted indignation and he does it almost every week - not sure how another one cuts through really.

Anyway Johnson has promised to release the CS report to the police and has thrown his closest team under the bus - I think he's toast because someone is going to leak rather than allow themselves to be sacrificed.

Judging by the social meejas, Blackford's words were very well received indeed.

Loving the idea that it's concocted indignation, though. Let's just handwave away the torrent of arseholery this sorry excuse for a government produces on a weekly basis.

It's genuine indignation but delivered in a style to appeal to a Scottish audience which will upset some sensitive English people who should realise they aren't the target audience. In the same way that people in Scotland, Wales and NI aren't the audience for Johnson's bullshit.

Exactly. Most of the whining about him is from south of the border - it's an uppity scots thing.

[Hal Jordan]

The free, fair, and fearless Speccie here bravely jumping to the defence of their PolEd's wife who also happens to be god parents to Sunak's children. A moral, objective, free from bias journal holding power to account are Forsyth and his chums.

I believe the term for the comments underneath is "ratio".

[Slick]

Judging by the social meejas, Blackford's words were very well received indeed.

Loving the idea that it's concocted indignation, though. Let's just handwave away the torrent of arseholery this sorry excuse for a government produces on a weekly basis.

It's genuine indignation but delivered in a style to appeal to a Scottish audience which will upset some sensitive English people who should realise they aren't the target audience. In the same way that people in Scotland, Wales and NI aren't the audience for Johnson's bullshit.

Exactly. Most of the whining about him is from south of the border - it's an uppity scots thing.

It’s not, it’s just really cringe. And
It’s not for a “Scottish audience”, it’s for a certain Scottish audience. And as someone else pointed out, it’s the same thing every week.

[tc27]

Judging by the social meejas, Blackford's words were very well received indeed.

Loving the idea that it's concocted indignation, though. Let's just handwave away the torrent of arseholery this sorry excuse for a government produces on a weekly basis.

It's genuine indignation but delivered in a style to appeal to a Scottish audience which will upset some sensitive English people who should realise they aren't the target audience. In the same way that people in Scotland, Wales and NI aren't the audience for Johnson's bullshit.

Exactly. Most of the whining about him is from south of the border - it's an uppity scots thing.

I can well imagine it was genuine today and maybe other times but usually there's an big element of pantomime about it. A good example is the pre scripted 'walk out' he lead when the speaker refused to change procedure to allow a private sitting in the middle of PMQs.

Exactly. Most of the whining about him is from south of the border - it's an uppity scots thing.

What a load of bullshit - even if this was true how could you possibly know? 'South of the border'....get a grip.

[JM2K6]

Cringe?

Ian Blackford
(Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (SNP)

We are standing on the cliff edge of yet another challenging moment in this pandemic. Omicron cases are rising at a rapid rate, and over the coming weeks tough decisions will again have to be made to save lives and protect our NHS. Trust in leadership is a matter of life and death. Downing Street wilfully broke the rules and mocked the sacrifices that we have all made, shattering the public’s trust. The Prime Minister is responsible for losing the trust of the people. He can no longer lead on the most pressing issue facing these islands. The Prime Minister has a duty: the only right and moral choice left to him is his resignation. When can we expect it?

The Prime Minister

The SNP and the Labour party are going to continue to play politics. I am going to get on with the job.

Ian Blackford

No dignity from a Prime Minister who quite simply just does not get it. People across these islands have followed the rules, even when it meant missing friends and family, missing births, missing funerals, missing the chance to be beside a loved one in their dying moments. People have sacrificed, at times to the point of breaking, while the UK Government have laughed in our faces.

It is clear that the Prime Minister has lost the support of the public and now even his own Benches. This is not a grin-and-bear-it moment; this is a moment of moral reckoning. Every Member on the Conservative Benches must now decide: is this the man to lead these islands when lives are at stake? It is clear that this Prime Minister intends desperately to cling on to power, and I have nothing left to say to a man whose answers we simply cannot trust, so Mr Speaker—[Interruption.]

Mr Speaker

Order. I will hear this question whether the Front Bench like it or not. I am expecting better behaviour. The public out there are questioning this Parliament—do not add to that question.
Ian Blackford

They are questioning this Parliament and questioning this Prime Minister that we cannot trust.

It is clear that the Prime Minister is desperately clinging on to power, and I have got nothing left to say to a man who we simply cannot trust. It is time for Members in this House to act. If he does not resign, he must be removed.


The Prime Minister

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his vote of confidence, but I can tell him that I am going to get on with the job. I believe that that is the right thing to do. I think it is very, very sad that when the public need to hear clarity from their officials and from politicians, the Opposition parties are trying to muddy the waters about events, or non-events, of a year ago. That is what they are doing today.

Ian Blackford
(Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (SNP)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I have informed the Prime Minister that I would be making a point of order, but I was informed by those on the Government Front Bench that he had to go. My goodness, those of us on the opposite side of the House absolutely agree that he has to go—he has to go as Prime Minister. People throughout these islands have been watching this debate today, and people feel revulsion at the stories that have emerged, in particular the video last night. What is worse is that there are now authoritative reports of not just one, not just two, but three different Downing Street parties during lockdown last Christmas, including one in the Prime Minister’s flat. What do we on this side of the House have to do to make sure that the Prime Minister takes responsibility for his breach of trust and the breach of covid regulations and that he does the right thing on behalf of all the people of these islands and resigns, and resigns now?

Only one person there comes across as cringe, and it's not Blackford.

[Slick]

Cringe?

Ian Blackford
(Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (SNP)

We are standing on the cliff edge of yet another challenging moment in this pandemic. Omicron cases are rising at a rapid rate, and over the coming weeks tough decisions will again have to be made to save lives and protect our NHS. Trust in leadership is a matter of life and death. Downing Street wilfully broke the rules and mocked the sacrifices that we have all made, shattering the public’s trust. The Prime Minister is responsible for losing the trust of the people. He can no longer lead on the most pressing issue facing these islands. The Prime Minister has a duty: the only right and moral choice left to him is his resignation. When can we expect it?

The Prime Minister

The SNP and the Labour party are going to continue to play politics. I am going to get on with the job.

Ian Blackford

No dignity from a Prime Minister who quite simply just does not get it. People across these islands have followed the rules, even when it meant missing friends and family, missing births, missing funerals, missing the chance to be beside a loved one in their dying moments. People have sacrificed, at times to the point of breaking, while the UK Government have laughed in our faces.

It is clear that the Prime Minister has lost the support of the public and now even his own Benches. This is not a grin-and-bear-it moment; this is a moment of moral reckoning. Every Member on the Conservative Benches must now decide: is this the man to lead these islands when lives are at stake? It is clear that this Prime Minister intends desperately to cling on to power, and I have nothing left to say to a man whose answers we simply cannot trust, so Mr Speaker—[Interruption.]

Mr Speaker

Order. I will hear this question whether the Front Bench like it or not. I am expecting better behaviour. The public out there are questioning this Parliament—do not add to that question.
Ian Blackford

They are questioning this Parliament and questioning this Prime Minister that we cannot trust.

It is clear that the Prime Minister is desperately clinging on to power, and I have got nothing left to say to a man who we simply cannot trust. It is time for Members in this House to act. If he does not resign, he must be removed.


The Prime Minister

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his vote of confidence, but I can tell him that I am going to get on with the job. I believe that that is the right thing to do. I think it is very, very sad that when the public need to hear clarity from their officials and from politicians, the Opposition parties are trying to muddy the waters about events, or non-events, of a year ago. That is what they are doing today.

Ian Blackford
(Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (SNP)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I have informed the Prime Minister that I would be making a point of order, but I was informed by those on the Government Front Bench that he had to go. My goodness, those of us on the opposite side of the House absolutely agree that he has to go—he has to go as Prime Minister. People throughout these islands have been watching this debate today, and people feel revulsion at the stories that have emerged, in particular the video last night. What is worse is that there are now authoritative reports of not just one, not just two, but three different Downing Street parties during lockdown last Christmas, including one in the Prime Minister’s flat. What do we on this side of the House have to do to make sure that the Prime Minister takes responsibility for his breach of trust and the breach of covid regulations and that he does the right thing on behalf of all the people of these islands and resigns, and resigns now?

Only one person there comes across as cringe, and it's not Blackford.

Oh shut the fuck up, JM.

[tc27]

Lets just acknowledge JM thinks Blackford's speech was brilliant and any criticism is cringeworthy and move on eh...seems pointless to go back and forth on subjective opinions like this.

[Tichtheid]

Dearie me, attacking Blackford today... true colours and all that

[Slick]

Dearie me, attacking Blackford today... true colours and all that

It was originally a throwaway one line, hardly an attack. True colours indeed.

[Tattie]

Unfortunately the “Scottish cringe” still exists in sections of our society. Just put up and shut up lads, keep those heads below the parapet.

[JM2K6]

Cringe?

Ian Blackford
(Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (SNP)

We are standing on the cliff edge of yet another challenging moment in this pandemic. Omicron cases are rising at a rapid rate, and over the coming weeks tough decisions will again have to be made to save lives and protect our NHS. Trust in leadership is a matter of life and death. Downing Street wilfully broke the rules and mocked the sacrifices that we have all made, shattering the public’s trust. The Prime Minister is responsible for losing the trust of the people. He can no longer lead on the most pressing issue facing these islands. The Prime Minister has a duty: the only right and moral choice left to him is his resignation. When can we expect it?

The Prime Minister

The SNP and the Labour party are going to continue to play politics. I am going to get on with the job.

Ian Blackford

No dignity from a Prime Minister who quite simply just does not get it. People across these islands have followed the rules, even when it meant missing friends and family, missing births, missing funerals, missing the chance to be beside a loved one in their dying moments. People have sacrificed, at times to the point of breaking, while the UK Government have laughed in our faces.

It is clear that the Prime Minister has lost the support of the public and now even his own Benches. This is not a grin-and-bear-it moment; this is a moment of moral reckoning. Every Member on the Conservative Benches must now decide: is this the man to lead these islands when lives are at stake? It is clear that this Prime Minister intends desperately to cling on to power, and I have nothing left to say to a man whose answers we simply cannot trust, so Mr Speaker—[Interruption.]

Mr Speaker

Order. I will hear this question whether the Front Bench like it or not. I am expecting better behaviour. The public out there are questioning this Parliament—do not add to that question.
Ian Blackford

They are questioning this Parliament and questioning this Prime Minister that we cannot trust.

It is clear that the Prime Minister is desperately clinging on to power, and I have got nothing left to say to a man who we simply cannot trust. It is time for Members in this House to act. If he does not resign, he must be removed.


The Prime Minister

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his vote of confidence, but I can tell him that I am going to get on with the job. I believe that that is the right thing to do. I think it is very, very sad that when the public need to hear clarity from their officials and from politicians, the Opposition parties are trying to muddy the waters about events, or non-events, of a year ago. That is what they are doing today.

Ian Blackford
(Ross, Skye and Lochaber) (SNP)

On a point of order, Mr Speaker. I have informed the Prime Minister that I would be making a point of order, but I was informed by those on the Government Front Bench that he had to go. My goodness, those of us on the opposite side of the House absolutely agree that he has to go—he has to go as Prime Minister. People throughout these islands have been watching this debate today, and people feel revulsion at the stories that have emerged, in particular the video last night. What is worse is that there are now authoritative reports of not just one, not just two, but three different Downing Street parties during lockdown last Christmas, including one in the Prime Minister’s flat. What do we on this side of the House have to do to make sure that the Prime Minister takes responsibility for his breach of trust and the breach of covid regulations and that he does the right thing on behalf of all the people of these islands and resigns, and resigns now?

Only one person there comes across as cringe, and it's not Blackford.

Oh shut the fuck up, JM.

Well that's charming. I posted his words so we actually have some fact to go on rather than strongly held priors, and both you and tc are just blathering on because you've never liked him. Sorry but your parochial point scoring is an irrelevance today.

[JM2K6]

Lets just acknowledge JM thinks Blackford's speech was brilliant and any criticism is cringeworthy and move on eh...seems pointless to go back and forth on subjective opinions like this.

Top comprehension skills there tc - cringeworthy was aimed at Blackford, by Slick, not me. I'm all for actually debating stuff but you've offered nothing except "he does this every week". It's weaksauce shit.

[tc27]

Ya know you can disagree* with a politician and it doesn't have to be about what part of the country he is from. I assure you I dislike politicians from England, Wales and NI too.

*Whilst I agree with the substance the BJ should resign the original point was I felt Starmier did a better job in both tone and content - getting him to commit to releasing the CO report to the police was a significant win.

[JM2K6]

Quite a few on the left thought Starmer was too reserved and praised Blackford for his approach, which I suspect is largely how this was supposed to go. Starmer isn't going to be more of a firebrand than he was today, and I thought he struck the right tone and was convincing and passionate - having other "lesser" politicians (i.e. not the LOTO) be the real attack dogs suits him down to the ground. Usually it's a member of his own party, mind...

[fishfoodie]

I'd hate to be the poor fools knocking on doors for the Tories, in the upcoming By-Elections

Question is; will people stay away; or will we see the Mother & Father of protest votes

[tabascoboy]

Well, to have one party was careless - to have three was...?

It means there were at least three parties in Westminster under lockdown:

The 18 December party at Downing Street
A Christmas Quiz at Downing Street which sources told the BBC included an in-person gathering. No 10 maintains the quiz was only virtual
The Department for Education party on 10 December

[petej]

Well, to have one party was careless - to have three was...?

It means there were at least three parties in Westminster under lockdown:

The 18 December party at Downing Street
A Christmas Quiz at Downing Street which sources told the BBC included an in-person gathering. No 10 maintains the quiz was only virtual
The Department for Education party on 10 December

The press need to pace themselves. No need to waste stories. There will continue to be leaks. Let them deny the quiz and then release the evidence.

[I like neeps]

Allegra Statton has resigned.

Can't believe The Spectator missed this huge exclusive.

[tabascoboy]

Allegra Statton has resigned.

Can't believe The Spectator missed this huge exclusive.

Phew well that's all over then - nothing to see here, time to move on #ToryHQ

[tc27]

The likelihood of someone who the PM has chucked under the bus having some evidence he knew about the Parties is quite high surely...got the feeling he's in the poo now.

[petej]

Allegra Statton has resigned.

Can't believe The Spectator missed this huge exclusive.

How would the editor of the spectator respond if his wife was charged with lockdown partying?

[petej]

Allegra Statton has resigned.

Can't believe The Spectator missed this huge exclusive.

Phew well that's all over then - nothing to see here, time to move on #ToryHQ

Was hoping rees-smug would be encouraged to resign as well.

[Lemoentjie]

You may have received your wish...

[petej]

That won't make him resign he is a shameless shit. He would need a big push from the PM/party.

[Hal Jordan]

Allegra Statton has resigned.

Can't believe The Spectator missed this huge exclusive.

When's the leaving party?

[fishfoodie]

Must need a bigger cat

[I like neeps]

Must need a bigger cat

I think if true Blackford was right about the PM. If Boris Johnson now can't follow through with public safety laws because he screwed up how is he fit to be PM?

I personally am against plan B restrictions fwiw. And not Blackford's biggest fan.

[sockwithaticket]

Must need a bigger cat

I think if true Blackford was right about the PM. If Boris Johnson now can't follow through with public safety laws because he screwed up how is he fit to be PM?

I personally am against plan B restrictions fwiw. And not Blackford's biggest fan.

If, as rumoured, Plan B's essentially just work from home where possible and requiring masks again in some places, what is there to object to?

[I like neeps]

Must need a bigger cat

I think if true Blackford was right about the PM. If Boris Johnson now can't follow through with public safety laws because he screwed up how is he fit to be PM?

I personally am against plan B restrictions fwiw. And not Blackford's biggest fan.

If, as rumoured, Plan B's essentially just work from home where possible and requiring masks again in some places, what is there to object to?

No I think vaccine passports are also mandated for large events too. Not convinced if you look at Scotland and Europe vaccine passports work and it's quite the infringement on liberty (I am double vaxxed and will get a boost when called).

[JM2K6]

As a public health measure I think it's a sensible one, but we don't have enough data on Omicron yet to know if it's the right path forward at this precise moment.

[sockwithaticket]

I think if true Blackford was right about the PM. If Boris Johnson now can't follow through with public safety laws because he screwed up how is he fit to be PM?

I personally am against plan B restrictions fwiw. And not Blackford's biggest fan.

If, as rumoured, Plan B's essentially just work from home where possible and requiring masks again in some places, what is there to object to?

No I think vaccine passports are also mandated for large events too. Not convinced if you look at Scotland and Europe vaccine passports work and it's quite the infringement on liberty (I am double vaxxed and will get a boost when called).

In what sense do you mean don't work? If the aim is to reduce strain on the health service then restricting the non-vaccinated makes sense, as I understand it they're far more likely to end up requiring hospitalisation if they catch it.

[Raggs]

No I think vaccine passports are also mandated for large events too. Not convinced if you look at Scotland and Europe vaccine passports work and it's quite the infringement on liberty (I am double vaxxed and will get a boost when called).

I can't drive a car without a license etc etc, there's tons of things that you need to meet set requirements for (18 years old to go in a night club etc), I don't see why potential mass spreading events during a pandemic shouldn't have a few restrictions on.

[I like neeps]

No I think vaccine passports are also mandated for large events too. Not convinced if you look at Scotland and Europe vaccine passports work and it's quite the infringement on liberty (I am double vaxxed and will get a boost when called).

I can't drive a car without a license etc etc, there's tons of things that you need to meet set requirements for (18 years old to go in a night club etc), I don't see why potential mass spreading events during a pandemic shouldn't have a few restrictions on.

If they're shown statistically to be effective sure. But they currently have not veen. And it's an extra hurdle for small businesses.

[dpedin]

They will offer a half hearted apology but with a 'not my fault guv' I didnt know about it and then announce an enquiry into 'getting to the bottom' of the party led by some lacky tory benefactor - in effect kick it into the long grass and try and smother any further leaking out. They might even sack a minion but that will be it!

Then they will try and shift agenda with some big probably covid announcement later today - likely to be further covid lockdown measures because of omicron - masks and working from home if possible. They will try and deflect even if it means some additional stick from ERG and Brexit ultras.

Problem is credibility is gone and public are laughing at them, red wall backbenchers will be feckin furious.

Looks like it is all going to plan! Just how feckin stupid do they think we all are? This course of events/escape route was bleeding' obvious and standard playbook stuff. They will be working hard now to move the public on and treat all this as a storm in a teacup ... getting caught lying and breaking their own rules doesn't matter one iota to them, they are taught from an early age at Eton, Harrow et al that they are above the law and the rules only apply to the little people. They honestly will not think they have done anything wrong other than being caught.

Stratton resigning will have been a wee deal struck between her, Carrie and the Blonde Bumblecunt with a promise to get her back in once the heat has died down. The cabal is self serving and their mates will 'form a square' around her.

[dpedin]

No I think vaccine passports are also mandated for large events too. Not convinced if you look at Scotland and Europe vaccine passports work and it's quite the infringement on liberty (I am double vaxxed and will get a boost when called).

I can't drive a car without a license etc etc, there's tons of things that you need to meet set requirements for (18 years old to go in a night club etc), I don't see why potential mass spreading events during a pandemic shouldn't have a few restrictions on.

If they're shown statistically to be effective sure. But they currently have not veen. And it's an extra hurdle for small businesses.

That's it guys ... this is exactly what the Blonde Bumblecunt wants, distract the public into pointless debates about mask wearing, vaccine passports and working from home instead of focusing on and continuing to probe the parties at No10 and what he knew and lied about. Shift the agenda ... look over there!

[Slick]

Fair play to Douglas Ross, unequivocally saying the PM should resign if he is found to be lying about this

[petej]

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2 ... nge-scheme
Genuinely what the fuck. Crapita.

[Tattie]

Fair play to Douglas Ross, unequivocally saying the PM should resign if he is found to be lying about this

Boris had lied dozens of times and he’s never asked for this before. Call me cynical but he’s playing a game here. If bojo goes or even hangs on by the skin of his teeth this gives him the opportunity to demand the same from the FM/senior politicians up here even for the most minor transgression.

[GogLais]

I’m confused - it often happens - how does Boris say that no regulations were broken and then ask the Cabinet Secretary to find out what happened?