NPR

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:11 pm Sounds to me like he knows he’s going after the report comes out

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:14 pm Everyone talks about Starmer being “forensic” and “detailed” due to his legal background, but he’s just a bit shit at this really

JM2K6 wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:16 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:14 pm Everyone talks about Starmer being “forensic” and “detailed” due to his legal background, but he’s just a bit shit at this really

?! Boris just got battered.

JM2K6 wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:16 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:14 pm Everyone talks about Starmer being “forensic” and “detailed” due to his legal background, but he’s just a bit shit at this really

?! Boris just got battered.

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:24 pm

JM2K6 wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:16 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:14 pm Everyone talks about Starmer being “forensic” and “detailed” due to his legal background, but he’s just a bit shit at this really

?! Boris just got battered.

It was like kicking a puppy, anyone could have done that.

Blackford was much better this week

JM2K6 wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:26 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:24 pm

JM2K6 wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:16 pm

?! Boris just got battered.

It was like kicking a puppy, anyone could have done that.

Blackford was much better this week

OK but kicking the puppy is what was needed. Boris was humiliated and reduced to a bumbling mess.

JM2K6 wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:26 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:24 pm

JM2K6 wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:16 pm

?! Boris just got battered.

It was like kicking a puppy, anyone could have done that.

Blackford was much better this week

OK but kicking the puppy is what was needed. Boris was humiliated and reduced to a bumbling mess.

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:30 pm

JM2K6 wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:26 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:24 pm

It was like kicking a puppy, anyone could have done that.

Blackford was much better this week

OK but kicking the puppy is what was needed. Boris was humiliated and reduced to a bumbling mess.

I think he should have concentrated more on breaking the Ministerial Code and try to get him to admit to something there once he had him on the ropes.

Great question from Toby Perkins, whoever he is.

Very striking that
@BorisJohnson
speaks again and again of “mistakes made” & “mistakes we made” but he can’t bring himself to add the word “I”. Begs the question - is he apologising for his behaviour, that of his staff or just how things look?

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:44 pm BBC Politics presenter doing exactly what Starmer should have done

Here's what he said:

Quote Message: Mr Speaker, I want to apologise. I know that millions of people across this country have made extraordinary sacrifices over the last 18 months. I know the anguish that they have been through - unable to mourn their relatives, unable to live their lives as they want or do the things they love. And I know the rage they feel with me and with the government I lead, when they think that in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules."
Mr Speaker, I want to apologise. I know that millions of people across this country have made extraordinary sacrifices over the last 18 months. I know the anguish that they have been through - unable to mourn their relatives, unable to live their lives as they want or do the things they love. And I know the rage they feel with me and with the government I lead, when they think that in Downing Street itself the rules are not being properly followed by the people who make the rules."

Quote Message: And though I cannot anticipate the conclusions of the current inquiry I have learned enough to know there were things we simply did not get right and I must take responsibility. Number 10 is a big department with the garden as an extension of the office - which has been in constant use because of the role of fresh air in stopping the virus. And when I went into that garden just after six on the 20th of May 2020, to thank groups of staff before going back into my office 25 minutes later to continue working, I believed implicitly that this was a work event."
And though I cannot anticipate the conclusions of the current inquiry I have learned enough to know there were things we simply did not get right and I must take responsibility. Number 10 is a big department with the garden as an extension of the office - which has been in constant use because of the role of fresh air in stopping the virus. And when I went into that garden just after six on the 20th of May 2020, to thank groups of staff before going back into my office 25 minutes later to continue working, I believed implicitly that this was a work event."

Quote Message: But, Mr Speaker, with hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside, I should have found some other way to thank them and I should have recognised that even if it could be said technically to fall within the guidance, there would be millions and millions of people who simply would not see it that way. People who suffered terribly - people who were forbidden from meeting loved ones at all, inside or outside. And to them and to this house I offer my heartfelt apologies. And all I ask is that Sue Gray be allowed to complete her inquiry into that day and several others so that the full facts can be established."
But, Mr Speaker, with hindsight I should have sent everyone back inside, I should have found some other way to thank them and I should have recognised that even if it could be said technically to fall within the guidance, there would be millions and millions of people who simply would not see it that way. People who suffered terribly - people who were forbidden from meeting loved ones at all, inside or outside. And to them and to this house I offer my heartfelt apologies. And all I ask is that Sue Gray be allowed to complete her inquiry into that day and several others so that the full facts can be established."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-59958872

Big D wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:02 pm The quicker he is gone from front line politics the better. Preferably within the next few hours.

robmatic wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 11:43 am

I like neeps wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 11:34 am It's very interesting the police who know everyone who goes in and out of Downing Street did nothing at the time and are doing nothing now.

Interesting in that Cressida Dick owes her job despite continued ballsups to the Tory government and is hell-bent on repaying the favour it seems.

I dunno, I have this expectation that the police are establishment-friendly regardless of who is in the top position. That's how the UK works.

I'm mostly impressed by the discipline of the entirety of the media until it became time to kick Boris. All the Westminster journos will have known about all this stuff from when it actually happened.

Paddington Bear wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:11 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:03 pm He looks like shit

Proper Palpatine impression.

Looking back on him in 2019 is quite astonishing, wonder how much he fancies it anymore.

ASMO wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:05 pm

Big D wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:02 pm The quicker he is gone from front line politics the better. Preferably within the next few hours.

They wont get rid of him yet, they will wait for the fuel price rises and the tax rises to kick in and then blame him for everything, kick him out then get Sunak in to come save the day, its as clear as day.

I like neeps wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:06 pm

robmatic wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 11:43 am

I like neeps wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 11:34 am It's very interesting the police who know everyone who goes in and out of Downing Street did nothing at the time and are doing nothing now.

Interesting in that Cressida Dick owes her job despite continued ballsups to the Tory government and is hell-bent on repaying the favour it seems.

I dunno, I have this expectation that the police are establishment-friendly regardless of who is in the top position. That's how the UK works.

I'm mostly impressed by the discipline of the entirety of the media until it became time to kick Boris. All the Westminster journos will have known about all this stuff from when it actually happened.

That's true as well - but I think we all know the majority of the print and online media as they're owned by three massive right-wingers will do basically anything to keep the Tories on the right side of the public opinion. Until you annoy them that is, which Johnson seems to have done.

Chris Bryant (Lab) wrote:So, the prime minister didn’t spot that he was at a social event. That’s the excuse isn’t it? Come off it.

I mean how stupid does the prime minister think the British people are.

The worst of it is he’s already managed to completely destroy Allegra Stratton’s career, he’s tarnished the reputation of Lord Geidt, and now he’s making fools of every single MP who cheered him earlier, every single one who goes out on the radio and television to defend this shower of shenanigans.

Would it not be absolutely despicable if, in the search for a scapegoat, some junior member of staff ends up losing their job, but he kept his?

Conservative MP Christopher Chope describes the prime minister's apology as "genuinely sincere".

"I’ve never heard such an abject apology from a government minister in my 30-plus years in this place," he tells the BBC.

"I think that the prime minister showed contrition and he realised he had done the wrong thing in not intervening at the time and all the rest of it.

“I think when somebody makes an apology like that, reasonable people accept the apology - obviously with the caveat that this is continuing because there’s a continuing inquiry.”

He says in the short term "this is a monumental relief to myself and lots of other colleagues because we didn't think he'd be able to carry on" if he did not confirm whether he attended the party or not.

However, Chope adds that it is disappointing that the prime minister has got caught up in the "arrogance of the establishment", with civil servants and ministers at the top feeling they can behave in a different way to ordinary people.

tabascoboy wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:29 pm Yeah, right...

Conservative MP Christopher Chope describes the prime minister's apology as "genuinely sincere".

"I’ve never heard such an abject apology from a government minister in my 30-plus years in this place," he tells the BBC.

"I think that the prime minister showed contrition and he realised he had done the wrong thing in not intervening at the time and all the rest of it.

“I think when somebody makes an apology like that, reasonable people accept the apology - obviously with the caveat that this is continuing because there’s a continuing inquiry.”

He says in the short term "this is a monumental relief to myself and lots of other colleagues because we didn't think he'd be able to carry on" if he did not confirm whether he attended the party or not.

However, Chope adds that it is disappointing that the prime minister has got caught up in the "arrogance of the establishment", with civil servants and ministers at the top feeling they can behave in a different way to ordinary people.

Dogbert wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:01 pm

tabascoboy wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:29 pm Yeah, right...

Conservative MP Christopher Chope describes the prime minister's apology as "genuinely sincere".

"I’ve never heard such an abject apology from a government minister in my 30-plus years in this place," he tells the BBC.

"I think that the prime minister showed contrition and he realised he had done the wrong thing in not intervening at the time and all the rest of it.

“I think when somebody makes an apology like that, reasonable people accept the apology - obviously with the caveat that this is continuing because there’s a continuing inquiry.”

He says in the short term "this is a monumental relief to myself and lots of other colleagues because we didn't think he'd be able to carry on" if he did not confirm whether he attended the party or not.

However, Chope adds that it is disappointing that the prime minister has got caught up in the "arrogance of the establishment", with civil servants and ministers at the top feeling they can behave in a different way to ordinary people.

Nothing to see here , can't we just move on , we all make mistakes , much more important issues to concentrate on

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:30 pm

JM2K6 wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:26 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:24 pm

It was like kicking a puppy, anyone could have done that.

Blackford was much better this week

OK but kicking the puppy is what was needed. Boris was humiliated and reduced to a bumbling mess.

I think he should have concentrated more on breaking the Ministerial Code and try to get him to admit to something there once he had him on the ropes.

Great question from Toby Perkins, whoever he is.

tabascoboy wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:29 pm Yeah, right...

Conservative MP Christopher Chope describes the prime minister's apology as "genuinely sincere".

"I’ve never heard such an abject apology from a government minister in my 30-plus years in this place," he tells the BBC.

"I think that the prime minister showed contrition and he realised he had done the wrong thing in not intervening at the time and all the rest of it.

“I think when somebody makes an apology like that, reasonable people accept the apology - obviously with the caveat that this is continuing because there’s a continuing inquiry.”

He says in the short term "this is a monumental relief to myself and lots of other colleagues because we didn't think he'd be able to carry on" if he did not confirm whether he attended the party or not.

However, Chope adds that it is disappointing that the prime minister has got caught up in the "arrogance of the establishment", with civil servants and ministers at the top feeling they can behave in a different way to ordinary people.

Biffer wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:07 pm Labour really need Boris to go reasonably quickly - there needs to be time before the next GE to expose whoever is in the next cabinet for the lying, mendacious pricks they are, rather than letting them get to an election on the bubble of respectability a newly elected leader might have.

Truss would definitely finish the Union. Hasn't the first idea about devolved matters and would stir up memories of Thatcher.

Dogbert wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:01 pm

tabascoboy wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:29 pm Yeah, right...

Conservative MP Christopher Chope describes the prime minister's apology as "genuinely sincere".

"I’ve never heard such an abject apology from a government minister in my 30-plus years in this place," he tells the BBC.

"I think that the prime minister showed contrition and he realised he had done the wrong thing in not intervening at the time and all the rest of it.

“I think when somebody makes an apology like that, reasonable people accept the apology - obviously with the caveat that this is continuing because there’s a continuing inquiry.”

He says in the short term "this is a monumental relief to myself and lots of other colleagues because we didn't think he'd be able to carry on" if he did not confirm whether he attended the party or not.

However, Chope adds that it is disappointing that the prime minister has got caught up in the "arrogance of the establishment", with civil servants and ministers at the top feeling they can behave in a different way to ordinary people.

Nothing to see here , can't we just move on , we all make mistakes , much more important issues to concentrate on

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:14 pm Everyone talks about Starmer being “forensic” and “detailed” due to his legal background, but he’s just a bit shit at this really

GogLais wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:51 pm

Dogbert wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:01 pm

tabascoboy wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:29 pm Yeah, right...

Nothing to see here , can't we just move on , we all make mistakes , much more important issues to concentrate on

This is quite comforting, if I'm ever caught doing 50 in a 30 a simple and heartfelt apology should suffice.

I like neeps wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 3:21 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:14 pm Everyone talks about Starmer being “forensic” and “detailed” due to his legal background, but he’s just a bit shit at this really

He has absolutely no charisma. I think people think he has charisma because everyone says he's "forensic" and a "former prosecutor" but there's really nothing there.

tabascoboy wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 3:23 pm

GogLais wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:51 pm

Dogbert wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:01 pm

Nothing to see here , can't we just move on , we all make mistakes , much more important issues to concentrate on

This is quite comforting, if I'm ever caught doing 50 in a 30 a simple and heartfelt apology should suffice.

As long as you "believe" that the speed limit was 50, it's OK

tabascoboy wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 1:29 pm Yeah, right...

Conservative MP Christopher Chope describes the prime minister's apology as "genuinely sincere".

"I’ve never heard such an abject apology from a government minister in my 30-plus years in this place," he tells the BBC.

"I think that the prime minister showed contrition and he realised he had done the wrong thing in not intervening at the time and all the rest of it.

“I think when somebody makes an apology like that, reasonable people accept the apology - obviously with the caveat that this is continuing because there’s a continuing inquiry.”

He says in the short term "this is a monumental relief to myself and lots of other colleagues because we didn't think he'd be able to carry on" if he did not confirm whether he attended the party or not.

However, Chope adds that it is disappointing that the prime minister has got caught up in the "arrogance of the establishment", with civil servants and ministers at the top feeling they can behave in a different way to ordinary people.

Spoiler

Show

JM2K6 wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 3:27 pm

I like neeps wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 3:21 pm

Slick wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 12:14 pm Everyone talks about Starmer being “forensic” and “detailed” due to his legal background, but he’s just a bit shit at this really

He has absolutely no charisma. I think people think he has charisma because everyone says he's "forensic" and a "former prosecutor" but there's really nothing there.

I can't imagine anyone correlates those with charisma. If anything people mentione those in his defence when talking about him lacking charisma.

He was pretty angry today and came across very well. Charisma would help him more when it comes to appealing to voters but when it comes to giving Boris a kicking Starmer doesn't need charisma, just integrity and some passion.

Biffer wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 3:27 pm

tabascoboy wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 3:23 pm

GogLais wrote: Wed Jan 12, 2022 2:51 pm

This is quite comforting, if I'm ever caught doing 50 in a 30 a simple and heartfelt apology should suffice.

As long as you "believe" that the speed limit was 50, it's OK

so long as you believe it was implicitly 50, even.