Stop voting for fucking Tories

[GogLais]

Being an appalling person is a positive boon in the Home Secretary job, given the people who have held that august position down the years.

However, Patel is a particularly malicious individual and not terribly bright either based on all the evidence. And that's before we get to her previous ejection from a Cabinet post.

It's your Twitter account, it's got your name on it. Own it.

OK, I admit I'm showing my age but why does a Home Secretary need to be on Twitter?

[frodder]

Being an appalling person is a positive boon in the Home Secretary job, given the people who have held that august position down the years.

However, Patel is a particularly malicious individual and not terribly bright either based on all the evidence. And that's before we get to her previous ejection from a Cabinet post.

It's your Twitter account, it's got your name on it. Own it.

OK, I admit I'm showing my age but why does a Home Secretary need to be on Twitter?

How else do you get your point over the evil EU and readying gunboats off the Kent coast

[SaintK]

That lorry park toilet block might not be very Covid-safe.

You mean THE toilet

Hundreds of truck drivers stuck in a lorry park near Dover have been left without water and the only toilet has been blocked, PA reports citing a fellow driver delivering supplies to them.
More than 1,500 lorries are backed up in Kent, while the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel remain closed to traffic leaving the country, with drivers facing a third night sleeping in their cabs.

[Hal Jordan]

Just to add to the toilet high jinks, the local Sikh temple has rustled up 800 lentil curries to help feed the drivers.

[frodder]

Just to add to the toilet high jinks, the local Sikh temple has rustled up 800 lentil curries to help feed the drivers.

Sikh's helping lorry drivers from the EU. This'll send the DM in a frenzy

[sturginho]

Being an appalling person is a positive boon in the Home Secretary job, given the people who have held that august position down the years.

However, Patel is a particularly malicious individual and not terribly bright either based on all the evidence. And that's before we get to her previous ejection from a Cabinet post.

It's your Twitter account, it's got your name on it. Own it.

OK, I admit I'm showing my age but why does a Home Secretary need to be on Twitter?

How else will the electorate know how thick you are without an official Twitter account?

[Sandstorm]

Being an appalling person is a positive boon in the Home Secretary job, given the people who have held that august position down the years.

However, Patel is a particularly malicious individual and not terribly bright either based on all the evidence. And that's before we get to her previous ejection from a Cabinet post.

It's your Twitter account, it's got your name on it. Own it.

OK, I admit I'm showing my age but why does a Home Secretary need to be on Twitter?

Propaganda of course.

[fishfoodie]

That lorry park toilet block might not be very Covid-safe.

You mean THE toilet

Hundreds of truck drivers stuck in a lorry park near Dover have been left without water and the only toilet has been blocked, PA reports citing a fellow driver delivering supplies to them.
More than 1,500 lorries are backed up in Kent, while the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel remain closed to traffic leaving the country, with drivers facing a third night sleeping in their cabs.

I hope Kent CoCo collect all that slurry, & all those noxious plastic bags, & leave the entire mess on the racist ferrets lawn.

[Hal Jordan]

Apparently the county council are delivering another 200 toilets, though no word on how. I'm hoping for a Berlin airlift style affair.

[GogLais]

Just to add to the toilet high jinks, the local Sikh temple has rustled up 800 lentil curries to help feed the drivers.

I wouldn't want to seen ungrateful but lentil curry - in a lorry cab with no toilet nearby? I'd stick to my Yorkie bar.

[GogLais]

Being an appalling person is a positive boon in the Home Secretary job, given the people who have held that august position down the years.

However, Patel is a particularly malicious individual and not terribly bright either based on all the evidence. And that's before we get to her previous ejection from a Cabinet post.

It's your Twitter account, it's got your name on it. Own it.

OK, I admit I'm showing my age but why does a Home Secretary need to be on Twitter?

How else will the electorate know how thick you are without an official Twitter account?

Some of us had worked that out for ourselves already.

[Hal Jordan]

Johnson appoints 16 new peers to the House of Lords, which entirely chimes with this Government's apparent goal to fuck the systems of democracy to the point where the public demands something must be done, about the broken mess, at which point something worse is instituted. One of said peers is Daniel Hannan, for fuck's sake. Oh, and Peter Cruddas, too.

[salanya]

Johnson appoints 16 new peers to the House of Lords, which entirely chimes with this Government's apparent goal to fuck the systems of democracy to the point where the public demands something must be done, about the broken mess, at which point something worse is instituted. One of said peers is Daniel Hannan, for fuck's sake. Oh, and Peter Cruddas, too.

To add context: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55414981

[Random1]

Johnson appoints 16 new peers to the House of Lords, which entirely chimes with this Government's apparent goal to fuck the systems of democracy to the point where the public demands something must be done, about the broken mess, at which point something worse is instituted. One of said peers is Daniel Hannan, for fuck's sake. Oh, and Peter Cruddas, too.

To add context: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55414981

Ok - agreed - that is a proper scummy move.

Peerages should be electoral. 20 year periods to avoid politicising the posts too much, but we should get to vote.

[sturginho]

But of course when it comes to appointing a black archbishop there was no more room in the Lords.....

[Lobby]

But of course when it comes to appointing a black archbishop there was no more room in the Lords.....

John Sentamu has been included this time.

[fishfoodie]

But of course when it comes to appointing a black archbishop there was no more room in the Lords.....

John Sentamu has been included this time.

Did he start playing tennis with cabinet ministers ?

[Lobby]

But of course when it comes to appointing a black archbishop there was no more room in the Lords.....

John Sentamu has been included this time.

Did he start playing tennis with cabinet ministers ?

No, but the failure to include him previously was unpopular, and as we all know Boris is a populist who will shift his position to whatever he thinks will play well with the press.

[I like neeps]

The benefits of blue passports.

[robmatic]

The benefits of blue passports.

While the government's efforts regarding Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe have been morally appalling, she is a dual citizen so this is not a surprising statement regarding her case or a new development.

I'm in the process of getting Turkish citizenship and one of the issues that I've had to take into account is that I will be no longer entitled to British consular assistance in Turkey.

[fishfoodie]

The benefits of blue passports.

While the government's efforts regarding Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe have been morally appalling, she is a dual citizen so this is not a surprising statement regarding her case or a new development.

I'm in the process of getting Turkish citizenship and one of the issues that I've had to take into account is that I will be no longer entitled to British consular assistance in Turkey.

I don't think it's that you're no longer, "entitled"; it's that is discretionary; & it's only fair that Governments get judged on when they choose not to provide assistance to their citizens, when they are in trouble.

Look at the case of the guy fitted up for spying in Russia, he had rights to US, Canadian, UK, & Irish citizenship, & as a result all provided consular services.

[robmatic]

The benefits of blue passports.

While the government's efforts regarding Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe have been morally appalling, she is a dual citizen so this is not a surprising statement regarding her case or a new development.

I'm in the process of getting Turkish citizenship and one of the issues that I've had to take into account is that I will be no longer entitled to British consular assistance in Turkey.

I don't think it's that you're no longer, "entitled"; it's that is discretionary; & it's only fair that Governments get judged on when they choose not to provide assistance to their citizens, when they are in trouble.

Look at the case of the guy fitted up for spying in Russia, he had rights to US, Canadian, UK, & Irish citizenship, & as a result all provided consular services.

That guy didn't have Russian citizenship so of course he would be entitled to consular services from his own national governments in Russia.

The issue generally for dual citizens is that the host country isn't obligated to provide access to consular officials when it is holding one of its own citizens, unlike the situation with foreign nationals.

As I understand it, Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been getting some consular assistance up to and including cackhanded diplomatic interventions from the bumbling Foreign Secretary of the time - but she's never been entitled to this and it shouldn't be a matter of outrage to say so.

[Paddington Bear]

I'm pretty sure that it says in your passport that if you're a dual national you are unlikely to be able to access British consular assistance if in trouble in said second country. Shit but nothing new or controversial about it.

[Lobby]

While the government's efforts regarding Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe have been morally appalling, she is a dual citizen so this is not a surprising statement regarding her case or a new development.

I'm in the process of getting Turkish citizenship and one of the issues that I've had to take into account is that I will be no longer entitled to British consular assistance in Turkey.

I don't think it's that you're no longer, "entitled"; it's that is discretionary; & it's only fair that Governments get judged on when they choose not to provide assistance to their citizens, when they are in trouble.

Look at the case of the guy fitted up for spying in Russia, he had rights to US, Canadian, UK, & Irish citizenship, & as a result all provided consular services.

That guy didn't have Russian citizenship so of course he would be entitled to consular services from his own national governments in Russia.

The issue generally for dual citizens is that the host country isn't obligated to provide access to consular officials when it is holding one of its own citizens, unlike the situation with foreign nationals.

As I understand it, Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been getting some consular assistance up to and including cackhanded diplomatic interventions from the bumbling Foreign Secretary of the time - but she's never been entitled to this and it shouldn't be a matter of outrage to say so.

Notwithstanding Bojo’s disastrous interventions, in the case of Iran it’s generally better for the FCO not to get involved at all, especially with individuals with dual nationality. The Iranians regard any intervention by a foreign power as proof that the person they are holding is a) important, and b) a spy, and the more the FCO tries to put pressure on them, the more this reinforces their views.

I know of other cases involving dual nationals where the person’s family has specifically requested the British Government not to comment at all about their detention. Those cases have been dealt with by lawyers in Iran, resulting in the person’s eventual release because the Iranian authorities decided there was nothing to be gained from continuing to hold them.

[fishfoodie]

While the government's efforts regarding Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe have been morally appalling, she is a dual citizen so this is not a surprising statement regarding her case or a new development.

I'm in the process of getting Turkish citizenship and one of the issues that I've had to take into account is that I will be no longer entitled to British consular assistance in Turkey.

I don't think it's that you're no longer, "entitled"; it's that is discretionary; & it's only fair that Governments get judged on when they choose not to provide assistance to their citizens, when they are in trouble.

Look at the case of the guy fitted up for spying in Russia, he had rights to US, Canadian, UK, & Irish citizenship, & as a result all provided consular services.

That guy didn't have Russian citizenship so of course he would be entitled to consular services from his own national governments in Russia.

The issue generally for dual citizens is that the host country isn't obligated to provide access to consular officials when it is holding one of its own citizens, unlike the situation with foreign nationals.

As I understand it, Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been getting some consular assistance up to and including cackhanded diplomatic interventions from the bumbling Foreign Secretary of the time - but she's never been entitled to this and it shouldn't be a matter of outrage to say so.

Ahem.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fco- ... sideration

Hugo Swire said:

The British Government welcomes the Appeal Court’s decision to refer Linda Carty’s case back to the District Court for further consideration. We have concerns about Ms Carty’s case and have regularly raised this issue with the relevant authorities.

We will continue to provide consular assistance to Ms Carty through the next stage of the legal process.

As is well known, the British Government opposes the death penalty in all circumstances.

So when it suits the UK Government to, "provide consular assistance", they do so, when it doesn't they don't !

[I like neeps]

Over 60s and underlying health conditions don't count. Says Tory MP.

[ScarfaceClaw]

I hope she doesn’t watch Logan’s Run and get any ideas.

[JM2K6]

Over 60s and underlying health conditions don't count. Says Tory MP.

"Underlying health conditions" in this case being anything up to and including being treated for anxiety or having eczma

[Lobby]

Over 60s and underlying health conditions don't count. Says Tory MP.

On the same basis, you could argue that Harold Shipman didn't kill anyone without an underlying health condition,

[I like neeps]

Over 60s and underlying health conditions don't count. Says Tory MP.

"Underlying health conditions" in this case being anything up to and including being treated for anxiety or having eczma

www.medrxiv.org › contentPDF
UK prevalence of underlying conditions which increase the risk of ... - medRxiv

25% of people in the UK have an underlying health condition that increases the risk of covid too.

For a Tory MP it's a mental opinion to have anyway as their vote depends on over 60s.

[GogLais]

Johnson appoints 16 new peers to the House of Lords, which entirely chimes with this Government's apparent goal to fuck the systems of democracy to the point where the public demands something must be done, about the broken mess, at which point something worse is instituted. One of said peers is Daniel Hannan, for fuck's sake. Oh, and Peter Cruddas, too.

To add context: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55414981

Ok - agreed - that is a proper scummy move.

Peerages should be electoral. 20 year periods to avoid politicising the posts too much, but we should get to vote.

It was Botham that got me. A knighthood or OBE for services to cricket ok but a seat in the legislature? It’s shameful that we put up with it.

[GogLais]

Over 60s and underlying health conditions don't count. Says Tory MP.

"Underlying health conditions" in this case being anything up to and including being treated for anxiety or having eczma

www.medrxiv.org › contentPDF
UK prevalence of underlying conditions which increase the risk of ... - medRxiv

25% of people in the UK have an underlying health condition that increases the risk of covid too.

For a Tory MP it's a mental opinion to have anyway as their vote depends on over 60s.

I suspect, could be wrong, that many over 60s would accept the principle of more stringent restrictions on them if it helps their children and grandchildren to have a more normal life. Whether that’s possible in practice is another thing.

[I like neeps]

"Underlying health conditions" in this case being anything up to and including being treated for anxiety or having eczma

www.medrxiv.org › contentPDF
UK prevalence of underlying conditions which increase the risk of ... - medRxiv

25% of people in the UK have an underlying health condition that increases the risk of covid too.

For a Tory MP it's a mental opinion to have anyway as their vote depends on over 60s.

I suspect, could be wrong, that many over 60s would accept the principle of more stringent restrictions on them if it helps their children and grandchildren to have a more normal life. Whether that’s possible in practice is another thing.

I absolutely agree. However, nobody has suggested how that is workable despite the declarations by various scientists. Pretty much every country globally has experienced covid yet not one has trialled a way of shielding the vulnerable only and everyone else has a normalish life and there must be a reason for that. And the reason must be it's not possible. As there's not another reason I can think of.

[GogLais]

www.medrxiv.org › contentPDF
UK prevalence of underlying conditions which increase the risk of ... - medRxiv

25% of people in the UK have an underlying health condition that increases the risk of covid too.

For a Tory MP it's a mental opinion to have anyway as their vote depends on over 60s.

I suspect, could be wrong, that many over 60s would accept the principle of more stringent restrictions on them if it helps their children and grandchildren to have a more normal life. Whether that’s possible in practice is another thing.

I absolutely agree. However, nobody has suggested how that is workable despite the declarations by various scientists. Pretty much every country globally has experienced covid yet not one has trialled a way of shielding the vulnerable only and everyone else has a normalish life and there must be a reason for that. And the reason must be it's not possible. As there's not another reason I can think of.

You're probably correct. The point I was trying to make is that I don't think Allan's comment would have alienated many over 60s. That's all.

[Random1]

To add context: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-55414981

Ok - agreed - that is a proper scummy move.

Peerages should be electoral. 20 year periods to avoid politicising the posts too much, but we should get to vote.

It was Botham that got me. A knighthood or OBE for services to cricket ok but a seat in the legislature? It’s shameful that we put up with it.

I’m not a big fan of an unelected chamber - but if an unelected chamber is the only show in town, I reckon beefy is a decent shout.

The point of lords members is supposed to be that they bring expertise from their lives.

Beefy has good knowledge of sport, TV and has massive charity links.

He’s also got a fair bit of experience developing a winery business which is importing and exporting around the world.

I reckon he’d be an interesting perspective to have around the table.

[GogLais]

Ok - agreed - that is a proper scummy move.

Peerages should be electoral. 20 year periods to avoid politicising the posts too much, but we should get to vote.

It was Botham that got me. A knighthood or OBE for services to cricket ok but a seat in the legislature? It’s shameful that we put up with it.

I’m not a big fan of an unelected chamber - but if an unelected chamber is the only show in town, I reckon beefy is a decent shout.

The point of lords members is supposed to be that they bring expertise from their lives.

Beefy has good knowledge of sport, TV and has massive charity links.

He’s also got a fair bit of experience developing a winery business which is importing and exporting around the world.

I reckon he’d be an interesting perspective to have around the table.

Maybe but there are what 800+ in the HoL? I’d be surprised if he brings any knowledge or experience that isn’t there already.

[Hal Jordan]

Over 60s and underlying health conditions don't count. Says Tory MP.

On the same basis, you could argue that Harold Shipman didn't kill anyone without an underlying health condition,

Now, now, those people died with Shipman, not of Shipman.

[SaintK]

Runners and riders odds for being shuffled out of the cabinet should there be one from Politico website
The utterly inept and useless Williamson looks hot favourite at the moment and he's still got the post Christmas return to school and colleges to manage yet. Which already looks like a shambles in waiting

LONDON — It’s been a hell of a year for Boris Johnson and his Cabinet. Hell being the operative word.
The pandemic has tested every national government to the limit and the Boris Johnson’s administration has faced sustained criticism during every step of the crisis and across almost every government department.
With rumors Johnson could reshuffle his top team as early as the new year, here’s POLITICO’s rundown of how U.K. Cabinet ministers fared in 2020, and how safe their jobs look if and when the prime minister decides it’s time for a shake-up.

https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-cab ... d-losers/

[I like neeps]

Runners and riders odds for being shuffled out of the cabinet should there be one from Politico website
The utterly inept and useless Williamson looks hot favourite at the moment and he's still got the post Christmas return to school and colleges to manage yet. Which already looks like a shambles in waiting

LONDON — It’s been a hell of a year for Boris Johnson and his Cabinet. Hell being the operative word.
The pandemic has tested every national government to the limit and the Boris Johnson’s administration has faced sustained criticism during every step of the crisis and across almost every government department.
With rumors Johnson could reshuffle his top team as early as the new year, here’s POLITICO’s rundown of how U.K. Cabinet ministers fared in 2020, and how safe their jobs look if and when the prime minister decides it’s time for a shake-up.

https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-cab ... d-losers/

Theoretically now Brexit is done and Cummings' big brain project is done you could bring in the sensibles and clear out the ideologues.

[Lobby]

Runners and riders odds for being shuffled out of the cabinet should there be one from Politico website
The utterly inept and useless Williamson looks hot favourite at the moment and he's still got the post Christmas return to school and colleges to manage yet. Which already looks like a shambles in waiting

LONDON — It’s been a hell of a year for Boris Johnson and his Cabinet. Hell being the operative word.
The pandemic has tested every national government to the limit and the Boris Johnson’s administration has faced sustained criticism during every step of the crisis and across almost every government department.
With rumors Johnson could reshuffle his top team as early as the new year, here’s POLITICO’s rundown of how U.K. Cabinet ministers fared in 2020, and how safe their jobs look if and when the prime minister decides it’s time for a shake-up.

https://www.politico.eu/article/uk-cab ... d-losers/

Theoretically now Brexit is done and Cummings' big brain project is done you could bring in the sensibles and clear out the ideologues.

Are there any ‘sensibles’ to bring in?