Stop voting for fucking Tories

[ScarfaceClaw]

A thread

Spoiler

Show

As it ever was. Bet she's a member of the Jockey Club as well
Don't forget this £30M contract to the landlord of his local pub!

An acquaintance and former neighbour of Matt Hancock is supplying the government with tens of millions of vials for NHS Covid-19 tests despite having had no previous experience of producing medical supplies.

Alex Bourne, who used to run a pub close to Hancock’s former constituency home in Suffolk, said he initially offered his services to the UK health secretary several months ago by sending him a personal WhatsApp message.

Bourne’s company, Hinpack, was at that time producing plastic cups and takeaway boxes for the catering industry. It is now supplying about 2m medical grade vials a week to the government via a distributor contracted by the NHS.

The slight difference (albeit very slight) is that the landlord is actually providing something and it appears to be functional and also useful. Unlike the rest of the corrupt shower of wankers they’re flicking money off at.

[SaintK]

This is going to work well!

Boris Johnson’s government is seeking staff for a “union unit” aimed at countering support for Scottish independence – but knowledge of Scotland is not deemed essential for the job.
The Cabinet Office has begun advertising for four roles in policy and strategy, as it seeks to bolster its union-saving efforts ahead of Scottish parliamentary elections this spring.
The job ad at Michael Gove’s department demands candidates “demonstrate good political judgement” and have the “credibility to build a strong network of relationships across Whitehall”.
However, it states that “understanding of policy issues relevant to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland” is only “desirable” – rather than essential.

[ScarfaceClaw]

This is going to work well!

Boris Johnson’s government is seeking staff for a “union unit” aimed at countering support for Scottish independence – but knowledge of Scotland is not deemed essential for the job.
The Cabinet Office has begun advertising for four roles in policy and strategy, as it seeks to bolster its union-saving efforts ahead of Scottish parliamentary elections this spring.
The job ad at Michael Gove’s department demands candidates “demonstrate good political judgement” and have the “credibility to build a strong network of relationships across Whitehall”.
However, it states that “understanding of policy issues relevant to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland” is only “desirable” – rather than essential.

Chris Grayling has applied already. Twice.

[Openside]

This is going to work well!

Boris Johnson’s government is seeking staff for a “union unit” aimed at countering support for Scottish independence – but knowledge of Scotland is not deemed essential for the job.
The Cabinet Office has begun advertising for four roles in policy and strategy, as it seeks to bolster its union-saving efforts ahead of Scottish parliamentary elections this spring.
The job ad at Michael Gove’s department demands candidates “demonstrate good political judgement” and have the “credibility to build a strong network of relationships across Whitehall”.
However, it states that “understanding of policy issues relevant to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland” is only “desirable” – rather than essential.

Chris Grayling has applied already. Twice.

He is a ferry strong candidate!!

[JM2K6]

Lolz at opensides ‘boyfriend jealous’ comment getting comments re homophobia , he’s had the most ‘y͏o͏u͏ is bent innit’ jibes hurled at him for years from all and sundry , anyone getting prissy about this needs to take a break from Internet forums for a few mins, it was a shit joke and nothing more.

Reading all the analysis of brexit re remainer, it is quite clear that most people of either side is convinced of their correctness re causes and effect and who is sneering at who. Vaccines and Euros aborted art16 and throwing Ireland under a bus has kinda proved that there are at least some merits to brexit, more than any trade deal could have done. The ‘other site’ is also equally full of people convinced of their correctness and winning threads and claiming obsession on topics , quite amusing.

yes it all went a bit quiet when I pointed out the massive hypocrisy of the accusation. But you are right it was a pretty shit joke (even if Rinkals was hanging out the back of JM)

It went quiet because I'd rather pull my own eyelashes out than converse with you, but:

a) It's absolutely homophobic to randomly suggest someone you're arguing with is gay as an insult. It's classic homophobia.
b) The "openside is gay" trope on PR was never intended as an insult, and instead a (still in bad taste) send-up by people who actually like you, in a "Openside is basically the landowner from the Fast Show's Ted & Ralph" way
c) I did indeed pile in on someone (possibly one of the random Fijians) who didn't understand b) and instead used it to insult you
d) Having yeeb back you up on anything involving homophobia, racism, sexism, or frankly anything that involves being anything more than the worst kind of stereotypical arsehole is a sure sign that you've fucked up somewhere

I have no interest in talking to you further, it's a genuine waste of my time. Have fun.

[Openside]

Lolz at opensides ‘boyfriend jealous’ comment getting comments re homophobia , he’s had the most ‘y͏o͏u͏ is bent innit’ jibes hurled at him for years from all and sundry , anyone getting prissy about this needs to take a break from Internet forums for a few mins, it was a shit joke and nothing more.

Reading all the analysis of brexit re remainer, it is quite clear that most people of either side is convinced of their correctness re causes and effect and who is sneering at who. Vaccines and Euros aborted art16 and throwing Ireland under a bus has kinda proved that there are at least some merits to brexit, more than any trade deal could have done. The ‘other site’ is also equally full of people convinced of their correctness and winning threads and claiming obsession on topics , quite amusing.

yes it all went a bit quiet when I pointed out the massive hypocrisy of the accusation. But you are right it was a pretty shit joke (even if Rinkals was hanging out the back of JM)

It went quiet because I'd rather pull my own eyelashes out than converse with you, but:

a) It's absolutely homophobic to randomly suggest someone you're arguing with is gay as an insult. It's classic homophobia.
b) The "openside is gay" trope on PR was never intended as an insult, and instead a (still in bad taste) send-up by people who actually like you, in a "Openside is basically the landowner from the Fast Show's Ted & Ralph" way
c) I did indeed pile in on someone (possibly one of the random Fijians) who didn't understand b) and instead used it to insult you
d) Having yeeb back you up on anything involving homophobia, racism, sexism, or frankly anything that involves being anything more than the worst kind of stereotypical arsehole is a sure sign that you've fucked up somewhere

I have no interest in talking to you further, it's a genuine waste of my time. Have fun.

As ever, everything before 'the but' is irrelevant...

a) You have decided its an insult, which is curious.
b) It went way beyond that and for fucking years.
c)I don't recall that but fair enough if you did. Thank you.
d) You have a point

[Slick]

This is going to work well!

Boris Johnson’s government is seeking staff for a “union unit” aimed at countering support for Scottish independence – but knowledge of Scotland is not deemed essential for the job.
The Cabinet Office has begun advertising for four roles in policy and strategy, as it seeks to bolster its union-saving efforts ahead of Scottish parliamentary elections this spring.
The job ad at Michael Gove’s department demands candidates “demonstrate good political judgement” and have the “credibility to build a strong network of relationships across Whitehall”.
However, it states that “understanding of policy issues relevant to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland” is only “desirable” – rather than essential.

It's the same across every depertment, even the Scotland Office.

[Bimbowomxn]

JM, you spent a fair bit of time on the old bored telling me Brexit had nothing to do with immigration

There's a huge difference between the reality of immigration and the beliefs of Brexiteers.

“I know the beliefs of others”.

[Bimbowomxn]

I suspect you would find a great many more who voted leave originally who would now vote to remain than the other way around.

Polls suggest the absolute opposite.

Sharp as a tack.

[SaintK]

I suspect you would find a great many more who voted leave originally who would now vote to remain than the other way around.

Polls suggest the absolute opposite.

Sharp as a tack.

..........and the link to the detail?

[JM2K6]

JM, you spent a fair bit of time on the old bored telling me Brexit had nothing to do with immigration

There's a huge difference between the reality of immigration and the beliefs of Brexiteers.

“I know the beliefs of others”.

"I know the beliefs of others, because large numbers of them have explained those beliefs in great detail"

[Tichtheid]

I suspect you would find a great many more who voted leave originally who would now vote to remain than the other way around.

Polls suggest the absolute opposite.

Sharp as a tack.

..........and the link to the detail?

This is almost certainly due to the vaccine issues, but "wrong" or Regret is still leading

[Insane_Homer]

[SaintK]

Polls suggest the absolute opposite.

Sharp as a tack.

..........and the link to the detail?

This is almost certainly due to the vaccine issues, but "wrong" or Regret is still leading

Thanks, the margin has slipped since I last saw that. Must have passed Bimbo by

[SaintK]

Lots of scumminess today
No 10 has THREE vanity photographers. At least Dave managed with just the one.

Asked why the taxpayer should fund ‘vanity’ photographers who took these pix of the PM’s dog playing in the snow, No.10 spokesperson suggests Dilyn works for govt: “These photographers document the work of the government, as well as the work inside Number 10.”

.......and one of them is wasting our money taking pictures of the blonde slug's dog in the snow

[Insane_Homer]

I suspect you would find a great many more who voted leave originally who would now vote to remain than the other way around.

Polls suggest the absolute opposite.

Sharp as a tack.

..........and the link to the detail?

https://whatukthinks.org/eu/questions/i ... ou-vote-2/
or
https://whatukthinks.org/eu/questions/i ... -you-vote/
or
https://www.businessinsider.com/brexit- ... ?r=US&IR=T
or
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-55416939
or
https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/su ... 05/6a060/1

[Bimbowomxn]

There's a huge difference between the reality of immigration and the beliefs of Brexiteers.

“I know the beliefs of others”.

"I know the beliefs of others, because large numbers of them have explained those beliefs in great detail"

“Large numbers” —— “more than 4 , less than 20”.

Seriously your “beliefs” are opinions on other people’s motivations.... it’s a wonderful thing to be certain about.

[JM2K6]

“I know the beliefs of others”.

"I know the beliefs of others, because large numbers of them have explained those beliefs in great detail"

“Large numbers” —— “more than 4 , less than 20”.

Seriously your “beliefs” are opinions on other people’s motivations.... it’s a wonderful thing to be certain about.

I know you think this is an incredible gotcha, but no, I'm not doing any kind of mindreading here or extrapolating from tiny sample counts. People's motivations and beliefs for Brexit have been explored, explained, and researched in great detail, and especially their beliefs when it comes to immigration. It's asinine to pretend that Brexiteers haven't been very clear on their beliefs about immigration. It's been a major topic of discussion for the years leading up to the vote and hasn't dropped off since.

[ASMO]

I suspect you would find a great many more who voted leave originally who would now vote to remain than the other way around.

Polls suggest the absolute opposite.

Sharp as a tack.

Well given that the Brexit vote was to leave the EU by 52% to 48% which i calculate as a majority of 4% and now then polls are saying that there is a majority who now think it was the wrong decision, it is not a leap of faith to suggest that more people who voted yes initially would now vote no.

[Yeeb]

yes it all went a bit quiet when I pointed out the massive hypocrisy of the accusation. But you are right it was a pretty shit joke (even if Rinkals was hanging out the back of JM)

It went quiet because I'd rather pull my own eyelashes out than converse with you, but:

a) It's absolutely homophobic to randomly suggest someone you're arguing with is gay as an insult. It's classic homophobia.
b) The "openside is gay" trope on PR was never intended as an insult, and instead a (still in bad taste) send-up by people who actually like you, in a "Openside is basically the landowner from the Fast Show's Ted & Ralph" way
c) I did indeed pile in on someone (possibly one of the random Fijians) who didn't understand b) and instead used it to insult you
d) Having yeeb back you up on anything involving homophobia, racism, sexism, or frankly anything that involves being anything more than the worst kind of stereotypical arsehole is a sure sign that you've fucked up somewhere

I have no interest in talking to you further, it's a genuine waste of my time. Have fun.

As ever, everything before 'the but' is irrelevant...

a) You have decided its an insult, which is curious.
b) It went way beyond that and for fucking years.
c)I don't recall that but fair enough if you did. Thank you.
d) You have a point

AH, the old sneer about having yeeb back you up proves you wrong ploy - yawn.
Opensides isn’t really one for needing back up even if I was providing that , but him being called a bender = not an insult , him calling someone else a bender = homephobe, is quite illogical really and does nothing to dissuade his previous posts about remainers being whingey woke whatabouterys who can only see their point of point on any subject, such is their proof of self correctness. How do you know opensides didn’t also mean it not as an insult but in a ted and Ralph way ?
Tbh if it takes me to point out the flaw in your logic, you haven’t had a good day.

[Yeeb]

I suspect you would find a great many more who voted leave originally who would now vote to remain than the other way around.

Polls suggest the absolute opposite.

Sharp as a tack.

Well given that the Brexit vote was to leave the EU by 52% to 48% which i calculate as a majority of 4% and now then polls are saying that there is a majority who now think it was the wrong decision, it is not a leap of faith to suggest that more people who voted yes initially would now vote no.

Even easier to ignore the maths - more old people voted to leave than younger people, and a lot of people who would have voted leave in 2016 are no longer around. I don’t personally know of anyone still alive who would have changed their vote , but for sure more of this who did are now dead.

[Rinkals]

I didn't think OS is homophobic.

Juvenile, yes.

If my small comment stating that JMK speaks more sense than OS arouses that sort of remark, then Yeeb's passionate defence of him surely calls for the same sort of aspersions to be cast.

I'm just too old to stoop to such puerility.

[Happyhooker]

I didn't think OS is homophobic.

Juvenile, yes.

If my small comment stating that JMK speaks more sense than OS arouses that sort of remark, then Yeeb's passionate defence of him surely calls for the same sort of aspersions to be cast.

I'm just too old to stoop to such puerility.

dodgy back?

[Openside]

I didn't think OS is homophobic.

Juvenile, yes.

If my small comment stating that JMK speaks more sense than OS arouses that sort of remark, then Yeeb's passionate defence of him surely calls for the same sort of aspersions to be cast.

I'm just too old to stoop to such puerility.

Juvenile, yes - this is a Rugby chat forum not the Houses of Parliament. Your comment seemed ingratiating to me and I was bored with having my remarks completely misconstrued and then told I was being thick to boot.

[fishfoodie]

Lots of scumminess today
No 10 has THREE vanity photographers. At least Dave managed with just the one.

Asked why the taxpayer should fund ‘vanity’ photographers who took these pix of the PM’s dog playing in the snow, No.10 spokesperson suggests Dilyn works for govt: “These photographers document the work of the government, as well as the work inside Number 10.”

.......and one of them is wasting our money taking pictures of the blonde slug's dog in the snow

Not the member of the Cabinet I was expecting to see with snow all over his nose......

[Openside]

Lots of scumminess today
No 10 has THREE vanity photographers. At least Dave managed with just the one.

Asked why the taxpayer should fund ‘vanity’ photographers who took these pix of the PM’s dog playing in the snow, No.10 spokesperson suggests Dilyn works for govt: “These photographers document the work of the government, as well as the work inside Number 10.”

.......and one of them is wasting our money taking pictures of the blonde slug's dog in the snow

Not the member of the Cabinet I was expecting to see with snow all over his nose......

very good

[eldanielfire]

It went quiet because I'd rather pull my own eyelashes out than converse with you, but:

a) It's absolutely homophobic to randomly suggest someone you're arguing with is gay as an insult. It's classic homophobia.
b) The "openside is gay" trope on PR was never intended as an insult, and instead a (still in bad taste) send-up by people who actually like you, in a "Openside is basically the landowner from the Fast Show's Ted & Ralph" way

Is this the fastest contradiction in internet history? It's coming over was when you deem it homophobic it's a fact it's homophobia, but when you don't it's not homophobia, because reasons*

Also you realise Ted and Ralph were gay?

Also Openside was deffo nicknamed as an insult many times.


* argument is bollocks

[Insane_Homer]

[Yeeb]

I didn't think OS is homophobic.

Juvenile, yes.

If my small comment stating that JMK speaks more sense than OS arouses that sort of remark, then Yeeb's passionate defence of him surely calls for the same sort of aspersions to be cast.

I'm just too old to stoop to such puerility.

Juvenile, yes - this is a Rugby chat forum not the Houses of Parliament. Your comment seemed ingratiating to me and I was bored with having my remarks completely misconstrued and then told I was being thick to boot.

Tbf you have proved to be a tad thick on here several (many?) times , and it’s hard to not think you as some kind of Denholm Rhenolm type from the IT crowd:
“When I started, all i had were two things: a dream, and six million pounds”

But homophobe ? Nopes - can’t think of any poster that dislikes benders

[Openside]

It went quiet because I'd rather pull my own eyelashes out than converse with you, but:

a) It's absolutely homophobic to randomly suggest someone you're arguing with is gay as an insult. It's classic homophobia.
b) The "openside is gay" trope on PR was never intended as an insult, and instead a (still in bad taste) send-up by people who actually like you, in a "Openside is basically the landowner from the Fast Show's Ted & Ralph" way

Is this the fastest contradiction in internet history? It's coming over was when you deem it homophobic it's a fact it's homophobia, but when you don't it's not homophobia, because reasons*

Also you realise Ted and Ralph were gay?

Also Openside was deffo nicknamed as an insult many times.


* argument is bollocks

Eldanielfire steady or you will make my boyfriend jealous

[Openside]

I didn't think OS is homophobic.

Juvenile, yes.

If my small comment stating that JMK speaks more sense than OS arouses that sort of remark, then Yeeb's passionate defence of him surely calls for the same sort of aspersions to be cast.

I'm just too old to stoop to such puerility.

Juvenile, yes - this is a Rugby chat forum not the Houses of Parliament. Your comment seemed ingratiating to me and I was bored with having my remarks completely misconstrued and then told I was being thick to boot.

Tbf you have proved to be a tad thick on here several (many?) times , and it’s hard to not think you as some kind of Denholm Rhenolm type from the IT crowd:
“When I started, all i had were two things: a dream, and six million pounds”

But homophobe ? Nopes - can’t think of any poster that dislikes benders

You keep casting this aspersion however when I set up my company I was utterly penniless and couldn’t get a job during the 1990 recession.

Yes I have made some mistakes on here but the difference is I can laugh at myself I know my IT skills are poor and I am a bit of a posh twat(which I play up to intentionally)

[Opensides Butler]

It went quiet because I'd rather pull my own eyelashes out than converse with you, but:

a) It's absolutely homophobic to randomly suggest someone you're arguing with is gay as an insult. It's classic homophobia.
b) The "openside is gay" trope on PR was never intended as an insult, and instead a (still in bad taste) send-up by people who actually like you, in a "Openside is basically the landowner from the Fast Show's Ted & Ralph" way

Is this the fastest contradiction in internet history? It's coming over was when you deem it homophobic it's a fact it's homophobia, but when you don't it's not homophobia, because reasons*

Also you realise Ted and Ralph were gay?

Also Openside was deffo nicknamed as an insult many times.


* argument is bollocks

Eldanielfire steady or you will make my boyfriend jealous

I resign.

[SaintK]

Juvenile, yes - this is a Rugby chat forum not the Houses of Parliament. Your comment seemed ingratiating to me and I was bored with having my remarks completely misconstrued and then told I was being thick to boot.

Tbf you have proved to be a tad thick on here several (many?) times , and it’s hard to not think you as some kind of Denholm Rhenolm type from the IT crowd:
“When I started, all i had were two things: a dream, and six million pounds”

But homophobe ? Nopes - can’t think of any poster that dislikes benders

You keep casting this aspersion however when I set up my company I was utterly penniless and couldn’t get a job during the 1990 recession.

Yes I have made some mistakes on here but the difference is I can laugh at myself I know my IT skills are poor and I am a bit of a posh twat(which I play up to intentionally)

Good. Glad we cleared all that up then
Always seems a tad pointless when people arguing with each other have to explain their jokes/jibes/insults to each other or have someone else translate them
Perhaps someone can start a new thread next time so that we can get on with slagging off politicians on this one

[SaintK]

Left hand, right hand, lots of mixed messages and another comms shambles

HOLI-DAY OF CHAOS: Government spin doctors are this morning scrambling for a coherent position on whether Britons will be able to go on summer holidays, after three senior ministers gave the public contradictory answers in a Whitehall day of confusion. With millions of people across the country seeking a glimmer of hope on possible staycations when lockdown lifts, anyone listening to Boris Johnson’s top team yesterday will be clueless as to how they should be planning for summer. Here’s your timeline of the staycay chaos over the past few weeks …

January 17: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told LBC people should not be booking holidays yet: “I think at the moment it’s too early. Until we’re in a position to give the reassurance, I think it’s very difficult to plan.”

January 18: Health Secretary Matt Hancock completely contradicted Raab at a Downing Street press conference: “I’m going to Cornwall. And I have said before I think we’re going to have a great British summer.” His remarks led to hotels and holiday companies urging people to book for the summer as soon as possible …

January 26: Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi then directly contradicted Hancock, telling Sky News he “absolutely” wouldn’t be booking a summer holiday yet as it was “far too early” to do so.

January 31: Holidaying Hancock doubled down, telling BBC Politics East: “In six months we’ll be in the middle, I hope, of a happy and free Great British summer.”

January 31: The same day, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss shot Hancock down, insisting quarantine measures and restrictions on travel would be in place for the foreseeable future, and that “it would be very dangerous for a government minister to make promises about people’s summer holidays.”

February 1: On a visit to Yorkshire, Boris Johnson was asked whether the U.K. could have a “happy and free summer,” and said “I am optimistic” about the prospect of summer holidays, with the caveat that the vaccination program had to go well.

February 10, 8 a.m.: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps contradicted Hancock on the BBC’s Today program, warning: “People shouldn’t be booking holidays right now, not domestically or internationally.”

February 10, midday: Asked about the conflicting advice at the daily Lobby briefing, the prime minister’s official spokesperson produced another line, saying the decision on whether to book a holiday was “a choice for individuals.”

February 10, 5 p.m.: In the evening presser, the PM stressed it was illegal to go on holiday either at home or abroad and seemed to strike a more cautious tone: “I am afraid it is just too early for people to be certain about what we’ll be able to do this summer.” The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg is caught on a hot mic complaining that Johnson “didn’t answer the question.”

February 10, 5 p.m.: At the exact same time as the PM’s presser, Hancock inexplicably once again told Tory MPs on a Zoom call that he’d booked a trip to Cornwall, and shared jokes with Devon MPs who wanted him to holiday in their constituencies, HuffPo’s Arj Singh reports.

[Yeeb]

Juvenile, yes - this is a Rugby chat forum not the Houses of Parliament. Your comment seemed ingratiating to me and I was bored with having my remarks completely misconstrued and then told I was being thick to boot.

Tbf you have proved to be a tad thick on here several (many?) times , and it’s hard to not think you as some kind of Denholm Rhenolm type from the IT crowd:
“When I started, all i had were two things: a dream, and six million pounds”

But homophobe ? Nopes - can’t think of any poster that dislikes benders

You keep casting this aspersion however when I set up my company I was utterly penniless and couldn’t get a job during the 1990 recession.

Yes I have made some mistakes on here but the difference is I can laugh at myself I know my IT skills are poor and I am a bit of a posh twat(which I play up to intentionally)

Renholm in proving himself thicky shocker ;)

I know you didn’t have the six mil, but I’m reasonably sure you had posted that (quite rightly) you were not above tapping into your posh clique at times and didn’t 100% rely on your undoubted stunning IT & business acumen. Even if I’m completely wrong and you are genuinely Alan Sugar incarnate, I’m sure you won’t pay too much heed to what I think of you as you are retired and play your bridge, golf and ride your Harley in your tassels. Or even what angry internet IT palace of righteous justice types think of you.

[Sandstorm]

Left hand, right hand, lots of mixed messages and another comms shambles

HOLI-DAY OF CHAOS: Government spin doctors are this morning scrambling for a coherent position on whether Britons will be able to go on summer holidays, after three senior ministers gave the public contradictory answers in a Whitehall day of confusion. With millions of people across the country seeking a glimmer of hope on possible staycations when lockdown lifts, anyone listening to Boris Johnson’s top team yesterday will be clueless as to how they should be planning for summer. Here’s your timeline of the staycay chaos over the past few weeks …

January 17: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told LBC people should not be booking holidays yet: “I think at the moment it’s too early. Until we’re in a position to give the reassurance, I think it’s very difficult to plan.”

January 18: Health Secretary Matt Hancock completely contradicted Raab at a Downing Street press conference: “I’m going to Cornwall. And I have said before I think we’re going to have a great British summer.” His remarks led to hotels and holiday companies urging people to book for the summer as soon as possible …

January 26: Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi then directly contradicted Hancock, telling Sky News he “absolutely” wouldn’t be booking a summer holiday yet as it was “far too early” to do so.

January 31: Holidaying Hancock doubled down, telling BBC Politics East: “In six months we’ll be in the middle, I hope, of a happy and free Great British summer.”

January 31: The same day, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss shot Hancock down, insisting quarantine measures and restrictions on travel would be in place for the foreseeable future, and that “it would be very dangerous for a government minister to make promises about people’s summer holidays.”

February 1: On a visit to Yorkshire, Boris Johnson was asked whether the U.K. could have a “happy and free summer,” and said “I am optimistic” about the prospect of summer holidays, with the caveat that the vaccination program had to go well.

February 10, 8 a.m.: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps contradicted Hancock on the BBC’s Today program, warning: “People shouldn’t be booking holidays right now, not domestically or internationally.”

February 10, midday: Asked about the conflicting advice at the daily Lobby briefing, the prime minister’s official spokesperson produced another line, saying the decision on whether to book a holiday was “a choice for individuals.”

February 10, 5 p.m.: In the evening presser, the PM stressed it was illegal to go on holiday either at home or abroad and seemed to strike a more cautious tone: “I am afraid it is just too early for people to be certain about what we’ll be able to do this summer.” The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg is caught on a hot mic complaining that Johnson “didn’t answer the question.”

February 10, 5 p.m.: At the exact same time as the PM’s presser, Hancock inexplicably once again told Tory MPs on a Zoom call that he’d booked a trip to Cornwall, and shared jokes with Devon MPs who wanted him to holiday in their constituencies, HuffPo’s Arj Singh reports.

It's nearly always Handincock that is the problem.

[fishfoodie]

Left hand, right hand, lots of mixed messages and another comms shambles

HOLI-DAY OF CHAOS: Government spin doctors are this morning scrambling for a coherent position on whether Britons will be able to go on summer holidays, after three senior ministers gave the public contradictory answers in a Whitehall day of confusion. With millions of people across the country seeking a glimmer of hope on possible staycations when lockdown lifts, anyone listening to Boris Johnson’s top team yesterday will be clueless as to how they should be planning for summer. Here’s your timeline of the staycay chaos over the past few weeks …

January 17: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told LBC people should not be booking holidays yet: “I think at the moment it’s too early. Until we’re in a position to give the reassurance, I think it’s very difficult to plan.”

January 18: Health Secretary Matt Hancock completely contradicted Raab at a Downing Street press conference: “I’m going to Cornwall. And I have said before I think we’re going to have a great British summer.” His remarks led to hotels and holiday companies urging people to book for the summer as soon as possible …

January 26: Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi then directly contradicted Hancock, telling Sky News he “absolutely” wouldn’t be booking a summer holiday yet as it was “far too early” to do so.

January 31: Holidaying Hancock doubled down, telling BBC Politics East: “In six months we’ll be in the middle, I hope, of a happy and free Great British summer.”

January 31: The same day, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss shot Hancock down, insisting quarantine measures and restrictions on travel would be in place for the foreseeable future, and that “it would be very dangerous for a government minister to make promises about people’s summer holidays.”

February 1: On a visit to Yorkshire, Boris Johnson was asked whether the U.K. could have a “happy and free summer,” and said “I am optimistic” about the prospect of summer holidays, with the caveat that the vaccination program had to go well.

February 10, 8 a.m.: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps contradicted Hancock on the BBC’s Today program, warning: “People shouldn’t be booking holidays right now, not domestically or internationally.”

February 10, midday: Asked about the conflicting advice at the daily Lobby briefing, the prime minister’s official spokesperson produced another line, saying the decision on whether to book a holiday was “a choice for individuals.”

February 10, 5 p.m.: In the evening presser, the PM stressed it was illegal to go on holiday either at home or abroad and seemed to strike a more cautious tone: “I am afraid it is just too early for people to be certain about what we’ll be able to do this summer.” The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg is caught on a hot mic complaining that Johnson “didn’t answer the question.”

February 10, 5 p.m.: At the exact same time as the PM’s presser, Hancock inexplicably once again told Tory MPs on a Zoom call that he’d booked a trip to Cornwall, and shared jokes with Devon MPs who wanted him to holiday in their constituencies, HuffPo’s Arj Singh reports.

It's nearly always Handincock that is the problem.

I think he's fed up being the one who always has to shit on peoples plans; & he fancies being the one making the optimistic, & unrealistic promises for a change; & let the other fuckers be the ones who have to impose reality on the populace.

I spoke to a colleague today for the first time in months; & learned that his mental health has really suffered under lockdown. He's not alone in this; & combined with seeing how many of those hospitalised are now suffering from PTSD; there's a massive challenge ahead for whoever is in charge of the NHS, & every other health service; to cope with the damage that Covid has done to peoples mental health.

The shadow of Covid will run for decades; when you think of things like that, & the disruption to childrens education.

[SaintK]

Left hand, right hand, lots of mixed messages and another comms shambles

Spoiler

Show

HOLI-DAY OF CHAOS: Government spin doctors are this morning scrambling for a coherent position on whether Britons will be able to go on summer holidays, after three senior ministers gave the public contradictory answers in a Whitehall day of confusion. With millions of people across the country seeking a glimmer of hope on possible staycations when lockdown lifts, anyone listening to Boris Johnson’s top team yesterday will be clueless as to how they should be planning for summer. Here’s your timeline of the staycay chaos over the past few weeks …

January 17: Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told LBC people should not be booking holidays yet: “I think at the moment it’s too early. Until we’re in a position to give the reassurance, I think it’s very difficult to plan.”

January 18: Health Secretary Matt Hancock completely contradicted Raab at a Downing Street press conference: “I’m going to Cornwall. And I have said before I think we’re going to have a great British summer.” His remarks led to hotels and holiday companies urging people to book for the summer as soon as possible …

January 26: Vaccine Minister Nadhim Zahawi then directly contradicted Hancock, telling Sky News he “absolutely” wouldn’t be booking a summer holiday yet as it was “far too early” to do so.

January 31: Holidaying Hancock doubled down, telling BBC Politics East: “In six months we’ll be in the middle, I hope, of a happy and free Great British summer.”

January 31: The same day, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss shot Hancock down, insisting quarantine measures and restrictions on travel would be in place for the foreseeable future, and that “it would be very dangerous for a government minister to make promises about people’s summer holidays.”

February 1: On a visit to Yorkshire, Boris Johnson was asked whether the U.K. could have a “happy and free summer,” and said “I am optimistic” about the prospect of summer holidays, with the caveat that the vaccination program had to go well.

February 10, 8 a.m.: Transport Secretary Grant Shapps contradicted Hancock on the BBC’s Today program, warning: “People shouldn’t be booking holidays right now, not domestically or internationally.”

February 10, midday: Asked about the conflicting advice at the daily Lobby briefing, the prime minister’s official spokesperson produced another line, saying the decision on whether to book a holiday was “a choice for individuals.”

February 10, 5 p.m.: In the evening presser, the PM stressed it was illegal to go on holiday either at home or abroad and seemed to strike a more cautious tone: “I am afraid it is just too early for people to be certain about what we’ll be able to do this summer.” The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg is caught on a hot mic complaining that Johnson “didn’t answer the question.”

February 10, 5 p.m.: At the exact same time as the PM’s presser, Hancock inexplicably once again told Tory MPs on a Zoom call that he’d booked a trip to Cornwall, and shared jokes with Devon MPs who wanted him to holiday in their constituencies, HuffPo’s Arj Singh reports.

It's nearly always Handincock that is the problem.

Then of course this morning from Hancock

I know that people are yearning for certainty over whether they can have a summer holiday, but pandemics are difficult times and there is a lot of uncertainty so I am afraid that people will have to be patient before we can get that certainty.

[Yeeb]

Left hand, right hand, lots of mixed messages and another comms shambles

It's nearly always Handincock that is the problem.

I think he's fed up being the one who always has to shit on peoples plans; & he fancies being the one making the optimistic, & unrealistic promises for a change; & let the other fuckers be the ones who have to impose reality on the populace.

I spoke to a colleague today for the first time in months; & learned that his mental health has really suffered under lockdown. He's not alone in this; & combined with seeing how many of those hospitalised are now suffering from PTSD; there's a massive challenge ahead for whoever is in charge of the NHS, & every other health service; to cope with the damage that Covid has done to peoples mental health.

The shadow of Covid will run for decades; when you think of things like that, & the disruption to childrens education.

That is a shame re your mate, hope he ends up ok. Hopefully the younger children will just remember it as lots of logging on to virtual lessons , older kids doing exams will be more messed around by covid i feel.

I’m lucky in that covid hasn’t massively upset me, because I’m in work , don’t have to commute, and can see my family, have a garden etc. Plenty of people who have lost the job or are single or can’t see their family, it’s been pretty traumatic and I feel for them. Two couples that we know have also split due to the lockdowns and wfh pressures, sadly kids are involved in both.

[Biffer]

Guy I follow on Twitter insists that every photo of Hancock has an air of ‘sales rep caught dogging in lay-by’ about it.