2024 General Election

[Jack]

Just what we need for the close season 😆 an election!

I know it's been mentioned on the tory thread but I assume the other parties will be taking part!

Fill the thread with all the lies from all the parties, speculation and maybe the odd funny bit as one of them falls over!

I'll start by suggesting it's being run now because the torys think they'll get a nationalist feel good factor from England doing well in the Euros. Another good reason for ABE

Things can only better 🎶

[SHODAN]

Labour minority government please.

[marinello59]

I didn’t think I could dislike any Governing party more than Thatcher’s Tories but this lot managed to add utter incompetence to the awful ideology.
Given that unless they callously try to squeeze one in before the election there will be no refugee Rwanda flights leaving the country let’s not waste the planes and fill the seats with outed Tory MPs on the 5th of July.

[Berwickhibby]

Let’s hope for a Labour landslide and the Tories GTF

[Hibrandenburg]

Labour minority government please.

:agree: Any Labour government will only be a short respite from the Tories, even that is questionable with Kier Starmer likely to lead a Labour government that is further right than any before it.

I hate quoting Tories but I think it was Francis Maude who said that "Britain is a conservative country that occasionally votes Labour", he was bang on the money.

[Stairway 2 7]

:agree: Any Labour government will only be a short respite from the Tories, even that is questionable with Kier Starmer likely to lead a Labour government that is further right than any before it.

I hate quoting Tories but I think it was Francis Maude who said that "Britain is a conservative country that occasionally votes Labour", he was bang on the money.

He was right decades ago. Things aren't the same. In polling the under 40s are the first generations to not shift right at all as they age. Mostly because people have no property to conserve anymore. Demographics are going to destroy the tories in a decade, it's why independence is inevitable also imo

[Pretty Boy]

He was right decades ago. Things aren't the same. In polling the under 40s are the first generations to not shift right at all as they age. Mostly because people have no property to conserve anymore. Demographics are going to destroy the tories in a decade, it's why independence is inevitable also imo

Only thing I would caution is there increasing evidence of a clear gender split happening. Younger women tend to be more progressive and left leaning. Young men are increasingly showing signs of being lured in by the right, including the fat right. Only a couple of studies but the evidence was intriguing.

I broadly agree though. People under 40 have been royally ****ed over most of their adult life and are demonised as workshy and demanding into the bargain. Many have **** all to conserve. The hope is they see the easy answers of the right for what they are, desperate people are often easy to convince with scapegoats and false promises.

As with the last few elections I'll be voting for the socialists if they stand a candidate or a good independent if there is one. If there is neither then I won't be voting but will spoil my paper. There is more chance of Hibs signing Mbappe than the Tories winning in my constituency so my vote won't be missed. I have no real preference for either of the two who can win (Labour and SNP).

[Stairway 2 7]

Think Rishis speech unfortunately for him will be remembered for years. They were saying on newsagents why have it in peeing rain and build it up all day so pranksters can come

https://x.com/JimmySecUK/status/1793317220858155387

[Hibrandenburg]

He was right decades ago. Things aren't the same. In polling the under 40s are the first generations to not shift right at all as they age. Mostly because people have no property to conserve anymore. Demographics are going to destroy the tories in a decade, it's why independence is inevitable also imo

That is likely to change once a generation that has known nothing other than Tories realises that Labour are only marginally different.

[Bristolhibby]

Think Rishis speech unfortunately for him will be remembered for years. They were saying on newsagents why have it in peeing rain and build it up all day so pranksters can come

https://x.com/JimmySecUK/status/1793317220858155387

If only they had a £2M indoor press briefing room available.

Steve Bray, take a bow.

J

[Stairway 2 7]

That is likely to change once a generation that has known nothing other than Tories realises that Labour are only marginally different.

No this is unprecedented so if anything they will turn to the centre from their left base now, saying they will chose the more right wing of the two makes no sense.

To PB yes females are becoming more left than males but the difference is small and as a collective the amount the under 40s are staying left is wild as this graph shows
27895

It's from a John Burn Murdoch thread the data sample is from a huge yearly sample. He attributes it to home ownership, never before seen childcare costs with both parents working and parties using culture wars on the most educated generation ever.

We won't see the change over for a while as old people vote in much higher numbers

[Stairway 2 7]

If only they had a £2M indoor press briefing room available.

Steve Bray, take a bow.

J

Jeez forgot about that what a waste

[Bostonhibby]

Jeez forgot about that what a wasteLike this?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240522/a90be2fbacd5e0ccbca4353d717eb179.jpg

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Stairway 2 7]

Like this?https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240522/a90be2fbacd5e0ccbca4353d717eb179.jpg

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

I'm glad but they have been run so badly this year so many baffling decisions even today. Why July the day before immigration levels are announced and expected to be big, to let's have a press conference in the pishing rain. It would be funny if their incompetence hasn't had us all suffering so badly

[Bostonhibby]

I'm glad but they have been run so badly this year so many baffling decisions even today. Why July the day before immigration levels are announced and expected to be big, to let's have a press conference in the pishing rain. It would be funny if their incompetence hasn't had us all suffering so badlyThe Waiter and his missus might still have their green cards and are probably heading back to the States shortly after and wants it over with asap?

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Bishop Hibee]

The only General Election held in either July or August since 1900 was in July 1945 post the end of WW2. Tories desperate for any help they can get. They know historically non-Tory voters are less likely to vote if more obstacles are put in their way. Hope they get trounced.

[grunt]

If you think you might be away (e.g. in Germany perhaps :wink:) on July 4 2024, please make sure you and voters in your household have registered for a postal vote.

Whoever you vote for we have to get these lying Tories liars out of Government.

https://www.gov.uk/apply-postal-vote

You must apply for a postal vote by 5pm, 11 working days before the election you want to vote in.

[JimBHibees]

Just what we need for the close season 😆 an election!

I know it's been mentioned on the tory thread but I assume the other parties will be taking part!

Fill the thread with all the lies from all the parties, speculation and maybe the odd funny bit as one of them falls over!

I'll start by suggesting it's being run now because the torys think they'll get a nationalist feel good factor from England doing well in the Euros. Another good reason for ABE

Things can only better 🎶

Never thought about the Euros you are probably right

[Stairway 2 7]

Anyone know if its still billed as a defacto referendum for the SNP like Yousaf wanted?

[grunt]

Jess Phillips:

https://x.com/jessphillips/status/1793334998176608700


Rishi Sunak today stood in front of a bereaved mother and told her he would get her legislation on the statute books before the summer recess...

[Jack]

Anyone know if its still billed as a defacto referendum for the SNP like Yousaf wanted?

4th of July, Independence Day!!

Torys maybe goading the SNP.

[Stairway 2 7]

Jess Phillips:

https://x.com/jessphillips/status/1793334998176608700

That's shocking disrespect and I'm usually unable to be shocked by how callous they can be

[Stairway 2 7]

4th of July, Independence Day!!

Torys maybe goading the SNP.

Good campaign slogan for the SNP if they are going for the defacto so might backfire for the tories

[grunt]

Sunak announces election:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GOMlJDuWEAA38Oe?format=jpg&name=medium

[marinello59]

Anyone know if its still billed as a defacto referendum for the SNP like Yousaf wanted?

Yes , Swinney is sticking with returning a majority of SNP MPs as being a mandate for a referendum. The problem is if it doesn’t happen Indy will be at least a decade away as a result and even if there is a majority of SNP MPs trying to claim a mandate with a reduced share of the vote will see any claim for that mandate weakened. He’s going to struggle to push the line about lending your votes again for the final push or to keep the Tories out, I’m looking forward to what he comes up with.
This is like Xmas, I love an election. :greengrin

[Hibrandenburg]

Yes , Swinney is sticking with returning a majority of SNP MPs as being a mandate for a referendum. The problem is if it doesn’t happen Indy will be at least a decade away as a result and even if there is a majority of SNP MPs trying to claim a mandate with a reduced share of the vote will see any claim for that mandate weakened. He’s going to struggle to push the line about lending your votes again for the final push or to keep the Tories out, I’m looking forward to what he comes up with.
This is like Xmas, I love an election. :greengrin

It's going to be worth cracking out the popcorn to see how Labour either have to tell the Scottish electorate why they're dismantling all the mitigation policies implemented by the SNP or the English electorate why they're giving Scotland a better deal.

[marinello59]

It's going to be worth cracking out the popcorn to see how Labour either have to tell the Scottish electorate why they're dismantling all the mitigation policies implemented by the SNP or the English electorate why they're giving Scotland a better deal.

It’s a Westminster election. Are Labour proposing ending devolution or cutting the Barnett formula?:confused:

[Hibrandenburg]

It’s a Westminster election. Are Labour proposing ending devolution or cutting the Barnett formula?:confused:

Oh good. So Labour will fully support the Scottish government mitigating policies like free education and prescriptions north of the border. That's great news, it would mean if Labour revoke all these austerity measures imposed by the Tories over the last 14 years, then the Scottish government can divert monies used to mitigate them to other areas. Looking forward to the official announcement. :greengrin

It doesn't matter that it's a Westminster election, we're highly likely to see the scenario where Scottish Labour are at odds with Westminster Labour's policy in critical areas. Popcorn at the ready.

[marinello59]

Oh good. So Labour will fully support the Scottish government mitigating policies like free education and prescriptions north of the border. That's great news, it would mean if Labour revoke all these austerity measures imposed by the Tories over the last 14 years, then the Scottish government can divert monies used to mitigate them to other areas. Looking forward to the official announcement. :greengrin .

You OK? :greengrin
I didn’t say anything close to that and even if I did I’m fairly certain my ramblings on a football based forum would not amount to an unofficial announcement of any kind. I may suggest Labour are planning to nationalise Hibs though and see how that plays out. :greengrin

[Stairway 2 7]

Oh good. So Labour will fully support the Scottish government mitigating policies like free education and prescriptions north of the border. That's great news, it would mean if Labour revoke all these austerity measures imposed by the Tories over the last 14 years, then the Scottish government can divert monies used to mitigate them to other areas. Looking forward to the official announcement. :greengrin

It doesn't matter that it's a Westminster election, we're highly likely to see the scenario where Scottish Labour are at odds with Westminster Labour's policy in critical areas. Popcorn at the ready.

Eh education and health are devolved so Labour can't change free prescriptions unless they are ending devolution, this is the Westminster election. They won't change the barnett formula that sees us getting more than England. Its up to Scottish gov ie SNP how to spend that. The Scottish election is next year and your points could be argued in that thread

[KeithTheHibby]

Tories will be shafted, SNP will be shafted. Labours to lose with the Lib Dem’s and the reform party making small gains.

[GlesgaeHibby]

Tories will be shafted, SNP will be shafted. Labours to lose with the Lib Dem’s and the reform party making small gains.

Both parties deserve to be shafted. The Tories more so, for obvious reasons. The SNP have made some good progress in certain areas in recent years - Scottish Child Payment being the stand out. But they've also made some really poor decisions in recent years, primarily the coalition with the greens. Everything that has green fingerprints on it has been a disaster - DRS, Highly Protected Marine Areas, Rent Caps. Key for me though is that they've made no progress on independence, and have no strategy to get there. Time and again, Sturgeon/Blackford got strategy wrong. Rather than using Brexit as the escape route to independence, they campaigned on trying to stop Brexit for the UK. The situation with the SNP just now feels very similar to Scottish Labour prior to the recent SNP dominance in Scotland.

[Jones28]

Both parties deserve to be shafted. The Tories more so, for obvious reasons. The SNP have made some good progress in certain areas in recent years - Scottish Child Payment being the stand out. But they've also made some really poor decisions in recent years, primarily the coalition with the greens. Everything that has green fingerprints on it has been a disaster - DRS, Highly Protected Marine Areas, Rent Caps. Key for me though is that they've made no progress on independence, and have no strategy to get there. Time and again, Sturgeon/Blackford got strategy wrong. Rather than using Brexit as the escape route to independence, they campaigned on trying to stop Brexit for the UK. The situation with the SNP just now feels very similar to Scottish Labour prior to the recent SNP dominance in Scotland.

Can't disagree with any of this to be fair. I'd have preferred the SNP put Indy on slow burner and let Brexit sink in, highlighting where appropriate just how badly it was going.

At least it'll be over with quickly. I look forward to filling my recycling bin with leaflets from David Mundell about how oNly hE cAn StOp tHe SNP in Clydesdale.

I'll probably vote tactically, and hopefully shunt that prick out on his arse.

[Hibrandenburg]

Eh education and health are devolved so Labour can't change free prescriptions unless they are ending devolution, this is the Westminster election. They won't change the barnett formula that sees us getting more than England. Its up to Scottish gov ie SNP how to spend that. The Scottish election is next year and your points could be argued in that thread

Yes, but up until now the Scottish government has mitigated spending on education and health from a UK Tory government. If England cuts funds to both then that money is reflected in the Barnet formula meaning that the Scottish government has to get the funds from elsewhere. Scottish Labour have had the luxury of being able to criticise a Tory government for this up until now. Let's see how they react to a UK Labour government carrying the can.

[Stairway 2 7]

Yes, but up until now the Scottish government has mitigated spending on education and health from a UK Tory government. If England cuts funds to both then that money is reflected in the Barnet formula meaning that the Scottish government has to get the funds from elsewhere. Scottish Labour have had the luxury of being able to criticise a Tory government for this up until now. Let's see how they react to a UK Labour government carrying the can.

It's a block grant, unless your saying Labour will spend less than the tories overall in England then it doesn’t matter what individual policies England spend. Scottish Labour criticise tories for decisions that aren't devolved and SNP for devolved. They don't criticise the money sent up as we get more to spend per head than England

Obviously they aren't going to criticise the Westminster party as they are one and the same, Swinney isn't going to criticise Flynns performances.

[marinello59]

16 hours in to the campaign and Starmer has just kissed a baby. Baby appears OK.

[weecounty hibby]

16 hours in to the campaign and Starmer has just kissed a baby. Baby appears OK.
20 minutes later and he's now backtracked on kissing babies and says it's no longer Labour policy

[marinello59]

20 minutes later and he's now backtracked on kissing babies and says it's no longer Labour policy

:greengrin

[Stairway 2 7]

Net migration figures drop just under 700,000 net migration into the UK in the last year. Tories must have known roughly what it would be so absolutely bizarre to start campaign today with this news.

[lapsedhibee]

Net migration figures drop just under 700,000 net migration into the UK in the last year. Tories must have known roughly what it would be so absolutely bizarre to start campaign today with this news.

Immigration down = incontrovertible proof that the Rwanda plan is working. :agree:

[Bristolhibby]

20 minutes later and he's now backtracked on kissing babies and says it's no longer Labour policy

Tories place baby on RAF flight to Rwanda (no commercial operator will take the flight). Only for woke, lefty, bleeding heart, lawyers to get an injunction in place. Baby remains with mother in the U.K. (on a barge with Legionnaires disease).

J

[Bristolhibby]

Immigration down = incontrovertible proof that the Rwanda plan is working. :agree:

A few nice days in the channel and that number will soar. Tories pray for more rain. (Particularly on polling day).

J

[marinello59]

Sunak asks workers at a Welsh brewery if they are looking forward to all the football. Prompting one to point out that Wales didn't qualify for the Euros. I'm already loving his work.:greengrin

[Bristolhibby]

Sunak asks workers at a Welsh brewery if they are looking forward to all the football. Prompting one to point out that Wales didn't qualify for the Euros. I'm already loving his work.:greengrin

Haha. What a lad!

Reminds me of this from Alan Partridge.

https://youtu.be/eEc00LB3eKo?si=zgRF50GWg_AjrhDv

[Stairway 2 7]

After Rishi Sunak bet Piers Morgan £1000 on his show that a Rwanda flight would happen pre election, Morgan has asked for the money to be sent to the Red Cross. Sunak must have been confident the election would be later but an idiotic move from Sunak. This election run in couldn't have went worse so far

[Keith_M]

Sunak asks workers at a Welsh brewery if they are looking forward to all the football. Prompting one to point out that Wales didn't qualify for the Euros. I'm already loving his work.:greengrin


He doesn't realise Wales isn't part of England, poor sod.

IIRC, he also thought that Darlington was in Scotland


Winchester College clearly has issues with their Geography lessons.

[Sylar]

Caught interviewing "McVities factory workers" and taking questions on immigration, the economy etc...the only problem was that neither were actually McVities employees, and both turned out to be Tory councillors who had been asked to go along to the event.

[Kato]

Caught interviewing "McVities factory workers" and taking questions on immigration, the economy etc...the only problem was that neither were actually McVities employees, and both turned out to be Tory councillors who had been asked to go along to the event.https://x.com/holte/status/1793717566915158237?t=bONKGUxsWXWz-mdMkhLS4Q&s=19

Fake event, fake McVities workers.

McVities denying all knowledge.

Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

[marinello59]

Caught interviewing "McVities factory workers" and taking questions on immigration, the economy etc...the only problem was that neither were actually McVities employees, and both turned out to be Tory councillors who had been asked to go along to the event.

That takes the biscuit.

[JimBHibees]

Caught interviewing "McVities factory workers" and taking questions on immigration, the economy etc...the only problem was that neither were actually McVities employees, and both turned out to be Tory councillors who had been asked to go along to the event.

Farcical and dishonest typical really. Their behaviour has dragged the image of politics as low as it has ever been probably deliberately to create a general apathy that suits them best

[JimBHibees]

Sunak asks workers at a Welsh brewery if they are looking forward to all the football. Prompting one to point out that Wales didn't qualify for the Euros. I'm already loving his work.:greengrin

That was brilliant it said on c4 news it was met with silence. They probably thought he was taking the pee. How uncomfortable must it be for workers to be dragged into these inane photo opportunities doesn’t say much for the company’s agreeing to be used in this way.

[Stairway 2 7]

John Redwood not standing so can't see him booted unfortunately

Apparently Sunak told king before cabinet so that it was too late for him to be talked out of it.

[BroxburnHibee]

John Redwood not standing so can't see him booted unfortunately

Apparently Sunak told king before cabinet so that it was too late for him to be talked out of it.

Tories will be dragging people off the streets to run in some of these seats :greengrin

[Lendo]

https://x.com/holte/status/1793717566915158237?t=bONKGUxsWXWz-mdMkhLS4Q&s=19

Fake event, fake McVities workers.

McVities denying all knowledge.

Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

Looks like someone familiar with Soggy Biscuit.

[Moulin Yarns]

Tories will be dragging people off the streets to run in some of these seats :greengrin

Labour are already dropping candidates from the south of England into unwinable seats in Scotland.

[marinello59]

Labour are already dropping candidates from the south of England into unwinable seats in Scotland.

Interesting.
Which constituencies have had candidates imposed on them without them getting a chance to choose their own? The members will be raging. :greengrin

[overdrive]

That was brilliant it said on c4 news it was met with silence. They probably thought he was taking the pee. How uncomfortable must it be for workers to be dragged into these inane photo opportunities doesn’t say much for the company’s agreeing to be used in this way.

It is - and I speak as someone who was made to do this in the past.

In a previous job, some Tory MSP was in my work to talk about modern apprenticeships. I managed a modern apprentice at the time and HR "asked" if my apprentice and I would spend some time chatting with him, which we did. The guy actually came out with, in front of a bunch of young apprentices, "I think modern apprenticeships are great. I wish they were around when I was that age. Not that I'd have used it, of course, as I was good enough to go to a very good university" :rolleyes:

His wee minion then wanted a photo opp. I tried standing to the side, assuming it was for the apprentices but was then told by HR "oh no, you need to get in too". I was raging.

[BroxburnHibee]

Interesting.
Which constituencies have had candidates imposed on them without them getting a chance to choose their own? The members will be raging. :greengrin

Listening to a podcast yesterday (cant remember which one) but they made the point with so many MP's leaving and with Sunak springing the election early on them that local associations simply wont have time to properly select candidates so the central office will do it for them.

[marinello59]

Listening to a podcast yesterday (cant remember which one) but they made the point with so many MP's leaving and with Sunak springing the election early on them that local associations simply wont have time to properly select candidates so the central office will do it for them.

Aye, I know. Labour for example has around a 100 non battleground seats without a candidate. I’m more interested in the claim that candidates from the south of England have already been parachuted in.

[JimBHibees]

John Redwood not standing so can't see him booted unfortunately

Apparently Sunak told king before cabinet so that it was too late for him to be talked out of it.

Wow why if this is the case is it not being discussed more widely

[JimBHibees]

It is - and I speak as someone who was made to do this in the past.

In a previous job, some Tory MSP was in my work to talk about modern apprenticeships. I managed a modern apprentice at the time and HR "asked" if my apprentice and I would spend some time chatting with him, which we did. The guy actually came out with, in front of a bunch of young apprentices, "I think modern apprenticeships are great. I wish they were around when I was that age. Not that I'd have used it, of course, as I was good enough to go to a very good university" :rolleyes:

His wee minion then wanted a photo opp. I tried standing to the side, assuming it was for the apprentices but was then told by HR "oh no, you need to get in too". I was raging.

Thanks for sharing sounds a horrific experience and very awkward for the staff

[Moulin Yarns]

Interesting.
Which constituencies have had candidates imposed on them without them getting a chance to choose their own? The members will be raging. :greengrin

Angus and Perthshire glens, Orkney and Shetland off the top of my head.

Angus and Perthshire glens is my constituency. Labour candidate is currently a councillor in Canterbury.

[marinello59]

Angus and Perthshire glens, Orkney and Shetland off the top of my head.

Angus and Perthshire glens is my constituency. Labour candidate is currently a councillor in Canterbury.

And she was selected under normal procedure, not parachuted in. She applied to one of the seats that had failed to select a candidate and was then approved by the local constituency. What’s the problem?

[DaveF]

And she was selected under normal procedure, not parachuted in. She applied to one of the seats that had failed to select a candidate and was then approved by the local constituency. What’s the problem?

I'm assuming she is moving up here in which case, no problem. If not, it's a lengthy commute 😃

[marinello59]

I'm assuming she is moving up here in which case, no problem. If not, it's a lengthy commute 😃

I don't think that will be a problem, she hasn't a hope in hell of winning. :greengrin

[grunt]

Apparently Sunak told king before cabinet so that it was too late for him to be talked out of it.
I have a theory that this is Sunak all over. He seems (IMO) to make huge decisions without apparently consulting with colleagues.



In the COVID inquiry we discover he launched Eat Out To Help Out without consulting either the Cabinet Office or the Government medical advisers
He seems to have cancelled HS2 without speaking to the Councils involved or any of the affected MPs
Now he seems to have called an election without telling Cabinet.


He's a Tory liability. For which we should all be somewhat grateful. :wink:

[grunt]

Launches election in the pouring rain, looking like a drowned puppy but without the cuteness. No one in the Tory party has an umbrella handy.
Visits Wales and forgets they're not in the Euros
Has a Sky reporter thrown out of his launch event, although Sky live-broadcasts the reporter getting thrown out
Has a televised meeting with biscuit workers but with Conservative councillors impersonating employees
On the third day, where shall we go? Let's visit the Titanic shipyard in Belfast, that surely has no negative connotations for the Tory party! Let's see the press spin that one!

It's going well, isn't it?

[lapsedhibee]

Launches election in the pouring rain, looking like a drowned puppy but without the cuteness. No one in the Tory party has an umbrella handy.
Visits Wales and forgets they're not in the Euros
Has a Sky reporter thrown out of his launch event, although Sky live-broadcasts the reporter getting thrown out
Has a televised meeting with biscuit workers but with Conservative councillors impersonating employees
On the third day, where shall we go? Let's visit the Titanic shipyard in Belfast, that surely has no negative connotations for the Tory party! Let's see the press spin that one!

It's going well, isn't it?

Disagree. He didn't forget Wales aren't in the Euros. He either didn't know or he thinks Wales is in England.

[grunt]

Disagree. He didn't forget Wales aren't in the Euros. He either didn't know or he thinks Wales is in England.
Quite possible. I forgot to add Sunak's speech calling the election was drowned out (!) by Steve Bray playing "Things Can Only Get Better" loudly in the background! So much winning.

[Hibbyradge]

That takes the biscuit.

It's a cracker

[marinello59]

The amount of Tory big hitters jumping ship rather than face the electorate is remarkable. We didn’t see this when Labour was at their lowest. A long way to go but a ‘97 style Labour landslide looks more likely than not.

[marinello59]

It's a cracker

Thanks Frank. :greengrin

[Stairway 2 7]

The amount of Tory big hitters jumping ship rather than face the electorate is remarkable. We didn’t see this when Labour was at their lowest. A long way to go but a ‘97 style Labour landslide looks more likely than not.

There's now 2 more tories standing down than before the 97 election 77 MPS

[GlesgaeHibby]

Sunak taking day off from campaign tomorrow. Twitter awash with rumours he's standing down.

[Moulin Yarns]

Starter demands no SNP at television debate

[weecounty hibby]

Starter demands no SNP at television debate

Feart!!

[Bostonhibby]

Sunak taking day off from campaign tomorrow. Twitter awash with rumours he's standing down.There'll be a dramatic rise in polling on his popularity and his decision making and judgement numbers could move out of negativity too.



Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Keith_M]

Michael Gove?


27903

[marinello59]

Starter demands no SNP at television debate

He wants a head to head with Sunak excluding all other parties. Starmer doesn’t want attacked by the smaller parties on the left and Sunak is running scared of Reform.
I hope the other parties challenge the legality of this, no way that should be allowed.

[Ozyhibby]

He wants a head to head with Sunak excluding all other parties. Starmer doesn’t want attacked by the smaller parties on the left and Sunak is running scared of Reform.
I hope the other parties challenge the legality of this, no way that should be allowed.

It will suit them both to silence Scotland.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[marinello59]

It will suit them both to silence Scotland.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


They’re not silencing Scotland unless you equate the SNP with Scotland. :greengrin

The LibDems, Greens and Reform will also be missing if this is allowed. It shouldn’t be.

[DaveF]

They’re not silencing Scotland unless you equate the SNP with Scotland. :greengrin

The LibDems, Greens and Reform will also be missing if this is allowed. It shouldn’t be.

No need to be so pedantic J 😃

If the 3rd biggest party in Westminster can't get a voice - and said party are all Scottish MP's then I'd suggest that is silencing Scotland.

[marinello59]

No need to be so pedantic J 😃

If the 3rd biggest party in Westminster can't get a voice - and said party are all Scottish MP's then I'd suggest that is silencing Scotland.


Sorry.
I’m off to sit on the naughty step.:greengrin

[DaveF]

Sorry.
I’m off to sit on the naughty step.:greengrin

And don't get off until I tell you.

[grunt]

They’re not silencing Scotland unless you equate the SNP with Scotland. :greengrin

The LibDems, Greens and Reform will also be missing if this is allowed. It shouldn’t be.
Who else would speak on behalf of Scotland?

[marinello59]

And don't get off until I tell you.

:greengrin

[Moulin Yarns]

https://www.threads.net/@politicsintheuk/post/C7YdmcxiKaK/?xmt=AQGzSoThS6DlpEZg_Bvw7KTmkDPDnJds6brF3Fo6wI3Ff g

[Moulin Yarns]

Vote for Liberal Democrats in lochaber to help the tories


https://www.instagram.com/p/C7Uz332ot4B/?igsh=eTRmYzJvbDd5c2No


Liberal Democrat candidate (my wife used to work for one of the companies he is involved with) gives £25k to Boris Johnson.

[Hibrandenburg]

Starter demands no SNP at television debate

Careful, you'll be labelled a conspiracy theorist.

[Berwickhibby]

Starter demands no SNP at television debate

Think you will find that’s a non Starter ������

[Moulin Yarns]

Think you will find that’s a non Starter ������

Aye, auto correct on my phone. 🤣

[Stairway 2 7]

Times saying Labour has 19 candidates to find and most were ready in January. Tories have 190 due to not expecting election and record numbers jumping. They are doing interviews by zoom to get them picked in two weeks. Internet sleuths will be finding skeletons in these nutters soon I bet

[JimBHibees]

Starter demands no SNP at television debate

Who or what is starter?

[Stairway 2 7]

😆 🤣 😂 tories have officially announced national service coming back ffs. Its like the Alan Partridge monkey tennis scene

kateferguson
The Sun
·
7m
BREAKING!

Rishi Sunak will bring in compulsory national service for all 18 years olds if the Tories win the election

[Bristolhibby]

😆 🤣 😂 tories have officially announced national service coming back ffs. Its like the Alan Partridge monkey tennis scene

kateferguson
The Sun
·
7m
BREAKING!

Rishi Sunak will bring in compulsory national service for all 18 years olds if the Tories win the election

This has really riled me up. As a father of 15 and 13 year old sons they can get to **** that they will be pulled into any bull**** war.

Taking the reaction aside, who pays for this? How does the cash strapped army integrate these “national service” soldiers?

My neighbour growing up was a national serviceman who was sent to Korea. Total nonsense.

J

[marinello59]

😆 🤣 😂 tories have officially announced national service coming back ffs. Its like the Alan Partridge monkey tennis scene

kateferguson
The Sun
·
7m
BREAKING!

Rishi Sunak will bring in compulsory national service for all 18 years olds if the Tories win the election

He really doesn’t want to win this election does he? :greengrin

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

Perhaps Sunak's advisors should remind him that Daily Mail readers only get one vote each like the rest of us.

[Hibrandenburg]

😆 🤣 😂 tories have officially announced national service coming back ffs. Its like the Alan Partridge monkey tennis scene

kateferguson
The Sun
·
7m
BREAKING!

Rishi Sunak will bring in compulsory national service for all 18 years olds if the Tories win the election

Genius, it's not as if the labour market will miss them after Brexit.

The gammons will lap this up but that's all the Tories have left.

[Stairway 2 7]

Genius, it's not as if the labour market will miss them after Brexit.

The gammons will lap this up but that's all the Tories have left.

Brexit has brought an explosion of immigration into the UK, not what the racists wanted when voting for it, 2 million extra people living in the uk in two years.

Tories want the youth to not vote until 18, take maths to 18,go on national service at 18 and then rent or stay with parents. The gammons would have to be in their 80s to have done national service but will still want this. The UK hates children probably more than most nations, baffling

Labour oppose it this morning but like Rwanda it probably wouldn't happen anyway just cost millions to talk about. Apparently it would cost £2.5 billion and come from the leveling up fund. Poor areas voting to take money from themselves

[Moulin Yarns]

Latest Yougov Poll Scottish Subsample 23rd - 24th May 2024 -

SNP 37%
Labour 34%
Cons 13%
Libdems 7%
Greens 4%
Reform 2%

Swinney 'bounce'???

[Bishop Hibee]

We’re beyond parody with Sunak announcing a hare-brained National Service scheme. Trying to be more right wing than Reform. Desperate stuff.

[Pretty Boy]

Throwing out national service as a policy goes way beyond desperation.

Maybe they can throw in brining back corporal and capital punishment as well. It will appeal to the same group of about 20 idiots and that will surely turn the tide in their favour.

[BroxburnHibee]

Andy Burnham - The national service we need from our young people is to vote for change on 4th July. 🗳️

[BroxburnHibee]

Sunak has obviously decided he wants to be back in California by August

[Stairway 2 7]

Latest Yougov Poll Scottish Subsample 23rd - 24th May 2024 -

SNP 37%
Labour 34%
Cons 13%
Libdems 7%
Greens 4%
Reform 2%

Swinney 'bounce'???

It's from 160 people in the Scottish sub section. There one from 1114 scots last week has a labour 10 point lead. I wouldn't put much faith in either poll, there will be lots of polls coming up. I think snp will end up just ahead in 5 weeks but the defacto referendum will be lost.

[Stairway 2 7]

Sunak has obviously decided he wants to be back in California by August

😆 could be right. He'll unfortunately be fine, idiots like Gullis will need to get a job

[Berwickhibby]

What worries me more about the National Service introduction, is there something more sinister further down the road that we are not aware of, with all the talk of more budget for defence etc is there going to be a major conflict.

[Stairway 2 7]

What worries me more about the National Service introduction, is there something more sinister further down the road that we are not aware of, with all the talk of more budget for defence etc is there going to be a major conflict.

Nah the budget increase is pushed by all of nato and G7. It's due to Putin invading a European country and giving everyone a kick in the arse, even countries like Sweden and Finland who didn't want NATO or a large military have changed their minds due to their nutter next door.

National service is different its like Rwanda never going to happen but its for reform voters. Pretty boy is probably worryingly close with his corporal punishment line and I think some nutters would like that too. Some are saying Sunak went for quick election as Farage was going to announce a campaign for reform

[Bostonhibby]

Kuensberg battling on gamely for the Tory cause.

Someone needs to tell her Jeremy corbyn has been responsible for zero % of the decisions that have driven goverment behaviours and policy since her party came to power.

https://x.com/Haggis_UK/status/1794655636590063932?t=m-F_t3jHBHVPtPk1v4sSug&s=08

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Hibrandenburg]

Kuensberg battling on gamely for the Tory cause.

Someone needs to tell her Jeremy corbyn has been responsible for zero % of the decisions that have driven goverment behaviours and policy since her party came to power.

https://x.com/Haggis_UK/status/1794655636590063932?t=m-F_t3jHBHVPtPk1v4sSug&s=08

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

Cleverly was a hoot this morning too. Apparently Labour run London is at fault for dragging all the UK wide negative statistics down into the gutter.

[Bostonhibby]

Cleverly was a hoot this morning too. Apparently Labour run London is at fault for dragging all the UK wide negative statistics down into the gutter.He could be onto something here if we can get him to blame Hibs recent decline on the parallel rise in Starmer's popularity.

He isn't very cleverly, hasn't even decided to "step down" yet.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240526/ace0f73f31a8d1d91d43598e0f5321a7.jpg

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Hibbyradge]

https://iili.io/JLAEjZg.md.jpg (https://freeimage.host/i/JLAEjZg)

[Stairway 2 7]

He could be onto something here if we can get him to blame Hibs recent decline on the parallel rise in Starmer's popularity.

He isn't very cleverly, hasn't even decided to "step down" yet.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240526/ace0f73f31a8d1d91d43598e0f5321a7.jpg

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

I was watching Cleverly pitching national service this morning and I was wondering if he believed any of the nonsense he was sent out to say

There was a Yes Minister episode dealing with national service and it was too show a failing government trying silly policies, apt

[Bostonhibby]

I was watching Cleverly pitching national service this morning and I was wondering if he believed any of the nonsense he was sent out to say

There was a Yes Minister episode dealing with national service and it was too show a failing government trying silly policies, aptCleverly hadn't even heard of the idea up to 5 minutes before the waiter thought it up on the hoof himself.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Jack]

I was watching Cleverly pitching national service this morning and I was wondering if he believed any of the nonsense he was sent out to say

There was a Yes Minister episode dealing with national service and it was too show a failing government trying silly policies, apt

https://youtu.be/ahgjEjJkZks?si=JylQoWGuubW3-6XG

[Stairway 2 7]

Farage says bringing back the national service is ridiculous and unworkable, to the right of NF is some going

Edit that is Nigel Farage not National Front but...

[Stairway 2 7]

https://youtu.be/ahgjEjJkZks?si=JylQoWGuubW3-6XG

That's very good, spot on with polling too

[Bostonhibby]

https://x.com/markthomasinfo/status/1794704314768007312?t=P37w5lzyJXx4RN8Sw52sJw&s=08

If we're needing to raise an army there's some good suggestions in here.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[SHODAN]

No Prime Minister, Tory or otherwise, will force my kid into national service. And I won't be alone. :aok:

[Stairway 2 7]

No Prime Minister, Tory or otherwise, will force my kid into national service. And I won't be alone. :aok:

Well the jail for you and the bairns according to these fruit loops

@johnestevens
John Stevens Daily Mirror exclusive
Leaked documents suggest teens would be jailed for refusing National Service, despite senior Tories claiming otherwise

[Bostonhibby]

Well the jail for you and the bairns according to these fruit loops

@johnestevens
John Stevens Daily Mirror exclusive
Leaked documents suggest teens would be jailed for refusing National Service, despite senior Tories claiming otherwiseLooking forward to seeing the young Rees Mogg offspring stepping up to the plate, along with Bozo's offspring, acknowledged and otherwise.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Stairway 2 7]

Keeps getting better by the minute, would immigrants be barred from public service then

@alexwickham
Exclusive: Rishi Sunak is considering requiring future applicants for public sector jobs to have completed National Service

It’s one of the enforcement options that would go to the Royal Commission for consideration if he gets to enact the policy

[Bostonhibby]

Keeps getting better by the minute, would immigrants be barred from public service then

@alexwickham
Exclusive: Rishi Sunak is considering requiring future applicants for public sector jobs to have completed National Service

It’s one of the enforcement options that would go to the Royal Commission for consideration if he gets to enact the policyJeez, he will be wanting them to have proven they know how to put fuel in a car and serve slops in wetherspoons next, or is that just criteria for being the next unelected Tory PM?

Either way he's just gaslighting the faithful now surely?

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[SHODAN]

Honestly this sort of **** and generational demographic change could see the Tories cease to exist as a legitimate political force within a decade or so. Millennials and younger don't read legacy media so the propaganda won't reach anyone.

Thatcher won in 1979 with a good chunk of every age range. Now age is the single biggest predictor of voting intent. Their only approach to solving this seems to be voter suppression. They're ****ed.

[Lendo]

Keeps getting better by the minute, would immigrants be barred from public service then

@alexwickham
Exclusive: Rishi Sunak is considering requiring future applicants for public sector jobs to have completed National Service

It’s one of the enforcement options that would go to the Royal Commission for consideration if he gets to enact the policy

27910

The satire of Starship Troopers is becoming reality.

[Hiber-nation]

Somebody in his team is seriously having a right laugh about putting him up to all this. Way too far fetched for The Thick Of It.

[marinello59]

Somebody in his team is seriously having a right laugh about putting him up to all this. Way too far fetched for The Thick Of It.

It's like And and Dec are whispering in his ear. :greengrin

[Mon Dieu4]

Somebody in his team is seriously having a right laugh about putting him up to all this. Way too far fetched for The Thick Of It.

That's exactly it, when they have zero chance of winning the election they are coming out with all kinds of mental ****

[marinello59]

As you would expect the Morning Star has some good quotes from various people about this. Pick of them for me was from Lindsey German from the Stop the War coalition.
“Army recruitment targets families with income of £10k or less. We know who will be conscripted under Sunak’s policies - it won’t be the Eton Rifles.”

[Bostonhibby]

As you would expect the Morning Star has some good quotes from various people about this. Pick of them for me was from Lindsey German from the Stop the War coalition.
“Army recruitment targets families with income of £10k or less. We know who will be conscripted under Sunak’s policies - it won’t be the Eton Rifles.”

Nor indeed the Eton Riflers, there's not a lot left for them to rob so they'll slither off for a bit and reappear when there's something to steal.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Bostonhibby]

A true international statesmanhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240527/928b669f2241d65a1ea98aefd6028afc.jpg

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Aldo]

As you would expect the Morning Star has some good quotes from various people about this. Pick of them for me was from Lindsey German from the Stop the War coalition.
“Army recruitment targets families with income of £10k or less. We know who will be conscripted under Sunak’s policies - it won’t be the Eton Rifles.”

Can you imagine the outcry.

Discrimination of the classes which is right up there in the Tory way of thinking.

The only consolation in all this is they’ve announced it 4 weeks before an election. This could be the death knell of Sunak and co.

[jamie_1875]

https://x.com/markmcgeoghegan/status/1795138605372903597?t=qEfe7B0DzBn44YlzLYX0Fg&s=19


Updated 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 GE projection (May avg)

Result: Lab majority, 16.4% SNP->Lab Swing

Votes (+/- 2019):

Lab: 36.6% (+18)
SNP: 30.3% (-14.7)
Con: 15.2% (-9.9)
LD: 8.2% (-1.3)
Ref: 4%
Grn: 3.9% (+2.9)
Alba: 1.3%

Seats (+/- notional):

Lab: 33 (+32)
SNP: 13 (-35)
Con: 6 (-)
LD: 5 (+3)

[marinello59]

https://x.com/markmcgeoghegan/status/1795138605372903597?t=qEfe7B0DzBn44YlzLYX0Fg&s=19


Updated 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 GE projection (May avg)

Result: Lab majority, 16.4% SNP->Lab Swing

Votes (+/- 2019):

Lab: 36.6% (+18)
SNP: 30.3% (-14.7)
Con: 15.2% (-9.9)
LD: 8.2% (-1.3)
Ref: 4%
Grn: 3.9% (+2.9)
Alba: 1.3%

Seats (+/- notional):

Lab: 33 (+32)
SNP: 13 (-35)
Con: 6 (-)
LD: 5 (+3)

I just can’t see Labour winning that many seats in Scotland. There are too many tight races that could go either way.

[Paul1642]

Honestly this sort of **** and generational demographic change could see the Tories cease to exist as a legitimate political force within a decade or so. Millennials and younger don't read legacy media so the propaganda won't reach anyone.

Thatcher won in 1979 with a good chunk of every age range. Now age is the single biggest predictor of voting intent. Their only approach to solving this seems to be voter suppression. They're ****ed.

The sad thing is that Labour are probably looking at one of the all time high majorities without actually looking particularly appealing IMO, but rather that the Tory’s have manged to self destruct in the most spectacular fashion.

Labour have a few policy’s that look good and I’m certain they will do better the than the tories but I would like to see them go a bit further in terms of tradition Labour polices (without going full Jeremy Corbyn). The main thing Starmer has done well is cut, or at least silence the nut job element of the party. If the likes of Abbott manages to regain the whip and start spouting off her usual then it will cost Labour votes, including mine.

God knows where that vote would go as to really is a poor selection to choose from. Probably SNP.

[Paul1642]

I just can’t see Labour winning that many seats in Scotland. There are too many tight races that could go either way.

I think there will be a lot of people willing to vote Labour in the GE despite not planning to vote for them in the Scottish elections. Much of the UK is desperate to get rid of the Tory’s, and Scotland probably more so than anywhere else. I don’t advocate tactical voting in the slightest and think you should always vote for who you prefer, even if they have no chance in gaining the seat, but I can fully see why people will vote Labour over their preferred choice to really stick it to the Tory’s, and that could see the quoted poll not being so far form the eventual outcome.

[One Day Soon]

I just can’t see Labour winning that many seats in Scotland. There are too many tight races that could go either way.


Labour is going to win close to 30 seats and perhaps even more. Comfortably.

[SHODAN]

I just can’t see Labour winning that many seats in Scotland. There are too many tight races that could go either way.

The only time libs ever actually do tactical voting in this country is via pro-union coalitions (ref Scottish election, 2021) which will likely play out for every seat Labour have a chance at winning. SNP themselves don't have a lot of goodwill with their base for trying to appease the right of the party (ref Labour, 2015) and will be losing votes to the Greens (or non-voters).

The optics of an SNP collapse don't look great but I really think it is important to let them know they're not invincible. Chancellor Forbes is really making me think about a Green vote as I reckon a Labour MP is a foregone conclusion in my constituency.

[marinello59]

Labour is going to win close to 30 seats and perhaps even more. Comfortably.

That would mean a hell of a lot of voters shifting directly from SNP to Labour in the central belt.

[Stairway 2 7]

Think it will be closer between SNP and Labour although Swinney not helping. The stupid defacto referendum will be lost definitely so independence now probably at least 10 years away.

[SHODAN]

That would mean a hell of a lot of voters shifting directly from SNP to Labour in the central belt.

Won't be so much a direct swing, more people not bothering to turn up. If Douglas Chapman had stayed on in my constituency and the Greens didn't stand I would be spoiling my ballot.

[Stairway 2 7]

The only time libs ever actually do tactical voting in this country is via pro-union coalitions (ref Scottish election, 2021) which will likely play out for every seat Labour have a chance at winning. SNP themselves don't have a lot of goodwill with their base for trying to appease the right of the party (ref Labour, 2015) and will be losing votes to the Greens (or non-voters). Classic **** around and find out moment.

The vast majority of SNP lost votes will be going to Labour. SNP were 50 points ahead of Labour before the Bute House and have plummeted at a consistent steady pace post it. Its moving to culture wars that's killing the snp not going to the centre. The the huge rise in people saying they will vote Labour since Starmer got it power shows that. The greens will get a pitiful amount of votes, they are polling behind reform in Scotland!

[One Day Soon]

That would mean a hell of a lot of voters shifting directly from SNP to Labour in the central belt.

Correct, they are. As well as staying at home in droves. The private polling is quite something.

I'm not at all sure Swinney survives this. The consequential loss in Short money will be near catastrophic coming on top of existing financial problems. He's started badly, ploughed into a brick wall over Matheson and if this is as grim as it threatens to be I'm not sure why they'd keep him there.

[Bristolhibby]

I’m scratching my head here.

How does one go from independence supporting and therefore SNP voter. Then jump straight to Unionist Labour?

Labour will win regardless of Scotland. Just seems a bizarre way to go. If you’ve got your head into independence, how do you go back to Labours Unionism?

Makes no sense to me.

J

[marinello59]

I’m scratching my head here.

How does one go from independence supporting and therefore SNP voter. Then jump straight to Unionist Labour?

Labour will win regardless of Scotland. Just seems a bizarre way to go. If you’ve got your head into independence, how do you go back to Labours Unionism?

Makes no sense to me.

J

Because for some the constitution is not the over riding priority it is for others. Polling shows that its not near the top of peoples concerns for this election.

[jamie_1875]

Because for some the constitution is not the over riding priority it is for others. Polling shows that its not near the top of peoples concerns for this election.

https://x.com/LukeTryl/status/1795027727524692087?t=gN3gKBXEm_5Venf7K0C0vQ&s=19

"Some further nuggets from our Scotland poll and what might be driving it. Firstly - independence is only selected as a top issue for the General Election by 19% of Scottish voters. As with the rest of the UK, cost of living and the NHS are way out ahead."

[Moulin Yarns]

My local tory candidate


Pensioners in Angus and Perthshire Glens- the Conservatives have your back. The SNP want to break our country apart and put your pension in jeopardy, and Labour/LibDems are nowhere in this constituency.

Scottish Conservative to stop the SNP in Angus and Perthshire Glens.

[Ozyhibby]

My local tory candidate


Pensioners in Angus and Perthshire Glens- the Conservatives have your back. The SNP want to break our country apart and put your pension in jeopardy, and Labour/LibDems are nowhere in this constituency.

Scottish Conservative to stop the SNP in Angus and Perthshire Glens.

As a defence of the union it’s pretty weak and not even true. Is that all they have?[emoji2369]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JimBHibees]

I’m scratching my head here.

How does one go from independence supporting and therefore SNP voter. Then jump straight to Unionist Labour?

Labour will win regardless of Scotland. Just seems a bizarre way to go. If you’ve got your head into independence, how do you go back to Labours Unionism?

Makes no sense to me.

J

Kind of where I am

[JimBHibees]

The vast majority of SNP lost votes will be going to Labour. SNP were 50 points ahead of Labour before the Bute House and have plummeted at a consistent steady pace post it. Its moving to culture wars that's killing the snp not going to the centre. The the huge rise in people saying they will vote Labour since Starmer got it power shows that. The greens will get a pitiful amount of votes, they are polling behind reform in Scotland!

They've not voted yet

[JimBHibees]

My local tory candidate


Pensioners in Angus and Perthshire Glens- the Conservatives have your back. The SNP want to break our country apart and put your pension in jeopardy, and Labour/LibDems are nowhere in this constituency.

Scottish Conservative to stop the SNP in Angus and Perthshire Glens.

Ah the old pension lie. Worked well in 2014 think Labour used it then.

[Berwickhibby]

Ah the old pension lie. Worked well in 2014 think Labour used it then.

What lie is this?

That an independent Scotland would be responsible for paying pensions?

I read this earlier this year

Future Scottish governments would be responsible for the pensions system in an independent Scotland. Responsibility for paying for state pensions would rest with the Scottish Government and be funded from the Scottish budget.8 Apr 2024

[JimBHibees]

What lie is this?

That an independent Scotland would be responsible for paying pensions?

I read this earlier this year

Future Scottish governments would be responsible for the pensions system in an independent Scotland. Responsibility for paying for state pensions would rest with the Scottish Government and be funded from the Scottish budget.8 Apr 2024

The lie that it was used in 2014 and now as per previous link to scare pensioners into thinking their pension was at risk in independence scenario

[Moulin Yarns]

The lie that it was used in 2014 and now as per previous link to scare pensioners into thinking their pension was at risk in independence scenario

The thing is, if you are a current pensioner (me) you have paid into the UK pension scheme through your tax and superannuation, nothing will change for existing pensions. It might change, potentially for the better in the future.

[marinello59]

The thing is, if you are a current pensioner (me) you have paid into the UK pension scheme through your tax and superannuation, nothing will change for existing pensions. It might change, potentially for the better in the future.

You may be making the same mistake as Blackford who said Westminster would continue to pay our pensions from the pension pot we all paid in to. Only that’s not how it works. There is no pot of money, it’s funded on a year by year basis from the budget, the same as other expenditure. If we become Independent we will be responsible for paying that money ourselves. We need to be aware of that and any Independence white paper, if we ever reach that stage again, needs to be rock solid on pension guarantees.

[Berwickhibby]

The thing is, if you are a current pensioner (me) you have paid into the UK pension scheme through your tax and superannuation, nothing will change for existing pensions. It might change, potentially for the better in the future.

Clear as mud

https://www.gov.scot/publications/responsibility-for-pensions-in-an-independent-scotland-foi-release/

[Moulin Yarns]

You may be making the same mistake as Blackford who said Westminster would continue to pay our pensions from the pension pot we all paid in to. Only that’s not how it works. There is no pot of money, it’s funded on a year by year basis from the budget, the same as other expenditure. If we become Independent we will be responsible for paying that money ourselves. We need to be aware of that and any Independence white paper, if we ever reach that stage again, needs to be rock solid on pension guarantees.

Thanks M69, good to know that for the future. I always thought that the state pension was invested like a private pension.

[Bostonhibby]

You may be making the same mistake as Blackford who said Westminster would continue to pay our pensions from the pension pot we all paid in to. Only that’s not how it works. There is no pot of money, it’s funded on a year by year basis from the budget, the same as other expenditure. If we become Independent we will be responsible for paying that money ourselves. We need to be aware of that and any Independence white paper, if we ever reach that stage again, needs to be rock solid on pension guarantees.

Correct, there isn't a big pot sitting anywhere.

Whatever any politician says what might bring about change for existing, and future UK pensioners is when there isn't enough workers generating enough tax revenue to fund those who are no longer working. Or even just not enough revenue coming in as folk take advantage of tax avoidance, to fill all the promises dressed up as triple lock or any other form of lock.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Andy Bee]

Ultimately the SG would be responsible for paying pensions as any independent country does and just for reference £11.5bn was taken in 2022 NICs, £8.5bn was paid out in pensions in Scotland. I remember this whole debate in 2014 and find it pretty low when you have to use the vulnerability of pensioners to strengthen your argument. Both Governments should agree that no pensioner should lose out at any point.

There's also an argument that the UK Government should continue to pay pensions to workers that have qualified under the UK scheme as they do now with people who have moved abroad. If you move to Spain as a pensioner at the moment then the UK continues to pay the pension you've contributed to so what's the difference in an Independent Scotland?

[Ozyhibby]

There will be assets and liabilities to be split up. Deals will be done to suit both parties. Everyones pension will be paid.
The people saying your pension is at risk are the same people who sold us brexit.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bristolhibby]

As expected Police to take no further action over the Angela Rayner housing allegations.

But we all onew it was bull the moment she said she’d resign if charged.

J

[Bristolhibby]

There will be assets and liabilities to be split up. Deals will be done to suit both parties. Everyones pension will be paid.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This.

J

[lapsedhibee]

As expected Police to take no further action over the Angela Rayner housing allegations.

But we all onew it was bull the moment she said she’d resign if charged.

J

GMP conclude, after what seems like months of investigating and VAR checks, that it's nothing to do with them. But are passing all the results of their investigations over to the cooncil and HMRC.

Even if you're not generally a conspiracy theorist, it's hard to see this farce as a deliberate attempt to spin this terrible scandal out as long as possible so that it can be on the front page of The Daily Mail as often as possible. Someone somewhere has directed this to happen.

[Bostonhibby]

As expected Police to take no further action over the Angela Rayner housing allegations.

But we all onew it was bull the moment she said she’d resign if charged.

JMaybe it'll free up a bit of time and resource to help get to the bottom of Baroness Mone and her husband's potential criminality?

All seems to have gone very quiet, it's almost as if the nasty party have an election coming up.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Hibs4185]

I always love the ‘Scotland has the biggest deficit in Europe’ line that is often trotted out.

IF Westminster was financially prudent and broke even every year, I could bear that argument BUT it isn’t, Westminster has to borrow billions every month to balance the books.

Scotland has a far better chance of being fiscally prudent than England with our resources.

[Bristolhibby]

Maybe it'll free up a bit of time and resource to help get to the bottom of Baroness Mone and her husband's potential criminality?

All seems to have gone very quiet, it's almost as if the nasty party have an election coming up.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

Sweep sweep, under the carpet.

J

[Bostonhibby]

Sweep sweep, under the carpet.

JAgreed, which is a shame since the Waiter could fund a chunk of his pension pledge from the £200m snatched here.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[McD]

Ultimately the SG would be responsible for paying pensions as any independent country does and just for reference £11.5bn was taken in 2022 NICs, £8.5bn was paid out in pensions in Scotland. I remember this whole debate in 2014 and find it pretty low when you have to use the vulnerability of pensioners to strengthen your argument. Both Governments should agree that no pensioner should lose out at any point.

There's also an argument that the UK Government should continue to pay pensions to workers that have qualified under the UK scheme as they do now with people who have moved abroad. If you move to Spain as a pensioner at the moment then the UK continues to pay the pension you've contributed to so what's the difference in an Independent Scotland?



This is a genuine question, does that mean there would only be £3bn for nhs funding etc, or does the nhs draw funding from other taxation? Or is nic and other taxation all effectively utilised as one big pot?

Edit: this would be in the very simplistic view of taxation remaining exactly the same format and levels in an independent Scotland

[Jack]

Just as a point of interest to add to or confuse the pensions debate 😈

The UK government has committed to paying into the EU to cover pension liabilities for the next 65 years!!! Obviously not very much in the distant future.

On Scottish old age pensions they will be paid by someone and individuals will be paid. How it's paid for behind the scenes doesn’t really matter. Anyone saying anything else is scaremongering.

[DaveF]

The sad thing is that Labour are probably looking at one of the all time high majorities without actually looking particularly appealing IMO, but rather that the Tory’s have manged to self destruct in the most spectacular fashion.

Labour have a few policy’s that look good and I’m certain they will do better the than the tories but I would like to see them go a bit further in terms of tradition Labour polices (without going full Jeremy Corbyn). The main thing Starmer has done well is cut, or at least silence the nut job element of the party. If the likes of Abbott manages to regain the whip and start spouting off her usual then it will cost Labour votes, including mine.

God knows where that vote would go as to really is a poor selection to choose from. Probably SNP.

You must be a mind reader as Abbott back in the fold.

[Andy Bee]

Some really catchy adverts coming out for the SNP, the Flynn one is a cracker :greengrin

https://x.com/StephenFlynnSNP/status/1795532614843142473

This aint bad either

https://x.com/theSNP/status/1795428114459488265

[Andy Bee]

This is a genuine question, does that mean there would only be £3bn for nhs funding etc, or does the nhs draw funding from other taxation? Or is nic and other taxation all effectively utilised as one big pot?

Edit: this would be in the very simplistic view of taxation remaining exactly the same format and levels in an independent Scotland

I'm in real danger of getting out my depth here :greengrin with this turning into some kind of MMT v Neo Classical economics argument but your question assumes that a country that issues its own currency runs like a household budget, it doesn't. Obviously Scotland does at the moment because it receives an amount of cash and has next to no borrowing powers but as a currency issuer it wouldn't be constrained to balancing expenditure with taxation income. This is why you often hear that "austerity is a political choice" it is. You'll often hear sayings like the "bank account's empty", "the credit card's maxed out" it's all rubbish. When money was needed for example Covid it was found, if there was a war the cash would be found. So to answer your question with my limited understanding of economics and fiscal policy it's not a simple we take this amount in taxation so we only have that to spend type scenario.

[silverhibee]

Maybe it'll free up a bit of time and resource to help get to the bottom of Baroness Mone and her husband's potential criminality?

All seems to have gone very quiet, it's almost as if the nasty party have an election coming up.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

To busy starting up there “Mone’s Uniforms” business for these pesky youths that will be doing National Service, they have that all sewn up :cb just waiting for the £500m advance payment from dodgy Rishy.

[RyeSloan]

I'm in real danger of getting out my depth here :greengrin with this turning into some kind of MMT v Neo Classical economics argument but your question assumes that a country that issues its own currency runs like a household budget, it doesn't. Obviously Scotland does at the moment because it receives an amount of cash and has next to no borrowing powers but as a currency issuer it wouldn't be constrained to balancing expenditure with taxation income. This is why you often hear that "austerity is a political choice" it is. You'll often hear sayings like the "bank account's empty", "the credit card's maxed out" it's all rubbish. When money was needed for example Covid it was found, if there was a war the cash would be found. So to answer your question with my limited understanding of economics and fiscal policy it's not a simple we take this amount in taxation so we only have that to spend type scenario.

Which is all true to a point.

We don’t of course know if an Indy Scotland would have its own currency (many debates on that!)

But even if it did the ability to print is still linked to the fundamental belief that the debt will be serviced. Hence why the US can print extraordinary amounts but not suffer many immediate consequences. Or Japan can run a huge debt to GDP etc.

But history shows many cautionary tales of what happens when that belief (or conscious denial, take your pick) gets undermined.

The most obvious outcome is a devastating devaluation of your currency against others and the inevitable surge in domestic inflation.

Many other factors as well in terms of balance of payments and foreign currency reserves blah blah come into play.

All of which is a long winded way of saying it’s not just the ability to print that matters…and the implications of all that in an Indy Scotland are far from clear and one that even prominent economists will probably disagree on no matter .net amateurs like us [emoji2957]

[Ozyhibby]

Debates announced for June 4th. Only two parties allowed. SNP blocked for being Scottish.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[marinello59]

Debates announced for June 4th. Only two parties allowed. SNP blocked for being Scottish.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They said that?
Why were the LibDems blocked?
And the Greens?
Reform?
Scottish Socialist?

[Paul1642]

You must be a mind reader as Abbott back in the fold.

Back out again. Phew

[Ozyhibby]

They said that?
Why were the LibDems blocked?
And the Greens?
Reform?
Scottish Socialist?

Third largest party usually takes part?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[marinello59]

Third largest party usually takes part?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

All the major parties usually take part. It’s wrong that it’s just the biggest two. Starmer doesn’t want attacked from the left, Sunak doesn’t want attacked from the right. Nothing to do with nationality.

[Moulin Yarns]

All the major parties usually take part. It’s wrong that it’s just the biggest two. Starmer doesn’t want attacked from the left, Sunak doesn’t want attacked from the right. Nothing to do with nationality.

I read the stv news about the debate, intending to do interviews with other party leaders.

https://news.stv.tv/politics/itv-to-host-first-head-to-head-general-election-debate-between-sunak-and-starmer

[JimBHibees]

Debates announced for June 4th. Only two parties allowed. SNP blocked for being Scottish.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Democracy at its best

[McD]

I'm in real danger of getting out my depth here :greengrin with this turning into some kind of MMT v Neo Classical economics argument but your question assumes that a country that issues its own currency runs like a household budget, it doesn't. Obviously Scotland does at the moment because it receives an amount of cash and has next to no borrowing powers but as a currency issuer it wouldn't be constrained to balancing expenditure with taxation income. This is why you often hear that "austerity is a political choice" it is. You'll often hear sayings like the "bank account's empty", "the credit card's maxed out" it's all rubbish. When money was needed for example Covid it was found, if there was a war the cash would be found. So to answer your question with my limited understanding of economics and fiscal policy it's not a simple we take this amount in taxation so we only have that to spend type scenario.


Which is all true to a point.

We don’t of course know if an Indy Scotland would have its own currency (many debates on that!)

But even if it did the ability to print is still linked to the fundamental belief that the debt will be serviced. Hence why the US can print extraordinary amounts but not suffer many immediate consequences. Or Japan can run a huge debt to GDP etc.

But history shows many cautionary tales of what happens when that belief (or conscious denial, take your pick) gets undermined.

The most obvious outcome is a devastating devaluation of your currency against others and the inevitable surge in domestic inflation.

Many other factors as well in terms of balance of payments and foreign currency reserves blah blah come into play.

All of which is a long winded way of saying it’s not just the ability to print that matters…and the implications of all that in an Indy Scotland are far from clear and one that even prominent economists will probably disagree on no matter .net amateurs like us [emoji2957]



Thanks guys, appreciate the answers 😊

[Ozyhibby]

All the major parties usually take part. It’s wrong that it’s just the biggest two. Starmer doesn’t want attacked from the left, Sunak doesn’t want attacked from the right. Nothing to do with nationality.

Just a coincidence.[emoji6][emoji106]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Andy Bee]

Democracy at its best

They've decided to have a debate on 3/6/24 with all 4 Scottish party leaders, complete fit up, it should be Flynn with Sunak and Starmar. We'll now get the usual union supporting pile on with MSP's who aren't even up for election.

[Ozyhibby]

They've decided to have a debate on 3/6/24 with all 4 Scottish party leaders, complete fit up, it should be Flynn with Sunak and Starmar. We'll now get the usual union supporting pile on with MSP's who aren't even up for election.

Would be good if Flynn could even get on the BBC a fraction of the time Farage gets on, who isn’t even standing and doesn’t lead a party. Scotland doesn’t matter though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Berwickhibby]

Would be good if Flynn could even get on the BBC a fraction of the time Farage gets on, who isn’t even standing and doesn’t lead a party. Scotland doesn’t matter though.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Be nicer to see Farage off the telly full stop

[Ozyhibby]

https://x.com/stephenflynnsnp/status/1795915296173170788?s=46&t=3pb_w_qndxJXScFNwz8V4A

I remember Sarwar saying he was a nobody.[emoji849]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NORTHERNHIBBY]

Be nicer to see Farage off the telly full stop

At the moment, National Farage is confusing and fracturing the right wing while consolidating and reaffirming moderates. The point about him being on the telly because of his "personality " rather than his political validity in respect of the General Election is very well made, but should be addressed by bringing more people in.

[JimBHibees]

They've decided to have a debate on 3/6/24 with all 4 Scottish party leaders, complete fit up, it should be Flynn with Sunak and Starmar. We'll now get the usual union supporting pile on with MSP's who aren't even up for election.

Yep nonsense. Like it or not SNP are the third party in Westminster and should be in the debate with Sunak and Starmer who sound like a particularly dull middle of the road Legal firm. Utterly amazed this doesn’t appear to be an issue and Liberals should be kicking up about it also. Deliberate plan to silence the Scottish voice. Better together though

[superfurryhibby]

Yep nonsense. Like it or not SNP are the third party in Westminster and should be in the debate with Sunak and Starmer who sound like a particularly dull middle of the road Legal firm. Utterly amazed this doesn’t appear to be an issue and Liberals should be kicking up about it also. Deliberate plan to silence the Scottish voice. Better together though

I'm not a supporter of the SNP, but I have to agree with this summary. It's a boot in the bawz for democracy. Westminster doesn't give a **** about Scotland.

[DaveF]

https://x.com/stephenflynnsnp/status/1795915296173170788?s=46&t=3pb_w_qndxJXScFNwz8V4A

I remember Sarwar saying he was a nobody.[emoji849]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm quite sure there were a few on here also quick to point out he was an unpaid talking head or such like and easily dismissed.

[Stairway 2 7]

No Welsh or northern Irish voice too. It's not about nationality it's the top two wanting the others to be marginalised. Lib Dems, greens and reform will get millions of votes too.

I guess there has to be a limit but you could put 5 mps or something.

[Stairway 2 7]

Ooft junior doctors in England striking for 5 days the week before the election. Terrible for the tories. Its obviously a deliberate choice to hurt the tories but good, they have treated terribly. Junior doctors in England would have accepted what the SNP offered our doctors so hell mend the tories they can't blame anyone else

[Hibrandenburg]

I'm quite sure there were a few on here also quick to point out he was an unpaid talking head or such like and easily dismissed.

We're going to see a lot of this if Labour win the general election. I hope Sarwar is practicing his gymnastics.

[marinello59]

Ed Davey sliding down a kids waterslide now.
Look forward to the worst Action Man calendar ever. :greengrin

[Hiber-nation]

Ed Davey sliding down a kids waterslide now.
Look forward to the worst Action Man calendar ever. :greengrin

Aye, another Johnson stuck up a zip wire moment :greengrin

Have to say I'm bored stupid with this now and I'm trying to avoid the BBC in particular. At least we have the Euros to take our minds of it!

[Ozyhibby]

https://x.com/msm_monitor/status/1796164811056632074?s=46&t=3pb_w_qndxJXScFNwz8V4A
Will be good news if it happens. SNP already run Scottish NHS best in UK. More funds will help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jack]

https://x.com/msm_monitor/status/1796164811056632074?s=46&t=3pb_w_qndxJXScFNwz8V4A
Will be good news if it happens. SNP already run Scottish NHS best in UK. More funds will help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Unless, as I fear is likely, Labour come to power in Scotland at the next Scottish election and cut and paste the English NHS as they did previously when in power.

There's a lot of good things in place in Scotland that wouldn't work so well in England and there were a lot of things in England when they were last in power didn't work at all well in Scotland.

The same thing could be said about a lot of SNP stuff that's been introduced.

[Ozyhibby]

Unless, as I fear is likely, Labour come to power in Scotland at the next Scottish election and cut and paste the English NHS as they did previously when in power.

There's a lot of good things in place in Scotland that wouldn't work so well in England and there were a lot of things in England when they were last in power didn't work at all well in Scotland.

The same thing could be said about a lot of SNP stuff that's been introduced.

I certainly don’t think privatising supply is a good idea which seems to be Streeting’s plan. It hasn’t worked very well at all in other govt services.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[marinello59]

SNP forced to remove a song containing sexually explicit language from a campaign video.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/may/30/snp-deletes-tiktok-election-campaign-video-featuring-sexually-explicit-song

Im outraged. As a man of a certain age I have never heard of this artist.
Blatant ageism. :greengrin

[Moulin Yarns]

Elizabeth Carr-Ellis, Labour candidate for Angus and Perthshire glens, currently a councillor in Canterbury.


I was there in Scotland in 1997 and saw change happening and I'm so proud to be standing to bring change about again.

I'm looking forward to chatting to residents and sharing what a vote for Scottish Labour will do for them

#ScottishLabour #GeneralElection

[Andy Bee]

Yep nonsense. Like it or not SNP are the third party in Westminster and should be in the debate with Sunak and Starmer who sound like a particularly dull middle of the road Legal firm. Utterly amazed this doesn’t appear to be an issue and Liberals should be kicking up about it also. Deliberate plan to silence the Scottish voice. Better together though

It seems they've backtracked slightly now and are hosting a Tory, Labour, SNP, Lib Dem, Reform, Plaid Cymru and Greens debate on 13/6/24

[JimBHibees]

No Welsh or northern Irish voice too. It's not about nationality it's the top two wanting the others to be marginalised. Lib Dems, greens and reform will get millions of votes too.

I guess there has to be a limit but you could put 5 mps or something.

It has the same impact though. Snp third largest party being ruled out of the debate negates the mandate they currently have.

[Hibrandenburg]

It has the same impact though. Snp third largest party being ruled out of the debate negates the mandate they currently have.

The 2 top establishment parties wanting to maintain the status quo of the establishment. Shock, horror and surprise.

[JimBHibees]

The 2 top establishment parties wanting to maintain the status quo of the establishment. Shock, horror and surprise.

Indeed

[marinello59]

It seems they've backtracked slightly now and are hosting a Tory, Labour, SNP, Lib Dem, Reform, Plaid Cymru and Greens debate on 13/6/24

No Scottish Socialist?
Establishment parties sticking together to silence our voice. :greengrin

[JimBHibees]

It seems they've backtracked slightly now and are hosting a Tory, Labour, SNP, Lib Dem, Reform, Plaid Cymru and Greens debate on 13/6/24

So assume have cancelled the Sunak Starmer one as well ?

[Ozyhibby]

So assume have cancelled the Sunak Starmer one as well ?

No way. We need the public to think it’s a binary choice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Northernhibee]

Mega poll for the Mail suggests the Tories may be reduced to as little as 66 seats, single digits ahead of the Lib Dem’s.

[JimBHibees]

No way. We need the public to think it’s a binary choice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes not at all an attempt to influence. Pathetic and sums up this rancid union.

[Moulin Yarns]

No way. We need the public to think it’s a binary choice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would like a non binary choice 😉

[RyeSloan]

I would like a non binary choice [emoji6]

You voting for they or them? [emoji12]

[DaveF]

It's George Galloway but still quite funny.

Mr Galloway said: "I could not tell you which is the lesser of the two evils – Keir Starmer or Rishi Sunak."

“I don’t know if asked to choose between this cheek or that cheek of an arse, that I have any preference.

"I want to boot that arse hard on 4 July in the general election," the party leader said.

[Bostonhibby]

Steer clear of the guy in the flasher raincoat in the lingerie department

https://x.com/BladeoftheS/status/1796994638802203071?t=BH_mJ2TSaMhEHX2L0X8HPA&s=08https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240601/616586398a89bb6a053cdc36f6361e96.jpg

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Northernhibee]

Another poll, this time for the Observer, potentially putting the Tories on less than 100 seats. It’s also used a methodology that is typically quite sympathetic to the Tories.

[Bristolhibby]

I’m in a new constituency of Chippenham (previously the safe as houses Tory seat of North Wiltshire).

Lib Dems on the face of it in with a very good shout. My fellow citizens just have to ignore the urge to vote Labour a pour that vote into Liberal Democrats.

I actually feel franchised this time round.

J

[marinello59]

Farage announced he is now Reform leader and is going to stand. The Tory wipeout looks all but guaranteed now, they ain’t standing aside to help them.

[H18 SFR]

Farage announced he is now Reform leader and is going to stand. The Tory wipeout looks all but guaranteed now, they ain’t standing aside to help them.

This is great news. Sky will be raging as they commissioned a poll to be shared at 5pm today, this will render that useless.

[Bostonhibby]

Farage announced he is now Reform leader and is going to stand. The Tory wipeout looks all but guaranteed now, they ain’t standing aside to help them.Nasty Nige is deluded, he's never won so much as a meat raffle in dear old blighty, never mind a parliamentary election

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[marinello59]

Nasty Nige is deluded, he's never won so much as a meat raffle in dear old blighty, never mind a parliamentary election

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

They will squeeze the story vote hard though.
He is deluded, dangerously close to Trump and his methods.

[marinello59]

Sky’s You Gov poll is scarey stuff for the Tories and makes for uncomfortable reading for the SNP. Starmer really is a lucky General.

[Bostonhibby]

They will squeeze the story vote hard though.
He is deluded, dangerously close to Trump and his methods.Yep, and he has every chance in Clacton if he plays the race card hard, pretends he has all the answers to the small boats issues and waves the union Jack hard enough.

The real target will be to get in the UK parliamentary trough to augment his generous EU pension.

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[Bostonhibby]

He's going to get beat by Corrine Stockheath.

https://x.com/scottygb/status/1797664965517811748?t=33Ou2-qkyP_pvlpzytHt0A&s=08

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240603/6c855a9d4ffa2a1e0620cd94ab19cab9.jpg

[H18 SFR]

Sky’s You Gov poll is scarey stuff for the Tories and makes for uncomfortable reading for the SNP. Starmer really is a lucky General.

Get the feeling Starmer just has to keep up the public appearances without actually saying much or anything that could risk losing votes. He’s got it in the bag, reform will do his work between now and the election.

[Just Alf]

They will squeeze the story vote hard though.
He is deluded, dangerously close to Trump and his methods.Just read this on an 'Open Britain' blog


"Despite Reform winning only two council seats out of 2658 in May’s local elections, Britain’s broken media plasters Farage’s face all over our TV screens at every opportunity. His inflammatory and misleading claims are awfully good at generating views and clicks…driving revenue across the UK media. It’s a match made in heaven (for Farage)"

Not wrong

[Bostonhibby]

Grifter

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/feb/01/nigel-farage-among-ukip-meps-accused-of-misusing-eu-fundshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240603/435c8133cf602cc68bbbe0d935ae893d.jpg

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[grunt]

The lying Tories' first election broadcast shows the union flag flying upside down

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPLAsJ4WkAIaLJc?format=jpg&name=medium

[Bostonhibby]

The lying Tories' first election broadcast shows the union flag flying upside down

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GPLAsJ4WkAIaLJc?format=jpg&name=mediumPretty common to see new generation of flag sh**gers down here proudly flying their flags expressing their distress[emoji1]

Sent from my SM-A750FN using Tapatalk

[marinello59]

Debatę just started on STV and already I’ve run out of swear words to describe every single one of them. :greengrin

[Ozyhibby]

Debatę just started on STV and already I’ve run out of swear words to describe every single one of them. :greengrin

Cole Hamilton and Sarwar should get a room.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Andy Bee]

Cole Hamilton and Sarwar should get a room.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's ****** cringeworthy.

[Andy Bee]

Debatę just started on STV and already I’ve run out of swear words to describe every single one of them. :greengrin

I'm getting through it no bad, there's only one child away to A&E, the cats obviously dead again.

[marinello59]

I'm getting through it no bad, there's only one child away to A&E, the cats obviously dead again.

:greengrin

[weecounty hibby]

What the **** is going on with the Sarwar and Cole Hamilton love in. They are setting each other up with easy questions and answers for soundbites.

[Hiber-nation]

Shooting fish in a bucket time now, it's Dross's turn.

[marinello59]

What the **** is going on with the Sarwar and Cole Hamilton love in. They are setting each other up with easy questions and answers for soundbites.

That was odd. I think it was an attempt to highlight the lack of co operation between the devolved SNP Government and the Westminster Tory Government over the past decade but the execution was dreadful . I invented new swear words words for them both. :greengrin

[DaveF]

I know most politicians are easy to dislike but there is something about Anas Sarwar that absolutely irks me - and I only watched it for 2 mins

I'd never vote for labour anyway but there is even less chance with that guy at the helm.

[Hiber-nation]

I know most politicians are easy to dislike but there is something about Anas Sarwar that absolutely irks me - and I only watched it for 2 mins

I'd never vote for labour anyway but there is even less chance with that guy at the helm.

I don't like him either but I'll admit he did a good job of slaughtering Ross.

[marinello59]

Highlight for me was Swinney being challenged by the linesman on the difference beteeen him and his predecessors responding with ‘Well I’m John Swinney.’ :greengrin

Ronnie Pickering should sue for nicking his line. :greengrin

[JimBHibees]

I know most politicians are easy to dislike but there is something about Anas Sarwar that absolutely irks me - and I only watched it for 2 mins

I'd never vote for labour anyway but there is even less chance with that guy at the helm.

Same for me

[SHODAN]

I assume the Farage end game is win the seat, defect to Tories and win leadership election?

[Berwickhibby]

Well that was 90 mins of my life wasted…I don’t think anyone excelled or impressed. Not one answered a single question

[Ozyhibby]

Well that was 90 mins of my life wasted…I don’t think anyone excelled or impressed. Not one answered a single question

I think you are over selling it. It wasn’t that good.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hibrandenburg]

I know most politicians are easy to dislike but there is something about Anas Sarwar that absolutely irks me - and I only watched it for 2 mins

I'd never vote for labour anyway but there is even less chance with that guy at the helm.

He's won't be at the helm though, same way that Ross wasn't really at the helm as puppet Tory leader. All the branch leader's in Scotland are subservient to the Westminster head office. Like it or lump it, the only parties that fully have the capability to make decisions solely on what's best for Scotland are those whose strings don't get pulled in London.

[lucky]

He's won't be at the helm though, same way that Ross wasn't really at the helm as puppet Tory leader. All the branch leader's in Scotland are subservient to the Westminster head office. Like it or lump it, the only parties that fully have the capability to make decisions solely on what's best for Scotland are those whose strings don't get pulled in London.

Drivel, devolved issues will be handled in Scotland, reserved issues at Westminster that's how devolution works. The constant that only the SNP can represent Scotland is boring and inaccurate. I'd rather have Scottish politicians in government at Westminster than have them on the opposition benches.

Independence views have barely changed since 2014, but the priorities of the people have. Whilst the SNP see independence as a solution to the country's problems the majority of Scots don't. That's why the SNP are facing a difficult election.

As for last night's debate, it was pointless. No one really impressed. These debates are a waste of time especially when now of the participants are even standing for election.

[Ozyhibby]

Drivel, devolved issues will be handled in Scotland, reserved issues at Westminster that's how devolution works. The constant that only the SNP can represent Scotland is boring and inaccurate. I'd rather have Scottish politicians in government at Westminster than have them on the opposition benches.

Independence views have barely changed since 2014, but the priorities of the people have. Whilst the SNP see independence as a solution to the country's problems the majority of Scots don't. That's why the SNP are facing a difficult election.

As for last night's debate, it was pointless. No one really impressed. These debates are a waste of time especially when now of the participants are even standing for election.

Isn’t Douglas Ross?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[marinello59]

Isn’t Douglas Ross?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think he is standing down from Westminster.

[superfurryhibby]

Drivel, devolved issues will be handled in Scotland, reserved issues at Westminster that's how devolution works. The constant that only the SNP can represent Scotland is boring and inaccurate. I'd rather have Scottish politicians in government at Westminster than have them on the opposition benches.

Independence views have barely changed since 2014, but the priorities of the people have. Whilst the SNP see independence as a solution to the country's problems the majority of Scots don't. That's why the SNP are facing a difficult election.

As for last night's debate, it was pointless. No one really impressed. These debates are a waste of time especially when now of the participants are even standing for election.

It's this kind of comment that makes the forum such a welcoming place to have a discussion :aok:

FWIW, the poster didn't mention the SNP, and they have a point.

[marinello59]

And finally Diane Abbott is confirmed as a Labour candidate. It will be interesting to see whether her vote share goes up or down. Another nice wee sub plot. :greengrin

[Jack]

Independence views have barely changed since 2014, but the priorities of the people have. Whilst the SNP see independence as a solution to the country's problems the majority of Scots don't. That's why the SNP are facing a difficult election.

If only those living in Scotland were allowed a referendum to confirm.