The General UK Politics (Past and Present) Discussion Thread

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  • Silhouette ManSilhouette Man The last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,644MI6 Agent
    I did have a good laugh this morning , on a statement from Michael O'Leary ( he owns Ryanair)
    As during the Brexit debate here, he constantly said it would be economically crazy for the UK
    To leave the EU ............ Now a few months later, he's now advising the Irish government to
    Threaten to also leave the EU if they, enforce Apple having to pay their tax bill ! :))
    I guess he's just a wild and crazy guy, or he Now thinks The UK Brexit was a fantastic thing. ;)

    Maybe he's got an unpaid tax bill too! :))
    "The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
  • Silhouette ManSilhouette Man The last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,644MI6 Agent
    edited September 2016
    "The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    This dreadful turn of events beggars belief!! The deliberate bombing of the aid convoy which has lead to further aid which is desperately needed being suspended should be treated as a war crime and those behind it treated as terrorists and murderers.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • Silhouette ManSilhouette Man The last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,644MI6 Agent
    Chriscoop wrote:
    This dreadful turn of events beggars belief!! The deliberate bombing of the aid convoy which has lead to further aid which is desperately needed being suspended should be treated as a war crime and those behind it treated as terrorists and murderers.

    Sorry, just to clarify, I actually had been referring to Douglas Carswell MP of UKIP who was arguing with a professor. I wasn't aware that the link I posted from Hotmail updated to new news stories over time, so I posted a new link to the story from The Independent instead.

    On the bombing of the aid convoy in Syria, I agree that that is a war crime and an absolute disgrace. X-(
    "The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
  • Silhouette ManSilhouette Man The last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,644MI6 Agent
    The Mummy Returns - Margaret Thatcher's Last Great Public Speech:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvLe8M-cLVw
    "The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    I thought it funny, with the latest UKIP bust up. In which one MEP took off his jacket
    to cause trouble. As most Politicians get into trouble for taking their trousers off ! :D
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • Silhouette ManSilhouette Man The last refuge of a scoundrelPosts: 8,644MI6 Agent
    PM Harold Macmillan (1957-1963) joins the AA - QI - Series 9 - Episode 10 - BBC Two

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exSGHBCx88E
    "The tough man of the world. The Secret Agent. The man who was only a silhouette." - Ian Fleming, Moonraker (1955).
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Apparently John Major is looking for a second referendum.
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • Number24Number24 NorwayPosts: 21,699MI6 Agent
    Theresa May just said she wants a deal where the UK gets all the advantages of EU membership, but none of the disadvantages. :)) Good idea! Why didn't Norway think of such a solution when we negotiated with the EU?
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    Number24 wrote:
    Theresa May just said she wants a deal where the UK gets all the advantages of EU membership, but none of the disadvantages. :)) Good idea! Why didn't Norway think of such a solution when we negotiated with the EU?
    We must have heard different things? My understanding is that may wants free trade with Europe and that's it! The mathematics behind it suggest this should be possible if the Eu doesn't want trade tariffs levied against them to export into Britain at the same rate they will impose to import from Britain. Mr Trump has also muttered about levying a 35% import duty on German cars into the USA... Interesting times
    What is hard to understand is that out of 27 members of the Eu only 5 pay in what they should but all get equal benefits... Talk about cherry picking.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • Number24Number24 NorwayPosts: 21,699MI6 Agent
    What I heard was that she wants full access to the EU for UK trade, but full British control of migrasjon and no payments to the Union. The Union will never agree to such a deal, because that would mean far better terms for the UK than for Union members.
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    Hmm she reiterated that Britain wants free trade with Europe and does not want to be part of the single market or customs union, as single market membership is a membership right she has said we will not be attempting to keep this privilige. Whats in her negotiating armory is the fact that Britain buys substantially more from Eu states than we sell so if we impose similar trade tariffs to the Eu we could essentially subsidise our exporting businesses and the government could bank the rest. I also cannot see the German car makers being happy with paying trade tariffs, but the Eu has to play tough to stem any further exit votes from Eu members
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,416Chief of Staff
    Number24 wrote:
    What I heard was that she wants full access to the EU for UK trade, but full British control of migrasjon and no payments to the Union. The Union will never agree to such a deal, because that would mean far better terms for the UK than for Union members.

    I'm not sure where that information comes from...it's being painted as pretty bleak here at the moment...you are definitely hearing a different version from the one we are getting...
    YNWA 97
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    Sir Miles wrote:
    Number24 wrote:
    What I heard was that she wants full access to the EU for UK trade, but full British control of migrasjon and no payments to the Union. The Union will never agree to such a deal, because that would mean far better terms for the UK than for Union members.

    I'm not sure where that information comes from...it's being painted as pretty bleak here at the moment...you are definitely hearing a different version from the one we are getting...
    Where are you hearing bleak sir M? I've only heard sturgeon, fallon and Angela Smith painting a dire picture. The business and commerce expert I heard along with Mark carney some business leaders and the pound value have reacted positively.
    Anyway its always bleak over your side of the pennines :D

    I wonder if we will see a modern version of the East India company in this global trade carry on?
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • Sir MilesSir Miles The Wrong Side Of The WardrobePosts: 26,416Chief of Staff
    Chriscoop wrote:
    Sir Miles wrote:
    Number24 wrote:
    What I heard was that she wants full access to the EU for UK trade, but full British control of migrasjon and no payments to the Union. The Union will never agree to such a deal, because that would mean far better terms for the UK than for Union members.

    I'm not sure where that information comes from...it's being painted as pretty bleak here at the moment...you are definitely hearing a different version from the one we are getting...
    Where are you hearing bleak sir M? I've only heard sturgeon, fallon and Angela Smith painting a dire picture. The business and commerce expert I heard along with Mark carney some business leaders and the pound value have reacted positively

    Via the BBC app mainly...makes bleak reading anyway...
    YNWA 97
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    God I wouldn't trust the BBC, if everyone listened to them we would all have committed hari cari by now, talk about bury 10 bits of positive news and blow up the one negative
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • Number24Number24 NorwayPosts: 21,699MI6 Agent
    I'm not sure what sir Miles is refering to when he says I have the wrong impression and things look bleak.
    My point, based on one radio report, is that May's negotiation goals are over-optimistic and unrealistic.
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    Well she has also said that she is prepared to walk away from the Eu with no Deal than a bad one, and it is also known that the government has a plan b if things don't go well.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    You mean plan B like BoJo had incase that he won the Brexit elections? :))
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Number24Number24 NorwayPosts: 21,699MI6 Agent
    Not completely relevant, but I think the news from Davos is hillarious. The leader of communist China spoke and urged the American president-elect not to disrupt international free trade :s
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    Walk away ? Run, Run as fast as you can Theresa ! :D
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    I agree with n24's observation.

    May is trying to force the EU into negotiations by declaring a hard Brexit. I am pretty sure that it won't work because you can't have full market access without paying the membership fee and obeying to the rules *

    If the EU would allow the UK this, more EU members would rightfully demand the same and that would be the end of the Union as it is.

    What I don't understand is the procedere:

    1. She will pull article 50 in March which means that the UK will be out in 2 years - no matter how the negotiations go.
    2. She will try to negotiate a deal by blackmailing the EU with a hard Brexit (but we can stay friends.... :D )

    3. Now let's assume for a second that the parliament does not approve the negotiations in the end, she'll be left without pants as the UK must leave anyhow or backpeddle totally.

    In my opinion, that way she puts herself under much more pressure than the other EU states - the only thing that she could bring for her favour is that "she was negotiating hard, but it did not work in the end".


    *aka cherry picking
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    Chriscoop wrote:
    What is hard to understand is that out of 27 members of the Eu only 5 pay in what they should but all get equal benefits... Talk about cherry picking.

    What is so hard to understand about the system of solidarity??

    The richer pay for the poorer for the benefit of all - it's just like London is paying for the poorer regions of the Kingdom and does not consume all money risen there.
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    Higgins wrote:
    Chriscoop wrote:
    What is hard to understand is that out of 27 members of the Eu only 5 pay in what they should but all get equal benefits... Talk about cherry picking.

    What is so hard to understand about the system of solidarity??

    The richer pay for the poorer for the benefit of all - it's just like London is paying for the poorer regions of the Kingdom and does not consume all money risen there.

    This is also how it is in the United States, something which people in Republican areas often forget. There is a lot of hate for Democrat-voting California, but California also brings in a huge amount of money for the whole country. America's military wouldn't be the same without California.
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    Same with NYC ;)
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    edited January 2017
    Matt S wrote:
    Higgins wrote:
    Chriscoop wrote:
    What is hard to understand is that out of 27 members of the Eu only 5 pay in what they should but all get equal benefits... Talk about cherry picking.

    What is so hard to understand about the system of solidarity??

    The richer pay for the poorer for the benefit of all - it's just like London is paying for the poorer regions of the Kingdom and does not consume all money risen there.

    This is also how it is in the United States, something which people in Republican areas often forget. There is a lot of hate for Democrat-voting California, but California also brings in a huge amount of money for the whole country. America's military wouldn't be the same without California.
    America is one country, and despite historical attempts otherwise California and new York city are part of that country, so a similarity can't be drawn with the EU.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • Matt SMatt S Oh Cult Voodoo ShopPosts: 6,596MI6 Agent
    Higgins wrote:
    Same with NYC ;)

    Yes. I was just using CA as the most extreme example.
    Visit my blog, Bond Suits
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    Higgins wrote:
    I agree with n24's observation.

    May is trying to force the EU into negotiations by declaring a hard Brexit. I am pretty sure that it won't work because you can't have full market access without paying the membership fee and obeying to the rules *

    If the EU would allow the UK this, more EU members would rightfully demand the same and that would be the end of the Union as it is.

    What I don't understand is the procedere:

    1. She will pull article 50 in March which means that the UK will be out in 2 years - no matter how the negotiations go.
    2. She will try to negotiate a deal by blackmailing the EU with a hard Brexit (but we can stay friends.... :D )

    3. Now let's assume for a second that the parliament does not approve the negotiations in the end, she'll be left without pants as the UK must leave anyhow or backpeddle totally.

    In my opinion, that way she puts herself under much more pressure than the other EU states - the only thing that she could bring for her favour is that "she was negotiating hard, but it did not work in the end".


    *aka cherry picking

    There appears to be an assumption Im all for brexit and Theresa May, I simply read and offer conversation on what I've read, my own leanings are just that... My own. But going into negotiations hard is the only way, the Eu will either trade with Britain fairly or they won't, for the people of Britain the Eu is painted as an all conquering behemoth and Britain a poor relation with absolutely no bargaining power and this is simply not true despite what the BBC or other one sided narratives put across, There is a lot of talk at the moment from clueless politicians who are attempting to profiteer and further their own ends. In the end Britain may suffer economicaly but not for ever.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
  • ThunderpussyThunderpussy Behind you !Posts: 63,792MI6 Agent
    If Britain backed down every time things got tough, Europe would be run from Germany ....
    ..... Oh ! :))
    "I've been informed that there ARE a couple of QAnon supporters who are fairly regular posters in AJB."
  • ChriscoopChriscoop Belize Posts: 10,449MI6 Agent
    Number24 wrote:
    Not completely relevant, but I think the news from Davos is hillarious. The leader of communist China spoke and urged the American president-elect not to disrupt international free trade :s
    It would never be a smart move by any nation to upset China. Even now China are flexing their military muscles and as a report I saw this morning on it suggests the Chinese have absolutely no fear of Trump or America whatsoever.
    It was either that.....or the priesthood
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