UK Politics Thread (Part 1)

[Arminius]

@rupzzz

It’s as embarrassing as it gets really.

It also contradicts (again) his earlier denial to the House that he was aware of any parties, regardless of whether they were work events or not. I think it is just a matter of tactics whether not a motion to find him to be in contempt of the House is put forward.

[Kopstar]

@Arminius

@Kopstar

The GLP’s action has literally failed on every ground. This legal virtue signalling malarkey is money for old rope.

You can bet they will be fundraising off the back of the ‘victorious’ finding that the process was unlawful. That fellow seems to be a special kind of grifter.

You nailed it

BREAKING: High Court finds Government PPE ‘VIP’ lane for politically...

There’s a very good chance that the GLP will be ordered to pay the government’s costs when the Judge comes to consider the consequential matters. I wonder whether the GLP will broadcast that so visibly…

[Mascot]

@Arminius

It also contradicts (again) his earlier denial to the House that he was aware of any parties, regardless of whether they were work events or not. I think it is just a matter of tactics whether not a motion to find him to be in contempt of the House is put forward.

Nobody should be surprised that Boris Johnson has misled Parliament. He has been doing that for two years.

I would like Starmer to call Johnson a liar in Parliament, and then when called to retract, refuse and walk out, joined by the entire opposition benches. That would be a powerful statement.

[redalways]

@Mascot

That would be a powerful statement.

So, it won’t happen.

In any case, I’m not sure it benefits Labour politically to have a quick end to this affair. A long, slow twisting of the knife makes it more likely that the stink will stick to the whole Conservative Party, rather than just Boris Johnson. I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole affair was swept under the carpet quickly once Johnson gets removed.

I think I saw a poll by YouGov that had 56% of people thinking Johnson should resign, and another poll (can’t remember who) with 67%. You don’t need to push him any further than has already happened…

[Limiescouse]

To distract from the PPE conversation a bit, as someone who is now an outside to UK politics, can someone explain to me WTF is going on with Michael Fabricant? He looks like he’s a character in a Fastshow reboot…when Suits You Sir becomes a politican.

[Kopstar]

@Limiescouse

To distract from the PPE conversation a bit, as someone who is now an outside to UK politics, can someone explain to me WTF is going on with Michael Fabricant? He looks like he’s a character in a Fastshow reboot…when Suits You Sir becomes a politican.

He’s odious. Fabricunt.

[Kopstar]

Alan White

[Kopstar]

@Arminius

@Kopstar

The GLP’s action has literally failed on every ground. This legal virtue signalling malarkey is money for old rope.

You can bet they will be fundraising off the back of the ‘victorious’ finding that the process was unlawful. That fellow seems to be a special kind of grifter.

I missed these…

https://twitter.com/JolyonMaugham/status/1481216554448691202
No,it didn’t…
https://twitter.com/JolyonMaugham/status/1481222210488516609
No, you didn’t…
https://twitter.com/JolyonMaugham/status/1481222437673095171

For clarity: there’s a huge difference between something being “illegal” (a criminal offence) and “unlawful” (a civil wrong). A difference that Maugham should be fully aware of.

It also wasn’t set up to channel contracts to mates of the government. Something that is very under reported is that this VIP (fast track) lane was for referrals from all MPs…from all parties. Referrals that came from across all parties.

[redalways]

@Kopstar

For clarity: there’s a huge difference between something being “illegal” (a criminal offence) and “unlawful” (a civil wrong). A difference that Maugham should be fully aware of.

Agreed.

@Kopstar

It also wasn’t set up to channel contracts to mates of the government. Something that is very under reported is that this VIP (fast track) lane was for referrals from all MPs…from all parties. Referrals that came from across all parties.

Which is still wrong, no matter who the party is. That said, the cynical would suggest that the “all MPs…from all parties” bit was probably their idea of covering it up – “but Labour did it too”! I’m not aware of any contracts that have gone to recommendations from Labour MPs, perhaps you could point out where that has happenedd?

[Kopstar]

@redalways

I’m not aware of any contracts that have gone to recommendations from Labour MPs, perhaps you could point out where that has happenedd?

That would be quite a task to look into. I’ve still got to respond to @WeeJoe arguing that the UK test and trace didn’t work, whereas the German one did - something I’ve collected the necessary information on but not yet reviewed in order to respond!

[Kopstar]

Nick Harvey

And just in case it isn’t clear…

Nick Harvey

[Mascot]

I think it might be Liz Truss.

[Arminius]

I think that might have been just a wee bit clearer than intended…which side did it come from?

[Kopstar]

@Arminius

I think that might have been just a wee bit clearer than intended…which side did it come from?

I imagine the opposition benches but the way the Conservative backbenchers are feeling right now it’s impossible to be sure!

Actually…I also shouldn’t rule out the Speaker…

[Mascot]

@Kopstar

It also wasn’t set up to channel contracts to mates of the government.

I rather think it absolutely was.

[Arminius]

@Kopstar

I imagine the opposition benches but the way the Conservative backbenchers are feeling right now it’s impossible to be sure!

Actually…I also shouldn’t rule out the Speaker…

In Ottawa, there is a camera/microphone above the door opposite the Speaker. if it exists in Westminster, that would be an absolutely brilliant feed to see. Heads must surely have turned.

[redalways]

Ex-Conservative chair helped multiple firms get UK PPE contracts

This is the closest I’ve come to finding something. I think a comprehensive list hasn’t been published yet?

So far, seems to be Conservative peers, MPs, or ministers, and the former head of the Royal College of Nursing.

EDIT: The linked NAO report doesn’t name names either.

[Noo_Noo]

@Kopstar

@redalways

@Kopstar

I know Gove isn’t particularly well liked but he’s extremely competent and smart.

I don’t know about the latter but competent…?

I’d agree though, the Conservative options (including the incumbent) is just different flavours of shit.

Every portfolio he’s been given in government he’s made a real difference. One of my best mates (a Labour supporting remain voter) has worked very closely with him and speaks highly of him.

But he’s another that has a ropey relationship with the truth

[Noo_Noo]

@Kopstar

My mate is in the ministry of justice so his experience of Gove comes from there. But he’s done a good job as environment secretary, education secretary, and now housing/levelling-up.

I can’t think of a single department he hasn’t taken forward.

Education?

Sorry answered above. Wasn’t he behind the academy idea?

[Noo_Noo]

I’ve heard the 1922 Committee have met this afternoon.

Incoming letters on incompetence.

So very wrong that these people are actually in charge from the shadows.