Well well well. As a fellow republican I'm delighted that Corbyn didn't sing god save the queen. One of the few things alongside his commitment to more allotments that I agree with him on! Bravo!
Republicanism and radical socialism - two ideas which are equally unpopular with the British public. I am not sure either should be looking for solace from the other.
You'd do well to read some of the alternative media on the royal family and not take hook line and sinker what the msm in this country say my friend! Lat Wednesday was one of the worst royal family propaganda days I can recall with the mainstream media in this country.
Really? 70% wanted to keep a monarchy for ever according to a Sky poll just last week, with Prince William even more popular than the Queen
There are plenty of you tube clips for starters about royal family misdemeanors. I simply don't accept from first principles people having positions by accident of birth. hereditary peers are another thing that are a complete anachronism to me in our unwritten constitution.
You are quite entitled to have your strange opinions of course. But when there is such a clear measure of public opinion it is rather daft to try and claim there is anything other than overwhelming support for the monarchy.
To be honest it would have been much worse if he'd sung the national anthem. Talk about being duplicitous. You should admire someone who sticks to their beliefs.
I refused to close my eyes and clasp my hands to pray when I was five because I found the whole thing quite perverse. I stopped calling teachers Sir when I was about 12. I cannot recall ever, ever singing the national anthem, and recoil in embarrassment when others sing along. I find anyone who sings along to this antiquated anthem quite ridiculous. I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD. I just kind of reconcile myself to the fact that humanity is quite mad.
@JGForsyth: That Corbyn won’t sing the national anthem is 1 of the 1st things that most voters are going 2 know about him, can’t think that helps Labour
To be honest it would have been much worse if he'd sung the national anthem. Talk about being duplicitous. You should admire someone who sticks to their beliefs.
I refused to close my eyes and clasp my hands to pray when I was five because I found the whole thing quite perverse. I stopped calling teachers Sir when I was about 12. I cannot recall ever, ever singing the national anthem, and recoil in embarrassment when others sing along. I find anyone who sings along to this antiquated anthem quite ridiculous. I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD. I just kind of reconcile myself to the fact that humanity is quite mad.
@JGForsyth: That Corbyn won’t sing the national anthem is 1 of the 1st things that most voters are going 2 know about him, can’t think that helps Labour
Is it just Christianity, or do you have issues with any other religions?
It must be so hard living in 'hideously white' Italy, a nation steeped in Catholicism. How do you do it?
Conservatives could still be the largest party with the NDP only a handful behind - could be possibly propped up by the Liberals? In any case, looks likely there will be another election soon (though we were saying that in early May!)
Con largest party after being in power for 9 years and as many elections as they've had would surely be an impressive result
Cons won 39% in 2011, they are now on 31% at best, a fall of 8% is even worse than Brown did in 2010, that is not impressive, if they do scrape top it would because the Liberals and NDP are neck and neck, but there would almost certainly be a Liberal/NDP deal anyway
It will really matter if there is any footage of Corbyn singing a rebel song with gusto....
Well typing 'corbyn singing' into Google, throws up a stream of clips of him singing The Red Flag in a pub.
He must have lost his voice at the weekend. Yes, that sounds about right as a poor excuse, for a pathetic man.
Yes ,personally as a royalist (certainly over a President) I do not like singing the National Anthem as I find community singing a bit disturbing and weird tbh. I sigh every time I am asked to join in anthems at football ,rugby and cricket but as Corbyn obviously does not mind singing per se its the message he does not like by refusing to sing-voters should take note
To be honest it would have been much worse if he'd sung the national anthem. Talk about being duplicitous. You should admire someone who sticks to their beliefs.
I refused to close my eyes and clasp my hands to pray when I was five because I found the whole thing quite perverse. I stopped calling teachers Sir when I was about 12. I cannot recall ever, ever singing the national anthem, and recoil in embarrassment when others sing along. I find anyone who sings along to this antiquated anthem quite ridiculous. I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD. I just kind of reconcile myself to the fact that humanity is quite mad.
@JGForsyth: That Corbyn won’t sing the national anthem is 1 of the 1st things that most voters are going 2 know about him, can’t think that helps Labour
Of course humanity is a bit mad, that's why we have rituals and traditions to make sense of things, provide purpose and bring us together.
Personally I've never had an issue singing the national anthem despite being an atheist. The actual meaning of the words is irrelevant, it's just an idea of my nation I'm singing about, a ritual denoting a sense of belonging, as as silly as it is compared to shared humanity, as with most people the past several hundred years, the nation-state has been pre-eminent in such rituals (though old stalwart religion has broader reach and is still very important).
Well well well. As a fellow republican I'm delighted that Corbyn didn't sing god save the queen. One of the few things alongside his commitment to more allotments that I agree with him on! Bravo!
Republicanism and radical socialism - two ideas which are equally unpopular with the British public. I am not sure either should be looking for solace from the other.
You'd do well to read some of the alternative media on the royal family and not take hook line and sinker what the msm in this country say my friend! Lat Wednesday was one of the worst royal family propaganda days I can recall with the mainstream media in this country.
Really? 70% wanted to keep a monarchy for ever according to a Sky poll just last week, with Prince William even more popular than the Queen
There are plenty of you tube clips for starters about royal family misdemeanors. I simply don't accept from first principles people having positions by accident of birth. hereditary peers are another thing that are a complete anachronism to me in our unwritten constitution.
Very interesting, but at the end of the day if the future of the monarchy is Wills and Kate and Harry and the future of republicanism is Jeremy Corbyn there is only one winner and it is not Jezza!!
I perfectly well accept that I'm in a minority on this at the moment.that could easily change in future, particularly if some of the allegations about the royal family in the alternative media reach a wider audience and come to be widely accepted as true. Let's see. I don't think the royal family will be sitting as pretty in 5 years time as they are now. ......
Well well well. As a fellow republican I'm delighted that Corbyn didn't sing god save the queen. One of the few things alongside his commitment to more allotments that I agree with him on! Bravo!
Republicanism and radical socialism - two ideas which are equally unpopular with the British public. I am not sure either should be looking for solace from the other.
You'd do well to read some of the alternative media on the royal family and not take hook line and sinker what the msm in this country say my friend! Lat Wednesday was one of the worst royal family propaganda days I can recall with the mainstream media in this country.
Really? 70% wanted to keep a monarchy for ever according to a Sky poll just last week, with Prince William even more popular than the Queen
70% said they wanted Britain to remain a mnarchy forever. But I think the reality is most people don't care enough to want to get rid of it.
Certainly not when the Republican cause is championed by Corbyn and when William and Kate are one of the most famous and glamorous couples in the world
Well well well. As a fellow republican I'm delighted that Corbyn didn't sing god save the queen. One of the few things alongside his commitment to more allotments that I agree with him on! Bravo!
Republicanism and radical socialism - two ideas which are equally unpopular with the British public. I am not sure either should be looking for solace from the other.
You'd do well to read some of the alternative media on the royal family and not take hook line and sinker what the msm in this country say my friend! Lat Wednesday was one of the worst royal family propaganda days I can recall with the mainstream media in this country.
Really? 70% wanted to keep a monarchy for ever according to a Sky poll just last week, with Prince William even more popular than the Queen
There are plenty of you tube clips for starters about royal family misdemeanors. I simply don't accept from first principles people having positions by accident of birth. hereditary peers are another thing that are a complete anachronism to me in our unwritten constitution.
That's totally fine to believe and campaign to replace. It doesn't mean the public are even close to a majority believing the same thing, because they are not.
The monarchy is one of those things that if you pin people down and ask them if they believe in positions by accident of birth and all the rest, they would say they are against, but in the abstract, people don't hate the way the country is run enough to actually want to change to an uncertain alternative. Republicans can keep up the fight, and no doubt a time will come when they an opportunity may arise, but it isn't now.
Well well well. As a fellow republican I'm delighted that Corbyn didn't sing god save the queen. One of the few things alongside his commitment to more allotments that I agree with him on! Bravo!
Republicanism and radical socialism - two ideas which are equally unpopular with the British public. I am not sure either should be looking for solace from the other.
You'd do well to read some of the alternative media on the royal family and not take hook line and sinker what the msm in this country say my friend! Lat Wednesday was one of the worst royal family propaganda days I can recall with the mainstream media in this country.
Really? 70% wanted to keep a monarchy for ever according to a Sky poll just last week, with Prince William even more popular than the Queen
There are plenty of you tube clips for starters about royal family misdemeanors. I simply don't accept from first principles people having positions by accident of birth. hereditary peers are another thing that are a complete anachronism to me in our unwritten constitution.
Very interesting, but at the end of the day if the future of the monarchy is Wills and Kate and Harry and the future of republicanism is Jeremy Corbyn there is only one winner and it is not Jezza!!
I perfectly well accept that I'm in a minority on this at the moment.that could easily change in future, particularly if some of the allegations about the royal family in the alternative media reach a wider audience and come to be widely accepted as true. Let's see. I don't think the royal family will be sitting as pretty in 5 years time as they are now. ......
The lizards will get you long before then, when HM Queen Mother finishes regenerating.
I don't think I've ever looked forward to a PMQs as much as I'm looking forward to tomorrow's. This is the best politics I've seen in ages; thank you Labour!
Me too. It should be an absolute humdinger. Bring it on!
I'd love to know where Corbyn does his shopping.......
'Maison Tramp' for clothes. The skip behind Lidl for food. Still on £128,000+ he can afford to eat well, and maybe buy a decent suit.
Though quite why he hasn't done that already on the salary+expenses your average MP of 30 years standing must have raked in, is a complete mystery.
He liked his previous look. Sometimes people just don't eat well or dress well, despite all the opportunity to do so, he seems naturally frugal as a person.
What I must know is what he spends on haircuts, that's the important question.
I guess we can end the myth that the DUP/UUP won't vote with a Corbynite Labour to defeat the Conservatives then.
I never quite got why they wouldn't - they may well despise Corbyn's positioning on Ireland, but what harm voting against the government, futilely, on other matters?
(I still remain mystified as to why they didn't make it an act to cover only one Parliament, since its primary motivation was to ensure a stable Coalition Government).
Well sure, but making it that blatant would have been too brazen. Personally I have no issues with the Act, most of the problems supposedly arising from it were either things already present in our system, thus meaning only a culture change would get rid of them, or hardly insurmountable.
Well I personally don't see that being "blatant" would have been an issue, it's not as if its implementation was increasing Governmental power just ensuring better government by reducing the prospect of either coalition partner cutting and running. But there we are.
Of course some issues with the Act (leaving aside that it hasn't really been tested by circumstances in the Commons yet) are still completely unresolved - the most ridiculous being the "one-off" (but likely to be repeated) change in the Scottish election dates so that both elections don't fall in the same year (why shouldn't they???)
Conservatives could still be the largest party with the NDP only a handful behind - could be possibly propped up by the Liberals? In any case, looks likely there will be another election soon (though we were saying that in early May!)
Con largest party after being in power for 9 years and as many elections as they've had would surely be an impressive result
Cons won 39% in 2011, they are now on 31% at best, a fall of 8% is even worse than Brown did in 2010, that is not impressive, if they do scrape top it would because the Liberals and NDP are neck and neck, but there would almost certainly be a Liberal/NDP deal anyway
I think anyone being in with a shot of winning most seats after 3 elections of doing the same is doing pretty well in overall terms, even if the drop from last time is not great. I don't expect anyone to win after 9-10 years to be honest, I think that's a good length for a government.
Well well well. As a fellow republican I'm delighted that Corbyn didn't sing god save the queen. One of the few things alongside his commitment to more allotments that I agree with him on! Bravo!
Republicanism and radical socialism - two ideas which are equally unpopular with the British public. I am not sure either should be looking for solace from the other.
You'd do well to read some of the alternative media on the royal family and not take hook line and sinker what the msm in this country say my friend! Lat Wednesday was one of the worst royal family propaganda days I can recall with the mainstream media in this country.
Really? 70% wanted to keep a monarchy for ever according to a Sky poll just last week, with Prince William even more popular than the Queen
There are plenty of you tube clips for starters about royal family misdemeanors. I simply don't accept from first principles people having positions by accident of birth. hereditary peers are another thing that are a complete anachronism to me in our unwritten constitution.
Very interesting, but at the end of the day if the future of the monarchy is Wills and Kate and Harry and the future of republicanism is Jeremy Corbyn there is only one winner and it is not Jezza!!
I perfectly well accept that I'm in a minority on this at the moment.that could easily change in future, particularly if some of the allegations about the royal family in the alternative media reach a wider audience and come to be widely accepted as true. Let's see. I don't think the royal family will be sitting as pretty in 5 years time as they are now. ......
The lizards will get you long before then, when HM Queen Mother finishes regenerating.
I for one an not a believer in all this reptilian nonsense that gets spouted in the alternative media!
Well well well. As a fellow republican I'm delighted that Corbyn didn't sing god save the queen. One of the few things alongside his commitment to more allotments that I agree with him on! Bravo!
Republicanism and radical socialism - two ideas which are equally unpopular with the British public. I am not sure either should be looking for solace from the other.
You'd do well to read some of the alternative media on the royal family and not take hook line and sinker what the msm in this country say my friend! Lat Wednesday was one of the worst royal family propaganda days I can recall with the mainstream media in this country.
Really? 70% wanted to keep a monarchy for ever according to a Sky poll just last week, with Prince William even more popular than the Queen
There are plenty of you tube clips for starters about royal family misdemeanors. I simply don't accept from first principles people having positions by accident of birth. hereditary peers are another thing that are a complete anachronism to me in our unwritten constitution.
Very interesting, but at the end of the day if the future of the monarchy is Wills and Kate and Harry and the future of republicanism is Jeremy Corbyn there is only one winner and it is not Jezza!!
I perfectly well accept that I'm in a minority on this at the moment.that could easily change in future, particularly if some of the allegations about the royal family in the alternative media reach a wider audience and come to be widely accepted as true. Let's see. I don't think the royal family will be sitting as pretty in 5 years time as they are now. ......
What allegations? I have seen none, and if you are talking about David Icke's allegation the Queen is a lizard please return to your basement. No president will ever be as popular as William and Kate and George and Harry, end of, game over, the future of the monarchy is assured
Well well well. As a fellow republican I'm delighted that Corbyn didn't sing god save the queen. One of the few things alongside his commitment to more allotments that I agree with him on! Bravo!
Republicanism and radical socialism - two ideas which are equally unpopular with the British public. I am not sure either should be looking for solace from the other.
You'd do well to read some of the alternative media on the royal family and not take hook line and sinker what the msm in this country say my friend! Lat Wednesday was one of the worst royal family propaganda days I can recall with the mainstream media in this country.
Really? 70% wanted to keep a monarchy for ever according to a Sky poll just last week, with Prince William even more popular than the Queen
There are plenty of you tube clips for starters about royal family misdemeanors. I simply don't accept from first principles people having positions by accident of birth. hereditary peers are another thing that are a complete anachronism to me in our unwritten constitution.
Very interesting, but at the end of the day if the future of the monarchy is Wills and Kate and Harry and the future of republicanism is Jeremy Corbyn there is only one winner and it is not Jezza!!
I perfectly well accept that I'm in a minority on this at the moment.that could easily change in future, particularly if some of the allegations about the royal family in the alternative media reach a wider audience and come to be widely accepted as true. Let's see. I don't think the royal family will be sitting as pretty in 5 years time as they are now. ......
As somebody said previously ,not enough people care enough to change it as Royalty for the vast majority of people is not affecting their lives beyond an excuse every now and then to coo at a new royal baby or nose at a royal wedding.
This is the mistake student left wing types make in that they concentrate their efforts on this type of intellectual left wingism (abolish monarchy, support irish republicanism , Free Palestine etc ) when most people in the country could not give a toss about issues like this but would care if somebody did truly want to change Britain in terms of real social justice -ie minimum wage ,housing ,health and education etc
Just reading the utter nonsense that a privy councillor has to say! 'You will not know or understand of any manner of things to be attempted, done or spoken against her majesty's person, honour, crown or dignity royal, but you will lett and withstand the same to the uttermost of your power, and either cause it to be revealed to her majesty herself, or to such of her privy council as shall advertise her majesty of the same.
You will in all things to be moved, treated and debated in council, faithfully and truly declare your mind and opinion, according to your heart and conscience; and will keep secret all matters committed and revealed unto you, or that shall be treated of secretly in council'!!!!!!
Sonorous language does not disqualify something, and frequently adds to it. An obvious example is:
"...Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God..."
I haven't caught up on the news in the last few hours so don't know if he did, but why didn't Corbyn find a beggar with that sandwich? Would have looked better than Ed.
Because the beggar only accepts contactless payments, his new iphone 6 app enables him to maximise his income.
To be honest it would have been much worse if he'd sung the national anthem. Talk about being duplicitous. You should admire someone who sticks to their beliefs.
I refused to close my eyes and clasp my hands to pray when I was five because I found the whole thing quite perverse. I stopped calling teachers Sir when I was about 12. I cannot recall ever, ever singing the national anthem, and recoil in embarrassment when others sing along. I find anyone who sings along to this antiquated anthem quite ridiculous. I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD. I just kind of reconcile myself to the fact that humanity is quite mad.
@JGForsyth: That Corbyn won’t sing the national anthem is 1 of the 1st things that most voters are going 2 know about him, can’t think that helps Labour
Of course humanity is a bit mad, that's why we have rituals and traditions to make sense of things, provide purpose and bring us together.
Personally I've never had an issue singing the national anthem despite being an atheist. The actual meaning of the words is irrelevant, it's just an idea of my nation I'm singing about, a ritual denoting a sense of belonging, as as silly as it is compared to shared humanity, as with most people the past several hundred years, the nation-state has been pre-eminent in such rituals (though old stalwart religion has broader reach and is still very important).
I'm an atheist too, but have no problems singing along, either to the National Anthem, or in church if I have to go for whatever ceremonial reason, be it a wedding, christening or funeral.
I can understand what draws people to go regularly - community, companionship, a sense of continuity with those long passed, who did similar in the same place for centuries before. Each to their own.
Me too. It should be an absolute humdinger. Bring it on!
I can almost see what Corbyn is trying to do, prove he is so forward looking in his attempts to change PMQ's that Cameron looks like yesterdays man. But Cameron isn't that old, adapts well usually (when he isn't going totally Flashman) and can be quite genial when required.
Conservatives could still be the largest party with the NDP only a handful behind - could be possibly propped up by the Liberals? In any case, looks likely there will be another election soon (though we were saying that in early May!)
Con largest party after being in power for 9 years and as many elections as they've had would surely be an impressive result
Cons won 39% in 2011, they are now on 31% at best, a fall of 8% is even worse than Brown did in 2010, that is not impressive, if they do scrape top it would because the Liberals and NDP are neck and neck, but there would almost certainly be a Liberal/NDP deal anyway
I think anyone being in with a shot of winning most seats after 3 elections of doing the same is doing pretty well in overall terms, even if the drop from last time is not great. I don't expect anyone to win after 9-10 years to be honest, I think that's a good length for a government.
Conservatives could still be the largest party with the NDP only a handful behind - could be possibly propped up by the Liberals? In any case, looks likely there will be another election soon (though we were saying that in early May!)
Con largest party after being in power for 9 years and as many elections as they've had would surely be an impressive result
It would be highly impressive, indeed. I do wonder somewhat why Stephen Harper, who hardly appears charismatic, has been so electorally sucessful. It may, certainly in part, be due to the split on the left and no other right-wing party to challenge. The split on the right helped destroy the original Progressive Conservative Party in the 90s and keep the right out of power before finally merging under Harper's leadership.
Even if he wins a plurality of seats, after so long as leader I wonder how long he would last
I really cannot stand communal singing of any kind - anthems be they be national or political, rugby songs , songs you had to join in on school coaches or FFS --- seas shanties!! and male voice choirs as well!
Me too. It should be an absolute humdinger. Bring it on!
I can almost see what Corbyn is trying to do, prove he is so forward looking in his attempts to change PMQ's that Cameron looks like yesterdays man. But Cameron isn't that old, adapts well usually (when he isn't going totally Flashman) and can be quite genial when required.
I hope Cameron gets through the entire session without making a single snide jab at Corbyn, despite leading questions from his supporters to given him the opportunity. The lack of event would itself be amusing.
Very interesting, but at the end of the day if the future of the monarchy is Wills and Kate and Harry and the future of republicanism is Jeremy Corbyn there is only one winner and it is not Jezza!!
I perfectly well accept that I'm in a minority on this at the moment.that could easily change in future, particularly if some of the allegations about the royal family in the alternative media reach a wider audience and come to be widely accepted as true. Let's see. I don't think the royal family will be sitting as pretty in 5 years time as they are now. ......
As somebody said previously ,not enough people care enough to change it as Royalty for the vast majority of people is not affecting their lives beyond an excuse every now and then to coo at a new royal baby or nose at a royal wedding.
This is the mistake student left wing types make in that they concentrate their efforts on this type of intellectual left wingism (abolish monarchy, support irish republicanism , Free Palestine etc ) when most people in the country could not give a toss about issues like this but would care if somebody did truly want to change Britain in terms of real social justice -ie minimum wage ,housing ,health and education etc
Anyone analysing and relying on opinion polls to justify their political positioning, should always consider how much the issues really matter to and/or impact upon those being polled, and whether they are really issues which would affect the voters. Also the extent to which the voters might have really thought about the issues and might change their mind if forced to. (this is why the EU campaign could be incredibly unpredictable - most people just have a wooly view of what the EU means and could change their mind (in either direction) when forced to engage with the subject).
Conservatives could still be the largest party with the NDP only a handful behind - could be possibly propped up by the Liberals? In any case, looks likely there will be another election soon (though we were saying that in early May!)
Con largest party after being in power for 9 years and as many elections as they've had would surely be an impressive result
Cons won 39% in 2011, they are now on 31% at best, a fall of 8% is even worse than Brown did in 2010, that is not impressive, if they do scrape top it would because the Liberals and NDP are neck and neck, but there would almost certainly be a Liberal/NDP deal anyway
I think anyone being in with a shot of winning most seats after 3 elections of doing the same is doing pretty well in overall terms, even if the drop from last time is not great. I don't expect anyone to win after 9-10 years to be honest, I think that's a good length for a government.
Me too. It should be an absolute humdinger. Bring it on!
I can almost see what Corbyn is trying to do, prove he is so forward looking in his attempts to change PMQ's that Cameron looks like yesterdays man. But Cameron isn't that old, adapts well usually (when he isn't going totally Flashman) and can be quite genial when required.
Deep down people (and politicians ) love PMQ's - everyone likes a bit of argy bargy . Of course when asked people have to pretend to dislike it and say 'can't we all get along?' but most people would miss it if it became something different to what it is now
Well it won't matter to Monbiot but that's not the point, plenty of elderly labour supporters will be shaking their head in disgust. The % of labour voters that read the Guardian will be tiny, labour has completely forgotten and/or ignored who votes for them.
Plenty of patriotic immigrants, recent and not so recent, and perhaps Labour supporters hitherto, will be furious also.
That's just one element of the bonkersness of Jezza's Lab.
Amen. I'm not entirely sure which country Corbyn thinks he lives in, but I'm damn sure it's not Britain...
Conservatives could still be the largest party with the NDP only a handful behind - could be possibly propped up by the Liberals? In any case, looks likely there will be another election soon (though we were saying that in early May!)
Con largest party after being in power for 9 years and as many elections as they've had would surely be an impressive result
Cons won 39% in 2011, they are now on 31% at best, a fall of 8% is even worse than Brown did in 2010, that is not impressive, if they do scrape top it would because the Liberals and NDP are neck and neck, but there would almost certainly be a Liberal/NDP deal anyway
I think anyone being in with a shot of winning most seats after 3 elections of doing the same is doing pretty well in overall terms, even if the drop from last time is not great. I don't expect anyone to win after 9-10 years to be honest, I think that's a good length for a government.
Me too. It should be an absolute humdinger. Bring it on!
I can almost see what Corbyn is trying to do, prove he is so forward looking in his attempts to change PMQ's that Cameron looks like yesterdays man. But Cameron isn't that old, adapts well usually (when he isn't going totally Flashman) and can be quite genial when required.
Deep down people (and politicians ) love PMQ's - everyone likes a bit of argy bargy . Of course when asked people have to pretend to dislike it and say 'can't we all get along?' but most people would miss it if it became something different to what it is now
Yeah, Cameron needs to make it really boring tomorrow, and blame it on Jezza!
I mentioned Christian rituals because obviously these were inflicted on me as a child and throughout my life....I have to reluctantly put myself though them as people die, are married, born, christened or confirmed- I find each as excruciating as the last.
Islam, as a newer religion is actually rather more compelling to be honest. At least it rejects some of the more absurd mumbo jumbo of Christianity like transubstantiation, the Virgin birth, and God fathering human created children. Scientology, as a concept, is even more rational- seeing it looks to Extra Terrestrial activity as opposed to fairy tales. Hell, why not?- the universe is quite big. Pagan faiths are fun, monotheism is really quite dull and depressing and just too damned prescriptive.
To be honest I find all religion absurd. But I married a Papist, a left footer....twenty years of my cynical irreverence and she is still devout as ever. That brain washing as a child is hard to break down.
To be honest it would have been much worse if he'd sung the national anthem. Talk about being duplicitous. You should admire someone who sticks to their beliefs.
I refused to close my eyes and clasp my hands to pray when I was five because I found the whole thing quite perverse. I stopped calling teachers Sir when I was about 12. I cannot recall ever, ever singing the national anthem, and recoil in embarrassment when others sing along. I find anyone who sings along to this antiquated anthem quite ridiculous. I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD. I just kind of reconcile myself to the fact that humanity is quite mad.
@JGForsyth: That Corbyn won’t sing the national anthem is 1 of the 1st things that most voters are going 2 know about him, can’t think that helps Labour
Is it just Christianity, or do you have issues with any other religions?
It must be so hard living in 'hideously white' Italy, a nation steeped in Catholicism. How do you do it?
Me too. It should be an absolute humdinger. Bring it on!
I can almost see what Corbyn is trying to do, prove he is so forward looking in his attempts to change PMQ's that Cameron looks like yesterdays man. But Cameron isn't that old, adapts well usually (when he isn't going totally Flashman) and can be quite genial when required.
I don't think he even thought that, he just doesn't want to do it and is perhaps a little scared of the prospect. Apparently it came up at the PLP meeting and he just said "i don't think i'd be very good at it".
I hope Cameron gets through the entire session without making a single snide jab at Corbyn, despite leading questions from his supporters to given him the opportunity. The lack of event would itself be amusing.
That would work wonders, making Cameron into the full Bullingdon is the aim of Labour so that everyone can see him as the evil capitalist he is. All he has to do is act relaxed and answer the questions even half arsedly and he is home free. Making Corbyn seem a peripheral figure by his lack of interaction would be an interesting move....I am treating this like sport now it seems.
It will really matter if there is any footage of Corbyn singing a rebel song with gusto....
Well typing 'corbyn singing' into Google, throws up a stream of clips of him singing The Red Flag in a pub.
He must have lost his voice at the weekend. Yes, that sounds about right as a poor excuse, for a pathetic man.
I find the Red Flag one of the most bizarre anthems for anyone to actively choose to sing. I would have felt the same 30, 40, 50 years ago, yet alone today. You have to have something wrong with you for this anthem to inspire you.
The main chorus includes lyrics about glorifying the martyred dead, and has menacing phrases about cowards flinching and the sneering of traitors. It subtly endorses and praises bloody and murderous revolution. I find it perfectly chilling, and threatening.
Just how on earth does that square with the rational, pacifist, caring Left?
That any British political leader should choose to sing it today is absolutely disgusting.
Me too. It should be an absolute humdinger. Bring it on!
I can almost see what Corbyn is trying to do, prove he is so forward looking in his attempts to change PMQ's that Cameron looks like yesterdays man. But Cameron isn't that old, adapts well usually (when he isn't going totally Flashman) and can be quite genial when required.
Deep down people (and politicians ) love PMQ's - everyone likes a bit of argy bargy . Of course when asked people have to pretend to dislike it and say 'can't we all get along?' but most people would miss it if it became something different to what it is now
I think that's true. If people really hated it, that would get through to the politicians eventually and it would have changed. It's one of those things people know they are supposed to say, so do, but think differently as shown by their behaviour, like saying they prefer rich, dark coffee (which marketing shows is best) but weaker coffee being more popular to buy (and not just due to price).
It will really matter if there is any footage of Corbyn singing a rebel song with gusto....
Well typing 'corbyn singing' into Google, throws up a stream of clips of him singing The Red Flag in a pub.
He must have lost his voice at the weekend. Yes, that sounds about right as a poor excuse, for a pathetic man.
I find the Red Flag one of the most bizarre anthems for anyone to actively choose to sing. I would have felt the same 30, 40, 50 years ago, yet alone today. You have to have something wrong with you for this anthem to inspire you.
The main chorus includes lyrics about glorifying the martyred dead, and has menacing phrases about cowards flinching and the sneering of traitors. It subtly endorses and praises bloody and murderous revolution. I find it perfectly chilling, and threatening.
Just how on earth does that square with the rational, pacifist, caring Left?
That any British political leader should choose to sing it today is absolutely disgusting.
Fair point. More pertinent is that if a guy who believes he can be the leader of this country can't bring himself to sing the national anthem...he's an oaf.
Labour has been serially unlucky (that's the kindest thing I can think of) in its choice of leaders. A deluded messiah figure, a madman, a naif and now a time traveller from the '70s without the funky scarf. Next time, please, please pick someone normal.
... I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD...
I must have missed the bit where the Archbishop of Canterbury burned people to death, filmed it, and put the videos online.
I’m a Londoner and the career pinkos holding many of the London Labour seats make my flesh creep. The largely London-centric nature of JC’s rabble who’ve never done a proper days work in their puff are probably unappealing on that basis alone, to working men with calloused hands. Add in the London-centric rabble’s propensity for arrogance, an open arms attitude to unfettered immigration and disrespect for what many such working men hold to be traditional values and given what I suspect is a general loathing for London-centricity per se, I think they are a gift for UKIP (sans Farage).
Whilst in 2020 JC’s Labour has to win non Labour voters from 2015, it also has to hang on to its 2015 voters. I think there are lots of voting working men’s club members and their ilk who will be horrified by Labour’s idiocy. I suspect that JC has little chance of hanging on to these whatever he does. He just has too much baggage.
Is there any analysis of the breakdown of the shadow cabinet showing such as location of seats, whether they’ve actually ever done a “get your hands dirty” kind of job, whether they’ve been SPADs or done similar political work? I suspect that these kind of issues matter much more to non-Londoners of all complexions than to Labour Londoners who've become inured to being presented with such types as Labour candidates.
I don't think he even thought that, he just doesn't want to do it and is perhaps a little scared of the prospect. Apparently it came up at the PLP meeting and he just said "i don't think i'd be very good at it".
...seriously? That's like picking an opening bowler, watching him warm up and then he wants to bowl first change because he doesn't fancy it today.
... I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD...
I must have missed the bit where the Archbishop of Canterbury burned people to death, filmed it, and put the videos online.
They didn't have mobile phones in Henry VIII's era.
Corbyn looks incredibly uncomfortable in all of the recent photographs taken of him.
Corbyn's been swept along for weeks in a world of excitement, and now that it's all over the reality of what he's landed himself in, is beginning to bite.
I've tried my best, but I can't get outraged by a lifelong Republican not singing God Save The Queen
Agreed. I don't agree with him on his republicanism, but he swears an oath to the Queen to be an MP, he'll participate in various other of our rituals, he can have one thing at least to publicly demonstrate his stance without causing a fuss (as not swearing an oath so he can serve as an MP would do)
Me too. It should be an absolute humdinger. Bring it on!
I can almost see what Corbyn is trying to do, prove he is so forward looking in his attempts to change PMQ's that Cameron looks like yesterdays man. But Cameron isn't that old, adapts well usually (when he isn't going totally Flashman) and can be quite genial when required.
Deep down people (and politicians ) love PMQ's - everyone likes a bit of argy bargy . Of course when asked people have to pretend to dislike it and say 'can't we all get along?' but most people would miss it if it became something different to what it is now
I think that's true. If people really hated it, that would get through to the politicians eventually and it would have changed. It's one of those things people know they are supposed to say, so do, but think differently as shown by their behaviour, like saying they prefer rich, dark coffee (which marketing shows is best) but weaker coffee being more popular to buy (and not just due to price).
I always have an internal eyeroll when Bercow starts pontificating about how the public hate it.
The BBC are quite an amazingly ridiculous organisation.
They just make a 90 minute TV Movie which made out GTA to be a danger to society, Rockstar to be criminals who are getting away with murder and run by mentally deranged psycopaths.
This attacking the most successful software export the UK has ever had,
Then at the end of it they flashed up one of their "Learn Coding" adverts.
Me too. It should be an absolute humdinger. Bring it on!
I can almost see what Corbyn is trying to do, prove he is so forward looking in his attempts to change PMQ's that Cameron looks like yesterdays man. But Cameron isn't that old, adapts well usually (when he isn't going totally Flashman) and can be quite genial when required.
Deep down people (and politicians ) love PMQ's - everyone likes a bit of argy bargy . Of course when asked people have to pretend to dislike it and say 'can't we all get along?' but most people would miss it if it became something different to what it is now
I think that's true. If people really hated it, that would get through to the politicians eventually and it would have changed. It's one of those things people know they are supposed to say, so do, but think differently as shown by their behaviour, like saying they prefer rich, dark coffee (which marketing shows is best) but weaker coffee being more popular to buy (and not just due to price).
I always have an internal eyeroll when Bercow starts pontificating about how the public hate it.
He's playing a role - the grumpy speaker, trying to impose dignity on an unruly mob - which is shown very clearly when he nips in with his own jibes, I see no sincerity in him in complaining about that.
I agree with you, completely. The problem I have with the national anthem is how it forces us to project our national anthem onto the institutions of the monarchy- and alot of us are republicans. We are not traitors- we just think a hereditary monarchy is anachronistic.
Jerusalem always without fail brings me to tears and genuinely makes me feel proud about my heritage and country.
Rule Britannia, the Great Escape theme, 633 Squadron, the theme from Zed Cars, Dr Who, Eastenders, Coronation Street- any, literally any of these, where we could project our feelings and emotions onto an ethereal notion of being British- I'd be the first to sing it (badly)
To be honest it would have been much worse if he'd sung the national anthem. Talk about being duplicitous. You should admire someone who sticks to their beliefs.
I refused to close my eyes and clasp my hands to pray when I was five because I found the whole thing quite perverse. I stopped calling teachers Sir when I was about 12. I cannot recall ever, ever singing the national anthem, and recoil in embarrassment when others sing along. I find anyone who sings along to this antiquated anthem quite ridiculous. I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD. I just kind of reconcile myself to the fact that humanity is quite mad.
@JGForsyth: That Corbyn won’t sing the national anthem is 1 of the 1st things that most voters are going 2 know about him, can’t think that helps Labour
Of course humanity is a bit mad, that's why we have rituals and traditions to make sense of things, provide purpose and bring us together.
Personally I've never had an issue singing the national anthem despite being an atheist. The actual meaning of the words is irrelevant, it's just an idea of my nation I'm singing about, a ritual denoting a sense of belonging, as as silly as it is compared to shared humanity, as with most people the past several hundred years, the nation-state has been pre-eminent in such rituals (though old stalwart religion has broader reach and is still very important).
I’m a Londoner and the career pinkos holding many of the London Labour seats make my flesh creep. The largely London-centric nature of JC’s rabble who’ve never done a proper days work in their puff are probably unappealing on that basis alone, to working men with calloused hands. Add in the London-centric rabble’s propensity for arrogance, an open arms attitude to unfettered immigration and disrespect for what many such working men hold to be traditional values and given what I suspect is a general loathing for London-centricity per se, I think they are a gift for UKIP (sans Farage).
Whilst in 2020 JC’s Labour has to win non Labour voters from 2015, it also has to hang on to its 2015 voters. I think there are lots of voting working men’s club members and their ilk who will be horrified by Labour’s idiocy. I suspect that JC has little chance of hanging on to these whatever he does. He just has too much baggage.
Is there any analysis of the breakdown of the shadow cabinet showing such as location of seats, whether they’ve actually ever done a “get your hands dirty” kind of job, whether they’ve been SPADs or done similar political work? I suspect that these kind of issues matter much more to non-Londoners of all complexions than to Labour Londoners who've become inured to being presented with such types as Labour candidates.
Turn on Newsnight now - hey are interviewing Labour voters.
Plus the pudding bowl Barnet lawyer who doesn't like LinkedIn messages on looks...
I mentioned Christian rituals because obviously these were inflicted on me as a child and throughout my life....I have to reluctantly put myself though them as people die, are married, born, christened or confirmed- I find each as excruciating as the last.
Islam, as a newer religion is actually rather more compelling to be honest. At least it rejects some of the more absurd mumbo jumbo of Christianity like transubstantiation, the Virgin birth, and God fathering human created children. Scientology, as a concept, is even more rational- seeing it looks to Extra Terrestrial activity as opposed to fairy tales. Hell, why not?- the universe is quite big. Pagan faiths are fun, monotheism is really quite dull and depressing and just too damned prescriptive.
To be honest I find all religion absurd. But I married a Papist, a left footer....twenty years of my cynical irreverence and she is still devout as ever. That brain washing as a child is hard to break down.
If you accept that the universe is the creation of a single individual and that that individual is eternal, omniscient and ommipotent, then transubstantiation, the Virgin birth, and Christ the Son of God are entirely plausible.
The BBC are quite an amazingly ridiculous organisation.
They just make a 90 minute TV Movie which made out GTA to be a danger to society, Rockstar to be criminals who are getting away with murder and run by mentally deranged psycopaths.
This attacking the most successful software export the UK has ever had,
Then at the end of it they flashed up one of their "Learn Coding" adverts.
Truly bizarre.
Sounds terrible. What a great series GTA has been.
I've tried my best, but I can't get outraged by a lifelong Republican not singing God Save The Queen
Agreed. I don't agree with him on his republicanism, but he swears an oath to the Queen to be an MP, he'll participate in various other of our rituals, he can have one thing at least to publicly demonstrate his stance without causing a fuss (as not swearing an oath so he can serve as an MP would do)
Even The Mirror seem have joined in the massive pile on.
As for not buttoning up your top button, as a regular wearer of ties since the age of 5 I can sympathise with why people might not do up their top button, especially those like Corbyn who aren't regular wearers of ties.
I really cannot stand communal singing of any kind - anthems be they be national or political, rugby songs , songs you had to join in on school coaches or FFS --- seas shanties!! and male voice choirs as well!
The BBC are quite an amazingly ridiculous organisation.
They just make a 90 minute TV Movie which made out GTA to be a danger to society, Rockstar to be criminals who are getting away with murder and run by mentally deranged psycopaths.
This attacking the most successful software export the UK has ever had,
Then at the end of it they flashed up one of their "Learn Coding" adverts.
Truly bizarre.
This BBC?
'But Anne Bulford, the BBC's managing director of finance and operations, told MPs senior managers' salaries were 'discounted' compared to rival channels.
She told the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee: 'I think these are salaries that are high compared to average earnings, which they are.'
But she insisted they are 'heavily discounted against equivalent roles in other organisations'.
Great analysis. So only 8,000 new voters. Again, this underlines the fallacy of the argument that Corbyn is bringing enough new voters to improve Labour's competitiveness against the Tories at the GE
A good piece from the Wall Street Journal on Corbyn's election and rage against establishment politics both sides of the pond:
... I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD...
I must have missed the bit where the Archbishop of Canterbury burned people to death, filmed it, and put the videos online.
They didn't have mobile phones in Henry VIII's era.
... I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD...
I must have missed the bit where the Archbishop of Canterbury burned people to death, filmed it, and put the videos online.
They didn't have mobile phones in Henry VIII's era.
I've tried my best, but I can't get outraged by a lifelong Republican not singing God Save The Queen
Agreed. I don't agree with him on his republicanism, but he swears an oath to the Queen to be an MP, he'll participate in various other of our rituals, he can have one thing at least to publicly demonstrate his stance without causing a fuss (as not swearing an oath so he can serve as an MP would do)
As for not buttoning up your top button, as a regular wearer of ties since the age of 5 I can sympathise with why people might not do up their top button, especially those like Corbyn who aren't regular wearers of ties.
One hour, that's all he had to do it for, to show respect towards thousands of people who put up with far, far worse.
I've tried my best, but I can't get outraged by a lifelong Republican not singing God Save The Queen
Agreed. I don't agree with him on his republicanism, but he swears an oath to the Queen to be an MP, he'll participate in various other of our rituals, he can have one thing at least to publicly demonstrate his stance without causing a fuss (as not swearing an oath so he can serve as an MP would do)
I agree. As an atheist, I had a church wedding and recited Christian vows. I did not view it as hypocrisy, just a nice tradition that emphasized our mutual commitment. But I did not join the prayers. Rather analogous to Corbyn's actions today. I can't fault him for it.
Making mountains out of these molehills is, I think, a bad strategy. The public will tire of it, and it will undermine efforts to expose and evoke abhorrence for Corbyn's truly unacceptable beliefs and actions. Wolf.
Fair to say that half the membership didn't want JC. The membership by Christmas may be more Jezlamist than it was last Saturday, however, what with more enthused joiners and the Blairite flouncers departing.
Scathing assessment of Corbyn by a voter in Hartlepool on Newsnight 'If he cannot be bothered to put an effort into his own appearance why would he be bothered with the appearance of the country?'
I've tried my best, but I can't get outraged by a lifelong Republican not singing God Save The Queen
Agreed. I don't agree with him on his republicanism, but he swears an oath to the Queen to be an MP, he'll participate in various other of our rituals, he can have one thing at least to publicly demonstrate his stance without causing a fuss (as not swearing an oath so he can serve as an MP would do)
As for not buttoning up your top button, as a regular wearer of ties since the age of 5 I can sympathise with why people might not do up their top button, especially those like Corbyn who aren't regular wearers of ties.
Ah, where there we diverge - I cannot wear a tie without the top button done up, and feel a cringe when others do. Why not just wear a viking helmet while you're at it? barbarians.
Sometimes you're a very clever lad TSE. There are a few posters on pbCOM that I find really quite enigmatic- they're a mixture of contradictions, and you're one of them.
Anyway, on that compliment, I'm off to walk Trotsky, watch Newsnight... and then off early tomorrow to Napoli, then Ischia, the Amalfi Coast, Texas, New York, Nottingham, Blackpool, Norwich and Sardinia and back to Florence.. I think in that order.
I'll see you all in a couple of months time. Away, from my PC, as always I'll be lurking as long as I can access my Iphone.
... I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD...
I must have missed the bit where the Archbishop of Canterbury burned people to death, filmed it, and put the videos online.
They didn't have mobile phones in Henry VIII's era.
I've tried my best, but I can't get outraged by a lifelong Republican not singing God Save The Queen
I agree, and were he simply a backbencher that would be the end of it.
But he is leader of the opposition and could potentially be PM in a few years. Time he grew up and took his position seriously. Buy a suit that fits etc.
Fair to say that half the membership didn't want JC. The membership by Christmas may be more Jezlamist than it was last Saturday, however, what with more enthused joiners and the Blairite flouncers departing.
Have many Blairites left yet? The Jezlamists have certainly bolstered their ranks and it looks like many are from the Greens. Could they suffer as a result?
Scathing assessment of Corbyn by a voter in Hartlepool on Newsnight 'If he cannot be bothered to put an effort into his own appearance why would he be bothered with the appearance of the country?'
He looked fine. Honestly, I'm all for the Tories and the press going heavy on the guy, in some areas he sure deserves it, and regardless yes it is something that he has to get used to if he wants to be LoTo, but they are seriously turning me Corbyn over here.
I've tried my best, but I can't get outraged by a lifelong Republican not singing God Save The Queen
Agreed. I don't agree with him on his republicanism, but he swears an oath to the Queen to be an MP, he'll participate in various other of our rituals, he can have one thing at least to publicly demonstrate his stance without causing a fuss (as not swearing an oath so he can serve as an MP would do)
As for not buttoning up your top button, as a regular wearer of ties since the age of 5 I can sympathise with why people might not do up their top button, especially those like Corbyn who aren't regular wearers of ties.
Ah, where there we diverge - I cannot wear a tie without the top button done up, and feel a cringe when others do. Why not just wear a viking helmet while you're at it? barbarians.
Oh I always button up my top button.
The fashion faux pas that annoys me no end is (visible) white socks with black suits.
... I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD...
I must have missed the bit where the Archbishop of Canterbury burned people to death, filmed it, and put the videos online.
They didn't have mobile phones in Henry VIII's era.
I've tried my best, but I can't get outraged by a lifelong Republican not singing God Save The Queen
Agreed. I don't agree with him on his republicanism, but he swears an oath to the Queen to be an MP, he'll participate in various other of our rituals, he can have one thing at least to publicly demonstrate his stance without causing a fuss (as not swearing an oath so he can serve as an MP would do)
As for not buttoning up your top button, as a regular wearer of ties since the age of 5 I can sympathise with why people might not do up their top button, especially those like Corbyn who aren't regular wearers of ties.
One hour, that's all he had to do it for, to show respect towards thousands of people who put up with far, far worse.
We should have a new national anthem or a separate one for England.
I nominate either Rule Britannia, Land of Hope of Glory or Bohemian Rhapsody.
Jerusalem is a bloody dirge and anyone who thinks it should be our national anthem should lose the vote.
Jerusalem is a wonderful. I don't know how anyone can call those high notes a dirge, especially when compared to the current anthem. We should have Jerusalem for England and Land of Hope and Glory for the UK.
Scathing assessment of Corbyn by a voter in Hartlepool on Newsnight 'If he cannot be bothered to put an effort into his own appearance why would he be bothered with the appearance of the country?'
He looked fine. Honestly, I'm all for the Tories and the press going heavy on the guy, in some areas he sure deserves it, and regardless yes it is something that he has to get used to if he wants to be LoTo, but they are seriously turning me Corbyn over here.
This was an average voter in working class Hartlepool, not the Tories, not the Sun, a voter in a seat with a Labour MP expressing his view of Corbyn. If he gets that reaction in a northern Labour seat I dread to think the reaction he will be getting in Midlands marginals and the South
Sometimes you're a very clever lad TSE. There are a few posters on pbCOM that I find really quite enigmatic- they're a mixture of contradictions, and you're one of them.
Anyway, on that compliment, I'm off to walk Trotsky, watch Newsnight... and then off early tomorrow to Napoli, then Ischia, the Amalfi Coast, Texas, New York, Nottingham, Blackpool, Norwich and Sardinia and back to Florence.. I think in that order.
I'll see you all in a couple of months time. Away, from my PC, as always I'll be lurking as long as I can access my Iphone.
... I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD...
I must have missed the bit where the Archbishop of Canterbury burned people to death, filmed it, and put the videos online.
They didn't have mobile phones in Henry VIII's era.
Enjoy your break. By the time you're back, Corbyn might have gone.
I've tried my best, but I can't get outraged by a lifelong Republican not singing God Save The Queen
Agreed. I don't agree with him on his republicanism, but he swears an oath to the Queen to be an MP, he'll participate in various other of our rituals, he can have one thing at least to publicly demonstrate his stance without causing a fuss (as not swearing an oath so he can serve as an MP would do)
I agree. As an atheist, I had a church wedding and recited Christian vows. I did not view it as hypocrisy, just a nice tradition that emphasized our mutual commitment. But I did not join the prayers. Rather analogous to Corbyn's actions today. I can't fault him for it.
Making mountains out of these molehills is, I think, a bad strategy. The public will tire of it, and it will undermine efforts to expose and evoke abhorrence for Corbyn's truly unacceptable beliefs and actions. Wolf.
But what is the mountain and what is the molehill?
If Corbyn had sung the bloody thing, nobody would have noticed (contra John Redwood). The indication is he wants to fight everything. Which is a bad signal for someone aiming to be a serious politician.
I've tried my best, but I can't get outraged by a lifelong Republican not singing God Save The Queen
Agreed. I don't agree with him on his republicanism, but he swears an oath to the Queen to be an MP, he'll participate in various other of our rituals, he can have one thing at least to publicly demonstrate his stance without causing a fuss (as not swearing an oath so he can serve as an MP would do)
Even The Mirror seem have joined in the massive pile on.
As for not buttoning up your top button, as a regular wearer of ties since the age of 5 I can sympathise with why people might not do up their top button, especially those like Corbyn who aren't regular wearers of ties.
I don't like this.... 2 posts in half an hour I agree with. What happens if the hat trick cops? Do I turn into a guardian reader?
We should have a new national anthem or a separate one for England.
I nominate either Rule Britannia, Land of Hope of Glory or Bohemian Rhapsody.
Jerusalem is a bloody dirge and anyone who thinks it should be our national anthem should lose the vote.
Jerusalem is a wonderful. I don't know how anyone can call those high notes a dirge, especially when compared to the current anthem. We should have Jerusalem for England and Land of Hope and Glory for the UK.
I go to a lot of England cricket matches. They sing it before each day's play.
Scathing assessment of Corbyn by a voter in Hartlepool on Newsnight 'If he cannot be bothered to put an effort into his own appearance why would he be bothered with the appearance of the country?'
He looked fine. Honestly, I'm all for the Tories and the press going heavy on the guy, in some areas he sure deserves it, and regardless yes it is something that he has to get used to if he wants to be LoTo, but they are seriously turning me Corbyn over here.
This was an average voter in working class Hartlepool, not the Tories, not the Sun, a voter in a seat with a Labour MP expressing his view of Corbyn. If he gets that reaction in a northern Labour seat I dread to think the reaction he will be getting in Midlands marginals and the South
I accept ordinary people will feel the same, I was using it as a jumping off point to reference the general attacks from Tories and the media. I have no doubt the public will not like what Corbyn is selling, and by all means go in hard on him, but I just want them to tone it down a little - as the ordinary voter shows, you can flag these things up and the work does itself, you don't have to go in so hard on the pettier stuff, save that for his bigger demons.
Ah, where there we diverge - I cannot wear a tie without the top button done up, and feel a cringe when others do. Why not just wear a viking helmet while you're at it? barbarians.
I agree, if the collar is too tight you should have bought a shirt that fits. If that's too difficult for you to manage then running the country will be a step too far.
I've tried my best, but I can't get outraged by a lifelong Republican not singing God Save The Queen
Agreed. I don't agree with him on his republicanism, but he swears an oath to the Queen to be an MP, he'll participate in various other of our rituals, he can have one thing at least to publicly demonstrate his stance without causing a fuss (as not swearing an oath so he can serve as an MP would do)
As for not buttoning up your top button, as a regular wearer of ties since the age of 5 I can sympathise with why people might not do up their top button, especially those like Corbyn who aren't regular wearers of ties.
One hour, that's all he had to do it for, to show respect towards thousands of people who put up with far, far worse.
What an utter twunt.
I thought his statement was impressive and showed a lot of respect towards to all those that kept Britain free from Nazi invasion.
Scathing assessment of Corbyn by a voter in Hartlepool on Newsnight 'If he cannot be bothered to put an effort into his own appearance why would he be bothered with the appearance of the country?'
Oh dear me , I can just see that now on the billboards. The party must be in utter despair.
We should have a new national anthem or a separate one for England.
I nominate either Rule Britannia, Land of Hope of Glory or Bohemian Rhapsody.
Jerusalem is a bloody dirge and anyone who thinks it should be our national anthem should lose the vote.
Jerusalem is a wonderful. I don't know how anyone can call those high notes a dirge, especially when compared to the current anthem. We should have Jerusalem for England and Land of Hope and Glory for the UK.
I go to a lot of England cricket matches. They sing it before each day's play.
It does nothing for me.
no anthem needs played before cricket starts - nonsense from the ECB.
Comments
I refused to close my eyes and clasp my hands to pray when I was five because I found the whole thing quite perverse. I stopped calling teachers Sir when I was about 12. I cannot recall ever, ever singing the national anthem, and recoil in embarrassment when others sing along. I find anyone who sings along to this antiquated anthem quite ridiculous. I really cannot stand Christian ceremonies of any kind, when people start talking about flocks, and Jesus, and God, and singing the most stupid songs....arghhh torture. Onward Christian Soldiers, Lord of the Dance, and My Lord is My Shepherd. The words are as ridiculous as the worst propaganda from ISISS and their JIHAD. I just kind of reconcile myself to the fact that humanity is quite mad.
It must be so hard living in 'hideously white' Italy, a nation steeped in Catholicism. How do you do it?
Personally I've never had an issue singing the national anthem despite being an atheist. The actual meaning of the words is irrelevant, it's just an idea of my nation I'm singing about, a ritual denoting a sense of belonging, as as silly as it is compared to shared humanity, as with most people the past several hundred years, the nation-state has been pre-eminent in such rituals (though old stalwart religion has broader reach and is still very important).
The monarchy is one of those things that if you pin people down and ask them if they believe in positions by accident of birth and all the rest, they would say they are against, but in the abstract, people don't hate the way the country is run enough to actually want to change to an uncertain alternative. Republicans can keep up the fight, and no doubt a time will come when they an opportunity may arise, but it isn't now.
Of course some issues with the Act (leaving aside that it hasn't really been tested by circumstances in the Commons yet) are still completely unresolved - the most ridiculous being the "one-off" (but likely to be repeated) change in the Scottish election dates so that both elections don't fall in the same year (why shouldn't they???)
This is the mistake student left wing types make in that they concentrate their efforts on this type of intellectual left wingism (abolish monarchy, support irish republicanism , Free Palestine etc ) when most people in the country could not give a toss about issues like this but would care if somebody did truly want to change Britain in terms of real social justice -ie minimum wage ,housing ,health and education etc
"...Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence, and first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of Saint Paul to be honourable among all men: and therefore is not by any to be enterprised, nor taken in hand, unadvisedly, lightly, or wantonly, to satisfy men's carnal lusts and appetites, like brute beasts that have no understanding; but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God..."
I can understand what draws people to go regularly - community, companionship, a sense of continuity with those long passed, who did similar in the same place for centuries before. Each to their own.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_federal_election,_2004
Even if he wins a plurality of seats, after so long as leader I wonder how long he would last
This is the mistake student left wing types make in that they concentrate their efforts on this type of intellectual left wingism (abolish monarchy, support irish republicanism , Free Palestine etc ) when most people in the country could not give a toss about issues like this but would care if somebody did truly want to change Britain in terms of real social justice -ie minimum wage ,housing ,health and education etc
Anyone analysing and relying on opinion polls to justify their political positioning, should always consider how much the issues really matter to and/or impact upon those being polled, and whether they are really issues which would affect the voters. Also the extent to which the voters might have really thought about the issues and might change their mind if forced to. (this is why the EU campaign could be incredibly unpredictable - most people just have a wooly view of what the EU means and could change their mind (in either direction) when forced to engage with the subject).
1.03 on betfair is closer...
Islam, as a newer religion is actually rather more compelling to be honest. At least it rejects some of the more absurd mumbo jumbo of Christianity like transubstantiation, the Virgin birth, and God fathering human created children. Scientology, as a concept, is even more rational- seeing it looks to Extra Terrestrial activity as opposed to fairy tales. Hell, why not?- the universe is quite big. Pagan faiths are fun, monotheism is really quite dull and depressing and just too damned prescriptive.
To be honest I find all religion absurd. But I married a Papist, a left footer....twenty years of my cynical irreverence and she is still devout as ever. That brain washing as a child is hard to break down.
Making Corbyn seem a peripheral figure by his lack of interaction would be an interesting move....I am treating this like sport now it seems.
The main chorus includes lyrics about glorifying the martyred dead, and has menacing phrases about cowards flinching and the sneering of traitors. It subtly endorses and praises bloody and murderous revolution. I find it perfectly chilling, and threatening.
Just how on earth does that square with the rational, pacifist, caring Left?
That any British political leader should choose to sing it today is absolutely disgusting.
;-)
Labour has been serially unlucky (that's the kindest thing I can think of) in its choice of leaders. A deluded messiah figure, a madman, a naif and now a time traveller from the '70s without the funky scarf. Next time, please, please pick someone normal.
Whilst in 2020 JC’s Labour has to win non Labour voters from 2015, it also has to hang on to its 2015 voters. I think there are lots of voting working men’s club members and their ilk who will be horrified by Labour’s idiocy. I suspect that JC has little chance of hanging on to these whatever he does. He just has too much baggage.
Is there any analysis of the breakdown of the shadow cabinet showing such as location of seats, whether they’ve actually ever done a “get your hands dirty” kind of job, whether they’ve been SPADs or done similar political work? I suspect that these kind of issues matter much more to non-Londoners of all complexions than to Labour Londoners who've become inured to being presented with such types as Labour candidates.
He can be laid at 5-1 to go this year and also at 5-1 to go in Q1 2016.
That is a combined 2-1 to go by 31 March 2016.
Much shorter than the Ladbrokes odds quoted earlier on previous thread.
They just make a 90 minute TV Movie which made out GTA to be a danger to society, Rockstar to be criminals who are getting away with murder and run by mentally deranged psycopaths.
This attacking the most successful software export the UK has ever had,
Then at the end of it they flashed up one of their "Learn Coding" adverts.
Truly bizarre.
Jerusalem always without fail brings me to tears and genuinely makes me feel proud about my heritage and country.
Rule Britannia, the Great Escape theme, 633 Squadron, the theme from Zed Cars, Dr Who, Eastenders, Coronation Street- any, literally any of these, where we could project our feelings and emotions onto an ethereal notion of being British- I'd be the first to sing it (badly)
Plus the pudding bowl Barnet lawyer who doesn't like LinkedIn messages on looks...
As for not buttoning up your top button, as a regular wearer of ties since the age of 5 I can sympathise with why people might not do up their top button, especially those like Corbyn who aren't regular wearers of ties.
'But Anne Bulford, the BBC's managing director of finance and operations, told MPs senior managers' salaries were 'discounted' compared to rival channels.
She told the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee: 'I think these are salaries that are high compared to average earnings, which they are.'
But she insisted they are 'heavily discounted against equivalent roles in other organisations'.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3235638/BBC-bosses-accused-living-fantasy-land-claiming-celebrity-salaries-1million-year-CHEAP.html
Yes, it's a ridiculous organisation.
A good piece from the Wall Street Journal on Corbyn's election and rage against establishment politics both sides of the pond:
http://www.wsj.com/article_email/britains-unsettling-omen-1442272191-lMyQjAxMTI1NDE3NTMxMTU5Wj
I nominate either Rule Britannia, Land of Hope of Glory or Bohemian Rhapsody.
Jerusalem is a bloody dirge and anyone who thinks it should be our national anthem should lose the vote.
What an utter twunt.
http://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/643901605906096128/photo/1
Making mountains out of these molehills is, I think, a bad strategy. The public will tire of it, and it will undermine efforts to expose and evoke abhorrence for Corbyn's truly unacceptable beliefs and actions. Wolf.
Fair to say that half the membership didn't want JC. The membership by Christmas may be more Jezlamist than it was last Saturday, however, what with more enthused joiners and the Blairite flouncers departing.
Q4 2015 now 9/1, which is still good value as a lay, but don't have the dosh.
Anyway, on that compliment, I'm off to walk Trotsky, watch Newsnight... and then off early tomorrow to Napoli, then Ischia, the Amalfi Coast, Texas, New York, Nottingham, Blackpool, Norwich and Sardinia and back to Florence.. I think in that order.
I'll see you all in a couple of months time. Away, from my PC, as always I'll be lurking as long as I can access my Iphone.
But he is leader of the opposition and could potentially be PM in a few years. Time he grew up and took his position seriously. Buy a suit that fits etc.
https://twitter.com/mailonline/status/643893479161110529
If he can't manage a decent version of one of them, let alone Rule Britannia, the public will all know where they stand on him.
The fashion faux pas that annoys me no end is (visible) white socks with black suits.
If Corbyn had sung the bloody thing, nobody would have noticed (contra John Redwood). The indication is he wants to fight everything. Which is a bad signal for someone aiming to be a serious politician.
It does nothing for me.
Shhh