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politicalbetting.com » Blog Archive » A little local difficulty. A forgotten part of English democra

SystemSystem Posts: 11,002
edited June 2018 in General

imagepoliticalbetting.com » Blog Archive » A little local difficulty. A forgotten part of English democracy

I’m a dutiful son and I visit my parents regularly. They live in Hadleigh, a quiet market town in south Suffolk. Hadleigh has never quite made it onto the tourist trail. This is a little odd because Kersey, a couple of miles away, is a staple of Christmas cards and meerkat adverts and Lavenham, a few miles further away, is besieged with visitors.

Read the full story here


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Comments

  • OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143
    First for Hadleigh!
  • MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 37,603
    Interesting article. On localism, I think Boris is going to find himself in all sorts of local difficulty in 2022, especially if the building work has commenced. His majority definitely looks shaky.
  • oxfordsimonoxfordsimon Posts: 5,831
    In terms of other local difficulties, Guido's story about Emma Dent Coad's electoral expenses could well create a few ripples.

    Though given how the Police failed to take action against Sarah Olney, perhaps another blind eye will be turned.

    If Dent Coad is found to have broken electoral law, her chances of still being allowed to stand as a candidate must surely be in date at any by-election.

    Would be a very interesting campaign.
  • OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143
    Given that this particular poll is one of no confidence in the town council I think it's worth mentioning the proposal for recall elections for MPs. If you wanted to encourage a bottom-up renaissance of British politics I think that would be a good place to start.
  • Casino_RoyaleCasino_Royale Posts: 55,037
    On topic, fascinating story and insight, Alastair; thanks.

    I agree. I can’t see any harm in these.
  • OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143
    Interesting. I wonder if that has anything to do with calls from some in the EU to discipline Hungary for the recent law taxing advocacy for migrants?
  • AnorakAnorak Posts: 6,621
    I think that's a story that both remainers AND leavers can enjoy. Let's all enjoy a brief moment of solidarity before hostilities recommence.

    It's the Christmas Truce all over again. Anyone for footy?
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 50,776
    Interesting story. Many thanks.

    I think, however, trying to draw broader lessons from it is fraught with difficulties. Our politics is unstable enough without having pressure groups pushing for additional elections when frustrated with the direction of progress. Sometimes elected governments have to govern. And make decisions. And just get on with it.

    I do think that the power to recall individual MPs guilty of misconduct should be put in place though.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,842
    The referendum will be on the day of England vs Belgium. I expect the turnout will be abysmal but the 'overturners' will win.
  • SlackbladderSlackbladder Posts: 9,704
    I'm a member of little local facebook groups. There seems to be one or two people convinced the local (tory) councillors are all utter corrupt and doing dodgy deals with funding for cricket clubs etc..

    all without every much evidence at all, of course.
  • Philip_ThompsonPhilip_Thompson Posts: 65,826
    That seems to be their role in life. When was Hungary last 'on message'?
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,933
    Good afternoon, everyone.

    Interesting article, and a nice photograph too.

    I do dislike this heat.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 113,972

    Good afternoon, everyone.

    Interesting article, and a nice photograph too.

    I do dislike this heat.

    I’m not saying my office is hot but two Hobbits just walked into my office and threw a ring into it.
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 113,972
    Nice to know I’m not the only PBer that doesn’t discuss the extent of his betting with his mother.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 61,584
    Powers granted under "part 3, schedule 12, paragraph 18, sub-paragraphs 4 and 5 of the Local Government Act of 1972. In Wales, the reference is part 5, paragraph 34, sub-paragraphs 4 and 5..."
    http://www.iniref.org/local-referendum.html

    Became more of an issue under the Localism Act, which grated greater powers to parish councils (cf 'Big Society'....)
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,933
    Mr. Eagles, fitting, given your name.

    On betting and parents: I did just mention it in passing but don't bang on about it. A year or two ago, my father asked me to put a bet on the Grand National (something or other Arthur was the horse's name). I put a little on for myself, on the basis I'd be pissed off if he won via my account and I didn't actually make anything.

    ....

    The horse won.
  • tpfkartpfkar Posts: 1,545
    I'm left wondering whether the Senior Meeks are the ones fomenting revolution?

    We had a useful parish poll demonstrating support for a controversial housing development - yes really. People took it quite seriously.

    I've always supported full recall for MPs and councillors - if you have 10% of your residents who want you out at any time you have really stuffed up. Would Boris be feeling the heat this week?

    Looks like a beautiful if sleepy town - anyone famous from Hadleigh?
  • TheScreamingEaglesTheScreamingEagles Posts: 113,972

    Mr. Eagles, fitting, given your name.

    On betting and parents: I did just mention it in passing but don't bang on about it. A year or two ago, my father asked me to put a bet on the Grand National (something or other Arthur was the horse's name). I put a little on for myself, on the basis I'd be pissed off if he won via my account and I didn't actually make anything.

    ....

    The horse won.

    My mother would need sedating if she ever found out how spread betting works and that I dabble a lot in it.
  • SlackbladderSlackbladder Posts: 9,704
    tpfkar said:



    I've always supported full recall for MPs and councillors - if you have 10% of your residents who want you out at any time you have really stuffed up. Would Boris be feeling the heat this week?

    I'm pretty sure however there would be the usual suspects on both sides which would be permanent campaigning to unseat all MPs.
  • rpjsrpjs Posts: 3,787
    edited June 2018
    The other long-standing series of referenda in the UK was each district in Wales holding a referendum every decade on whether to remain "dry" on Sundays. As I understand it, once "wet" won, then that result became permanent and no more referendums would be held in that district, and I think all the districts are "wet" now.

    Certainly though, when I was a student at St David's University College, Lampeter (as it was then) in the late 80s, Ceredigion was still "dry" on Sundays and so the Cwmann Arms just across the Teifi in Carmarthenshire did a brisk trade every weekend.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,933
    Mr. Eagles, even if you can afford it and (presumably) are ahead overall?

    Pretty disastrous first half of 2018 for me. I've misjudged some F1 things but I've never known such a streak of misfortune either. Even at the last race, the bloke I backed was taken out (recovery drive but still) at the first corner, and the chaps I backed for qualifying were because of potential rain, which happened before and after qualifying but not during.

    *sighs*
  • rottenboroughrottenborough Posts: 58,043

    Good afternoon, everyone.

    Interesting article, and a nice photograph too.

    I do dislike this heat.

    I’m not saying my office is hot but two Hobbits just walked into my office and threw a ring into it.
    :lol:
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 76,274
    edited June 2018

    twitter.com/SamCoatesTimes/status/1011602552125870083

    No idea why he failed to become PM and instead became a Thunderbird...I am sure Stoke man is right on board with that tweet.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,933
    Mr. Borough, surely 'crises'?

    Although that isn't quite as bad as the time he got the capital of Brazil wrong. When he was Foreign Secretary.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 76,274
    edited June 2018

    twitter.com/SamCoatesTimes/status/1011602552125870083

    https://twitter.com/DMiliband/status/1011338597495136256

    Says man who now permanently resides in America.
  • SlackbladderSlackbladder Posts: 9,704
    I wonder how that Ivory tower is going for him...
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,933
    Mr. Urquhart, an unkind fellow might describe David Miliband as a six figure twit. Or words to that effect.

    Still, if he wants to move back here, stand as an MP, and promote open borders, that's his right. Daft sod.
  • OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143

    Mr. Borough, surely 'crises'?

    Although that isn't quite as bad as the time he got the capital of Brazil wrong. When he was Foreign Secretary.

    It's all one big interconnected crisis with its root cause being the absence of a humble banana-wielding British politician from the highest rung of political power.
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 47,789
    Labour’s Brexit policy is even more of a nonsense than the cabinet’s.

    https://twitter.com/philaldrick/status/1011561871642628096?s=21
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 76,274
    A British man has been found guilty of planning a terror attack in Westminster and making bombs for the Taliban.

    Khalid Ali, 28, was arrested in April 2017 in Parliament Street, where he was caught carrying three knives.

    Ali had recently returned from Afghanistan, where he made and detonated bombs, the Old Bailey heard.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44613587
  • David_EvershedDavid_Evershed Posts: 6,506
    Parish/Town councils now have to have referendums to approve (or not) their neighbourhood plans.

    Where there is no approved area plan (as in Aylesbury District Council) the neighbourhood plan is the sole statutory plan.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941

    Labour’s Brexit policy is even more of a nonsense than the cabinet’s.

    https://twitter.com/philaldrick/status/1011561871642628096?s=21

    Cakism on the rise?
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,933
    Mr. Glenn, it's an achievement.

    The Government's varying shades of rubbish, yet the Opposition is markedly worse.

    Mr. Urquhart, a British man has been found guilty of planning a coup.

    Boris Johnson, 54, returned recently from Afghanistan, where he was hiding under a table to avoid following a three line whip. Mr. Johnson, who left his dignity behind in Kabul, said he couldn't possibly resign as he wanted to be Prime Minister.

    Theresa May was too busy laughing to comment.
  • MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 37,603

    Labour’s Brexit policy is even more of a nonsense than the cabinet’s.

    https://twitter.com/philaldrick/status/1011561871642628096?s=21

    I think if the UK stayed in "the" customs union they are correct. All members of the customs union would have their views represented in trade talks, we'd still be only one of 28 which leaves us in the same weak position we have within the EU.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941

    Parish/Town councils now have to have referendums to approve (or not) their neighbourhood plans.

    Where there is no approved area plan (as in Aylesbury District Council) the neighbourhood plan is the sole statutory plan.

    I thought the government could overrule these neighbourhood plans? I think that’s what happened in my (old) neck of the woods.
  • MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 37,603

    twitter.com/SamCoatesTimes/status/1011602552125870083

    https://twitter.com/DMiliband/status/1011338597495136256

    Says man who now permanently resides in America.
    What a twunt.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,842

    Labour’s Brexit policy is even more of a nonsense than the cabinet’s.

    https://twitter.com/philaldrick/status/1011561871642628096?s=21

    Corbyn's version of Brexit makes Boris look principled.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,933
    I'm re-reading Musashi and recently came across the passage cited here:
    https://twitter.com/anonymityiskey4/status/1009764773062369282
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 50,776

    Labour’s Brexit policy is even more of a nonsense than the cabinet’s.

    https://twitter.com/philaldrick/status/1011561871642628096?s=21

    What is an illegal tooth?
  • David_EvershedDavid_Evershed Posts: 6,506

    I'm re-reading Musashi and recently came across the passage cited here:
    https://twitter.com/anonymityiskey4/status/1009764773062369282

    Is this Miliband we are talking about?
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 50,776
    I am sure it is really Tracy Island but they like to keep the exact location of that under wraps.
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,933
    Mr. Evershed, well, not in the book, which is set in 17th century Japan :)

    But it did seem apt. For him and the Jezbollah.
  • David_EvershedDavid_Evershed Posts: 6,506
    RobD said:

    Parish/Town councils now have to have referendums to approve (or not) their neighbourhood plans.

    Where there is no approved area plan (as in Aylesbury District Council) the neighbourhood plan is the sole statutory plan.

    I thought the government could overrule these neighbourhood plans? I think that’s what happened in my (old) neck of the woods.
    The Secretary of State (with Planing Inspector advice) can overrule a specific planning application decision which gets 'called in' but not overrule a neighbourhood plan.
  • AnneJGPAnneJGP Posts: 2,869
    Thank you, Alastair, very interesting article. I've even cast my vote in such things without making the connection.

    Good afternoon, everyone.
  • SlackbladderSlackbladder Posts: 9,704
    I just want some Sanity. I just want good environment for trade with as small barriers, if not none as possible, without being part of a political buerecratic un-democratic state...

    Is that too much to ask?
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453

    I just want some Sanity. I just want good environment for trade with as small barriers, if not none as possible, without being part of a political buerecratic un-democratic state...

    Is that too much to ask?

    We had all that as full members of the EU
  • Morris_DancerMorris_Dancer Posts: 60,933
    Good afternoon, Miss JGP.
  • OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143
    DavidL said:

    Labour’s Brexit policy is even more of a nonsense than the cabinet’s.

    https://twitter.com/philaldrick/status/1011561871642628096?s=21

    What is an illegal tooth?
    Ivory teeth, were the second in line to the throne have his way.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941
    Scott_P said:

    I just want some Sanity. I just want good environment for trade with as small barriers, if not none as possible, without being part of a political buerecratic un-democratic state...

    Is that too much to ask?

    We had all that as full members of the EU
    Not the latter part.
  • SlackbladderSlackbladder Posts: 9,704
    Scott_P said:

    I just want some Sanity. I just want good environment for trade with as small barriers, if not none as possible, without being part of a political buerecratic un-democratic state...

    Is that too much to ask?

    We had all that as full members of the EU
    No, I do not want to part of what will be an EU-super state in the future
  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 47,789

    Scott_P said:

    I just want some Sanity. I just want good environment for trade with as small barriers, if not none as possible, without being part of a political buerecratic un-democratic state...

    Is that too much to ask?

    We had all that as full members of the EU
    No, I do not want to part of what will be an EU-super state in the future
    You'd rather be a satellite of it?
  • logical_songlogical_song Posts: 9,669

    I'm re-reading Musashi and recently came across the passage cited here:
    https://twitter.com/anonymityiskey4/status/1009764773062369282

    Not even Trump?
    Or Farage?
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 50,776
    edited June 2018
    Scott_P said:
    Shona Robison has been on a shoogly peg for some time and has been getting unending grief about the mess in Tayside Health Board in her local paper. She is a very close friend of Nicola so this will not have been easy for her.

    My daughter, who works in Tayside NHS, tells me that a series of wards have been closed, expensive medication is no longer available and a series of budgetary cuts have been made in Ninewells (the largest hospital in the Board) as they seek to claw back the deficit that the previous Board was not able to address. It has been made clear in an e-mail to staff that there is now a lot of direct control by the Scottish Government.
  • NigelbNigelb Posts: 61,584
    RobD said:

    Parish/Town councils now have to have referendums to approve (or not) their neighbourhood plans.

    Where there is no approved area plan (as in Aylesbury District Council) the neighbourhood plan is the sole statutory plan.

    I thought the government could overrule these neighbourhood plans? I think that’s what happened in my (old) neck of the woods.
    While true, the article rather suggests that government is likely unaware of most of them.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941
    Scott_P said:


    Another comment in that thread was that there was literally no space for customs facilities at the UK terminus of the channel tunnel.

    https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1011610133267406849

    Yes, no space:

    https://www.google.com/maps/@51.0983661,1.1281326,4580m/data=!3m1!1e3
  • ralphmalphralphmalph Posts: 2,201

    A British man has been found guilty of planning a terror attack in Westminster and making bombs for the Taliban.

    Khalid Ali, 28, was arrested in April 2017 in Parliament Street, where he was caught carrying three knives.

    Ali had recently returned from Afghanistan, where he made and detonated bombs, the Old Bailey heard.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44613587

    This is what I do not get. Sky reported that the police/MoD had pieces from 43 IED's with his fingerprints on. Is not building, handling bombs that set off against British troops some kind of criminal offence?
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    DavidL said:

    My daughter, who works in Tayside NHS, tells me that a series of wards have been closed, expensive medication is no longer available and a series of budgetary cuts have been made in Ninewells (the largest hospital in the Board) as they seek to claw back the deficit that the previous Board was not able to address. It has been made clear in an e-mail to staff that there is now a lot of direct control by the Scottish Government.

    My cousin works at Ninewells
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 50,776
    Scott_P said:

    DavidL said:

    My daughter, who works in Tayside NHS, tells me that a series of wards have been closed, expensive medication is no longer available and a series of budgetary cuts have been made in Ninewells (the largest hospital in the Board) as they seek to claw back the deficit that the previous Board was not able to address. It has been made clear in an e-mail to staff that there is now a lot of direct control by the Scottish Government.

    My cousin works at Ninewells
    She'll have got the same email then. The description was really for the benefit of our southern readers.
  • TGOHFTGOHF Posts: 21,633
    RobD said:

    Scott_P said:


    Another comment in that thread was that there was literally no space for customs facilities at the UK terminus of the channel tunnel.

    https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1011610133267406849

    Yes, no space:

    https://www.google.com/maps/@51.0983661,1.1281326,4580m/data=!3m1!1e3
    Did the EU shill Islam ask him about space on the French side ?

  • williamglennwilliamglenn Posts: 47,789
    TGOHF said:

    RobD said:

    Scott_P said:


    Another comment in that thread was that there was literally no space for customs facilities at the UK terminus of the channel tunnel.

    https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1011610133267406849

    Yes, no space:

    https://www.google.com/maps/@51.0983661,1.1281326,4580m/data=!3m1!1e3
    Did the EU shill Islam ask him about space on the French side ?

    You think we should ask them to help us prepare to threaten to walk away?
  • ralphmalphralphmalph Posts: 2,201
    TGOHF said:

    RobD said:

    Scott_P said:


    Another comment in that thread was that there was literally no space for customs facilities at the UK terminus of the channel tunnel.

    https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1011610133267406849

    Yes, no space:

    https://www.google.com/maps/@51.0983661,1.1281326,4580m/data=!3m1!1e3
    Did the EU shill Islam ask him about space on the French side ?

    Yes I was wondering this. Lorries coming here pass both France and UK borders before boarding the train.
    Whereas Lorries going out what do we need to check "Got your papers, Mate?" "Yup, sure do" "On you go then."
    Where are all these delays, on the French side as far as I can see.
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 50,776

    A British man has been found guilty of planning a terror attack in Westminster and making bombs for the Taliban.

    Khalid Ali, 28, was arrested in April 2017 in Parliament Street, where he was caught carrying three knives.

    Ali had recently returned from Afghanistan, where he made and detonated bombs, the Old Bailey heard.

    https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-44613587

    This is what I do not get. Sky reported that the police/MoD had pieces from 43 IED's with his fingerprints on. Is not building, handling bombs that set off against British troops some kind of criminal offence?
    That would suggest that he has been extraordinarily prolific (and somewhat careless). I trust he will not be released.
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453

    Yes I was wondering this. Lorries coming here pass both France and UK borders before boarding the train.
    Whereas Lorries going out what do we need to check "Got your papers, Mate?" "Yup, sure do" "On you go then."
    Where are all these delays, on the French side as far as I can see.

    All of the checks are before boarding, in both directions
  • DavidLDavidL Posts: 50,776
    I don't want to sound bitter but it took me 70 minutes yesterday to get my car off the ferry at Newcastle and through border security/customs. In Amsterdam it took less than 30. Both ways the customs was completely desultory. No one looked in my car or the boot. But somehow the UK end took more than twice as long. Exactly the same happened the last time I made the trip. Why is our Border Security Service so incompetent?
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 40,950
    RobD said:

    Scott_P said:


    Another comment in that thread was that there was literally no space for customs facilities at the UK terminus of the channel tunnel.

    https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1011610133267406849

    Yes, no space:

    https://www.google.com/maps/@51.0983661,1.1281326,4580m/data=!3m1!1e3
    Vote Brexit, trash the Green Belt.
  • MaxPBMaxPB Posts: 37,603
    DavidL said:

    I don't want to sound bitter but it took me 70 minutes yesterday to get my car off the ferry at Newcastle and through border security/customs. In Amsterdam it took less than 30. Both ways the customs was completely desultory. No one looked in my car or the boot. But somehow the UK end took more than twice as long. Exactly the same happened the last time I made the trip. Why is our Border Security Service so incompetent?

    6 years of Theresa rubbed off?
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941
    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    Scott_P said:


    Another comment in that thread was that there was literally no space for customs facilities at the UK terminus of the channel tunnel.

    https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1011610133267406849

    Yes, no space:

    https://www.google.com/maps/@51.0983661,1.1281326,4580m/data=!3m1!1e3
    Vote Brexit, trash the Green Belt.
    A tiny fraction of it, maybe.
  • tlg86tlg86 Posts: 25,165
    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    Scott_P said:


    Another comment in that thread was that there was literally no space for customs facilities at the UK terminus of the channel tunnel.

    https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1011610133267406849

    Yes, no space:

    https://www.google.com/maps/@51.0983661,1.1281326,4580m/data=!3m1!1e3
    Vote Brexit, trash the Green Belt.
    As if it isn't being trashed with us in the EU.
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 40,950
    RobD said:

    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    Scott_P said:


    Another comment in that thread was that there was literally no space for customs facilities at the UK terminus of the channel tunnel.

    https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1011610133267406849

    Yes, no space:

    https://www.google.com/maps/@51.0983661,1.1281326,4580m/data=!3m1!1e3
    Vote Brexit, trash the Green Belt.
    A tiny fraction of it, maybe.
    Amazing.

    Let me guess your aerial shot is nowhere near where you live.
  • Big_G_NorthWalesBig_G_NorthWales Posts: 60,004
    I have said that I would comment on Brexit when I returned from my cruise and subsequent visit to our family in the North of Scotland and therefore these are my views on the matter

    Over the last few weeks there has been a co-ordinated attack on Brexit from the EU, politicians in the UK, pressure groups and now the manufactures including Airbus, BMW (though they have now withdrawn their threat to leave the UK) and today by the car manufacturers. Indeed this full on anti Brexit crescendo seems to be timed for the EU meeting this week which ironically, due to the chronic problems in the EU over migration and other matters, seems now to be at the bottom of the EU’s agenda, which seems very unwise.

    These scare stories do not help the dialogue but as far as I see it, and having run a business before I retired, there is a considerable amount of sense in the expressions of concern and we are now at decision time.

    Theresa May needs to step up to the plate in her Chequers meeting and act in the Country’s interest, and not the hard line Brexiteers, and demand a business friendly Brexit with serious consideration of ‘a’ customs union and allowing the ECJ some role, especially over the transition period that needs to be extended by at least a year and maybe more. As far as the Brexiteers are concerned let them resign as I believe she will be strengthened both in Parliament and the Country by taking the difficult decisions that are incumbent on her as Prime Minister.

    Boris has lost all respect and integrity and should have voted against Heathrow runway and resigned. That he did not do so must signal the end of his ambition to succeed TM.
    As for Williamson he is immature and promoted way above his pay grade and needs putting back in his box

    Yesterday’s decision to overwhelmingly back Heathrow (which I strongly support) was the wrong time to reject the Swansea lagoon scheme, especially as it and a lagoon for North Wales had united the Welsh conservatives, was in the 2015 manifesto, and was supported by most of the Country. I have spoken to a Welsh Conservative MP and he is bitterly disappointed. It seems anything for England and the DUP is fine but Wales can be forgotten as it is not important. Coming on top of the cancellation of the electrification to Swansea it is just crass politics and will cost conservatives votes. These decisions on Wales have put into question my membership but ultimately I have nowhere else to go, however it is frustrating in the extreme
  • david_herdsondavid_herdson Posts: 17,401
    "All this time commentators have been telling us that referendums weren’t a longstanding part of British politics and it turns out they were wrong"

    I did know, having looked into the history of referendums in Britain, that parish polls of this nature do indeed predate the larger national, regional and local polls that have abounded in more recent years and, as Alastair says, that there've been many of them. I didn't know, however, how easy they were to call or that they could be called on such wide subject matter. Cheers for the primer.

    That said, even the bigger referendums have quite a long history now. The first, inglorious, one was held in Northern Ireland in 1973 (on whether the province should remain with the UK or join the RoI), and was boycotted by nationalists. That's 45 years ago now - before most people in the country were born. That was followed, more famously, by the EEC referendum in 1975 and, infamously, the devolution referendums of 1979 with their super-majority requirements - a history with its associated grievance conveniently forgotten by Remain refuseniks in search of an excuse for illegitimising the 2016 poll. Since 1997, there've been a further nine referendums at regional level or above, plus many more at district level, on local government reform.

    That said, I'm not convinced of the merits of widespread popular democracy. For all that they're a part of our constitution now, I don't think them a good way of determining any but the biggest decisions, given how advocates for any position have the luxury of not being the ones charged with delivering the result and, as such, do not have the inhibiting factor that politicans do at general elections, of the foreknowledge of the costs of over-promising.
  • The_ApocalypseThe_Apocalypse Posts: 7,830
    edited June 2018
    Mitch McConnell just posted a picture of him and Gorsuch after the news of the SCOTUS upholding the travel ban broke: https://twitter.com/team_mitch/status/1011615705568071681?s=21
    Yeah, the US isn’t just going to go back to normal after Trump’s presidency. I don’t think Dems will ever move past what happened with Garland.
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 76,274
    edited June 2018
    US Supreme Court upholds Trump's travel ban

    The US Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the Trump administration's travel ban targeting people from several Muslim-majority countries.

    Lower courts had deemed the ban unconstitutional, but the US top court has reversed this decision in a 5-4 ruling announced on Tuesday.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-44619976

    I am sure he will be very gracious in victory.
  • OblitusSumMeOblitusSumMe Posts: 9,143
    DavidL said:

    I don't want to sound bitter but it took me 70 minutes yesterday to get my car off the ferry at Newcastle and through border security/customs. In Amsterdam it took less than 30. Both ways the customs was completely desultory. No one looked in my car or the boot. But somehow the UK end took more than twice as long. Exactly the same happened the last time I made the trip. Why is our Border Security Service so incompetent?

    I don't know, but I've seen the same at airports. I went through sets of automatic passport readers in Copenhagen and Amsterdam without issue, but in Edinburgh half the machines weren't working and there was an enormous queue.
  • Sean_FSean_F Posts: 35,775

    Mitch McConnell just posted a picture of him and Gorsuch after the news of the SCOTUS upholding the travel ban broke: https://twitter.com/team_mitch/status/1011615705568071681?s=21
    Yeah, the US isn’t just going to go back to normal after Trump’s presidency. I don’t think Dems will ever move past what happened with Garland.

    At the time, I thought it a big mistake on the part of the Republicans, as they'd end up with someone to the left of Garland. But, they gambled and won.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,842

    US Supreme Court upholds Trump's travel ban

    The US Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the Trump administration's travel ban targeting people from several Muslim-majority countries.

    Lower courts had deemed the ban unconstitutional, but the US top court has reversed this decision in a 5-4 ruling announced on Tuesday.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-44619976

    I am sure he will be very gracious in victory.

    Will the lower courts respect the ruling though, the US legal system seems a lore unto itself even more than ours and many judges seemingly have blatant political bias.
  • Sean_FSean_F Posts: 35,775

    US Supreme Court upholds Trump's travel ban

    The US Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the Trump administration's travel ban targeting people from several Muslim-majority countries.

    Lower courts had deemed the ban unconstitutional, but the US top court has reversed this decision in a 5-4 ruling announced on Tuesday.

    https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-44619976

    I am sure he will be very gracious in victory.

    Just as good, from the Republicans' point of view, was the 5-4 decision to uphold the Congressional Boundaries of Texas.
  • The_ApocalypseThe_Apocalypse Posts: 7,830
    Sean_F said:

    Mitch McConnell just posted a picture of him and Gorsuch after the news of the SCOTUS upholding the travel ban broke: https://twitter.com/team_mitch/status/1011615705568071681?s=21
    Yeah, the US isn’t just going to go back to normal after Trump’s presidency. I don’t think Dems will ever move past what happened with Garland.

    At the time, I thought it a big mistake on the part of the Republicans, as they'd end up with someone to the left of Garland. But, they gambled and won.
    Every time I look to what’s happening in America, I feel beyond lucky to live in this country. Several of these SCOTUS decisions are thousand times worse than Brexit.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941
    edited June 2018
    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    Scott_P said:


    Another comment in that thread was that there was literally no space for customs facilities at the UK terminus of the channel tunnel.

    https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1011610133267406849

    Yes, no space:

    https://www.google.com/maps/@51.0983661,1.1281326,4580m/data=!3m1!1e3
    Vote Brexit, trash the Green Belt.
    A tiny fraction of it, maybe.
    Amazing.

    Let me guess your aerial shot is nowhere near where you live.
    Based on the aerial shot, no one does. The farmer might be annoyed though. Just pointing out it was factually incorrect to say that there was no space.
  • El_CapitanoEl_Capitano Posts: 3,870
    tpfkar said:

    I'm left wondering whether the Senior Meeks are the ones fomenting revolution?

    We had a useful parish poll demonstrating support for a controversial housing development - yes really. People took it quite seriously.

    I've always supported full recall for MPs and councillors - if you have 10% of your residents who want you out at any time you have really stuffed up. Would Boris be feeling the heat this week?

    Looks like a beautiful if sleepy town - anyone famous from Hadleigh?

    The lead singer from Spandau Ballet?
  • TOPPINGTOPPING Posts: 40,950
    edited June 2018
    Scott_P said:
    Amazing really that the UK Govt has not made preparations for a smart border, at all as far as I can see, because if there is no smart border there will be SM/CU membership.
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941

    DavidL said:

    I don't want to sound bitter but it took me 70 minutes yesterday to get my car off the ferry at Newcastle and through border security/customs. In Amsterdam it took less than 30. Both ways the customs was completely desultory. No one looked in my car or the boot. But somehow the UK end took more than twice as long. Exactly the same happened the last time I made the trip. Why is our Border Security Service so incompetent?

    I don't know, but I've seen the same at airports. I went through sets of automatic passport readers in Copenhagen and Amsterdam without issue, but in Edinburgh half the machines weren't working and there was an enormous queue.
    Although I've only arrived at Heathrow in the mornings, I have not once had to wait at the automatic barriers. Those things are a godsend.
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    RobD said:

    Just pointing out it was factually incorrect to say that there was no space.

    It wasn't factually incorrect.

    Neither the port of Dover, nor the Channel tunnel terminal, have enough space to build the necessary lorry parks.

    They may be able to buy space, but they don't have it today
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,842
    RobD said:

    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    Scott_P said:


    Another comment in that thread was that there was literally no space for customs facilities at the UK terminus of the channel tunnel.

    https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1011610133267406849

    Yes, no space:

    https://www.google.com/maps/@51.0983661,1.1281326,4580m/data=!3m1!1e3
    Vote Brexit, trash the Green Belt.
    A tiny fraction of it, maybe.
    Amazing.

    Let me guess your aerial shot is nowhere near where you live.
    Based on the aerial shot, no one does. The farmer might be annoyed though. Just pointing out it was factually incorrect to say that there was no space.
    Annoyed ?

    He;ll be rubbing his hands if Eurotunnel needs the space as he'll be able to charge what he likes for the land !
  • RobDRobD Posts: 58,941
    Scott_P said:

    RobD said:

    Just pointing out it was factually incorrect to say that there was no space.

    It wasn't factually incorrect.

    Neither the port of Dover, nor the Channel tunnel terminal, have enough space to build the necessary lorry parks.

    They may be able to buy space, but they don't have it today
    So there is some space? OK.
  • PulpstarPulpstar Posts: 75,842
    RobD said:

    Scott_P said:

    RobD said:

    Just pointing out it was factually incorrect to say that there was no space.

    It wasn't factually incorrect.

    Neither the port of Dover, nor the Channel tunnel terminal, have enough space to build the necessary lorry parks.

    They may be able to buy space, but they don't have it today
    So there is some space? OK.
    Could be a decent brexit dividend for the farmer
  • FrancisUrquhartFrancisUrquhart Posts: 76,274
    Scott_P said:

    twitter.com/thomasforth/status/1011626795936952322

    We have done this one before.
  • Scott_PScott_P Posts: 51,453
    RobD said:

    So there is some space?

    In the current facilities?

    No
  • Sean_FSean_F Posts: 35,775

    Sean_F said:

    Mitch McConnell just posted a picture of him and Gorsuch after the news of the SCOTUS upholding the travel ban broke: https://twitter.com/team_mitch/status/1011615705568071681?s=21
    Yeah, the US isn’t just going to go back to normal after Trump’s presidency. I don’t think Dems will ever move past what happened with Garland.

    At the time, I thought it a big mistake on the part of the Republicans, as they'd end up with someone to the left of Garland. But, they gambled and won.
    Every time I look to what’s happening in America, I feel beyond lucky to live in this country. Several of these SCOTUS decisions are thousand times worse than Brexit.
    If the Republicans hold the Senate, this Autumn, and if either Ginsburg or Kennedy retire or die before 2020, (and I'd say the likelihood of both is high) then Trump will be able to appoint another hardline conservative to SCOTUS.
  • Sean_FSean_F Posts: 35,775
    Pulpstar said:

    RobD said:

    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    TOPPING said:

    RobD said:

    Scott_P said:


    Another comment in that thread was that there was literally no space for customs facilities at the UK terminus of the channel tunnel.

    https://twitter.com/faisalislam/status/1011610133267406849

    Yes, no space:

    https://www.google.com/maps/@51.0983661,1.1281326,4580m/data=!3m1!1e3
    Vote Brexit, trash the Green Belt.
    A tiny fraction of it, maybe.
    Amazing.

    Let me guess your aerial shot is nowhere near where you live.
    Based on the aerial shot, no one does. The farmer might be annoyed though. Just pointing out it was factually incorrect to say that there was no space.
    Annoyed ?

    He;ll be rubbing his hands if Eurotunnel needs the space as he'll be able to charge what he likes for the land !
    Any farmer whose land is compulsorily purchased will be tap-dancing with joy,.
This discussion has been closed.