I was expecting Michael Gove to be appointed Duke of Edinburgh, having knived Phil the Greek in the back and the front...
Off Topic The Politics Thread
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So our new environment secretary supports fox hunting, is sceptical about climate change and is a huge supporter of fracking!?! Enjoy the countryside while it's still there fellow hoops...it might not be there for long!
As I think you have pointed out previously Ellers, I doubt May has any problem with Brexit. She just played a much cleverer game than Johnson. No surprise seeing Brexiters in her cabinet in force, though the quality of some of them - Leadsom, Patel - is rather low.
One Brexiter to get sacked is Theresa Villiers, the Northern Ireland Secretary. She called for a leave vote in the referendum and the people of Northern Ireland voted to stay. Apparently, she wanted to change jobs within the cabinet but was duly sacked. I doubt there will be many tears on the streets of Belfast as a result of her departure.
Yes that's a good one Ubes. I've been doing my research on Boris and here's a couple of interesting facts I've found.
1. He is actually American.
2. In keeping with the tradition of his former education establishment Balliol College founded in 1263 it clearly states ...
'' Should any notable alumni of this college reach high office, in keeping with tradition they must perform auto-fellatio in the presence of foreign dignitaries. ''
Nicholas Soames has just said on the radio that Leadsom is an intelligent MP and will do well.
As well as Nicholas Soames? Though his weight loss is impressive. I'm just judging Leadsom on what I have seen over the last couple of weeks. Her judgement has been crap and her character suspect. Hence, not the brightest spark in my opinion, she put herself in a position going for the leadership that she couldn't cope with.
So he could become BLO-JO...
No more posts from me ever, that's the pinnacle of posts right there!
A bit harsh on her Sb. It was pretty obvious that she was pushed out. She did really well in the EU debates as was one of the better ones. After the debates people were talking about her. So much that if it had gone to a tory members vote she had a good chance of winning. However as it happens May has the experience and that is what we need now. She will come good in time.
Perhaps she will, I am frequently wrong on lots of things. Shame the way government has worked out in this country and most others, ministerial choices being self limited (I think the prime minister can appoint anyone they want to the cabinet) to people from the governing party, rather than the best person for the job, regardless of whether they are an MP or not. Obviously you need parliamentary accountability but you can do that through junior ministers and committees.
Anyway, I have spent my relaxing time (well about 20 minutes of it) thinking through how I would negotiate at least the heads of agreement with the EU:
- get a day one quick win and positive start, confirm that all EU citizens in the UK now, and arriving until Brexit finalised, maintain current status and benefits (and obligations); likewise for Birtish citizens in EU. May is absolutely right not to have given this away, it's an easy and civilised agreement that should be done formally.
- likewise confirm quickly that tourist and business travel will remain visa free both ways
- get agreement in principle that maintaining free trade between the UK and the EU is in everyone's best interest and with that agreement as the foundation work on the issues:
free movement of people. I would offer maintaining this with the single proviso that it will be visa based and dependent on having a confirmed job offer before travel, which allows quick issue of visas which are valid for as long as that employment lasts. Anyone staying over xx years welcome to apply for fast tracked dual citizenship, essential for those wishing to retire here. Anybody paying tax and NI has access to public services. Same for us over there. Need to put a bit more thought into this one.
EU regulation - we should accept these as far as they apply to trade, product standards etc. Not the ECJ.No need for us to be part of agricultural or fisheries policies
Case by case discussion on whether UK remains part of EU trade deals with other countries. Probably not, otherwise 'Dr' Fox has nothing to do.
Case by case discussion on whether UK remains part of EU trade deals with other countries. Probably not, otherwise 'Dr' Fox has nothing to do.
- No more special protection for UK financial sector, it doesn't make sense.
- Defence, security etc we go our own way within NATO and forge relevant intelligence sharing agreements.
- Let the civil servants thrash out the details as quick as they can, with the heads of agreement clear which will give the certainty that business and ordinary people want.
Oh yeah forgotten about employment law, environmental standards etc. More pondering.....
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Maintained at some level lower than today - enough to appease Brexiters and provide some cash to maintain agricultural subsidies in UK, but to recognise the pay to play principle. Beginning to look a bit Norwegian isn't it? Please don't get the impression that I think this is a good idea, just trying to work out the give and take of getting the top line sorted quickly and with minimum pain so we can get on with the rest of our lives.
Norway seems the least bad outcome, but it won't satisfy the more rabid Brexiters.