I'd argue a big reason he won was because people were so keen to get rid of the tories, rather than wanting Starmer as PM. So people were clear in what they did not want, but not clear in what they do want. I think that is where we are.
No, I'm not sure either, and don't have links to those countries to gain any meaningful insight into whether there is actually a lot of negativity towards leaders we see as popular and successful. English politics seems to be occupying a strange space. I'm hopeful things seem less inevitable.
And if Starmer were on their front bench he'd be close or around a top of a list of potential replacements as PM. It feels Starmer is consistently on the verge of resigning, being overthrown, but while I see many talented MPs in the labour party, I struggle to see a successful challenge soon.
I agree with that, and fwiw I think this government have tried to make progress with some of those fundamentals (Brexit, very slowly). Also agree that many other than Starmer could have won the election, but also likely they would find themselves with similar challenges (1/2)
I'm becoming more convinced that Starmer and all of his flaws fairly reflect where we are politically and how far we have to go. Just, really, this is probably the best we have at this time, but that doesn't mean it won't get better (or can't get worse).
Wait, is it ogle or oogle?
Yep, my experience of grammar schools is of friends paying for tuition for their kids (who do well at school anyway) to pass. It's the opposite of a leveller.
Yes is winning on 58%
Mail is running a poll on whether the UK should rejoin the EU.
Takes seconds to vote and it's going hilariously well...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Yes. Seems a very long time ago when we were on top of arsenal with 10 men, and carving through Barcelona at will. Still can't understand fully what has gone wrong from that point. Maresca, fatigue, combined with inexperienced squad?
i hope the white house sends vance to campaign for Reform in britain
“We call upon all sides to implement the ceasefire, including in Lebanon.”
A key and important sentence in a welcome joint statement from our government, European countries, Canada and Japan.
Think that just as with computing, AI will change the economy, will change what is on school curriculums, will change what and how teachers do administrative tasks…but in terms of best practice in classroom teaching, not that much.
Diplomacy is generally not conducted in public.
I hope the "Why isn't Starmer doing anything?" contingent can try to understand that.
It is easy for those without power or responsibility to make great public pronouncements at times like these. In general they mean nothing and they achieve nothing.
Benefit changes come in today – and it’s bad news for many!
The good news is the ending of the two-child benefit cap. The less good news is that a frozen benefit cap means that many will lose half of what they stand to gain. Frozen Local Housing Allowance is also going to negatively impact…
It is a good day for kids: 450,000 will be lifted out of poverty thanks to the two child limit being scrapped as of today.
We're celebrating this win along with 18 other organisations including charities, campaigners, unions and faith groups with a full page ad in The Times.
That's all well and good, but where were they on Psalm Sunday!?
Really interested by how citizens assemblys can be used to promote national cohesion...could part of the process be televised? it'd be more productive than bbcqt and hopefully lead to greater participation
Just as long as nimble and agile doesn't just mean bypassing internal rights and laws...
Yes, I think that is true. I do remain (maybe naively) surprised that he doesn't seem to have any insight or regret that the actions, even if he feels they were well intentioned, had very dire consequences that should inspire caution...
Need *not resort to such tactics
Agree, but also feel she is right on 3. Regardless of how greens and/or reform fought, labour need to resort to such tactics.
I don't agree with this entire thread (I think 3 is pretty immaterial - the Greens also played very dirty) but broadly it's a correct analysis that I share. Good to see Nadia being so clear
Thank you for this. It is clear and refreshing to have this insight.
FFS he's even getting the badge in.
I think he's strongest when he presents himself as a commentator. He seems to come undone very easily when he's having to take responsibility over decisions, or is being directly challenged.
I know labour are in a spot but comparing them to spurs....for shame...
Another fantastic episode. A useful place to step back from the heat and consider the wider, deeper implications of Mandelson's actions, as well as the systems that continue to exist.
I love Stephen. The face of a doomed WW1 officer and the wardrobe of John Travolta. #thetraitors
Labour are right to be cautious about the prospect of a mayoral election in Manchester. And also potentially sensible in anticipating that it is not good for the party or the country for there to be a dramatic by election when they need to be focussing all of their energy on governing.