Starmer's vision quest

[First Aspect]

Currently there is no alternative

Much easier to keep criticising than offer a solution isn't it.

 

[CXRAndy]

Much easier to keep criticising than offer a solution isn't it.

Certainly is.

I like you have very little influence with our single vote.

The collective will decide come next election

 

[CXRAndy]

View: https://x.com/i/status/2020052676453585308

 

[briantrumpet]

I think that’s a bit harsh.

We know Mandelson was only picked because of Trump. There is no other explanation.

So to say there was no justification for his selection is wrong. The justification was the hope that they could keep Trump happy.

Without Trump in office none of this would have happened.

Starmer has had a crap hand of cards, but has played them badly to.

They probably thought Mandelson is one step removed from the young girls so is reasonable protected. No one knew about the latest stuff spying stuff. Hindsight is wonderful

I don't necessarily completely agree with Dunt here, but I still like his 'forthright' writing.

 

[Psamathe]

I don't necessarily completely agree with Dunt here, but I still like his 'forthright' writing.

Unusually the other evening Newsnight had a "panel" that was appropriately experienced and with "inside experience". They were saying (so repeating what they said) that the in-post ambassador (Dame Karen Pierce) was doing an excellent job but Starmer wanted a political appointment, to "bring it into Labour". I've heard several commentators say that professional diplomats could have handled Trump fine (though again repeating as I have no personal experience of professional diplomats).

 

[briantrumpet]

People with this opinion should be asked what Burnham's policy positions are on two or three national issues. My hunch is that they have no idea, and it's just that they recognise his name, and it isn't 'Starmer', and that's the entire depth of the rationale behind their preference.

 

[Pblakeney]

People with this opinion should be asked what Burnham's policy positions are on two or three national issues. My hunch is that they have no idea, and it's just that they recognise his name, and it isn't 'Starmer', and that's the entire depth of the rationale behind their preference.

View attachment 12952

Is that ABK, or ABS?
ABS is effective braking so probably that. 😉

 

[CXRAndy]

View: https://x.com/i/status/2020204131403882992

 

[First Aspect]

People with this opinion should be asked what Burnham's policy positions are on two or three national issues. My hunch is that they have no idea, and it's just that they recognise his name, and it isn't 'Starmer', and that's the entire depth of the rationale behind their preference.

View attachment 12952

As far as I am aware it is tax and spend and increase welfare slightly more than the current incumbents. The big issue is his stance on fiscal rules, which I suspect would induce the markets to try force policy changes. Truss-lite if you will.

 

[briantrumpet]

As far as I am aware it is tax and spend and increase welfare slightly more than the current incumbents. The big issue is his stance on fiscal rules, which I suspect would induce the markets to try force policy changes. Truss-lite if you will.

And you are better informed than me, and we are both vaguely interested in national politics.

I get that Burnham seems fairly popular in Manchester, I think from making it work better than it was, but I don't know how he's achieved that. He also pushes hard on promoting the region. Other than that (and his petulance when not allowed to stand), I've not really got any idea what he stands for - though I'd guess he'd not be comfy with Mahmood's anti-immigrant stance.

 

[CXRAndy]

Finger pointing has begun. Ministers distancing themselves.

Others plotting a couple

Starmer threatens the nuclear election button if challenged

 

[Shortfall]

A quick Google suggests not. Can you link to the relevant part of the document?

@icowden You found this yet?

 

[briantrumpet]

Oh good, a rumour I like. But if it's true, only of any use if Starmer uses the opportunity to stop chasing non-existent Reform>Labour voters.