BS: UK thread, Politics and political

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Raggytash
Date: 25 May 20 - 12:47 PM

You couldn't make this up. Cummings said in his press meeting that his eyesight had been playing up and he did not want to drive to London because he was unsure about it.

He got in his car and drove 30 miles and he wasn't sure about his eyesight.

If I had doubts about my eyesight I won't get behind the ******* wheel in the first place.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 25 May 20 - 12:36 PM

Courtesy of James O'Brien (slightly modified)

(q) What has 730 arms, 730 legs and 16 backbones?

(A) The parliamentary conservative party.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 25 May 20 - 11:03 AM

Some young wazzock from Guido Fawkes on BBC News just now, wittering and whingeing on about how ‘unfair’ it is that Cummings has been ‘hounded’ by the media about his Road Trips. Funny thing - Guido didn’t think it was ‘unfair’ when Corbyn was being hounded by the media about complaints of anti-semitism brought by a pro-Israel/anti-Palestine group over the past year or two.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 25 May 20 - 11:01 AM

Run Rat Boy, run...

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Shug Hanlan
Date: 25 May 20 - 07:27 AM

MICE AND MEN

The riverside has two new mice
we released them just today
they'd moved in during lockdown
but we couldn't let them stay.

We hope that they'll be safe
and stay away from cats
that's more than I can say
for certain Tory rats.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 25 May 20 - 07:10 AM

Before we forget that we pay Cumming's wages.

https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/dominic-cummings-salary-revealed-as-spending-on-special-advisers-rises

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 25 May 20 - 07:02 AM

If back-benchers put party before people, opposition parties need to make sure that the lackeys' contributions to the debate are not forgotten by constituents. Hansard can be quite handy for this.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 25 May 20 - 06:49 AM

If he had any self respect at all Cummings would fall on his sword for Boris. Of course that would leave bozzer without a puppet master.

Sunak for PM anyone?

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: DMcG
Date: 25 May 20 - 06:12 AM

The SNP have tweeted:

I will be putting in an Early Day Motion tomorrow. 7 words. 'This House believes Dominic Cummings must go'.

OK, with an 80 majority the PM is unlikely to lose, but the MPs will be well aware that their vote will be referenced come the next election. They will find themselves somewhat torn, having seen their own emails from constituents and reading that a "Good Morning" poll says 79% of people think Cummings should go.

I am sure most will back the PM, but they will all be very uncomfortable about where that could end up for them personally.

The most entertaining would be if Johnson lost the vote, but ignored it, as he is entitled to under the rules.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 25 May 20 - 06:03 AM

What is being said to every British parent is to feel free to avoid the safety advice at the risk of everybody's safety - lethal message added to chaos
Some of his leading ministers are turning on him, some demanding an enquiry into the mishandling of the whole crisis
In the slim likelihood of that happening, Johnson will, no doubt resort to the Trumpish tactic (now being used by Netanyahu in his corruption trial) of claiming there is an establishment plot to unseat him
Entertaining if nothing else
Keep safe
Jim

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 25 May 20 - 05:27 AM

Says it all really

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: DMcG
Date: 25 May 20 - 02:37 AM

I think come the next press conference there will be a lot of questions to the scientists of the form "How you answer this puts your scientific integrity on the line: Has the ability to interpret the childcare clause based on convenience rather than necessity put the strategy at risk, as some SPI-B members are claiming?"

Of course, the journalists will be able to phrase the questions better, but something along those lines seems very likely.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 25 May 20 - 02:29 AM

The country will have its chance to do that at the next generous erection!!

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 25 May 20 - 02:26 AM

And the country should tell Johnson precisely the same.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 25 May 20 - 02:03 AM

In the best of circumstances in the film 1917, Benedict Cumberpatch playing a colonel, told the lance corporal to fuck off. Now, in the worst of circumstances johnson should tell cummings to do the same!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: DMcG
Date: 25 May 20 - 01:42 AM

Laura Kuenssberg summarises the position quite neatly, I think.

"Did the prime minister manage to shut this mess down today? Not even close."

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 May 20 - 11:18 PM

And, as always, the brilliant John Crace puts his finger fairly, squarely, and firmly on the button.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 24 May 20 - 07:32 PM

Even if cummings is booted out,
he'd still remain an essential influencer in Boris's close social circle...

All he'd be deprived of is the formal job title..

If he loses a salary, he's bound to still have his nose in many other lucrative troughs...

The pair of them are either too arrogantly stubborn, and thick,
if they think they can fool us all and weather the storm..
Or maybe there is something fishier going on...???

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: DMcG
Date: 24 May 20 - 05:46 PM

So will Michie and West take public health seriously and send copies of their papers to every household, or aren't we entitled to be treated with respect?

I hope they make them publicly accessible at least. Of course, I am sure there are confidentiality clauses, but I bet Keir Starmer can brief them (or arrange an independent lawyer to brief them) on the relevant whistleblower protections.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 24 May 20 - 05:27 PM

So will Michie and West take public health seriously and send copies of their papers to every household, or aren't we entitled to be treated with respect?

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: SPB-Cooperator
Date: 24 May 20 - 05:19 PM

I've said on other platforms that if the end result is that if other people follow Cummings example and the infection rate starts going up exponentially again, the 10s or 100s of thousands of deaths would be Johnson's problem, nobody else's.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Raggytash
Date: 24 May 20 - 05:13 PM

From today press (my capitals)

"Three members of SPI-B, the Sage subcommittee providing advice from behavioural scientists to government on how the public might respond to lockdown measures, reacted with disdain to Johnson’s defence of Cummings.
Prof Stephen Reicher, of St Andrews University, tweeted: “I can say that in a few short minutes tonight, Boris Johnson has TRASHED all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control Covid-19.
“Be open and honest, we said. TRASHED. Respect the public, we said. TRASHED. Ensure equity, so everyone is treated the same, we said. TRASHED. Be consistent we said. TRASHED. Make clear ‘we are all in it together’. TRASHED.
“It is very hard to provide scientific advice to a government which doesn’t want to listen to science. I hope, however, that the public will read our papers … and continue to make up for this bad government with their own good sense.”
He was backed by Prof Susan Michie and Prof Robert West

Can Cummings survive this?

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Raggytash
Date: 24 May 20 - 04:52 PM

You may remember the course of action that Catherine Calderwood, Chief Medical Officer of Scotland, took when she flouted the guidelines.

She apologised "I am deeply sorry for my actions and the mistakes I have made" and resigned.

She had not been in a household with someone already infected, she was not infected herself.

Cummings was in a household with an infection person, was beginning to show signs of infection himself, and chose to drive 260 miles to the home of elderly people.

Just how much rope does it take.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 24 May 20 - 04:20 PM

right now even Blair would be better than boris... [..sigh of despair..]...

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 24 May 20 - 03:32 PM

"because enough dismayed conservatives are already doing it themselves..."
Not Really PFR - more likely because he's another Blair in sheep's clothing
Beware of knights bearing gifts
Jim

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 May 20 - 03:16 PM

Anybody else wonder if the Cummings farrago is a deliberate, Tory-government-induced distraction-tactic to take the public’s minds off the 36,000 deaths in the U.K. from Covid-19?

Wouldn’t put it past the slimy bastards.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 24 May 20 - 02:36 PM

Starmer is tactfully standing back from attacking cummings and insisting on his dismissal,
because enough dismayed conservatives are already doing it themselves...

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: peteglasgow
Date: 24 May 20 - 02:35 PM

to me it's way beyond cummings now. the government will lie, lie and lie again to protect him. i can't really think what they have to gain by this shameless hypocrisy. i'm sure there are millions of people extremely cheated, patronised and angry now. it is certainly my instinct to do what i can to protect my family, my community and my country - but they are lucky bas***ds - can you imagine the size and anger of a demonstration in london, now, if we weren't all doing as instructed and observing lockdown guidelines. i miss john major.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 May 20 - 02:12 PM

Come on. I know there are still some Tories on here. Let's hear your excuses. Would you be so quiet if Jeremy Corbyn had flaunted the lockdown rules?

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: DMcG
Date: 24 May 20 - 02:11 PM

It is easy to defend Cummings. All you have do is say:

I believe he was justified and within the rules

irrespective of what the question is.

Of course, it is not actually a very good defence...

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 May 20 - 01:59 PM

It's a pity there isn't anyone here trying to defend Cummings. We could do with a laugh :-D

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 24 May 20 - 01:53 PM

THERE IS A RESEMBLANCE
Jim

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 24 May 20 - 01:29 PM

Out of all the most arrogant callous despicable people associated with this govt,
cummings is the one who would look most naturally at home
in an N@zi SS officer's uniform...

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 24 May 20 - 01:18 PM

I guess that unelected bureaucrats doing what they want is the norm. That will s what people voted to stop in 2016. Oh, hang on....

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 24 May 20 - 01:15 PM

Having now accepted the the Cumming's traveller 200 miles with syptoms of the virus Johnson says he did no wrong because he did "something every parent would have done"
Johnson has now taken a political cyanide pill in defence of this non elected thug - he needs to stand trial for endangering the lives of the public
Scummings cheif critic in the cabinet - the leading Brexiteer who first demanded his expulsion has stated that this feller has always behaved as if he is above both Government decisions and above the law
Id it possible Jonno the joker and his henchmen are making the beast with two backs, I wonder - something seems to be going on between them
WOULDN'T be the FIRST TIME
Jim

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 24 May 20 - 01:15 PM

Having now accepted the the Cumming's traveller 200 miles with syptoms of the virus Johnson says he did no wrong because he did "something every parent would have done"
Johnson has now taken a political cyanide pill in defence of this non elected thug - he needs to stand trial for endangering the lives of the public
Scummings cheif critic in the cabinet - the leading Brexiteer who first demanded his expulsion has stated that this feller has always behaved as if he is above both Government decisions and above the law
Id it possible Jonno the joker and his henchmen are making the beast with two backs, I wonder - something seems to be going on between them
WOULDN'T be the FIRST TIME
Jim

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: DMcG
Date: 24 May 20 - 12:49 PM

I have to agree with that one, Steve!

If Johnson thinks he has drawn a line under this, I think he will find he is mistaken. Tomorrow's papers analysis of this press conference will certainly highlight the unanswered questions, such as :

Johnson is asked whether his support for Cummings means that other people are completely at liberty to do as his chief aide did.

“I think what they did was totally understandable,” Johnson replied. “I think any father, any parent would understand what he did.”

---

Well, maybe you do, but that was not the question, was it?

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 24 May 20 - 11:22 AM

Well, "Dominic Cummings hasn't done anything wrong" is terminologically completely inconsistent with all of the established norms, so don't be too surprised!

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: DMcG
Date: 24 May 20 - 11:18 AM

I think the physics of that is about right, Nigel - after all a 3.5m sided room is about a room each!

But it does raise the question why the government should use a terminology completely inconsistent with all the established norms.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 24 May 20 - 11:04 AM

Of course, I should also have clarified that as a one metre (radius) circle.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 24 May 20 - 11:02 AM

DMcG: I agree with your understanding, although I haven't actually seen the advice you're quoting. 3.5 square metres would be about right, with each pupil having a 1m circle into which the next pupils exclusion circle should not encroach (keeping a minimum distance of 2m between pupils).
It's possible that someone has tried 'simplifying' the advice, and failed. The description I give above is, of course, also a simplification, as pupils at the outside of a group would only need a semi-circle of exclusion zone.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: DMcG
Date: 24 May 20 - 08:38 AM

... or, I should have said, is it someone who didn't know any better simply transcribing how

3.5m²
is usually pronounced.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: DMcG
Date: 24 May 20 - 08:29 AM

There's one for Nigel to get his teeth into here. The advice for reopening schools and nurseries says:

children under 2 years need 3.5 metres squared per child

(and similar phrases for other ages.)

Ok. Now there is scientific, business, engineering and established convention for such things of saying '3.5 square metres' if that is what you mean. So was there a deliberate intention to avoid saying '3.5 square metres' and say '3.5 metres squared' to denote they meant the somewhat rarer convention that 3.5 metres squared means 3.5 metres by 3.5 metres, which is about four times as big?

I think we all would agree it is worth knowing whether they meant the smaller space or the larger space.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 24 May 20 - 08:15 AM

There have been two other sightings of Cumbag in the same area over the last month, one in the holiday area of Barnard Castle - both denied, of course
Despite of cals from within the Tory party- including from Government ministers who are citing the dangerously confusing effect this behaviour this is generating - Johnson is defending him - obviously unaware of the 'rats, sinking ship' though hee has just been called to Downing Street
Nearly as blood-sportish as Brexit
Jim

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 24 May 20 - 07:41 AM

He probably does know rather too much for convenience.
Does he own a pen-knife?

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 May 20 - 06:01 AM

Anna Soubry summed it up perfectly on Twatter last night...

”It’s what happens when an established Charlatan becomes Prime Minister & surrounds himself with 3rd-rate yes men and women of limited ability and integrity. What’s absolutely frightening is that we’re in the middle of a dangerous national crisis and this shower of liars are in charge”

And in another Tweet, a Twitter-member posted...

”I have two small children. My husband and I both had #covid19. My dad died alone in hospital, my mum self-isolated for 14 days after losing him.We got through it all without extra childcare or breaking the lockdown. He disrespects our loss and sacrifice.”

And there, in two short pieces, you absolutely have it. Cummings is an utter disgrace, and completely unfit for public service of any kind, and the Tory Liars are unfit to govern.

What a shambles the working-class Neo-Tories dropped us into when they fell for a meaningless three-word slogan, and voted Tory at the GE.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 24 May 20 - 05:37 AM

Fascinating to see that all this has had a knock-on effect of revealing the vicious in-fighting that is taking place withing the Tort ranks at present over in-house critiscism of the diasterous way the Covid eergency is being handle involving Cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sidwell, who Scummings wants frogmarched out of Downing Street and the dook of Cambs private secretary
Talk about ducks feet paddling wildly underneath
Anybody like to see Dom the Dim being frogmarched out - over Boris' dead body (it seems), hopefully now that would be poetic justice
You can only live in hope
Jim

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 May 20 - 05:31 AM

...and dropping them in the shit by spilling the beans.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 May 20 - 05:15 AM

However, the chances of Cummings/Cunnings/Cullings resigning/being sacked are zero. Quite simply, he knows too much, too many secrets, about The Johnson Gang for them to risk his taking revenge and dropping them in the shit.

Subject: RE: BS: UK thread, Politics and political
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 May 20 - 04:55 AM

The media need to be as relentless on Dom’s Cummings and goings (see what I did there?) as they’ve been over the ‘Corbyn/Antisemitism’ nonsense. And Sir Keir Starmer should be kicking down the door of No. 10 about it.