| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... 13:58 - May 9 with 115066 views | hubble |
..posted by a good friend of mine on Facebook, thought I'd share it on here. He's a former professional footballer (briefly for Birmingham City) and a former copper, working mainly out of Camden police station. He grew up in Kilburn/Queens Park. He's now a writer (among other things).
Worth a read I think, hope you enjoy, whether you agree with him or not, even when he veers off-topic...
"Thoughts of the Week (part 1)
Let’s start with a subheading. ‘Dear, oh dear Diane Abbot!’
In the upcoming General Election campaign and apart from the ‘Leader’ (no, not Gary Glitter) no one is more important for the Labour Party campaign than the Shadow Home Secretary. Why’s this? You ask.
The reason is obvious: Theresa May —the strong woman, Ms subtle, but steely - was the former Home Secretary. A position which she used to inflict near terminal ravages of the nation’s police forces. Under her auspices we saw numbers cut, benefits cut and police stations closed willy-nilly to cash in, short-term, on the booming (especially in London) property market.
The short-sightedness of this policy is astounding. No matter the so-called austerity budget (which only seems to apply to the working classes, while the privileged elite continue to live the life of Riley) the question must be asked as to what will happen when there’s some serious social unrest — and you can feel it stirring. Remember 2011 when the riots broke out? We had anarchy and nihilism on the streets and the police force didn’t cope with it at all. Instead we had a grand mopping up campaign. Suddenly all those poor silly students who had been demonised as hard-core criminals after they smashed the windows of the Tory HQ — and received ridiculously harsh prison sentences for what were in the main first offences - were kicked out of the pokey and replaced by the new batch of rioters. The Criminal Justice system ground to a halt, the prison’s overflowed. The courts were as ram-jam packed as a back-in-the-day David Rodigan dance. In response what did the great Theresa May do? She further decimated the police force. She did the same to the prison service. The vaunted Border Force, our first defence, is comically short of manpower and morale as they attempt to hire staff on Mickey-Mouse contracts. Labour should be slaughtering Theresa May on what she’s done. Instead we got that car crash of an interview on LBC.
To be honest I resisted calls to listen to it for a time. Some of my more right-leaning pals were raving about it, but I thought they were overreacting due to a general contempt for the Hackney MP. I was wrong. When I actually got round to listening to it I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was stunningly incompetent, mind-blowingly nonsensical, embarrassing and shocking. Is this the Shadow Home Secretary who’s going to lead the challenge to Theresa May’s record? She should have stood down immediately and if not the great leader should have forced her hand, no matter past rendezvous in the sack. Of course it didn’t happen and Labour under Jeremy Corbyn has no hope in this election. What a shame it all is because there are loads of issues that they should be taking the government to task on. Just look at that bumbling Tommy Cooper impersonator of a Foreign Secretary, a million miles removed from a serious statesman: Mr Retraction — an embarrassment to the nation.
I’m voting Labour in the coming election, but not for Jeremy, more for the thought of the millions of people who are going to suffer under the coming five years of Tory rule: the working men and women who haven’t seen their wages rise, in real terms, for the last thirty years, while the fat cats, sharks and speculators are minted; the students starting out life saddled with debt; the millions who’ll never be able to afford a home; and in honour of the National Health Service, soon to be dismantled further, but remaining the brightest light in the nation’s modern history. What a rotten, unfair and unbalanced society we’ve become.
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| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 17:21 - May 31 with 1490 views | FDC |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 17:12 - May 31 by JamesB1979 |
Sorry can you explain that as being a bit dumb? Do the polls exclude these "don't knows" or make an assumption for them? And does your 4 point gap assume they all vote Labour? |
No it's not assuming they all vote labour, that would be a very biased interpretation of the data!
Yeah the polls exclude "don't knows", and the percentages are a percentage of those the "do know". You can toggle the trend chart with the options at the top. If you select only "likely to vote" the gap is about 13%. But if you include "adults" (i.e. all potential voters), the gap is much smaller - because the number of people indicating they will vote for any party is smaller as a proportion of all people polled.
I say it's interesting - I guess that's fairly moot! Spending far too much time looking at polls at the moment... |  | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 17:27 - May 31 with 1467 views | JamesB1979 |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 17:21 - May 31 by FDC |
No it's not assuming they all vote labour, that would be a very biased interpretation of the data!
Yeah the polls exclude "don't knows", and the percentages are a percentage of those the "do know". You can toggle the trend chart with the options at the top. If you select only "likely to vote" the gap is about 13%. But if you include "adults" (i.e. all potential voters), the gap is much smaller - because the number of people indicating they will vote for any party is smaller as a proportion of all people polled.
I say it's interesting - I guess that's fairly moot! Spending far too much time looking at polls at the moment... |
Cheers, that's clear. You're not the only one who's looking at polls all the time. They just confuse the hell out of me and no idea what all these adjustments they do are. I'd always assumed (in the past) that you add a couple of % to the Tories because of the "silent Tory" factor. But apparently they have corrected for that.....got no idea how though. |  | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 17:29 - May 31 with 1459 views | Brightonhoop |
Have a look at the Naylor Report on selling off the NHS. May supported it and intends to implement it if re-elected.
One of the many reasons she won't appear tonight. |  | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 17:53 - May 31 with 1442 views | Hunterhoop |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 17:29 - May 31 by Brightonhoop |
Have a look at the Naylor Report on selling off the NHS. May supported it and intends to implement it if re-elected.
One of the many reasons she won't appear tonight. |
Corbyn' campaign team have finally made two good decisions recently.
Getting him on the Sky News Paxman thing and changing his stance so he goes on the debate tonight.
It would appear he has finally decide to aim his campaign at those in the electorate who aren't Momentum members or deep rooted Lab voters! This is good; it's the only way he can increase Lab's seats or possibly win. It increases the chances of a hung Parliament.
All that said, the myopic approach some Lab fans (a word I use deliberately) are taking to Corbyn needs to stop. It's silly. Some degree of balance is required on all sides.
Corbyn has made mistakes in this campaign. He should know his numbers better. He shouldn't have Abbott near the media (for his own good). His manifesto does not add up, even though much of the policy content is appealing. And he is right to be held to account for some of his past words concerning Hamas, the IRA, and the recent anti-semitism investigation in the Lab party.
I do think he's a sincere, well meaning bloke, if not the sharpest. The broad principle of what he's trying to achieve has some validity to it, even if aspects are simply not fair nor good for the economy or standard of living in the U.K.
What I mean by this is, yes, by all means support him vociferously, but let's not make out he's the messiah. He is far from perfect.
What's in his favour is he's up against the illiberal, authoritarian, wannabe tyrant May, and a load of head banging Eurosceptics, who are treating the electorate with contempt, even if "some" of the party are competent.
And going back to that balance perspective, I'm voting LD. I believe my views match theirs the closest. I thought their manifesto was the most balanced. It's the only one recognised as likely to recover close to their forecast increased tax revenues (to pay for their policies) of all the parties. However, I don't really like Farron nor rate him as a leader....and I think they've got their. Ampaign strategy wrong by overplaying the Brexit piece (at a national level - it's crucial at local level in swing seats), and underplaying their sensible, fair economic proposals. So, far from perfect.
A bit of balance would be welcome in this election and this thread!
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| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 17:58 - May 31 with 1430 views | easthertsr |
I think JC has played a blinder with the last minute announcement to attend. The Tories now look complacent and condescending, which actually now you come to think about it is exactly what they are! | | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:13 - May 31 with 1390 views | essextaxiboy |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 17:58 - May 31 by easthertsr |
I think JC has played a blinder with the last minute announcement to attend. The Tories now look complacent and condescending, which actually now you come to think about it is exactly what they are! |
I dont agree (you wont be surprised to learn ) .
This is the same as Ollie throwing three subs on at the same time . Not planned and smacks of a desperate last throw ...IMO |  | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:20 - May 31 with 1383 views | essextaxiboy |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 17:29 - May 31 by Brightonhoop |
Have a look at the Naylor Report on selling off the NHS. May supported it and intends to implement it if re-elected.
One of the many reasons she won't appear tonight. |
I have only had a quick look so forgive me if i have missed the point but doesnt the Naylor Report relate to unused NHS land and real estate ?
Locally I cant think of 3 deserted sites where services have been relocated . | | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:24 - May 31 with 1378 views | stowmarketrange |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:20 - May 31 by essextaxiboy |
I have only had a quick look so forgive me if i have missed the point but doesnt the Naylor Report relate to unused NHS land and real estate ?
Locally I cant think of 3 deserted sites where services have been relocated . |
Why has she made sure that Whitehall suppress the news on how many NHS trusts are in deficit until after the election?
This news got a very brief mention on BBC news last week. |  | | |
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| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:42 - May 31 with 1359 views | nadera78 |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 16:49 - May 31 by JamesB1979 |
Been surprisingly quiet from the Tories on the increased corporation tax and the minimum wage proposed by Labour. To me that will impact small businesses most and lead to increased unemployment. |
I think Labour's proposed corporation tax rise (which would take it to a level that's still lower than all other G7 nations btw) only applies to big business. Small businesses pay at 19% - a long-standing difference that was established in order to recognise the economies of scale that benefit big businesses over small ones in all sorts of everyday functions. George Osborne's decision to get rid of the differential and put everyone on 19% actually damaged smaller businesses.
Whilst the Tories have a reputation for being pro-business in truth it's more that they are pro-big business. | | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:47 - May 31 with 1350 views | johncharles |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:13 - May 31 by essextaxiboy |
I dont agree (you wont be surprised to learn ) .
This is the same as Ollie throwing three subs on at the same time . Not planned and smacks of a desperate last throw ...IMO |
What makes you think it wasn't planned ? |  |
| Strong and stable my arse. |
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| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:49 - May 31 with 1348 views | essextaxiboy |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:47 - May 31 by johncharles |
What makes you think it wasn't planned ? |
It was either unplanned or rude , He cancelled three appearances this afternooon and evening so he could appear ........ | | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:54 - May 31 with 1342 views | johncharles |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:49 - May 31 by essextaxiboy |
It was either unplanned or rude , He cancelled three appearances this afternooon and evening so he could appear ........ |
Not half as rude as Mrs. May has been to him. It's called stratgedy. | |
| Strong and stable my arse. |
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| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:02 - May 31 with 1327 views | essextaxiboy |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:54 - May 31 by johncharles |
Not half as rude as Mrs. May has been to him. It's called stratgedy. |
Yes ... hers | | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:03 - May 31 with 1323 views | 2Thomas2Bowles |
The BBC Debate
Nuttall is a nutter
JC being cheered every time he speaks
Rudd just arrogant and don't give a feck about anyone |  |
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| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:10 - May 31 with 1307 views | 2Thomas2Bowles |
Caroline Lucas doing well and battering Rudd | |
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| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:11 - May 31 with 1304 views | 2Thomas2Bowles |
Audience laughing at Rudd | |
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| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:13 - May 31 with 1297 views | QPR_Jim |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:11 - May 31 by 2Thomas2Bowles |
Audience laughing at Rudd |
Rudd goes almost 10 seconds without attacking Corbyn... |  | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:16 - May 31 with 1287 views | Brightonhoop |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 19:20 - May 31 by essextaxiboy |
I have only had a quick look so forgive me if i have missed the point but doesnt the Naylor Report relate to unused NHS land and real estate ?
Locally I cant think of 3 deserted sites where services have been relocated . |
Relates to the selling of undefined assets. And this lot would sell there own grannies if it meant a score in the bank.
Dangerous times ahead if May gets back in. NHS really won't exist after 5 more years of these Tories.
Ken Clarke aside, where have all the decent One Nation Tories gone?this lot are like rabid zombies. There's certainly been a far right wing coup of the Tories. Explains to some extent Labours move to the left. May is a fool to herself not appearing tonight. She should have been out there batting from the front, what kind of a leader ducks out? | | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:16 - May 31 with 1286 views | stowmarketrange |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:13 - May 31 by QPR_Jim |
Rudd goes almost 10 seconds without attacking Corbyn... |
They have no other plan that to attack Corbyn.They thought they'd walk the election and now it's all coming apart at the seams.
Expect the Tory press to hammer him on every front page for the next 8 days. | | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:17 - May 31 with 1283 views | stevec |
Dear God, Jezza's coming across as a shining star amongst Amber Dudd and the rest of these clowns.
I'm trying to imagine how May could f uck the Tory campaign up any more, is she a stooge to screw up Brexit? |  | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:18 - May 31 with 1278 views | Brightonhoop |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 17:53 - May 31 by Hunterhoop |
Corbyn' campaign team have finally made two good decisions recently.
Getting him on the Sky News Paxman thing and changing his stance so he goes on the debate tonight.
It would appear he has finally decide to aim his campaign at those in the electorate who aren't Momentum members or deep rooted Lab voters! This is good; it's the only way he can increase Lab's seats or possibly win. It increases the chances of a hung Parliament.
All that said, the myopic approach some Lab fans (a word I use deliberately) are taking to Corbyn needs to stop. It's silly. Some degree of balance is required on all sides.
Corbyn has made mistakes in this campaign. He should know his numbers better. He shouldn't have Abbott near the media (for his own good). His manifesto does not add up, even though much of the policy content is appealing. And he is right to be held to account for some of his past words concerning Hamas, the IRA, and the recent anti-semitism investigation in the Lab party.
I do think he's a sincere, well meaning bloke, if not the sharpest. The broad principle of what he's trying to achieve has some validity to it, even if aspects are simply not fair nor good for the economy or standard of living in the U.K.
What I mean by this is, yes, by all means support him vociferously, but let's not make out he's the messiah. He is far from perfect.
What's in his favour is he's up against the illiberal, authoritarian, wannabe tyrant May, and a load of head banging Eurosceptics, who are treating the electorate with contempt, even if "some" of the party are competent.
And going back to that balance perspective, I'm voting LD. I believe my views match theirs the closest. I thought their manifesto was the most balanced. It's the only one recognised as likely to recover close to their forecast increased tax revenues (to pay for their policies) of all the parties. However, I don't really like Farron nor rate him as a leader....and I think they've got their. Ampaign strategy wrong by overplaying the Brexit piece (at a national level - it's crucial at local level in swing seats), and underplaying their sensible, fair economic proposals. So, far from perfect.
A bit of balance would be welcome in this election and this thread!
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Agreed Hunter, JC is not the Messiah, some say he's been a very naughty boy.  | | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:18 - May 31 with 1277 views | 2Thomas2Bowles |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:13 - May 31 by QPR_Jim |
Rudd goes almost 10 seconds without attacking Corbyn... |
Farron doing well battering Rudd but going on about staying in the EU to much | |
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| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:27 - May 31 with 1252 views | essextaxiboy |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:16 - May 31 by stowmarketrange |
They have no other plan that to attack Corbyn.They thought they'd walk the election and now it's all coming apart at the seams.
Expect the Tory press to hammer him on every front page for the next 8 days. |
What , make stuff up or shine a light on stuff that he has actually said and done ? | | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:41 - May 31 with 1232 views | stowmarketrange |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:27 - May 31 by essextaxiboy |
What , make stuff up or shine a light on stuff that he has actually said and done ? |
If they can't find it they'll invent it.Just like the tories twisting his words in the speech he made last week to fit their own agenda. | | | |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:47 - May 31 with 1221 views | essextaxiboy |
| On Diane Abbot, why we should vote Labour anyway, and more... on 20:41 - May 31 by stowmarketrange |
If they can't find it they'll invent it.Just like the tories twisting his words in the speech he made last week to fit their own agenda. |
They didnt invent them ..he said them . | | | |
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