1/5 Back in 2016, after the referendum, I had a number of reports from people about discussions with Tory MPs who were of the opinion that "Remainers" were more "reasonable" than leave voters, and would thus come to terms with the result.
2/5 I was genuinely concerned they might be right, and resistance might melt away. I tweeted about it, and urged people not to give them the relief they so badly needed. It was important that they understand the resentment and resistance would not fade
3/5 I am very pleased that it didn't happen. My understanding is there is a growing realisation among Tory MPs that their hopes have been disappointed, and that this is a serious existential issue for them. Their fear now is that as brexit unfolds, it is their support...
4/5 that is melting away. They worry now that they will lose the next election, as Trump did, because the motivation is with their opponents. They fear their traditional constituents will simply not vote. And that they will lose support to the right.
5/5 All that gives them hope now is division in the Labour Party. What they fear most is a united opposition.
ends
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1/11 A few thoughts on what is probably going on in No.10 and more widely in the Tory Party at the moment. (Has to be a thread but not too long.)
I’ve long thought Johnson looks increasingly like the Tories’ “fall guy”. He has to stay in place until B-Day on 31 December.
2/11 After that, as the reality of Brexit becomes apparent, and there is time to think about a Public Enquiry into the handling of C19, he has served his purpose. Of course this can’t be the public reason, because the whole party is implicated in both.
3/11 If I were a Tory, the thought of this accident prone leader taking the Party into the next election would make my blood run cold, especially if, as it may, the Opposition is getting its act together.
1/5 A few days ago I explained why I thought it was not particularly realistic to insist on the opposition parties, Lab and LD putting "Rejoin" as a major plank of their campaigns. Now I'd like to build on that to say what I think is needed.
2/5 We do most definitely need a strong "Rejoin" movement in the UK. But rather than being tied to one Party, this should be deliberately cross-Party, involving all those from across the political spectrum who believe the country is better off in the EU.
3/5 The seeds of such a movement are already visible. The "New European" is an obvious part of this. So, actually is the pro EU community in this country on Twitter. There are political figures who could lead such a movement. A strong local element is important.
1/13 There's a division in the pro EU community here at the moment, which is unnecessary, and divisive at a time when Unity is important. Just for clarity, I believe we can and will rejoin the EU, and I’d like that to be as soon as possible.
2/13 Some of you will know Joe, @joeinlondontown. We follow each other. I’ve asked his permission to use his tweet. Joe only wants to give his support to a political party which endorses a “rejoin” message now
1/5 A few days ago I tweeted about the psychological warfare being waged on Twitter. This evening let me give you the anatomy of a Cummings bot/troll. They have a few hundred followers (easy, they all follow each other). They don't tweet much but RT. They RT mostly rubbish
2/5 but with a few RTs of anti govt accounts thrown in. They may choose to RT quite outspoken anti govt accounts. They don't care; that's not their game. They turn up following you. If you're wise you probably look at the timeline, think they look odd and ignore
3/5 After a few days, you tweet or RT something anti Cummings; point out that Barnards Castle is old slang for a pathetic excuse. Someone pops up saying he may have known that. Suddenly, they're awake. "Of course he knew. It was deliberate. He's incredibly clever"