One of the strangest things about the terms of this Brexit is our apparent adoption of a collective national shrug to the prospect of serious economic damage and job loss, fragility and fear in N Ireland, looming Union break-up, medicine and food shortages & massive disruption.
No doubt there are many explanations, including collective exhaustion after years of toxic division, a largely disinterested media in educating people on the detail, and of course the pandemic.

But, importantly, where do people express & register opposition to what’s happening?
The Opposition should be a forum for this. But Labour’s own divisions are making this a calibrated political analysis rather than a focus for opposition.

Too much of our media has remained enthralled to the personality and drama, rather than educating people on what this means.
People rightly ask - what can we do? How do we show that we take a principled stand and oppose this systematic damage being done to our country?

Talking doesn’t feel enough but we must talk to each other. We must not let apathy and revisionism rewrite history.
Welcoming your constructive thoughts on this here this Sunday.
Here’s an excellent thread talking about the fact we aren’t talking about what’s happening seriously.

For some time it has felt we are incapable of having a serious national discussion. Now the consequences are upon us. Those in govt who could speak out choose not to do so.
Here’s another take, by @IanDunt, on the “deathly freakish silence” in Britain to the serious damage we are facing, deal or no deal, and why the Opposition must find its voice again on Brexit. theneweuropean.co.uk/brexit-news/wh…

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More from @WomaninHavana

6 Dec
Meanwhile: Up to 4million people caught up #claddingscandal as govt heaps contempt upon contempt on innocent homeowners whilst developers, builders & freeholders profit despite systemic failures.

Thanks to those who won’t let this awful story disappear.
thetimes.co.uk/article/govern…
This by @PeteApps is excellent on the astonishing evidence that emerged in the Grenfell Inquiry this week.

“The picture the inquiry is painting is not yet complete. But it is already starting to look like one of the great corporate scandals of our time.”
spectator.co.uk/article/the-gr…
“Thousands of people are trapped in their homes, unable to sell and facing crippling bills for repairs. More fires and more deaths are by no means impossible.” @PeteApps

What will it take to make this govt think seriously and act swiftly and fairly on the #claddingscandal?@mhclg
Read 4 tweets
25 Oct
Proud to be amongst many signatories to this letter today.

Power doesn’t entitle a govt to abuse our most vulnerable, or to endanger the lawyers who seek to protect their rights in law.

The govt’s language is irresponsible, inflammatory & dangerous.
theguardian.com/politics/2020/…
A copy of our letter, and the signatories, is here. Words matter. Consequences exist. The rule of law is our foundational principle. At the highest levels of govt, this doesn’t seem to matter.

defendlawyers.co.uk
With apologies to those asking if they can add their names, the organisers have relayed to me that it is unfortunately not possible. But it’s excellent to have your show of strong support here in spades against this shameful govt conduct.
Read 4 tweets
16 Oct
Utter condemnation from @HLConstitution of the Government's #InternalMarketBill.

The AG & Lord Chancellor should be ashamed, as should a Prime Minister and Foreign Sec who claim to be committed to both the union & to Britain's reputation abroad. #ruleoflaw #devolution
This conclusion as to the casual disregard for the #ruleoflaw in Britain is utterly damning of Johnson’s government.

It damages not only our crucial work abroad as part of an international order but also the very foundations of our democracy, and societial consent for our norms.
Our system has Law Officers to ensure that we abide by the rule of law. These aren’t political games. These are essential offices to maintain the norms by which our democratic society functions, by advising the govt & maintaining public confidence. And yet...
Read 8 tweets
7 Oct
#RuleofLaw This important meeting has just begun. I understand there is a very high level of registrations. The speakers - former President of UK Supreme Court Lord Neuberger, Dominic Grieve QC, Joanna Cherry QC, Baroness Helena Kennedy QC - are now joined by Lord Howard. #IMBill
This meeting is not about political views, which are irrelevant . Defending the rule of law is “activist” for the benefit of every person in the country, whatever their political views.

The issues today surmount politics: @JMPSimor
The #IMBill gives Ministers the powers to make their otherwise illegal acts, legal in whatever way they choose. This is an astonishing idea: @JMPSimor
Read 43 tweets
27 Sep
Post-Grenfell, thousands of us still live in flammable homes, for which we were never responsible & are now liable for financial cost, untold stress & inability to move. The silence has been deafening, govt urgency lacking. End the hidden housing scandal.

thetimes.co.uk/article/carey-…
Huge appreciation for the tireless efforts of @insidehousing @PeteApps to keep drawing attention to the extent of the #claddingscandal. Thanks also now to @Lees_Martina @thesundaytimes for pushing this new campaign. There is no excuse, none, for @mhclg @RobertJenrick to ignore.
Glad so many names supporting #EndOurCladdingScandal, incl @SadiqKhan @AndyBurnhamGM @MikeAmesburyMP , former UNSR for Housing @leilanifarha. But, where are the rest?

Over 3 years, as the developers responsible just keep on building - did Govt just pretend not to see us all?
Read 7 tweets
24 Sep
These highly unacceptable personal attacks on @elliereeves by the Attorney General are not befitting of her office.

She also seems to suggest "patriotism" fixes a failure to uphold the rule of law.

Dear Reader, it does not.

As the UK repeatedly reminds China, Belarus, Iran...
For the avoidance of doubt, the use of "emotional" when responding to a fair question on the rule of law by the shadow AG, a female MP & barrister, is intended as a put-down, not much different from "calm down, dear."

Whether that comes from a male or female MP, unacceptable.
I should add that there was nothing 'illogical' either about the q asked.

Many of us have been asking it. Many of us want to know how violating the rule of law - both international & domestic - can be supported by a Law Officer.
(See this on domestic.)
ukconstitutionallaw.org/2020/09/23/ron…
Read 4 tweets

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