Why did the Government refuse the offer from the European Commission to extend transition up to two years to deal with pandemic and enable sufficient time for companies and hauliers to adapt? 1/
Why did it reach a deal only days before it came into effect allowing no time for business adaptation? 2/
There is only one answer -the plan was always to take the Agreement to the wire to prevent it being scrutinised in Parliament and by experts. They always knew that any Brexit ‘deal’ with their reclines would be harmful. To get it through, Parliament had to have no real choice 3/
This Government thinks only of how it can ‘win’ its game - however much damage that win causes us and this country. That is why it threatens, acts illegally, bullies and lies. #ledbycowards#OurCountry
Red lines
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Much atttention has been paid to the fact that the Internal Market Bill puts the UK in breach of international law. It also however, raises extremely serious questions of domestic law with far reaching implications outside of this specific legislative context.#internalmarketsbill
Clauses 42, 43 and 45(2) allow Ministers to adopt regulations in respect of controls on NI-GB imports & state aid, allowing Ministers to disapply any domestic law or remedy. The far reaching nature of these enabling clauses is extraordinary. Let us consider some hypotheticals:
State aid contingent on support for a particular political party; the exclusion of the bribery act; the imposition of a nationality requirement in relation to imports; the imposition of a discriminatory charge; the exclusion of FOI, individual tax benefits; secret guidance etc.
This is a fascinating read (albeit a university essay in structure and style) - much of it written by Cummings no doubt. If only we knew nothing of its authors, it might fill one with hope. That said, the saving souls bit is a step too far (& the’people’s govt ‘, Soviet sinister)
Because of what we know about recent government spending: shipping company with no ships, pesticide company supplying masks, dodgy non-existent contract for masks from Turkey, contract for failed app, purchase of dodgy satellite company etc etc etc, this does not bode well.
Benn Act avoidance thread: Cummings to @lewis_goodall said: "we will see what the law is on 19 October". Andrew Mitchell this morning on @mattfrei said PM should use any legislative or Parliamentary mechanism to get no deal through. But no one will say what they are planning. 1/8
Four mechanisms raised so far: 1. Major said PM might make an Order of Council to postpone the coming into force of the Benn Act so as to render it nugatory 2. Grieve suggested they may be whipping up unrest in order to declare state of emergency under Civil Contingencies Act 2/8
3. others have suggested two letters may be sent - one requesting an extension and another retracting the request. 4. Finally, a head of state (Orban/Salvini) may be persuaded to refuse an extension; unanimity being required for it to be granted. 3/8
The State has three arms: the executive (government), legislature (Parliament) and judiciary (Courts) Only if all three can function effectively do we have democracy. 1/8
The State has three arms: the executive (government), legislature (Parliament) and judiciary (Courts) Only if all three can function effectively do we have democracy. 1/10
The Government has the power to close Parliament (usually for a period of 3-5 days) to introduce a new legislative programme, (the power to 'prorogue'). The Government claimed that this is what it was doing when it closed Parliament, albeit that it did so for 5 weeks. 2/10
@TheIndGroup@LibDems A couple of thoughts on 'splitting the vote'. Each candidate fighting has a budget, a voice and access to media etc. The more remain candidates therefore, potentially the greater is remain's reach. and louder its voice 1/4
Brexit has 3-4 parties and therefore around 300 MEP candidates. This gives that argument a very large budget and loud voice.
Remain has: Greens, Libdems, SNP, Plaid and ChangeUK. That enables it to spend & spread the word more powerfully than if there was a single grouping. 2/4
If remain parties had gone as a single slate that would have reduced their spending power and candidate reach significantly. Whilst the result could be more seats, it could nevertheless mean a lower remain % of the overall vote, since remain would have less money & reach. 3/4
A fantastic day organised by @HenryCPorter and others; @lara_spirit and @maryftz for hosting. So many people to thank. I chaired a great panel on the hugely important issue of freedom of movement @SebDance Jane Dyball, @bellafrimpong Laura Shields @mediawhizz . A few thoughts. 1
We know that immigration was a driver of the vote to leave, whether due to perception, actual experience or lies, e.g. re-Turkey. The public is now however, waking up in ever increasing numbers (74% now in favour) to the fact that what was really at issue was free movement. 2/
This fundamental freedom is one of the most progressive developments in post-war history. It is an agent for social mobility, cultural exchange, economic growth, solidarity between countries & peoples and ultimately, for peace. 3/