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Phil Syrpis

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10 May, 11 tweets, 2 min read

@paulwaugh

A couple of thoughts on Scottish independence and Brexit, prompted by this thread from @paulwaugh.

https://twitter.com/paulwaugh/status/1391321474447839235?s=20

1/11

Self-determination and sovereignty are powerful concepts, which supporters of Brexit/Scottish independence do rely on.

Yet, they are difficult concepts, given the extent of international interdependence and cooperation (on trade and beyond) 2/

One should think about both the sovereignty gains and losses associated with participation in the relevant 'Union' (UK/EU); and also the future relationship with ex-partners after 'independence'. 3/

Twitter is not the right medium for a discussion about the very different (history, competence, governance) of the UK and the EU. So, just a couple of examples here. 4/

1. What say (in the various institutions) do individual states have in the making of EU legislation? How does that compare to the influence that Scotland has in the making of UK legislation? 5/

And 2. How different are the mechanisms for departure? While it was the UK's unilateral sovereign choice to trigger A50 and leave the EU, it seems that Westminster may be able to decide whether Scotland can leave the UK. 6/

In short - the Union's are *very* different, and the mechanisms through which Scotland's voice is heard within the UK (eg on Brexit...) is very different to the way states are heard within the EU. 7/

When it comes to the future relationship with ex-partners, it is the parallels between Brexit and Scottish independence which are striking. Post-Brexit, and post-independence, relationships with the EU/UK will continue to matter hugely. 8/

They are overwhelmingly likely to continue to have greater economic and political significance than any other international relationships. Continued trust, goodwill and cooperation are *essential*. 9/

Brexit shows that an antagonistic separation does not provide a good foundation for the future relationship. It remains to be seen how the relationship between Scotland and the rest of the UK develops in the weeks and months ahead. 10/

There are lessons for both the SNP and the UK Government. I'm not confident that they will be heeded. 11/11

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Phil Syrpis

@syrpis

11 May

https://twitter.com/syrpis/status/1373587551613812736

I have commented before on the hypocrisy and double standards which characterise the actions of this Govt. From that perspective, the debate about Scottish independence is going to be... an interesting watch. 1/8

https://twitter.com/syrpis/status/1373587551613812736

The Govt, once the champion of 'sovereignty' and 'taking back control' now finds itself... defending the Union.

The contortions Ministers are going through are quite something. 2/8

So, for example, we are hearing...

1. That absent a clear majority in the popular vote, the SNP, which received 48% of the vote, lacks the mandate to have a referendum.

Remind me what % of the popular vote David Cameron won in 2015? [Answer: 37%] 3/8

Read 8 tweets

Phil Syrpis

@syrpis

9 May

Watching as the Labour party, once again, descends into uncivil war. It cannot coalesce around any policy position or agree on who is best placed to deliver it. 1/6

We've been hearing a lot from ghosts of the past - Mandelson, McCluskey, McDonnell, Pidcock, Flint, Adonis and more. Much of 'the analysis' harks back to either Blair or Corbyn. It makes for grim reading and grim viewing. 2/6

We've been hearing a lot about the need to 'learn lessons' and 'listen to the people' and 'engage with voters' real concerns'. But what if (outlandish thought this) 'the people' disagree, and are sending a range of different messages? 3/6

Read 7 tweets

Phil Syrpis

@syrpis

7 May

The Labour party is not in a good place. On almost every issue there are strong voices within the party calling for a decisive policy/strategy move. Problem is, these voices are calling for moves in diametrically opposite directions. 1/5

If it is to recover, it needs to discover a sense of purpose and narrative. That is a huge task (and I'm not going to go there now).

But. 2/5

There are (to be simplistic) two reasons why Labour is losing. One is that the Labour offer doesn't appeal. The other - much more significant factor - is that the Johnson offer does appeal. 3/5

Read 5 tweets

Phil Syrpis

@syrpis

4 May

@sturdyAlex

My corner of twitter seems to be dominated by the internal Labour party debate between supporters of Corbyn and Starmer. I agree fully with @sturdyAlex that it is not a productive use of anyone's time.

Here though are 2 things Labour party supporters *should* be doing. 1/7

1. They should be striving to understand *why* a large % of voters (in Hartlepool and elsewhere) are still supporting Boris Johnson's government, and *what* might make them change their vote. 2/7

2. They should be thinking not only about vote shares, but also about vote distribution, and how they can *win* elections. If Johnson's vote is at c 35-45%, and is 'sticky', how can he be beaten? 3/7

Read 7 tweets

Phil Syrpis

@syrpis

20 Apr

So... the European Super League.

Three thoughts from a football fan:
a) It has been coming;
b) but, the proposal is incoherent; and
c) the Govt's position is... interesting

THREAD 1/10

@AFCWimbledon

a) We reap what we sow. Football, at the top level, has long been governed by the relentless search for profit. Links with fans and communities have progressively been weakened. Stories like the @AFCWimbledon story are few and far between. 2/10

The big clubs are owned by millionaires, who want to maximise their profits. They want financial security, and hate risk/jeopardy.

Failing to qualify for the Champions League, or at a different level, relegation from the Premier League, spells financial disaster. 3/10

Read 10 tweets

Phil Syrpis

@syrpis

18 Apr

I keep saying that if the opposition parties are going to make headway against the Tories, they have to work together.

The lobbying scandal provides a good challenge - one which they seem to be failing. Short thread. 1/7

Sleaze, cronyism and corruption are back. It isn't just Greensill - it is also PPE/NHS contracts, housing, the ministerial code etc etc.

It is part of an unprecedented, and very dangerous, attack on the constitution and public institutions. 2/7

blogs.lse.ac.uk/brexit/2020/02…

The Govt's defence is two-fold.

First, to have a pliant enquiry, and to feign that this issue is taken *very* seriously.

And, second, to seek to draw all politicians (and, better civil servants too) into the mire, and further reduce trust not in them, but in politics. 3/7

Read 7 tweets

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