If my experience is anything to go by in recent days, we have a situation where the government and especially the PM are ever more widely despised, not respected or seen as competent, and yet people do not think Labour can win an election. This makes our politics unsustainable1/4
Finally, Labour seem to be attacking the Tories with something closer to what is needed, but attack alone is never enough. There must be a far clearer overall strategy and message, far higher visibility in the public arena, a stronger policy offering, and CAMPAIGNS that engage2/4
If these Tories win another election, the damage to the country will be irreparable. Labour must set itself the clear objective of winning next time, and plan/operate accordingly. It is there to be won. The worst government in our lifetime. It can and must be knocked over 3/4
I was struck especially in N Ireland this week, but also at an event in Surrey last night, by the sense that a dangerous vacuum is developing in our politics. Johnson is never going to be the answer for this country. Labour has to step up fast. Total gear shift required 4/4
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Just been speaking to Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce. I never thought I would live to see the day when on a show of hands in a Belfast business gathering close to 100 percent said they had no trust in or respect for the Tory PM and government. 100pc - Brexit going badly 1/4
Respect for @LeoVaradkar and @simoncoveney 80percent. Almost all said Protocol not working but that it could. Asked who they blame for it going wrong 85pc said 🇬🇧 government 15pc EU/Commission. 100pc said business concerns not taken seriously by government 2/4
Asked if they thought Johnson genuinely cared about N Ireland, 100pc no. 85percent thought there would be a @sinnfeinireland first minister in the foreseeable future. 90percent felt UK reputation in the world falling not rising. Contempt for Frost. 3/4
He specifically said over the last decade … who has been in power for that entire period of A for Austerity B for Brexit and C for Covid cock-up and incompetence? D for Defence cuts. E for Etonian. F for Flat-furnishing and fucked farmers and fishermen. G for Grenfell. 1/4
H for Higher prices/inflation. J for Justice creaking. I for the Irish Sea border he said would never come. K for the Kingdom breaking. L for lies about levelling up. M for mental health cuts. N for nurses clapped and screwed over pay. O for overseas aid cuts. P for police 2/4
who have no confidence in them. Q for the Queen he lied to. R for Red Wall (see L). S for special relationship (Afghanistan) T for Test track and trace. U for universal credit. V for vaccination. Started well. Falling behind. X for xenophobia Y for youth services. Slashed 3/4
About as smooth an arrival through Heathrow as I can remember. So thank you @HeathrowAirport , thanks Border Force and thanks @pritipatel !There you didn’t expect that did you? Now I hopefully have your attention can you use your influence to get a government minister on @GMB 1/4
Just reading the line up for tomorrow and ‘government not putting anyone up for morning round!’ What? I used to work in government Comms. Clear and consistent messaging at a time of national concern is an essential duty of government. There is a lot of concern out there 2/4
It is irresponsible not to have ministers explaining what is going on, and being challenged over their actions. It is part of democracy, especially important when Parliament in recess. Don’t use the excuse that ‘this is Labour’s week’ because that convention went ages ago 3/4
My video/q+ a on the tragedy in Afghanistan. Feels even worse a day after Taliban triumph. We have utterly betrayed the Afghans and will feel the consequences for years to come. US must shoulder much of responsibility but UK government response pitiful instagram.com/tv/CSoagTlgPEs… 1/4
There are decent Tories and @RoryStewartUK@JohnnyMercerUK@TomTugendhat been excellent Likewise @DanJarvisMP who like JM and TT has served there. The tragedy is the strong and intelligent voices are outside government. Never forget that as Foreign Secretary @BorisJohnson 2/4
went to Kabul not because he cared about Afghanistan but to avoid a Commons vote on the Heathrow runway he said would be built over his dead body. All a game. All about power. No caring about the impact of his politics and decisions on real people. 3/4
Hard to hear statements of US and UK governments w/o thinking despite words to the contrary they are indeed turning their backs on Afghanistan. Did Johnson meeting decide anything other than to say ‘no military solution?’ Tho that may be true, there are so many challenges 1/4
in which we can/must play a role. Humanitarian most immediate - I fear we will soon see exposed the total folly of abolishing DFID. Helping support and if need be evacuate not just Brits but Afghans who have been helping. Pressure on Pakistan over support in parts 🇵🇰 system 2/4
Dispiriting to learn that at NATO summit, ‘small’ countries raised the issue of Afghans who had supported NATO forces, ‘big’ countries rolled eyes. Biden always been sceptic re nation building and felt counter terrorism the right strategy. Danger is we lose that too. 3/4
Having as PM an inveterate liar is beginning to impact in the public and political debate. Most of the media/Parliament have ignored/normalised his lying. But it matters and thanks to @PeterStefanovi2@OborneTweets a few others and now @DawnButlerBrent the theme is set 1/4
I think his lying was a bigger factor than recognised in Chesham by-election. It is a factor in his recent fall in polls. It is a huge factor in our dealings with the world for which we are already paying a heavy price. It reminds people of the lies that won Brexit2/4
His Covid pilot scam - which was entirely his idea btw (sources!) - underlined what a selfish and amoral person he is. The chaos that is his stock in trade matters as it is the cause of the mess that the United Pingdom of Great Bullshit and Brexit Lieland has become 3/4