What I don’t understand is why most of the media has just given up even thinking it matters. We need journalists on mainstream TV, radio and newspapers to do what is called ‘journalism.’ First ask politely through official channels if you can know what is happening. Then 1/2
if no answer is forthcoming find out where Lord Geidt lives/walks/goes about his business, find him, approach him and ask him politely what on earth is going on and where his promised conclusions are. Johnson banks on journalists just giving up every time 2/2
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Hello @Twitter people … you may remember that at the time of Cummings/Barnard Castle I encouraged you to write to your MP (if a Tory) to explain why you were angry and demand to know their view/explanation. I strongly suggest you do the same again Re the No 10 Xmas party 1/4
Point out the people in your circle who worked for the emergency services/cancelled weddings/couldn’t visit elderly relatives/died/couldn’t attend funerals/couldn’t visit elderly relatives/couldn’t visit family abroad/couldn’t see a GP/had operations cancelled 2/4
Post their replies. On Cummings the vast bulk took the cut and paste line from No 10 and the whips. Those with spine may be less willing to do so now. They are sick of having to lie for a liar. My final point is to @UKLabour - last time I collated all the replies. This time 3/4
Excellent as ever by @MarinaHyde on the putrescence of piss that is Paul Dacre, who along with Wakefield gave the country its measles back. But when she speaks of his mansion singular, he has at least four - Belgravia, Sussex, Scottish Highlands and British Virgin Islands. 1/4
Also sources close to the interviewing panel first time round say he was not merely bad but ‘there is no word yet invented to describe how bad.’ Johnson won’t give up because he has promised and of course we know he never breaks a promise unless made to the electorate 2/4
He tries to keep promises to his media pals because that is who and what he is and who and what he cares about. The good news is Dacre hates scrutiny and he is going to get an awful lot of it. Still can’t get a commissioner to bite on my media of using against him what he 3/4
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
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