But, perhaps it is merely the home of everyday humans with astronomical self-conceit believing themselves to be higher than they are, or struggling through their own everyday lives.
What is Westminster? It is the heart of the Land of Hope and Glory.
by Greater Arab State » Sat Jan 18, 2020 5:35 pm
by Agarntrop » Sat Jan 18, 2020 5:47 pm
by Greater Arab State » Sat Jan 18, 2020 6:16 pm
by Gordano and Lysandus » Sat Jan 18, 2020 10:59 pm
Parliament return from winter recess ahead of crucial Brexit votes
7th January 2019
Following a turbulent winter which had spelled trouble to the Prime Minister’s government, Parliament will be returning today for the first time since the Conservative leadership challenge. Although Mrs Naismith survived the challenge by a clear majority, she did so on the back of a promise to stand down ‘when Brexit has been delivered’. How certain it is that can be achieved lies in the hands of the returning Parliament, which has so far refused all of the Prime Minister’s attempts so far to get her withdrawal agreement over the line. With new votes soon to be called on the withdrawal agreement, pundits and politicians alike wait with bated breath for the results.
Conservative Eurosceptics, focused around the ERG backbench grouping, reject Naismith's deal on account of the 'Northern Irish backstop', a mechanism designed to limit the impact of a hard Brexit on Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement. The DUP also reject this, vocally opposing any mechanism which creates a jurisdictional distinction between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Conversely, Tory Remainers hav been reluctant to lend the Prime Minister their votes for a deal which they see as too divergent from Europe, ending the UK's existing trading relationship with the EU and seeing the UK withdraw from its many agencies.
Opposition parties, meanwhile, have been united largely in their opposition to the deal. Only a very few Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs have defied their parties' whips to vote for the deal on previous occasions, and do not reflect a large enough share to get the Naismith deal over the line. Despite her overtures, it seems unlikely that the Prime Minister is going to achieve a consensus with her existing Brexit deal.
With the delivery of Brexit seeming distant, some question whether Naismith will be able to deliver Brexit at all, and voices in the Tory party will be wondering just how long this situation can be sustained before the Prime Minister should go - will she go willingly, or will she pushed?
All the while, the paralysis in Westminster over the Brexit issue leaves many domestic issues unaddressed. Despite the PM's optimistic and expansive agenda, little has been achieved in the current climate. Despite winning the largest share of the vote for a Tory leader since the end of the Thatcher Government in 2017, this was not enough for Naismith to overcome a resurgent Labour under its leader Alexandra Bennett, whose broad campaign promises solidified opposition to the Tory government and enabled her to deny the Prime Minister her sought majority. Questions will remain over whether a new election may occur this year, under a potential future Conservative leader.
Venezuelan parliament declares Maduro presidency 'illegitimate', Juan Guiadó chosen as successor
10th January 2019
Following reported irregularities in last year's early presidential election, the power struggle between the opposition-led parliament and President Maduro in Venezuela has reached a fever pitch. With relations between the parliament and the special constituent assembly called by the President ever deteriorating, it appears that hopes of compromise or resolution have faded in the ongoing constitutional crisis in Venezuela as the parliament invoked constitutional articles to declare the Presidency 'vacant' on the basis of the election they have decried as illegitimate, and consequently invited Juan Guaidó, a leading opposition figure, to take up the office, swearing him in as President of Venezuela.
International reactions have been diverse, with battle lines drawn between Western nations like the US, which back Guaidó, whilst Russia and China support Maduro. Latin America is similarly split, with Mexico calling for calm. Argentina and Brazil have been quick to side with Guaidó, whilst Bolivia and Cuba have remained close to their left wing ally in Maduro.
The Prime Minister stated her 'concern' about the situation in Venezuela, stating that 'there is an obvious demand to fulfil a legitimate, democratic process' and that 'the UK is committed to upholding the rule of law wherever it is'. This has been interpreted by some as a statement of support for the parliament-declared President Guiadó.
US government shutdown becomes longest in history with 800,000 federal workers unpaid
12th January 2019
In the United States, budgetary talks between the Republican administration and Democratic-led House of Representatives have failed to bear fruit, as US President Donald Trump's demands for a border wall remain itinerant and unchanged, whilst Democratic demands for immigration reform to favour 'DREAMers' seem inflexible. With no negotiated settlement in sight, it is fair to describe the situation as a 'zero-sum game', as each side bides their time to see who comes out worse. The last Democrat-led shutdown effort under the direction of Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York had resulted in an embarrassing climbdown for the Democrats, however Democrats are gambling that the President's demands for a border wall - unpopular with the majority of Americans in recent polling - will cause the Republicans to come out of the situation as the 'losers'.
In the meantime, the US government is stuck in a process of 'sequestration', where federal services are cut down to minimal levels and essential staff are required to work without pay. This process, unique to the United States, has come under fire for the effects it has on those working without pay, many of whom have taken up second jobs in order to meet household costs. Their number includes agents of the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who operate security checks at US airports.
UK observers are noting how the entrenched positions of the sides may reflect future US-UK trade negotiations, where fears exist over strongly held US views on trade, in particular on the part of the President, who has lambasted trade relationships that he views as 'unfair'.
by Sao Nova Europa » Sun Jan 19, 2020 7:21 am
by Sao Nova Europa » Sun Jan 19, 2020 11:02 am
Northern England - A New Post-Brexit Vision for the North
Deindustrialization is still present for many of the communities in the North. Lack of investment and outdated infrastructure hold those communities back. Many of the people in the North are rightfully angry with the political establishment ignoring their problems. The Labour Party has failed them; instead of addressing the structural economic problems of the North, the Tom Blake government chose to use tax revenue and government borrowing to fund welfare benefits in these old manufacturing heartlands. While commendable, welfarism does not solve the problems of the North. The people in those communities do not need welfare checks, they need good-paying jobs and a reinvigoration of entrepreneur activity.
The Brexit Party presents a concise vision of how to invigorate those communities. A vision that is conservative and yet radical at the same time. Upon getting Brexit done, so we can liberate ourselves from the EU regulations and red tape that hold down the British economy, a Brexit Party government would focus on two fronts:
1. Establishing a network of local investment banks that would encourage entrepreneurship - This would finally start-up the engine of the economy in the North and allow it to flourish, creating many new, well-paid jobs.
2. Investing in our infrastructure - The Brexit Party is for the most part suspicious of government intervention and we believe that economic liberty is the best way for the UK's economy to grow. Yet, careful, limited and within cost government intervention does have its place. A large scale investment into updating local infrastructure would provide a foundation on which people could build businesses and gain skills.
Our proposal for a post-Brexit North is not that of an old industrial heartland relying on increased welfare checks but rather of a reinvigorated North with renewed entrepreneur activity becoming once again a hub of businesses and economic growth.
by Gordano and Lysandus » Wed Jan 22, 2020 3:39 pm
by Agarntrop » Wed Jan 22, 2020 4:08 pm
by The World Capitalist Confederation » Thu Jan 23, 2020 2:00 pm
by Greater Arab State » Mon Jan 27, 2020 1:06 pm
To: Charles Henderson
From: Isobel Morton-Howard MP
RE: A potential meeting
Mr Henderson,
I am writing to you in order to discuss the possibility of a meeting between you and I at a date and location that is mutually beneficial to the both of us, regarding recent political developments.
Yours most respectfully,
Isobel Grace Morton-Howard MP
by Sao Nova Europa » Mon Jan 27, 2020 3:08 pm
To: Isobel Morton-Howard MP
From: Charles Henderson
RE: A potential meeting - Reply
Ms Morton-Howard
I am most interested in your proposition. My schedule is wide open this week and I can meet you anywhere in London. You can pick exact time and place. I am looking forward to this discussion.
With best regards,
Henderson
by Greater Arab State » Tue Jan 28, 2020 12:44 am
Sao Nova Europa wrote:To: Isobel Morton-Howard MP
From: Charles Henderson
RE: A potential meeting - Reply
Ms Morton-Howard
I am most interested in your proposition. My schedule is wide open this week and I can meet you anywhere in London. You can pick exact time and place. I am looking forward to this discussion.
With best regards,
Henderson
To: Charles Henderson
From: Isobel Morton-Howard MP
RE: A potential meeting
Mr Henderson,
Would 19:30 on Thursday at the Goring Dining Room, Belgravia work for you? I am also looking forward to this meeting to a large extent.
With best regards,
Isobel Grace Morton-Howard MP
by Greater Arab State » Sat Feb 01, 2020 2:41 pm
by Sao Nova Europa » Sat Feb 01, 2020 3:10 pm
by Greater Arab State » Sat Feb 01, 2020 3:25 pm
Sao Nova Europa wrote:Charles arrived some five minutes after the agreed time. His rather short delay was due to an urgent meeting with some of the Brexit Party strategists. As soon as he arrived to the dining room, he politely greeted Morton-Howard with a smile on his face.
"Good evening. I do apologize deeply for the wait. I have been looking forward to this meeting."
by Greater Arab State » Tue Feb 04, 2020 2:41 pm
by Gordano and Lysandus » Tue Feb 04, 2020 2:50 pm
Greater Arab State wrote:Palace of Westminster, Westminster, London
Morton-Howard, after meeting Henderson, realised that now she had been requested for a meeting, however, the meeting the Member of Parliament for Stone was to have would likely be one of some tension. Morton-Howard was almost at the parliamentary office of Diana Naismith, the Prime Minister, and the women who she served as both the first Brexit Secretary and as Immigration Minister. Morton-Howard, upon arriving at the entrance to the office, entered before speaking to the Secretary present.
“Good afternoon, Ma’am, I believe that I have a meeting scheduled with the Prime Minister shortly?” Morton-Howard asked, she was already aware of what the answer would be but merely wanted to maintain a level of politeness.
by Greater Arab State » Tue Feb 04, 2020 2:56 pm
Gordano and Lysandus wrote:Greater Arab State wrote:Palace of Westminster, Westminster, London
Morton-Howard, after meeting Henderson, realised that now she had been requested for a meeting, however, the meeting the Member of Parliament for Stone was to have would likely be one of some tension. Morton-Howard was almost at the parliamentary office of Diana Naismith, the Prime Minister, and the women who she served as both the first Brexit Secretary and as Immigration Minister. Morton-Howard, upon arriving at the entrance to the office, entered before speaking to the Secretary present.
“Good afternoon, Ma’am, I believe that I have a meeting scheduled with the Prime Minister shortly?” Morton-Howard asked, she was already aware of what the answer would be but merely wanted to maintain a level of politeness.
As Diana sat inside her office, she chewed on the end of a pencil anxiously. To say that her relationship with Morton-Howard had gone downhill was an understatement. Despite the warmth and good feeling that previously existed between the two as they worked at the Home Office together, and that resulting goodwill being a large motivator behind Diana handpicking Morton-Howard as her first Brexit Secretary, the fallout over Chequers had been brutal, and to see a woman she had considered a close friend - despite political differences - champion her downfall wasn't just politically wounding, it was a deep personal anguish.
The secretary stood up and nodded to Isabel, going to guide her through to the Prime Minister's parliamentary office. "Of course, Mrs Morton-Howard."
Diana had since put down the pencil, but it was unmistakable that despite an iron confidence that had guided her in the earlier stages of her premiership, the winter had left her worse for wear. She looked less well, physically. But she had continued relentlessly onwards, unwilling to stop doing what she saw as her duty.
"Isabel, please, do sit. Do you want something to drink?"
by Gordano and Lysandus » Tue Feb 04, 2020 3:05 pm
Greater Arab State wrote:Isobel promptly sat down before replying,
“If you have it, I’d quite like some water please, Prime Minister.” Isobel replied, she had wanted to follow the Prime Minister’s example in using a first name basis, but with how the relationship between the two had been recently, she thought it best to wait.
by Greater Arab State » Tue Feb 04, 2020 3:19 pm
Gordano and Lysandus wrote:Greater Arab State wrote:Isobel promptly sat down before replying,
“If you have it, I’d quite like some water please, Prime Minister.” Isobel replied, she had wanted to follow the Prime Minister’s example in using a first name basis, but with how the relationship between the two had been recently, she thought it best to wait.
Diana had some bottles of water kept in her office in a mini-fridge, if anything could more greatly evidence her ruthless practicality, and took out two of them, one for herself and one for her guest. Unscrewing the caps from both and handing one over, she tried to smile, though it was clear the joy didn't really reach her eyes.
"You don't really believe all of the things you've been saying to the press about me, do you? That I'm not really trying when it comes to Europe? You got your ballot on my leadership, you've given me a bruising. I'm hurt, humiliated, whatever you needed that process to be. We should be governing, not trying to match Labour for internecine conflict."
by Gordano and Lysandus » Tue Feb 04, 2020 3:28 pm
Greater Arab State wrote:Morton-Howard considered her answer briefly.
“Of course, some of what I have said may be to an extent hyperbolic but overall, If think the Brexit negotiations and the current Withdrawal Agreement leave much to be desired, particularly to the British electorate. Whilst the no-confidence vote was unfortunate, I found it a necessity to have it due to the Withdrawal Agreement.” Morton-Howard stated thoughtfully.
by Greater Arab State » Tue Feb 04, 2020 3:38 pm
Gordano and Lysandus wrote:Greater Arab State wrote:Morton-Howard considered her answer briefly.
“Of course, some of what I have said may be to an extent hyperbolic but overall, If think the Brexit negotiations and the current Withdrawal Agreement leave much to be desired, particularly to the British electorate. Whilst the no-confidence vote was unfortunate, I found it a necessity to have it due to the Withdrawal Agreement.” Morton-Howard stated thoughtfully.
"Isobel, I know you better than that. I know you want my job." She shook her head, taking a sip of water. "And that's fine, I guess. But it won't be easy, and it always looks easier from the outside looking in. I need you to recognise that everything I have managed to scrape together so far has been hard fought for, and that no concession I've made has been made easily. Replacing me won't necessarily make things easier. God in Heaven, I'll go if it'll truly help, you know that I put my duty before my ambition, but I've never been the kind of person to abandon ship. Just know that if you run to replace me, there'll both be stiff competition inside the party and huge challenges to take on if you become Prime Minister."
by Gordano and Lysandus » Tue Feb 04, 2020 3:43 pm
Greater Arab State wrote:“I know that from when we were both in the Home Office, and for that I’m rather grateful. I also recognise that there I would face heavy competition if I were to stand, however, I am of the view that the United Kingdom requires leadership and a sense of unity after the political divisions currently ongoing and I feel that I am well suited to leading the country to that.”
by Greater Arab State » Tue Feb 04, 2020 3:49 pm
Gordano and Lysandus wrote:Greater Arab State wrote:“I know that from when we were both in the Home Office, and for that I’m rather grateful. I also recognise that there I would face heavy competition if I were to stand, however, I am of the view that the United Kingdom requires leadership and a sense of unity after the political divisions currently ongoing and I feel that I am well suited to leading the country to that.”
"Are you?" The question was asked neutrally, not from an attacking perspective, but rather as if she was trying to pass on wisdom. "Isobel, you've always been very dear to me but I'm not sure whether you entirely get the modern Britain that exists before us. It's socially liberal. Not progressively so, but one that lives and lets live. One that doesn't hound women like they do in the United States, one that doesn't punish people on the basis of their sexuality. What I said in 2003 applies as much today as it did then - we cannot be seen as the Nasty Party."
by Gordano and Lysandus » Tue Feb 04, 2020 3:53 pm
Greater Arab State wrote:“I do understand that, I realise that the country needs to coalesce and put an end to the current political dissentions. However, I also realise that the vote to Leave the EU was one in which the British electorate expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of politics, they feel that their values and interests are not currently represented adequately and I would attempt to do that as much as I can.” Morton-Howard replied reflectively.
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