Letter to Mr Biden

(This draft open letter has not yet been sent to Mr Biden .I am grateful for comments on it)

Dear Mr Biden

Congratulations on your victory. Gaining more votes than any previous President and getting above 50% of the popular vote gives you a clear mandate for your policy of uniting the USA.

Your opponent succeeded in boosting his vote by an impressive 8 million extra votes, demonstrating considerable support for his Republican vision of growth promoted by lower taxes, putting America first when dealing with China, promoting peace in the Middle East, and protecting individual liberties. It is a pity he has chosen to query the election outcome without setting out convincing evidence of the voter fraud he alleges. It makes your task of uniting America more difficult. The U.K. respects democratic mandates and agrees with you that the results of counting all the valid votes are the sacred instruction of the people which all true democrats respect.

The U.K. looks forward to working with you as President. Our two countries often find ourselves in agreement. We think NATO remains a fundamental part of our security. The U.K. makes an important financial and military contribution to the Alliance and is willing to help the USA secure similar pledges from other members. We support US efforts to secure peace in the Middle East. Through the 5 Eyes arrangements we co operate closely on intelligence. We agree on the need to be vigilant to Russian and Chinese cyber threats, and to take a robust position over trade cheating.

I must stress that the U.K. does uphold the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland. As we leave the EU we have no plans to impose a hard border between the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland, contrary to false EU rumours. It is the EU which seems to be planning new border controls on their side of the border which you may like to take up with them. The UK’s EU referendum gave us a larger percentage mandate for exit than your own convincing win, so you will understand the importance to us of becoming a truly independent country again on 1 January next year. As such we can be of more assistance in world trade and foreign policy matters, and look forward to working with you where our views and policies align.

Yours sincerely

John Redwood

238 Comments

  1. Nivek
    November 8, 2020

    “It is a pity he has chosen to query the election outcome without setting out convincing evidence of the voter fraud he alleges.”

    I must repeat what I wrote yesterday morning:
    I hope and trust that any and all disputes raised by parties to the American election will be adjudicated on by the lawfully appointed judge of the facts, and not by media “fact-checkers”.

    I do not think it is at all appropriate for Conservative Party members to congratulate either party to an election that is currently being litigated. I worry greatly for Anglo-American relations.

    1. Stred
      November 8, 2020

      The Chinese and Ukrainian oligarchs must be celebrating. As will the Corporations and especially the Russian gas producers. The German and French arms industry too will look forward to the lack of a demand to pay for defence using American arms and troops. But is it worth having a special relationship with a country where the majority want to be governed by socialists like Harris when the old fellow becomes too embarrassing in no time at all. Boris and other Conservative ministers seem to think he’s going to be good for the UK. That tells us all about their agenda.

      1. steve
        November 8, 2020

        Stred

        “Boris and other Conservative ministers seem to think he’s going to be good for the UK. That tells us all about their agenda.”

        Indeed it does.

        Like for instance; a united Ireland, as Sinn Fein call it. And capitulation to french demands.

        1. Hope
          November 8, 2020

          JR’s letter is inappropriate and totally wide of the mark on Rememberance Sunday. The U.K. Might want a working relationship with the US but it is clear from Clinton and Obama’s stints neither Clinton, Obama or Biden is a friend of the UK. Even Major was angry at Clinton allowing Adams a publicity stunt in the US.

          We are reminded in the papers today of a smiling Biden with Adams only three years ago putting his arm around a fugitive who ran off from bail to the US to escape trial of attempt murder of a British soldier- on Rememberence day!

          Biden is no friend of the U.K. the tone of JRs letter is not fitting to criticise Trump for not accepting a questionable outcome tomdate- for all his faults always a friend and supporter of U.K.- but for a terrorist sympathiser.

          The Fake Tories. Ove further left. The lead issue in his congratulations comment from Johnson, work on climate change! Ahhhhh. Get him out.

          Despite Johnson’s advice I went to a Rememberance Service at my local church. Church, family, democracy and liberty and free speech goes against everything Johnson stands for. It was pleasing to be there for that alone.

          It is galling to see Johnson laying a wreath to mark Rememberance Sunday for those brave souls who gave their life for freedom, liberty and democracy. Only three days ago Johnson’s Govt. got their left wing politicised police to arrest 191 peaceful protesters opposing his lockdown!

          No criticism of BLM in June from Johnson, allowed Extinction Rebellion to commit criminal damage in London and universities and bring economic harm to the country and allowed statues to be ripped down by angry left wing mobs who hate our history and way of life while his policised police watched. He is an absolute disgrace to our nation and all that we stand for.

          All of a sudden Starmer looks to the right of Johnson and far more appealing.

        2. Hope
          November 8, 2020

          Oh come on JR would have more credibility in what he says if he could tell us how the two main parties conspire to keep it a two horse race or how they conspired to keep us in the EU. What we witnessed in parliament over the last four and half years was not democracy or acting on the mandate of the people.

          Why do the Fake Tory party condemn ‘Red Ed’ then implement his policy and help him get elected last year?

          Why select former Labour ministers like Adonis and Milburn to lead Fake Tory policy issues when Former Tory ministers were available?

          Did the people want Labour politicians acting and implementing policy for an alleged Tory party?

      2. Simeon
        November 8, 2020

        Absolutely – not that we’ve been short of evidence for this government’s agenda. And yet Sir John continues to support it – whilst expressing reluctance at, if not outright opposition to, various aspects of it. Johnson and the Conservatives generally – of whom old Blowers is perfectly representative – are demonstrably bad. But seemingly Sir John can escape derision to a large extent by, kind of, talking the talk whilst avoiding walking the walk.

    2. Martin in Cardiff
      November 8, 2020

      Since the polling officials are perfectly open with their data and methods, the available facts are there for any enquirer to see.

      There have been many thousands of direct observers too, and so far none of them has reported any significant breach of procedure.

      If Trump truly cares about the US and its people, then he should behave appropriately for his office and concede gracefully once sufficient results are formally declared.

      1. L Jones
        November 8, 2020

        ”If Trump truly cares about the US….”
        Have you ever heard the wise words: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing”?

        If Mr Trump and all the people who support him (many millions) believe that evil has been done, then it is incumbent upon him to call it out.
        If YOU thought you’d been cheated, would YOU just lie down and take it, especially if it also meant the cheating of millions of others AND the well being of your country?

      2. Edward2
        November 8, 2020

        Presumably being the owner of an open mind you will allow the Courts of America to decide.

      3. czerwonadupa
        November 8, 2020

        The same applies in Mr Lukashenko’s Belarus & Mr Putin’s Russia. I’m sure you wouldn’t deny the validity of elections in either country without proof & expect opposition politicians to accept the results with good grace & end their street demonstrations.

    3. Simeon
      November 8, 2020

      Your stated faith in the competence and integrity of the US legal system notwithstanding, I agree entirely with the sentiment of your post. The difficulty Trump will have will be in proving wrongdoing, even where it has taken place. As I say elsewhere, Trump had four years to properly address the issue of electoral fraud. It’s too late to attempt to treat a gaping wound with a sticking plaster.

      As for Sir John’s letter, I will limit myself to saying that Biden’s policy is by no means to unite the country, and Sir John suggesting it is makes him look very foolish.

      Reply Mr Biden’s sole stated policy was to unite the country. Let us see how he gets on with that difficult task.

      1. Simeon
        November 8, 2020

        Reply to reply

        And in what context was that policy stated? What has he said in a slew of speeches and statements? Which party’s nomination did he secure? It looks like you are affecting naivety. It’s not convincing. Biden cannot unite the US. No one can, and I’m sure you know that.

      2. Lynn Atkinson
        November 8, 2020

        Reply to reply IMPOSSIBLE.

    4. L Jones
      November 8, 2020

      You’re right. It most definitely is NOT appropriate for anyone in our government to ”congratulate” someone whose election success is in question and under investigation. Or to write an open letter like this, as one of our government representatives, to someone who is not yet in office and whose conduct is being questioned.

      Not in my name.

      Sir John says: ”Only if Mr Trump publishes convincing evidence of substantial voter fraud in several swing states and that is upheld in state law courts will the present indicative result be overturned. So far Mr Trump has not produced such evidence.”

      The words ”so far” are important.

    5. Peter
      November 8, 2020

      I agree – but Boris Johnson has already congratulated Biden.

      I don’t think the UK needs to comment. I don’t think it will ingratiate the country to the US government either.

      Best to stay silent.

      I don’t think it will be long before Biden has to retire to the care home though.

    6. Lynn Atkinson
      November 8, 2020

      +1 and in addition Mr Biden does not agree with low tax, 5 Eyes, controlling China, controlling Iran and thereby delivering peace in the Middle East. He like Mad Boris, intends to abolish oil, gas, fossil fuels and internal combustion engines.

      I am embarrassed that the representatives of The U.K. have placed us this position. What fools you will all be crawling back to President Trump! Imagine if the President of the USA had congratulated the Remain camp when Farage conceded the Brexit Referendum (before a vote was counted!).

      I do not recognize Biden until it is clear that more live Americans have voted for him than for Trump.

  2. Lifelogic
    November 8, 2020

    It certainly kooks very unlikely that the courts will not uphold sufficient Trump legal actions to prevent Biden taking office. At least the Republicans retain the Senate to restrict him. The country will. I suspect, more further to the right over the coming years as they see what a disaster Democrat policies invariably for the economy and living standards. Biden himself is not that bad as democrats go but he has fallen for the climate alarmist lunacy, identity politics (you are not really black if you vote Republican), the evil politics of envy and almost everyone is a victim culture.

    The left is all about appeal to irrational emotions over what actually works. It is even worse in the UK where both main parties are essentially big state, tax to death socialists.

    The BBC is now even more unbearable and wrong headed that usual.

    1. Sea_Warrior
      November 8, 2020

      I’ve just checked the academic record of Biden. He doesn’t seem to be that bright.

      1. Lifelogic
        November 8, 2020

        Clearly not. He thinks he is going to “bring the climate under control” (start with the Sun’s activity mate good luck with that), he joined the democrats and thinks black people are not really black if they vote Republican! Not that Trump or Regan are/were exactly bright either.

        It is having sensible policies that matters.

      2. agricola
        November 8, 2020

        Brightness is not a matter of letters after your name. I knew of a “Brain of Britain” winner who on being asked by his wife to warm a hot water bottle put it on the electric hob with predictable results.

      3. Fred H
        November 9, 2020

        Like Macron – married a teacher!

        1. hefner
          November 12, 2020

          Life-long learning?

    2. steve
      November 8, 2020

      LL

      Well I shall watch with amusement when abortion and gun control issues blow up in Biden’s face.

      And the one predictable characteristic of the left will bite him on the bottom…..namely that they are never satisfied. I predict the likes of antifa and BLM will be claiming they are not getting what they think they’re entitled to, and will be kicking off within a couple of years.

      I don’t see this little Irish descendant looking so clever.

    3. RichardM
      November 8, 2020

      If the Democrats win the likely run-offs in Georgia on Jan 5th, they get the Senate.
      Georgia remembers Trumps failure to attend the funeral of John Lewis, or even have any decent words to say.

      1. beresford
        November 8, 2020

        All the more reason to block Boris’s anticipated move in Parliament to further extend our surrogate EU membership beyond December.

    4. Lifelogic
      November 8, 2020

      Sorry very unlikely they will uphold – delete not.

      1. Lynn Atkinson
        November 8, 2020

        I disagree.

    5. Martin in Cardiff
      November 8, 2020

      Too many negatives – please clarify.

    6. Tony Wright
      November 11, 2020

      erm……..I think you have forgotten something!!In Georgia there is a run off for two Senate seats and the Senate is 48 each!!It is far from being decided and won’t be for a while yet so please do not count your chickens before they hatch!!!!!

  3. Lester Cynic Beedell
    November 8, 2020

    Convincing win?

    Pull the other one!

    125% turnout in one state and an 120yr old voting….. electoral fraud is the name of the game as in Peterborough.

    1. Lifelogic
      November 8, 2020

      Postal voting is clearly far more open to fraud than in person voting. Peterborough was indeed a good example. They should publish the postal vote figures and the ‘in person’ ones separately. If there are significant differences then a good explanation as to why is needed to show it is not fraud.

      1. Fred H
        November 8, 2020

        I answered this further down the blog.

    2. BOF
      November 8, 2020

      And the dead vote too….

    3. steve
      November 8, 2020

      Lester

      +1

    4. Dave Andrews
      November 8, 2020

      I don’t buy this election fraud conspiracy – a few votes here and there for sure, but wholesale ballot box stuffing could not proceed unnoticed and anyone trying it would find their scheme blowing up in their face.
      Not that party activists would hold back from rigging elections if they felt they could get away with it. I would be the last person to accuse them of having principles.

      1. Kevin Caudwell
        November 8, 2020

        The conspiracy isn’t ballot box stuffing – it is millions of mail in ballots going missing, duplicate ballots and ballots for the dead being printed and then mysteriously people turning up in the middle of the night with bags full of votes for Biden in the swing states, whilst Trump mail-in votes end up in dumpsters and ditches.

        If you can find votes for Trump dumped in a ditch, how many more cases do you think there would there be where the votes were shredded or burned?

        Combined with any trick they can pull in the counting stations.

        Reply None of this has yet been proved and where did you get millions going missing from?

  4. No Longer Anonymous
    November 8, 2020

    The only way to unite the west is for the Right to give up and capitulate to the Left.

    The Left do not accept conservatism, nor Conservatism – they foment insurrection so perhaps President Trump is taking a leaf from this book. If you think there is no evidence of corruption then perhaps this might make interesting reading:

    https://www.express.co.uk/comment/expresscomment/1357379/us-election-2020-donald-trump-joe-biden-pollster-fail

    A smaller margin for a Leftist mandate exists than does for Brexit. Yet don’t let that stop the Leftists saying that ultra Leftism should now be forced on the USA.

    I have yet to hear a ranter against Trump say what policy of his was so wicked. He did not invade and destabilise countries as other presidents (including President Obama) did. In fact he waged peace, not war and he made many of his poor better off and garnered more of the BAME vote who are utterly sick of BLM as are many of my black friends and colleagues.

    1. BOF
      November 8, 2020

      +1

    2. Martin in Cardiff
      November 8, 2020

      The armed militias approaching counting centres were all right wing.

      1. Edward2
        November 8, 2020

        Martin
        How does that answer NLA’s question?
        “what policy of his was so wicked”

    3. Narrow Shoulders
      November 8, 2020

      I once read that the Democrats were to the right of the Conservatives party.

      I have no idea if it is correct as I don’t follow American politics but I can not imagine Americans voting for socialism.

      Biden is less left than Trump but I suspect to the right of our authoritarian, levelling up with made up money administration

    4. Al
      November 9, 2020

      “I have yet to hear a ranter against Trump say what policy of his was so wicked. ” – No Longer Anonymous

      I’m no ranter against Trump, but most of them dislike his recent removal of Employment protections from government empl0yees to make many of them “at will” hires. I have to say, this goes a little far by my standards, but making it easier to fire poorly-performing civil servants is something I agree with.

      Likewise separating children from migrant parents at the border is another policy they scream about. It was poorly thought out and resulted in over 500 children in the US without any way to contact their families to send them home.

      Whether right or left, the opposition will always scream about policies they don’t like e.g. Obama’s care act was abhorred by the right. Maybe a little less screaming and a little more discussion on all sides would help.

  5. Mark B
    November 8, 2020

    Good morning.

    Nice letter. Doubt he would read it.

    The U.K. respects democratic mandates . . .

    I confess that I had a little chortle at that one. I voted to LEAVE the EU, not renegotiate a new Association Agreement.

    This and previous governments have deliberately dragged our Leaving out, waiting for a day like this.

    How terribly sad. We had, in President Trump, a man that truly loved this country as much as he loved his own. Thank you Mr. President and good luck.

    “We will see how they all put democratic principles into practice.”

    President Putin, 1st July 2016

    It’s a sad day when the so called Free World makes that man look good.

    1. Lifelogic
      November 8, 2020

      +1

      I too voted to LEAVE the EU, not renegotiate a new Association Agreement.

      1. Martin in Cardiff
        November 8, 2020

        That’s a False Binary fallacy.

    2. Simeon
      November 8, 2020

      Depressingly, the 2016 referendum was superseded by the 2019 election, when the Tories ran on a policy sufficiently vague to hide their true intentions from a sufficient number of electors. The Association Agreement as you term it is all there in the WA which the Tories promised to ratify. Brexit died when Farage left the field of play, and was buried on 12.12.19.

    3. BeebTax
      November 8, 2020

      Very much in agreement with you. We will have a tough 4 years when it comes to UK/US relations, but hopefully there will be a change of administration after that (unless the leftists there seize total control).

      On that score, an has already sprung up, openly encouraged by congresswoman A O C, to make a list……… of those who served in or supported the Trump administration in order to hound them and make it difficult for them to get work.. McCarthyism may be about to return. US democracy has fallen a long way.

      1. BeebTax
        November 8, 2020

        On that score “an organisation….”

    4. Old Salt
      November 8, 2020

      Mark B
      +1
      How many millions of us voted to LEAVE having put our trust in democracy?

      Issues remain with ECHR, State aid -level playing field, Fishing, Defence, Immigration – manifesto promises, Diminished manufacturing and energy to be reliant on EU at our expense hence the balance of trade in their favour. The list goes on and on. Not forgetting our ongoing contributions and leaving settlement with no MEP representation.

      Four plus years of procrastination is not a very good advertisement for democracy whatsoever.

      The EU are determined to hold on to as much of the UK as possible while at the same time seeking to divide and conquer by whatever means.

  6. Lifelogic
    November 8, 2020

    Janet Daley today asks:-

    There was only one possible reflection on that extraordinary broadcast from the Trump bunker last Thursday night. How did this ludicrous, dangerously ignorant man ever become president of the United States?

    Simple Janet – he was a far better choice than the dire lefty lawyer Hillary Clinton, he was also a far better choice than lefty lawyer Joe Biden and Harris. The policies of the left simply do not work. They damage the rich and the poor and do huge economic and social damage particularly to the poor. The politics of envy, victimhood, and identity politics are all evil. The fact that Trump has seen through the climate alarmist. group think religion was reason enough to vote for him. It is depressing he lost – largely it seems due to lack of support from woman and particularly college “educated” ones it seems.

    So many people seem to be educated into stupidity nowadays. Witness the decision of fire chiefs to moronically send residents at Grenfell Tower back to their flats, the ERM, the EURO, the climate alarmism, the war on a lie, the NHS pushing Covid infected people into care homes and back home untested and tested, the existence of the dire NHS state monopoly, the war on plant food, the war against private schools and grammar schools, nearly all PPE graduates, the bonkers line the BBC takes on almost every issue ……

    Matt Ridley and Daniel Hannan have sensible comment pieces in the Telegraph today.

    1. Lifelogic
      November 8, 2020

      I should have added the current lock down (when the infection is clearly already in decline) and SUNAK’s absurd Furlough until March 31st (we need to encourage more people to work not pay and incentivise them not to you silly man). Also the absurdly expensive and ineffective track and trace, the lack of hospital capacity even now (it seem Sunak refused funding earlier in the year), the idiot Liverpool City testing for all that achieves nothing …..

      1. Sea_Warrior
        November 8, 2020

        And Johnson has just offered nearly £400 million for Rashford. A transfer fee, I think.

        1. Lifelogic
          November 8, 2020

          Virtue signalling lunacy wherever you look. All done with other people’s money.

        2. Cheshire Girl
          November 8, 2020

          Every time I wonder why I declined to renew my membership of the Conservative Party ( I was a lifelong member) I am reminded by things like the above.
          Boris is weak, and capitulates under the slightest pressure.

          I voted for a Government to run this Country, and not a member of the general public. I often feel my vote counted for nothing.

          1. Sea_Warrior
            November 8, 2020

            You’ve some way to go, Sharon, before you catch up with me. I’ve resigned three times in the past – never once being able to hold my nose for a full year. At this rate, my fourth membership won’t be renewed. Why? Because the government is in the hands of a Liberal/Socialist, advised by Marxists and Anarchists. My own association is beyond-dreadful and CCHQ hasn’t bothered sending me so much as an email since I completed the onboarding process. I can only conclude that the level of amateurishness in politics is sky-high.

          2. Fred H
            November 8, 2020

            Are you suggesting that the (well off ed) Sir Patrick Vallance is an ordinary member of the general public?

          3. steve
            November 8, 2020

            Cheshire girl

            “I voted for a Government to run this Country, ”

            So did I, and I also voted for one that would not tolerate threats to my country from the likes of Macron and Biden.

            Look what I ended up with…..a bunch of spineless G*TS !

            “Oh, I shall be walking away from the EU on 15th Oct, (but leaving then door ajar)”

            “Oh look, I am still talking to the EU, despite what I said”

            “Oh Mr ‘united Ireland’-Biden congrats on your squeaky clean election victory, we look forward to liking your boots”

            “Oh, and I, Boris DePfeffel-Johnson also reneged on my promise to bang the BBC to rights, but it’s ok cos nobody believed I had the guts anyway”

            I’m done with the alleged conservatives, bunch of wimps.

      2. Sharon
        November 8, 2020

        Re the furlough going on into March…and workers.

        My youngest son (accountant) – his practice has gone from being open part time to being full time opened ….now, following government guidelines has fully closed again!

        To quote my butcher earlier this week, “we’re back to square one again, it’s ridiculous!”

        I do hope this doesn’t mean my son’s office will be closed until March, under constant lockdown. We’re burning the house down to rid ourselves of a wasp’s nest.

        The Biden result – the whole vote stinks. Biden clearly is unwell, it’s thought that he’ll be asked to resign on health grounds only months into his presidency- and the Harris lady will take over. Only reassurance is that the Republicans control the senate. I agree with the rest you say LL.

        1. Jim Whitehead
          November 8, 2020

          +1

        2. JohnE
          November 8, 2020

          Does anyone need to go into an accountant’s office? Surely he can have a drop box for any papers that need to be left?What stops him working from home?

          1. Narrow Shoulders
            November 8, 2020

            Who needs accountants when there is no trade?

        3. Martin in Cardiff
          November 8, 2020

          Hey, surprise surprise.

          If you don’t eliminate a highly infectious virus, and then stop doing things to control it, then blow me down, but you get loads of cases again.

          It’s “ridiculous” to expect anything else.

        4. Stred
          November 8, 2020

          I went for a walk and thought I would call at the Spoons to buy a pint by texting the order. But every pub and restaurant had closed. The chain pubs have decided that it’s easier to take the government money, probably until March now that Rishi has been so generous. CBI accommodated first with SME money.

      3. Jim Whitehead
        November 8, 2020

        +1

    2. Lynn Atkinson
      November 8, 2020

      This is what Janet Daley’s ‘ludicrous dangerously ignorant man said. – from the Golf Course not a ‘bunker’ which is reminiscent of Hitler. With what did exactly does she disagree?

      7th November 2020

      Statement by President Trump

      ‘We all know why Joe Biden is rushing to falsely pose as the winner, and why his media allies are trying so hard to help him: they don’t want the truth to be exposed. The simple fact is this election is far from over. Joe Biden has not been certified as the winner of any states, let alone any of the highly contested states headed for mandatory recounts, or states where our campaign has valid and legitimate legal challenges that could determine the ultimate victor. In Pennsylvania, for example, our legal observers were not permitted meaningful access to watch the counting process. Legal votes decide who is president, not the news media.

      “Beginning Monday, our campaign will start prosecuting our case in court to ensure election laws are fully upheld and the rightful winner is seated. The American People are entitled to an honest election: that means counting all legal ballots, and not counting any illegal ballots. This is the only way to ensure the public has full confidence in our election. It remains shocking that the Biden campaign refuses to agree with this basic principle and wants ballots counted even if they are fraudulent, manufactured, or cast by ineligible or deceased voters. Only a party engaged in wrongdoing would unlawfully keep observers out of the count room – and then fight in court to block their access.

      So what is Biden hiding? I will not rest until the American People have the honest vote count they deserve and that Democracy demands.”

      Donald J Trump

  7. Len Peel
    November 8, 2020

    Tell me, is there any way your precious Brexit could get worse? Europe against you, America against you, Ireland dictating terms. Britain’s as friendless as it was in 1066

    1. Sea_Warrior
      November 8, 2020

      Your post tells us more about the nature of Biden, Ireland and the rest of the Europe than it does about the UK.

      1. steve
        November 8, 2020

        Sea Warrior

        Yes, they have one thing in common; they are not Protestant countries.

        1. Martin in Cardiff
          November 8, 2020

          Try telling the Germans, Scandinavians and the Dutch that.

          1. Lynn Atkinson
            November 8, 2020

            Very many Germans are Roman Catholic. You know not a lot!

          2. hefner
            November 9, 2020

            22.6 m, 27.2% (2019 survey) out of a 83m population.
            Do you know that much?

          3. Edward2
            November 9, 2020

            Sounds like a large community 22.6 million people.
            Especially if they hold disproportionate positions of political power wealth and influence.
            Perhaps you can go away and do more research hef.

          4. hefner
            November 12, 2020

            Just to please you … only Bayern and Saarland have a majority of Catholics (out of 16 states). Bavaria is indeed an important state.
            Could you please provide more information on how the Catholics are holding disproportionate positions of political power, wealth and influence.
            What are your criteria to ascertain such a thing? Do you think that religion is such a candidate’s important characteristic for the German voters when they choose whom to vote for?
            Do you think Adenauer, Kiesinger and Kohl were chosen as Chancellor because they were Catholic?
            I would love to hear your take on such an interesting topic.

    2. Richard1
      November 8, 2020

      Why so? Britain has many friends around the world, including in the EU. There is probably about to be an EU trade deal as a result of which in a few months nobody will be talking about Brexit anymore. Certainly the Biden administration will have no interest in it – it will be done.

      Time for continuity remain finally to accept the democratic decision, just as trump and his supporters must do the result in the US.

      1. JohnE
        November 8, 2020

        You obviously have no idea of the customs mess that awaits in January irrespective of what deal is done between now and then.

    3. beresford
      November 8, 2020

      There was no Britain in 1066.

      1. bigneil(newercomp)
        November 8, 2020

        At the rate of immigration – and with the NWO and Agenda 21 etc – -there won’t be a Britain in 2066 either.

        1. steve
          November 8, 2020

          bigneil

          There will always be an England, Neil. We might be living our own version of British life, shunning all things EU and probably American to boot, but we are not going anywhere and we’re entering a new and vicious phase of anger.

          I don’t depend on anything at all from Europe, France, or Ireland. Until recently I was buying American produce, but not now, not after Biden threatened us.

          I think this government should cancel F35 and all other defence contracts, and clearly warn Biden that we shall not be getting involved in any future US military shenanigans…they’ll be on their own, and face losing as they always do when we’re not involved.

          I don’t take kindly to any foreign mouthpiece threatening my country.

      2. Martin in Cardiff
        November 8, 2020

        Oh, what was here then? Just open sea?

        1. beresford
          November 8, 2020

          Oh dear, Martin in Cardiff, fancy not knowing that Wales was independent then (as was Scotland). Harold Godwinson, killed at Hastings, was King of ENGLAND.

        2. czerwonadupa
          November 8, 2020

          It certainly won’t be the land of the Angles.

      3. steve
        November 8, 2020

        Beresford

        “There was no Britain in 1066.”

        Afraid you’re wrong there.

    4. L Jones
      November 8, 2020

      Is there any way your precious EU could get worse?
      No – don’t answer that. You’ll be all day looking for ideas..

    5. steve
      November 8, 2020

      MiC

      And why would I be giving of my time to remind other countries their state religion is not Protestant ? They already know they aren’t.

    6. steve
      November 8, 2020

      Len Peel

      “Tell me, is there any way your precious Brexit could get worse?”

      Only gone bad by betrayal. We know it’s over, for now. Revenge is the next phase, and rest assured we will have it.

      Britain’s as friendless as it was in 1066.

      So what.

  8. Sea_Warrior
    November 8, 2020

    Good letter – but there were many instances of electoral fraud identified by the Press before, during and after the election. The size of the problem hasn’t yet been quantified and it’s probably the case that the number of dodgy votes isn’t enough to call into question the legitimacy of Biden’s win. But I think we’ll see Pelosi’s lot now move quickly to entrench this election’s ‘innovations’ into federal law. I hope that you, Sir John, will do your bit to improve the integrity of our own electoral system. Your party doesn’t seem to care much about the issue.

  9. Lifelogic
    November 8, 2020

    I have huge sympathy for Boris despite all his many mistakes so far. He is now in an even more difficult position.

    The Brexit and the Irish Border issue now far more difficult with Biden, the deluded greenish mother to his latest child doubtless pushing him to insanity on climate alarmism, conservative MPs who are very largely remainers, big government socialists and believers in endless climate alarmist virtue signalling, a socialist magic money tree Chancellor whose first action was to attack entrepreneurs tax reliefs then to increase debt hand over fist, the Covid problems (now all but over over), also he has wee Sturgeon and her appalling National Socialist Party of Scotland plus he has the appalling NHS to sort out.

    At least he does not have any actual wars to contend with currently I suppose.

    1. Sharon
      November 8, 2020

      Somebody pointed me in the direction of The Royal Family website yesterday, there’s information on The Great Reset and a video of Prince Charles talking at the Davos WEF meeting, and his POW’s feathers are the logo behind him, lit up in pretty colours.

      I’d heard he’d become a sort of unofficial patron….

      1. Lifelogic
        November 8, 2020

        Indeed he would be sensible to copy his mother and keep well out of politics but his is incapable of doing so. Plus he is clearly wrong (and full of do as I say not as I do hypocrisy) with almost everything he comes out with.

        Long live the Queen,

        1. Stred
          November 8, 2020

          It reminds me of the time when Edward VIII became involved in Nazi events. Hopefully the same will happen to Charles before he even gets the top job.

    2. Sir Joe Soap
      November 8, 2020

      There is something to be said for confronting issues head on i.e. Brexit in 2016, rather than putting them off 4 years.

    3. Lynn Atkinson
      November 8, 2020

      He has war with the British people to contend with. Would you vote Tory again?

  10. Leslie Singleton
    November 8, 2020

    Dear Sir John–Nobody, especially not the BBC, seems to want to mention that Trump was extremely unlucky having to bear the brunt of Covid and BLM. It was all going well for him till they came out of the clear blue sky. Agree of course would not have been a good idea to refer to these in your letter.

    1. Jim Whitehead
      November 8, 2020

      +1

    2. Lifelogic
      November 8, 2020

      +1

  11. Peter van LEEUWEN
    November 8, 2020

    Thank you Mr Redwood, I’m sure that the EU would love to talk with Mr Biden about the Good Friday Agreement and other Irish issues. After the EU funded 4 peace programs directed at the communities in N. Ireland, maybe international support can now help to pursue these efforts.

    1. steve
      November 8, 2020

      PvL

      NI is British sovereign territory……do not meddle.

      1. ukretired123
        November 8, 2020

        Steve well said!

      2. bill brown
        November 8, 2020

        Steve,

        As far as Im concerned he is ore then welcome to meddle

      3. Peter van LEEUWEN
        November 8, 2020

        @steve: Unlike “the Troubles”, the Good Friday Agreement was clearly an international effort, involving the US and Ireland (=EU) as wel as Britain.

        1. Fred H
          November 9, 2020

          why US involvement? Do we meddle in the issues of their Wall?

      4. Peter van LEEUWEN
        November 8, 2020

        @steve:
        “NI is British sovereign territory”.
        Steve, shouldn’t that be “UK sovereign territory” ?

    2. Know-Dice
      November 8, 2020

      EU funded?

      You mean UK funded… It was UK money in the first place

      1. bigneil(newercomp)
        November 8, 2020

        The EU firmly believes that OUR money is THEIRS to do as they please with. After all, our leaders have given them enough of it.

        1. Peter van LEEUWEN
          November 8, 2020

          @bigneil(newercomp): Now that it is YOUR money once again, how sure are you that some of it will be used to forge more peace between the communities in N. Ireland???
          Please tell me about these plans and any documents relating to it!!

        2. Martin in Cardiff
          November 8, 2020

          Brexit has already cost the UK more than its total contributions to the EC/European Union over forty-odd years.

          1. czerwonadupa
            November 8, 2020

            How many times do you have to be told by Indians, Africans & Britains that freedom is priceless. The many UK & Commonwealth military cemeteries across Europe to free Europe from German & Russian dictatorship is a testament to that.

      2. bill brown
        November 8, 2020

        Know-Dice

        HOw do oyu know it was not German, Swedish, Danish or Dutch money,

        can we have some proof please?

        1. P Tinniswood
          November 9, 2020

          Oh dear. Your lies re Brexit meant you have taken back control! UK has rapidly diminishing significance and influence. So why shouldn’t the US stop a deal with the UK. They have control too. And Truss hasn’t achieved any significant deals – the one with Japan gives nothing realistically new. Now after your second U-turn on food for kids, try spending your time figuring out how to help the poor you have so gratuitously hurt.

        2. Know-Dice
          November 9, 2020

          Because we pay in more than we get out, of course it’s “our” money…

      3. Peter van LEEUWEN
        November 8, 2020

        @Know-Dice: Once upon a time you were (part of) the EU, remember?

        1. Know-Dice
          November 9, 2020

          True, but we are STILL paying in to the EU….remember!!! 🙂

      4. steve
        November 8, 2020

        Know Dice

        The EU can shove the money where the sun don’t shine.

        And any UK government that gives the EU OUR money after Dec 31st is gonna get lynched.

    3. Lynn Atkinson
      November 8, 2020

      You asked for that John!

  12. Mary M.
    November 8, 2020

    Sir John,

    Wise measured words, as usual.

    When Boris Johnson is finally encouraged resign, please put yourself forward for PM.

    This country needs people like you at the helm in these troubled times.

    1. Lifelogic
      November 8, 2020

      Alas Conservative MPs are so stupid that even against the appalling John Major (after his predictable ERM fiasco) they preferred “no change no chance John Major” by 218 to 89. He then predicable buried the party for 3+ terms.

      The Conservative MPs that we have now are clearly little or no better. Most even recently voted to retain Theresa May and nearly all for the insane green crap lunacy.

    2. Lynn Atkinson
      November 8, 2020

      And hey, we can cobble together 178 million votes for you anyday, we’ll do it the a Biden way!

    3. Martin in Cardiff
      November 8, 2020

      He’s already done that, but maybe there’s a tide in such affairs…

  13. Lifelogic
    November 8, 2020

    Rod Liddle today:-

    Following Scotland’s lead, the Law Commission proposes that people should be prosecuted for saying nasty things even if they’re sitting at home and hoping to while away the lockdown hours with a spot of hate speech.

    However, the commission has gone further by suggesting that in addition to race, gender and religion, a whole new bunch of people should be protected from being offended. These include old people, young people, “sex workers” (why not loss adjusters or estate agents?) and tribes of young folk who identify themselves by a style of dress. So no jokes, please, beginning: “A hooker, a bishop and a skinhead go into a bar”, or you’ll find the Old Bill at your door.

    Mercifully absent from the list of people with “protected characteristics” are lawyers, about whom Jack Cade was surely right.

    1. Lifelogic
      November 8, 2020

      Will one be legally allowed to say things that are clearly true? Will truth be a valid defence if you criticise some daft religion or point out how few women take physics, further maths or computer studies at A level or beyond I wonder? Will the climate alarmist religion be protected too?

    2. Martin in Cardiff
      November 8, 2020

      The Law Commission does not propose what you claim.

    3. Martin in Cardiff
      November 8, 2020

      The Law Commission are running a Consultation on ways that the law might be improved – as ever.

      So why do you not become a Member Of The Public Consultee, and influence their recommendations?

      You would need to write a short essay to demonstrate that you understand the law as it is, and point out why, on legally-relevant reasoned grounds, it might need amendment in some way(s).

      https://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/hate-crime/

      1. a-tracy
        November 9, 2020

        Why Martin? To become a marked wo/man. We’ve read the threats over the weekend.

  14. bill brown
    November 8, 2020

    Sir JR,

    Interesting and comprehensive leter to Mr. Biden.which covers a number of areas.

    One inersting point “It is the EU which seems to be planning a hard border bewtween NI and the Republic”

    1) I was not aware with the current negotiations taht this is the case as the arrangements are curretly agred?
    2) As the negotitions are still going on,it is probably very difficult to make this sort of potential judgement at this early stage?

    Reply Look at their CV 19 arrangements in place

  15. Sakara Gold
    November 8, 2020

    An appalingly sycophantic and grovelling letter to a man who has just beaten the most awful president that America has produced in half a century.

    As the free world breathes a collective sigh of relief, a simple “Congratulations on your hard-fought victory in the election. The United Kingdom looks forward to working with you on matters of mutual interest” would have sufficed.

    1. No Longer Anonymous
      November 8, 2020

      I think we’re about to get the most awful President in the form of Kamala Harris.

      Green policies and leftism destroy blue collar jobs.

      Where was the Biden landslide and just how did Trump win the most BAME votes for any Republican President in the last 60 years ?

      1. Martin in Cardiff
        November 8, 2020

        Ask Kanye West about your last point.

      2. Wrinkle
        November 8, 2020

        ‘I think we’re about to get the most awful President in the form of Kamala Harris.’

        I think she will be excellent at least in the field of intl. politics or perhaps more as she will just laugh hysterically at anything anyone says so will be able to do nothing which is the safest policy.

    2. Lifelogic
      November 8, 2020

      I am no fan of Trump but his policies were far better than Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. In particular he was right on the economy, energy and climate change.

      If he has lost is it mainly due to Covid – he would surely have won easily without Covid.

      1. Fred H
        November 8, 2020

        exactly.

      2. Lynn Atkinson
        November 8, 2020

        Let’s wait until at least 1 State is legally declared don’t you think? Let’s see what explanation the authorities in safe-haven cities have for returning more votes than they have electors? Don’t you think that is proof of some sort of skulduggery, or are you saying that Is unproven and just fine, like JR?
        Do you think that all the Military votes in Pennsylvania found in a ‘dumpster’ is OK or proof of fraud?
        Wait until Monday when the Cases are laid.

    3. Lifelogic
      November 8, 2020

      Only just very slight beaten (if indeed he has) so the voters clearly did not think Trump was all that awful. Perhaps they liked a stronger economy, better jobs and rather disliked the politics of envy, identity politics and a hugely damaged economy.

      1. Jim Whitehead
        November 8, 2020

        +1

    4. Richard1
      November 8, 2020

      Why is it either sycophantic or grovelling?

    5. BeebTax
      November 8, 2020

      I agree with most of the comments made about your post. I don’t think the free world is breathing “a collective sigh of relief”: quite the contrary. I think we have much to fear with the enormous influence BigTech, MSM and the MIT weild in cahoots with an authoritarian, vindictive and apparently corrupt new administration in the White House.

      AOC is already asking why they aren’t making lists of Trump officials and supporters in order to ensure they are excluded from employment opportunities or otherwise cancelled. That’s a fascist tactic rather than a free-world one.

      1. bill brown
        November 8, 2020

        BeepTax

        It would be nice to know , how you know it is a corrupt new administration?
        HOw do you know it is more corrupt than the present one?

  16. steve
    November 8, 2020

    JR

    “I must stress that the U.K. does uphold the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.”

    None of Biden’s business, and he should keep his nose out.

    Frankly, JR, I have to say I am offended that you should assume my approval to communicate in this way to someone who has shown contempt and hostility to our sovereignty.

    Now I see with my own eyes the conservative party really is unfit for office. I think you should all resign.

    1. formula57
      November 8, 2020

      @ steve – it is some of Biden’s business as Clinton and Mitchell were so involved on behalf of the U.S.A. in bringing about the Agreement, not least by giving assurances in that country’s name.

      I am bemused though that there is ever any question about whether or not “the U.K. does uphold the Good Friday Agreement” since it was the chief beneficiary thereof.

    2. Lynn Atkinson
      November 8, 2020

      I sadly agree. The whole lot!

    3. Fred H
      November 9, 2020

      I tend to agree that the present holders of Office should all resign, I ‘m sure there are better people on the benches!

  17. Kevin Caudwell
    November 8, 2020

    Disappointing letter Sir John.

    How do you expect someone to gather “evidence” if their legally mandated poll watchers who say they observed electoral fraud are excluded from observing the count? Doesn’t eye witness testimony of fraud and the illegal barring of poll watchers count as evidence?

    What a joke.

    Don’t you think it is a bit strange that Biden got so many votes? So many more than Barack Obama? The whole system has been corrupted in America and you’re cheering it on.

    1. Everhopeful
      November 8, 2020

      Read the letter again…carefully!
      It seems to me to be a work of genius.
      I am devastated by what happened in the election..but still have some hope since I found out that similar announcements were made re Clinton and Gore.
      JRs letter is to me proof that not everyone in power is mad.

      1. Kevin
        November 8, 2020

        I hope you’re right!

        I have little faith that the system will allow a true investigation of alleged voting fraud and that in most cases it is already too late – votes have been separated from envelopes and there was no oversight in many cases to catch tampering.

        In the Gore case, they studies many ballots and it was quite a transparent process – this is needed here in all states that didn’t complete the vote counting on election night.

    2. SM
      November 8, 2020

      I don’t quite understand your point, Kevin. If the mandated poll watchers were excluded from observing the count, how did they have observe electoral fraud?

      And who stopped the poll watchers? If the US system is anything like our own, an appointed observer is given a permit to enter the counting hall – refusing to allow entry to such a representative would surely have given rise to considerable media attention?

      1. SM
        November 8, 2020

        If I may, the BBC has now reported that the accusation that poll watchers were refused entry to a count has been refuted.

      2. Lynn Atkinson
        November 8, 2020

        The Republican observers were excluded by the corrupt counting staff. The Republican Party applied to the Court to force the ‘electoral officers’ to allow them in. They won. Then the Democratic Party appealed that decision i.e tried to keep the Republican observes OUT!
        At the end of all of this the number of votes for Trump remained as it was before the shananagans, the number of Biden votes had increased by more than 200k.

      3. Kevin Caudwell
        November 8, 2020

        Well, to start with, I’ve seen video footage of people with permits being denied entry and people with permits being ejected – backed up by the officials of the counting stations and local law enforcement acting under direction from the officials.

        I’ve seen footage of barricades and facades being erected to block the view of poll observers.

        Many observers weren’t allowed within 30 feet of the nearest counting desk, 100s of feet from the farthest.

        When (for some inexplicable reason) counting stopped at 10:30pm, there were no observers through the night when new mail in ballots magically turned up for Biden.

        Now, I’ve answered your potentially facetious questions – it is your turn – can you explain how it why you think there hasn’t been considerable media attention focused on these issues?

    3. IanT
      November 8, 2020

      If there has been postal fraud, I doubt it occurred in the counting halls. Much more likely to be small groups operating independently to try to influence things.

      Remember the students in the last UK election urging their friends to vote twice – once on campus and again at home. It should be beyond the wit of man to find some way to enforce “one man, one vote” (sorry couldn’t be faffed to go all PC and do the man/woman etc thing)

      1. Lynn Atkinson
        November 8, 2020

        This is institutional fraud we are speaking of, not individual fraud.

        1. Martin in Cardiff
          November 8, 2020

          The Republican establishment – notably G.W. Bush – are pretty much in agreement that Trump is making a prize fool of himself.

          1. Fred H
            November 9, 2020

            a bit like our Labour party, finally seeing Corbyn as a fool?

      2. Kevin Caudwell
        November 8, 2020

        Undoubtedly most fraud would have taken place away from the counting halls – but there was still, in my considered opinion, enough fraud in the counting halls to flip the results.

        In America, if you look at the Project Veritas video for example, it was very organised and very well funded compared to the UK university issues and what happened in Peterborough.

    4. BOF
      November 8, 2020

      +1

    5. Jim Whitehead
      November 8, 2020

      +1

    6. Andy
      November 8, 2020

      There are more Democrats in America than there are Republicans. We see this every election. The Republicans have only won the popular vote for the presidency once in the last 30 years. And Democrats hate Trump. They don’t merely dislike him the way they disliked George W. They hate him. And they showed it at the polls.

      You lost. Get over it.

      1. Edward2
        November 8, 2020

        Sadly the Democrats have a lot of hate for others.

      2. Kevin Caudwell
        November 8, 2020

        Actually, I think you’ll find there are comfortably more Trump supporters in America than there are Democrats.

        And (intentionally taking the common phrase literally) they didn’t show it at the polls where Trump won convincingly – “they” “showed it” in black bin bags containing harvested mail-in votes.

        You are right though that “they” hate him – meaning the far left, big tech, the media and the champagne socialists. The kind of company that should be enough to make you quite like Trump no?

        I’ll try to get over it once all the votes in Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania have been checked fairly.

      3. Fedupsoutherner
        November 8, 2020

        Andy, well you must find it easy to recognise hate.

    7. Christine
      November 8, 2020

      +1

  18. BOF
    November 8, 2020

    I am sure our government will get on well with the socialists in the White House.

  19. DOMINIC
    November 8, 2020

    I felt nauseous and slightly unnerved reading this for it reveals much more than has been written

    Looking in the mirror each morning will now become a more uncomfortable activity

    1. Everhopeful
      November 8, 2020

      Read it again Dom!
      I think it is VERY, VERY clever.
      My mother in law was a genius with words in much the same way! Lol 🤔
      A very faith restoring letter if you ask me! ( Which of course no one ever does but still…..).

  20. agricola
    November 8, 2020

    A none controversial positive greeting. Does it go by email, the diplomatic bag or the post. It can do no harm to set the record straight when so many would wish to distort it.

  21. RichardM
    November 8, 2020

    3 miles of new wall built, which Mexico never paid for, and what for ? To have a slogan to feed the fear and lock in the racist vote, that is all. The new sensible president will stop this grotesque waste of money.

    Biden :
    His obsession with building a wall does nothing to address security challenges while costing taxpayers billions of dollars,” Biden’s campaign website says. “Most contraband comes in through our legal ports of entry.”

    1. Richard1
      November 8, 2020

      Trump practically stopped illegal immigration, which was an issue of concern in the US.

    2. beresford
      November 8, 2020

      The new President will enable and encourage mass immigration from the Hispanic countries, in the short term to entrench the Democrats in power and in the long term in pursuit of the globalist agenda. It is a better deal than Europe where the migration of jihadis and peoples who won’t integrate is being allowed with the same ends in mind.

      1. Lynn Atkinson
        November 8, 2020

        +1

      2. Martin in Cardiff
        November 8, 2020

        Immigration in the European Union from countries outside it is a sovereign matter – like by far and away most things – for the respective member state to which the immigrant applies to come.

        Would you rather that there was a centralised policy?

        Since the UK has left, I am not aware of its imposing any ban on people coming from any particular culture either.

        1. Fred H
          November 9, 2020

          There is a centralised policy. Short memory Martin.?
          Merkel said open the borders and they all jumped to attention.

  22. Everhopeful
    November 8, 2020

    Very good letter.
    I suppose everyone knows that MSM “called” for Al Gore and Hillary Clinton with similar headlines calling Gore “President” and Clinton “Madame President” with front page photos etc?
    Our politicians should take note of this violent, disorderly and corrupt election because the uk is going in the same direction. Heads out of sand time…unless of course it is exactly what they want?

  23. Bryan Harris
    November 8, 2020

    Do not expect anything good or worthwhile if Biden makes it to become president.

    Accusations of vote tampering go back decades – Democrats are masters at it – started with Johnson — They even got one of their own governors jailed on trumped up charges because he wouldn’t go along with such fraud…. The number of incidents of vote rigging by Democrats for this election are at an all time high, and will be proven.

    I find it hard to believe that so many, in this country even, can support Biden and the Democrats who have shown themselves so lacking in morals. It is time to get off the fence and support a real investigation into the corruption across the pond, before another election is stolen along with our future prospects. To be followed, hopefully by a similar one over here.

    1. bill brown
      November 8, 2020

      Bryan Harris,

      Where is your proof as Sir JR write Trmp has not yet shown us any proof.

      WHat about you ?

    2. Wrinkle
      November 8, 2020

      Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be a country willing or capable to invade the US to bring it democracy.

    3. Martin in Cardiff
      November 8, 2020

      It’s curious, just how many Republican senators say that the claims are groundless.

      Now, why would they do that if they were not?

      You seem to boast of being better informed than even them. What are your sources?

      1. Bryan Harris
        November 9, 2020

        There are always some traitors around that lean to the left – but far far more agree with Trump — The Democrats were determined to steal this election one way or another – If they do then the USA is no longer a democracy because votes by real people will mean nothing

    4. Jim Whitehead
      November 8, 2020

      +1

  24. MickN
    November 8, 2020

    Let me know when the bookies decide to pay out on the result.
    I trust their judgement more than I do the media.
    If it turns out Trump is correct and it is upheld in the courts there will be a lot of egg on a lot of faces.
    Unfortunately Sir John you have just potentially added your name to that list.

    Reply On the contrary there will be no egg on my face. I have always said if Mr Trump can stand up enough challenges for fraud in court to overturn the result then he will be the duly elected President. So far that looks very unlikely, but I have always said it is theoretically possible.

  25. Man of Kent
    November 8, 2020

    A little off topic but worth noting …….

    What a wonderful British Legion Remembrance service and commemoration from the Albert Hall last night , and on BBC too.

    How many more of these will we be allowed by the Church and our ghastly Archbishop of Canterbury, the thought Police , and Labour Party ?.

    The Chaplain to the British Legion was quite excellent with none of the virtual signalling we are so used to from Welby.
    There is still some common decency around .

    1. Martin in Cardiff
      November 8, 2020

      Yes, virtue is an appalling thing to find in a Man Of The Cloth, eh?

      These do-gooders, what? Tsk.

    2. Jim Whitehead
      November 8, 2020

      Wholly agree with your comment on the Remembrance Service.
      I was somewhat sceptical and not at all happy with the empty seats of what should have been a full house. Nonetheless, once it started rolling I was very pleased and moved with the result, about the best I have ever seen I think.
      There were no discordant notes or ‘woke’ intrusions in the whole performance. The authentic sincerity was almost palpable, singers, soldiers, auxiliaries, clerics, all added to the unique poignancy of the very special occasion.
      It was a programme of which one could be proud and also be grateful for the quality contributions from the many who appeared or performed.

  26. Iago
    November 8, 2020

    Both as to its time and its contents, what an appalling and, as has been said, revealing letter, worthy of a screenshot.

  27. Ian @Barkham
    November 8, 2020

    I to as others have mentioned didn’t see the point of commenting on the Belfast Agreement(Good Friday Agreement). When the dust settles it will be apparent to the US as it always was the GFA was negotiated between the US, the UK and the Then independent country of Ireland, it sill stands from the UK point of view. Nothing in practice, word or deed has suggested otherwise. It is only the EU in their usual way that has suggested on reneging on that agreement, they are the rule, the law and in competition with the US as the new power that is the United States of Europe.

    Not forgetting of course, the democrat’s have won and are no longer campaigning.

    The EU has yet to come to terms that rules and laws that apply within UK territory is beyond their scope, remit or reach. Which is why the wrangling over trade persists. Just waiting for the free-trade deal between the EU and the US that is conditional on the whole of the US complying with EU rules and laws. Even Biden won’t get that through congress.

  28. Ian @Barkham
    November 8, 2020

    As is the way in the US, Biden has just 2 years to mould things or the ‘mid-terms’ will be the block until the next Presidential Election

  29. ukretired123
    November 8, 2020

    Joe Biden is no friend of Britain
    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=&authornamef=Douglas+Murray+For+The+Mail+On+Sunday

    Obama Back of the A

    They will have enough problems sorting out their own divided backyards and potential larger combined enemies of the Russia/China plus North Korea, Iran, Venezuela Iraq, Afghanistan, Taiwan and more.

    If they are smart they need Britain’s help more than ever before as your letter points out so clearly the benefits of doing so.

  30. ukretired123
    November 8, 2020

    Error Back of the Q!

  31. Ian @Barkham
    November 8, 2020

    There is a message to the UK Government in this. Contrary to Boris’s assertions, he is not in a position to defeat this virus never has been, spoofing us with false claims as Donald shown in the US just doesn’t cut it. Boris and his Government leading people to believe it is they the Government that is giving them money doesn’t work either. That dies with dumb ill thought out ways to raise revenue while squandering other peoples hard earned cash on vanity projects

    Having an Arts & Craft Government that is all fluff, huff and puff is destined to fail and push the Conservatives back a generation.

    It is only the People that can solve the UK’s problems and that will only happen when we get a Government that listens to them, hears what they are saying and follows through. Trying to control, and manipulate the people is what it is Dictatorship. The UK can be a great inspiring place, it is its Political Class and their egos that hold it back.

  32. wab
    November 8, 2020

    Well, that’s a better letter than most Republicans have so far managed (the exceptions being Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush).

    On the other hand, the Brexiter rhetoric about the Good Friday Agreement will carry no weight with the Biden administration. The Brexiters are responsible for causing this problem. Stop blaming the EU and start taking responsibility for your actions. Isn’t personal responsibility the right wing mantra?

    And why bring up the pathetic line about the “Republican vision of growth promoted by lower taxes, putting America first when dealing with China”. First of all, Trump did not put America first. He put Trump first, second and third. He was anti-China in rhetoric only. Look how he begged China to help him win the election back pre-covid. Not to mention Ivanka’s trademarks and the factories in China making her products. Secondly, apparently the “Republican vision for growth promoted by lower taxes” means tax cuts for the rich which helped cause a trillion dollar deficit (even pre-covid). I thought Redwood hated deficits. But I guess tax cuts for the rich are more important.

    All in all, I’m sure the Biden team will have a good laugh when reading this letter, assuming that it doesn’t go straight into the bin.

    1. ukretired123
      November 8, 2020

      Yes they will have a good laugh before they realise what problems lie ahead after their narrow minded views wishing everything was Heaven on earth. Nothing will be a cake walk and the pressure on Biden’s health suggests he will be the “performing seal” just like Harry Whales….

      1. ukretired123
        November 8, 2020

        Or maybe Harry Wails…

        1. Fred H
          November 9, 2020

          It think its the other half that wails.

  33. John Halom
    November 8, 2020

    Biden won by massive fraud but since every government in the world is currently engaged in massive fraud I suppose this is just par for the course. Goodbye America, hello civil war.

    1. Martin in Cardiff
      November 8, 2020

      To seek to overthrow a duly elected person by violence is treason, plain and simple.

      (The militias claim a phoney fig leaf, by posturing as if to believe obvious nonsense which might otherwise excuse their actions.)

      The people whom you encourage are therefore the polar opposite of patriots.

      1. Lynn Atkinson
        November 8, 2020

        Yes it is, and the Democrats will pay the price. They tried impeachment, Russia and were forced into institutionalised fraud on a huge scale. They are proven liars and con artists.
        God give Trump strength to save Democracy for us all.

        1. Martin in Cardiff
          November 8, 2020

          I’d go and have another lie down, Lynn.

        2. Jim Whitehead
          November 8, 2020

          +1

  34. Tabulazero
    November 8, 2020

    Under the WTO rules the UK will be forced to set-up a functioning border infrastructure in Northern Ireland. You know that. The Republic of Ireland knows that. Joe Biden knows that.

    I suggest that you actually send him this letter as opposed to pretending that you have.

    1. Edward2
      November 8, 2020

      There already is s border.
      And customs staff on each side.

  35. MWB
    November 8, 2020

    Stop treaing the USA as a special friend. They are a foreign country, and there is no so called special relationship other than in the heads of the various media outlets.

    Remind USA that there are a lot of their troops in our military bases here, and remind them about how much we pay into NATO.

    1. steve
      November 8, 2020

      MWB

      Well said.

      I think F35 should be cancelled, and ask the US to remove military personnel from UK territory. Close down USAF bases.

      Biden needs to learn that his gob is not necessarily his friend.

  36. villaking
    November 8, 2020

    Sir John, I doubt he will read your missive and I think you have published more for your own domestic audience. You are playing to the galleries in a dishonest way with your comments on the EU and the GFA. Would it not be more honest to explain that the WA as amended by Boris states that absent other arrangements, NI will follow Single Market rules and thus create a de facto border down the Irish Sea precisely to avoid a hard border with the RoI. In September new legislation was then proposed threatening to break this agreement potentially making it impossible for the EU to protect the Single Market without imposing some additional border controls. If passed, this breaks the WA and the GFA in letter and spirit. That is the truth so please don’t pretend that the EU is unilaterally and for no good reason going to create a hard border

  37. BillM
    November 8, 2020

    Well written and I trust it will not be ignored.

  38. gyges
    November 8, 2020

    If you’re so happy to jump the gun with issues, when are you planning to tell us to start ignoring the lockdown?

    We all know it’s pointless … we’re just tolerating it for the sake of courtesy to the law … do you plan to tell us to start ignoring it one week from its end? Two weeks from its end, or from now?

    1. Fedupsoutherner
      November 8, 2020

      I’ve been told by a friend who works in the airline industry that they are preparing to restart flights and schedules after the 2nd Dec and then locking down again in January possibly into Feb. Something to look forward to.

  39. wab
    November 8, 2020

    Shorter Redwood:

    Dear Biden,

    Congratulations on winning. Forget about your mandate, you should do everything that we (who were on the side of the loser) want.

    Yours sincerely,
    Arrogant British MP (who still thinks there is a British Empire)

    1. L Jones
      November 8, 2020

      Unfortunately, this open letter sounds as though our government is crawling, if one of its top people writes in this way. It is undignified and sounds shanelessly sycophantic.
      It is not a good thing to be ”congratulating” a so-called winner whose ”win” is still in question. AND that someone we know for a fact is inimical to the UK.

    2. ukretired123
      November 8, 2020

      Shorter wab What comic are you reading?

  40. Robert Bywater
    November 8, 2020

    Well said, especially about the “hard border” issue. We don’t need to hear (ever again) from Mr. Biden that, as he put it to a BBC reporter “I’m Irish”. It was extremely unwise of him to put it like that. It is also unwise for Ms Pelosi to get involved in this matter, as she has already done with her utterances on the subject.

    It seems that we are going back to the “end of the queue” as Obama put it (he probably actually said “end of the line”). Well, we have a queue too and the US will have to make its mind up whether or not to join it ….

  41. Andy
    November 8, 2020

    Dear Mr Redwood,

    Thank you for your letter to President-elect Biden.

    I am his secretary’s secretary’s secretary’s secretary and have been asked to deal with your query.

    With a global pandemic raging, the economy in crisis, climate change advancing and our global coalition in chaos – all thanks to soon-to-be former President Trump – President-elect Biden is pretty busy right now.

    I know he has time for PM Trudeau, PM Ardern, President Macron, Chancellor Merkel, PM Martin, President Von Der Leyen and President Michel. But, frankly, Mr Biden is not interested in England. You voted for international irrelevance and he is happy to let you have it. The fact that you are led by an incompetent clone of Trump is not in your favour.

    Your country mattered, once. But it does not now.

    Still, you can come visit sometime if you’d like. Remember to apply for your visa waiver in advance. You’ll all be used to that, of course, because you’ll need visa waivers for your European holidays too.

    And if you want a trade deal you can have one. On our terms of course. President-elect Biden has said he will not let down the chicken farmers of Delaware and he means it. Your NHS would make a useful addition to our drug companies profits. Making sick elderly people wait longer for treatment in England will increase America’s profit. Hallelujah.

    The President-elect is in regular contact with First Minister Sturgeon and prime minister to-be Starmer. He can work with them. In the meantime enjoy your Brexit. You think you won something. Perhaps one day you’ll be able to elucidate what it is – beyond slightly cheaper tampons.

    Have a great day.

    The President-elect’s secretary’s secretary’s secretary’s secretary.

    1. Glenn Vaughan
      November 8, 2020

      “I am his secretary’s secretary’s secretary’s secretary…” Andy.

      In other words you are irrelevant!!

      1. Tabulazero
        November 8, 2020

        An apt description of what the UK has become under the influence of John Redwood and his friends at the ERG.

        1. Edward2
          November 8, 2020

          Andy said that.
          No one else.

    2. ukretired123
      November 8, 2020

      Andy What will your epitaph be?
      Better “How lucky do you think you are?”
      Do you ever wonder whether reincarnation applies to you and what lies in store in the next life?
      Some deep thinking and soul searching beckons before it’s too late.

    3. Fred H
      November 8, 2020

      Dear whatever your name is (but who cares anyway),
      Mr Redwood is also rather busy and unlikely to spare the time to pop over and see you in that quaint little colonial white building in Washington. In any case it is so sweaty being located on the former swamp, that I imagine you will relocate somewhere else? Wilmington seems to be much nicer?
      Perhaps if you can visit London sometime you might have a lot in common with our leader’s latest female companion. I gather she is in to wanting to eliminate fossil fuels too.
      To finish, fracking off is probably the best way to go.
      Yours hopefully never,

      not signed in secretary’s absence (too busy).

    4. Fedupsoutherner
      November 8, 2020

      Andy, you’ve not been offered a job in comedy yet then? Judging by your poor attempt at humour here I’m not surprised.

  42. rick hamilton
    November 8, 2020

    Giuliani made it quite clear that they couldn’t provide ‘convincing evidence’ of fraud in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh because Republican observers had been kept away from the counting area and could not see the ballots at all, which is a clear breach of law. He has 50 witnesses to testify to this. He then gave evidence of mail-in voting by dead people, with names. The point is that it all looks very suspicious and they seek a remedy, which could be a recount or at the very least sight of all ballots by his team. If it turns out there is nothing to complain about, so be it. However Philadelphia has a 100 year record of electoral fraud and Giuliani has a long history of rooting out corruption in NY, so don’t dismiss the case before it is heard starting on Monday. Then there are other suspicions in other states.

  43. L Jones
    November 8, 2020

    From Sky News Australia today:

    ”The media has declared Joe Biden as the winner of the US presidential election although it isn’t their job to actually make that call as voting recounts and pending legal challenges still remain….”

  44. BW
    November 8, 2020

    So Sir John. What do you make of the report in the Express that Biden’s first phone call to Boris he will tell him to back down with the EU.

    I sincerely hope Boris does not. And that we are a sovereign nation on the 1st Jan.

  45. Paul Cuthbertson
    November 8, 2020

    No MP or PM should congratulate anybody until the result of the US Election is finally declared. This is despicable. The people of the USA decide who is President in accordance with the US constitution and until such time that is confirmed nothing is finite. THE MEDIA do not decide who is President.
    Biden is a puppet of the Left and control is what they have been seeking since 2016.
    Biden has been a Senator for 47 years and not achieved a thing so how come he is going to lead the Nation? Unfortunately for the masses,especially in the UK and other nations, the MSM have made no reference to Biden’s blatant corruption and shutdown alternative media sites who have.
    Should Biden become President, God forbid then turmoil will break out throughout the world. All that President Trump has achieved with peace in the Middle East and North Korea will be undone and China will rule. So wake up people before it is too late.

    However, thankfully the rampant voter fraud in the US election will be exposed and prosecuted and Donald Trump will be confirmed as President. Donald Trump is a leader and a fighter.

  46. Jamie
    November 8, 2020

    Yes..but how is the IMB going to be handled in the Lords now- will they conveniently dump the NI WA protocol to suit Boris’s new road to Damascus view of things?- and if so what is David Frost going to say to Barnier on Monday- “sorry Guv but I was under orders”- “Dom’s orders” – so then what’s barnier going to say in return- he will probably say you tried and wasted our time so now here is how the rest of these negotiations are going to play out

    1/ Fisheries- will be as per EU and for this EU read Macron then

    2/ the level playing field read EU Commission

    3/ Governance in the case of disputes’ will be according to the Eu court…so now

    Please Sign here/

  47. BW
    November 8, 2020

    I am not sure which is worse. The EU dictating to us or Biden dictating to us.

    1. Len Peel
      November 9, 2020

      You dont have to choose. You get both

  48. Kathy Penney
    November 8, 2020

    I read today’s diary thinking that here, at least, I would find some common sense but, Mr Redwood, I am sorely disappointed that you say this: ‘It is a pity he has chosen to query the election outcome without setting out convincing evidence of the voter fraud he alleges.’ as if a) President Trump has had the time to amass the considerable evidence and b) that the counting has even finished! You are more than happy for the mainstream media to decide who is the next President so I only hope that you are happy for the next British election to be decided in the same way when you next face your constituents.

  49. Mike Marsh
    November 8, 2020

    John, Mr Biden is not the “President-elect”. Except in MSM reports. He will be the President-elect when and if each State result is official, undisputed and ratified, unless Mr Trump concedes, which he is not going to do- until January 20 2021.

    It’s worth noting that the media called Al Gore “President-elect” for over a month before Bush’s Presidency.

    It’s disappointing in the extreme to see someone of your standing buying into this.

  50. Fred H
    November 8, 2020

    I suppose you M in C, think all your dozen plus postings are all so enlightening they couldn’t be reduced. In fact Sir John must agree although perhaps he also refused to include another dozen?

  51. IGNORE THEM
    November 8, 2020

    Boris the globalist puppet is desperate for a Biden win Sickening.

  52. Edwardm
    November 9, 2020

    Good letter

  53. willy mccourt
    November 9, 2020

    John, you are priceless. Look after yourself. We will always be in need of a laugh.

  54. Len Peel
    November 9, 2020

    Do you seriously think what the UK voted for in 2016 has any impact on US poltics? The US took back control from the UK a while ago. Biden thinks Brexit harms the West and he will treat Brexit Britain with great caution. How foolish the UK is to turn its back on the world

  55. XYXY
    November 9, 2020

    A couple of things to question:

    1. The last sentence begins:
    “As such we can be of more assistance in world trade and foreign policy matters”

    This sounds rather “junior partner”. Do you really wish to adopt that stance? Perhaps “we will be better able to work towards our shared aims on matter related to…”

    2. “As we leave the EU we have no plans to impose a hard border between the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland, contrary to false EU rumours.”
    The phrase “false EU rumours” is a little… undiplomatic? Perhaps removing the “EU” would be better – no need to say anything about (what you believe to be) the source of the rumours?

    It may also be worth saying a little more on the subject of the GFA. Possibly point out that it says nothing about borders, hard soft or otherwise. An electronic search reveals 10 hits on the string “border”, nine of which are “cross-border” used in the phrase “cross-border co-operation” and the other exhorts the parties to the agreement to work to improve the border areas, including a mention of use of innovative trading technology!

    Hope this helps.

  56. Matthew Hawkins
    November 9, 2020

    Your delusion is at a level shared only by Donald Trump in his toddler-like refusal to accept his loss. The truth is that Joe Biden cares more for the British people than you and your cronies ever have.

  57. John Kemp
    November 10, 2020

    I feel that your letter would have more impact if it were written in allcaps, as this is the house style usually adopted by presumptuous nonentities like yourself Duncan Smith, Francois etc. when trying to draw the attention of the powerful. They don’t have all day to listen to you after all. Also a helpful sprinkling of phrases like “we voted out” “EU mafia” and “taking back control” would leaven the impression of constipated self-absorption that is unfortunately your trademark.

  58. james taylor
    November 10, 2020

    brilliant letter from a brilliant mind, well done.
    its sad that there are so many people who are anti UK and willing to bring our great country down with whatever means they may have, you must have many like this who write to you,
    i am sure that you like me feel they are best ignored.

  59. Robert Bywater
    November 10, 2020

    Dear Sir J

    I think the letter should be sent, although in somewhat redacted form. You have been given a lot of advice above some of which is good. Use that.

    Above all, we should never, ever, be seen to going cap in hand to USA. If there is to be a queue then let us decide where people are placed in that queue. The Americans are now busy with a lot of problems of their own. We have just got a fresh start, let us make use of that initiative.

    Although we and the USA are “best buddies” and all that we should never forget that there is a smouldering hatred of us in USA dating from 1812, Monroe doctrine (1823), USA’s isolationism from 1939-1941 (and cowardly reactions from Joseph Kennedy, Henry Ford, Charles Lindbergh and others), Britain and Canada being kicked out of the Manhattan project, Lease-led all in USA’s favour, FDR’s fawning to Stalin to the detriment of relations with us, plus all the history schoolbooks in USA telling students there how USA “saved our asses in WWII”. We need to remember these negative views and aspersions that dictate how USA treats us. There is also the “Irish question”. Irish-Americans hate us in a way that is totally absent from the Ireland of today (bless them all, they are such a good crowd and play excellent rugby). Biden is by his own statement to the BBC “Irish”. But he is American Irish, not RoI or NI. (Has he ever supported NORAID ??).

    So let us be aware of these structural weaknesses in our relations with them and be frank and strong in our dealings with the USA.

  60. Martin Harrison
    November 10, 2020

    I hope you haven’t sent this yet. Bin it. It makes you sound like your sympathies lie with Trump, which whether they do or don’t, is not a great tone to kick off with. Also, it sounds like you’re telling him to butt out of our politics by butting into his politics. I’m sure he’s perfectly aware that the UK government can take whatever line they like on Brexit, while being equally aware that he can take whatever line he likes with us in response. Those are the consequences of our (your) decisions. This letter is not the diplomacy we need and you’re not the person to deliver it.

  61. Brian
    November 13, 2020

    Send the letter as is. It’ll hasten England’s descent into irrelevance on the international stage and on the island of Britain by a good six months.

    1. Edward Herron
      November 14, 2020

      Excellent observation.
      You capture so well the level of his ignorance as to his importance to President Biden
      and the futility of his never-ending quest to be universally recognized as newly independent.
      His remarks comparing the 2016 majority to Biden’s are both snide and presumptuous.
      Thanks.

  62. Richard Anker
    November 13, 2020

    “As we leave the EU we have no plans to impose a hard border between the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland, contrary to false EU rumours. ”

    I presume by this you are advocating that the UK imposes no border controls at all towards any other country in the world. After all, that is what the much celebrated WTO rules state. The UK will have to treat each and every country the same as it treats RoI.

    I must have misunderstood what the phrase “take back control of our borders” meant.

  63. Edward Herron
    November 14, 2020

    John Redwood addresses the President of the United States of America, almost with a hint of arrogance in what looks like an assumption that it is a message between equals.
    Furthermore, he advances the childish concept that somehow the UK was not a fully independent state while in the EU, which it obviously was by the fact that it was able to leave untrammeled by the dictatorial unelected bureaucrats of Brussels.
    There’s the sense of a babyish plea, repeated over and over, to know and never forget that the UK is an independent nation.
    It’s also dripping with the poison so common to the Brexiteer approach.

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