For years on this site I faced a barrage of criticism from some for staying with the Conservative party and not joining UKIP or later the Brexit party . I explained patiently that there could only be a Brexit if the Conservative party gave the people a referendum by using their majority in Parliament to do so. I always thought UKIP and the Brexit party would fail to win a single seat in a General election. I was wrong by just one seat in one election. I always told such lobbyists that we needed to do three very difficult things. The first was to make it Conservative policy to hold a referendum. The second was for the Conservatives to win a majority. The third was to win the referendum. We managed to do all three with all the left of centre opposition parties continuously and resolutely against and with some Eurosceptics decrying us.
I myself stood on a manifesto of wanting to persuade the Conservative party to adopt an EU referendum in the 2010 election, and in support of the national Conservative party Manifesto pledge for a referendum in the 2015 election.
The pressure to give people a vote and to let us make the case for exit began with the David Nuttall proposal for a referendum which Parliament voted down on 24th October 2011. 83 Conservatives supported that motion which was defeated by 483 votes to 111. The extent of rebellion against the Conservative three line whip shocked the government. The inner group advocating the referendum were grateful to David for fronting it. We wanted someone as the first name on the proposal the leadership could not decry as a “usual suspect”.
We gathered more support. By the time of the John Baron amendment to the Queen’s speech seeking a referendum bill in 2013 we had well over 100 supporters of a referendum and the government itself abstained. The opposition voted the proposal down by 277 to 130. As the PM came to see we were near to having a majority of the backbench party and were intent on a referendum he conceded, knowing his leadership could be challenged by us if he did not grant one. It became official Conservative policy to let the people choose. The offer of a referendum helped the Conservatives to win a majority in 2015. We did not threaten the PM and wanted to help him win the election. He saw for himself the logic of the building support for a referendum.
When Mrs May shifted her stance from wanting to get Brexit done to accepting advice from a UK establishment that was determined to water down or thwart Brexit by negotiating us back in via another Treaty, many Conservatives rebelled. The first Meaningful vote on her bad deal was defeated by a massive 230 votes.
This week I was reminded of the significance of the third so called Meaningful Vote on Mrs May’s proposed Withdrawal Agreement. Against great pressure to back the government 28 Conservative MPs rebelled again against a three line whip. The resulting defeat led to Mrs May’s resignation, the election of Mr Johnson and the 2019 election needed to bring Parliament’s view on Brexit more in line with the public.
None of my Eurosceptic critics on this site have ever acknowledged that we did pull off those three difficult tasks, and did not see that we always needed votes in Parliament to do these things. It is always possible for those who do not share power or need to compromise to shout from the sidelines what is the best answer, but to get something done you need votes in Parliament. The tragedy was it needed a change of leadership and a change of Parliament to get Parliament to do what the public had voted for in the referendum. And Yes, there are still things to do to sort out the NI issue and the fishing.
September 25, 2021
And here we are now, critical shortages of truck drivers and care workers, fruit and veg rotting in the fields, fuel crisis and it,s not even winter yet, red tape for our exporters, inward investment plummeting, firm after firm moving HQ out of the UK to the continent, a PM laughed at globally and Northern Ireland split from GB. Hearty congratulations Mr Redwood, you did indeed get your Brexit!
September 25, 2021
Non sequiturs. Troll.
September 25, 2021
+1
Well spotted!
September 25, 2021
+1
September 25, 2021
“Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood welcomed the introduction of the temporary visa for EU lorry drivers but said that this would not help overnight.
As well as training more domestic drivers and speeding-up testing, Mr Ellwood said hundreds of Afghan refugees could be trained to fill vacancies.”
History does indeed repeat itself – first as farce, and then as farce.
September 25, 2021
Are these crisis deliberate to help climate change rot to make gas too expensive to force people on electric, shortage lorry drivers to U-turn on EU migrants, fuel for cars to help people make sense of electric cars. Just a thought because the alternative is these are the biggest incompetent fools in the history of politics crashing from one disaster to another.
September 25, 2021
Indeed, Teresa, but at least John affirms here conclusively that brexit is utterly and wholly a Conservative project, and owned completely by them, whether it be the official party to which he belongs or its provisional wings of ukip, the brexit party or whatever.
Now their voters and commentator thralls equally need to own up to the devastation that they have unleashed upon the country and on its people.
September 25, 2021
Are you suggesting that no labour voters voted for brexit, or that the group âlabour leaveâ never existed?
September 25, 2021
Shortage of drivers is a problem that has been caused by poor pay and worse working conditions both of which have persisted for years. Both of which have arisen as a direct result of EU policies over which the UK had no control i.e. a direct result of expanding the EU too quickly without controlling the migration of workers from very much poorer countries to more developed countries. This has allowed many large companies to pay wages at a level that cannot support a decent level of life for people whose families live in this country. A direct result of EU policies gone wrong.
September 25, 2021
No HGV testing for 2 years also has a big impact due to Covid.
September 25, 2021
matthu
Agree some EU polices which we have gold plated are responsible, but many home grown rules also have made matters worse.
IR35, Not enough overnight free lorry parking facilities, few facilities for showers toilets and food/refreshments when they do pay to stay overnight, inner City & Town entry, emission and parking/unloading regulations.
Pay being undercut by foreign drivers, Traffic volume and roadways everywhere, causing delays to planned schedules when drivers hours are limited, etc etc etc.
Once again it is the law of unintended consequences cause by too much taxation and regulation.
September 25, 2021
The next thing will be a shortage of power brought in by conservative government slavishly following EU dictate and a born again tree hugger rushing headlong into net zero.
We had Millipede this week remonstaring against government energy policy when ge was the one who instigated the Climate Change Act.
September 25, 2021
Indeed Ed Milibandâs moronic climate change act which all but a tiny handful of MPs in all parties voted for. So ignorant of science, energy engineering, logic and energy economics are most MPs.
September 25, 2021
Teresa, just where are the 6 million EU citizens who have applied for residency and why are there the same shortage in France, Germany, Italy and the USA.
September 25, 2021
There arenât anything like the same level of shortages anywhere else. And 6m applied for settled status. That doesnât mean they live here. In fact there is plenty of evidence that many of them donât.
September 25, 2021
you’ve had a quick trip round the shelves of supermarkets in 27 countries?
September 25, 2021
OK Andy, so why do people who do not live here, want to claim residency here, could it be they like the financial benefits, or are there another reason’s, like being able to use the NHS for example.
September 25, 2021
Andy, I think that much of the comment by prominent Leave people as their disaster unfolds can be summed up by the maxim Making A Virtue Out Of Necessity.
September 25, 2021
Thought for the Day?
September 27, 2021
Yes, many thousands claim the dole in the UK, and live abroad… fantastic life, sponsored by UK taxpayers.
September 25, 2021
âAnd Yes, there are still things to do to sort out the NI issue and the fishing.â
The really worry is that Boris Johnson is far too weak to address these issues. Lord Frost will make statements to mollify critics but nothing will happen.
Johnson rushed his agreement through without allowing time to discuss it in parliament but knowing full well there were major flaws. He will continue to bluff for as long as he can.
September 25, 2021
+1
September 25, 2021
his agreement was supported by a majority of m p’s and ministers, even those who confirm they never read it before offering support.
September 25, 2021
Let’s all mourn the loss of eastern Europeans we can exploit on low wages.
September 25, 2021
but for every ÂŁ1 they take back to home it is worth multiples.
September 25, 2021
@Dave Andrews +1, so true – then Boris flipped once more as it was easier than defending the UK
September 25, 2021
Yawn. Another Little England Remainer with no knowledge or interest in any EU country except Uk. There is a shortage of HGV drivers, shortage of food in shops due to supply chain issues, and a spike in energy prices in Germany too. Also due to Brexit ?
September 25, 2021
+1 – to insulated by the beloved BBC and Guardian and unable to register these are the proper gander machines of the EU
September 25, 2021
Doom- monger! If you like the EU so much why not go and live there rather than carp on about Brexit.
September 25, 2021
+1
September 25, 2021
‘Inward investment plummeting’? You’re way off the mark, Teresa, according a market report produced for Ernst & Young covering foreign investment in European countries 2020-2021. Yes, Foreign Direct Investment fell, thanks to the Covid restrictions, as it did in every major country, but the UK expanded its market share of FDI for the second successive year, from 16.6% in 2018 and 17.3% in 2019, to 17.5% in 2020. London regained its status as Europeâs most attractive city for investment, overtaking Paris. Britain attracted more new projects last year than Germany, achieving a notably strong performance in technology and health sciences. Don’t blame Brexit for what was caused, Europe-wide, by the lockdown response to Covid 19.
September 26, 2021
May I state that she / he is not me ( I have an H )
September 25, 2021
Patting yourself on the back while our economy crashes thanks to Brexit trade barriers. The UK keeps finding new feet to shoot itself in. The Conservatives used to belueve in free trade, itâs just a shouty nationalist rabble now, Margaret would be appalled
September 25, 2021
Nationalists!!??
Scarcely.
September 25, 2021
Extremist is more appropriate.
September 25, 2021
What extremists?
We plainly have a very moderate green minded PM and Cabinet.
September 25, 2021
The EU was never free trade.
September 25, 2021
@dixie +1 well said
September 25, 2021
@Len Peel; Margaret would likely very happy with recent events I suspect, given her own very europhobic views latter in her premiership, indeed many a eurosceptic in the parliamentary party during the Cameron years appear very much to have been the remnants of her power base within the party!
I suspect, though, Churchill, Eden and Macmillan, never mind Heath, are all spinning in their graves at what has befell a once great political party since 1979, the further it shifts to the right, the more europhobic it becomes, the more the party has had to rely on their political opponents being in even greater disarray or having an even more inept leader, the Tories have not won a general election on merit since 1979… đ
September 25, 2021
I dont understand how you can say the Conservatives have moved further to the right, post Thatcher.
Major May Cameron for example are described by many political journalists as being more towards the centre of politics than Lady Thatcher.
And even Boris isnt further right than Lady Thatcher.
Europhobic?
I know many MPs wanted to leave the EU but in 2016 it wasn’t even a majority.
I don’t see where your “phobic” charge comes from Jerry.
Leaving the EU and wanting Brexit to be achieved and being an independent nation isn’t a phobia against Europe..
September 25, 2021
@Peter2; The Conservative party moved considerably to the right, during Mrs Thatcher’s time as leader and then as PM, based on party policies between 1945 and Oct 1974. Judging her by those who followed or herself by her own standards proves nothing!
As for Europhobic, and Euroscepticism (generally understood to mean a dislike of the EU, not Europe by the way), are you seriously trying to suggest Mrs Thatcher left Downing Street thinking the same towards the EEC/EU as she did when she arrived, has our host always been a Eurosceptic, or did they both become increasingly unhappy at what the EU was becoming for example, has the influence of Eurosceptics not increased within the party?
September 25, 2021
Yes perhaps during Lady Thatcher’s reign.
But afterwards?
Are we europhobic today?
I don’t think so Jerry.
September 26, 2021
@Peter2; If the Conservative party has become no more europhobic than in Mrs Thatcher’s time why did Cameron feel the need to offer a referendum, why did Mrs May feel the need to resign [1], why didn’t the parties MPs accept her BRINO deal, after all it would still have been ‘Brexit’, given Brexit was never legally defined back in 2016, and ‘The Norway option’ was often proposed and debated by commenter’s to this very site.
If the party did not shift further to the right during and after John Major’s leadership why was the party cast into the electoral wilderness between 1997 & 2010, in the same way the Labour party had been in the 1980s. Both parties suffered at the ballot box from offering policies the electorate considered too radical. Yes both parties rowed back on some policies but other’s remained to fight a later (successful) election campaign.
I’m sure, in the 1980s, the likes of Foot, Heffer, Benn et al, and their die-hard supporters, did not consider their policy ideas as radical, just the logical furtherance of what had already been achieved, but were they the best people to judge, can the same not be suggested of some within the Conservative party too?
[1] in fact why did Major feel the need to ask some in the party to either “put up or shut up” back in 1995
September 25, 2021
What proven merit was there in 1979, Jerry?
September 25, 2021
@MiC; Are you seriously suggesting the Labour party were, in 1979, in disarray, had an inept leader or published a hopeless manifesto? If so you might be mistaking them for the Liberal party of that year!
September 26, 2021
Jerry
You are simply mistaken if you think May or Major or Cameron were more right wing than Lady Thatcher.
You must be the only person in the UK who would argue that.
September 26, 2021
@Peter2; Strange how you seem to have forgotten about the eight year period when the the Consecrative party was lead by Hague, IDS & then Howard, “wilderness years” when the party became unelectable, and that was hardly because the Tories were considered to be to the left of Blair’s New Labour!
What about May, Major & Cameron, your point being what. Are you suggesting that MPs and party members gave up being eurosceptic in the 1990s, during the leadership of John Major, because the leader was a europhile, did they give up being eurosceptic in the 2000s, during the leadership of Cameron (and then May) because the leader was again europhile?
Just because a party leader is not necessarily a radical themselves doesn’t mean there can be no radicalism within the party; ask Neil Kinnock about root and branch radicalism, after all he spent 9 years as leader fighting the radical left within the Labour party…
September 25, 2021
Good morning, and thank you Sir John for your efforts.
I think many here recognised said efforts after the vote in 2016 and said so. But that was a long time ago and memory fades.
The main achievement of both the UKIP and BREXIT Parties were that they kept the EU and an EU Referendum in the public consciousness whereas, in other parties, including your own, it was a side issue at best.
David Cameron and others thought they could win a referendum on the EU by scaring the hell out of us but, as events proved, the reality outside the Westminster and Whitehall bubble was different. The governments of the past totally miscalculated the amount of EU immigration into the country and the effect on ordinary people’s lives. Not jobs, but schools doctors surgeries and the like, we were slowly being overrun and life was changing for the worst. To be fair, David Cameron did try to do something about it but, the EU Members were not interested and they too misunderstood the depth of feeling in the UK.
I mentioned in an earlier piece this week what David Cameron considered his greatest achievement as PM. Naturally it was what ‘he’ wanted and not what we voted for, which was really rather sad, as history I think will remember him as being the father, albeit a rather reluctant one, of the UK’s Referendum on the EU. And, sadly, like all reluctant fathers, he did a runner as soon as his bastard was born and left it to others to bring it up. Even sadder, like some Dickensian play, it was not to be a happy upbringing with all the dark characters (Remainers) involved but, like said plays, let us hope that there is a better ending and moral to be leaned.
We, the people, place our trust and faith in others in hope that they will act in and for our best interests. From 2016 and up until 2019 this was clearly not the case. Hopefully, and despite recent events not proving to give much hope, we will start to see much better. Time will of course tell.
September 25, 2021
David Cameron gave the people more credit than they deserve. Some of us knew a significant number of voters were thick.
September 25, 2021
That shouldn’t disqualify them from earning an honest wage. Better thick than dishonest, hey Andy?
September 25, 2021
Please keep on insulting the voters andy.
They know you rich, snobby lefty liberals in London and the South hate them.
Hence the worst Labour election result since 1935.
September 25, 2021
Sir John, still deleting material too critical of your PMs? Got out of bed the wrong side.
September 25, 2021
Micky Taking
The massive censorship employed makes Sir Johnâs diary less than useful!
Will this comment make it past moderation?
September 25, 2021
Look – it’s his blog.
He can publish what he likes.
That’s freedom, in a limited sort of way.
Why do you struggle with that?
September 25, 2021
I don’t struggle with that. Merely corrected the events of Dave running away, May being a liar, and the Blonde being a fool. Sir John doesn’t want to post it – like any column just posts what suits.
September 25, 2021
Well said Mark B
September 25, 2021
UKIP may not have won seats in Parliament, but it was they who proved the electorate wanted to leave the EU, both in the GE and the EU elections. I am 100% certain we would never have obtained a referendum without UKIP.
The Conservatives (as a whole) have NOT covered themselves in glory. They have proven that a small number of them (such as yourself) support both leaving the EU – and democracy – but the rest support neither and any support they may display is merely self interest in order to retain their seat. I suspect that the majority in Parliament would totally ignore the electorate, if they could.
Trust in politicians is at an all time low, and deservedly so.
September 25, 2021
A far narrower margin wanted to Leave the European Union than wanted and – still do want – e.g. the re-nationalisation of our utilities, and many other things, and until the right wing media hysteria about it, it wasn’t even an issue either.
So why were the Conservatives willing to abandon representative democracy in favour of a plebiscite for this one thing but for none of the others?
Do you think that it might just have anything to do with the huge power grab by them that it would facilitate?
September 25, 2021
The voters failed to vote for parties that have those policies MiC
Labour’s worst election result since 1935.
Cameron thought remain would win.
Had it not been for a negative Project Fear based campaign, they may have won.
September 25, 2021
The Brexit bill was voted through in Parliament following a general election the Conservatives won easily in which that was a manifesto promise. That IS representative democracy.
September 25, 2021
+1
September 26, 2021
So was the net zero pledge.
You cherry pick in the extreme as to what “democracy” means.
September 26, 2021
2050 was the net zero pledge now arbitrarily changed to 2030.
September 25, 2021
Spot on ‘Shirley M’
Ukip/Brexit party could have won seats but they stood down in constituencies (over 300 I believe) so that the Conservatives would win a majority in the GE, once the promise to ‘get Brexit done’ was made.
September 25, 2021
How can they expect trust when they promise not to increase taxes and to keep the triple lock in the manifesto and rat on them both and with vast tax increase too. JR and an honourable handful voted against. The tax increases will not even work to raise more tax from the current hugely over taxed position anyway.
Starmer was actually right in saying (some people) will have to work six to nine hours to recover the ÂŁ20 of benefit they are about to lose. Meanwhile in the lords they get ÂŁ305 (15+ times as much) a day tax free just for signing in. Why exactly do we have different tax rules for different people. Why to do people get subsidised state housing if they earn more than other people who do not? Why do veterans escape some NI? Surely tax laws should be the same for all.
September 25, 2021
Why is Starmer right saying (some people) will have to work six to nine hours to recover the ÂŁ20 covid crisis benefit. The majority of jobs are paying over ÂŁ8.91 per hour it would not be too difficult to get a job paying ÂŁ9 per hour with no qualifications. ÂŁ9 x 6 hours = ÂŁ54. Which workers were eligible for the ÂŁ20 benefit, how many hours per week are they doing? ÂŁ20 is three hours extra work gross. When we are so short, we are told, of low skilled workers is that too much to expect, someone to do some extra care working hours or picking fruit why should other families have both parents working full time to subsidise others where Mum wonât work and Dad does one and doesnât contribute at all.
September 25, 2021
The income tax, NI and loss of benefits benefits due to higher income claws the vast majority of the extra pay straight back off them. So on the minimum wage & for many working people on this benefit he is quite right. Ever worse if they have to pay extra to get to and from work for the extra hours.
September 25, 2021
Lifelogic, but that is the same for all of us, the more we work hard the more we are taxed. The more overtime the less benefits we or our children can get. So is Starmer saying full time working parents are mugs because if you only do 16 hours you get everything for free and working mugs should stump up extra tax to pay these idlers an extra ÂŁ20 because they canât be bothered to work themselves. I see. Tell me how many hours should someone do to maximise benefits? Free housing, the biggest amount of universal credit, free school meals etc.
September 26, 2021
If they withdraw the extra ÂŁ20 many will need to work nine hours more to be in the same income position as before.
September 26, 2021
Lifelogic can you give me a full explanation please, is this nine hours per week or per month? What benefits are they getting that would cause them to work an 9 hours at ÂŁ8.91 per hour only to end up ÂŁ20 net – this is perhaps why so many people arenât working at all right now, they must think working couples are just a right bunch of mugs. How many people are you talking about this affecting? – we are told we need 100s of thousands of people to do basic jobs yet the State is happy to pay people universal credit for nothing. Why donât we expect a number of hours work for the benefits including housing benefits? People with young children could work in nurseries, sure start type centres and get trained at the same time with qualifications at the end of it once the years maternity leave is over you know like most couples have to right now to keep a roof over their heads.
October 3, 2021
I saw a report in the BBC today – âBut the Resolution Foundation disputed her figures, as claimants who work additional hours see their benefits reduced – or for each ÂŁ1 they earn, the UC payment falls by 63p. The charity said a UC claimant earning the National Living Wage – ÂŁ8.91 an hour – and with an income of at least ÂŁ6,100 a year, would take home just ÂŁ6.60 for two hours work due to the taper in the payment, falling to ÂŁ4.48 if they pay tax and National Insurance.â
Someone with an income of at least ÂŁ6100 per year wouldnât pay income tax or national insurance so what are the Resolution Foundation doing getting reported by the BBC saying this?
John does Universal Credit reduce if someone earns more than ÂŁ6100? NI doesnât start until someone earns ÂŁ9570 pa. What I donât understand is why shouldnât someone work the extra couple of hours and pay towards healthcare in this country, everyone loves the NHS and wants it to do well so why wouldnât they want to contribute to a service that looks after them and their loved ones? Why do they expect everyone else to work an extra two hours for their needs so they donât have to.
September 25, 2021
Shirley M,
Correct. The Conservative worry was not that UKIP/Brexit parties would win seats.
It was that UKIP/Brexit party votes would drain support from Conservative candidates and cause the loss of a huge number of Conservative seats.
Sadly, there is a desperate need for a similar party to UKIP/Brexit to drain Conservative Party support and finish them off for good in the same way as Labour and the Liberals. They are Conservative in name only and are in reality the chancers and careerists party.
September 25, 2021
+1
September 25, 2021
Peter
Plus 100
September 25, 2021
Vote Reform.
September 25, 2021
If you want to get Starmer/SNP!
September 25, 2021
How could that be any worse?
September 25, 2021
I think UKIP demonstrated there was a demand but were perhaps viewed as a relief valve by the mainstream parties. UKIP were only a protest party and could never have achieved government nor a referendum, that was the achievement of John and others in the Conservative Party.
September 25, 2021
“I am 100% certain we would never have obtained a referendum without UKIP.”
Sir John has just explained why this is a fallacy, though a popular one. Mr Farage certainly helped to win the referendum but he did not obtain it. By his Brexit Party becoming the largest party in the EU Parliament, bigger even than the CDs, he played a very large part in seeing off Mrs May. These last two are not to be conflated with the first which was a long time in the making.
September 25, 2021
I disagree. The Conservatives may have facilitated the referendum but without UKIP and Farage it would never have happened. They would have continued to ignore the voters, as happened in the previous decades and is happening again now.
September 25, 2021
correct.
September 25, 2021
+1. They wont fool the people again Boris has wrecked the car and power generation industries, exporting our manufacturing, importing 720,000 people annually whilst claiming his zero carbon target. The lights will be going out soon with the former conservative Government.
September 25, 2021
@Shirley M +1 well said
September 25, 2021
I for one have always respected your stance regarding this Gordian Knot of an issue but even those who follow politics from afar can see that the fundamental reason Cameron offered the British people a referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU was to neutralise the electoral threat from Farage, UKIP (Brexit Party) though of course it cannot be denied that internal party pressure from Eurosceptic MPs played a significant part in corralling Cameron in the appropriate direction.
In a practical sense, Quasi-Brexit has delivered even less personal freedoms now we’ve entered into a new era of State control that is becoming more oppressive and interventionist on an almost daily basis. Yes, this is global push to eradicate the libertarian ideal started with the sinister demonisation of Trump by dark forces but it has become a direct threat to all that cherish our most divine right to challenge all and everyone with the power of speech. Your party working with Labour and their allies across the State are strategically and deliberately eradicating that civil opposition and that is utterly shameful
The UK as a civil nation is dead. Material trade and the economy are not adequate replacements for loss of voice, identity and culture
The Marxists in both parties will not destroy my identity
Reply Mr Cameron like me though UKIP would not win a single seat, so UKIP did not get us the referendum. It happened as I describe and I was at the crucial meetings with Cameron over the evolution of our pressure for a referendum. UKIP was not in the room as they had no votes in Parliament or in a Conservative leadership election.
September 25, 2021
Let us not forget âŠ
The fear of losing seats to Labour because UKIP would take a lot of votes from the Tories is what got us the referendum. If UKIP had not won the most votes in the EU 2014 election, we would never have got the referendum.
Reply Ironically pro EU Conservatives like Cameron and May never took European Parliament elections seriously.
September 25, 2021
Reply to reply.
Agreed, their arrogance and ignorance was, and still is, astounding. However, that is because they also never gave any consideration (once enounced in No 10) to the electorate either, treating us effectively as ‘cannon fodder’ to achieve their preferences . Nor would it appear, does the latest No 10 incumbent and that will be his downfall as well.
September 25, 2021
Agree
September 25, 2021
Given FPTP voting you were JR quite right to stay in the Conservative party they were the only hope (even if they are, and are still, stuffed with Libdim remainers).
Cameron would surely never have promised a referendum without UKIP. Cameron showed he was a wrongâun when the threw his first election by ratting on his cast iron promise and this failing to get a majority. He was also idiotic to recommend his sick joke âthin gruelâ renegotiation and grossly negligent to fail to prepare for both outcomes, to pin himself to remain and to abandon ship like a spoilt child when he lost. His Greensill âdealingâ appalling too. What dreadful Conservative PMs we have had Heath, Major, Cameron, May and now the turncoat now green crap, tax to death socialist Boris.
September 25, 2021
Boris isnât really Green. If he was he wouldnât be allowing raw sewage to be pumped into our rivers, the continued decimation of our fish stocks, and the never-ending increase in the countryâs population with its resulting concreting over of our beautiful landscapes.
There is something very sinister behind the net-zero policies. Even if achievable they will make no difference to climate change and the British public will be paying a huge price in both increased fuel bills and loss of jobs.
September 25, 2021
@Christine +1 Those that produce 70% of the worlds warming pollutants are not involved in Boris’s crusade. The UK cannot even going back to the stone age address these sinister desires.
The British public are paying a very high price and will continue to do so with the bumbling crowd at the helm – Vanity means more than the UK economy, more then the health and welfare of its people.
September 25, 2021
+1
September 25, 2021
Not very green to have 7? children really. Nor is Carrie green spending ÂŁ200k ? on decorating a flat that did not need decorating.
September 25, 2021
+1
September 25, 2021
“And Yes, there are still things to do to sort out the NI issue and the fishing.”
I would suggest there are things to sort out everywhere: border customs checks, agriculture, financial services (why has the Euro-centric Solvency II regime not been swiftly altered?). To paraphrase, we need a bonfire of the EU regulations.
Unfortunately it seems ministers lack the will to force change within the civil service. If the population do not see more benefits of exit then the next election could be painful for the Conservatives.
Pete
September 25, 2021
How? There is no UKIP to hold their feet to the fire. If Nigel and UKIP were still around again, just like before the 2015 General Election, the Tories would be terrified of losing votes to them and would have to get their act together.
September 25, 2021
Reform U.K. are holding their conference in Birmingham, the same week as the Conservative party. Letâs see what they have to say.
So far Richard Tice has spoken nothing but common sense and workable ideas. They are building a full force of candidates.
Iâll gladly vote for them.
September 25, 2021
So would I, but beware of a party revolving around one person; it’s very likely to implode through internal arguments.
A look at their website shows the latest news item they post is dated August 11th, so hardly a dynamic organisation keeping up with national events.
September 25, 2021
Many millions will as the lights go out and they ban our cars and boilers all on unproven science.
September 25, 2021
Mike, Accept every party in Westminster is woeful. Just think the population will vote for a change from Tory if BoJo can’t deliver anything.
September 25, 2021
@PeteB or put it another way, there is a refusal to stand up for the people of the UK. A refusal to ensure the UK population is safe and secure. A refusal to focus on the economy, the need to create the wealth to move forward. There is only backwards being programed in
September 25, 2021
Thank you for describing the evolution of events and votes in the HoC. No doubt external events and pressures, such as the evolution of UKIP and its success in getting so many MEPs elected, helped concentrate the minds of Conservative MPs less committed than yourself to Brexit.
We now face another crisis, entirely the making of the political establishment and the pseudo science to which it is wedded. That crisis is the insecurity of the nation’s energy supplies and their rapidly escalating costs. I do not see how that will or can be changed under the current leadership of the Conservative party. If it is to be resolved within the HoC then the Conservative party needs the remove the climate zealot and replace him with a climate pragmatist. Otherwise I anticipate the rise of another political party to apply pressures on the current incumbents. Inevitably this will take longer and the damage to national infrastructure and life will be much greater.
Reply I have been talking and writing about the energy problems all week. There is some progress.
September 25, 2021
Now we are free of the EU, why has your Gov. not removed VAT from domestic fuel. It would make a small but helpful cost reduction against the ever increasing price of energy.
September 25, 2021
Agree
September 25, 2021
Why? Because they need our money to spend on their stupid
pet projects, such as funding mass uncontrolled illegal immigration in 4* hotels and HS2 etc.
I do wonder what the politicians will do once the population majority consists of those who are only here for the freebies, and what they will do when the riots start, because the freebies been stopped or vastly reduced, with an expectation they must work?
September 25, 2021
None of the things you thought would happen as a result of leaving the EU will happen. There will not be a VAT cut on energy – at least not a permanent one – because the government cannot afford it. There will not be a bonfire of red tape, because there is even more red tape. There will be no significant new trade deals – at least none which benefit our country. And you canât get rid of the dinghy people. So if you wanted these things out of Brexit – bless. Youâll be disappointed.
But you have, predictably, made things more expensive. You have made it harder to trade. You have successful removed your grandchildrenâs rights. You have imposed a tsunami of res tape on British businesses and you have stuck a border down the middle of our own country.
It is a funny sort of patriot that inflicts such harm on their own country and its people.
September 25, 2021
Andy,
You are correct that many (not ânoneâ though) things have failed to happen as a result of leaving the EU.
The reason is firstly it takes time to make the changes without causing disruption.
Secondly, and more importantly, it also takes time to remove the EUâs UK supporters in Parliament, the Civil Service, the institutions, the quangos, the educational establishment and even the judiciary who have been corrupted by 40+ years of receiving âgrantsâ and âjobsâ from the EU using our taxpayersâ money (as we were net contributors to the EU budget) and who are still working for the EU and against the interests of the UK.
September 25, 2021
So when does fracking recommence?
September 25, 2021
Reply to reply
To get the sort of attention that is required., learn from events and consider super glueing yourself to the front bench. I would hope that one of the many restaurants in Westminster could keep you supplied with pizza.
September 25, 2021
Sir John has put forward many good proposals to deal with our energy crisis, but the problem is the treacherous and incompetent government which ignores him and fobs him off. He was promised a meeting by Kwarteng, but is seems that was just a lie.
September 25, 2021
Indeed but too much time spent about something that happened years ago from both sides of the argument.
We need to deal the today and despite the BS we havenât broken away with much law etc EU based and surprise surprise at first sign of pressure Boris crumbles and guess what?
He and the rest of the pro EU establishment allow cheap labour in to make up for an alleged shortage of lorry drivers.
The DT has it spot on. BP used this to further their general campaign for more EU work migrants. The thin end if the wedge and with one million people still on furlough incredible.
Instead or revisiting the past you and colleagues should be addressing the âworking from homeâ con that means we are now getting worse services whilst paying gazillions more in tax.
The chemo issue highlighted today is truly shocking. You are killing some people that should not die.
September 25, 2021
I see this Government is planning to relax visas requirements for HGV drivers. This will reverse the well-deserved pay increases this industry has managed to achieve over the last few years fixing the years where British drivers have been undercut by East Europeans. Yet again we see politicians pander to the media headlines and not fix the real cause of the problem. As someone pointed out yesterday Tesco only had adverts for 3 drivers but was reporting to the media they were thousands short. This is a slippery slope and we will see relaxed visa requirements for other areas. Yet again this government does nothing to address the alarmingly high net immigration into this country.
September 25, 2021
Christine
Agreed, we have many HGV drivers who have simply given up hope, such was the pay, conditions and regulations imposed upon them, they found that they could find alternative work with better pay and conditions, so they did.
Thus just as everyone has realised their worth, the Government brings in cheap labour again.
Politicians complicating matters again. Everything they touch of late makes matters worse it would seem.
September 25, 2021
I see the government has admitted that the driver shortage has to do with the shutdown of new HGV driver testing by the DVLA during lockdowns (‘Lockdown caused shortage of 40,000 lorry drivers, says Grant Shapps.’) Another reason for not going through that mass lunacy ever again.
September 25, 2021
And in related news we see yet again threats from Lord Frost to trigger a break from the NI protocol. Itâs called crying Wolf, I will huff and puff etc.
No one believes that Boris has the courage, not having a backbone so please tell them to stop.
We donât believe you , let alone the EU.
September 25, 2021
On the plus side your non-stop whinging about your Brexit mess is entertaining.
September 25, 2021
you’ve done more whinging than all the others put together.
September 25, 2021
It seems that the EU believes it enough to make contingency plans, and then some more:
https://www.rte.ie/news/2021/0924/1248762-eu-northern-ireland-protocol/
“While details have not been shared with member states, it is understood the European Commission is preparing a hierarchy of responses should London trigger Article 16.
“The commission is internally of the view that Article 16 could happen at any time, that it hasn’t gone away, that it’s a very serious possibility,” says one diplomat familiar with preparations.”
The UK government should start by passing the UK laws necessary to underpin an alternative system:
https://johnredwoodsdiary.com/2021/09/10/what-does-healthcare-and-social-care-cost/#comment-1258651
September 25, 2021
And the front page story here:
https://www.irishnews.com/epaper/newsstand/repository/newsstand.php
“Brussels gearing up for Britain triggering Article 16”
September 25, 2021
It’s also worth reading this from two years ago:
https://www.rte.ie/news/2019/0930/1079268-reaction-non-paper/
“A hard border, with its infrastructure, is something which we cannot tolerate on our island.”
That’s unless it’s along the coast of Northern Ireland facing Great Britain, when it’s OK.
“No matter where you locate check sites – they amount to a hard border.”
It’s unbelievable that the UK government should allow itself to be swayed by such tripe.
September 25, 2021
Sir John,
Re the penultimate sentence of your article today. Yes, it was a tradgedy, from Mr Cameron’s resignation until the 2019 formation of Mr Johnson’s government. During that period of Mrs May’s government, many MPs appeared to want to bind the UK in permanent vassalage to the EU: the result includes the current inadequate withdrawal agreement, incomplete Brexit and our payment of tribute to the EU. However, there is a bright side to the May years: the televising of parliament, which has its downside of encouraging some to perform for the camera, enabled us and many around the world to see a nation argue its future with words not bullets. However a person voted in the referendum, the courage and honour shown by such as you, Sir Bill Cash and others, is reason for thanks and quiet pride.
September 25, 2021
+1
September 25, 2021
+ 1
September 25, 2021
“a nation argue its future with words not bullets” – hahaha, you’ve just given me a great idea: how about giving each MP a pistol and have them shoot it out – Tarantino style – in a mass bloodbath in the House of Commons? That would be a surefire TV ratings hit! LOL.
Or how about, instead of PMQs, a duel between the PM and the leader of the opposition? This is not quite as outlandish as you might think (well, maybe it is!) as two serving prime ministers DID, indeed, engage in duels, while in office: the Duke of Wellington and William Pitt. Who do you think would win – Johnson or Starmer?
September 25, 2021
I was for accepting the May deal and working out the (considerable) kinks from there. I saw the risk of losing brexit all together and didnât see how continued resistance was going to get us anywhere.
Thanks John and the other who were braver and more far sighted than me in this. We have all benefited from your hard work.
September 25, 2021
Off topic
I am sure that many who have taken holidays on the Canary Island will be aware that geologists have predicted that the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma may cause a massive landslip, as millions of tonnes of it’s side may suddenly slide into the Atlantic. This would cause a tremendous tsunami that would hit the eastern seaboard of the USA with waves up to 50m high roughly 7 hours later – and would also reach the south west of the UK with a series of waves up to 3 metres high
The eruption of this volcano has got markedly worse overnight. We would get a maximum of three hours warning of a tsunami if the worst happens. Lets hope that the “Insulate Britain” activists havent blocked the M5 motorway system that day, if it happens.
September 25, 2021
And there was I thinking all I had to worry about was what to put on my cornflakes this morning.
September 25, 2021
I’m surprised this information hasn’t been more prominent in the media. I remember seeing a TV program, years ago, about this disaster in waiting. People need to be made aware of what to do if this landslip does happen and the need to get to higher ground.
September 25, 2021
Lets all move to the Urals!
September 25, 2021
No, let’s go to the ladies’
September 25, 2021
no comment.
September 25, 2021
The volcano has produced a vast plume of sulphur dioxide that has now reached northern France.
September 25, 2021
is it climate change…is it is it
September 25, 2021
A similar calculation has been suggested before, with regards to Mount Tiedi if it was to slide into the ocean after eruption. This has been known for decades, so the threat is not new.
September 25, 2021
I’m just amazed that the Prince of Wales and Miss Thunberg have not remonstrated with that naughty volcano over all the excess C02 it is emitting – shouldn’t Extinction Rebellion be doing something about it too?
September 25, 2021
La Palma is an island off the coast of Africa and therefore doesn’t count as bad climate change…thats reserved for the rich western countries
September 25, 2021
Sakara Gold :
Let’s all hope the BBC hasn’t read your post or otherwise they will be using this possible disaster as their lead story every day for the next month in order to further frighten us.
Although it may be a welcome change from frightening us from CAGW and deprivations caused by Brexit.
September 26, 2021
Better hope it’s low tide.
September 26, 2021
I read that vulcanologists and fact checking sites regard this idea as fake news designed to frighten the credulous so far as the present eruptions are concerned.
September 25, 2021
But then we have stupid IR35 rules which penalize individual freelancers (notice the lack of freelance driers prepared to work?), Favour big companies who are abusing the tax rules, no political will to stop illegal immigrants, far too much legal immigration being allowed, money thrown at the NHS which is not providing the most basic of services, public sector getting ever bigger, over reliance on unreliable energy, the whole political class including the Conservatives have been taken over by woke lefty nonsense.
Nobody is representing the decent majority.
September 25, 2021
Iain, Do EU owner drivers have to pay IR35 or just UK registered owner drivers?
September 25, 2021
On most gigs UK hiring organisations will insist that they are inside IR35, so work expenses have to be paid from taxed money.
September 25, 2021
(Plain Mr) Nigel Farage deserves a mention. In fact he deserves so much more than just a mention of gratitude. You played your part but we would not have had Brexit without Nigel Farage – and others who deserve to be remembered. He’s the main man though!
September 25, 2021
+1 – Farage can take sole credit for the restoration of (some) democracy in the UK.
September 25, 2021
Absolutely correct Brian, Westminster pretending he had nothing to do with Brexit is part of the collective amnesia, if not dementia they suffer. He is doing a brilliant job on GB News, forensically disecting the stupidities that are being played out in the name of the conservative party. History will give Nigel his due even if Westminster pretend he never existed. He remains the embodiment of true Conservatism while the pretenders cannot recall what it was.
September 25, 2021
+1
September 25, 2021
Well said my man!
September 26, 2021
No-one is pretending he had nothing to do with Brexit. He just didn’t procure the actual referendum. He wasn’t in a position to.
September 25, 2021
I agree. If it hadn’t been for The Brexit Party we would have ended up with Theresa May’s dreadful BRINO. Politicians in Westminster have a lot to answer for and these traitors to democracy will not be looked on kindly in the history books. These traitors continue to be rewarded with undeserved privileges and titles but we all know who the real heroes are.
September 25, 2021
He should be honoured with a knighthood
September 25, 2021
Not even Sir Nigel or in the Lords, they prefer deluded green dopes like Baroness Jenny Jones & Baroness Natalie Bennett!
September 25, 2021
I always think of him as âSir Nigelâ.
September 25, 2021
All that effort and what we get under the gutless and posturing ‘Boris’ is a fake Brexit under which we are all now suffering. Where are the big changes we should have had, and of course you are all solidly loyal to his chaos.
Reply Just as it took time to get the referendum so it is taking time to get the better policies from Brexit freedoms. I need public support for change, not moaning.
September 25, 2021
Reply to reply
JR hehe! Are you calling us âMoaning Minniesâ?
You have HUGE support!!
September 25, 2021
Reply to reply.
Complaining and pointing out where Boris is anything but Conservative is the only recourse we have. Would you prefer direct action, a las francaise or insulate rebellion, I doubt it. That is the start of the breakdown of civil order. You will have to swallow the odd moan until the GE in 2024. If Boris fails to get a grip you will not like the answer. You have had ample warning.
September 25, 2021
You have support but we want better results – in months not years. Glacial speed is not good enough.
September 25, 2021
You have support John. Boris can move fast enough when he wants to bring in more EU drivers! Why couldnât they come anyway? Will they be paying our new IR35? Will they be driving EU owned trucks and not paying British ved taxes? Has Boris just been played again like he was over Ireland.
September 25, 2021
Reply to reply: Sir John, given that your policies are (rightly!) different to those of the government, to support you is to oppose the government, and that is all that those people who ‘moan’ here are doing. They are moaning against the government, and just want more action taken against it by those enlightened ones (such as yourself) who can see that the government is going down the wrong road. We need someone to physically grab the steering wheel and turn it round, not just talk, before we reach the precipice and crash to our deaths. We need aggressive action, now!
September 25, 2021
‘Moaning’ today can get you a criminal record thanks to fascistic laws passed by this intolerant, odious British Parliament keen to protect the cosy 2 party status quo even to the point of smashing sacred freedoms and liberties
I know recent events extract a huge period of SILENCE from our masters down in London.
I see Google have De-platformed Conservative Woman. What’s the betting that Johnson’s junta has had a word with Google?
September 25, 2021
I remember it well John, as a constituent I voted for you on each election.
The real problem we had, was with two Prime Ministers who did not believe in Brexit at all, even though that is what the Country voted for. Cameron showed his true colours and simply run away, May also did not believe in Brexit, was never a Eurosceptic, and simply withheld that truth to everyone whilst working to keep us in the EU in all but name, behind closed doors until she was found out.
Then we had past Prime Ministers, past Ministers and leaders of the opposition visiting the EU and advising them how to frustrate our negotiations. Quite honestly disgusting and treasonable action in another time.
Boris has tried to at least bring the never-ending negotiations to a close from what was then a position of weakness created by others as outlined above, but failed to grasp the detail which continues to frustrate everyone.
The simple solution was always WTO rules, but Parliament would not go along with that, thus we are where we are. I am sure it will resolve itself in time, but all the damage was done during Mrs May reign, and a proper working and fit for purpose resolution will I fear still take years to resolve properly.
Whilst we still have failed politicians still wanting to rejoin the EU (Gordon Browns Comments last week) we will still have a potential problem, as those remainders have not given up, they are just hiding under a bush waiting for an opportunity to strike again.
September 25, 2021
+1 Respect for the electorate and their wishes has almost disappeared.
September 25, 2021
Talking of remainersâŠ. I saw in the Telegraph that the U.K. is about to sign up/link up to an EU Covid passport which currently covers 40 countries. Itâs said it will make it easier and quicker to roll it out domestically!
The steam roller keeps rolling, rolling.
September 25, 2021
Yes, the two faced snake Johnson is becoming even more contemptuous of our nation’s culture and right to be free from invasive State interference in our lives
This PM’s buffoon act before the last GE conned millions into voting for his party and look to what he’s doing with that power now. Imposing oppressive changes that will never repealed
The silence of backbench Tory MPs and what we are seeing is upsetting to say the least. I expect moral men and moral women in Parliament to expose Johnson
Those who use this blog know that Mr Redwood is a decent and honourable men placed in a terrible position and having to navigate such treacherous, political waters with a degree of diplomacy but if we as citizens exposed to speech laws can’t now speak out who will?
September 26, 2021
yes – The Silence of the Lambs.
September 25, 2021
alan jutson :
Agreed.
But it’s not only “failed politicians still wanting to rejoin the EU” who are causing difficulties but huge numbers of Civil Servants, heads of institutions, quangos, educational establishments and even the Judiciary, aka “the swamp”, who are working against for the EU and against the interests of the UK.
September 25, 2021
I followed the whole process closely and canât disagree with your narrative. But – forgive me if Iâm wrong – your inference that UKIP/Brexit Party had no influence on Con party policyâŠâŠafter those repeated landslides in EU and local elections..really?
September 25, 2021
+1
Maybe UKIP was controlled opposition ( to crush the actual far right) and thus posed little real threat?
Maybe, maybeâŠsmoke and mirrors!
Who knows..we only know that our freedoms have gone and there is no petrol!
September 25, 2021
There is no shortage of petrol – only a shortage of common sense, rather like the rush for toilet paper not too long ago. Fortunately, it’s much harder to fill your spare bedroom with petrol….
September 25, 2021
Iâve always thought Nigel was a controlled opposition, seriously. He backed off quick enough. Colin Brazier and Nigelâs new show on GB News is interesting viewing.
There is petrol, we have another âtoilet rollâ problem and it is media created. At least all the âwork from homersâ âretireesâ who went out when the drivers and workers in offices were busy at work and are now sat with full tanks will feel content for a month.
September 25, 2021
It is funny though, Tracy, watching all the foaming petrolheads queueing for miles all day.
September 25, 2021
surely Andy wrote this for you?
September 25, 2021
MiC :
If TPTB take us down the path to where electricity is the only power available to us for our homes and transport then when the wind doesn’t blow, or we have upset the owner of our sole electricity generating company, or a hacker has closed down the distribution network, the man who has a tank of fossil fuel and either a generator or an old jalopy will be king.
I would not be surprised to learn that the rich and powerful have already in place their own very large tanks of stored gas.
September 25, 2021
What is funny about the media inspired frenzy Martin. I worry about your state of mind often. That you find pleasure in other peopleâs discomfort is not a good look and says a lot about you.
September 26, 2021
Not many petrolheads are Labour voters, are they, Tracy?
September 26, 2021
Joe average needing petrol for their everyday work is thrust among the panic-led Sun headline grabbing alarm. How many Sun readers are left-wing (but have to vote Labour) agitators Martin?
September 26, 2021
MiC, again what are you talking about? I know lots of petrolhead Labour voters, do you actually know many working class Labour voters lol? We live in a Labour stronghold and it always has been up to now, my husband has just been to the petrol station they had full tanks on Friday night by Saturday morning they were sold out. Three tanker full of fuels theyâve had delivered when they usually only have one. The people in the closed petrol station when we popped in for bread and milk said people are behaving silly, people they know that usually only put in ÂŁ10 per week have put ÂŁ40 in they wonât be back for a month. If you think that is funny and a good look for Labour then you donât know your own voters.
September 25, 2021
Yes correct. I assume thd Reform party is keeping its powder dry until it deems the time to be ripe for offering true Conservatism. We need an alternative to the current left of centre green socialism.
September 25, 2021
You say. âFor years on this site I faced a barrage of criticism from some for staying with the Conservative party and not joining UKIP or later the Brexit partyâ. Not from me.
Given FPTP and the many (always have always will) Tory voters the Tory brand is essential. What is needed is for the sound wing to recapture the party. Alas Boris/Carrie are now clearly, net zero, tax borrow, over regulate, expensive energy and piss the money down the drain socialists.
September 25, 2021
The tax to death, expensive energy, socialist new Boris agenda will clearly hugely damage the economy and could well lose him the next election, this despite the fact that Starmer/Labour/SNP will surely be even worse.
September 25, 2021
And yet Lifelogic, the rebellion folk are still unhappy and disruptive which goes to show whatever Boris does theyâll never be satisfied, they are political agitants.
September 25, 2021
Hemeroids on the body politic.
September 25, 2021
Itâs much more than NI and fishing which needs sorting out. We have yet to see any serious attempt by the govt to do anything which it couldnât have done at least in the EEA. The trade deals are a great success – and do disprove the project fear rubbish on this topic. But apart from that, the trend seems to be towards big state social democracy and green crap, EU-style. If thatâs the Conservative Partyâs programme now we may as well have remained at least in the EEA and had an easier life with respect to the various frictions we do now have have with the EU.
At the current rate, whilst you will be able to say project fear was rubbish at the next election, it will be a struggle to point to many positive gains.
September 25, 2021
Those in government play a game that few could possibly understand âŠor ever really know the truth of.
It is a shame though that things canât be transparent and straightforward.
Had they been, we would never have joined that european club.
Government depends on tribalism and how well it can read the twists and turns of popular thought.
And the little people are just tasked with trying to live and cope with the life so produced.
But obviously, beyond a shadow of doubt.
Compared to party political wranglingâŠ
We just donât count!
September 25, 2021
I have not read your article as yet, but over at TCW (was Conservative Woman) there is a compelling article entitled “The word for our leaders is ‘traitors’.” I find it hard to disagree with a word of it. We are in a dreadful situation.
September 25, 2021
@Iago; But who are the real “traitorsâ? Those who accept the popular vote, as expressed in 2019, or those who wish to undermine (sometimes by-way of insurrection) such democracy – whilst I might dislike some of what Johnson’s govt is doing they have not diverted meaningfully from their 2019 manifesto pledges.
Those who shout “traitor” towards those they dislike are often the true traitors of a democracy…
September 25, 2021
Yes, see “the US”.
September 25, 2021
Iago
+1
September 25, 2021
+1
Just popping over there to read itâŠ.
September 25, 2021
Wow! VG 10/10
Says it as it is!
September 25, 2021
The 1351 Treason Act is, astonishingly, still in force (and has a sentence of life imprisonment), and is very interesting. It defines treason as ‘adhering to the King’s (ie. the country’s) enemies’, and ‘giving them aid and comfort’. The government considers the act ‘outdated’ and refuses to use it (against ISIS terrorists, for instance), but Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat has proposed that it be updated and applied. I agree that it should indeed be used much more widely – against, for instance, all the pro-EU MPs, and senior civil servants, who ‘adhered to’ and gave ‘aid and comfort’ to the EU as we were trying to leave that organisation, and who still cleave to it (which is how ‘adhering’ is defined in law).
Of course, to convict these people as traitors you would need to show that the EU is our enemy, but if you look at how this is defined – someone who ‘is actively opposed or hostile to’ you – I think there is no doubt that the EU is, indeed, our enemy. They have done, and are continuing to do, everything in their power to weaken us both economically and in terms of national security. These are the actions of an enemy, and those who continue to support the EU are therefore all TRAITORS.
September 26, 2021
The European Union’s other members were our very best friends, not our enemies.
The fact that you cannot tell the difference simply shows how grotesquely distorted your view of reality is.
September 25, 2021
I have also read this TCW article. I also agree this Johnson regime is treasonous.
September 25, 2021
The Speaker of the House of Commons should read that article out loud to the full house just before PMQs…..I truely believe its that important
September 25, 2021
â. I always thought UKIP and the Brexit party would fail to win a single seat in a General election. I was wrong by just one seat in one electionâ
John, how can you be proud of that statement? The only reason UKIP won one seat was because of the FPTP system your party and Labour have stitched up between them. In 2015, UKIP won more votes than the Lib Dums, SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Greens put together and yet returned just ONE MP. MILLIONS of peoplesâ votes were disregarded and basically binned. On top of thatâs we have 117 MPs allowed to vote on English matters who no-one in England voted for and no-one in England can vote out. And we call ourselves a democracy. Itâs a joke.
âWe managed to do all three with all the left of centre opposition parties continuously and resolutely against and with some Eurosceptics decrying us.â
Not just left of centre opposition but opposition from your own side. And now we have a pigs ear of a Brexit because of their treachery. The NI protocol, our fishermen still donât have command of our waters and illegal immigrants are coming in daily meaning we are still not in command of our borders. Plus billions of our money is still being handed over to the EU we are supposed to have left. Yes the Tories under Johnson gave us âBrexitâ after so many of them were against it. But in what form?
I am one of those who think you are in the wrong party John. You are a true Conservative MP, a dying breed, and a credit to your constituents. The party you belong to and the majority of its MPs are anything but Conservative. I know so many lifelong Tory voters like myself who will not make the mistake of voting for them again.
September 25, 2021
Well said JoolsB.
September 25, 2021
FPTP is not the problem, it is because UKIP et al do not put in the effort or time outside the GEs to build up the credibility necessary to attract significant numbers of votes in constituencies.
Why should I vote for a UKIP/Reform candidate that only pops up 1 month before the GE promising the earth rather than other party candidates who have instead been contributing to the constituency for years before the GE, indeed over multiple GEs.
Berkshire is getting a new constituency at the next GE and I cannot vote for John again.
With this opportunity are UKIP or Reform or whoever doing anything to raise profile or even take an interest in our local problems, not one iota.
So carry on whining about FPTP, blaming everyone else, demanding John changes to a proper party.
Carry on losing.
September 25, 2021
Dixie, youâre sort of contradicting yourself when you say ârather than other party candidates who have instead been contributing to the constituency for years before the GE,â are you not making my point?. How do UKIP or Reform representatives compete with that under FPTP. but I guess youâre right, what does it matter how in touch with the country they are or what they propose, itâs how long theyâve been around and lying to the electorate that matters.
September 26, 2021
@JoolsB – No contradiction: “How do UKIP or Reform representatives compete ” – By establishing a track record of contribution and achievement – no false promises or lies needed then and plenty of evidence that they do as they say.
As it stands I don’t know Mr Tice or any of the others from Adam and while they may have been successful in business that is no guarantee of capability or performance in public office. A pattern of behaviour is far more convincing than chat up lines in a manifesto.
Instead of continually making excuses, blaming FPTP and the voters (really, REALLY?) how about changing strategy and fighting battles they have a chance of winning and build on that?
September 26, 2021
The really sad thing is that all these little parties like UKIP, the BP, SDP, Reform, etc. keep bleating about PR as if they were the Illiberal Anti Democrats. If they had had PR all along, not only would they be nowhere near power, but they would still be in the EU and with no hope of getting out. PR is a manipulative system to give permanent overall left wing control. Just look at what is happening to the Devocracies and the Mayoralties, where FPTP has been surreptitiously removed by civil servants, despite our voting to retain it. Yet HMG wants to have more of them!
September 25, 2021
Thankyou for your invaluable part in achieving the referendum – That summary should form part of the official history of BREXIT, although there is most definitely a lot more to it all.
Many lost faith with Parliament over the way it behaved before the last election, but there are deeper problems with the way our government works. Never mind the broken promises, it all too often seems that the establishment is running things and telling the government what to do.
It also appears that most MPs follow party lines, rather than think for themselves or accept the views of those that voted them into office.
We are now in a situation where once again MPs of all colours must make their votes count against the aggressive establishment stance – Please do not retire just yet, there are still battles to be fought that can only be won by MPs of courage, experience and an understanding of the value of our freedoms that some want taken away.
September 25, 2021
The problem in this diary is that there are contributors who live in a mental LaLa land of denial. They are beyond factual argument.
The actions of the Liberal Elite post the Brexit vote, and the blatant duplicity of Teressa May were totally unforgivable. Don’t think it is finished, they take every opportunity to rubbish the verdict of the people.
The worry is that Boris has gone so far off piste with no mandate that the Conservative electorate feel utterly deserted. The responsibility is with Consevatives in Parliament, and there are not many, to remind him at every opportunity that he is detaching himself from the majority of the electorate who hold his return in their hands.
September 25, 2021
Well said Shirley M and the reason is that being an MP has become an occupation for people who have little or no experience at running anything and are too young. They bring very little to the table and we have to suffer the consequences while they learn from their mistakes.
Blaming everything on to Brexit is complete rubbish. It is the pandemic that has screwed up the supply chains all round the world, caused the shortage of workers and sent many companies to the wall. The PM and his team are getting us through this very rough patch and we should not ignore the progress, albeit slow, that is being made on the world stage. He has the ability to multi-task and this is very much in evidence in recent weeks and will increase as we get the benefit of the government reshuffle.
September 25, 2021
Well done Sir John!
Many detractors have blinkers on and short or even no memories of EU dysfunctions, its non-virtuous decreasing circles and the long and tireless efforts of the Spartan’s sterling work to save us from an even worse undemocratic fate.
Thank God we are out of their clutches especially if vindictive Macron was in charge.
September 25, 2021
Morning,
Hope you all have a good weekend.
Brexit is delivering better pay for British workers (on average)
http://bilbo.economicoutlook.net/blog/?p=48181
Job vacancies rising in Britain in mostly below-average pay sectors
http://bilbo.economicoutlook.net/blog/?p=48367
Keep pushing John . Business is using the virus to scream for cheap labour wanting to undercut this country’s workforce yet again. It can not be allowed to happen.
One of the thousand reasons Brexit made perfect economic sense was it would help workers in this country earn more. By getting rid of cheap foreign workers.
Business needs to keep to their side of the bargain and pay more to attract British talent. Not hold the government to ransom. They have had cheap labour for years and massive profits. Time to share those profits around more.
If they don’t and continue to play games and threaten Brexit and hold this country to ransom. Then all strategic industries like energy have to be nationalised. The government can then pay workers what they deserve and slash energy prices at the same time.
If Energy companies get away with this. Who will be next to hold the government to ransom John ? Farmers ?
September 25, 2021
‘The Telegraph has been told by the E.U. that integration of the U.K.âs vaccine database into the E.U. system is at an advanced stage…. âWe have applied to link into the E.U.âs Digital Covid Certificate scheme,â said a Foreign office spokesman”.’ So much for Brexit and governing ourselves! A Covid Certificate is a vaccine passport by another name. Behind our backs, the government is trying to bring into this country a EU-wide vaccine passport. Lining up with EU policy is not what I voted for.
September 25, 2021
but if the remoaners are to relocate across the Channel they will need it . VOTE FOR IT.
September 26, 2021
Alao if 10,000 HGV drivers and agri workers are coming here- tip of the iceberg – we will need to know who is vaccinated and who is not
September 25, 2021
ââ get Parliament to do what the public had voted for in the referendumââ
And there are still a high number of MPs who wish to go against the wishes of the peopleâŠ.what utter conceit
You shouldnât have to fight so hard to implement the instructions of the people
September 25, 2021
“I always thought UKIP and the Brexit party would fail to win a single seat in a General election. I was wrong by just one seat in one election.”
No, you were spot-on! The MP you refer to was re elected because he was a popular local MP, there being no proof he won in either the by-election of 2014 or the 2015 GE because there was any great ground swell of support for UKIP as a party. The constituency reverted back to Conservative in 2017 (an election that could have scuppered Brexit), upon Carswell’s retirement from parliament, having chosen not to stand at the 2017 GE, having never lost an election since 2005 having first stood against Tony Blair at the 2001 GE, surely a great apprenticeship for a would-be local MP!…
September 25, 2021
I have always believed in our democracy. On several occasions the combination of our independent-minded MPs, public opinion and a free press has proved far more effective than one would expect.
The whole Brexit saga is a perfect example. Despite the overwhelming forces ranged against us Brexiteers, we triumphed, but it took the efforts of MPs like our host, Bill Cash and others to achieve the desired result and it cost two Prime Ministers their job.
Yet we have to stay alert. Remainers in Parliament, the Civil Service and industry are continually plotting to undermine Brexit with the aim of reversing the gains we have made. It will be up to a decade before we can be sure they have been defeated : that, or another crisis that will lead to the collapse of the Euro which will render the EU unrecognisable from the organisation we left.
September 25, 2021
We have problem with DVLA, and the first solution this government can think of is to import foreign driversâŠ.have the government so quickly forgot why we voted brexit
Relaxing visa for foreign drivers isnât the answerâŠ..its will only create further problems down the road. Get the DVLA strike sorted, introduce a health medical 12mth wavier, introduce more testers, wavier all DVLA and test costs for 12mths, get the army to test or train driversâŠ.anything rather than more immigration
September 26, 2021
Relocate the DVLA….eventually the long running sore will be eased.
September 25, 2021
Interesting piece and yes, well done for getting us out of the EU.
Politics can be a thankless task (I have a little experience of it myself at local level). It’s easy to snipe at the sidelines or say “it’s simple, just do X Y Z”, in the mistaken belief that the politician they are quibbling at has the powers of an absolute dictator and can also defy the laws of physics, economics etc.
So, well done for what you did, and what you are doing now for your country. Things are in a mess but you are hanging on in there doing what you can.
September 25, 2021
+1
September 25, 2021
Boris Johnson was the right leader for Brexit, but I do hope there are imminent moves within the Conservative Party to oust him. Perhaps the upcoming COP climate conference will be the starting point for some sensible MP’s to move against him. Boris was not the right leader to take us through the COVID epidemic, not so much his fault as poor fellow came down with the disease, but the country is not happy with his lack of leadership throughout. His blue skies thinking on such projects as Thames Estuary airport, Ireland land link etc is clearly showing his lack of practicality. The rushed pace to reduce CO2 emmisions is his final downfall. Please remove him from office.
September 25, 2021
1. I’m sorry you feel unappreciated and unloved by Eurosceptics but this isn’t the case. Your (and your fellow Spartans’) rebellion was praised at the time as has been the role that all Eurosceptic Tory MPs played in pushing this issue in parliament.
2. There is a contradiction in your post. You say that Cameron conceded the referendum “knowing his leadership could be challenged by us if he did not”. But you then say “We did not threaten the PM”: maybe not openly, but the threat was clearly there, and understood. That, after all, is the ONLY way prime ministers can be made to concede: by challenging them and defeating them.
3. This is the crucial point: you need to defeat the government by rebelling against it. You make this clear yourself , explaining the importance of defeating Mrs May in the parliamentary vote. As you say: “to get something done you need votes in Parliament” and you need to rebel “Against great pressure to back the government [and] against a three line whip”. You admit there is still work to be done to resolve the betrayals of Northern Ireland and Britain’s fishermen. So you need to start garnering support amongst your fellow backbenchers and rebelling in the lobbies. It’s the only language prime ministers understand.
Reply Yes of course it is likely Cameron moved because he saw we could topple him. We did not need to tell him that.
I did vote against the NI tax rise and the CV 19 regs
September 25, 2021
Dave moved due to the popularity Farage had – I doubt he was worried about what your mates thought, you forget the conceit the man has.
September 25, 2021
Not only was it essential that the Conservatives won a majority, but this could only be done with FPTP. If UKIP, the BP, and the SDP had had their way and we were lumbered for ever with PR, we would still be in the EU with no hope of ever getting out. As it was, because of the treachery and treason of the 2017 Parliament and the higher judiciary, this jolly nearly happened.
September 25, 2021
Quite right. If we are to escape from net zero it will be FPTP that saves us by allowing a landslide win for a party opposing it against the rest of the parties squabbling among themselves. Or, just as with Brexit, reclaiming a main political party to the land of common sense. Provided they don’t then renege, of course.
September 25, 2021
@Mark
Net Zero is a brilliant idea that is already having an impact. The probem we have is the fossil fuel lobby such as yourself – who will repeatedly lie, distort and obfuscate the facts, agressively attack anyone who supports the many green solutions suggested by scientists, promote scams such as “blue hydrogen” and other fossil fuel bullshit. Today I read that the ozone hole over the antarctic is the biggest recorded ever. Doubtless this is due to the hot air blown by green activists and not the cheap methane leaking out of oil and gas wells that you constantly promote
September 26, 2021
I note you have taken to ad hominem attacks with no other evidence. When I put forward information about plans for our future energy supply they are based on carefully researched facts, and not unicorn assumptions. Please continue the debate, but with facts that do not rely on such assumptions, and minus the ad hominem. I am always willing to look at and evaluate serious proposals – something I have been doing for many years already.
September 25, 2021
Oh look – another stupid, humiliating, U-turn by Boris the imbecile! Now he has granted 5,000 visas to EU lorry drivers to work in the UK – despite the fact that it has been widely reported that there is a shortage of some 400,000 lorry drivers in the EU!!
The UK’s lorry driver shortage has NOT been caused by Brexit. It has been caused by the government itself! The cretinous self-imposed ban on driving tests because of the government’s covid panic, the cretinous changes to taxation of the self-employed, and the cretinous continuation of EU rules on drivers’ hours. This is a crisis caused by Boris Johnson. The man is an utter disaster as leader.
The sudden panic has been deliberately created – as revealed in the Telegraph today – by a combination of pro-EU fanatics in the haulage industry (who want to emabarrass the government) and business leaders (who want cheap foreign drivers to keep down the wages paid to UK workers). There is a backlog of some 40,000 drivers waiting for their HGV licence and now government workers responsible for HGV tests are going on strike! The government needs to bring in the army to test HGV drivers and hand them their licences.
September 25, 2021
@X-Tory – yes a lack of conviction on the one hand and still ruled by the EU and the MsM. You lent him your authority to create a safe secure Country. BJ trashed that on vanity projects and the latest MsM lead ‘band standing virtue signal’. He just refuse to stand up for the UK
September 25, 2021
The Army’s HGV driver training and certification centre is at Beconsfield. Wallace anounced, following Johnson’s absolutely disastrous defence cuts this year, that it will close shortly and the site used for for housing asylum seekers. Following years of Conservative defence cuts there are nowhere near enough army HGV drivers left that are qualified to drive fuel tankers. Let alone food trucks.
September 25, 2021
Disingenuous John, There would have been no Brexit without the campaigning of UKIP. The Tories would have signed Theresa May’s submissive deal, leaving us effectively under EU control in many important areas.
September 25, 2021
“Can you guess which part of the UK was blissfully unaffected by that problem? (shortage of CO2). Open a can of pop if you said Northern Ireland, and treat yourself to another if you knew the reason why: because Northern Ireland remains part of the single market for goods, which means its bottling plants could get their carbon dioxide supplies from continental Europe. The rest of the UK had no such luck” (Jonathan Freedland Guardian)
September 25, 2021
Why?
Did the EU companies refuse to sell to us or did the EU stop the sale or did we block the goods coming in?
September 25, 2021
They can’t be bothered with paying people to do all the paperwork for which you voted, Pete.
There’s no law that says that they must either. Would you rather that there were? So much for freedom eh?
September 25, 2021
That doesn’t answer the questions I posed MiC
September 26, 2021
when does he ever?
September 26, 2021
It does – perfectly.
September 26, 2021
That seems unlikely to me, as they would have been trucked across GB to get there, and then held up by EU customs. Moreover, Mr Freedland is simply wrong. While some smaller users making carbonated drinks may have contracted supply from local industrial gas providers like Air Liquide who provide small quantities as a byproduct of liquefaction of air (remember just 0.04% is CO2), the Belfast Telegraph reports
Moy Park, Northern Irelandâs biggest company, has said itâs taking action after it was among meat processors hit by a shortage of carbon dioxide.
The poultry processor and other companies have been affected after two CF Industries fertiliser plants in Great Britain â the main suppliers of the gas â stopped production over a week ago due to rising gas costs.
September 26, 2021
Thanks Mark
I had a feeling acorn’s post on CO2, cut out of the Guardian was rubbish.
Especially after MiC joined in with his ridiculous reply.
September 25, 2021
JR said: “None of my Eurosceptic critics on this site have ever acknowledged that we did pull off those three difficult tasks, and did not see that we always needed votes in Parliament to do these things.”
False. I have. You have a blind spot about UKIP. As I’ve always said on here and elsewhere, we would not have escaped from the clutches of the EU empire (which hates the UK and the Anglosphere) without both Conservative eurosceptic MPs willing to defy their own party, and UKIP – which came first in the EU elections and garnered 12.6% of the vote in 2015. It was UKIP electoral pressure on David Cameron that boosted the effect of the Conservative rebels. Without that boost eurosceptics within the Conservative party would have been much weakened.
September 25, 2021
Agreed, NickC. Only people subscribing to âThe Great man/menâ version of History would go with Sir Johnâs take on it. In another reading of the same events, in 2011 and 2013, how many conservative voters would have been excited by the prospect of a referendum on the UK participation in the EU, a tiny minority I guess.
It is only with the May 2014 European elections and the earthquake of UKIPâs first position in those elections (and the MEP Daniel Hannan calling for some kind of alliance with UKIP) that the conditions were set for âthe great menâ to move.
Whether some of these âgreat menâ are deluded or not is a question for another day.
September 26, 2021
I dont follow your logic hef
First you say you think there was only a tiny minority who wanted a referendum and then you tell us UKIP (who had a headline policy of demanding a referendum) came first in the “earthquake” EU elections.
September 25, 2021
A footnote on energy storage. Margaret Thatcher understood how to stockpile energy with piles of coal and tanks full of oil at power stations. Of course now we have no oil fired main power stations, and only 5 GW of coal capacity left. We should stock it up and use it.
September 25, 2021
Sir John,
Excellent summary- even though UKIP were not “in the room” I think the HoC finally got the message after that last EU parliament vote which made the Brexit Party the largest in the whole European Parliament! Your consistency (even when in a tiny minority) in HoC votes however is noted and much appreciated.
Now – slightly off topic for those who criticise our current PM for his speech to the UN concerning climate change I strongly suggest they read Margaret Thatcher’s speech to the UN in November 1989 (and I mean really read the whole speech). Margaret Thatcher had a degree in Chemistry (a tough 4 year course) from Oxford and her view of humanity’s impact on the environment is very clear.
September 25, 2021
Sir John, I applaud your resilience in keeping the faith not just on Brexit but remaining a Conservative as what used to be the Conservative Party turns hardline Socialist.
After the referendum the failure of the HoC and Government was in not even in trying to achieve Brexit. Even now the direction is to stay hooked up, and taking orders, seemingly so we eventually slide back under the EU’s undemocratic rule.
The rule of thumb for an independent sovereign democracy, is that it is the people through their representatives, that create the laws, rules and regulations that affect everyday life in their own sovereign territory. It is then through the same mechanism the people get to amend or repeal those laws, rule and regulations. This has not been achieved, so logic is what ever you want to call it the UK is not a free sovereign self governing democracy.
September 25, 2021
It was the people Brexit with hand full of politician in parliament and new parties that won the day, they just couldn’t stop the people from voting for it and had no choice but to cave in to keep parliament for themselves otherwise they been over run by new parties and new politician, the writing was on the wall.
This is the main reason the people ended up with a half in half out Brexit, the politician are still fighting a rear guard action against Brexit in the hope they maybe able turn it around oneday, so in the mean time they will throw everything they have at you and blame it on Brexit, when infact they had years to get ready for Brexit and the money but chose to do nothing in that time. The rise in taxes and other things are not coming from the people parliament but from world organizations like the IMF, boat people, climate change and host of otherthings is down to the UN. They the politician and high up civil servant follow what these organizations say, infact there already a one world government working which control your parliament and civil service, the EU is just sideshow which is also controlled by these world organizations, I can prove how much power these orgs have by looking at the gov policy on pandemics to which politicians and civil servant spent 4 years on to which was published in 2019 with no mention of lockdown and face masks but within a few days of receiving a letter from the WHO, they throw 4 years work into the bin and took on lockdown and facemasks, what more do you need to know about who control your parliament, lucky for SWEDEN they totally took no notice and carry as before and came out on top. There wasn’t politician or civil servant anywhere who believe in lockdown and facemasks till they received the letter from the WHO.
As you can see, you have lot to do to get what you want and now you know what works with BREXIT.
September 25, 2021
Cameron would have happily ignored his backbenchers forever, we got the referendum because of Nigel Farage and UKIP. No other reason.
September 25, 2021
The Conservatives had a provisional wing. It was called ukip.
You got a referendum because it was a way for the Right to maintain power and for no other reason.
September 25, 2021
Farage and Cameron like twins? Bloody hilarious. Keep ’em coming Martin.
September 25, 2021
It is like a comedy act Mickey
martin n andy
September 25, 2021
I am so looking forward to all these “sovereignty” and “freedom” benefits Brexit is going to bring me. I am unsure what exactly they are, and no Brexiter I ask, appears to have a clue what they might be. For instance, I ask, what will I be able to do today and in the near future, that I couldn’t do as a citizen within the EU? I tell them what I do know now what I can’t do post Brexit, which has become perfectly obvious in the last few months.
Why has JR and his ERG 62, not published a list of legislation that will be repealed; an ERG 62 manifesto. A manifesto designed to turn ERG imagined EU socialist authoritarianism, into ERG Brexiter capitalist anarchism. Yes, it will enable the ERG to turn the Spiv City of London into the money laundering, tax dodging hub of the planet; but, how much of those profits will find there way down to the 99%?
Don’t ever forget that this is what you leavers were conned into voting for. To be a Singapore-on-Thames as Liz Truss suggests, you have to have a very large current account surplus that allows you to amass a lot of foreign currency, that enables you to peg and manage your currency mainly to the US Dollar.
September 25, 2021
As andy keeps saying….we’ve left get over it.
September 25, 2021
I am surprised that you have not recognised the admiration and support the âMagnificent 28â have received from instinctive Conservatives like myself. Indeed those three votes were what Mrs Thatcher would have called âthe most intensively lived hoursâ of my life. I was sick, transfixed, pains in the chest and feelings of strangulation throughout the very long voting and counting period, my eyes unblinking to see as early as possible which side the tellers would stand –
If we had lost I would have died.
Those 28 names rank with the greatest heroes of the greatest battles this exceptional country has ever engaged in, and one day, our people will publicly acknowledge them in a monument.
I am thankful for each one of you and for each one of your nerves of steel. I say Te Deums every night and after the Referendum when the British People spoke, I sank in a heap for a fortnight crying and thanking God – I think some sort of breakdown.
However please acknowledge that the challenge you outlined and indeed achieved,was outrageously dangerous. Of course a vote in the House of Commons was ALWAYS THE SOLUTION. Only that could reverse the vote of the House of Commons which was tricked by Heath into ending the existence of our country.
The British Declaration of Independence required a vote in The House of Commons reasserting our Constitution, which impliedly would have removed the U.K. from the EU. If the Remainers claimed that an implied repeal was not enough, then we could have pointed out that we joined the EU on an implied vote which would have to be retaken. Nobody would have voted to âjoinâ the EU.
Either way we would have won without running the gauntlet of Mr Farage conceding the Referendum twice before a single vote had been counted!
The strategy gained the support of Enoch Powell, Norris McWhirter, Sir Julian Hodge, and Lord Stoddart amongst others, but not of a majority of member of the House of Commons, although many pledged their votes including Mr Grant Shapps, Ronnie Campbell, and many of the heroic âBastardsâ.
September 26, 2021
Oh Lynn, Lynn.
What can I say. Your 1st two paras, if true, show that something is amiss with your thought processes.
“If true” being the operative words.
If they are true words speak to someone please.
September 26, 2021
Without control of our own homeland there is nowhere to live. Certainly I would not now be alive had we lost. You donât seem to have grasped the gravity of the situation or the fine thread that held firm, only 28! Had we lost and remained forever (because that is what it would have been) the would be no discussion about anything. We would have remained in servitude,
Do you still not understand?
September 26, 2021
Perhaps you misunderstand me
I apologise
I was and am pro brexit
It’s your words
” I think some sort of breakdown”
” I would not now be alive”
That’s a bit worrying.
Very best wishes
This may come out twice as it disappeared
September 25, 2021
Do MPs constituency constituents include every single person within that set geographic boundary, i.e does it include people who live there, people visiting, refugees & asylum seekers, students or just those registered on the electoral role
I ask because during the past months Iâve heard many MPs on interview suggesting that their mail-bag is full of requests from refugeesâŠ.I just wonder if these are genuine constituents or not as there doesnât appear to be clear a definition anywhere
Reply everyone living in your constituency is a constituent, some are also voters.
September 25, 2021
Thanks for your rely SirJ however I now have to ask for your humble opinion on what the definition of âliving in your constituency â means
To clarify I mean the definition in terms of political obligation and not the constituent population of a geographical location
September 26, 2021
Sir JR,
Yes there isa need to sort out the fishing and the NI , but his should ot be done by abandoning internaitonal agreements taht we ahve singed and proposed ourselves. As this will only limit the Uk influence internationally later on.
September 26, 2021
The problem that we Brexiteers faced was that for a long time you couldn’t guarantee delivering the Conservative Party as a whole. The pro-European minority were in charge. Major, Hague (in spite of his “burning building” “this foreign land” rhetoric), Cameron, Osborne and May were all Remainers. In these circumstances, votes for UKIP were necessary, especially in MEP elections and by-elections. You might have the grace to acknowledge that.
September 26, 2021
Thank you, Sir John.
I still think that you should leave the Conservative Party. It is beyond hope.
September 27, 2021
Yes it was in the end, a Conservative government that almost got us out of the EU.
But which Party took us in to the EEC? Heath.
Which Party signed us up to Maastricht?
May be the whole Party System stinks.
But it is what we have at the moment and at least your lot are the best of a poor bunch!
Apparently, we are STILL subject to deportation under the E.A.W. So add that to your list of failures.
AND for heaven’s sake get your leader to see sense about NOT being able to run G.B. on sun and wind!