What can TM be thinking of?

That last sentence in particular POGS my thoughts exactly!

So Juncker is in Italy, addressing an Italian audience.

He decides to speak in French as English has no relevance in the EU .

He tells the Italian audience this in English.

I will ask again why did he simply not speak in French from the outset to an Italian audience.?

Why did he feel it necessary to mock the UK with a wry smile?

Why is Juncker only prepared to give Brexit 30 minutes a week?

Why did Juncker 'leak' details of the dinner with May?

Plenty of other comments from Juncker show his attitude toward the UK decision to leave in the same manner.

Juncker is the President of the EU Commission, he represents '28' not '27' countries in the EU Parliament at present. He represents 751 MEP's.

If Juncker is the best spokesperson the EU can elect to represent the European Union then to be honest it shows how the many voices from inside and outside of the EU that have been saying for years the EU Elite are a cause of some of the dissent , the European Union needs to look hard at itself and make changes were 100% correct.

Daphne, are you saying the Labour party is the answer?

Sorry, that was from the Planet Magazine link, definitely biased as it was written by a Labour AM.

"Theresa May was facing a number of looming crises: electoral fraud, EU negotiations turmoil, internal Tory Party division and a potential reduced majority leading to an increasingly powerless and rudderless Government.

With this perfect storm on the horizon, a divided country and perceptions of a divided opposition, the prime minster has seized the initiative and attempted a back door political coup, with a narrative based on the pretext of needing a new mandate for strong leadership, to ‘crush the saboteurs’-to use the words of the Daily Mail.

If she wins the election, I believe history will in time expose this as one of the greatest political con-tricks of the modern age."

However, we just have to wait and see.

Just because you don't believe the Labour Party isn't the answer, it's not logical to think that the Conservatives will provide any solutions, especially if you are not one of the "already haves".

The "careful research" can be done by anyone, so the first thing to do is to check who's done it. Some "think tanks" are biased. There is a league table somewhere of reliability. Generally, ONS data is neutral and academic institutions publish research based on fact and will use accountable research methodology.

Never believe second hand reporting of research without going back to the original research. Ignore second hand reporting if the sources aren't quoted and it can't be checked. Headline writers cherry pick the odd bit of information which suits their agenda.

Yes, it is possible. Look at sites such as the Institute of Fiscal Studies or the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Or you could look at the Office for National Statistics for raw data and look at trends over time. The London School of Economics publishes regular reports on the state of the economy and society.

The trouble is that most people don't look at the research. They just read the headlines, which are highly selective and depend on the particular writer's agenda. That's why it's so dangerous when politicians manipulate the media. They choose what they want people to know. It's also why some politicians derided "experts". They don't want people to know.

I don't know about a whole turkey. We might get the parson's nose! (and veggies can have a bit of stuffing )

I think it would be a very interesting thread to ask what people think about the welfare state,including state pensions.

Maybe people would be happier if we went back to the pre-war situation - not forgetting all the other services (police, fire service, NHS, state education, border control, environmental controls, etc etc), for which we pay collectively via taxes.

All for oneself - and the devil take the hindmost!?

Not blind faith - just willing to admit I don't KNOW and therefore would not post "predictions" All this careful research, where was it done - Labour party website, Guardian newspaper. It is possible to find research to back up any result you want.

Do I have concerns for the future - of course I do - but I cannot believe that the Labour party who my grandparents and parents supported and campaigned for is the best one for this country.

GGMK2 I actually really like him and think he is clever and personable with a lot of old-fashioned courtesy and would feed the peasants and treat them fairly (provided they doffed their caps of course).

It fascinates me that some people don't recognise this aspect of the Tory party and think they will allow the Welfare state to continue.

www.planetmagazine.org.uk/planet_extra/One-of-the-Greatest-Political-Con-Tricks-of-the-Modern-Age

I put a link on about what will happen in America with the repeal of Obamacare.
I am quite frightened about the consequences for the NHS if May gets her landslide.
The welfare state here is gradually becoming privatised, too.
I think there are lots of people on GN who don't want a welfare state. The DWP thread shows that.

Good summary GracesGran.

Oh I did sorry-senior moment! Jacob anyway he is openly a Tory in favour of a low tax economy which obviously can't support a welfare state.

I wonder what would happen if we started a thread asking if we should actually have/be a welfare state? I don't think I dare as I get pretty shocked by some of the posts on here already

I always feel Jacob Rees-Mogg, while feeling the peasants should know their place, would be awfully nice to them with the odd turkey at Christmas, etc.

sunseeker perhaps then you could post your predictions about what will happen if TM gets in. Not asking you to 'know' but you seem absolutely certain that other posters are mistaken in their carefully assessed predictions so you presumable have some idea why they are so wrong? Or is it just blind faith?

Oh I did sorry-senior moment! Jacob anyway he is openly a Tory in favour of a low tax economy which obviously can't support a welfare state.

Trisher, do you mean Jacob Rees-Mogg? Only William (his father) died back in 2012. Just thought I ask!

We can all make assumptions (or guess) based on preconceived prejudices.

I appreciate that that is how a significant portion of the population works/thinks but, contrary to what they think, it is possible to make reasoned predictions based on what has happened in the past and knowledge (gained through study, so often using the knowledge of 'experts') of how institutions/people/societies/economies function and react to particular circumstances.

It is very hard to take the 'opinions' of people who dismiss knowledge and expertise particularly seriously.

of

I think it would be really useful if someone who wants of May and the Cons politics tells us, based on what they have done and what they have said they will do the realistic possibilities based on fact.

I was a more nuanced view Maizie I agree.

Sorry, should have read on before answering SS as I see several of you have said the same.

To me it's as plain as the nose on your face but some are obviously asking the magic mirror to show them the picture they want to happen rather than the reality that is to obvious for the half of the country that are not voting for May and some, I imagine who are crossing their fingers while they vote because the only important thing to them is leaving the EU - the people can go to hell in a handcart meanwhile.

GG2

I read the whole article Maizie but I don't feel more enlightened

I just thought it was a less hysterical view than that of the UK RW press.