Government watch

So at the moment I understand that the agreement between the government and DUP is being kept secret -if that is true I am beginning to wonder if there is anything this government does that is not going to cause major problems.

Talking about laughing stocks...

voxpoliticalonline.com/2017/06/13/on-script-the-alan-mak-drinking-game/

Try not to have anything stronger than wine, or you might have trouble walking after this.

Well I understood that the agreement was an international agreement and registered with the UN.

Presumably it will take one of the signatories to object for any wheels to be put in motion.

You wonder who has been bought off and with what

On the news - can't remember which channel now Daphne. I don't think it was an MP but he could have a few others handing in their membership. They need to know there will be a downside for joining up with the DUP. I think he said he was gay and was calling on all LGBT members to consider their membership. I do wonder if there will be protests.

I am not watching properly as I am sewing but a Sinn Fein member has said they are over in Westminster, not to take their seats, but because of Brexit. She also said they were looking at the legality of the government tying up with the DUP. The Conservative MP said it would be fine as their relationship re the Good Friday agreement was quasi judicial so they could do that and be in cahoots with the DUP. With the "if I say this as if I believe it everyone else will too" attitude it sounded like typical Tory arrogance.

Oooh! Where did you read that? Is it an MP?

Oh crumbs daphne.

Just seen a Conservative Party member who has left the party until the issue of being "propped up by the DUP" is past. I wonder how many others will do the same.

Yes, I know there are still cuts in the wings. I think I read £12bn. There are also benefits to the Treasury from the delay to state pension age and the changes in benefit entitlements for everybody from 60 to 65/66/67. I've forgotten the actual figure (and I'm too lazy to look them up), but it's a significant amount.

The change in austerity - in relationship to the people rather than the deficit - is sadly a very large ship which will only turn slowly daphne and meanwhile there are more cuts waiting in the wings for large numbers of working people.

Nandalot I have a feeling that May is not a bad person she just seems to have no depth. She will, I do not doubt, be mortified about what she has done to her party but has grabbed the first idea of how to sort it with no thought for the consequences. I am desparately hoping she has people around her now who will warn her.

How many senior people have we now heard warning against the DUP deal?

Who is listening.

Are the Tories prepared to do anything to ensure they remain in power?

Is austerity over?

Not unless you happen to be a pensioner.

Long(ish) but informative read from Torsten Bell of he Resolution Foundation:

www.resolutionfoundation.org/media/blog/the-end-of-austerity/

This proposed deal with the DUP is already threatening the peace process.
Gerry Adams is saying that he has never ever been able to trust the British government. "They have never been honest brokers". I dread to think what this could lead to.

I think they have been quiet because of their loyalty to their party but they are able to speak out at the moment. The swing to the far-right of the party had to come to an end at some point; I only hope it is before they agree to work with the DUP.

I think you are right about Mays ability to actually 'get' how out of step they are. I just hope many phone calls are being made. If they want any Brexit agreements to hold I feel they will need it to be made with cross party, cross country discussions. Heaven help us if she doesn't do that and it falls apart later on in the discussions.

I've been listening to some of them too. I'd love to be a fly on a Downing Street wall.

Many Conservatives realise (and I think always have) that the current Tory brand is past it sell by date and have been sent out to broadcast that they've learnt their lesson.

I'm not sure I believe them. One of my reasons for thinking like that is the sacking of Robert Halfon. I've read a number of articles written by him and he genuinely understands the concerns of "blue collar" Tories. I'm not at all convinced that May and her cabinet do. They seem to be the same old Nasty Party, dressed up in sheep's clothing.

There are quite a few Conservatives out and about on the various news programmes today saying that:

*They must have cross-party, business orientated discussions on Brexit if they are to get it through Parliament.

*They need to shift their view of austerity - it has gone on too long and the public are beginning (!) to see it as ideological rather than from necessity.

*A more sensible idea of migrants into the country must be discussed - taking business needs into account.

*Those who voted remain must be considered as well as those who voted leave.

*John Major very worried about the impact on the peace process and the impact on Tory support. He thinks they should go it alone and be more cross party in getting Brexit. He says he is concerned, angry and dubious.

I am actually beginning to feel I can listen to these Conservatives without switching the sound off when they are on.

I guess we'll find out in years to come (from autobiographies, leaks and history) what has motivated May to give Gove a job. Has he been a thorn in his side all the time? Is she trying to stitch up some deal? I honestly don't know.

I'm sure we all remember that Gove was sacked by Cameron as Education Secretary simply because he was too toxic in the public's eyes. His behaviour during the Tory leadership race was extraordinary. I'm not familiar with Tory gossip to understand what's been going on. It seems odd that May should give him a job, while claiming to rebuild the Tory "non-nasty" brand.

This picture is from yesterday. Ruth Davidson is at the end of the table next to Priti Patel.

It was also mentioned on Womans Hour

Sinn Fein are expected to fly to Westminster amid speculation they may seek to derail Tory-DUP talks.

It seems to be mainly the Mail and the Sun report this.

Oh glory! Sinn Fein are at Westminster looking for Office space!! Does this mean they will sit in opposition to the DUP?

My breath is now distinctly bated.

I saw yesterday that because of the breakdown of the Stormont Govt the DUP could not take up their seats in Westminster unless they went back to sit in Stormont. There was also the fact that if they didn't agree the power sharing deal by a date which is soon there would be direct rule with the possibility of them having another election. Does anyone know anything about this?
I did intend to research it but am just too busy with jobs today - washing/ironing/ finishing unpacking etc) nothing interesting!- to take the time to do it - hopefully someone who has studied this will be able to clarify.

Oh glory! Sinn Fein are at Westminster looking for Office space!! Does this mean they will sit in opposition to the DUP?

Womans Hour

Gove stopped Rudd going to the UN meeting on climate change when he was chief whip

That was the pic which came up when I opened your link dj so where is the one of Ruth Davidson please?

With people like Gove trooping into the radio studio, the next election is in the bag for Labour

John Grace

Mays government is now stable and humble

From now on Maybot shall be known as
Stumble