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Boris Johnson and his lies

(523 Posts)
Dinahmo Sat 19-Oct-19 15:19:29

The independent think tank UK in a Changing Europe has today found that Johnson's deal would reduce GDP per capita by between 2.3% and 7% over the next decade. This compares with May's deal where the estimate was between 1.9% and 5.5%. They also suggest that a deal would hit public finances by £16bn and £49bn.

Today in parliament Johnson promised that high standards on workers rights an environmental protections will be maintained.

The political declaration can enter UK law but it is only a statement of intent and he can therefore promise the ERG that, if he wins the next election, he will set aside the political declaration and pivot towards deregulation and a sweetheart deal with Trump. The purpose of the ERG is to deregulate at home in order to strike trade deals with the US and emerging markets.

Would someone please explain why he should now be trusted when he has lied throughout the whole of his career. After all, leopards don't change their spots. It would take too long to list all his lies, but here's some, as a reminder:

1. When suspended from the cable car across the Thames, the mechanism apparently failed. Of course, it was deliberately stopped and he claimed it failed for a good photo opportunity.

2. In his manifesto for the London Mayor election he promised that he would ensure that there would be manned ticket offices at every train station. he then agreed to widespread closures in order to fund 24 hour tube trains

3. Also in his manifesto he promised to eradicate rough sleeping - it doubled during his tenure

4. He lied about the reason for proroguing parliament

5. He repeated his lie about the EU regulating the shape of bananas

6. He lied about there being no press when he was at GOS Hospital

Now for the money wasted whilst mayor on vanity projects:

1. Feasibility study into the Garden Bridge - £52 million

2. Cable car £24 million

3. Boris bikes £225 million (original idea Ken Livingstone but BJ implemented it)

4. Water cannon £323,000 - not allowed under UK law, unsold and now scrapped

5. Estuary airport feasibility study £5.2 million

6. Olympic stadium conversion to football pitch for West Ham - £305 million. The club was supposed to contribute £153 million but in the end it only paid £15 million and now pays annual rent of £2.5 million.

7. Routemaster hybrid buses £321.6 million - superseded by the introduction of electric buses. It's USP is now defunct because the doors at the rear "hop on hop off" platforms are closed in moving traffic (and that includes at walking pace)

A few of these projects had small amounts of sponsorship money but most of the costs were funded by the tax payer

Urmstongran Fri 22-Nov-19 12:27:38

One always has to take with a pinch of salt what is posted on Trip Advisor! Some people have an ulterior motive in trying to do down a competitor. Push one down, elevate yourself.

MaizieD Fri 22-Nov-19 12:28:25

Many thanks, jura flowers

And we haven't yet got into the debate on integrity in public life setting the 'tone' for the whole country. Or truth being an essential component of democracy grin

growstuff Fri 22-Nov-19 12:28:31

But Johnson's job is politics! I don't care that much about his private life either.

The point is that Johnson isn't good at his job and those "in the trade" don't think much of him.

MaizieD Fri 22-Nov-19 12:30:18

Who said anything about Trip Advisor, Ug?

Are you on the right thread here?

Urmstongran Fri 22-Nov-19 12:30:31

Oh jura noooo! Way too long to wade through on here.

But thank you anyway.

I bet the hours just fly by in your home!

SirChenjin Fri 22-Nov-19 12:32:27

Would you employ him if you knew he was a serial liar and he’d (allegedly) been involved in illegal activities?

Or would you get another builder who was just as good and didn’t have the morals of an alley cat?

Urmstongran Fri 22-Nov-19 12:34:19

I was meaning what other bricklayers might say about one another (for example on TA) to promote their own business.

Bricklayers?
Boris?

It’s getting a bit psycho babble!

Can we keep it simpler for bears like me of little brain?

?

Urmstongran Fri 22-Nov-19 12:35:39

Ah now ... another builder who was just as good

Opinions would vary!

jura2 Fri 22-Nov-19 12:35:42

well, someone asked for detail - I gave them. Just look at the total at the bottom, and just the titles- if the whole truth is too much for you ;)

But you are right, I am not particularly interested in his sordid sex life and the lies to his wife, mistresses and family, especially his kids (well those he knows of ..). Unless he got the attention of some 'ladies' by giving them your and my money to get what they wanted- or if he behaved in such a way that would now make him vulnerable to blackmail and manipulation- by some 'friends' with a very nasty ulterior motive (like during the bunga bunga style parties at Russian Mountain in Italy, etc).

MaizieD Fri 22-Nov-19 12:48:00

Way too long to wade through on here.

Well, there's your anti-intellectual for you..

You could have found all that with a bit of tedious research but jura has very kindly gathered it all together for you as evidence of the message we're trying to convey and you CBA to read it...

Of course, a nice cosy exchange of unevidenced opinion is really what you prefer; I know because I saw you say that on the Brexiters only thread (sorry if that's a bit of inconvenient 'evidence')

Oh well, it takes all sorts and when Brexit under the charlatan is a Titanic success (sinking rapidly with enormous loss of life) I'm sure you'll be very happy...

Zsarina Fri 22-Nov-19 12:52:28

The only thing wrong with Conservative government is Boris Johnson for heaven sake don’t use the distrust of him to allow Labour government to arise. Please remember the alternative to the Conservatives it’s Labour a government that left England on its knees. I don’t know much about politics but the state of England when the Conservatives won the election from labour was criminal and it would take years and years to recover.....England should never of joined the EU but we are now members and the mistake would be in leaving..England would never recover after another stint of labour governing

jura2 Fri 22-Nov-19 12:55:25

You do know of course that Boris had been told in not uncertain terms that any 'friendships' or 'affairs' had to be clearly declared if monies or favours were to be given to anyone. He was warned on a repeated basis during his affair and regular marketing and funding occasions for Arcuri. I personally don't care if they ***ed of not - as long as it didn't coincide with fraudulent funds, favours, endorsement and marketing, etc- paid by your money and mine. Ta.

growstuff Fri 22-Nov-19 12:57:59

Since when was the Labour government responsible in the collapse of the US sub-prime mortgage market?

In what way was the country "on its knees" in 2010?

growstuff Fri 22-Nov-19 12:59:07

By the way, what was the state of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2010?

SirChenjin Fri 22-Nov-19 13:03:39

*Ah now ... another builder who was just as good

Opinions would vary!*

Surely you’d just apply the same decision making criteria to determine what is ‘good’ but this time add ‘must not be linked to illegal activity’ to the list?

MaizieD Fri 22-Nov-19 13:15:41

The UK was just recovering from the economic shock of the Global Financial crisis when the tories took over in 2010. I expect I could find a chart somewhere to evidence this.

And if it hadn't been for the prompt action of Alistair Darling in authorising £200 billion of quantitative easing to keep the banks afloat and guaranteeing personal bank deposits up to £80,000 (or was it £85k?) a massive section of the UK population would have found themselves suddenly penniless... That's what happens when banks fail.

But tory lies are so potent, aren't they?

Greta Fri 22-Nov-19 13:20:13

Zsarina : The only thing wrong with Conservative government is Boris Johnson for heaven sake...

I think we can add a few names: Michael Gove, Priti Patel, Dominic Raab, Sajid Javid. I know Dominic Cummings is 'only' special adviser to the government but I believe he deserves to be included as well.

Grankind Fri 22-Nov-19 13:31:01

I have not posted anything on this site for some time.
However, having just 'popped in' for a quick look, I can see that the usual
spleen is being vented by the usual people. You know who you are.
I intend to vote for Boris Johnston in the coming election, simply because he has promised to fulfill the wishes of the majority in the referendum: thereby completing a crucial process for this country that has been left unfinished, because remainers in Parliament blocked every effort made by our Prime Minister to finalise our exit from the EU.
Gransnet appears to consist of a throng of left wingers who keep repeating the same arguments, posting the same old sets of statistics, and more importantly, using the site to do personal character assassinations on anyone who does not meet with their crowd mentality approval.
As an aside, it is interesting to note that the same thing is happening with Prince Andrew. So much has been said about him that people are now starting to believe that he has done things for which there is no substantial proof as yet, as witness some comments on last night's 'Question Time'- BBC 1.
I can see the scene in 'A tale of two cities' ( Charles Dickens) now, with Madame Défarge knitting while the aristocracy have their heads lopped off. A perfect image for Gransnet right now, I think. If you want a revolution you will have to rid this country of its present political system and all the politicians who claim to represent the people. If you want a politician who has no past, no secrets, and who has the unblemished character of an angel you will be searching for a long time.
No one is without fault. That is human nature. If you are going to judge by personalities, why would you even consider Jeremy Corbyn when he has proved himself to be lacking in any leadership qualities and is so full of spite for anyone with aspirations.
Those of you who are casting aspersions at anyone who might even suggest that they vote Tory, are misguided to say the least.
One only has to look at the language being used in the posts. Some of it is just plain nasty. If you want to argue a point do it by using reason, be respectful of other points of view, but don't use social media to vent and be spiteful just because you are anonymous. That is just cowardly and unworthy. I read your post with interest 'Hillwalker'( New to Gransnet post) because I can see where your comments come from. I too am beginning to feel the same.
Come on you Tories out there - don't be afraid - let's hear from you for a change!!

growstuff Fri 22-Nov-19 13:35:39

Well, that was a good rant! I hope you feel better!

Please could you direct the readers to the nastiness on the thread.

PS. I've never commented on Prince Andrew anywhere.

SirChenjin Fri 22-Nov-19 13:42:18

Interesting that you chose to link the behaviour of Boris with that of Prince Andrew there Gran. I wonder if other Tories on here are so inclined?

Urmstongran Fri 22-Nov-19 13:55:34

Oh well, it takes all sorts and when Brexit under the charlatan is a Titanic success (sinking rapidly with enormous loss of life) I'm sure you'll be very happy...

Of course I won’t be very happy IF that were to happen.
?

What a strange thing to say MaizieD!

Admittedly I want Brexit done. But then I want this country to prosper! I truly believe we will do so. Which is why I’m voting for Boris.

Whitewavemark2 Fri 22-Nov-19 13:57:23

Apart from Brexit ug what is important to you regarding the future of the UK.

Grankind Fri 22-Nov-19 14:03:34

All these replies just go to illustrate my points - so thankyou.
I am a very calm person - not ranting at all. But could it be that the truth hurts?

growstuff Fri 22-Nov-19 14:13:20

In that case it's a little surprising that you should have acted so out of character. It's always good to get things off your chest - and you obviously just did. It must be time for a good cuppa! wink

MaizieD Fri 22-Nov-19 14:23:41

Not at all strange, Ug. That is what all the qualified tradespeople are predicting.

The country hasn't been a 'success' under the tories for the last decade. Why should it change now?