Sir Kier Starmer addressing the nation at 7pm

MissA. ??

She doesn't matter.
None of the rule breakers do..
It's what Starmer didn't quite say that matters.
Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how this plays out.
It's just a pity that we're all caught up in it.

Calistemon

AGAA4

Anniebach

Alegrias1 Loyd George had the advantage of being Welsh

Love that anniebach.

Even though he was born in Lancashire
(My father told me because he knew him ?)

Anniebach is correct, of course - Lloyd George was Welsh, raised by Welsh parents in Wales. (Let's not forget if you're born in a stable, it doesn't necessarily make you a horse)! ?‍?

I thought Keir did well tonight and came across as a serious politician which we need in these times. I think that, as Leader of the Opposition, he has a right of reply to a Prime Ministerial statement, which is what he was doing tonight. He emphasised everything we should be doing in order to contain the virus and have a good Christmas. I don't think his good wishes for Christmas were inappropriate. A good Christmas season makes everyone's sacrifice worthwhile.

Well said Grandmafrench and nice to see you back. My daughter wasn’t born in Wales and she would totally agree with you.

I was impressed. He came across with the right tone. He certainly looked more statesmanlike than Boris.
He has done the right thing backing the measures and I appreciated his fulsome support of the NHS and his insistence we must protect it.
I didn’t mind his sign off.

Urmstongran

Who’s dyslexic?

I am, I presume you were mocking me?

I watched Keir Starmer tonight, he was alright, no ball of fire but alright and said what needed to be said about getting boosters.To janejudge and anyone else ranting about Johnson being filthy/ unwashed/ shambolic/ drunk when he gave his address to the nation the other night all I would say is that your absolute hatred of the man has got out of hand and your comments are utterly ridiculous.
Johnson was for once, totally serious, clear and like Starmer, said what needed saying in a straightforward way.

I am not ridiculous, Boris looked as pissed as a fart and a complete mess and other MPs and opposition have needed to step up to make whatever message he wanted to convey come across more clearly

which is what itv news are showing rather than I can't be bothered to stop drinking or have a wash or change my clothes or wash my hair bloody idiot prime minster

That’s simply not true JaneJudge though I realise it’s what you wish to be true.
Watching Johnson last night I wondered aloud why he couldn’t always be as clear in speech ( no jokes/ Latin or umming and erring) because he obviously can do it, and can be serious too.Combing his hair would be good but we can’t have everything.

Devorgilla

I thought Keir did well tonight and came across as a serious politician which we need in these times. I think that, as Leader of the Opposition, he has a right of reply to a Prime Ministerial statement, which is what he was doing tonight. He emphasised everything we should be doing in order to contain the virus and have a good Christmas. I don't think his good wishes for Christmas were inappropriate. A good Christmas season makes everyone's sacrifice worthwhile.

Spot on.
Why Urmstongran felt the need to giggle at his Christmas wishes is beyond me. He’s on TV talking to the nation at Christmas time so…..?

lemongrove

I watched Keir Starmer tonight, he was alright, no ball of fire but alright and said what needed to be said about getting boosters.To janejudge and anyone else ranting about Johnson being filthy/ unwashed/ shambolic/ drunk when he gave his address to the nation the other night all I would say is that your absolute hatred of the man has got out of hand and your comments are utterly ridiculous.
Johnson was for once, totally serious, clear and like Starmer, said what needed saying in a straightforward way.

I thought the PM's speech was a lot better than his usual, he looked serious, tidy, not shambolic at all apart from his hair which needs a cut otherwise it does look like mine chaotic.

Even the Morning Star wasn't overly impressed with KS's speech.

The Morning Star wouldn’t be impressed , it’s a left wing newspaper.

I’m another Boris supporter. He may look a mess and sometimes babble on, but he has the most unenviable job trying to keep the country afloat, encourage people to get boosters quickly, no doubt the baby is crying it’s head off and all his enemies are trying to oust him over those parties. It’s like kicking him when he is down. I know few of you will agree with me and that is your prerogative.

How do you feel about his integrity and honesty?

EV that means that Starmer is doing something right.

Callistemon I have an unruly blonde mop of hair, so can sympathise.

BJ can look a mess and babble on as much as he likes - all I ask from him is honesty and integrity - he fails on both counts.

Starmer did well tonight - there was absolutely no political point-scoring - good for him.

The message seems to have got through in our area at least. Queue of people waiting for their vaccine.

I read the Morning Star.

Makes a change from the daily fail.

An old celebrity gogglebox tonight featuring the police being called to Johnson and Carries flat after being called by the neighbours. Yet another thing that people have probably forgotten about.

Sorry. I keep talking about Johnson don’t I!

Urmstongran

I disagree MissA. Tonight was NOT the moment to be wishing everyone a “happy Christmas”. It jarred, definitely. It was not the moment. Duh.

And undoubtedly you and others would have criticised him if he had not. I thought he came across as sincere, sensible and a grown up unlike the unkempt fool that you put in charge.