PMQs

The problem with Starmer and Blackford is their stilted delivery during Prime Minister's Questions. They obviously find it difficult to say anything original or off the cuff, owing to the fact that, they are reading from preprepared lines. Not a good look for a party leader.

Maybe that’s because they’re being so careful not to churn out anything that isn’t true. The PM doesn’t have that problem.

Starmer is always poised, you can tell he’s a lawyer. He doesn’t lose his cool, but I’d describe him as silent but deadly at PMQ. Boris was flustered, you can always tell because he blusters, constantly runs his hand through his hair, and looks away when he’s talking to people. I really noticed it today, he doesn’t engage at all with people who challenge him, he’s like the little boy who’s stolen a sweet when the mother asks him if he did it.

The Sue Gray investigation is a joke. Boris will tell her what questions she should ask.
He will effectively set the test. Answer the questions. Give himself 10/10 and a clean slate then expel others to take the blame
He is a national disgrace.
Put his name in Google and it comes up with 'The right honourable Boris Johnson'.
He hasn't an honourable none in his body.
We are all being taken for fools

Happygirl79

The Sue Gray investigation is a joke. Boris will tell her what questions she should ask.
He will effectively set the test. Answer the questions. Give himself 10/10 and a clean slate then expel others to take the blame
He is a national disgrace.
Put his name in Google and it comes up with 'The right honourable Boris Johnson'.
He hasn't an honourable none in his body.
We are all being taken for fools

Bone not none!

Careful what you wish for. If BJ goes we have the prospect of Sunak as PM - small state, austerity, benefit cuts for the poorest in society, public service cuts.

Oh for sure. The ERG will use this opportunity to use the majority they have left to sweep the board with their ult right programme. Did they bring in Cummings to do the knife in the back and make way? I wouldn't put anything past them. Seriously worrying times- and with Russia threatening Ukraine in the background.

M0nica

I didn't think David Davis made the best of his moment. He would never get work as an actor, he should have declaimed his example and pointed to the door, as he said 'For God's sake go'.

Boris was lying (again) when he said he did not recognise the quote. David Davis gave him the context, and if he is the scholar of modern history (and Churchill) that he claims to be, he _must- know the quote.

It is almost as well-known as Chamberlain's quote about bringing 'peace for our time' when returning from the trip to Germany where he had meetings with Hitler and signed the 'Munich Agreement.'

Any one with a decent knowledge of our history, particularly our parliamentary history, would know that the original speech the quote came from was that of Oliver Cromwell to the 'Rump' Parliament.

MaizieD I'd be very surprised if Johnson didn't recognise the quote. I'm sure it's the sort of thing that would crop up in history lessons at Eton, but of course it wouldn't fit his bumbling "Man of the people" persona would it?

Was feeling very hopeful but now Boris seems to be bouncing back. Oh well we’ll just keep the Champagne on ice a bit longer.

Yes, but Davis was quite clear whose use of the phrase he was referring to and as a Conservative and a historian with a special interest in Churchill, Johnson should have known it.

As you say the phrase has a previous history, which Johnson also should know. Which makes his lie saying he had never heard it before, more heinous.

Did anyone notice Johnson mocking the SNP leader, whilst being asked about his behaviour?

Clearly any contrition he showed in his interview with Beth Rigby, was purely an act.

He always mocks him

One of his “we are world beating” claims said “cost of living is coming down” - this on a day when we have the highest inflation for 30 years - this was therefore a blatant lie.

Sarah Murphy

Tories, yesterdays PMQs
Quick fact check:
1) Johnson had v little to do with vaccines but lots to do with Covid being “the worst public health failure in British history”
2) Under you lot, we have the worst cost of living crisis in 30yrs
3) Brexit is an epic fuck-up
4) Sue Gray won’t fix this.

I agree with all that Wwm2 (tho I think Brexit was a deliberate savage push with no thought for the consequences, which have been disastrous).

Re the SG report. We could write it for her ourselves. Much evidence of much socialising at no.10. Most reprehensible. Little hard evidence that PM knew of its. PM recommended to cleanse the Augean stables - just what he wants to be 'told to do' so that no further criticism can be levelled at him. And I agree that bj already knows this.

Much evidence of much socialising at no.10. Most reprehensible. Little hard evidence that PM knew of it.

How does anyone not know there's not just one but several social events going on in ones back yard on a number of occasions? Do BJ and Carrie sit in their fancy living room with their blinds drawn?

Since the PM said in PMQs that he didn’t know that rather famous quote In the name of God go then perhaps he really doesn’t know the COVID rules and guidelines, what his staff are up to in number 10, the difference between working and partying and how to tuck in his shirt. And yet, some that think he is the best of the bunch.

I see the charmers in the Tory party are suggesting that the mp who defected to Labour has mental health issues.

Is there anything that they would stop at?

Deedaa

MaizieD I'd be very surprised if Johnson didn't recognise the quote. I'm sure it's the sort of thing that would crop up in history lessons at Eton, but of course it wouldn't fit his bumbling "Man of the people" persona would it?

It certainly cropped up in our history lessons!

To me it was highlighting backstabbers. David Davies is known for his lack of loyalty to a lot of past leaders. The Bury MP a five minute wonder. I agree the drinking escapades need serious addressing but a leadership contest is the last thing this Country needs. Boris needs to concentrate on COVID, Russia/Ukraine (our 100 trainees out there ?), Economy, Utility bills, etc etc. Also it not long after we had Brexit that the explosion of COVID happened, he also had COVID, lost his mum, got married and two children! The man is chaotic but that was what the overriding people voted for. I also know a lot of people didn’t entirely stick to lockdown rules. I lost during these times so am not saying he or rules were right but be careful what you wish for comes to mind.

Since it wasn't Churchill who said it to Chamberlain, but Leo Amery, perhaps it escaped Boris's limited attention.

grumppa

Since it wasn't Churchill who said it to Chamberlain, but Leo Amery, perhaps it escaped Boris's limited attention.

Ye right - as my teenage grandson might say?

Just because they have relaxed the restrictions doesn't mean we all have to stop wearing a mask and start meeting lots of people indoors. We can still make our own decisions and do what we believe will keep us safe. I'll definitely continue wearing a mask, social distance, and not go to large gatherings. Things don't change overnight. The virus is still out there and I don't want to catch it thank you.
By the way I think Johnson has worked his socks off during the last two years. It's so easy to sit there and glibly find fault. One of the worst things people say is 'they should have done this or that'. Sooo easy with hindsight.

As a biographer of Churchill (but certainly not the foremost one) of course he knew the quote: he was avoiding the point as usual. He put up more of a fight than expected at PMQs and he will likely squeak through the Gray report findings on some hair-splitting technicality but the country has already made up its mind about BJ. His days are numbered but the Tories are terrified they don't have a vote winner replacement.