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The Words of Wisdom of Boris Johnson - Foreign Secretary

Those that devour political biographies, especially from the last 40 years, might wonder just what exactly was Alastair Campbell's influence was in the Blair era. Or maybe they won't if they've devoured all they can. Mandelson, though elected, was THE behind the scenes hatchet man, and makes Cummings look like the tooth fairy - and that might be from the horse's mouth...;)

I don't know what the extent is of Cummings' influence, although having heard him speak I wouldn't want him next to me. However, is he really the power behind the wheel or is a lot of it hype? Maybe its something in between. Is Boris a puppet on a string or does he pull Cummings' strings?

Here's a rhetorical question/though; for someone who follows the goings on in govt and Cabinet, why do I know very little of the direction the govt is going yet hear constantly exactly what Cummings' is doing? Media mischief or factual reporting? Probably somewhere in between. But what are the true facts?

Well, the lefties will say one thing won't they, and the Tory boys something else.

But think back to each of the last PM's and leaders of the opposition, and ask yourself how many SPADS were sacked because of their interference. Cummings isn't a new phenomenon.
 
Those that devour political biographies, especially from the last 40 years, might wonder just what exactly was Alastair Campbell's influence was in the Blair era. Or maybe they won't if they've devoured all they can. Mandelson, though elected, was THE behind the scenes hatchet man, and makes Cummings look like the tooth fairy - and that might be from the horse's mouth...;)

I don't know what the extent is of Cummings' influence, although having heard him speak I wouldn't want him next to me. However, is he really the power behind the wheel or is a lot of it hype? Maybe its something in between. Is Boris a puppet on a string or does he pull Cummings' strings?

Here's a rhetorical question/though; for someone who follows the goings on in govt and Cabinet, why do I know very little of the direction the govt is going yet hear constantly exactly what Cummings' is doing? Media mischief or factual reporting? Probably somewhere in between. But what are the true facts?

Well, the lefties will say one thing won't they, and the Tory boys something else.

But think back to each of the last PM's and leaders of the opposition, and ask yourself how many SPADS were sacked because of their interference. Cummings isn't a new phenomenon.
Not doubting anything you’ve put/said about previous Governments/PM’s etc, but maybe Cummings is partly responsible for his profile and at the same time he is unfortunate in the way the media/social media puts people behind the scenes under more scrutiny.

I don’t remember any of the previous persons in his position being so constantly in the spotlight, certainly there were times previously when some of his types were front and centre in the media, but not at the rate he appears to be.

I also don’t think his “blogs” and what he publish’s help his image as at times, they are being translated (rightly and wrongly) in to Government Policy.

Maybe the credit or blame for the public perception of the relationship he and boris have, has been by design or fault.
 
Those that devour political biographies, especially from the last 40 years, might wonder just what exactly was Alastair Campbell's influence was in the Blair era. Or maybe they won't if they've devoured all they can. Mandelson, though elected, was THE behind the scenes hatchet man, and makes Cummings look like the tooth fairy - and that might be from the horse's mouth...;)

I don't know what the extent is of Cummings' influence, although having heard him speak I wouldn't want him next to me. However, is he really the power behind the wheel or is a lot of it hype? Maybe its something in between. Is Boris a puppet on a string or does he pull Cummings' strings?

Here's a rhetorical question/though; for someone who follows the goings on in govt and Cabinet, why do I know very little of the direction the govt is going yet hear constantly exactly what Cummings' is doing? Media mischief or factual reporting? Probably somewhere in between. But what are the true facts?

Well, the lefties will say one thing won't they, and the Tory boys something else.

But think back to each of the last PM's and leaders of the opposition, and ask yourself how many SPADS were sacked because of their interference. Cummings isn't a new phenomenon.
I think you are correct, hes not a new phenomenon, the way the media works now is a new phenomenon.
 
I think you are correct, hes not a new phenomenon, the way the media works now is a new phenomenon.

Its not just in politics. The media are making and breaking politicians, celebs and sports people every day. Some of the stories no doubt have a basis in fact but the spin is horrendous.
 
I see the Muslim Council of Britain has today handed a dossier detailing allegations against over 300 people in the tory party to the EHCR over claims of Islamophobia.

This follows on from the dossier given to the EHCR in may containing over 150 allegations, the EHCR have stated they are still waiting for the tory party to publish the terms of reference to their independent review which the EHCR will then consider as part of their decision making process.
 
How big would be a dossier detailing allegations over claims of Christianaphobia? Much bigger I would suggest but aparantly acceptable in our new world of selective diversity.
 
I see the Muslim Council of Britain has today handed a dossier detailing allegations against over 300 people in the tory party to the EHCR over claims of Islamophobia.

This follows on from the dossier given to the EHCR in may containing over 150 allegations, the EHCR have stated they are still waiting for the tory party to publish the terms of reference to their independent review which the EHCR will then consider as part of their decision making process.
stand by for classic Tory deflection and no doubt,,,, "But Labour are anti semitic:cry:"
 
stand by for classic Tory deflection and no doubt,,,, "But Labour are anti semitic:cry:"
I don't think anyone can reasonably deflect or defend it. Labour have had their antisemitism problems and have rightfully been called out on it, but equally Tory party should be held accountable with appropriate actions taken against the islamaphobic behaviour. Nobody should be persecuted, derided or singled out for their religious beliefs whether they be Islamic, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Sikh or any other religious denominations.
 
I don't think anyone can reasonably deflect or defend it. Labour have had their antisemitism problems and have rightfully been called out on it, but equally Tory party should be held accountable with appropriate actions taken against the islamaphobic behaviour. Nobody should be persecuted, derided or singled out for their religious beliefs whether they be Islamic, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Sikh or any other religious denominations.
what about the classic case 3 post ago?
 
what about the classic case 3 post ago?
Case of someone we all know who blames immigration for most things and says more about their lack of acceptance of others beliefs. A case of the sort of person who should be held accountable for an unwillingness to see others faiths being derided by a party or social politic agenda that meets their personal criteria. I'd also say that wasn't a reasonable defence but a downright pathetic statement.

I stand by my point nobody no matter what religion should have to accept or be party to this behavior no matter what other peoples beliefs are, everyone is entitled to their faith and not to face persecution for it.
 
Case of someone we all know who blames immigration for most things and says more about their lack of acceptance of others beliefs. A case of the sort of person who should be held accountable for an unwillingness to see others faiths being derided by a party or social politic agenda that meets their personal criteria. I'd also say that wasn't a reasonable defence but a downright pathetic statement.

I stand by my point nobody no matter what religion should have to accept or be party to this behavior no matter what other peoples beliefs are, everyone is entitled to their faith and not to face persecution for it.
i agree but as this report shows this point of veiw isn't uncommon with Tory supporters
 
i agree but as this report shows this point of veiw isn't uncommon with Tory supporters
Problem with that is it gets skewed because its a very right wing agenda and view that foreigners are the enemy, that all terrorism is purely from Islam etc so you will have Tories being followed by many right wing bellends like Tommy Robinson, but that doesn't mean all Tory followers are the same. We have ti remember to be balanced, it's easy to blanket blame any Tory voter with the same brush but for as many bad ones there may be there will be equal number that can't stand that type of agenda.

Same can be said for Labour's antisemitism brigade they're abhorrent but again not all Labour followers are anti semitic and don't deserve to be in the same bracket as those that were/are guilty of what occurred.

Problem here is there will be Tory supporters saying Labour are anti semitic, Labour supporters saying Tories are anti islam. Because it's easier ro be childish and label everyone the same whereas adults will accept there have be issues on both sides that need addressing, rooting out and punishing for it.
 
Problem with that is it gets skewed because its a very right wing agenda and view that foreigners are the enemy, that all terrorism is purely from Islam etc so you will have Tories being followed by many right wing bellends like Tommy Robinson, but that doesn't mean all Tory followers are the same. We have ti remember to be balanced, it's easy to blanket blame any Tory voter with the same brush but for as many bad ones there may be there will be equal number that can't stand that type of agenda.

Same can be said for Labour's antisemitism brigade they're abhorrent but again not all Labour followers are anti semitic and don't deserve to be in the same bracket as those that were/are guilty of what occurred.

Problem here is there will be Tory supporters saying Labour are anti semitic, Labour supporters saying Tories are anti islam. Because it's easier ro be childish and label everyone the same whereas adults will accept there have be issues on both sides that need addressing, rooting out and punishing for it.

It doesn't take a huge amount of research to find examples of Tory antisemitism and of Labour Islamaphobia. We can narrowly define it with labels like that, and there's nowt wrong with doing so, but I'm inclined to think that its just plain racism being exhibited in both parties. Turning it into a willy waving exercise, from either side, just deflects away from the need to address it firmly.

As an aside, I wait with baited breath to see if the BBC highlight the Islamaphobia in the Tory party as much as they highlighted antisemitism in the Labour party.
 
Problem with that is it gets skewed because its a very right wing agenda and view that foreigners are the enemy, that all terrorism is purely from Islam etc so you will have Tories being followed by many right wing bellends like Tommy Robinson, but that doesn't mean all Tory followers are the same. We have ti remember to be balanced, it's easy to blanket blame any Tory voter with the same brush but for as many bad ones there may be there will be equal number that can't stand that type of agenda.

Same can be said for Labour's antisemitism brigade they're abhorrent but again not all Labour followers are anti semitic and don't deserve to be in the same bracket as those that were/are guilty of what occurred.

Problem here is there will be Tory supporters saying Labour are anti semitic, Labour supporters saying Tories are anti islam. Because it's easier ro be childish and label everyone the same whereas adults will accept there have be issues on both sides that need addressing, rooting out and punishing for it.

i never said all tory's i said it wasn't uncommon, as for the labour jibe, that is a bit of a misnoma, the term is now defined asso include anything anti Israel in the case of most if not all the cases are Anti Israel, in fact i know a couple of guys who are jewish and anti israel, but this def they are anti semitic
 
It doesn't take a huge amount of research to find examples of Tory antisemitism and of Labour Islamaphobia. We can narrowly define it with labels like that, and there's nowt wrong with doing so, but I'm inclined to think that its just plain racism being exhibited in both parties. Turning it into a willy waving exercise, from either side, just deflects away from the need to address it firmly.

As an aside, I wait with baited breath to see if the BBC highlight the Islamaphobia in the Tory party as much as they highlighted antisemitism in the Labour party.
Absolutely agree with you. Issues on both sides and probably in other parties to, wherever you have people there will be some that have issues and all need weeding out. The willy waving was kind of my point both sides will do it at each other but ultimately need get their own houses in order, as for the BBC I wouldn't hold my breath with their recent records.
 
How big would be a dossier detailing allegations over claims of Christianaphobia? Much bigger I would suggest but aparantly acceptable in our new world of selective diversity.
What is Christianaphobia? If it is related to disparaging or belittling of Christian faith or beliefs and of those holding such beliefs, then I don’t have to look very far for it. The good news is that if it is that then, at least in this country, it seems to have little impact - unlike many instances of Islamophobia which is often manifest in unpleasant ways, and with significant impact.
 
What is Christianaphobia? If it is related to disparaging or belittling of Christian faith or beliefs and of those holding such beliefs, then I don’t have to look very far for it. The good news is that if it is that then, at least in this country, it seems to have little impact - unlike many instances of Islamophobia which is often manifest in unpleasant ways, and with significant impact.

Borough Market, London Bridge, Lee Rigby, Manchester Arena, Keith Palmer... try walking in Bradford city centre late of an evening(first hand experience) and the centre of Luton on a Saturday... little impact? really?

Maybe you missed them Hugh but there's idiots on all sides, and I'm yet to see many Imams hacked to death or bombs going off in mosques.
 
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