UPDATE
So now it is eight. If you want to understand that the UK truly is not a functioning democracy, consider this. Joan Ryan is all over the MSM this morning as being the eighth defector to the Independent Group. Yet astonishingly, while she is universally reported as citing anti-semitism as the reason she is leaving, it appears not one MSM journalist has asked her about her receipt of US$1 million from the Israeli Embassy for spreading Israeli influence. Not one. Nor has any mainstream media outlet cited the fact in its reporting today. Most, of course, never even mentioned it at the time.
ORIGINAL
I have heard it argued again and again on television this last 48 hours that it is deeply undemocratic for the electorate to be offered a choice that is any more complicated than between Red Tories and Blue Tories. It is apparently unthinkable and deeply wrong that Corbyn’s standard German style social democracy – which is routinely labeled “hard left” and “communist” – should be proffered to voters for them to support, or not.
The overwhelmingly Blairite MPs have put this case again and again to Labour Party members in repeated leadership elections, and have been roundly and repeatedly defeated. But now, according to no less a person than Tom Watson, Deputy Leader of the party, the losers’ policies must be embraced by the Party and adopted by its leadership, as to do otherwise is an affront to democracy. I confess I find this argument impossible to follow.
Corbyn has compromised already to a huge extent, even accepting that a Labour government will retain massive WMDs, in deference both to the imperialist pretensions of the Blairites and the personal greed of the demented Strangeloves who comprise the membership of the GMB Union. Labour’s pro-Trident stance will persist, until such time as enough Blairites join this forced march, or rather chauffeur driven drive, across their personal caviar and champagne strewn desert to their promised land of media contracts, massively remunerated charity executive jobs, and non-executive directorships.
Democracy is a strange thing. This episode has revealed that it is apparently a democratic necessity that we have another referendum on Brexit, while being a democratic necessity not to have another referendum on Scottish Independence, while the notion that the MPs, who now have abandoned the party and manifesto on which they stood, might face their electorates again, is so disregarded that none of the fawning MSM journalists are asking about it. In rejecting this option, the Corrupt Seven are managing the incredible feat of being less honorable than Tory MPs defecting to UKIP, who did have the basic decency to resign and fight again on their new prospectus.
Dick Taverne is a more directly relevant precedent, particularly as he was deselected as sitting Labour MP precisely because of his support for the EU. Taverne resigned, and fought and won his seat in a by-election in 1973, before losing it in the second 1974 election. There are also precedents for crossing the floor and not resigning and fighting under your new banner, but then there are also precedents for mugging old ladies. It is deeply dishonorable.
Luciana Berger is a one trick pony and it is worth noting that her complaints about anti-Semitism in the Labour Party date back to at least 2005, while Tony Blair was still Prime Minister. Berger had already by April 2005 spotted anti-Semitism in the National Union of Students, in the Labour Party and in her student union newspaper, those being merely the examples cited in this single Daily Telegraph article. I am extremely sorry and somewhat shocked to hear of the swamp of anti-semitism in which we were all already mired in 2005, but I do find it rather difficult to understand why the fault is therefore that of Jeremy Corbyn. And given that Tony Blair was at that time Prime Minister for eight years, I cannot understand why it is all Corbyn’s fault and responsibility now, but it was not Blair’s fault then.
On the contrary, the Telegraph puff piece states that Berger had met Blair several times and was Euan Blair’s girlfriend. This was of course before the privately educated Londoner was foisted on the unfortunate people of Liverpool Wavetree, doubtless completely unfacilitated by her relationship with Euan Blair.
The kind of abuse Berger has evidently been attracting since at least 2005 is of course a crime. Two people have quite rightly been convicted of it. Joshua Bonehill-Paine and John Nimmo sent a series of truly disgusting tweets and both were jailed. Both are committed long term neo-nazis. Yet I have repeatedly heard media references to the convictions squarely in the context of Labour Party anti-semitism. I have never heard on broadcast media it explained that neither had anything to do with the Labour Party. Like the left wing anti-semitism Berger has been reporting since at least 2005, this Nazi abuse too is all somehow Jeremy Corbyn’s fault.
It is further worth noting that in that 2005 article Berger claims a 47% increase in attacks on Jews, which is highly reminiscent of recent claims from community groups, such as the 44% increase claimed 2015 to 2017 or the 78% increase in violent crimes against Jews in the UK in 2017 alone claimed by the government of Israel.
One antisemitic attack is too many and all anti-semitism is to be deplored and rooted out. But if all these claims repeated again and again over decades of 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70% increases in attacks per year were true, then we would be now talking of at least 12,000 violent attacks on Jews per year, if we take Ms Berger’s 2005 claim as the baseline.
Yet we are not seeing that. The average number of convictions per year for violent, racially motivated attacks on Jewish people in the UK is less than one.
If we add in non-violent crimes, the number of people convicted per year for anti-semitic hate crime still remains under 20. And I am not aware of a single such conviction related in any way to the Labour Party.
Let me be perfectly plain. I want everybody convicted and imprisoned who is involved in anti-semitic hate crime. But the facts given above would cause any honest journalist to treat with more scepticism than they do, the repeated old chestnut claims of huge year on year increases in anti-semitic incidents.
There really are in logic only two choices; either anti-semitism is, contrary to all the hype, thankfully rare, or the entire British police, prosecutorial and judicial system must be systematically protecting the anti-semites. And I hardly see how they could blame Jeremy Corbyn for that.
None of this will stop the relentless promotion of the “Corbyn anti-semitism” theme, as the idea of a leader not completely behind the slow extirpation of the Palestinian people is unthinkable to the mainstream media class. The Corbyn anti-semitism meme is possibly the most remarkable example of evidence free journalism I have ever encountered.
Still more fascinating is the way the broadcasters are going to devote an astonishing amount of time to these political puppets. Of one thing I can assure you – these seven MPs will get more airtime than the 35 MPs of the SNP, with at least twice as many Question Time and Today programme appearances.
At some stage they will have to form a new party, in order to get airtime in elections. At what stage Blair declares for them is an interesting question. It is also a crucial test of just how horribly degraded the Lib Dems have now become. My old friend Charlie Kennedy will be spinning in his grave at an alliance with the Blairite warmonger faction, but the modern party appears bereft of any of the old Liberal values, cleared away by Clegg and his fellow orange Tories. If the party members do not revolt at association with Mike Gapes and Angela Smith, it really is time to wind the party up.
That the Corrupt Seven are some of the most unpleasant people in British politics is not entirely relevant, nor is the question of which interest groups are funding them. They are just an emission of pus, a symptom of the rottenness of the British body politic. They have nothing interesting to say and are feeble tools of the wealthy, thrown out as protection for a crumbling political system. The end of the UK is not pretty, and this is one of its uglier moments. It really is beyond time to crack on with Scottish Independence and the reunification of Ireland.
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Here’s a short clip of a one time Israeli minister being disarmingly frank on the all purpose utility of. the antisemitism jibe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW3a1bw5XlE
IMO it all hinges on that bit of exceptionalist chutzpa institutionalised in the language by having a special word for one sort of racism, but not others. Its obscuration by synecdoche. Jackie Walker, subject of the film WitchHunt (and proceedings for expulsion from the labour party, for racism, she being both black and jewish.) draws attention to it.
That video isn’t some right wing Israeli loony admitting how they manipulate the West.
Shulamit Aloni was last a Minister in 1996. She looks to be one of the saner voices in Israel.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shulamit_Aloni
Correction – to have been one of the saner voices.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Craig is in da House!
Craig, it is much the same in Ireland.
‘Twas ever thus. One of the few countries on the planet never to have had a left-wing government.
Nick Robinson hosting Politics Live today. He’s just said that Chuka and friends will sit “high up on the opposition benches beside Arlene Foster and the other DUP MPs.”. Foster isn’t even an MP!
Lol! We knew Robinson knew feck all about Scottish politics but surely a basic knowledge of Westminster politics is in his job description.
Speaking of Scottish politics and a man named Robinson, is it true that Glasgow Rangers supporters are supportive of Tommy Robinson being knighted?
https://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1367&bih=630&ei=l0ttXJuQJs-Sa8Gjs-gH&q=sir+tommy+robinson&oq=sir+tommy&gs_l=img.1.0.0l4j0i8i30l5j0i30.1556.3494..6203…0.0..0.231.790.8j0j1……0….1..gws-wiz-img…..0.eP88OTM_8Sg#imgrc=at7l3A2M8XFy_M:
Not a fan myself, but believe it or not there’s quite a few social media accounts for Rangers Fans for Scottish Independence.
There is however a hardcore knuckle dragging jackboot union loving section of the support, who probably admire the racist you mention.
A long-winded and weasely way of replying “yes” 🙂
Knighted for protecting paedophiles?
Nick Robinson? “Bear from Bo’ Selecta! Bear from Bo’ Selecta!”
Nick Robinson – a living breathing example of the deep and systemic dysfunctionality at the heart of UK politics.
Tom Watson on LBC reporting three Tory MP’s have quit the party.
Names of the three.
“Pro-European Tories Anna Soubry, Sarah Wollaston and Heidi Allen resigned minutes before prime minister’s questions, citing Ms May’s “disastrous” handling of Brexit as their motivation.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-news-live-updates-theresa-may-pmqs-brussels-speech-corbyn-statement-labour-a8787716.html
Yes, I saw a clip earlier. Curiously, Watson said, on anti-Semitism, that Labour had a “tiny problem”. Odd then, that he didn’t comment on the poisonous attack delivered by the latest Labour departee who claimed the Party was “infected” with it. Why didn’t he condemn her lies?
Jo1.
Yes Jo, I read your very good comment on the three. As for anti-Semitism, PMQ’s opened on that very subject.
I feel sorry for the people of England and Wales, they’ve no escape from the farcical Westminster circus. Unless they move north after Scottish independence.
Anti-Semitism smear throwing seems to be the mainstay at this weeks PMQ’s.
Will they be branded “emissions of puss (sic)” or hailed as brave rebels against May’s disastrous leadership?
Kempe.
By some they will, however, this latest round of resignations combined with the past two years of embarrassing governing and holding to account by the opposition, shows not just the British public, but the rest of the world that Westminster is in complete dissary.
It’s utterly embarrassing to listen to, who can throw the biggest smear, whilst Britain circles the plughole.
Does Craig mean cat piss?
A survey in 2015 showed that 90% of UK Jews supported the existence of Israel as a Jewish state. That does not mean of course that they support all its policies. It seems unlikely that this loyalty has changed much in the last five years. If like Laguerre you regard everyone who supports the existence of Israel as a racist, then you are declaring that 90% of British Jews are racists.Where does this view turn into anti-Semitism? This is what I mean about tricky waters.
Support for “the existence of Israel” and unquestioning support for proto-fascist Netanyahooism are very different things.
I agree but not if you are Laguerre whose views are, I suspect, widely shared. Maybe he can tell us if he makes this distinction?
You seem to have an obsession about me, otherwise you wouldn’t bother misrepresenting my views. That Israel is a racist state is a conventional view that no-one disputes.
Some people have an obsession about your poisonous obsession. You really don’t like beiong challenged or questioned, do you, whether it’s by me or by eminently sensible and courteous contributers lile Mary Paul. It is the trademark of the bully.
Charles
I too have responded to Mary Paul and in my opinion she has completely misunderstood and, more worryingly, misrepresented what Laguerre said. When it comes to Israel, that is a very dangerous thing to do.
I am Scottish but I am also apparently a UK citizen. I have always been able to recognise when the actions of any UK government were wrong, even illegal. I do not accept that I am duty bound to support everything a UK government does just because I’m a citizen of that state. I marched against the war in Iraq. I have attended demonstrations of all sorts opposing government policy. I’m not sorry for any of it. It’s called having a mind of my own.
If MP’s friends believe they are obliged to support all actions by the state of Israel then I say they are wrong indeed. I’m glad that so many other people of the same faith do not follow their example.
Likud supporters, often blinded by sanctimonious Likudite claptrap into believing they are Israel supporters, need reminding that Israeli Jews are constantly protesting against the Likud government’s illegal behaviour.
The data for the survey was collected online by Ipsos Mori. (note online)
The research was funded by Yachad, a British, pro-Israel, pro-peace campaigning group.
Yachad’s core principle:-
“We are Jews who love Israel, who stand with Israel, whose lives are bound up with Israel. We believe in its right not just to exist, but to flourish. We stand against those who defame it. …….”
https://www.city.ac.uk/news/2015/november/the-attitudes-of-british-jews-towards-israel
http://yachad.org.uk/
Personally I think a one state solution is the only way forward. A secular democratic state with freedom of religious belief and worship.
Absolutely correct.
It’s the Netanyahu supporters who are leading the rightwards drift in the US, and it is these against whom the Dems are fighting.
“Russians” is code for these ethno-statists.
They can’t really blame Israel, you see. Too confusing for a dumbed-down electorate.
Something very similar is going on in UK, though the US is where Globalism and Atlanticism is dying.
I’m surprised the UK didn’t interfere in that US election.
The end of Atlanticism in particular is causing them much grief.
MP
First off, I think you misunderstood Laguerre’s post, in response to your own. I’m actually very alarmed by your interpretation of it. It’s a frightening example of what we’re up against.
Second, and this is really important, I don’t know anyone who opposes Israel’s right to exist. Israel’s right to exist is not in dispute here. It’s reckless and dangerous to suggest otherwise.
What really pees me off, however, is that Israel is permitted to breach various UN resolutions at will and ALWAYS the US or the UK will step in to veto any action being taken against them. Many, many people of the Jewish faith are equally concerned about that. I’m glad they are.
My parents would have supported the British colonial authorities during the Mau Mau rebellion. Would that have made them racists? Well, in that one respect, I suppose. They certainly weren’t racist in their personal dealings, not remotely. People can compartmentalise and can have blind spots and false perceptions and can be in denial. We all do, I would imagine.
Non sequitur. Try asking people here who profess to be Jews what they’ve done about it beyond sitting on their arses. Polls like this are the same as ones which allege that British people are chris.
“If like Laguerre you regard everyone who supports the existence of Israel as a racist, then you are declaring that 90% of British Jews are racists.”
Mary Paul
You should be utterly ashamed of that part of your post because it is a lie and your own earlier posts, and Laguerre’s responses, prove it. You should withdraw it.
Are we not in a bad enough state right now without seeing stunts like this being pulled on this blog?
You said that your Jewish friends supported the state of Israel politically. THAT was what Laguerre took issue with. And I would as well! Are you going to twist my views too? NO-ONE on this thread has said what you have suggested so please don’t smear people in such a damaging way. On such a subject it is a disgusting thing to do.
Thanks for this clear assertion of reality. TV and press reporting on this splinter group (and labour’s alleged anti-Semitism problem) has lacked basic critical questioning or scepticism. How will history judge political journalism in early 21st century Britain?
It won’t be able to judge it, only to conduct a post mortem.
So that’ll be 11 lost deposits at the next GE then.
Who’s next for oblivion?
This might be the most important article you read today about these eight defectors. I suspect there are a lot more nefarious goings on than at first appears. Dig deeper and wave them all Goodbye for trying to hide the laundering of their funds.
https://nyebevannews.co.uk/independent-group-refuses-to-reveal-donors-registers-its-website-in-panama-a-famous-tax-haven/
What do you think? Soros? Rothschilds? Who?
Excellent John, thanks for the link, it shows how much they have been spray tanned blue.
The author of that article is confusing a website with an internet domain. The proxy protection service that was used when the domain “theindependent.group” was registered through NameCheap was supplied by WhoisGuard, which operates from a post office box in Panama.
Why did the White Phosphorus 7 not register their domain openly in the name of Gemini A Ltd in Altrincham? What would be the problem if that company became known as the registrant?
Quite right N_ and thanks for clearing that up. It is domain of course. The seven has now increased to eleven with three defectors from the Tories discontent, they say, with Brexit.
While this growing group is going to get as much media coverage as Nigel Farage’s Independent Party (wonder if he’ll drop into their motley hotchpotch group some time soon) they will not get the votes on the ground. To get Jeremy into number Ten we need to do a lot of foot-slogging and door-knocking. He will get it. They will not.
While this growing group is going to get as much media coverage as Nigel Farage’s Independent Party
WHAAT ? The Independent Group will continue to receive favourable media coverage, and much more of it, that Farage’s little grouplet, for pretty obvious reasons-
1.Several of their number at present, Soubry in particular, are media darlings. Farage is now a faded media darling.
2. The Independent Group will get a gold star for inclusivity- a majority of their MPs are now female btw. They’ll also show their ‘inclusivity’ by including in their number eccentric born again Christians (Shuker) and refugees from London Fashion Week (Umunna obviously!)
3 The Farage Grouplet meanwhile will continue to get null point for ‘inclusivity’ and get rubbished as ‘racist little Englanders’ as a matter of course, whereas the Independents will bask comfortably in media approval for the foreseeable..
John, now it is firmly established that this is a private company formed to ‘help independent MPs in Parliament’ is it reasonable to assume that the local constituency Labour parties can now call by elections because the group are not MPs but rather a private company that advises them?
@ John Goss February 20, 2019 at 12:30
I think I can safely narrow the field a bit, and say it is definitely not a Palestinian interest group funding them.
Paul, a well observed fact. Israeli Embassy and other Jewish Groups in the UK seem to be the backers which is why they won’t declare them. Shameful disgrace to democracy. I can’t imagine many more MPs will join them because they, quite simply put, will lose their seats at the next general election. It seems to me the only Platform they are standing on is anti-Semitism in the Labour Party but don’t seem to have a clue what they are doing in any other policy areas – given Umama’s silence to the question as to what parts of the Labour Manifesto (on which basis he stood as MP) did he disagree with. This is the start, nearing a general election, of the Jewish Council in the UK to launch yet another anti-Semitic campaign against Corbyn. Most people are not remotely interested in it. They are more concerned with their jobs, housing, NHS, education and other key issues in their life than this bunch of self-interested morons. History will indeed damn them
When Home Secretary Theresa May stood for the leadership of the Tory party, she was a “Conservative Friend of I__ael” who had overseen her department’s long cooperation with the Community Security Trust, one of the Z__nist security, surveillance and defence outfits that are allowed to operate in Britain.
When Theresa May became the prime minister in waiting after Andrea Leadsom dropped out, her first act was to sign a pledge committing her to remember the crimes committed by Germans, in countries such as Poland and the Ukraine, 70 years before, against many whom they designated as J__ish.
Her second act, before she went to see the British monarch for her formal appointment as British prime minister, was to go to dinner at the home of I__ael-supporting chief rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis.
This is all on the record.
The Blaiirite ‘my party left me’ brigade will have to explain to voters why their ‘real Labour’ values mean allying with Tory austerity fanatics.
Good luck with that.
As soon as they have to vote on domestic issues, it is all going to come completely unstuck.
Spaull, looking forward to seeing it – the only platform they have is accusing the Labour Party of anti-Semitism – been there done that – nobody believes it any more. As for Policies, well, they are a Private Company with vested interests in keep the water utilities privatised, taking a bung from the Israeli Embassy of US$1m to promote pro Israel propaganda, outright warmongers, probably funded handsomely by the Jewish Council and Embassy and lacking, between them, any substantial quotient of intelligence, analysis, critical thinking or integrity. What a group. Who would vote for them?
I still do not understand why it is wrong to condem people who murder other people and steal other peoples land is called anti Semitic it is the honest truth no matter who is doing it I mean if we had applied the same rules to nazi Germany to not condem what they were doing and to just keep quiet about it where would the Jewish people have been today ???
The answer you are looking for probably relates to the highly selective condemnation of people who murder other people and steal other peoples land. It is not like it is a new or unique phenomena.
Every time a communist government has come to power people have been killed and private land has been sequestrated by the state. Plenty of land was taken from people in Zimbabwe and land is being taken from people in South Africa. I will save you the bother of presenting the argument that the owners of land in South Africa stole it from black people in the first place. (a) It is not true and (b) even if it were true then where is the restorative justice in taking land away from white South Africans and giving it to the Chinese.
By and large the same people who display a remorseless interest in Israel are either entirely silent on other analogous examples or dream up inane theories designed to either demonstrate that these examples are not analogous or that the person pointing out the double standards is “literally Hitler.”
Only the other day we were treated to nauseous celebrations regarding the persecution of disabled Israeli athletes as though somehow they are responsible for the actions of their government. This is very similar to the collective punishments used by the Waffen SS in occupied Europe. But of course celebrants of the “kick a cripple” industry are in no way similar to Hitler – that comparison is reserved for people pointing out their odious and corrupt sense of morality.
“Every time a communist government has come to power people have been killed and private land has been sequestrated by the state.”
Loony.
Not in defence of Communism, but what about the North American indigenous people genocide and the stealing of their lands? (The Trail of Tears for instance) Capitalism is still riding roughshod over the indigenous people with regards to the Dakota access pipeline?
“Plenty of land was taken from people in Zimbabwe and land is being taken from people in South Africa. ”
In 1498 Vasco da Gama, rounded the Cape and landed at Mossel bay, he found only Hottentots. Those people and other black tribes would be pushed out by European capitalism, at first by the Dutch East India company, then by other European empires.
Communism, in my opinion isn’t ideal, but capitalism has its problems as well, which you failed to address.
I commented on this a few threads back, one wonders if this, and recent events are connected in some way.
“JK Rowling was reportedly among a select group attending a secret meeting about creating a new party to breakaway from Labour after becoming dissatisfied with Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.”
“Rowling attended the meeting with about 50 others, including TV presenter Rachel Riley, at the offices of the author’s agent, Neil Blair, according to a report by the Mail on Sunday. The paper said the newly-formed party does not yet have a name or a designated leader.”
https://www.rt.com/uk/451214-rowling-labour-corbyn-party/
Interesting RoS.
RoS what I find interesting is that Jeremy Corbyn is the only one of the three Party leaders who actually talks any sense, is rational, has a very keen focus on what kind of economics the UK is need of at the moment and as it turns out, a brilliant performer on PMQs where he walks all over Treason May who cannot answer simple questions such as what technologies are being looked into for the backstop in Northern Ireland – answer – there aren’t any. He has a total grasp of what sort of politics are required to sort this out and, if the MSM weren’t so intense about the vicious, malicious and wholly unprecedent media campaign to discredit him, the Labour Party at the last election would have won with a massive landslide. The people love the Labour Party Manifesto but are influenced by the MSM. However, the climate on line seems to have changed recently after the Mail on Sunday ridiculous smear campaign where people appear to be becoming far more favourable to him.
Craig, yourself and Wings are very dismissive of these individuals, who now number 11. They are the lowest of the low when it comes to honour and integrity. Fair enough. But that’s almost a given for most individuals sitting in the house of commons so it’s not a great surprise that any group of them would be worthy of praise. I wouldn’t be surprised if a few of the nat MPs are lacking integrity (although I’d be very surprised if any of the other Scottish MPs had any).
It’s worth bearing in mind that the entire system of government is dishonourable and broken in the UK. Perhaps the action of these blighters is what’s needed to change it? A new party which comprises Tory, Labour and LibDems would be a breath of less-stale air and might herald a new notion of consensus-politics within the electorate. If this breaks the red/blue hegemony in westminster, bring it on. Reviewing their actions through a prism of honour and integrity is of less concern to me that the effect this will have on labour and tory support in Scotland. Anything which diminishes their share of the vote can only be a good thing.
“A new party which comprises Tory, Labour and LibDems would be a breath of less-stale air and might herald a new notion of consensus-politics within the electorate”
Those parties were virtually indistinguishable for over twenty years before Corbyn showed up. There was a stale ideological consensus. This group simply want to reestablish that.
I doubt there’s much new about any of the Labour mob. Less stale air you say? Did you listen to the bile they spouted on their departure?
I think they’ve just bought some new clothes!
@ Jo1 February 20, 2019 at 13:50
‘…I think they’ve just bought some new clothes!’
More likely got them free from the Thrift Shop at 2 Palace Green.
“A new party which comprises Tory, Labour and LibDems would be a breath of less-stale air and might herald a new notion of consensus-politics within the electorate”
Or it might not.
Chas, proportional representation would do it.
This is the actuality of what is being supported.
Palestinian child was 150 metres from Gaza fence when killed by Israeli forces
February 15, 2019
‘A Palestinian child was some 150 metres from the perimeter fence of the occupied Gaza Strip when he was killed by Israeli soldiers during protests on 8 February.
According to Defence for Children International – Palestine (DCIP), 16-year-old Hassan Nabil Ahmad Nofal had joined a group of youth participating in Great Return March protests around 3.30pm last Friday.
The group was standing around 150 metres from the fence when Israeli soldiers fired tear gas canisters directly at the youngsters; Hassan was struck on the right side of his head, fracturing his skull.
Taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital for emergency care, Hassan then underwent surgery in Shifa hospital, “where he remained in critical condition”, DCIP stated.
Dr Hazem Kahil, a neurosurgery specialist at Shifa hospital, told DCIP that the surgery was performed to stop a brain bleed, but Hassan was pronounced dead on 12 February.’
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190215-palestinian-child-was-150-metres-from-gaza-fence-when-killed-by-israeli-forces/
In Hebron, where the international observers have been removed on Netanyahu’s order, the settlers are harassing the Palestinians. Now the IDF have moved and arrested 8 Palestinians.
Israeli Army Abducts Eight Palestinians In Hebron
February 20, 2019
‘Dozens of Israeli soldiers invaded, on Wednesday at dawn, the southern West Bank city of Hebron, al-‘Arroub refugee camp and the nearby Halhoul and Beit Ummar towns, before storming and searching many homes, and abducted eight Palestinians, including a child, in addition to summoning two others for interrogation.’
http://imemc.org/article/israeli-army-abducts-eight-palestinians-in-hebron/
That is what it’s like living under the Occupation and this is a link about the number of Palestinians who have died while imprisoned due to medical neglect.
Report: 60 Palestinian prisoners died due to improper healthcare in Israel prisons
February 20, 2019
https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190220-report-60-palestinian-prisoners-died-due-to-improper-healthcare-in-israel-prisons/
ISRAEL KNOWS NO LAW.
A 16 years old child? that is a teenager – eligible to join the army in the UK. Teenagers are a favorite target group for extreme ideologies as they are easier malleable – see the recent child demos ‘against” Climate change. Palestinian Arabs gave gone for younger ones too: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_suicide_bombers_in_the_Israeli%E2%80%93Palestinian_conflict
Do you type with the knuckles of your fists?
Eric, he’s hasbara, clearly been assigned to defend Israel on this blog. They’ve got a whole army that monitors the internet for any criticism of that wretched colonialist state. Best ignore him.
Craig’s one-trick pony has a long history of being a little estranged from the truth when it comes to self-promotion.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/the-nus-officer-the-pms-son-and-a-love-affair-that-never-was-495829.html
Theresa May referred in 2017 to a “close alliance” between Britain and I__ael.
UN Regulations require that “(e)very treaty and every international agreement entered into by any Member of the United Nations after the present Charter comes into force shall as soon as possible be registered with the Secretariat and published by it.” (emphasis added)
During the Six Day War in 1967, Britain declared neutrality. During the Yom Kippur War in 1973, the European Economic Community, of which Britain was a member, also declared neutrality. So presumably the Unpublished Treaty of Alliance was agreed after 1973.
Why have successive British and I__aeli governments been allowed to break international law by keeping the terms of the treaty secret rather than registering it with the UN Secretariat for publication, as they are legally obliged to?
Is there any other country in the world that a British PM has referred to as Britain’s “close ally” in the absence of a published treaty?
Treaties have to be Lawful to be valid.
“Is there any other country in the world that a British PM has referred to as Britain’s “close ally” in the absence of a published treaty?”
Dunno.
But I do know that there’s no formal treaty with the US either, yet they’re forever professing undying love.
Why?
Israel don’t want it. Ties them up too much.
And they have the US by the nuts anyway.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Eyes#Origins_(1940s%E2%80%931950s)
So, Israel is merely an Observer. At least publicly.
However, Bibi boasts that Israel is number 2 in this arrangement.
Anyway none of this has the level of public attention of a formal military alliance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx2sGINC_d0
Now there’s at least 14 eyes, Israel is suspected to be a 5 eyes informer, its Israel, so draw your own conclusions.
https://www.my-private-network.co.uk/vpn-provider-14-eyes-country-something-know/
PMQs finished in an apparently sombre atmosphere. None of the Eight popped up with a question nor were the defections mentioned. The HoC is indeed a very weird place and so are many of its occupants.
’12:52
PMQs finishes
And with that, Prime Minister’s Questions come to an end – none of the former Labour or Tory MPs who have left their parties to sit in the Independent Group asked a question.
Perhaps unexpectedly, their defections were not raised by other MPs in the chamber during the questioning of the prime minister.
MPs have now moved on to the first of this afternoon’s urgent questions, on the economic impact of the government’s Brexit agreement. ‘
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-parliaments-47279812
@13.01 there’s a photo of the location of the ‘defectors’ in the ‘chamber’ today.
It’s like the Führerbunker in April ’45.
Last election Downfall parody. Well worth a watch. In memoriam Bruno Ganz.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-smzfQZf38
Thing is. Why did the Tories resign just before PMQs.
Surely had they left it a bit, Teresa could have given Corby a good kicking and humiliating.
A bit strange.
I mean, the UK, US and EU look like they’re falling apart, their foreign enemies seeming stronger and stronger.
Last time we had such chaos, it was called Appeasement. And that was a charade.
Beyond providing a list of office holders, Conservative FoI do not publish a membership list. Estimates (self aggrandising “leaks”?) put membership at 80% of the Parliamentary Conservative party. Statistically it is probably that Wollaston, Allen and Sourbry are FoI, highly probable that at least two are FoI. That said, membership of Conservative FoI appears to be motivated as much by self promotion as by any ideological attachment to Zionism.
Wollaston, Allen and Sourbry appear to be primarily if not entirely motivated by Brexit. This would put them in the Umunna faction. Arguably throwing their lot in with the eight Red Torys reduces the likelihood that the nascent, non-party will be able reach a consensus on forming a manifesto.
The Orange Torys are less shy about publicising membership of Lib Dem, FoI. Nine out of eleven Lib Dem MPs are FoI. Watch this space.
Will the “Independents” coalesce as an anti-Brexit group or will they form the UK franchise of Likud?
And they accuse Russia of interference in UK politics!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_projection
Vivian, I believe they are already are the UK franchise of Likud – that’s why they won’t declare their funding sources.
I mentioned awhile ago that a new party forming was conceivable but it was risky as it would be hard to gain sufficient votes to achieve much with first past the post voting. Of course the media have done a good job trying to destroy Labour, while May has done a very good job destroying support for the Conservatives, so they may do better than I think.
I think it is safe to say that the new party must have a lot of money behind it, many of its MPs risk losing their job in a few years. I doubt many of them have a strong conviction to sacrifice themselves over their principals. It would make sense that the party only exposed itself when it knew they had more members than DUP and possibly the Lib Dems. This means they can become King makers and wield some sort of power. Expect a few more defections dribbled over the coming days or weeks.
Their main aim must be to stop Brexit, probably by pushing for a new referendum. A last ditch attempt by people with money who want to remain in the EU. This means that even if they are not re-elected in a few years time their main purpose would have either passed or failed.
The question is will they gain enough Momentum to become a new mainstream party, or will it be here just for this parliamentary term, before it withers away?
They can’t wield any particular influence unless they get more Tory defectors. Labour defectors just juggles the identity of opposition MPs. It doesn’t change the arithmetic.
And after the next general election they won’t be able to wield any influence because none of them will have a seat. I am confident about this because they clearly have no policies at the moment, and as soon as they have to start voting on policies, they will expose themselves as unapologetic right wingers, but more importantly they will expose themselves as an incoherent grouping with no consistent approach to policy among themselves. Apart from stopping Brexit, anything they agree on will alienate possible voters.
If the evidence is not clear enough for the people of this country – let me spell it out.
This is the beginning of a coup.
May will get her hard brexit – it was always the only plan.
May will declare a national emergency blaming the intransigient EU for insisting the GFA is guaranteed
May will go HMQ.
HMQ will invite the opposition to form a government and if they can’t STITCH one up there would be an election.
There will be a STITCH UP – with the new group and they will use it to avpid a Labour leadership of it – unless it is Watson.
A Coup – in a modern advanced social democracy.
RESIST AND DEMAND AN ELECTION.
Tories plus DUP still have a majority among the 643 MPs who have taken their seats. In fact even if Sinn Fein take their 7 seats the Tories and Billy Boys will still have 325, which is a majority among MPs who aren’t the Speaker. That’s at the time of writing. More defections to TIG are likely.
The Tories have little to fear from a general election. If Theresa May calls for one, there will be support from all or most Tory MPs and also from all or most Opposition MPs, with possible Opposition exceptions being the DUP and also the TIG if they’re told the GE will be after Brexit but in that case they can simply be told to eff off. There won’t be a problem getting two-thirds of MPs in favour. The hardest part of an election for the Tories would be who they should have as their leader. May will probably suffice, to be replaced by JRM soon after. If May has to go, somebody such as David Lidington can step in, or the 1922 can change the rules and they can have a fast leadership election. Whatever. It doesn’t much matter to those calling the shots whether there’s a Tory majority of 180 or 120.
There is no statutory path to a general election before 2022 which begins with the prime minister “going to the queen” and then the queen asking somebody else to try to form a government and he fails, unless there is a vote of no confidence first and then during the following fortnight no successful vote of confidence ensues. The only ways parliament can be dissolved early are if there’s a two-thirds Commons majority in favour, or under this “happy fortnight” rule. The third possibility is that the Fixed Term Parliaments Act is repealed, which requires proceedings in the Lords as well as the Commons and is not at all likely.
The queen does not have the authority to dissolve parliament outside of these procedures. She does, however, have the authority to prorogue parliament – as JRM has mentioned – in which case she is supposed to act on the advice of ministers.
Only loonies are betting at current odds against Brexit happening on 29 March. Of course it will happen. The big issue of its “hardness” isn’t “deal or no deal”. That’s a line from a TV game show. The issue is whether there will be an entry into a “transition period” in which most things will stay the same, or whether the country will go off a cliffedge. Some things will doubtless be allowed to stay the same, but the most important consideration for those with the influence is how they can pocket a huge amount of money in a short space of time, as some people’s favourite billionaire George Soros did in 1992, and as certain figures in Russia also did around the same time. About food shortages they couldn’t give a tinker’s cuss except how they might impact on propaganda considerations. Very obscure matters regarding the settlement of derivatives contracts etc. etc. – now THOSE they do care about, even if said matters cause famine.
41 Brexit-related statutory instruments were introduced last week. That’s more than in any week for ages. As far as I know, this hasn’t been covered anywhere in the MSM despite all the journalists parroting the line that there might have to be a “short extension to pass all the legislation”. That is total crap, and a good illustration of how pundits act as a herd.
You are probably right but remember that she only has a majority of 7 now, including the DUP lot.
‘Brexit Bin
#FBPE
@BrexitBin
Q. How do the new Tory defections affect May’s majority?
A. Taking away Sinn Fein, speakers etc, Tories & DUP have 323. Opposition parties have 316.
That’s now a majority of just 7.’
In other words, if 4 more MPs defect from the Tories, May’s majority is gone.
#independentgroup
4:02 AM – 20 Feb 2019
Asked why they voted with the government on a no-confidence motion just a few weeks ago, Soubry says: “The last thing this country wants or needs is a general election.”
I rest my case. We, the people, are not to be allowed a vote as the MP’s refuse to let the ‘country decide’ as they unilaterally rearrange their parliamentry allegiance and make up, without approval of their constituents.
A general strike will no doubt ensue as part of mass protests and marches against the power grab and coup.
“A general strike will no doubt ensue as part of mass protests and marches against the power grab and coup.”
If you think there’s going to be a general strike then you’re off your rocker!
Scary thought?
Well you probably think that there was no poll tax strikes, demos or riots and that ‘sensible’ regressive tax is still in place and highly sucessful.
The problem with your low performing psycho types is that they actually believe the propaganda they are selling!
You may well be right. But wasn’t the sudden removal of Cameron as PM (clearly either had to jump or face being pushed) nd installation of May the first act of the coup? The deal presumably was that she would string the country along for three years posing as a moderate while actually running down the clock for the ERG and their sinister bosses. Hence the way she has been able to cling on to power despite her monstrous incompetence and deceit.
Either way, I have little doubt dramatic political events are on their way.
Cameron went off to enjoy his well earned billionaire lifestyle having done his shift as psych MD of UK Gov for the global pathocracy, he earned his seat at their table by enriching bankers and imposing austerity, that was the seedbed for brexit. He delivered the referendum and enabled the deceit that delivered the result. Job done! Let the next psycho in the cab rank earn their seat by delivering the hard brexit.
The fact that the EU have been having discussions with Labour about how to avoid that hard brexit and the populace is becoming more aware of the choice, despite the MSM barrage – has forced the neocons hands and sent the redundant psychos over the top. To stop the inevitable Labour victory in a general election. Using the ancient method of SDP1 – divide and conquer by traitorous collusion with the Tories.
SDP2 was the Blairite take over from within.
Fool the voters once, fool them twice … fool them thrice? Not on your nellie.
Dungroanin well said and I am in full support. I have supported Corbyn from the start when he refused to back a 2nd Referendum (for good reasons) and pushing for a General Election. You are right though, there will be a No Deal Brexit which is absolutely shit for the UK – the impact of which is starting to be seen. All because Treason May put her Party before the Nation.
Well it didn’t take long for problem, reaction solution to take hold over the Gatwick “drone attack.”
From November all drone users must be registered, and police are to be given wide ranging stop and search powers with regards to drone users.
Of course most drones are pre-programmed to stay away from airports. Which begs the question, if the Gatwick drone did exist, who’d be in possession of not your average run of the mill drones?
I can’t wait to have to explain why I don’t need to take a competency test for an autonomous quadcopter. I half expect it to be deemed possessed by a Demon, followed by it being burned at the stake, with the LiPo battery still attached off course.
The best comment I’ve seen on post-Gatwick legal theatrics went as follows: “I like the way new legislation is going to stop people doing things that are already illegal.”
Coincidentally, drones are (or should that be were) being increasingly used by anti hunt and anti fracking protesters.
Dear Craig,
Always well argued, well researched, and challenging – a great blog. There are some reasonable statistics on different kinds of antisemitic incidents in the UK compiled by the Community Security Trust (a British charity established in 1994 to protect the Jewish community). They clearly attempt to categorise reported incidents carefully – for instance, distinguishing between anti-semitic and anti-Israel. According to their figures incidents are about double in 2017 the figure in 2007 (1,382 vs 561) and the largest increase is in abusive behaviour and incidents of extreme violence are, thankfully, very rare. See https://cst.org.uk/data/file/a/b/IR17.1517308734.pdf
Good that it’s rare, awful that it happens at all …. but, I rarely see figures like these in context. My impression is that intolerance is worse in general and non antisemitic racist incidents are increasing as well.
[ Mod: This is 123Bakery (NASAlies, letthatslip, Moocho etc.). A reminder from Craig’s moderation rules for commenters:
Please use one identity only. ]
YouGov polls show anti-Semitism in Labour has actually REDUCED DRAMATICALLY since Jeremy Corbyn became leader https://evolvepolitics.com/yougov-polls-show-anti-semitism-in-labour-has-actually-reduced-dramatically-since-jeremy-corbyn-became-leader/
Not being reported this way though is it?
One s in pus, otherwise perfect 🙂
[ Mod: Corrected. Thanks to you and all others who spotted the typo. ]
The CST’s own published figures prove your point conclusively – antisemitism in the UK is (for now) insignificant compared to the racism faced by other groups – whether that will always be the case may depend upon the general population never finding out just how deeply committed to subverting the UK’s democracy Israel and it’s fifth column of hirelings really is.
Redundant apostrophe in “its” above suggests it’s time to retire and pick others’ nits no more…
A small error on a blog where you can’t edit your comments for typos etc once you’ve pressed the button. Don’t worry about it.
I think it’s is correct there isn’t it? It is the possessive form of it….but I may be wrong.
You are wrong. The possessive form is its.
“this blog has no source of state, corporate or institutional finance whatsoever. It runs entirely on voluntary subscriptions from its readers – many of whom do not necessarily agree with the articles, but welcome the alternative voice, insider information and debate.”
To which, from recent experience, I would like to add “we do however arbitrarily remove comments now and then.”
“Arbitrarily, without clear reason, cause, motivation or occasion.”
“And we don’t respond when asked for clarification.”
Are you Twitter?
Anyway.
Jeremy *unt is over in Germany encouraging them to rescind their decision not to supply Saudi Arabia with arms (components) after the murder of Jamal Khassoggi.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/20/jeremy-hunt-urges-germany-to-rethink-saudi-arms-sales-ban
What they don’t tell you is that they’ll be used in the continuing Yemeni slaughter.
The slaughter in Yemen is to construct a pipeline to the Yemeni port on the coast. Once completed and secured, Saudi oil can be transported internationally without going through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran would be expected to close the strait in the event she is attacked, causing international chaos.
When the Yemeni port is secured Iran can then be attacked with at least that problem out of the way.
The auburn blond buffoon in the US is supplying the Saudis with details of nuclear weaponry manufacture.
https://www.rt.com/news/451879-trump-transfer-nuclear-tech-saudis/
The Saudis couldn’t build a potato gun. So they’ll need someone to do it for them.
But yeah, they’re talking about an Arab NATO to take on Iran.
Looks like the Clown Prince is about to over-extend himself again.
Pakistan is hosting fighters who are involved in terrorism in Sistan and Baluchestan, so looks like we’ll be in for years and years of these ever increasingly dangerous wars and confrontations.
Yes indeed, The world becomes more dangerous.
Same old US, the evil empire. Same old evil lackeys – the so called ‘neo-liberals’ who have NO respect for international law and who cannot stop killing and starving as in Palestine.
The world is on the brink of war as the Netanyahus join the Bolsinaros and the Guaidos join greasy hands with Trump. Best to take the matches away from them so that they do not set the house on fire.
Sharp Ears, I agree to a large extent but there is a glimmer of hope- Corbyn here in the UK who is an intelligent pacifist, Ocasio Cortez in the USA speaking loudly and clearly and getting attention; Maduro in Venezuela, still the President with the coup taking a bit of a nose dive; nice to see Bernie Saunders on the campaign trail again – speaking some much needed truth about Trump being a Dictator, poverty etc. The Italian Government taking a stance against EU recognition of Guiado in Venezuela. Russia and China are stepping significantly onto the world stage now. I see a little glimmer which I hope will start to grow. Don’t want to get too pessimistic
So, those opponents of Israel, who share Laguerre’s views, regard it as ” an apartheid colonialist state” and the Jews who support it as racist – which is 90% of British Jews. Nevertheless he acknowledges Israel’s right to exist and presumably the right of its supporters to hold what he regards as racist views. Glad we have cleared that up.
I think the point is that they support the state of Israel, they just don’t support the right-wing govts of the past nearly 30 years.
That’s the fault-line in the US as well.
And turning into a fault-line across the world.
It was an illegal Occupation rubber stamped by Balfour.
‘During the 19th century, national awakening among Jews led to the establishment of the Zionist movement in the diaspora followed by waves of immigration to Ottoman Syria and later British Mandate Palestine.
In 1947, the United Nations (UN) adopted a Partition Plan for Palestine recommending the creation of independent Arab and Jewish states and an internationalized Jerusalem. The plan was accepted by the Jewish Agency, and rejected by Arab leaders.; Wikipedia
The following year, the Jewish Agency declared the independence of the State of Israel, and the subsequent 1948 Arab–Israeli War saw Israel’s establishment over most of the former Mandate territory, while the West Bank and Gaza were held by neighboring Arab states.’
Many Palestinian families some in the diaspora, still have the key to their original home
Jewish zionist is an oxymoron; good try though.
Jewish zionist is an oxymoron; good try though.
Not at all, look at all the born again even more fanatical Christian zionists in the US. Convinced the book of revelations is coming true and everyone but them will perish
There can be no question of any referendum on Brexit – unless it is to decide the manner in which we leave. The decision to leave has already been taken and must be carried out.
Any attempt to undo or ignore the result of the referendum will be seen as the end of any sense of democracy in this country. It would be the most important moment since the days leading up to the English Civil War – and just as dangerous.
The politicians are playing with fire here, if they think they can get away with not enacting the clear result of the referendum.
To me Agent Green, it seems one of two things will happen.
Number One, straight over the top and down the Cliff Edge, with no agreement with the E.U. on anything whatsoever.
Number Two, Theressa will pen a letter to the European Union Big Wigs, saying the United Kingdom is going to stay a Full Member.
“It would be the most important moment since the days leading up to the English Civil War – and just as dangerous.”
Get a grip!
This referendum you’re on about was, Cameron said, advisory and not legally binding. So exactly why he changed all that the morning after is anyone’s guess! We didn’t get to ask as he scarpered.
Had he been honest with Parliament about the status of the vote I believe there would have been considerably more dialogue on the terms of the referendum.
Top of my list would have been to get a clear definition of what would constitute a decisive majority. (I think it’s safe to say 51.9% wouldn’t have cut it!).
Oh it’s dangerous, and you’re adding to it by being dismissive. Be prepared for unforseen circumstances.
The key problem with your statement about the referendum being advisory is that the smug/silly/whatever MPs voted that the result was binding and they would implement it (because they didn’t see it coming)
For every 1000 who voted remain, 1074 voted out. 51.9% is a victory (or loss) in any political perspective. Can you see councillors or MPs saying they won’t accept the result after crossing the line with 51.9%?
“Better re-run this…”
Agent Green, the only problem with your post is that it was certainly not a clear mandate to leave was it? It was a very low turn out vote and only a margin of £1m votes between leave and remain. It is no widely accepted that the leave campaign was built on fanatical lies and also on the illegal use of millions of pounds of electoral funds identified by the Electoral Commission but which the police, for some unknown reason, refused to investigate. There is no way it is a clear mandate to leave and what should be done especially as this Govt has made such a monumental, corrupt mess of it as to leave this country in a shocking state post No Deal Brexit. However, I do not agree with either a People’s Vote or another Referendum – it has been had, corrupt or otherwise. The Referendum was wrongly set up by Cameron who failed to even put a %tge figure to reach for the vote to be accepted by Parliament. May didn’t have to trigger Brexit when she did especially without any understanding at all of what was to be negotiated, what were the parameters of the negotiations, without any kind of plan for them. She sent the worst negotiating team in the world e.g. Bojo and Davies – both rabid Brexiteers – who spent the whole two years insulting the EU negotiators by every possible means, adopting a war like rhetoric with them using words such as they will give in, we will have our cake and eat it, we demand etc. Two ignorant fools left to f**k up this country. What a worthless, useless, corrupt, lying, thieving, ignorant Government we have in this country in the Tory’s. We deserve better, much better.
It was a very high turnout 73% – for a advanced democracy with nocompulsory voting.
That in itself is indicative of the dark arts deployed here – which are regularly deployed across the world.
The old Bell Pottinger school, directly running the MoD and FCO secret criminal activities of SCL – CA-AIQ – Palantir/FB/Google – II/IoS with hundreds of millions of public funds and billions of global racist imperialist plutocrats.
The reasons – to disrupt the EU’s evolution and financial stability a threat to the petrodollar; a threat to tax opacity evasion; a threat to the bullying of Russia for its resources and peaceful integration with Europe.
Hard Brexit is the only way to achieve these goals. It was the only plan.
I do think there should be compulsory voting and a incorruptible voting system – that is used in all elections everywhere.
@Mary Pau!
I believe it’s true that the great majority of British Jews support the right of Israel to exist. TBH, so do I – provided they confine their territorial claims to the 1967 borders. If we could start over, I’d almost certainly oppose the foundation of Israel, because it was from the beginning racist and discriminatory, conferring special privileges on a particular religious group. But it’s too late for that; the best hope for the Palestinians now is that Israel withdraws its settlers and its army to the ’67 borders. (I know, even that looks pretty far fetched at the moment).
Some proportion of those Israel-supporting British Jews – I suspect a large proportion – also believe that support for Israel is an important aspect of Jewish identity. After all, a great deal of Jewish history and mythology concerns the foundation and development of the Hebrew nation in Palestine. This is the basis for the accusation that opposing Zionism is tantamount to antisemitism.
Well, that simply won’t do. That would make antisemitism the only kind of racial discrimination that can consist simply of political opinion, with no element of racial hatred involved. I think the Labour leadership has let the party down badly, by inscribing a version of the IHRA definition into Labour rules. This started with the Macpherson Commission – it was he that said that the police should treat a crime as being racist if the victim said they considered it to be racist. Hence the long, slippery slope to accusations that the Labour party is pervaded by antisemitism.
But it’s not really about antisemitism – it’s really about Socialism. These people are neo-liberal interventionists (i.e. militarist warmongers). They don’t want Socialism at all, and Corbyn is a straightforward Socialist. Accusations of antisemitism arise because he has taken a pro-Palestinian stand (and yes, of course these smears are funded and promoted by the Israeli Embassy – Mark Regev was always a nasty piece of work).
I’m delighted to see that the Appalling Eight have deselected themselves (many of them have suffered votes of no confidence in their CLPs, and would be facing deselection anyway at the next election). Of course they should resign their seats (they won’t). They are all nasty. Berger was parachuted into Wavertree against the CLPs wishes – it’s hardly surprising they don’t like her (I used to know the neighbourhood; it’s a middle-class neighbourhood with quite a lot of Reform Jews living there). Ummuna is just a nasty, bitchy chucker of insults. The others are non-entities.
Don’t let the door hit you on the arse on your way out!
The zionist colony can’t exist in peace or within the 1967 border; it should be flushed round the u-bend of history like the Smith regime and Boer South Africa, Jim Crow and French Algeria. It’s been done before, it can be done again.
@Squeeth
Well, Jim Crow hasn’t gone, if you ask me. But you’re right – the Smith regime and the Boer state appear to have gone forever. I’m not so sure about French ambitions in North Africa. And I have already granted that an Israeli state with’67 borders, that is willing to get on with its neighbours, is far-fetched.
Jimneh, wow, well said, concisely put and oh so true.
While ever Israel seeks to maintain what is an unjust approach of occupation without negotiation, this interference will continue. Because they need to interfere to prevent policy change or get policy changed. I don’t even blame Israel for doing it, I don’t dislike Israel they have a good democracy and I hold no hostility to Jews. I do though, blame the west for allowing them to interfere. Had Apartheid South Africa made a greater effort, it might not have had change forced upon it. A two state solution ,would be better for everyone involved though, and end the risk of anti-Israel hostility developing in the west.
The key country that matters is not the UK, it’s the US. If Sanders were to win in 2020, it’d really shake things up.
“they have a good democracy”
But they’ve recently introduced their own racist law that makes non Jews second class citizens. This means that an Arab whose predecessors have lived in Palestine for centuries has less rights than a recently arrived Jew from Russia or France. The status of the Arab language has also been reduced. Netanyahu wonders what the fuss is all about – for him the law just makes ‘de jure’ what has been ‘de facto’ for a while. There will be more of this chiselling – this law is the thin end of the wedge.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/19/israel-adopts-controversial-jewish-nation-state-law
Sanders is a sheep herder. His voting record and foreign policy choices show he’s just another of the same ilk.
His words about John McCain and more recently, on Venezuelan elections (which used a British made system of electronic and physical ballot paper combined) show the guy is not worth putting any faith in.