Forum Topic

"National Conservatives"?

"Populist-right movement gathering for first UK ‘NatCon’ conference seeks to revive spirit of Brexit poll triumphs""In the words of rising Conservative star Miriam Cates, “national conservatism” was born out of the 2016 Brexit referendum and Tory 2019 election victory. Those moments were an “instruction from the public that they expect us to govern with their interests, their values in mind. Not the values of the intelligentsia – the globalised elite whose loyalties are to everyone and no one.”"https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/14/who-are-national-conservatives-and-what-do-they-wantOh dear, complaining of a disloyal "globalised elite" now.Let us hope that Starmer does not fight these "national conservatives" with "national socialists"!

David Ainsworth ● 762d15 Comments

On a broader point it appears this is not the only case where someone has been excluded from speaking because they criticised the government. Aside from the fact some might see this as the first sign of fascism, and whether you agree with their views or not, excluding people just because they disagree with you (a) means you may not get the best and most knowledgeable person for the assignment,  and (b) not listening to one's opponents may lead to groupthink and the compounding of mistakes. Very poor governance:-(

Michael Ixer ● 754d

"Mr Kaszeta argued that being a critic of some government policies should not prevent him taking part in an event on a completely unrelated subject."I'm a critic of the government's policy on homelessness and asylum seekers. Why that should have any impact whatsoever on whether or not I can speak to a technical conference in my own area of expertise. That's Stalinist.""https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65675247Unless the government is planning to use nerve agents once its Rwanda policy fails?

David Ainsworth ● 754d

So an expert in nerve agents due to speak at a government conference has had his invitation withdrawn because he was found to have made negative comment about the UK's asylum policy on his twitter account.  Is that in the whole nation's interest?

Philippa Bond ● 754d

We should all read what Lutheran pastor Martin Niemoller wrote and and reflect on it.  "First they came for the..."

Philippa Bond ● 755d

'It seems to me that the National Conservatives are pretty much like the National Socialists of old'.Mr WinstanleyWhich of their policies seem similar to you to those that set out to eliminate a race of six million Jews; replaced rule by an elected Government with that by an armed militia personally and solely loyal to a self appointed dictator; banned any form of media dissent or difference of opinion ?Just asking and genuinely interested in your reply.

John Hawkes ● 756d

It seems to me that the National Conservatives are pretty much like the National Socialists of old.As for Widdecombe, she was always a bit out of touch - age has not been kind to her in this respect.

Michael Winstanley ● 757d

And then this despicable comment from Widdecombe. A so called Christian, such hypocrites just make me glad I'm atheist. (Of course, before Ed points it out, vegans don't eat cheese but that's from choice not economic necessity. Although they often like to enjoy vegan substitutes for cheeses that don't harm animals.)https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/17/ann-widdecombe-dont-have-cheese-sandwiches-cant-afford-them

Michael Ixer ● 759d

There's also a worrying idea from their new star about championing increasing family size.  I know they want to go back to Victorian times in many ways but the idea of Victorian sized families in 2023 really isn't good.

Philippa Bond ● 759d

Wonder where this will go ...https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/jacob-reesmogg-rosie-winterton-parties-dawn-butler-liberal-democrat-b2339841.html

Michael Ixer ● 759d

Accidentally telling the truth on voter ID:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mOLA-MYScU4

Philippa Bond ● 760d

I think Nat-Cs is the appropriate abbreviation for this bunch 

Sean Hodges ● 760d

But voters also have the choice of using postal votes, don't they?  They've tried to make it easier for their voters - eg passports didn't even have to be in date for this while they have to be for getting a Blue Badge or a Bank Account.  Voters also have the choice of not voting.  He sounds like a bad loser.

Philippa Bond ● 761d

And JRM spills the beans. Voter ID was introduced to manipulate elections!

Michael Ixer ● 762d

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-65599380

Michael Ixer ● 762d

Anything that includes Rees Mogg, Michael Gove, Cruella Braverman, David Frost leaves me cold - and worried.I note that they are seeking to "revive spirit of Brexit poll triumps" but not the accomplishments or benefits of Brexit itself - does that speak volumes?

Ivonne Holliday ● 762d