Will we see mass protests against authoritarianism and Covid19 restrictions?

[Richard Scott]

The furlough scheme only covered a minority of people who work though - even at its height, and since July (presumably when places started opening again) it has covered even less people (for July through to August, 12% of employees were on the scheme).
So even if what you say is true for some people (and I think it is a bit of a reach to suggest that most on furlough wanted the restrictions to continue just so they can be at home for longer - most people I know who were furloughed couldn't wait to get back to work), it doesn't account for the majority of people.

But it still cost a fortune and will have to be paid for. Some of those are now redundant or will be soon and the longer this goes on the more people will be joining them.

 

[nedchester]

Well, as it happens there is a big protest in Trafalgar Square tomorrow, noon.

Sadly, that's just a load of nutters like Piers Corbyn and David Icke which have zero credibility

 

[Howardh]

If they took no notice of the near-million protesting about Brexit they won't take any notice of a few thousand covid protesters. Unless, of course, they just happen to be Tory voters.

 

[bramling]

Its certainly striking how little we see of the PM these days, at a time of deep national crisis. Almost as if it it’s a deliberate damage limitation strategy! Cummings is many things, but he isn’t stupid, and he clearly now regards Johnson as an embarrassing lame duck. And quite rightly!

It was a shocking choice of candidates, for sure, but you’d somehow have expected a little more leadership and gravitas from someone who has been Mayor of London, Foreign Secretary and has had such a high personal profile for so many years (certainly compared to his predecessor, albeit she was more experienced in actual government). Perhaps Hunt would have been a better choice (from a Covid not a Brexit perspective).

Hancock is the worst possible person to be in the position he occupies, and is clearly an extreme “locktivist”, to the point where he’s isolating himself from the rest of the cabinet in continuing down the current path.

Sunak seems to be about the best of them! I’m glad he’s had the good sense to go through with winding down the furlough scheme (albeit belatedly!).

Overall, it’s clearly an absolute car crash. I’m still astounded by how quickly Johnson has gone from being a “new broom”, commanding the biggest Tory majority since the 1980s, to such a pathetic low point that I’m sure many of us wonder if TM (let alone Cameron had he stuck around) would have been doing a better job of things.

And they say we get the politicians we deserve...

I don’t even want to think about fate of Brexit, but Johnson has lived and died by it, and must be looking for a political legacy, so will hopefully get it over the line, in terms of a sensible deal. If so that’ll be something to salvage (how confident are we of that!? )

I forgot to mention Shapps - the slightly dopey excitable puppy dog who seems to now enjoy hosting the quarantine bingo once a week, with ever increasing stakes.

Who knows what’s going to happen next. I have no idea to be honest. One way or other I reckon there will probably be a high-profile mask incident soon, perhaps someone getting killed as part of a mask dispute. If that happens it’s on Johnson’s head.

 

[Howardh]

I forgot to mention Shapps - the slightly dopey excitable puppy dog who seems to now enjoy hosting the quarantine bingo once a week, with ever increasing stakes.

Who knows what’s going to happen next. I have no idea to be honest. One way or other I reckon there will probably be a high-profile mask incident soon, perhaps someone getting killed as part of a mask dispute. If that happens it’s on Johnson’s head.

Full lockdown just like March, with the exception of leaving the schools open. So we will have 6 - 9 more weeks of lockdown, but the figures won't improve due to the schools. So then they have to make a decision about Xmas and New Year, and I seriously believe that if conditions are the same then as now (and don't foget the Brexit parties at 11pm on Dec 31st) we're looking at general election territory.

 

[birchesgreen]

Army on the streets will finish them off, especially if it results in deaths. Probably destroy the Tory party for a generation.

 

[DB]

Full lockdown just like March, with the exception of leaving the schools open. So we will have 6 - 9 more weeks of lockdown, but the figures won't improve due to the schools. So then they have to make a decision about Xmas and New Year, and I seriously believe that if conditions are the same then as now (and don't foget the Brexit parties at 11pm on Dec 31st) we're looking at general election territory.

I don't think they can realistically force most shops to close again. They would have to provide a furlough scheme, and spending is already out of control.

 

[Howardh]

I don't think they can realistically force most shops to close again. They would have to provide a furlough scheme, and spending is already out of control.

On the contrary, spend it all, then resign and expect Labour to clear up all the mess. Just about every Tory MP can scoop up all their money and live abroad, we're stuck with the fall-out.

 

[DelayRepay]

Probably destroy the Tory party for a generation.

Thanks, you've just cheered me up. Every cloud has a silver lining.

 

[bramling]

Full lockdown just like March, with the exception of leaving the schools open. So we will have 6 - 9 more weeks of lockdown, but the figures won't improve due to the schools. So then they have to make a decision about Xmas and New Year, and I seriously believe that if conditions are the same then as now (and don't foget the Brexit parties at 11pm on Dec 31st) we're looking at general election territory.

I don’t think they can do a full lockdown, as businesses will protest, and there isn’t the money to support. Plus I have a feeling there’s a rift going on behind the scenes.

Meanwhile the hotel I’m in right now has gone from being pretty much fully booked last week to just 5 guests tonight. Lots of decent businesses are going to disappear if all this goes on. Meanwhile local lockdown is creeping nearer and nearer to where I am!

Agreed army on the streets would be terminal, it would be a total last gasp for breath and a complete admission of failure. Are there actually the resources for them to do much more than go to a few selected scenarios?

 

[Howardh]

Every cloud has a silver lining.

Meanwhile the hotel I’m in right now has gone from being pretty much fully booked last week to just 5 guests tonight. Lots of decent businesses are going to disappear if all this goes on.

Yes, hotels have been open but quiet meaning plenty of room, upgrades and no excess noise, file under "silver lining". Of course, many might not survive.

 

[43066]

Full lockdown just like March, with the exception of leaving the schools open. So we will have 6 - 9 more weeks of lockdown, but the figures won't improve due to the schools. So then they have to make a decision about Xmas and New Year, and I seriously believe that if conditions are the same then as now (and don't foget the Brexit parties at 11pm on Dec 31st) we're looking at general election territory.

No chance.

There’s quite a few years left of this parliament. They’ll pivot to a more sensible approach, and we will get a vaccine sometime (hopefully both happen soon!).

They will sweep the appalling damage they’ve done under the carpet and will hope that the recovery, spun appropriately, makes them electorally appealing again.

 

[bramling]

Yes, hotels have been open but quiet meaning plenty of room, upgrades and no excess noise, file under "silver lining". Of course, many might not survive.

Yes I’ve had a pleasant week, just wish the weather here was a bit better (got soaked earlier for third day running!).

 

[island]

Anyone going to/been to a protest?

I'm heading off to Trafalgar Square tomorrow. I'll admit I'm slightly put off by the crazies such as Gareth and David Icke and Piers Corbyn. I'm not a conspiracy theorist, but it's long time the world gets some common sense.

I've been considering it, but I'm starting a new job soon and need to keep my nose clean and avoid committing any offenses.

 

[bramling]

No chance.

There’s quite a few years left of this parliament. They’ll pivot to a more sensible approach, and we will get a vaccine some time (hopefully both happen soon!).

Then they will hope the recovery, spun appropriately, makes them electorally appealing again.

My concern at the moment is how much damage occurs before that pivot comes.

Meanwhile I can’t see madam north of the border pivoting any time soon.

I’m sick of having to put up with stupidity like being told off in the supermarket for no good reason whatsoever. I can’t imagine I’m alone in this.

 

[Howardh]

Notice with the lockdown in some parts of Wales, residents have been told to cancel any pre-booked holidays (presumably UK or abroad) and to stay in their region/town. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-54069466

Can you go on holiday?

No.

In a Facebook question and answer video, Health Minister Vaughan Gething said if residents have booked holidays already they should speak to their providers, explain it would be a breach of the law for them to attend, and seek a refund.

Officials would be in touch with package holiday providers and insurers "to explain to them the seriousness of the position and the risk to them and their business if people from Caerphilly were nevertheless to go on holiday", he added.

Frankly I think that's a diabolical liberty. The chances of residents getting all of their money back are limited, and many may get nothing - it all appearsdown to the goodwill of the provider.


The authorities are risking taking these steps too far.

 

[brad465]

Army on the streets will finish them off, especially if it results in deaths. Probably destroy the Tory party for a generation.

Not least if that happens one wonders if the UN will stage an intervention.

No chance.

There’s quite a few years left of this parliament. They’ll pivot to a more sensible approach, and we will get a vaccine sometime (hopefully both happen soon!).

They will sweep the appalling damage they’ve done under the carpet and will hope that the recovery, spun appropriately, makes them electorally appealing again.

I agree the Parliament will probably last, but if the consequences of Black Wednesday are anything to go by they can create prosperity and still get the boot.

 

[Richard Scott]

On the contrary, spend it all, then resign and expect Labour to clear up all the mess. Just about every Tory MP can scoop up all their money and live abroad, we're stuck with the fall-out.

As much as I dislike current government, and almost every other politician at the moment as few have enough guts to stand up to this nonsense, I think that'll be a turn up for the books as usually the labour party who've spent everything once they leave office!

 

[43066]

My concern at the moment is how much damage occurs before that pivot comes.

Meanwhile I can’t see madam north of the border pivoting any time soon.

I’m sick of having to put up with stupidity like being told off in the supermarket for no good reason whatsoever. I can’t imagine I’m alone in this.

An absolute unprecedented, supertanker sized, boat load of damage is the unfortunate answer.

As much as I dislike current government, and almost every other politician at the moment as few have enough guts to stand up to this nonsense, I think that'll be a turn up for the books as usually the labour party who've spent everything once they leave office!

Who’d ever have believed we would have seen a strong Tory government (at least as it supposedly was in December) wrecking this country’s economy, for a generation or more, like a bull in a china shop.

 

[bramling]

An absolute unprecedented, supertanker sized, boat load of damage is the unfortunate answer.



Who’d ever have believed we would have seen a strong Tory government (at least as it supposedly was in December) wrecking this country’s economy, for a generation or more, like a bull in a china shop.

Well, Cummings is reputed to be anarchist at heart.

But I think the real problem is Boris just isn’t very worldly-wise (perhaps same applies to Cummings), and he’s appointed a weak and lifeless cabinet. To think Gavin Williamson was defence secretary not so long ago...

 

[Richard Scott]

Who’d ever have believed we would have seen a strong Tory government (at least as it supposedly was in December) wrecking this country’s economy, for a generation or more, like a bull in a china shop.

Agreed but don't think it would have happened under any other Tory leader. It seems this lot are just too weak and too inexperienced and are like a rabbit in the headlights. Need some strong leadership but can't see where that'll come from as can't think of any politicians from either side who would fit the bill.

 

[PHILIPE]

Well, Cummings is reputed to be anarchist at heart.

But I think the real problem is Boris just isn’t very worldly-wise (perhaps same applies to Cummings), and he’s appointed a weak and lifeless cabinet. To think Gavin Williamson was defence secretary not so long ago...

To add to that, there is their ideology of outsourcing everything to the private sector and due to cronyism award contracts to lame duck companies and appoint people who are unable to deliver.

 

[43066]

Well, Cummings is reputed to be anarchist at heart.

But I think the real problem is Boris just isn’t very worldly-wise (perhaps same applies to Cummings), and he’s appointed a weak and lifeless cabinet. To think Gavin Williamson was defence secretary not so long ago...

Sajid Javid would have made a rather better fist of the last few months than Sunak has, I suspect.

Agreed but don't think it would have happened under any other Tory leader. It seems this lot are just too weak and too inexperienced and are like a rabbit in the headlights. Need some strong leadership but can't see where that'll come from as can't think of any politicians from either side who would fit the bill.

I can’t help but wonder whether we would have been any worse off if Corbyn had won the last election.

I can’t believe I’ve just watched myself type that out!

 

[Richard Scott]

I can’t help but wonder whether we would have been any worse off if Corbyn had won the last election.

I can’t believe I’ve just watched myself type that out!

The same thought had crossed my mind, if you said 12 months ago I'd consider that I would have said not before Hell freezes over!

 

[bramling]

Sajid Javid would have made a rather better fist of the last few months than Sunak has, I suspect.



I can’t help but wonder whether we would have been any worse off if Corbyn had won the last election.

I can’t believe I’ve just watched myself type that out!

Wouldn’t Corbyn have had to shield? Though I can imagine him playing the hero and attending the Durham Miners’ Gala anyway! Meanwhile we’d have had John McDonnell and Diane Abbott running through show. Hmm...

I was thinking to myself this afternoon how I so wish Mrs. Thatcher was at the helm.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Blackpool's now joined the rest of Lancashire under further restrictions. Does this mean tourists can still, or can't, visit the resort? Note, the illuminations are on and have been extended until Christmas.

It's only the Welsh lockdowns that ban tourism in the affected areas. The English ones don't, provided you are only with your household or alone. So yes, you can still go to Blackpool if you want, though why you would want to is an interesting question

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 25 Sep 2020 ==

Anyone going to/been to a protest?

No, because I don't believe banner waving actually achieves anything other than getting your personal anger/frustration off your chest.

 

[stevetay3]

Wouldn’t Corbyn have had to shield? Though I can imagine him playing the hero and attending the Durham Miners’ Gala anyway! Meanwhile we’d have had John McDonnell and Diane Abbott running through show. Hmm...

I was thinking to myself this afternoon how I so wish Mrs. Thatcher was at the helm.

Beware what you wish for.

 

[Bletchleyite]

I was thinking to myself this afternoon how I so wish Mrs. Thatcher was at the helm.

Theresa May would have done.

 

[DB]

Theresa May would have done.

Probably.

The bar is set so low that pretty much any former PM is likely to hsve managed the situation better than Johnson.

 

[bramling]

Beware what you wish for.

I’d certainly wish for someone with a science background at this point. She was also capable of delivering inspirational speeches, something which wouldn’t go amiss at the moment.